What was your first job as a journalist?
My first time doing anything approaching journalism was a column about faculty misconduct in a BU grad department, my best work there.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I loved slamming keys and making them jam as a tiny child, and grew up to vaguely fetishize the Beats. so yes!
How is social media changing news?
Fewer people seem to engage with a story past its headline/the featured graphic in their rush to comment. I get it, but please read more!!
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane, but specifically as she appeared in The Adventures of Superman. Honorable mention: Khalisah al-Jilani from Mass Effect.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Telling the truth to the best of your ability, every time. To be a movement journalist is to also seek justice and healing in the attempt.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
With a clear hook that ties your pitch to LGBTQ issues, specifically trans topics! If it's not queer somehow, it's probably not my beat.
What's your favorite social network?
Cohost.org is my current choice for social media that's ad-free and not based on algorithms or number-chasing. People like writing there!
Who do you wish followed you?
More trans people of all varieties, but don't follow too close and look over my shoulder when I'm typing. I get nervous!
Why did you become a journalist?
I was inspired by my father to write, but ended up pursuing the field through essay writing and the opportunities that followed.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My high school didn't have media, but I did write some opinion columns in college. They were lousy, but paved the way for where I am now.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Difficult, but if my legacy is only my feature "Am I Transfeminine?"
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Reject traditional paradigms of both-sides neutrality. Look for stories worth telling. Find hope wherever you can and guard your heart.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I usually check my Conde Nast email most often Wed-Fri when I'm on the job.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
An openly anti-trans doctor pitched why a COVID variant was no big deal and the pandemic was over. Don't waste my time or yours.
What's your favorite drink?
Cider, regardless of alcohol content.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
napping! I'm sleepy!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Hard q!! I've been a fan of McSweeney's since I was (too) young, and the humor published there is always so fresh and unexpected.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
LGBTQ issues are not narrow, and they don't only affect LGBTQ people. Most people underestimate the scope of discussion.
