Liz Carmouche is about to make sports history for two reasons. The mixed martial arts (MMA) star is about to become one of the first two women ever to participate in an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fight. She's also about to become one of the highest profile openly gay athletes in the world. And her fans, the "Lizbos," will be rooting for her all the way.

Many in the LGBT community might only know the UFC from an incident several years ago in which its President, Dana White, apologized for having used an anti-gay slur. (White recently called this incident the "only thing I regret" from his tenure as UFC's head)  In a conversation with GLAAD, Liz said that she's encountered nothing but support from UFC fans and fellow fighters during her career in MMA. "They've just been super supportive."

Liz discovered mixed martial arts during her time in the Marines. "I was looking for something to challenge me physically and mentally. Some people had suggested trying out MMA, and what started as something just to trying get in shape turned into a major life change." She served her entire tenure under the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' ban on open service. She says "it was really difficult, from meeting other people who were part of the LGBT community and couldn't be open about who they were, and my own issues with people trying to 'out' me, and the derogatory terms that people would use against (gay people). It was really difficult."

Carmouche left the military just as the law was being repealed, but she still saw that as the time to out to her friends in the military. "I expected more backlash. I expected people to not accept me for who I was, and I actually experienced the exact opposite." Even a friend who Liz says had been "completely bigoted" and said she "wanted to put all homosexuals on the front line" experienced a change of heart. "She accepted me moreso than I ever thought possible."

Many who work towards inclusion in the world of sports have noticed that athletes sometimes seem to live by their own personal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy - or they feel like one is imposed upon them by others. This was never the case with Carmouche, who has been out throughout her entire MMA career, thanks to an incredibly supportive gym. "It was my coach, goofing around, who said 'We know you are, so just come on and tell us. We're going to love you no matter what.'"  It was also her coach, Manny Hernandez, who coined the term "Lizbos" for her fans. "He wanted to do something that would unite the fans and make them feel like they were connected."

She says her fans have been incredible, including the ones from the LGBT community who are new to MMA, and the fans of MMA and UFC who have never rooted for a gay athlete before. Now a role model herself, Liz says her own inspiration as a young athlete was soccer superstar Mia Hamm.

Carmouche has said in other interviews that she has found a flaw in the game of her upcoming opponent, Ronda Rousey, who is currently undefeated. And just like in other interviews, she (smartly) declined to elaborate to us on what that flaw is.

We'll all have to find out on February 23rd, when Carmouche challenges Rousey for the UFC women's bantamweight title!

On his radio show, Family Research Council president Tony Perkins had this to say about pastors and other conservative voices who might say anti-LGBT things:

In a nutshell, this clip signifies everything that is wrong about anti-LGBT pundits and their movement's distorted version of "free speech."   

First there's the warning.  Because it's always a warning.  With the anti-LGBT crowd, it's always a case of their side of this debate being somehow victimized at the hands of the big, bad gays.  That's the game.

Then there's the "liberal group" who dug through the audio, as if doing so is unfair.  This is something that pundits like Tony always try to do to us.  They like to call us "stalkers" or "trolls" or some other denigrating term, simply because we see a reason to listen to their radio shows and note what they themselves are saying about us.  Even though they are putting on public interest programs that they presumably want people to hear or watch, it's as if they believe they are entitled to air these programs in vacuums that only allow for supportive audience members.  It's bizarre, frankly.  

And of course there's the biggie: the general idea that it's the messenger who finds the anti-LGBT clips who is at fault and not the person who chose the flawed, discriminatory, inapt, or downright offensive language.  Tony would never tell his supportive listeners to shy away from extremely hostile comments since he himself has one of the most LGBT-hostile quote banks of anyone working in politics.  So instead, he just tells them to be on the lookout for those "liberal groups" whose receptive senses happen to function.

...and, I suppose, those of us who might happen to also have a project aimed at telling the general public that people like Perkins believe things like 'gay people are pawns of the devil.'

Commentary is an exchange of ideas.  This is not a tough concept to understand.  People in public life speak because they want votes or donors or converts or fans or some sort of support base.  When one chooses to speak and make his or her words somehow available to those outside of his or her own private life, then he or she instantly opens the possiblity for scrutiny.  All of us—pro-equality, anti-equality, or somewhere in between.  Freedom of speech does not mean the freedom from dissent.

If you are confident enough to say something publicly then you must be confident enough to stand by your words when others question them.  That is called conviction.  If the anti-LGBT movement is not onvicted enough to stand up for beliefs that they themselves stated, then they need to turn their questions inwards and ask why that is, not turn their condemnations outward.

GLAAD announced the nominees for the 24^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards today, putting a spotlight on an amazing year for LGBT stories in the media.

Find out how you can get tickets here.

Vying for Outstanding Film: Wide Release is The Perks of Being a Wallflower, starring out actor Ezra Miller with Logan Lerman and Emma Watson.  A film about youth, Perks is nominated alongside The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a film about an older gay man played by Tom Wilkinson, with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Other nominees include the ambitious sci-fi epic Cloud Atlas, co-directed by Lana Wachowski who is openly transgender, My Sister’s Sister, and the PG-rated animated film, ParaNorman.

Outstanding Film: Limited Release contenders include the Alan Cumming, Garret Dillahunt film Any Day Now, Keep the Lights On, Mosquita y Mari, Musical Chairs, and North Sea Texas.

Among the television nominees, The New Normal, starring out actor Andrew Rannells and Justin Bartha, is nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series along with another first-time nominee, NBC's Go On, and returning nominees, Glee, Modern Family and Happy Endings.

The nominees for Outstanding Drama Series are TeenNick's Degrassi, Grey’s Anatomy, The L.A. Complex, Smash, and True Blood.

