User:OsaRosa/LGBTQ Communication Studies

LGBTQ+ communication studies (also called queer communication studies, transgender communication studies) is a field of research and teaching in the discipline of communication studies that examines the communication interactions, experiences, and structures of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other queer, two-spirit, gender conforming, intersex, and asexual people.

While queer and trans communication research is presented across all division and interests groups at the National Communication Association (the national organization for Communication Studies), two sections are dedicated to LGBTQ+ communication studies scholarship, teaching, and advocacy: (1) the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Studies (GLBTQ) Division,^[1] which focuses on queer and trans communication research across the discipline and globe, and (2) the Caucus on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Concerns, which focuses on LGBTQ+ advocacy, inclusion, and community at the national conference and beyond.^[2]

In 2001, the first bibliography that reviewed early histories of the field of LGBTQ+ communication studies was presented by Frederick C. Corey, Ralph R. Smith, and Thomas K. Nakayama in November 2021 at the National Communication Association in Atlanta, GA.^[3] In 2003, Gust A. Yep, Karen E. Lovaas, and John P. Elia edited a book providing a historical overview of queer theory in communication studies, and published a history of queer communication studies and a vision for the field.^[4] In 2024, a comprehensive, international, peer-reviewed encyclopedia called The Oxford Encyclopedia of Queer Studies and Communication was published that provides 72 essays on areas of LGBTQ+ communication studies across areas, topics, regions, and frameworks.^[5]

LGBTQ+ communication studies histories and foundations

History of LGBTQ+ communication studies

LGBTQ+ communication studies began as an area of research in the discipline of communication studies in the mid 1970s and has continued to develop into a field of study that connects multiple areas of the discipline.^[6]  At the time this research began, LGBTQ+ communities were still very much misunderstood by broader heterosexual society as access to credible information in regards to communication was hard to come by.^[6] According to a systemic historical review of the field, prior to the mid 1970s, sexuality was not a main focal point to study within the communication discipline, but emerging scholars slowly began to research this topic, especially as the education system continued to became more progressive and sought to understand diverse communication experiences in addition to combating misinformation.^[7] Queer communication studies started out small, but the field has grown exponentially over the past four decades.   

History of gay and lesbian communication studies

The earliest LGBTQ+ communication studies focused primarily on gay and lesbian communication studies.^[8] Research focused on how gay and lesbian people faced many forms of discrimination and lacked rights.^[9] With changing laws, identities, and terminology, communication remains the focus used to display the main challenge of nonacceptance.^[9] In this early research in the 1980s and 1990s, researchers investigated statistics, historical plagues, and national movements to study how the queer community fought in the past.^[10]

In the 1980s, communication research by groups like the Institute for Sex Research found that many believed homosexuality would ruin society.^[10] Statistics from this research helped jumpstart many organizations and communities that would eventually help increase better understanding of LGBTQ+ people.^[10] For example, in the 1990s, scholarship on Queer Nation focused on how the organization recorded numbers of individuals who took notice of the community’s struggles.^[9] Many of their struggles included violence and discrimination.^[10] Article companies helped in spreading proper LGBTQ+ communication by using images, topics of interests, and even discussions or stories.^[11] However, research continued to show that there are others who understand the struggles.^[10] Writers for the articles provided news segments, stories, and even art to express communication.^[10]

History of queer communication studies

It wasn't until 1976 when one of the main journals of the communication studies discipline, The Quarterly Journal of Speech, released one of the first essays on homosexuality.^[12] Joseph Hayes wrote the first communication essay that analyzed gay communication and analyzed the language used by LGBTQ+ communities known as "gayspeak."^[12] Also during the 1970s, scholars like Barry Brummett aimed to analyze pro and anti gay rights rhetoric in order to gain a better understanding of how it affected public opinion.^[13] The study also focused on how these two ideologies guide rhetoric within the political space.^[13] Another publication related to this field was called Gayspeak: Gay male and lesbian communication edited by James Chesebro in 1981,^[14] [15] which was one of the first books that attempted to explain how LGBTQ+ individuals communicate with one another as well as how they communicate with heterosexual people.  The goal of this research was to find out how communication processes affected public opinion about gay and lesbians. ^[14] One of the earliest research topics of the time focused on how LGBTQ+ individuals used identity deception or pretended to act a certain way in order create impressions and self-representations that allowed them to blend into society.^[16] Using verbal and nonverbal communication, identity deception allowed for LGBTQ+ individuals to avoid any societal disapproval as they can follow the verbal and nonverbal norms of heterosexual communication.  Identity deception was not only used to blend in but was also used by the LGBTQ+ community out of fear for their safety.^[16]  

Early queer communication studies researched the HIV/AIDS epidemic, especially as news coverage perpetuated the stereotype that only gay men were at risk of contracting the deadly disease.^[17] This false claim allowed for many heterosexual people to believe that they were completely immune to the virus.^[17] Not only was misinformation being spread, but it was also negatively affecting societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities, including educational system misinformation.^[17]  In response to misinformation, multiple organizations formed in order to expand the research and advocacy on queer communication.^[18] A few examples include the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) which was created in 1990 with the goal of improving the relationship between heterosexual and LGBTQ+ students and CLAGS: The Center for LGBTQ Studies^[18], which was the very first university-based research center in the United States to study the cultural and political issues of the LGBTQ+ community.  

Queer communication studies foundations

Queer communication studies as a field in the broader communication studies discipline are rooted in ideas of feminism and gay and lesbian studies.^[19] Queer communication studies seeks to destigmatize LGBTQ+ people's societal experiences and communities and create new ways to examine their social interactions in their communication.^[20] Queer theory relates to how people are assumed to be heterosexual unless otherwise stated and seeks to reconstruct ideas of difference (difference being that they do not fit into society's preconceived notions of normal).^[21] Closeting communication refers to how people disclose information regarding their stigmatized identities, such as sexuality, gender, or other non-visible identities, to others.^[22] Queer methods takes aspects of queer theory and applies it to research and analysis that is happening to create new research possibilities beyond traditional methods.^[21] Researchers today are moving towards a more inclusive use of the LGBTQ+ acronym and being more aware of tokenism and its effects on not just the community but also societies perspectives.^[23]

Queer theory in communication studies

Queer theory seeks to break down heteronormative ideals and reconstruct ideas of difference (that is to change the idea that people are assumed to be straight unless otherwise stated and change the way that people view others not fitting into this ideal).^[24] It offers a new way to view and evaluate sexualities and social interactions.^[24] This theory also seeks to challenge strict identity categories which can lead to oppression of certain individuals.^[24] In communication studies research, queer theory is rooted in ideas of feminism and gay and lesbian studies and breaking down the ideas of the normative, e.g., how people are assumed to be heterosexual unless they say otherwise and that people fit into only two genders when there are a spectrum of genders.^[25] Queer theory as an idea seeks to admire queerness and not just look for acceptance.^[25] There are discussions between communication queer theorists of how queer theory should be practiced in communication studies and other disciplinary fields, such as questioning: should it be only about queer people and their lives or should it focused on breaking all ideals of the normative.^[25]

