Journalists Toolbox
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How to Cover LGBT People
By Randy Dotinga
No journalist would cover a professional tennis match without getting an education in backhands, foot faults, player rankings and grand slams. But some reporters step into the world of LGBT people without taking the time to know what they're reporting about.
Covering the LGBT community requires more research than a few viewings of "Will & Grace." Consider: Transsexuals aren't the same as drag queens. Outdated phrases such as "sexual preference" make journalists look clueless at best and insensitive at worst. And "outing" someone without permission remains a dicey proposition, even in these days of growing sexual freedom.
NLGJA believes mainstream journalists have an obligation to be fair, balanced and accurate. NLGJA is dedicated to education, not advocacy. We are journalists ourselves and don't want our colleagues to slant what they write or put on the airwaves.
We don't expect anyone to blindly follow all the suggestions we make here. We are not the media police, and some of our own members will certainly disagree with some of the viewpoints expressed here. Our goal is simple: to provide thought-provoking resources to our colleagues as they cover one of the most diverse communities in America.
How to Use the Toolbox
NLGJA's Journalists Toolbox is designed primarily to assist journalists who don't normally cover the LGBT community. The advice here is drawn from outside media experts and our own members who are professional journalists for both mainstream media and the LGBT press. We also offer story ideas and new ways of thinking for reporters who are experienced in covering LGBT life.
The following articles are written in a news style, and as such, may include different views on how to cover the same topic:
Also of interest is NLGJA's Stylebook Supplement on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Terminology. The Stylebook Supplement includes contact information for a wide variety of LGBT organizations. These groups may be able to provide you with sources in your local community, story ideas and research.
The Journalists Toolbox is a living document and will be updated periodically to address new issues and changing views on sexuality. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for future updates. Please contact NLGJA Deputy Executive Director Tom Avila at tavila@nlgja.org or 202-588-9888, ext. 17.
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