Gay Efforts To Overcome Discriminatory Treatment: A Case Study On Gaya Mahardhika Foundation Surakarta

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explain the strategies employed by gay individuals  to overcome discriminatory attitudes and behaviours perpetuated by society. This research is qualitative using , phenomenological approach and utilising a purposive sampling technique.. This paper used the data analysis from Creswell, utilising source triangulation and member checking. The subjects of this study were four gay individuals from the Gaya Mahardhika Foundation in Surakarta who had experienced discriminatory treatment from society. This research uses the social construction theory of Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann. This study shows that the social construction of homosexuality is shaped by a dialectical process. It involves externalisation, objectivation, and internalisation. These processes can be observed in the following ways (1) The externalisation process involves openly expressing one's social identity and sexual orientation, as well as forming alliances within the gay community and participating in community activities. (2) The objectivation process entails the ascription of values, norms and meanings to one's social identity and sexual orientation. The participants in this study perceive their social identity and sexual orientation as objective reality, formed naturally like that of other heterosexual people. They refuse to justify or accept society's negative views and stigma toward their social identity and sexual orientation. (3) The third process, internalisation, involves the participants trying to change society's views of their group (gay through community social activities. They proactively advocate for their rights to be treated fairly and equally. hey seek recognition from the government and society.