About The Backbone

The Backbone is an independent, Maryland-based newsletter that aims to tell the stories no one else is telling, be it because the voices involved are marginalized, difficult to access, or have been drowned out by big media.

My name is Madisyn Parisi. I’m a trans writer from Columbia, MD, and the one and only reporter and editor for The Backbone. I’m an independent journalist who left the world of public accounting to pursue work that matters.

The Backbone is my love letter to truth, justice, and news with an actual spine. We’re living in an age where mainstream media is owned and controlled by billionaires. But the powerful shouldn’t be the only ones allowed to shape our reality. You deserve a voice.

Here are my promises to you:

1) I don’t care about playing the “both sides” game or appearing nonpartisan. Facts aren’t partisan. I’m reporting the facts.

2) I’m not owned by corporate interests. If this newsletter starts making me money, you’ll know exactly how much I’m getting and where it comes from. Transparency first, always.

3) I care about the people. Behind every fear-mongering news story, every politician selling you a lie, there are real human beings impacted. Often, our most vulnerable people. My journalism won’t dehumanize.

Thanks for joining me at The Backbone. I hope you stay a while.

Sincerely,
Madisyn