Report: Data to Dialogue

This research report examines the evolution and current state of LGBTQI+ media coverage in Trinidad and Tobago over the past three decades. The study reveals a significant improvement in the frequency and visibility of LGBTQI+ narratives within the media landscape. Enhanced representation has contributed to greater societal awareness and acceptance, marking substantial progress from the previously limited and often stigmatised portrayals.

Despite these advancements, several critical challenges persist. The depth of reporting remains superficial, with many stories lacking comprehensive analysis and meaningful engagement with LGBTQI+ issues. Story angles frequently fail to capture the complexity and diversity of the community, resulting in a narrow depiction that does not fully represent the spectrum of LGBTQI+ experiences. There is also a notable deficiency in representing a wide array of voices, particularly those from varied gender identities, sexual orientations, and intersecting marginalised groups.

The media’s coverage often overlooks key human rights issues affecting the LGBTQI+ community, neglecting to highlight the systemic discrimination and legal challenges that impede full societal inclusion. Furthermore, the aspect of intersectionality—how various social identities such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status intersect and impact individuals’ experiences—is rarely addressed, leading to a fragmented and incomplete understanding of the community’s dynamics.

A significant finding of this report is the linkage between non-heterosexual identities and the concept of non-citizenship. Legislative frameworks and prevailing social norms in Trinidad and Tobago often marginalise LGBTQI+ individuals, effectively rendering them as outsiders within their own society. This association undermines their rights and hinders their pursuit of equal citizenship and belonging. These factors contribute to the stigmatisation and alienation of LGBTQI+ individuals, reinforcing their marginalised status within society.