GLAAD is expanding to the UK
LGBT media organisation GLAAD has announced the launch of a UK operation as part of its growing global work.
GLAAD, the not-for-profit organisation aimed at promoting LGBT diversity in media, is launching a UK-based operation to support LGBT voices around the world.
The group regularly releases reports holding US broadcasters to account and monitoring diversity, as well as speaking out for LGBT rights and bolstering LGBT news coverage.
GLAAD this month launches its global operation, with activists holding an international board meeting at the House of Lords in London this week.
Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO and President of GLAAD, said: “For 30 years, GLAAD has worked to reshape the way Americans think about LGBT people, building understanding through visibility and increasing acceptance across the nation.
“Now, as LGBT people around the world continue to face great injustice, GLAAD is expanding its global footprint to support the tremendous work of LGBT activists across the globe. Together, we will accelerate acceptance for LGBT people everywhere.”
The organisation has committed $1 million to their global expansion, and will have initially have one member of staff dedicated solely to global work.
International work so far has included support for activists fighting to secure a Yes vote in Ireland’s same-sex marriage referendum, and support for LGBT activists across Nigeria, China and Russia.
As part of their increasing international work GLAAD will extend its Spirit Day campaign, to include events in London and resource kits in additional languages, as well as an international board meeting to discuss how to accelerate acceptance of LGBT communities in the UK and abroad.
Anthony Watson, member of GLAAD’s Board of Directors, said of the global expansion: “This is a timely and vital step forward to bring GLAAD’s critical work to the international community in a meaningful and powerful way. As a British Citizen, I am deeply proud GLAAD choose the United Kingdom to base our international operations. From London GLAAD will be able to help promote positive portrayals of LGBT people in the media – not only across the UK, but across Europe and further afield.”
