Tag: GLAAD

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News Round-Up: December 21, 2020

Joe Manganiello makes a great sexy Santa
Some news items you might have missed: • Sexy Santas: I realized I haven’t been on my game when it comes to sexy Santas this year, so I’m hoping to make up ground a bit with the snap above of Archenemy star Joe Manganiello at the beach 😉 • Right Wing Watch: Right-wing pastor E.W. Jackson declares that Drag Queen Story Hour is “the equivalent of pedophilia” and says parents who take their child to such an event “need to have their children taken away from them.” • CNN: Donald Trump has turned to a fringe group of advisers peddling increasingly dubious tactics to overturn the results of the election, creating a dire situation that multiple senior officials and people close to the President say has led to new levels of uncertainty at how Trump will resist the coming end to his tenure. • Christmas Music: Tayla Parx contributes this short but sweet track, “Ain’t A Lonely Christmas Song,” to the 2020 Atlantic Records holiday release, Still Home For The Holidays.

• The Hill: Thousands of Trump supporters are planning a virtual “second inauguration” for President Trump on Jan. 20, the same day of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. More than 60,000 people have indicated on Facebook that they plan to attend the event being billed as “Donald J. Trump 2nd Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.” • New York Times: A former Justice Department attorney pens a personal apology for the work she did in the Trump administration and for failing to push back more. • Elle Magazine: A journalist who covered the case of now-convicted pharma bro Martin Shkreli fell in love with him, quit her job, divorced her husband,…and then Shkreli ghosted her. • Variety: Outfest and GLAAD have partnered to produce a PSA with the cast and artists from the soundtrack of Hulu’s queer-centric rom-com, Happiest Season, to discuss the importance of finding chosen family for LGBTQ people during the holidays.

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GLAAD: 76% Of LGBTQ Voters Plan To Vote For Joe Biden

Today, GLAAD released a new poll of LGBTQ Americans that puts to rest the misinformation from unreliable sources about Donald Trump’s LGBTQ record and where critical LGBTQ voters stand in this election. The new survey found: • 76% of likely LGBTQ voters favor Biden over Trump, who received 17%. 5% of LGBTQ likely voters planned to vote for another candidate and 2% remain unsure. • 88% of respondents report being registered to vote. • 92% of registered LGBTQ voters said they would definitely or probably vote in the upcoming Presidential election. • 81% of likely LGBTQ voters are more motivated to vote in 2020 than in recent elections.

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GLAAD Reports On LGBTQ-Inclusivity In 2019 Movies

Paramount’s ‘Rocketman’ was one of the more prominent LGBTQ-inclusive movies of 2019
Last week, GLAAD released its 8th annual Studio Responsibility Index, tracking LGBTQ representation in major studio films in 2019. This report is essential for assessing the quality, quantity, and diversity of LGBTQ characters in films released annually and setting the path for representation moving forward. One of GLAAD’s most significant contributions to the media landscape is assessing LGBTQ representation, and holding major players accountable when there are efforts to erase the experience of LGBTQ people. The report is intended to serve as a road map toward increasing fair, accurate and inclusive LGBTQ representation in film. GLAAD found that of the 118 films released from the eight major studios tracked in 2019: • 22 (18.6%) included characters that were LGBTQ representing a slight increase from the previous year’s report (+0.4 percentage points) and the highest percentage of inclusive films found in the eight-year history of the report. • 56% appeared for less than three minutes of total screen time, with 21 of the 50 receiving less than one minute of screen time. Only nine films from the 8 major studios included an LGBTQ character who had more than ten minutes of screen time. • More bad news – there was a significant decrease in the racial diversity of LGBTQ characters in major films for the second year in a row. In 2019, just 34 percent (17) of LGBTQ characters were people of color. This is down from 42 percent in the previous report and from 57 percent in the year before that. • The report found zero transgender characters in major studio films, and only three movies included bisexual characters. In 2018, GLAAD issued a challenge to major studios asking for an increase to 20 percent representation by the end of 2021, and up that to 50 percent LGBTQ representation by the year ending 2024. GLAAD is extending that challenge to ensure that within the next two years, at least half of LGBTQ characters in major studio films are people of color. For more information how you can help GLAAD fight for more fair LGBTQ representation in the media, click here. (source: GLAAD)