In the music world, Frank Ocean is nominated alongside Gossip, Scissor Sisters, Rufus Wainwright, and Adam Lambert.  Lambert had the first number one album on the Billboard 200 by an out LGBT person. And after writing a blog post about his love for a man, Ocean reached number one on Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop chart.

Other nominees include American Horror Story: Asylum, The Amazing Race, How to Survive a Plague, Days of Our Lives, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic book series, and Bring it On: The Musical.

Among the journalism nominees, Good Morning America has been nominated for Outstanding TV Journalism Segment for the Robin Roberts interview with President Barack Obama in which he speaks out in support of marriage equality. Other journalism nominees include Melissa Harris-Perry, CNN Newsroom, Sports Illustrated, Seventeen, USA Today, and Ebony.com.

For a complete list of nominees, please click here.

"Images and stories from the LGBT community continue to push support for equality to historic levels," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick.  "This year's nominees enlighten and entertain, but also reflect a new American landscape where a growing majority accept and value their LGBT family, colleagues and friends.  Now more than ever, viewers not only accept gay and transgender characters and plot lines, they expect them - just as they both accept and expect LGBT people to be a valuable part of their everyday lives."

The GLAAD Media Awards will be held in three locations:  March 16 in New York, April 20 in Los Angeles, and May 11 in San Francisco. The 24^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Ketel One Vodka and Wells Fargo.

For more information on the 24^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, including sponsorship, donation and volunteer opportunities, visit the GLAAD Media Awards home page.

Es una gran alegría que sentimos cada vez que anunciamos los nominados a los Premios GLAAD. Es porque nos recuerdan del gran trabajo realizado a diario por los periodistas, productores y escritores en los medios de comunicación en español.

Está lejos de ser un mundo perfecto, pero las representaciones que salen en los medios han cambiado, en parte porque el mundo ha cambiado. A medida que más gente sale del armario y a medida que los latinos se vuelven en solidarios cada vez más fuertes y orgullosos de sus familiares y amigos LGBT, los medios de comunicación deben reflejar esa misma realidad.

Entre los nominados están: Titulares Telemundo por su entrevista al boxeador abiertamente gay boxeador Orlando Cruz, así como Conclusiones de CNN en Español por "Muerte Zamudio: ¿Nacera Una ley?”, una entrevista contundente a un funcionario de alto cargo del gobierno chileno y un líder de la organización en pro de la igualdad LGBT más importante de Chile tras el ataque brutal de Daniel Zamudio, un joven gay que fue golpeado que finalmente murió después de caer en coma como consecuencia del ataque. Ambos son nominados en la categoría de Mejor Entrevista de “Talk Show.”

El cruce entre temas LGBT y de inmigración formó el tema central en "Lesbiana deportada" de Caso Cerrado de Telemundo, nominado por Mejor Episodio de “Talk Show” de Día. En la misma categoría está nominado Paparazzi Magazine de Mega TV por dedicar una hora entera a entrevistas la aceptación, la salida del armario y temas transgénero.

Recibiendo su primera nominación a los Premios GLAAD está el periódico semanal Al Día de Dallas, TX por su artículo "Promueven tolerancia y respeto a estudiantes gay" por Anna Macías—nominado por Mejor Artículo de Periódico.

En la categoría de Mejor Revista Periodística los nominados incluyen Primer Impacto de Univision por su nota “Respeto a la diversidad,” que abordó el Día de la Memoria Transgénero y además educó a sus televidentes sobre temas y personas transgénero en general; y también Despierta América de Univision por la serie en dos partes que contó la historia desgarradora de una adolecente que fue víctima del acoso anti-gay, y que ahora vive como parapléjica luego de intentar el suicidio.

Noticias MundoFox fue nominado por Mejor Segmento de Noticias por su cobertura de abuso policial contra personas LGBT en la ciudad de Nueva York.

"Con más de 50 millones de latinos en Estados Unidos demostrando un apoyo cada vez más fuerte a la igualdad para las personas LGBT, es más fundamental que nunca que los medios de comunicación presenten historias de personas LGBT que fomenten una mayor aceptación y comprensión", dijo el presidente de GLAAD, Herndon Graddick. "Les felicitamos a todos los nominados en categorías en español por su gran labor y por inspirar y crear el cambio positivo".

Para ver una lista completa de nominados en categorías en español e inglés, haz clic aquí.  

It always feels good to announce the nominees for the GLAAD Media Awards, because they remind us of the great work being done every day by journalists, producers and writers in Spanish-Language media.

It is far from a perfect world but media representations have changed—in part because the world has changed. As more people come out of the closet and as Latinos become increasingly loud and proud supporters of their LGBT family members and friends, media should accurately reflect that reality.

Among the nominees are Titulares Telemundo’s interview with openly gay boxer boxer Orlando Cruz and CNN en Español’s Conclusiones’ hard-hitting interview ("Muerte Zamudio: ¿Nacerá una ley?") of a top Chilean government official and a leader in Chile’s most important LGBT advocacy organization after the brutal attack of Daniel Zamudio, a young gay man who was beaten who eventually died after falling into a coma as a result of the attack. Both are nominees in the Outstanding Talk Show Interview category.

The intersection between LGBT and immigration issues was the subject of daytime court show Caso Cerrado’s “Lesbiana deportada,” nominated for Outstanding Daytime Talk Show Episode. In the same category is Mega TV’s entertainment talk show Paparazzi Magazine, nominated for its full-hour of interviews about coming out, acceptance, and transgender issues.

Dallas Spanish-language weekly newspaper Al Día is a first-time nominee with its article "Promueven tolerancia y respeto a estudiantes gay" by Anna Macías, nominated for Outstanding Newspaper Article.

In the Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine category, nominees include Univision newsmagazine Primer Impacto’s “Respeto a la diversidad,” which highlighted Transgender Day of Remembrance and educated viewers around transgender people and issues; as well as Univision daily morning show Despierta América’s two-part series, which told the heartbreaking story of a teenager who was the victim of anti-gay bullying, and who became paraplegic after attempting suicide.

