Freelance journalist Lonnie Lee Hood, an English instructor from Tennessee and advocate for LGBTQ rights, shares their transformative journey through journalism. They discuss the impact of anti-LGBTQ legislation in their home state, revealing the fears faced by the community. Lonnie reflects on their disillusionment with traditional media, advocating for new, advocacy-oriented approaches in journalism. They emphasize the importance of self-care and networking for aspiring journalists while highlighting the role of journalism in protecting democracy.