There are some challenges that communication research using queer theory faces like how scholars include race, gender, and class.^[24] Race poses a problem as much of the research being conducted on the LGBTQ+ community revolves around white gays and lesbians.^[24] Some of this scholarship has also overlooked gender, including transgender identities and lesbian identities.^[24] Middle class ideals are overrepresented in queer theory while working-class ideals are overlooked and covered up.^[24] One response to queer theory critiques in communication studies is to look at transnational queer studies which is the study of queer theory around the world and how the discussions of queer theory differs between countries.^[26] Looking at queer theory from a globalized view can help change the research on predominantly white heterosexual populations in the communication field by including different cultures especially non-westernized cultures, and seeks to change the white normative center of research in the communication field.^[26]

Closeting communication

Closeting communication refers to how people choose to disclose their stigmatized identities to others such as sexuality, gender, political stances, criminal past, and more.^[27] Queer communication studies research theorizes closeting communication as a form of self-defense that protects people from discrimination whether it be online, in job interviews, or in person for a variety of identities.^[27] LGBTQ+ identities are seen as stigmatized because of the heteronormative society that assumes people have a heterosexual and cisgender identity, leading to closeting communication to be used by queer people.^[28] Closeting communication begins to dissect how the assumption of identities relates to the amount of self-disclosure one gives to others and in turn how the assumptions affect LGBTQ+ people.^[28] For LGBTQ+ people, coming out is a form of self-disclosure where they communicate their identity or identities to someone they trust.^[28] Closeting communication is not limited to in-person interactions, as researchers have also examined how queer people present themselves online through social media.^[29] Through social media, social distance from discriminatory people becomes limited which could lead to further closeting because of the potential viewers of the profile.^[29]

Queer methods in communication studies

There are a few key ideas that are present in queer methods like deviating from traditional research methods to explore data by applying queer theory to research methods and findings.^[30] Queer methods consists of finding new types of data, using queer theory to adapt research methods, and pushing back against the normal methods assumptions of generalizations and data being reliable.^[30] To examine data differently, communication researchers must look into people's interconnecting identities, belonging, and differences.^[30]

Big data adds to the discussion of queer methods as it is comprised of much larger datasets than most scholars utilize in communication studies.^[31] These large datasets allow for the data to be analyzed in a new way to find other commonalities connecting groups of people.^[31] Queer methods is also about reviewing existing research to see the way that gender identities and sexual identities are not accounted for in research.^[32] Queering research methods is not about creating a new standard of research, but about challenging the traditional approaches to research and creating new methods that do not include any strict categories to label participants.^[32] These methods use queer theory to critique traditional research and find different ways to conduct, categorize, and evaluate research.^[32] One way that queer methods works in quantitative research to by finding new ways to count people and include a wider variety of genders.^[32]

Queer communication studies today

Queer communication research focuses on precise and specific language use regarding gender and sexual orientation.^[33] It is important to only use the LGBTQ+ acronym when addressing issues that impact the community as a whole.^[33] The article, “Looking for truths in the stories we tell in queer communication studies” states that researchers should only use the full LGBTQ+ acronym when all identities are included in the study itself.^[33] Scholars call for research that not only addresses sexuality and gender but also race, ethnicity, sexuality, and nationality, which includes moving away from heteronormative language use in the discipline of communication studies and not using LGBTQ+ individuals for tokenism in research.^[33] Queer communication research challenges existing norms within society and embraces queer theory's potential.^[34] Scholars have different unique specializations within communication studies, which helps to bring a more diverse application to queer communication studies.^[34] They engage in interdisciplinary dialogues (which is the process of studying/researching several academic fields), bring perspectives from queer intercultural communication, study critical/cultural performance, and study health communication and interpersonal communication.^[34]

Transgender communication studies foundations

In communication studies research, there is a growing area of the field that focused on transgender communication studies.^[35] The word transgender is used as an umbrella term for any expression of gender, identity, or presentation that varies from the cisgender norm (e.g., people who identify with their sex assigned at birth).^[35] Research uses the word "trans" for people who do have more of a fluid gender identity, including but not limited to those who cross-dress, those who identify transsexuality, trans, nonbinary or genderqueer, and more.^[36] Past communication studies journals have historically ignored trans communication even within LGBTQ+ communication and queer communication studies, and in much research where transgender people are mentioned in articles, they are rarely the focus.^[35] There is still a need for expansion on transgender studies. Despite this, the advocacy for trans people have grown over the years, both in academia and online socially.^[35]

Transgender communication studies researchers have examined the barriers that transgender people face frequently when seeking competent healthcare and treatment.^[37] Transgender people face difficulties finding health care providers who want to provide services or do not degrade the trans patient in communicating with them while providing services, resulting in negative impacts, such as higher rates of depression, suicide, and substance abuse.^[37] A study found that one in five transgender and gender non-conforming participants have been denied medical care and roughly half have had to participate in teaching the health care provider about transgender care.^[37]

Communication scholars have also investigated the acceptance of transgender people on college campuses.^[36] For a lot of transgender college students, fitting in on college campuses either means that their deny their identity or parts of their identity or face harassment and violence from their peers.^[36] Rather than experiencing positive periods of development like their cisgender and heterosexual peers, Communication Studies research states that there is an overall lower level of acceptance of LGBTQ+ students on college campuses, resulting in students being more hesitant in exploring and open living with their LGBTQ+ identities, including trans and nonbinary students.^[36]

Trans communication and rhetoric scholars also discuss challenges transgender and nonbinary people have with gendered expectations of professional in work settings.^[38] Many workplaces have strictly binary gendered "clothing rules" for their workplace, meaning that women are expected to wear "stylish, well-cut, and fitted" clothes, while men most wear suits.^[38] Professionals that identify as gender-nonconforming, nonbinary, or trans are often deemed less professional for wearing clothes that they feel comfortable in instead of wearing clothes that fit the social norm.^[38] These challenges, such as other issue areas in the political realm, are all aspects of transgender subjectivity and are widely discussed among communication scholars.^[39]

Heteronormativity and cisheteronormativity

Heteronormativity describes the belief that heterosexual experiences are the norm, deeming all other types of identities and experiences as deviant or invisible.^[40] Cisheteronormativity expands on this term and includes the belief that being cisgender, rather than having a fluid gender identity or being transgender, should be treated as the norm.^[41] Research also shows that cisheteronormativity is frequently tied with the perpetuation of whiteness as it prioritizes people that are not only cisgender and heterosexual, but also white and able-bodied.^[41]

Heteronormativity is often perpetuated through different types of media, including films and TV shows.^[42] For example, studies have shown that even as far as media portraying zombie apocalypse narratives have echoed familiar themes of heteronormativity, such as strong female characters being portrayed as overly feminine despite embodying physical strength in attacks and the prevalence of nuclear family households.^[42] Heteronormativity is upheld by these portrayals in media and further perpetuated in society and cultural beliefs as this media is consumed.^[42]

