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Jarrett Barrios named president of GLAAD
It looks like the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation will be in good hands: the organization announced today that former Massachusetts State Sen. Jarrett Barrios will replace Neil Guiliano as head of the group.
Barrios was in the thick of the battle to make Massachusetts the first state to make same-sex marriage legal and as head of GLAAD,. will focus on how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are presented in the media.
“We’re making progress toward equality, but we’ll only achieve full equality if we change hearts and minds — and that’s what GLAAD is all about,” he said in a statement. “We’re working for the day when every one of us is accepted, respected and valued for the contributions we make to this country. It’s an ambitious goal, but I know we can do it. I believe in our community, and I believe in our country.”
Barrios, 40, is married to Democratic political strategist Doug Hattaway, a former spokesman for Vice President Al Gore. The couple has two children.
Here is a welcome video:
Comments
(All comments are reviewed before being published, and I review submissions several times per day.)
James M. McDonald says:
I for one and thrilled to have Jarrett Barrios as our new president and leader for GLAAD. His qualifications and his dedication, involvement in human rights legislation, his passion and judgement will all play a pivotal point in changing minds and hearts in our favor.
Both he and his partner of 16 years, Doug Hattaway, are the living proof of what gay humanity can contribute to society in a wonderful way. What perfect role models for us all. Both men are committed to change for the better and are actively going about it in a very public platform.
As a gay Viet Nam Veteran, a 9/11, Ground Zero Survivor and Lover/Partner with my Cubano partner of thirty years, Joey, I know that this more than capable man will help steer our LGBT community and America towards equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation. We did not decide to be gay, so why are we being punished and denied? It is no more a choice than skin color, ethnic background or national origin. Using the bible and religion to single us out to persecute and chastise is morally wrong. All are equal in the sight of God. None of us are perfect.
I know that Jarrett Barrios is the man who will get the job done. Let us unite, solidify and get behind Jarrett and every LGBT organization, pool our resources and win our rights and equality as valid and deserving human beings who have fought and died for the freedoms denied us for far too long! Happy Pride 2009. See you at the 2009 Pride Parade. (Happy 40th Stonewall Anniversary !!!)
James M. McDonald
NYC, USA