The National LGBTQ Task Force: Journalism Should Be Protected and Honored

The Task Force Celebrates Robin Roberts and Sam Champion at our Miami Gala

WASHINGTON-DC: In the lead up to over 200 news outlets taking a stand against attacks on the free press, the National LGBTQ Task Force is announcing that it will be honoring two out journalists at their annual gala.

Instead of lashing out at media, the National LGBTQ Task Force is pleased to announce it will be honoring Robin Roberts and Sam Champion, of ABC’s Good Morning America, at the annual gala in Miami on October 6. The announcement comes as The Boston Globe is spearheading an effort for news outlets across the country on August 16 to call out the White House’s treatment of journalists and speak up for the importance of a free press.

The National LGBTQ Task Force wholeheartedly supports the efforts of The Boston Globe, the Association of News Editors, the Radio Television Digital News Association, and over 200 news outlets that are speaking out for the importance of a free press and standing up to Donald Trump’s treatment of journalists.

“Journalism has unfairly come under fire in recent years. Instead of undermining the free press, elected officials should be working with the press to provide greater transparency to the public,” Rea Carey, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force explained. Carey added that, “at the Task Force we see journalism as one of the pillars of our democracy, and we are delighted to be able to honor Robin Roberts and Sam Champion, two amazing out journalists this year.”

“By coming out as a lesbian while a national news personality, Robin Roberts has been a role model for countless LGBTQ people,” Carey stated and continued that, “Roberts stands for who we are and the courageous and dedicated work of journalism.”

Carey also stated that, “Sam Champion broke ground for many in the news industry when he came out, and we applaud him for his efforts. We honor his commitment to our community and his work, especially right now when media is continuously unfairly disparaged by our own government. The Task Force supports the press in its important work to report the truth.”

Alex Morash, the Task Force’s media director stated that, “The White House’s attacks on journalism and the truth are attacks on the American people.” He explained that, “the Task Force is committed to supporting journalism because we know how important it is for the public to have access to the truth.”

Honoring Roberts and Champion at the Gala is part of the Task Force’s long term support of the free press. Last December, the Task Force hosted a Not The White House Holiday Party for the press after the administration excluded LGBTQ reporter Chris Johnson and Black reporter April Ryan to the White House holiday party.

The National LGBTQ Task Force is the oldest national LGBTQ advocacy group in the country. The Task Force builds power, takes action, and creates change to achieve freedom and justice for LGBTQ people and their families.

The gala is an annual fundraising event for the National LGBTQ Task Force, which will take place at 6:30pm on Saturday, October 6, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Proceeds from the National LGBTQ Task Force Gala – Miami support the Task Force’s work to secure full freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQ people and their families. A significant portion of the proceeds is donated to The Miami Foundation’s LGBTQ Community Fund and distributed to multiple organizations serving the LGBTQ community in South Florida.