Editor | Journalist | Educator


Madison April Jones [she/they]

I am a Seattle-based transgender woman in journalism, with over 30+ articles published so far in the United States and Taiwan. I cover a plethora of topics including: LGBTQ issues, travel, entertainment, and politics. These days, I keep myself primarily occupied as Managing Editor of the third-oldest LGBTQIA newspaper in the United States: the Seattle Gay News.

Introduction


About me

Born in Yakima and raised in the Tri-Cities, my rural conservative upbringing in Eastern Washington deeply informs my world perspective as a transgender writer.Deeply curious from a young age, my fascination with the written word began from Reading Rainbow with LeVar Burton, and poetry from Shel Silverstein such as Where The Sidewalk Ends.

Having completed a Master of Arts in Political Science at the University of British Columbia, my professional career as a journalist began in early 2024 while working abroad in Taipei.Having now lived outside the US in both Canada and Taiwan, residing at home again this past year has afforded me many opportunities to shed a light on the harmful political discourses around LGBTQ+ people that seems to keep plaguing our nation.

[2025] Seattle Gay News: Associate Editor CJ Emerson Reign City Pride Match - 7/10

Sports reporter CJ Emerson talks about Reign FC women's soccer

Social media


Video Gallery

Short-form video content created for Seattle Gay News listed from oldest to most recent.

[2025] Seattle Gay News: Tacoma Pride Preacher Mathew heckler chased out - 7/15

Right wing heckler Peacher Mathew gets chased out of Tacoma pride

[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger's interview with artist Chelle - 7/23

Seattle reporter Nova Berger interviews pop musician Chelle

Social media: pg 2


Video Gallery

[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger's interview with Tyler owner of Queertique - 7/24

Seattle reporter Nova Berger interviews owners of LGBT store Queertique

[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger interviews bachelorette party at CHBP - 7/24

Seattle reporter Nova Berger interviews bachelorette party at music festival

Social media: pg 3


Video Gallery

[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger's interview with artist Parisalexa - 7/25

Seattle reporter Nova Berger interviews R&B artist Parisalexa

[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger interviews fans of Caroline Kingsbury at CHBP - 7/29

Seattle reporter Nova Berger interviews fans of queer artist Caroline Kingsbury

Social media: pg 4


Video Gallery

[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger's interview with Lea Orleans - 8/1

Seattle Reporter Nova Berger speaks to Lea Orleans at WA Midsummer Renaissance Faire
Roxy Doll goth drag queen Seattle

Features - Seattle Gay News


Legacy, love, and liberation: A celebration of Miss Roxy Doll (08/25)

Capitol Hill is no stranger to a party. In fact, few can dispute the pivotal role it has played as the epicenter of all things Queer, colorful, and fabulous in Seattle. And sitting in the midst of the district’s long story is Neighbours Nightclub, a space steeped in history, glitz and glamour, vogue and drama, and, of course, many dollar bills. Its reigning queen was Miss Roxy Doll.

Articles - Seattle Gay News


Seattle officials sue Trump administration over executive orders targeting LGBTQ+ and DEI policies (07/25)

On Thursday July 31st, the City of Seattle announced it filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in federal court. Headed by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and City Attorney Ann Davison, the motion seeks to challenge President Trump on two directives signed in the beginning of his second term.

President Trump holding executive order in oval office
Seattle Police Department badge

Articles - Seattle Gay News


Capitol Hill Pride alleges police malfeasance, files OPA complaint (07/25)

Capitol Hill Pride announced it has filed an Office of Police Accountability (OPA) complaint against the Seattle Police Department, after the Police Outreach and Engagement Team (POET) and uniformed officers allegedly abandoned their traffic control duties during the “John Lewis Lives On” day of action event near Seattle Central College on July 17.

Articles - Seattle Gay News


Continued disappointment for Trans Americans at US passport office (06/25)

Transgender applicants faced disappointment in Seattle on Wednesday, June 18 at the US passport office.Several people reported feeling optimistic they would finally be able to obtain this critical US travel document. However, the result was only more heartbreak and frustration, as government officials continued to turn them away.

transgender US passport document change

Features - Seattle Gay News


Midwest artist Oriana Perón harmonizes the worlds of cosplay and drag (06/25)

Anime and drag are two colossal subcultures that at first glance might not seem to have much overlap. But visit any convention floor, and cosplayers will be dressed as their favorite characters, regardless of gender, often in homemade costumes. These convention spaces have historically offered refuge for LGBTQIA+ people to congregate and explore their self-expression.

Sakura Con 2025 Seattle cosplay drag show
gay thai interior designer in Seattle

Features - Seattle Gay News


Jonathan Mathews and Kwanchai: A Queer Thai entrepreneur in Seattle (06/25)

Few can claim the same level of talent and skill as Jonathan Mathews. Through his design group, Kwanchai, Mathews has steadily built a career of being a jack of all trades and providing exquisite experiences.