Noticias MundoFox was nominated for Outstanding TV Journalism Segment for its coverage on police abuse against LGBT people in New York City.

“With over 50 million Latinos in the U.S. increasingly demonstrating strong support for LGBT equality, it is as critical as ever that all media outlets present stories of LGBT people that grow acceptance and understanding,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “We congratulate all nominees in Spanish-language categories for their tremendous work and for inspiring and creating positive change.”

For a complete list of nominees in Spanish and English-language categories, click here.

Fran meets Peter's new boyfriend on Happy Endings! Plus all new episodes of Modern Family, Suburgatory, Top Chef and American Horror Story: Asylum.

What to Watch: Wednesday 1/16

9:00pm: Modern Family, ABC (30 mins) NEW

Cam is jealous of how close Lily and Mitch have become. Meanwhile, shocking news is revealed at Jay and Gloria's surprise birthday party for Manny and Claire and Phil deal with Haley's new (and much older) gentleman friend.

9:30pm: Suburgatory, ABC (30 mins) NEW

George struggles with balancing caring for Tessa after her wisdom teeth removal and dealing with their eccentric neighbor, Fred Shay, who has moved into their basement following a career disappointment. Meanwhile, Dallas feels insecure about her relationship with George and searches for a way to bond.

10:00pm: Top Chef, Bravo (1 hr) NEW

Men and women face off during Restaurant Wars in hopes of impressing famed restaurateur Danny Meyer as they build restaurants from scratch and work to overcome mistakes made by teammates. Watch a clip below.

10:00pm: American Horror Story: Asylum, FX (1 hr) NEW

Grace's obsession with the aliens and their motives becomes violent. Meanwhile, a dangerous new inmate threatens Jude's chances of getting out of Briarcliff. Check out a sneak peek below.

10:30pm: Happily Divorced, TV Land (30 mins) NEW

Fran finally gets to meet Peter's new boyfriend, whom he had been keeping a secret out of fear that she would judge either him or the new man in his life. Check out a preview 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 Sonny.

____________________________________________________

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
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, www.twitter.com/glaad and www.glaad.tumblr.com.

When journalists mis-identify a trans person, an entire group of people sees a part of themselves erased and devalued. In a recent story involving a transgender teacher in Queens, New York who has filed a lawsuit after allegedly being fired from a Catholic school because of anti-LGBT discrimination, the issue of respect for identity is less clear. The teacher's lawyer has used male pronouns to refer to his client, though the story clearly reports that the teacher was fired after coming out as a transgender woman to the school's principal. What should journalists do in this situation? The AP Stylebook offered guidance on this issue more than a decade ago. It's very simple - ask the person whom you are trying to identify. 

The Huffington Post's Gay Voices section did just that, reaching out the teacher to inquire about correct name and pronouns. When the teacher did not respond, which is unsurprising given that the story involves a lawsuit, The Huffington Post attached an Editor's note to its report, explaining that the news outlet reached out, had not settled the issue, and was defaulting to the name and pronouns provided by the person currently speaking publicly for the teacher.

It's important to note that there are many news stories in which the fact that the subject is transgender has no relevance to the issue being covered. And if the person being reported on is not 'out' as transgender (i.e., if the person has not at some point publicly disclosed that they are transgender), it is inappropriate to include that information. However, in this story, the fact that the teacher is transgender is relevant because this is a discrimination lawsuit. If a journalist understands why properly identifying the subjects of a given story is crucial, why wouldn't they follow this principle when the subject is transgender? There is no justifiable reason. As with any story, reporters should do everything they can to include the correct name and pronouns for a transgender person in their story.

For more information about fair, accurate and inclusive reporting on transgender issues, visit the GLAAD Media Reference Guide. For those reporting on transgender victims of crime, visit Doubly Victimized: Reporting on Transgender Victims of Crime.

GLAAD’s Religion, Faith & Values program works to elevate LGBT-affirming voices of faith in mainstream, regional, and community media. To find out more, visit www.glaad.org/faith. For additional religion and faith updates, be sure to subscribe via our online registration form. We welcome suggestions at faith@glaad.org.

The Washington Post discussed the place of LGBT people in U.S. Christian denominations, putting a spotlight on the range of opinions and aiming to note where progress has been made. A Christian polling group has found that just 37% of Christians in the United States believe that being gay is a sin. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy, as demonstrated by the Illinois Catholic Conference’s “Marriage Toolkit,” still expects gay and lesbian Catholics to remain celibate.

Who can pray for America? The Inauguration benediction question

President Obama sparked controversy when he asked Louie Giglio, an Atlanta-based Evangelical pastor, to give the benediction at the President’s inauguration. Unsurprisingly, given that his church is described as “conservative and Evangelical,” Giglio has made anti-LGBT statements in the past and voluntarily withdrew when his past sermon was discovered. Instead, Rev. Luis Leon, an Episcopal priest at St. John's Church in Washington, will give the benediction.

Washington National Cathedral to hold weddings for gay and lesbian couples

In international news, one thousand Roman Catholic priests in the United Kingdom are claiming that marriage equality would prevent them from teaching the “truth” about LGBT people and would force a return to Catholics being persecuted in the UK. In France, Catholics and Muslims marched against marriage equality, despite polls showing that at least 60% of the population supports the measure.

