GLAAD has announced that its name will no longer be an acronym for the “Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation,” and that it is altering its name and broadening its mission to focus more on advocating for equality for transgender people.
Appearing Sunday on MSNBC’s “Melissa Harris-Perry” show, GLAAD national spokesperson Wilson Cruz announced that the organization has formally will be known going forward as simply GLAAD, the LGBT media advocacy organization.
GLAAD says the change reflects a renewed commitment to incorporate bisexual and transgender people, as well as allies from diverse backgrounds in its work to shape the media narrative and build public support for the LGBT community.
“It is a natural progression that reflects the work GLAAD’s staff is already leading,” said Cruz.
“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.”
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GLAAD also reaffirmed its commitment to combating “misinformation and hateful rhetoric that anti-LGBT activists like the Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins put forth through the media.”
“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.”
