Posts Tagged ‘Music’

Do You Give a Damn?

Posted by Erin Grohs

On April 1, Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund launched the Give A Damn Campaign, a Web-based program seeking to educate and engage the straight community to help advance LGBT equality. The Give a Damn Campaign is for anyone who cares about LGBT equality, but as Lauper tells us, it’s particularly for the straight community. It doesn’t matter if you’re an active supporter or a first-timer or someone that hasn’t paid much attention to LGBT issues, the Give a Damn Campaign offers a way to help you get informed and get involved.

The slickly designed site, which is incredibly easy to navigate, also features a blog delivering LGBT news , items related to equality and specific ways to get involved. There is also a video section (including the one shown below) offering short clips of celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, Elton John and the awesome Anna Paquin (who caused quite a stir this week) expressing why they care about equality, as well as a page with explanations on issues currently facing the LGBT community like workplace discrimination and the current state of gay marriage. One of my favorite parts, and a very smart addition to the site, is the “Personal Stories” tab, which allows visitors to share their thoughts on a variety of topics, including the military and faith. Easy tags for Facebook, Google and Twitter, as well as the handy “Tell a Friend” button make it simple for users to share information in any way they choose.

The Web site is bold and incredibly interactive, using Lauper’s signature look and distinct voice to urge site visitors to check out particular links and to join the campaign. Once you register, you can choose the issues you are most interested in but for me, the best part is that Lauper (who looks FANTASTIC) personally thanks you for “giving a damn.” It’s a very savvy way to add a personal touch to the site and the campaign, and for a fan such as myself, it makes me feel like a valued and important member of the program. The boldness of the campaign and the rich content on the site is prompting me to get MORE involved…and I’m already a die-hard, loud-mouthed straight ally.

So, watch the video. Visit the site. Join the campaign. Please show it to your friends, parents, co-workers, neighbors, mailman – anyone. Let’s get informed, get involved and most importantly, let’s give a damn – loudly and proudly.

(Photo courtesy of www.wegiveadamn.org)

| April 6th, 2010 1 Comment »
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It’s Affirmative: Martin’s Coming Out Holds Lesson for LGBT Communicators

Posted by Bryan Blaise

Yes. He's gay. On Monday, March 29, via his personal Web site and Twitter handle, Latin and pop music sensation Ricky Martin came out as a gay man, performer and father. Affirming suspicions, questions and rumors that have plagued the performer for years, Martin very simply and eloquently confirmed his sexuality.

That day, the gay blogosphere lit up as did social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter. While media was a little more tempered in their coverage of the singer's announcement, social media posts and statuses echoed sentiments like this: "Ricky Martin's gay? That's not news. We've all known for years."

Maybe because I was one of those cases where others knew before me, or maybe because I tend to be more empathetic, but these posts from friends and social media strangers got me riled up. I begin to think about two aspects: affirmation and confirmation. I specifically was interested in both of these elements role in communications around a person's coming out and in general communications to gays and lesbians every day.

Obviously, the act of confirming one's sexuality("coming out") is a deeply personal journey — different for each LGBT individual. It takes courage and can carry with it emotions and consequences that many of our straight counterparts won't have to or can't understand. It's something that, no matter peers', family's or society's suspicions, still requires a confirmation, an affirmative statement on behalf of the individual coming out. And whether at 13 or 30, that decision should be respected.

Affirmation, however, is the bigger component and lesson for LGBT communicators. All people like to be affirmed for who they are and what they stand for. By their parents, their colleagues, their bosses, their religious leaders — it is a natural human desire to be recognized for all that you are and are striving towards. This is especially true for out LGBT people though. The struggle with coming to terms with one's own self is only magnified when it is not affirmed by our community or downplayed after our confirmation.

In LGBT communications, whether marketing a product/service or simply sharing your thoughts over a cup of coffee, remember the importance of affirmation. Appreciate the journey of that person's self-discovery and continually recognize them for the out individual they are. The benefits to them and you are priceless.

