GLAAD and Director Brett Ratner Announce Video Initiative to Rally Support for LGBT Americans

Photo by Carell Augustus

GLAAD, the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today announced plans for a groundbreaking video campaign to be produced and directed by Brett Ratner. Ratner met with GLAAD's Board of Directors this weekend in a meeting that included producer of the 84th Annual Academy Awards Brian Grazer, as well as directors Adam Shankman and Bryan Singer, among others.

"Working together with GLAAD has been a very positive and enlightening experience for me, and I could not be more pleased to be developing this crucial campaign to help educate people that we all share the same humanity," said Ratner. "I am excited to get to work on this program and hope that minds and hearts are opened by what we create."

The upcoming video series will feature a diverse group of Hollywood celebrities, athletes, musicians and politicians 'coming out of the closet' as supporters of equality. Participants will share personal stories about why and how they support the LGBT community and call on Americans to do the same.

"Straight allies are crucial to creating a culture in which LGBT people are respected and supported," said Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs and Communications at GLAAD. "We look forward to working with Brett and these other inspiring Americans who are speaking out and standing up for their LGBT friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers."

In 2011, GLAAD released the 'Amplify Your Voice' public service announcement (PSA) campaign which featured celebrity talent, athletes and LGBT young people speaking out against anti-LGBT bullying. The videos and anti-bullying resource kits are available here: www.glaad.org/amplifyyourvoice. Comcast served as a leading media partner for the PSA campaign, contributing $3 million in national airtime and bringing the campaign to more than 20 million homes.