GLAAD issues statement on White House's Stonewall Commemoration

Jarrett Barrios, incoming President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), today joined fellow lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates as well as President Obama and Mrs. Obama at a reception to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969 -- when patrons at a New York city gay bar fought back against police brutality and harassment and set in motion a wave of activism.

"It was an honor to take part in this important event for the gay and transgender community with fellow advocates and my 17-year old son," said Jarrett Barrios, incoming President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and former Massachusetts state Senator. "Today's event, the first time that Stonewall was commemorated by the White House, was a symbol of the fact that the administration recognizes our community at a time when there has been growing frustration about his administration's seeming reticence to follow through on campaign promises."

"During his speech today, President Obama said that the road to equality is not only about changing laws, but about changing hearts. Indeed, legal advances are vitally important, but full equality requires us to move our culture - through conversations, living openly in our communities, and through media representations- to a place where gay and transgender Americans are accepted and understood.

Our community will continue to advocate and will be watching closely to ensure Obama makes good on the promises he discussed today and during the campaign. At the heart of the issues discussed today are everyday Americans who want the same chance as everyone else to earn a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country, and take care of the ones they love."

Quote of the Day: Jarrett Barrios

"It isn't on any elected official to make those changes -- it's on us. We're going to get that change as we continue to organize our efforts and ask for more. Ask for more, not of our politicians, but of our fellow Americans." - Jarrett Barrios, incoming GLAAD president, in The Advocate

KRXQ a-holes apologize

On Thursday, June 11, the “Rob, Arnie and Dawn in the Morning” show went back on the airwaves with hosts Rob and Arnie explicitly apologizing for their previous anti-transgender broadcast and failure to apologize on a follow-up show. GLAAD also booked two transgender advocates, Kim Pearson and Autumn Sandeen, who spent the entire show educating the hosts and their listeners about transgender issues.

On June 1, GLAAD issued a Call to Action against “The Rob, Arnie and Dawn in the Morning” show due to a highly problematic anti-transgender show that originally aired on May 28. GLAAD’s Call to Action prompted hundreds of letters from throughout the country and the world and led to significant local and national media coverage.

More than 14 companies pulled their advertising from the station or announced plans to halt future media buys as the result of LGBT advocates contacting companies and issuing their concerns. Chipotle, Snapple, Sonic, Bank of America, Verizon, Carl’s Jr., Wells Fargo, Nissan, AT&T, McDonald’s, Home Depot, Red Bull, Guitar Center and Sleep Train all pulled advertising from the station or announced plans to discontinue future ad buys.

Former Senator Jarrett Barrios is GLAAD's new President

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and GLAAD’s National Board of Directors today announced that Jarrett T. Barrios, a former State Senator from Massachusetts who now heads a leading health care foundation, will serve as GLAAD’s new President. GLAAD works to achieve full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans through media advocacy and anti-LGBT defamation work.

“We’re making progress toward equality, but we’ll only achieve full equality if we change hearts and minds – and that’s what GLAAD is all about,” said Barrios. “We’re working for the day when every one of us is accepted, respected and valued for the contributions we make to this country. It’s an ambitious goal, but I know we can do it. I believe in our community, and I believe in our country.”


At 40 years of age, Barrios will become the youngest leader of GLAAD and, as a Cuban-American, he will be the first head of a national LGBT organization fluent in English and Spanish. He was the first openly gay person and the first Latino elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, where he represented a largely white, Catholic, working-class district. He is an accomplished fundraiser and manager who broke fundraising records in his election campaigns and managed a multi-million dollar budget at the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts. He is married to Doug Hattaway, his partner of 16 years, and they are raising two teenage sons.

“Jarrett is an inspiring, new voice for the national movement,” said Yvette Burton, Co-Chair of GLAAD’s Board of Directors. “As a Latino and a parent, he will build bridges among communities. He is also an accomplished progressive leader and activist with the talent and experience to take GLAAD and our movement to new heights.”

Barrios has been an advocate for LGBT equality since co-chairing Harvard’s LGBT student organization in the late 1980s and the Boston Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project in the early 1990s. He has also served on the boards of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders and Greater Boston Lesbian and Gay Political Alliance.

