GLAAD, the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media
advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today announced plans for a
groundbreaking video campaign to be produced and directed by Brett
Ratner. Ratner met with GLAAD's Board of Directors this weekend in a
meeting that included producer of the 84th Annual Academy Awards Brian
Grazer, as well as directors Adam Shankman and Bryan Singer, among
others.
"Working together with GLAAD has been a very positive and enlightening
experience for me, and I could not be more pleased to be developing
this crucial campaign to help educate people that we all share the same
humanity," said Ratner. "I am excited to get to work on this program
and hope that minds and hearts are opened by what we create."
The upcoming video series will feature a diverse group of Hollywood
celebrities, athletes, musicians and politicians 'coming out of the
closet' as supporters of equality. Participants will share personal
stories about why and how they support the LGBT community and call on
Americans to do the same.
"Straight allies are crucial to creating a culture in which LGBT people
are respected and supported," said Herndon Graddick, Senior Director
of Programs and Communications at GLAAD. "We look forward to working
with Brett and these other inspiring Americans who are speaking out and
standing up for their LGBT friends, family members, neighbors and
coworkers."
In 2011, GLAAD released the 'Amplify Your Voice' public service
announcement (PSA) campaign which featured celebrity talent, athletes
and LGBT young people speaking out against anti-LGBT bullying. The
videos and anti-bullying resource kits are available here: www.glaad.org/amplifyyourvoice.
Comcast served as a leading media partner for the PSA campaign,
contributing $3 million in national airtime and bringing the campaign
to more than 20 million homes.