2023 NLGJA National Convention: Full Schedule

TOGETHER AGAIN!

Thank you for attending our 2023 National Convention! It was wonderful to welcome so many old friends and new faces to Philadelphia.

If you attended our 2023 National Convention, we encourage you to fill out our feedback survey here. Your feedback will help us make sure our 2024 Convention serves all of our members.

2:00pm EDT

Registration

Come grab your badge and swag! Staff will be onsite to assist with any questions or needs that you may have.

Wednesday September 6, 2023 2:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Congress Foyer (4th Floor)

Registration

7:00pm EDT

Pre-Convention Warm Up Happy Hour

The Philadelphia Chapter of NLGJA welcomes you to this year’s convention host city and our hometown. Our members are active in print, broadcast and digital media serving both the LGBTQ and Greater Philadelphia communities.

If you’re coming to Philly early, we would like to invite you to join our members for a Pre-Convention Warmup Happy Hour at the Pen & Pencil Club on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. The Pen & Pencil Club, founded in 1892, is the oldest press club in continuous daily operation in the country and a Philadelphia institution. (One of our chapter co-presidents serves on its governing board as well.) It’s located at 1522 Latimer Street, just off the Avenue of the Arts in Center City. (Latimer Street runs parallel to and between Locust and Spruce streets.)

Registration is not required but is recommended. You can register for the event here. There is no fee for attending.

We look forward to seeing you there and welcoming you to Philadelphia in person!

Wednesday September 6, 2023 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Pen & Pencil Club

Outing/Offsite

8:00am EDT

Registration

Come grab your badge and swag! Staff will be onsite to assist with any questions or needs that you may have.

Thursday September 7, 2023 8:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Congress Foyer (4th Floor)

Registration

8:30am EDT

Bi+ Morning Meet-Up

Join the "Bi+ Morning Meet-Up" for an inclusive gathering where bisexual and pansexual journalists can connect and discuss their shared experiences in the industry.

Thursday September 7, 2023 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Parlor 415 (4th Floor)

Morning Meet-Up

8:30am EDT

Women’s+ Morning Meet-Up

Join us for this networking session, where LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary journalists unite to forge connections and exchange valuable insights.

Thursday September 7, 2023 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Parlor 413 (4th Floor)

Morning Meet-Up

9:00am EDT

Morning Coffee Klatch

We’re giving you a boost to get your 2023 Convention experience started! We’ll have a little something to wake you up and get your day started right!

Thursday September 7, 2023 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Congress Foyer (4th Floor)

Coffee Break/Refresh

9:00am EDT

IRE Watchdog Workshop

Come join IRE for a half-day session that will give you the basics of investigative reporting. You’ll learn where to find records online, how to write ironclad records requests and how to push back on agencies and powerful people who don’t want to give you the time of day.

Speakers

Adam Rhodes

Training Director, IRE

Adam M. Rhodes is an investigative journalist whose work primarily focuses on queer people and the criminal legal system. Their recent work has examined HIV treatment access in Puerto Rico, HIV criminalization in Illinois, and a homophobic capital murder trial in the state. Rhodes... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2023 9:00am - 2:30pm EDT
Regency C2 (Floor 2M)

Bootcamp

9:30am EDT

Author's Cafe

Join us for pastries and coffee and hear from our presenters in this year’s Author’s Café as they read from their recent or upcoming books and discuss their projects.

Presenting Author's
Brian Pellot
Kristina Marusic
Tre'vell Anderson
Mike De Socio
Curtis Chin
Ernest Owens
Jamie Bruesehoff
Bryn Nelson
H.L. Sudler
Lana Patel

Thursday September 7, 2023 9:30am - 11:30am EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Author's Cafe

9:45am EDT

Covering the Club Q Mass Shooting Responsibly

After a mass shooting targeted members of the LGBTQ community at a nightclub in Colorado Springs, media organizations were left scrambling to cover the full scope of the event — the tragedy of five deaths and 25 injuries and the nuance behind reporting a hate crime involving a traditionally misrepresented community. The E.W. Scripps Company is an industry leader in audience research and training for its journalists in reporting on underserved communities. In this session, Scripps employees will discuss how that training helped drive the coverage of this horrific event.

Speakers

Marcus Riley

Sr. Dir, Content Strategy & Inclusive Journalism, The E.W. Scripps Company

Marcus Riley is Sr. Director, Content Strategy & Inclusive Journalism for The E.W. Scripps Co. He has 25+ years of experience in television broadcasting, including eight years as a general assignment reporter. Marcus joined Scripps' Milwaukee station and transitioned from Digital... Read More →

Sean McLaughlin

SVP, Local News, The E.W. Scripps Company

Sean McLaughlin is senior vice president of news for the Local Division of The E.W. Scripps Company. He is responsible for developing and overseeing company-wide strategy for news operations in 41 local television markets. McLaughlin works with stations to customize content strategies... Read More →

Cody LaGrow

Specialty Reporter, The E.W. Scripps Company

Cody LaGrow is an Emmy and GLAAD Award-Winning National Correspondent and Producer for Scripps News Longform. He's previously worked at ABC's 'Good Morning America' and was a local news reporter in Missouri.

Ryan Hazelwood

News Director, KOAA, The E.W. Scripps Company

KOAA News Director Ryan Hazelwood's love is storytelling alongside a lifelong passion for the community and a never-ending string of questions for people in the community. He truly believes in the EW Scripps Company motto, “We do well by doing good.” Ryan believes that while you... Read More →

Ashley Portillo

MMJ, KOAA, The E.W. Scripps Company

Ashley knew at a young age she wanted to be a journalist. Writing and visual storytelling was always her outlet in being creative. She attended college at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she got her Bachelor's Degree in journalism.Ashley enjoys engaging with people in their... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2023 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

9:45am EDT

Going the Extra Yard: The Art of Multi-Media Storytelling

Being able to tell a story through multiple platforms is essential to connecting with fans. Learn firsthand from our storytellers at ESPN on how to use social media, digital platforms, and non-traditional storytelling methods, as a way of telling a story, and more to engage fans from across intersections of media consumption.

Sponsored by ESPN

Speakers

Andy Tennant

VP, Executive Producer - Original Content, ESPN

Katie Barnes

Writer, ESPN

Katie Barnes is an award-winning journalist covering the intersection of sports and gender for ESPN. Barnes is a three-time GLAAD nominee and they were named the 2017 Journalist of the Year by NLGJA – The Association of LGBTQ Journalists. They were an executive producer on “Mack... Read More →

Sponsors

ESPN

Thursday September 7, 2023 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

9:45am EDT

Grow Your Audience on Google Search

Here's how you can use Google Trends, Search Console, and Advanced Search to grow your audience on Google Search

Sponsored by Google

Speakers

Sam Chassé

Strategic Partnerships, Google

Sam Chassé works on the News Partnerships team at Google. He currently oversees the monetization relationship that Google has with Local Broadcast organizations. He also works across Google News Products (Google News, Discover, News on Search, etc) and manages the product partnerships... Read More →

Sponsors

Google News Lab

Thursday September 7, 2023 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

10:00am EDT

Chapter Leadership Meeting

Meeting for NLGJA National Chapter Leaders located in the PSFS room on the 33rd floor.

Thursday September 7, 2023 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
PSFS Room (Floor 33)

Meeting

11:00am EDT

Framing and Facts: Getting Trans Coverage Right

A discussion about how and why some of the coverage of trans communities has failed to meet journalism’s call to fair, accurate and nuanced coverage. We’ll focus on what questions to ask yourself and your newsroom while you’re thinking about how to do it right — not just in terms of correct language and nuance, but from a meta-level. What stories really matter? How can you catch bias in your own sourcing, and yourself? How do you explain data that’s limited or contested? And how can you catch oversights and spotty news judgment when you’re working on a deadline?

Speakers

Gina Chua

Executive Editor, Semafor

Gina Chua is Executive Editor at Semafor, a new global news startup. Previously she was Executive Editor at Reuters, where she was responsible for editorial operations, including budgets, safety, security and logistics, among other duties. Before she transitioned, Gina – then... Read More →

Kae Petrin

Data & Graphics Reporter, Chalkbeat

Kae Petrin is a Data & Graphics Reporter on Chalkbeat’s data visuals team and freelances for the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk. They cofounded the Trans Journalists Association in 2020 with several dozen other journalists; ze has since run many of the organization’s... Read More →

Graph Massara

Freelance editor and journalist, Freelance

Graph Massara is the editor of the Transgender Journalists Association's stylebook. He was most recently a fact-checker with The Associated Press, where he also contributed to the AP Stylebook's entries on LGBTQ terminology. Prior to that, he was a newsletter editor at POLITICO. Graph's... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2023 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

Seeing Our True Colors: How to Responsibly Cover Tough Diverse Stories

Newsrooms enjoy covering diverse communities when it's a parade or celebratory month -- these are the "easy" topics that we can all appreciate. But when tragedy and crisis strikes, such coverage impacting BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities are often inaccurate, lackluster, or harmful. This panel discussion will explore common mistakes made in newsrooms when covering the tough issues impacting these communities (from crime reporting, health coverage, and/or political reporting). Panelists will equip attendees with ways to navigate potential problems and language to use to push management into a more inclusive direction.

Speakers

Dee Tum-Monge

Senior Communications Manager, National LGBTQ Task Force

Dee Tum-Monge is a nonbinary, Latine and seasoned communications professional with a passion for applying the creative impact of narrative-driven digital media.Over their career in managing communications, marketing and branding, Dee has established themself as a knowledgeable builder... Read More →

Ernest Owens

CEO, Ernest Media Empire LLC

Ernest Owens is an award-winning journalist and CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC. He is the Editor at Large for Philadelphia Magazine, Editor of Eater Philly, President of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, and Regional Vice President of the National Academy of Television... Read More →

Ashley Johnson

Executive Producer of Impact on Communities, CBS 3

Ashley Johnson joined the CBS News Philadelphia team as our Executive Producer of Impact on Communities (EPIC) in March of 2022. In this newly-created position, Ashley helps drive our focus on the 3 C’s of Content, Community and Culture. Specifically, to help us accurately reflect... Read More →

Tanya Pai

director of newsroom standards and ethics, Vox

Tanya Pai is the director of newsroom standards and ethics at Vox and one of the founders of Language, Please, a free, living resource for all journalists and storytellers seeking to thoughtfully cover evolving social, cultural, and identity-related issues.

Sponsors

Conde Nast

Thursday September 7, 2023 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

11:00am EDT

ABC News Storytellers Summit

The 2023 ABC News Storytellers Summit is a development workshop created by ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations designed to bring producers, writers, reporters and content creators together for a series of cutting-edge conversations and training sessions to take their storytelling to the next level. This summit is led by ABC News journalists and executives from across all of our platforms and shows. Participants will walk away with first-hand knowledge around the skills that make ABC News the number one source for news and innovative ways to enhance their storytelling.