According to communication studies research, heteronormativity has four different types of harmful impacts on LGBTQ+ people: external, internal, discursive, and institutional.^[43] Externalized violence takes form in physical assault most frequently, while internalized violence takes form in self-hatred and self-destructive thoughts resulting in the feeling of not being normal in a heteronormative society.^[43] Additionally, discursive violence can include the use of words, gestures, tones, and images to treat and degrade other people's experiences.^[43] In correlation with cisheteronormativity, this takes form in microaggressions, reaffirming that LGBTQ+ people are of a lower status in social and sexual hierarchies compared to those who are cisgender and heterosexual.^[43] Additionally, another harmful impact of cisheteronormativity is institutional violence, which takes form in the deeply ingrained heteronormative mindsets in social institutions.^[43] To heal from cisheteronormativity, research has said that those who experience the ongoing violence can understand, unpack, and demystify its invisible power, rather than coping by repressing the pain.^[41]

Transgender subjectivity and identities

Subjectivity is a term used to conceptualize how political power impacts the people under a political system, largely surrounding areas such as race, class, disability, gender, and sexuality. Transgender subjectivity is specific to the transgender community and how politics impacts the wellbeing of the community, whether through legislative or other forms of political action, or through everyday interactions with other people within the public sphere.^[44] Commonly discussed issue areas among scholars within the realm of transgender subjectivity are within the legal context, such as the rights for transgender people to adopt children, involvement in sports, and bodily autonomy ranging from surgeries and hormone usage to public restrooms.^[45] Debate about the impacts of legislation surrounding these issue areas, and how they impact the transgender community, is also heavily present in academic spaces.^[45]

Separately, another aspect of transgender subjectivity is how transgender individuals exist in the world around them and how they are perceived within society. LGBTQ+ rhetoric scholars frequently explore the layers to transgender representation within media and how the community is talked about, such as potential differences in treatment on an individual level.^[46]

Intersectionality and LGBTQ+ communication studies foundations

The theory of intersectionality was first theorized by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 to examine how Black women were facing exclusion and violence connected to both their race and gender simultaneously.^[47] Since then, communication studies researchers have expanded the theory of intersectionality to examine how people have many identifying identities that make them who they are such as sexuality, gender, race, nationality, and religion.^[47] Importantly intersectionality examines how people with these intersecting identities face discrimination, marginalization, and violence due to these intersections.^[48]  Communication studies researchers have analyzed how LGBTQ+ people’s intersecting identities affect their lives in different cultures and scenarios. ^[49] Intersectionality research in communication studies focused on how, at any given time, the main social categories that separate people in a society, like race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and age, are connected and cannot be separated; instead, they work together and build on each other and create experiences of injustice and privilege.^[50]

LGBTQ+ intersectional feminist communication studies

The feminist movement has been strongly praised for its role in empowering women; however parts of the movements often focused on straight, white, able bodied, middle-class women.^[51] Communication researchers theorize intersectionality and feminism by examining how people of all genders have multiple intersecting identities such as sexuality, race, gender, nationality, and religion.^[52] This can examine how women with these intersectional identities are discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, or disabilities.^[51] Feminist organizational communication scholars are looking into ways to integrate intersectionality to assist marginalized women in a work environment who face racism, ableism, and homophobia.^[52] Scholars are also researching how queer theory can be adopted into organizational communication to allow a safer, more accepting environment for LGBTQ+ people in the work place.^[52]

Queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) communication studies

Transgender people and people of color are two groups of people who face discrimination and marginalization across their lives.^[53] Communication researchers study how queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) navigate how their intersecting identities interact as they communicate in many contexts.^[53] Trans people of color often experience discrimination as well as emotional and physical violence against them due to the linkages of cisheteronormativity and racism.^[54] Due to safety needs and risks of violence, QTPOC need safer spaces and ways to gather together to celebrate life, like queer bars.^[54] LGBTQ+ communication research explores the intersection of these identities examining how people in different cultures and upbringings engage with queer people of color.^[55] Communication researchers have been analyzing the queer-of-color critique that suggests whiteness within the queer community is seemingly more accepting compared to people of color.^[55]

Quare communication theory

Communication researchers have examined how different groups have theorized versions of intersectionality, and some communities have created terms that describe the intersectionality of their own group.^[56] For example, Quare individuals are Black gay men whom face challenges in society that are unique to themselves and their Black, queer masculinity. ^[56] The word Quare comes from an incorrect pronunciation of "Queer" spoken by communication and performance studies scholar E. Patrick Johnson's grandmother who lives in North Carolina.^[57] Johnson took inspiration from his grandmother's older and harsher perspectives of queer people, and he wrote about a new identity called "Quare," which is separate from his grandmother's definition.^[57] Further research on Quare theory has examined how Internet sites like YouTube also invite gay Black men to share their similar experiences coming out and receiving criticism, which helps to define what Quare means for them. ^[57] The Quare community has made clear the importance of the distinction between Quare and Queer because their intersectional experiences have not offered the same privileges or experiences as other white queer people.^[57]

Queer and religious communication intersections

LGBTQ+ communication studies research has investigated the complex relationships of being queer and religious as tied to conflicting beliefs, values, and interpretations of sexual identity.^[58] Scholars note that liminality is the in-between state of transitioning, and it can be used to describe the relationship that many queer people have with religion.^[58] With the risk of being disciplined or excluded for coming out, many gay Christians must create an identity that works for themself and their environment.^[58] Similar issues with finding identity are found with transgenders who go to church. Researchers found that trans people experience backlash and discrimination at some churches because the congregation believes that transgender people are against the doctrine of the church.^[59] One example was a transgender male priest named Weekely. Conservative members of the United Methodist Church, the same denomination of Weekely, purposely misgendered Weekely in their letters.^[59]

Queer and crip communication intersections

Researchers examined power relations and the necessity of giving voice to an underrepresented LGBTQ+ community.^[60] This study addresses a group that includes a variety of different kinds of people who are active in online activism, such as LGBTQ+ disabled people.^[60] The research concluded that online platforms are very important for these LGBTQ+ communities to build strong coalitions. ^[61] These groups challenge traditional ideas of community and make political engagement possible in more places than just standard physical locations.^[60] Many LGBTQ+ individuals who are disabled reported to researchers that they do not have a voice in general society.^[61] The study found that when disabled LGBTQ+ people are given a chance to have a say, they are looked down upon by able-bodied people who only see disability as a needing correction. ^[60] The researchers ultimately stressed how essential it is to appreciate and recognize a range of experiences, to question established norms, and to advance fairness and inclusivity in speech and action.^[62]

Fields of LGBTQ+ communication studies

LGBTQ+ interpersonal communication

Interpersonal communication is process of communicating between two people, this can be by verbal channels.^[63][64] In looking at interpersonal communication this includes personal relationships, or professional relationship.^[64] With the lens of LGBTQ+ these dynamics can include dating, marriage, friendship, peers, and supervisor/subordinate relationships.^[64] LGBTQ+ communication also focus on disabled queer and trans people to have a voice and a place in the community.^[65] LGBTQ+ individuals engage in communication practices that challenge heteronormativity within their interpersonal relationships.^[66] By navigating and researching these interpersonal relationships we can explore the intimacy, commitment, and family structures.^[66]

