New Podcast 'The Map of Us' Explores the State of LGBTQ+ Journalism

The limited series brings the findings of the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project to life through conversations with publishers and editors.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A new national podcast series called 'The Map of Us' is exploring the challenges facing LGBTQ+ media outlets across the United States. Hosted by Dana Piccoli of News is Out, the seven-episode limited series serves as a public companion to the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project, a national study led by Tracy Baim in partnership with the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York.

Why it matters

The LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project found that while queer media is widespread and deeply local, nearly half of the 174 outlets documented operate on less than $100,000 a year. The research also revealed significant gaps, with 18 states having no LGBTQ+ media coverage at all. 'The Map of Us' podcast aims to bring these findings to life through candid conversations with the journalists and publishers doing the work.

The details

Each episode of 'The Map of Us' focuses on a core finding from the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project research, including topics like queer news deserts, shrinking revenues, reporting under threat in states passing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, collaboration as a survival strategy, leadership and ownership gaps, and the increasing reliance on philanthropy and reader support as traditional advertising models erode.

  • The LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project was funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, with support from the Local Media Association and News is Out.
  • The full LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project report and interactive map was published in September 2025.

The players

Dana Piccoli

Host of the 'The Map of Us' podcast and part of the News is Out team.

Tracy Baim

Lead researcher on the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project, in partnership with the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York.

Alexander Rodriguez

Journalist with the Los Angeles Blade, featured in the opening episode of 'The Map of Us' podcast.

Leo Cusimano

Publisher of the Dallas Voice, featured in a conversation with Tagg Magazine Publisher Sondra Morris on collaboration between LGBTQ+ outlets.

Jeremy Rodriguez

Editor of the Philadelphia Gay News, featured in an episode examining communities without local LGBTQ+ news coverage.

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What they’re saying

“Queer media is widespread, deeply local and operating on razor-thin margins. Nearly half of the outlets run on less than $100,000 a year, yet they're covering their communities in places where other media isn't.”

— Tracy Baim (Dallas Voice)

“That means millions of people have no local LGBTQ+ media coverage.”

— Tracy Baim (Dallas Voice)

“Philanthropy has historically provided limited support to LGBTQ+ media in part because most outlets operate as for-profit businesses. But now that more funders see a need to support local for-profit media, this could open up an opportunity to support more of these outlets.”

— Tracy Baim (Dallas Voice)

What’s next

The full LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project report and interactive map is available on the News is Out website.

The takeaway

The 'The Map of Us' podcast provides a powerful platform to highlight the challenges facing LGBTQ+ media outlets, from financial strain and safety concerns to the consequences of the absence of dedicated queer journalism in many communities. By documenting these realities, the series aims to spur greater support and collaboration to sustain local LGBTQ+ journalism.