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Abstract
As hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community continue to rise, it is increasingly important that journalists understand the role they have in covering these issues. News media influences how the community is perceived, and can impact the daily lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2024, the first federal hate crime trial based on gender identity offered a historical LGBTQ+ event for the media to cover. A content analysis of the coverage of this trial revealed seven key frames used in both local and national outlets. A few of the frames found include mention of the Shepard-Byrd Act, violence against the transgender community, and emphasis on a secret relationship.