Growing Number of Companies Adopting Non-Discrimination Language For Funding Requests

The UPS Foundation recently decided to join a growing number of corporate leaders in providing financial support to those organizations that align with the company’s non-discrimination policy. The UPS Foundation had reviewed the policy for several months and last week posted the following on its site:

The UPS Foundation seeks to support organizations that are in alignment with our focus areas, guidelines, and non-discrimination policy, says GLAAD. UPS and The UPS Foundation do not discriminate against any person or organization with regard to categories protected by applicable law, as well as other categories protected by UPS and The UPS Foundation in our own policies. These include, but are not limited to race, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, pregnancy, age and religion.

UPS confirmed to GLAAD that under these guidelines, which UPS said have been in development for several months, organizations that are unable to attest to having a policy or practices that align with the Foundation’s non-discrimination policy will no longer be considered eligible for funding. UPS has consistently received high marks on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Corporate Equality Index, an annual survey that rates U.S. corporations on their non-discrimination policies and practices toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees and consumers.

“More and more corporate leaders are enacting strong non-discrimination policies for practices including grant funding and hiring. Equality is not only good for business, but supported by a vast majority of Americans,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick.



Read more after the jump.

The Gill Foundation's Dave Montez named new Chief of Staff of GLAAD

GLAAD yesterday announced Dave Montez (pictured) as the organization’s new Chief of Staff. Montez will be working closely with GLAAD President Herndon Graddick on the organization’s development, operations and programs departments which work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. He will be based in the New York office and is scheduled to start work with the organization in January 2013.

“Dave’s strong relationship with advocates in the LGBT equality movement along with his experience building bridges between the LGBT and Latino communities will strengthen GLAAD’s culture-changing work,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “He will be integral in continuing to create a new GLAAD where our dedicated staff builds national impact through campaigns that raise the visibility of LGBT people and issues as well as hold anti-LGBT activists accountable.”

Montez most recently served as senior program officer at the Gill Foundation, one of the nation’s leading funders of LGBT advocacy efforts. He oversaw the foundation’s Latino Initiative, which is designed to build lasting alliances between LGBT people and Latinos. He also worked with the Director of Allies and Institutions with the goal of building broad support for LGBT equality. Previously, Montez managed a portfolio of grants to state-based LGBT organizations working to achieve policy change at the state and local level.

“Dave has been an outstanding leader for the Gill Foundation. We’re excited that his talent and commitment will continue to benefit the LGBT movement in his new role,” said Tim Sweeney, President and CEO of the Gill Foundation. “Dave has a unique ability to build coalitions where diverse communities recognize their shared values and common goals. He also understands the important role that research plays in learning how to communicate more effectively.”

Before joining the Gill Foundation, he was a research development officer at the University of Colorado, Denver, where he researched and reviewed funding opportunities, grant proposals, and funding contracts for faculty members. He also worked for the Latino/a Research & Policy Center as the events and publications coordinator, where he planned, coordinated, and implemented all center-sponsored events.

Montez speaks Spanish and holds a BA in journalism/public relations from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He is a gubernatorial appointee to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) in the Denver Metro Area, which oversees an average of $40 million in grant funding annually. He is also a graduate of Leadership Denver, where he helped raise money and resources to remodel Urban Peak, a youth homeless shelter in Denver.

"I'm really excited to join the GLAAD family,” said Montez. “I've long respected GLAAD as an organization and Herndon as a leader. GLAAD has an incredibly talented leadership team, and I look forward to working with these colleagues to achieve full equality for all LGBT people."

The move has been applauded by leaders of LGBT and Allied organizations. Read their statements after the jump.

Wilson Cruz joins GLAAD staff: Little Ricky's all grown up!

 Herndon Graddick, President of GLAAD, the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, announced recently that actor and LGBT advocate Wilson Cruz joins GLAAD's staff as the Strategic Giving Officer.  Cruz will be part of GLAAD's Development team, helping to fund GLAAD's work amplifying stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality.

