The Press and the Path to Pride: The Interplay of Print Media and Legislation in the LGBTQ+ Human Rights Movement

This paper examines the portrayal of LGBTQ+ human rights in US print journalism in the context of three North Carolina legislative bills: the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, known as the “Bathroom Bill, the Parent’s Bill of Rights, known as “Don’t Say Gay,” and the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act known as “Protect Women’s Sports.” The study uses a qualitative analysis of 198 newspaper articles to assess media framing and its implications. Preliminary findings indicate a pattern of neutral framing or hedging. The analysis reveals a severe lack of historical contextualization in coverage, which hinders the understanding of systemic LGBTQ+ legislative discrimination. The research also uncovers a trend toward syndicated neutrality, suggesting a widespread neutral narrative. The paper argues that journalists are responsible for ensuring that the pursuit of objectivity does not overshadow the pursuit of equity, affirming that LGBTQ+ rights are fundamental human rights issues.