Renee Raketty
Editor and Publisher at SGN: Seattle Gay News
Seattle, WA
What or who inspired you to become a journalist?
I discovered my passion for journalism early on while writing for my high school newspaper, The
Knight Life, at Newport High School. I enjoyed uncovering and sharing stories about students
that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. However, Lynn Jacobson, Editor of The Mirror, a
newspaper for teens, was the most significant influence on me. I had assignments that included
shadowing a prominent KOMO TV journalist for a day and interviewing Rosa Parks. She
provided unwavering encouragement and introduced me to some of my earliest musical
influences.
What is your favorite story that you have written?
I have had the honor of witnessing and documenting pivotal moments in the quest for
LGBTQIA+ equality, such as bills being signed into law and lifelong couples marrying. These
experiences have left a lasting impression on me. One of my favorite stories is about a trans
teen who simply wanted to play soccer on the appropriate team. However, the story with the
most significant impact was about a straight man who was brutally attacked because he was
mistakenly assumed to be gay. This story inspired a study on hate crimes in Seattle, raising
awareness and influencing policy.
Do you feel like you have a dual responsibility for being queer and a journalist?
I believe my primary duty is to maintain fairness and balance, adhering to professional ethical
standards like any journalist. However, I cannot separate my sexual orientation or gender
identity from my work. I am proud of who I am and the obstacles I’ve overcome. Newsrooms
should embrace diversity, as it enhances accurate and unbiased reporting, free from
unconscious bias and stereotypes.
Do you believe you have a role to play in helping preserve LGBTQ+ history and culture in your
work?
While it wasn’t my initial intent, my work has indeed preserved significant historical events and
moments for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Northwest. My writings and photographs have
been cited in scholarly works and, in some cases, are the only publicly available records. It is
crucial to remember our history, where we came from, and the individuals who have contributed
to our liberation. I was blessed to document some of that for OutNW as well.
What keeps you passionate about journalism?
I am passionate about journalism’s power to illuminate dark corners, share human stories, and
educate the public on policies that impact their lives.
What advice would you have for those wanting to become a journalist?
Never stop learning, both in and out of school. Every experience can become a valuable tool in
your career, often in unexpected ways.
How has being a journalist impacted your personal life?
Recently, journalism positioned me to advocate for fellow journalists covering protests. I
confronted powerful forces and succeeded, shedding light on the police accountability process.
This involvement in a Federal ACLU lawsuit and subsequent lawsuit against the City of Seattle
is a source of pride.
Do you have any future goals or projects you would like to share with us?
After a decade associated with the SGN (Seattle Gay News, I am honored to now own it. The
SGN is said to be the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ newspaper in the country, celebrating its 50th
anniversary, and has been a vital resource for LGBTQIA+ individuals across Washington State. I
look forward to leading the paper into the next 50 years. I’ll also take a cue from my
predecessor, George Bakan, who used the paper to share our lived experience and contribute
to just law-making in Olympia, WA. I think walking my journey as a trans woman will also
contribute to that.
