History of GLAAD in Timeline

GLAAD is a US-based media monitoring organization advocating for LGBTQ acceptance and fair representation. Initially founded to combat defamatory portrayals of gay and lesbian people, it now encompasses queer, bisexual, and transgender individuals. GLAAD works to shape the narrative and foster inclusivity in media and entertainment by monitoring representations, advocating for accurate and diverse storytelling, and working directly with media outlets and entertainment companies.

1985: Formation of GLAAD

In 1985, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) was formed in New York City to protest the New York Post's coverage of AIDS. Initial meetings took place in activists' homes and at the New York State Council on the Arts.

1987: The New York Times changed its editorial policy

In 1987, after a meeting with GLAAD, The New York Times changed its editorial policy to use the word "gay" instead of harsher terms referring to homosexuality. GLAAD advocated that the Associated Press and other television and print news sources follow.

1989: Establishment of the GLAAD Media Awards

The GLAAD Media Awards were established in 1989, with ceremonies held annually in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of the LGBTQ community and the issues that affect their lives.

1994: GLAAD chapters merge

In 1994, GLAAD/NY and GLAAD/LA voted to merge, with other city chapters joining soon afterward. The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies continue to be divided into three events held in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

1998: Nick Adams started working at GLAAD

In 1998, Nick Adams started working at GLAAD.

2002: Establishment of Announcing Equality project

Established in 2002, GLAAD's Announcing Equality project has resulted in more than 1,000 newspapers including gay and lesbian announcements alongside other wedding listings.

2004: Fox special "Seriously, Dude, I'm Gay" Shelved After GLAAD Review

In 2004, Fox provided GLAAD with an advance copy of their reality television special Seriously, Dude, I'm Gay for review. GLAAD condemned it as "an exercise in systematic humiliation," leading to the special being shelved. The executive producers of the TBS series He's a Lady consulted GLAAD for review of the transgender representation in their own program.

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2010: Launch of Spirit Day

In 2010, GLAAD launched Spirit Day, an annual national day of action to show LGBTQ youth that they are not alone.

2011: Jarrett Barrios resigns

In 2011, Jarrett Barrios resigned from the GLAAD presidency.

March 2012: Launch of the Commentator Accountability Project

In March 2012, GLAAD launched the Commentator Accountability Project, which seeks to index and document frequent contributors, guests and pundits who regularly express anti-LGBTQ bias and misinformation in their contributions to journalism outlets.

April 15, 2012: Herndon Graddick Appointed GLAAD President

On April 15, 2012, Herndon Graddick, formerly GLAAD's vice-president of Programs and Communications, was announced as the new president of GLAAD.

2012: GLAAD consulted on Street Fighter X Tekken

In 2012, GLAAD worked with Capcom on Street Fighter X Tekken's script "to ensure that gaming’s most famous transgender character was portrayed with respect" and that "anything that might be offensive has been very tailored to not be."

March 24, 2013: GLAAD drops "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation" from their name

On March 24, 2013, GLAAD announced that it had formally dropped the "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation" from their name and would now be known only as GLAAD to reflect their work more accurately.

August 2013: Launch of the Studio Responsibility Index

In August 2013, GLAAD launched its first annual Studio Responsibility Index, which indexes "the quantity, quality and diversity of images of LGBTQ people in films released by six major motion picture studios".

2013: GLAAD changes its name and appoints Jennifer Finney Boylan

In 2013, GLAAD changed its name from Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to GLAAD. Jennifer Finney Boylan was chosen as the first openly transgender co-chair of GLAAD's National Board of Directors.

2014: Sarah Kate Ellis becomes president and CEO

In 2014, Sarah Kate Ellis became the president and CEO of GLAAD, and under her leadership, GLAAD's revenue grew by 38%.

2015: Nick Adams promoted to director of transgender media & representation

In 2015, Ellis promoted Nick Adams to the newly created position of director of transgender media & representation at GLAAD. Adams started working at GLAAD in 1998.

2016: Spirit Day as the world's largest and most visible anti-bullying campaign

In 2016, Spirit Day was the world's largest and most visible anti-bullying campaign, working to bring anti-bullying resources to classrooms and providing a GLAAD's Spirit Day kit in 6 languages.

2020: GLAAD consults on "Tell Me Why"

In 2020, GLAAD helped in creating Tyler's character, in the game Tell Me Why. GLAAD's Nick Adams served as consultant who, amongst other areas, helped ensure that Tyler would be played by a trans actor; August Black.

2021: Release of the GLAAD Social Media Safety Index

The 2021 GLAAD Social Media Safety Index, based on an analysis of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube, assessed that social media was "effectively unsafe for LGBTQ users."

2022: Ellis renegotiated her contract

In 2022, Ellis renegotiated her contract with GLAAD, receiving a $150,000 signing bonus and an average annual salary of $441,000 per year, increasing by 5% each year.

2022: Publication of the 11th edition of the GLAAD Media Reference Guide

In 2022, the 11th edition of the GLAAD Media Reference Guide, a style guide with recommendations for writers, especially journalistic outlets, to reference in positive, inclusive depiction of LGBTQ people, was published.

August 2024: The New York Times report on GLAAD's reimbursements of Ellis's spending

In August 2024, GLAAD and Ellis were the subjects of a The New York Times report that explored the organization's reimbursements of Ellis's "pattern of lavish spending". GLAAD released a statement defending their commitment to Ellis's leadership. Zeke Stokes contested The New York Times reporting as "riddled with bad reporting, innuendo, lies, mistruths, facts out of context, and misinformation."