Dear NLGJA Members & Friends,

It's not the same.

Yeah, I know, we insist we're exactly like everyone else, but we're not. We share a unique energy amongst ourselves, so the experience of being around us is not the same. And there's nothing wrong with that.

At least, it was unique for me. Moderating a lunch session to an audience
of hundreds of LGBT people (and their allies, supporters, etc.) was special
in a way that I'm only now able to verbalize. For some reason this was more important to me than other speaking engagements I've had. The fact that NLGJA's leaders saw something in me that fit the convention program, and then asked me to hold down the podium, was more than an honor.

It was more like a homecoming.

NLGJA conventions send an important message that issues affecting LGBT
people are worth covering, and the concerns of LGBT journalists are worth
addressing. Everyone who stuffs a gift bag, raises a question, staffs a
booth, gives directions, plans a plenary or helps out in any way is a part
of that message.

These days, my sexuality rarely occurs to me as a part of my job - unlike years past, when I was hesitant to be out at work. NLGJA has been a key part of that growth, and I'm honored to be able to give back.

No, it's not the same. And I'm not the same either.

I'm better off.

Sincerely,

Joshua Johnson

Anchor/Reporter
WLRN Miami Herald News
Miami, FL