Analysis of the informational treatment of sexual diversity in digital media in Honduras

Abstract

One of the first lessons learned when studying communication for development in journalism is that the basic functions of the media are to inform, educate, and entertain. Through information, the media provides society with knowledge about the realities that surround us and thus, depending on the focus given to it, will serve to either highlight or discredit them. Communicators must be especially respectful when offering news that affects the LGTBI population, grounded in respect, which is not merely tolerance. Respect entails recognizing the other person as an equal, acknowledging differences, and committing to the existence of a space of freedom in which to coexist. Members of
the LGBTIQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer), like the rest of Hondurans, also enjoy the same constitutional rights, but the problem intensifies when communication professionals, institutions, and some sectors overlook these guarantees when the events are related to sexual diversity, and part of recognizing them is to receive correct informational treatment from the media. For this reason, the media must reflect the reality of LGBTIQ+ people in all possible spheres.
To do so, it is necessary to seek, work on, and also convey positive references. This way, a media narrative that highlights their reality in all its breadth and dimensions is obtained. It has been proven that sometimes it can be complicated, as the right to privacy and respect for each person's image must be prioritized. Therefore, it is advisable to accept this challenge based on the collaboration of LGBTIQ+ people and the media that construct the audiovisual, editorial, digital, and radio discourse about all of them.