LGBTIQ+ Representation in the South Caucasus Media (2023)

Marking the 5th edition of QueeRadar’s annual report, we’re excited to share this significant milestone with our audience. Since our start in 2020, QueeRadar has provided an in-depth look at LGBTIQ+ representation in Azerbaijani media, which remains a major influence on public perception and attitudes.

This year, we broadened our analysis to include Armenia and Georgia, enabling valuable comparisons across the South Caucasus. By partnering with local researchers, QueeRadar expands its reach, offering readers a fuller understanding of media landscapes and the manifestations of hate speech in the region.

Key Highlights from the Annual Monitoring

  • Media freedoms vary across the region. Azerbaijan, with tight governmental control, ranks 164 out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index. Here, 82% of LGBTIQ+-related media coverage was found to be biased, and only 6% framed queer rights within a human rights context. By contrast, Armenia, ranked 43rd, has made strides in media freedom but still struggles with polarisation and queerphobic coverage, especially in media with strong political affiliations. Georgia, ranking 103rd, occupies a middle ground where press freedom exists but is tempered by social conservatism, affecting LGBTIQ+ representation.
  • Nationalistic rhetoric and regional tensions: In Azerbaijan, media often characterises queer identities as “foreign” influences, using nationalistic rhetoric to stigmatise LGBTIQ+ communities. This tactic plays into existing regional tensions, particularly by framing queer identities as threats to “national values.” In Armenia and Georgia, a similar trend is noted, with queer issues often being used to discredit political opponents. By analysing these cross-border dynamics, QueeRadar highlights how nationalism and geopolitics frequently influence queer representation.
  • Language and inclusivity: Across all three countries, the language used to describe LGBTIQ+ identities varies widely, affecting inclusivity. While there is a gradual increase in terms like “LGBTIQ+” and “queer,” media often still relies on outdated or derogatory expressions. This gap in inclusive language significantly impacts public perceptions.
  • Challenges of hate speech: In all three countries, hate speech remains a challenge, though its intensity and forms differ. This report documents instances of direct incitement, discriminatory language, and stigmatising narratives. While Georgia performs relatively better on the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, all three nations struggle with pervasive stigmatisation in mainstream and tabloid media.

Why This Matters

Beyond numbers and trends, QueeRadar’s report offers a closer look at case studies revealing how media in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia leverage LGBTIQ+ topics for political gain, often positioning queer identities as foreign influences. These narratives create an environment that not only stigmatises queer lives but also erodes public support for LGBTIQ+ rights.

In the following link you can explore the full monitoring results to better understand the shared challenges faced by queers in the South Caucasus. By reading, sharing, and supporting this work, you contribute to a more inclusive, informed world where media reflects the diverse realities of LGBTIQ+.

ANNUAL REPORT in English