Queering Thai Identity and Sexuality: A Digital Autoethnography
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Thongmuang, Chaturawit. 2024. Queering Thai Identity and Sexuality: A Digital Autoethnography. Doctoral thesis, Goldsmiths, University of London [Thesis]
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Text (Queering Thai Identity and Sexuality: A Digital Autoethnography)
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Abstract or Description
This thesis documents a study of the online-offline identity and sexuality of Thai Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgenders, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI). Using digital ethnography and autoethnography, the research focused on three issues; (1) the construction and presentation of the online identity of Thai LGBTQI on Facebook and Twitter, (2) the sexuality of Thai gay men through mobile dating apps and Twitter, and (3) the discrimination and prejudice against Thai transgenders and amongst LGBTQI people on digital media. The research process involved six months of offline fieldwork in Bangkok and online fieldwork on digital platforms, namely, web-forums, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Jack’d, Blued, and Hornet. This thesis hybridised traditional, digital and digitised methods for collecting and analysing in-depth data.
The research findings showed that the construction and presentation of the online identity of Thai LGBTQI participants on Twitter and Facebook were connected to offline identity. Online identity was created for presenting ‘Who am I?’ through usernames, profile pictures, and visual-textual information. Both online and offline interactions on digital platforms were important to maintain the online identities of participants. Some gay men have used Twitter as a tool in creating and presenting their sexual identities and performing sexuality online.
Although Thai gay men have been using gay mobile dating applications to find sexual partners, sexual matters are not limited to those online applications. Thai gay men also use Twitter to find sexual partners and express their sexuality online. Offline research revealed sexual issues that were investigated through Twitter, e.g., chemsex parties, online sex workers, online sex shops, and live sex shows. These sexual activities stand as challenges to the oppression of sex in Thai society. Gay men have been releasing their sexual desire through the use of digital platforms. Nonetheless, stories and experiences of sexual prejudice and discrimination against Thai trans people and amongst Thai LGBTQI were also revealed on social media platforms. The role of social media plays an important role in eliminating transphobia.
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Item Type: |
Thesis (Doctoral) |
| Identification Number (DOI): |
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| Keywords: |
LGBTIQ+, Online Identity, Sexuality Online, Digital Ethnography, Autoethnography |
| Departments, Centres and Research Units: |
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| Date: |
31 October 2024 |
| Item ID: |
37883 |
| Date Deposited: |
22 Nov 2024 11:47 |
| Last Modified: |
22 Nov 2024 11:53 |
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URI: |
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