With thousands of gay and lesbian couples wedding in San Francisco, and other states debating civil union laws, marriage among same-sex couples is sure to remain front-page news for some time. Here are some sites to help you give readers the straight scoop on gay news.
1. The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association’s Journalists’ Toolbox.
The Toolbox offers answers to questions such as:
- When is it relevant to include a reference to a person’s sexual orientation in a news story?
- How should a reporter request that information?
- How can journalists avoid sensational coverage?
- What terms are preferred when writing about transgender people?
The Toolbox also offers advice for covering hot-button issues such as marriage, religion, and hate crimes.
2. Another great resource is the NLGJA Stylebook Supplement on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Terminology.
This supplement includes explanations and style notes on dozens of terms, plus an invaluable list of national resources and spokespersons for various gay groups.
Anyone writing about the issue of marriage for gay and lesbian couples should be sure to carefully read the NLGJA’s recent statement on accurate reporting about marriage for gays and lesbians.
3. PlanetOut Partners, meanwhile, also offers several useful resources for covering marriage issues:
- Gay.com Global Dating Report (released February 14, 2004)
- PlanetOut marriage round-up and Weddings Channel
4. The GLAAD Media Reference Guide includes:
- Glossary of terms
- Defamatory language to avoid
- Tip sheets on key issues
- Directory of media resources
5. Two great tip sheets from Poynter’s Kelly McBride:
- Writing about gays and lesbians: Includes several good links from proponents and opponents of marriage among gays and lesbians.
- How do you say he’s gay?: Six tips aimed at helping newsrooms address not only the how but the whether, when, and why.
SUBMIT YOUR TIPS FOR PUBLICATION
- What websites do you find handy? Send them to:
poynter (at) jondube.com
JON’S LINKS: