Prodigal Sons Heads to LA after Successful NYC Run
March 17, 2010
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.
Related Posts:Five Gay and Lesbian Los Angeles Area Rabbis to Speak on Jewish Journal Panel
February 25, 2010
Zachary Shapiro (Temple Akiba) and Denise Eger (Kol Ami)
Dr. J.B. Sacks (Faculty, Academy for Jewish Religion)
On Tuesday, March 2, five gay and lesbian rabbis from the Los Angeles area will speak out during a panel sponsored by the Jewish Journal at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif., at 7:30 p.m. PST. Jewish leaders are increasingly progressive when it comes to LGBT inclusion. Reform, Conservative and Reconstruction Jewish traditions are on record for full inclusion of LGBT persons. As gay and lesbian rabbis in California, they know that the court challenge to Proposition 8 is just one of many efforts to let Californians and the country know that full and legal equality is the only fair and acceptable outcome.
Lisa Edwards (Beth Chayim Chadashim) and Jocee Hudson (Temple Israel of Hollywood)
With polls showing increasing support among diverse religious groups, it is clear that hearts and minds everywhere will be persuaded more quickly if progressive faith leaders speak out. To watch and listen through a live stream go to http://www.jewishjournal.com/live_broadcast.
Related Posts:Rev. Mary Glasspool Becomes First Openly Lesbian Elected to Episcopal Assistant Bishop
December 14, 2009
After a 2006 moratorium on electing gay bishops in the Episcopal Church was lifted in July, the Diocese of Los Angeles wasted no time in acting on the more inclusive policy by nominating two openly gay priests for assistant bishop positions. On Dec. 5 the diocese officially elected one of those priests, Rev. Mary Glasspool of Maryland.
If the decision is approved by the majority of bishops and standing committees of clergy and lay leaders in the Episcopal Church, Glasspool would be the first openly lesbian consecrated as bishop in all of the global Anglican Communion. Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire is currently the only openly gay Episcopal bishop.
Earlier this week the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams released a statement where he questioned the move and warned the Episcopal Church not to approve the decision because ordaining another gay bishop would impact the whole church. Thousands of Anglicans have since then urged him to retract his statement and to “exercise moral leadership to protect gays and lesbians.”
Glasspool, who grew up in New York and followed her father into the Episcopal priesthood when she was ordained in 1982, says that apart from Rowan’s reaction she has received nothing but statements of support from people all over the world. In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, Glasspool expressed her joy in the Diocese of Los Angeles’ decision: “I’m deeply grateful. I am profoundly moved by just about everything that’s going on… I’m excited about the future. I think this is a real hopeful sign to the world.”
Related Posts:Media Focuses on Missing African-American Lesbian, Mitrice Richardson
November 20, 2009
It’s been almost two and a half months since Mitrice Richardson, 24, went missing after being released from a Malibu/Lost Hills police station in mid September. The Los Angeles Times reports that her father is extremely frustrated with the circumstances behind how his daughter was released from police custody and the lack of clues as to her whereabouts.
[The] missing woman’s father, Michael Richardson, 42, is now pressing authorities to release security footage from the night Richardson was taken into custody, believing it will prove that she was in no state to be discharged.
“I’m at a breaking point,” he said.
Mitrice Richardson vanished after leaving the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Malibu/Lost Hills station Sept. 17 on foot with no purse or cellphone. She had been released shortly after midnight after being arrested on suspicion of failing to pay for her meal at Geoffrey’s Malibu and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Witnesses said Richardson behaved strangely that night, telling people she was from Mars.
Since then, several sightings have been reported, but none has panned out, LAPD Det. Steven Eguchi said last week, adding that no evidence of foul play had been found.
In spite of the details about her arrest, Blogger Jasmyne Cannick reports that Richardson was a woman who was on the right track.
By all accounts, Mitrice Richardson was doing the right thing. A Cal State Fullerton graduate who studied psychiatry, Mitrice had planned on taking her education to the lesbian and gay community because she felt that there weren’t enough qualified and sensitive psychiatrists that catered to people who were gay. She lived with her great-grandmother on East 118th Street in Watts and was getting ready to start work as a teacher.