As a State Senator, Barrios successfully helped lead the legislative effort to protect marriage equality in Massachusetts, and is best known for a globally televised speech where he spoke on discrimination faced by his own family. In the legislature, he also successfully championed anti-bullying legislation, the Gay and Lesbian Youth Commission to prevent teen suicide and make schools safe for LGBT youth, buffer zones for women’s health facilities and other progressive issues.

“Jarrett’s advocacy and proven results are a natural fit with GLAAD’s work to shape our culture through the media and raise visibility for LGBT people and issues,” said GLAAD Board Co-Chair Laurie Perper. “GLAAD’s work to change hearts and minds is needed today more than ever. It’s the only way our community will see real change.”

The son of a carpenter and a social worker, Barrios worked three jobs to help put himself through college at Harvard, where he graduated magna cum laude. He received his J.D. with honors from Georgetown University Law Center. His pro bono work as an attorney included the first successful petition of a gay Dominican man for asylum in the United States. He is currently president of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, a driving force behind the state’s groundbreaking universal health care program. He is also active in progressive issues at the national level as a board member of Families USA, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Action Fund and was recently elected to the board of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.

"In this historical battle for freedom for LGBT citizens, we need not only good leaders but great leaders," said LGBT advocate and author David Mixner. "The selection by GLAAD of Jarrett Barrios to lead them in their invaluable work is simply brilliant. As a father, husband, former legislator and son of immigrants from Cuba, no one understands more than Jarrett what is at stake in this powerful moment in our history. What incredibly good news for the LGBT community to have him in a position of national leadership."

His tenure will begin on September 07, 2009. He was recently selected as New England’s 2009 Eisenhower Fellow, which will take him to study community health in Brazil this summer. GLAAD’s Senior Vice President J. Michael Durnil will serve as interim President during this time.

Barrios was appointed by GLAAD’s Board of Directors at the culmination of a comprehensive and thorough national search coordinated by Tim McFeeley of executive search firm Isaacson, Miller. “Jarrett Barrios is a spectacular choice for GLAAD. With his intelligence, strategic ability, communications acumen and grassroots activism, Jarrett will provide leadership for GLAAD and inspiration for the entire LGBT community,” said McFeeley.




Chastity Bono is now Chaz Bono

TMZ is reporting that Chastity Bono is transitioning and will now be known as Chaz Bono.

"Yes, it's true -- Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity," confirmed Bono's publicist, Howard Bragman.

GLAAD issued the following statement regarding the news:

“Chaz Bono's decision to live his life authentically represents an important step forward, both for him personally and for all who are committed to advancing discussions about fairness and equality for transgender people," said Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). "Coming out as transgender is an extremely personal decision and one that is never made lightly. We look forward to hearing Chaz's story in his own words in the future."

I wonder if Cher is gonna be pissed? She didn't take the lesbian thing too well at the time, remember? She said in her autobiography:

"My response to Chastity being Gay was very un-Cher like. I didn't know what to do and who to turn to, I was devastated! The funny thing is I knew all along that she was gay, I just didn't want to admit it."

Ain't it the truth?

“As more and more Americans get to know gay and lesbian people, it has a tremendous impact in terms of creating awareness, understanding and acceptance of our community. 'American Idol' has become iconic in our culture, and as Adam (Lambert) continues to share his story during his post-Idol career, we hope his decision to live openly and honestly inspires gay people and opens the hearts and minds of his fans and others he will continue to entertain.” - GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano

GLAAD elects new board members

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today announced that the Board of Directors has elected three new Board Members: Jocelyn Bramble of Washington, D.C., Larry Kifer of Las Vegas and Scott E. Miller of San Francisco.

"The diverse ranges of professional experiences that our new colleagues bring are incredible assets as we prepare to transition to a new President and continue work on our five year strategic plan," said Laurie Perper, Co-Chair of GLAAD’s Board of Directors.

More after the jump.


Jocelyn Bramble is an attorney in the Washington, D.C. office of international law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf, LLP where she practices securities litigation and white collar defense. Bramble brings a commitment to legal and political advocacy and a vested interest in GLAAD’s work to shape the culture. As a lawyer, she is dedicated to civil rights advocacy through the courts and as a soon to be parent, she is increasingly concerned about the impact of cultural images of LGBT families. She holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College, a M.A. from St. John's College and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Bramble and her partner, Heather Capell Bramble, are expecting their first child this summer.

