NLGJA 2026 National Convention: Full Schedule

Every great journalist has at least one story idea that deserves more than just day-to-day coverage, but how do you scale your daily reporting skills into that beautiful 80,000-word manuscript? This panel of journalist-turned-authors and publishing insiders will demystify how you can take that leap to long-form narrative. We will break down how to evaluate your ideas for book-length viability, map out a compelling narrative arc, and help you think about how to write a non-fiction book proposal that grabs literary agents’ attention, and also talk about how to do it all while you’re balancing that 9-to-5. You’ll walk away with a practical roadmap to transform your beat reporting into a published book.

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

9:00am PDT

How to Speak Red State

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Seacliff B

What's it like to be a queer journalist in a red state? How do you engage with people who are the polar opposite of who you are? How do you ensure a fair and balanced report when the policy proposals also impact you? Let's have a conversation with LGBTQ+ journalists in the "flyover" and red states about navigating the complexities and intersectionalities that come with being an LGBTQ+ journalist in those states.

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

9:00am PDT

Lifting Up Diverse LGBTQ+ Media and Entertainment During Trump 2.0

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Seacliff C

During an unprecedented time in our nation for both journalists and the LGBTQ+ community, GALECA (The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics) presents a panel discussion on how we can continue to elevate under-represented voices and stories and do so at a time when telling the truth is needed more than ever.

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

10:00am PDT

Film Room

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 1:00pm PDT

Grand Ballroom C

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom C

10:15am PDT

Beyond the Horserace: Covering The Real Stakes of the Midterms

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT

Grand Ballroom A

As we move toward critical midterm elections, the political stakes have never been higher especially for diverse communities like ours. How can journalists move beyond surface-level coverage to report on substantive issues, the erosion of rights and the real stakes for our democracy? Drawing on deep experience in investigative journalism, on-the-ground movement reporting, human-centered policy analysis and high-level political strategy, this session brings together a powerhouse panel of top editors, reporters and strategists who will dissect the upcoming election and discuss hot-button political topics that will define the year ahead and help you get ahead of the spin.

Speakers

Levi Kalish

LGBTQ Rights Reporter, HuffPost

Levi Kalish is an award winning reporter covering politics, privacy and health issues. Most recently, they covered LGBTQ+ rights at HuffPost with a focus on the right-wing forces shaping anti-trans policy and the impact they have on LGBTQ+ communities and other marginalized groups... Read More →

Lex McMenamin

Movement Building Reporter, The Guardian US

Lex McMenamin reports on protest movements and community organizing for the Guardian US, based in New York. Previously, they were the politics editor at Teen Vogue. They are an American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) and GLAAD Award nominee, and a member of the Trans Journalists... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Grand Ballroom A

Plenary Session

11:45am PDT

Bi+ Brownbag Meet-Up

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT

Waterfront A

More networking opportunities. Grab your lunch at one of the nearby eateries and bring it back for a lunch hour filled with fun, sharing and networking!

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
Waterfront A

Networking

11:45am PDT

Trans and Non-Binary Brownbag Meet-Up

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT

Waterfront B

More networking opportunities!

Come join us for light bites provided by the Trans Journalists Association!

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
Waterfront B

Networking

1:00pm PDT

Here I Am World All of Me at Last: The Origin and Impact of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A

Come see the first viewing of the NLGJA short documentary and hear from many of those featured in the film and documentary team telling the story of NLGJA's origin, impact and evolution to the present day. We will explore the brave founding of the first gay and lesbian journalists association igniting a 35-year movement for LGBTQ+ journalists to openly work inside mainstream newsrooms, positively reshape narratives and foster fair coverage of LGBTQ+ lives and issues including the AIDS epidemic, marriage equality and transgendered rights amidst cultural and political backlash from its founding in 1990 through the present day. During the sessions we will discuss lessons learned during the origin of the organization and how they shape the issues faced by LGBTQ+ journalists today. We will highlight additional interviews, archival documents and footage as well as key moments in the history of the organization. We will also discuss how people can get involved to help share the story of NLGJA and its 35-year history and mission today.

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A

Plenary Session

2:45pm PDT

KQED: Covering One Of the Queerest Places on Earth

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Seacliff A

The Bay Area is one of the queerest places in the world, and KQED’s coverage reflects that — from arts and culture to politics, climate and community. But with such a vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ population, there’s no single queer perspective. Join KQED climate reporter Ezra David Romero for a lively conversation with the journalists and editors who tell these stories, bringing their own identities and experiences to the work. Hear from a panel of reporters as they discuss how they cover queer communities, navigate differing viewpoints, and shape the stories that define the Bay Area. We will also discuss how to address LGBTQ+ issues in every beat area, from climate to culture to government to family systems.