Sign up to attend here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1BBXnASm_eyr2OfF2ziH96dAUB4lKjiKCjponpxUvt6HLKw/viewform

Thursday September 7, 2023 11:00am - 1:15pm EDT
Regency A (Floor 2M)

Bootcamp

11:15am EDT

Perfecting the Pitch: How to Get Your Story on the Air and on Digital

Join our NBCU Academy panel and workshop discussing the elements of a compelling news story and how journalists can successfully pitch their stories for TV or digital coverage. Topics will range from finding story ideas on social media to how NBC News develops its in-depth coverage of LGBTQ issues. Come prepared to pitch your own stories and get real time feedback from NBCU News Group leaders and journalists!

Sponsored by NBC

Speakers

Jesse Rodriguez

Vice President of Booking & Editorial, MSNBC

Jesse Rodriguez is the Vice President of Editorial and Booking at MSNBC. He has been at NBC News & MSNBC for over 16 years. He got his start in Miami as a writer at WSVN.

Miguel Martinez Valle

Reporter, WCAU-TV, NBC10/Traffic.com

Miguel Martinez-Valle is the bilingual reporter for Nbc10 and Telemundo62 based in Philly. Born in Guaymas, Mexico, Miguel comes from a supportive Mexican family. He is passionate about LGBTQ issues, immigration, and expanding positive minority representation on television. He is... Read More →

Jo Yurcaba

Reporter, NBC OUT, NBC News

Jo Yurcaba is a reporter for NBC Out, the LGBTQ section of NBC News. They cover everything under the LGBTQ umbrella with a focus on legislation targeting transgender people.

Meghan Rafferty

Executive Producer, Nightly News with Lester Holt, NBC News

Meghan Rafferty is the executive producer of NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, a position she has held since September 2021. Under her leadership, Nightly won a Murrow Award for Best Newscast, and accolades for in-depth investigative and foreign reports. Rafferty joined NBC Nightly... Read More →

Stephanie Gosk

correspondent, NBC News

Stephanie Gosk was named NBC News Correspondent in September 2006. She is based in New York City and contributes to NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, TODAY and MSNBC.Domestically, Gosk has reported on hundreds of stories, including most recently extensive coverage of the Covid pandemic... Read More →

Sponsors

Comcast NBCUniversal

Thursday September 7, 2023 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

12:00pm EDT

Trans & Nonbinary Brown-Bag Meet-Up

New for 2023!

More networking opportunities. Grab your lunch at one of Philadelphia’s many nearby eateries, including the famed Reading Terminal Market, and bring it back for a lunch hour filled with fun, sharing and networking!

Thursday September 7, 2023 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Parlor 413 (4th Floor)

Brown-Bag Meet-Up

12:00pm EDT

Lunch on Your Own

Take some time to explore some of Philadelphia's nearby eateries, including the famous Reading Terminal Market, and fuel up before our afternoon sessions.

Thursday September 7, 2023 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Offsite

Outing/Offsite

1:15pm EDT

View From The Top

While resilient journalists continue to produce outstanding work and Americans’ appetite for news is now larger than ever, the profession continues to operate in tumultuous times. Artificial intelligence, the remote work revolution, elusive Generation Z readers and viewers – these are just some of the challenges journalism leaders have faced this year. With months still to go, 2023 has already become the year with the highest number of journalism job cuts on record, with even more expected due to a slow ad market, subscription fatigue, and debt from consolidation. This session will explore staying ahead of the trends, as top newsroom leaders reveal how they plan to navigate through tricky times and manage newsrooms where innovative journalism can still happen.

Sponsored by Dotdash Meredith

Speakers

Monica Drake

Deputy Managing Editor, The New York Times

@monicadrakeMonica Drake is a deputy managing editor of The New York Times, with a portfolio that encompasses innovation and culture across the newsroom. She oversees culture and careers, a group of journalists dedicated to training, early career opportunities and the staffing resources of th... Read More →

Jennifer Dale

Vice President, Recruiting, Gray Television

Gray is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets. Our footprint covers 113 markets and includes the largest Telemundo Affiliate Station Group consisting of 42 markets. We are looking... Read More →

Marcus Mabry

SVP of Digital Editorial and Programming, CNN Digital

Marcus Mabry is the Senior Vice President of Digital Editorial and Programming for CNN Digital Worldwide. In his role, he represents CNN’s digital leadership team across the business, leading strategy for the digital editorial and programming teams that are on the front lines of... Read More →

Keaton Fox

VP News, KTRK, ABC OTV

Sharif Durhams

Deputy Managing Editor, The Washington Post

Sharif Durhams is a deputy managing editor at The Washington Post. He rejoined The Post in 2022 after serving as managing editor at The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. He has overseen homepage teams at The Post and CNN. He is the former president of NLGJA: the Association of LGBTQ... Read More →

Joseph Jaafari

Editor in Chief, LOOKOUT Phx

Joseph Darius Jaafari is the founder and editor in chief of LOOKOUT Phx, a nonprofit investigative queer news outlet based out of Phoenix, Arizona. Jaafari is a volunteer editor and mentor with the Prison Journalism Project, and comes from a decade-long background in reporting on... Read More →

Paul Bascobert

President, Reuters, Thomson Reuters

Paul Bascobert joined Thomson Reuters as President of Reuters News in September 2022. In this role, he leads all aspects of the company’s media business and operations. Bascobert has been an operating executive, adviser, and entrepreneur for more than 25 years and has deep experience... Read More →

Christina Kahrl

Sports Editor, San Francisco Chronicle

Christina Kahrl is the Sports Editor for The San Francisco Chronicle since 2021, becoming one of the few women ever named to lead a sports section for a major daily newspaper, and the first transgender woman. She was previously a senior editor for MLB and later national sports coverage... Read More →

Joe Ruffolo

SVP and GM, The Hill and NewsNation Digital, The Hill

Joe Ruffolo is the Senior Vice President and General Manager for The Hill and NewsNation Digital. He is responsible for the long-term strategy and day-to-day operations of each property.Joe has had an extensive career in both traditional and digital media, leading teams and projects... Read More →

Janelle Rodriguez

Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal News Group

Janelle Rodriguez is NBC News’ Executive Vice President of Programming, overseeing NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, the network’s 24/7 streaming news network NBC News NOW, and breaking news special coverage. Rodriguez joined NBC News in January 2015.

Sponsors

Dotdash Meredith

Thursday September 7, 2023 1:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Plenary

2:45pm EDT

Coffee Break Café

Ready to power through the rest of your Thursday afternoon? Refresh and recharge at our Coffee Break Café!

Thursday September 7, 2023 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Congress Foyer (4th Floor)

Coffee Break/Refresh

3:00pm EDT

Boycotts, Backlashes and More: LGBTQ+ News Through a Business Lens

Join us for "LGBTQ+ News Through a Business Lens" as experts from Bloomberg explore the intersection of the LGBTQ+ community and business journalism. Panelists will discuss the business community's response to the backlash against Pride merchandise, analyze the economic consequences of workplace discrimination and record anti-trans legislation, and present data on the evolving global public support for marriage equality.

Sponsored by Bloomberg

Speakers

Emily Birnbaum

Reporter, Bloomberg News - Washington Bureau

Emily Birnbaum is a legal reporter covering lobbying and the Supreme Court. She was previously a tech lobbying reporter for Politico. Prior, she covered tech policy for the publication Protocol and The Hill newspaper. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Kenyon College... Read More →

Rakshita Saluja

Executive Editor, Bloomberg

Rakshita Saluja is Executive Editor for Bloomberg Digital, where she oversees audience growth and engagement globally for all digital platforms. Prior to this role, she was the Executive Editor of Bloomberg Equality, where she was the editorial lead for equality news coverage in the... Read More →

Misyrlena Egkolfopoulou

Reporter, Bloomberg

Misyrlena is the head of Bloomberg's Legal News team in the US, and has steered the team through coverage of the collapse of FTX, the indictments of Donald Trump and Elon Musk's legal battles. Ahead of joining the Legal team, Misyrlena spent two years covering the 2020 election, first... Read More →

Elizabeth Fournier

Senior Editor, Bloomberg

Elizabeth Fournier is a senior editor at Bloomberg overseeing the newsroom’s coverage of the business of equality. She previously spent eight years on the Deals team, editing breaking news on acquisitions, IPOs and activist investors. She started her journalism career in London... Read More →

Sponsors

Bloomberg

Thursday September 7, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

3:00pm EDT

Crafting Your Career Narrative

This is a session designed for mid-career attendees who are looking for their next career move, but aren't sure where to go or how to get there.. Many of us who are marginalized have nontraditional paths into the work we do. This workshop/panel will teach attendees how to identify what they want in their career, and then how to collate their work and life experiences into a professional elevator pitch that puts them in the best position to achieve their goals. As recruiters who work with news outlets and media-adjacent organizations across the country, we've placed folks in more than 40 positions with a focus on DBEI -- from reporters to the leadership and executive level. URL Media Senior Recruiter Sonali Kohli will moderate a panel of folks who will talk about questions to ask yourself to figure out what you want, and help develop a roadmap for how to get it.

Speakers

Alberto B. Mendoza

Managing Director, JSK Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University

Alberto B. Mendoza is a managing director of the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships.. He joined JSK from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), where he was executive director for five years.At NAHJ, he launched several new initiatives, including a major fundraising... Read More →

Tre'vell Anderson

Chief Imagination Officer, Slayzhon

Tre’vell Anderson is an award-winning journalist, social curator, and world changer who always comes to slay! Formerly, the Director of Culture and Entertainment at Out magazine, they* have dedicated their career to centering those in the margins, grey spaces, and at the intersections... Read More →

Sonali Kohli

Senior Recruiter, URL Media

I’m a recruiter for URL Media, where I work with newsrooms and media-adjacent organizations all over to fill their roles. I’m also a journalist writing a young adult nonfiction book about teen activism.

Lil Kalish

LGBTQ Rights Reporter, HuffPost

Lil Kalish is an LGBTQ rights reporter at HuffPost where they cover current legislative and political attacks on LGBTQ people, access to gender-affirming care, and the ways queer and trans communities engage in mutual aid. Previously Lil covered income inequality for CalMatters, reported... Read More →

Rashida Salim

Senior Director, Human Resources, Vox Media

Analytics focused human resources professional with demonstrated success driving organizational change, developing human capital and driving immediate results. Focused on developing deep relationships with business partners to execute strategic business objectives. Love to read, travel... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Regency C2 (Floor 2M)

Breakout Session, Subtype1

3:00pm EDT

I Want To Be A (CNN) Producer

From live and long-form, to politics and pop culture, CNN’s programming requires a diverse set of producers around the world to make it happen. Some of the network’s top content creators share their career choices, the variety of producer tracks, and what it really takes to succeed at a global news network.