Larry Kifer is Chairman/CEO of Algiers/Lilack, Inc. in Las Vegas. He began his career with the Central Telephone Company of Nevada where he served as Vice President of Marketing. Kifer served as President of Tie Industries before being named Chairman & CEO of Technicom International of Darien, CT. He retired following the last public offering and returned to Las Vegas where he purchased the Algiers Hotel, a small hotel on the Las Vegas strip which he operated and then sold for redevelopment. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona.

Scott E. Miller is a Principal with Scott Miller Executive Search and has two decades of experience with leading retained executive search firms, professional services firms and in the public sector. He most recently was a Client Partner at Korn/Ferry International where he served as a member of the firm’s Education, Diversity and Association/Nonprofit/Government specialty practices. He also served at the U.S. Department of Labor, working in the areas of Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity, and later recruited individuals for political appointments at the White House in Presidential Personnel. He earned his B.A. in communications with a focus in public relations from the University of Alabama. Miller previously served as a Co-Chair of the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco where he lives with his partner, Doug Piper.

"GLAAD’s work in the media is shaping our culture today and growing acceptance of LGBT people," said Co-Chair Yvette Burton, “This cultural change is paving the way to the legal victories our community is experiencing and we are confident that the diverse range of legal and business expertise that our new Board Members hold will help advance our work.”



GLAAD scores big victory over anti-trans radio hosts

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, today spoke with Vice President and General Manager of KRXQ-FM in Sacramento, John Geary, regarding the station’s planned actions to apologize for anti-transgender remarks. The conversation occurred after host Rob Williams posted a letter to the radio station’s Web site admitting "failure as a broadcaster."

"KRXQ appears to be taking this matter very seriously following widespread response from community members and advertisers," said Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs at GLAAD. "Vice-President and General Manger John Geary assured us that the issue would be dealt with in a frank and positive manner this Thursday and that both Rob Williams and Arnie States will apologize."


More after the jump.

GLAAD first contacted KRXQ after a concerned listener submitted a GLAAD incident report regarding dehumanizing remarks that hosts Rob Williams and Arnie States made encouraging violence against transgender children.

When the station failed to apologize, GLAAD issued a Call to Action urging constituents to call on KRXQ and hold Williams and States accountable for their remarks. GLAAD also distributed the Call to Action to LGBT advocacy organizations, social networking sites and media outlets.

According to the KRXQ, hundreds of letters poured in, prompting the station manager to promise that Williams and States would respond to their offensive segment, however, Williams and States failed to apologize for their remarks. GLAAD re-issued the Call to Action as LGBT advocates began contacting KRXQ’s advertisers to notify them of the offensive remarks.

AT&T, Bank of America, CKE, Chipotle, Guitar Center, McDonald’s, Nissan, Snapple, SONIC, Verizon and Wells Fargo all pulled advertising from the station or announced plans to discontinue future ad buys. GLAAD coordinated with each company to release statements to the media and constituents. For statements from advertisers please visit http://glaadblog.org/tag/krxq/.

"What people see and hear in the media has a huge impact on what they do everyday and how they treat LGBT people in their families, and local communities,” said GLAAD President Neil Giuliano. “We appreciate the proactive actions of advertisers who realize that their association with these dehumanizing remarks sends a dangerous message that this kind of defamation against our community is okay."

In a letter posted to the station’s Web site, Williams said that “as a show, as people, as broadcasters, we have simply failed on almost every level.” He also announced that the show would refrain from broadcasting new episodes until June 11, 2009 when they plan to address the issue again on the air. To read the full letter please visit: http://glaadblog.org/2009/06/07/update-krxq-radio-host-rob-williams-declares-failure/.

GLAAD spoke with KRXQ today on the planned show and booked two transgender advocates, Kim Pearson and Autumn Sandeen, to appear on the program and further educate the hosts and their listeners about transgender issues. GLAAD’s Media Programs team will continue providing resources about transgender issues to KRXQ and co-host Dawn Rossi, who has defended the community, prior to Thursday’s broadcast.

"We will continue working to demand Williams and States use their radio platform responsibly on future broadcasts,” said Giuliano.




