In recognition of Pride month, the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing continues to be concerned about incidents of violence and intimidation against LGBTQ+ journalists in the United States and around the world.
Recent incidents of harassment, from Ohio police tackling and arresting a gay and Black reporter during a gubernatorial press conference (link) to a new law in Uganda permitting the arrest and imprisonment of journalists for publishing content deemed to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, raise alarms (link).
A poll of LGBTQ+ journalists by Birmingham City University in England found 78% said “it is becoming more dangerous to be out in the current media landscape.” More than eight in 10 said they had been harassed while doing their jobs, with some of the abuse taking place on social media.
SABEW condemns these actions. We also recognize that a diverse newsroom helps provide insights and perspectives that better reflect the views of our audiences.
SABEW believes journalists, regardless of gender, race and sexual orientation, should be free to report the news without interference. Harassment of LGBTQ+ media professionals undermines the essential function of a free press.
Image is a Philadelphia pride flag waving in the wind (Getty image). The flag, with a black stripe and a brown stripe above the colors of the traditional pride flag, meant to be more inclusive for people of color in light of racism.
