LGBTQ+ reported in Taiwanese Newspapers

Before and After COVID-19

Abstract

This paper aims to elucidate how Taiwan's Liberty Times (LT) and the China Times (CT) have reported on LGBTQ+ issues in Taiwan before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. The objective is to delineate differences in coverage before and after the pandemic, as well as between the two newspapers. Using a mixed analysis approach, significant differences were identified in part regarding the number of articles and frequent words in LT and CT. Pre- and Post-COVID-19, both newspapers continued to report from a multidimensional perspective encompassing legal, political, social, and cultural aspects, while also shifting focus towards international developments and specific thematic progressions. In terms of differences between the two newspapers, LT highlighted Taiwan's legal advancements and leadership in LGBTQ+ issues, while CT focused on international trends and cultural events.