Sponsors

KQED

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

Pitch-A-Thon

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Seacliff C

Come to this session prepped with your PR pitches and get real-time constructive critique and feedback from journalists, editors, and PR professionals. Learn how to get a journalist’s attention, figure out which pitch is going to grab them and make them follow up.

Speakers

Eric Hegedüs

Over his decades-long newspaper career, Eric Hegedüs has thrived by juggling a wide range of skill sets. In June 2026, Eric left the newsroom of the New York Post after a 20-year, 10-month (but who’s counting?) stint there, bowing out as deputy lifestyle editor after roles as associate... Read More →

Pat Manning

Vice President, Collected Strategies

Patrick Manning joined Collected Strategies in January 2025 as a Vice President following a 14-year career in broadcast journalism. Most recently, he was a Senior Producer at CNBC covering retail, tech, and transportation. Additionally, he led in-depth coverage of the White House... Read More →

Cathy Renna

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

Rewriting the Lead(er): The New Rules of Media Management

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Seacliff D

The days of the "tough-love" editor or news director screaming at you across a crowded newsroom are officially dead, or at least they should be. As news organizations navigate monumental change in staffing, tech, trust, and audience interest, this panel brings together a diverse group of media leaders to discuss how to motivate, manage, and mentor in this ever-changing profession. Whether you are an established executive or an aspiring manager, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to build trust, foster inclusive environments, and even under the tightest deadlines, guide your team through change with empathy—proving that you don’t have to rule with an iron fist to break the big stories.

Speakers

Aaron Waisler

Story Desk Editor, 1Alive News

Aaron Waisler has about 7 years of experience in the broadcast journalism field. Starting out in radio as a Traffic Reporter/Producer for radio stations across the southeast, he transitioned into television news, first in the small market of Baton Rouge, Louisiana as an assignment... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Seacliff D

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

What in the L? Reclaiming the Word “Lesbian”

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Seacliff B

Queer women face persistent erasure in media and culture, misrepresentation and stereotypes, and a lack of spaces specifically celebrating queer women. How can we reclaim the L in LGBTQ+ media while still being inclusive.

Speakers

Sunny Leerasanthanah

Director of Communications and Engagement, The Curve Foundation

Sunny Leerasanthanah is the Director of Communications and Engagement at The Curve Foundation, where they amplify the organization's mission to develop intergenerational programming for LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people. Previously, Sunny worked at the arts and culture consulting... Read More →

Franco Stevens

Founder, The Curve Foundation

Franco Stevens (She/They) is a pioneering figure in queer women’s media, best known for founding Curve magazine, the world's most successful lesbian magazine. Created in 1991, Curve became a crucial space for raising lesbian visibility, connecting the LGBTQ+ community, and breaking... Read More →

Laila AnnMarie Stevens

Freelance Photojournalist, The Curve Foundation

Starting with The New York Times Metropolitan Section at just 20 years old, Stevens has since become a frequent contributor — first covering a Brooklyn protest titled "State of Emergency" for Trans Youth, and earning two International A1 covers and two Metropolitan A1 covers before... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

Film Room

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 5:00pm PDT

Grand Ballroom C

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom C

3:30pm PDT

Coffee Break Cafe

Saturday September 12, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT

Seacliff Foyer

Sponsors

Maynard Institute

Saturday September 12, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
Seacliff Foyer

Coffee Break

4:00pm PDT

Content That Connects: The Social Playbook

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Seacliff C

Join the People Inc. social media masterminds behind “The Intern,” “Cool People” and more as they share insights on navigating the fast-evolving world of vertical video with an eye toward inclusive engagement. Learn how they tackle the biggest challenges and leverage each platform to tell stories that help build stronger connections with diverse audiences.