Shewired.com also reported that Richardson odd behavior that night was out of character:
This was not typical behavior for the former beauty pageant contestant, who graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a 4.0 grade point average, held down two jobs, volunteered for charity, and was in a committed relationship with another dynamic young woman.
Her parents admitted that Richardson suffers from mental disease and that may have played a factor in her demeanor that evening.
Tessa Moon, Richards’ girlfriend of two years reached out to the LGBT community 
to ask for help. The Advocate wrote:
Tessa Moon [made] an appeal on [November 2nd] at the Jewel’s Catch One community room in Los Angeles. Moon and Richardson have been in a relationship for two years.
“If I could tell her anything right now, it would be ‘Don’t be afraid. We’re coming.”
Her family has created a blog, Bring Mitrise Richardson Home, which provides up-to-date news, links to other media covering her disapearance and YouTube videos of vigils and searches that
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Richardson’s whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call (213) 485-2531.
MITRICE RICHARDSON ~ Date of Birth ~ April 30, 1985
HEIGHT: 5’
WEIGHT: 135lb
EYES: Hazel brown
HAIR: Medium brown (natural/curly)
TATTOOS: Lower abdomen, and behind neck
Last wearing: Brown Bob Marley T-shirt & Blue Jeans.
GLAAD will continue to follow the story and provide updates.
Summer GLAAD Events – Have Fun & Support Our Work With NYC Housewives, PTown “beachBums” and Top Chefs!
August 7, 2009
Worried that your fun-filled summer is coming to an end? – Think again!
Close your summer in style at one of GLAAD’s upcoming events to celebrate and benefit GLAAD’s work!
August 18, 2009
Planning to relax poolside in Provincetown during Carnival Week? Join GLAAD at the 4th Annual Provincetown “beachBums” event! Held on August 18, 2009 at The Crown & Anchor, GLAAD will treat you to a live aussieBum fashion show, entertainment from the legendary – and hilarious – Miss Richfield 1981, and GLAAD’s exclusive “SPF” (Stars Promoting Fairness) Celebrity Swimwear Auction where you can bid on swimwear signed by some of Hollywood’s biggest names including Elton John to benefit GLAAD’s culture changing work!
Presented by Absolut, the Crown & Anchor, aussieBum
Los Angeles Event: GLAAD Hancock Park – Top Chef Invasion
If you are a food fanatic, then GLAAD Hancock Park is the event for you! GLAAD invites you to join us on August 23, 2009 at the home of Tim Corrigan to enjoy a chef challenge from special guests and openly gay chefs Jamie Lauren and Richard Sweeney, stars of Bravo Television’s Top Chef. In celebration of GLAAD’s work, GLAAD will provide live entertainment from the Dangerous Muse, DJ Joe Gauthreaux, and Bailey featuring BOOM KITTY. In addition, Los Angeles area restaurants will be promoting their food specialties, and guests can participate in a food centric silent auction.
Presented by American Airlines, Barefoot Wine, Bravo Television, and Skyy Vodka
New York City Event: GLAAD Manhattan
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to meet our celebrity guests including Jill Zarin & Countess LuAnn de Lesseps (the Real Housewives of New York City), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), Michael Urie (Ugly Betty), Model Ronnie Kroell, and Comedian Lisa Lampanelli!
Join us for GLAAD Manhattan’s Venice Beach themed event held on August 25, 2009, at 230 Fifth 20th Floor Roof Top Garden. Invite friends and family to enjoy a special Andrew Christian swimsuit show in addition to face painting, caricature artists, psychics, balloon artists, and a gorgeous view.
Presented by Bacardi, Delta; Event Partners: Barefoot Wine and Prudential
Episcopalians Announce Openly Gay Nominees for Bishop
August 7, 2009
Earlier this week, two Episcopalian dioceses announced their nomination of openly LGBT priests for bishop positions. As we wrote previously, the Episcopal Church overwhelmingly voted in favor of ending a 2006 moratorium on ordaining openly gay bishops on July 14.