"For more than two decades GLAAD has combatted anti-LGBT images in the media and changed the national conversation about LGBT people,” said Cruz. “Today, GLAAD is also using its media expertise to create a culture that is accepting and safe for all young people.  From Spanish-language media to sports, Hollywood to the newsroom, GLAAD shares the stories and sparks the discussions that make the world a better place for LGBT people everywhere. I am proud and excited to grow this culture-changing work. ”

"Throughout his career, Wilson Cruz has been a strong advocate for LGBT Americans,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “His work in film and television, as well as his commitment to supporting local and national LGBT organizations exemplifies GLAAD's mission to move LGBT equality forward."

Cruz's involvement with GLAAD began in 1995, when he accepted the GLAAD Media Award on behalf of the groundbreaking drama, My So-Called Life.  Cruz's role as gay high school student Rickie Vasquez was a groundbreaking moment in the history of LGBT images in the media.  In 1997, Cruz joined GLAAD's Board of Directors, giving his time and expertise to lead GLAAD during a time of transition.  In 2008, GLAAD honored Cruz with its Visibilidad Award, given to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBT community.  Cruz has also contributed to the success of the GLAAD Media Awards by participating on a panel of celebrities and industry experts who finalize the award recipients, and by hosting the event itself.

Cruz's advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community has not been limited to his work with GLAAD.  He recently served on the Board of Directors for The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and for the past two years he co-chaired their annual Respect Awards which raise money for the organization.  Cruz also worked at The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force as a Field Organizer, advocating in cities around the

United States to expand human rights ordinances to includes sexual orientation.  He has been the Grand Marshal at Chicago, West Hollywood and San Diego Pride events, as well volunteering for the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center.

Cruz has found acting success in film and television and on Broadway and will maintain his professional acting career.  In addition to My So-Called Life, Cruz had regular roles on Party of Five, and on Noah's Arc, another groundbreaking show about gay men of color.  He has made guest appearances on ER,Ally McBeal, The West Wing, Grey's Anatomy, and NCIS.  His film work includes Nixon, Party Monster, and He's Just Not That Into You.  On Broadway, he portrayed Angel in the smash hit musical Rent.  His experience in the entertainment industry will increase GLAAD's contacts at networks and film studios, strengthening GLAAD's existing work advocating for fair and inclusive images of LGBT people in Hollywood.

Wilson Cruz's first day at GLAAD was on September 4, 2012.

GLAAD's Jarrett Barrios resigns

The Board of Directors of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today announced their acceptance of President Jarrett Barrios' resignation. 

The Board of Directors will now begin to assemble an Executive Search Committee to identify a new President.  GLAAD's Board of Directors confirmed a commitment to maintaining a strong focus on its mission-related activities during this transition and has appointed Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, as Acting President of the organization.

Like GLAAD on Facebook for $25,000

 

In honor of GLAAD's 25th anniversary, RÖKK Vodka is donating $1 to GLAAD for every new person to "Like" GLAAD's Facebook page from now until Sunday May 15, 2011, up to $25,000.

Facebook Adds 'Civil Union,' 'Domestic Partnership' Options to User Profiles

Last week Facebook added 'In a Civil Union' and 'In a Domestic Partnership' options to user profiles. The option is now available for users in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.


"Facebook sent a clear message in support of gay and lesbian couples to users across the globe," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "By acknowledging the relationships of countless loving and committed same-sex couples in the U.S. and abroad, Facebook has set a new standard of inclusion for social media. As public support for marriage equality continues to grow, we will continue to work for the day when all couples have the opportunity to marry and have their relationship recognized by their community, both online and off."

GLAAD was among the organizations that met with Facebook to advocate for this change.

