LGBTQ Acceptance Declines Among Young People

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.

Head over to GLAAD to read the full report here.

Bud Light Goes Rainbow For Pride Month

CNN reports that Bud Light will sell rainbow-colored aluminum bottles in bars nationwide for Pride Month 2019.

For each case of beer sold, Bud Light will donate $1 to GLAAD.

The rainbow bottles are among Pride Month actions the company is taking this year with GLAAD. It's also a sponsor of the Governors Ball Music Festival May 31-June 2 in New York and will host an all-LGBT lineup of performers on its own stage.

The company's support of the LGBT community dates back to the 1980s, said Andy Goeler, vice president of marketing, in a news release.

"The way we see it, our beer is for everyone to enjoy," Goeler said. "With the release of these new bottles, we hope to create something that everyone can feel proud to hold during Pride month."

Pride month is celebrated each June. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the riots at New York's Stonewall Inn that launched the gay rights movement.

"Bud Light stood with the community at a time when many brands did not, and their continued outspoken support sets the bar for other global brands," Zeke Stokes, GLAAD's chief programs officer, said in a new release.

News Round-Up: January 24, 2019

Ryan Worley (photo: Vinnie Cassidy)

Some news items you might have missed:

• Las Vegas based photographer Vinnie Cassidy captures a gorgeous sunset moment (above) with Chippendales' hottie, Ryan Worley.

• Australia's postal survey on marriage equality in 2017 led to increased levels of anxiety and depression among LGBTs, according to a new study.

• The Supreme Court of Japan has ruled unanimously to uphold a law which forces transgender people to get sterilized before they can legally change their gender.

• An openly gay congressman who is a political opponent of anti-LGBT Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is leaving his job and the country amid death threats.

• In a 'Hold my Dom Pérignon' moment, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross (who is a billionaire) says he doesn't understand why federal workers not getting paid during the Trump shutdown don't just 'take out loans' to feed their families. #clueless

Wilbur Ross is @realDonaldTrump’s Secretary of Commerce.

Wilbur Ross is a billionaire.

And this is billionaire Wilbur Ross saying he doesn’t understand why federal workers not getting paid during the #TrumpShutdown don’t just take out loans *to feed their families*.

Unreal. pic.twitter.com/YHHZqKa8sx

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 24, 2019

• The Trump Administration has waived anti-discrimination requirements for a federally-funded child welfare agency in South Carolina opening the door for discrimination of LGBTQ and non-Christian people who may be seeking to foster or adopt.

• Citing the recent article in The Atlantic regarding allegations of sexual abuse against director Bryan Singer, GLAAD has made the decision to remove Bohemian Rhapsody from contention for a GLAAD Media Award in the 'Outstanding Film – Wide Release' category this year.

• Dido has shared a gorgeous live rendition of her new single "Give You Up," from her first album in five years, Still On My Mind, out March 8th.

Dido describes the track as "a good break up song, where you’ve been hurt but feel strong."

"It's that point in a relationship where you are pulling yourself out of the gutter and deciding that it's their loss," she adds. "Which I can totally relate to.”

LGBTQ Representation Hits All-Time High On Television

Billy Porter as "Pray Tell" on POSE

GLAAD recently released its 14th annual Where We Are on TV report; a comprehensive forecast of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) characters expected in primetime scripted programming in the 2018-19 television season.

This is the 23rd year GLAAD has tracked the presence of LGBTQ characters on television.

First time since GLAAD began tracking these statistics, there are more LGBTQ people of color (50%) than white LGBTQ people (49%) on broadcast television.

Of the 857 regular characters on broadcast scripted primetime programming, 75 identified as LGBTQ. Additionally, there were 38 recurring LGBTQ characters.

Netflix had the highest number of LGBTQ characters on streaming platforms, and FX was the top cable network thanks to this year's LGBTQ-themed series Pose and The Assassination of Gianni Versace.

It's great to hit record highs, but GLAAD is pushing for even more visibility on television with a 2-year goal of 10% of series regular characters on primetime broadcast television being LGBTQ.

Major Movies Featured Fewer LGBTs In 2017

(still from Call Me By Your Name)

While the LGBTQ community was giddy over the success of gay-themed Call Me By Your Name at this year’s Academy Awards where James Ivory won the Oscar for “Best Screenplay,” a new study shows depictions of LGBTQ characters in movies released by major studios last year actually declined.

LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD took a look at the 109 films released by major studios in 2017. And in issuing their annual Studio Responsibility Index found that gay, lesbian, bi, trans and queer characters appeared in only 14 films (12.8%).

That marks a precipitous drop from the 18.4% of major studio films found to be inclusive in 2016. Indeed, this is the lowest percentage of films featuring LGBTQ characters since GLAAD began reporting on the issue in 2012.

Additionally, GLAAD notes that many of the gay characters in 2017 films were barely seen on screen. Looking at the 14 films that included LGBTQ characters, in half of them the LGBTQ characters had less than five minutes of screen time.

There was some good news to report: diversity increased as 16 of the 28 LGBT-identified characters were people of color. That makes for 57% of the total characters in 2017 versus only 20% in 2016.

It's important to note that the report did not include the LGBTQ representation in the films released by the smaller, boutique labels like Sony Pictures Classics, which produced Call Me By Your Name, and Fox Searchlight, which served up the Billie Jean King/Bobby Riggs redux, Battle of the Sexes.

When you add those outlets to other similar offices - like Universal’s Focus and Lionsgate affiliate Roadside Attractions - to the mix, you do get a more diverse, inclusive result.

Of the 40 films released by those labels in 2017, 28% contained LGBTQ characters, which is almost double the 17% in 2016.

In a recent interview with Time Out London, Sir Ian McKellen spoke about the lack of LGBTQ representation in Hollywood:

“Well, nobody looks to Hollywood for social commentary, do they? They only recently discovered that there were black people in the world. Hollywood has mistreated women in every possible way throughout its history. Gay men don’t exist. Gods and Monsters [1998], I think, was the beginning of Hollywood admitting that there were gay people knocking around, even though half of Hollywood is gay.”

News Round-Up: May 21, 2018

(via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• Model Nick Sandell spent time at the beach; I was stuck in my office watching the sun go by. By the time I got done with work, the dang clouds had rolled in :(

• Andy Warhol's iconic Interview Magazine has shuttered. Employees were told today at an "all-hands meeting" that the magazine had folded.

• A proposal to include discussions on the topics of transgender, sexual orientation and sexual identity in Fort Worth, Texas, public schools has found it's protesters.

• As other states are trying to limit LGBTs ability to adopt or foster homeless children, Connecticut is actively trying to recruit members of the community to participate in adoption/fostering.

• Pope Francis told a gay man that God made him exactly as he is, and that God loves him just as he is.

• GLAAD and Bonnier Publishing USA have teamed up to release a children’s book series featuring LGBT stories (see below).

News Round-Up: April 13, 2018

Carson Jones, son of Alabama Sen. Doug Jones

Some news items you might have missed:

• Alabama Senator Doug Jones has become the 46th co-sponsor to The Equality Act, which seeks to add ‘sexual orientation and gender identity’ protections to existing civil rights laws. Jones says his (hottie) openly gay son Carson's coming out helped shape his political views on LGBTQ rights.

• The city of Columbus, Indiana, which just happens to be virulently anti-gay Vice President Mike Pence's hometown, will celebrate its first-ever LGBT Pride Festival tomorrow.

• Amazon video just got that much more gay as the streaming giant has just added dozens and dozens of LGBTQ films that screened at Outfest in L.A. to Amazon Prime.

• A recent report by Goldman Sachs analysts pointed out that curing diseases doesn't make nearly as much money for Pharma companies as creating drugs that treat (but don't cure) chronic illnesses. The statement adds fuel to the conspiracy theory that should cures for diseases like AIDS might be discovered, they might be withheld in favor of "treatment" drugs.

• The Maine House of Representatives has approved legislation that would protect LGBTQ youth from so-called "ex-gay therapy."

• It appears Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, liked to record conversations with associates. Folks in TrumpLand are worried some of those recordings which might have been included in the Monday raid on Cohen's offices, contain material damaging to Trump.

• Olympian Adam Rippon opened last night's GLAAD Media Awards by calling his bestie Gus Kenworthy onstage and explaining, "I've had such a big year, but my biggest achievement so far is finally getting Gus to come out of his shell. Four years ago he was afraid to kiss his boyfriend after he won silver in Sochi. Now, he's unleashed."

Gus agreed saying, "Literally, I'll kiss anybody." And with that laid a big smooch on Adam.

Watch below.

Los Angeles: "Big Bang Theory" Star Jim Parsons To Be Honored With GLAAD's Stephen F. Kolzak Award

GLAAD has announced Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons will be honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.