Rev. Bonnie Perry, Photo Courtesy of Advocate.com
The Rev. Bonnie Perry, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Chicago, Illinois, is among three nominees for the Minnesota bishop position. She has been in a committed relationship with her partner, the Rev. Susan Harlow, for 22 years. Harlow is a professor at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary.
The Diocese of Los Angeles also announced the nomination of the Rev. John L. Kirkley of San Francisco and the Rev. Mary Douglas Glasspool of Maryland, both of whom are in committed same-sex relationships. There are six candidates for the position of suffragan (assistant) bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Rev. John Kirkley, Photo Courtesy of Bay Area Reporter
In a statement to the Bay Area Reporter, IntegrityUSA President Reverend Susan Russell applauded the nominations:
Coming so soon after the slate announced by the Diocese of Minnesota, today’s announcement by the Diocese of Los Angeles is another sign that the ’season of fasting’ at the expense of the vocations of gays and lesbians in the Episcopal Church is at an end. For Minnesota and California to move so quickly after our convention, what they are doing is signaling that the resolution that we passed in Anaheim is not just a resolution but reality. The Episcopal Church is in a place where it is able to be broadly inclusive. That is good news not only for the diocese, but also the whole church.
If the candidates are elected by lay and clergy church leaders later this year, they would be the first openly gay priests to take the position of bishop since the ordination of Bishop Gene Robinson in 2003.
Related Posts:Fish Out of Water Premieres at Rhode Island International Film Festival
August 6, 2009
Director Ky Dickens teams up with Golden Globe music nominee Kaki King on the feature-length documentary, Fish Out of Water, to challenge often-quoted texts from the Bible used by anti-gay conservatives against LGBT people.
Inspired by Dickens own coming out experience, the film features an animated version of the filmmaker Ky and her biblical entourage as they take a surprisingly fun and insightful look at interpretations of Biblical text. Theologians and community members from across the country are also interviewed about why they want to open the church doors to LGBT people.
Fish out of Water received rave reviews at its world debut at Outfest in Los Angeles last month.
The movie premieres at the Rhode Island International Film Festival on August 8 at the Bell Street Chapel in Providence. Click here to reserve your tickets.
Related Posts:
Vigils Scheduled to Mourn Tel Aviv LGBT Victims
August 5, 2009
As we previously reported, New York City’s City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn has called on fellow New Yorkers to join her this Wednesday, August 5th in remembering victims of the shooting at the Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Association.
Vigils are now also scheduled for Boston and Los Angeles. Please join in a vigil close to you—or pause to reflect today - August 5th – as we mourn for the victims, pray for the injured, and express our outrage at the attacks at the Tel Aviv LGBT youth center.
Here is information on vigils and services across the country:
- Boston, MA: Vigil at Temple Israel (477 Longwood Avenue—on the steps of the Riverway), 6:30 p.m.
- Los Angeles, CA: Vigil at Congregation Beth Chayim Chadishim, 6:30 p.m. (6000 W Pico Blvd, one block east of Crescent Heights)
- New York, NY: Vigil at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah (57 Bethune St.), 7 p.m.
Vigils are also are also being scheduled in London, San Francisco, Manchester, and many other cities across the globe to honor the victims of the attack. Twitter users are spreading the word about the vigils.
To find out more about the violent shooting in Tel Aviv, click over to our blog post on the media coverage surrounding the attack.
Related Posts:Godcasts and Radio: LGBT People of Faith Explore Spirituality on Airwaves
July 29, 2009
From radio to ‘Godcasts,’ religious themed podcasts, LGBT people are reclaiming their voice within religious and faith communities. Hitting the digital airwaves is a rapidly growing trend and here are a few shows that deserve attention:
Tony Sweet
As the host of one of the top LA Talk Radio shows, Tony Sweet, a gay Christian musician, engages LGBT people of faith in Los Angeles and across the country. Reaching more than 50,000 listeners per show, On Air with Tony Sweet hosts people of all faiths to empower and strengthen his audience through music and on-air conversations with individuals from both the religious and entertainment world. A Gospel singer, Tony sang at a major rally against Prop 8 and was also in the cast of a YouTube video response to NOM’s “Gathering Storm” called “Weathering the Storm.”