In October 2010, Facebook partnered with GLAAD and other national LGBT organizations to create "Network of Support," an educational initiative that works to combat anti-LGBT cyberbullying. GLAAD also worked with Facebook to reshape the way that the site responds to hateful, anti-LGBT comments posted on public pages.

Facebook's "Network of Support" is comprised of five leading LGBT advocacy organizations in conjunction with MTV's "A Thin Line" campaign, including GLAAD, GLSEN, HRC, PFLAG and The Trevor Project..

GLAAD launches National People of Color Media Initiative

Earlier this week the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced the launch of its People of Color Media Training Institute as a part of the organization's National People of Color Media Initiative. The Media Training Institute, funded by the Arcus Foundation and created specifically for people of color who are LGBT or LGBT allies, will develop a group of passionate and visible leaders to speak in national media outlets about issues that impact the lives of LGBT people and their families.

The Institute will consist of a two-day, advanced spokesperson training program in New York and Los Angeles, where GLAAD staff, leading journalists and talking heads and key media trainers will develop Institute participants in the areas of framing and messaging for on-camera and radio interviews.

Applicants to the Institute are asked to submit an application through GLAAD's website: http://www.glaad.org/programs/pocmedia.

"While the visibility of LGBT people and issues continues to grow, far too often the voices, views and faces of people of color are underrepresented, if represented at all, in American news, entertainment and online media," said GLAAD's Senior Director of Media Programs Rashad Robinson. "This initiative will help us elevate more voices and continue GLAAD's ongoing effort to ensure that LGBT issues are represented in a fair, accurate and inclusive way - celebrating the rich diversity of the community and our allies."

GLAAD on the Golden Globes

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD),  today congratulated the LGBT winners and nominees of the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards.


"Gay and lesbian actors, characters and storylines are not only helping build support for full equality, but are also generating unprecedented box office success and critical acclaim," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "Last night's Golden Globe winners and nominees are a testament to the increased support for our community among everyday Americans and exemplify a new entertainment industry standard that is more inclusive than ever before. GLAAD congratulates yesterday's LGBT nominees and winners."

Chris Colfer as Glee's Kurt Hummel

Among the LGBT and LGBT-inclusive Golden Globe winners:

• Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Chris Colfer (Glee)
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Jane Lynch (Glee)
• Best Television Series - Comedy Or Musical, Glee
• Best Motion Picture, The Kids Are All Right
• Best Original Song - Motion Picture, Burlesque
• Best Television Series – Drama, Boardwalk Empire

Actress Annette Bening also won in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical category for her portrayal of lesbian mom Nic in The Kids Are All Right.
The LGBT-inclusive hit series Glee received the GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Comedy Series category in 2010.
Among the LGBT and LGBT-inclusive Golden Globe nominees:

• Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical, Julianne Moore (The Kids Are All Right) [Moore received the Excellence in Media Award at the 15th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2004.]
• Best Television Series – Drama, The Good Wife
• Best Television Series - Comedy Or Musical, Modern Family
• Best Original Song - Motion Picture, Burlesque



Modern Family's Cam and Mitchell

• Best Screenplay - Motion Picture, Stuart Blumberg, Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All Right)

An especially poignant moment came when openly gay actor Chris Colfer (Glee) took a stand against anti-LGBT bullying while accepting his Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. "Most importantly, to all the amazing kids that watch our show and the kids that our show celebrates, who are constantly told 'no' by the people in their environments, by bullies at school that they can't be who they are or have what they want because of who they are. Well, screw that, kids," Colfer said.

The Golden Globes come just days before nominees are announced for the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives. Those nominees are set to be announced Thursday, January 20, 2011. A complete list of GLAAD Media Awards Nominees will be available at www.glaad.org/mediaawards

GLAAD partners with ROKK vodka

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, announced today a year-long partnership with RÖKK Vodka, the freeze-filtered imported Swedish vodka from Diageo.