Sponsored by CNN

Speakers

Javier de Diego

Executive Producer, CNN

JAVIER DE DIEGO is the executive producer of“Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” A nearly 15-year CNN veteran, de Diego has worn many hats both in the field and in the control room. Before being promoted to lead the Wallace team, he was the senior broadcast producer for “The... Read More →

David Ingram

Senior Broadcast Producer, CNN

David Ingram is the senior broadcast producer for “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” He is responsible for the show’s daily editorial coverage, including breaking news, packages, live reports, and in-depth interviews with leading newsmakers.Prior to joining CNN, David was... Read More →

Jen Christensen

writer, producer Health Team, CNN

Jen Christensen is a producer with CNN’s Health, Medical and Wellness Unit. In addition, she produces multi-platform projects and documentaries, primarily for CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta. She also does data analysis and is a reporter for CNN.com.She has earned... Read More →

Eric Johnson

Executive Producer, CBB

Eric Johnson is currently an Executive Producer for CNN’s Program Development team, where he oversees a team that creates enterprising, longform content for CNN.Prior to his role at Warner Media, Johnson spent nearly 15 years at ABC News where he was the co-Executive Producer of... Read More →

Ramón Escobar

SVP, Talent Recruitment and Development, CNN

Ramon Escobar is senior vice president of talent recruitment and development for CNN Worldwide. He is responsible for the recruitment of all on and off-air talent for CNN U.S., CNN International, CNN en Español and HLN. He also advances the internal development of all anchors, correspondents... Read More →

Sponsors

CNN & WBD Sports

Thursday September 7, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

3:00pm EDT

Women Out on the Air

Women outnumber men for television news reporting jobs, but just a handful of those reporters are out on the air. At a time when newsrooms are looking for people to be their authentic selves, why are so few public with their sexual orientation? This panel will explore some of the barriers women still face, the social pressures lesbians feel to conform, and what needs to happen for more women to feel comfortable.

Speakers

Christiane Cordero

Reporter, ABC7 Los Angeles

Christiane Cordero is a general assignment reporter with ABC7 Los Angeles. She covers everything from high-profile celebrity court cases, to the city’s homelessness crisis, to the writers’ strike. Her reporting during the 2022 LA Pride Parade helped earn the station a Los Angeles... Read More →

Tara Campbell

Reporter, KGO ABC7 News

Tara Campbell is a reporter for ABC7 News Bay Area, where she focuses on the drug overdose epidemic and LGBTQ+ coverage.Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Tara got her start as a print journalist before establishing her career on the Canadian Prairies, where she made the shift... Read More →

Kelsi Thorud

Reporter, CBS NEWS BAY AREA

Kelsi Thorud is an award-winning reporter for CBS News Bay Area in San Francisco. She has reported across the country throughout her career from Illinois to Kentucky to Florida and now California. During that time, she’s been on the front lines covering countless historical events... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

4:15pm EDT

Battling Burnout: How journalists (and their managers) can better prioritize mental health in the newsroom

Newsroom managers are becoming increasingly aware of the need for mental health support resources for their journalists, but wellbeing is often a distant priority when deadlines are looming fast and a newscast to air every day. From an industry under attack and a sometimes-hostile public, to the difficult realities of covering challenging stories — journalism can be stressful work. This session speaks to both journalists and newsroom managers, offering practical tips and a safe place to discuss journalists’ mental health challenges — and triumphs.

Speakers

Aaron Mason

News Director, WKBW, The E.W. Scripps Company

Aaron Mason is the Senior Director of News at WKBW, the Scripps-owned ABC affiliate in Buffalo, New York. Aaron joined WKBW in 2014 as Assistant News Director, helping lead the team to two New York Emmy Awards for Best Morning and Evening Newscasts. He also oversaw the station’s... Read More →

Marcus Riley

Sr. Dir, Content Strategy & Inclusive Journalism, The E.W. Scripps Company

Adi Guajardo

Sr. Video Journalist/Reporter, Scripps News, The E.W. Scripps Company

Adi Guajardo joined Scripps News as a national correspondent in October 2020 and is based out of Phoenix. Adi covers immigration on the Arizona border and general news across the state. Adi previously worked as a reporter at Denver7 (KMGH) in Colorado. Her experience includes extensive... Read More →

Linda Pattillo

Deputy Managing Editor, The E.W. Scripps Company

Linda Pattillo is a Deputy Managing Editor for Scripps News. She’s an award-winning former correspondent for ABC NEWS and CNN. She worked for 20 years in local and national TV news, including a decade as an international correspondent for ABC and CNN. She was the only female TV... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2023 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

4:15pm EDT

Bi-alogue: How to Avoid Myths and Misconceptions When Covering the Bi Community

Bisexual people make up the largest part of the LGBTQ+ community, but despite its sizable numbers, this diverse group is often rendered invisible in mainstream media coverage of queer life. When bisexuality is addressed in films, television shows, and news media, these depictions often rely on tired tropes and harmful myths about who bi people are, creating further stigma and misinformation. This panel will address those age-old stereotypes and provide greater understanding of the community through thoughtful discussion, probing insights, and personal reflections based upon the panelists’ lived experiences. In addition to providing appropriate terminology, this session will answer: Why does such a large community face such widespread erasure? How can authentic and accurate coverage of bi people address this problem? And what can we do in our newsrooms and everyday lives to be better advocates and allies to the bisexual community? By the end of this discussion, we hope to leave listeners inspired, challenged, and ready to have better conversations about an oft-misunderstood community.

Speakers

Jennifer Rahal-Moore

Vice-President, Pennsylvania Equality Project, Pennsylvania Equality Project

Retired reading and special education teacher; currently vice-president of Pennsylvania EqualityProject. Bisexual and currently married to a gay man for 33 years with three adult children. Enjoyworking within the LGBTQ+ community to assist with social and educational needs.

Nico Lang

Freelance Reporter, Self-Employed

Nico Lang is the creator of Queer News Daily and an award-winning reporter, editor, essayist, author, and critic. You can read their work in Rolling Stone, Esquire, The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Them, The Advocate, VICE News, Vox, The Wall Street Journal, Out, The Daily Beast... Read More →

Charles Tyson, Jr.

Podcaster/Podcast Host, Full Circle (the Podcast)

Charles Tyson, Jr. is a biracial, bisexual West Philadelphia native and co-host of “Full Circle (the Podcast) with Charles Tyson, Jr. & Martha Madrigal,” a weekly news commentary podcast centered around national and global headlines affecting the LGBTQ+ community, now in its second... Read More →

Martha Madrigal

Podcaster/Podcast Host, Full Circle (the Podcast)

Martha Madrigal is a bisexual trans woman, “artivist,” writer, humorist, and the co-host of “Full Circle (The Podcast) with Charles Tyson, Jr. & Martha Madrigal” a weekly news commentary podcast centered around national and global headlines affecting the LGBTQ+ community... Read More →

Lauren Rowello

Freelance Journalist

Lauren Rowello is a Philadelphia-based writer whose work often focuses on themes of identity, authenticity, and resistance. Their journalism and essays have been featured in a variety of national publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, as well as queer... Read More →

Sydney Rae Chin

Steering Committee Member, Philadelphia Asian Queer

Sydney Rae Chin is a chef and pleasure curator. They serve as a member of PAQ's steering committee. Alongside that, Sydney faciliates spaces around non-monogamy and relationships.

Thursday September 7, 2023 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

4:15pm EDT

Freelance Quick-Start: Your Road Map to Financial and Emotional Sustainability

This session will give emerging freelancers the training and perspective needed to develop a business plan and strategies for financial and emotional sustainability. The session will cover how to structure a freelance portfolio, breaking into the industry, effective networking, recruiting anchor clients, identifying your brand and niche, and when to say no. Experienced freelancers will pick up new ideas and tactics to take their practices to the next level — and newcomers will understand what to expect in a freelance career.

Speakers

Daric Cottingham

Reporter, Reckon News

Daric L. Cottingham (she/her) is a multimedia journalist who currently covers the intersection of news, entertainment, and culture at Reckon News. She is a proud Southern Black queer, trans woman based in Los Angeles, holding a mass communications degree from Prairie View A&M University... Read More →

Katherine Lewis

Author and Founder, The Institute for Independent Journalists

Katherine Reynolds Lewis is an award-winning journalist and author covering children, race, gender, disability, mental health, social justice and science. Her freelance work has appeared in the Atlantic, Fortune, New York Times, Parents, Slate, and Washington Post, as well as in Experience... Read More →

Erin McGregor

Program Manager, Association of Independents in Radio (AIR)

As a Program Manager at the Association of Independents in Radio, Erin oversees mentorship and training on SoundPath, AIR's training platform for the audio industry. She's passionate about creating enriching opportunities for professional development for AIR’s membership and the... Read More →

Lonnie Hood

Freelance Journalist, Freelance

Lonnie Lee Hood is a queer rural journalist based in Tennessee. They live with their pet pig and cover labor, queer issues, sustainability and more — focusing largely on Appalachia and the South. They have bylines in the New York Times, Washington Post, Smithsonian, Tennessee Lookout... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2023 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Regency C2 (Floor 2M)

Breakout Session

4:15pm EDT

Out on the Trail: Running for Office as an LGBTQ+ Candidate in the U.S.

Join Loyola Marymount University and LGBTQ+ Victory Institute for an exclusive first look at the largest survey of LGBTQ+ candidates ever conducted. Built on survey data from almost 500 LGBTQ+ candidates who ran for office in the U.S. over the past five years, this landmark study explores candidates' motivations to run, their unique challenges on the campaign trail at a time of growing anti-LGBTQ+ attacks and the impact LGBTQ+ leaders have once elected. The session will delve into the unique experiences of Black, Latinx and AAPI LGBTQ+ candidates, as well as transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming candidates. Physical and digital copies of the report will be available to participants, and the embargo will lift following the session.

