Editor’s notice: This text has been republished from Tough Draft Atlanta.
As reported right this moment in The Atlanta Journal-Structure, the Georgia Voice, the area’s premier LGBTQ+ information outlet, has turn into a part of the Tough Draft Atlanta media household. I’m excited to take the helm and produce readers the information and options they want as we transfer ahead into the unsure subsequent 4 years.
Beneath its new possession, the Georgia Voice will publish a free, month-to-month print version that’s distributed at greater than 130 places throughout metro Atlanta, whereas additionally bolstering its digital presence by the Tough Draft platform. We may even proceed to publish the annual Vacation spot Homosexual journey information.
In January 2025, the Georgia Voice will launch a brand new weekly e-newsletter authored by my colleague Dyana Bagby, Tough Draft workers author and former editor of Southern Voice, a precursor to the Georgia Voice. (Subscribe to our newsletters right here.)
Whereas knowledge exhibits that LGBTQ+ audiences are digital-first shoppers, there stays a strong area for focused, native print and digital publications that replicate the distinctive wants and views of our group. Our mission is to make sure the Georgia Voice stays a trusted useful resource that connects the newsroom to the group, from breaking information to in-depth options that remember our tradition, amplify our voices, and advocate for equality.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ group, I’m hyperaware that we’ll face new and unsure challenges after Jan. 20.
The Republican occasion used LGBTQ individuals – particularly the trans group – as a divisive and fearmongering wedge situation within the divisive presidential election. There are legit fears about medical care, marriage, and different hard-won rights being stripped away by the incoming administration. Not less than one member of the Supreme Courtroom has expressed his curiosity in overturning Obergefell vs. Hodges, the landmark resolution that made same-sex marriage the legislation of the land.
Georgia Voice will supply information, opinion, and options for and in regards to the LGBTQ+ group within the state. We’re not going to shrink back from the politics and choices being made at each a state and nationwide degree that may have an effect on the readers who rely upon us. We’ll welcome letters and editorials to specific a variety of opinions and views within the Voice’s pages.
I started my journalism profession on the age of 16 in 1986 with my first revealed work within the Atlanta Journal-Consitution. I’ve been the editor of our sister publication Atlanta Intown for 22 years and, as of 2021, the editor of Tough Draft’s portfolio of publications. Whereas different children wished to be firemen or astronauts or medical doctors, I by no means wished to be something however a journalist. Information and details proceed to matter, regardless of what number of voices attempt to demonize the media. Being knowledgeable won’t ever be extra vital as we transfer into 2025.
Having lived by the AIDS pandemic and been a frequent presence and voice at marches and protests over the past 35 years, this ain’t my first time on the rodeo. The water might sound deep, however my aim is to proceed to make Georgia Voice a lighthouse within the storm.
