The power of connection: Resource and responsibility in the virtual community experience of Italian trans and gender-diverse activists

Abstract

The community concept underwent a series of adaptations and integrations throughout the decades. One of these transitions was supported by the rise of virtual communities, especially social network sites (SNSs). These platforms are recognized to serve as spaces for marginalized groups like transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals to create safe and inclusive communities for self-expression and activism. To investigate how TGD activists engage with SNS, 21 activists were interviewed, exploring challenges, potentials and perceptions. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed that participants perceive SNS in line with the community experience framework, viewing them as resources for accessing information, providing support and fostering belonging and investment, and as acts of responsibility aimed at nurturing reciprocity, sense of duty and social justice advocacy. However, SNS also proved to expose activists to vulnerability within the TGD community itself, where a hierarchy that marginalizes TGD identities with transnormative experiences is often reproduced. Additionally, SNS anonymity offers a safer environment for TGD individuals to come out but protects hate speech perpetrators. Thus, while pivotal in TGD activism and community building, the dual nature of SNS underscores the complexities of virtual spaces. Finally, the study calls for redefining the concept of community beyond the virtual–physical dichotomy.