Quote of the Week: GLAAD's Neil G. Giuliano

"Gov. Lynch's signing of the marriage equality bill grants legal protections for same-sex couples in New Hampshire to take care of and be responsible for each other,” said GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. “As people get to know the loving and committed couples at the heart of marriage equality, our culture is moving to equality.”

GLAAD Call to Action: Morning radio hosts advocate violence against trans children

In a lengthy May 28 tirade on the Rob, Arnie & Dawn in the Morning radio show heard in Sacramento, California on KRXQ 98.5 FM and Reno, Nevada on KDOT 104.5 FM, hosts Rob Williams and Arnie States verbally attacked transgender children. While discussing a recent story about a transgender child in Omaha, Nebraska and her parents’ decision to support her transition, the two hosts spent more than 30 minutes explicitly promoting child abuse of and making cruel, dehumanizing and defamatory comments toward transgender children.

You can listen to the entire segment beginning at 4:48 by clicking this link.

Among the comments made by the hosts:

ARNIE STATES [13:27]: If my son, God forbid, if my son put on a pair of high heels, I would probably hit him with one of my shoes. I would throw a shoe at him. Because you know what? Boys don’t wear high heels. And in my house, they definitely don’t wear high heels.

ROB WILLIAMS [17:45]: Dawn, they are freaks. They are abnormal. Not because they’re girls trapped in boys bodies but because they have a mental disorder that needs to be somehow gotten out of them. That’s where therapy could help them.

ROB WILLIAMS [18:15]: Or because they were molested. You know a lot of times these transgenders were molested. And you need to work with them on that. The point is you don’t allow the behavior. You cure the cause!

ARNIE STATES [29:22]: You know, my favorite part about hearing these stories about the kids in high school, who the entire high school caters around, lets the boy wear the dress. I look forward to when they go out into society and society beats them down. And they end up in therapy.

To her credit, co-host Dawn Rossi stood up to Williams and States during the segment.

Despite her apparent lack of familiarity with transgender issues, Rossi repeatedly defended transgender people and made an on-air apology for her colleagues’ defamatory remarks.

Please contact KRXQ management in Sacramento, California, where the show is produced and demand that radio show hosts Rob Williams and Arnie States publicly apologize. Call on KRXQ to hold Williams and States accountable for their remarks and establish clear standards to ensure their media platform will not be used to condone or promote violence against any parts of the communities they serve.

John Geary
Vice President & General Manager
KRXQ-FM
(916) 339-4209
jgeary@entercom.com

Arnie States
On Air Personality
KRXQ-FM
(916) 334-7777
rad@robarnieanddawn.com

Rob Williams
On Air Personality
KRXQ-FM
(916) 334-7777
rwilliams@entercom.com

Celebrating Pride Month: The best in LGBT TV

June is designated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride Month in honor of the historic Stonewall uprising on June 28, 1969. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of this critical date in LGBT history, GLAAD presents this special Pride Month Programming Guide highlighting the best in LGBT television.




Monday, June 1
In the Life (Syndicated)
The GLAAD Media Award-winning LGBT newsmagazine will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Stonewall with its three-part series Summer of Stonewall. The series examines the evolution and future of the movement, traces the history of the pride flag, and interviews longtime activist Larry Kramer. Multiple airings; check listings

Tuesday, June 2
Different for Girls(Showtime, 11:30 PM ET/PT)
Karl and Paul were best friends in boarding school in the seventies. When they meet again after 16 years, Karl is now Kim and the two begin exploring the possibility of a new kind of relationship. Different for Girls stars Rupert Graves and was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 1998. Multiple airings; check listings

Party Monster(IFC, 11:30 PM ET/PT)
Written and directed by GLAAD Media Award winning filmmakers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Party Monster is the controversial story of glam NY club kids Michael Alig and James St. James.

Wednesday, June 3
Bad Girls(Logo, 8:30 ET/PT) SEASON PREMIERE
Logo begins airing the seventh season of the hit British series that examines the drama, love and betrayal that unfolds between the inmates, correctional officers, and prison administrators of the Larkhall women’s prison facility.

