2023 NLGJA National Convention

First, legislators in Tennessee passed a law that would ban drag performance. Shortly after, the state of Texas followed by putting in place a law that would allow residents to sue anyone who allows a drag performance in the presence of a minor. Then an avalanche of nearly two dozen states instituted their own similar bans which essentially make the artistry and existence of drag performers illegal. The anti-drag bills are part of a well-coordinated national – and global – anti-gender movement grounded in heteropatriarchy and transphobia that threatens the core democratic pillars of bodily autonomy and free speech.

In the wake of this rise in anti-drag legislation, just how should the issue be covered by journalists in newsrooms? How can reporters connect the dots between how this particular community is being oppressed and what that means for other communities that are being threatened? At a time when the issue is still sensitive, and performers are being threatened, should the issue be covered in a high profile way, or in a more subtle, subdued approach? How would that look and sound? How do we compel a bigger part of the public to care? What are the economic implications - both for the performers, other artists and local businesses?

A complimentary breakfast buffet, courtesy of the Ford Foundation, will be available for all plenary session attendees starting at 9:15am with the plenary starting at 9:45am promptly.

Sponsored by Ford Foundation