NLGJA 2026 National Convention

The rules of the news business are being rewritten in real time. As AI transforms how people discover and consume news, and audiences are more fragmented than ever, media leaders are rethinking how to better connect with their readers and viewers and are often doing so with fewer resources and staff. Come to this session to stay ahead of the trends and to hear firsthand how some of the best leaders in the business are transforming their newsrooms to meet the needs of this rapidly evolving media ecosystem. This is the session for you if you want help thinking through the best place to position yourself so you can continue to produce innovative, high-impact journalism.

Our community — and our very democracy — are at a crossroads as we approach the midterm elections and two more years of the current administration. We have seen political discourse devolve and chip away at our rights in the courts and on Capitol Hill. We see faith weaponized, trust in our democracy eroding, vicious attacks on the fourth estate and misinformation floods our social platforms. And yet, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, people of color and a growing resistance encompassing all genders and generations continue to rise, organize and meet the moment. How do we face the future together? What is the role of journalists in bringing to light the power and stories of the intersectional nature of these and other struggles? How is what we are experiencing in the United States connected to global attacks on women’s rights, trans people and more? While the most obvious intersection is faith and the weaponization and politicization of religion, what can we learn from those who have taken these attacks head on – together and across differences? What can we learn from journalists who are tackling these issues and connecting the dots? What resources and sources are there for journalists to look at these issues from a broader perspective?

ABOUT THE MICHAEL TRIPLETT SERIES
The Michael Triplett Series features notable speakers on the intersection of faith, politics and the LGBTQ+ community. The program provides an opportunity to hear from prominent leaders on these issues and raise new questions about the complex relationship between support for LGBTQ+ rights and free religious expression. The series is presented in memory of Michael Triplett, a past president of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, who died in 2013 and was a strong leader of both our organization and his local Lutheran church.

What does the next phase of the HIV response really require? Leadership from journalists like us to bring critical health news to the public, especially audiences who may not realize they are at risk. Panelists will dig into why a more holistic approach to prevention is key — one that brings together stakeholders from across and beyond the HIV space from journalists to doctors to patients to rethink who should be testing, who benefits from treatment, and who the epidemic is truly affecting.

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.

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.

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.