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    Chinese social media representation of Taiwanese legalisation of same-sex marriage : a queer analysis of the Weibo discussion : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Communication and Journalism at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Xiao, Fei
    Taiwanese Judicial Ruling on Same-sex Marriage which announced prohibition of same-sex marriage unconstitutional on 24th, May 2017 has caused interesting responses on social media in Mainland China. This research investigates how legalisation of same-sex marriage legalisation as well as gender and sexual identities were both represented on Chinese Mainland’s social media in the event of Taiwanese legalisation of same-sex marriage from a queer-theory-based perspective with attention to the complexities of sexual citizenship rights as well as exclusions in globalisation. Previous scholarship in non-Western social media public spheres and in LGBT and queer representation often left out such local complexities and global disparity. User generated content on Weibo during this time when Taiwanese attempted to achieve marriage equality was collected by a computer programme. A mixed-method research design was applied. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis as well as semi-structured interviews were conducted. The research contributed to the knowledge about social media representations of gender and sexual identities and of same-sex marriage in relation to global and local complexities in a non-Western Chinese Mainland context. The limitations in the Mainland social media public spheres led to a mostly one-sided supportive opinion expressions about Taiwanese legalisation of same-sex marriage. Identities were analysed at their intersections. The heteronormative stereotyping and assumptions as well as homonormative depoliticisation were found in the representations of gender and sexual identities. The findings show the influences of globalisation, especially the global LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) movement. Also, the studied Weibo discussion found to reflect the Chinese Mainland context in locally concerned issues such as marriage, identities’ disclosure and queer visibility. The study suggests the universalised content of sexual citizenship has harmed local persons’ agency in collective innovation of localised activism on social media public spheres in non-Western context. Future communication studies can confront and examine heteronormativity more directly by investigating the heteronormativity and its manifestations including family ideals across cultures, especially in non-Western contexts, to help the development of localised strategies for inclusion.
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    "Presumed straight until demonstrated otherwise" : the relationships between sexual identity, heteronormativity, sexual identity development and psychological well-being : a thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Bejakovich, Tamara
    The conceptualisation and development of a sexual identity has been debated in the literature. Whether identity is conceptualised as categorical or on a continuum, people with same sex experiences, such as those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning and other (LGBQ+), demonstrate lower psychological well-being than their heterosexuallyidentified counterparts. Some have argued this is a result of the stress associated with minority status; others comment on the influence of the development of a sexual identity divergent of the heterosexist norm. Literature supports both claims, yet inconsistencies exist in the study of the psychological outcomes of those with LGBQ+ identities. The current research intended to alleviate some of these debates with three foundational aims: to explore the placement of the sexual identity categories along the continuum, and incorporate more sexual identity categories in sexual identity assessment, demonstrating respect for diversity; to examine the differences in psychological well-being between people with different sexual identities and in different phases of development; and to investigate how dimensions associated with sexual identity, such as identity disclosure, influence these differences. To do this, the study utilized an online survey incorporating a number of measures. People with different sexual identities were significantly different along the sexual identity continuum. In addition, as suspected, non-binary identities (defined in this research as people not ascribing to either heterosexual or lesbian/gay identities) reported lower levels of well-being. When accounting for differences in identityrelated factors, such as identity uncertainty and disclosure, several of the significant differences were eliminated, and all but one of the remaining significant findings demonstrated reduced effect sizes. Those in the Synthesis phase of individual and groupidentity development generally reported greater levels of psychological well-being. Once again, when controlling for identity-related factors these differences were reduced or eliminated. Future research should investigate a universal model of sexual identity formation, and should assess identity dimensions in those identifying as heterosexual. Gaining greater understandings in the experiences of people with LGBQ+ identities demonstrates areas to target for interventions in order to decrease the disparities which exist between people with these and heterosexual identities.
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    Love of oneself as a woman : an investigation into the sexuality of transsexual and other women : a thesis presented in partial fulfilments [sic] of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University (Albany)
    (Massey University, 2005) Veale, Jamie F
    This study compared the sexuality of male-to-female transsexuals (TS) with other (biological) females. From its beginnings in the early 20th century, there has been a tradition of categorising TS into different types based on their sexual orientation. However, among the TS community there is mixed reaction to being categorised. Most especially, there has been debate over a theory proposed by Blanchard (1989b) that categorises TS as either sexually attracted to males or sexually attracted to themselves as women (autogynephilic). To resolve some of this debate, this research measured a number of aspects of sexuality among TS and biological females: sexual orientation, childhood gender identity, autogynephilia, fetishism, masochism, sexual attraction to themes found in erotic transgender fiction, and aspects of sexuality that are relevant to evolutionary theory. These variables were measured on an online or paper questionnaire completed by 209 TS and 127 biological females. The results showed that TS tended to prefer younger sexual partners, and have lower levels of masochism than biological females. For the remainder of the sexuality variables measured, TS and biological females did not differ, with the exception of those TS who acknowledged a history of autogynephilia. These TS scored significantly higher on measures of autogynephilia, Attraction to Femininity in Males, Attraction to Transgender Fiction, Interest in Visual Sexual Stimuli, and Importance of Partner’s Physical Attractiveness. Factor analysis of the scale totals revealed four factors, with autogynephilia accounting for about 12% of the questionnaire variance in scores. Autogynephilia was reported by 47% of TS participants; however it manifested in a less predictable way than was proposed by Blanchard (1989b). A further finding was the tendency of participants to report sexual arousal to a diverse range of sexual stimuli that were considered to be not conforming to cultural norms; this accounted for a large amount of the questionnaire variance (56.44%). Implications of these results were put forward in the discussion: clinicians are warned against restricting TS by categorising them; instead they should allow for the diversity and complexity of individual cases. An alternative theory of the development of cross-gender identity in biological males is proposed: this theory is based on the early development of a cross-gender identity and whether defense mechanisms are used to suppress this identity. In concluding, the limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed. A major limitation of this research is the large proportion of highly educated, higher socio-economic participants.