The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation announced on Aug 13 that LGBT media outlets would now be eligible for recognition in the GLAAD Media Awards. President Neil Giuliano confirmed the change while announcing dates for the 19th-annual installment of the high-profile awards in spring 2008.
The purpose of the GLAAD Media Awards, according to the organization, is to “recognize and honor mainstream media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.” Although the choice to exclude LGBT media from consideration has long been contested, the issue most recently arose in March, when here! Networks executive Stephen Macias circulated a letter in which he cited the changing media and cultural landscapes, and told Giuliano that the exclusion of LGBT outlets is contrary to the inclusive mission of GLAAD. The new change in policy will incorporate LGBT media submissions into the existing competitive categories.
Four ceremonies for the GLAAD Media Awards will take place next year on March 17 in New York; April 12 in Hollywood, Fla. with a Spanish language event; April 26 in Los Angeles; and May 10 in San Francisco.
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