| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立彰化師範大學 === 輔導與諮商學系 === 105 === The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of LGBTQ individuals when exposed to opinions regarding marriage equality on the Internet and the corresponding strategies they use to cope with these experiences. Phenomenological research methods were used to interview six LGBTQ individuals: a bisexual woman, homosexual woman, questioning/fluid woman, transgender bisexual/fluid/pansexual individual, and two homosexual men. Data analysis was conducted using social justice as a frame. The findings of the study were as follows:
1. Experiences of Participants When Exposed to Opinions Regarding Marriage Equality on the Internet:
(1) Opinions regarding marriage equality affected the results of the amendment, so the participants actively engaged in discussion; (2) The majority of exposure to related opinions occurred on Facebook, through information shared by friends or on news media pages. Links led to further news articles, comments, and sites expressing opposing opinions. (3) Of the opinions that the participants were exposed to, more supported marriage equality than opposed it. (4) The participants believed it was exceedingly difficult to change the opinions of individuals who state that they oppose marriage equality; however, influencing neutral onlookers was possible. (5) Participants felt angry, anxious and helpless about the opposing opinions. (6) Support groups provided the participants with emotional support ,and inspired the participants to implement social actions. (7) The people and events that inspired the participants by seeing numerous people taking actions to support marriage equality. (8) The findings of this study indicate that the professional counseling organizations did not provide LGBTQ individuals with sufficient support and empowerment during the marriage equality controversy.
2. Coping Strategies of Participants Exposed to Opinions Regarding Marriage Equality on the Internet:
(1) The coping strategies employed were diverse and included maintaining boundaries, educating, attempting to understand the opponent, seeking support, ignoring, responding positively, “coming out of the closet,” and participating in street events. (2) The functions of these coping strategies were to avoid being affected, adjust feelings, reduce others’ expression of opposing opinions, influence the views of onlookers, and change the social atmosphere. (3) The factors that affected a participant’s selection of coping strategy included assessment of the situation, personal abilities and personal status. (4) The participants demonstrated strength to respond to oppression; moreover, their responses to oppression were not only to cope with the pressure of a stressful situation, but also to take social action in order to pursue a more just society. (5) In the wave of controversy surrounding this issue, the participants felt supported by society and empowered and hopeful in response to this powerful supportive energy; they were thus able to engage in social action regardless of pressure. (6) Social action was also related to changing the emotional state and self-identity of participants, providing them with the strength to resist oppression.
Finally, based on the results of this study, the researcher provide recommendations for the Office of the President, the executive branch, professional counseling organizations, counselors, LGBTQ individuals, and future studies.
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