GLAAD

About

GLAAD is a leading force in LGBTQ+ acceptance and awareness. The dynamic media presence has shaped the way LGBTQ+ advocacy is structured today and works through entertainment, news, and digital media to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and spread acceptance. One of their main objectives is to work alongside actors, directors, writers, and producers to bring LGBTQ+ characters to movie theatres, television sets, and even comic books. They also work to ensure that specific groups have their voices heard when it may be more difficult, specifically transgender people and LGBTQ+ people located in the south. Overall, GLAAD has been taking the lead in the conversation of LGBTQ+ equality for over 30 years and will continue to do so far into the future.

History

In 1985, GLAAD was formed by a small group of writers and journalists in a response to the New York Post’s highly offensive HIV and AIDS coverage. The first meeting was on November 14, 1985, and almost a year later nearly 1,000 people showed up to protest the New York Post. The program’s explosive start is what kickstarted its success, along with the change that was enacted throughout the last 30 years. \

Get Involved

While GLAAD doesn’t feature many ways to physically get involved other than donations, a huge part of their program is done through the inclusion of LGBTQ+ resources compiled on their website. While these sources are great databases for broad ways to get involved with the community, the resources listed here are a great way to delve deeper into how you can further educate yourself on LGBTQ+ topics and become a better ally, or even broaden your horizons as a community member.