Tag Archives: glaad

Entertainment, Featured, Featured Entertainment, Screen

Deadly season for lesbian, bisexual TV characters

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A record number of gay characters are featured on broadcast series, but small-screen shows overall can be deadly for the female ones, according to a study released this fall.

More than 25 lesbian and bisexual female characters died on scripted broadcast, cable and streaming series this year, the media advocacy group GLAAD found in its report on small-screen diversity.

While TV remains far ahead of film in gay representations, the medium “failed queer women this year” by continuing the “harmful ‘bury your gays’ trope,” the report said.

The violent deaths included characters Poussey Washington (played by Samira Wiley on “Orange is the New Black”) and Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack on “Wentworth”).

It’s part of a decade-long pattern in which gay or transgender characters are killed to further a straight character’s story line, GLAAD said, sending what it called the “dangerous” message that gay people are disposable.

For its annual report titled “Where We Are on TV,” researchers tallied the LGBTQ characters seen or set to be portrayed in the period from June 2016 to May 2017. Counts were based on series airing or announced and for which casting has been confirmed.

The study, which in 2005 began examining other aspects of diversity on TV, found record percentages of people of color and people with disabilities depicted on broadcast shows.

Among the detailed findings:

  • Broadcast TV includes the highest percentage of regularly appearing gay characters — 4.8 percent — since Gay rights organization GLAAD began its count 21 years ago.

Among nearly 900 series regular characters on ABC, CBS, CW, Fox and NBC, 43 characters are LGBTQ, up from 35 last season.

  • Streamed shows included 65 regular and recurring LGBTQ characters, up six from last season. Lesbians, including characters on “One Mississippi” and “Orange is the New Black,” account for the majority of characters, 43 percent, a far higher share than on broadcast or cable.
  • Cable series held steady with 142 regular and recurring LGBTQ characters, with a 5 percent increase in the number of gay men but a 2 percent drop in the number of lesbian characters depicted.
  • The number of transgender characters in regular or recurring appearances on all platforms has more than doubled from last season, from seven to 16.
  • Characters with a disability represented 1.7 percent of all regularly seen broadcast characters, up from 0.9 percent last season. Each platform has at least one LGBTQ character that’s HIV-positive, with only one such character a regular (Oliver on “How to Get Away with Murder”).
  • African-Americans will be 20 percent (180) of regularly seen characters on prime-time broadcast shows this season, the highest share yet found by GLAAD. But black women are underrepresented at 38 percent of the total, or 69 characters.
  • The percentage of regularly appearing Asian-Pacific Islanders on broadcast TV hit 6 percent, the highest tally found by GLAAD and slightly more than the group’s U.S. population percentage. Contributing to the increase are the Asian-American family shows “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Dr. Ken.”
  • Latino characters rose a point to 8 percent, equaling the highest representation found two seasons ago by GLAAD. That differs sharply from the 17 percent Latino representation in the U.S. population as measured by the Census Bureau, the report said.
Entertainment, Featured Entertainment, LGBT, Music

GLAAD, musicians release ‘a song for Orlando’

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GLAAD and Interscope Records have released “Hands,” a musical tribute to the victims of Orlando. The tune features Mary J Blige, Jason Derulo, Tyler Glenn, Selena Gomez, Halsey, Ty Herndon, Imagine Dragons, Juanes, Adam Lambert, Mary Lambert, Jennifer Lopez, the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Kacey Musgraves, MNEK, Alex Newell, P!nk, Prince Royce, Nate Ruess, RuPaul, Troye Sivan, Jussie Smollett, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and Meghan Trainor.

Proceeds from the sale of the single in the United States will benefit Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD.

“Orlando’s broken hearts have been lifted by the outpouring of love and support from people near and far,” said Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith. “There has been beauty in the midst of our grief and we are grateful to these talented artists, producers, and GLAAD for helping us mourn and laugh and cry and sing together.”