Features - Seattle Gay News


Theater expert walks through Broadway's dazzling history (05/25)

Nick Leone regales the decades of knowledge and experiences he has accumulated as a gay actor and theater performer on Broadway and around the world.

New York City Times Square Manhattan partially cloudy

Features - Seattle Gay News


Stranger Things: The First Shadow brings the world of Hawkins to Broadway (05/25)

Earnest review of the Broadway adaptation of hit Netflix award-winning series: Stranger Things at the Marquis Theater in New York City.

Stranger Things NYC Broadway show Marquis Theater
New York City Manhattan cloudy skyline East River

Features - Seattle Gay News


New York City: An SGN review of Manhattan at two different price points (05/25)

Comparing hotels, restaurants, and Broadway shows for both the bougie and budget conscious traveler.

LGBT journalists pose for photo outside Stonewall in New York City

Features - Seattle Gay News


A visit to the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ movement, Stonewall, in Trump's America (05/25)

Visiting the Stonewall Inn and its national monument in Greenwich Village after the Trump administration removed mention of Transgender Americans from its National Parks Service website, I reflect on the significance of the 1969 Stonewall Riots for the current struggles LGBTQIA+ people face now in 2025.

Articles - Seattle Gay News


“Trans Power” rally unites LGBTQ+ organizations in supporting red-state refugees (05/25)

Traction PNW and Gender Justice League held a "Trans Power Rally" highlighting the plight of internally displaced Transgender Americans moving from red states to Seattle.

Aberdeen Mayor Douglas Orr sits with his husband and their dog at their art studio

Interviews - Stonewall News Northwest


Mayor Douglas Orr: The struggles of being a Gay mayor in SW Washington (03/25)

Being the mayor of a small-town like Aberdeen is difficult enough on its own, with all the responsibilities and public scrutiny it entails. But as an openly Gay man, Mayor Douglas Orr has faced some unique challenges since winning his election over a year ago, as he shared with me for Stonewall News Northwest.

Aberdeen Mayor Douglas Orr sits with his husband and their dog at their art studio
Singapore transgender activist Lune Loh holds protest sign #Safety4Harvey

Features - Seattle Gay News


Singapore and the Christian far right's attack on Queer rights (03/25)

Despite same-sex relations being decriminalized in Singapore in 2022, it continues to be a steep uphill battle for LGBTQIA+ rights there. I interviewed activists Carissa Cheow, Joyce Ng, and Lune Loh for the SGN on how Singapore has been at the focal point of the American right's agenda in the Asia-Pacific region.

Taipei skyline with mountains blue and orange sunset

Features - Seattle Gay News


Taipei, mon amour: A Queer love letter to life in Taiwan (03/25)

Taipei has one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in the world, offering a vast array of late-night markets, eateries, music venues, and of course Gay bars. In this travel feature for the SGN, I share my own Queer journey, with its own woes and triumphs, while living in Taipei for a year.

Articles - Seattle Gay News


No Harm serves its LGBTQIA+ clientele with pride (02/25)

Anita Hulitza and Andy Coleman, partners in life as well as business, are the joint owners of No Harm, a Ballard-based hair salon that has operated since 2020. The duo works together as stylists specializing in Queer-affirming cuts, opening up to how they started their journey together.

LGBTQ affirming hairstylist couple in Seattle wearing fun queer shirts
UK folk pop musician David Gray in Seattle

Articles - Seattle Gay News


David Gray shares his journey in "Dear Life" at the Moore Theatre (02/25)

Dear Life, sees Gray continuing to demonstrate his chops, exploring motifs of emotional crisis and resolution, mortality and faith, reality and illusion, loss and acceptance. Gray gave the audience a taste of it, as well as covering the popular highlights of his back catalogue, while on tour in Seattle at the Moore Theater.

Articles - Seattle Gay News


Queer indie icon Jordana hits the stage at Madame Lou's for "Lively Premonition" tour (02/25)

On a frigid Wednesday evening during the week of Valentine's Day, Madame Lou's was bustling. As the doors opened, showgoers that were lined up early outside the venue began to pack into the cramped basement to see the Queer indie icon Jordana. Here is the follow up piece covering Jordana's show while on tour.

Queer musician Jordana Nye smiles while performing in Seattle
Gay US Ambassador Roger Nyhus with LGBTQ activists in Barbados

Interviews - Seattle Gay News


Roger Nyhus, a year as an openly Gay US ambassador in the Eastern Caribbean (01/25)

Roger Nyhus recently returned to his home in Seattle from Barbados, after completing his one-year diplomatic assignment under the Biden Administration. I spoke with the outgoing ambassador on his first day back to reflect on his time serving.

White gay man senator Jamie Pedersen takes photo with family

Interviews - Seattle Gay News


Love, Family, and Leadership: Sen. Jamie Pedersen on marriage, parenthood, and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights (01/25)

Senator Jamie Pedersen (D-43) is a seasoned politician who has been diligently securing legislative wins for the Queer community. He sat down with the SGN to share his breadth of knowledge and experience as a Gay legislator.

