Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Sociology

Major Professor

Harry F. Dahms

Committee Members

Harry F. Dahms, Jon Shefner, Tim Gill

Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between fear, media narratives, and the representation of LGBTQ+ communities in American society. Utilizing theory and qualitative content analysis, the study examines how mainstream media outlets, specifically Fox News’s The Five and CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, frame LGBTQ+ issues during two significant periods: the aftermath of the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision and the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The research identifies distinct framing strategies employed by these outlets, highlighting how fear-based discourses are constructed, transmitted, and contested. Fox News's coverage often presents LGBTQ+ advancements as cultural threats or political manipulations, whereas CNN’s reporting tends to frame these issues within civil rights and normalization narratives. The thesis also investigates the role of fear in shaping public perceptions and social hierarchies, discussing the broader implications of media framing on policy debates and societal attitudes. By analyzing language and emotional appeals, the study contributes to understanding the mechanisms through which fear influences political discourse and marginalized communities' representation. The findings offer insights into media’s role in both reinforcing and challenging social inequalities, providing a foundation for further research and critical engagement with media narratives surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.

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