Speakers

Deja Alvarez

Deputy Director world Healthcare Infrastructures, Tpac/Whci

Deja Lynn Alvarez is a passionate and award-winning transgender advocate, activist, and public health professional. As the Deputy Director of World Healthcare Infrastructures, she helps lead the charge to improve healthcare accessibility for marginalized communities around the globe.In... Read More →

Gabriele Magni

Assistant Professor of Political Science, Loyola Marymount University

Gabriele Magni (he/him/his) is assistant professor of political science, Founding Director of the LGBTQ+ Politics Research Initiative, and Director of the Global Policy Institute at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He is also a visiting scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation... Read More →

Sean Meloy

Senior Advisor - Institute; VP of Political - Fund, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund

Sean Meloy joined LGBTQ+ Victory in 2017, where he’s led the effort to double the number of LGBTQ+ people elected in the United States to over 1,000 over the last 5 years. Sean was born and raised in Pittsburgh, where he lives with his partner Ethan and recently ran for the U.S... Read More →

Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Representative, Izzy for Lancaster

The Honorable Ismail “Izzy” Smith-Wade-El, PA State Representative, District 49Born and raised in Lancaster, Ismail Smith-Wade-El graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with degrees in Anthropology & Theatre. Prior to his election to the PA House of Representatives, Rep. Smith-Wade-El... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2023 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

5:30pm EDT

Fireside Chat with Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News EVP of Programming

What does it take to be a leader in 24/7 breaking news coverage? Learn from Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ Executive Vice President of Programming, about overseeing breaking news special coverage, flagship news program NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and NBC News NOW, the fastest growing streaming news network in the US. Rodriguez, a Latina & LGBTQ leader in the broadcast news industry, will share how the changing media landscape shapes her vision for NBC News.

Speakers

Maura Barrett

Correspondent, NBC News and MSNBC

MAURA BARRETT is an NBC News NOW Correspondent, reporting across all platforms for NBC News and MSNBC. She was a campaign embedded reporter for the 2020 election, while covering the Covid-19 pandemic and the civil unrest following George Floyd’s death in both DC and Portland, OR... Read More →

Janelle Rodriguez

Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal News Group

Thursday September 7, 2023 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Fireside Chat

5:30pm EDT

Meet the Trans Journalists Association!

Gather at The Lobby Lounge to meet the TJA! Join us if you’re interested in learning more about our plans and ambitions for the coming year, both to help drive better coverage of trans issues and to help trans journalists thrive in the industry. (Or just come and drink.)

Thursday September 7, 2023 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Lobby Lounge

Outing/Offsite

6:00pm EDT

Queering Country: A Fireside Chat with Trailblazing Musician Chely Wright

Join us for an intimate fireside chat with acclaimed lesbian country musician Chely Wright as she reflects on her groundbreaking decision to come out in 2010. In this candid conversation, Wright will discuss the media's response at the time, the challenges she encountered as an openly gay artist in the industry, and how the landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in journalism has evolved since then.

Speakers

Frank DiLella

Journalist, Charter Communications / Spectrum News

Frank DiLella is the eight-time Emmy Award winning host of “On Stage” on SpectrumNews NY1 in New York City, the news channel’s weekly half-hour entertainmentprogram.DiLella’s celebrity interviews, along with his in-depth reporting of the theatrical scene,have helped make him... Read More →

Chely Wright

Country Musician

Named “Top New Female Vocalist” by The Academy of Country Music, CHELY WRIGHT rose to fame as acommercial country singer in the ‘90s, and has since released nine studio albums and charted more than17 singles on the Billboard charts, including “Shut Up and Drive” and “Single... Read More →

Thursday September 7, 2023 6:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Fireside Chat

6:00pm EDT

Open 12-Step Meeting

Thursday September 7, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Parlor 415 (4th Floor)

Meeting

7:00pm EDT

2023 Opening Reception: Welcome to Philadelphia!

Kick off the convention with stunning 360-degree views of the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection on the historic 33rd Floor of the Loews Philadelphia (formerly the executive offices of the Pennsylvania Savings Funds Society when the building was built in the 1930s.) Gather with old friends, make new connections and get yourself energized for a productive and educational weekend

Thursday September 7, 2023 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
33rd Floor

Reception

9:00pm EDT

Lifetime Members Reception

Our Lifetime Membership program celebrates a dedication and commitment to fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ+ issues by members who have devoted their talents and support, not just for today, but for a lifetime. For more information, stop by the Registration Desk at the convention or visit the Membership Section of the website of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists at nlgja.org. Become a Lifetime Member during the convention and join us at this invitation-only reception!

Thursday September 7, 2023 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Lifetime Members Only

Reception

8:00am EDT

Registration

Come grab your badge and swag! Staff will be onsite to assist with any questions or needs that you may have.

Friday September 8, 2023 8:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Congress Foyer (4th Floor)

Registration

8:30am EDT

QPOC Morning Meet-Up

Start your Friday morning off with connection and conversations! Join us for this networking session geared towards QPOC to meet new friends, bond over shared experiences and more.

Friday September 8, 2023 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Parlor 413 (4th Floor)

Morning Meet-Up

9:00am EDT

Career & Community Expo

Dive into a world of opportunity at our largest-ever Career & Community Expo! Connect with recruiters and hiring managers from over 40 news organizations, non-profits, and more.

Friday September 8, 2023 9:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Regency A, C2 and Regency Foyer (Floor 2M)

Career & Community Expo

9:15am EDT

Breakfast from the Ford Foundation

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast before our morning plenary session!

Friday September 8, 2023 9:15am - 9:45am EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Coffee Break/Refresh, Breakfast

9:15am EDT

Curating the Conversation on Anti-Drag Laws

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

Speakers

Orion Rummler

LGBTQ+ Reporter, The 19th News

Orion covers LGBTQ+ news, focused on state politics, breaking news and the underreported ways that trans and queer people are marginalized. He writes stories that resonate with the unspoken experiences of LGBTQ+ people and ones that deeply report the impact of everyday policy on their... Read More →

Kate Ruane

Sy Syms Director, U.S. Free Expression Porgrams, PEN America

Kate Ruane is the Sy Syms Director, U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America. An attorney with a strong background in legal research, Kate is committed to the freedom of speech and to bringing focus to the ways in which a strong commitment to free expression benefits communities... Read More →

Steven Monacelli

Special Investigative Correspondent, Texas Observer

Steven Monacelli is the Texas Observer's Special Investigative Correspondent, based in Dallas. His reporting has been featured in Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, The Real News, Dallas Observer, Dallas Weekly, and more. He is also the publisher of Protean Magazine, a nonprofit literary... Read More →

Beatrice Thomas

Director, Authentic Arts & Media

Beatrice Thomas is the multi-disciplinary artist, cultural strategist, social justice drag queen and creative producer behind Authentic Arts and Media. Whether through creative production, consulting or equity, diversity, and inclusion workshops, Mx. Thomas' focus is on uplifting... Read More →

Sponsors

Ford Foundation

Friday September 8, 2023 9:15am - 11:15am EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Plenary

11:30am EDT

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Journalism

Journalists often choose to run toward an emergency because we know we have a job to do—providing essential, trusted information to the communities we serve. It may come as no surprise then that according to the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, between 80 to 100% of journalists have been exposed to a traumatic event. At the same time, mental health continues to be a topic that can bring up feelings of shame and stigma. How can newsrooms better support journalists’ mental health? What tools can journalists use to navigate reporting on traumatic events, mental health issues, and more on the job? How can we more accurately and effectively report on mental health in a way that reflects and empowers our audience? Join us for a conversation with Spectrum News journalists to reflect on mental health and our profession.

Sponsored by Spectrum

Speakers

Ricky Cody

Chief Meteorologist, Spectrum News

RICKY CODY(he/him/his) is chief meteorologist at Spectrum News 1 in Austin, Texas Prior to Spectrum News 1, Ricky was the chief meteorologist for Fox West Texas in Abilene and San Angelo, Texas. While there, Cody redeveloped the station’s weather team and branding, making the station... Read More →

John Handiboe

Managing Editor, Spectrum News 13

Emmy-award winning multimedia project manager with over 20 years of professional experience as a content strategist creating specialized programming for television, web publications, social media, radio and newspaper. Excellent managerial skills for an intense, fast-paced deadline-driven... Read More →

Taylor Bruck

Anchor/Reporter, Spectrum News 1 Ohio

I am an anchor and reporter for Spectrum News 1 OH. I have a focus on covering the multi-national technology company Intel coming to the state as well as diversity and sustainability stories. I identify as a gay woman and part of why I wanted to become a journalist was to make sure... Read More →

Dr. Nicole Cross

Anchor and National Mental Health Correspondent, Spectrum News

Dr. Nicole Cross is an Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter for Spectrum News in Texas. She feels honored to work for an organization that values credibility and is dedicated to creating diverse coverage and giving everyone a voice on the issues that matter most to them. Nicole... Read More →

Sponsors

Spectrum (Charter)

Friday September 8, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

11:30am EDT

Navigating the Book Writing Process

This session brings authors and journalists together to discuss their book writing (and selling!) processes. As many writers know, so much of the publishing industry appears opaque and byzantine. Through writers sharing their experiences within that system, this session will seek to demystify that.

Speakers

Kristina Marusic

Investigative Reporter, Environmental Health News

Kristina Marusic is an award-winning journalist and author of "A New War On Cancer: The Unlikely Heroes Revolutionizing Prevention." She holds an MFA in nonfiction writing from the University of San Francisco, and her personal essays and reporting on topics ranging from the environment... Read More →

Curtis Chin

Writer, Everything I Learned, I Learned in Chinese Restaur

A co-founder of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop in New York City, Curtis Chin served as the non-profits’ first Executive Director. He went on to write for network and cable television before transitioning to social justice documentaries. Chin has screened his films at over... Read More →

Miguel Martinez Valle

Reporter, WCAU-TV, NBC10/Traffic.com

Aaron Foley

Senior digital editor, PBS NewsHour

Aaron Foley is a journalist and author, currently serving as senior digital editor for the PBS NewsHour. His first novel, "Boys Come First," is currently in development as a series with Prime Video.

Friday September 8, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

11:30am EDT

The Eroding Fourth Estate? Rebuilding Public Trust in Journalism

Recent surveys of public trust in the news media have produced sobering results. In one Gallup poll, two-thirds of respondents rated their trust level as “none at all” or “not very much.” In another, half of the respondents said news outlets “intend to mislead, misinform or persuade the public.” This erosion of trust is a problem for the news business that has only grown in recent years. Traditionally underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, also have a complicated and, at times, contentious relationship with the press that fuels this distrust. How can newsrooms counteract this trend? And what are the consequences if we don’t?

