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
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
[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger's interview with artist Chelle - 7/23
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Video Gallery
[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger's interview with Tyler owner of Queertique - 7/24
[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger interviews bachelorette party at CHBP - 7/24
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Video Gallery
[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger's interview with artist Parisalexa - 7/25
[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger interviews fans of Caroline Kingsbury at CHBP - 7/29
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[2025] Seattle Gay News: Reporter Nova Berger's interview with Lea Orleans - 8/1
Features - Seattle Gay News
GSBA continues to empower LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs across Seattle (09/25)
The GSBA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit chamber of commerce created for one sole purpose: to advocate for the advancement and protection of LGBTQIA+ businesses and organizations.With its office still on Capitol Hill today, the GSBA continues its long-standing mission of serving the community. Now the largest LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce in the US, it boasts a diverse of membership of leaders and businesses.
Features - Seattle Gay News
King of Drag winner King Molasses headlining at the Emerald City Kings Ball - The success story behind it and the Queer streaming platform Revry (09/25)
“For the longest time, I never felt like a girl. I also never feel 100% like a man. It’s always been this spectrum of existence,” said Trans drag king Tuna Melt on King of Drag, an original series on the free, Queer-oriented streaming platform Revry.Released in June and hosted by the self-proclaimed “hardest-working middle-aged man in show business," drag king and comedian Murray Hill, King of Drag is a marvelous, first-of-its-kind competition series dedicated exclusively to drag kings. The contestants represented in its first season cover a wide spectrum of styles and lived experiences from across the US.
Features - Seattle Gay News
UTOPIA Washington’s MANAFest 2025 creates “home away from home” for Queer and Trans Pacific Islanders (09/25)
“My hands, my feet; my hands, my feet. My hands and feet, to uplift the village.”Singing in her native language, Phylesha Brown-Acton recited the song written by her uncle about their home and community. Hailing from Niue, a small, self-governing island country in Polynesia, Brown-Acton was invited to be keynote speaker at MANAFest, a yearly event run by UTOPIA Washington celebrating Queer and Trans Pacific Island communities in Washington state.
Features - Seattle Gay News
The SGN 2025 homebuyer’s guide to Seattle (according to the experts) (09/25)
In 2025, buying a home remains a tricky endeavor for those seeking to make Seattle their long-term place of residence.And while there is no doubt that buying a home today requires saving up a pretty penny (or several million of them), the SGN decided for this year’s Home & Finance issue to reach out to some Queer experts in the area’s real estate and home mortgage industry to share their perspectives on today’s housing market landscape, and offer any advice they may have for LGBTQIA+ people looking into available options.
Articles - Seattle Gay News
Cedar Tea House: A new, much-needed third space sprouting in South Seattle (09/25)
Along Rainier Avenue, on the strip running from Little Saigon down to Renton, a collection of Seattle’s best spots are interlaced among the big-box chain stores. Near the intersection with Genesee Street in Columbia City, hidden behind an otherwise unassuming exterior, sits a budding late-night community oasis: Cedar Tea House.
Features - Seattle Gay News
Ugandan Watoto Church with ties to “Kill the Gays”
laws sends its children’s choir to WA state (08/25)
Watoto is a religious organization based in Uganda, founded in 1984 by Gary Skinner, an evangelical missionary born in Zimbabwe and raised in Canada, and his spouse Marylin. It has faced over a decade
of anti-LGBTQIA+ and human rights
abuse allegations.In this investigative piece, several previously undisclosed documents and information about the organization's treatment of its children performers on tour are brought to light, as well as an interview with African Human Rights Council founder Melanie Nathan on the matter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.