Yesterday, I began a conversation with journalist Randall Shirley about gay and lesbian communications in Canada. An American by birth, Randall now lives in Canada, giving him a two-country perspective on media and communications. In the conclusion to our conversation today, Randall provides insight into mainstream media, blogs and the future of LGBT media in Canada.
Ben Finzel: How does so-called "mainstream" media in Canada cover gay and lesbian communications issues? Do you find yourselves covering things they don't? Are there any similarities in what you deem newsworthy?
Randall Shirley: Mainstream media does give our community coverage. But gay media is more likely to chase the handful of “news” stories that mainstream doesn’t—like in-depth coverage of a bashing or human rights issue. As for the publication I edit, we cover things differently in that we speak from a different—and very gay—voice. Our writers look for the gay angle to a place. Gays quite often see a place differently from straights. For example, there’s a section of the Berlin Wall in a Montréal public space. One of my gay writers recently paused at that spot, writing that it reminds him how lucky we are to live in a society where we can be openly gay. Mainstream item, gay perspective. I think it’s very important to remember that we’re gay, and we have many differences in the way we live. I can only speak as a gay man, but I notice that we still have our gay lingo: we still talk about sex differently than straight people (and perhaps more), we’re more-free with some of our personal information. For instance, when’s the last time you heard a straight person admit, over cocktails, in a group, with their spouse present, that they have an “open relationship.” I hear that all the time. And I see evidence of our differences in Canadian gay publications, to varying degrees.
Ben Finzel: What is the role of blogs in the Canadian media landscape? How have blogs changed the way LGBT media operates in the country?
Randall Shirley: I can’t say if blogs, per se, have changed the landscape as much as the overall growth of social networking and instant communication. I don’t think this is unique to Canada.
Ben Finzel: What do you think the future holds for LGBT media in Canada?
Randall Shirley: In the short term, I think GLBT media will continue to thrive—either as print or electronic—because at the end of the day, gay people are different. We want equal rights, but that doesn’t mean many of us want to be the same. So media that speaks to who we are and how we live our lives will continue to be important. I think that in all countries it’s important that each generation passes our stories and information on to the younger generations, and we will all need to figure out ways to use developing media technologies to do so. Canadians are not Americans, and most don’t want to be. This is a fairly distinct society with its own stories and interests. Sure, there are a lot of cultural similarities, but Canadians will always want media outlets that speak to them.
Ben Finzel: Thanks Randall. As usual, we have learned something (many things, actually), from talking with a journalist with a unique point of view. Your insight and perspective should be helpful for anyone thinking of conducting outreach in the Canadian market.
Photo courtesy of Randall Shirley.
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