Via press release:

GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award is presented to an LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting LGBTQ acceptance. Previous recipients include Laverne Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, Wanda Sykes, Ruby Rose, Troye Sivan, Chaz Bono and Sir Ian McKellen.

Jim Parsons is a four-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner who has become a fan favorite for his role as Sheldon Cooper in the long-running sitcom The Big Bang Theory.

Parsons will next appear on Broadway in the revival of the iconic comic drama The Boys in the Band which opens on May 31, 2018. The landmark 1968 play was a theatrical game-changer with its focus on a group of gay men in New York City who gather for a friend’s birthday party. Parsons co-stars with Matt Bomer, Zachary Quinto, Andrew Rannells, Robin de Jesús, and, Michael Benjamin Washington in the highly anticipated production.

The awards will be held at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Details and ticket information here.

Britney Spears To Be Honored With Vanguard Award At Los Angeles GLAAD Media Awards

Britney Spears

GLAAD announced today that pop superstar Britney Spears will be honored with this year's Vanguard Award at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 12.

Via press release:

GLAAD’s Vanguard Award is presented to media professionals who have made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance of LGBTQ people. Previous honorees include Jennifer Lopez, Cher, Kerry Washington, Elizabeth Taylor, Whoopi Goldberg, Drew Barrymore, Janet Jackson, Demi Lovato, and Patricia Arquette.

Britney Spears is a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon, and one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history with more than 100 million records sold worldwide. Spears is a longtime ally and supporter of the LGBTQ community. She has reliably stood up for LGBTQ youth on GLAAD’s Spirit Day by going purple on social media to speak out against bullying. In 2017, Spears was among 140 entertainers including Jennifer Lawrence, Ariana Grande, and Laverne Cox to speak out in an open letter against two anti-LGBTQ bills which targeted transgender youth in Texas and were later defeated.

Spears has a legacy of embracing her LGBTQ fans. Most recently, Spears penned a heartwarming love letter to the LGBTQ community with Billboard Pride in which she shared that the community’s unwavering loyalty and acceptance both uplift and inspire her. “I have a secret to share with you,” Spears wrote. “You see it’s actually you that lifts me up. The unwavering loyalty. The lack of judgment. The unapologetic truth. Acceptance! Your stories are what inspire me, bring me joy, and make me and my sons strive to be better people.”

For information on how you can attend this year’s GLAAD Media Awards, visit glaad.org/mediaawards.

News Round-Up: November 16, 2017

Some news items you might have missed:

• Well hello there, Jared Techau (above). Fortunately for his Instagram followers, the University of Kentucky grad is dating photographer Brian Kaminski who's on his gig capturing Techau regularly.

• An organization that delivers meals to people with HIV/AIDS in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico has been without electricity for more than two months.

• A new Fox News poll shows Democrat Doug Jones leading in the Alabama Senate race against embattled Republican Roy Moore 50%-42%.

• Amazon is considering writing out Jeffrey Tambor's transgender lead character in it's award-winning series Transparent due to allegations of sexual misconduct by Tambor.

• A federal judge has declared a mistrial in New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez's corruption case due to a deadlocked jury. Republicans were looking for a guilty verdict in hopes GOP Gov. Chris Christie would get to appoint a replacement before he leaves office.

• GLAAD has teamed up with gay songwriter/activist Justin Tranter to create a PSA Calling for more LGBTQ inclusion in music. The video features a wide range of folks from RuPaul to country songwriter Shane McAnally and members of the Los Angeles Trans Chorus. Watch below.

Billy Porter Accepts GLAAD's Vito Russo Award With Powerful Call To Action

Tony Award winner Billy Porter at the 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

In accepting GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award at the 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City on May 6, my man Billy Porter preached to the people about being silenced, remembered those who fought for equality before us, and issued a powerful call to unite against forces that try to discriminate and divide people.

I've known the Tony Award winner (Kinky Boots) for almost 30 years, and this is prime "Billy."

Get your war clothes on, people. Stay strong. Stay vigilant. Stay visible. Stay hopeful. Stay focused. Be brave. Be fierce.

Resist. Resist. Resist. Resist. Resist.

I recently interviewed him about his fantastic new album, Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richard Rodgers, and halfway through the interview Billy connected the dots between his music and his activism. And we were off!

I, of course, could not have been more thrilled. Check out that interview on my podcast over on iTunes.

But for now, watch Billy go, go, go below.

