Spotlight: GLAAD

The news surrounding Gay Rights has been depressing as of late. I don't know about anyone else, but writing depressing things wears me down after a bit, so this week I decided to blog about an organization called GLAAD. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is, simply put, a media outlet for the voices of the LGBT community all over the country. In GLAAD's mission statement, the organization states that they promote understanding, increase acceptance, and advance equality. Strong words from an organization, especially an organization that openly supports and promotes the advancement of Gay Rights in this turbulent time.

Every year, GLAAD does this thing called the Media Awards. These awards are given to people to "recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives." This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Media Awards, and the list of recipients is pretty impressive. The awards still aren't over yet, but in the past Jane Lynch and Chris Colfer from the wildly popular TV show, Glee, have received awards from GLAAD.

An interesting back story accompanying this year's Media awards comes from MSN TV and Gay Black Male (GBM) News. Earlier this week, MSN put up a countdown on the Wonderwall feature of their website of the 15 Most Powerful Gay Celebrities, which included Jane Lynch, Rosie O'Donnell, Rachel Maddow, and the always fabulous Ellen DeGeneres. Surprisingly enough, no people of color were mentioned. In response to MSN's "All-White Wonderwall Feature," GBM News came out with a list of the 15 Most Powerful Gay Celebrities of Color. If you read nothing else on this blog, read the article on the 15 Most Powerful Gay Celebrities of Color. My mind was completely blown. Things I take for granted have been fought for and won by these extremely courageous people. I'm not taking anything away from MSN's list, because it's just as fabulous. But if  you want an eye-opening experience, read the list of gay people of color.

How does this tie into GLAAD? GLAAD posted an article praising GBM News for the attention they drew to the All-White cast MSN posted. Is there an award for Outstanding News Station? Because I think GBM News deserves it this year.