Independent Journalist
What or who inspired you to become a journalist?
The countless personal stories which began to surface in the days and weeks following the September 11th attacks in 2001 really propelled me into wanting to help people share their firsthand accounts of that life-changing day. Shortly after 9/11, I traveled to New York to interview high school students about their own experiences in overcoming trauma on that day. The young people at Stuyvesant High School were part of my very first documentary film. Those brave NYC kids helped me understand that highlighting “the untold story” would be a lifelong purpose of mine.
What is your favorite story that you have written?
One of my favorite recent interviews is one I did with former Savage Garden lead singer Darren Hayes. What a talented and inspiring person he is.
It’s difficult to pick a single favorite story of mine, but I’m most proud of my in-depth investigative piece about 60s soul singer Betty Willis — “the post office soul singer.” What a voice!
Do you feel like you have a dual responsibility for being queer and a journalist?
I do and I believe that’s why I am so drawn to “untold stories” and “unheard voices” — not just within the LGBTQ community but beyond. If it were up to me, no one would ever be forgotten. The simple fact is we all have a story. Some of the most inspiring stories are the ones that have yet to be told. We are all have a responsibility to help tell each other’s stories.
Do you believe you have a role to play in helping preserve LGBTQ+ history and culture in your work?
Absolutely. And I’d like to do even more to document our history, especially the fascinating gay culture of the 1970s. Oh, and if you have a LGBTQ story idea, I’d love to hear from you!
What keeps you passionate about journalism?
I think it’s as simple as uncovering the truth. That’s my passion. I love seeing the difference a newly discovered piece of information can make in our everyday lives. I’m motivated by the quote, “When you know better, you do better.” Everyday I want to do better than the day before.
What advice would you have for those wanting to become a journalist?
Start today and don’t stop. No matter what, keep going! Ask the questions that no one else is asking. Search for stories and people in places no one else is looking. (Check your blind spots!) If you are willing to be brave, bold and reliable — all at the same time — you will immediately stand out from the crowd.
How has being a journalist impacted your personal life?
Not so well, actually! I think customer service reps are confused and annoyed when I tell them I also have “call notes” of my very own! Asking questions like “Who told you that?” and “What makes you believe that?” has certainly made day-to-day life even more interesting!
Do you have any future goals or projects you would like to share with us?
I’m currently producing a documentary film about a forgotten singer-songwriter of the 1990s named Lari White. She was a huge talent that we somehow never caught onto. In researching her fascinating life and stage career, I’ve interviewed people she inspired along the way, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Michael Feinstein. Like me, they are in love with the sound of Lari’s incredible voice. If you saw the early 2000s movie “Big Eden” (a Seattle Queer Film Festival winner), you’ve heard Lari’s music. If you remember the end of “Cast Away,” you’ve seen Lari give directions to Tom Hanks in that film’s final scene. Lari White was the biggest star we never knew. You can learn more about my production at LariWhite.org.
