What to Watch: This Weekend (March 19-21)

March 19, 2010 by Lauren Mattia, GLAAD's Entertainment/Advertising Media Fellow 

The weekend kicks off with an earthquake that causes some drama on the season finale of Shameless and then tune in Sunday to see if our comedian Carol Leifer makes it out of The Donald’s boardroom on The Celebrity Apprentice!

Friday, March 19

9:00 pm Shameless, Sundance (1 hr) SEASON FINALE
The fifth season closes with an earth tremor causing some unexepected events— bisexual Monica’s water breaks, and Frank goes into a coma after falling from a bar stool. Also features Monica’s ex-girlfriend, Norma, and Mickey, the gay son of a local gangster.

The Shameless season finale features bisexual Monica in labor

9:00 pm Caprica, SyFy (1 hr) NEW
After Daniel suspects that Zoe’s avatar is hiding in the Cylon, he tries to flush her out, and will Joseph’s nightclub adventure lead him to Tamara? Also, Vergis tries to break up Amanda and Daniel. Features gay mobster, Sam Adama.

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Saturday, March 20

9:00 pm Survivors, BBC America (1 hr) SEASON FINALE
Abby’s group escapes Samantha, while Sarah comes across someone from her past. Also, Naj disappears, leading his family to go on a mission to find him in the city.

11:00 pm The Wanda Sykes Show, Fox (1 hr) NEW
Move over Leno! The queen of funny is taking over with her own late night talk show! Don’t miss Wanda comment on everything from news, politics, sports, and pop culture mixed with field pieces, comedy segments, and panel discussions.

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Sunday, March 21

8:00 pm Amazing Race 16, CBS (1 hr) NEW
The race continues this week in France! Will lesbian couple Brandy and Carol and their gay competitor Jordan make the cut or say au revior to their chance at the big bucks?

8:00 pm The Simpsons, Fox (30 min) NEW
Bart has a crush! And the first lady (Angela Bassett) defends the overachieving Lisa. Features gay characters, Patty and Smithers.

Will Kirstie Alley's gay assistant, Kyle, have what it takes to thrive on team Kirstie?

9:00 pm Desperate Housewives, ABC (1 hr) NEW
What? Katherine comes out? And an old boyfriend of Angie’s shows up, while war is waged between Gaby and Susan.

9:00 pm Celebrity Apprentice, NBC (1 hr) NEW
The celebs try to re-launch a Kodak ad, but will someone’s illness and a power outage ruin their chances for success? Features lesbian writer/comedian Carol Leifer.

10:00 pm Kirstie Alley’s Big Life, A&E (1 hr) SERIES PREMIERE
Kirstie’s back and bigger than ever! Follow Kirstie as she takes on LA one bite at a time, as she and her fabulous team try to start a business, lose weight, and raise two teens. Will Kyle, Kirstie’s gay LA assistant be able to feed Kirstie’s every desire?

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Video of Sigourney Weaver Accepting an Award for Prayers for Bobby at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards – New York

March 18, 2010 by Elliot Imse, Web Producer 

Prayers for Bobby receives the GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York on March 13, 2010. Sigourney Weaver and producers Daniel Sladek and Chris Taaffe accept the award on behalf of the cast and crew.


You can also watch the video on YouTube.

View a complete list of award recipients and photos from the event.

Honorees, award recipients and event photos can also be seen on an earlier post: Cynthia Nixon and Joy Behar Honored at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York

To learn more about the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards, visit www.glaad.org/mediaawards.

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Video of Hair’s Performance at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards

March 18, 2010 by Elliot Imse, Web Producer 

The cast of Hair performs “Let the Sunshine In” at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City on March 13, 2010. Broadway singer Gavin Creel accepted a GLAAD Special Recognition award on behalf of Hair.

You can also watch the video on YouTube.

View a complete list of award recipients and photos from the event.

Honorees, award recipients and event photos can also be seen on an earlier post: Cynthia Nixon and Joy Behar Honored at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York

To learn more about the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards, visit www.glaad.org/mediaawards.

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What to Watch: Thursday, March 18

March 18, 2010 by Lauren Mattia, GLAAD's Entertainment/Advertising Media Fellow 

The long wait is over tonight as FlashForward returns tonight with FBI Agent Janis Hawk, one of the very few series regular lesbian characters on network television!

