The public debate on homoparentality on the web in Brazil: virtual ethnography

Abstract In order to analyze the public debate on homoparentality on the social network Instagram in Brazil, a qualitative netnographic study was conducted. A total of 140 posts, including textual and visual data, were subjected to reflexive thematic content analysis, grounded in social identity theory. From the analysis, four themes emerged: affirmation of homoparental identities on digital social networks; construction and strengthening of the self-concept of homoparental identity; challenges in maintaining the principles of acceptance of homoparental identity; broadening the construction of in-group and out-group for the promotion of homoparental identity. The results indicate that social networks play a fundamental role in disseminating homoparental identities and provide a significant space for public debate on homoparentality, contributing to the construction of identity self-concept. The online public debate on homoparentality reveals the resistance and political mobilization of homoparental identities, despite ongoing social challenges and persistent stigmas.