Voices of Support and Stigma: A Comparative Analysis of English and Bahasa Indonesia Comments on Gay Indonesian Coming-Out Stories on YouTube

Being gay in Indonesia, where Islam is the dominant religion, presents significant challenges. Sexual and gender minorities face heightened risks of abuse and discrimination. This study analyzed viewers’ reactions in English and Bahasa Indonesia comments on the coming-out videos of three gay Indonesians: Yos, Bagus, and Acep. A total of 300 comments (100 comments per video: 50 in English and 50 in Bahasa Indonesia) were selected based on defined criteria. Appraisal Theory (Martin & White, 2005) was applied to examine how attitudes were expressed. The findings reveal significant contrasts between English and Bahasa Indonesia comments. English comments were largely supportive, emphasizing bravery and resilience. In contrast, Bahasa Indonesia comments were highly polarized, with a strong tendency toward moral condemnation and religious-based criticism, often framing homosexuality as deviant. Some extreme negative comments even contained threats of violence. However, a small yet notable number of supportive comments in Bahasa Indonesia acknowledged Yos’, Bagus’, and Acep’s courage, indicating emerging acceptance within certain social groups. These findings highlight how deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms shape public discourse on LGBT identities in Indonesia. While hostility dominates, the presence of supportive voices suggests gradual shifts in societal attitudes. By examining these polarized reactions, this study provides insights into Indonesia’s LGBT communities in digital spaces. The results underscore the need for greater awareness and advocacy to foster acceptance and protection for sexual minorities in restrictive cultural contexts.