As part of the premiere partnership, RÖKK will act as the national presenting partner of the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, supporting the flagship events in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The brand will also have a strong presence at the cineGLAAD panels on LGBT films at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, as well as GLAAD's 25th anniversary events, community events around the country and the 3rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising.

"We are honored and thrilled that RÖKK Vodka has joined us as a premiere partner in 2011 to help GLAAD celebrate 25 years of amplifying lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender voices," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "Diageo's steadfast commitment to full equality, as well as the company's tremendous support in 2010, makes RÖKK Vodka an obvious choice for GLAAD's 2011 premiere partner. Together with RÖKK Vodka, GLAAD will continue its work to create a world in which everyone is accepted, respected and valued for who they are."

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of LGBT issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD's work to amplify the stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality. Nominees and Special Honorees will be announced in January 2011.
The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in New York on March 19, 2011 at the Marriott Marquis; in Los Angeles on April 9 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza; and in San Francisco on May 14 at the Marriott Marquis.

GLAAD Call to Action: Tell CNN to use experts, not the anti-gay industry

For years, CNN has insisted on including the voices of the anti-gay industry whenever a topic that involves the LGBT community has come up. It's time to speak up and tell CNN that this is unacceptable. If CNN was running a story about education, would it seek out the opinion of someone who hates teachers? If the network was running a story about agriculture, would it invite a guest who believes farming is a sin? Of course not, yet the anti-gay point of view is one that CNN seeks out regularly. The media needs to stop going to the anti-gay industry to provide the "other side" of LGBT issues-- especially when there really is no "other side" to speak of, aside from their false and harmful rhetoric. CNN needs to stop elevating anti-gay opinions to the level of the actual experts who they SHOULD be talking to; people like scholars, historians, professionals, or folks with actual experience (not just animosity). We're asking you to add your voice to the chorus of those who are speaking out about this. Take action and tell CNN to keep the anti-gay industry off its airwaves, and instead seek out the opinions of those who can contribute something of value to the discussion. If you feel strongly that the mainstream media should speak to experts and authorities about LGBT issues, rather than voices from the anti-gay industry, please make a donation of $5, $10, or $25 to help GLAAD ensure that the networks place reason over anti-gay rhetoric. Donate Today.

Happy 25th Anniversary, GLAAD!

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today marked 25 years of service to LGBT Americans.


To honor GLAAD's 25th anniversary, Chaz Bono, Wilson Cruz, Amber Heard, Michael Kearns, Kathy Najimy, Holly Robinson Peete, Doris Roberts, Jean Smart, Bruce Vilanch, Steven Weber and more will join GLAAD's founding members Jehan Agrama, David Bohnett, Dean Hansell and Michael Keegan in Los Angeles on December 3, 2010, for 'GLAAD at 25,' an event to recognize and celebrate the people and events that launched GLAAD's work to amplify the voice of the LGBT community.
Jonathan Murray of Bunim/Murray Productions will receive the GLAAD Pioneer Award for his groundbreaking work to bring stories of LGBT people to Americans as Executive Producer on shows including The Real World, Road Rules and Project Runway. Richard Jennings, former President & Executive Director of GLAAD, will also receive the GLAAD Founders' Award.

GLAAD will also celebrate this milestone with a series of blog posts at GLAADBlog.org that recognize 25 years of GLAAD's culture changing work through the voices of former and current GLAAD staff members and volunteers. 

"Since 1985, GLAAD has amplified stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people that build acceptance and advance equality through news, entertainment and today, on Facebook and social media outlets," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios.  "Continuing to share these stories is moving the public to support our full legal equality and will lead to a nation where we are all accepted, respected and valued."

