LGBTQ Identity Through Stories And Media Representation: A Cross-cultural Perspective

The current study aims at exploring the role of representation and LGBTQ stories and its relationship with self-acceptance and risk-taking behavior.It delves into the meaning of LGBTQ identity and examines the context in which these individuals live,which renders media representation of great importance for their well-being.This study examines the LGBTQ community from a sociocultural perspective and attempts to uncover its unique processes and the shared identity of its members.To assess the relationship between stories’ influence and lack of representation and risk-taking behavior,the author used a mix-method explanatory design;first by administering a general questionnaire with 263 participants(both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ).Secondly,the author conducted 10 in-depth interviews on LGBTQ individuals from around the world.This methodological approach was effective in achieving triangulating and allowed the author to present a more humanistic perspective on the topic and gain further insight.Results from these two studies confirm the strong relationship between stories and LGBTQ identity.Lack of positive and accurate representation leads to risktaking behavior,while the emotional support LGBTQ individuals gain from positive visibility reduces their engagement in such behaviors.Results also show a significant difference in the way LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ individuals understand stories and representation,and feel their influence.Interviews confirmed that individuals who sought out support through positive media stories saw increasing levels of selfacceptance and that they believed stories were of great influence in the LGBTQ identity process.This study contributes to the existing literature by confirming some of the ideas put forward by previous studies but never analyzed with mix-methods design,and by the creation of a specific quantitative instrument(known as Representation and Realization through Stories Inventory)that measures stories’ influence and perceived representation of minorities.Finally,this study contributes to the global LGBTQ community by examining pervasive issues,confirming the importance of media visibility,and a need for more sources of positive and accurate representation.