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Draft:Uncloseted Media

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Uncloseted Media

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Uncloseted Media is a nonprofit and independent news organization based in New York City. It was founded in 2024 by Spencer Macnaughtin, who serves as the editor-in-chief.[1]

Uncloseted Media is a U.S.-based, non-partisan, LGBTQ-focused news publication founded in 2024 by Spencer Macnaughton, a Gracie-Award winning[2] and Emmy-nominated[3] journalist/ producer who has worked for 60 Minutes [4] and The Wall Street Journal [4] and who teaches LGBTQ journalism at New York University.[5]

Uncloseted Media launched on September 3, 2024,[6] and provides thorough, investigative reporting on LGBTQ issues in the U.S. and around the world. Uncloseted Media addresses concerns[7] that LGBTQ-related topics have taken a back seat in mainstream media since the legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S. The publication seeks to fill this gap, spotlighting ongoing issues such as anti-LGBTQ legislation, [8] healthcare access,[9] religious trauma,[10] issues affecting queer kids,[11] and issues facing the transgender community. [12]

History

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Uncloseted Media officially launched on September 3, 2024.[13] That month, they threw a launch party [14] at the historic Stonewall Inn.

To ensure robust and sustained journalism, Uncloseted Media works through a 501(c)(3) Fiscal Sponsor, Resource Impact,[15] so people and foundations can give tax-deductible donations to support their journalism. The organization has raised roughly half a million dollars,[16] including support from Gaingels co-founder Paul Grossinger [17] and philanthropist Paul Austin of the P. Austin Family Foundation.[18] This support allows Uncloseted Media to maintain its editorial independence while expanding its newsroom and investigative capabilities. The outlet initially operates on the Substack]platform, publishing roughly two long-form pieces per week and offering a free newsletter. [19]

Partnerships

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In October 2024, Uncloseted Media announced a partnership with GAY TIMES, a prominent LGBTQ lifestyle and culture publication.[20] Through this collaboration, Uncloseted Media’s investigative stories are shared on both their own platforms and GAY TIMES’ digital and social channels, [21] amplifying the reach of their journalism.[22] This partnership enables Uncloseted Media to address a broader audience while strengthening its position as a primary voice for LGBTQ journalism.

Uncloseted Media has also reported individual stories in partnership with Fierce Healthcare,[23] The Nation,[24] and Votebeat.[25]

Organization

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Uncloseted Media's organizational structure includes a business and media advisory board with industry veterans and LGBTQ community leaders. Key advisors include Jackson Block,[26] CEO of LGBT+ VC, Alan Fippen,[27] formerly an associate managing editor at The New York Times, and Brody Levesque,[28] former top editor of the Los Angeles Blade. [29] The advisory boards provide strategic guidance to help the publication navigate the challenges of digital media and achieve sustainability.

The publication’s structure is designed to balance editorial independence with sustainable funding, combining revenue from subscriptions with philanthropic contributions. Macnaughton plans to grow the staff and expand coverage as Uncloseted Media establishes itself as a leading source for LGBTQ news and analysis.

More on the Founder

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Macnaughton was born and raised in Toronto, ON,[30] and moved to New York to complete a Master of Journalism degree at Columbia University, who serves as the editor-in-chief.[31]. While at Columbia, he was the president of the University’s NLGJA chapter.[32]

Prior to the September launch, Macnaughton spent 10 years in mainstream media as a journalist/producer.[33] His work has appeared in 60 Minutes,[34] NBC News,[35] The Wall Street Journal,[36] The New York Times,[37] and The Rolling Stone.[38] His switch to LGBTQ-focused news was inspired by his goal of ensuring that Americans receive objective, well-informed news.[39]

Some of his students, including Hope Pisoni,[40] Abbie Thompson,[41] and Em Oliver,[42] now support his project as interns. He describes his first employee, Sam Donndelinger,[43] as his former star student.[44]

References

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  1. ^ "Spencer Macnaughton LinkedIn Page". LinkedIn.
  2. ^ "Gracie Award Winners". All Women Media.
  3. ^ "Emmy Nominees List". The Emmys.
  4. ^ a b "Spencer MacNaughton Profile". IMBD.com.
  5. ^ "Journalism Course List". NYU Journalism Course List.
  6. ^ "Press Release". PR.com.
  7. ^ "Axios Interview". Axios.com.
  8. ^ "LGBTQ States and Consultative Status". Uncloseted Media.
  9. ^ "How Expect Medical Witnesses are Fueling Anti-Trans Attacks". Uncloseted Media.
  10. ^ "The Hidden Currents of Christian Homeschooling". Uncloseted Media.
  11. ^ "Queer Kids Under Attack". Uncloseted Media.
  12. ^ "Six Trans Voters Share Their Thoughts Ahead of the Election". Uncloseted Media.
  13. ^ "Uncloseted Media". Uncloseted Media.
  14. ^ "Instagram Post". Instagram.com.
  15. ^ "Resource Impact". Resource Impact.
  16. ^ "Axios Interview". Axios.com.
  17. ^ "LinkedIn Profile". LinkedIn.
  18. ^ "LinkedIn Profile". LinkedIn.
  19. ^ "Uncloseted Media". Uncloseted Media.
  20. ^ "Gay Times". Gay Times.
  21. ^ "Gay Times".
  22. ^ "Followers of Gay Times". Instagram.
  23. ^ Donndelinger, Samantha. "'I'm another statistic. I feel let down': How HIV prevention stays out of reach for many". Fierce Healthcare.
  24. ^ Kaiser, Charles. "How Project 2025 is Coming After LGBTQ Americans". The Nation.
  25. ^ Pisoni, Hope. "Inside the 'nightmarish' process many transgender Americans go through to vote". Votebeat.
  26. ^ "LinkedIn Profile". LinkedIn.
  27. ^ "LinkedIn Profile". LinkedIn.
  28. ^ "LinkedIn Profile". LinkedIn.
  29. ^ "Los Angelos Blade". Los Angelos Blade.
  30. ^ "West 42 Street".
  31. ^ "About Section". Uncloseted Media About.
  32. ^ "Author Page". Huffington Post.
  33. ^ "West 42 Street".
  34. ^ Macnaughton, Spencer. "Trans kids fight restrictive legislation". Youtube.
  35. ^ Macnaughton, Spencer. "Religious trauma still haunts millions of LGBTQ Americans". NBC.
  36. ^ Macnaughton, Spencer. "High Insulin Prices Drive Diabetics to Take Extreme Measures". Youtube.
  37. ^ "Gay Straight Friendships". New York Times.
  38. ^ Macnaughton, Spencer. "Inside the Alliance Defending Freedom, the Anti-LGBTQ Org Where Mike Johnson Spent Almost a Decade". Rolling Stone.
  39. ^ "New Investigative News Outlet". The Globe and Mail.
  40. ^ "Linkedin Page". LinkedIn.
  41. ^ "Linkedin Page". LinkedIn.
  42. ^ "Linkedin Page". LinkedIn.
  43. ^ "Linkedin Page". LinkedIn.
  44. ^ "West 42 Street".
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