One final thought on Martin: take a look at GLAAD's statement on the Martin's coming out. While each individual coming out story has value and importance, some have an impact to large communities and cultures. I applaud GLAAD for recognizing that, affirming Martin's decision and elevating his example to a large community without many out role models.

Congrats, Ricky. Continue living Out Front and best wishes to you and your children. 

| April 1st, 2010 1 Comment »
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Words & Images Matter

Posted by Bryan Blaise

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.

Malawi Couple

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.

| January 13th, 2010 No Comments »
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Ally of the Year: Cyndi Lauper

Posted by Erin Grohs

RainbowCyndi Lauper’s True Colors album was the second record I ever owned (the first being The Bangles, Different Light, which will always hold a special place in my child-of-the-80s heart). Let’s be honest, who hasn’t spent a night (or two…or four) emotionally belting out “Youuuu with the saaaad eyes, don’t be discouraged” along with her?

Being a huge fan, as well as an out-and-proud ally for the LGBT community, I was thrilled to see that Out.com named Lauper its 2009 “Ally of the Year,” recognizing her personal and professional commitment to the LGBT community. Her True Colors Fund “seeks to inspire and engage everyone, particularly the straight community, to become active participants in the advancement of LGBT equality to ensure a strong and vibrant LGBT community.”

Working with the True Colors Tours, which have featured performers like Regina Spektor and Rufus Wainwright, the non-profit organization has raised more than $200,000 for LGBT-supportive groups like the Human Rights Campaign and PFLAG. Monies raised by the tour, as well as the True Colors Cabaret series, have also gone to fund the True Colors Residence, the first permanent supportive housing facility for LGBT youth in New York State. Located in Central Harlem, the True Colors Residence will offer 30 new studio apartments, educational services and job training to homeless young people between the ages of 18 and 24.

To all my straight allies (and straight-allies-in-training) out there, while we may not have Lauper’s fame, money or incredible style, we do have one thing in common with her: a voice. It may not have won us Grammy awards, but it does give us all the ability to loudly and proudly vocalize our support for our LGBT brothers and sisters. As we approach the holiday season and say hello to a new year, I hope Lauper’s dedication, love and overwhelming generosity can serve as examples of the kind of allies we all aspire to be.

I’d also urge the LGBT community to take a moment and tell your straight friends and family how much their love and support means to you and to the LGBT cause. Please feel free to share your thankful thoughts in the comment section of this blog – I can’t think of anything more personally rewarding than helping to spread a little more love around. ‘Tis the season!

| December 17th, 2009 No Comments »
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Grammy Nomination Creates Controversy

Posted by Laura Nguyen

I’ve always been intrigued by anti-artist and the need to disseminate messages of hate. In late August, I posted about Live Nation and AEG’s concert cancellation of Jamaican reggae artist, Buju Banton. Since then, Banton continues to gain much attention from the LGBT community.

Last week, two black LGBT organizations joined forces with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to protest the singer’s Grammy nomination. The National Black Justice Coalition and Gay Men of African Descent have developed a petition to against Banton’s nomination for Best Reggae Album.

The decision by GLAAD and its partners to petition Banton’s Grammy nod has created a spectrum of opinions even within the LGBT community. Some believe his album should be judged on merit alone, rather than the language it may or may not convey. Others state this nomination draws attention to his anti-gay antics.

"We’re shocked that Buju Banton, a singer with a long record of performing a song that glorifies the murder of gay people, would be honored with a Grammy nomination, regardless of the artistic merit of any of his work," said Jim Key, the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center’s Chief Public Affairs Officer in an EDGE interview.  Banton isn’t the first to be protested by GLAAD, and he likely won’t be the last. 

On a side note, the AP reported that Banton was arrested this weekend on cocaine charges in Florida. 

Tell us what you think about homophobic lyrics and Banton’s Grammy nomination.

| December 14th, 2009 No Comments »
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