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Words Matter: NLGJA's Stylebook Supplement on LGBT Terminology

"Gay marriage" or "marriage rights for same-sex couples?" Is there anything wrong with referring to an "alternative lifestyle?" Is using the word "queer" ever acceptable? And is "homo" only cool if you're Kathy Griffin or Perez Hilton? Intended to complement other stylebook resources, NLGJA's Stylebook Supplement on LGBT Terminology answers these questions and more in the pursuit of fair and accurate language.

NLGJA's Journalists Toolbox Picks Up Where Professor So-And-So Left Off

Most journalism 101 courses breeze through a dizzying spread of topics and coverage issues, but what about sourcing a transgender person? Reporting on the intersection of religion and homosexuality? The ethics of outing public officials in the news? Maybe you were sitting in the back of the lecture hall having one of those mornings when you pass in and out of sleep, but chances are, you didn't miss anything because these topics weren't included in your curriculum to begin with. Our Journalists Toolbox is designed to fill that gap by providing information and strategies for creative, unique and accurate means of covering the LGBT community.

Take Us to School: NLGJA Campus Outreach

Reporting on LGBT people and issues can be tricky. If you work for student media on your campus, why not invite NLGJA to your newsroom for a coverage roundtable? You and your peers will not only receive the nuts and bolts for getting the LGBT story right, but also general strategies for including LGBT people and perspectives in everyday stories. It's like take your son/daughter to work day, only better. E-mail NLGJA Deputy Executive Director (and student programs guru) Tom Avila at tavila@nlgja.org to set something up.

Get Out in the Newsroom Before You Even Graduate

Regardless of the trade or profession, being out in the workplace and on the job comes with its own unique questions and concerns. So, what should you expect when you toss your hat in the air and enter the world as an LGBT journalist? Should you be out on your résumé? Should you be open with your co-workers? What happens if you get typecasted as the "go-to gay" in your newsroom? Read stories straight from the front lines in Out in the Newsroom, our ongoing series documenting the professional lives of LGBT journalists and news media professionals.


You Are What You Eat (& Read) (& Listen To)

If you're going to break into journalism, you need to have a good diet, and we're not talking about the pizza and wings place you have programmed into your phone. We're talking about the non-textbook blogs, articles and podcasts written and produced by media experts that you should be consuming like they are Wheaties or leafy greens. Start by checking out NLGJA Outlook, our newsmagazine with articles focusing on the state of the LGBT story and workplace issues. And the next time you're on iTunes (which is probably right now), check out NLGJA Outspoken, our podcast exploring the issues, the people and the stories that matter most to our mission.