Thursday, March 18

8:00 pm FlashForward, ABC (2 hrs) MID-SEASON PREMIERE
In the season opener, Mark meets with a therapist, while Demetri teams up with CIA agent Vogel. Also, Simon tries to hack Lloyd’s computer, and Janis wants to learn more about Simon’s past. And will Nicole get the answers she needs about her flash-forward?

Lesbian FBI Agent Janis tries to dig into Simon's past on FlashForward

9:00 pm The Office, NBC (30 min) NEW
The sales team’s ego is boosted to new extremes when Sabre comes up with a new policy. What will be in store for gay accountant Oscar this week in the office?

10:00 pm Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew, MTV (1 hr) NEW
Usher is the inspiration this week for the crews’ routines—will Static Noize’s drag performer Peter Veth lead his team to victory, or will his performance fall flat?

10:00 pm Project Runway, Lifetime (1 hr) NEW
Watch as remaining gay designers Jay and Jonathan face their next challenge! Will they make it work or be out like yesterday’s fashion?

10:30 pm The Sarah Silverman Program, Comedy Central (30 min) NEW
Brian and Steve have out-of-body experiences, while Sarah is convinced she has a mental disability, which leads her to attempt to inspire others.

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Justin Has a Big Night on Tonight’s New Ugly Betty

March 17, 2010 by Lauren Mattia, GLAAD's Entertainment/Advertising Media Fellow 

On tonight’s Ugly Betty, Justin, Betty’s fabulous nephew, makes a huge step forward when his acting class turns into a chance at a romance.

In the episode titled “All the World’s a Stage,” Justin has some struggles with love, for the first time in Ugly Betty history. The question on everyone’s mind is: will Justin feel his heart skip a beat for a boy or a girl?

When Justin discovers that he has to get intimate with one of his classmates on stage, he confides in Marc, hoping to relieve some of his pre-show jitters. Will Marc’s advice settle Justin’s concerns or  lead him to question himself even more?

It's a big night for Justin on Ugly Betty!

Ugly Betty has been one of television’s most LGBT-inclusive shows, featuring regular and recurring LGBT characters and addressing LGBT culture in an accessible, yet humorous way. In the past, Ugly Betty has been nominated for three GLAAD Media Awards and won twice in the Outstanding Comedy Series category. Although Ugly Betty’s openly gay creator, Silvio Horta, has said in the past that Justin is based on his own youth, the show has left its viewers waiting for a concrete answer to one of the show’s biggest unanswered questions since it premiered in 2006.

Will tonight’s episode answer the question that is on every Betty fan’s mind? Tune in tonight to find out! We look forward to seeing more of Justin’s growth as Ugly Betty finishes up its final season on ABC.

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Prodigal Sons Heads to LA after Successful NYC Run

March 17, 2010 by Anna Wipfler, GLAAD's Transgender Advocacy Fellow 

Tonight and Thursday night will be your last chance to catch Kimberly Reed’s autobiographical documentary, Prodigal Sons, at the Cinema Village in New York City.  (Click here for tickets & showtimes.)  After a nice long run, accompanied by multiple Q&A events, on Friday the film heads to Los Angeles theaters.

On opening night Friday, March 19th at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5 theater, GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Manager Jonathan Rosales will introduce the 7:30 screening and lead a Q&A afterwards with Kimberly.

Reed will also host her own Q&A sessions there after the 7:20pm and 9:45pm screenings on Sat, March 20th and the 3:00pm and 5:10pm screenings on Sun, March 21st.

Prodigal Sons will also be opening in Irvine at the Edwards Westpark 8 theater on the 19th, before continuing on to open in Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, San Diego, and several other locations around the country in the following weeks.

GLAAD congratulates Kimberly Reed and the Prodigal Sons team on their successful New York run and will continue to support their efforts to increase accurate and inclusive representations of transgender people in the media.

For additional information about the film and screenings, please visit www.prodigalsonsfilm.com.

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What to Watch: Wednesday, March 17

March 17, 2010 by Lauren Mattia, GLAAD's Entertainment/Advertising Media Fellow 

Find out who Justin crushes on in his acting class on Ugly Betty! Also, Tinsley hits up Paris, and the models do a (nude) photo shoot on America’s Next Top Model!