Interviews - Seattle Gay News


Jordana delivers indie ballads about the Queer experience in her new album, "Lively Premonition" (01/25)

Jordana Nye is a LA based indie musician who has captivated queer listeners with her tales of heartbreak, sobriety, and finding community. She spoke to me for the SGN to discuss her upcoming show in Seattle on Feb. 12th at Madame Lou's.

Queer musician Jordana Nye poses for photo on street in L.A.

Articles - Seattle Gay News


Mx. Pucks A'Plenty leads the charge to create spaces for Seattle's fat and Queer performers (01/25)

Mx. Pucks A'Plenty is a fat and non-binary burlesque performer based in Seattle, and the organizer of Fat Con and Fatlesque Fest Northwest. Once at the receiving end of right-wing media attention and harassment, Mx. Pucks discussed their personal journey and more with me for the SGN.

Non-binary body positive burlesque performer Mx. Pucks A'Plenty

Interviews - Seattle Gay News


Delving into the world of Ryka Aoki and "Light from Uncommon Stars" (01/25)

I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Ms. Aoki on the inspirations of her award winning novel, as well as her outlook on the current US political climate against immigrants and transgender people.

Transgender Author Ryka Aoki's novel Light From Uncommon Stars
Lesbian gym trainer Sophia Walker holds a dumbbell and pink donut

Articles - Seattle Gay News


No Judgment Fitness fights to create an all-inclusive space for LGBTQ+ patrons (01/25)

Sophia Walker spoke to me on the unique challenges of running a queer and trans affirming, small community gym in a post-pandemic Seattle.

Articles - Seattle Gay News


The struggles of obtaining VA benefits for LGBTQ service members (12/24)

While the incoming Trump administration is preparing to roll back precious gains for LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers, folks are reaching out to obtain VA services before Trump's next inauguration.

LGBTQ Veteran in WA state holds rainbow pride flag outside

Op-Eds - Seattle Gay News


I sat in on the anti-Trans panel at Seattle Central Library so you didn't have to (11/24)

On Nov. 17th, 2024 Seattle Public Library allowed anti-transgender hate group Women Declaration International (WDI) USA to host a panel event at their Central Library location. I attended the protest outside, and then sat in on the panel to thoroughly debunk their harmful rhetoric in an op-ed for the SGN.

Transgender woman journalist Madison Jones holds trans pride flag at Seattle Central Library

Web Projects - Gender Justice League


Trans Wiki Eastern WA Resources Page (10/24)

For my first front-end web development project as a volunteer for Seattle based advocacy organization: Gender Justice League, I have complied a resource webpage for transgender people living in the Eastern part of Washington State.

Red star logo of transgender advocacy organization Gender Justice League
Seattle light rail car goes past intersection and yellow traffic sign

Letters to the Editor - The Seattle Times


Sound Transit Invest in Safety (07/24)

This letter to the editor was written in response to the Thursday, July 11th 2024 front-page story regarding funding issues renovating Seattle light rail's south-end system; published in print on Saturday, July 20th 2024.

Features - Taipei Quarterly


Cooking with Cookin Taiwan (06/24)

My review on taking a Taiwanese traditional cooking class in the heart of Taipei published in the 2024 summer issue of Taipei Quarterly: the official travel magazine of the Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism!

Joyful Taiwanese woman cooking teacher helps student roll out xiaolong bao dumpling dough
Taiwanese drag queen in sparkling gown spins for cheering crowd

Articles - Centered on Taiwan


Discovering Taiwan as an LGBT Foreigner (06/24)

"In this honest and insightful article, Madison Jones shares their experiences as a genderfluid transgender person living in Taipei. From finding community to navigating healthcare, discover the challenges and triumphs of being LGBT in Taiwan."
- Roma Mehta, Editor

Features - Seattle Gay News


Nymphia Wind and the Growth of Drag in Taiwan (05/24)

My third article published in Seattle Gay News featuring an interview with Taiwanese gay elder, bar owner, and close friend to Nymphia Wind: Alvin Chang. Together, we discuss topics such as Taipei drag history and Nymphia Wind's historic win of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 16.

Alvin Chang and Nymphia Wind pose for photos together during RuPaul Season 16 Premiere

Features - Seattle Gay News


Being an American in an Americanizing Taiwan (04/24)

My travel feature and second piece published in Seattle Gay News, for the spring 2024 special issue of "Queer Journeys", where I share the elements of US culture Taiwanese people have adopted in interesting ways.

Taiwanese English tutoring center for kids with cowboy mascot
Asian man in red tights feels mushrooms with visor mask

Book Reviews - Seattle Gay News


"Transtopia in the Sinophone Pacific" Book Review (03/24)

Review of Howard Chiang's third book on LGBT historiography, Sinophone Asia, and the importance of pursuing cross disciplinary research. My first article published in the Seattle Gay News.