How much do LGBTQ+ Filipinos Perceive Media as Threatening? First Steps in the Development of the Perceived Media Threat Scale

LGBTQ+ media representations that uphold heteronormativity, negativity, and homophobia can lead to perceptions of media as threatening. Drawing on intergroup threat theory, this study measured perceived media threats (in-person/group, realistic/symbolic) among English-speaking LGBTQ+ Filipinos (N = 817). The Perceived Media Threat Scale, developed for this study, showed a unidimensional structure with sound psychometric properties. LGBTQ+ identity challenges were found to be associated with an increased perception of threat from the media. However, perceived media threat was not associated with psychological well-being. The Perceived Media Threat Scale appears to be a sound measure of LGBTQ+ perceptions of media in the Philippines. Results suggest that perceived media threat may impact identity processes such as coming out but does not appear to be related to well-being in the LGBTQ + community.