Pandemic Investigation of Newly Burgeoning Acquired LGBTQAI+ Labels

Session: (In-Person) Poster Presentation, Oral Panel—Covering Covid 

Those with LGBTQ+ identities often live in the presence of “audiences” for whom they feel pressured to perform a heteronormative culture (Butler 1988). However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns may have removed such audiences from the daily lives of these individuals. Therefore, it is possible that the past year has seen an uncharacteristic emergence of queer gender identities  and non-heteronormative sexualities. In this study, we attempt to empirically document the change and development of queer and gender non-conforming identity during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associations with changing social experiences. Using data collected via Prolific (anticipated N = 221), we examine associations between changes in gender identity, sexual orientation, and peer/ family acceptance. Specifically, we hypothesize that change in gender identity/sexual orientation will be predicted by increased use of virtual socializing (e.g., social media) over in-person socializing. By understanding these possible influencing factors, this study would serve as another stepping stone in queer psychology research as well as aiding in the development of new intervention methods for queer individuals.