GAY PRIDE: A FRAMING ANALYSIS OF PICTURES FROM NEW YORK’S GAY PRIDE CELEBRATIONS A Thesis Presented to the faculty of the Department of Communication Studies California State University, Sacramento Submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in Communication Studies by Ryan K. Pritchard FALL 2018 © 2018 Ryan K. Pritchard ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ii GAY PRIDE: A FRAMING ANALYSIS OF PICTURES FROM NEW YORK’S GAY PRIDE CELEBRATIONS A Thesis by Ryan K. Pritchard Approved by: __________________________________, Committee Chair Dr. Jacqueline Irwin __________________________________, Second Reader Dr. Michele Foss-Snowden __________________________________, Third Reader Dr. Nicholas Burnett ____________________________ Date iii Student: Ryan Pritchard I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University format manual, and that this thesis is suitable for shelving in the Library and credit is to be awarded for the thesis. __________________________, Graduate Coordinator ___________________ Dr. Shawna Malvini-Redden Date Department of Communication Studies iv Abstract of GAY PRIDE: A FRAMING ANALYSIS OF PICTURES FROM NEW YORK’S GAY PRIDE CELEBRATIONS by Ryan K. Pritchard This study examines the rhetoric of gay pride parades from their inception to their current incarnation though the examination of selected published photographs in The New York Times. The study analyzes six photographs from New York City’s gay pride celebrations, each corresponding with a significant event affecting the LGBTQIA rights movement. The study uses Entman’s (1993) four aspects of framing as its primary theory to analyze the selected images from LGBTQIA pride parades/festivals and combines Judith Butler’s theory of performativity, Gregory Herek’s theory of heterosexual masculinity and hegemony to supplement the theory and further examine the many factors comprising gay pride celebrations. The goal of this thesis is to illustrate that gay pride parades and festivals have changed from a form of civil protest to a celebratory event that is overtly sexual in nature. _______________________, Committee Chair Dr. Jacqueline Irwin _______________________ Date v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS “It takes a village” does not begin to describe the endeavor that is writing your thesis; accordingly, there are several people worthy of thanks. These people assisted me throughout graduate school as well as the thesis writing process. It goes without saying, but this thesis would not be what it is without their help. Dr. Irwin – your patience throughout the never-ending process that is “thesis-ing” was exemplary. I tested it repeatedly and you always knew exactly what to say and do. It took me significantly longer to complete my thesis than it should have, but you were always there reminding me to “just write”. Dr. Foss-Snowden – Your guiding hand has been there since 100b and words cannot express how much you have changed my life. You knew what I wanted before I did and you subtly ensured I took advantage of every opportunity. You are truly the best. Dr. Burnett – You have taught me to remain strong in my convictions, always fight for what I know is right while showing humility and grace. Ellen Galena, Gwenna McGrath and Kristen Wacaster – You have proofread and edited more than anyone’s fair share of graduate papers and this thesis. I am truly humbled by your friendship and devotion to my education. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Acknowledgments....................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ........................................................................................................... viii Glossary ...................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1 2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ...................................................................... 22 3. ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................... 56 4. CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................. 85 References ................................................................................................................... 96 vii LIST OF FIGURES Figures Page 1. Gay Pride - 1970………………………………….……………………………. 58 2. Gay Pride - 1986……………………………….………………………………. 63 3. Gay Pride - 1994……………………………….………………………………. 68 4. Gay Pride - 2003……………………………….………………………………. 71 5. Gay Pride - 2015……………………………….………………………………. 76 6. Gay Pride - 2016……………………………….………………………………. 80 viii GLOSSARY This study rhetorically examines pride parades from their inception to their current incarnation. In a study such as this there are bound to be words, phrases or concepts that are foreign to readers who are unfamiliar with the subject matter. The following words and phrases are used throughout this study. Having some familiarity or understanding of the words, phrases and concepts from the onset will assist by familiarizing the material and providing a concrete definition for the terms. Heteronormative - noting or relating to behavior or attitudes consistent with traditional male or female gender roles and the assumption of heterosexuality as the norm. Homonormative - a word addressing the problems of privilege seen in the queer community today as they intersect with white privilege, capitalism, sexism, transmisogyny and cissexism, all of which end up leaving many people out of the movement toward greater sexual freedom and equality. LGBTQIA – an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and allies. Pride parades/celebrations – events celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and allies. 1 Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION Notwithstanding the Supreme Court of the United States of America’s 2015 landmark decision to allow same-sex marriage (Erickson, 2015), homosexual men and women have faced a long history of hatred, discrimination, and marginalization as evidenced by events such as: the infamous and vicious murder of college student Matthew Shepard (Willis, 2004), the criminalization of homosexual acts by psychiatrists and the United States government (Silverstone, 2012), the suicide of closeted teen Tyler Clementi, whose sexual encounter with another man was broadcast over the internet by his dormitory roommate (Pilkington, 2010), the 1973 destruction by arson of the UpStairs Lounge in New Orleans that killed 32-closeted homosexuals (Stack, 2016), and the 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse night club in Orlando, Florida (Ellis, 2016). The road to acceptance of homosexuals through confirmation of their right to marry (Erickson, 2015), and other forms of equality, has been paved with decades upon decades of their coming- out, fighting, protesting, combating inaccurate stereotypes, decriminalizing sex between consenting same-sex partners, fighting against AIDS and its stigmas, and participating in, what is at the time of publication of this thesis, 48-years of gay pride celebrations. Gay pride celebrations have been held in public locations to create solidarity among gays and lesbians through visibility, garnering overall attention for the gay and lesbian community, and aiding in bringing about societal acceptance of gays and lesbians in the United States (Armstrong, 2010). Due to the high visibility of gay pride celebrations, they are watched by both homosexual and straight bystanders, making the 2 planning of these events arduous as the organizers must anticipate how both homosexuals and heterosexuals will view the event so the parades can effectively appeal to and persuade these multiple audiences. It is from this standpoint that this study takes shape. This study examines the rhetoric of gay pride parades from their inception to their current incarnation though the examination of selected published photographs in The New York Times. The study analyzes six photographs from New York City’s gay pride celebrations, each corresponding with a significant event affecting the LGBTQIA rights movement. Origin of Gay Pride While the words ‘gay pride celebration’ denote an air of fun, relaxation, and community, historically these events have been anything but that (Katz, 2011). According to Armstrong and Crage (2006), gay pride celebrations in America are traceable to the Stonewall Riots that occurred on the weekend of June 27-28, 1969, in New York City. To fully appreciate the birth of gay pride in its current incarnation, it is critical to understand the historical antecedents of homosexuals’ experiences in America prior to the Stonewall Riots. During this time span, gays in America were marginalized, discriminated against in employment and housing, considered social deviants, and their sexual orientation was even regarded as being due to mental illness (Rimmerman, 2015). As a result, very few people were honest or open regarding their sexuality, and those who were unable to hide their sexuality or nonconforming mannerisms often moved to larger cities where attitudes were slightly more accepting and it was easier for them to hide (Bronski, 2011). In addition, Bronski (2011) reports that following World War II, many 3 lesbian and gay male veterans opted not to return to the small towns of their birth, but rather migrated to enclaves in