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GLAAD finds slight improvement in mainstream film in third annual Studio Responsibility Index
GLAAD released its third annual Studio Responsibility Index (SRI), a report that maps the quantity, quality and diversity of images of LGBT people in films released by the seven highest-grossing motion picture studios during the 2014 calendar year. While GLAAD found a slight improvement in the LGBT images depicted, there was a lack of substantial LGBT characters. Out of the 114 releases GLAAD counted from the major studios in 2014, 20 of them (17.5%) contained characters identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. There were zero depictions of transgender people. The majority of the LGBT depictions GLAAD found in Hollywood films this year were minor characters or even just cameos. Of the 20 films we found to be inclusive, half (10) of those contained less than five minutes of screen time for their LGBT characters – with several being less than 30 seconds. The media coverage of GLAAD's report was overwhelming, including stories from the Associated Press, which also interviewed GLAAD's Director of Entertainment Media Matt Kane on camera, The Hollywood Reporter, which also ran an op-ed about LGBT representation in film by GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, Forbes, Elle, Vanity Fair, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, The Advocate, and many, many more. You can read the full report now at glaad.org/sri.
GLAAD empowers MundoFox with tools for quality LGBT coverage
GLAAD's Director of Spanish-Language and Latino Media Monica Trasandes and Strategist Janet Quezada met with 25 executives from various departments of MundoFOX for a dynamic discussion about media representations of LGBT people and stories in news and entertainment. The team discussed the power of inclusive media images in educating cultures and decreasing prejudice, as well as the importance of creating LGBT characters, using accurate terminology, and utilizing best practices for telling transgender stories.
GLAAD at BECAUSE Conference to empower bisexual community
GLAAD Strategist Alexandra Bolles participated in the BECAUSE Conference, organized annually by the Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP). The conference is dedicated to building an empowered bi+ community and allies. Throughout the three-day conference in Minneapolis, MN, Bolles presented a workshop on how religious communities can best support LGBT youth and another on the best practices for speaking about LGBT and bi-specific issues in the media. She also met with leading advocates from across the country, discussing best strategies for accelerating acceptance for bisexual people.
GLAAD highlights LGBT-inclusive stories on television
GLAAD's Entertainment Media Strategist Megan Townsend took part in a panel discussion "Change the Channel: Television and the Emergence of LGBTQ Media" presented by the Stonewall National Museum & Archives as part of its Lavender Salon series. She presented on GLAAD's work in television and film, including the GLAAD's annual Network Responsibility Index, Studio Responsibility Index, and Where We Are on TV reports tracking quantity and quality of LGBT representations in TV and mainstream film.
GLAAD helps with accurate portrayal of LGBT adoption challenges in Arizona
GLAAD's Director of Spanish-Language Media Monica Trasandes and Strategist Janet Quezada reached out to the American Civil Liberties Union in Arizona to identify a Spanish-speaking LGBT couple for a story about the challenges LGBT couples face when they want to adopt in Arizona. The team then worked together to book the couple for a segment on Univision in Phoenix.
GLAAD assists model with fair portrayal of coming out story to Spanish-speaking audience
GLAAD's Director of Spanish-Language Media Monica Trasandes and Strategist Janet Quezada worked with supermodel Patricia Velazquez prior to her appearance in a two-part interview on popular Latino outlet "Al Rojo Vivo." The first part of the interviewed aired Friday during which Velazquez spoke about coming out. The second part will air today and will include an interview with Velazquez' partner Ileanna Simancas. Read more here.
GLAAD talks with Bryan Cranston, Ansel Elgort, and others about LGBT acceptance
GLAAD Video & News Strategist Claire Pires interviewed Bryan Cranston, Ansel Elgort, Laura Benanti, Derek Hough, and others on the red carpet at the opening night of the musical "Finding Neverland" on Broadway for GLAAD's video series, GLAAD: All Access. Pires asked attendees why they are allies to LGBT people.The video was picked up by Vox.com, The Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Advocate, who each wrote thorough articles about the interviews. Watch the video here.
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