Baptist

• Wendell Berry expounds on gay marriage
  • ABP News, January 14, 2013

Catholic

• Illinois Catholic Conference’s ‘Marriage Toolkit’ Condemns Gay Couples To ‘Chaste Friendships’
  • ThinkProgress, January 10, 2013
• Why church disdain for gay marriage is dead wrong
  • National Catholic Reporter, January 11, 2013

Christian

• In America’s Christian churches, okay to be gay?
  • Washington Post, January 9, 2013
• Christian Poll Shows Less Americans Think Being Gay Is A Sin
  • Towleroad, January 10, 2013
• Young, Gay, and Christian?
  • Q Philly, January 11, 2013
• Carrie Underwood Speaks Out Again for Gay Marriage, as a Christian: 'I'm in Favor of Acceptance'
  • Towleroad, January 15, 2013

Episcopal

• Retired Bishop Gene Robinson On Being Gay And Loving God
  • WBUR, January 14, 2013
• Luis Leon, Episcopal Priest, Will Deliver Obama's Inauguration Benediction, Replacing Louie Giglio
  • Huffington Post, January 16, 2013

Evangelical

• Obama and the Louie Giglio Controversy
  • Religion Dispatchers, January 9, 2013
• Obama, Inaugural Prayers and the Evangelicals Who Don't Like Him
  • Huffington Post, January 9, 2013
• My Take: Christians ought to shrug off inaugural pastor rejection
  • CNN, January 12, 2013
• Stop treating gay people as pariahs, evangelical minister tells church
  • The Guardian, January 15, 2013

International

• Muslims To Join Catholics In Anti-Gay Marriage Rally
  • Joe My God, January 8, 2013
• More Than 1,000 Catholic Priests In UK Sign Letter Claiming Same-Sex Marriage Could Mean “Centuries Of Persecution”
  • Queerty, January 12, 2013
• Israeli gay couple asks court to recognize spousal support agreement
  • JTA, January 13, 2013
• European court: Faith can't trump gay couples' rights
  • Xtra!, January 15, 2013

Jewish

• Toronto group brings gay Jewish men together
  • Canadian Jewish News, January 7, 2013
• Trembling Before G-d: Turning A Movie Into A Movement
  • Huffington Post, January 8, 2013
• Truth, Consequences and Gender Transition
  • Huffington Post, January 9, 2013

Lutheran

• Lutheran college opens the door to same-sex wedding
  • Chicago Tribune, January 16, 2013

Marriage Equality

• The Black Church and Same-Sex Marriage
  • Huffington Post, January 11, 2013
• As polls shift, gay marriage becomes a uniter, not a divider
  • Religion News Service, January 14, 2013
• Church issues statement as Ill. gay marriage debate heats up
  • Connect Tri States, January 14, 2013

United Church of Christ

• UCC minister takes a stand in the South for LGBT equality
  • United Church of Christ News, January 9, 2013
• Gay Long Beach pastor Rev. Mel White rails against religious leaders espousing anti-gay views
  • The Press-Telegram, January 13, 2013

The New York-based LGBT organization Harlem Pride has launched a petition calling for the creation of a Community Pride Center in the uptown Manhattan neighborhood, as reported by the online magazine ELIXHER. Harlem has been home to many of history's most iconic LGBT African Americans, and the neighborhood is the current residence of New York City's second largest LGBT population outside of Brooklyn. Harlem Pride was founded in 2010 to celebrate the lives of Harlem's LGBT residents, and the contributions they have made to the community's rich history. A Community Pride Center in the neighborhood would not only support this mission, but also provide an array of supportive services to address issues such as HIV/AIDS, homeless youth, needs of the LGBT elderly, transgender support, and more.

Harlem Pride President Carmen Nealy spoke about the importance of a local Pride Center, saying, "We launched this initiative because we feel it’s time we have a center to serve the diverse needs of the [same gender loving] SGL/LGBT community uptown. We want something that celebrates our illustrious cultural history and works to alleviate the many issues that affect us as SGL/LGBT people of color.” Carol McDonald, a 53-year-old lesbian and Harlem resident, added, “Had I had access to a Community Pride Center growing up in Harlem, it would have been much easier for me to know my roots – the roots that are anchored in the Black LGBT experience.”

Several local organizations are supporting Harlem Pride's initiative toward establishing a Pride Center, which the group plans to finance through private contributions, fundraising, matching government grants and foundation grants. You can support Harlem Pride too by signing the petition here.

This year, the GLAAD Media Award nominees include a variety of trans-inclusive media stories in several different categories. With mainstream media representation of transgender people still much in need of improvement, it is more important than ever that trans voices and accurate portrayals of trans people are celebrated. The trans-inclusive GLAAD Media Award nominees include a diverse range of characters, personalities and issues, and we continue to urge the media to spotlight more of these types of stories.

In the film Musical Chairs, transgender actress Laverne Cox portrays Chantelle, an African American transgender woman in a wheelchair who learns to ballroom dance. The comedy series Glee now includes the character Unique, a trans-identified person of color, and the drama series Degrassi features Adam, another trans high school student.

AMC's reality show Small Town Security looks at a small, family-owned private security firm in rural Georgia.  The man in charge of training and managing the firm's officers is a trans man named Dennis Croft.

MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry aired the segment, "Being Transgender in America," where the show's host spoke to trans author Kate Bornstein, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) executive director Mara Keisling, and New York City council candidate Mel Wymore about inequalities facing trans people across the nation. 

An Outstanding Blog nomination went to blac(k)ademic, the blog of trans man Dr. Kortney Ryan Zeigler. Dr. Zeigler tweeted about the nomination: "I am lucky to be recognized for the work I do to increase black trans visibility. " His Transgender Day of Remembrance post "Why Centering Race in Transgender Advocacy Is Key to Equality for All" (crossposted to Huffington Post Gay Voices), discussed the importance of prioritizing and addressing issues facing transgender people of color.

Rock Center with Brian Williams profiled Chinese superstar Jin Xing, a trans woman with her own dance company, her own talk show, and a career making action films. 

