National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, D.C. Chapter
A Community Profile
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MISSION: Founded in 1991, NLGJA is an organization of journalists, online media professionals and students that works from within the journalism industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. NLGJA opposes workplace bias against all minorities and provides professional development for its members.
NUMBER OF MEMBERS: Approximately 200.
HOW TO JOIN: National NLGJA memberships are available at www.nlgja.org. National members may join the D.C. chapter by contacting Chapter President Ken Jost at KJost@cqpress.com.
BACKGROUND: One might argue that Ken Jost has more experience as a journalist than as a gay man. After all, he’s been at Congressional Quarterly since 1989, but came out only five years ago. At the time, friends directed him to NLGJA, an obvious comfort zone for the newly out journalist. Today, he’s the president. “There is a lot to do in terms of involving members and helping to develop programs,” he says. “There are things to do everyday, and I enjoy it. It’s an important job.” Jost says that the job shows no signs of slowing, as the group is always moving to increase membership. To that end, he’s started a student-outreach initiative: “They are the future, after all.” Jost says the D.C. chapter includes journalists from a range of media, and non-journalist gay people who are simply interested in the field. As the group moves into its second decade, Jost seems eager to pursue NLGJA’s mission into the future. “We’ve made a lot of progress in our community, but there’s still a lot to do.”
CONTACT: www.nlgjadc.org
NEXT EVENT: Annual Holiday Party, Monday, Dec. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Helix Lounge, 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW.
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