Influence of the Facebook Social Network on the Visibility of LGBTIQ Identities, in Particular Woubi People in Côte d'Ivoire

Social networks, particularly Facebook, are playing an increasingly important role in shaping and promoting identities, especially in societies where social norms sometimes restrict the expression of certain identities. In Côte d'Ivoire, where issues relating to sexual orientation are often taboo, social networks provide an alternative space for the expression of these identities, particularly those of the Woubis, a local term for LGBTIQ people. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of Facebook on the visibility of homosexual identities (Woubis) in Côte d'Ivoire, taking into account the socio-cultural and political particularities of this context. Qualitative in nature, the study is based on content analysis and explores publications, comments and interactions within Facebook pages, groups and profiles associated with Woubis identities in Côte d'Ivoire. To do this, surveys and interviews were conducted with Woubis Facebook users in order to better understand their experiences and perceptions. The case study approach was therefore deemed appropriate for analysing concrete examples of the successful or controversial visibility of Woubis identities on this platform. The results show that Ivorian cyberactivists question rigid categories of gender and sexuality, including the dichotomy between homosexuality and heterosexuality. They see homosexuality not as a fixed identity, but as one of many possible forms of sexual expression, embedded in a system of behaviours, representations and discriminations that favour heterosexuality, despite the existence of other sexual orientations. They also benefit from the reinforcement of strict boundaries between sexual categories. However, the Woubis adopt an interactionist approach, negotiating and amplifying their sexual identities through their social interactions. They develop ideologies in which homosexuality is seen as an identity that emerges and is consolidated through these interactions.