In a bold response to growing threats against journalism—especially LGBTQ reporters—the Human Rights Campaign is stepping up with recognition. On April 24, during White House Correspondents’ Dinner week in Washington, D.C., HRC will present its first-ever Guardians of Truth journalism awards. The awards celebrate reporters who haven’t just informed the public—but defended queer lives in an era of rising political hostility. The three inaugural honorees are Axios tech journalist Ina Fried, Queer Daily News founder Nico Lang, and MSNBC anchor Jonathan Capehart.
Fried will receive the Torch of Progress Award, honoring her courage in covering major national stories as an out trans journalist. Lang, whose book American Teenager chronicles eight trans and nonbinary youth, is being honored with the Narrative Impact Award. Capehart, a Pulitzer Prize-winner and trailblazer in cable news, will receive the Beacon of Courage Award. HRC President Kelley Robinson said these awards are about pushing back—and showing up. And for a community under fire, that recognition matters more than ever.
