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One simple graphic shows the anti-LGBT animus behind Indiana's new law
Indiana Governor Mike Pence has repeatedly claimed that his state's "religious liberty" law does not target LGBT people or same-sex couples. However, Twitter user @seamonkey237 used a photo of the signing ceremony and information from GLAAD's Commentator Accountability Project to demonstrate otherwise. The graphic makes note of three leading anti-LGBT activists, Micah Clark, Curt Smith, and Eric Miller, and the extreme anti-LGBT comments they have made. GLAAD has been a leader in this conversation with mentions in various outlets. For example, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis joined the Indianapolis Star's Matthew Tully and Tim Lanane, Democratic leader in the Indiana State Senate, to discuss the law on MSNBC's show "Now with Alex Wagner." Also on television, FOX Business has aired the graphic, Al Sharpton mentioned the graphic on MSNBC's show "PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton," and CNN's Chris Cuomo used information from the graphic during "New Day," as well as his one-hour special devoted to the law. He also confronted both the Governor and the Lt. Governor of Indiana with GLAAD's data about the anti-LGBT activists at the signing. GLAAD's efforts have been mentioned in outlets including USA Today, The Huffington Post, New York Magazine, The Indianapolis Star, and Advocate. Read more here.
Monica Trasandes comments on Indiana law for Latino audience
GLAAD's Director of Spanish-Language Media Monica Trasandes appeared on "Realidades en Contexto" on CNN en Español to talk about the religious exemption law that was passed in Indiana and its potential impact. Trasandes felt the need to participate because while the story is getting a lot of traction in Spanish-language media, many of the segments have not included LGBT spokespeople. Watch part one and part two.
Ross Murray pens piece on what Bob Jones' apology means 35 years later
Last week, Bob Jones III, former president of Bob Jones University, apologized for statements he made in 1980, calling for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) to be stoned to death. GLAAD's Director of Programs Ross Murray wrote and published an op-ed in a South Carolina newspaper The Greenville News, discussing what this apology means 35 years after the statement was made. While Bob Jones University is nowhere near to affirming LGBT people, Jones' apology does signify an important step toward acceptance, especially within religious circles. Read more here.
Matt Kane and Nick Adams highlight television's LGBT-inclusive storytelling on the radio
GLAAD's Director of Entertainment Media Matt Kane and GLAAD's Director of Communications Nick Adams were interviewed separately on KPCC's The Frame. Kane discussed the GLAAD Media Awards, GLAAD's work in the entertainment industry, and the rise of LGBT representation on television, in addition to GLAAD's first-ever award recognition for a video game. Adams discussed the increase in the number of transgender roles following the success of shows like "Orange is the New Black" and "Transparent." The segment with Adams also featured interviews with "Transparent" creator Jill Soloway and actress Alexandra Billings and discussed how these roles may present new opportunities for transgender actors. Listen to Kane here and Adams here.
Latino LGBT families get recognition during Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Parent's Day
GLAAD's Director of Spanish-Language Media Monica Trasandes and Strategist Janet Quezada are connecting LGBT Latino families with media outlets for Mother's Day, Father's Day and Parent's Day to ensure that coverage includes diverse family structures with LGBT people. One of the stories is about two Latino dads who raised four boys. The team shared their story featured in The Huffington Post with producers at Telemundo, who then decided to produce a piece about this family. Read more here.
GLAAD interviews creator and actor from USA's DIG about gay character
GLAAD's Video & News Strategist Claire Pires interviewed Gideon Raff, openly gay creator of USA's series "DIG," and Ori Pfeffer, who plays Detective Golan Cohen on the series. Pires filmed and edited the interview for GLAAD's video series, GLAAD: All Access. Raff and Pfeffer talked about the intersection of religion and LGBT issues as it pertains to Pfeffer's character, who just came out as gay on last week's episode. The video was picked up by Out. Watch the interview here.
GLAAD Media Awards Latino winners participate in #ATuLado campaign
GLAAD's Director of Spanish-Language Media Monica Trasandes and Strategist Janet Quezada have reached out to all of the nominees and winners that were announced during the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles through social media channels to increase their participation in the #ATuLado campaign, GLAAD's Spanish-language campaign to engage LGBT people and allies. As part of this effort, Monica Trasandes published a piece in Huffington Post Voces about the campaign and the awards. Read more here.
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