The Mass Media, Public Opinion, and Lesbian and Gay Rights

Abstract

Democratic theorists assume that government policy responds to public opinion. But public opinion may be influenced by other political actors through the mass media instead. Scholars agree that the news media have become more attentive to and supportive of lesbian and gay rights over time, and they identify several factors as explanations for the change. While events, the gay rights movement, official statements, and government action may have had an effect, coverage was contingent on the decisions of news institutions and media owners to devote attention to them. There have been few studies on the media's impact, but decisions to cover the gay rights movement appear to have moved public opinion. Despite setbacks, continued debate over gay rights is likely to generate favorable media attention and lead to increased public support for lesbian and gay rights over time.

Association of State Laws Permitting Denial of Services to Same-Sex Couples With Mental Distress in Sexual Minority Adults

“…Third, media coverage of state laws permitting denial of services to same-sex couples and attendant discourse may also affect the salience of these laws and their impact on sexual minority mental health. 40 That increases in mental distress occurred within 7 to 18 months after the implementation of these laws suggests that changes in mental distress might have been because of mechanisms with an immediate impact, such as media coverage and the awareness of unequal rights, rather than slower mechanisms, such as direct exposure to service denial. It will be important for future research to further investigate these and other mechanisms.…”

HIV Education and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men

“…37 Historically, sex education and sexual orientation have been highly politicized. 38,39 Seven states currently ban positive discussion of same-sex sexual behavior or orientation by school teachers or staff members, 40 and three states require inclusion of negative information about sexual minorities in sex education. 41 Efforts to make sex education more inclusive of sexual minorities are likely to face opposition.…”

Trends in Alcohol-Related Disparities Between Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Youth from 2007 to 2015: Findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey

“…24 The media's attention to LGB-related policies also coincided with and contributed to an increase in favorable attitudes toward LGB people. [25][26][27] In 2001, for example, 57% of U.S. adults were opposed to same-sex marriage, whereas, in 2016, 55% stated their support for same-sex marriage. 25 Considering the association between structural stigma and the health of LGB people, 21,28 it seems plausible to assume that health disparities between heterosexual youth and SMY would decrease as a result of an increased public acceptance of and legalized protections for LGB people.…”