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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 released the first annual Studio Responsibility Index (SRI), which maps the quantity, quality and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in films released by six major motion picture studios during the 2012 calendar year. In the SRI, GLAAD also introduced the "Vito Russo Test," which was inspired by the Bechdel Test and named after GLAAD co-founder and celebrated film historian Vito Russo, as criteria to analyze how LGBT characters are represented in a film. The SRI has been covered in outlets including The Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, AP and Variety. Read more.
GLAAD worked with so called "ex-gay" survivors when the New Jersey governor signed a law outlawing the dangerous practice for minors. GLAAD continues to educate the media on covering so-called "ex-gay" programs, and advises all media outlets to check out "Unmasking So-Called Ex-Gay Activists" and the Media Reference Guide section on "ex-gay" programs. Read more.
After Private Chelsea Manning came out publicly as a transgender woman, many media outlets failed to refer to her accurately with the correct name and pronouns. GLAAD assembled resources for the media to improve their coverage. We have been working directly with media outlets to correct problematic coverage, and working with transgender advocacy organizations to highlight the importance of telling the stories of transgender people correctly. Read more.
GLAAD worked this week with several professionals from Spanish-Language and Latino media to ensure media did a good job covering the Chelsea Manning's announcement about her transition. We worked with El Diario Las Americas, Univision.com, CNN's "Cala" and several other outlets on terminology and connecting producers with good spokespeople who are happy to share their stories en español, so that in addition to learning about Manning, viewers and readers can learn about the experiences of other transgender men and women. Read more.
GLAAD has succeeded in elevating a much-needed conversation about anti-LGBT slang, specifically as it relates to a song by Mexican rock band Molotov which this summer headlined a U.S. tour. GLAAD's director of Spanish-language and Latino Media, Monica Trasandes, wrote a piece in the Huffington Post in both English and Spanish and did radio interview on KIQI 1010 AM in San Francisco and will continue doing media appearances discussing the issue. The title of their 1997 song is "Puto," which can be translated as "fa**ot" and includes the lyrics "matarile al maricón" which can be translated as "kill the fa**ot." Band members argue that the song is meant as an anti-establishment call to stand up for oneself and that the word "puto" is defined as "coward." After complaints from GLAAD and other advocates, the band agreed to remove "maricón" from the lyric when played in the United States and to introduce the song during the tour with a message of support for LGBT people. Since then, however, they've backtracked, saying that amounted to censorship. GLAAD continues shining a light on the discussion around anti-gay slang in the U.S. and in Latin America. Read more.
Actor and screenwriter Wentworth Miller rejected an invitation to attend the St. Petersburg International Film Festival, citing Russia's anti-LGBT laws. In a letter shared with GLAAD, Miller stated, "I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly." GLAAD and Rusa LGBT, an organization that works to support LGBT Russians, are collaborating with multiple organizations to address the ongoing persecution of LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and oppression due to the recent passage of the country's draconian 'anti-gay propaganda' law. Read more.
After outreach from GLAAD, the Miss Universe Organization issued a statement condemning Russia's recent law banning "gay propaganda," and which condones violent attacks on LGBT people. The organization, which is holding its annual pageant in Moscow, says the Russian law that bans holding hands, rainbow flags, and the simple act of coming out is "diametrically opposed to the core values" of Miss Universe. GLAAD's work with the Miss Universe Organization is ongoing. Read more.
An Illinois teacher used GLAAD's Commentator Accountability Project profile to confront the extreme language coming from anti-LGBT activist Laurie Higgins. Higgins, for her part, admits to all the quotes listed on her profile are accurate while continuing to demean LGBT people. Read more.
Darren Young, WWE Superstar, spoke out about being gay while waiting for his luggage at LAX. A cameramen from TMZ asked him if he thought a gay wrestler could be successful. His response? "Absolutely. Look at me. I’m a WWE Superstar and to be honest with you, I’ll tell you right now I’m gay and I’m happy. Very happy."GLAAD is a proud partner of Be a STAR (Show Tolerance And Respect), an anti-bullying alliance founded by The Creative Coalition and WWE. Be a STAR ensures a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through grassroots efforts. WWE Superstars and Divas also participated in GLAAD's 'Be an Ally' PSA series, speaking out in support of LGBT people in a PSA which aired on USA Network as part of the 2012 WWE 'Tribute to the Troops' special. In 2011, WWE began work with GLAAD to help address LGBT issues in its programming. GLAAD has since met with talent and editorial staff to discuss LGBT inclusion and the harms of anti-LGBT language. The WWE has also participated in Spirit Day. Read more.
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