Alicia Ross
Inspired by her own spiritual journey, Alicia Ross set out to help LGBT people who were trying to reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation. She charted new territory at LOGO with the video webcast, Oh God I’m Gay, which quickly became one of LOGO’s most popular webcasts. Ross now hosts One Gay Under God and invites faith leaders from many faiths and backgrounds to explore religious and social issues affecting the LGBT community that are often not covered by mainstream media.
Candace Chellew-Hodge
Fighting to claim a place for LGBT Christians in the Bible Belt is Whosoever, an online magazine for LGBT Christians founded in 1996 by Candace Chellew-Hodge. Whosoever regularly features podcasts on its website with the goal of providing LGBT Christians a space and the necessary resources to rekindle their faith and build welcoming communities by reaching out to both LGBT people and their straight allies. Whosoever won the first 2009 Pride Choice Award for best gay and lesbian focused nonprofit in the Southeast. Candace is currently promoting her book, Bulletproof Faith.
Justin Lee
Over at the Gay Christian Network (GCN) Radio, a weekly podcast on issues pertaining to LGBT Christians, Justin Lee and co-host Brian Eckstein cover a wide range of topics from the Catholic transgender experience to helping people recover from so-called “ex-gay” ministries. Lee, the Executive Director of GCN, founded the nonprofit ministry in 2001 to provide resources and support to help individuals reconcile their faith and sexuality. GCN builds networks of supportive Christian communities and works with families, friends, and churches to create respectful dialogue on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Related Posts:Marie Osmond On Daughter – So What If She’s Gay?
May 21, 2009
On last night’s Entertainment Tonight interview, Marie Osmond talked to Mary Hart about her daughter’s coming out and recent tabloid stories on a possible rift between them:
I love my daughter! She’s my baby girl, come on. So what if she’s gay? She’s my daughter and she’s an amazing woman and a good kid. I raised her, she better be good.
Osmond, a devout Mormon, also discussed reconciling her religious beliefs and accepting her daughter:
I think it’s sad when we have to separate something from society. Whether it’s, ‘Oh you’re Jewish,’ and then it was ‘Oh you’re a Mormon,’ or ‘Oh you’re gay.’ I love real people.
A lot of women out there have gay children. Who cares? It’s so sad that we have to even segregate all these things. The thing I want is love. You know, I’m a Christian and Christ was that way. He loved everybody.
Earlier this month, Osmond told Los Angeles radio station KOST 103.5 that while she is Mormon she does not impose her religious beliefs on her children and that she supports marriage equality, “Everybody has a right to believe what they believe. But I do think everyone has a right to have civil rights.”
Amor, Dulce Amor: Retratos de Parejas y Familias LGBT/Love Sweet Love: Portraits of LGBT Couples & Families
May 13, 2009
Photo credit: Gideon Mendel / Foto tomada por: Gideon Mendel
If you haven’t already done so, please visit a website called 13lovestories.com that offers a wide selection of moving, well-shot portraits of LGBT couples and families, many of them Latino/a.
You can also visit the exhibit at one of many locations, below, and check out this story in the Los Angeles Times.
Si ya no lo has hecho, por favor visita un sitio del Internet llamado 13lovestories.com, en el cual se encuentran videos emocionantes y muy bien contadas de parejas y familias LGBT, muchos de ellas/as Latinas.
Tambien puedes ver la exhibición de fotos que es parte del proyecto y leer esta historia en el Los Angeles Times.
Upcoming screenings:
- Santa Monica College May 20 (1900 Pico Blvd Santa Monica, 90405)
- The Abbey May 26 (692 N Robertson West Hollywood 90069)
- 13LoveStories.com Exhibition Sites/Sitios de Exhibición de 13LoveStories.com
- Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk May 14
- Santa Monica College May 18 (1900 Pico Blvd Santa Monica, 90405)
- LA Pride June 12-14 (San Vicente between Santa Monica and Melrose)
- Meet in the Middle (Fresno) This is a statewide action taking place the Saturday after the California Supreme Court announces its decision on overturning Proposition 8.
