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Ross Murray pens piece on Christianity and LGBT acceptance
After the Presbyterian Church (USA) ratified the decision to affirm marriage equality last week, GLAAD's Director of Programs Ross Murraywrote for The Daily Beast about what that decision means for the continued relationship between Christianity and LGBT people. His commentary focused on who is next, and what these internal church decisions mean for greater society. "No matter how the Supreme Court rules, the trend of Christianity increasingly affirming LGBT people, their lives, and their relationships will continue," Murray writes. "That will continue to happen because LGBT people and their allies of all faiths will continue to share their lives and accelerate acceptance among their friends and family, leading America to a place of LGBT acceptance." Read more here.
#ATuLado gets attention on Spanish-language radio
GLAAD's Director of Spanish-Language Media Monica Trasandes was interviewed on "El Show de Erazno y La Chokolata," a popular, nationally syndicated radio show that reaches nearly 3.6 million Latino adults. Trasandes discussed the importance of allies to the LGBT community and shared the news that Zoe Saldana, Kerry Washington, Yara Martinez, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ana Barbara and others have participated in GLAAD's #ATuLado campaign, the Spanish-language program to engage allies.
GLAAD highlights Empire's inclusive storytelling
FOX's hit musical drama "Empire" wrapped its first season last week and GLAAD Entertainment Media Strategist Megan Townsend spoke with Opus Chicago ahead of the finale about the impact of middle son Jamal Lyon's story. "Empire is telling a story we haven’t seen before with Jamal, an out gay man in the world of hip hop. The authenticity behind Jamal’s story is connecting with millions of viewers each week, sparking positive conversations, and fostering understanding and acceptance," Townsend said. "Empire's" season finale drew 21.1 million viewers, making it the highest rated freshman finale since "Grey's Anatomy" in 2005. Read more here.
GLAAD emphasizes bisexual women in MTV's Women in History Month piece
GLAAD's Communications Manager Alexandra Bolles spoke with MTV News about the diversities and prevalent issues among bisexual women and shared her own personal experiences. Her interview was included in a post on MTV's site for Women's History Month, dedicated to dispelling myths about women who are bisexual and educate readers on bisexuality. "Every person who is able to be open and honest about their identity is already starting to make a difference," Bolles said. Read more here.
Kerry Washington and Roland Emmerich among #glaadawards recipients
Accelerating acceptance was the ubiquitous message Saturday night at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Ellen DeGeneres presented Kerry Washington with GLAAD's Vanguard Award before Washington delivered an impassioned speech, which subsequently went viral, emphasizing that LGBT representation humanizes the community. Channing Tatum presented openly gay film director Roland Emmerich with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. Among the winners at the event hosted by comedian Tig Notaro, Outstanding Film-Wide Release went to "The Imitation Game;" ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder" took Outstanding Drama Series; and Amazon's "Transparent" took Outstanding Comedy Series. FOX's "Glee" also received a Special Recognition Award and the show's Alex Newell inspired a standing ovation with his live performance of "I Know Where I've Been." The 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Delta Air Lines, Hilton, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo; Official Presenting Partners are Amazon and Bud Light. Award recipients in the remaining categories will be announced in New York City on May 9 at the Waldorf Astoria. Tickets are available now. Read more here.
Univision hears Latino transgender voice
GLAAD's Spanish-Language Media Director Monica Trasandes and Strategist Janet Quezada worked with local California Univision producers and Jorge Gutierrez from the LGBT Latino organization Familia Trans Queer Liberation Movement to find and book a spokesperson to interview for Univision's nightly newscast prior to a rally held on March 20, 2015 instigated by the local transgender community to speak out against institutional violence.
GLAAD talks to celebrities on carpet at #glaadawards
This week on GLAAD's video series, GLAAD: All Access, host Claire Pires talked to stars on the red carpet at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Beverly Hills. Attendees including Kerry Washington, Roland Emmerich, Viola Davis, Samira Wiley, and more talked openly about why they support GLAAD's work to hold the media accountable for portraying the LGBT community fairly and accurately. "I want people to live their authentic life. I am a proponent of that. That's why I'm here," said Viola Davis. Watch more here.
GLAAD supports marriage equality in Ireland ahead of referendum
For St. Patrick's Day, GLAAD shared how LGBT allies can help bring marriage equality to Ireland. On May 22, Ireland will be the first country to hold a nationwide referendum on marriage equality, and Irish advocates are urging all Irish citizens to head to the polls and vote. GLAAD has shared some touching videos created by the #VoteWithUs campaign, as well as highlighting the work of Equality Yes in Ireland. We'll continue to share Irish marriage equality news and urging allies all over the world to support a yes vote. Read more here.
Spanish-language media outlets celebrate #glaadawards wins
GLAAD's Spanish-Language Media Director Monica Trasandes and Strategist Janet Quezada informed Spanish-language media outlets that they won GLAAD Media Awards for fair and accurate reporting and shared this news with national and international media in both English and Spanish, including the producers of El Gordo y La Flaca. The popular morning show Un Nuevo Diacelebrated their award for Best Television Interview with their millions of viewers.
Dani Heffernan interviews 52 Tuesdays director at New York screening
GLAAD's Senior Strategist Dani Heffernan interviewed Sophie Hyde, the director of the Sundance favorite "52 Tuesdays," via Skype at a screening of the film in New York City. "52 Tuesdays" follows 16-year-old Billie as her mother announces plans for transition and their relationship becomes limited to Tuesday afternoons spent together. GLAAD's Video & News Strategist Claire Pires also interviewed Hyde by phone. Read more here.
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