“Sometimes You Get Married on Facebook”: The Use of Social Media Among Nonmetropolitan Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience risks due to their stigmatized SGM identities; however, supportive resources and people can mitigate these risks. In nonmetropolitan areas, SGM-affirming support may not be readily available. The internet and social media may be a way for SGM youth to access support and resources pertaining to their SGM identities, yet little research has been conducted in this area. This qualitative, exploratory study utilized in-depth interviews (N = 34) with nonmetropolitan SGM youth in one Midwestern state to better understand how they utilized the internet and social media related to their SGM identities. Grounded theory analysis revealed three categories of social media and internet usage among participants. Participants utilized the internet to establish a sense of community (access others, form relationships), express themselves (come out, vent), and access resources and information. These findings suggest important implications for practice and research.