.png)
The Advocate and Morrison Media Group Announce Fellows for Inaugural Future of Queer Media Fellowship
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026 — The Advocate, the world’s leading source of LGBTQ news and information, and Morrison Media Group (MMG), today announced the fellows chosen for the inaugural Future of Queer Media Fellowship, a program designed to invest and develop the next generation of LGBTQ journalists, editors, and leaders in media. The initiative prioritizes emerging powerhouse storytellers whose work will center LGBTQ communities, transgender narratives, and accountability journalism.
The 16-week paid fellowship program was created in response to widening gaps in newsroom diversity, shrinking local news ecosystems, and the urgent need for sustained institutional support. Fellows will receive hands-on newsroom experience in reporting and writing for The Advocate, while receiving mentorship and professional development through MMG’s impact-driven media network.
“We need more queer journalists. As both journalism and LGBTQ people are being attacked by powerful political forces, it is imperative to train journalists who can understand queer communities and issues through their own lived experience, enriching their reporting and delivering nuances otherwise lost,” said Alex Cooper, The Advocate’s Editor-in-Chief. “I’m looking forward to the stories our fellows publish as well as seeing their growth as journalists while with The Advocate.”
In its inaugural year, the fellowship is underwritten by MMG in partnership with equalpride, the publisher of The Advocate and other leading LGBTQ outlets, including Out Magazine and PRIDE.com.
Meet the Inaugural Fellows:
Gisselle Palomera: Raised in East Los Angeles, Gisselle Palomera holds a B.A. in Journalism with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. They currently conduct research on artificial intelligence through the Pulitzer Center, focusing on reporting AI through a human-impact lens. Previously, Palomera served as Local News Editor at the Los Angeles Blade, collaborating with CALÓ News following a Media Innovation Fellowship with The Wall Street Journal. Palomera reports on news, culture, and entertainment with a deep commitment to community-centered journalism.
Jack Walker: Currently pursuing an M.A. in Journalism at the Craig Newmark School of journalism at CUNY, Jack Walker also serves as President of the school’s NLGJA chapter. Prior to CUNY, Walker reported on local and state news in West Virginia and held a summer editorial fellowship with the Washington Blade. A graduate of Brown University, his work focuses on accountability reporting, public-interest journalism, and data-driven storytelling.
Throughout the fellowship, Palomera and Walker will contribute original reporting to The Advocate while receiving mentorship, editorial guidance, and professional development support designed to help build sustainable, long-term careers in journalism.
Supporting the Next Generation of Queer Media
The Future of Queer Media Fellowship is built with growth in mind. Contributions from individuals, organizations, and partners help make future cohorts possible — expanding opportunities for queer and transgender journalists to enter and remain in media at a time when their voices are urgently needed. Those interested in supporting future fellows can learn more about contributing to the program at advocate.com/fellowshipfund.
About The Advocate
The Advocate is the world’s leading source of LGBTQ+ news and information. Capturing the political and cultural conversations of the community through award-winning journalism, compelling photography and video, and vital commentary, The Advocate defines what it is to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender today. Since 1967, audiences and brands trust The Advocate to deliver critical and timely information and reporting on business, politics, arts and entertainment, family life, health, and more. In print, online, and across social media, The Advocate is the community’s most trusted source.
About Morrison Media Group
Morrison Media Group (MMG) is an impact communications and media company, founded by Emmy-earning journalist, producer, and media strategist Tony Morrison, whose career spans over a decade producing network and cable news, LGBTQ advocacy, and impact-driven media strategy. MMG specializes in LGBTQ talent publicity, strategic campaigns, and story-driven media initiatives focused on compelling visibility, accountability, and cultural change.