Debra Messing Accepts GLAAD's "Excellence In Media" Award Will A Call To Action

Debra Messing accepts GLAAD's Excellence in Media Award

Accepting GLAAD’s Excellence in Media Award in New York City this past Saturday, honoree Debra Messing declared, "It's time to make America gay again!"

The Excellence in Media Award is presented to media professionals who have made a significant difference in promoting LGTBQ acceptance.

During her remarks, Messing said, "Right now there is a very bad and very orange man in the White House. At least a few days a month."

But it wasn't just the president Messing had a message for. She also spoke directly to Ivanka Trump:

"It’s not enough to simply say that women’s issues are important to you. It’s time to do something. You can change the lives of millions of women and children just by telling your dad stories about real people who are suffering.

"Don’t let him separate immigrant mothers from their American-born children. Don’t let him take health care away from women who need it. Don’t allow him to make trans kids like Gavin [Grimm] fight in court for their basic human dignity."

This fall, Messing and her original Will & Grace costars will return to NBC for a 12 episode reboot of the iconic sitcom.

News Round-Up: March 31, 2017

Colton Haynes as "Daddy Warbucks" and Kathy Griffin as "Grannie"

Some news items you may have missed:

• Find out what happens when "Annie" hangs out too long at the orphanage in this parody "Grannie" of the hit musical. The clip stars Kathy Griffin as the aged orphan, plus it gives you a reason to finally call Colton Haynes "Daddy."

• The NCAA will announce next week if North Carolina's fake repeal of HB2 will actual help the state's standing in terms of booking any championship games in the next five years.

• The Trump administration's new budget seeks to cut $342 million in HIV/AIDS research and prevention programs. #ThanksTrump

• Congressional Democrats are demanding the next Census include questions on sexual orientation. That data is vitally needed to help policymakers understand the needs of the LGBT community.

• New survey by GLAAD indicates 25% of non-LGBTQ Americans are "uncomfortable" seeing an LGBTQ co-worker's wedding picture on their desk.

• Trumpeter, singer, producer, and dancer Spencer Ludwig wants you to get "Diggy" this weekend. Watch the grooving video below:

2016 GLAAD Media Awards Include Robert De Niro, Mariah Carey

GLAAD, the world's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, honored Robert De Niro, Mariah Carey, and the best in film, television, and journalism at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Waldorf Astoria New York on Saturday.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD's work to amplify stories from the LGBT community and issues that build support for acceptance.

At the ceremony, Academy Award-winning actress and surprise guest Jennifer Lawrence presented Robert De Niro with GLAAD's Excellence in Media Award, which is presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

In his acceptance speech, De Niro celebrated the Supreme Court’s landmark decision for marriage equality, while cautioning to “also remember oppressive laws like the ones in North Carolina that let us know the struggle continues and challenges us to be vigilant and aggressive in protecting all our rights.” De Niro continued, “Thank you for this honor, I’m proud to stand with you, I’m GLAAD.”

Also at the event, Lee Daniels presented Mariah Carey with the Ally Award, which is presented to a media figure who has consistently used their platform to support and advance LGBT equality and acceptance.

Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Award recipients announced Saturday in New York. Additional awards were presented in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on April 2.

• Excellence in Media Award: Robert De Niro (presented by Jennifer Lawrence)

• Ally Award: Mariah Carey (presented by Lee Daniels)

• Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine: “Bruce Jenner: The Interview" 20/20 (ABC) [accepted by: Diane Sawyer, Caitlyn Jenner, and David Sloan, senior executive producer]

• Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: "Interview with Jim Obergefell" Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN) [accepted by: U.S. Supreme Court plaintiff Jim Obergefell]

• Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage: Cosmopolitan [accepted by: Laura Brounstein, special projects director]

• Outstanding Film – Limited Release: Tangerine (Magnolia Pictures)

• Outstanding Individual Episode: "The Prince of Nucleotides" Royal Pains (USA Network)

• Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia: "Stopping HIV? The Truvada Revolution" Vice Reports (Vice.com)

• Outstanding Newspaper Article: "Cold Case: The Murders of Cosby and Jackson" by Dianna Wray (Houston Press)

• Outstanding Magazine Article: "Behind Brazil's Gay Pride Parades, a Struggle with Homophobic Violence" by Oscar Lopez (Newsweek)

• Outstanding Digital Journalism Article: "This Is What It’s Like To Be An LGBT Syrian Fleeing For Your Life" by J. Lester Feder (Buzzfeed.com)

