Thinks “Out Counts at the Emmys”
GLAAD, The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, likes to play apologist for the industries it covers, much like HRC likes to placate Congress and the president.
GLAAD just released a statement about last night’s Emmys, titled, “Out Counts at the Emmys.” In it, they applaud the few LGBTQ Emmy award winners, like actress Cherry Jones, director Dearbhla Walsh, and openly gay writer/director/producer Michael Sucsy. In a somewhat self-congratulatory manner, they state,
“GLAAD celebrates the work of these talented artists and the networks that support them. As people see stories about their lives and the common ground we all share, it leads to greater awareness, understanding and equality.”
Really?
“Out” didn’t count at the Emmys. Did Cherry Jones, Dearbhla Walsh, or any other LGBTQ artist mention their partner by name, solidifying for America and the world their orientation? Did anyone say, “I wish I could call her my wife, but this is America and that’s not possible right now?”
Out didn’t count. It was just a matter of happenstance. Which is fine, in and of itself.
But as I just wrote in, “America To Neil Patrick Harris: We Love You. But Not In A Gay Way,” GLAAD itself admits there’s only 2.6% scripted LGBTQ representation on TV. 2.6% is considered “support?”
Shame on you, GLAAD!
Yes, these people are talented. And they deserved to win for being talented, and not for being gay. But these fine Emmy winners didn’t win playing, writing, or directing gay roles.
Essentially, GLAAD is saying, “Thanks for letting LGBTQ people work in the television industry.”
No wonder we don’t yet have a hate crimes bill, or the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We have organizations like GLAAD thanking the very industry we populate in huge percentages, for not firing us.
Yup. Thanks. And thanks for that 2.6% representation.
And thanks, GLAAD, for your support, too. With support like this…