The Walker(Showtime, 6 PM ET/PT)
Woody Harrelson plays Carter Page III, a high society escort to some of Washington, D.C.’s most powerful men. When a lobbyist linked to Carter and one of his clients is found murdered, Carter tries to uncover the truth. Multiple airings; check listings

Thursday, June 4
Hollow Reed (Showtime, 6:15 PM ET/PT)
After coming out and divorcing his wife, Martin Wyatt loses custody of his son. However, when his son shows up bruised on his doorstep, Martin suspects that the boy’s new stepfather has been beating him and begins a long courtroom battle for custody. Multiple airings; check listings

Friday, June 5
Fabulous: The Story of Queer Cinema(IFC, 7 PM ET/PT)
This IFC original documentary offers a chronological exploration of LGBT cinema, from the experimental films of 1940s to the Academy Award winning films of today.

Nowhere (IFC, 8:30 PM ET/PT)
The final installment in out filmmaker Gregg Araki’s self described “teen apocalypse trilogy,” Nowhere follows the crazy lives of a group of young Los Angelenos with fluid sexualities. Multiple airings; check listings

I Just Want to Be Somebody(IFC, 9:55 PM ET/PT)
Filmmaker Jay Rosenblatt explores the connection between the religious right and the LGBT movement in this short film comprised of television news clips, commercials, and the home movies of Anita Bryant.

Sugar(IFC, 10:05 PM ET/PT)
From cult writer Bruce LaBruce comes this story about Cliff, a gay teenager in 1980s Toronto who ventures into the city to discover himself and falls in love with a gorgeous hustler along the way. Multiple airings; check listings

Saturday, June 6
Save Me (Showtime, 12 AM ET/PT)
GLAAD Media Award honoree Chad Allen stars in this moving tale of a drug-addicted man who joins a ministry in an attempt to “cure” his attraction to men. Instead he meets Robert Gant. Multiple airings; check listings

Sunday, June 7
The 63rd Annual Tony Awards (CBS, 8pm ET/PT)
Broadway’s most fabulous night promises to be even better this year with Neil Patrick Harris emceeing the night’s festivities. Tune in to see if Elton John’s Billy Elliot sweeps the musical categories and if any of the out nominated actors take home a Tony!

Monday, June 8
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo, 10pm ET/PT) SEASON PREMIERE
GLAAD Media Award honoree Kathy Griffin returns with the fifth season of her two-time Emmy Award-winning show. Her first episode has Kathy visiting Bette Midler in Las Vegas! Frequent repeats; new episodes air every Monday at 10 PM

Weeds (Showtime, 10 PM ET/PT) SEASON PREMIERE
Weeds is back for its fifth season! What distress will sharp-tongued teenage lesbian, Isabella, cause for her mother, Celia? And here’s hoping we get to see more of Sanjay now that he’s out and proud! Frequent repeats; new episodes air every Monday at 10 PM

Raising the Bar (TNT, 10 PM ET/PT) SEASON PREMIERE
The second season premiere of TNT’s new hit legal drama finds law clerk Charlie Sagansky facing a new life as an openly gay man, having come out to his colleagues at the end of season one.

Nurse Jackie (Showtime, 10:30 PM ET/PT) SERIES PREMIERE
This brand new series brings the welcome introduction of the only openly gay Middle Eastern character currently on TV. Haaz Sleiman plays Mo-Mo Nurse Jackie’s co-worker and confidant in this darkly comic new show. Frequent repeats; new episodes air every Monday at 10:30PM

Wednesday, June 10
Top Chef Masters (Bravo, 10 PM ET/PT) SERIES PREMIERE
This new unscripted series takes the Top Chef format and flips it by using masters of the culinary world as contestants. 24 chefs, including out chefs Anita Lo and Elizabeth Falkner, will compete to win one hundred thousand dollars to be donated to the charity of their choice. The show will also feature fun and exciting guest judges such as Neil Patrick Harris, Morgan Spurlock and Zooey Deschanel. Frequent repeats; new episodes air every Wednesday at 10 PM

Saturday, June 13
Kings (NBC, 8 PM ET/PT) SERIES RETURN
Kings returns to primetime after a brief hiatus. Will King Silas’ son Jack finally prove worthy of the throne? Or will his secret life and clingy ex-boyfriend continue to prove problematic in his fight for his birthright?

