Fridae

Researchers have found that LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer) individuals are “vastly underrepresented” in a study of six media outlets in Thailand, in a paper published by the Taylor and Francis Group. 

Entitled “’Gay Guys are Shit Lovers’ and ‘Lesbians are Obsessed with Fingers’: The (Mis)Representation of LGBTIQ People in Thai News Media,” the paper was written jointly by Thai researchers Kangwan Fongkaew, Anoporn Khruataeng, Sumon Unsathit, Matawii Khamphiirathasana, Nisarat Jongwisan, Oranong Arlunaek, and the United Nations Development Program’s Jensen Byrne. 

“LGBTIQ identities were found to be vastly underrepresented, and when represented were often represented inaccurately, stereotypically, harmfully or without a clear understanding of the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions,” the paper’s abstract states. 

Also widely noted in the media were “(hetero-)sexist narratives, negative portrayals, harmful stereotypes, and discriminatory speech,” which the authors say continues to contribute to the “stigmatization and discrimination” of Thailand’s LGBTIQ community.