GLAAD today unveiled a resource guide for journalists covering the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, which equips reporters with critical information about the country's draconian anti-LGBT laws. The GLAAD Global Voices: 2014 Winter Olympics Playbook also provides best practices when talking about LGBT people and encourages journalists to share the stories of LGBT Russian people, who face extreme persecution simply because of who they are.
The Playbook also marks the launch of GLAAD's Global Voices program, which aims to build support for LGBT equality across the globe by sharing culture-changing stories of LGBT people and families in national and international media.
"As all eyes turn to Sochi, it is critical that the media shine light not only on the anti-LGBT Russian policies, but on the real stories of the horrific persecution facing LGBT people and families in Russia. These families cannot be kept invisible any longer," said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
Check out the full Playbook below and learn more about GLAAD's work to build support for equality in Russia and abroad at http://glaad.org/russia
GLAAD is working alongside international LGBT organizations and athletes to secure media coverage and spark a global dialogue about the stories of LGBT Russians. For several months, GLAAD has also been working with LGBT Russians, as well as U.S.-based Russian LGBT advocacy organization RUSA LGBT, to ensure that the stories of LGBT Russians are prominently featured across mainstream media outlets. GLAAD will continue to garner media coverage of LGBT Russians, including those who have lost their jobs for being LGBT, those who have had to flee Russia to escape persecution, and those who continue to advocate for LGBT people within Russia.
Help us ensure that for every hour of Olympic coverage, one LGBT Russian voice is heard. Learn More.