Wednesday, March 17

8:00 pm America’s Next Top Model, The CW (90 min) NEW
The models, including out lesbian Tatianna, bare it all for their first photo shoot! Vogue editor at large Andre Leon Talley joins in on the judging.

8:00 pm Mercy, NBC (1 hr) NEW
Veronica treats an anorexic patient, leading her to contemplate her own problems. Meanwhile, Chloe tries to bond with Briggs, and Sonia comes across a former beau from her past. Features gay nurse, Angel.

9:00 pm American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
So close yet so far! One of the final 12 is eliminated tonight. Will out comedian and judge Ellen DeGeneres agree with the public’s decision?

9:30 pm High Society, The CW (30 min) NEW
Tinsley heads to Paris for fashion week, and later, Tinsley’s mom makes everyone uncomfortable at her party. Meanwhile, a hotel’s staff is subject to Jules’ unruly behavior. Will gay writer Paul be a part of all of the drama this week?

Justin is involved in a love triangle this week on Ugly Betty!

10:00 pm Shear Genius, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
The contestants style some new ‘dos for recent high school grads, then next, design a red carpet look for a CD release party. Will gay stylists Matthew and Brian make the cut?

10:00 pm Ugly Betty, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Love is abound this week, when Justin is smitten with someone from his acting class—will one of the biggest Ugly Betty questions be answered? Also, Betty falls for the playwright of Justin’s class, and Wilhelmina gets a reality check when she gets hospitalized.

10:00 pm The Real World: Washington D.C., MTV (1 hr) SEASON FINALE
The end is near, but the drama keeps coming! This week, Erika’s boyfriend pays a visit, making her want to go home (again), and Andrew ends up in the White House? Features bisexual roomies, Mike and Emily.

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Video of Joy Behar Accepting the Excellence in Media Award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York

March 16, 2010 by Elliot Imse, Web Producer 

Joy Behar’s acceptance speech after receiving the Excellence in Media Award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York on March 13, 2010. The Excellence in Media Award is presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

You can also watch the video on YouTube.

View a complete list of award recipients and photos from the event.

Honorees, award recipients and event photos can also be seen on an earlier post: Cynthia Nixon and Joy Behar Honored at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York

To learn more about the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards, visit www.glaad.org/mediaawards.

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VH1’s “TRANSform Me” Highlights Trans Identity for the Non-Trans Community

March 16, 2010 by Anna Wipfler, GLAAD's Transgender Advocacy Fellow 

Last night VH1 premiered its new makeover reality show “TRANSform Me,” starring three transgender women, Laverne Cox, Jamie Clayton, and Nina Poon.  Each episode follows the trio as they aid women across the country to realize their inner selves, with the help of their “glambulance.”

While “TRANSform Me” does present only a certain type of transgender woman and glorifies only a certain kind of femininity, it seems to remain genuine to each of the women’s identities and excels at discussing transgender identity and experiences in a very accessible way.  The most praise-worthy aspect of this show is not so much its frank discussion of gender identity, but the way it relates the experiences of transwomen to those of cisgender* women, demonstrating the universality of the desire to match one’s outward self-presentation with one’s inner identity.

As Laverne Cox begins to consult with the subject of their first transformation, Nicole (a 25-year-old who recently lost 60 pounds but still wears her old clothing), she explains, “We all basically felt differently inside than we were on the outside, and we took steps to change that.  That’s exactly what you did when you lost weight, right? …So we’re going to use what we’ve learned transforming ourselves to transform you.”

(L to R) Laverne Cox, Jamie Clayton, and Nina Poon

On the show, Cox, Clayton, and Poon also break down the fundamentals of trans identity for those who have never considered issues of gender identity before.  When Nicole asks Laverne Cox the naïve but typical question “You used to be man?”, Cox laughs and then gives the nuanced answer, “Sort of.  We’re transgender, so we always felt like we were little girls inside, but when we were born what was on the outside suggested differently.”

As the three strive to bring out Nicole’s “inner goddess,” they also succeed in showing the audience their own.  Even if that might not be the way every woman would describe her process of self-actualization, we can all agree with Jamie’s closing sentiment, “We know how intense it is to finally see yourself realized the way that you’ve always pictured.”

