Hi everyone. I'm going to share a new #introduction.
I'm a #nonbinary (they/them) movement journalist in my 40s, currently based in Central #Texas. From 2022 until today's layoffs, I was Digital Editor at the @TexasObserver. I've been a writer, journalist and editor since at least 2011, when I got my start on the primordial political blog Firedoglake. My involvement with the Occupy Wall Street movement helped make me a journo and I've always worn my bias on my sleeve.
Some other job titles I've had included hemp reporter, editor, bookseller... I'm hoping to continue as a journalist or editor or otherwise in the media or nonprofit industry, and hoping to get #Fedihired.
It's all a bit of a shock today so let me share a little more about myself in this sprawling thread as I think of it.
I'm very proud of the work I did at the @TexasObserver, which I helped save from the brink of closing last year, in large part through the assistance of the fediverse. (2/?)
In November of 2022, I launched @TexasObserver, helping the Observer become one of the first publications to run its own server on the #fediverse. We quickly amassed well over 15,000 followers as a result of our engaged presence here.
In March of 2023, I was a key a part of the emergency fundraiser to save the @TexasObserver from closure, which included a vital social media campaign on Mastodon and elsewhere that raised over $350k in under a week. We had hoped this would help the publication sail smoothly into its 70th year (this one) but it seems not to be. (5/?) #journalism#LGBTQIA+ #fediverse#SocialMedia
In October, I traveled to #MeowWolf Grapevine, a unique sprawling and psychedelic art installation which begins in a mutated suburban home ... all hidden away in a massive shopping mall. This also was part of the @TexasObserver magazine ... and is one of my favorite ever assignments. https://www.texasobserver.org/meow-wolf-grapevine-brrrmuda/ (8/?)
Most of all, I hope I can continue to reach people and make a difference after losing such an important platform for my work. Fingers crossed I can keep doing what I do. Thanks in advance for any job tips, or story leads, that folks feel like sending my way.
A little more: I love books, video #games especially #NintendoSwitch, horror, SF and pop #culture in general, music of almost any genre. I'm proudly antifascist, I've been married since 2018 and I've two #cats, Taystee and Ygritte. I post about most of this stuff at @kitoconnell, my more personal account.
Thanks for welcoming me anew, supporting me in this new stage of my career and tolerating this very lengthy #introduction.
Add comment