GLAAD began in 1985 in New York City as a response to the New York Post's sensational and dangerous coverage of the HIV/AIDS crisis. GLAAD's media advocacy efforts quickly spread to Los Angeles, where GLAAD worked with film studios and television networks to stand up against stereotypical and defamatory images and increase LGBT-inclusive programming. GLAAD continues to serve as the leader in working with and through the media to achieve full equality for LGBT people.
Over the course of the coming year, GLAAD is also excited to announce additional events nationwide as well as a national campaign to amplify the voice of the LGBT community in celebration of GLAAD's 25th anniversary.

For more information about GLAAD's 25th Anniversary, visit www.glaad.org/25.

Consider joining with GLAAD to make gay voices heard

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and supporters of marriage equality everywhere celebrated a tremendous turning point last week when Judge Vaughn Walker made a historic decision overturning California's Proposition 8. Judge Walker stated that California's ban on marriage equality violates the 14th Amendment's rights to equal protection and due process of law.

Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis in San Francisco leaving city hall after they first married in 2004. GLAAD has helped this couple share their story throughout the highs and lows of California’s Prop 8 ordeal.

The case was brought by two gay couples who spoke out against Proposition 8 eliminating marriage equality for loving and committed couples. The judge dismissed the idea that discrimination is permissible if a majority of voters approve it – the referendum’s outcome was "irrelevant," he said, quoting a 1943 case, because "fundamental rights may not be submitted to a vote."

This landmark decision came after same-sex couples shared their personal stories with Judge Walker and the public, helping to show that we all should have the same opportunity to take care of and be responsible for each other. It's these stories that are building the public support for our full equality. Americans are changing quickly – you can bet that the gay and lesbian stories showcased in the media over the next several weeks and months will have an impact on the outcome.

Rev. North presents Angelisa Young & Sinjoyla Townsend - the first couple to get married in D.C. - their signed marriage license. GLAAD helped this couple share their story with local and national media.

That’s where GLAAD goes to work. GLAAD is committed to working in overdrive to bring stories of diverse couples and families to Californians and Americans across the nation. We will work tirelessly over the next several months with entertainment executives and news producers to ensure that the characters and coverage they produce will showcase the common ground we all share and build the public support for our full equality. We know that what people see in the media greatly affects their opinion on the LGBT community and that we will need to amplify our voices louder than ever if we are to achieve full equality.

Your membership gift of $40 or more will help ensure that GLAAD remains a strong resource as we advance quickly on the road to marriage equality. Remember that your gift to GLAAD is tax-deductible and will be put to use right away helping GLAAD be the community's watchdog, storyteller and advocate. Thank you for your support, and congratulations on this week's victory!

GLAAD blasts The View in full page ad in Variety

In a full page ad running in today’s Variety Magazine, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) the Black AIDS Institute and the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) call on the ABC Television Network and its popular morning program The View, to correct misinformation put forth on the June 22 edition of the show.


The ad reads in part, "On June 22, ABC’s The View aired inaccurate information about HIV, blaming African American gay and bisexual men for increased HIV rates among straight African American women. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has publicly disproven this myth. And since June 22, thousands of people have written to ABC, asking that The View Provide correct information to viewers. Unfortunately, those requests have been greeted with silence from both ABC and The View."
The Variety ad placement comes nearly three weeks after inaccurate comments during The View’s "Hot Topics" segment.  That day’s discussion centered on the FDA’s ban that prevents gay and bisexual men from donating blood.

"ABC now knows that it put out dangerous and false information about HIV/AIDS on its airwaves, yet the network still refuses to take responsibility," said Rashad Robinson, GLAAD’s Senior Director of Programs. "ABC and The View’s refusal to correct these inaccurate remarks comes at the expense of African American gay and bisexual men, straight African American women and millions of audience members who need facts about HIV/AIDS, not myths.  It’s extremely disheartening to see a program that usually covers our community with respect, unwilling to correct this serious lapse in editorial judgment."
See the segment, view transcript excerpts and read about GLAAD’s Call to Action on this issue. Over three-thousand people have sent letters to ABC urging an apology and correction.

