Two-times Emmy Award winning journalist with extensive reporting experience across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

Currently based in Beirut and available for assignments in live broadcasting, TV and Radio packages, print, digital video and photography.

Brazilian women fight to turn the tide in politics

20 Dec 2023  |  Al Jazeera  |  English  |  Political Representation

The article discusses the underrepresentation of women, particularly black and transgender women, in Brazilian politics. Erica Malunguinho, a transgender woman running for state deputy in Sao Paulo, highlights the systemic barriers faced by such candidates. Despite women making up over half of the electorate, they only represent 31 percent of candidates in the upcoming elections, barely meeting the minimum quota. The Supreme Electoral Court mandated that political parties must allocate at least 30 percent of campaign funds to female candidates after findings suggested previous tokenism. The assassination of Rio councilwoman Marielle Franco, a black activist, is cited as an example of the dangers faced by women in politics. The article also critiques the lack of focus on women's rights in male candidates' campaigns, with specific mention of far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro's controversial remarks and high rejection rates among women. Protests are planned against Bolsonaro's candidacy and to demand better representation and treatment of women in politics.

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LGBTQ+ Rights Political Representation Elections Gender Equality Racial Equality Violence Against Women Feminism

Jason Bainbridge is a journalist based in Macau. As a Major in Television Production as a Director and writer/researcher I have generated several projects they include

●2009 -2010
Director, Producer, Editor -
The Good life, (La Buena Vida) is the only Spanish / English Lifestyle show ever ...

Superman Is Bisexual & He Has A Thing For Reporters

18 Oct 2021  |  Madras Courier  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

Jonathan Kent, the son of Clark Kent, is revealed to be bisexual in the upcoming issue of Superman: Son of Kal-El, marking a significant moment in the franchise's history. This development is part of a broader trend of increasing queer representation in superhero comics, moving from peripheral characters to more prominent ones. The article discusses the historical context of queer representation in comics, the impact of the Comics Code Authority, and the evolving portrayal of Superman as a social justice figure. The narrative highlights the tension between Superman's roles as a reformer and a government tool, suggesting that Jonathan Kent's bisexuality helps resolve these tensions and makes the character more representative of contemporary audiences.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Comics Superheroes

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Joshua Berlinger is Paris-based reporter, writer and photojournalist with nearly a decade of experience in digital journalism. He relocated to France in 2022 after working in CNN's Hong Kong bureau for five years.

He has experience covering breaking news around the world. He's fluent in English ...

Gabriel Attal becomes France’s youngest prime minister

09 Jan 2024  |  ktvz.com  |  English  |  LGBTQ Representation

Gabriel Attal, at 34, becomes France's youngest prime minister, succeeding Elisabeth Borne. His appointment by President Emmanuel Macron aims to revitalize the government's popularity. Attal, a prominent figure in Macron's Renaissance Party, emphasizes education as a priority. His political journey includes roles as education minister and government spokesman. Borne's tenure was marked by controversial reforms and challenges, leading to her resignation. The reshuffle comes as Macron seeks a political reset amid rising support for Marine Le Pen and the far-right. Attal's appointment is seen as a strategic move ahead of European elections and the Paris Olympics.

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LGBTQ Representation French Politics Government Reshuffle

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I am a journalist, researcher on international refugee law and writer. Author of "Refugees of Idomeni" (https://goo.gl/VAUv5w).

I hold an MA in International Relations from Queen Mary University of London.

I mostly cover politics, society, migration, refugees and human rights. My work ...

Brazil also saw the victory of social movements

02 Nov 2018  |  noticias.uol.com.br  |  Portuguese  |  Women's Representation

Despite the rise of conservatism in Brazil's recent elections, social movements and marginalized groups achieved important victories. The number of women in the Senate remained the same as in 2014, but the Chamber of Deputies saw an increase from 51 to 77 female representatives. Malu Gatto, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Zurich, highlighted judicial decisions as key to promoting female candidacies, despite resistance from political parties. The election of Erica Malunguinho, the first black transgender woman as a state deputy in São Paulo, and Fabiano Contarato, an openly homosexual senator, symbolize resistance to conservatism. Concerns were raised about the potential disproportionate impact of Jair Bolsonaro's government on marginalized groups, and the need to monitor for setbacks. The presence of the military in the government and the potential erosion of democratic institutions were also discussed.

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LGBTQ Rights Women's Representation Elections Social Movements

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Sebastián Calderón is a journalist based in Bogotá, Colombia. It's main expertise is in the automotive and aviation sector. Recognized motorsport journalist with more than 8 years of experience.
Founder & editor of revistacarros.com.co and aviones.net.co

Red, White & Royal Blue: Show or Movie?

22 Jan 2024  |  www.hypeqmag.com  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

The film 'Red, White & Royal Blue,' adapted by Prime Video from Case McQuistion's bestselling novel, is a highly anticipated LGBTQ+ film of 2023. It tells the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the first female President of the United States, and Prince Henry of the United Kingdom, who fake a friendship that evolves into a romantic relationship. The film is praised for the chemistry between Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine, who portray the lead characters. Despite some narrative changes and the absence of certain book characters, the film is celebrated for its positive portrayal of gay relationships and remains a beautiful LGBT+ film. Fans, however, expressed a desire for a series adaptation to explore the characters' relationship more deeply.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Film Adaptation Romantic Comedy

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Well, I'm an engineer by education but a writer by profession.

I used to work as a sales executive in 2019 - when I realized my intention to assess more about 'consumer behavior'.

Writing has been a life-long passion that helped me illuminate my decisions every now and then.

Henceforth, I ...

There was an “erotic energy” between Alicent and Rhaenyra, says Emily Carey from House of the Dragon

16 Oct 2022  |  Wiki of Thrones  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

Actors from the Game of Thrones spin-off series House of the Dragon, including Emily Carey and Emma D’Arcy, have discussed the perceived erotic energy between their characters, Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. Carey and co-star Milly Alcock noted that their characters' relationship could be interpreted as more than platonic, while D’Arcy emphasized the deep emotional connection and physical intimacy shared by the characters. The series continues to air on HBO and HBO Max.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Television Entertainment

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Charli Clement is a journalist based in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Why Heartbreak High's autistic queer representation is so groundbreaking

22 Sept 2022  |  Digital Spy  |  English  |  LGBTQ+

Netflix's 'Heartbreak High' reboot features Quinni, an autistic, queer woman played by autistic advocate Chloe Hayden, offering groundbreaking representation for marginalized communities. The show explores the intersection of autism and LGBTQ+ identities, a rarity in media. It addresses the challenges autistic individuals face in relationships and society's lack of understanding and acceptance. The series portrays the highs and lows of Quinni's high school experiences, including her relationship with Sasha So, navigating identity, queerness, and disability. The show challenges mainstream media's typical cisgender, heterosexual male-centric autism representation, providing a more genuine, intersectional depiction.

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Autism Representation LGBTQ+ Television Diversity

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Beth Desmond is a journalist based in Brighton, United Kingdom.

Trans rights are human rights

03 Dec 2018  |  The Social Review  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Rights

The article discusses the problematic nature of Graham Linehan, a writer and director known for his work on British sitcoms, who has become an active voice against the transgender community, particularly trans women. The author criticizes Linehan's stance and highlights the hypocrisy of gender-critical feminists who support him. The article also addresses the negative impact of organizations like Get the L Out and media outlets such as The Mail on Sunday, which spread misinformation and harmful stereotypes about transgender individuals. The author emphasizes the importance of cisgender allies, particularly cis lesbians, in supporting trans women and countering transphobic narratives. The article also touches on the challenges faced by transgender students in schools and the need for better support and understanding from educators.

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Media Representation LGBTQ+ Rights Transgender Issues Gender Identity

Andrew Fleming is a journalist based in Vancouver, Canada.

We’re Post-Homophobia, Right? Wrong.

17 Mar 2024  |  Talkhouse  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation in Media

Andrew Fleming, an openly gay film and television director, discusses the challenges he faced with his latest comedy feature, 'Ideal Home', starring Paul Rudd and Steve Coogan. Despite his extensive career, Fleming encountered resistance from major film festivals and distributors, who rejected the film for its portrayal of a gay couple. Fleming reflects on the social implications of this rejection, noting that while his film was declined by mainstream festivals, it was embraced by gay film festivals. He argues that the discomfort some may feel towards the film's 'gayness' is a form of homophobia, whether external or internalized. Fleming emphasizes the importance of representing real gay relationships and experiences in media, and despite the difficulties, he remains proud of 'Ideal Home' and the positive reception it has received at gay film festivals.

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LGBTQ+ Representation in Media Film & Theatre Entertainment & Celebrity

Kayley Hardiman is a journalist based in Athlone, Ireland. Kayley's LinkedIn page **** 

Kayley holds a 2.1 Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and New Media from University of Limerick. Kayley is a lover of social media, dance. She is interested in culture, the arts, fashion, lifestyle, education, ...

The best LGBTQ+ Films, Books and Tv Series

24 Feb 2021  |  Her Campus | Created for Gen Z, By Gen Z.  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

The article highlights a selection of notable LGBTQ+ themed films, books, and TV series, emphasizing the increased representation of the LGBTQ+ community in recent years. It recommends various titles such as 'It’s A Sin,' 'Call Me By Your Name,' 'A Secret Love,' 'Dating Amber,' and 'The Miseducation of Cameron Post,' among others. Each recommendation is accompanied by a brief description of the plot and the significance of LGBTQ+ representation within the story. The article also mentions several platforms where these titles can be streamed, including All 4, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Entertainment

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Melissa Kravitz is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Why Teen Magazines Have Gone Queer

01 Feb 2016  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  LGBTQ Representation

Teen magazines like Teen Vogue and Seventeen are increasingly incorporating LGBTQ voices and visibility to stay relevant and inclusive. This shift is driven by the need to reflect the diverse identities of today's teens and the influence of digital media. Efforts include using gender-neutral language and featuring LGBTQ individuals in various contexts. GLAAD's Sarah Kate Ellis emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in both content and newsroom staff. Despite progress, challenges remain in achieving comprehensive LGBTQ representation, particularly for non-white LGBTQ individuals. The article highlights the positive impact of these changes on teen readers.

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LGBTQ Representation Teen Media Identity Politics

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Lily Lindon is a book editor, author, and writer based in London, United Kingdom. Her first novel, Double Booked, is publishing from Bloomsbury in June 2022.

Are fictional lesbians always miserable?

07 Jun 2023  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

The article discusses the portrayal of lesbian characters in literature, particularly focusing on the trope of misery and suffering that has historically been associated with Sapphic stories. The author, a writer of queer romcoms, expresses a desire to see more joyful and multifaceted representations of lesbian love. They highlight their own work, 'My Own Worst Enemy', which features two butch characters in a lighthearted romantic setting. The article also provides a list of 10 recommended books that showcase Sapphic love as a source of happiness and pleasure, challenging the notion that fictional lesbians must always be portrayed as miserable. The books span various genres and include both contemporary and historical narratives, with themes of romance, comedy, and personal growth.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Lesbian Literature Sapphic Love Stories

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Savin Mattozzi is a journalist based in Naples, Italy. He covers history, culture and politics in southern Italy and the Mediterranean region. His work has been featured in National Geographic, Al Jazeera, Euronews, Are We Europe and Hyphen among others.

Walking the line: How two new country music videos are polarizing fans

06 Aug 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

Country music fans are divided over two new music videos by Jason Aldean and Tyler Childers, which present contrasting views on social issues. Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' has been criticized for promoting violence and racism, while Childers' 'In Your Love' is praised for its representation of a gay love story in a 1950s coal mining town. The article also touches on historical political rifts in country music, noting that despite its current right-wing affiliation, many famous singers have leftist backgrounds.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Country Music Social Issues

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Freelance journalist. Covered the 2019-2020 uprising and broke news on the protests from the ground, including live blogging the 2020 Women's March for The Guardian. Covered the 2020 referendum results and 2021 constituent assembly elections. Focus on women's and LGBT rights.

Have written ...

Primavera Sound brings its inclusive line-up to a region that desperately needs it

17 Jun 2024  |  gal-dem.com  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

Primavera Sound's debut in South America brought a gender-balanced and inclusive line-up to a region with historically low representation of women and queer artists in music festivals. The festival featured performances by Mitski, Japanese Breakfast, Shygirl, and ARCA, among others, and was praised for its commitment to inclusivity. The event also highlighted the local music scene, with performances by Brazilian DJ Badsista and others. The article underscores the festival's impact on promoting gender equality and LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Music Festival Gender Equality

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I'm a freelance journalist, based in Bogotá, Colombia. I cover human rights, gender equality, social movements, culture and the environment. My work has appeared in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Vice, NACLA, Women's Media Center, Remezcla and more. 

