New head for Philly LGBT journos

By Jen Colletta
PGN Staff Writer
© 2008 Philadelphia Gay News

Local LGBT journalists will now have the chance for more networking, business and social opportunities with the re-launching of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association.

The local NLGJA had been relatively inactive over the last few years, but now, under the leadership of new president Matthew Patton, it is poised to provide a wealth of valuable experiences for local LGBT journalists.

Patton, a native of Kentucky who edits a medical trade magazine in King of Prussia, moved to Philadelphia in 1999, shortly after graduating from the University of Kentucky’s School of Journalism and Telecommunications.

While an undergrad, Patton had been chosen for the NLGJA’s Student Project, which matches aspiring journalists with professionals to develop their skills during the organization’s annual convention.

After college, Patton moved to Philadelphia and pledged that if he didn’t find a job within a month he was heading back down South; he had a job offer within weeks of arriving in the City of Brotherly Love, however, and became involved with the local NLGJA.

Eric Hegedus, who was the president of the Philadelphia NLGJA when Patton first joined, left the local chapter to become the president of the national organization. Following Hegedus’ departure, Robert Drake served as chapter president.

Several months ago, the national group noted the Philadelphia chapter had hosted fewer events and enlisted Patton’s help to resurrect the organization.

“I was approached by the executive office of the NLGJA to help breathe new life into the Philadelphia chapter,” he said.

Patton said he has a list of about 50 Philadelphia-area journalists who are members of the community and, as interim president, he wants to first reach out and bring this group together to reestablish the once-strong LGBT journalist community. Local NLGJA members went out to the movies together last night, and Patton said he’s planning a series of social events in the coming months.

Patton also hopes to make more connections at the national group’s conference Aug. 21-24 in Washington, D.C.

Once the group members are better acquainted with one another, Patton said the group will focus on outreach to the local community.

Patton’s initial involvement with the NLGJA spurred his current desire to work with Philadelphia-area LGBT student journalists.

“When I was a journalism student, I felt like I was among the few gay journalists, so there was really no camaraderie or anything at the university. I did an Internet search and found the NLGJA,” he said. “I think that it’s good to get students involved early on because even in j-schools, you don’t get exposure as to what is proper LGBT coverage. If we can get involved in schools on local levels and offer to do a lecture series or a panel, even if it’s a small amount of exposure, for all students straight or not, we can get involved and begin to teach what is proper coverage. And for those who are LGBT, it would be a great career enhancement. If we can get journalists involved while they’re still students, it would provide them great opportunities for their professional lives.”

Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.