|
NLGJA proposes change in alliance via 8-point plan By Stefanie
Wong
The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association has proposed a change in the nature of its alliance with Unity: Journalists of Color, Inc. in an eight-point plan that would "build upon the relationship that already exists," said Karen Louise Boothe, NLGJA president.
Currently, the two organizations co-program on issues that intersect in their respective communities - the result of an agreement that was signed in 1995. NLGJA has also planned workshops and panels at Unity '94 and '99.
NLGJA is not asking to elevate the alliance to a full partnership, an idea which as been rejected by the four Unity organizations in the past. In its current proposal, NLGJA is seeking to formalize its ties to Unity to better address issues such as hiring, diversity, and unfair coverage.
Boothe estimates that at least 8 percent of NLGJA's membership are minorities and that a stronger alliance with Unity will allow all the organizations to better serve their constituents.
"We need to recognize and honor our differences, but strengthen our work together in areas where we have common ground," Boothe said. "If we come together we'll have a better picture of how diverse our memberships can be."
The proposal was presented to the governing board of Unity and its member organizations in June. The board has not yet acted upon the proposal. "Unity has decided that issue is best taken up later," when it will be discussing governance issues and the future of the coalition, said Unity President Catalina Camia, who is also the head of AAJA.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the presidents of Unity's four member organizations expressed their gratitude to NLGJA for their dedication towards fighting discrimination, and all said they looked forward to working together in the future.
In addition, during her Unity '99 opening ceremony speech, NAJA President and Unity Secretary Kara Briggs said, "We must work so that every journalist of every race, gender and sexual orientation who comes after us has good opportunities, fair treatment and cultural respect."
Members of NLGJA are hopeful that the proposal will be approved.
"In the very essence of what we're asking, I believe the four presidents support this," Booth said. "It's just a matter of working out the details."
The addition of NLGJA to Unity has been in question since the coalition formed almost a decade ago. In 1994, the Unity board made a firm decision and voted against giving NLGJA, or any other organization, full partnership status.
"The fundamental problem with a voting membership is if we open the door up to one organization, we have to open it up for more," said Paul DeMain, Unity president at the time of the vote, in an interview with The Unity News. The Unity name change last year to Unity: Journalists of Color, Inc. helped to solidify the organization's focus.
"Unity at the time (was) dead-set against 'diluting' the effort for racial equality by absorbing the gay-lesbian equality claim as well, especially when the large majority of gays in the industry are white," wrote NLGJA founding member Leroy Aarons in the organization's Unity '99 program booklet.
NLGJA acknowledges the issues surrounding strengthening its alliance with Unity because it has a large, white male membership that doesn't experience the discrimination that journalists of color tend to face. But the organization does not believe that it should be excluded.
"How can we lobby the industry to be more inclusive if we are not inclusive ourselves?" Boothe said. "Gays and lesbians of color need to be part of the discussion while recognizing that Unity, Journalists of Color is the main goal."
|