From invisible to extraordinary: Representations of older LGBTQ persons in Canadian print and online news media

The purpose of this study was to examine how older LGTBQ adults were portrayed in mainstream Canadian newspapers and popular magazines. Our sample included stories that were published in English between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 in three national newspapers, 13 provincial newspapers, one national online news website, and the five most widely-read popular magazines whose readerships included or catered to the mature market. Our content and thematic analyses of our sample of 190 stories resulted in three overarching findings: a) older LGBTQ adults were largely invisible; b) older LGBTQ persons were often depicted as victims of historical and ongoing discrimination and social exclusion; and c) older LGBTQ individuals were frequently portrayed as extraordinary role models and icons who demonstrated resilience and had paved the way for the younger generations. We discuss our findings in light of the extant research and theorizing concerning the role of the media in reflecting, reproducing, and/or challenging dominant social norms and ideologies, including heterosexism, homophobia, and age-based prejudice. •Relatively few print or news stories considered LGBTQ older adults or aging issues.•Stories about LGBTQ older persons and issues tended to focus on past discrimination•Stories positioned older LGBTQ persons as victims, survivors, activists, and icons.•Print and news stories render older LGBTQ persons both invisible yet extraordinary.