About the Book

The Story

Queering the Media is the previously untold and dramatic story of how a small band of L.A.-based activists completely transformed the way LGBT people were presented and portrayed in the media, creating momentum not only for a national movement, but for global cultural reform that is still felt decades later. This story also explores GLAAD history, showing how the organisation’s impact shaped the media landscape for LGBT communities. In fact, understanding GLAAD history allows readers to see the full extent of the movement’s change in context.

Lesbians and gay men were threatened in their jobs and at home, deliberately maligned, denied many basic rights and sometimes killed just for existing. LGBT lives had been omitted from history books, textbooks, news coverage, on TV and in film. In the media, gay and lesbian characters were distorted for entertainment, excised from view, or demonized as fringe characters undermining society. Significantly, GLAAD history illuminates the struggles faced by these communities in the media spotlight.

In 1988, we committed to change media representation — of us, our community. We did not start out as organizers — we were just people wanting to be represented accurately: included and not censored. Written by its two primary leaders, Queering the Media is the boots-on-the-ground account of the birth of GLAAD, with its many joyous wins and infuriating setbacks, and the strategies used to push the entertainment and media industries to evolve. Ultimately, these accounts are incomplete without exploring GLAAD history as part of the narrative.

Through intimate first-hand details, never before shared anecdotes, and powerful narrative storytelling, Queering the Media draws readers into this pivotal moment in history with unique insight into the emotions, community, and, ultimately, triumph of the fight for that hard-won change from the activists leading the charge.

Why This Book Now

With publicly sanctioned hate on the upswing once again, our hope is that this book serves as a reminder of where we’ve been, of what we’ve overcome, and, more than anything, as inspiration to keep fighting. There has never been a more crucial time to remember how advocacy and activism can change the course of history. Moreover, revisiting GLAAD History reveals why these stories matter now more than ever.

Queering the Media is a remarkable tale of the power of organizing for anyone wanting to effect change. It is a testament to the wise words of Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Key Themes

• GLAAD’s founding in Los Angeles, 1988
• The Hollywood Supports campaign
• Media activism and community organizing
• The AIDS crisis and its impact on representation
• The transformation of LGBTQ portrayal in news and entertainment
• Celebrity advocacy and the birth of the GLAAD Media Awards
• Workplace benefits and corporate policy change