Rapid Response Task Force
ABOUT THE TASK FORCE
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists members and staff work daily with our colleagues in the news industry to fulfill the organization’s mission of fair and accurate coverage. Sometimes, though, a more targeted response is required to promote greater understanding about how to fairly and accurately cover the LGBTQ community.
That’s where the Rapid Response Task Force comes in.
How does the Rapid Response Task Force work?
This panel of working journalists from mainstream and LGBTQ+ media answers complaints about reporting seen as unfair and/or inaccurate by readers, viewers, listeners and our peer journalists.
When we are notified about problematic coverage, our task force comes together virtually. They assess the reporting in question and determine the best response. Sometimes this response takes the form of an internal conversation with the news organization responsible for the coverage; at other times, we may issue a public statement in order to educate the wider industry on how to best cover a particularly delicate topic or story.
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists was formed to help the news industry improve its coverage of LGBTQ+ people, communities and issues. Our members are ready to help share their expertise so that your coverage becomes the best it can be.
What has the Task Force accomplished?
Since its inception, the Rapid Response Task Force has not only informed countless newsrooms about appropriate terminology and the appearance of bias, but has also used these contacts to spread awareness about issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.
How can I reach the Task Force?
Work from the Task Force
A Statement from NLGJA on White House Press Access
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to revoke White House access for journalists from CNN, MSNBC, and POLITICO. Denying access to journalists because of coverage the government dislikes is fundamentally at odds with the principles of a free press as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Journalists must be able to ask tough questions, scrutinize those in power, and report without fear of retaliation or exclusion from the institutions they are charged with covering.
Don’t Let News Consolidation Silence Local Voices
Across the country, local newsrooms are shrinking — leaving communities with fewer journalists, fewer local stories, and fewer perspectives. For journalists and audiences of color, this loss is deeply felt. Local stations are the entry point for many underrepresented journalists and provide culturally relevant coverage national outlets often miss.
Covering Anti-DEI Executive Orders
In the first few months of the second Trump administration, the president has targeted diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts that allegedly violate the Constitution and civil rights laws. This guidance prepares journalists with tools to cover these actions and their effects.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Stand proud with NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists.