Abstract:
The major objective of this research is to study the construction of gay identity and contested social space in the consumption of music. The method used herein is qualitative data with correlation analysis: data are collected through participant-observation conducted in 2 gay nightclubs on Silom road and in gay parties and events, held in different locations. Aforementioned places, both stationary and non-stationary, function not merely as recreational places, but also as community centers; and through in-depth interviews, whose sample used are 40 gay customers of the nightclubs. The data collected are to undergo analysis, and queer theory, identity theory, discourse theory and social space theory served as an analytical tool in data analysis. The research has asserted that most of the gay people are fond of female artists, rhythm and lyrics respectively, tend to imitate their behaviors, adopt their so-called diva traits, e.g. being feminine, famous and confident, and construct their own identity. Gay people listen to music with a joyful vibe and would rather express their identity in private place than in public, through dancing to the music, impersonating their beloved divas. Concerning contestation of social space, in public gay people still cannot show their feminine side through musical choices and tastes, except some of the sample used, to some extent being able to express their feminine traits in everyday life, e.g. walking manner and other behaviors, while listening to music, which is considered to be a catalyst for gay people to express feminine traits in public space. And, ultimately, in this manner are constructed contested discourse and gay identity.