I'm blogging this Friday from the nation's capital. Hanging out with my colleagues here and enjoying the town I once called home.
When I first moved to D.C. back in 2004, I was on the cusp of finally coming out to my family. Was D.C. the catalyst? Probably not. But, coming out in an evironment that accepted- no embraced- the LGBT community was certainly an incentive.
An integral part of the LGBT community here is (now sadly "was") the Washington Blade. This was a must read for fabulous Washingtonians (or in my case, Washingtonian transplant). You could read about social issues. Hot parties. Upcoming events. And you could always count on some biting social commentary from a gay or two.
When the news broke this week that the Blade was closing down, I became immensely sad. Sad about the continuing decay of the media industry. Sad that the LGBT community will have one less "gay rag" to follow. But mostly, I was sad that this week, somewhere another Washingtonian transplant who is looking to come out has one less "voice" to cheer him on.
But fear not– in breaking news, several former employees of the 40-year-old gay and lesbian newspaper said that they plan to launch a new, more modest version of the paper today. Publisher Lynne Brown and Editor Kevin Naff said in a letter posted online that "the staff of the paper remains united," and currently is working on a volunteer basis.
With layoffs happening across all media sectors, what will happen to traditional journalism outlets? Clearly I am a fan of blogs. But, I'm also a fan of the smell and feel of a fresh newspaper. Heck, I was the editor of one in high school. It's how I fell in love with writing and communications. I hope that while the economy continues to spiral, somehow, we can maintain the original "fourth estate" while embracing the new virtual estate.
Up next- Friday musings:
- Ok. I was just getting back into the world of Oprah. She entices me this week with her interview with Governor-Vice Presidential Candidate-Hockey Mom- Author Sarah Palin. Then, she teases me even more with an interview with the cast of Nine (so excited!!). Today? She calls it quits. Big O, I love you so.
- Tomorrow, I'm seeing "Twilight: New Moom." I saw the first one on a plane back from Europe in the comfort of my own seat. Now, I'll have to see it with a bunch of screaming fans at the theater. Oh wait, that's just me screaming. I know I'll regret not seeing Precious.
- Who do you think should become the new anchor of "Good Morning America?" I'm loving this behind the scenes gossip and backstabbing. My money is on Georgie to get the gig- but I just don't see him comfortably interviewing Dancing with the Stars castoffs or the cast of Lost (Tuesdays, 9PM, starting Feb. 2). But, who do I want to get it? Paging Anderson Cooper…or Kiki Couric anyone?
Happy Weekend. And since I'll be stuffing my face with leftovers next week, Happy Thanksgiving!
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