Coverage of Methamphetamine in GLBT Newspapers

Abstract

Research demonstrates that methamphetamine is a serious problem in gay communities. This study examined the framing of methamphetamine in nine gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) newspapers. Results showed that methamphetamine was framed as a “gay problem,” that sexual health and solutions frames were prevalent, and that GLBT newspapers covered methamphetamine in a way that is similar to how they covered AIDS in the 1980s. Implications for health campaigns are discussed.

Notes

¹We defined “abstinence-based strategies” as messages stating that methamphetamine use should be avoided at all costs.

²We defined “harm reduction-based strategies” as messages stating that individuals should “safely” use methamphetamine (i.e., by not sharing needles or by engaging in safer-sex practices).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joseph Schwartz

Joseph Schwartz (Ph.D., University of Iowa, 2009) is a Post-Doctoral Associate at Northeastern University. His research interests include media framing of health issues and media representation of gays and lesbians.

Aaron Willis

Aaron Willis (A.M., University of Chicago, 2004) is a social worker. His clinical and research interests involve the identification and dissemination of evidence-based practice for mental health, substance abuse, and family systems therapeutic interventions.