Sponsored by SAG-AFTRA

Speakers

Sudeep Reddy

Senior Managing Editor, POLITICO

Sudeep Reddy is a managing editor of POLITICO. He joined POLITICO in early 2017 after a decade in The Wall Street Journal's Washington bureau, where he most recently was an economics editor directing coverage of U.S. and international economic news. He was previously a Washington... Read More →

Gina Chua

Executive Editor, Semafor

Sharif Durhams

Deputy Managing Editor, The Washington Post

Steven Overly

Reporter, POLITICO

Steven Overly is a journalist in Washington, D.C., with over a decade of experience covering stories at the intersection of business, technology and politics. He currently hosts POLITICO Tech, a daily podcast exploring the ways technology is disrupting politics and policy. As a reporter... Read More →

Katerina Eva Matsa

DIRECTOR, NEWS AND INFORMATION RESEARCH, Pew Research Center

Katerina Eva Matsa is the director of news and information research at Pew Research Center, where she specializes in news habits and attitudes in the U.S. and Europe. She is an expert on the impact of technology and politics on the news and information environment and the use of multiple... Read More →

Sponsors

SAG-AFTRA

Friday September 8, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

12:30pm EDT

Lunch on Your Own

Take some time to explore some of Philadelphia's nearby eateries, including the famous Reading Terminal Market, and fuel up before our afternoon sessions.

Friday September 8, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT
Offsite

Outing/Offsite

12:45pm EDT

Womens+ Brown-Bag Meet-Up

New for 2023! More networking opportunities. Grab your lunch at one of Philadelphia’s many nearby eateries,
including the famed Reading Terminal Market, and bring it back for a lunch hour filled with fun, sharing and
networking!

Friday September 8, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Parlor 413 (4th Floor)

Brown-Bag Meet-Up

1:45pm EDT

In the Courts and In the Classroom: Covering the Backlash to LGBTQ+ Expression in 2023

Bans on books and rainbow flags. LGBTQ+ focused curriculum curtailed. Restrictions on the rights of trans and nonbinary students to play sports, be known by their correct names and more. As courtroom rulings deliver blow after blow to LGBTQ+ expression and education in schools, journalists must understand the connections between these policies and the wider backlash against LGBTQ+ rights in 2023. A panel of journalists, and legal and education experts will discuss the landscape to help attendees cover these issues responsibly.

Speakers

Elizabeth Daley

Reporter, Law360

Elizabeth Daley is a journalist from New York City. She is a reporter at Law360 and her articles have appeared in Guernica, USA Today, New York Observer, GOOD Magazine, Patek Philippe, Narratively, Fast Company, The Christian Science Monitor, Belt Magazine, Public Source, Quartz... Read More →

Hannah Schoenbaum

North Carolina Government and Politics Reporter, Associated Press

Hannah Schoenbaum is a state government and politics reporter for The Associated Press in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a Report for America corps member. She is a recipient of the 2023 Curve Award for Emerging Journalists. Beyond covering her state’s legislature, courts and elections... Read More →

Stephen Jiwanmall

Assistant Professor of Communication, La Salle University

Christopher Geidner

Publisher and Author, Law Dork

Chris Geidner is an award-winning journalist whose Law Dork newsletter covers the Supreme Court, law, and politics. His more than two decades in journalism includes widely recognized coverage of the courts, LGBTQ issues, the criminal legal system, and other complex legal and political... Read More →

Piper Hutchinson

Reporter, Louisiana Illuminator

Piper Hutchinson is a reporter for the Louisiana Illuminator, where she covers state politics with a focus on higher education, LGBTQ+ policy and academic freedom. She has reported extensively on the Legislature and state government for the LSU Manship News Service and The Reveille... Read More →

Friday September 8, 2023 1:45pm - 3:15pm EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Plenary

3:00pm EDT

Coffee Break Café

Friday September 8, 2023 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Regency A (Floor 2M)

Coffee Break/Refresh

3:30pm EDT

Finding and Telling the Story with Social Media

Social Media is a two way street. It's a good way to collect information, and it's an even better way to get it out to your audience. In this always popular session, our panel of experts will discuss the ways stories are pitched and packaged, reported and distributed - all in one place... social media. Plus, we'll address how to weed out misinformation on both the gathering and distribution process. And, the ever changing platforms of social media can take on a life of their own. Which is best for your needs? We'll examine how you can grow and evolve with the latest, greatest, and upcoming tools of the trade.

Speakers

Robert Bennett

Senior Producer, WAVY-TV 10/Nexstar Media

I'm a 30 year veteran of local TV news, the past 10 years at WAVY-TV 10 in Norfolk/Portsmouth, VA. I have worked in markets in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Iowa, and Washington, DC. I also mentor young journalists in the business.

Craig Duff

Professor, Medill Northwestern University

Craig Duff is an Emmy award-winning video journalist and filmmaker, who is now a professor at the Medill School at Northwestern University. At Medill, he leads the video and broadcast specialization in the Master's program and also teaches a popular course in social media video reporting... Read More →

Roman Feeser

Senior Digital Producer, CBS News

Roman Feeser is an award-winning digital producer and social media manager for “CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley.” Before entering his dream job at “Sunday,” he worked as a digital producer for “CBS Evening News.” He has written for the Advocate. Currently he is attending... Read More →

Kedzie Teller

Founder, KedzieT Consulting

Paige McIntyre

Senior Digital Content Producer, KGO-TV, ABC

Seasoned digital/linear producer with eight years of experience in broadcast journalism. I currently reside in the San Francisco Bay Area and help lead a group of digital journalists at ABC7.

Friday September 8, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

3:30pm EDT

Pink Wave: How a record 436 LGBTQ+ Candidates Got Elected in 2022 even as states like Texas and Florida targeted queer people, voters had other ideas.

A record 436 LGBTQ+ candidates won office last year, including the first trans and nonbinary candidates to win seats in the Montana Legislature, the first Black LGBT candidate elected statewide in Connecticut and two lesbians elected governor in Oregon and Massachusetts. We’ll explore the barriers they faced, how they overcame them, how the media covered their candidacies and what it all says about the future of LGBTQ candidates running in the future.A discussion about how and why some of the coverage of trans communities has failed to meet journalism’s call to fair, accurate and nuanced coverage. We’ll focus on what questions to ask yourself and your newsroom while you’re thinking about how to do it right — not just in terms of correct language and nuance, but from a meta-level. What stories really matter? How can you catch bias in your own sourcing, and yourself? How do you explain data that’s limited or contested? And how can you catch oversights and spotty news judgment when you’re working on a deadline?

Speakers

Scott Shafer

Senior Editor, Politics and Government, KQED

Scott Shafer came to KQED in 1998 to host the statewide California Report. Prior to that he had extended stints in politics and government, including as press secretary for San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos (1988-91) and Chief of Staff to then-Controller Gray Davis (1992-94).He also worked... Read More →

Miguel Martinez Valle

Reporter, WCAU-TV, NBC10/Traffic.com

Anne Wakabayashi

Vice President, BerlinRosen

Anne Wakabayashi specializes in ad-making and has over a decade of experience in electoral politics and building a pipeline of new democratic leaders.Anne has managed campaigns up and down the ballot from City Council, to State Supreme Court, all the way up to serving as Pennsylvania... Read More →

Shevrin Jones

State Senator, Florida Senate

Florida State Senator Shevrin “Shev” Jones is an educator, public servant, and consensus builder who gets results on the issues facing Florida families.Growing up in Carol City, Jones’ parents instilled in him and his brothers the values of education, faith, and service to the... Read More →

Rue Landau

Democratic Nominee, Philadelphia City Council AL, Democratic Nominee, Philadelphia City Council AL

Rue Landau is a civil rights and housing attorney, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a public school parent. Following success in the Democratic primary where she received the most votes of any non-incumbent, Rue is poised to become Philadelphia's first-ever openly LGBTQ... Read More →

Friday September 8, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

3:30pm EDT

Self-care for trans and nonbinary reporters

In this session, we will explore self-care practices, especially when you're covering your own community as a trans or nonbinary person in the newsroom. We will also discuss why it's important for newsrooms to provide institutional support to trans and nonbinary/LGBTQ+ reporters and editors in order to create sustainable coverage — and what barriers are facing trans and nonbinary journalists in their workplaces.

Speakers

Gina Chua

Executive Editor, Semafor

Katie Barnes

Writer, ESPN

Kathleen Massara

Senior staff editor, The New York Times

Kathleen Massara has worked for The Times since 2017. Prior to that, she was the managing editor of Artnet News and the Arts&Culture editor of HuffPost. She hails from Nebraska.

Orion Rummler

LGBTQ+ Reporter, The 19th News

Friday September 8, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session, Subtype 2

3:45pm EDT

Newsroom Leadership: Lessons on Decision-Making and Management

How do you manage a broadcast, streaming or digital newsroom? It takes plenty of skill and patience to lead news coverage and balance the needs of a team of anchors, correspondents, producers, writers and other creative talent. Learn how NBCU News Group leaders problem-solve for real-world challenges. No matter your goals, this is your chance to learn leadership skills to navigate newsrooms and advance your career.

Sponsored by NBC

Speakers

Yvette Miley

EVP News Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, NBCUniversal News Group

Yvette M. Miley is a Senior Vice President for MSNBC and NBC News.Miley is responsible for talent management and development of news personnel both on and off camera. She is the executive in charge of weekend, overnight, breaking news and special events programming on MSNBC as well... Read More →

Brooke Sopelsa

NBC Out Editorial Director, NBC NEWS/ NBC OUT

Rebecca Blumenstein

President - Editorial, NBC News

REBECCA BLUMENSTEIN is NBC News president,editorial, driving journalism and original content across broadcast and digital platforms. She oversees NBC News editorial teams, news gathering, field operations, booking, “Meet the Press,” “Dateline NBC,” and NBC News Studios. She... Read More →

Greg Kordick

SVP, Perspective & Analysis Programming, MSNBC

Greg Kordick is Senior Vice President of Perspective & Analysis Programming forMSNBC. He oversees 58 hours of MSNBC live television coverage a week, whichincludes MSNBC’s primetime lineup from 4p-midnight Monday through Friday and onthe weekend, he oversees morning and evening programming... Read More →

Jonathan Capehart

Host, "The Saturday/Sunday Show", MSNBC

Jonathan Capehart is a Pulitzer Prize-winning Associate Editor of The Washington Post. Since 2007, he has been an opinion writer at The Post. He was a member of The Post’s editorial board until 2022. He hosts a weekly Post podcast “Capehart” and the weekly Washington Post Live... Read More →

Osvaldo "Ozzie" Martinez

EVP Multi-Platform News, Orig. Programming & Stand, NBCUniversal / Telemundo Station Group

Osvaldo “Ozzie” Martínez is Executive Vice President of Multiplatform News, OriginalProgramming & Standards for the Telemundo Station Group, part of NBCUniversal Local, whichincludes 31 local Telemundo stations across the United States and Puerto Rico. In his role,Martínez oversees... Read More →

Sponsors

Comcast NBCUniversal

Friday September 8, 2023 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Breakout Session

4:45pm EDT

Covering Bisexual Issues in 2023 and Beyond

From politics to pop culture coverage, bisexuality and bi+ issues remain undercovered or subject to inaccurate and antiquated attitudes about the community. In this workshop, we'll discuss notable stories from the past year, best practices for covering bi+ issues, and approaches to different areas of coverage — from hard news to entertainment — that impact bi+ people.

