GLAAD’s Recommendations for Corporate Allies
www.glaad.org/blog/glaad%E2%80%99s-recommendations-corporate-allies
Tag Archives: GLAAD
GLAAD’s President and CEO Gives 2022 Commencement Address at Russell Sage College
GLAAD’s President and CEO Gives 2022 Commencement Address at Russell Sage College
www.glaad.org/blog/SKE-sage-college-2022-commencement
WATCH: Ariana DeBose speaks movingly about what GLAAD honoree Judith Light has meant to her
WATCH: Ariana DeBose speaks movingly about what GLAAD honoree Judith Light has meant to her
greginhollywood.com/watch-ariana-debose-speaks-movingly-about-what-glaad-honoree-judith-light-has-meant-to-her-219825
The Los Angeles Blade applauds Dawn Ennis for her GLAAD media award
The Los Angeles Blade applauds Dawn Ennis for her GLAAD media award
The Los Angeles Blade applauds Dawn Ennis for her GLAAD media award
GLAAD Celebrates PBS and POLITICO Moderators For Including LGBTQ Questions in Tonight’s Presidential Primary Debate
GLAAD Celebrates PBS and POLITICO Moderators For Including LGBTQ Questions in Tonight’s Presidential Primary Debate
NEWS: 2019 is deadliest year on record for transgender Americans, 27 trans people killed this year
ICYMI: Anti-LGBTQ Activists Used Anti-Trans Rhetoric To Sway Voters in Key 2019 Political Elections
NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, tonight released the following response to the inclusion of a LGBTQ question during the sixth presidential primary debate hosted by POLITICO and PBS NewsHour in Los Angeles. Tonight’s question reversed what was an alarming trend in the 2020 election cycle where zero questions on LGBTQ-specific issues were asked on the debate stage, and when anti-LGBTQ activists plan to use transgender Americans as a wedge issue in the upcoming 2020 elections.
“With anti-LGBTQ activists planning an onslaught of false ads against LGBTQ Americans next year, it is important now more than ever for the candidates to proactively speak out against anti-LGBTQ discrimination, and tonight’s debate did just that,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD. “LGBTQ voters need to know that they have a true ally with the next president — and tonight’s question about violence against transgender Americans rightfully brought to light an epidemic that continues to cripple the LGBTQ community, with 2019 being named the deadliest year on record for the trans community.”
The previous absence of LGBTQ-specific debate questions occurred as anti-LGBTQ activists plan to use the transgender community as a dividing issue in the upcoming 2020 elections. As GLAAD pointed out in its post-2019 election report, anti-LGBTQ activists used the media — both traditional and digital media — to air anti-trans ads in states like Kentucky and Louisiana, which attacked and put the safety of transgender Americans in jeopardy — all in the hopes of galvanizing their base to win political elections.
The effort by anti-LGBTQ activists has been executed in a top-down method starting with President Trump and his administration. Since taking office in 2017, President Trump has made 132 anti-LGBTQ attacks — with a majority of his attacks coming focusing solely on the transgender community. This includes Trump’s ban on transgender servicemembers from serving in the nation’s armed forces and preventing trans Americans from getting access to affordable health care. The full list of anti-LGBTQ attacks can be found on GLAAD’s Trump Accountability Project.
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December 19, 2019
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Share your pronouns on your OkCupid profile
Share your pronouns on your OkCupid profile
Match over what matters to you
OkCupid is proud to be the first and only leading dating app to create a dedicated space on profiles for LGBTQ daters to share their pronouns. Pronouns now appear right along with the other critical attributes that make you who you are, including your gender and sexual orientation. At OkCupid our goal is to empower daters to match on what matters to them and a dedicated space for your pronouns is an important way to share your authentic self and form meaningful relationships with deep human connections.
At OkCupid, we aim to provide a fun, affirming experience for all members. To ensure this new feature accurately represents and empowers members wanting to share their pronouns, we collaborated with GLAAD, a leader itself in the promotion of LGBTQ acceptance.
“Everyone should be able to express who they are, in their own words, and to have the opportunity to find romance with someone who respects and appreciates them,” said GLAAD Vice President of Programs Zeke Stokes. “By creating a dedicated space for personal pronouns on profiles, OkCupid has taken an important step forward that raises the bar for LGBTQ-inclusion on dating apps.”
If you want to share your pronouns on your OkCupid profile, here’s how:
- This feature is available to non-binary people and other members of the LGBTQ community. Make sure you’ve selected your gender(s). You can do this by going to your profile and clicking on profile details (where you also enter your sexual orientation, relationship status, etc).
