‘Newsworthy enough?’: media framing of Canadian LGBTQ persons’ sexual violence experiences

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present study examined media frames in relation to the sexual violence experiences of LGBTQ persons in Canada, as members of these marginalised groups currently experience disproportionately high rates of sexual violence, as compared to straight cisgender persons. Sixty-two news articles focusing on sexual violence cases, featuring 31 LGBTQ victims and 31 straight cisgender victims, were identified using purposive sampling. The following variables were assessed: demographics and portrayal of the victims and the accused (e.g. positive, neutral, or negative tone, level of detail provided); article length, headlines, and pictures; and description of non-consensual sexual behaviours. Thematic analyses were employed to explore patterns in the news reports. Results indicated that news reports tended to dehumanise LGBTQ victims, and sensationalise their sexual violence experiences by explicitly describing non-consensual sexual acts. The individuals who were accused of sexually victimising LGBTQ persons were allocated greater coverage than the LGBTQ victims. The findings of this study implied that Canadian news media frame LGBTQ sexual violence experiences in ways that stigmatise them, and perpetuate institutional discrimination against them. The strengths and limitations of this study as well as directions for future research are outlined.