When reporting on the LGBTQ+ community, journalists need to be aware that their writing has the potential to influence how people behave in society.
As freelance journalist Cristiana Bedei writes on IJNet, journalists have a particular responsibility to get reporting about the transgender and non-binary community right, as to not promote harmful stereotypes.
As such Bedei spoke to two experts on how to handle reporting on gender identity. Director of transgender representation, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Nick Adams warned not to focus on medical issues when interviewing transgender people.
"It is inappropriate to ask a transgender person questions about their genitals or other surgeries they may or may not have had," it reads.
"These discussions distract the journalist and the audience from seeing the whole person, and from focusing on larger issues that affect transgender people like discrimination, poverty, and violence.”
Free daily newsletter
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
Related articles
- How journalists can cover LGBTQ+ stories, with Enrique Anarte Lazo of Context
- IMPRESS warns news publishers against hate speech towards LGBTQ+ groups
- 9 in 10 LGBTQ journalists face abuse and harassment, report finds
- Supporting LGBTQ colleagues in the newsroom, with Finbarr Toesland
- NCTJ Diversity in Journalism report: what is the media missing to make real progress?
