Defining Homosexuality: News Coverage of the `Repeal the Ban' Controversy

Abstract

This paper examines news coverage in the Washington Post of President Clinton's attempt to repeal the ban on gay men and lesbians in the military. The analysis found that coverage presented a male, heterosexist discourse which reinforced homophobic myths and stereotypes, promoted militarism and rendered women invisible while legitimating arguments against repeal of the ban. The analysis also demonstrates how gender, race, class and sexual orientation were constructed within the narrative to support the argument against repeal. The findings point to ways in which `gay-ness' and `lesbian-ness' can be rearticulated to promote positive social change.

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