Wonder what we're up to at GLAAD? Be sure to check out GLAAD's Newsroom each week for updates about our latest work to build support for LGBT equality through news, entertainment and online media.
Laverne Cox to light Empire State Building purple for Spirit Day
GLAAD announced that Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox will light the iconic Empire State Building purple for Spirit Day on October 16. This is the first time that the world's most famous office building will go purple for Spirit Day in a stand against bullying. NY Daily News broke the story. Laverne will be accompanied by GLAAD and the youth featured in "Laverne Cox Presents: The T word," an upcoming documentary that will premiere on MTV and Logo TV on Friday, October 17. Read more here.
Trans youth on "The T Word"
GLAAD visited MTV and Logo TV's offices to work with four trans youth who will be appearing in the documentary, Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word, preparing them for the media spotlight. This documentary follows the lives of seven trans youth, ages 12 to 24. Laverne, one of the most recognizable transgender people in the world, is using her star power to create a platform that will elevate the stories of trans folks and introduce their narrative to a younger demographic. Read more here.
TV networks & stars spread the word for Spirit Day
GLAAD has been working with TV networks and casts of different shows to send a message of support to LGBT youth. Baby Daddy and Chasing Life (ABC Family), Sirens(USA Network), Empire(FOX), The McCarthys (CBS), and Kristen Johnston from The Exes (TV Land) are getting the word out about Spirit Day and are taking a stand against bullying. As Spirit Day approaches more casts and celebrities will send out messages to LGBT youth around the world.
WWE teaches inclusivity to NYC youth
The WWE, The Creative Coalition, and Be a STAR teamed up for Spirit Day. WWE Superstars The Miz, Darren Young, Sin Cara, WWE Diva Natalya and WWE announcer Renee Young spoke about inclusivity and equality to 450 students in Spirit Day t-shirts at the South Bronx Academy for Applied Media. GLAAD staff was also in attendance. Read more here.
Nick News features openly LGBT youth
Nick News tackled the story of LGBT youth coming out and bullying, including Marcel Neergaard. GLAAD worked with the producers to share Marcel's story with Nick News. GLAAD has worked with Marcel since 2013 when he began his LGBT, anti-bullying advocacy. Watch the Nick News clip here.
AOL Originals debut PSA
GLAAD has created an anti-bullying public service announcement that runs before every episode of AOL Originals' True Trans with Laura Jane Grace. AOL Originals generously donated the ad space to take a stand an epidemic that many young people, particularly LGBT youth, confront regularly. Check out GLAAD's "Stand Up to Bullying for #spiritday" video, featuring youth telling their stories, as well as GLAAD's President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis here.
GLAAD Rocks the Vote
GLAAD is partnering with Rock the Vote to bring attention to the disenfranchisement of trans voters. Recently, GLAAD helped Rock the Vote write and place an op-ed with Mic about the barriers transgender people face while trying to exercise their right to vote. Voting is essential to preserve the protections LGBT people have gained in recent years and move closer to achieving equality. Read more here.
Interviewing history-makers
Video & News Strategist Claire Pires exclusively interviewed Charleston County Councilwoman Colleen Condon minutes after her marriage license was granted by Charleston County Probate Judge Irvin Condon in South Carolina. Her license with fiancée Nichols Bleckley was the first marriage license in history to be granted to a same-sex couple in South Carolina. Read more here.
National Coming Out Day
Claire Pires created a video of LGBT people's coming out stories. The interviews took place at an event hosted by Everyone Is Gay and Tumblr. The video was featured on Tumblr's staff page. Watch it here.
Board member makes top rankings
Anthony Watson, a member of GLAAD's National Board of Directors, has been listed as one of the world's most influential business leaders by the Financial Times and on Fortune Magazine's 40 Under 40. "A rare openly gay executive in the C-suite of a Fortune 500 company," wrote Fortune, "the London-born Watson has been a champion of diversity throughout his career, and in 2013 became the first non-U.S. citizen to join the board of LGBT advocacy group GLAAD." Read more here.
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