NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists

Overview

NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ+ issues in the media. The organization works to promote diverse and inclusive workplaces within the news industry by providing education, professional development, and mentorship.

Mission and Vision

The mission of NLGJA is to enhance the professionalism, skills, and career opportunities for LGBTQ+ journalists. It aims to strengthen the identity, respect, and status of LGBTQ+ journalists in newsrooms and advocate for high journalistic and ethical standards in the coverage of LGBTQ+ issues. NLGJA's vision is to achieve fair representation and respect of diverse LGBTQ+ communities in newsrooms and news coverage.

History

The organization was formed in 1991, following a landmark survey by the American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) in 1989, titled "Alternatives: Gays and Lesbians in the Newsroom." This survey, conducted by Roy Aarons, highlighted the need for a professional organization to support LGBTQ+ journalists. In April 1990, Aarons presented the survey's findings and publicly came out as gay, marking a significant moment in the history of LGBTQ+ journalism.

Initial founding members included Aarons, Elaine Herscher, Shannon Hickey, David Tuller, Victor Zonana, and Kathleen Buckley. NLGJA was initially known as the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association and changed its name in 2013 to "The Association of LGBT Journalists" to better reflect its diverse membership. In 2016, it updated its name to "The Association of LGBTQ Journalists" and in 2023 added a "+" to represent gender-diverse and sex-diverse individuals and those questioning their identities.

Contributions to Journalism

NLGJA has contributed significantly to journalism by promoting inclusive workplaces and advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ journalists. It launched OutNewsWire in 2008, a press service aimed at simplifying the distribution of news articles relating to the LGBTQ community. This service provides updates to over 400 journalists and is available at a discounted price for nonprofits.

The organization also developed the "Newsroom Outreach Project," which included seminars on sexual orientation in the workplace. These seminars were designed to promote acceptance and understanding in newsrooms, focusing on business and legal issues affecting the LGBTQ community. Additionally, NLGJA has advocated for benefits like domestic partnership benefits, which have become a standard in many news organizations.

Hall of Fame

In 2005, NLGJA established the LGBTQ+ Journalists Hall of Fame to recognize and honor LGBTQ+ journalists who have shown courage and resolve in their work. The hall of fame includes pioneers like Barbara Gittings and Kay Tobin Lahusen, who were instrumental in the early LGBTQ+ movement, as well as contemporary figures like Christina Kahrl, who became the first out transgender editor at a major metropolitan media outlet.

Structure and Operations

NLGJA operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, with a national board of directors reflecting its geographic and professional diversity. Members come from various sectors, including print, broadcast, online newsrooms, community-based LGBTQ+ media, academic institutions, and public relations and communications professions. The organization provides professional development, mentoring, and leadership to future journalists.

Overall, NLGJA plays a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ issues in the media, fostering a more inclusive news environment, and supporting journalists who identify as LGBTQ+.