The 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards – Los Angeles
April 23, 2009
A big thank you to everyone who attended the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards presented by IBM in Los Angeles on April 18! 1,100 local youth and more than 1,500 professionals attended the event, presented by ABSOLUT® VODKA, to watch GLAAD honor outstanding representations of LGBT people in media.
The evening began with a reception at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live where guests bid on silent auction items from more than 30 donors. At the same time, the red carpet stretched over 96 feet and welcomed over 50 media outlets to photograph and interview special guests and raise visibility of A-list celebrities supporting our community.
Media outlets including The New York Times, USA Today and Reuters wrote about the winners and honorees. Leading entertainment shows including Access Hollywood and The Insider interviewed special guests including Ellen DeGeneres, Teri Hatcher and Geroge Takei.
Not only did the celebrities answer questions about marriage equality, but they also dished on their shows and the Desperate Housewives ladies in attendance (Teri Hatcher, Brenda Strong, Andrea Bowen) spoke out about the dearly departed Edie Britt. LGBT media outlets including The Advocate, AfterEllen.com, FH Out Front, Greg in Hollywood and OUTTAKE also brought the event to readers.
Photos from the night ran across the world and showed an array of celebrities including Jessica Alba, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Paul James (GREEK) wearing White Knots in support of marriage equality.
Bebe Zahara Benet, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Logo, won my best dressed of the night award for her gorgeous sequined gown complete with feathers and a leopard print wrap.
The 20th Annual Media Awards started with a welcome from host Miss Coco Peru and continued with an opening montage of media images from 2008 that moved the crowd from laughter to tears with clips from television and film.
LGBT advocate Cleve Jones and Oscar-winning screenwriter of Milk, Dustin Lance Black, took to the stage to present the Stephen F. Kolzak Award to Bishop Gene Robinson. Robinson gave a special shout-out to the youth in the audience and brought the audience to its feet with his speech:
“It is such an honor to be here, and to be honored by the Board of GLAAD….To have you say thanks in this way just means the world to me,” Robinson said accepting his award. Speaking of the LGBT movement, Robinson continued, “We need to be in this for the long haul…Just because we achieved civil rights in the sixties for African Americans, it doesn’t mean racism is gone. Because we achieved rights for women in the seventies, it doesn’t mean sexism is gone….But we can stay in this fight because we know how it’s is going to end. This is going to end with full equality for LGBT people in our churches and in society. I have no doubt of it.”
Bill Paxton and Teri Hatcher presented Julia Louis-Dreyfus (wearing a dress that can only be described as GLAAD orange! and Megan Mullally with the award for Outstanding Individual Television Episode for The New Adventures of Old Christine. Paxton broke into an impromptu tap dance backstage after the Award and Julia Louis-Dreyfus told me how great it was to work with out comedian Wanda Sykes.
Broadway hunk and OUT100 Entertainer of the Year Cheyenne Jackson took to the stage with a piano for a moving performance of “A Change is Gonna Come,” wearing a perfectly fitted navy blue suit.
Alan Cumming presented a Special Recognition Award to The L Word which completed its sixth and final season on Showtime in March. After being stuck in traffic and missing the red carpet cast members Leisha Hailey and Katherin Moenning thankfully arrived in time to join show creator Ilene Chaiken and cast member Jennifer Beals to accept the award.
In her remarks, Chaiken commented on the continuing need to advocate for the inclusion of LGBT characters in the media. “At this moment in history, when marriage equality is virtually inevitable and maybe even imminent, when we’ve welcomed new LGBT civil rights legislation in Iowa, Colorado, Washington D.C., New Hampshire and soon New York…how can it be that LGBT people – after years of slow but promising momentum – have careened backwards in terms of representation in mainstream popular entertainment media?” Chaiken said.
