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Community news reporter moves on after showcasing LGBTQ+ stories

Joe Ali 1A reporter has reflected on his “dream” start in journalism thanks to the community news project after moving on to a new role.

Joe Ali, left, joined Wales Online as a community reporter with a brief to showcase “real stories” from people in Wales’ LGBTQ+ community.

Joe, who is now moving on to a new role with specialist LGBTQ+ publication Pink News, said he feels proud for helping his newsroom build bridges with marginalised communities.

His work at Wales Online, which included an account a young transgender woman’s experiences of conversion therapy when growing up in Cardiff, helped earn him a Reach plc editorial award.

Joe, who describes himself as queer, said: “The brilliant thing about the community reporter scheme is that we had the chance to sell the patch we wanted to serve.

“When I was having conversations with my editors, I told them I wanted to showcase the real LGBTQ+ community and go beyond the Pride events that happen throughout the year.

“We really have a chance to present people’s stories and I think that’s really come across in my work.

“That’s what I’m really proud of – helping the publication to build bridges with a community that has suffered a lot in the past from mainstream media outlets.”

“All I wanted to do was to be an LGBTQ+ journalist. I applied for the community news reporter position as it made so much sense for me.

“It was my first job in journalism and it was a dream come true. It’s enabled me to get those skills to report on the LGBTQ+ community and to work on stories that are really helpful and beneficial to that community.”

Audience and content director Helen Dalby, who oversees the training and development of Reach’s community reporters, said: “Joe has shown through his role the importance of bringing stories from traditionally under-represented communities to light and we’re glad to have been able to recognise and celebrate his hard work through our Editorial Awards.

“We wish Joe every success in his future career.”

A longer interview with Joe can be found here on the NCTJ website.