Speakers

Patrick Gomez

Editor-in-Chief, Entertainment Weekly

Patrick Gomez is Editor-in-Chief at Entertainment Weekly, a People Inc. brand. Formerly at People magazine and The A.V. Club, the Critics Choice member, is based in West Hollywood, Calif. and has appeared on 'Today,' 'Extra!,' 'Access Hollywood,' 'E! News,' 'CNN,' and 'Nightline... Read More →

Jack Irvin

Associate Editor, Music, PEOPLE

Jack Irvin is an Associate Music Editor at PEOPLE. In his current role, Jack covers and edits daily music news and features. He's interviewed both up-and-coming and established artists including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Ashanti, Kesha, Cyndi Lauper, Zara Larsson, Carly Rae Jepsen... Read More →

Jonathan Borge

Deputy Editor & Head of Entertainment, InStyle

Jonathan Borge is the Deputy Editor & Head of Entertainment at InStyle, where he oversees social media, news strategy, and special projects such as the brand's Webby-winning unscripted vertical, The Intern.

Previously, he served as Deputy Editor at StyleCaster, Deputy Entertainment Editor at Elite Daily, founding Senior Editor at OprahDaily.com, and held staff positions at InStyle and Marie Claire, demonstrating a breadth of digital media and tech skills. His writing has also appeared across... Read More →

Cait Knoll

Vice President, Central Creative Video, People Inc.

Cait Knoll is the Vice President of Central Creative Video at People Inc., where she translates programming strategy into original video content across YouTube, social platforms, and brand partnerships. She specializes in launching new video IP, leading the development and execution... Read More →

Sponsors

People Inc.

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

4:00pm PDT

Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics: Covering Queer Athletes

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Seacliff A

Outsports.com has been the leader in LGBTQ+ coverage of the Olympics for nearly two decades. Its “Team LGBTQ” list of out athletes at the Olympics every two years drives coverage. We will share insights about covering out athletes in Olympic sports, just months after the 2026 Winter Olympics and two years ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. While it may be two years out, American media has already begun their coverage of these Olympics, with its massive expectations.

Speakers

Jim Buzinski

Co-Founder, Outsports

Jim Buzinski (he/him) is co-founder of Outsports.com and has been a journalist for more than 40 years, most recently at the Los Angeles Times. Before co-founding Outsports.com in 1999, Buzinski was a reporter and editor. He began his career at the Centre Daily Times in State College... Read More →

Chris Bull

Editorial Director, Q Digital

Cyd Ziegler

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

4:00pm PDT

The Future of Queer & Trans Media

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Seacliff B

Media is at a critical inflection point. As legacy and mainstream outlets decline ― in readership, trust, funding and support for marginalized populations ― progressive media makers are using emergent strategies to shape the future of storytelling. Among these innovative methods of storytelling, a unifying vision has emerged: in the future, marginalized communities will maintain agency over our own narratives. This panel will feature four trans and nonbinary thought leaders, from journalists to authors to community organizers, articulating possible pathways for building the media future we deserve. Participants will leave the session with ideas for how to integrate this vision in their current newsrooms, and inspiration for building their own media initiatives. Attendees will gain an understanding of movement journalism and the frameworks for establishing media co-ops and zines. They will also network with other media makers who share similar goals, increasing their ability to accomplish them.

Speakers

Salgu Wissmath

Photojournalist, PressOn Freedomways Fellow

Salgu Wissmath (they/them) is a nonbinary Korean American documentary photographer based in San Antonio, TX and Sacramento, CA. Their photo essays and videos explore the intersections of mental health, queer identity, and faith from a conceptual documentary approach. They specialize... Read More →

Soleil Ho

Worker Owner, COYOTE Media Collective

Soleil Ho is a co-founder of COYOTE, a worker-owned digital alt weekly for the Bay Area.

Kit O'Connell

Freelance Journalist

Kit O'Connell is a freelance journalist from Austin, Texas who focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and their rights. As the former digital editor of the Texas Observer, their work was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award and a National Magazine Award. They currently create Big & Bright... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

5:15pm PDT

Convention CONNECTions: A Showcase of Student Work

Saturday September 12, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A

This convention session showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of our 2026 CONNECT Scholars. Join us as these budding journalists present their compelling work, highlighting the stories, interviews and features they’ve produced during the 2026 National Convention. Experience the power of diverse voices and gain fresh insights into LGBTQ+ journalism through the eyes of the next generation of storytellers.

Sponsors

Kellogg Foundation

Versant

Saturday September 12, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A

Breakout Session

6:30pm PDT

Open Recovery Meeting

Saturday September 12, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT

Waterfront A

Saturday September 12, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Waterfront A

7:30pm PDT

Closing Reception

Saturday September 12, 2026 7:30pm - 9:30pm PDT

Full Grand Ballroom

Saturday September 12, 2026 7:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Full Grand Ballroom

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