Homo Journos Convene in the Heartland

By Aaron Bailey in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 22, 2005 6:44PM

If you notice a bunch of gays and lesbians walking down Michigan Ave. this weekend with reporter notebook and pen in hand, they're here for the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association's 15th annual convention. Say hi.

Okay, so they probably won't be walking down Michigan Ave. with reporter notebooks. They're likely at the Palmer House Hilton listening to such gay journalist luminaries like Chad Allen (yes, that Chad Allen) speak on topics like freelancing, covering gay sports, and being a food journalist (gay + journalism + food ... Chicago likes!). Of course, there's also the obligatory session exploring if blogs are the next frontier. Answer: They are.

Of course, the attendees -- as many as 650 are expected -- won't be all business this weekend. Friday night allows for "networking" opportunities at Boystown-area bars and Saturday night, the group holds their "15th Anniversary Gala Celebration!" (because everything is better with an exclaimation point!)! At the Gala! Celebration!, NLGJA will induce noted journalists into its Hall of Fame!

Chicagoist, a proud member of NLGJA, wishes we could attend (pesky day job and out-of-town plans!) but we wish all our GLBT journo brothers and sisters a hearty Chicago welcome.