
CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation picked its next permanent president from within its ranks, announcing the decision today after its board voted to select Herndon Graddick.
Graddick, a former television news producer, had been GLAAD's vice president of Programs and Communications since 2010 and oversaw a string of the group's recent successes, including the "Stand Up For Ellen" campaign that defended Ellen DeGeneres against a right-wing group's call to fire her as spokeswoman for JCPenney. He also led the new Commentator Accountability Project, which presses for antigay voices to be kicked off cable news airwaves as guests.
Graddick replaces Mike Thompson, the interim president who had been brought on in 2011 to help repair damage to GLAAD's reputation caused by the tumultuous end of its previous president, Jarrett Barrios. Instead of helping define the headlines, GLAAD had suddenly found itself at the center of news about whether it improperly backed a proposed merger between T-Mobile and AT&T in response to a donation and influence from an AT&T executive on its board.
"My job is to kind of refocus the conversation," Thompson told The Advocate after taking over.
He and the board revoked support for the merger, and GLAAD changed its stance on net neutrality -- an issue it had waded into while again siding with AT&T. Several members of the board also left.
Thompson also presided over a significant reduction in the size of GLAAD's staff, cutting nearly a quarter of jobs in January.
Graddick will make his debut at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 21.
"I look forward to working with our dedicated staff to create a culture where there is a welcoming and respected space for LGBT Americans," Graddick said in a statement. "GLAAD's work with the media to inspire Americans to speak out against anti-LGBT actions and support equality is needed today more than ever."
lucasgrindley
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
31 Period Films of Lesbians and Bi Women in Love That Will Take You Back
December 09 2024 1:00 PM
18 of the most batsh*t things N.C. Republican governor candidate Mark Robinson has said
October 30 2024 11:06 AM
True
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
Trump ally Laura Loomer goes after Lindsey Graham: ‘We all know you’re gay’
September 13 2024 2:28 PM
These 15 major companies caved to the far right and stopped DEI programs
January 24 2025 1:11 PM
True
Latest Stories
No LGB without the T — queer community protests Trump's transgender erasure at Stonewall
February 14 2025 6:30 PM
Why LGBTQ+ groups are angry at RFK Jr.'s confirmation
February 14 2025 5:26 PM
Ohio bill would ban ejaculation without intent to conceive — with exceptions for LGBTQ+ people
February 14 2025 4:38 PM
Trump is ‘dangerously’ conflating gender-affirming care with a human rights violation
February 14 2025 12:42 PM
White House Correspondents' Association president Eugene Daniels blasts decision to block AP journalists
February 14 2025 11:39 AM
True
'Transgender' references erased from Stonewall National Monument website
February 14 2025 9:48 AM
From PEPFAR to peril, what happens when lifelines are cut?
February 14 2025 7:00 AM
Worcester: sanctuary city for the transgender community
February 13 2025 6:27 PM
Blame Mitch McConnell if you’re scared and angry
February 13 2025 5:06 PM
Federal judge orders restoration of health agency web pages
February 13 2025 5:02 PM
Kennedy Center scrubs LGBTQ+ Pride concert after Donald Trump takeover
February 13 2025 4:49 PM
BREAKING: Federal judge blocks Trump’s gender-affirming care ban for minors
February 13 2025 4:34 PM
These Blue states are making it easier for transgender people to update their documents
February 13 2025 12:09 PM
These are not ordinary times: How the Human Rights Campaign plans to move forward
February 13 2025 12:01 PM
Trending stories
Recommended Stories for You
Lucas Grindley
Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.
Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.