On Tuesday, voters will decide on issues important to LGBT people. As November 6 approaches, advocates for marriage equality in Maine, Maryland, and Washington are working hard to ensure that ballot questions that would legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples pass, while supporters in Minnesota work hard against a constitutional amendment that would ban marriage equality.

Social media is playing a major role in the campaigns in the four states, and you can help spread the word about ballot measures important to the lives of lesbian and gay couples in these states. GLAAD and other organizations have created resources that you can share on social media. You can check them out below:

Click Share at the bottom of this photo on GLAAD's Facebook page.

Click Share at the bottom of this photo on GLAAD's Facebook page.

Click Share at the bottom of this photo on GLAAD's Facebook page.

Click Share at the bottom of this photo on GLAAD's Facebook page.

Click Share at the bottom of this photo on GLAAD's Facebook page.

Click Share at the bottom of this photo on GLAAD's Facebook page.

Click Share at the bottom of this photo on GLAAD's Facebook page.

Check out some of the latest ads from Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington:

Maine

Maryland

Minnesota

Washington

Visit the Facebook pages of Mainers United for Marriage, Marylanders for Marriage Equality, Minnesotans United for All Families, Washington United for Marriage and the Four 2012 for more resources you can share! Check out GLAAD's vote page for more information.

Tonight catch the voting special, NewNowNext Vote with Wanda Sykes. Plus all new episodes of The Voice, Partners, Start-Ups: Silicon Valley and RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race.

What to Watch: Monday, November 5

8:00pm: The Voice, NBC (2 hrs) NEW

Playoff Rounds begin tonight with the Top 20 performing and the audience gets their first chance to vote on who will stay in. Out contestant De'Borah Garner is on Team Xtina.

8:30pm: Partners, CBS (30 mins) NEW

Joe is concerned about Ali kissing Wyatt and wonders how platonic it could possibly be. Meanwhile, financial problems force Joe and Louis to try and get their old jobs back.

9:00pm: RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race, Logo (1 hr) NEW

The drag queens hit the streets of Hollywood to play pranks on passers-by with guest judges Rachel Dratch and Janice Dickinson. Stay tuned for a new episode of Untucked immediately following as the contestants discuss the night's episode.

10:00pm: Start-Ups: Silicon Valley, Bravo (1 hr) SERIES PREMIERE

This new series follows a group of 6 entrepreneurs trying to build successful start up ventures in Silicon Valley's tech industry, including out programmer David Murray who is trying to come up with the next big app.

10:30pm: NewNowNext Vote with Wanda Sykes, Logo (1 hr)NEW

Wanda Sykes hosts the roundtable special with political pundits from both sides focusing on topics of concern for LGBT voters on the eve of the 2012 Presidential election. Watch a compilation of Wanda's best election quotes below.

This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and recurring gay characters Sonny and Neil.

_____________________________

About TV Gayed
Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad and www.twitter.com/glaad.

From revised photo-ID laws that require government-issued IDs to vote to trainings that“teach” poll workers how to target transgender voters, trans Americans continue to face an unprecedented effort to thwart their rights to vote on November 6.  

Take action: Text GLAAD to 80888 to give $10 to the Ali Forney Center through Thursday, November 8!

Hurricane Sandy struck the east coast last week, leaving communities across the northeast paralyzed and millions without power.

Among the lives and property tragically lost was the Ali Forney Center's drop-in center for LGBT youth in Manhattan. The center was a place where many homeless LGBT youth in New York City were able to go for food, showers, clothing, medical care, HIV testing and treatment and substance abuse services.

The high rate of homelessness among LGBT youth is an epidemic plaguing our country and we need to stand together to help those organizations working to make a difference in the lives of these young people.

In response, GLAAD is asking our supporters to make a gift to the Ali Forney Center this week. You can donate $10 to the Ali Forney Center by texting GLAAD to  80888 and following instructions. All of the money raised through November 8 will be donated to the Ali Forney Center.

You can also make a larger contribution through the Ali Forney Center's website.

Carl Siciliano, the Executive Director of the Ali Forney Center, said in a statement: "This facility provided care to the most vulnerable youth served by AFC, those stranded out on the streets awaiting shelter. Having our drop-in center destroyed means it is likely that we are among the hardest-hit of all LGBTQ organizations in the city. While our new 24-hour drop-in center will open as planned in a different location, it will not be ready for full service for several months. "We are pursuing every means possible to take care of our youth in the interim, and it is my hope that our community and city will rally behind us as we prepare to face one of the greatest challenges in AFC's history."

GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said: "The Ali Forney Center is an invaluable organization to so many young people today and we hope you will consider helping them. We continue to keep all of those individuals and families affected by Hurricane Sandy in our thoughts, as well as the first responders working to keep us safe."

GLAAD's Manhattan office reopened on Monday, November 5, after being closed for a week due to Hurricane Sandy. We are pleased to report that all GLAAD staff members are safe. New York staff can be reached by email or by calling GLAAD's main number at 212-629-3322, then selecting the staff extension (direct lines may not work).

GLAAD is pleased to announce that Dave Montez will be joining us 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 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.

“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.”

