#MediaMonday – Merryn Johns

Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Merryn Johns, the new editor of OUTvoices Phoenix, formerly Echo Magazine (congrats, Merryn!).

So, Merryn, time to share!

Tell us how you got your start in writing? Tell us your story!

I’ve been a journalist since the late ‘90s when I started in Australia’s “rainbow media boom.” At that time, Australia had more LGBTQ publications per capita than any country in the world. I freelanced for a bunch of them, and then became editor-in-chief of the national lesbian magazine before moving to New York to take up the position of editor for Curve, America’s national magazine for queer women.

And how did you come to Echo?

DJ Doran was aware of my work at Curve as well as in the LGBTQ travel sphere and speaking circuit. When he found out I had ended my 10-year tenure at Curve he jumped in with an offer!

Tell us about the outlet and types of story pitches you want?

Echo has been rebranded as OUTvoices Phoenix, which will be part of a national OUTvoices brand. It will maintain its local content and flavor but plug into a national framework. We are looking for stories that reflect the interests and needs of the LGBTQ+ community of Arizona — from lifestyle to news and current affairs.

Where did you grow up?

Sydney, Australia.

Favorite type of music?

I tend toward alternative/indie/folk/jazz.

Favorite color?

Any kind of blue.

Favorite TV shows or movies?

Anything with subtitles or in black and white draws me in. I’m strange, I know.

Least favorite food?

Anything fried.

Contact Email: merryn@outvoices.us