SPANISH-LANGUAGE NOMINEES

• Outstanding Daytime Program Episode: "¿El marido de mi padre o yo?" Caso Cerrado (Telemundo)

• Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine: TIE: "Amor que rompe barreras" Un Nuevo Día (Telemundo) and "En cuerpo ajeno" Aquí y Ahora (Univision)

• Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: "Víctimas de abusos" Noticiero Univision (Univision)

• Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia: "Campeones de la igualdad" (Univision.com)

(via press release)

Today Is Transgender Day Of Remembrance

(image via GLAAD)

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

From Gwendolyn Ann Smith, founder of Transgender Day of Remembrance:

"The Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people -- sometimes in the most brutal ways possible -- it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice."

You can participate by attending or organizing a vigil on November 20 to honor all those whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence that year.

Vigils are typically hosted by local transgender advocates or LGBT organizations, and held at community centers, parks, places of worship and other venues. The vigil often involves reading a list of the names of those who died that year.

Click here for a list of events.

Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation & GLAAD: "Let's Finish What We Started"

Via GLAAD:

GLAAD, the world's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, releases a new public service announcement (PSA) The PSA begins with Elizabeth Taylor's historic and impassioned speech at the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert as a framework to introduce a new generation to the modern realities of HIV and AIDS, as well as the tools we have to overcome them. It includes participation from Meredith Vieira, Whoopi Goldberg, Jonathan Groff, Michael Emerson, Tituss Burgess, and Bebe Neuwirth and will air nationally in a thirty-second format with generous support from Comcast–NBCUniversal. An extended version of the PSA will run online.

“The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with GLAAD. Their organization was created to respond to misinformation in the media about HIV and AIDS at a time when conversation in the zeitgeist about the epidemic was very high, but understanding of the virus was very low,” said Joel Goldman, Managing Director of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. “ Today, it’s the opposite. Conversation about HIV and AIDS is barely discussed in individual circles and has comparatively fallen out of the news cycle. This is despite the fact that the U.S. has not seen a decrease in new infection rates in nearly two decades.”

GLAAD Names Names And Points Fingers At Indiana SB101 Signing

(Click pic to enlarge)

Life is funny. Folks may think they can hate, and then get away without being identified.

Until, they can't.

Boom.

It's cool guys. If you wanna hate, go for it. My only request - be proud of what you stand for.

Graphic via GLAAD.

Empire State Building Goes Purple For Spirit Day - October 16th

Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox will have the honor of lighting up the Empire State Building in purple to recognize GLAAD's annual anti-bullying Spirit Day.

Spirit Day, which will take place on October 16, inspires millions to wear purple or “go purple” online in a united stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.

Each year, Spirit Day draws the participation of celebrities, corporations, media outlets, sports leagues, schools, faith institutions, national landmarks, and individuals.

Spirit Day is made possible by the generous support of its national partners PepsiCo and Wells Fargo, as well as official partners Comcast-NBCUniversal and Google, and supporting partner American Eagle Outfitters.

“By recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month and lighting in purple for Spirit Day, the world’s most famous office building is supporting countless kids across the world,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “At a time when eight in 10 LGBT youth are harassed at school, it’s critical that we let them know it’s okay to be who you are.”

(via press release)

YouTube and GLAAD launch new pride initiative #ProudToPlay

Today, GLAAD and YouTube launch a new campaign, #ProudToPlay, which honors LGBT athletes, their supporters, as well as the YouTube Creators who stand up for diversity in sports and elsewhere.

You Can Play Project, Athlete Ally and several other LGBT organizations contributed to the initiative.

As part of the campaign, YouTube's logo, seen by tens of millions of people every day, features a rainbow soccer ball and leads visitors to the #ProudToPlay channel, which showcases videos of LGBT athletes and allies speaking out in support of equality on the field.

George Takei accepts Vito Russo Award at the 2014 GLAAD Media Awards in NYC

From George Takei's speech accepting the Vito Russo Award at the 2014 GLAAD Media Awards in NYC:

"As long as LGBT people can be fired from their job for simply being who they are, our work isn’t done yet.

As long as young people are kicked out of their families just for being who they are, our work is not done yet.

As long as people are be bullied into feeling that their lives are so hopeless that they are driven to self-destructive acts, our work is not done.

Working in concert with GLAAD, with its history of achievement and the legacy of Vito Russo, we will make this a better world, a more equal society of all people.

I accept the GLAAD Vito Russo Award with pride, and with humility and with resolve."