Chaiken continued, “GLAAD has been working vigilantly to ensure that the defamation of LGBT people does not go unchecked. GLAAD’s been working to ensure that our lives are visible in the news and in the media. GLAAD’s work is vital and critical to helping us to achieve the milestones that are lifting LGBT people to our rightful place of full, unfettered equality. Thank you, GLAAD. And thank you Showtime, for six wonderful years…Thanks for breaking ground and for having the courage of your convictions. Now let’s do it again. Let’s do it more. Let’s do it often. Let’s do it always.”
Miss Coco Peru joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, for a performance of Prop 8: The Musical, which received a Special Recognition Award. The hysterical rendition included one member wearing a recreation of Aretha Franklin’s infamous hat from President Obama’s inauguration. According to him, there’s a store in downtown LA that has dozens to purchase!
T.R. Knight presented the Vanguard Award to Kathy Griffin who accepted the award in a bikini after parading around the green room to show off her beach body. “This is a thrill and an honor and an awesome night,” Griffin said in her acceptance speech. “You guys have been so good to me. I appreciate you, I get you, I love you, and I’ll keep making you laugh as long as you’ll let me! Thank you!”
The show closed with another standing ovation for legend Jennifer Holliday who performed “And I’m Telling You.”
After the show, I escorted Dana Delaney of Desperate Housewives, T.R. Knight of Grey’s Anatomy and Kate Walsh of Private Practice to kick off the young adult party. Over 1000 youth partied in the Nokia Theatre and took photos with these celebrities. Later on, Dustin Lance Black, Katelynn Cusanelli from The Real World Brooklyn, and the casts of Noah’s Arc and Shelter stopped by to join the young adult party.
The VIP dinner, catered by Wolfgang Puck, was held outside the Nokia Theatre and included live auction items from Visit London, Tiffany & Co., Zoom Vacations and the Herb Ritts Foundation.
After the dinner the room transformed into the ABSOLUT Mango Lounge for an after party sponsored by Only Vegas. Only Vegas supplied boas and props for attendees to dance the night away and take photos in the Fiji Water photo booth.
GLAAD thanks over 100 corporate partners for their generous support in making the event a great success and a night to remember.
We hope to see you at the GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco on May 9 where we are honoring Chad Allen and Dustin Lance Black. Additional talent includes Gabrielle Christian & Mandy Musgrave from South of Nowhere, Michelle Clunie, Wilson Cruz, Robert Gant, Suze Orman Eduardo Xol, and Judge David Young.
Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Award recipients announced Saturday in Los Angeles. Previously awards were presented in New York at the Marriot Marquis on March 28.
- Vanguard Award: Kathy Griffin (presented by T.R. Knight)
- Stephen F. Kolzak Award: The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson (presented by Dustin Lance Black and Cleve Jones)
- Special Recognition: The L Word (Showtime) [Accepted by: show creator Ilene Chaiken, with Jennifer Beals, Katherine Moennig, and Leisha Hailey]
- Special Recognition: Prop 8: The Musical (FunnyorDie.com) [Accepted by: director Adam Shankman]
- Outstanding Film – Wide Release: Milk (Focus Features) [Accepted by: director Gus Van Sant, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, and producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks]
- Outstanding Comedy Series: Desperate Housewives (ABC) [Accepted by: show creator Marc Cherry, Teri Hatcher, Dana Delaney, Kyle MacLachlan, Tuc Watkins, Kevin Rahm, Andrea Bowen and Brenda Strong]
- Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without an LGBT character): “Unidentified Funk” The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS) [Accepted by: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Megan Mullally, Clark Gregg, and show creator Kari Lizer]
- Outstanding Talk Show Episode: “Ellen & Portia’s Wedding Day” The Ellen DeGeneres Show (syndicated) [Accepted by: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi]
- Outstanding Spanish-Language TV Journalism – Newsmagazine: “A juzgar por las apariencias” y “En otro cuerpo” Aquí y Ahora (Univision) [Accepted by: Univision producer Belissa Morillo and Monica Zapata, sister of murdered transgender teenager Angie Zapata]
Stars Come Out for the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles
April 7, 2009
We’ve got an exceptional line-up of special guests and honorees to continue the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday April 18th at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.