Montez said:

"I'm really excited to join the GLAAD family. 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:

"This is a great pick for GLAAD and for our movement.  At the Gill Foundation, Dave has been an invaluable partner and catalyst in building the relationships and helping identify research-based approaches within Latino communities that led to our creation of Familia es Familia and other important Freedom to Marry initiatives. Dave is talented, sensible, and adept at bringing people together, and all of us at Freedom to Marry look forward to doing even more great work together now that he is with our friends at GLAAD.”

Evan Wolfson, President of Freedom to Marry

“This is a great match that brings together a respected LGBT movement organization moving into its next chapter of greatness with one of the movement’s great young leaders. Dave is a bridge builder and experienced strategist who will be a very strong addition to GLAAD's new leadership team. This is terrific news for GLAAD and for the LGBT movement at a critical moment in our journey to full equality.”

Patrick Guerriero, Civitas Public Affairs

“Dave’s smarts and passion for this work are going to be a phenomenal asset to GLAAD. In his time at the Gill Foundation, Dave has established himself as a leader committed to innovative thinking and building forward-looking partnerships across social justice movements. MAP is excited to continue our collaborations with him in his new role at GLAAD.”

Ineke Mushovic, Executive Director of the Movement Advancement Project (MAP)

“This is a real loss for LGBT philanthropy but a great boost for GLAAD. Dave knows our movement inside out and is smart, organized and deeply committed to securing equality and justice for all LGBT people.”

Matt Foreman, Director of gay and immigrant rights programs at the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund in San Francisco

“In his work at Gill, Dave has placed a premium on broadening the coalition of Americans who prioritize making our country a more accepting place for gay and transgender people. His willingness to challenge orthodoxy and adeptness at navigating LGBT issues in a way that speaks beyond the progressive base to those in the middle will enable him to carry out GLAAD’s mission with exceptional efficacy and impact.”

Jonathan Cowan, President of Third Way

“NCLR, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the country, congratulates our friend Dave Montez on his new position as the Chief of Staff at GLAAD.  As a key partner within the Gill Foundation, Dave was instrumental in supporting NCLR’s efforts to not only advance equal rights for LGBT Hispanics across the country, but to bring communities together in a deeper way that would make positive social change for everyone.  NCLR looks forward to continued collaboration together to advance equal opportunity.”

Eric Rodriguez, VP for the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation, National Council of La Raza

"Dave will bring a fresh, energetic and diverse perspective to GLAAD as the organization continues to build effective coalitions with other communities."

Arturo Vargas, Executive Director of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials

"Dave Montez has been an exceptional leader in connecting different communities in their common struggle for fairness and inclusion; not just GLAAD but the entire progressive community are fortunate to have Dave working on these critical issues."

Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of MALDEF

“In supporting our Maryland collaboration between immigrant and LGBT communities, Dave has been unwaveringly focused on achieving the ultimate outcome of joint power building to create more rights for all.  GLAAD is lucky to get him and we look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.” 

Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA de Maryland

"During his tenure with the Gill Foundation and the Four Freedoms Fund, Dave Montez helped advance a paradigm shift in Colorado and nationally in terms of how we think about social justice movement and alliance building. Dave's strategic vision and ability to connect resources and relationships yielded unprecedented gains for immigrant and LGBT equality in Colorado.  In his new capacity, Dave will have the opportunity to build on these incredible successes, and we look forward to being a close, continued partner with Dave and GLAAD in the struggle."

Julien Ross, Executive Director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition

“Dave Montez has been a friend and a coach to my organization as we’ve taken steps to explore the nature of oppression and the intersection of immigrant and LGBT rights. He has been encouraging and patient as we’ve charted new territory, fostering an organizational culture that fully affirms all people and promoting constructive dialogue about heterosexual privilege with members of an ethnically and religiously diverse coalition in the South.  We are incredibly grateful for Dave’s support and leadership while at Gill Foundation, and are thrilled to know that GLAAD will now be benefiting from his many talents.”

Stephen Fotopulos, Executive Director of the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition

We're excited to welcome Montez to our team! 
 

As we near another historical election, marriage equality is on the ballot again. A vote FOR Question 6 will protect the rights of LGBT couples to marry in the state of Maryland. Since the bill was announced earlier this year when Governor Martin O’Malley signed the bill, supporters have been steadfast on the trail for equality with polls showing a majority support the initiative.

Many opponents have organized meetings and attempted to drive a false narrative that black churches and the black populace is against marriage equality. While there are antagonists, there is no monolithic viewpoint that the black church or populace is against marriage equality. In a recent study done by the The Opportunity Agenda, Public Opinion and Discourse on the Intersection of LGBT Issues and Race, it has become evident that there is support in the media that shows support by black voters. Specifically, the problem lies when the media highlights the “Black Church.” Many religious institutions and public figures, as put forth in GLAAD’s Commentator Accountability Project, are indeed against marriage equality. While their advertising and gatherings are hurtful and damaging to progress, it is not unique to black churches.

Benjamin Jealous of the NAACP, Chair Emeritus Julian Bond of the NAACP, Rev. Delman Coates of Ennon Baptist Chruch, The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), Rev. Candy Holmes of Marylanders for Marriage Equality, LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent, Academy Award-winning actress, Mo’nique, Kerry Washington, Jay-Z, political activists, celebrities, politicans and many, many other prominent black figures have voiced their support for marriage equality. Last week, The NAACP’s hotline for Maryland voters was launched to ensure that voters are getting accurate information about Question 6.

