Queer News Network’s Code of Ethics

QNN’S MISSION: 

Queer News Network (QNN) aims to center the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in political narratives, providing in-depth, accurate reporting that illuminates the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and actions on queer lives. We are committed to raising the standard of LGBTQ+ news coverage, empowering our community with knowledge, and holding those in power accountable. Through truth, visibility, and empowerment, we will ensure that LGBTQ+ voices are heard, respected, and central to shaping the political discourse.

QNN’S VISION: 

QNN envisions a media landscape where the LGBTQ+ community's experiences are not merely footnotes in political narratives, but central to understanding the forces shaping our society. We believe that fair and insightful coverage of those who exploit anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violence is essential, not only for the queer community, but also for all who value democracy and human rights.

PREAMBLE: 

As a collaborative news network, QNN believes in the primary ethic of journalism to do no harm. Journalism is a profession that requires time, resources and the means to practice, all of which are essential to its independence. The following guidelines of conduct for the news outlets associated with QNN adhere to the following goals to achieve its mission and vision:

 

1. The duty of journalism is to the truth. 

2. To that end, QNN expects participating outlets to defend the principles of freedom in the honest collection and publication of news, and of the right of fair comment and criticism. 

3. QNN expects affiliated news outlets to follow where the truth leads, and to do so using fair and transparent methods to obtain information, images, documents and data. 

4. The notion of urgency or immediacy in the dissemination of information shall not take precedence over the verification of facts, sources and/or the offer of a reply.

5. QNN will make honest and transparent efforts to rectify any errors in reporting, including publishing corrections within stories. For corrections or issues with stories on the QNN webpage, please contact editor@lookoutphx.org

6. QNN respects the privacy of sources, especially within the queer community. Where anonymous sources are used by QNN-affiliates, QNN publishes the stories under the assumption that editorial standards are practiced by participating newsrooms to verify and fact-check statements made by those sources. 

9. QNN believes that one of the many roles of journalism is to counter bigotry and prejudice, and will avoid dissemination of information that contributes to hatred or prejudice against people based on geography, social or ethnic origin, race, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, disability, political, and other opinions.

10. QNN affiliates found to be in violation of serious professional misconduct, including plagiarism, distortion of facts, or slander, libel, defamation or unfounded accusations are eligible for removal.  

11. QNN is fiscally sponsored by LOOKOUT, and abides by 501(c)(3) guidance in messaging and disclosure of funding sources.  

12. QNN expects affiliate newsrooms to abide by the media laws in their individual regions, including in reference to disclosure of recording interviews and disclosure as a reporter.

13. QNN does not make endorsements, and candidate informational pages are meant for informational purposes of who is endorsed by certain groups. An explanation of those endorsements or descriptions on those pages can be found at the bottom of each page.  

QNN STYLE GUIDANCE:

QNN follows the guidance of the Trans Journalists Association and the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association style guides. Both of those guides can be found here and here, respectively.  

Below are select style references for our audience to understand and know:

biological sex

The phrase biological sex is common in scientific writing as a synonym for birth sex, natal sex, or assigned sex at birth. Outside of medical literature, assigned sex at birth is preferable over biological sex if used in this way.

cisgender

Refers to people whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth.

drag queen, female impersonator

Drag is the practice of dressing and acting in styles typically associated with another gender, usually exaggeratedly so and for entertainment value. Drag queens portray women and drag kings portray men. Drag performer is the gender-neutral term. Drag and impersonation are more strongly determined by the nature of the costume and performance than by the performer’s gender identity or sex. Drag is not synonymous with but is sometimes considered a type of male or female impersonation, in which performances may be spoofs of a specific person or character or may be more subdued than a drag performance. Not synonymous with transgender, though some drag performers may identify as such, or with cross-dresser. 

gender ideology

A charged term commonly deployed by anti-trans commentators and activists that implies trans people, merely by being trans, are participating in a political activity or have a political agenda. Refer instead to trans identity or simply being transgender. 

groomer, grooming

Refers to the practice of building trust and eroding boundaries to facilitate the sexual abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. Avoid using these terms, even in quotes, to portray LGBTQ+ people broadly as predators or as “recruiting” people, particularly children. If it is necessary to quote someone using this term, be clear about whether they are using it as a rhetorical device or if actual child abuse is alleged or proven; if the latter, add necessary details. See misleading associations below. 

false balance

Including opposing views in a story even when doing so is unnecessary or insensitive or would perpetuate falsehoods, or assuming there are only two sides to a story. Sometimes called bothsidesism. Just as journalists should not default to giving a platform to doubters of the scientifically established concept of climate change, they shouldn’t automatically give opponents of LGBTQ+ rights a voice unless it furthers the understanding of the issue or story. For instance, a story about legislation related to LGBTQ+ people could quote supporters, opponents and possibly the indifferent. A story about an LGBTQ+ awards ceremony, a hate crime or a person’s coming out usually does not require opposing comment.

lifestyle

An inaccurate term sometimes used to describe the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Sexual orientation may be part of a broader lifestyle but is not one in and of itself, just as there is no “straight” lifestyle.

misleading associations

Terms including bestiality, experimental, grooming, mutilation, pedophilia and sodomy are frequently false or defamatory when used in stories about LGBTQ+ issues.

transgender

Generally, transgender describes people whose gender identity and/or expression does not align with their sex assigned at birth. Journalists covering transgender people must ensure they correctly understand and communicate the parameters of the communities about which they are reporting. In news coverage, identify people as transgender only when relevant to the subject matter and only if they are widely known or describe themselves as such. Otherwise, describe trans men as men and trans women as women. People can be transgender regardless of age, but journalists should take the usual legal and ethical precautions when reporting on children.

For all other style, we follow Associated Press style guidance. For questions on why we describe things in certain ways, or the language we use, feel free to email us at editor@lookoutphx.org