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Zales & Kay Jewelers Announce Two Virtual Pride Events Benefiting GLAAD

KAY Jewelers and Zales will be kicking off two very special PRIDE virtual events this week to stand on the side of love and equality. As part of these initiatives, they will be donating to GLAAD, an organization dedicated to accelerating LGBTQ+ acceptance. First, since ‘every kiss begins with KAY,’ on National Kiss Day – celebrated annually on June 22nd – KAY Jewelers wants that kiss to stand for equality, inclusion and PRIDE. Often members of the LGBTQ+ community feel uncomfortable expressing their love in public. KAY Jewelers is encouraging friends, advocates and members of the LGBTQ+ community to share a kiss with their partner or loved one using the hashtag #EveryKiss. With this campaign, KAY wants to proudly stand on the side of love with the goal of reaching over a million kisses online! To participate, on Monday, June 22, post a photo of yourself to your social media feed using #EveryKiss and geotag your location. The kisses will then be collected and featured on Kay’s social media channels to promote love and pride around the US! Additionally, in an effort to promote inclusiveness and coming together, Zales will be hosting a virtual Pride Parade on Instagram calling on influencers and allies of the LGBTQ+ movement alike to participate and show their love and support. Zales wants to remind people that although we may have to celebrate apart, when it comes to PRIDE, we are always together. To participate, record a video of yourself on Instagram parading from left to right on the screen as if you were walking in a Pride parade. Post the video by June 28th using the hashtag #PrideTogether and geotag your location. Zales will then string together the individual pride marches so it seems like one seamless digital pride parade happening across the country! On Pride Sunday, June 28th, the digital Pride parade will air live on Instagram for everyone to enjoy and celebrate from the comfort and safety of their homes! Stay tuned for some surprise guests to emcee the event!

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GLAAD Livestream Event Raises Over $250K For LGBTQ Community Centers

On Sunday night, GLAAD’s livestream event, “Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone” brought together stars from film, TV, YouTube and more to help raise over $250,000 for LGBTQ community centers across the country. Barbra Streisand, Billy Porter, Adam Lambert, Rosie O’Donnell, Pete & Chasten Buttigieg, Wilson Cruz, Tyler Oakley, and more made appearances during the livestream digital event hosted by Billy Eichner and Lilly Singh. “During this truly unprecedented time, tonight’s event brought together some of the world’s biggest stars to send necessary messages of support, solidarity, and community to LGBTQ people across the world, as well as the heroes on the frontlines battling this pandemic,” GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. “LGBTQ people are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and we have a responsibility to highlight the impact of this pandemic on our community, as well as to ensure that LGBTQ people are not left behind.” “LGBTQ community centers and GLAAD are cornerstones of the community and we are proud to help their important work to help LGBTQ people everywhere.” said Ariadne Getty, president and executive director of Ariadne Getty Foundation (AGF), which donated $150,000 for the cause, the event’s largest single donation. Donations went to CenterLink which connects nearly 250 LGBTQ community centers from 45 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, as well as Canada, China, Mexico, and Australia. These centers are often the only place providing critical services such as medical care, shelter for homeless LGBTQ youth, mental health counseling, filling prescriptions, providing hot meals, checking on the elderly, and more. Funds raised in the digital event will go to directly support LGBTQ community centers and the 2 million LGBTQ people who use the centers each year.  

