Journalist Like Me is a series of articles written by LGBTQIA+ journalists about their experiences in the media.
This series is being run in collaboration by QueerAF and the LGBTQ+ Journalism Network.
The Brief
What:
A series of content that aims to show how possible it is to have a successful media journalism career as an LGBTQIA+ person.
It will share experiences, advice and stories about people's media careers.
As well as stories the series will model the change we want to see by offering alternatives to how bad situations could be handled differently.
You could write about your experience of being the first non-binary person in their newsroom or a black lesbian’s experiences working for a sports magazine.
We want to share stories that show both hope, and the need for change in the industry.
We encourage you to think about the intersectionalities of our lives and could focus on disability, class or mental health - as well as their queer sensibilities.
Why:
The series will amplify LGBTQIA+ people in the media, and act as a series of content that models and shows emerging queer journalists, that success while being queer in the media is possible.
Treatment:
After reading emerging journalists will feel inspired, and hopeful that their career choice is worthy, and success is possible. Current journalists will feel part of a growing community of queer media professionals.
All will understand the shared values and goals of the LGBTQ+ Journalism Network and QueerAF who want to support all queer journalists - but especially emerging and underrepresented people with their resilience at work.
The details
- For this commission, we will pay you £50 to write 300-400 words on your chosen topic.
- The rate is calculated based on taking two hours to write this short feature, which matches the NUJ £25 per hour (£175-day rate) suggested rate for a top-tier newspaper.
- We also run and encourage you to join QueerAF's short (optional) 'retro'. It's a sub-editing session where you can get feedback on your piece and help you improve your writing skills.
- Your piece will be featured on both QueerAF and the LGBTQ+ Journalism Network's blog.
- Once you’ve been commissioned, come back here and fill out this form to let us know what to put in your bio box.
- QueerAF is looking for pitches from LGBTQIA+ people at all stages of their careers.
- Pitches come to QueerAF and the LGBTQ+ Journalism Network, we discuss and one piece is published a month.
The Pitch
About LGBTQ+ Journalism Network
The LGBTQ+ Journalism Network is a space for LGBTQ+ journalists across the UK – and at any stage of their career – to find, support and learn from each other. LGBTQ+ journalists have always existed and the network celebrates their work, encourages them and aims to encourage a new generation.
About QueerAF
QueerAF is an independent platform launching the careers of emerging and LGBTQIA+ creatives driven by people, not advertisers. As a not-for-profit publisher, we redirect our funds from our weekly newsletter into helping marginalised queer people build a media career, so they can work in the industry - to change it.