A Study on Media Representation of Homosexuality in Modern Culture in Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the portrayal of homosexuality by the Kenyan media:The objectives of the study were: To find out how the media represents homosexuality and how it affects the religious and postmodern beliefs on homosexuality and how representation affects their perception and attitudes. The study adapted a descriptive researcher design given that some of the variables could not be measured but could only be described using descriptive statistic. Stratified random sampling was done to get 220 from a target population of 420. Questionnaires were used as a tool of collecting data. Questionnaires were administered to religious pastor leaders, the gay community and the media staff to gather information required for the study. The information collected was analyzed using SPPS for cross tabulation and to generate frequencies and statistical graphs for the interpretation of data. The findings were presented through tables and charts for easy understanding. The findings showed that the media plays a role in influencing people‟s perception, attitude and belief on homosexuality. Pastors leaders felt that media representation of homosexuality affects their Christian teachings on homosexuality that is wrong and sinful and they were not happy with the way media represents homosexuality as normal while they felt homosexuality is wrong and sinful. Most respondent from the church felt that they will not change their position on homosexuality in future. Many respondents from the churches are worried that the modern culture as it poses a threat to Christian teachings and post modernism is to be blamed on the increase of homosexuality. The media professionals felt that reporting on sexuality is done in accordance with media ethics and part of their work to enlighten and inform the public on what is happening, though many agreed that postmodernism was changing how people perceived the gay community. There is also need for the concerned parties and especially the churches to change the way they think about the homosexuality and that the church should openly have discussions on homosexuality other than avoiding it given that many young men are living in denial as gays. There is need for the media houses to report responsibly to ensure that the youth are not given content information that they cannot handle. There is need to integrate the gay community and the normal communities by accepting them, if ever the community needs to change them.