As a Texas-born Colombian-American, I strive to ...

Queer Artist Felix D'Eon's Illustrations Are Beautiful Depictions of LGBTQ Love

13 Dec 2017  |  Remezcla  |  English  |  LGBTQ

Felix D'Eon, a Guadalajara-born artist, uses Victorian-era and other historical art styles to create detailed illustrations of LGBTQ love and romance. His work challenges heteronormativity and modern-day stigmas around same-sex relationships by incorporating historically accurate aesthetics. D'Eon's art reflects his own experiences as a queer Latino and aims to provide representation for a broader spectrum of the queer community, including transgender individuals and people of color. His illustrations offer an alternative history where queer people are depicted with dignity and empowerment.

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Queer Representation LGBTQ Art

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Highly experienced technical journalist

It is all too easy to cut and paste from news releases or lift information from web pages. However in today’s highly competitive environment magazines and journals in traditional print form must compete with information delivered on portable devices.

...

I felt seen: meet the first #QueerAdFolk contributors

08 Jul 2021  |  The Drum  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

The article introduces the first contributors to the #QueerAdFolk series, highlighting their experiences and perspectives as LGBTQ+ professionals in the advertising industry. Grace Francis, Peter Robertson, Karen Crum, and Kevin Morosky share their journeys of coming out at work, the impact of their identities on their careers, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. They discuss the challenges and benefits of being LGBTQ+ in the industry, the need for authentic representation, and offer advice for brands creating Pride content. The article emphasizes the significance of intersectionality and the role of allies in fostering an inclusive environment.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Advertising Industry Diversity and Inclusion

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Lauryn Redding is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

How COVID-19 and a major injury led me to write an award-nominated play

31 Dec 2021  |  euronews  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

Lauryn Redding, an actor and writer, shares her personal journey through 2020, a year marked by injury, PTSD, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the theatre industry. She discusses the challenges faced by the industry, including the UK government's inadequate support for freelance workers. During her recovery, Redding wrote her debut play 'Bloody Elle', a lesbian love story reflecting her own experiences and the underrepresentation of queer voices in theatre. The play, which opened at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, received critical acclaim and audience appreciation, with plans for a future theatre run, tour, and a TV series adaptation. Redding's story is one of resilience and the transformative power of art during adversity.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Theatre COVID-19 Pandemic Writing

Samuel Spencer is a freelance international arts and culture journalist based in London. He is one of the principal Europe Reporters for ****, and had also worked for The Telegraph, Penguin Books and NME among many others. He has both radio and television broadcast experience, and opinions about ...

Is Chilling Adventures of Sabrina secretly homophobic?

22 Apr 2019  |  popculturewolves.wordpress.com  |  English  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, despite its initial inclusive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, falls into homophobic tropes in its second season. The character Theo's storyline, which initially marked a progressive representation of a trans character, turns problematic as he is punished for wanting to transition. Similarly, the relationship between Ambrose and Luke Chalfant, a highlight of the first season, is abruptly ended with Luke's off-screen death, reinforcing the 'Bury Your Gays' trope. The article criticizes the show for valuing LGBTQ+ characters only superficially and calls for more diverse writers to ensure respectful and authentic representation in future seasons.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Television Critique

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Katrine Villarreal Villumsen is a journalist based in Copenhagen, Denmark.
A journalism graduate from the University of Southern Denmark, Katrine specializes in print/multimedia journalism and social media. Katrine also holds an MA degree in American Studies from the University of Southern Denmark,...

We need to talk about why you write 'Isak + Even'

09 Dec 2016  |  www.vice.com  |  Danish  |  LGBTQ+ Representation

The article reflects on the societal changes in attitudes towards homosexuality, using the Norwegian TV series 'SKAM' as a focal point. It highlights the positive reception of the show's portrayal of a homosexual love story between characters Isak and Even, while questioning why acceptance by Isak's friends is seen as heroic. The piece underscores the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the need for genuine acceptance beyond media representation.

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LGBTQ+ Representation Television Series

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