Earlier this month, Rev. Delman Coates of Mount Ennon Baptist Church gathered at the National Press Club to continue voicing support for marriage equality. Rev. Al Sharpton also attended, noting that this goes beyond a “theological debate.”  The Rev. Amos C. Brown, pastor of Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, continues the discussion noting that Martin Luther King, Jr. would have agreed with Sharpton and supporters of marriage equality. Amos continued, “Every person in this nation deserves respect and dignity and every person should have equal protection under the law.”

Noted filmmaker Yoruba Richen wrote a piece for The New York Times about the intersection of race, religion and marriage equality. Yoruba discusses how she was originally moved to produce her work in 2008 as a response to the “Black Church” and “Black Vote” being put into question after same-sex marriages were denied. Through this discourse and media storm, she began filming The New Black.

The film also prominently showcases NBJC and its Executive Director, Sharon Lettman-Hicks who partnered with the film in 2010 and have been working together since, saying:

“NBJC hasn’t stopped there. The NBJC team will be volunteering on the ground in Prince George’s County on Election Day encouraging registered voters to make their way to the polls, and more importantly, make an informed decision that will protect and benefit Black families. A vote for Question 6 is a vote for equality and fairness. A vote for Question 6 is a vote to strengthen Black families.”

The The New Black, will definitely provide some new insight to this issue and GLAAD hopes to continue its work with organizations such as NoWedge 2012, LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent and NBJC to highlight that faith and LGBT equality are not mutually exclusive identities, especially when it comes to black churches. Click here to see a trailer for the film, here.

Visit GLAAD’s voting reference page or Marylanders for Marriage Equality for more information.

See you at the ballot box tomorrow!

An October 29 poll conducted by The Hollywood Reporter (THR) in conjunction with Penn Schoen Berland has found that series with LGBT characters such as Glee, Modern Family and The New Normal are helping drive voters to historically unprecedented levels of support of marriage equality. This is especially important as tomorrow voters in Maryland, Maine and Washington will have the opportunity to become the first states to approve marriage equality by voter referendum, while voters in Minnesota can defeat a constitutional amendment that bans marriage equality within the state.

THR found in the past 10 years about three times as many voters have become more supportive of marriage equality (31%) as have become more against (10%). When asked how television has influenced them, 27% say LGBT-inclusive TV made them stronger advocates for marriage for same-sex couples and 6% said what these shows made them more anti-marriage equality. Almost twice as many voters under 35 say these shows made them more in favor of marriage equality compared to voters over the age of 35, 38% to 20%. Of all voters, 42% say seeing marriage equality storylines on TV has made them more aware and active on the issue.

Those voting for President Obama are twice as likely to watch Modern Family, twice as likely to watch Glee and three times more likely to watch The New Normal. Shows like these have also led 13% of likely Romney voters to say they have become more supportive of marriage equality. If Mitchell and Cameron get married on Modern Family, a favorite show of both Michelle Obama and Ann Romney, only 11% of Romney supporters said they are less likely to watch versus 0% of Obama voters.

This trend in the rising support for marriage equality can be seen in other polls including the 2011 Gallup poll, which was the first to ever show a majority (53%) in favor of marriage for same-sex couples, and the 2012 Gallup poll showing 50% in favor and 48% against.

While some say they become more opposed to marriage equality based on what they see on TV, they are largely outnumbered by those who become more supportive. “This data would suggest that seeing this stuff makes it more socially acceptable,” says THR pollster Jon Penn. “Views on gay marriage have exponentially gone in its favor since 2002.”

Do your part to help ensure marriage equality by visiting glaad.org/vote and learning how you can help voters in Minnesota, Maryland, Maine and Washington ensure marriage equality, spread the word and ensure that thousands of transgender Americans can protect their vote.

Tomorrow, November 6, is Election Day. It is the day when millions of Americans will cast their ballots. Unless you have voted early, or sent in your absentee ballot, we need you to vote.

Why is this important?

For months, GLAAD has been working with statewide advocates to secure marriage equality in Maine, Maryland, and Washington, as well as to keep marriage discrimination out of the Minnesota constitution. We’ve stressed the marriage equality issue in these states pretty heavily, but it’s about much more than that.

Our elected officials determine the future of LGBT equality for years to come, whether it is a local non-discrimination ordinance, a police force that understands the lives of LGBT people, statewide hate crime legislation, or the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

While you have probably heard the most about the presidential candidates, and their possible directions for LGBT Americans, it’s just as important to elect fair-minded state and local leaders. Judges, sheriffs, and even library board members determine what the culture will be like for LGBT Americans in their day to day lives.

How do I do it?

There have been efforts to mislead voters, so it’s important to have all the facts.

Voting is TOMORROW, NOVEMBER 6. Polling times start early in the morning, between 6-8 AM and end in the evening, between 6-8PM. Check your local polling place and laws for exact times. It is best to go early in the day. Expect lines and some wait time. Election officials will allow everyone in line to vote when the polls close, but you must be in line by closing time.