GLAAD commends VH1 for their thoughtful production of this show and looks forward to more inclusive and educational episodes of “TRANSform Me” each week.  Visit their fan page, where they link to the Audre Lorde Project, GLAAD, and additional resources about transgender identity.

GLAAD has worked closely with the show to ensure accurate terminology is used throughout all episodes.  We also provided advice on how the three stars can effectively speak to the national media about the the importance of this groundbreakng program.

….

* In her book, Transgender History, Susan Stryker defines cisgender as preferred over nontransgender. The prefix cis means “on the same side as” (that is, the opposite of trans). The idea behind the term is to resist the way that “woman” or “man” can mean “nontransgender woman” or “nontransgender man” by default.  “Cisgender” names the usually unstated assumption of nontransgender status contained in the words “man” and “woman.”

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What to Watch: Tuesday, March 16

March 16, 2010 by Lauren Mattia, GLAAD's Entertainment/Advertising Media Fellow 

The finals get underway on American Idol! Don’t forget to call in and vote for your favorite and don’t miss Adrianna and Gia’s blossoming relationship on 90210!

Tuesday, March 16

8:00 pm American Idol, Fox (2 hrs) NEW
Finally, the finals! The top 12 deliver their top performances. Will out comedian Ellen DeGeneres agree with Simon as they get closer to finding the next American Idol?

Adrianna and Gia are falling for each other on 90210

8:00 pm 90210, The CW (1 hr) NEW
The claws are out this week as Naomi and Ivy go on a hike with Liam, while Jasper tries to blackmail Annie, and Silver and Teddy rethink their relationship. But best of all, Adrianna and Gia grow ever closer.

9:00 pm Melrose Place, The CW (1 hr) NEW
A new tenant moves into Auggie’s apartment and doesn’t get along with Lauren, while David gets some big news. Also, Riley goes to Ben for help finding a job, much to Amanda’s dismay. Also features bisexual Ella.

10:00 pm Southland, TNT (1 hr) NEW
Ben tracks a missing girl, while Sammy and Sal have some trouble working with Gil Puentez in order to find a ex-gangbanger. Also, Chickie tries to improve her cop skills, and Lydia and Rene help Brianna with her baby.

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What to Watch: Monday, March 15

March 15, 2010 by Lauren Mattia, GLAAD's Entertainment/Advertising Media Fellow 

Trauma’s Tyler has a patient that is MIA, and Kell on Earth’s Andrew is in deep trouble!

Monday, March 15

8:00 pm House, Fox (1 hr) NEW
A high school student blacks out during a field trip, and has several hallucinations while under the team’s care. Meanwhile, Taub has some personal issues, and Wilson tries his decorative flair in order to furnish his apartment. Features bisexual MD, Thirteen.

8:00 pm The Secret Life of the American Teenager, ABC Family (1 hr) NEW
Ricky needs legal assistance in his fight to gain joint custody of his son, while Adrian helps Amy prepare for her court date. Also, love is in the air for Grace and Ben, and what advice will openly gay Griffin have for Ashley when she wants to take the next step with Grant?

9:00 pm 24, Fox (1 hr) NEW
CTU has a hostage situation on its hands, while some surprises come up for the Hassan family. Also, Ortiz and Bauer do their best to protect New York, and officer Prady’s investigation is under way.

Tyler, Trauma's gay EMT, loses track of a patient this week.

9:00 pm RuPaul’s Drag Race, Logo (1 hr) NEW
In a Drag Race first, the queens give up the lip-synching and, with the help of Berlin’s Terri Nunn, sing for real! Will their performances be a success, or will they sashay away? Punk rock icon Henry Rollins also judges.

9:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW
Damien and Jenny’s relationship worries Rufus and Lily, while Chuck learns more about the woman who may be his mother. Also, Dan and Vanessa move on by dating new people. Features openly gay Eric.

9:00 pm Trauma, NBC (1 hr) NEW
Openly gay Tyler and his co-worker Boone have a patient that goes missing, while Glen’s patient takes a turn for the worst during a routine procedure. Also, Rabbit starts therapy, and Marisa works to adjust to her new partner.

