To the Editor:
Thank you for running the well-written column "Old Mike, New Christine." The story helped readers understand the writer's decision to transition and was informative, personal and humorous.
Transitioning on the job is still fraught with anxiety for most transgender journalists. It can be an isolating experience as workers struggle with unknowns of how they will be treated by co-workers and managers or even whether coming out could cost them their jobs. Few media organizations have policies explicitly guaranteeing that transgender journalists won't lose their job.
Journalists shouldn't have to choose between pursuing their craft and being who they are. With the support of their colleagues, LGBT journalists can do their jobs both fairly and accurately, without fear of persecution. We applaud Christine Daniels for her courage as she continues forward with her process and career, and The Times for showing exemplary respect, dignity and support.
Eric Hegedus
NLGJA National President
Ina Fried
NLGJA Vice President for Print & New Media
Co-Chair, NLGJA Transgender & Allies Task Force
Related Coverage
Transgender in the Newsroom: Historical Coverage
Related NLGJA Links
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
Acting Executive Director
Office Phone: 202-588-9888, ext. 17
Cell: 202-906-9885
tavila@nlgja.org