The journalism series "Generation Halsted" in the Windy City Times profiled the lives of Chicago's homeless LGBT youth, many of whom are transgender. More than 100 young people participated in the series. In his article "Why Aren't We Fighting For CeCe McDonald?" for Ebony.com, Marc Lamont Hill discussed the broad failure of the justice system with regard to the Black trans community that arose in CeCe's case.

Trans woman Andy Marra wrote movingly for HuffingtonPost.com about her experience as an adoptee connecting with her birth mother in Korea, and building a stronger relationship with her than she had ever imagined. The Advocate.com article "Eight Months in Solitary" by Andrew Harmon examined the abuse experienced by transgender immigration detainees under the supervision of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Among the  Spanish-Language media nominees, there is the full-hour of interviews about coming out, acceptance, and transgender issues on Mega TV's entertainment talk show Paparazzi Magazine, as well as Univision newsmagazine Primer Impacto’s “Respeto a la diversidad,” which highlighted Transgender Day of Remembrance and educated viewers about transgender people's lives.

Check out the full list of GLAAD Media Awards nominees here. For a complete list of the nominees that are transgender-inclusive visit here.

Congratulations to all of the GLAAD Media Awards nominees!

GLAAD announced the nominees for the 24^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Twitter and Facebook are abuzz with reactions from celebs, showrunners, network execs, and journalists.

Melissa Harris-Perry, whose show is nominated in the Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine category for her segment “Being Transgender in America,” responded to an email from GLAAD about the nomination:“I burst into tears (and immediately Tweeted this) as soon as I read it.  I can't think of an award that could mean more to me to have MHP Show recognized for. “

For a complete list of nominees, please click here.

Check out tweets from Adam Lambert, who was nominated for Outstanding Music Artist, Ellen DeGeneres, who was nominated for Outstanding Talk Show Episode, Shonda Rhimes, whose show Grey’s Anatomy was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, and others below.

I'm so grateful to be nominated for a @glaad Media Award! It was a great year! Congrats to my fellow nominees- great company to be in.

— Adam Lambert (@adamlambert) January 16, 2013

I'm so excited to be nominated for a @glaad Media Award. If I were any more glad, I'd have to spell it with two "a"s. #glaadawards Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 16, 2013

We, the cast and crew of #musicalchairs are proud to be nominated for a @glaad Media Award! #glaadawardsglaad.org/mediaawards Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) January 16, 2013

“@jen_tyrrell: Congratulations @thomasaroberts on @glaad award nomination! Thank you!” Thank You hope all is well with u & family!!

— Thomas Roberts (@ThomasARoberts) January 16, 2013

Congratulations to @amazingrace_cbs,@philkeoghan for their 2012 GLAAD Media Award nomination! #glaadawardsbit.ly/wnYgmz

— Beekman 1802 Boys (@Beekman1802Boys) January 16, 2013

I worked at @glaad for five years. Today I was nominated for a #glaadaward for my @huffpostgay piece. I am speechless.is.gd/17OmXC

— Andy Marra | 홍현기 (@Andy_Marra) January 16, 2013

We're so GLAAD that Degrassi is nominated...#punintended#cornywednesday

— Degrassi (@Degrassi) January 16, 2013

We at @greysabc are proud to be nominated for a @glaad Media Award! #glaadawardsglaad.org/mediaawards

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) January 16, 2013

My Dec. article on #LGBT workplace protections - buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/w… - is nominated for @glaad Outstanding Digital Journalism Article.

— Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) January 16, 2013

Congratulations to every one of my fellow @glaad Media Award nominees. So much talent and brilliance! Bravo! #GLAADAwards

— Rod McCullom (@rodmccullom) January 16, 2013

i'm so honored! RT @tracygarza: @fakerapper @andy_marra @chrisgeidner congratulations to all of you on your #glaadawards nominations! :D

— Dr. K. R. Ziegler (@fakerapper) January 16, 2013

Keep The Lights On has received a nomination for"Best Film" in limited release for the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards!! bit.ly/WJeoHG

— ira sachs (@irasachs) January 16, 2013

We’re really @glaad! @paranorman nominated for #GLAADAwards for Outstanding Film – Wide Release. ow.ly/gRG2b

— Focus Features (@FocusFeatures) January 16, 2013

Congrats to the cast & crew of #glee on their @glaad Media Awards nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series! #glaadawards

— GLEE (@GLEEonFOX) January 16, 2013

YAYRT“@chuckny508: Congrats to @chelywright and @wishmeawaydoc for your @glaad GLAAD Media Awards nomination for Outstanding Documentary.”

— Chely Wright (@chelywright) January 16, 2013

Congratulations to @marjoriemliu, @j9schaefer& the whole Astonishing #XMen team on their #glaadawards nomination! glaad.org/mediaawards/no…

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) January 16, 2013

The GLAAD Media Awards will be held in three locations:  March 16 in New York, April 20 in Los Angeles, and May 11 in San Francisco. The 24^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Ketel One Vodka and Wells Fargo.

Find out how you can get tickets here.

For more information on the 24^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, including sponsorship, donation and volunteer opportunities, visit the GLAAD Media Awards home page.

Tonight catch the season premiere of Archer! Plus all new episodes of The Office, Grey's Anatomy and Scandal.

What to Watch: Thursday, January 17

9:00pm: The Office, NBC (30 mins) NEW

Dwight and Clark pose as a father-and-son duo to close a sale. Meanwhile, the office enjoys a new gift from Clark and Pam unexpectedly shows up at Darryl's interview at Jim's company. 

9:00pm: Grey's Anatomy, ABC (1 hr) NEW

Arizona, Meredith, Derek and Cristina get big news regarding the plane crash lawsuit. Meanwhile, Richard avoids Catherine's advances, Jackson struggles as he starts treating one of Mark Sloane's old patients and Derek begins the recovery process on his hand.