10:00 pm GREEK, ABC Family (1 hr) NEW
Rusty has a hard time choosing which girl to take to an 80s party, while Casey joins Cappie and his family on a camping trip and discover that they are just as lax as he is. What will be in store for Calvin and his boyfriend Grant?

10:00 pm Kell on Earth, Bravo (1 hr) NEW
Kelly gets pissed at her gay assistant, Andrew, while Stephanie confronts Kelly about her unmanageable workload. Also, Kelly takes some time off to be with her daughter.

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Cynthia Nixon and Joy Behar Honored at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York

March 13, 2010 by Sara Werner, GLAAD's Public Relations & Communications Intern 

A big thank you to all who attended the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York! We’ll have some great videos and a full recap in the coming days, but for now please enjoy the event photos below and a brief account of the show and a list of winners from tonight’s event.



Cynthia Nixon received the Vito Russo Award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Award

The night started with a silent auction conducted by Bryan Batt and Lorna Kelly, followed by the Youth Pride Chorus opening the ceremony with a beautiful performance. The event was hosted by Alan Cumming and had special appearances by Joy Behar and Cynthia Nixon, who were each honored for their efforts in advocating for equality and increasing the visibility of the LGBT community. The ceremony concluded dynamically with a performance from the Tony Award-winning cast of Hair, which received a Special Recognition award.

GLAAD Media Award recipients in 24 of this year’s 32 media categories were announced tonight in New York. Additional awards will be presented at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 17th and in San Francisco on June 5th.

Joy Behar received the Excellence in Media Award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York

Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Awards presented on stage, and the individuals that accepted the awards:

• Excellence in Media Award: Joy Behar (Presented by Meredith Vieira)
• Vito Russo Award: Cynthia Nixon (Presented by Michael Patrick King)
• Outstanding Drama Series: Brothers and Sisters (ABC) [Accepted by: show writer, Geoffrey Nauffts]
• Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series: Prayers for Bobby (Lifetime) [Accepted by: Sigourney Weaver and producers Daniel Sladek and Damian Ganczewski]
• Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: “Why Will Won’t Pledge Allegiance” American Morning (CNN) [Accepted by: Will Phillips and American Morning producer Beth Marengo]
• Outstanding Digital Journalism Article: TIE: “’We Love You, This Won’t Change a Thing’” by John Buccigross (ESPN.com) [Accepted by: John Buccigross and Patrick Burke, brother of Brendan Burke] and “Why Can’t You Just Butch Up? Gay Men, Effeminacy, and Our War with Ourselves” by Brent Hartinger (AfterElton.com) [Accepted by: Brenth Hartinger]
• Special Recognition: Hair [Accepted by: Gavin Creel]

The following is a list of all other award recipients announced at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York:

• Outstanding Film-Limited Release: Little Ashes (Regent Releasing)
• Outstanding Individual Episode: “Pawnee Zoo” Parks and Recreation (NBC)
• Outstanding Daily Drama: One Life to Live (ABC)
• Outstanding Talk Show Episode: “Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife, Portia de Rossi” The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated)
• Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine: “Uganda Be Kidding Me” (series) The Rachel Maddow Show (MSNBC)
• Outstanding Newspaper Article: “Kept From a Dying Partner’s Bedside” by Tara Parker-Pope (The New York Times)
• Outstanding Newspaper Columnist: Frank Rich (The New York Times)
• Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage: The New York Times
• Outstanding Magazine Article: “Coming Out in Middle School” by Benoit Denizet-Lewis (The New York Times Magazine)
• Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage: The Advocate
• Outstanding Comic Book: Detective Comics by Greg Rucka (DC Comics)
• Outstanding New York Theater: Broadway & Off-Broadway: A Boy and His Soul by Colman Domingo
• Outstanding New York Theater: Off-Off Broadway: She Likes Girls by Chisa Hutchinson

Spanish-Language award recipients:

• Outstanding Novela: Más Sabe el Diablo (Telemundo)
• Outstanding Daytime Talk Show Episode: “Adopción gay: un tema muy controversial” Paparazzi TV Sensacional (MegaTV)
• Outstanding Talk Show Interview: “Realidades de ser gay en la tercera edad” El Show de Cristina (Univision)
• Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine: TIE: “En el cuerpo equivocado” Primer Impacto (Univision) & “Damas gracias: Entrevista con Eva Leivas-Andino” Al Rojo Vivo (Telemundo)
• Outstanding Newspaper Article: “Mas familias de dos papás o dos mamas” by Pilar Marrero (La Opinión)
• Outstanding Magazine Article: “Del odio a la justicia” by Lena Hansen (People en Español)
• Outstanding Digital Journalism Article: “Saliendo del clóset: Cómo enfrentarlo en familia” by Fernanda Martínez (Univision.com)

Drew Barrymore and Wanda Sykes will be honored at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles

The GLAAD Media Awards continue in Los Angeles on April 17th at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza where GLAAD will honor Golden Globe-winning actress, director and producer, Drew Barrymore, by presenting her with the Vanguard Award; and Emmy Award-winning actress, comedian, writer and producer, Wanda Sykes will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. The event will be hosted by Candis Cayne and Wilson Cruz; special guests include, Benjamin Bratt, Bryan Batt, the cast of Glee, Eric Dane, Elizabeth Keener, Jason Lewis, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Rob Halford and Tom Ford.

The final ceremony takes place in San Francisco on June 5th at the Westin St. Francis honoring Levi Strauss President, Robert Hanson, who will receive the Local Hero Award. The event will be hosted by Bruce Vilanch and stay posted for the announcement of  further special guests.

To purchase your ticket to one of the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies, please visit http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/21/tickets. Don’t miss out on these events, purchase your tickets today!

Click here for a complete list of this year’s nominees and join us as we commend them for their excellence in fair, accurate and inclusive media representations of the LGBT community.

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Olympic Figure Skater Johnny Weir Confirms: ‘Stars on Ice’ Deemed Him “Not Family Friendly” Enough to Perform

March 12, 2010 by Seth Adam, GLAAD's National News Fellow 

Earlier this week we reported that U.S. Champion and Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir had been denied a spot on the 2010 ‘Stars on Ice Tour,’ because he is “not family friendly.” We obtained the information from a source who wishes to remain anonymous. In an interview with Access Hollywood on Friday, Weir confirmed that he will be excluded from the tour after tour sponsors deemed him “not family friendly.”

“It’s for real,” Weir said. “I’ve never been invited to do ‘Stars on Ice’ before, which is the only figure skating tour in the U.S. It’s disappointing that I can’t perform for my American fans… all because I’m not ‘family friendly’ enough.”

Following the news GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios issued a statement denouncing Johnny Weir’s rejection from ‘Stars on Ice.’

“Johnny Weir is a two time Olympian and three time U.S. champion. Other athletes of his caliber would be granted the opportunity to perform during national tours like Stars on Ice. By choosing not to bring the performances and talent of Johnny Weir to American audiences, Stars on Ice is reinforcing an unfortunate double standard that is too often applied to gay athletes and athletes perceived to be gay.

“GLAAD calls on Stars on Ice to invite all eligible figure skaters because today people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations are part of the fabric of our culture. Athletes of Weir’s caliber deserve the same rights to perform on this, and any, tour.

“We urge community members to speak out against this apparent double standard and call on Stars on Ice and corporate sponsor Smucker’s to demand equal opportunities for all athletes.”

Take Action Now:

GLAAD has generated an online petition telling the sponsors of ‘Stars on Ice’ that it is unacceptable to exclude Weir from the tour’s lineup because they find him “not family friendly.”

Sign the petition here!

Contact information for ‘Stars on Ice’ and Smuckers (a corporate sponsor of ‘Stars on Ice’):

Jennifer Cosgrove, Spokesperson ‘Stars on Ice’
jcosgrove@rbcpr.com
Phone: (201) 760-0200 Ext. 107

Maribeth Badertscher, Director of Corporate Communications, Smuckers
Maribeth.badertscher@jmsmucker.com
Phone: 1-330-682-3000

GLAAD will continue to post any new developments.  Be sure to check GLAADblog.org for updates.

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Experience the NYC #GLAADMediaAwards Digitally

March 12, 2010 by Amanda Morgan, GLAAD's Digital Initiatives Fellow 

GLAAD’s digital team will be keeping you posted with updates from the red carpet of the New York 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards this Saturday March 13th starting at 4pm EST.