LGBTQ+ dating and communication

Interpersonal communication involves navigating various challenges related to identity, disclosure, and making connection.^[67] Researchers have found that for individuals in the community, dating apps have become the primary way for gaining connections.^[68] Using platforms like Grindr is not only used to find romantic partners but also with helping in seeking support.^[67][68] A study found that the use of dating apps "helped strengthen the feeling of having a gay neighborhood".^[68] Digital media platforms are important for gay communities in various parts of the world, such as in China.^[68] With platforms like Grindr have been described as spaces where queer individuals experience a sense of connection.^[68][69] Interpersonal communication is significantly influenced by stressors within only the LGBTQ+ communities, including societal discrimination, stigmas, and internalized negative beliefs.^[69] Communication studies research shows that offline and online discrimination, affect the LGBTQ+ community, and with the use of LGBTQ+ Facebook groups may serve as a factor.^[70]

LGBTQ+ marriage and communication

Interpersonal communication scholars examine how same-sex couples manage privacy from not only society but also from their families.^[71] In result of this, it affects the overall relationships of these couples including issues with intimacy and trust and support within their own relationship and family relationship.^[71][72] LGBTQ+ individuals will often withhold information especially surrounding their marriage out of fear of lack of understanding or supportive from family members.^[71] With these challenges, LGBTQ+ people to learn how to navigate communicating with their families while still trying to foster intimacy and connection in their marriage.^[71] Within LGBTQ+ marriages, spouses have to navigate communicating with their larger family individually and also together as a couple.^[73] In their marriages, LGBTQ+ people often create their own families as well, and within these families, they encounter unique obstacles like discrimination, legal issues, barriers to accessing to benefits, and overall societal critiques of their marriage.^[71]

LGBTQ+ friendship and communication

Friendships are made through communication, and creating friendships is important for members of the LGBTQ community.^[74] Interpersonal communication researchers look at how social media platforms provide ways for queer communities to establish friendships and connections.^[74] Types of connections range from dating opportunities, casual hookups, mental/physical support, and safety.^[74] Research shows that LGBTQ+ people use social media apps for establishing safe connections with others, including sites such as Gaydar and Gay.com.^[74] The study also recommended LGBTQ+ people remain cautious when using social media apps, especially when some can be victims of catfishing or harassment.^[75]

Language is also another way that LGBTQ+ people build friendships through communication. With language, those who are part of the community can form their own way of communicating with one another that others may not understand.^[75] Researchers have found that there are many terms that have their own definitions; terms such as SNAP or Playful Putdowns can be used as a safety measure to defend LGBTQ+ people from mental and physical assault.^[75] This study showed that LGBTQ+ people feel safe when gender and sexuality terms are spoken by others who speak the language.^[75]

Communicating friendship can be distinct in different LGBTQ+ groups. Research on gay male friendship circles found that communicating vibrant personalities and through putting on drag performances, gay men can gain the attention of a potential friend.^[75] Studies also show that lesbians tend to have more same sex friends unlike gay men who may have mixed gender queer friends.^[76] The research also found that friendship and inclusion was created by not only LGBTQ+ people but also heterosexuals and cisgender people who respected someone’s pronouns and creating more gender inclusive spaces.^[76] For example, youth summer camps can create safe spaces including converting bathrooms, sorting by age, and providing name tags with pronouns to help LGBTQ+ youth connect.^[76]

LGBTQ+ peer bullying

Interpersonal communication scholars have researched LGBTQ+ bullying by peers in schools and universities, which has been a reoccurring issue throughout the United States and the globe. The data gathered from the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network) and HRC (Human Rights Campaign) surveys show how hard things are for LGBTQ+ youth, including being bullied and having to deal with rules and regulations that are biased against them.^[77] These things not only hurt students' grades, but they also harm the way they feel and their lives.^[77] Studies have shown LGBTQ+ bullying in schools and universities lacks a structure for change to create safer and more supportive environments for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.^[78] Communication researchers have proposed a solution for LGBTQ+ peer bullying: to promote innovative communication approaches, such as educator training.^[77] Researchers have also emphasized how crucial it is to establish inclusive settings and question cultural norms that support bullying behaviors.^[78] Researchers stress how important it is for GSAs (Gay Straight Alliances) to support and speak up for LGBTG+ students; they emphasize that GSAs can help stop bullying, get more people to help, and make schools less intimidating for LGBTQ+ students.^[78]

LGBTQ+ supervisor and subordinate communication

Research demonstrates that communication between LGBTQ+ employees and their supervisors and subordinates has an impact on their interpersonal relationships, which are crucial to employee satisfaction in organizations.^[79] When studying LGBTQ+ relationships at work, research has shown that through verbal indicators like recognizing LGBTQ+ support in discussions, bringing up LGBTQ+ events or social engagements, and using preferred pronouns, supervisors can convey their intentions of support as allies.^[80] Researchers call to action to reduce health inequalities in the work area by putting health needs faced by LGBTQ+ workers first in research and interventions, such as providing them with access to healthcare, mental health support, and tools for transitioning. ^[79] The study considers the complex process by which LGBTQ+ employees choose if a coworker is an ally, handles the difficulties of making sense, and builds models. ^[80] A systematic literature review on LGBTQ+ workers in communication research highlighted the importance for managers and coworkers to support LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in practice for LGBTQ+ workers’ safety and support and to retain queer and trans employees.^[79]

LGBTQ+ family communication

Family communication is the interactions within a family that influence behaviors and relationships in a familial aspect.^[55] It is how family members share information, express feelings, and resolve conflicts; it shapes both personal and social development within the families for the individuals. LGBTQ+ parenting remains understudied in communication studies compared to other areas of LGBTQ+ Communication Studies.^[49] Within the context of LGBTQ+ family communication, research has found that family can be defined more expansively to include ties that are selected and marked by acceptance, love, and support rather than just biological or married criteria.^[49] According to a qualitative study that was captured in an interactive art project during a Pride festival, LGBTQ+ people and their allies typically view family through the prism of unconditional love and acceptance rather than traditional familial relationships.^[49]

LGBTQ+ parent-child communication

LGBTQ+ family communication scholarship focuses on parent-child communication, which are the interactions within a family that shape children’s cognitive abilities and influence their academic life through different types of conversation and conformity orientations.^[81] Parent’s view of their child after they come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is important to parent-child communication.^[81] Parents understanding of their child's communicated perspective-taking (CPT), which is the process of viewing someone’s situation from their perspective, while their child is in the process of coming out and viewing the themes from each story, helps to make connections; positive well-being is connected to themes like casual acceptance, offering help, and admitting difficulties.^[81]

In LGBTQ+ families, researchers found the steps to take for proper family communication are, evaluate family dynamics, bust myths, grieve the loss of a heterosexual family paradigm (the ideal that heterosexual families are the only “right” standard in society), and to build a welcoming family atmosphere.^[53] This work emphasizes the evolving social perspectives on queer identities and emphasizes the significance of establishing therapeutic environments that are affirming and supportive for LGBTQ+ adolescents and their families.^[53]

LGBTQ+ coming out communication in families

In family communication literature, "coming out" is often examined as an important act of communication that has the power to alter family dynamics, impacting an individual's identity as well as their interpersonal ties with their family. Parental rejection, after coming out, leads to the weakening of identity development in young men who identify as gay according to past research, which then heightens feelings of shame and detachment in young gay men.^[82] Romantic relationships may offer a reparative influence on their self-esteem and identity acceptance​​ in replacement of that loss of family acceptance.^[82] On the opposite spectrum, we see the dynamic shift when it is the parent coming out to their child, and everything that comes with it.^[83]