“The horrific attack on the LGBT community in Orlando has left us devastated, but not defeated,” added GLAAD president & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “As we continue to mourn the crushing loss of 49 Americans, the majority of whom were Latino and whose lives were lost to hate, we stand resolved in paying tribute to their memory, supporting the victims and families, and working together to achieve full acceptance once and for all.”

Additional comment from others involved:

“This senseless tragedy is a call to all of us to stand together and face down hatred, intolerance and violence … and having grown up a short drive from Orlando, it really brings it right to my doorstep,”said John Janick, chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M.  “We all know music has the power to heal, and I’m honored and grateful to be a part of whatever our business can do to help.”

“The second I heard about this horrible tragedy where so many of my LGBTQ brothers and sisters lost their lives, I immediately got on a plane to Orlando to volunteer my help anyway I could,” said “Hands” writer and producer Justin Tranter. “Putting this charity single together is just a way for me, and everyone involved to keep volunteering our help and promote peace and love in the world.”

“Hands” was written by Warner Chappell writers Tranter and Julia Michaels and BloodPop; produced by BloodPop, Mark Ronson and Tranter.

On the Web

“Hands” is available now for digital download via iTunes HERE.

LGBT, News, Progressive

ABC keeps tight lid on Jenner interview to air April 24

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The first on-air promo for the April 24 broadcast interview with Bruce Jenner didn’t even show his face, an illustration of the line ABC News is walking in trying to drum up interest for the program while saying virtually nothing about it.

The two-hour interview special with the 1976 Olympic decathlon champion and estranged patriarch of television’s Kardashian clan is expected to touch on transgenderism and reports that Jenner may be transitioning.

ABC has released only a couple of non-specific quotes by Jenner and is not expected to reveal much more in advance of the Friday program, preferring to give Jenner the opportunity to address the topic in the full context of the interview.

Diane Sawyer has not spoken to outside media about the interview, which was conducted in February — one day in Los Angeles, another in New York. She’s scheduled to promote it on ABC properties Friday: “Good Morning America,” `’Live with Kelly and Michael” and “The View.” ABC News executives also haven’t spoken about it, not even confirming publicly until April 6 that the interview had taken place, until this the airdate was set.

“In producing this special, one of our goals has been to respect Bruce’s story,” said ABC News spokesman Van Scott. “We want Bruce to speak for Bruce. We’ve had this top of mind throughout the process from the booking and interviews to the promotion and final product.”

The tight lid enables ABC to avoid the issue of potentially “outing” a public figure before the person has had a chance to publicly address the topic. Not everyone is waiting: The New York Daily News this week published a front-page picture of a person they said was Jenner wearing a dress.

“I respect the way that (ABC has) handled this,” said Brad Bessey, executive producer of “Entertainment Tonight” and “The Insider.” “You have to separate Bruce Jenner and Bruce’s story from the media circus that is the Kardashians.”

The approach has left his syndicated entertainment newsmagazines starved for news. Bessey said they’ve done stories on the three 15- or 30-second promos that ABC has released.

The first ABC promo showed two Jenner images — one from behind and the other from the side as he talked with Sawyer, his face obscured by shadows. In the other two, Jenner is heard more clearly, and with two soundbites. “My whole life has been getting ready for this,” he said. He also talks of the importance of not hurting his children.

ABC’s handling of the story so far has been respectful, said Nick Adams, program director of transgender media for GLAAD. The organization that represents gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders has spoken little about Jenner.

“Sharing one’s story is something a person should be allowed to do in their own time and in their own way,” Adams said. Media speculation about a public figure’s gender identity increases harmful scrutiny on other transgender people, he said.

The interview was conducted before Jenner was involved in an auto accident in which another motorist was killed. ABC is expected to address the topic, although the timing precludes it from being raised with Jenner.

Some of Jenner’s children, pictured in one of the promos, also are expected to be interviewed.