The 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards kicked off in New York City on March 28. A fantastic line up of celebrities and media professionals came out to show their support for fair and accurate media images of the LGBT community.
More famous faces will come out in Los Angeles to be honored and show support for our community. You can be part of this extraordinary night. Come celebrate the GLAAD Media Awards’ 20th anniversary in Los Angeles with us by getting your tickets to the event, starting at just $50.
Special guests and presents scheduled to attend, include:
Jessica Alba
Chad Allen
Jennifer Beals, Lauren Holloman, Leisha Hailey, Pam Grier,
Katherine Moennig and Illene Chaiken (The L Word)
Dustin Lance Black
Michelle Clunie
Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks
Wilson Cruz
Alan Cumming
JD Disalvatore
Scott Michael Foster
Robert Grant
Rebecca Gayheart
Balthazar Getty
Thea Gill
Teri Hatcher
Paul James
T. R. Knight
Rex Lee
Megan Mullally
Nichelle Nichols
Peter Paige
Brad Rowe
Darryl Stephens
Amber Stevens
George Takei
Gus Van Sant
Trevor Wright
Awards will be presented onstage in the following categories:
Outstanding Film – Wide Release, Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without a regular LGBT character, Outstanding Talk Show Episode, Outstanding Spanish-Language TV Journalism – Newsmagazine.
Kathy Griffin will receive the Vanguard Award, which is presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community. A long time ally of the LGBT community, Kathy Griffin consistently includes LGBT people on the two-time Emmy-winning reality program Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,as well as in her comedy specials, her Grammy-nominated comedy CD For Your Consideration, and in her stand-up routines around the world.
This year Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List received its second consecutive GLAAD Media Awards nomination for Outstanding Reality Program. When not making audiences around the world laugh on television or stage, she is a vocal supporter of marriage equality in interviews with media outlets including Larry King Live. In 2008, she appeared in a public service announcement produced by human rights group Causecast urging viewers to vote against Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that eliminated the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples in California.
Bishop Gene Robinson will be honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award for his work to raise visibility of LGBT-inclusive voices of faith. Bishop Robinson became the first openly gay Bishop of the Episcopal Church after he was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire in 2004. He most recently delivered the invocation at the opening celebration of the Presidential Inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial.
His ongoing work as a LGBT advocate has been featured in international news outlets including The New York Times, Reuters and NPR. His personal story is featured in the documentary For the Bible Tells Me So and in his 2008 book In the Eye of the Storm. For the Bible Tells Me So profiles several LGBT families discussing their Christian faith and received the award for Outstanding Documentary at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
Robinson joins Rufus Wainwright, Melissa Etheridge, Bill Condon, Todd Haynes, Alan Ball, Ellen DeGeneres and Sir Ian McKellen as a recipient of the award, which is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for our community.
The GLAAD Media Awards wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of our corporate partners. More than 100 corporate sponsors are showing their support, including National Presenting Partner IBM and Local Presenting Partners ABSOLUT® VODKA and Prudential. GLAAD is also grateful to the event’s Platinum Underwriters Comcast, TimeWarner and University of Phoenix. Allstate Insurance Company, American Airlines, Barefoot Wine, Disney/ABC Television Group, HMS Media, Herb Ritts Foundation, New York City Marriott & Renaissance Hotels, Renaissance New York Hotel, MillerCoors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Southwest Airlines, The Terry Watanabe Charitable Trust and Wyndham Hotel Group support the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards as Underwriter Partners.
Don’t miss out… Click here and purchase your tickets today!
Check out GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano below, speaking at this year’s GLAAD Media Awards in New York on March 28, 2009.
Nominees and special guests for the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 18th gathered for an informal reception for table hosts on March 31.
