John Amaechi Drops In on Shirts & Skins

September 30, 2008 by Padraic @ GLAAD

In episode one of Logo’s new reality show Shirts & Skins , we were introduced to the Rockdogs, an all-star gay basketball team with aspirations of winning the National Gay Basketball Championship in Chicago.

Last week, openly gay former NBA player John Amaechi stopped by to offer some guidance both on and off the court. Amaechi watched the team play, suggested a few technical tips and then visited the guys at their house.

“I don’t think you guys realize how powerful and influential you can be,” Amaechi told the Rockdogs, explaining their potential to serve as role models to young gay athletes. While he gave the players insight into thinking of themselves as role models, he also encouraged the athletes to stay true to themselves.

I love the fact Amaechi reinforced the idea these athletes don’t have to live by any stereotype. He told them to be authentic - themselves - whoever that may be.

John Amaechi

For readers who may not know, Amaechi is also an experienced motivational speaker. His skills were used to great effect during his visit with the team.

In episode one, you couldn’t miss the controversy that stirred when Jamel inaccurately claimed that being gay was “a choice.” It caused a major rift (and some shouting matches) among his teammates that then carried into episode two.

Amaechi worked to resolve the conflict by creating a safe space for the players. He started by passing a basketball around and allowing only the person with the ball to express how they felt about Jamel’s comment.

What started out as verbal attacks aimed at Jamel ended up as a healthy conversation. Rather than giving into bickering and frustration, the players had an honest, heartfelt discussion. They let Jamel know both how his words affected them and also how much they cared about him.

Filed Under Featured - Sports · 3 Comments

Media Balances Portrayals of Faith-Based Acceptance, Discrimination

September 30, 2008 by Ann

As I mentioned previously, GLAAD’s Religion, Faith & Values team is now producing a weekly “Faith News Summary.” The summary aims to bring readers a snapshot of recent stories impacting LGBT people of faith.

As we monitor the media and come across these stories, we continue to find that the national and regional press are publishing a wide range of coverage that delves into both the ongoing discrimination and growing acceptance happening in churches across the United States.

Last week, for instance, in newspapers across the nation, thousands of people read stories about families with gay parents being denied admittance to churches, churches being rejected by their denominations (such as the Southern Baptist Convention), but also about churches seeking formal recognition to prove their openness to gay members.

We are encouraged by the media’s openness to show both the tremendous progress LGBT people of faith have made while also highlighting the challenges we still have yet to overcome.

The complexity and diversity of stories about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in faith communities will hopefully continue to garner coverage in regional and national publications. GLAAD will continue to advocate for fair, accurate and inclusive stories that portray the complexity of spirituality in the LGBT community as churches continue working toward inclusion.

Filed Under Featured - Religion, Faith, Values · Leave a Comment

What to Watch: Tuesday

September 30, 2008 by Eleanor

8:00 pm House, Fox (1 hr) NEW - House’s hired PI continues investigative work. Watch for bisexual character Thirteen, played by Olivia Wilde.

Adam Grimes and Chad Allen (GH: Night Shift)

Adam Grimes and Chad Allen on General Hospital: Night Shift

9:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (2 hrs) NEW - Tune in and cheer on Lance!

9:00 pm Food Detectives, Food Network (30 min) NEW - Queer Eye’s Ted Allen hosts a new series looking at common food myths.

9:00 pm GREEK, ABC Family (1 hr) NEW - Evan decides to play while Frannie is away and Calvin considers a similar move. Uh oh.

9:00 pm Privileged, The CW (1 hr) NEW - Follow the crazy life of a tutor for two Hilton-esque twin sisters in Palm Beach. Their personal chef, Marco, is gay.

10:00 pm How to Look Good Naked, Lifetime (1 hr) NEW - Carson Kressley presents season two of his newest makeover show.

10:00 pm Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, Oxygen (1 hr) NEW - Out model Martin is the show’s first deaf model.

10:00 pm The Rachel Zoe Project, Bravo (1 hr) NEW - Brad is Rachel’s gay assistant.

11:00 pm General Hospital: Night Shift, SOAPnet (1 hr) NEW - Last week, Kyle met a love interest played by out actor Chad Allen. Allen is only guaranteed for a few episodes, so enjoy it while it lasts! [read more]

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EXCLUSIVE Video: Judith Light & David Mixner at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

September 29, 2008 by Justin

Tune in to Bravo TONIGHT to watch the re-airing of the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards (6pm EST/PST)!

