NEW PODCAST EPISODE!
This News is So Gay (3/4/26): Reporting on LGBTQ+ Orgs Who Are Actually Doing Pretty Darn Well
Featuring: Ben Jodway (The Buckeye Flame) and Gisselle Medina (Fresnoland), two incredible @report4america journalists!
đź”— Hit the LINK IN OUR BIO to listen in!
#LGBTQ #Podcast #Journalists #Journalism
As 2025 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the reporting I’ve done with Fresnoland. I started the year pitching stories about immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities—groups that have faced repeated, blatant attacks under the Trump administration.
I didn’t see their stories being fully told, so as a newly hired religion reporter, I jumped in, hoping the newsroom would back me. Not only did I receive that support, but I built these beats enough to be promoted as immigration, religion, and culture reporter.
My first immigration piece was a service story on how people could protect themselves as Border Patrol carried out detentions in Kern County back in January. I suspected the same unlawful and inhumane patterns would reach Fresno and unfortunately, I was right.
These are my favorite stories from the year out of the 56 I’ve done. I’m deeply grateful for the support from readers, many of whom shared how the reporting has impacted them.
I’m looking ahead to a major investigation coming in 2026, along with continuing the community-focused reporting that grounds my work.
Also celebrating a year and a half at Fresnoland! Time fucking flies!
NEW EPISODE: This News is So Gay: LGBTQ+ Immigration Issues & a D.C. Memo That Only Benefits…White Men?
Featuring: Gisselle Medina (Fresnoland), Felipe De La Hoz (The New Republic) and Lil Kalish (HuffPost)
Hosted by: Ken Schneck (The Buckeye Flame)
đź”— Hit the LINK IN OUR BIO to listen!
#LGBTQ #Podcast #podcaster #podcastshow
my heart is so full from @ire_nicar ’s investigative conference last week 🖤 what a dream come true to be on a panel, see so many friends and make new ones! next up, NAHJ in Chicago!!
Thrilled to share that I’ve been invited to speak at the Investigative Reporters and Editors (@ire_nicar ) conference for its 50th anniversary in New Orleans! If you’re coming to IRE, would love to see you! 💜
Swipe for session information/here’s a snippet:
As Republican administrations continue attacks on trans people across the country in health care, education, military service and behind bars, reporters need to be ready to cover this far reaching topic with accuracy, nuance, and care. Come to this session to hear how to tackle these important stories, how to push back on rhetoric and euphemism, and how to tell honest, truthful stories about trans people in your communities.
I never imagined that in my first year as a reporter (away from school), I’d be honored with not one, but two journalism awards from the California News Publishers Association!!!!
Grateful for Fresnoland, Report for America, and my community for supporting and trusting me to do this work. 🧡🗞️
(celebrated with the old spaghetti factory + flowers from eli)
This year really threw me for a loop. My dad passed away on his birthday in March. A lot of my closest friends distanced themselves, leaving my life when I needed support the most. I moved back to a city I swore I’d never return to, because of the childhood trauma tied to it. I’ve been trying to build a relationship with my only living parent. I ended a turbulent four-year relationship. And through it all, I felt like I wasn’t enough, grieving, and still trying to stay afloat.
At the same time, I graduated with my master’s degree, began dating an amazing guy who feels like my perfect match, started a career as an investigative journalist focused on religion and culture, and stayed close to the people who’ve supported me—and even made new friends along the way.
It’s been one of the best and worst years of my life, and I’m still processing everything. But I’m also deeply grateful. I never thought I’d still be here, about to turn 25, having already achieved dreams I once thought were out of reach. I’m thankful for the loved ones who’ve stuck by me through it all, and for the strength I almost lost.
I hope anyone reading this takes a moment to reflect. The world feels heavy right now, but I’m so proud of all of us for making it this far, for standing up for what’s right, and for growing through it all.
In light of another Trump presidency, that doesn’t stop Fresno’s LGBTQ+ organizations and community members from fighting and saving LGBTQ+ and trans lives.
I am honored to have spoken to organizers from @pflag_fresno , @blaqueerfresno , @trans_e_motion and @fresno_inclusive .
Special thank you to Rebecca for trusting me with their story. And Mandy for sharing her perspective as a queer therapist.
We’re here to stay. We exist. And I am tired of fighting for our rights. But I will continue to write these stories and I greatly appreciate working for @fresnoland , who encourages me to do so.
Link in my bio!
My first ever relationship where we started off as good friends first. We met years ago, at a Christmas party where I was on deadline for a story and seeing other people. I was so focused on everything else and yet, I caught every joke and quick-wit remark he made, and I’d light up every time. Looking back, that should’ve been the sign that he was the one, but alas, I wasn’t ready for him yet.
Fast forward to this past year, I’ve grappled so much with life and death. And yet, he’s helped me feel steady in a world where I was constantly trying to balance its weight.
He embodies the values I’ve always looked for in a partner: He supported my best friend daily after James died, meal-prepping for her when I couldn’t be there. He drove hundreds of miles on his birthday to take me to see my dad in the hospital, right before he died and during the first week we started dating. I never thought I’d find someone as kind and thoughtful as he is, one who I clicked so easily with, whose quick wit and humor makes slow days feel like the best ones.
He was right in front of me this whole time and I’m happy to say that this one is here to last. Happy (late) international boyfriend’s and hard launch day to @thatlemonelias ❤️
The hardest story I’ve ever written is now out in the world today. My story for @fresnoland is about this secret religious sect, whose presence is global and nameless, has a pattern of ministers who’ve sexually assaulted children and have covered up the abuse for the sake of their reputation. I am so grateful to the survivors who spent hours with me talking about what they went through. 💙 link is in my bio.
Warning: This story includes accounts of child sexual abuse survivors, emotional and religious trauma, and discussions of suicidal thoughts from former members of The Truth.