Google has created a tool to help determine where your polling place is, and who is on the ballot. Type “How to Vote” in the Google search engine to be brought to the poll diner. Hurricane Sandy has disrupted voting locations along the East Coast. It is important to double-check your voting location, if you live in New York, or New Jersey, or another affected area.

Eight states, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Wyoming plus the District of Columbia have same-day voter registration. If you are not yet registered in one of these states, bring multiple pieces of ID, as well as further documentation (utility bill, lease, etc.). Note that both Minnesota and Maine have same day voter registration, which means even if you haven’t voted before, you can vote for marriage equality.

Most states allow workers to take time off of their job to vote if the worker doesn’t have sufficient time to vote outside of working ours. Check local laws.

States have different levels of voter ID laws, which has created problems for transgender voters. It’s also possible that voters may experience intimidation to keep them from voting. The most important thing is to know your statewide voting ID laws. If a poll worker or poll watcher attempts to deny you a ballot, call the National Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) immediately.

Make your vote count

Be sure to investigate all candidates before Election Day. In most cases, you can print a sample ballot for your local jurisdiction with all the offices on the ballot. As best you can, research each candidate’s views on LGBT equality, as well as other issues important to you. Do internet searches to see where and how the candidates have appeared in the media, or where their names are listed. Are they aligned with organizations that promote equality?

It cannot be stressed enough that even small committees and boards make a tangible difference to the lives of LGBT Americans.

Encourage others to vote

We need every LGBT and allied vote we can get. Encourage your friends to vote as well. Let people know you voted, and encourage them to do so as well. Wear your “I VOTED” sticker with pride! Take a photo and post it on Facebook. Or share these tweets:

Your vote might determine the future of #LGBT equality. Vote on 11/6. Learn more at glaad.org/vote

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 5, 2012

#LGBT people and allies need their voices heard at the polls this year! Don’t forget to vote! glaad.org/vote

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 5, 2012

For Maine:

Vote #YesOn1 if you support marriage equality in Maine! glaad.org/vote/maine#ME4M

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 5, 2012

For Maryland:

#Votefor6 in Maryland to support marriage for same-sex couples! glaad.org/vote/maryland#MD4ME

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 5, 2012

For Minnesota:

#VoteNo on Minnesota’s proposed anti-gay amendment to support equality for all couples! glaad.org/vote/minnesota#MNUnited

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 5, 2012

For Washington:

In Washington, a vote to #Approve74 supports marriage equality! glaad.org/vote/washington#WA4M

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 5, 2012

No matter what happens on Election Day (tomorrow, November 6), GLAAD will continue to be here, making sure that LGBT people are fairly and accurately represented in the media, from election coverage to local stories. We’ll do our part, now it’s up to you to do yours.

This Wednesday, November 7, 2012, Harvard University’s Kennedy School will welcome nationally recognized writer and activist, Darnell Moore. As part of The Audre Lorde Human Right Series, Darnell will use this platform to give an engaging discussion. He has written extensively, with his work appearing on the president’s blog, The Feminist Wire and The Huffington Post to name just a few. Under The Huffington Post’s “Gay Voices,” he writes a bi-monthly column along with Wade Davis, II on black manhood and queer politics, “Tongues Untied.” The column’s title pays homage to Marlon Riggs’s acclaimed film, Tongues Untied, which speaks extensively about the marginalization that gay men of color face and the process of navigating that identity. For Darnell, his work too imbibes these notions and continually addresses that reality.

This year, Darnell received the 2012 Humanitarian Award from the American Conference on Diversity for his advocacy work in Newark, N.J among, many other accomplishments. Darnell continues to be a trailblazer in the LGBT community, specifically advancing LGBT communities of color through his critical work.

If you’re able attend, you definitely do not want to miss Darnell's thought-provoking conversation.

Event Details:
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
4:00 - 5:30  pm
Land Hall (Belfer Building, floor 4)

To read more about Darnell Moore, click here.

Countless families across the tri-state area are trying to restore a sense of normalcy to their lives in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. While the super storm destroyed homes across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, it also destroyed many polling places resulting in changes by the local boards of elections. 

For information about crucial ballot initiatives that need your support visit glaad.org/vote

New York Information:

County Board of Elections Poll Site Changes due to Hurricane Sandy or call 1-855-NYS-SANDY (1-855-697-7263)

Governor Cuomo also signed an Executive Order allowing registered voters who are residents in the federally-declared disaster counties of Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester and of New York City (which includes Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens and Richmond) who have been displaced by Hurricane Sandy:

1. To vote an affidavit ballot at any poll site in New York State, other than their regular poll site;

2. Every Board of Elections in the State shall transmit the completed affidavit ballot of any voter who resides in one of the above counties to the Board of Elections where such voter is registered to vote to be canvassed;

3. The affidavit ballot can only be canvassed for such contests for which the person was entitled to vote at such election.

