How Sexual Minorities may use the Internet to Foster Resiliency

Abstract

Sexual minorities’ strengths, skills, and resources are often overlooked within the dominant social discourse. While this community may experience individual and systemic barriers, they also possess many positive attributes to overcome adverse situations. This study followed the lived experiences of seven gay, White, cis-gender men between the ages 18-29 to learn how they demonstrated resiliency on the Internet. I used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as a research method to analyze the lived experiences. Participants disclosed the importance of finding their community online. Participants spoke to the importance of having their experience validated by their peers. I also explored with the participants what makes the Internet an appropriate medium to foster resiliency. While many positive themes were disclosed, some negative attributes of using the Internet were also examined. This study provides evidence for the mental health profession on the importance of being culturally-informed and to validate people’s lived experiences.