How does Attitude Online…
…construct and cultivate its audiences?
…meet the needs of its audiences?
…target niche and diverse audiences?
For this activity, all articles were accessed on Tuesday 25th March 2025
Agatha All Along makes Marvel history with first lesbian kiss and fans are loving it
This article about a popular Marvel show focuses not on the narrative or genre conventions, but on the representation of lesbians. Firstly, this article may target a secondary lesbian and bisexual audience, and the number of embedded videos of the kiss seem to suggest. Additionally, the representation of queer people constructs an inclusive and intersectional approach to queer representation
Queer - this previously derogatory term has been reclaimed by some gay audiences, and is now used to represent the broadness of gender identity.
Hungary bans Pride marches in latest crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights
The headline uses the specific lexis LGBTQ+, which assumes a level of knowledge for the target audience. This article focuses on the suppression of gay people in another country, and constructs a representation of gay people as powerless and vulnerable. There are many other articles that reinforce this representation. Articles such as this meet the needs of a gay audience by providing them with knowledge of the world around them. It imparts a straightforward message that Hungary is nopt accepting to gay people
LGBTQ+ - Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, etc
Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel: a hidden jewel of serenity at the heart of Ibiza
This travel article constructs an escapist fantasy for the gay target audience of a place where prejudice does not occur. This relaxing and luxurious will appeal to the target audience through it’s appealing MES and middle class mode of address
New investigation uncovers one ambulance call a day due to chemsex in London
Chemsex refers to the practice of taking certain drugs that lower inhibitions increase libido before having sex. Taking hard drugs is very risky, can cause permanent damage, and cause issues in terms of consent. Articles such as this use exclusive lexis that exclusively target the gay community. This article fulfils the need for information.
Billie Eilish blasts questions about sexuality as she confirms: ‘I like boys and girls’
In this article, pop star Billie Eilish questions the needs for labels and sexual identity. This article constructs a complex representation of sexuality that appeals to the target audience by constructing a relatable mode of address for a younger demographic.
Ian McKellen says it’s ‘silly’ for young actors to stay in closet
Here, veteran actor McKellen provides an experienced voice to the young gay target audience. He uses specific queer lexis such as “stay in the closet”, which refers to hiding one’s sexuality. By encouraging the young gay target audience to ‘come out’, this article constructs a direct mode of address, and also cultivates a positive ideology surrounding being gay
New research shows 75% of queer people ‘don’t consider chemsex a serious issue’
Chemsex refers to the use of hard drugs during sexual intercourse. It is not exclusive to the queer community, but is heavily associated with it. It also raises huge issues with consent. The article discusses the dangers of this, and the issue that a comparatively small number of queer people have heard of it. In this article, gay people are constructed through a social issue and problem, re-presenting gay people as vulnerable and sexually promiscuous. This article is exclusively targeting a queer audience who are aware of this practice.
Scottish party leaders call on government to introduce opt-out HIV testing in A&Es
HIV is a virus historically associated with the gay community. In the 1980s it was particularly affecting of the queer community. Here, being gay is represented as being vulnerable and being associated with tragedy and death
1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people have been sexually assaulted in LGBTQ+ venues, new data finds
Articles such as this will allow victims of sexual assault to feel heard and represented, and it deals with an important issue. It also spreads awareness and provides the audience with information. Finally, articles such as these cultivate a sense of fear and anxiety to ensure more clicks and engagement.
Bright Light Bright Light to release Enjoy More: Listen to an exclusive track here
This New York based artist is constructed through the MES of rainbow colours, an effeminate pose, a crop top, jewellery, confident expression, his short shorts and his big mustache. His look is very camp and queer coded. This highly stereotypical representation of a gay male pop star cultivates a set of tastes and preferences for the gay male audience. Attitude is therefore constructing an audience who enjoy camp, 80’s style electro pop
Camp - a flamboyant, often ironic and over the top form of expression
Happy New Queer – Attitude’s New Year style guide is here
The lexis ‘queer’ here has been reclaimed and reappropriated by the LGBTQ+ community. Here, it means inclusion, positivity, and happiness. However some audiences may take offense at this. Though the term ‘queer’ is supposed to be intersectional. Yet the fashion in this article is exclusively high end and expensive, assuming the target audience have significant disposable income (the pink pound)