Extension of Absentee Ballot Receipt Deadline

The State Board of Elections has approved an extension of the deadline for absentee ballots to be received and counted from 7 days after Election Day to 13 days after Election Day. Ballots must still be postmarked no later than Monday, November 5th, however they now have until November 19th to arrive at the local Board of Elections

New Jersey Information:

To vote electronically, displaced voters may submit a mail-in ballot application either by e-mail or fax to their county clerk. Once an application is approved, the clerk will electronically send a ballot to the voter by either fax or e-mail in accordance to the voter’s preference. Voters must return their electronic ballot – by fax or email – no later than November 6, 2012, at 8 p.m.

Voters can download a mail-in ballot application for their county by visiting http://nj.gov/state/elections/voting-information-vote-by-mail.html. A list of county clerk websites, phone numbers and fax numbers are available by visitinghttp://nj.gov/state/elections/voting-information-local-officials.html.

The deadline for county clerks to receive mail-in ballots has been extended to November 19, 2012, for any ballot postmarked on or before November 5, 2012. Mail-in ballots post marked later than November 5 will not be accepted.

(Via NJ Department of State) 

Connecticut Information: 

Change of Polling Place Locations for November 6, 2012 Election

(Via CT Secretary of State)
If you need need help finding your polling place, enter your address into app below.

In a night of many historic firsts, California Democrat Mark Takano made history by becoming the first openly gay person of color to be elected to Congress. He is also the state’s first openly gay federal lawmaker, representing California's highly contested 41st District in Riverside County. Takano, a 41 year-old Japanese-American high school teacher, beat his Republican opponent, County Supervisor John Tavaglione, by a 56-44 margin.

The 2012 race was a far cry from Takano’s first attempts at a congressional seat in 1992 and 1994, where his sexual orientation was exploited and he lost. His opponent even sent constituents pink mailers that highlighted his sexuality. “Times certainly have changed,” he said, noting that “In my current race, not a single voter has asked me about being gay.” The 2012 election made history by having a record eight openly LGBT candidates for Congress, as well as having an all-time high of 25 Asian Americans running for seats across the country.

GLAAD congratulates Representative-elect Takano on his historic victory in California. His election is a step forward in increasing visibility of the country’s minority LGBT citizens and amplifying their voices on the national stage. His victory is a testament that candidates no longer need to stay in the closet in order to become elected and signals a shift toward a more inclusive group of officials in Congress.

Click here to read more of GLAAD’s election night coverage and about the marriage victories in Maryland, Maine and Minnesota.

With enough ballots counted to make it official, Washington State has become one of the first three states to approve marriage equality through a voter referendum. With 60 percent of the vote counted, Referendum 74 already has the support of 65% of King County (where Seattle is located) and is performing well in key Eastern Washington counties.  It is now impossible for opponents to overcome the 52-48% spread for R74. Referendum 74 was the ballot measure that “concerns marriage for same sex couples”.  

The delay in announcing the results was because Washington is a vote-by-mail state. Ballots had to be postmarked or dropped in a collection box by the end of the day on November 6. This meant that many of the ballots were not able to be counted until the next day.

“This is a clear win,” said WUM campaign manager Zach Silk. “We have run the numbers every which way, and we can now confidently say that we have won. This is an historic day for Washington, an historic day for our country and, most of all, for families across the state who have dreamed of this day and the wedding celebrations to come.”

Washington will join Maine and Maryland, both of whom passed marriage equality at the ballot box this election cycle as well. Additionally, voters in Minnesota rejected an anti-marriage equality constitutional amendment.

GLAAD has been working with marriage equality supporters in Washington for several months now through the passage of the marriage equality, and offering support to Washington United for Marriage. We assisted reporters who told the story of the wide range of lawmakers who supported marriage equality, from openly gay Ed Murray to Maureen Walsh, who lives in a much more conservative part of Washington. In fact, Rep. Walsh made an appearance at the 2012 GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles, to speak about her support for marriage equality.

"Washington voters have demonstrated that equality for gay and lesbian people is a value that goes beyond partisan politics," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. "No longer is marriage equality a divisive issue. Voters came together across lines of politics religions, races, ages and genders to make marriage equality a reality for Washington."

Leading up to Election Day, GLAAD worked to counter and expose anti-LGBT activists as they spent countless hours and millions of dollars spreading misinformation about LGBT families. GLAAD also brought the stories of loving and committed couples and our allies to voters across Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington, helping Americans better understand the families at the heart of Tuesday's votes. For more information, visit www.glaad.org/vote.

Much of the excitement from Tuesday’s election focused on the marriage questions in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington, as well as Tammy Baldwin’s victory in Wisconsin. But LGBT candidates also ran in several races that garnered less national attention. The election of so many out LGBT candidates gives a new level of visibility to LGBT people across the country.

Georgia State Representative Simone Bell secured a second term with an overwhelming victory yesterday. Bell, an out lesbian and an African American woman, garnered 87% of the vote.

North Dakota elected its first out gay state legislator. Joshua A. Boschee faced two incumbents in a four way race for two seats in the North Dakota State Legislature and garnered the highest percentage of votes among all the candidates.

Gay Republican and Wood County, Ohio Commissioner Tim Brown won a seat with the state House of Representatives.

Voters in Maine elected Justin Chenette to represent House District 134 in the Maine State Legislature. Just 21 years old, Chenette will become the youngest out gay state representative in the United States.

David Cicilline, the out former mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, retained his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives by a ten point margin against Brendan Doherty, the former head of Rhode Island’s state police.

