News Release August 11, 2009
NLGJA News > News Releases > August 11, 2009

From Social Media Trends to a Lavender White House, 2009 NLGJA Convention to Discuss It All
Gathering in Montreal to cover topics from objectivity to gay pro athletes

For Immediate Release : August 11, 2009
Media Contact : Tom Avila, 202-588-9888 or tavila@nlgja.org

Washington, D.C. – A provocative line up of sessions has been announced for the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association's (NLGJA) 2009 National Convention & 6th Annual LGBT Media Summit in Montreal, Canada on Sept. 10-13, 2009.

The sessions offer training and provoke thought on current issues in the media. Highlights include:

•  Washington Goes Lavender: What does a Democrat-controlled White House and Congress mean for LGBT reporters in the Capitol?

•  Living in the Land of Layoffs : A roundtable session addressing the emotional toll of waiting for the next round of cutbacks and how to cope if you, or all your friends, lose a job

•  Gay for Play: Can pro-athletes really step out of the closet and into the locker room, or are LGBT athletes' stories still the exception and not the rule?

•  There's No Such Thing as Objectivity: How does bias and impartiality play into the media's role of informing the public?

•  Training on the Side: Newsrooms often can't invest in staff training so NLGJA provides a look at online and at-home training opportunities and the guides that will keep journalists informed about the latest skills and technology

•  Live Broadcast of The Michelangelo Signorile Show: Sirius XM OutQ's show returns to the convention

“Our convention prides on creating an engaging atmosphere for discussing the most relevant, compelling topics for our members. We believe this year's lineup epitomizes that high standard,” says Michael Tune, NLGJA's managing director. “This is a place to grow, network and have a fun.”

For more information and to register, visit www.nlgja.org/convention/2009 .

Register by Aug. 14 to receive the discounted advanced registration rates. The convention's headquarters hotel is the Hyatt Regency Montreal.

About the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association

NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members. For more information, visit the NLGJA Web site .