There, she tackles the most controversial news topics of the day.
From celebrity controversies to scandalous court cases around the country, “Issues” covers a variety of hard-hitting topics pertinent to the American audience as well as viewers around the world.
“We cover water cooler topics and try to get to the deeper why, the psychological and cultural factors that lead to dysfunctional or tragic situations in the hopes that others can avoid the same outcome,” she said.
As one of the few out lesbians in television news, Velez-Mitchell has tried to forge a path through the middle of being a respectable, even-handed journalist and one that champions the rights of her LGBT brothers and sisters.
Velez-Mitchell was not always open about her sexuality. As she discusses in her new book “iWant,” Velez-Mitchell’s struggle with sobriety and consumer culture held her back from being honest about herself.
“It was only after I got sober that I got the nerve to come out as a lesbian,” she said. “It was only after I got sober that I decided I could no longer participate in the horrors of factory farming, which led to my going vegan. So, sobriety, honesty, and kindness towards our fellow creatures are my three big passions.”
Passion, and her ability to live her passions, is what has pushed her so far in television journalism. She worked hard at CNN and HLN to reach her dream of anchoring her own show.
“My dad used to say the best job is doing something you’d do for free except somebody’s agreed to pay you for it.”
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A courageous woman! Although it is never easy for someone in the spotlight to be open about their sexuality, the impact of them doing so is huge upon the general acceptance of homosexuality within any culture. There is always a price to pay. But, as a director of photography working in television, I have been out of the closet for many years. And my position has undoubtedly changed many, many people's attitudes. If we want to be fuuly accepted for who we are, then we must be honest about who we are.
Congratulations Jane Velez-Mitchell!
Caren Moy