We are a journalist-led association working within the news media to advance fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ+ communities and issues. We promote diverse and inclusive workplaces by holding the industry accountable and providing education, professional development and mentoring.
We envision fair representation and respect of diverse LGBTQ+ communities in newsrooms and news coverage.
LGBTQ+ communities and topics deserve fair and accurate coverage. We provide tools, resources and training opportunities to help newsrooms course-correct and deepen their knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ topics. We provide coverage guidance, including our Stylebook on LGBTQ+ Terminology. Our Rapid Response Task Force responds to reports of biased or inaccurate coverage. We also provide a Newsroom Outreach Program designed to educate and train journalists in a judgement-free environment.
Professional and student journalists need career growth opportunities. We provide spaces and opportunities for journalists to learn and network with one another. Annual events like our hallmark National Convention and all-virtual Student Conference, bring journalists together to share knowledge and engage in critical discussions about the state of the journalism industry for LGBTQ+ people and coverage of LGBTQ+ communities. We also offer mentorship opportunities, including through our CONNECT: Student Journalism Training Project, a leadership training program for college students and recent graduates which takes place at our annual convention.
LGBTQ+ journalists need strong professional networks and connection to community. We provide opportunities for our members to connect with one another through local chapter events, our online Slack community, member directory and our mentorship program.
Widespread layoffs in the journalism industry impact LGBTQ+ journalists. NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists supports our members by offering a job board and networking opportunities. We provide accessible dues options for those experiencing layoffs or financial hardship.
The national convention of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists is the organization’s hallmark annual event. It brings together over 700 journalists, media executives, public relations professionals, academics and journalism students — from every media discipline — for three days full of educational sessions, professional development and networking opportunities.
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The Student Conference is an all-virtual gathering designed to bring together student journalists with a passion for reporting on LGBTQ+ communities and identities. The Student Conference is an opportunity for students and early-career journalists to learn from industry experts, connect with fellow student journalists, and explore the intersections of the media world and LGBTQ identities.
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CONNECT is a multimedia journalism training program for college students and recent grads. A cohort of 10 students will attend our National Convention, produce portfolio-quality journalism, network with media professionals and receive feedback on their resumes and career plans. They will work with mentors from organizations like NPR, the Associated Press and The New York Times to report, edit, photograph, design and produce the news of the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Convention and the host city.
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The Stylebook on LGBTQ+ Terminology reflects our association’s mission of inclusive coverage of LGBTQ+ people and offers guidance on issues of language and reporting to help journalists cover LGBTQ+ communities and the issues affecting them with sensitivity and fairness, without bias or judgment.
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NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists members and staff work daily with our colleagues in the news industry to fulfill the organization’s mission of fair and accurate coverage. Sometimes, though, a more targeted response is required to promote greater understanding about how to fairly and accurately cover the LGBTQ community. That’s where the Rapid Response Task Force comes in.
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The NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Excellence in Journalism Awards were established in 1993 to foster and recognize excellence in journalism on issues related to the LGBTQ+ community. The Excellence in Journalism Awards are open to anyone, including non-members and journalists who do not identify as LGBTQ+.
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NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Mentorship Program pairs members hoping to take the next step in their career with seasoned, veteran members who have done it all before.
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NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists offers two press release services—OutNewsWire and TravelOutNewsWire—designed to get your news in front of media professionals who care about LGBTQ+ issues. OutNewsWire shares news, announcements and event updates with a growing list of journalists and outlets covering LGBTQ+ topics. TravelOutNewsWire focuses on LGBTQ+ travel, hospitality and events, reaching reporters and bloggers who follow industry trends. Both services go only to people who’ve asked to receive this kind of content, and proceeds help support NLGJA’s work.
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NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists scholarships are awarded annually to students who demonstrate a commitment to providing fair and accurate coverage of the LGBTQ+ community. These annual scholarships are presented in honor of prominent journalists.
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The Newsroom Outreach Program educates and trains journalists across the country to cover LGBTQ+ communities and topics with fairness, accuracy, and respect. The program includes virtual and in-person opportunities for newsrooms to receive expert guidance about LGBTQ+ coverage best practices, ask questions in a judgement-free environment, identify and combat misinformation and disinformation about LGBTQ+ communities, and receive constructive feedback on past coverage.
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The Curve Fellowship for Emerging Journalists, sponsored by The Curve Foundation, provides financial support to emerging journalists whose work fosters fair and accurate coverage and elevates the voices of LGBTQ+ women, trans and nonbinary people. The fellowship is open to lesbians, queer women, trans women and nonbinary people based in the United States.
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