THE ADVOCATE ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL “FUTURE OF QUEER MEDIA FELLOWSHIP”

LOS ANGELES (September 9, 2025) — The Advocate, the world’s leading source of LGBTQ+ news and information, today announced the launch of The Future of Queer Media Fellowship, a program created to identify, develop, and uplift the next generation of LGBTQ+ journalists. Underwritten by Morrison Media Group (MMG), the 16-week, paid fellowship provides early-career journalists with direct experience inside The Advocate’s newsroom beginning January 2026. 

“We have seen it over and over again in the past several years – mainstream news outlets frequently publish stories about the LGBTQ+ community, and particularly about trans people, that feature no trans voices,” said Kayla Gagnet, senior vice president of equalpride, which operates The Advocate. “A critical step in ensuring better coverage of the trans community is recruiting and training more trans journalists.”

The Future of Queer Media Fellowship directly addresses an urgent representation crisis in American media: While coverage of LGBTQ+ lives has increased, too few stories are written by queer and trans people themselves. Through the program, fellows will collaborate with The Advocate’s seasoned editorial team, pitch and publish original reporting, and receive hands-on mentorship. A key focus will be amplifying transgender voices, perspectives, and narratives that remain underrepresented in mainstream media. 

Fellows will also receive specialized training from MMG, including visibility coaching, impact strategy, and professional development resources tailored to careers in journalism and media.

“This fellowship is personal. Queer and trans journalists have long been doing the work — reporting on our communities, sharing truth, shaping culture,” said Tony Morrison, Founder of Morrison Media Group. “They deserve the access, visibility, and support to lead the next chapter of journalism. This is not about building a pipeline. This is about opening the door. And we are not asking for permission to tell our stories.”

The Future of Queer Media Fellowship will run from January through April 2026, with both remote and hybrid participation options available. The program is open to early-career journalists, recent graduates, and students in their junior or senior years, as well as nontraditional career applicants, including those pivoting into journalism from other fields. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in reporting, editorial writing, LGBTQ+ media, or communications. Priority consideration will be given to transgender and nonbinary candidates to ensure the fellowship directly uplifts voices most underrepresented in today’s media landscape. 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a resume and writing samples through the online application form. The program welcomes reported stories, op-eds, campus media, blog posts, or other writing samples that reflect your voice and vision.

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

• Fellows Announced: Early December 2025

A generous grant from Morrison Media Group will fund the inaugural fellowship, and The Advocate is actively seeking partners to help continue the program for fall 2026 and beyond. Potential partners should contact Kayla Gagnet at 1967@advocate.com or contribute directly to the Fellowship fund at advocate.com/fellowshipfund. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.advocate.com/fellowship 

About The Advocate 

The Advocate is the world’s leading source of LGBTQ+ news and information. Capturing the political and cultural conversations of the community through award-winning journalism, compelling photography and video and vital commentary, The Advocate defines what it is to be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender today. Since 1967, audiences and brands trust The Advocate to deliver critical and timely information and reporting on business, politics, arts and entertainment, family life, health and more. In print, online and across social, The Advocate is the community’s most trusted source.  

About Morrison Media Group (MMG) 

Morrison Media Group (MMG) is an impact communications company founded by Emmy-winning journalist and cultural strategist Tony Morrison. Specializing in brand storytelling, strategic campaigns, live content production, and talent-driven campaigns, MMG helps clients activate with purpose and visibility. With a focus on social impact, representation, and audience connection, MMG builds stories that move people — across industries, platforms, and movements.

Media Contacts

Lucky Break PR 

Mark Umbach, Mark@luckybreakpr.com

Jackie Trimble, Jackie@luckybreakpr.com 

Morrison Media Group

Tony Morrison, HQ@thetonymorrison.com