National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association - Newsroom Outreach Project

Newsroom Outreach Project

As early as 1996, the NLGJA, along with Hollywood Supports, developed “sexual orientation in the workplace” seminars that were conducted in Knight-Ridder newspapers across on the nation. The seminars were designed to place emphasis on acceptance in the workplace, through discussions of stereotypes and business and legal issues involved with homosexuality. The stated goal of these seminars was to provide an LGBT-friendly office environment for homosexual journalists, but the discussions also pushed for domestic partnership benefits at newspapers across the nation, one of the main focuses of the gay rights movement nationwide. The seminars are offered free of charge to news organizations.

During the seminars, facilitators introduce employees to the “model of parity” NLGJA developed in order to encourage equality and inclusiveness within the workplace. There are fourteen steps in this model, highlighting both workplace climate and fair compensation. Included in these steps are things like avoiding double standards, promoting balanced coverage, providing the same insurance coverage for all employees, and offering family and medical leave.

These seminars have evolved into what NLGJA now calls its “Newsroom Outreach Project.” These meetings with journalists, according to the organization’s website, work to “further NLGJA’s mission through meetings with broadcast, print and online newsroom leaders across the country.” The subject matter of the meetings is very similar to that of their earlier seminars—mostly covering things like correct terminology and treatment in the workplace. The first official meeting took place in January 2004 and they have been going strong in cities across the nation since then.