From “Gay Marriage Controversy” (2004) to “Endorsement of Same-Sex Marriage” (2012): Framing Bisexuality in the Marriage Equality Discourse

• Published in: Sexuality & culture Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 512 - 524
• Main Authors: Hackl, Andrea M., Boyer, C. Reyn, Galupo, M. Paz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.09.2013; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Bisexuality; Couples; Discourse; Equality; Homosexuality; Lesbianism; Marriage; Media coverage; Original Paper; Personality and Social Psychology; Psychology; Regional and Cultural Studies; Same sex marriage; Sexual orientation; Sexual Preferences; Social Sciences; Transsexuality; Sexual orientation; Bisexuality; New York Times; Gay marriage; Marriage equality; Same-sex marriage
• ISSN: 1095-5143; 1936-4822
• DOI: 10.1007/s12119-012-9159-9

The current study analyzes the evolution of language used to discuss marriage equality in The New York Times between February and May 2004 and February and May 2012. Specifically, the study examines how sexual orientation labels were used as modifiers for “marriage,” “couples,” and “individuals.” Results indicate that the language evolved from a focus on the sexual orientation label gay in 2004 to a more inclusive language, with same - sex as the predominant modifier for marriage and couples in 2012. Further, while the overall language in The New York Times became more inclusive of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community at large, bisexual women and men are still largely absent within the marriage equality discourse.