2009 NewNowNext Awards(Logo, 9 PM ET/PT)
The award show that celebrates the best in gay and lesbian pop culture returns. The show, which is hosted by RuPaul, features plenty of special guests and performers, so it promises to be great, unpredictable fun! Multiple airings; check listings

Ellen Degeneres: Here and Now (HBO, 10 PM ET/PT)
HBO re-airs Ellen’s second comedy special, filmed at Broadway’s Beacon Theater in 2003, before she became the reigning queen of daytime talk shows.

John Waters: This Filthy World (Showtime Showcase, 11:45 PM ET/PT)
Comedian and John Waters fan Jeff Garlin directed the cult filmmaker in his one-man stage show, in which Waters delves into the dirty details of his eclectic life.

Sunday, June 14
One Night Stand 09: Paula Poundstone (HBO Comedy, 8:30 PM ET/PT)
Openly gay comic Paula Poundstone returns to stand-up in this all new live concert film.

True Blood (HBO, 9pm ET/PT) SEASON PREMIERE
Season one of Alan Ball’s bloody new vampire series ended with gay chef Lafayette’s fate up in the air. Let’s hope he survives to keep serving up hot plates of sass all season long. Frequent repeats; new episodes air every Sunday at 9PM

Friday, June 19
Jeffrey and Cole Casserole (Logo, 11 PM ET/PT) SERIES PREMIERE
YouTube sensations Jeffrey Self and Cole Escola make their television debut in this new comedy show. Frequent repeats; new episodes air every Friday at 11 PM.

Sunday, June 21
Quinceañera (Logo, 10 PM ET/PT)
This touching film by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland won the 2007 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Limited Release. Jesse Garcia stars as a young Mexican-American in Los Angeles dealing with his sexuality amidst conservative Catholic culture.

Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28
Pride Party Weekend (Logo)
Logo celebrates Pride Weekend with a host of great party programming, such as the films Psycho Beach Party, The Gymnast, and A Four Letter Wordas well as marathons of some of your favorite Logo shows, like Shirts & Skins, Gimme Sugar, and Rick & Steve.

Saturday, June 27
k.d. lang Live in London (Logo, 9 PM ET/PT)
k.d. lang’s 2008 concert at St. Luke’s Church in London chronicles her successful career as a sing/songwriter. Backed by the BBC Orchestra this concert solidifies lang’s place among the great performers of her time.



Prop. 8: It is wrong

GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano responds to the California Supreme Court decision to uphold Prop. 8 saying, ”It is wrong to stand in the way of giving committed couples the legal protections they need to take care of and be responsible for each other and their families. We thank the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the City of San Francisco and the other counsel and plaintiff couples for their steadfast advocacy and commitment to fairness and opportunity for all Californians.”

Levis and Wells Fargo honored by GLAAD

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today announced the launch of an Advertising Media Program as part of its national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation work. The program will officially launch during a reception for LGBT advertising professionals and allies where GLAAD will honor Levi’s Brand and Wells Fargo for their commitment to LGBT-inclusive advertising. The reception will be held Monday, May 18, 2009 at the Alvin Ailey Dance Studio.

“Words and images matter and can shatter stereotypes. Fair, accurate and inclusive media images prove that we are connected through common, human experiences,” said Neil G. Giuliano, GLAAD President. “These are images that we – and advertisers - have a responsibility to share.”


Leveraging GLAAD's media advocacy and anti-LGBT defamation resources, GLAAD's Advertising Media Program will monitor all forms of advertising and work to ensure fair and accurate representations of the LGBT community or demand action when defamation occurs. Most recently, GLAAD successfully advocated that a Virginia used car company pull offensive ads that referred to same-sex flirting as “not smart” from the airwaves and their Web site. The Advertising Media Program will also proactively advance inclusion of the LGBT community in mainstream advertising through advocacy work at advertising agencies and corporate advertising departments. GLAAD will maintain the online library formerly owned by Commercial Closet Association of over 4,000 LGBT-inclusive ads.

“Advertising plays a vital role in how people view the world and our community,” said Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs at GLAAD. “We are thrilled to expand our media advocacy work on behalf of the LGBT community to call for fair, accurate and inclusive advertising and hold advertisers accountable for anti-gay defamation.”

