Why Mainstream Media Should Cover LGBTIQ events and stories

In a year marked by a surge in anti-human rights backlash, the LGBTIQ community has found itself at the forefront, defending its rights and dignity. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for mainstream media to cover events like Outright International's OutSummit 2023, which is coming up on the 4th of December 2023 in Washington, DC. It's a hybrid event, so anyone from anywhere in the world can reserve their seat. This conference serves as a solution-driven platform, providing a wealth of resources and stories that must be told thoughtfully. Media outlets can play a pivotal role in amplifying voices, fostering understanding, and promoting positive change.

Our stories should be told from a position of power, not only when we react to autocratic leaders who neglect the public service they were voted into office for. Instead, they focus on criminalizing people, in many instances, who could be contributing positively to their countries' economies.

The rise of anti-human rights sentiments we have seen this year poses a significant threat to the progress made in advancing LGBTIQ rights. It's already hard enough that funding for the work done by human advocates is not increasing. Mainstream media can counter this backlash by providing accurate information, debunking myths, and challenging discriminatory narratives. Media outlets have the power to shape public opinion and foster empathy, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and accepting society.

OutSummit 2023 brings together global advocates, activists, and allies to strategize and accelerate positive change for LGBTIQ individuals around the world. Putting this in a news diary creates a rare opportunity for mainstream media to give voice to marginalized individuals and communities who have often been silenced or underrepresented. Through thoughtful storytelling, media outlets can shed light on the challenges faced by the LGBTIQ community and the resilience and strength demonstrated in the face of adversity.

This summit is a solution-driven event focusing on strategies and initiatives to address the challenges faced by LGBTIQ people. Media coverage can highlight innovative approaches, successful campaigns, and inspiring stories shared by advocates and activists. These stories can serve as valuable resources for future reporting, providing a roadmap for journalists to tell stories thoughtfully and accurately.

Another important reason why media coverage is important is that in 2024, over two billion people will head to the polls to vote for their next government at the local, national, and regional levels. For many countries, the results could mean the difference between further entrenchment of authoritarian policies and practices or a turning point in the fight against democratic backsliding. The days leading up to and after the elections will be essential for citizens, particularly LGBTIQ communities, to elevate their voices and make their expectations for inclusive governance, accountability and transparency, and protecting and promoting human rights clear to decision-makers. This will form part of our discussions with activists and politicians from countries preparing for elections.

This is an invitation to all media, especially mainstream media, to play a crucial role in covering a platform that will set the agenda that will shape the lives of LGBTIQ people beyond 2024.