Bessey predicted big ratings for the special. ABC is airing it on a Friday night, when TV-watching is usually low. Two big interviews are among the top 100 most-watched telecasts of all time in the U.S.: Oprah Winfrey’s 1993 talk with Michael Jackson, seen in 36.6 million homes, and Barbara Walters’ 1999 interview with Monica Lewinsky, seen in 33.2 million homes.

Friday’s interview likely won’t approach those numbers, but should certainly exceed the Friday “20/20” average of 6.2 million viewers this season.

“I think people will be watching,” Bessey said. “I hope they’ll be listening.”

WiGWAG

Jennifer Lopez, Laverne Cox win GLAAD Media Awards

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Jennifer Lopez has added a couple of more trophies to her block.

The pop star and “American Idol” judge was honored over the weekend at the 25th annual GLAAD Media Awards with the Vanguard Award, which lauds efforts to increase visibility and understanding of the gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender community.

In addition to being an outspoken advocate for LGBT civil rights, Lopez serves as executive producer of the ABC Family series “The Fosters,” which centers on a lesbian couple raising their children. “The Fosters” also won the award for outstanding drama series.

Other winners at the Beverly Hilton Hotel ceremony included NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” for daily drama, Fuse’s “Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce” for reality program, Tegan and Sara for music artist and “Young Avengers” for comic book. “Bridegroom” and “Call Me Kuchu” tied for the outstanding documentary trophy.

“Orange is the New Black” star Laverne Cox was presented with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is given to a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender member of the entertainment community. Previous recipients include Wanda Sykes, Rufus Wainwright, Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres and Ian McKellen.

Norman Lear, the veteran producer of such sitcoms as “All in the Family” and “Maude,” was honored with the Pioneer Award.

The awards salute fair, accurate and inclusive representation in media of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives. Other winners will be presented at a New York ceremony on May 3.

Lifestyle

Entertainment briefs for Feb. 6

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‘BACK TO THE FUTURE’ MUSICAL PLANNED FOR WEST END

Director Robert Zemeckis will return to the Back to the Future franchise — this time on stage, not screen. A musical adaptation of the original 1985 film was announced last month. It will bring Marty McFly, Doc Brown and their time-traveling DeLorean together again on London’s West End. Zemeckis is slated to write the book with Bob Gale and Jamie Lloyd, and Alan Silvestri, who have scored many of Zemeckis’ films, and Glen Ballard will create new music and lyrics. Lloyd will also direct.

RUTGERS OFFERS BEYONCÉ COURSE

The Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at Rutgers University is now offering a course called “Politicizing Beyoncé.” Kevin Allred, the doctoral student who is teaching the class, tells the university’s online news site that he is using Beyoncé’s career as a way to explore American race, gender and sexual politics. The class will include an analysis of Beyoncé video and lyrics with readings from black feminists. Rutgers also has a class examining the theology of Bruce Springsteen lyrics.

GLAAD ANNOUNCES NOMINEES

On Jan. 30, gay advocacy group GLAAD announced 130 nominees, 37 of them Spanish-language nominees, for its 25th annual GLAAD Media Awards. Nominees include performers Elton John and Lady Gaga, the films Dallas Buyers Club and Blue is the Warmest Color, and the online Netflix series Orange is the New Black. The GLAAD Media Awards honor outstanding images of the LGBT community in categories including music, movies, TV and journalism. They’re presented every spring in Los Angeles and New York.

Other nominations include Kill Your Darlings, starring Daniel Radcliffe as gay writer Allen Ginsberg, freshman TV series Orphan Black and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, lesbian sister- duo Tegan and Sara, and the Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra.

MÖTLEY CRÜE TO APPEAR AT SUMMERFEST

Hair-metal legend Mötley Crüe has been performing for more than 30 years, but the group’s infamously hedonistic lifestyle is finally coming to an end. The band announced on Jan. 28 that it’s embarking on a final tour this summer. Over the next two years, the group will perform in 72 U.S. markets before traveling abroad for an international leg.

Among the dates already announced is a performance at Summerfest on July 4, making Mötley Crüe the fifth Marcus Amphitheatre headliner announced. Formerly announced headliners include Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Dave Matthews Band and Zac Brown Band. Mötley Crüe will perform there and elsewhere on the tour with special guest Alice Cooper.