Here is a bonus clip for today! Watch Judith Light as she presents her good friend, long-time activist and writer David Mixner, with GLAAD’s Pioneer Award.

The Pioneer Award is given to a pioneering individual, group, or media outlet that made a significant contribution to the development of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-inclusive media images prior to the creation of the GLAAD Media Awards.

And remember, GLAAD announced a fantastic contest to encourage people to watch the re-airing of the Media Awards on Bravo - TONIGHT, Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST and Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST - (click here for all the details).

By broadcasting the awards on Bravo an estimated 84 million homes get the opportunity to watch the best portrayals of the LGBT community in media and see celebrities step out to support our community.

Enjoy the video below - an EXCLUSIVE clip of David Mixner being honored with GLAAD’s Pioneer Award at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco:
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And here is some of what you can expect to see TONIGHT, Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST and on Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST (check local listings) when Bravo re-airs the show:

Don’t forget to spread the word, watch the show and enter to win!

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First Gay Character Cancelled For the 2008-2009 Season

September 29, 2008 by Sarah

After three weeks of less-than-stellar ratings, Fox has canceled its first series this season, the comedy Do Not Disturb. This means gay character Larry (played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson) has disappeared, leaving us with only 12 supporting LGBT characters on broadcast TV.

The cast of Do Not Disturb

As we reported last week in GLAAD’s 13th Annual “Where We Are on TV” report, Fox lead the broadcast nets with the highest percentage of announced lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender series regular characters (5%). We heralded Fox as showing the “most improvement” of any network, due mainly to its increase in bisexual representation. (Angela on Bones and Thirteen on House are both bi women and supporting characters.)

Now, with Larry gone, Fox has only four LGBT characters. NBC follows with two, The CW depicts one, and CBS does not have any LGBT series regular characters. Meanwhile, ABC continues to lead the pack with seven.

We were hoping Do Not Disturb would succeed. Not only was Larry a strong supporting character in an ensemble comedy, he also was a gay man in a long-term relationship — a complaint many viewers held against Will of Will & Grace fame. We were excited with the prospect of exploring Larry’s home life, meeting the boyfriend, seeing their relationship in action on screen. Sources say Larry was based on the series’ creator, Abraham Higginbotham, which gave us even more hope that Larry would be fleshed-out as the show progressed beyond the confines of the hotel.

Alas, Do Not Disturb met its fate, and we’re sorry to see it go. We look forward to future Higginbotham series, in the hopes that they, too, will feature LGBT characters.

For a complete list of announced LGBT characters on the broadcast networks, please click here.

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EXCLUSIVE Video: Ilene Chaiken from the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

September 29, 2008 by Justin

Tune in to Bravo TONIGHT to watch the re-airing of the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards (6pm EST/PST)!

Last week we posted clips of Graham Norton, Jennifer Beals and Candis Cayne. Today, watch The L Word creator, director and executive producer, Ilene Chaiken being presented with GLAAD’s Davidson/Valentini Award.

The Davidson/Valentini Award is named after Craig Davidson, GLAAD’s first executive director, and his partner Michael Valentini. The award is presented each year in San Francisco to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for our community.

And remember, GLAAD announced a fantastic contest to encourage people to watch the re-airing of the Media Awards on Bravo - TONIGHT Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST and Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST - (click here for all the details):

One lucky viewer who watches the re-airing of the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Bravo on Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST or on Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST (check local listings) will win a trip to London courtesy of VisitBritain!

(Click on the “ShareThis” link at the top of this post to spread the word to your family, friends, and coworkers!)

Enjoy the video below - an EXCLUSIVE clip of Ilene Chaiken being presented with GLAAD’s Davidson/Valentini Award at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco:
free video player & video platform - interactive video, online video solution: video player, video editor - kaltura
wordpress video - wordpress plugin for integrated video on video blogs, and video tools

And here is some of what you can expect to see TONIGHT, Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST and on Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST (check local listings) when Bravo re-airs the show:

Don’t forget to spread the word, watch the show and enter to win!

Filed Under Entertainment, Featured · Leave a Comment

What to Watch: Monday

September 29, 2008 by Eleanor

6:00 pm 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, Bravo (2 hrs) REPEAT - A re-broadcast of the annual award show honoring fair, accurate and inclusive representations of LGBT people in the media. Appearances include Janet Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Rufus Wainwright, Candis Cayne, and Kathy Griffin. Watch and win a trip to London!

