Socially distanced queerness: Discovering affordances during conversations with Rotterdam queers about their Instagram use during the pandemic

Employing a social constructivist lens and embracing principles of intersectionality, the study illuminates the unique experiences of queer individual within the vibrant queer KONTRA scene of Rotterdam and how they utilized Instagram as a dynamic and multifaceted platform to continue their queer journey and growth at the odds of the challenging landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing insights from six in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted with queer individuals who were active on Instagram during the pandemic, the study identified six central affordances that encapsulated the breadth and depth of queer engagement on the platform: resistance, safe space, community building, learning, activism and accessibility through humor. While doing so, it uncovered several drawbacks associated with Instagram use among this demographic, namely mental health challenges, censorship and difficulties maintaining online relationships. The findings suggest nuances surrounding the use of social media platforms for political liberation purposes.