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Don’t Miss GLAAD’s All-Star Livestream Event ‘Together In Pride: You Are Not Alone’

Set a reminder on your calendars, folks… GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, today announced that Billy Porter, Pete & Chasten Buttigieg, Rosie O’Donnell, Jonathan Van Ness, Brian Michael Smith, Ross Mathews, and Tyler Oakley will join GLAAD’s livestream event, “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone,” on Sunday, April 26 at 8pm ET on GLAAD’s YouTube channel and Facebook Live. GLAAD also announced that Billy Eichner and Lilly Singh will co-host the event, which will include special performances from Alex Newell, the cast of Broadway’s “Jagged Little Pill”, as well as previously announced performances from Kesha and Melissa Etheridge. Mj Rodriguez and George Salazar, who previously co-starred in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Pasadena Playhouse, will also perform. “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone” will highlight the LGBTQ response to COVID-19 and amplify messages of acceptance and affirmation to the LGBTQ community and people living with HIV during this unprecedented time. The livestream will raise funds for LGBTQ community centers that are members of CenterLink. GLAAD previously announced special guests including Matt Bomer, Adam Lambert, Bebe Rexha, Dan Levy, Wilson Cruz, Kathy Griffin, Gigi Gorgeous, Nats Getty, Michelle Visage, Javier Muñoz, Sean Hayes, Sharon Stone, and Tatiana Maslany. The livestream event will feature performances, interviews, video messages, and interviews with front-line LGBTQ doctors and leaders of local LGBTQ community centers. Actor and producer Erich Bergen is creating the event with GLAAD. The “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone” livestream will also raise critical funds for CenterLink, a coalition of more than 250 LGBTQ community centers from 45 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, as well as Canada, China, Mexico, and Australia. CenterLink strengthens, supports, and connects LGBTQ community centers, which serve over 2 million people each year. Participating community centers will also share the livestream on their social platforms. I’m proud to be a media sponsor for the event 🙂 Follow GLAAD on Twitter and Facebook for links to watch the event.

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GLAAD Announces Livestream Event ‘Together In Pride: You Are Not Alone’

GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced that it will host “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone,” a livestream event on Sunday, April 26 at 8pm ET on GLAAD’s YouTube channel and Facebook Live. The event will highlight the LGBTQ response to COVID-19 and amplify messages of acceptance and affirmation to the LGBTQ community and people living with HIV during this unprecedented time. The livestream will raise funds for LGBTQ community centers that are members of CenterLink. GLAAD announced that Kesha and Melissa Etheridge will perform during the event, with special guests including Billy Eichner, Matt Bomer, Lilly Singh, Adam Lambert, Bebe Rexha, Dan Levy, Mj Rodriguez, Wilson Cruz, Kathy Griffin, Gigi Gorgeous, Nats Getty, Michelle Visage, Javier Muñoz, Sean Hayes, Sharon Stone, and Tatiana Maslany. The livestream event will feature performances, interviews, and video messages. More guests will be announced soon. Actor and producer Erich Bergen is creating the event with GLAAD. The “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone” livestream will also raise critical funds for CenterLink, a coalition of more than 250 LGBTQ community centers from 45 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, as well as Canada, China, Mexico, and Australia. CenterLink strengthens, supports, and connects LGBTQ community centers, which serve over 2 million people each year. Participating community centers will also share the livestream on their social platforms. Follow GLAAD on Twitter and Facebook for links to watch the event. (via press release)

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Trans People Go Home For The Holidays In #BeautifuLGBTQ Pantene Ad

