Honors College Theses
Publication Date
2024
Major
Sociology (B.S.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (open access)
Faculty Mentor
Nancy Malcom
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between events related to trans athletes and their portrayal in the media. This research project focuses on the accomplishment of one trans athlete, Lia Thomas, winning a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 swimming championship in 2022. Articles from three newspapers of differing biases: The Washington Post, USA Today, and Washington Examiner, and one local newspaper of Thomas’ competing state, Philadelphia Daily News, were used in this analysis. Emerging themes were identified and codes were developed. These recurring themes and codes revealed differences in how newspapers reported on this event as well as a shared concern for the future of women’s sports.
Thesis Summary
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between events related to trans athletes and their portrayal in the media. This research project focuses on the accomplishment of one trans athlete, Lia Thomas, winning a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 swimming championship in 2022. Articles from three newspapers of differing biases: The Washington Post, USA Today, and Washington Examiner, and one local newspaper of Thomas’ competing state, Philadelphia Daily News, were used in this analysis. Emerging themes were identified and codes were developed. These recurring themes and codes revealed differences in how newspapers reported on this event as well as a shared concern for the future of women’s sports.
Recommended Citation
Davidson, Sierra L., "The Portrayals of Trans Athlete Accomplishments in Newspapers" (2024). Honors College Theses. 933.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/933