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MILWAUKEE ARTS BOARD NAMES ARTISTS OF THE YEAR

The Milwaukee Arts Board on Jan. 27 named Evelyn Patricia Terry, an artist, educator and curator who has worked to establish historically disenfranchised artists, and Barbara Leigh, co-founder of the Milwaukee Public Theater, as 2014 Artists of the Year. The board has been naming Artists of the Year, who receive awards of $1,500, for 19 years.

Terry’s works are represented in more than 400 collections internationally. She’s an influential figure in Milwaukee’s African-American artistic community, although her work has inspired artists from all racial backgrounds over the past 40 years.

Both artists will be honored at a March reception.

DAVID HYDE PIERCE TO HOLD MASTER CLASS AT TEN CHIMNEYS

Out actor David Hyde Pierce will serve as the 2014 master teacher at Ten Chimneys’ annual Lunt-Fontanne acting fellowship in Genessee Depot, according to the foundation. The Tony- and Emmy-winning actor, known best for his unique deadpan humor utilized to mirthful effect as Dr. Niles Crane on TV’s Frasier, will help Ten Chimneys develop and focus the curriculum for the weeklong immersion experience, which is offered to 10 of the nation’s top regional actors each year. Previous instructors and curriculums have included the late Lynn Redgrave on Shakespeare, Olympia Dukakis on Chekhov and Joel Grey on American musical theatre.

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MILWAUKEEHOME, HOTEL FOSTER RAISE FUNDS FOR SXSW STAGE

A group of Milwaukee advocates, including MilwaukeeHome, The Hotel Foster and Festival City, have teamed up to put Milwaukee musicians on the South by Southwest map by financing a stage at the annual Austin music festival in March. Artists will perform on a Milwaukee-only stage during one day of the festival to showcase the Cream City’s musicians. To fund the project, the collaborators have set up an Indiegogo campaign through Feb. 17. More information about the initiative can be found at facebook.com/milwaukeehomesxsw.

PABST ADDS SECOND SHOW FOR ‘THE SING-OFF’ TOUR

The Pabst Theater Group announced on Jan. 29 that a second performance by the artists of the The Sing-Off live tour has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on March 20, due to overwhelming demand. The tour includes artists from the successful NBC reality TV show, where a cappella groups from across the U.S. compete to be named the best group in the country. Season 4 winners Home Free, a country music-focused quin- tet, will be featured in the show along with a selection of other contestants. Tickets are $35.50 and are on sale now at 414-286- 3663 or pabsttheater.org.

Lifestyle

Elton John, Lady Gaga, Netflix nominees for GLAAD awards

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Elton John, Lady Gaga and the movie “Dallas Buyers Club” are among the nominees for awards presented by the gay advocacy group GLAAD.

The 25th annual GLAAD Media Awards honor outstanding images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in areas including music, movies, TV and journalism.

On Thursday, GLAAD announced 93 nominees in the English-language categories, with cable channels earning 28 bids and broadcast networks receiving 11. Netflix earned its first nomination for the series “Orange Is the New Black.”

There are 37 Spanish-language nominees, including a stand-alone bid in the novella category for Univision’s “Amores Verdaderos,” which included the wedding of a gay couple.

The GLAAD Media Awards will be presented in Los Angeles and New York this spring.

WiGWAG

‘Bachelor’ star apologizes for anti-gay comments

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The star of ABC’s “The Bachelor” made anti-gay comments that drew a swift rebuke from the network and an apology from the bachelor himself over the weekend.

Juan Pablo Galavis told The TV Page website that he didn’t think a gay or bisexual bachelor would set a good example for kids. Galavis also told the site that gays were more “pervert, in a sense,” adding that he could be mistaken.

Over the weekend, Galavis posted an apology on his Facebook page, saying he respects gay people, has gay friends, including one “who’s like a brother,” and regrets using the word “pervert.” Galavis blamed that latter word choice on the fact that English is his second language, after Spanish.