Lesbian parents identified crucial dialogues for family identity with their children, coming out, dealing with society’s opinions, and hosting commitment ceremonies.^[83] This open dialogue helps to foster and reinforce a sense of 'normalcy' and belonging despite societal opinions or discrimination and bring open communication for the family early on.^[83]

Children's reactions to their parents' coming out as lesbian or gay can be both negative and positive initially, and research found that parents’ coming out communication process leads to better understanding and emotional support in families.^[84] To create open dialogue, they found that emphasizing the intricacy and varying nature of children's emotional and verbal responses​​ built a better overall family communication style between parent and child.^[84]

LGBTQ+ adoption and communication

Researchers in family communication analyzes how same sex adoptive parents are faced with the heteronormative attitudes towards sexuality (that heterosexuality is the only normal way to parent) like communicating with adoption agencies that prioritize heterosexual and traditional family structures.^[85] In LGBTQ+ adoption and communication research, same sex parents are subject to more judgements and social pressures from society.^[85] For instance, when starting school, children of LGBTQ+ faces higher feelings of exclusion than their peers.  Similarly, LGBTQ+ adoptive parents must negotiate misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community from heteronormative assumptions.^[85]

Communication research has found that LGBTQ+ adoptive parents and families can be deemed as a “bad parent” due to historical views on family. They face public misinformation that LGBTQ+ parents raise adopted children to be gay as well.^[86] These assumptions come from the heteronormative notions of reproduction and what the heterosexual world views on what makes a family according to scholarship.^[86] Scholars have argued that communicating new meanings of family is important for LGBTQ+ families to feel included in society.^[86]

Little is known on how same sex couples approach communication with youth about puberty because past studies show that in heterosexual relationships, the mother normally handles sexual health communication.^[87] Adoptive children reported having questioned their family history during teenage years, and a lot of times adoptive parents don't have access to that information, which impacted children’s identities.^[87]

Communicating LGBTQ+ chosen families

In LGBTQ+ communities, chosen families are common and serve as a crucial support system that has prompted researchers to look into how these families are created and communicated.^[88] Chosen family is a term used to describe families that are created voluntarily rather than being connected biologically.^[89] LGBTQ+ family and organizational communication research has examined how chosen families are communicated.^[88] Due to isolation transgender and nonbinary people face from their birth families, research has investigated how nonprofit organizations can create chosen families with trans community members to create connections and a sense of belonging in new communities.^[88] In LGBTQ+ communities, having a “chosen family” is common among individuals who are frequently disapproved of by their blood relatives.^[88]

LGBTQ+ organizational communication

LGBTQ+ organizing affects the way queer and trans folks communicate with each other and others.^[90] LGBTQ+ organizing is important within LGBTQ+ communication because it studies the importance, impact, and influence of the LGBTQ+ community by and for one another.^[91] It also impacts how queer people express themselves through intersectional identities and whether or not they face certain injustices because of it. LGBTQ+ organizing also includes policies that relate to LGBTQ+ people like workplace discrimination and disclosure.^[85] LGBTQ+ organizational communication includes communication between LGBTQ+ community members who are working towards a common goal within an organizational setting, such as workplaces, nonprofits, and student groups.^[92]

LGBTQ+ workers' communication

Researchers look at LGBTQ+ workers when studying LGBTQ+ communication to better understand the policies that negatively or positively impact queer and transgender workers.^[93] Researchers analyze how these employees are treated in the workplace, especially regarding heteronormative and traditional family values and expectations.^[94] There is an impact of discriminatory biases on what a family or employee should look and act like, and this directly affects the comfort and stability of queer folks in the workplace, according to studies.^[94] There is a dilemma that LGBTQ+ workers face when posting on social media, especially when deciding to be out or closeted on their personal accounts.^[95] There is a challenge of being "professional" and a question of why LGBTQ+ lifestyles are considered to be "reckless" or "inappropriate" for work. ^[95]

Communicating LGBTQ+ organizational policies

There are many policies that prevent people within the LGBTQ+ workers from expressing their sexuality or gender.^[96] In the United States, some states that have policies and laws that do not protect LGBTQ+ people from workplace discrimination.^[96] This impacts their wages, the way they are treated in the workplace, their potential for promotion and hiring, as well as decreases their job satisfaction.^[96] Communication research on the United States military studied the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy until 2010 that kept people enlisted in the military from being open about their sexuality.^[86]

In academic settings like schools, colleges, and universities disclosure of sexuality becomes difficult for many teachers and professors.^[97] As of 2020 there are 29 states that have policies that do not protect LGBTQ+ people from workplace discrimination this makes disclosure a sensitive topic as being open about one's sexuality may lead to less productive work by students, discrimination by colleagues or parents, and can lead to teachers and professors losing their jobs.^[97] Many factors such as race, age, and gender can also impact how a teacher disclosure is received and helps teachers determine if it is safe to communicate about their sexuality and/or gender identity.^[97] Research shows that the United States does have some policies in place that protect LGBTQ+ people.^[87] The United States refugee laws say that LGBTQ+ people are recognized as a social group and can become refugees in the United States.^[87] The refugee laws in the United States have allowed for thousands of LGBTQ+ people from Latin America to flee from persecution in their countries since 1994.^[97]

LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizing and communication

Although Facebook has a powerful influence, it's important to analyze the availability and ease of finding LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations through the popular social media site.^[98] Nonprofit organizations utilize social media to advocate for and promote their LGBTQ+ advocacy and challenge anti-LGBTQ+ policies. ^[98] Because of this, there is an emphasis on the importance of the attention of social media to advocate for and promote nonprofit organizations for LGBTQ+ folks.^[98] Organizational communication has investigated an LGBTQ+ blog in China that looks through a co-cultural theory analysis and researches the types of communication within this blog.^[99] This nonprofit organization discusses a notable difference between gay liberation in the United States versus gay oppression in China, and how homosexuality/transgenderism goes against the main religions in China.^[99] Because of this oppression, they use blogs to communicate and support each other.^[99]

LGBTQ+ student organizational communication

Organizational communication research investigates how LGBTQ+ students seek ways to create a sense of community and belonging through the implementation of clubs and organizations within their school campus.^[100] In the late 1990s, a study found that gay groups were denied recognition by their university because people feared that gay student organizations would corrupt the morals of their fellow students attending the university. Gay and lesbian students were not able to organize, be recognized by the university, or practice the act of associating with fellow gay and lesbian students until after the 1972 court case of Healy v. James.^[100] Universities denying the official recognition of gay and lesbian organizations made it difficult for gay and lesbian students to create a sense of community or belonging.^[100] Communication research has found that students join LGBTQ+ organizations within their school's campus to find a place away from the outside judgments from fellow students and concerns of acceptance at home. Creating and maintaining a culture of inclusion within an educational setting can create a safe space for LGBTQ+ students.^[101] Scholarship has found that the main activities within these LGBTQ+ on-campus organizations were conversations with school staff, faculty, and fellow students so that LGBTQ+ students could voice their wants, needs, and opinions.^[101]

