Konstruksi Sosial Stigma Negatif sebagai Gay pada Komunitas Anak Muda Pelanggan Gym di Kota Medan

Abstract

The world of sports in the gym is faced with a reality that overlaps with sexual behavior. There is an overlap regarding the negative stigma at the gym, such as the assumption that people who exercise at the gym are said to be gay. This research aims to analyze the social construction of the youth sports community, regarding the negative stigma in the gym. The research method used is a qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach. Data collection techniques use participatory observation methods, in-depth interviews and documentation. Research informants were determined using purposive techniques. The theory used is social construction theory by Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckman. The research results show that, in the externalization stage, there is initial knowledge of getting information about sports, gyms and sexual orientation (gay). The young sports community views sports and gyms as fitness and body-building activities. Sources of initial knowledge about the gym, from family, friends, social media and community figures. In objectification, the gym was originally a place for sports activities. After the social interaction process, views are more diverse, such as: apart from sports, increasing friendships, social interaction with sports children, and increasing insight into the field of sports. The view of the youth sports community is that homosexual (gay) behavior is deviant behavior that cannot be justified. At the internalization stage, the community of young people who exercise at the gym experience negative stigma through stigma and labels from friends. They respond to negative stigma by not caring and not taking the negative stigma and labels given to them seriously.