10:00pm: Archer, FX (30 mins) SEASON PREMIERE

Archer is suffering from amnesia and believes the only cure is a spa weekend.

10:00pm: Scandal, ABC (1 hr) NEW

The White House is rocked with more changes and flashbacks reveal more information about the rigged election. Meanwhile, Olivia and Edison clash when he makes a shocking accusation. Check out a preview 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 Sonny.

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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
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, www.twitter.com/glaad and www.glaad.tumblr.com.

Editor's Note: This is a guest post written by Dr. Nacy Wilson,the elected Moderator (global leader) of Metropolitan Community Churches. She is only the second person, and the first woman, to serve in that role since MCC’s founding. Rev. Nancy is the spiritual leader and spokesperson for MCC, while also leading the Governing Board and Senior Leadership Team as we resource and support our local churches around the world. She currently serves on the board of the Global Justice Instituteas well as on the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

By. Dr. Nancy Wilson 

The question since New Year’s Day is “Do We Need a Gay Church?” A story about Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) by the Associated Press asked, “Do gays need a church of their own anymore?” HuffPost Live opened with the question “Do We Need a Gay Church?” Leaders from MCC were ready with an answer.  

Yesterday, GLAAD announced the nominees for the 2013 GLAAD Media Awards, the annual awards ceremony that acknowledges and lauds the work of celebrities, media professionals and community advocates who have contributed to the positive and accurate representation of the LGBT people in the media. This year, the nominees include a number of African-American LGBT individuals and allies whose visibility helps expand the conversation about LGBT issues and challenges the misconception that being LGBT, or an ally, is exclusive to being white and male. These nominees include a diverse range of characters, personalities and issues, and we continue to urge the media to spotlight more of these types of stories.

Frank Ocean, heralded as "one of the music industry's most celebrated artists of last year" by BET.com, has been nominated for Outstanding Music Artist category, garnering media attention from VIBE and Ebony.com:

Congrats! @frank_ocean Nominated at 34th @glaad Awards bit.ly/WielnD

— VibeMagazine (@VibeMagazine) January 17, 2013

Oprah, Frank Ocean, Marc Lamont Hill and EBONY .com among 2013 @glaad Media Award nominees: ow.ly/gTBPn

— EBONY Magazine (@EBONYMag) January 17, 2013

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Oprah Winfrey is nominated for her Next Chapter interview "At Home with Neil Patrick Harris, His Fiancé David Burtka, & Their Twins,"  which explored the couples home life and the realities of being gay dads, as is Bryan Gumbel for his "The Last Closet" segment about being gay in professional sports. 

Actress and trans advocate Laverne Cox (Musical Chairs) and television producer Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy) tweeted their excitement about being nominated. 

We, the cast and crew of #musicalchairs are proud to be nominated for a @glaad Media Award! #glaadawardsglaad.org/mediaawards Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) January 16, 2013

We at @greysabc are proud to be nominated for a @glaad Media Award! #glaadawardsglaad.org/mediaawards

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) January 16, 2013

Melissa Harris-Perry, whose show is nominated in the Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine category for her segment “Being Transgender in America,” responded to an email from GLAAD about the nomination: “I burst into tears (and immediately Tweeted this) as soon as I read it.  I can't think of an award that could mean more to me to have MHP Show recognized for. “

Bloggers Kortney Ryan Ziegler, blac(k)ademic, and Rod McCullom, Rod 2.0, are nominated for Outstanding Blog.

Congratulations to every one of my fellow @glaad Media Award nominees. So much talent and brilliance! Bravo! #GLAADAwards

— Rod McCullom (@rodmccullom) January 16, 2013

i'm so honored! RT @tracygarza: @fakerapper @andy_marra @chrisgeidner congratulations to all of you on your #glaadawards nominations! :D

— Dr. K. R. Ziegler (@fakerapper) January 16, 2013

Marc Lamont Hill is nominated for his Ebony.com article "Why Aren't We Fighting for CeCe McDonald" Outstanding Digitial Journalism Article.

Congrats @marclamonthill on your @glaad Media Award nomination! Thank you for shining light on ALL members of the Black family & experience.

— NBJC (@NBJContheMove) January 17, 2013

Columnists Eugene Robinson from The Washington Post and Leonard Pitts, Jr from The Miami Herald are nominated in the syndicated columns section.

Check out the full list of GLAAD Media Awards nominees here. The winners will be announced in New York on March 16; Los Angeles on April 20; and San Francisco on May 11. 

 Congratulations to all of the GLAAD Media Awards nominees!

Cross posted from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Blog. GLAAD is a proud community partner of the Latino Institute at Creating Change

Ivan Aguilar is a Maryland-based youth advocate, a volunteer for the Latino LGBT History Project, and DC Latino Pride planning committee member 

My name is Ivan Aguilar. I am 21 years old and I live in Maryland. As someone who is a youth and who works with youth, I’m tremendously excited to attend Creating Change and the first-ever Latino Institute.

Not only will it be a learning experience that will benefit me greatly, it will definitely have a major impact on the youth I work with. As Mr. Empodérate 2012-13 (Mr. Empower Yourself), I work as an HIV prevention educator for gay and transgender youth at the Clínica del Pueblo Youth Center in Washington, D.C. Many of us, including myself, are from communities where accessing quality education, jobs and health services is an incredible obstacle. And although I, like so many other LGBT Latinos, have enormous amounts of love and support from our families and friends, many still face rejection because of our sexual orientation or gender identity.

This is why the Latino Institute is important to me. There are many advocates like myself around the country — in urban and rural areas — doing all we can with limited resources to create a better life for LGBT Latinos/as and our families, and this Institute will help take our work to the next level.

I want to be a better advocate and a better mentor to the LGBT youth I work with, and my hope is that they pay it forward so that we can create a larger community of advocates working together to make a difference. After the Latino Institute, I will surely be better equipped to do that than ever before.