Speakers

Nico Lang

Freelance Reporter, Self-Employed

Michelle Garcia

Editorial Director, NBC BLK, NBC News

Michelle Garcia is the editor of NBC BLK, a vertical for NBC News focused on Black America. She is a story editor for the Peabody-winning and Pulitzer Prize finalist podcast, Southlake. Over the last decade Michelle has covered major social movements across the U.S. including the... Read More →

Elaina Patton

Contributor, NBC NEWS/ NBC OUT

Elaina Patton is a freelance entertainment and culture writer. She is a regular contributor to NBC Out has also written about film and TV for publications such as Vogue and IndieWire. Previously, she was on staff at NBC News Digital, The New Yorker and Vanity Fair International. A... Read More →

Alex Berg

Creative Director, Blink Media

Alex Berg is an on-air host, creative director, and multimedia journalist telling stories from in front and behind the camera. Over the course of her career, Alex has served as a morning show host, interviewing presidential candidates and Oscar-winners alike, directed short documentaries... Read More →

Friday September 8, 2023 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

4:45pm EDT

Entering Thru Mentoring: Your Journey to Success in the Newsroom and Media

Leave your ego at the door. Discover ways to unleash professional opportunities utilizing the experience of seasoned mentors in your newsroom. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions for an impactful experience.

Sponsored by CBS

Speakers

Patrick Lee

Editor, CBS News

Patrick Lee has been with CBS News for over a decade. As an award winning producer/editor for CBS News Sunday Morning. In 2011, he joined the editing staff at Sixty Minutes, and continues as a contributing producer for CBS News Sunday Morning. In 2010, he directed a short documentary... Read More →

Kelly Frank

President & General Manager, CBS News

Kelly Frank is President & General Manager of CBS News and Stations’ local businesses inPhiladelphia, including CBS Philadelphia, WPSG-TV – Philly 57, the CBS News Philly streamingchannel and CBSPhiladelphia.com.Kelly joined CBS Philadelphia after serving as Director of content... Read More →

Alicia Hastey

Producer, CBS Evening News

Alicia Hastey is currently Norah O’Donnell’s producer at the CBS Evening News based in Washington D.C. Recent exclusives include an interview with the only female Four Star Generals and Admirals in the U.S. Military, a ride along with the Chief of DC Metropolitan Police, and a... Read More →

Tylan Jennings

Executive Producer, Paramount/ CBS Television Stations

Preferred Name: Tylan John JenningsPronouns: He, Him, HisMeet Tylan John Jennings, an extraordinary trans man who has shattered barriers and illuminated the world of media production. With a trailblazing spirit, Tylan has risen to remarkable heights in his career, leaving an indelible... Read More →

Thomas Hanson

Anchor / Correspondent, CBS News / Innovation Lab

Tom Hanson is an anchor and correspondent for the CBS News Innovation Lab based in Dallas. He began his career with CBS News in New York in 2018 as a correspondent reporting across all CBS News platforms.During his time at the network, Hanson has covered a wide variety of stories... Read More →

Sponsors

CBS

Friday September 8, 2023 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

4:45pm EDT

Sound Advice: Taking your Audience to the Scene Creatively and Clearly

Video, radio, podcast, and multimedia journalism audiences should be transported to the scene of the story. When sound is a part of the story, audio should be one of the stars of your production. Hear from a mix of journalists who work in different journalism mediums, but all have a love of sound reporting. Pick up some tips to make your next story pop.

Speakers

Rick Stuckey

News Videographer and Video Editor, NBC Chicago

Rick Stuckey, (he,him,his) has been capturing visuals and sound since grade school. He is currently a videographer, video editor, and live shot technician at NBC Chicago. There have been numerous stops along the way in several medium and top ten market stations. While always learning... Read More →

Aaron Bloom

Reporter and Host, Colorado Public Radio

Matt Bloom joined Colorado Public Radio as a general assignment reporter and fill-in host in 2021.Before coming to CPR, Matt spent four years at NPR member station KUNC, covering breaking news, COVID-19 and the economy in Northern Colorado. Before that, he spent two years as a freelance... Read More →

Madeline Ducharme

Producer, What Next, Slate Magazine

I'm an audio journalist, researcher, and WGA Award-nominated writer. I'm currently a producer on Slate's daily news podcast, the Ambie award-winning, What Next.Before that, I was the assistant producer of Slate's narrative history show, One Year. Our first season on 1977 was recognized... Read More →

Friday September 8, 2023 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
Regency C2 (Floor 2M)

Breakout Session

4:45pm EDT

The Big Story: Breaking News to Breaking Out

Want to take your reporting to the next level? CNN’s award-winning journalists take you inside the big story and reveal how they went from breaking news to breaking out. From a tragic mass shooting, unprecedented global pandemic, and an ongoing border crisis, hear how to successfully advance a story, build and develop critical sources, and deliver impactful continuous coverage.

Sponsored by CNN

Speakers

Tori Powell

Breaking News Writer, CNN

Tori B. Powell is a Breaking News Writer at CNN, where she covers live national events. Prior to joining CNN, Powell worked as a Breaking News Reporter at CBS News as well as a Digital Content Producer for CBS Mornings. There, she covered live and exclusive events for a national audience... Read More →

David Culver

Senior National Correspondent, CNN

DAVID CULVER is a senior national correspondent for CNN Worldwide, based at the network’s Los Angeles bureau. Culver’s award-winning work ha splayed a central role in CNN’s coverage around the world. Culver was previously based in Beijing and was responsible for covering major... Read More →

Shimon Prokupecz

Senior Crime and Justice Correspondent, CNN

Shimon Prokupecz is an award-winning journalist and CNN’s senior crime and justice correspondent. Based in New York, he principally covers law enforcement and breaking national news stories, where his standout reporting has garnered accolades and acclaim from the Emmy’s, Peabody’s... Read More →

Jen Christensen

writer, producer Health Team, CNN

Ramón Escobar

SVP, Talent Recruitment and Development, CNN

Sponsors

CNN & WBD Sports

Friday September 8, 2023 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

6:00pm EDT

Open 12-Step Meeting

Friday September 8, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Parlor 415 (4th Floor)

Meeting

7:00pm EDT

Women’s+ Networking Dinner

(Advanced ticket purchase required)

Join us for an evening of fellowship out and about in Philadelphia! Fantastic food. Fantastic friends. Fantastic fun. We'll meet at Ancient Spirits and Grille (1726 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103) at 7:00 p.m.

Registrants for the dinner will receive their tickets at registration. Questions? Contact clare@nlgja.org.

Friday September 8, 2023 7:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Ancient Spirits & Grillè

Outing/Offsite

8:30pm EDT

Night Out: Philadelphia

Join Stoli and LGBTQ+ Global Ambassador Patrik Gallineaux for the annual Stoli NLGJA Night Out at iconic Philadelphia hot spot TABU, celebrating 10 years of Stoli and NLGJA and the launch of Stoli’s new global campaign, “Spirit of Change”.

To celebrate, enjoy completely hosted Stoli product bar, delicious appetizers, and show starring Philadelphia drag stars Bev, Mister Right, and Nikita Sinn Monroe.

Doors at 8:30 p.m. (check in at second floor private NLGJA show and event room), show time 10 p.m.
Bring conference badge for admission.

Friday September 8, 2023 8:30pm - 11:00pm EDT
Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar

Outing/Offsite

8:00am EDT

Trans & Nonbinary Morning Meet-Up

Saturday September 9, 2023 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Parlor 413 (4th Floor)

Morning Meet-Up

8:00am EDT

Registration

Come grab your badge and swag! Staff will be onsite to assist with any questions or needs that you may have.

Saturday September 9, 2023 8:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Congress Foyer (4th Floor)

Registration

9:00am EDT

Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation: How Healing Through Storytelling Changes Individuals, Communities and Newsrooms

Take part in an inspiring Saturday morning plenary session for a deep dive into the topic of racial healing and how it can change communities and change newsrooms. This candid discussion will describe the experience of racial healing, including how to engage in difficult conversations about race and intersectional identities. Panelists will discuss the value of racial healing as a key pathway to achieving racial equity and transforming systems that deeply harm children and families, including those who identify as LGBTQIA. As part of this expansive conversation, leaders from journalist affinity organizations reflecting communities of color will discuss the challenges faced by journalists of diverse backgrounds, while exploring how journalists and news organizations can cover a variety of stories in ways that give voice to the experiences of communities across race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Sponsored by Kellogg Foundation

Speakers

Ken Lemon

President, National Association of Black Journalists

Lemon is a reporter at WSOC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina, and outgoing NABJ VP-Broadcast. Lemon, a two-term NABJ Vice President, has earned an Edward R. Murrow Award, three Emmy Awards, two AP Awards, two RTNDA Awards, an NAACP Image Award and other recognitions. He is a founding... Read More →

David Cordero

National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Region 1 Director

David began his career as a journalist at the Diálogo newspaper, a UPR publication, and was a national and international reporter for Metro Puerto Rico / Metro World News. He has a master’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Innovation in Journalism from Syracuse University... Read More →

Sharif Durhams

Deputy Managing Editor, The Washington Post

Carla Thompson

Vice-President for Program Strategy, W.K. Kellogg

Carla Thompson Payton is vice president for program strategy for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan. In this role, she supports the foundation’s efforts to promote thriving children, working families and equitable communities.Thompson Payton provides leadership... Read More →

Sponsors

Kellogg Foundation

Saturday September 9, 2023 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Plenary

10:45am EDT

Addressing Disparities and Discrimination in Today’s Healthcare System

The politicization of health care that erupted during the pandemic has accelerated post-COVID with brazen attempts across many states to interfere with patient and physician autonomy over reproductive health and gender-affirming care. Fueled by medical disinformation, stigma and anti-science rhetoric, these restrictive new laws in nearly two dozen states complicate delivery of care to vulnerable patient populations already at elevated risk for physical and mental health challenges. Where is this all going? And how do we push back on these efforts to ensure patients and their physicians can make decisions about improving health?

