Mainstream News Media Representation of the LGBT Community in Malaysia

Progression or Regression

Bibliographic Data

ID3621804
AuthorsJoshua-Yi Yeo (0000-0001-6577-243X, Universiti Teknologi MARA, corresponding author), Gregory E Campbell (0000-0001-8520-4122, Swinburne University of Technology), Gordon Campbell (0000-0002-6120-861X, Swinburne University of Technology), Hugh John Leong Yik Kuan (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus), Mung Ling Voon (0000-0003-4915-7730, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus)
Year2025
Pages1-24
Publication date2025-07-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00918369.2025.2534553
PMID40699884
OpenAlexW4412602272
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited23

This study examines the discursive strategies employed in Malaysian online newspapers to represent the LGBT community. Using the Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), this qualitative research focuses on news articles published in 2023, drawing from three mainstream Malaysian newspapers: The Star Online, Harian Metro and China Press (). The findings show that nomination strategies categorize LGBT individuals through broad labels such as "LGBT" or specific terms like "gay" or "transgender." Predication strategies reinforce negative associations, often depicting LGBT individuals as morally or culturally deviant. Argumentation strategies reveal that conservative perspectives dominate, particularly those based on religious and cultural arguments, while economic, legal and human rights perspectives are present but are often secondary to traditional views. Perspectivization strategies highlight the use of authoritative voices, such as religious leaders and politicians, to legitimize dominant narratives. Intensification strategies, such as active verbs and augmentatives, highlight perceived risks linked to LGBT issues, while mitigation strategies, including modal verbs, allow newspapers to address these topics without taking a firm stance. Malaysian newspapers construct a layered portrayal of the LGBT community, framing them as distinct and as challenging norms while aligning narratives with cultural sensitivities, thereby reinforcing an "us" versus "them" dynamic

Lesbian · Mainstream · Media studies · Media use · News media · Political science · Politics · Representation (politics · Social media · Sociology · Transgender · Asian Studies and History · Gender and Women's Rights · Gender Studies · Islamic Finance and Communication · Psychology · Social Psychology

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