A first-of-its-kind report assessing the current state of local LGBTQ+ media outlets shows how the current administration is impacting their ability to tell queer stories. The LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project co-authored by legendary Chicago journalist Tracy Baim, co-founder of the Windy City Times presents a variety of data on everything from the annual budget of local LGBTQ+ publications to the number of freelancers versus full-time workers utilized. But the most powerful findings came from the focus groups, who shared anecdotes on the fear and loss brought on by the federal governments crusade against DEI. Related We just made history in trans health care. And we had to lock our doors. The focus groups were held less than two months into the new presidential administration, but outlets were already feeling the effects of an anti-LGBTQ+ backlash that preceded the current federal leadership, the report explains.While advertisers and sponsors had already begun to pull back, the actions increased due to the executive orders targeting DEI. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today This is the case even though advertising itself has nothing to do with DEI; the backlash is just caused by fear among businesses. This conflating of two different decisions a business decision based on the strength of a market segment vs. diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic and employment policies is a painful problem experienced firsthand by LGBTQ+, African American, and other media targeting specific communities.One publisher said their publication has lost its second-largest advertiser solely because they are not allowed to advertise with anything DEI-related anymore, because they are federally funded. Another mentioned that a trans healthcare company was too afraid to advertise with them for its own sake, fearing backlash from anyone who saw the ad. That is almost even scarier than editorial, the publisher said, because if you dont advertise your business, then thats really bad for your business.Beyond that, there is an overall culture of fear among those in the industry, fear of backlash, violence, and being shut down. A radio producer said staff have said they are afraid to go on the air, and after 40 years on the air, thats the first time Ive ever heard that.One publisher said freelancers are kind of afraid to report now. Another said editors have made it quite clear to make sure that their addresses and emails are not available on the website any longer. Some of these fears were expressed even before the current administration took control, the leaders said. And its only gotten worse. The presidents tariff war has also had an impact, with one publisher saying their printing costs have risen at least 5%. But the focus group participants expressed one good thing that has emerged due to the current climate: increased reader engagement.Believe it or not, the upside to a Republican administration is that the gay community feelsunder threat and are more motivated to read gay press, to give to gay press, to be activeand involved, said one person. I made a small fortune during the Reagan administration Nows our time to rally the troops, raise the flag, whatever metaphor you want The political climate could motivate our community.However, increasing readership also presents challenges when revenue from advertisers is not forthcoming. The report explained that most outlets have not been able to monetize their audiences, as they either lack the capacity or know-how to raise funds through memberships or donations. This is a muscle that needs growing through training, funding, and access to field experts.There is a real need for funders to look closely at LGBTQ+ media at this point in time, the report declared, as particular communities are under threat and require support more than ever.It concluded with several calls to action, primarily focusing on creating additional resources to help leaders of these outlets learn more about funding strategies and legal rights, as well as increasing opportunities for community building among the outlets. It also called for more diverse leadership. As the backlash grows against LGBTQ+ people, especially the transgender and gender nonconforming community, LGBTQ+-owned and operated media are more important than ever, the report emphasized. But when it comes to research and funding, LGBTQ+ media have often been left behind, in part because its difficult to quantify who and where they are. The report, of course, hopes to change that.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.