Sponsored by American Medical Association

Speakers

Alex Sheldon

Executive Director, GLMA

Alex Sheldon is a professional researcher, strategist, and advocate with over 15 years of experience in the field of human rights with a concentration in LGBTQ+ rights. Prior to joining GLMA, Alex was the Head of Research & Social Impact at an LGBTQ+ start-up company, where they specialized... Read More →

Elle Lett

MD Candidate, Perelman School of Medicine

Elle Lett is a Black, transgender woman; a statistician-epidemiologist; and a physician-in-training at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She applies the theories and principles of Black Feminism to understanding the health impacts of systemic racism, transphobia... Read More →

Jesse Ehrenfeld

President, American Medical Association

Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, was inaugurated as president of the American Medical Association in June 2023. He is a senior associate dean, tenured professor of anesthesiology and director of the “Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment” at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He... Read More →

David Oliver

Wellness Reporter, USA Today

David Oliver is an entertainment and wellness reporter at USA TODAY and an adjunct journalism professor at the University of Maryland. Oliver is a member of NLGJA and was both nominated for a GLAAD Award and won the AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism. He holds a master’s... Read More →

Sponsors

American Medical Association

Saturday September 9, 2023 10:45am - 10:45am EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

10:45am EDT

Covering LGBTQ+ Issues in Red States

How do LGBTQ+ journalists balance the personal impact of covering anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in conservative states? Hear perspectives from TEGNA journalists on the challenges of providing fair and accurate coverage.

Sponsored by TEGNA

Speakers

Xan Hart

Digital Content Producer, 13 WMAZ

Spencer Brooks

Assistant News Director, WUSA9 / Tegna

Spencer Brooks is the Assistant Director of Multiplatform Content at WUSA9 -- Tegna's CBS affiliate in Washington, DC.

Ryan Wood

Director of Community Impact, WFAA

Ryan Wood is the Director of Community Impact at WFAA in Dallas, Texas. A longtime producer and executive producer, Ryan now manages WFAA’s community outreach, partnerships, and non-profit grant-making. Ryan also oversees Santa’s Helpers, one of the largest holiday toy drives... Read More →

Christopher Kane

White House correspondent & Sr. politics reporter, Washington Blade

I currently serve as White House correspondent and senior politics reporter for the Washington Blade, a 54-year-old news organization distinguished as America’s oldest and largest newspaper serving the LGBTQ community. I am credentialed with a “hard pass” allowing nearly unfettered... Read More →

Sponsors

TEGNA

Saturday September 9, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

10:45am EDT

Dogma and Disinformation: Challenges in Political Reporting Today

Today's political reporters are navigating a beat that is deeply divided along ideological and cultural lines. The mandate to cut through deception and disinformation with the truth faces real obstacles — from social media, from partisan operatives, from far-from-center politicians and more. This has been especially evident on topics of importance to the LGBTQ+ community, including legislation targeting trans health care, drag performances and inclusive school curriculums. Come hear how journalists manage those challenges and still excel on the beat.

Sponsored by Think.Public.Media.

Speakers

Steven Overly

Reporter, POLITICO

Grace Ashford

Reporter, The New York Times

I'm a reporter at the New York Times covering New York State government and politics.

Eugene Scott

Senior Politics Reporter, Axios

Eugene Scott has spent two decades covering politics at the local, national and international levels. Prior to joining Axios, Scott was a national political reporter at The Washington Post and a fellow at the Georgetown University Institute of Politics. An award-winning journalist... Read More →

Jo Yurcaba

Reporter, NBC OUT, NBC News

Jo Yurcaba is a reporter for NBC Out, the LGBTQ section of NBC News. They cover everything under the LGBTQ umbrella with a focus on legislation targeting transgender people.

Sponsors

Think.Public.Media

Saturday September 9, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

10:45am EDT

Radical Storytelling Through Independent Journalism presented by The Curve Foundation

Independent journalists have the freedom to write the news without worrying about ad sales, corporate interests, or celebrity endorsements. Panelists Johnson, Medina, and Reed will discuss both the challenges and expansive possibilities in serving queer, trans, and BIPOC communities through their radical, independent storytelling.

Speakers

Travers Johnson

Founder and CEO, Queerency

Travers Johnson (he/him) is the Founder & CEO of Queerency, an LGBTQ+ business media startup, and is the Creator of LGBTQ+ Business Week, an annual 7-day celebration of queer-owned small businesses. He is an award-winning content strategist and editor with 15 years of experience in... Read More →

Leo Aquino

Independent Journalist, Queer & Trans Wealth

Leo Aquino is a freelance reporter covering anti-capitalist personal finance, previously at Insider. They have spoken to dozens of Americans about how policies like student loan forgiveness, abortion access, and anti-trans legislation affect their finances. Leo recently started a... Read More →

Erin Reed

Independent Journalist, Erin In The Morning

Erin Reed (she/her) is a transgender journalist, content creator, and activist based in Washington, D.C.. She tracks LGBTQ+ legislation around the United States for her subscription newsletter, Erin In The Morning. Her work has been featured in the AP, Reuters, The New York Times... Read More →

Alex Medina

Community Reporter, Boyle Heights Beat

Alex Medina is a community reporter for the nonprofit Boyle Heights Beat, a local nonprofit in Los Angeles that mentors youth in the field of journalism. An alumnus of the program himself, Medina returned this past year to give back to the community he calls home after graduating... Read More →

Saturday September 9, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Regency C2 (Floor 2M)

Breakout Session

11:45am EDT

Bi+ Brown-Bag Meet-Up

Saturday September 9, 2023 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT
Parlor 413 (4th Floor)

Brown-Bag Meet-Up

11:45am EDT

QPOC Brown-Bag Meet-Up

New for 2023!

More networking opportunities. Grab your lunch at one of Philadelphia’s many nearby eateries,
including the famed Reading Terminal Market, and bring it back for a lunch hour filled with fun, sharing and
networking!

Saturday September 9, 2023 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT
Parlor 415 (4th Floor)

Brown-Bag Meet-Up

11:45am EDT

Lunch on Your Own

Saturday September 9, 2023 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT
Offsite

Outing/Offsite

1:00pm EDT

Michael Triplett Series: Under Attack but Keeping the Faith: the Weaponization of Religion and the LGBTQ Community

We have seen religion weaponized as a tool of oppression targeting many marginalized communities and used as a justification for discrimination and even hate. The LGBTQ+ movement is no exception and these attacks have escalated in the last few years to a level we have not seen in decades. Join a panel of LGBTQ+ faith leaders, journalists and activists on the ground who are monitoring, covering these issues and fighting back.

Sponsored by General Motors

Speakers

Cathy Renna

Communications Director, National LGBTQ Task Force

Cathy Renna joins the National LGBTQ Task Force as Communications Director but is no stranger to the organization. As a longtime supporter and contractor on projects over the years and a regular presence at Creating Change, she has been part of the Task Force’s extended family for... Read More →

Nico Lang

Freelance Reporter, Self-Employed

Jaweed Kaleem

National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times

Jaweed Kaleem is a national correspondent at the Los Angeles Times. Based in L.A. with a focus on issues outside of California, he has traveled to dozens of states to cover news and deeply reported features on the complexity of the American experience. His articles frequently explore... Read More →

Jamie Bruesehoff

Author and Advocate, The GenderCool Project

Jamie Bruesehoff is an award-winning LGBTQ+ advocate, a nationally-known speaker, and a heartfelt writer. Rooted in her queer identity, her experiences raising a transgender child, and two decades of working with youth and families, Jamie equips leaders to create safer, more inclusive... Read More →

Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza

Professor, Our Collective Becoming

Dr. Roberto is passionate about the politics of radical difference and the ways that our collective differences might shed light on how we become a better body together. Roberto Che Espinoza, PhD has been described in a myriad of ways: a scholar-activist, scholar-leader, thought-leader... Read More →

Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart

Adjunct Professor, Theology & Religious Studies, Villanova University/Harvard Divinity School

Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart is a Black queer preacher, teacher, public administrator, and justice advocate. She is an adjunct professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University and the Government Fellow for Religion and Public Life at Harvard Divinity School... Read More →

Sponsors

General Motors

Saturday September 9, 2023 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency B (Floor 2M)

Plenary

2:45pm EDT

AP Style: A Tool Book, Not a Rule Book

Style has come a long way. Gone are the days when the AP Stylebook was merely a spiral-bound place for copy editors to find annually revised guidance on commas and capitalization. Increasingly, reporters and other journalists who don't sit on the copy desk (what copy desk?) turn to the constantly updated digital version of journalism's essential resource for modern advice on storytelling and standards around gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, and other matters of inclusivity and accuracy. In this session, the editors of the AP Stylebook will talk about how they craft the guidance, how to make it work for you, and the methods you can use to create your own in-house guidance. Plus, enter a raffle to win your own copy of an AP Stylebook.

Speakers

Bethany Grace Howe

Communications Consultant, Pride & Praxis

Dr. Bethany Grace Howe (she/her/hers) is a communications specialist for Oregon’s Department of Human Services. She also serves as a board member for Planned Parenthood of Southwest Oregon. A researcher, her 2020 University of Oregon School of Journalism dissertation served as the... Read More →

Jeff McMillan

Newsperson/AP Stylebook, The Associated Press

Jeff McMillan (he/him/his) is an editor and writer with more than 25 years of experience. He began his career as a Dow Jones News Fund intern at the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, where he worked as a copy editor for six years. He then worked as a copy and graphics editor at Newsday... Read More →

Paula Froke

AP Stylebook editor, AP

Paula Froke is editor of The Associated Press Stylebook and a manager on the AP’s Standards & Style team. She started her 35-plus years with the AP as a Dow Jones News Fund intern on the AP's main editing desk in New York. Her AP career has included jobs as news editor in Minnesota... Read More →

Pia Sarkar

Deputy Business Editor for Enterprise, The Associated Press

Pia Sarkar is a veteran journalist with more than 25 years of experience. She is currently the deputy business editor for enterprise and storytelling at The Associated Press. Sarkar also serves as an editor on the AP's national Race & Ethnicity team and is a member of the AP Stylebook... Read More →

Anna Jo Bratton

U.S. Enterprise Editor, The Associated Press

Anna Jo Bratton is U.S. Enterprise Editor for the Associated Press, working with colleagues across the United States to produce high-impact journalism for the country and for international audiences. Her focus is long-form narrative editing, and coordinating multiformat teams for... Read More →

Saturday September 9, 2023 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

2:45pm EDT

Beyond the Breaking News: Covering LGBTQ+ Communities and Spaces

Covering the fullness of LGBTQ+ communities, businesses and spaces beyond crisis.

Sponsored by Axios.

Speakers

Mary Helene Hall

Investigative Reporter, AL.com

Mary Helene is an investigative reporter covering rapid growth, the environment, and diverse communities in the Mobile Bay area. She recently graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, earning a degree in journalism and women's and gender studies. During her time as a student... Read More →

Erik Hall

Digital Sports Editor, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Erik Hall is the digital sports editor at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. You can find him on Twitter @HallErik.

