LGBTQ journalism thrives when diverse voices have the opportunity to share their stories. The Community Journalism Fellowship will mentor aspiring LGBTQ journalists, providing them with the tools, skills, and platform to produce authentic, impactful reporting for OutSmart and beyond. By investing in the next generation of storytellers, this program will strengthen OutSmart’s ability to reflect the diversity of the community and build a sustainable pipeline for the future of LGBTQ media.

The OutSmart Foundation’s LGBTQ Wealth Empowerment Series tackles systemic barriers to financial security. Through trusted journalism, we’ll share actionable advice on building credit, managing debt, saving for retirement, and investing — empowering our community to achieve financial independence.

Through dedicated journalism, the OutSmart Foundation is highlighting the stories of LGBTQ business-owners and their vital contributions to our community. Our upcoming projects will investigate barriers to funding, share success stories, and connect business owners with affirming financial institutions.

Wellness is about more than treatment — it’s about thriving. This project will focus on preventative care, mental health, and healthy living by connecting LGBTQ individuals with practical resources and affirming providers. Through this initiative, we will promote preventative care such as HIV, STI and cancer screenings, destigmatize mental health issues by encouraging access to affirming care, and provide tools for healthy living, including fitness, nutrition, and self-care strategies.

This initiative will explore the unique health challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals, including aging, HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment, mental health, chronic disease prevention, and access to affirming care. Through journalism, we will highlight barriers to care, address social determinants of health, and advocate for inclusive policies.

This series will shine a light on LGBTQ entrepreneurs driving innovation in healthcare, from creating affirming health tech to establishing inclusive clinics and pharmacies. OutSmart will explore their contributions, highlight the barriers they face, and reveal how their work is reshaping healthcare for LGBTQ patients. Through storytelling and investigative journalism, this project will connect readers with resources to support these trailblazers, inspire future innovators, and demonstrate the broader economic and social impact of LGBTQ-led healthcare initiatives.