Association between exposure to gender and sexual diversity in media (GSDM) and Thai adolescents' attitude towards LGBT individuals: a cross-sectional study in Bangkok schools.

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, global media has increasingly represented lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, contributing to greater societal acceptance of diverse sexualities and gender identities. However, in Thailand, negative attitudes towards LGBT individuals remain prevalent, and media portrayals, both positive and negative, play a critical role in shaping public perceptions. These portrayals can significantly influence how different groups, particularly adolescents, view LGBT individuals. Given the importance of media in shaping attitudes, this study aims to explore the association between Thai adolescents' exposure to gender and sexual diversity in media (GSDM) and their stigmatising attitudes towards LGBT individuals.

SETTING

A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the first and second semesters of the academic year 2021 in eight schools located in Bangkok, Thailand.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescents from these schools completed a survey assessing demographics, exposure to GSDM, and stigmatising attitudes towards LGBT individuals. The LGBTQ stigma scale was used for attitudes, and media exposure was measured using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was conducted to test the association between exposure to GSDM and stigmatising attitudes.

RESULTS

Out of 553 participants, with an average age of 16.34 years (ranging from 14 to 20 years), a third identified as LGBT (34.72%). Participants had moderate exposure to both positive and negative GSDM content (PGSDM and NGSDM, respectively), with those assigned female at birth more exposed to PGSDM than those assigned male at birth, and exhibiting lower levels of stigmatisation. Adolescents assigned female at birth and those who identified as LGBT displayed significantly lower stigmatisation than those assigned male at birth and non-LGBT individuals. Adolescents overall exhibited generally low stigmatisation towards LGBT individuals, with higher levels of stigmatisation linked to exposure to NGSDM (=0.80, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.25). In contrast, PGSDM exposure was associated with reduced stigmatisation (=-2.73, 95% CI -3.10 to -2.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Thai adolescents generally exhibit low levels of stigmatisation towards LGBT individuals. The study found an association between positive GSDM exposure and lower levels of stigmatisation, while negative exposure was linked to higher levels of stigmatisation. These findings suggest that media literacy programmes emphasising positive portrayals of gender diversity may be beneficial in promoting acceptance and reducing bias.