“What I meant to say was that gay people are more affectionate and intense and for a segment of the TV audience this would be too racy to accept. The show is very racy as it is and I don’t let my 5 year old daughter watch it,” the single dad from Miami wrote online.

In apologizing, Galavis said his remarks were taken out of context and the full interview posted online by The TV Page demonstrates his respect for gay people and their families.

In a statement, ABC called his comments “careless, thoughtless and insensitive” and not representative of those of the network, the show’s producers or the studio.

“The Bachelor” returned Jan. 6 for its 18th edition.

Galavis released a follow-up statement through GLAAD, formerly known as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

“I have heard from many gay Latinos today who are hurt because of what I said and I apologize,” he said. “I know gay parents and I support them and their families. They are good parents and loving families.”

On his Facebook page, Galavis identifies himself as a sports and music consultant who was U.S.-born and raised in Venezuela.

He said he wants gay and lesbian youth “to know that it is fine to be who you are,” adding that he plans to meet with gay and lesbian families so they “know that I’m on their side” in rejecting discrimination.

Monica Trasandes, GLAAD’s director of Spanish-language and Latino media, said the group looks forward to working with Galavis in Los Angeles this week to “help educate his fans about who gay and lesbian parents are.”

“Study after study shows that young people raised by gay parents are as happy and healthy as other young people,” Trasandes said.

He is the second reality TV star to draw recent attention over anti-gay comments. A&E briefly suspended “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson after he labeled gays as sinners in a GQ magazine interview and contended that African-Americans were happy under Jim Crow laws.

Unlike Galavis, Robertson did not publicly clarify or apologize for his comments.

“Duck Dynasty” returned for its fifth season last Wednesday, and the ratings weren’t a clear indicator of any fallout from the flap: The audience of 8.5 million viewers was slightly larger than that watching the fourth-season finale, but it was smaller than the 12 million who watched the fourth-season premiere.

The “Bachelor” debut episode drew 8.6 million viewers to rank No. 22 among prime-time series for the week, according to Nielsen company figures.

Viral

‘Duck Dynasty’ star placed on leave after anti-gay, racist remarks

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Phil Robertson of the TV show “Duck Dynasty” has been placed on indefinite leave for anti-gay and racist comments he made in the January issue of GQ.

The star of the A&E reality series told the magazine, “Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong Sin becomes fine.… Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”

He also said, “It seems like, to me, a vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying?”

He went on, “But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

Robertson’s son Jeb, in the magazine feature, said he’s not as outspoken as his dad on the subject, but “I’m definitely in line.”

GLAAD, a national anti-defamation group and media watchdog, responded with a statement: “Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil’s lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe. He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans — Americans — who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples. Phil’s decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on A&E and his sponsors who now need to re-examine their ties to someone with such disdain for LGBT people and families.”

Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin also responded, “Phil Robertson’s remarks are not consistent with the values of our faith communities or the scientific findings of leading medical organizations. We know that being gay is not a choice someone makes, and that to suggest otherwise can be incredibly harmful. We also know that Americans of faith follow the Golden Rule — treating others with the respect and dignity you’d wish to be treated with. As a role model on a show that attracts millions of viewers, Phil Robertson has a responsibility to set a positive example for young Americans – not shame and ridicule them because of who they are.”

Griffin added, “The actions of Phil Robertson unquestionably reflect on A&E. The network should take immediate action to condemn Phil Robertson’s remarks and make clear they don’t support his views.”

The NAACP also objected to Robertson’s remarks to the magazine. Robertson said African Americans were happier during the Jim Crow era: “Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues.” 

A&E has since released a statement from Robertson, in which he claimed to be a “product of the ’60s” living a life centered on “sex, drugs and rock and roll” until he became a born-again Christian.

Robertson, in the statement, said, “My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity.”

The network, later on Dec. 19, also announced that Robertson was on leave. It said in a statement: “We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series ‘Duck Dynasty.’ His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.”

