Navigating the Expression and Management of Identity in Online and Offline Spaces: Voices of Indian LGBTQ+ Youth

Attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community are undergoing transformations all over the globe. Asian nations, including India, are witnessing increased support for the rights of queer communities. Yet, there are several forms of marginalization still in existence. The present study assessed the lived experiences of queer youth living in the metropolitan cities of India and how they expressed and managed their identities within physical and virtual contexts. The avenues of self-expression, inherent risks of identity disclosure, safety measures adopted, and perceived similarities and differences in offline and online spaces were explored. Data is collected through in-depth, semi-structured online interviews with 7 young people who identified as queer. Data is then analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings from the interviews offered a nuanced comparison of life in offline and online spaces and how queer identities were negotiated. Findings illustrated that participants perceived specific virtual spaces as more queer-inclusive, informative and diverse than offline settings. Several participants reported that being from affluent, high caste and educated families had served as a protective factor against discrimination within offline spaces. Yet participants practiced selective disclosure of their gender and sexual identities in both virtual and physical spaces. The participants constantly negotiated the extent to which they could reveal their authentic selves, with many of their decisions tied to safety concerns. The participants’ narratives reflected online spaces offering distinct advantages, including the feeling of safety, understanding, and gaining information.