A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in a new position with media. As a publisher and opinion/column writer, this is a business I know well. And as most of you know, I’m not afraid to tell it like it is and create controversy. But there is one media element that I’m not used to, and it happened.
About a year ago, Sally Friedman of the Philadelphia Inquirer requested to do a sort of “at home with Mark Segal” feature for the paper. I politely explained that at that time, time just didn’t exist. She just did what a reporter after a story did: She kept calling, to the point that the only way to stop her was to agree. If she worked for PGN, I would congratulate her.
Her story idea had changed in the year, since I had gotten married, and this would become the first interview as a married couple that Jason and I agreed to. So now it was at home with Mark and Jason, along with a photo spread.
Now while I can easily be interviewed on an LGBT issue of a political or community nature, you might find it hard to believe but I live a very private life, and our home is the place to get away from it all. With a smile on my face, I can say that I was not the best subject, and can really appreciate when a reporter is invading your personal space.
Friedman and photographer Ed Hille were very professional, and patient, as I set limits on what the boundaries were. Jason was amused. In the end, it was a beautiful piece. You can see it at http://www.philly.com/philly/home/20140822_Sharing_a_home_filled_with_gay-rights_history.html.
And from the “What did you do on your summer vacation?” department, the PGN staff is proud to say we built a new website. Take a look at epgn.com.