Since its founding in 1985, GLAAD has helped transform how LGBTQ people and stories appear in news, film, television, and culture. From leading media institutions to public figures across four decades, here is some of what people have said about the organization and its impact.
Major recognition
“The award recognizes GLAAD’s work over nearly four decades to secure fair, accurate and diverse representation of the LGBTQ community in the media and entertainment industries and to advocate for LGBTQ equality.”
The Television Academy, on awarding GLAAD the 2023 Governors Award
“Television shapes our society and influences dialogue that increases understanding and acceptance, making GLAAD’s work so important… Through its education and advocacy programs, it has had a culture-changing impact.”
Frank Scherma, Chair, Television Academy
Artists and allies
“There is no gay agenda; it’s a human agenda… all of us should be treated the same, and GLAAD knows that… Thank God GLAAD works to fight this.”
Elizabeth Taylor, accepting the Vanguard Award, 11th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, 2000 — YouTube
“That is why the work of GLAAD is so important. We need more LGBT representation in the media. We need more LGBT characters and more LGBT storytelling.”
Kerry Washington, GLAAD Media Awards
“It’s so meaningful to be here accepting this tribute from an organization that does such important work. GLAAD has been a key part of changing our media’s negative attitudes towards gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.”
Kim Cattrall, GLAAD Media Awards (Playbill video)
“I think the work that GLAAD does is really valuable. Our job was to direct attention to the needs of the LGBTQ community when it came to the media and entertainment industry.”
Wilson Cruz, actor and GLAAD advocate
Public leaders
“You are the catalysts for change. I received this award tonight because of your support.”
President Bill Clinton, accepting the Advocate for Change Award, 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, 2013 (IMDb)
In the press
GLAAD is “possibly the most successful organization lobbying the media for inclusion.”
Los Angeles Times (GLAAD source note)
GLAAD is “the preeminent organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer representation in media.”
Deadline
A legacy of change
“It’s unbelievable to think about the power and the warp speed of this revolution. Twenty years ago when I proudly accepted the first GLAAD Media Award… it was a very small crowd. There are more photographers here tonight than there were people then.”
Phil Donahue, 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, reflecting on the first ceremony in 1990 (Wikipedia)