Researchers found that it is important to maintain LGBTQ+ student organizations even when tensions arise.^[102] Communication scholars have researched the responses from universities, individuals outside LGBTQ+ student organizations, and individuals outside the LGBTQ+ student community can vary.^[102] Researchers have located three main tensions when it comes to the creation and maintenance of LGBT student organizations, difference and unity, apathy and commitment, disempowerment and empowerment.^[102] LGBT student-led organizations tend to think of the organization as a community regardless of the tensions identified.^[102]

LGBTQ+ sex work and communication

Researchers and activists across fields have examined sex work and advocacy for sex workers, including sex workers' rights.^[103] The limited communication studies research on LGBTQ+ sex work has examined how it is criminalized, the potential of legalization, and the shutdowns the workers face.^[104] Scholars have also examined the impact of COVID-19 on pornography and sex work as it has moved to mostly online.^[104] Studies have noted the impact of transgender pornstars and pornography and how it relates to sexual desires/preferences and gender fluidity as well as how they communicate with one another.^[105]

LGBTQ+ health communication

The examination and research of LGBTQ+ health communication is important because it creates a way for healthcare organizations to improve the quality of healthcare provided to individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.^[106] It improves the quality of life and any individuals experience. HIV/AIDS is an issue that affects many people in the LGBTQ+ community in terms of health and the negative stigmas that hindered research and proper disclosure of information for the disease.^[107]

LGBTQ+ patient-provider communication

AL's section

Communicating LGBTQ+ health disparities

AL's section

HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ health communication

LGBTQ+ health communication scholars have researched HIV/AIDS extensively. Early researchers have examined how HIV/AIDS determines people's idea about sex and sexuality, including impacting how those with HIV communicate and how they think about themself.^[108] The HIV / AIDS epidemic has also created negative stigmas and stereotypes about certain LGBTQ+ groups. For example, researchers have studied how HIV-positive men who have sex with men must navigate their sex life attempting to avoid tricky or taboo topics when communicating.^[109]  Misinformation is a common theme with HIV communication according to a study done on bisexual women in Canada that discussed how difficult it was for bisexual women to get the correct sexual health information.^[109] Many of the campaigns used fear based approaches that the bisexual women found ineffective in promoting behavioral change.^[109] What they wanted the most was practical information about HIV prevention that would educate using diverse examples of gender and culture.  A different research project found discourse on AIDS in the intersection of medicine and politics.^[107] State governments create negative stigmas by quarantining and killing HIV patients.^[107] The government's tactics ultimately slowed the process of finding the cure for HIV and put many people's lives at risk. This marginalization becomes a theme in the LGBTQ+ community where they have to overcome hurtful stigmas and redefine their goals time and time again.^[107]

LGBTQ+ mental health communication

AL's section

LGBTQ+ Latina/o/x/e health communication

LGBTQ+ individuals who are also a part of Latina/o/x/e communities can experience health disparities, which are preventable differences that pertain to health tied to patients' identities.^[110] Many different aspects of healthcare affect LGBTQ+ Latina/o/x/e individuals including family communication, disclosure of their identity and sexuality during healthcare visits, and the stigmas created around sexual health.^[111] Researchers found that communication around the topic of sexual health is a complicated task that has roots in communication and identity. LGB Latinx individuals experience a stigma that can increase health disparities that white individuals might not experience.^[110] The disclosure of a patient's identity might not be in the best interest of the patient because that information might be released.^[111]

Health communication researchers have found that medical professionals place Latino/LGBTQ+ youth into one large category and that Hispanic households ignore the topic of sexuality. This can make it difficult to disclose information in a healthcare setting.^[111] Researchers focused on the film,"Tal Como Somos" whose goal is to reduce the negative attitudes and generalizations towards gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) Latinos.^[112] The filmmakers have stated that they want both families and healthcare professionals to have positive attitudes towards GBT Latinos because research shows that when negative attitudes towards GBT Latinos decrease then their mental health, physical health, and personal relationships will be affected positively.^[112]

Trans-affirming health communication

Health communication research investigates how transgendered individuals need to have places where they will not feel vulnerable or discriminated against in healthcare settings to safely access care.^[113] Healthcare professionals who are practicing trans-affirming healthcare communication can result in an improved quality of care for transgender people. Transgender people should also feel comfortable enough to disclose their health and sexuality to both their providers and their sexual partners through interpersonal communication.^[114]

Researchers have stated that individuals who identify as transgender need to practice interpersonal communication through safer sex talk with their partner.^[113] Scholarship has shown that transgender people who engage in safe sex talks with their partner also engage in safe sex practices like using a condom, discussing sexual history, dental dams, and rubber gloves to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids. For transgender individuals to participate in safe sex talks and practices they must feel like the environment they are in is safe enough to do so.^[113]

Communication researchers have found that transgender people are an underserved population in healthcare, and they face difficulties when it comes to receiving culturally competent healthcare.^[115] Researchers have found that healthcare professionals and providers can help improve health communication for transgender individuals by creating a positive office environment, creating outreach and transgender health promotions, and healthcare providers can participate in personnel training to help improve their interactions with their transgender patients.^[115] Due to fear and the possibility of negative consequences like emotional and physical violence, transgender patients may withhold information about their identity according to researchers.^[114] Research has shown that transgender patients anticipate some stigmas and assumptions by medical providers during their visits.^[114] Transgender patients consider an inclusive co-cultural healthcare environment to be a healthcare provider providing positive and respectful health communication. Researchers also state that healthcare organizations and providers can create a welcoming environment for transgender individuals through the implementation of trans-friendly infographics.^[116] Scholarship has found that transgender patients would benefit if all healthcare organization staff were required to participate in a trans-awareness training program.^[116]

LGBTQ+ intercultural and intercultural communication studies

LGBTQ+ individuals exist throughout all cultures and countries. LGBTQ+ Intercultural communication and International communication highlights the differences and similarities between cultures, international LGBTQ+ communication theories, and how migration and immigration affects queer and trans individuals globally. ^[117] LGBTQ+ intercultural communication studies look specifically at the culture and social impact that LGBTQ+ individuals experience while LGBTQ+ international communication studies look at the differences that LGBTQ+ individuals experience based on their geographic region. ^[117]

LGBTQ+ migration and immigration communication

Communication researchers have analyzed how immigrants in the United States are often shown in a poor light, being painted as criminals and a threat to nationality due to the media representation on immigration.^[118] In addition to the media representation of immigrants being one sided, giving only a certain view of undocumented individuals, as a whole, immigration is underrepresented in the media.^[118]  Queer undocumented individuals face an intersectional (overlapping discrimination based on different identities) type of discrimination.^[118] While navigating their new lives in a new country, they are also facing discrimination based on their sexuality or gender.^[118] Even in countries with more accepting views towards the LGBTQ+ community, the life of a queer migrant is still difficult to navigate.^[119] The culture of LGBTQ+ individuals differs regionally and internationally which is an added stressor to queer migration. ^[119]

Communication scholarship that has examined countries such as the Netherlands, where LGBTQ+ rights are prevalent, navigating life as a queer immigrant continues to be a psychologically strenuous journey.^[120] Queer migrants communicate stressors including seeking asylum, their uncertain futures in their new country, and cultural differences entering a new country.^[120] The addition of being LGBTQ+ adds another stressor to the individuals, migrants may fear for their safety or eligibility for asylum if it is discovered they are queer.^[120] Qualitative research reveals that many queer individuals also have residual fear or anxieties about their sexuality due to the way they were treated in their country of origin. ^[121]