- Once you’ve done this, you can update your pronouns on your profile (by the 📣) by either selecting a dropdown option (he/him, she/her, they/them) or typing in whatever pronouns you want — you can also remove pronouns here by selecting (leave this blank).
- If you’ve entered your pronouns, they will show up in your details section for all other members who see your profile.
Match over what matters to you on OkCupid right now.
Share your pronouns on your OkCupid profile was originally published in The OkCupid Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Hallmark Channel CEO now says pulling same-sex ads was “wrong decision”
Hallmark Channel CEO now says pulling same-sex ads was “wrong decision”
The CEO of Crown Media, parent company of Hallmark Channel, has apologized for the network pulling adverts which feature a same-sex couple marrying.
The US network pulled the adverts by wedding planners Zola on Friday, bowing to pressure from One Millions Moms and religious groups who started petitions to complain about the ads. The decision prompted a huge backlash.
Hallmark CEO Mike Perry issued a statement to the Hollywood Reporter Sunday saying, “The Crown Media team has been agonizing over this decision as we’ve seen the hurt it has unintentionally caused.
“Said simply, they believe this was the wrong decision. Our mission is rooted in helping all people connect, celebrate traditions and be inspired to capture meaningful moments in their lives. Anything that detracts from this purpose is not who we are.
“We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused. … Across our brand, we will continue to look for ways to be more inclusive and celebrate our differences.”
Related: Hallmark Channel bows down to conservatives & drop Zola ads featuring lesbian brides
Hallmark Channel is known for screening mainstream movies and holiday entertainment suitable for all ages. Its movies tend to avoid issues deemed controversial.
However, many LGBTQ people welcomed a recent comment from Bill Abbott, CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, Hallmark’s parent company. In a Hollywood Reporter podcast in November, he was asked it the channel had had any discussions about including same-sex couples in its Christmas stories.
He responded, “We’re open to really any type of movie of any type of relationship.”
This was followed two weeks ago by the network beginning to air a campaign for the wedding planner company, Zola. In the adverts, a same-sex couple wed and demonstrate all the ways the brand has helped.
However, shortly after the adverts began airing, right-wing pressure group One Million Moms complained. It encouraged its followers to sign a petition to register their disgust.
“Please reconsider airing commercials with same-sex couples, and please do not add LGBT movies to the Hallmark Channel,” the group said. “Such content goes against Christian and conservative values that are important to your primary audience. You will lose viewers if you cave to the LBGT agenda.”
Lifesite, a Christian site, also made its disapproval clear.
Related: Homophobic group ‘One Million Moms’ selects its latest enemy… Hallmark movies
The complaints worked: Hallmark swiftly decided to drop the adverts.
In a statement Saturday, the network said, “Crown Media Family Networks made the decision to pull the commercials. The debate surrounding these commercials on all sides was distracting from the purpose of our network, which is to provide entertainment value.”
Although pulling these specific adverts, it intended to air two other Zola adverts that did not feature a same-sex couple.
Zola was quick to respond, issuing a statement Saturday announcing it was pulling all its advertising from Hallmark Channel.
“The only difference between the commercials that were flagged and the ones that were approved was that the commercials that did not meet Hallmark’s standards included a lesbian couple kissing,” said Mike Chi, Zola’s chief marketing officer. “Hallmark approved a commercial where a heterosexual couple kissed.
“All kisses, couples and marriages are equal celebrations of love and we will no longer be advertising on Hallmark.”
Yesterday, it appeared even Netflix was wading in on the controversy. Its official US Twitter account posted two images of movies featuring lesbians, with the comment: “Titles Featuring Lesbians Joyfully Existing And Also It’s Christmas Can We Just Let People Love Who They Love.”
It prompted a response from Zola’s official Twitter account, lamenting the fact Netflix didn’t carry adverts.
“The only time we wish you had commercials! #loveislove”
The only time we wish you had commercials! #loveislove
— Zola (@Zola) December 15, 2019
Among those to criticize Hallmark Channel were GLAAD and other LGBTQ campaign groups, the advert’s director, Lauren Slick, Ellen DeGeneres, and actor William Shatner.
