By now, it should be apparent that the actions of the Donald Trump administration will affect nearly every American — no matter your political affiliation, age, race or identity. This includes the LGBTQ+ community. But can those effects even filter down to LGBTQ+ media and the way we inform our community? Here are my initial thoughts based on what has already happened — starting from an unexpected source.
As you likely know, I’m a news junkie, and my friends feed that habit. My husband, in particular, always makes sure I get each issue of Foreign Affairs. Here’s how the magazine describes itself:
“Since its founding in 1922, Foreign Affairs has been the leading forum for serious discussion of American foreign policy and global affairs…Foreign Affairs is published by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a non-profit and nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to improving the understanding of U.S. foreign policy and international affairs through the free exchange of ideas.”
Yes, wonky.
In the current edition, an article titled “The Path to American Authoritarianism” by Steven Levitsky and Lucan A. Way is a frightening and eye-opening read. While it contains no direct LGBTQ+ content, it provides a general framework for how authoritarian-leaning administrations force their policies on people. Using that as a guide, let’s examine how our current authoritarian-leaning administration might impact LGBTQ+ media and journalism.
The threat to journalism
Media companies — including TV networks, cable providers and even pharmaceutical advertisers — are often just one part of massive corporate conglomerates with various business interests. If the administration doesn’t like a particular news report, it has several tools at its disposal: it can sue, scrutinize licenses, or even launch investigations into the media company or its parent corporation. All of this takes time, money and resources — ultimately impacting shareholders and business interests.
If you think this isn’t a real threat, consider this: ABC recently settled a lawsuit from Trump, and CBS is expected to do the same. Here’s what that means in layman’s terms. News organizations that have done nothing wrong are paying Trump so he will not investigate them and cause problems. Need even more proof? Look at the editorial shifts at The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times. Jeff Bezos’ completely upending the Post’s editorial direction is one example of a free press slipping away.
LGBTQ+ media, if true to its mission, must keep reporting on issues affecting our community. Much of that journalism will likely be seen as negative by the Trump administration. While we may be considered small-time and ignored, the same forces that impact mainstream media could be used against us. Unlike traditional media, however, LGBTQ+ media has a deeper purpose — our reporting is literally about saving lives. We will not be bullied!
We will fight to protect our health clinics, community centers, youth from bullying, LGBTQ+ elders from abuse, and, of course, our trans community. And do I even need to mention that we will fight for our marriages?
The financial reality
Like all media outlets, LGBTQ+ publications must pay their journalists. We rely primarily on advertising and sponsorships to sustain our work. Thankfully, many businesses, philanthropic organizations and local and state governments continue to stand with us. They not only support LGBTQ+ media but also fund critical services within our community. At PGN, we dedicate a page in every issue to thanking those who support our work and our community at large.
A silver lining?
While MAGA America may have cheered as Trump railed against the LGBTQ+ community, many didn’t expect that his policies would touch them, too. But the reality is setting in:
• People are losing their jobs due to Trump’s policy decisions
• School lunches and after-school programs are being cut
• Farmers are losing income due to tariffs
• Veterans are losing services
How long before parents start speaking up about feeding their children? Before people in rural areas realize they’ve lost their only hospital? Even our weather forecasting is at risk.
The Foreign Affairs article offers another bright spot. Because of the systems ingrained in our government, Trump will fail at some of his most draconian efforts. However, it will take time — and it will require the courts and Congress to do their jobs as outlined in the Constitution.
My message to you
Be visible. Be vocal. Support our allies.
That is how we fight back.