Social Media and LGBTQ+ Experiences in the Aftermath of the 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake: A Case Study of Kaos GL

Abstract

There is a growing consensus that natural disasters exacerbate pre-existing social inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and groups. Their vulnerabilities during such disasters are heightened by intersecting factors such as discrimination, limited access to essential services, and social stigma. In this context, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of disasters and influencing disaster management policies; however, LGBTQ+ individuals' experiences are often underrepresented or overlooked in mainstream media coverage of these events (McKinnon et al., 2016). Such an omission not only erases the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities, including discrimination in shelters, barriers to healthcare access, and an increased risk of violence, but also reinforces the heteronormative frameworks that dominate disaster narratives, further marginalizing these individuals in broader crisis response efforts. In contrast, social media can both mitigate and amplify these disparities. While it provides a platform for advocacy, mutual aid, and solidarity, it also carries risks, such as the spread of misinformation and the potential for cyberbullying, particularly for already marginalized groups. Given these dynamics, it is crucial to explore how social media is used by vulnerable communities, particularly in times of crisis. As both a tool for support and a potential source of harm, social media platforms play a role in shaping how marginalized groups navigate and respond to disasters. Against this background, this study examines how social media platforms were utilized by LGBTQ+ communities in Turkey following the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake, with a particular focus on the Kaos GL Association, Turkey’s first officially recognized LGBTQ+ organization. Through thematic analysis of content shared on Kaos GL’s social media accounts and interviews with two key contributors, the research explores how LGBTQ+ individuals engaged with social media platforms in the aftermath of the disaster and the role these platforms played in shaping their experiences. Thematic analysis revealed three key findings regarding LGBTQ+ individuals' experiences with social media after the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake: (1) Social media amplified LGBTQ+ voices, fostered solidarity, and created a sense of belonging, especially on platforms like Kaos GL; (2) It served as a crucial tool for highlighting LGBTQ+ needs and mobilizing resources such as shelter and medical aid; (3) Discrimination and social exclusion persisted offline and online, with social media also being used to spread harmful rhetoric, further marginalizing LGBTQ+ communities during the crisis. These findings underscore the complex role social media played in shaping the post-earthquake experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey, highlighting its potential to foster solidarity while also amplifying vulnerability. While previous research has examined the dual role of social media during crises, this study adds to the existing literature by examining how these roles specifically played out within the socio-cultural and political context of the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.