Ellen and Portia at the Media Awards

8:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW - Serena finds fame at Fashion Week. Hopefully, her gay brother Eric will be there to show his support!

8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (2 hrs) NEW - Keep your eyes on ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass, the first openly gay competitor on DWTS. [read more]

10:00 pm Raising the Bar, TNT (1 hr) NEW - In this legal drama, Charlie is having an affair with Judge Trudy Kessler, but rumor has it, he’s only doing it to cover the fact that he’s gay.

10:00 pm Shirts & Skins, Logo (30 min) NEW - Described as a “stereotype busting reality series,” this show explores the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs (gold medal winners in the 2006 Gay Games) as they reunite to train for the Chicago National Gay Basketball Championship. [read more]

11:35 pm Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC (1 hr) NEW - Ellen DeGeneres chats with Jay, and is likely to mention her recent wedding to Portia!

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EXCLUSIVE Video: Candis Cayne’s Monologue from the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

September 26, 2008 by Justin

Yesterday you got to see Graham Norton at the media awards in New York City and this morning we showed you Jennifer Beals’ speech.

Now you can watch a clip of Candis Cayne from Dirty Sexy Money delivering her monologue (and a performance) at the media awards in San Francisco. On Monday we’ll be posting the amazing speech given by The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken.

And remember, GLAAD announced a fantastic contest to encourage people to watch the re-airing of the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Bravo - Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST and Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST - (click here for all the details):

One lucky viewer who watches the re-airing of the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Bravo on Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST or on Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST (check local listings) will win a trip to London courtesy of VisitBritain!

(Click on the “ShareThis” link at the top of this post to spread the word to your family, friends, and coworkers!)

Enjoy the video below - an EXCLUSIVE clip of Candis Cayne delivering her monologue (and a performance) at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco:
free video player & video platform - interactive video, online video solution: video player, video editor - kaltura
wordpress video - wordpress plugin for integrated video on video blogs, and video tools

And here is some of what you can expect to see on Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST or on Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST (check local listings) when Bravo re-airs the show:

Check back on Monday for a clip of Ilene Chaiken’s speech.

And don’t forget to spread the word, watch the show and enter to win!

Filed Under Entertainment, Featured · Leave a Comment

EXCLUSIVE Video: Jennifer Beals Introduces Ilene Chaiken at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

September 26, 2008 by Justin

As promised yesterday, before Bravo re-airs the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards (Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST and Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST), GLAAD is releasing a few EXCLUSIVE and never-before-seen clips that didn’t make it into the broadcast.

Yesterday you got to see Graham Norton from the awards in New York City. Here you can watch Jennifer Beals’ speech presenting her boss and The L Word creator, director and executive producer, Ilene Chaiken, with GLAAD’s Davidson/Valentini Award.

The Davidson/Valentini Award is named after Craig Davidson, GLAAD’s first executive director, and his partner Michael Valentini. The award is presented each year in San Francisco to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for our community.

Later today we’ll be posting a clip of Candis Cayne from Dirty Sexy Money and then on Monday you’ll get to see the acceptance speech Ilene Chaiken gave after this introduction by Jennifer Beals.

And remember, GLAAD announced a fantastic contest to encourage people to watch the re-airing of the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Bravo (click here for all the details).

One lucky viewer who watches the re-airing of the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Bravo on Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST or on Friday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST (check local listings) will win a trip to London courtesy of VisitBritain!

(Click on the “ShareThis” link at the top of this post to spread the word to your family, friends, and coworkers!)

Enjoy the video below - an EXCLUSIVE clip of Jennifer Beals’ speach introducing Ilene Chaiken at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco:
free video player & video platform - interactive video, online video solution: video player, video editor - kaltura
wordpress video - wordpress plugin for integrated video on video blogs, and video tools

And here is some of what you can expect to see on Monday, September 29th @ 6pm EST/PST or onFriday, October 3nd @ 2am EST/PST (check local listings) when Bravo re-airs the show:

Check back later today for a clip of Candis Cayne and on Monday for Ilene Chaiken.

And don’t forget to spread the word, watch the show and enter to win!

Filed Under Entertainment, Featured · Leave a Comment

GLAAD on CNN’s American Morning

September 26, 2008 by Justin

This morning, GLAAD President Neil Giuliano appeared on CNN’s American Morning in a segment called “In To Be Out.” The segment discussed the number of LGBT people on television, Clay Aiken and Linsday Lohan, and the importance of raising the visibility of LGBT people in order to change hearts and minds when it comes to public policy.