Since 1943, the wistful holiday classic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” has resonated deeply for those who can’t go home for the holidays. While the song was written with World War II soldiers in mind who were separated from their families, LGBTQ people often have their own difficulties in heading home for the holidays. Pantene has partnered with GLAAD and the 42-member Trans Chorus of Los Angeles on an inclusive ad for this Christmas season featuring the song with the hopes of raising awareness of the challenges LGBTQ folks face during returning home at Christmas time. “137 million Americans will travel home this holiday season,” reads an official statement from Pantene for the ad. “But, 44% of LGBTQ+ people feel they can’t come home as their true selves, fearing their identity (including hair, makeup, and personal style) won’t be accepted.” “Let’s make the most wonderful time of year wonderful for all,” the message continues. “Because no matter when you come home, where you call home, or who you come home to—coming home should be #BeautifuLGBTQ.” Procter & Gamble Vice President Ilaria Resta said in a statement, “Inclusion is at the heart of Pantene’s mission to celebrate the beauty of all transformations and of all people.” In addition to the ad, Pantene has also produced several videos with Trans Chorus members who share their personal struggles with family acceptance. “Hearing these LGBTQ individuals speak about the trials and triumphs of going home for the holidays — as well as their irrepressible desire to be their true selves — will inspire others in the community and remind us all what true beauty is about,” said Resta. Earlier this year, Pantene promoted Spirit Day and National Coming Out Day. As part of this collaboration with GLAAD, the hair giant has pledged to donate $100,000 to Family Equality, a group dedicated to making sure LGBTQ people have the same opportunities and parental rights as heterosexual couples.

The campaign also includes videos sharing the personal stories of Chorus members Crystal S., Steven H., MJ and Miliana S.

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GLAAD Report: Over 10% Of TV Series Regulars Are LGBTQ

The 24th annual Where We Are on TV report from GLAAD shows a record-high of 10.2% of broadcast television series regulars (up from last year’s 8.8%) are LGBTQ. And for the first time, there are more LGBTQ female characters (regular and recurring) than male. Fifty-three percent were women and 47 percent were men. More stats: • 52% of LGBTQ characters (regular and recurring) on broadcast television are people of color • 48% of LGBTQ characters on cable are people of color • 41% of LGBTQ characters on streaming platforms are people of color • Across all platforms tracked (broadcast, cable, streaming), the total number of transgender characters increased to 38 from 26 • 9% of LGBTQ characters on broadcast television were Latinx, 22% were Black, and 8% were Asian Pacific Islander • Netflix had the highest number of LGBTQ characters among streaming services, Showtime was the most LGBTQ-inclusive of cable networks, and the CW had the most LGBTQ characters on network television GLAAD uses the data from the Where We Are on TV report in work throughout the year to advocate leaders in the TV industry to include more diverse and substantive LGBTQ representations that accelerate acceptance. For more information, check out the full report from GLAAD here.

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LGBTQ Acceptance Declines Among Young People

The percentage of non-LGBTQ adults reporting being ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable with LGBTQ people across seven scenarios remained stable (49%) after a significant decline last year (49% ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable in the 2018 report versus 53% in the 2017 report).
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced the findings of its fifth annual Accelerating Acceptance Index, a national survey among U.S. adults conducted on GLAAD’s behalf by The Harris Poll. 

The Index measures American attitudes toward LGBTQ people.

The percentage of non-LGBTQ adults reporting being ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable with LGBTQ people across seven scenarios remained stable (49%) after a significant decline last year (49% ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable in the 2018 report versus 53% in the 2017 report).

However, this year’s Index found the number of young Americans ages 18-34 who are comfortable across all seven scenarios dropped from 53% to 45%, the second consecutive year that this age group has shown a drop.

This reflects a continued erosion in comfort among this age group over the past two years. This year, the significant erosion is being driven by females ages 18-34, where comfort levels fell from 64% last year to 52% this year.

The seven scenarios were: learning a family member is LGBT, learning my doctor is LGBT, having LGBT members at my place of worship, seeing a LGBT co-worker’s wedding picture, having my child placed in a class with a LGBT teacher, seeing a same-sex couple holding hands, and learning my child has a lesson on LGBT history in school.

Also from the report:

• Reported hate crimes in America rose 17 percent last year, the third consecutive year that such crimes increased, according to data released by the FBI in 2018.

• The majority of non-LGBTQ Americans (80%) support equal rights for the LGBTQ community. This particular statistic has been consistent since 2016.