Journalists on a Journey: Towards Responsible Media on Transgender Participation in Sport

Abstract

This paper draws upon interviews to reveal how a small minority of journalists are working towards more ethical approaches to representing transgender participation in sport. Writing in a context of a growing transphobic discourse in both the mainstream media and public sentiment, we examine the learning journeys of six sport journalists reporting on transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard’s participation in the Tokyo Olympic Games. The paper reveals variable reflexive considerations; ongoing efforts to educate themselves, colleagues and readers; varying levels of care in sourcing practices (i.e., members of the transgender community; scientists and anti-trans groups); and considerations about their responsibilities amidst rising transphobic discourse and online abuse. Engaging with recent writings on journalistic ethics and reflection-in-practice, this paper offers an example of the possibilities for more reflexive and responsible reporting on issues of social and political importance.

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