The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation – GLAAD – was set up in the 1980s at a time when AIDS saw an unprecedented number of attacks on the same-sex community. Over the years it’s also advocated on behalf of transgender people, but the title hasn’t reflected that – instead just keeping gay and lesbian in the name.
Now the organisation has decided to do something about that, keeping the name GLAAD, but deciding it will no longer be an acronym, instead being simply known as ‘GLAAD, the LGBT media advocacy organisation’.
The shift was announced on Sunday on MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry, with the group saying it will both help reflect the organisation’s commitment to the trans community and LGBT allies, as well as the diversity of the LGBT community.
Actor and GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz commented, “It is a natural progression that reflects the work GLAAD’s staff is already leading. We respect and honor the full name that the organization was founded with, but GLAAD’s work has expanded beyond fighting defamation to changing the culture. Our commitment to marriage equality, employment nondiscrimination, and other LGBT issues is stronger than ever, and now our name reflects our work on transgender issues as well as our work with allies.”
Take a look at the discussion on the Melissa Harris-Perry show above.
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