PROUD to have directed this ad with some beautiful people and PROUD to support gay rights. #boycotthallmark t.co/lHBjx9Hhtv
— Lauren Sick (@laurensick) December 15, 2019
Isn’t it almost 2020? @hallmarkchannel, @billabbottHC… what are you thinking? Please explain. We’re all ears.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 15, 2019
Shame on @hallmarkchannel! ?Put the commercials back! @1milmoms has 4K followers. I have 2.5 million and my friends have more. Who are you going to listen to? They are NOT a majority here. Both me and my followers watch your shows, do they? ????? #loveislove Do the right thing. t.co/Af4UWf59xi
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 15, 2019
Hallmark’s U-turn was welcomed by GLAAD. Its President, Sarah Kate Ellis, said in a statement, “The Hallmark Channel’s decision to correct its mistake sends an important message to LGBTQ people and represents a major loss for fringe organizations, like One Million Moms, whose sole purpose is to hurt families like mine.
“LGBTQ people are, and will continue to be a part of advertisements and family programming and that will never change. GLAAD exists to hold brands like The Hallmark Channel accountable when they make discriminatory decisions and to proactively ensure families of all kinds are represented in fair and accurate ways.”
Victory! The Hallmark Channel will reinstate LGBTQ-inclusive advertisements after GLAAD and the LGBTQ community spoke out
Victory! The Hallmark Channel will reinstate LGBTQ-inclusive advertisements after GLAAD and the LGBTQ community spoke out
Photo Credit: Zola
On Sunday, GLAAD responded to The Hallmark Channel’s decision to reinstate TV ads featuring a same-sex couple after facing pressure from GLAAD and the LGBTQ community.
GLAAD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, said in a statement: “The Hallmark Channel’s decision to correct its mistake sends an important message to LGBTQ people and represents a major loss for fringe organizations, like One Million Moms, whose sole purpose is to hurt families like mine. LGBTQ people are, and will continue to be, a part of advertisements and family programming and that will never change. GLAAD exists to hold brands like The Hallmark Channel accountable when they make discriminatory decisions and to proactively ensure families of all kinds are represented in fair and accurate ways.” GLAAD was also on CNN immediately after Hallmark Channel reversed its decision.
On Thursday, the Hallmark Channel pulled TV ads featuring brides kissing from its airwaves after deeming the content “controversial.” A series of six ads for the wedding planning website Zola first appeared on the Hallmark Channel on December 2nd. The decision to pull the ads featuring two women kissing came after the network faced pressure from the anti-LGBTQ hate group One Million Moms.
GLAAD created a petition urging Hallmark Channel to reinstate the ads which garnered thousands of signatures, spoke out in the press including on NBC Nightly News, and also had conversations with The Hallmark Channel. GLAAD also worked with media to expose the One Million Moms and their continued agenda to dehumanize LGBTQ people and spread hatred and misinformation about our community.
In a press release on Sunday, the Hallmark Channel announced that it will reverse its decision and reinstate the TV ads featuring a same-sex couple. Mike Perry, CEO of Hallmark, said in a statement: “Earlier this week, a decision was made at Crown Media Family Networks to remove commercials featuring a same-sex couple. The Crown Media team has been agonizing over this decision as we’ve seen the hurt it has unintentionally caused. Said simply, they believe this was the wrong decision. Our mission is rooted in helping all people connect, celebrate traditions, and be inspired to capture meaningful moments in their lives. Anything that detracts for this purpose is not who we are. As the CEO of Hallmark, I am sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused.”
Perry continued: “Hallmark is, and always has been, committed to diversity and inclusion – both in our workplace as well as the products and experiences we create. It is never Hallmark’s intention to be divisive or generate controversy. We are an inclusive company and have a track record to prove it. We have LGBTQ greeting cards and feature LGBTQ couples in commercials…Hallmark will be working with GLAAD to better represent the LGBTQ community across our portfolio of brands. The Hallmark Channel will be reaching out to Zola to reestablish our partnership and reinstate the commercials.”
After the advertisements were initially pulled from air, GLAAD released the following statement from President & CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis: “The Hallmark Channel’s decision to remove LGBTQ families in such a blatant way is discriminatory and especially hypocritical coming from a network that claims to present family programming and also recently stated they are ‘open’ to LGBTQ holiday movies. As so many other TV and cable networks showcase, LGBTQ families are part of family programming. Advertisers on The Hallmark Channel should see this news and question whether they want to be associated with a network that chooses to bow to fringe anti-LGBTQ activist groups, which solely exist to harm LGBTQ families.”
