GLAAD Awards

To the Editor:

While some have praised the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for moving its media awards from the Westin St. Francis to Fort Mason Center, a closer look reveals that the organization, and the event itself, are wrought with contradictions, exclusivity and classism.

In recent statements to the media, GLAAD Executive Director Joan Garry took credit for championing the cause of the hotel workers, despite the fact that one of the events' sponsors, Wyndham Resorts, has also been involved in a recent dispute with its workers. Similarly, Banana Republic, another sponsor, has also been criticized for its use of sweatshop labor in other countries.

Garry, who earns over $200,000 anually to head the organization, wrote that the move was "in the best interests of the community," however, the group continually takes money from corporations whose contributions to the "community" are suspect. For example, the Coors family, of event sponsor Coors Brewing Company, has a history of discriminatory labor practices, and major contributions to right wing institutions like the Heritage and Castle Rock Foundations.

GLAAD also appears to contradict itself by claiming to be a media 'watchdog,' while simultaneously honoring many of its own sponsors, such as Showtime, HBO, Time Warner and People Magazine.

Adding to the absurdity of the event itself, actress Jennifer Beals, who is heterosexual, is to receive the Golden Gate Award, (for straights playing gays?) an award for her portrayal of a wealthy lesbian on Showtime's "The L Word." Indeed, among the honorees, there is little or no accurate representation, or representation at all, of actual queers of color, transgendered people or people without a lot of money.

Gay Shame believes that GLAAD is ultimately about exclusion, not inclusion as it claims in its mission statement. With the cheapest tickets at over $200, it is obvious who GLAAD considers its community. GLAAD's awards serve only to make corporations richer and do little to help the larger queer community, let alone exploited hotel workers. In this time of war, labor unrest, violence against queers and increasing poverty, can't we do better?

Gay Shame San Francisco

contact person:

Mary 415-948-9005

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