Follow us on Twitter for up-to-the-minute information including interviews with your favorite celebrities and twitpics of the action. Use the hashtag #GLAADMediaAwards to join the conversation.

Have a question you’ve been dying to ask one of our celebrity guests? Tweet your suggestions to @GLAAD and maybe we will select one of your questions! Don’t forget to include #GLAADMediaAwards.

Celebrities who are participating in the awards include: Alan Cumming, Joy Behar, Cynthia Nixon, Nigel Barker, Bryan Batt, Sandra Bernhard, Dustin Lance Black, Brian Graden, Jay Manuel, Sarah Paulson, Rosie Perez, Meredith Vieira, Sigourney Weaver, and Jill Zarin.

Watch our YouTube channel for red carpet interview footage and our Flickr photostream for more red carpet shots.

Also, become our fan on Facebook and RSVP  to the Media Awards on our Facebook event page.

And if you are joining us in NYC, be sure to log in to the Marriott Marquis Hotel on FourSquare.

GLAAD's Facebook Page GLAAD on Twitter GLAAD's YouTube Account GLAAD's Flickr Photos

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What to Watch: This Weekend (March 12-14)

March 12, 2010 by Lauren Mattia, GLAAD's Entertainment/Advertising Media Fellow 

The television premiere of Her Name Was Steven tells a unique story of a transgender woman who was the city manager of Largo, Florida, and out comedian Carol Leifert competes in the season premiere of The Celebrity Apprentice!

Friday, March 12

9:00 pm Shameless, Sundance (1 hr) NEW
Tom and Debbie help out a victim of assault, but later discover that it was a bad idea. Features Also features gay son Ian, Ian’s bisexual mother, Monica, her ex-girlfriend, Norma, and Mickey, the gay son of a local gangster.

9:00 pm Caprica, SyFy (1 hr) NEW
What’s going on between Clarice and Amanda? And will gay mobster Sam Adama have anyone on his hitlist? Tune in to find out!

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Saturday, March 13

8:00 pm Her Name Was Steven, CNN (2 hrs) NEW
This compelling documentary follows the transition of former Largo, FL city manager Steven Stanton, who becomes Susan, and the emotional journey that resulted from her transition from male to female. The documentary included interviews with Stanton’s family and friends that take the viewer into her unique experience.

Don't miss the premiere of Her Name Was Steven on CNN

9:00 pm Survivors, BBC America (1 hr) NEW
When an energetic preacher comes to the survivors’ house, Anya, a doctor who lost her girlfriend as a result of an epidemic, is suspicious of his motives.

11:00 pm The Wanda Sykes Show, Fox (1 hr) NEW
Move over Leno! The queen of funny is taking over with her own late night talk show! Don’t miss Wanda comment on everything from news, politics, sports, and pop culture mixed with field pieces, comedy segments, and panel discussions. Don’t miss this week when Wanda interviews out financial wiz, Suze Orman.

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Sunday, March 14

8:00 pm Amazing Race 16, CBS (1 hr) NEW
The teams head to France where they reenact a World War I battle. Will lesbian couple Brandy and Carol have what it takes to fight on?

8:00 pm The Simpsons, Fox (30 min) NEW
Homer and Marge try different parenting methods to teach Bart a lesson, but of course, he sees through it all. Features gay characters, Patty and Smithers.

9:00 pm Celebrity Apprentice, NBC (2 hrs) SEASON PREMIERE
In this season 9 opener, the 14 celebs are divided into men vs. women teams to battle to manage a NYC diner. Will out writer/comedian Carol Leifer show the boys who’s boss?

9:00 pm Desperate Housewives, ABC (1 hr) NEW
Gaby learns a valuable lesson after she meets up with some former colleagues (Guest stars Heidi Klum and Paulina Porizkova) while looking for Ana and Danny, while Preston comes back from Europe. Also, Mike wants to show Susan how manly he can be.

9:00 pm Tool Academy, VH1 (1 hr) NEW
Don’t miss this week, when a heated therapy session makes one partner leave the academy! Will it be lady lovin’ tool Courtney or her girlfriend?

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