The NLGJA Journalists Toolbox is designed primarily to assist journalists who don’t normally cover the LGBT community.
The advice is drawn from outside media experts and our own members who are professional journalists for both mainstream media and the LGBT press. We also offer story ideas and new ways of thinking for reporters who are experienced in covering LGBT life.
“Why LGBT Voices Matter: Inclusive Coverage Makes for Better Stories” offers tips for the inclusion of more LGBT sources.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Keep a couple of points in mind when beefing up representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in your stories. First, don’t use one gay source to speak for all. Republicans, Democrats, school bus drivers, stock brokers, and people of different ages and races are all in the mix.
“Second, be aware of your news organization’s track record in covering stories in which lesbians or gay men have been the focus. Until recently, such news coverage likely was spotty at best. It shouldn’t be a surprise then that sources may be interested but also a little wary of participating in increased coverage. The best antidote to previously strained relations is consistent and fair inclusion.
“Include LGBT sources in the same context that you include straight sources. For example, a story on worst date/best date might include gay or lesbian experiences.”
Click here to read the complete article.