The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association would like to congratulate Dean Baquet on becoming the first African-American executive editor of The New York Times. NLGJA believes diversity improves news coverage and the workplaces where journalism is practiced.  

NLGJA would also like to applaud the service of Jill Abramson, who is stepping down after serving as the first female executive editor of The Times. At NLGJA's urging, Abramson had The Times adopt new style guidance on gender identity amid coverage of the Chelsea Manning case. Abramson announced the new policy at NLGJA's convention last year. She has been a friend to our organization and the LGBT community, and we wish her well.