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<p>Understanding the self-identity and mental health experiences of gay men in China contributes to broader public health and social inclusion efforts, particularly in the context of national campaigns to promote psychological well-being and reduce stigma among sexual minorities. This study explored the role of fetish symbols in the self-identity of the young gay community through in-depth interviews with 24 post-90&#xa0;s and post-00&#xa0;s young gay men. The study found that fetish symbols play an important role in media image construction and social interaction. Through the triple analysis framework of “trauma garden”, “zoos” and “capital garden”, the subjectivity of young gay men in the narrative and practice of fetish symbols is revealed. This is specifically manifested in the persistence of identity, the pursuit of group belonging, and the complex attitude towards symbolic consumption. The emotional relationship between family and individual occupies a central position in the narrative, and the use of fetish symbols reflects the delicate balance between public expression and self-protection of young gay men. Their persistence and search for identity transcends the fear of social prejudice, internalizes the fetish symbols as part of their self-identity, and is widely disseminated through social media, demonstrating a diverse and rich expression of identity and promoting the formation of the group’s cultural identity.</p>

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Visit the Three Gardens: Fetishized Symbols and Self-Identity among Young Gay Men in the Context of Social Media

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月21日

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  • Jiajie Tang

摘要

Understanding the self-identity and mental health experiences of gay men in China contributes to broader public health and social inclusion efforts, particularly in the context of national campaigns to promote psychological well-being and reduce stigma among sexual minorities. This study explored the role of fetish symbols in the self-identity of the young gay community through in-depth interviews with 24 post-90 s and post-00 s young gay men. The study found that fetish symbols play an important role in media image construction and social interaction. Through the triple analysis framework of “trauma garden”, “zoos” and “capital garden”, the subjectivity of young gay men in the narrative and practice of fetish symbols is revealed. This is specifically manifested in the persistence of identity, the pursuit of group belonging, and the complex attitude towards symbolic consumption. The emotional relationship between family and individual occupies a central position in the narrative, and the use of fetish symbols reflects the delicate balance between public expression and self-protection of young gay men. Their persistence and search for identity transcends the fear of social prejudice, internalizes the fetish symbols as part of their self-identity, and is widely disseminated through social media, demonstrating a diverse and rich expression of identity and promoting the formation of the group’s cultural identity.