Wonder what we’re up to at GLAAD?
Be sure to check out GLAAD's Blog each week for updates about our latest work to build support for LGBT equality through news, entertainment and online media.
GLAAD was the official media partner for pre-release screenings of Netflix's new hit series Orange is the New Black in New York and San Francisco. Following the screening, GLAAD also hosted panel discussions that included Piper Kerman, the author of the memoir on which the series in based, stars of the series Natasha Lyonne and Samira Wiley, executive producer Sara Hess, and The Advocate's Diane Anderson-Minshall. The series features a variety of women of different gender and sexual identities, including openly transgender actress and activist Laverne Cox.
The congressional news outlet The Hill published an op-ed by GLAAD's Dave Montez, in which he calls on the U.S. House of Representatives to act on immigration reform, as the lives of 11 million men, women and children, including 267,000 LGBT immigrants, hang in the balance. In the op-ed, Montez highlights the fact that poll after poll shows that, across political, geographic and demographic lines, Americans overwhelmingly support comprehensive immigration reform. Last month, the Senate passed the immigration reform bill by a wide 68-32 margin, and though far from perfect (in particular because of provisions that make draconian demands for excessive enforcement provisions and border armament), it is now time for the House to act. Montez also affirms the LGBT community's commitment to ensure compassionate, comprehensive immigration reform becomes a reality: "The LGBT community is in this for the long fight. We are tired of seeing LGBT immigrants and their and our friends and family members struggling just to live and work and contribute to our society."
GLAAD's Director of Spanish-Language Media Team spoke with Foreign Policy magazine about the controversy that erupted after President Obama appointed an openly gay man as an ambassador to the Dominican Republic. GLAAD's Spanish-Language Media Strategist spoke with Latino news and entertainment outlet Voxxi.com on the lack of immigrant voices in media coverage around immigration reform.
GLAAD is part of a coalition of LGBT groups in support of a fair and humane comprehensive immigration reform. Every day, 1,100 families are torn apart because of immigration injustices. The LGBT community is watching to ensure House Democrats work with their chamber’s leadership to update our antiquated immigration policies to reflect our county’s commitment to keep families together.
Following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, over 35 national LGBT focused groups, including GLAAD, renewed their original call to action on recent issues of violence. "My heart breaks for Trayvon Martin's parents, family, friends, and everyone who has called for justice for Trayvon. The co-signed statement states, in part, "Every person, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, must be able to walk the streets without fear for their safety." Wilson Cruz, GLAAD’s National Spokesperson, says "GLAAD continues to stand with them and all of our partners working for social justice. As LGBT people, and as people of color, we know that we cannot be truly free until there is justice for all, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender identity." Other national group who co-signed the statement include Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG, The Trevor Project, Lambda Legal, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and many others.
GLAAD worked with Carmen Carrera, an openly transgender performer, following an incident on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live hosted by Andy Cohen. Cohen played a game which asked his guests to guess whether the person who appeared on screen was a drag performer or a woman, during which it was alleged that Carrera was a male drag performer. Cohen has since apologized on air, saying "Last night I mistakenly included a picture of Carmen Carrera in our drag queen game when in reality she is a transgender woman and not a man. At Watch What Happens Live we are all about celebrating diversity and equality and it was not our intention to offend anyone. Carmen, to you and to the entire transgender community, I apologize." Carrera was also previously used in an anti-transgender prank on TLC's Cake Boss.
To get the latest updates and take part in GLAAD’s work to build support for LGBT equality, be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!