In my communications program at @MacEwanU, I'm taking an introduction to research methods course. For my final project, I decided to do a content analysis of LGBTQ2S+ visibility in the #ableg on Twitter. I'm going to explain why this topic is important and what I found: 1/10

There are many important reasons why visibility matters. One factor is when more #LGBTQ people are included in media; it means that they are actually seen by society as opposed to being rendered unseen or invisible. 2/10 https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/all-things-lgbtq/201711/why-visibility-matters

Policymakers have a vital role in helping create visibility for marginalized groups. When media and policymakers acknowledge marginalized communities, it sends a message that their presence in society matters and can strengthen the affirmation of identity. 3/10 #ableg

For my research, I analyzed nine Twitter accounts belonging to @UCPCaucus cabinet members and the corresponding @abndpcaucus critic between Apr 16th (when the government was sworn in) and Nov 1st. 4/10 #ableg

I used the advanced search feature to identify tweets containing keywords associated with the LGBTQ2S+ community during the period indicated above. I did not count replies or retweets, only original content initiated by the user. 5/10 #ableg

I predicted I might find more LGBTQ2S+ related tweets created by the @albertaNDP member's accounts than the @UCPCaucus member's accounts, but the contrast was startling. 6/10 #ableg

Here are the results of the content analysis I conducted on LGBTQ2S+ visibility in the #ableg on Twitter. During the designated time period, 237 identified terms were found in original tweets by the @albertaNDP member's accounts, 10 were identified by @UCPCaucus members. 7/10

The NDP member most actively tweeting about LGBTQ2S+ issues was @JanisIrwin. It is important to note that all accounts analyzed belonging to NDP members had tweeted about LGBTQ2S+ issues, events, or policy during the time period indicated. 8/10 #ableg

Only one UCP account analyzed was found to have tweeted any of the identified terms during the time period indicated, and was @LeelaAheer. 9/10 #ableg

I'm still working on my research report and welcome any feedback! I hope that in the future, policymakers can be aware that it isn't just what you say, but sometimes what you don't say that may have a negative impact. Especially when representing marginalized folks. #ableg 10/10