On the Web…

The GQ article.

LGBT, News, Progressive

Spirit Day advocates stand against bullying, back LGBT youth

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Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, National Basketball Association & Women’s National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment are joining millions of people in “going purple” for Spirit Day on Oct. 17.

“Going purple” involves wearing purple, as well as turning logos and other social media badges purple to support of LGBT youth and in a stand against bullying.

Spirit Day is promoted by GLAAD, which recruits hundreds of celebrities, entertainment organizations, brands, landmarks, sports leagues, faith groups, school districts, colleges and universities for the campaign.

Spirit Day ambassadors include transgender athlete Kye Allums, out basketball players Jason Collins and Brittney Griner and out WWE superstar Darren Young.

Also, Athlete Ally and the You Can Play Project will participate as part of their work to end homophobia and transphobia in sports.

“By coming together to support LGBT youth, American sports leagues are sending a clear message to fans everywhere: homophobia has no place in the game,” said GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz. “Whether on the field, in the locker room, or cheering from the stands it’s clear that LGBT people are essential to the sports community.”

Wade Davis of the You Can Play Project said, “The You Can Play Project proudly recognizes Spirit Day as a time for everyone to stand in solidarity with LGBT youth to fight against bullying and other forms of discrimination and to celebrate their courage and strength.

Spanish-language talk show host Cristina Saralegui also will serve as aSpirit Day ambassador and viewers of “Access Hollywood,” “CNBC,” “Extra, Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “MSNBC,” “Telemundo,” “The Talk,” “The View,” “Watch What Happens Live,” the “Wendy Williams Show” and more will notice a lot of purple in the hosts’ clothing.

Others committed to Spirit Day include Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White, Tatyana Ali, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Kristen Bell, Nate Berkus, Sarah Brightman, Nick Cannon, Laverne Cox, Aviva Drescher, Dr. Drew, Melissa Etheridge, Nicola Foti, Steve Grand, Shenae Grimes & Josh Beech, Dot Marie Jones, Mary Lambert, Demi Lovato, Loni Love, Holly Madison, Lori Michaels, Isaac Mizrahi, Stephanie Nogueras, Suze Orman, Eric Petersen, Mary Povich, Sara Rue, Doreen Taylor, Jordan Todosey, Davey Wavey, Nick Wechsler, Betty Who and Zendaya.

Landmarks that will be colored purple include Las Vegas’ Fremont Street Experience, the LAX pylon lights, the New York Stock Exchange and Times Square, as well as billboards at American Eagle Outfitters, MTV, NASDAQ, and the Thomson Reuters building.

To celebrate the day, out country music star Steve Grand will play a free concert at Las Vegas’ Fremont Street Experience.

Participating brands include ABC Family, Atelier lb, American Airlines, American Apparel, American Eagle Outfitters, AT&T, BNP Paribas, Brown-Forman, B|W|R| Public Relations, Caesars, CBS, Chambord, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast / NBCUniversal, Cresa, Delta Air Lines, Depository Trust & Clearing Company, Disney, Facebook, Hyatt, Iden Consultoria, Infiniti Graphics, Johnson & Johnson, Kaplan Thaler, Ketel One, Leo Burnett, Los Angeles International Airport, MSLGroup, MTV, PepsiCo, Publicis Groupe, Publicis Healthcare Communications Group, PwC, Razorfish, Rock On Rentals, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, SoCal Social Club, Starcom, Stokes Counseling Services, Telemundo, Thomson-Reuters Corporation, Tumblr, Toyota Financial Services, United Airlines, Verizon, Wells Fargo, Westfield Group, ZenithOptimedia, ZipCar will also participate in Spirit Day.

The Wisconsin Gazette also supports Spirit Day.

On the Web…

http://www.glaad.org/spiritday 

Download the Go Purple for #SpiritDay App from Mac’s App Store or for the Android from Google Play.

