Mainstream News Media Representation of the LGBT Community in Malaysia: Progression or Regression?

This study examines the discursive strategies employed in Malaysian online newspapers to represent the LGBT community. Using the Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), this qualitative research focuses on news articles published in 2023, drawing from three mainstream Malaysian newspapers: The Star Online, Harian Metro and China Press (). The findings show that nomination strategies categorize LGBT individuals through broad labels such as "LGBT" or specific terms like "gay" or "transgender." Predication strategies reinforce negative associations, often depicting LGBT individuals as morally or culturally deviant. Argumentation strategies reveal that conservative perspectives dominate, particularly those based on religious and cultural arguments, while economic, legal and human rights perspectives are present but are often secondary to traditional views. Perspectivization strategies highlight the use of authoritative voices, such as religious leaders and politicians, to legitimize dominant narratives. Intensification strategies, such as active verbs and augmentatives, highlight perceived risks linked to LGBT issues, while mitigation strategies, including modal verbs, allow newspapers to address these topics without taking a firm stance. Malaysian newspapers construct a layered portrayal of the LGBT community, framing them as distinct and as challenging norms while aligning narratives with cultural sensitivities, thereby reinforcing an "us" versus "them" dynamic.