“When They Say ‘Queer,’ They Don’t Mean You”: A Foucauldian-Informed Thematic Discourse Analysis Of Bisexual+ Emerging Adults’ Use Of Fiction-Based Parasocial Relationships During Sexual Identity Construction

Drawing from Foucauldian discourse analysis and narrative inquiry, this poststructural Foucauldian-informed thematic discourse analysis explored the ways bisexual+ emerging adults used fiction-based parasocial relationships during identity construction processes. Through interviews and journal reflections, five bisexual+ emerging adults were interviewed to recount their experiences connecting to media and forming parasocial relationships with fictional characters as they came to understand and construct their sexual identity. Through a dual-layered analysis process rooted in critical thematic analysis, individual participant narratives combined with a metanarrative constellation, the findings reflect the unique experiences of the participants while providing an exploration of cultural influences on identity construction and how parasocial relationships can abate those which have a negative influence, something particularly important given the regression in acceptance of queerness in the United States. Findings supported the conceptual framework which posited parasocial relationships function as both interpersonal and environmental factors for the participants in this study. Key findings include the use of parasocial relationships as sources of affirmation and sources of resistance and subversion as well as their use to build relationships in virtual spaces (fandoms) as well as in real life. With roots in media, communication, and fan studies as well as college student development theory research, this interdisciplinary work calls for further exploration into the role and functionality of media on emerging adults from a variety of perspectives as well as research that focuses on individual communities within the queer community instead of treating them like a monolith.