Show off your spirit on Spirit Day using the hashtag #SpiritDay and @glaad and @wigazette on Twitter.

LGBT, News, Progressive

Big leagues to go purple to support LGBT youth on Spirit Day

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Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, National Basketball Association & Women’s National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment will join millions of people in “going purple” for Spirit Day on Oct. 17.

That’s all the major professional sports leagues in the United States that are taking a stand against bullying and showing support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

“Going purple” will involve wearing purple, as well as turning logos and other social media badges purple.

Spirit Day is promoted by GLAAD, which recruits hundreds of celebrities, entertainment organizations, brands, landmarks, sports leagues, faith groups, school districts, colleges and universities for the campaign.

Spirit Day ambassadors include transgender athlete Kye Allums, out basketball players Jason Collins and Brittney Griner and out WWE superstar Darren Young.

Also, Athlete Ally and the You Can Play Project will participate as part of their work to end homophobia and transphobia in sports.

“By coming together to support LGBT youth, American sports leagues are sending a clear message to fans everywhere: homophobia has no place in the game,” said GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz. “Whether on the field, in the locker room, or cheering from the stands it’s clear that LGBT people are essential to the sports community.”

Wade Davis of the You Can Play Project said, “The You Can Play Project proudly recognizes Spirit Day as a time for everyone to stand in solidarity with LGBT youth to fight against bullying and other forms of discrimination and to celebrate their courage and strength.

Spanish-language talk show host Cristina Saralegui also will serve as aSpirit Day ambassador and viewers of “Access Hollywood,” “CNBC,” “Extra, Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “MSNBC,” “Telemundo,” “The Talk,” “The View,” “Watch What Happens Live,” the “Wendy Williams Show” and more will notice a lot of purple in the hosts’ clothing.

Others committed to Spirit Day include Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White, Tatyana Ali, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Kristen Bell, Nate Berkus, Sarah Brightman, Nick Cannon, Laverne Cox, Aviva Drescher, Dr. Drew, Melissa Etheridge, Nicola Foti, Steve Grand, Shenae Grimes & Josh Beech, Dot Marie Jones, Mary Lambert, Demi Lovato, Loni Love, Holly Madison, Lori Michaels, Isaac Mizrahi, Stephanie Nogueras, Suze Orman, Eric Petersen, Mary Povich, Sara Rue, Doreen Taylor, Jordan Todosey, Davey Wavey, Nick Wechsler, Betty Who and Zendaya.

Landmarks that will be colored purple include Las Vegas’ Fremont Street Experience, the LAX pylon lights, the New York Stock Exchange and Times Square, as well as billboards at American Eagle Outfitters, MTV, NASDAQ, and the Thomson Reuters building.

To celebrate the day, out country music star Steve Grand will play a free concert at Las Vegas’ Fremont Street Experience.

Participating brands include ABC Family, Atelier lb, American Airlines, American Apparel, American Eagle Outfitters, AT&T, BNP Paribas, Brown-Forman, B|W|R| Public Relations, Caesars, CBS, Chambord, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast / NBCUniversal, Cresa, Delta Air Lines, Depository Trust & Clearing Company, Disney, Facebook, Hyatt, Iden Consultoria, Infiniti Graphics, Johnson & Johnson, Kaplan Thaler, Ketel One, Leo Burnett, Los Angeles International Airport, MSLGroup, MTV, PepsiCo, Publicis Groupe, Publicis Healthcare Communications Group, PwC, Razorfish, Rock On Rentals, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, SoCal Social Club, Starcom, Stokes Counseling Services, Telemundo, Thomson-Reuters Corporation, Tumblr, Toyota Financial Services, United Airlines, Verizon, Wells Fargo, Westfield Group, ZenithOptimedia, ZipCar will also participate in Spirit Day.

On the Web…

http://www.glaad.org/spiritday 

Download the Go Purple for #SpiritDay App from Mac’s App Store or for the Android from Google Play.

Show off your spirit on Spirit Day using the hashtag #SpiritDay and @glaad on Twitter.