Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality, 2024
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Exploring the Influence of Queer Celebrities on Shaping School Youth’s Perspectives on Gender and Sexual Diversity
Dr. Henry James Nichols, Tercia Botha
ABSTRACT:
This research explores the intricate influence of queer celebrities on shaping the perspectives of gender and sexual diversity among school youth, seeking to comprehend their pivotal role as influential figures in moulding the attitudes of the next generation. Employing a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological design, our study delved into the experiences and perceptions of seven high school learners aged 16 to 17 in Kroonstad, Free State Province, South Africa, through semi-structured interviews. The findings of our research illuminate a dual impact of queer celebrities on school youth, acting both as educational platforms and catalysts for the transformation of attitudes towards gender and sexual diversity. This symbiotic relationship is characterized by self-identification processes, the challenging of stereotypes, increased visibility of diverse identities, advocacy efforts, and education facilitated through various media platforms that extend beyond the boundaries of the formal curriculum. Acknowledging the limitations inherent in our study, particularly the small sample size, we caution against generalizing the findings. To address this, we advocate for future research endeavors with a more extensive and diverse sample, suggesting the potential adoption of a mixed-method approach to enhance the robustness of conclusions drawn. Despite these limitations, our study underscores the significance of recognizing the influential role played by queer celebrities in fostering inclusivity and activism among school youth. In practical terms, we propose the establishment of larger platforms for queer celebrities within educational settings. This proposed initiative aims to not only raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and equal rights but also to contribute to the cultivation of a more inclusive society. By integrating discussions around gender and sexual diversity into the educational system, our vision is for a future where these aspects are embraced and celebrated within the school environment, fostering a more tolerant and accepting society at large.
keywords: queer celebrity, queer rhetoric, sexual and gender diversity, school youth, heterosexual, cisgender