One Life to Live cancels gay storyline

When news reports broke yesterday about 'One Life to Live's' decision to cancel the gay 'Kyle and Fish' storyline starring openly gay actor Scott Evans (left, on the cover of Instinct) GLAAD spoke to ABC Daytime to voice concerns over the cancellation and advocate that the storyline continue.

GLAAD says, "Last summer, 'One Life to Live' brought a ground-breaking relationship into the homes of millions with Kyle and Fish’s story, one that built acceptance and understanding of gay people. While we understand that the close of storylines is a frequent occurrence on daytime dramas, canceling this story just as it gains momentum is a step backward in ABC Daytime’s representation of the lives of gay Americans. We remain disappointed that ABC Daytime has chosen to stop sharing this powerful story with viewers of 'One Life to Live.'"

GLAAD live-tweets Washington, D.C. gay weddings

GLAAD’s Senior Media Field Strategist is in Washington, D.C. all this week to help share the stories of gay and lesbian couples who plan to marry and will be live-tweeting from wedding ceremonies today at www.twitter.com/GLAAD.

GLAAD Call to Action:

GLAAD has issued a Call to Action over the latest issue of Life & Style.

A popular celebrity gossip magazine with a readership of almost one million, the March issue of Life & Style features a cover story that claims that actress Angelina Jolie is turning Shiloh, her daughter with Brad Pitt, into a boy. They cover asks "Is it harming the three-year-old?" referring to the child's short haircut, pants and polo shirt.

The article cites several so-called “experts,” including Glenn Stanton from Focus on the Family who says: “They need help, they need guidance of what that looks like. It’s important to teach our children that gender distinction is very healthy.”

"Life & Style is way off the mark with this outrageous coverage," says Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs for GLAAD. “Targeting children for ridicule about the way they dress is unacceptable, regardless of their parent’s celebrity status.”

GLAAD contacted Lindsay Ferraro, the Publicity Manager of Life & Style, to voice serious concerns about this story and reports that the magazine’s response was dismissive and showed no concern for the impact of the cover story’s sensationalism on all children and families.

GLAAD urges the gay community to voice their concerns directly to the magazine by contacting:

Dan Wakeford, Life & Style: Editor-in-Chief
dwakeford@bauer-usa.com

Lindsey Ferraro, Life & Style: Publicity Manager
lferraro@bauer-usa.com
(201) 569-6699

Sarah Drabick
Life & Style: Associate Publicist
sdrabick@bauer-usa.com

The headquarters for Bauer Publishing (which includes an Entertainment Division that is the home of Life & Style and InTouch) is:
270 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Tel: (201) 569-6699
Fax: (201) 510-3297

Full page ad in Variety denounces anti-gay Grammy nominee Buju Banton

In a full page ad in today’s special Grammy-edition of Variety, more than 20 progressive organizations, lead by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, have called on the head of The Recording Academy to use Sunday night’s Grammy telecast to denounce music that promotes or celebrates violence against any group of people and the artists who perform such music.

The ad, in the form of an open letter to The Recording Academy’s President Neil Portnow, is in response to anti-gay reggae singer Buju Banton’s nomination for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category. Throughout his career Banton has performed music that glorifies the violent murder of LGBT people, and as recently as three months ago he refused to stop performing such music. Last October he was quoted in news reports saying, “This is a fight, and as I said in one of my songs, ‘There is no end to the war between me and fa**ots.’”

More after the jump.

In his most notorious song “Boom, Bye Bye” he sings that “batty men (slur equivalent to ‘fa**ot’) get up and run” when he comes, that “they have to die,” and that he will “shoot batty men in the head” or “burn them up bad.” His music has helped foster such an anti-gay culture in Jamaica—where violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people is common and sometimes celebrated—that Time magazine recently asked, “Is Jamaica the most homophobic place on Earth?”