Janice Daniels made national headlines soon after her election for posting an update on Facebook crudely criticizing New York for legalizing marriage equality. This election cycle, the mayor of Troy, Michigan faced a recall, in part because of her comments. The recall was successful and Daniels has been voted out of office.

Karla Drenner, who became the first LGBT person elected to Georgia’s state legislature in 2000 was reelected without opposition.

Before running for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 18th District, newly elected Representative Sean Patrick Maloney served as White House Staff Secretary to Bill Clinton and as First Deputy Secretary to New York Governors Eliot Spitzer and David Patterson. Maloney has been with his partner, Randy Florke, since 1992; they have three children. Maloney will be New York’s first out gay member of Congress.

Brandon Marcus, an out gay North Carolina State Legislator ran unopposed for reelection this year. He remains the only gay state representative in North Carolina.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson easily won reelection in Florida with over 55% of the vote. This will be Nelson’s third term in the Senate.

State Representative Mark Pocan won the race to fill Senator-elect Tammy Baldwin’s seat in US House of Representatives. Pocan’s husband, Phil Frank, joined him on stage as Pocan spoke to supporters after his victory was announced.

In Colorado, Jared Polis also retained his seat representing Boulder’s newly reconfigured 2nd Congressional district. Polis’ lead over challenger Kevin Lundberg ranged from just one point in more conservative parts of the district to nearly 50 points in Boulder County.

Joe Saunders was a senior staffer at Equality Florida for seven years before winning his bid for a seat in the state’s House of Representatives. He joins David Richardson in becoming Florida’s first out gay state legislators. Richardson won a primary back in August and ran unopposed in the election.

Brian Sims will become Pennsylvania’s first out gay state representative when he is sworn in next year. Before stepping down to concentrate on his campaign, Sims was President of Equality Pennsylvania, and as the Chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia. Earlier this year, he beat longtime incumbent Babette Josephs in the primaries. He ran unopposed on the election on November 6.

Former Arizona state senator Kyrsten Sinema is still holding on to a slim lead over Vernon Parker in newly formed Congressional District 9. Sinema, who is bisexual, served in the Arizona House of Representatives for six years and the State Senate for one year before voluntarily giving up her seat in order to run for Congress.

Stephen Skinner will become West Virginia’s first out gay state legislator. Skinner was founder and board president of Fairness West Virginia.

Mark Takano will be the first gay Asian-American member of Congress when he takes office next year. Takano, from Riverside, California, ran a strong campaign against John Tavaglione, a veteran Riverside County supervisor, who has a long history as a moderate.

Out gay Republican Richard Tisei lost a close race in Massachusetts’ Sixth Congressional District to incumbent John Tierney. Tisei, a self-described “live and let live Republican,” would have been the first out, Republican gay member of the House had he won.

Georgia State Representative Keisha Waites, who won a contentious primary earlier this year, was reelected. She is one of three lesbian legislators in Georgia, who of whom are also African American.Karl

Voters in Iowa have retained Judge David Wiggins, one of the seven justices who ruled to legalize marriage equality in Iowa in 2009. Three of those judges faced reelection in 2010 and were defeated when out of state anti-LGBT groups funneled money into opposing their reelections. Wiggins is the first judge of the seven to face reelection and win.

Tuesday was an historic night in many ways, and the election of more out LGBT politicians is a promising sign that the United States is poised to make full equality a reality for all LGBT people. Having visible LGBT role models for youth is particularly important. Incoming North Dakota State Legislator Josh Boschee stated upon learning he had won: "I think it shows LGBT kids in the state that if you work hard, and you're true to yourself, anything is possible."

The San Francisco Health Commission voted unanimously to implement a resolution put forth by the city’s Board of Supervisors that will remove transgender exclusions from the Healthy San Francisco (Healthy SF) health access program.  Healthy SF currently excludes transgender people from accessing medically necessary transition-related care. Removing these biased exclusions is in line with recommendations from the American Medical Association (AMA), and follows the broader trend in government, educational institutions, and corporate America toward meeting the health coverage needs of transgender people.

The San Francisco HEALTH Council, a group of advocates convened by the Transgender Law Center (TLC) and Lyon Martin Health Services, has been working since 2010 to remove transgender exclusions from Healthy SF.

"This decision will help get critically needed medical care to countless transgender Americans," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. "More and more medical authorities finally agree: nobody should be denied healthcare simply because of who they are."

GLAAD se une a millones en celebrar las victorias para la comunidad LGBT, incluidos los latinos LGBT, en esta elección. Fueron muchos los latinos LGBT y aliados que trabajaron duro para lograr la victoria por la igualdad.

En Maine, Maryland y Washington se ha votado a favor del matrimonio igualitario. Cabe resaltar que estos tres estados marcan la primera vez de que el matrimonio igualitario sea aprobado por medio del voto popular. Además, en Maryland los votantes aprobaron una versión estatal del DREAM Act, con el cual también se solidarizaron los defensores LGBT. De hecho, se formaron alianzas a favor de ambas leyes.

