TikTok as a Digital Counter-Space for Latinx LGBTQ+ Young Adults

• In Event: Cultivating Inclusive Learning Spaces for Latinx Students: Centering Cultural Strengths in Transforming Educational Contexts

Abstract

Objective
This study examines the way Latinx LGBTQ+ young adults use TikTok to access and create digital counterspaces where they can learn from or teach others about what it means to be Latinx and LGBTQ+, and where they can collectively resist intersectional forms of oppression, co-construct positive self-concepts that uplift and center the strengths associated with the intersection of their social identities.

Theoretical Frameworks
For Latinx young adults who identify as LGBTQ+, forming a positive social identity is often more difficult compared to white, straight, or cisgender youth, as they intersectionally navigate ethnoracial prejudice and heterosexism (Meyer, 2003). Research suggests that social media contexts have been instrumental for marginalized young adults to access information and social support and to explore their sexual and ethnoracial identities (Schmitz et al., 2018; Fox & Ralston, 2016; Tynes et al., 2011;). Using intersectionality (Cole, 2009; Crenshaw, 1991) and counterspaces (Case & Hunter, 2012; Solorzano & Yosso, 2002) as theoretical frameworks, this study explored TikTok as a digital counterspace that can foster a sense of belonging and facilitate intersectional identity affirmation. The paper examined how Latinx LGBTQ+ young adults use the platform to find role models and educate themselves on Latinx LGBTQ+ specific issues.

Data and Methods
An ethnography was conducted over the span of eight weeks, where a digital “space” was created by interacting with content under hashtags like #Latinx #Chicanx #Latine #queerdo #GayLatinoPride #poclgbtq and #queerlatinx. The content was selected as data if the individual shared any type of intersectional experience (UndocuQueer, ChicanaQueer, etc.), paying particular attention to videos featuring narratives challenging intersectional oppression forms. To supplement our observations, two TikTok users (a regular user and a content creator) were interviewed about their personal use and engagement with the platform. The data analysis included over 200 TikToks and two one-hour interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze all data collected.

Results
The research findings showed that Latinx LGBTQ+ content creators on TikTok regularly share content resisting and challenging intersectional oppression. Overall, Latinx LGBTQ+ content creators engaged in creating content that resisted oppression at the individual level (microsystem), at the political and economic level (exosystem), and at the ideological and cultural level (macrosystem) (Bonfenbrener, 2005). The interviews revealed that users and content creators use TikTok to create and access communities where they can learn from and teach others ways of resisting intersectional forms of oppression and discrimination.

Significance
Social media platforms have the potential to serve as digital counterspaces where marginalized individuals develop a sense of belonging through the validation of their intersectional experiences. As illustrated by our ethnography and participant interviews, TikTok is a digital counterspace where Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals can create and access identity-affirming spaces where their intersectional experiences can be validated and where they can collectively resist and challenge deficit-oriented narratives (Author et al., 2021b; Case & Hunter, 2012; Solorzano & Yosso, 2001).

Author

• Gloriana Lopez-Leon, University of California - Santa Cruz
  Presenting Author