“It’s outrageous that The Recording Academy has chosen to honor, with a Grammy nomination, someone who proudly and unabashedly performs music that glorifies the violent murder of gay and transgender people,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios.  “We need to send a strong message to let the Recording Academy and music industry know that promoting artists who advocate such acts feeds a climate of intolerance that can put members of our community at risk for violence."

In a letter to GLAAD, the Academy claims that the Grammy Awards honor musical achievement “regardless of politics” and that “artists of a variety of political or cultural perspectives have been nominated or featured on the telecast.”

“Music that promotes the violent murder of LGBT people, or any other group, doesn’t reflect a political or cultural perspective,” said L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Chief Executive Officer Lorri L. Jean. “It reflects hatred and fosters a culture of violence. Portnow needs to use the Grammy telecast to denounce such music, in no uncertain terms, and those who perform it.”

Call to Action: Tell Clear Channel to stop radio host Jim Quinn’s defamatory attacks

On the January 14 edition of Clear Channel's nationally syndicated radio program, “The War Room with Quinn and Rose,” host Jim Quinn made outrageous and defamatory comments about people living with HIV/AIDSand what he called the “homosexual AIDS lobby.” Quinn erroneously compared contagious tuberculosis patients to people living with HIV/AIDS and went on to say, “When you get AIDS, pal, the door opens up to you. You have got all kinds of government goodies, including a maid to clean your house, transportation - I mean it's - there's just a wealth of wonders that come.”

Media Matters For America released audio of the comments you can listen to here.

Quinn’s attempts to compare HIV/AIDS to tuberculosis are grossly inaccurate and appalling. His overall comments defaming people living with HIV/AIDS are also beyond the pale.

These statements are particularly troubling given similar comments by Quinn in the past. In November 2008, GLAAD issued a call to action after Quinn made defamatory remarks about marriage for same-sex couples in California, saying, “Gay marriage doesn't produce anything that the state has an interest in. Gay sex produces AIDS, which the state doesn't have – or should have an interest in. They should charge homosexuals more for their – for their health insurance than they charge the rest of us.'"

At that time, GLAAD called on Clear Channel executives to reprimand Quinn and stop providing a national platform for these kinds of defamatory attacks.

GLAAD urges you to contact Clear Channel Communications and voice concerns about Jim Quinn’s latest reprehensible comments. Ask Clear Channel Executives why Quinn is still being allowed this platform to perpetuate hatred, fear and misinformation:

Lisa Dollinger
Chief Communications Officer
Clear Channel Communications
(210) 822-2828
lisacdollinger@clearchannel.com

Rod Phillips
Programming Senior Vice President
(210) 822-2828
rodphillips@clearchannel.com

Robert H. Walls, Jr.
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
(210) 822-2828
robert.walls@clearchannel.com

GLAAD responds to New Jersey vote against marriage equality

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today continued media monitoring following New Jersey State Senate’s vote to not extend marriage equality to same-sex couples in New Jersey. GLAAD is working to ensure that local and national media outlets are accurate in reporting and ground coverage in the stories of loving and committed couples. These stories will raise awareness among New Jersey residents of the concrete harms that couples face without marriage protections.

“Only with marriage can gay and lesbian families fully take care of each other and today’s vote is a painful loss for couples in New Jersey as well as across the country,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). "The march towards equality is far from over. The Supreme Court of New Jersey unanimously ruled in 2006 that the New Jersey Constitution demands that same-sex couples must be treated equally and GLAAD joins Garden State Equality and Lambda Legal to continue working for equality in New Jersey.”

“We urge gay and lesbian New Jersey couples and allies to share their stories with their neighbors, friends, co-workers and local media to show legislators that the public supports fairness for all couples.”

“We also encourage media outlets to share stories of the New Jersey couples who are left vulnerable after today’s vote,” Barrios said.

Jarrett Barrios reflects on his first few months with GLAAD

In an open letter, Jarrett T. Barrios reflects on his first few months as president of GLAAD and talks about the important work of the organization.