To celebrate the launch of the program, GLAAD will honor Levi’s Brand and Wells Fargo with Special Recognition Awards. GLAAD is also planning an Advertising Media Awards for later this year.

Levi’s Brand won the 2008 Images in Advertising Award for Outstanding Commercial for a commercial which depicts a young male pulling on a pair of Levi's jeans as the street below him comes crashing through his floor, leaving him face-to-face with an attractive stranger in a nearby telephone booth. The two men walk off while holding hands. Levi’s has had a long involvement with the LGBT community as exemplified by the "Support of Gay Marriage” campaign, the "Inside Out” campaign and the recent "Logo Unbuttoned” campaign. Levi's ads perpetuate the company's history of LGBT inclusive business practices and marketing outreach. In 1992, Levi Strauss & Co. became the first Fortune 500 company to extend full benefits to the same-sex domestic partners of employees.

Wells Fargo has consistently supported the LGBT community by being one of the first financial institutions to reach out to the community with targeted advertising and sponsorship of LGBT causes and organizations. Wells Fargo has a long standing commitment to speak to our community through advertising for not only financial related products but also in company recruiting and fostering an inclusive workplace. As a result of its long standing support to LGBT causes, anti-gay activists initiated a boycott of Wells Fargo in 2005. In spite of anti-gay activists, the company remains a strong ally to our community.



Dustin Lance Black to receive Special Recognition Award from GLAAD

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced today that Dustin Lance Black, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of 'Milk', will receive a Special Recognition Award at the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Presented by IBM in San Francisco. 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, and will be held in San Francisco on May 9, 2009 at the Hilton San Francisco.

GLAAD previously announced that actor Chad Allen will receive the Davidson/Valentini Award, and Chelsea Handler will host the event. The Davidson/Valentini Award is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the LGBT community. In 2008, Allen appeared as openly gay detective Donald Strachey in here! Networks' 'The Donald Strachey Mystery Series' and served as a producer on the film Save Me, which offered audiences a look into the world of so-called "ex gay ministries." 'The Donald Strachey Mystery Series' is nominated for Outstanding Television Movie at the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards and 'Save Me' is a nominee for Outstanding Film – Limited Release.


San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will present Geoff Callan and Mike Shaw with the San Francisco Local Hero Award. Their film, Pulse of Equality, is an emotionally charged documentary that provides viewers with an inside look at Mayor Newsom's decision to allow the first same-sex couple to exchange their vows. This past year, Callan and Shaw brought the film across California to fight the anti-gay Proposition 8.

GLAAD Media Awards will also be presented in the Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Reality Program categories.

Guests and presenters scheduled to attend the event include: Mayor Gavin Newsom; Suze Orman; Jason Lewis (Sex & The City, Brothers & Sisters); Gabrielle Christian, Mandy Musgrave (South of Nowhere); Dan Jinks, Cleve Jones (Milk); Robert Gant (Save Me); Eduardo Xol (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition); Michelle Clunie (Queer As Folk); Wilson Cruz (He's Just Not That Into You); Calpernia Addams (Transamerican Love Story); Laverne Cox (I Want to Work for Diddy); Megan Cavanagh (Exes and Ohs); Judge David Young; and GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. More names to be announced.

Musical performances will include violinist Nadja Salerno Sonnenberg with the New Century Chamber Orchestra, as well as openly gay singer Matt Alber.

In January, GLAAD announced 125 nominees in 26 English-language categories, and 60 Spanish-language nominees in 15 categories. A complete list of this year's 185 nominees is available at http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards. This year, more than 5,000 people will attend the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, raising more than $3.5 million for the organization's work.



Mother's Day deals for gay boys who love their mothers

Save 15% with this special Mother's Day promotion from GLAAD and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, proud patron of the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10 so don't forget to order fresh beautiful flowers and plants, delicious yummy chocolates, decadent treats and more fabulous gifts from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. Order online and save 15% sitewide or call 1-800-FLOWERS (1-800-356-9377) and use Promotion Code: GLAAD at checkout.

Rachel Maddow spotlights 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' - you should tell her she's awesome

GLAAD urges you to contact MSNBC host Rachel Maddow and thank her for raising awareness about the history of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and giving voice to the patriotic Americans who have been discharged from the military after putting their lives on the line for their country.

