Dear NLGJA Members & Friends,

For me, NLGJA’s 2005 and 2006 National Conventions were eye-opening experiences.

Learning from professionals with such a wealth of experience has helped me to grow rapidly as a second-career journalist. While I have been an LGBT activist since 1978, my only previous experience as a journalist before 1999 consisted of distributing the “Amazon Spirit” newsletter in Western Montana in the late 70s.

As I dipped my toe in the water by writing some freelance articles in 2000, I knew I had a lot to say but needed help getting my writing published. The freelance workshops at NLGJA’s conventions are just excellent, as are my all-time favorites on investigative journalistic skills.

Aside from the great, technically-helpful breakout sessions, the opportunity to hear from noteworthy LGBT and allied journalists provides an excellent reason to attend. The “war stories” and tales of journalistic achievement are fascinating and inspiring. The chance to convene with many other LGBT journalists provides a unique environment for networking and just plain fun.

Receiving NLGJA’s first-ever Women’s Distinguished Service Award in 2006 was a life-altering experience in many ways. To have this kind of validation from people I so greatly admire was humbling and has frankly forced me to take myself more seriously as a journalist. I remain deeply grateful for this acknowledgment.

NLGJA’s National Convention is a “must-do” for this East Tennessee journalist.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Beth Maples-Bays

Editor & Publisher
Equality Herald
Knoxville, TN