LGBTQ-inclusive advertising has become increasingly popular from brands across industries, and plays an outsized role in enabling LGBTQ families to see themselves reflected positively in the media. Recently, Pantene, in partnership with GLAAD and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, partnered to create a video series entitled “Going Home for the Holidays“, which seeks to bring awareness to the unique challenges that many LGBTQ people face during the holiday season.
Hallmark’s decision comes during a year where LGBTQ representation on television has hit its pinnacle: GLAAD’s 2019 Where We Are on TV report found that 10.2% of series regular characters on television were LGBTQ, a record high.
December 15, 2019
5 perfect holiday gifts for your gender-independent loved ones
5 perfect holiday gifts for your gender-independent loved ones
There’s nothing like a non-binary BFF to bust down stereotypes, forge new freedoms, and create space for everyone to be their authentic best.
Here are five great ways to show your appreciation for your friend who refuses to be pigeonholed.
1. All For One
Aren’t you tired of skincare and fragrance that’s categorized into his and hers? Us, too. Fortunately so is Calvin Klein. His CK All fragrance ($52) is for — you guessed it — everyone. If your pal likes citrus and green tea (and who doesn’t), they’ll love this clean, light fragrance.
2. Billie Club
Give your friend an emblem of everyone’s favorite new gender-defying genius. Billie Eilish, the 17-year-old sound sensation who’s pronounced gender an “ancient” concept, has cool urban merch like this Red Beanie with her signature logo ($20).
3. 50 Shades of Grey
Let’s face it: all nail color is nonbinary, but why not support a company who’s verbal about branding theirs as “unisex”? Context carries 17 glam shades ($15) with sexy names like “Breaking the Law” and “Unfaithful,” all of them vegan and free of nasty poisons. Our favorite might be the gunmetal grey “Destroyer,” as in destroyer of stereotypes, we presume.
4. The Singularity Is Near
We can’t resist this adorable long-sleeved tee from Laurelhach on Redbubble ($25.20) that comes with a built-in lesson about the singular “they,” just in case your friend has to deal with anyone who’s been asleep for the past few years.
5. On the Same Page
If your BFF’s got more material things than they can manage, help spread the love by giving a chunk of change in their name to a favorite LGBTQ nonprofit. We suggest a donation to GLAAD, or use GLAAD’s Resources page to find links to others.
GLAAD partners with Pantene & the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles for “Going Home for the Holidays” #BEAUTIFULGBTQ videos
GLAAD partners with Pantene & the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles for “Going Home for the Holidays” #BEAUTIFULGBTQ videos
Credit: Pantene
Today, Pantene, in partnership with GLAAD & the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, has released a new video series called “Going Home for the Holidays,” which seeks to bring awareness to the unique challenges that some members of the LGBTQ community face during the holiday season.
Although 137 million Americans will travel home this holiday season, the “Going Home for the Holidays” series highlights how an estimated 44% of LGBTQ people feel like they can not come home as their true selves. The video series also showcases members of the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles as they share their own experiences of going home, set to the soundtrack of their rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Through the series, Pantene wants to celebrate and encourage individuals to be proud of who they are – whenever, wherever, and however they come home.
Pantene’s new “Going Home for the Holidays” video series builds upon the brand’s “Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Beautiful” Campaign, launched during Pride Month 2019. In addition to the main campaign video, the “Going Home for the Holidays” series also features videos of four members of the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles as they share their own stories and speak about why coming home should be #BeautifuLGBTQ. Check out their stories below:
“At Pantene, we are committed to sharing diverse stories and overcoming obstacles to eliminate bias, celebrate personal expression and show a more inclusive world that emanates a holistic definition of beauty. “Going Home for the Holidays” sheds light on a universal experience felt amongst the LGBTQ+ community – the personal heartache of not being able to share their truest identity with family and friends, even at this special time of the year,” said Ilaria Resta, Vice President, North America Hair Care, Procter & Gamble. “We are honored to be stewards of the LGBTQ+ community and to help tell their important and transformational stories.”
“Pantene is setting the standard for authentic inclusion of LGBTQ people and stories among brands that transcend industries,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “LGBTQ stories need to be told by brands outside of Pride month and Pantene is demonstrating a real commitment to LGBTQ storytelling with this moving holiday video. Especially around the holidays when too many LGBTQ people feel isolated, it’s so important to remind community members who celebrate with families – chosen or otherwise – that they are beautiful.”
The Trans Chorus of LA will next perform at GLAAD’s annual holiday celebration, GLAAD Tidings in Los Angeles.
December 5, 2019