GLAAD Affirms Commitment To Trans and Bi People, Alters Name

On Sunday, March 24, GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz appeared on MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry to affirm the organization has formally dropped the 'Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation' from their name and will now be known simply as GLAAD, the LGBT media advocacy organization.

The name change brings with it a commitment from the organization to incorporate trans and bi people in their efforts to support the LGBT community in its entirety.

"It is a natural progression that reflects the work GLAAD's staff is already leading," Cruz told Harris-Perry. "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."

"The enemies of the LGBT community have gotten louder and more desperate," said Cruz. "As we move into a media cycle that will include decisions around marriage equality from the Supreme Court and on inclusion from the Boy Scouts of America, our community needs GLAAD to work overtime on fair and accurate media coverage."

GLAAD’s announcement reaffirms the organization’s commitment to upholding media accountability for accurate portrayals from people across the entire LGBT spectrum and combat the hateful rhetoric of anti-LGBT activists.

"The enemies of the LGBT community have gotten louder and more desperate," said Cruz. "As we move into a media cycle that will include decisions around marriage equality from the Supreme Court and on inclusion from the Boy Scouts of America, our community needs GLAAD to work overtime on fair and accurate media coverage."

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