Scholars have explored the migration of LGBTQ+ individuals and how they navigate family communication, support, and negative media attention.^[122] Research has also examined how LGBTQ+ migrants communicate with their families when they migrate.^[123] There has been an increase in LGBTQ+ individuals moving to South Africa due to the country's constitutional promises of nondiscrimination on gender or sexual orientation, along with job prospects.^[123]Relatives in South Africa, as well as ones in their homeland, can offer essential emotional support and assistance post-migration.^[123] Many undocumented LGBTQ immigrants do not have family that are either permanent residents or US citizens. ^[122] Rhetoric scholars have examined how rhetoric of the family is used in immigration rights and justice campaigns, and they argue that the mainstream media’s focus on family, relationships and norms are harmful to migrants, especially more vulnerable ones like the LGBTQ+ community.^[122]

Queer African communication studies

LGBTQ+ individuals across many countries in Africa experience discrimination and cultural backlash for their identities.^[124]  Communication studies researchers have explored how the traditional beliefs in Africa value male and female relationships, therefore queer relationships take away from their cultural norms, creating discourse about LGBTQ+ identities. ^[124]

In Ghana, researchers have studied the heavy discourse about the existence of LGBTQ+ identities and their acceptance in society.^[124] According to research on Ghana and queer communication studies, the existence of queer individuals is often followed by anti LGBTQ+ sentiments, such as threats of violence and blackmail.^[124]  Some same sex loving men in Ghana refuse to identify with the LGBTQ+ community due to the stigma surrounding the word "gay". ^[124] Instead, the same sex loving men in Ghana use the term "Sassoi" which means men that have relationships with other men.^[124] The Sassoi men in Ghana challenge heteronormativity and U.S LGBTQ+ identities by refusing to come out and put labels on their sexuality.^[125] Research found that these men often face communication issues in healthcare settings where they are reluctant to tell providers that they engage in sexual activity with other men.^[125]

Similar to Ghana, communication researchers studying how groups in Kenya commonly hold misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community.^[126] Cultural myths and folk tales cause individuals to fear and dislike the LGBTQ+ community.^[126] The presence of the church in Kenya often further enforces the general discourse over LGBTQ+ identities in Kenya.^[126] Scholars found that church leaders commonly communicate the cultural myths about the LGBTQ+ community, further driving the already common fear and dislike towards the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya.^[126]

Queer Asian communication studies

Queer communication studies in Asia bring in aspects of international communication and intercultural communication, focusing on the different cultural norms in Asia surrounding the queer community and the experience of LGBTQ+ individuals based on their physical country. ^[127] In Queer Asian communication studies, scholars look at the impact that western counties have on LGBTQ+ individuals in Asia. ^[128] The western and white view of queer existence in Asia impacts the Asian LGBTQ+ demographic by enforcing their views on what queer individuals in Asia should be. ^[128]

Communication research has investigated norms for queer men in Tokyo to be perceived as more feminine than western individuals, feminizing the queer community in Tokyo. ^[128] Asian queer individuals also face pressure from western societies through the idea of coming out. ^[129] In China, researchers examined the traditional valuing of heterosexual male and female relationships, which can make coming out difficult for queer individuals.^[129] They also found that gay and lesbian Chinese people focused on their connection to their families and resisted the western norms of "coming out" treated as a necessity can harm Chinese queer individuals by applying pressure for them to choose between their family and their identity. ^[129]

LGBTQ+ performance studies and autoethnography

Performance studies shows communication through personal narrative about their perspective and ongoing experiences.

LGBTQ+ performance studies

Performance studies is an area of Communication Studies that has turned towards more personal narratives and performance to analyze communication.^[130] Performance studies on LGBTQ+ communication shows that personal narrative is based on theorizing perspective and ongoing experiences.^[130] In both performance studies and autoethnographic inquiry, no one’s narrative is put above someone else’s, and dialogues within the narratives representation an individual experience there for it “stands on its own”^[130]

LGBTQ+ drag and performance studies

Queer performance, like drag, was not made from a desire to perform, but as an act of resistance.^[131] Performance through drag sought to become this resistance by being a spectacle and to grab the attention of audience members and make queer people be seen through this.^[131]

One drag was made popular through TV shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race" became popular, drag has transitioned from something made to be a resistance piece of art to something now meant for entertainment for cisheteronormative society.^[132] Cisheteronormativity is defined and understood by LGBTQ+ rhetors as the institutions that uphold heteronormativity and cis-normativity.^[133]

Performance research has explored how transgender women are impacted by modern drag because of the cis and hetero normative standards of modern drag, furthermore, it places transwomen into a new box of cisheteropatriarchalism, which is the idea and concept of institutions made for cisgender and heterosexual and the oppression they have instilled on members of the LGBTQ+ community.^[132] LGBTQ+ Communication Scholars further this by discussing the racial oppressions that is then compounded for trans Asian women and how their patriarchal standards held to them is harsher by not only having transitioned, something heavily frowned on in a large section of Asian households, but now it is amplified through drag performance, leading many of them to feel more shame from their families.^[132]

Through drag not only do drag performers have a community within themselves but they are also a central part of LGBTQ+ communities across the world with language and performative communication that was originally used by drag performers and is now more broadly used.^[134] Drag as performance is something that has been done for centuries, and its history provides an archive on queer performance and existence showcasing protest, strength, and resistance.^[131]

LGBTQ+ autoethnography and communication

Autoethnography is a form of academic writing where the author draws from their lived experiences.^[135] LGBTQ+ Communication Scholars utilize autoethnography when queer and trans scholars write about their experiences. Queer communication scholarship has utilized personal queer stories about HIV and what is like from a personal experience versus a doctor’s input to provide better health communication practices.^[136]Gay men who think they might have HIV can fear getting tested because they are worried that the doctor is going to tell people.^[136]Autoethnography uses personal experiences to better support stressful health communication encounters and to show real people’s experiences before and after they take an HIV test.^[136]

LGBTQ+ poetic inquiry

Poetic inquiry is a method that incorporates poetry and personal narratives to explore and embrace various identities and experiences.^[137] ‘Poetic' refers to an art that crafts words “to describe threshold moments,” which are ways of interpreting the world, sense and perception, as well as an art of one’s self.^[138]Poetic inquiry is a type of research communication and performance scholars use to examine lyrical and performative inquiry via poetry.^[137]

Poetic inquiry utilizes lyrical and performative modes and narrative modes of inquiry in order to promote multifaceted ways of knowing and expressing.^[137]Poetic inquiry in communication allows researchers to use poetry to analyze text and narratives.^[137]Research has called for other future communication scholars to use performative writing to understand and embrace queer culture as a whole from a holistic perspective.^[139]By intertwining academic and scholarly writing with poetry and personal narrative, scholars show how queer of color people reflect on the impact of their heritage.^[139]

LGBTQ+ communication research utilizing poetic inquiry provides space for marginalized voices to be heard and can make movements in social change that challenges normative mindsets. According to research, poetic inquiry laid out a way for participants to share their feelings, emotions, concerns, etc^[140]