You can watch the video below:

Filed Under Featured · Leave a Comment

What to Watch: This Weekend

September 26, 2008 by Eleanor

Friday, September 26

On demand Naked Boys Singing!, here! (1 hr 30 min) NEW - The film based on the off-Broadway musical makes its network debut, with just as little clothing as the original.

Saturday, September 27

9:00 am Dirty Sexy Money, SOAPnet (10 hrs) REPEAT - The entire first season of the trans-inclusive ABC show airs in anticipation of the second season premiere on October 1.

9:00 pm Color Splash, HGTV (30 min) NEW - Out interior designer David Bromstad reworks living spaces.

10:00 pm The Graham Norton Show, BBC America (1 hr) REPEAT - Out Irish comedian Graham Norton presents a comedy chat show carried by BBC America every Saturday night. Gordon Ramsay and Juliette Binoche appear.

Sunday, September 28

9:00 pm Desperate Housewives, ABC (1 hr) SEASON PREMIERE - Last we saw gay neighbors Bob and Lee, they were having a commitment ceremony. Hopefully all is still well now that the show has jumped five years into the future…

9:00 pm The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle, Sundance (30 min) NEW - In this British comedy import, Vivienne Vyle is a talkshow host with big ambitions. She has a gay husband named Jared and a transgender public relations manager named Miriam.

9:00 pm True Blood, HBO (1 hr) NEW - The new series by Alan Ball includes pansexual vampires and gay chef Lafayette. This week, another woman has been killed. [read more]

9:30 pm American Dad, Fox (30 min) SEASON PREMIERE - Omnisexual alien Roger is a series regular, and gay couple Terry and Greg are recurring characters.

10:00 pm Brothers & Sisters, ABC (1 hr) SEASON PREMIERE - The two-time GLAAD Media Award winner is back for a third season. Kevin and Scotty had a commitment ceremony at the end of last season. In this episode, Kevin’s career is put in jeopardy by a member of his family.

10:00 pm Entourage, HBO (30 min) NEW - Ari and Vince pitch a script, sure to mean Lloyd providing back-up at some point.

10:00 pm Mad Men, AMC (1 hr) NEW - This recent Emmy Award winner features Bryan Batt as Salvatore, a closeted art director at the ad agency.

10:00 pm Skins, BBC America (1 hr) NEW - In this teen drama, Maxxie is the cute blondie that can get any boy he wants. [read more]

10:30 pm Little Britain USA, HBO (30 min) SEASON PREMIERE - The American version of the LGBT-inclusive sketch show debuts tonight and features Rosie O’Donnell, guest starring as herself.

Filed Under Entertainment · 1 Comment

Malkin Interviews GLAAD President For E! Online

September 25, 2008 by Justin

Marc Malkin has a post up over at E! Online with Rosie O’Donnell’s take on Clay Aiken’s coming out. In the same post he also quotes from an interview with GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano:

Neil G. Giuliano, president of media watchdog group GLAAD, says that Aiken’s new honesty will help reach people who most need to be educated about issues facing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

“Clay has a strong following of folks that it’s important to reach with our message about LGBT equality,” Giuliano told me earlier today.

And later in the post:

“I look forward to the day when someone on American Idol is out from the very beginning and going all the way to being No. 1 or No. 2,” GLAAD’s Giuliano said. “I don’t think we’re far off from that.”

Read more of Marc’s post here and GLAAD’s post and statement about Aiken’s coming out here.

Filed Under Entertainment · Leave a Comment

John Amaechi Drops In on Shirts & Skins

Media Balances Portrayals of Faith-Based Acceptance, Discrimination

Top Stories Today - 09.30.2008

What to Watch: Tuesday

EXCLUSIVE Video: Judith Light & David Mixner at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

First Gay Character Cancelled For the 2008-2009 Season

EXCLUSIVE Video: Ilene Chaiken from the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

Top Stories Today - 09.29.2008

What to Watch: Monday

EXCLUSIVE Video: Candis Cayne’s Monologue from the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

EXCLUSIVE Video: Jennifer Beals Introduces Ilene Chaiken at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

Top Stories Today - 09.26.2008

GLAAD on CNN’s American Morning

What to Watch: This Weekend

Malkin Interviews GLAAD President For E! Online

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