For more information on the Latino Institute at Creating Change, please visit the fully bilingual Institute website.

National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) President Michael Triplett passed away today after a courageous battle with cancer, the organization reports.

"Michael was truly a joy for all of us to work with, and his loss will be felt among our organization for years to come," NLGJA wrote in a statement posted to its website. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his partner, Jack and his family in Alabama."

"We join the LGBT community in mourning the loss of a great leader, Michael Triplett, whose work to secure equality and improve the newsroom will live on in the countless lives he affected," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick.

Michael, who also served as assistant managing editor at Bloomberg-BNA, is survived by his partner, Jack.

Despite being one of the most inclusive science fiction programs on television, the SyFy series Lost Girl unfortunately hurt and offended many of its fans with its most recent season premiere this week, which featured a shapeshifting villain that gets her comeuppance in a scene (as seen in the below image from AfterEllen) that was disturbingly evocative of real life anti-transgender violence.  Following complaints from viewers and outreach from GLAAD, the producers of Lost Girl have now released a statement in response.

The Canadian produced Lost Girl airs in the US on the SyFy network, and follows a supernatural heroine named Bo who investigates crimes involving mystical beings.  Its season three premiere, “Caged Fae,” is the show’s take on pulpy “women in prison” films, in which the main character gets herself tossed in a jail for supernatural beings to uncover a criminal plot.  The jail is run by Amazons (as in the mythical all-female warrior tribe) and the prison warden who are secretly impregnating prisoners and selling their offspring.

At the end of the episode, the warden is revealed to be biologically male shape-shifter, who Bo “exposes” by kissing her and telling the Amazon guards that the warden has beard stubble.  One of the guards immediately grabs the warden’s crotch in a forceful manner and yells, leading the other guards to immediately descend on the warden and drag her away.  As the attack is happening, the warden screams “My mother was an Amazon!  I’m one of you!”  Afterwards, the other characters mention that the warden survived the attacks, but refer to her with exclusively male pronouns.

Whether or not you consider the prison warden to be a transgender character is open to interpretation given that the character is a mythological shapeshifter, but there’s no mistaking the scene that takes place out at the end of the episode.  The warden being “discovered” and then viciously attacked is a scenario tragically based in reality, but here is played out for the enjoyment of the audience.  It’s also evocative of the offensive claim that transgender women are “tricking” their way into female-only spaces for perverted or criminal purposes which was recently put forth in a defamatory editorial in The Observer that became the subject of heated online debate.  That piece inspired so much outrage from the LGBT and feminist communities that The Observer actually pulled the piece offline altogether.

GLAAD spoke with the show’s producers today after finding the episode offensive. Prodigy Pictures, Inc. have released the following statement:

We want to let you know that the Lost Girl writers base all episodic characters off of researched folklore, and that the character of The Warden in the premiere of Season 3 is a character based off the mythological shapeshifter known as the Liderc. The Warden was only intended to represent this mythic being. We did not intend this character to be seen as a transgender person, we apologize if the character was seen as such.  We do hope that you accept that no comparison or discrimination toward the transgender community was intended by the depiction of this mythological character.

Lost Girl prides itself on being open and accepting to everyone, and are enthusiastic supporters of the GLBT community.  We want to encourage a society in which everyone can feel comfortable to express and be who they are without judgment.  Equality and a world without labels is important to all of us at the series. We strive to create three dimensional characters, who empower all viewers regardless of sexuality or gender.

Sincerely,  

The Producers of LOST GIRL

It’s especially unfortunate that this scene took place on a show with strong bisexual and lesbian lead characters, including the “Lost Girl” herself, Bo, who began a relationship with a woman in this same episode.  Lost Girl has a very loyal fanbase among lesbian and bisexual women, and with good reason, as it’s one of the few shows on television to make their stories the focus rather than supplementary plot, not to mention one featuring well-rounded, out characters.  We hope that they will continue to set a good example in future episodes.

This weekend catch all new episodes of Malibu Country, Cyndi Lauper: Still So Unusual, Say Yes to the Dress: Randy Knows Best, Girls, Revenge, Downton Abbey, Shameless, Happy Endings and Don't Trust the B in Apt 23.

What to Watch: Friday, January 18

8:30pm: Malibu Country, ABC (30 mins) NEW

June's first single gets her the meeting with Mr. Bata that Reba has been desperately working for for herself. Meanwhile, Lillie Mae and Kim think of a get rich quick scheme when they realize that Cash always picks the winning horse.

10:00pm: Say Yes to the Dress: Randy Knows Best, TLC (30 mins) NEW

Randy recalls the ten most emotional moments from salon fittings.

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 Sonny.

What to Watch: Saturday, January 19

9:00pm: Cyndi Lauper: Still So Unusual, WE Tv (30 mins) NEW

Cyndi and David visit Cannes where Cyndi is scheduled to perform in a private concert, but the couple has trouble finding any time for themselves.

What to Watch: Sunday, January 20

9:00pm: Girls, HBO (30 mins) NEW

Elijah questions his sexuality and he and Marnie are keeping a secret from the rest of the group. Meanwhile, Hannah gets unwanted musical attention from Adam and Sandy gives her negative feedback on her writing. Check out a sneak peek below.

9:00pm: Revenge, ABC (1 hr) NEW

Daniel, with Emily back at his side, takes on his fiercest business competition to complete a deal that Victoria is determined to block. Meanwhile, Aiden takes a very dark turn and Jack and Amanda find their future dependent on the questionable mercies of Conrad.

9:00pm: Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey, PBS (1 hr) NEW

Tom, now a wanted man following an incident in Ireland, returns to Downton with a pregnant Sybil. Meanwhile, Edith gets a letter published in a newspaper in support of women's suffrage.

