Page 336 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

networks, and express their identities. However, little research has been done

on how social media may be used to promote homosexuality in Sri Lanka.

Previous studies have emphasised social media's ability to advance LGBTQ+

visibility and rights. For instance, a research done in the United States has
demonstrated that social media has significantly contributed to raising

awareness of LGBTQ+ people and advocating their rights. According to a
study done in India, social media has made it possible for LGBTQ+ people to

express themselves, connect with others, and access resources and support

networks (Kumar & Srikantan, 2017).

6. Results and Findings

6.1. Quantitative Results
The survey results showed that 96% of participants use social media to express

their identities as LGBT+ individuals. The most used social media platforms

were Facebook (87%), Instagram (53%), and Twitter (27%). Participants
reported using social media to connect with other LGBT+ individuals (81%),

express their feelings and thoughts about their identities (77%), and find

support and understanding (67%). Additionally, 62% of participants reported
that social media has helped them in their journey of self-discovery and

acceptance as LGBT+ individuals. Evidently, these findings substantiate the
cultivation of a nuanced awareness regarding non-heteronormative individuals

among a substantial portion of social media users. Manifestly, this delineates
the intricate mechanisms through which individuals of diverse sexual
277