While not a shattering revelation, in our world of information overload we quickly can forget how each visual, verbal or written representation of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders can have compounded impact on others' and our own understanding of our lives, our community and our part within the world. That's why GLAAD's Media Awards continue to be an important program, highlighting those films, shows, media and companies that are leading the way in positive, realistic portrayals of a global community that continues to become increasingly diverse.
Before moving on to the list of nominees for the 21st Media Awards, I wanted to first share this picture, which stopped me cold yesterday. Images do matter and this one tells a sad story of our brothers overseas.
Handcuffed and riding in the back of a truck while heckled and harassed by their community, Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga headed to court to file papers with their lawyers against the "gross indecency" charge they received for holding an engagement ceremony in Malawi. What stuns me is the guy in red's expression and the eyes and faces of the couple.
This image matters because it is a window into a world on the other side of our own where the simple act of holding a ceremony to announce your love for a person in the privacy of your own home or town is grounds for the above treatment. This image matters because it reminds of us what many LGBT individuals are fighting for here in America, as well as the current benefits we should never take for granted.
Similarly, the words of Uganada's President Museveni speaking out against the propsed anti-gay bill legislation mattered, as they turned the course of the legislation, possibly even dismantling the efforts. You can read more about that here.
Coming back to the USA, we definitely recognize and appreciate the work that GLAAD does to remind us of the importance of words and images. Each is an important link in the progress made or lost on behalf of the LGBT community. Check out all of the award nominees here or you can watch the video from GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios embedded below. I, for one, am the biggest Gleek and have appreciated the great writing and portrayal of coming out with Kurt and his father — here's to a win for Glee.
We'd love to hear what you think about the award nominees in the comments. Have you seen or read any of the contenders? What was your opinion of them? Weigh in below and we'll all stay tuned in to see which nominees made the biggest impact. All of them, undoubtedly, matter.
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