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The Transformation of LGBTQ+ Relationships in Turkey from Digital Dating to Digital Violence

Burcu Gümüş (2023) — Journal of Family Violence

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DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00663-y (opens in a new tab)

Type:   Journal Article
Country:   Turkey
Tags:   Digital Violence, Intersectionality, Intimate Partner Violence, Lgbtq, Online Dating Platforms, Romance Scams, Turkey
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Synopsis

            
This study explores how dating apps both enable and endanger LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey, focusing on how relationships initiated online can lead to violence. While digital matchmaking offers opportunities for LGBTQ+ people in a society where they face widespread social and political exclusion, the same platforms expose them to new forms of risk. The research is based on 50 in-depth interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18–55 in Istanbul. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the study documents the lived experiences of participants, particularly the violence and victimization encountered through dating apps such as Hornet, Tinder, Wapa, and OkCupid. Findings reveal four main categories of violence: Sexual coercion and physical violence – Younger participants (18–24) were especially vulnerable, often assaulted when resisting unwanted sexual advances. Trans women were also frequent targets, treated as “fantasy objects” and subjected to rape or beatings. Assault and robbery – Older participants (30–55) described incidents where dates turned violent and opportunistic robberies occurred, often after their living conditions were revealed through photos. Hate crimes and hate speech – Many were attacked or verbally abused by organized groups or individuals using dating apps to lure LGBTQ+ users. Lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people were particularly frequent targets of homophobic and transphobic harassment. Romance fraud – Participants aged 42–55 were disproportionately affected. They reported staying in exploitative relationships where financial support was demanded in exchange for continued companionship, often accepted as the only means to maintain intimacy. The study also highlights intersectional vulnerabilities. Trans women and individuals of minority ethnic backgrounds faced compounded risks, being exposed to xenophobia alongside homophobia and transphobia. In many cases, participants avoided reporting crimes due to distrust of police and the judicial system, which often treats LGBTQ+ victims with bias or outright hostility. Coping strategies varied. Younger users employed safety practices like sharing location details with friends or screening social media profiles of potential partners. Others normalized violence, accepted romance fraud as unavoidable, or turned to drug use. Some relied on LGBTQ+-friendly NGOs for limited psychological and legal support, though resources were scarce. The study concludes that violence is not an inherent feature of dating apps themselves, but rather a consequence of systemic homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia in Turkey. Digital platforms reflect broader societal inequalities, leaving marginalized groups exposed. By documenting these experiences, the study calls for greater legal protections, healthcare access, and social support for LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as culturally sensitive interventions to reduce risks in online dating environments.

          

        
                  

            
Identified Gaps

            
Prior Turkish research examined LGBTQ+ dating-app practices but did not analyze violence experienced through these apps. The paper also identifies limited Turkish LGBTQ+ scholarship and calls for more comprehensive intimate-partner-violence research across diverse identities and legal contexts.

          

        
                  

            
Methods

            
Qualitative hermeneutic, phenomenologically oriented study using 50 face-to-face, semi-structured in-depth interviews with LGBTQ+ dating-app users aged 18–55 in Istanbul. Participants had experienced violence from someone met through an app. Purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling were used. Turkish interviews were recorded, transcribed, thematically analyzed in MAXQDA 12, and reviewed by two co-coders and peer co-coders.

          

        
                  

            
Limitations

            
Findings may not represent all LGBTQ+ people living in Turkey. The purposive, convenience, and snowball sample was limited to 50 dating-app users in Istanbul who reported violence, limiting generalizability beyond this setting and population.

          

        
                  

            
Future Work

            
Conduct more in-depth intimate-partner-violence studies with broader samples encompassing sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, and legal practices.

          

              

    
    

        
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