Covering inclusion: Frames, themes, and voice in news about LGBTI topics

Abstract

This article investigates how LGBTI topics are framed in the news and who is given a voice in this coverage by analysing the Dutch-speaking Belgian press. An inductive framing analysis and quantitative content analysis were applied on 1570 articles about LGBTI topics published in 2021 by 13 Dutch-language news outlets. Seven inclusive and two exclusionary frames were discerned. The study shows that primarily gay men serve as voices of the LGBTI community. The findings also indicate that articles are more likely to be framed inclusively when they cite LGBTI people or organisations. Building on the politics of voice and the concepts of valuable and inclusive journalism, this paper argues for journalists and academics to focus on voices that remain unheard in journalism.