"Estamos muy contentos de que hoy en Maryland se hayan aprobado la Pregunta 6 y la Pregunta 4. Las personas LGBT y sus familias son parte de nuestras comunidades latinas e inmigrantes, y muchos jóvenes Soñadores son LGBT. Este es un día de triunfo para aquellos de nosotros que queremos un futuro más brillante para todos los residentes de Maryland"

-Gustavo Torres, director ejecutivo de CASA de Maryland, la más grande organización en ese estado en pro de los derechos de los latinos e inmigrantes.

"Ayer, miles de electores de Maryland emitieron su voto a favor de las Preguntas 4 y 6 precisamente porque era lo correcto y lo justo. La colaboración entre CASA de Maryland y Equality Maryland para resaltar a tanto las parejas del mismo sexo como a los Soñadores LGBT resultó en el apoyo mutuo entre ambas comunidades."

-Carrie Evans, directora ejecutiva de Equality Maryland

"Al igual que en todo el país, los latinos de Minnesota formaron parte de la historia. Ayudamos a derrotar dos enmiendas constitucionales divisivas, una que habría limitado los derechos de voto, y la otra la libertad para casarse. Nuestros adversarios intentaron causar división entre los latinos, pero frente a eso nos mostramos solidarios con la familia y la justicia."

-Javier Morillo, Minnesotans United for all Families y presidente de Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26

En los días previos a las elecciones, GLAAD se desempeñó en contrarrestar y exponer a activistas anti-LGBT que pasaron un sin número de horas y millones de dólares difundiendo información falsa acerca de las familias LGBT. GLAAD también resaltó las historias de parejas y nuestros aliados para os votantes a través de Maine, Maryland, Minnesota y Washington, ayudando a que los estadounidenses comprendieran mejor quiénes eran las familias sobre cuyas vidas se estaba votando el martes.

Para más noticias sobre las elecciones , visita a www.glaad.org/vote

GLAAD joins millions in celebrating the gains made for LGBT Americans in this election, including LGBT Latinos. Many LGBT Latinos and allies worked hard to ensure victory for equality.

Maine and Maryland passed marriage equality at the ballot box, while Washington is continuing to count ballots toward marriage equality. These three states mark the first time that marriage equality has been upheld by a voter referendum. Additionally, Maryland passed a state-wide version of the DREAM Act, which was also supported by LGBT advocates Alliances were formed to support both bills.

“We are thrilled that Question 6 and Question 4 were approved today in Maryland. LGBT people and their families are part of our Latino and immigrant communities and many young DREAMers are LGBT. This is a day of triumph for those of us who want a bright future for all Marylanders"

-Gustavo Torres, executive director of CASA de Maryland, the state’s largest Latino and immigrant rights organization

“Yesterday, thousands of Maryland voters cast their votes for Questions 4 and 6 because it was the right and fair thing to do. The work of CASA and Equality Maryland to highlight same-sex immigrant couples and LGBT DREAMers resulted in both communities mutually supporting one another."

-Carrie Evans, executive director of Equality Maryland

"As across the country, Minnesota Latinos were a part of history.  We helped defeat two divisive constitutional amendments, one that would restrict voting rights and the other the freedom to marry. Our opponents tried to divide Latinos, but we stood with family and we stood with justice."

-Javier Morillo, Minnesotans United for All Families and president of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26

Leading up to Election Day, GLAAD worked to counter and expose anti-LGBT activists as they spent countless hours and millions of dollars spreading misinformation about LGBT families. GLAAD also brought the stories of loving and committed couples and our allies to voters across Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington, helping Americans better understand the families at the heart of Tuesday's votes.

 For more election news, visit www.glaad.org/vote

Over the coming days and weeks, pundits will be exploring what the 2012 election meant. One thing that is certain, the election demonstrated the days of LGBT people being invisible, or worse, a wedge issue, are over.

For same-sex couples in Maine, Maryland and Washington, marriage equality became a reality through the ballot box. These three states are the first to ensure marriage equality directly from the voters.

Minnesota voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have further banned marriage equality, breaking a 30-state streak of constitutional amendments that limit marriage equality.

Supporters of equality, like President Barack Obama, won reelection, even after publically supporting full equality, including marriage equality for LGBT people.

And amazing numbers of LGBT people were elected to national, state, and local offices, providing visibility and leadership for the country, and being elected while being out about their LGBT identity.

The LGBT movement partnered successfully with other progressive campaigns, leading to wins that will protect LGBT people, as well as other minority groups. Minnesota rejected a strict voter ID constitutional amendment, which had the possibility of disenfranchising LGBT voters, as well as other minority groups, students, and seniors. Additionally, LGBT advocates supported the Maryland version of the DREAM Act, which was also supported by LGBT advocates.

Millions of people voted to be on the right side of history. As we said to our constituency, “Equality for LGBT people is no longer a partisan issue but an issue of human dignity. And we at GLAAD will not stop until full equality is a reality for everyone.”  

Leading up to Election Day, GLAAD worked to counter and expose anti-LGBT activists as they spent countless hours and millions of dollars spreading misinformation about LGBT families. GLAAD also brought the stories of loving and committed couples and our allies to voters across Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington, helping Americans better understand the families at the heart of Tuesday's votes.

