Transitioning the Digital Divide: How Social Media is Empowering the LGBTQIA+ Community in India

We are a country that celebrates diversity in culture, creed, and religion so vibrantly that the whole world talks about our ‘Unity in Diversity’ concept, but the ugliest side of our society is not accepting all genders equally. Even though legally every gender is treated respectfully, when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ Community, ‘Transpersons’ in particular, there is still a taboo in our society. The community still has to struggle to live in peace and harmony.

It was only after the landmark ruling by the Supreme Court in 2014, popularly known as the ‘NALSA’ (National Legal Services Authority) judgment, that Transgender persons were legally recognized as the ‘Third gender’ in India.

However, social media has played a significant role in encouraging communication, providing authentic information, and connecting various groups of people across the globe. It has created a profound impact by influencing people in terms of absorbing information, voicing opinions, and interaction. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, have offered people a platform to share their thoughts, get to know about varied narratives, and connect on a global level. 

For the LGBTQIA+ community in particular, it has emerged as a powerful tool for amplifying voices, building a community with shared interests, encouraging visibility, and bringing social change. Through various social platforms, they get to enjoy the opportunity of sharing their stories and experiences which challenges the rigid societal norms. Influencers such as Sushant Divgikar, Aruna Desai, and Harish Iyer, community pages such as Delhi Queer Pride, and Official Humans of Queer, and foundations such as The Naz Foundation, play a crucial role in fostering visibility and representation, in a society where mainstream media often misrepresents LGBTQIA+ lives.

This offers a safe space for them to seek advice, build connections, and support each other better. These pages, communities, and online platforms provide a sense of acknowledgment and belongingness, which is needed for mental and emotional well-being.

With hashtags such as #LoveisLove, #LoveWins, #TransLivesMatter, and #PrideIndia, it has brought eyes to numerous social issues such as legal recognition, representation at educational institutions or workplaces, violence against trans individuals and, has helped people to build a healthy perspective towards the community.

It has helped people to become more aware of the society they are living in and has shed light on critical issues such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health. Moreover, the content regarding these is not restricted to the LGBTQIA+ community, it targets allies and a broader audience, to nurture an understanding and accepting environment.

Furthermore, social media has welcomed financial opportunities for creators from the LGBTQIA+ community. Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube allow them to create quality content, build a community, and monetize their content through advertisements or sponsorships.

However, it also raises concerns regarding the mental well-being of the creator due to biases and trolling that follow them. Despite the positive impacts, social media also brings cyberbullying, hate speeches, and online harassment to the creator. This depicts how far we have to go as a society, in terms of fostering inclusivity and breaking the rigid gender binary. Still, regardless of the everyday struggle that individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community have to face, they combat negativity and shine through by encouraging resilience and positivity.

In conclusion, social media has played a major role in shaping several perspectives, advocating for rights, creating awareness, and, providing support. While there still remain a lot of struggles and challenges, it can be said that the impact of social media in transforming the digital divide has been contributing to constructing a safe and inclusive society.