Konstruksi Simpatisan LGBT (Studi Kasus: Medan Selayang)

Abstract

The LGBT phenomenon in Indonesia continues to spark social debate, with groups of LGBT sympathizers emerging as advocates for the rights of this community even though they are not part of it themselves. These sympathizers often face negative stereotypes and are perceived as opposing dominant values in society. This study aims to understand how LGBT sympathizers in Medan Selayang construct their social construction of the LGBT controversy as a social deviation and the forms of stereotypes they receive. Using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological method, this research explores the subjective experiences of sympathizers through in-depth interviews. The data is analyzed using Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann's social construction theory to understand how their meanings and attitudes towards LGBT are formed. The results show that LGBT sympathizers build their social construction through three main stages: externalization, objectivation and internalization. They are increasingly open to the diversity of sexual orientation despite facing significant social challenges. Their courage in defying religious and cultural norms is a key finding, although this puts them in a vulnerable position to stereotyping. Sympathizers are often labeled as supporters of 'deviant behavior', contrary to religious and cultural values, and suspected of having the same sexual orientation as the LGBT community. Despite resistance from the surrounding environment, sympathizers maintain their support as a form of solidarity and struggle for human rights. This research contributes to the study of sociology by providing deeper insights into how sympathizer groups construct narratives that defy social norms and deal with existing social pressures.