Freelance Writer for The Advocate, Seattle Gay Scene, The SGN and Producer for CBS News
What or who inspired you to become a journalist?
It wasn’t as simple as one person or a specific incident that inspired me to become a journalist. Rather it was where and how I grew up. I grew up in Camas, a small town in southwest Washington, and during the 1980s and 1990s, it was not very diverse. Being one of less than a handful of people of color in my school from K through 12 always made me feel like my voice and perspective weren’t represented.
Also, throughout school, I discovered that I loved learning about new, interesting things and sharing them with others. It fed my curiosity and my desire to share diverse perspectives and interesting stories.
What is your favorite story that you have written?
Gosh, it’s hard to pick one as a favorite. I’ve been blessed for the most part to select the topics and stories I write about, but if I had to pick one that was personal to me, it would be have to be the one I wrote for The Advocate magazine that addressed conversion (or reparative) therapy — before the practice was condemned by the medical community and deemed harmful. As someone who was subjected to it, I felt it was my duty to educate people on its dangers and address its pseudo-scientific and faith-based… principles. What I went through deeply affected me. I was given the opportunity to try to make sure it wouldn’t happen to anyone else. Even more, it’s humbling when I google myself and see high school kids and college students cite my articles in their bibliographies.
Do you feel like you have a dual responsibility: being queer and a journalist?
Of course. I believe one of the primary tenets of being a journalist is to educate. I grew up in an era where being LGBTQ+ was taboo or frowned upon. I felt it was my job to ensure that queer voices were heard and represented, not only to educate the general public but also to show young queer people that it’s okay to be who you are and…stand up for what you believe in.
What keeps you passionate about journalism?
To be honest, it’s hard to be a journalist in this day and age. When I first started my career in the industry, it was pre-social media — the landscape has completely changed. I think it’s harder for people to discern true investigative journalism [from] social media conspiracy theories or influencers just trying to push content. Also, our world is so polarized that it’s hard to inform and educate people who no longer have an open mind. It’s why I’ve shied away from more investigative pieces and focused on more pop-culture or entertainment pieces.
What advice would you have for those wanting to become a journalist?
I’d say: Do what you love. Follow your passions. Ask yourself why you want to be a journalist and what motivates you. Also, recognize that your voice matters.
I went into print journalism after a mentor had told me my voice was “too gay for the networks.” Instead of being a broadcast journalist, I spent years in print media for local and national publications and in the background as a producer for CBS News’ The Early Show. Don’t let someone else dictate what you can or can’t do. I might have been too gay for TV at the time, but look at the field now. There is a wide spectrum of faces and voices. Instead of listening to others and letting them feed into my self-doubt, I could have been someone who pushed the boundary and paved the way for others that were deemed “too gay.”
Do you have any future goals or projects you would like to share with us?
I’m excited to come back to journalism after working in [communication-related] fields in the public and private sectors. I have a couple of fun interviews with musicians and entertainment personalities. Also, I’m super excited I signed my first book deal (I even got an advance and everything!). I’m not ready to share details yet, but you’ll be seeing more pieces from me following a break since the start of COVID.