For more election news, visit www.glaad.org/vote

The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP), a New York City-based non-profit organization run collectively by and for low income trans communities and trans communities of color, will celebrate its 10thanniversary on November 8thby honoring activists who have worked to improve the lives of trans people of color. 

Named for Sylvia Rivera, a veteran of the 1969 Stonewall uprising and a persistent voice for the rights of people of color and low-income queer and trans people, SRLP started providing free legal help to trans New Yorkers in 2002.  Since then, SRLP has used precedent-setting litigation, policy reform work, public education and direct services to address the myriad issues facing trans communities and provided help to thousands of people in crisis.  SRLP’s work has changed the conversation about trans rights, putting poverty and racism at the center, and building awareness about the dangers trans people face in prisons, jails, immigration systems, foster care and homeless shelters.

“SRLP has been an important influence on the LGBT movement as a whole, bringing attention to the urgent issues faced by trans people of color and poor people who have often been left behind.  In this way, SRLP continues the legacy of Sylvia Rivera,” said  Elana Redfield, Director of Legal Services & Policy Initiatives, SRLP.

In honor of its 10th anniversary, SRLP will honor New York City based activists including trans advocate and writer Janet Mock, transgender Latina activist and grassroots organizer Lorena Borjas, SRLP board member and community activist Stefanie Rivera, and former co-directors of the Audre Lorde Project Kris Hayashi and Collette Carter.

“We are honoring activists whose contributions to trans liberation are undeniable—people who have dedicated themselves to building a grassroots movement to change the desperate conditions our communities are living under.” –Reina Gossett, Membership Director, SRLP.

The celebration will take place on Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm at the SEIU 1199 building located at 310 W 43rd Street, New York, NY.  For more information about the celebration, visit http://srlp.org/events/srlp10/.   

Biographies of the honorees: 

Janet Mock is a writer and advocate, who publicly shared her teenage transition story in Marie Claire and a video testimony for the It Gets Better project in 2011. A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Janet speaks out about the portrayal, struggles and triumphs of transgender women, founded and runs the digital campaign #GirlsLikeUs to empower trans women of color, and wrote about her quest to live visibly in Fish Food: A Memoir, which will be published by Atria Books in October 2013. She also tells stories from her life on her blog and hosts a relationships podcast called The Missing Piece with her boyfriend Aaron Tredwell.

Lorena Borjas  is a transgender Latina activist and a grassroots organizer. Her principal goal is to bring awareness to the vast array of issues that impact marginalized and oppressed communities. She advocates for human rights and social justice. For the past two decades, she has empowered community members to become agents of change. She put together the Lorena Borjas Community Fund (LBCF) to bring awareness to the vast array of issues that impact the marginalized LGBT community, specifically focusing on low-income, immigrant communities. LBCF Fund is a volunteer-run project created to institutionalize the support that Lorena has provided for years. The LBCF Fund supports low-income gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and gender non-conforming immigrants avoid the collateral consequences associated with criminal convictions, jail time and court appearances.

Collette Carter is the former co-director of the Audre Lorde Project (a community organizing center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, trans and gender non-conforming people of color) and a self-identified “black queer fat femme activist.” She says, “I believe at the heart of lasting movement-building is the work of making spaces which help us sustain hope and the possibility for survival, as well as transformation.”

Kris Hayashi is the former co-director of the Audre Lorde Project. For seven years Kris was part of Youth United for Community Action (YUCA), a community organizing organization in California, led by young people of color organizing for justice. He served as YUCA’s Executive Director, managing two offices and a budget of over half a million. Kris has been active in various social justice organizing campaigns for nearly 20 years. Kris has been the Co-Executive Director for the Audre Lorde Project since 2003. The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, focusing on the New York City area. Through mobilization, education and capacity-building, we work for community wellness and progressive social and economic justice. Committed to struggling across differences, we seek to responsibly reflect, represent and serve our various communities.

Instinct Magazine has included Spirit Day Ambassador Shane Bitney Crone in its list of Leading Men of 2012! Each year, Instinct dedicates its November issue to a collection of diverse gentlemen "of character, of conviction," and from all walks of life, whose passion and drive leads them despite daily struggles as members of the LGBT community.

After the tragic death of his partner, Shane posted this video online about the harms of marriage inequality and family rejection. Over 3 million people have now heard his story, which will be turned into a full-length documentary entitled BRIDEGROOM. This project became the highest funded film in the history of Kickstarter.com.

Be sure to pick up your copy of Instinct's November issue to read more about Shane and to find out who else made the list.

The Sundance Channel , which has a strong history of diverse portrayals of LGBT people, just announced its slate of scripted series currently in development and includes T, the story of a young transgender man named Terrence who recently underwent gender reassignment surgery.

The series, which is produced by Ira Glass and Alissa Shipp (This American Life) and written by Anya Epstein and Dan Futterman (In Treatment, Capote), will look at both Terrence’s struggles to find himself in the present, as well as his past as a lesbian advocate in college.  If Tmakes it to air, the character will be joining the very few representations of trans men on scripted series, most notably Adam Torres of Degrassi who was the first regular transgender teen character to appear on a scripted television program.

This won’t be first time The Sundance Channel has featured a series tackling the subject matter.  In 2005, the network aired TransGeneration, a documentary series about trans college students which won a GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Documentary category.