The following is an open letter from the National Lesbian & Gay
Journalists Association to the news industry regarding Lance Bass’ “coming
out”:
Dear Colleagues:
This week, many reporters will write stories about the public “coming
out” of musician Lance Bass, the ‘N Sync band member who discusses his
sexual orientation in the latest issue of People magazine.
Over the past year, such celebrities as WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes and
“Star Trek” actor George Takei also came out, bringing substantial coverage
to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. As similar stories
are filed and produced in the future, the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists
Association (NLGJA) encourages reporters and other journalists, bloggers,
columnists and media analysts to keep in mind the following recommendations
for fair and accurate reporting of LGBT people:
The term “gay” is the preferred adjective that has largely replaced
“homosexual” in referring to men who are sexually and affectionally attracted
to other men. “Homosexual” should be used only if “heterosexual” would
be used in parallel constructions, such as in medical contexts.
Whether in headlines, teases, or body copy, try to avoid using forms
of the word “admit,” which is typically used in the context of something
shameful or illegal. Some examples of less potentially charged words are
“announce,” “disclose” and “say.”
Also, be aware that the Associated Press Stylebook recommends avoiding
the term “lifestyle” when referring to someone’s sexual orientation. In
this context, “lifestyle” suggests that gays and lesbians — not to mention
bisexuals and transgender people — think and act the same way. In fact,
there is no “gay lifestyle” or “alternative lifestyle” just as there is
no “straight lifestyle.”
NLGJA has several resources to help guide journalists who are reporting
on LGBT people and issues. Please visit our Stylebook Supplement on Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Terminology at http://www.nlgja.org/resources/stylebook.html
, or our Journalists Toolbox at http://www.nlgja.org/resources/toolbox.html.
We hope these will be useful to you in your pursuit of good journalism.
For more information about NLGJA and its programs, please visit the
newly re-designed Web site at http://www.nlgja.org.
Sincerely,
Eric Hegedus, NLGJA National President
Pamela Strother, NLGJA Executive Director
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The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) is an
organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students
who work within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage
of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. NLGJA opposes all forms
of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.