LGBTQ Investigative Journalists and Editors
Investigative journalism is a unique branch of journalism in which the journalist reports on a controversial subject by way of an in-depth, research intensive study of the matter. The issue can be local, national, or international in scope. It most often involves crime, corruption, or the accountability of power. The journalist is responsible for extensive fact-checking and analysis of public records along with their own sleuthing through the use of state-of-the art tools and techniques.
By the very nature of the work, investigative journalism requires tremendous resources and time commitments. This is in stark contrast to the growing addiction by the general public, driven by social media, for instantaneous news and entertainment. The two often conflict, with rapid-fire social media stories being proven groundless or exaggerated once an in-depth analysis of the issue is undertaken.
The success of this group of reporters and editors shows that the individual can still make a difference in today’s political world.
Many of the LGBTQ investigative journalists and editors below have received high praise and profile for their work. These include Glenn Greenwald, who is responsible for detailing government surveillance programs based on classified documents disclosed by Edward Snowden. Similarly, CNN’s Anderson Cooper and NPR’s Ari Shapiro are known to many around the world. Several of these individuals have been recognized for their work by receiving the Pulitzer Prize, the Livingston Award, or an Emmy Award.
There are organizations which support the work of LGBTQ investigative journalists and editors. These include the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA), and Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE). This logistical support is very important because investigating controversial subject matter while being openly LGBTQ often puts the individual into situations of even greater risk. The NLGJA sponsors the annual Al Neuharth Award for Innovation in Investigative Journalism.
We have been able to identify LGBTQ investigative journalists from Russia, Great Britain, the United States, France, and the Philippines. To read their fascinating biographies, simply click on their names.
- John-Manuel Andriote, United States
- Rose Arce, United States
- Andrea Bernstein, United States
- Josh Barro, United States
- Mykki Blanco, United States
- Duncan Campbell, Great Britain
- Jonathan Capehart, United States
- Jen Christensen, United States
- Joanne Conte, United States
- Anderson Cooper, United States
- Benoit Denizet-Lewis, France/United States
- Ina Fried, United States
- Chris Geidner, United States
- Masha Gessen, Russia
- Stephen Goldstone, United States
- Glenn Greenwald, United States
- Lorena Hickok, United States
- Elena Kostyuchenko, Russia
- Tom Lyden, United States
- Adam Nagourney, United States
- Richard Quest, Great Britain
- Danton Remoto, Philippines
- Maer Roshan, United States
- Jessica Savitch, United States
- Ari Shapiro, United States
- Matt Thompson, United States
- Rachel B. Tiven, United States
- Steven Thrasher, United States
- Zoey Tur, United States
- Jose Antonio Vargas, Philippines
- Peter Zuckerman, United States
