Sexual diversity in Brazilian journalism: a study of the representations of LGBT people in the newspapers Folha de S. Paulo and o Estado de S. Paulo

Abstract

We understand that the news, the main product of journalism, is constructed from the multiple discourses that circulate within the present culture, influenced by the values related to the hegemonic norm that governs social behavior, the hetero-normativity. Through Discourse Analysis, we analyzed which representations of LGBT people the leading Brazilian newspapers Folha de S. Paulo and O Estado de S. Paulo help to build in our society. The search for recognition of sexual diversity operates via standardization, within a perspective that encourages a culture of tolerance, in which the representations of the group are anchored, strengthened by the moral and ideological discourse of religious institutions that deny LGBT people the possibility of the enjoyment of full citizenship. We conclude that as long as heterosexuality is not questioned by journalism and debated in the public sphere in an open and democratic way, it is difficult to combat prejudice and violence against LGBT people.