9:00pm: Shameless, Showtime (1 hr) NEW

Property taxes are due and Fiona is in a panic. Meanwhile, Lip begins community service and puts a bunch of kids to work for his own financial gain and Frank calls child services on his own family.

10:00pm: Happy Endings, ABC (30 mins) NEW

Max has sworn revenge on the group for tricking him into believing he won the lottery and his schemes get in the way of Penny's hopes for a meaningful surprise from Pete. Meanwhile, Brad finds a new job and Jane is unamused to find that his new title is not what she hoped it would be.

10:30pm: Don't Trust the B---- in Apt 23, ABC (30 mins) NEW

James goes into strict training for his premiere on Dancing with the Stars and Luther works to keep him on track. Chloe is jealous of James' not paying attention to her anymore and leaks embarrassing photos of him to the press.

____________________________________________________

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
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, www.twitter.com/glaad and www.glaad.tumblr.com.

Mataguay Scout Ranch program director Derek Nance came out in an It Gets Better video posted on YouTube yesterday. In the video, Nance speaks out against the Boy Scouts of America’s anti-gay policies and says he knows “the time will come when LGBT Scouts can openly serve on summer camp staff and participate in the Scouting program, but for now the most important thing we can do is talk about the issue.”

Nance cites the story of gay Eagle Scout Tim Griffin, who was allegedly fired from his position at Camp Winton because of his orientation as his reason for making the video. Several camp employees resigned in solidarity after Griffin was fired from his position, and joined Griffin in delivering thousands of Change.org petitions to the Golden Empire Boy Scouts Council.

Since 2012, GLAAD has been working with Scouts for Equality to end the long history of discrimination against LGBT youth and parents. Individuals like Derek, Jennifer Tyrrell and 18 year-old Ryan Andresen have courageously told their stories to end these discriminatory policies. Read more about GLAAD’s work.

In his video, Nance said, “The only way we will change the Boy Scouts' discriminatory policies is if those of us who are on the front lines representing them to thousands of scouts every single summer start engaging in some open dialogue on this issue.” You can watch the video below:

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.

1) The Athena Film Festival, “a celebration of women and leadership,” kicks off its third annual festival weekend February 7-10 at Barnard University. The festival features several LGBT-inclusive films including I Stand Corrected, an intimate portrait of upright bass player Jennifer Leitham whose unusual technique and extraordinary talent has made her one of the most recognizable transgender musicians in the jazz world; Who is Pauline Park? about transgender Korean-American adoptee Pauline Park’s search for belonging through research of her adoptive parents genealogical roots; and Devout which follows women living in New York and New Jersey as they struggle to find reconcile their orientation with their Orthodox Judaism religion which condemns LGBT individuals. Tickets are available now.

2) Over the weekend at Showtime’s Television Critics Association panel Entertainment President David Nevins announced that popular lesbian/bi reality series The Real L Word would be undergoing a format change and made into a documentary. “The Real L Word is an important franchise. I want to change up the show and probably not continue it in exactly the same form. […] I think we’ll do a Real L Word documentary. We did the scripted show, did an ensemble reality show, and now it’s probably going to become a stand-alone documentary this year. But I think it’s an important franchise for us. It could be one-part, be two parts, they’re diving in doing research right now.”

3) Applications are open for Lambda Literary’s 2013 Writers’ Retreat for Emerging LGBT Voices to be held in Los Angeles on July 28 – August 4. The retreat, established in 2007, is a week-long “intensive immersion in fiction, nonfiction or poetry.” Applicants submit 20 pages of fiction/nonfiction or 10 pages of poetry by April 1 to be evaluated and eight to twelve students per genre are accepted to the retreat where they will work on their manuscripts and meet LGBT publishing professionals. Learn more at the Lambda Literary website.

4) Out actor John Barrowman and his sister Carole will be writing the introduction for new essay-collectionQueers Dig Time Lords: A Celebration of Doctor Who by the LGBTQ Fans Who Love It. Contributors include former Doctor Who script supervisor Gary Russell who discusses the show’s effect on him as a teen, Tanya Huff (Blood Ties) who analyzes the Doctor’s orientation and Paul Magr’s (Hornets’ Nest) defense of the show’s campiness. The collection will be available for sale on June 4 and can be pre-ordered now at Barnes and Noble.

5) Writer/performer Alex Davis will be debuting selections from his new musical Shave at Joe’s Pub in New York City on Friday January 25, 2013 at 7pm. This extraordinary one night rock-musical performance about the evolution of Davis’ self-transformation into a transgender man is based on his one-man show Alex Davis: Man of the Year. Joe’s Pub is located at the Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street and tickets are $15. Purchase tickets here.

6) Pitchfork.tv this week released "The Queen Diva," a short documentary about bounce rap artist Big Freedia. Freedia, who was nominated for the Outstanding Music Artist GLAAD Media Award in 2011, discusses the history of the New Orleans bounce scene, hangs out with friends and family, performs and shares her story. Watch "The Queen Diva" below.

7) Out musician Erin McKeown this week dropped her new album Manifestra and the video for her first single “Proof.” You can check out a special behind the scenes video at Paste Magazine and watch the “Proof” video below. Manifestra is now available on iTunes.

8) Singer-songwriter Aiden James also released a new music video this week for his single “Hurry Hurry” about that desperate feeling to be with the one you love. The album Trouble With This is available now on iTunes. Check out “Hurry Hurry” below.

9) The documentary A Self-Made Man about transgender youth advocate Tony Ferraiolo is looking for funding help to cover post-production costs. Ferraiolo works with transgender youth and their parents to help both sides communicate and gives youth a safe place to be who they really are. He has been honored for his advocate work by Lambda Legal and has appeared in the PBS series In The Life. Check out A Self-Made Man’s Kickstarter page for more information and watch the trailer below.