Kim Bojórquez

Reporter, Axios

Stephanie Solis

Boston reporter, Axios

Latine journalist covering politics, biz, immigration and more. Axios Boston reporter. Professional metiche. They/them

Jamie Stockwell

Executive Editor, Axios

Jamie joined Axios in March 2022 as the Executive Editor of Local, a fast-growing operation with reporters -- so far -- in 30 cities across America. Prior to Axios, Jamie was a deputy national editor at The New York Times, where she oversaw award-winning coverage of the South, Texas... Read More →

Sponsors

Axios

Saturday September 9, 2023 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

2:45pm EDT

Laws and Lives: Covering The Wave Of Anti-Trans Bills On The Road To “Eradication”

Let’s break down the 400+ laws and policies being proposed and passed around the country that target LGBTQ+ communities, especially trans and gender-expansive people. We’ll also look at the policies and positions of key presidential candidates. This primer will help reporters, editors, and newsroom leaders get up-to-speed on what’s happening on the legislative and political front. When and how does a piece of proposed legislation become relevant enough to cover? How do coverage best practices for executive orders or emergency rules, like those in Texas and Missouri, differ from standard legislation? What stories will come out of these bills, if they’re passed? And how can reporters connect to a community that has ample reason to be cautious about speaking to journalists who are trying to cover this legislation?

Speakers

Adam Rhodes

Training Director, IRE

Minami Funakoshi

Graphics journalist/TJA board member, Reuters

Minami Funakoshi (they/them) is an award-winning nonbinary graphics journalist at Reuters. They are also on the board of Trans Journalists Association. They make data-driven visual stories, develop tools, and do backend and frontend development. Their graphics story on gender-inclusive... Read More →

Jo Yurcaba

Reporter, NBC OUT, NBC News

Jo Yurcaba is a reporter for NBC Out, the LGBTQ section of NBC News. They cover everything under the LGBTQ umbrella with a focus on legislation targeting transgender people.

Saturday September 9, 2023 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Regency C2 (Floor 2M)

Breakout Session

2:45pm EDT

News You Can Use: The LGBTQ+ Game Show

Fun for the whole chosen family. Join the CBS News team in a game-show style round of question and answers involving newsroom topics and our LBGTQ community of journalists.

Sponsored by CBS

Speakers

Kelly Frank

President & General Manager, CBS News

Lee Grossman

VP Creative Services, Paramount/ CBS Television Stations

Lee Grossman has been with CBS since 1998, currently as VP of Creative for CBS News and Stations. Grossman oversees multiplatform news promotion, marketing, design, and community partnerships for CBS New York. The 4-time Emmy winning executive is passionate about his work in the diversity... Read More →

Thomas Hanson

Anchor / Correspondent, CBS News / Innovation Lab

Kris Van Cleave

Senior Transportation & National Correspondent, CBS News

Emmy Award-winning journalist Kris Van Cleave is the senior transportation correspondent for CBS News based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also serves as a national correspondent reporting and contributing to all CBS News broadcasts and platforms.Van Cleave covered the 117th Congress... Read More →

Norman Oliver

Editorial Producer, CBS News

Norman Oliver Jr. has been a journalist at CBS News in New York since 2017. He has worked for award-winning entities such as CBS News Radio and CBS Evening News. He currently works for CBS Mornings where, as an Editorial Producer where he books high-priority guests for daily newscasts... Read More →

Sponsors

CBS

Saturday September 9, 2023 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

3:30pm EDT

Coffee Break Café

Saturday September 9, 2023 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Congress Foyer (4th Floor)

Coffee Break/Refresh

4:00pm EDT

From Headlines to Headphones: Podcasting 101

Join our expert panelists as they delve into the dynamic world of podcasting, equipping journalists with the skills and insights needed to craft compelling audio narratives, reach wider audiences, and elevate their storytelling skills in the digital age. Discover the art of engaging interviews, immersive soundscapes, and effective distribution strategies to amplify your journalistic impact through audio storytelling.

Speakers

Sydney Harper

Producer, The New York Times

Benjamin Coy

Communications Marketing Campaign Manager, The National LGBTQ Task Force

Benjamin Coy serves as the Communications Marketing Campaign Manager for the National LGBTQ Task Force. Benjamin is also a sought after fashion creative, and co-host of the Cocktails and Culture Podcast.

Bryan Lowder

Associate Editor and Host of Outward, Slate

J. Bryan Lowder is a Slate associate editor and host of the Outward podcast. He writes and edits for Outward, Slate’s LGBTQ+ section, and for the culture section.

Madeline Ducharme

Producer, What Next, Slate Magazine

Christina Cauterucci

Senior Writer, Slate

Christina Cauterucci is a senior writer at Slate, where she writes about politics and culture. She co-founded and co-hosts Slate's LGBTQ podcast, Outward. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR, and Washington City Paper.

Saturday September 9, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

4:00pm EDT

From the Front Office to the Field: Journalism's Role in Building Visibility for LGBTQ Leaders in Sports

Join Outsports editor and co-founder Cyd Zeigler, and freelance contributor Karleigh Webb, for a conversation on how they use their reporting platforms to uplift LGBTQ athletes and leaders in the sports industry, and the role that plays in increasing representation and shaping conversation, including today's widespread interest in trans athletes.

Sponsored by Vox

Speakers

Karleigh Webb

Writer/Contributor, Outsports

Karleigh Webb wears a lot of hats. This out transgender woman hasworked as a reporter, anchor, sportscaster and videographer, and fornearly 20 years as a TV network producer. In addition to being adynamic, versatile journalist, she’s an activist and advocate forintersectional justice... Read More →

Cyd Zeigler

Co-Founder and Editor, Outsports

Cyd Zeigler is co-founder and editor of Outsports, the world's leading LGBT sports publication. He has broken many national stories, most recently the coming out of NFL coach Kevin Maxen. He has written several books, including the memoir of former NFL player Ryan O'Callaghan: My... Read More →

Sponsors

Vox

Saturday September 9, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

4:00pm EDT

Queer Science! Find Your Voice — and Work — as a Science/Medical Writer

Queer science and medical writers love to reveal the hidden worlds around us and translate new discoveries and controversies for the general public. How can you find your way into this rewarding career and land staff jobs, freelance gigs, and book-writing opportunities? And how can you navigate the times when your life and personal experiences as a LGBTQ+ person intersect with your work? In this session, writers with diverse backgrounds and interests will explain the practical steps they took, describe how they bring their queer voices into their writing, and offer advice on how they’ve pushed back against pseudoscience, bigotry, and attempts to discredit their reporting.

Speakers

Kristina Marusic

Investigative Reporter, Environmental Health News

Bryn Nelson

Science Writer, Freelance

Bryn Nelson, PhD, is an award-winning science and medical writer, author of Flush: The Remarkable Science of an Unlikely Treasure (Grand Central Publishing), and a former microbiologist. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience and writes regularly for dozens of national... Read More →

Miriam Fauzia

science/health reporter, Inverse

Miriam Fauzia is a science and health reporter at Inverse. She was previously a fact check reporter at USA Today and an innovation reporter at The Daily Beast. Her work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, New Scientist, The New York Times, and others. She lives in northern Virginia... Read More →

Randy Dotinga

Independent Writer, Freelance

Randy Dotinga is an independent journalist and former president of the American Society of Journalists & Authors. He writes for The Washington Post, WebMD, Medscape, The Christian Science Monitor, and many other news outlets.

Saturday September 9, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Congress C (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

5:15pm EDT

AI, AI, Ooohhhhh …

The rise of robots, chatbots and numerous forms of artificial intelligence is transforming industries — and it has now advanced enough to set off alarms in newsrooms and classrooms alike with the evolution of so-called “automated journalism. With the advent of sites like ChatGPT, generative AI content has already crept into beats including sports, business and real estate and has the potential to encroach into how journalists report and edit breaking news, entertainment, lifestyle features and more. This session will examine the practical, ethical and creative implications of AI-generated news “coverage” and will address concerns about disseminating potential misinformation created by AI. It will include real-time demonstrations of what CAN be done with AI sites — that is, what can be “written” in seconds, on a hypothetical breaking-news deadline — that will also question whether they actually SHOULD be done. Sure, we’re fascinated by it — but should we be frightened instead?

Speakers

Arlyn Gajilan

Digital News Director, Reuters

Eric Hegedus

Deputy Lifestyle Editor, New York Post

Eric Hegedus is a deputy lifestyle editor at the New York Post. He previously was associate digital entertainment editor and a producer/designer at the publication, where he has worked since 2005. Before that Eric was a designer and photo editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer and, prior... Read More →

Ina Fried

Chief Technology Correspondent, Axios

Ina Fried is the chief technology correspondent at Axios, and co-author of its daily tech newsletter, AI+Before joining Axios, Fried was a senior editor at Recode, where she covered mobile and served as producer of the Code/Mobile series of conferences. Prior to Recode, Ina covered... Read More →

Erin Coyle

Associate Professor of Journalism, Temple University

Erin K. Coyle is an associate professor of journalism and journalism department director of undergraduate studies in the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University. She became interested in researching journalism ethics, press freedom, access issues and privacy... Read More →

Saturday September 9, 2023 5:15pm - 6:15pm EDT
Congress B (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

5:15pm EDT

Convention CONNECTions: A Showcase of Student Work

This convention session showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of our 2023 CONNECT Scholars. Join us as these budding journalists present their compelling work, highlighting the stories, interviews, and features they've produced during the 2023 National Convention. Experience the power of diverse voices and gain fresh insights into LGBTQ+ journalism through the eyes of the next generation of storytellers.

Sponsored by MGM + TEGNA

Sponsors

MGM Resorts

TEGNA

Saturday September 9, 2023 5:15pm - 6:15pm EDT
Congress A (4th Floor)

Breakout Session

6:00pm EDT

Open 12-Step Meeting

Saturday September 9, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Parlor 415 (4th Floor)

Meeting

6:30pm EDT

Diversity Reception

Join us as NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists salutes the value of diversity, equity and inclusion in newsrooms and America as a whole. We honor our partners in diversity who share our dedication to fair and
accurate coverage of our communities and bring us together.

Saturday September 9, 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Regency Foyer (Floor 2M)

Reception

7:30pm EDT

2023 Closing Reception

Visit with friends and colleagues. Have a beverage from the bar. Relax and unwind after a full weekend of activities and learning.

The 2023 Closing Reception will cap off this year’s convention with the annual Awards Reception, where we will present our highest honors: Journalist of the Year and the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for the LGBTQ+ Journalist of the Year.

Saturday September 9, 2023 7:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Regency Ballroom (Floor 2M)

Reception

10:00am EDT

NLGJA Board of Directors Meeting

Sunday September 10, 2023 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Lescaze

Meeting