ILGA-Europe publishes new guidelines to equip journalists covering LGBTI issues

ILGA-Europe’s Guidelines for Journalists is a set of clear recommendations in the form of ‘do’s and don’ts’ on how to cover LGBTI-related people and news, for media professionals who seek to be up to date on representations.

ILGA-Europe has just published our ‘Guidelines for Journalists’, an information document with recommendations for media professionals reporting on LGBTI issues, people and communities. The guide aims to contribute to the quality and pluralism of the media landscape in Europe and Central Asia, and to support the work of journalists on the ground, especially of those for whom LGBTI-related news are not their main beat.

Divided in four ‘do’s and don’ts’ sections, journalists will find practical advice on how to report on the human rights of LGBTI people, how to talk to and about LGBTI subjects, language and pronouns, and specific recommendations for developing stories that involve trans and intersex people. Finally, there is as list of essential resources with LGBTI-related data and inspirational examples of media pieces.

According to ILGA-Europe’s Communications Director, Brian Finnegan, “These guidelines are particularly relevant in the current context of rising anti-LGBTI and anti-gender forces, official hate speech in countries across Europe and the world, and the introduction of new legislation that backslides on the rights of LGBTI people in some European countries. The marginalisation of LGBTI people is not isolated to a minority, but rather impact our societies at large and showcases health or lack thereof in our democratic systems. This is why good journalism on LGBTI issues news is needed. These guidelines aim to support this, for the better of all.”