Photos by Brian Putnam
Thea Gill & Robert Gant (Queer As Folk)
Nick Oceano (Director), Alex Loynaz (Pedro), Alex Castillo (Pedro)
Trevor Wright (Shelter) & Laura Shields
Wilson Cruz & Steve Wozencraft
JD Disalvatore (Producer, Shelter), Chris Hulen (SHELTER), Wilson Cruz & Elliot Elsner (Membership Events Coordinator, GLAAD)
Dan Jinks & Matt Whitney
Darryl Stephens (Noah's Arc)
Christian Vincent (Noah’s Arc), Darryl Stephens (Noah’s Arc), Robert Williams & J. Michael Durnhil (Senior Vice President, GLAAD)
Bruce Cohen (Producer, Milk), Jeremy Glazer (Save Me) & Chad Allen
Shocking Video of Attack on Trans Woman/Impactante Video Muestra Ataque Contra Mujer Trans
March 13, 2009
In Los Angeles this week, we have with us dozens of activists attending the “Global Arc of Justice: LGBT Rights Law Around the World Conference,” organized by the Williams Institute at UCLA and the International Lesbian and Gay Law Association.
Among the activists are many from Mexico and Latin America. Peruvian activists called our attention to a shocking case that took place in Tarapot, in the North, where a “junta vecinal” or neighborhood watch vigilante type of group took it upon themselves to find and punish Techi, a transgender woman and alleged prostitute. They took off her clothes, cut her hair, beat and threatened her. And all of this in front of a news crew they’d invited to chronicle the attack.
Amnesty International issued an urgent action after activists called attention to the case. Please take a moment to watch the video. We salute our brave friends in Peru and the rest of Latin America and the world as they fight for equal rights.
You can watch the video below:
En Los Angeles esta semana tenemos con nosotras docenas de activistas LGBT para la conferencia “Global Arc of Justice: LGBT Rights Law Around the World Conference,” organizado por el Instituto Williams de UCLA y la International Lesbian and Gay Law Association.
Entre los activistas reunidos aqui estan muchos de Mexico y Latinoamerica. Activistas de Peru nos llamaron la atención a un caso impactante que ocurrio en Tarapoto en el norte del pais, donde “junta vecinal” decidió salir a buscar y castigar a Techi, una mujer transgénero que ellos alegaban es prostituta. La desnudaron, cortaron el pelo, pegaron y amenazaron. Y todo esto delante de camaras de un noticiero que habian invitado a ir con ellos y documentar sus hechos.
Amnesty Interacional le pidió a sus miembros que hagan una acción urgente despues de que activistas llamaron atención al caso.
Por favor tomen un momento para ver este video. Les deseamos toda la suerte del mundo a nuestros valientes amigos y amigas no solo en el Peru pero de toda latinoamerica y el mundo quienes cada dia ponen sus vidas en riesgo para luchar por los derechos.
Newsweek Examines the Bible and Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Couples
December 8, 2008
The December 15th edition of Newsweek, released to newsstands this past weekend, features a cover story examining the relationship between marriage for gay and lesbian couples and the Bible. 
Written by Lisa Miller, the article deconstructs interpretations of religious positions and Bible passages on marriage, revealing a clear detachment from the present-day idea of “traditional marriage” used by some anti-gay movements.
A key tactic in the campaign for the passage of Proposition 8 in California last month, which took away the rights of gay and lesbian couples to marry, was to advocate for the protection of a religiously based institution of marriage, therefore wrongfully positing the gay community against the religious community. The Newsweek article debunks this present-day interpretation of marriage, explaining that oftentimes the original context or meaning of passages has become convoluted and misconstrued with the passage of time.
The article concludes by suggesting that the larger ideas promoted in the Bible, such as love and acceptance, be given higher regard than stand-alone passages. The author states that this would prove to promote an acceptance of marriage for gay and lesbian couples:
The practice of inclusion, even in defiance of social convention, the reaching out to outcasts, the emphasis on togetherness and community over and against chaos, depravity, indifference-all these biblical values argue for gay marriage.
Most importantly, the article is demonstrative of the growing support for the LGBT community coming from religious institutions.
For example, it was recently announced by the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles that church leaders can bless the unions of gay and lesbian couples. While many Episcopal churches in Southern California have been blessing the unions of gay and lesbian couples for years, such blessing will now be officially recognized by the diocese.