LGBTQ+ rhetoric

LGBTQ+ rhetoric is the examination of techniques used by speakers writers and scholars to motivate and inform an audience on LGBTQ+ matters.^[141] Rhetoric is an art of persuasion that goes along with grammar, and logic/dialect, it is used to study techniques in speaking, writing and argument.^[142]This type of humanity based discipline is used in LGBTQ+ communities to reach out to both people within the community and outside of it to motivate and develop discovery and argument. ^[143] Rhetorical research has examined how technical communication impacts trans people, such as how documents can exclude certain groups and make them invisible.^[144] The study of rhetoric towards the LGBTQ+ community is important to provide a sense of belonging, both in the sense of political rhetoric and everyday communication^[145]. Rhetoric scholarship has also focused on the rhetoric surrounding trans individuals and the effects the discourse has on members of the trans community.^[146]

Queer counterpublics

Counterpublic (sometimes counter-public or counter public) is defined as "a subset of publics that stand in conscientious opposition to a dominant ideology and strategically subvert that ideology's construction in public discourse."^[147] Within the context of the queer community, this means standing in opposition to heteronormativity, and represents all facets of queer culture.^[148]

Counterpublics are larger than the LGBTQ+ community, but members of the community often identify heavily with the concept of a counterpublic in order to find community among heteronormativity.^[39] The concept of counterpublics allow marginalized communities to build subcultures that foster further acceptance and belonging, as well as helping build safe spaces for queer youth in areas that might not be accessible for them such as bars or club settings.^[149]

Queer public memory rhetoric

Public memory (sometimes referred to as collective memory) is defined as collective knowledge, information, memory, or shared experiences between a group that typically contributes to their identity. It can be passed on through a number of ways, such as oral tradition or written texts.^[150]

Public memory has an important connection to the LGBTQ+ community. Because of the history behind the stigmatization and discrimination against LGBTQ+ identities, the concept of public memory is often associated with traumatic memories and experiences of past violence.^[151] However, public memory has also been utilized to help garner support for LGBTQ+ movements, through showcasing the lives of people with intersectional identities whose stories tend to be underrepresented and showcasing the lives of those lost to anti-LGBTQ+ violence in order to foster unity and connection.^[152]

Public memory, especially queer public memory, takes a number of different forms, from oration to physical monuments or texts, to digital archives. Scholars have cited the importance of digital archives as a resource for education, especially because of the increased ability for public interaction.^[153]

Queer and trans social movement rhetoric

Social movements are defined as a social or political group of people trying to carry out change usually as a form of starting social change or in reaction to it. ^[154] Rhetorical research has examined how technical communication impacts trans people, and how the presence of physical representation in the world rather than just online encourages political participation and activism.^[155]One of the ways they do this is zines, as a call to action as it is a physical representation of moving from the online world into the physical.^[156] The research found based around LGBTQ+ rhetoric has found that having a physical representation can further the use of rhetor in social movements beyond written or spoken word. ^[154]The physical presence of advocacy in the world helps to spread the word of truth both inside and outside of the community making it possible for more movements similar to this one.^[156]

Queer archives in rhetoric

Queer and trans archives are collections that LGBTQ+ rhetoricians analyze.^[145] These rhetorics ask what the unique approaches and strategies are that the LGBTQ+ community have used and are using to make meaning within their communities and to continue to advance and grow in wider cultural and sociopolitical contexts. ^[157] A rhetorical analysis of professional LGBTQ+ groups looked into how institutions use their core beliefs to exclude, and the emotional impact this had on their emotional state.^[157] Another finding of theirs was that negative political feelings caused by discrimination leads to decreased participation.^[158] While another researcher found that intersectional rhetoric can encourage critics to try to comprehend power and identity and how they influence social justice.^[158] These researchers looked into the intersectionality of identities and how it affects power dynamics in both interpersonal communications and group settings.^[145]

Transgender rhetoric

Rhetorical scholars have begun to study the discussion of transgender people in sports.^[159] But recently the discussion has risen to new heights as it becomes increasingly common for either trans people joining sports, or people who have been in sports for years coming out as trans.^[146] Recently this topic has begun being researched by rhetoricians in Communication Studies to find its effects on members of trans communities.^[146]

Scholarship in rhetoric of transgender individuals in sports has agreed that these views stem from pre-existing sexism and racism, and expands, accepts, and encourages "othering" which is the social act of outcasting individuals, often whom have already been historically marginalized.^[146] This rhetoric seeking to "other" can also be found in the discussion of trans people in sports.^[159] This comes as trans people are becoming increasingly more "out" in sports.^[159] Aligning with the rhetoric of othering, states, such as Idaho, have passed legislation like the "Fairness in Women’s Sports Act" that aim at banning trans women and girls in sports designated for women and girls.^[159] Scholars argue that this aids in communicating that trans people, and specifically trans women, do not have a place within women's sports.^[159]

Ken Paxton released a statement in 2022 over trans healthcare for youth that argues that gender affirming care can be viewed on the grounds of child abuse, endangerment, and sterilization, which was anlyzed as rhetorical text.^[146] Scholars argue that this letter and statements like these invalidate the trans identity and experience while telling trans individuals that they do not have a place in our society.^[146]

LGBTQ+ media studies

Lead

LGBTQ+ critical media studies

H's section

LGBTQ+ film and TV representation

H's begins

Representation in media has helped shape how society now sees LGBTQ+ communities.^[160] Representation in media can create experiences of inclusion or exclusion for marginalized or underrepresented audiences according to research.^[161] Media such as TV shows, movies, video games, books, and art play important roles in the lives of children, adolescents, and even adults.^[160] Media representation can also help eliminate stereotypes and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people.^[162] Media represents a significant advancement in LGBTQ+ representation by demonstrating how crucial it is to cultivate communication patterns.^[160]

LGBTQ+ literature and communication

H's section

LGBTQ+ social media and communication

Communication within the LGBTQ+ communities has been significantly impacted by the use of social media platforms according to research.^[163][164] In communicating on social media platforms they play a role in shaping the experiences of young LGBTQ+ individuals.^[164] Some researchers discuss how LGBTQ+ communication on social media has potential for empowerment but also note challenges with the issues of privacy concerns, online harassment, spread of misinformation and identity disclosure.^[165] For empowerment researchers have shown that amongst LGBTQ+ youth participating in communication on social media might contribute to their overall well being, improves mental health, self esteem, social support, and identity affirmation.^[164] Interacting on social media provides spaces for self-expression, identity exploration, and connections with queer and trans communities.^[164] In communicating via social media, LGBTQ+ people finds supportive networks, access to affirming their identities, and connection with others in the community.^[164]

Research on communication and social media (specifically YouTube) found that social media has given youth the courage to come out as trans and challenge gender norms.^[166] This advocacy has also had downfalls since it tends to focus framing "successful" bodily transitions, such as the ability to 'pass', rather than communicating about daily life issues.^[166] Passing means a trans person is 'gender read by their ideal gender.'^[166] "Passing" can also imply that trans people are forced to confirm to either two genders - female or male, ignoring the existence of those who do not fit either and prefer non-binary terms.^[166]

References