This is an opportunity provided by the Reporting LGBT+ Rights programme: Find out more

Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) is offering an English-language online training course on Reporting LGBT+ Rights for Indian journalists working for local and regional media in India.

Today, 70 countries around the world criminalise consensual same-sex activity or use laws to marginalise and persecute members of the LGBT+ community. Discrimination against LGBT+ people is often reinforced by laws, policies and practices that either fail to take LGBT+ needs into account or deliberately exclude them.

It is the job of the journalist to report on issues that matter. But when those issues are controversial or sensitive how easy is it to report without inflaming tensions further – or even compromising your own safety?

The intensive four-week workshop, taking place online between 01 - 26 February 2021, will build the capacity of journalists to report on LGBT+ rights – covering relevant journalism skills, safety, helping journalists to present new viewpoints and promote discussion and support with developing specific stories.

Drawing on Reuters’ principles of accuracy, integrity and freedom from bias, the workshop will connect journalists with key experts and enable them to network with peers from different parts of India. It will involve a blend of lively interactive online sessions, expert briefings, discussions, practical writing exercises and simulations, to sustain a highly practical, engaging and relevant experience.

In parallel, we will be running a media training for LGBT+ civil society leaders on engaging meaningfully with media representatives. During the final week of the training, both LGBT+ activists and journalists will come together to attend joint sessions and put their new skills into practice.  

Format:
The group will meet for live 90-minute video sessions with trainers and/or expert speakers to ask questions, share ideas, learn new skills and apply them. In addition to the 90-minute live sessions, applicants should allow for a few hours per week of self-paced work.


 

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be Indian nationals who are full-time journalists or regular contributors working for local or regional media organisations based in India.

They must have a minimum of two years’ professional experience, and have covered human rights and/or LGBT+ issues or have an interest in reporting on these topics.

Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 1 MB/second. (You can check the speed of your device by logging from it on www.speedtest.net).

 

Meet Our Experts

When applying you will be asked to upload the following documents – please have them ready:
 

• 2 relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists can send in their scripts and a brief summary or links to online versions.

 
If you have any difficulties applying, please email trfmedia@thomsonreuters.com