About Kevin Naff

Kevin Naff is editor and co-owner of the Washington Blade, the oldest and most acclaimed LGBTQ news publication in the United States, founded in 1969.

Naff is a co-founder and owner of Brown Naff Pitts Omnimedia, which publishes the Blade and owns ancillary businesses, including Azer Creative, a full-service marketing and advertising agency based in D.C. as well as the Los Angeles Blade.

In March 2023, Naff publishes his first book, “How We Won the War for LGBTQ Equality — And How Our Enemies Could Take It All Away,” a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how the queer movement achieved so much so fast. From his unique vantage point, Naff has had a front-row seat to the most historic moments in the LGBTQ movement, attending many White House receptions and escorting celebrities to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner for years. His book is part history, part celebrity dish, explaining how marriage equality was won and sharing stories about various celebrity encounters.

He has been published in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Baltimore Sun, and other leading outlets and appeared on national TV on CNN and Fox News, among others. He was featured in the award-winning 2009 documentary film “Outrage,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Naff is an award-winning journalist, honored for 10 consecutive years by the Society of Professional Journalists for his editorial writing. Prior to joining the Blade in 2002, he worked in business development for the Verizon Wireless data group; launched the Baltimore Sun’s website in 1996; and worked as an editor and business reporter for Reuters in New York.

He has served on the board of directors for several organizations, including the D.C. Chapter of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Maryland Corporate Council, Live Baltimore, the Pennsylvania State University LGBT Student Resource Center, and Penn State’s Daily Collegian Alumni Interest Group. 

Naff earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s certificate in public policy from the Legislative Studies Institute, a joint program of Columbia University and Georgetown. He lives in Baltimore and Rehoboth Beach, Del., with his husband Brian Buebel; they have been together for 25 years.

What People Are Saying

  • Sarah Kate Ellis

    Description goes hereFor decades, Kevin Naff has been a trusted leader at the forefront of LGBTQ equality who leads best-in-class journalism and coverage of LGBTQ people and issues. This book reflects his fierce commitment to excellence and integrity in shaping and reporting on LGBTQ issues. With his unique insights and perspectives, Naff has created a comprehensive and necessary record of the recent history and successes of the LGBTQ community.”

    Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO

  • Mitchell Gold

    This book is a comprehensive window into how LGBTQ equality moved rapidly ahead from someone who has had a front row seat and access to all the players. Kevin writes in a personal way that is quickly engaging in a spirited, sometimes appropriately humorous, straightforward manner that touches on all the many aspects that were needed to create the progress that moved so quickly once the fire of equality was ignited. I was particularly pleased that Kevin included the biggest hurdle to LGBTQ equality, religion.  True Christian teachings move equality forward for all. Unfortunately, often misguided and outdated religious teachings are at the core of harm for too many people. It is a roadblock that many shy away from discussing. A great resource for current and future generations.”

    Mitchell Gold, co-founder, chairman emeritus, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Home Furnishings and equality activist who led the way on challenging religious bigotry

  • Howard Bragman

    “The only way we’re going to succeed in the future is by understanding our past.   Kevin Naff was a bystander and a chronicler of our recent political history, and ‘How We Won the War for LGBTQ Equality’ is a comprehensive and compelling read that is essential for anyone who wants to move forth with wisdom and insights that will make the path easier.”

    Howard Bragman, founder of LaBrea Media and one of the nation’s best-known PR experts 

  • Michelangelo Signorile

    "Kevin Naff has had a birds-eye view of LGBTQ history. He offers us a sharp, incisive look at the powerful ways activism can change the world, as well as the ways that progress can quickly be rolled back. Read this book and take it as another reminder of how fragile equal rights are -- and how victorious we can be when we wake from complacency and organize fiercely."

    Michelangelo Signorile, SiriusXM radio host and author of “It's Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance, Defeating Homophobia and Winning True Equality”