CONTACT:
Rachel Maddow
rachel@msnbc.com

GLAAD responds to Angie Zapata verdict

GLAAD issued the following response to the Angie Zapata verdict yesterday:

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today responded to the verdict in the murder case of Angie Zapata. Angie was a transgender woman who was brutally murdered in 2008. Today the Colorado jury found Allen Andrade guilty on four counts including first-degree murder and hate crime charges.

"Today's verdict was about justice for Angie Zapata, although no verdict will ever be able to heal the tragic loss experienced by Angie's family," said Neil G. Giuliano, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). 

"The past few months have offered Greeley residents, as well as people throughout Colorado and across the nation, an opportunity to better understand transgender lives and the horrifying reality of anti-transgender violence. Media coverage of this case has played a vital role in broadening that understanding, and it has helped more people understand the importance of a fully inclusive hate crime law like Colorado's."

GLAAD Media Field Strategist Adam Bass has been on the ground throughout the trial in Greeley, Colo., assisting state and local LGBT leaders including the Colorado Anti-Violence Program, the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado in providing resources to media outlets covering the trial. GLAAD was also on the ground following the murder to ensure fair and accurate media coverage and focus media attention on anti-transgender violence.




GLAAD responds to Miss California

Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), today responded to media coverage of the controversy surrounding the current Miss California, Carrie Prejean, and her response to a question during the Miss USA Competition on Sunday, April 19.

During the competition, Prejean said: "I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and in my family I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman – no offense to anyone out there – but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be, between a man and a woman."

GLAAD's Giuliano today said:

"Much of the media's coverage of this story seems to be missing the main point, which is that what Prejean said is simply inaccurate. Contrary to Prejean's claim that people can choose who they want to marry, loving, committed gay and lesbian couples are in fact denied that choice in all but a few states, and all such couples are also denied the federal security and protections that come with marriage.

"America should in fact be a place where all people – gay and straight – can choose to marry the person they love, but that choice continues to be denied to loving, committed gay couples. GLAAD urges media covering the controversy to focus attention on real gay and lesbian couples who, because they continue to be excluded from marriage, are prevented from being able to take care of and be responsible for each other."

GLAAD gets $300,000 grant from Microsoft

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced today that it was the recipient of a Large Strategic Software grant from Microsoft to support the infrastructure of the organization. This grant, valued at more than $300,000, will allow GLAAD, the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, to bring enhanced services to its staff and constituents while promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

"We are pleased to provide this grant to GLAAD in hopes of helping the organization realize their full potential," said Stafford Mays, Chief of Staff for Corporate Diversity at Microsoft. Â "This technology will empower GLAAD's work to promote diversity, equality and inclusion by offering world class information and worker solutions, allowing them to become more environmentally sustainable in the way they communicate and collaborate both internally and with external publics."

More after the jump.


With Microsoft's support, GLAAD will change the way it deploys its information technology to use energy more efficiently. The server consolidation, virtualization, and environmentally friendly features of Windows Vista will enable GLAAD to increase its business capabilities with fewer servers and cut its annual greenhouse gas emissions by half, through reductions in its usage of electricity.

"This generous grant from Microsoft will enable us to perform our culture changing work while helping us cut expenses and operate in a more environmentally friendly manner," said GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. "Support from Microsoft and our other corporate partners is critical as we continue to change hearts and minds and work to raise the visibility of the LGBT community."

In addition to the cost-saving measures associated with energy efficiency, the grant enables GLAAD to increase productivity and the computing applications it currently uses. The grant includes access to Microsoft Exchange, Office Communications Server and SharePoint, which will provide GLAAD with more economical ways to collaborate, communicate and work with media outlets and constituents.

By leveraging access to the multiple Microsoft platforms included in the grant, GLAAD is also able to significantly reduce expenses for the thousands of media trainings of LGBT advocates and meetings with media professionals it conducts each year by deploying user solutions that leverage the power of video conferencing, virtual meetings and unified communications.




Cocktails: Absolut GLAAD

Absolut vodka has created a signature cocktail to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their partnership with GLAAD - the Absolut GLAAD.

To make the Absolut GLAAD, simply mix Absolut Mango and pineapple juice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.