Dear Colleagues:
This week, many reporters will write stories about the public "coming out" of musician Lance Bass, the ‘N Sync band member who discusses his sexual orientation in the latest issue of People magazine.
Over the past year, such celebrities as WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes and "Star Trek" actor George Takei also came out, bringing substantial coverage to LGBT issues. As similar stories are filed and produced in the future, the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association encourages reporters and other journalists, bloggers, columnists and media analysts to keep in mind the following recommendations for fair and accurate reporting of LGBT people:
- The term “gay” is the preferred adjective that has largely replaced “homosexual” in referring to men who are sexually and affectionally attracted to other men. “Homosexual” should be used only if “heterosexual” would be used in parallel constructions, such as in medical contexts.
- Whether in headlines, teases, or body copy, try to avoid using forms of the word "admit," which is typically used in the context of something shameful or illegal. Some examples of less potentially charged words are "announce," "disclose" and "say."
- Also, be aware that the Associated Press Stylebook recommends avoiding the term "lifestyle" when referring to someone's sexual orientation. In this context, "lifestyle" suggests that gays and lesbians -— not to mention bisexuals and transgender people — think and act the same way. In fact, there is no "gay lifestyle" or “alternative lifestyle” just as there is no "straight lifestyle."
NLGJA has several resources to help guide journalists who are reporting on LGBT people and issues. Please visit our Stylebook Supplement on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Terminology or our Journalists Toolbox. We hope these will be useful to you in your pursuit of good journalism.
Sincerely,
Eric Hegedus
NLGJA National President
Pamela Strother
NLGJA Executive Director
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.
Media Contacts:
Eric Hegedus
National President
Cell: 215-840-3909
eric@nlgjaleaders.org
Tom Avila
Deputy Executive Director
Office Phone: 202-588-9888, ext. 17
Cell: 202-906-9885
tavila@nlgja.org
