Comments on: GLAAD regains focus with new accountability project

By: Jim Burroway

Jim Burroway — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:28:30 +0000

As far as I can recall for the past 7 years that I’ve been paying attention, Focus has not been on the SPLC’s list. Family Research Council is on the list, having entered it, I believe, last year.

By: Donny D.

Donny D. — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:48:58 +0000

StraightGrandmother,
Are you sure you aren’t talking about SPLC’s list of anti-LGBT hate groups, rather than GLAAD’s list? Focus on the Family had been on that list but was taken off because SPLC saw FotF’s behavior as having changed for the better.

By: Neil

Neil — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:13:09 +0000

Fair enough, Regan.

By: MattNYC

MattNYC — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:32:11 +0000

I agree that GLAAD made it harder for the media to be homophobic, but I would definitely not attribute all (or even most) of the positive or realistic LGBT depictions to GLAAD’s work. Frankly, I think they spent too much time and money rubbing elbows with Hollywood execs when the Free Market decided that we had too much money (imagined or real) to spend to ignore or mistreat. Not that GLAAD didn’t try to take all the credit.

I still can’t believe that they were literally given the “Digital Queers” organization, sent out one fundraising letter to the DQ mailing list, and then washed their hands of it. Not that I’m bitter. :-/

By: Timothy Kincaid

Timothy Kincaid — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:31:43 +0000

SG Timothy, do you still think Focus on the Family should be off of the GLAAD list? Do I STILL think..? On what day did I say, hint, suggest, imply, insinuate or send smoke signals that could be interpreted that I ever thought that Jim Daly (FOTF's president) "should be off the GLAAD list"?

By: Timothy Kincaid

Timothy Kincaid — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:21:28 +0000

SG,

Thanks. I had added the link as my last action but hadn’t clicked update. D’oh! It’s there now.

But I think you may be wrong about Alan. He has been pretty clear about the changes in his and Exodus’ perspective on civil law. He wouldn’t likely go on a show to oppose, say, anti-bullying programs for two reasons: one, he no longer buys into the knee-jerk anti-gay talking points; and two, because he doesn’t see political advocacy as relevant to his ministry.

I think that once a change is observed, once behavior is different (and it really is for Exodus), then there isn’t much purpose to demanding that they defend having once felt, spoke or behaved differently. If the goal is change, well it’s there.

If the goal is knowing the motivations, hidden agenda, and whitewashed animus of those who oppose us, then GLAAD’s accountability project is headed in the right direction and just needs some time and tinkering.

But if the goal is “showing the bad” and embarrassing someone because they once said things we don’t like or other culture war goals, I don’t have the time.

By: StraightGrandmother

StraightGrandmother — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:20:57 +0000

Timothy, do you still think Focus on the Family should be off of the GLAAD list?

Focus on the Family’ Files Colorado Ballot Initative To Allow Anti-Gay Discrimination Based on Religious Beliefs

http://www.towleroad.com/2012/03/focus-on-the-family-files-colorado-ballot-initative-to-allow-anti-gay-discrimination-based-on-religi.html

By: StraightGrandmother

StraightGrandmother — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:56:01 +0000

Hey, Hey! Good for you Regan!

“persecution complex and projection of intolerance and cowardice on the gay community.”

They sure seemed to have been honing that “persecution complex” to a very sharp edge. I am really offended by this BTW.

By: Regan DuCasse

Regan DuCasse — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:45:26 +0000

@Neil,
I can understand your concerns, they are legit.
But that’s exactly why I’m going to be in this as far as I can.
As we have seen, NOM’s reps, will change up their comments, depending on their forum and audience. They sound more gay friendly and innocuous in broadcast media, but their print media and information that’s going more directly to their supporters is outright libel.
Regardless that Matt Barber has several Christian AND LU media outlets in which to speak, and he regularly writes for TownHall, he’s not usually in forums where he can be challenged. He avoids them, while accusing gay people of being gun shy.
As a matter of fact, just about ALL of those on the list, avoid open debates where they most likely WILL be forced to confront serious dissent.

If the court of public opinion were conducted more like a court of law, we could at least show just how facts and evidence challenged they are, if they dare.
Perhaps by ATTRITION they’d stop showing up on their own.
They do have thin skins, which they protect with and armor of thick, deep layers of paranoia, persecution complex and projection of intolerance and cowardice on the gay community.

By: Regan DuCasse

Regan DuCasse — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:36:41 +0000

As we speak, I’m going to work hard with those setting up this project to maximize the effectiveness of this strategy. I’m already a member of a GLAAD jury, specific to one section of their outreach. The other advocate orgs. I belong to sometimes have left me a bit dry as to what their planning is, who their targets are and the best way to engage them.
I’m thinking this is more my bailiwick and the folks that know me, are in agreement about what way to have me on board.
I’ll keep you posted.