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.
GLAAD's Director of News, Ross Murray, highlights LGBT equality in the workplace at panel
GLAAD's Director of News, Ross Murray, moderated a panel with the Americas Society and Council of the Americas on "Out and Discriminated Against? LGBTQ Rights in the Workplace." Murray talked with Alexandra Parker of Moody's Investors Service, Inc, diversity consultant Imani Henry, and Pennsylvania State Representative Brian Sims, about the state of LGBT protections in the workplace. The panel focused on what laws protect employees and how corporations can incorporate diversity into their recruiting and retention of LGBT employees. Murray's participation highlighted the need for LGBT employees to be treated fairly both legally and among co-workers in the workplace.
Out & Equal conference emphasizes LGBT people and families in advertising
GLAAD spoke with marketing professionals about the importance of reflecting the diversity of the American public during a session at the Out & Equal Workplace Summit conference, which aims to shape the future of global LGBT workplace equality and inclusion. GLAAD shared best practices with corporate leaders to include LGBT people and families in their marketing and advertising materials using U.S. Census data and findings from GLAAD's television reports. GLAAD's participation emphasized the importance of including diverse families and people in all forms of advertising to further ignite a cultural shift for LGBT acceptance.
Actor Kat Graham and trans advocate Alissah Brooks launch series of guest posts for GLAAD; lead with Jazz Jennings interview
GLAAD teamed up with actor Kat Graham (Vampire Diaries) and Atlanta-based transgender advocate and performer Alissah Brooks to launch a new series of guests posts for GLAAD Newsroom that feature interviews with people making an impact on LGBT equality in the American South and beyond. The blog series is part of GLAAD Southern Stories, which aims to build support for equality by elevating the experiences of LGBT people in six of the nation's southern states. For the series' debut post, Graham and Brooks interviewed one of TIME Magazine's 'Most Influential Teens of 2014,' Jazz Jennings, who talks about her life and what it is like being an advocate for the transgender community at the age of fourteen. “There is not enough focus on the successes and the accomplishments of the people in the LGBT community, especially within the transgender community. Alissah and I have a great platform with GLAAD and each other and plan to share it with others,” Graham said. Graham is a longtime member of GLAAD’s Atlanta Leadership Council and former co-chair of the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles. Watch Graham and Brooks discuss the series here.
First openly transgender teen to be on a homecoming court in Georgia talks to GLAAD
GLAAD's Video & News Strategist, Claire Pires, interviewed Sage Lovell and her family for GLAAD's video series, GLAAD: All Access, which features interviews with newsmakers, hit-makers, and people making a difference. Sage is known to be the first and only openly transgender teenager to be on a homecoming court in Georgia's history. "Being trans is not a limitation," Sage said as she sat with her supportive family at the GLAAD Atlanta event for the launch of GLAAD Southern Stories, which aims to tell the stories of LGBT people and their allies in the American South. The interview was picked up by outlets such as Bustle, New Now Next, and Queerty. Watch the interview here.
Innovative digital campaigns highlight GLAAD Southern Stories
GLAAD was one of six nonprofits that participated in VaynerMedia's annual Vayner Day. VaynerMedia is an organization that shares stories digitally based on micro-content to build creative campaigns that engage followers worldwide. The day was designed as a hackathon, with teams competing to present campaign ideas for GLAAD Southern Stories. The creative ideas included graphics and social media campaigns to highlight the southerners that have been working with GLAAD. GLAAD judged the ideas and presented awards to the winners. Be on the lookout for elements of the Vayner Day ideas in upcoming GLAAD Southern Stories campaigns.