News
Announcing the Recipients of Our 2026 Scholarships
Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists announced that Camryn Bowden and Sreejita Patra are the recipients of its 2026 Leroy F. Aarons and Kay Longcope Scholarships, which support the next generation of LGBTQ+ media professionals. “It is always exciting to see the next generation of reporters who embody the principles of our organization,” said Executive Director Adam Pawlus. “Sreejita and Camryn have shown, through exemplary work, their commitment to fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ+ communities. Congratulations to these two bright young journalists!”
NLGJA’s Documentary Debut
What happens when journalists turn the spotlight on themselves? Lifetime member and former board member Senta Scarborough is directing a new documentary telling NLGJA’s story for the first time. Scarborough and their team, including students from East Tennessee State University, traveled the country interviewing founders, early members, and staff, capturing the bravery it took to launch the association during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. A 30-minute short edit premieres at this year’s NLGJA Convention, with a full-length feature to follow. For Scarborough, the film is only the beginning: a book and educational curriculum are already in the works.
Announcing the Winners of the 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards
Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists announced the recipients of its 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards, recognizing exemplary reporting produced in 2025. Lydia Polgreen was named the Journalist of the Year. The Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for the LGBTQ+ Journalist of the Year was awarded to Evan Urquhart. Rachel Ward, Mark Kelley, Grant LaFleche, Matthew Pierce, Ryan Ferguson and Jonathan Castell were awarded the Al Neuharth Award for Innovation in Investigative Journalism for their work on “The Fifth Estate: The Shadow War on Libraries.”
A Letter from the President: Taking Pride in Our Community
This year, if saying “Happy Pride” feels difficult, think about the road we’ve traveled, the victories we’ve earned, and the resilience that has carried us forward. Celebrate yourself, and celebrate all the journalists who have stood up for you and for our community since 1990. Our track record is strong; when we inform our readers, listeners, and viewers with facts and accurate representation, it makes a difference.
Gio Benitez To Be Honored at Upcoming Headlines & Headliners Event
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists is pleased to announce that Good Morning America weekend co-anchor Gio Benitez will be awarded the 2026 NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Randy Shilts Award at the association’s upcoming Headlines & Headliners New York benefit event.
Announcing the Recipients of the 2025 Phillips-Green Family Scholarship
Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists named CONNECT students Chelsea Kurnick and Kimberly Olivas the recipients of the 2025 Phillips-Green Family Scholarship. These scholarships provide financial assistance to two CONNECT participants.
Supporting Members After Recent Layoffs at NBC
Last week, NBC announced that recent restructuring had resulted in layoffs affecting staff at several of their diversity-focused verticals, including NBC OUT. We know several of our members have been impacted, and NLGJA is here to offer support and resources.
Introducing Our New Board Members
Last Wednesday at its annual board meeting, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists voted on its 2025-2026 national board of directors.
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Names Charles M. Blow, Mark S. King and Lyra McKee to LGBTQ+ Journalists Hall of Fame
Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists announced that journalist and author Charles M. Blow, writer and activist Mark S. King and investigative reporter Lyra McKee are the 2025 inductees into the LGBTQ+ Journalists Hall of Fame.
Georgia Voice Named the 2025 Recipient of the Legacy Award
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists announced that Georgia Voice is the 2025 recipient of the Legacy Award. Georgia Voice is the media outlet of record for the LGBTQ community in Atlanta and throughout the state.