Intersectionality in News: Recognizing Current Transgender Women Representations in Vietnamese Online Newspapers

Abstract

Critically, due to gender essentialism (Gallagher & Bodenhausen, 2021), endogeneity constraints (Stock, 2019; Carter, 2022), and cisnormative stereotypes (Burkett, 2015; Daniels, 2012; Grant et al. 2011; Delmira & Mixalis, 2019), the transgender women community faces more discrimination and danger than the homosexual and transgender men communities combined. They are often subjected to ridicule, prejudice, and marginalization, leading to limited job opportunities and forcing some into sex work or entertainment (UNDP & USAID, 2014). Media and press attention on transgender women in Vietnam has positively developed, with notable achievements such as Miss Huong Giang Idol winning the Miss International Queen pageant in 2018. The media's increased focus on transgender women and the introduction of the Gender Transition Law project indicate progress in recognizing and protecting their rights. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that negative stereotypes and biases may persist, and media representations can still contribute to stigmatisation and discrimination (iSEE, 2023; Mocarski et al., 2019). Mockery, comedic portrayals, and the trivialization of gender identity undermine the dignity and experiences of transgender individuals (UNDP & USAID, 2014; Pham & Dong, 2015.) Keywords: transgender women, intersectionality, CDA, online news, representation