Media reference guide

Over the past two decades, Americans have experienced a significant evolution in their understanding and cultural acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender lives. Consequently, media coverage of gay and lesbian issues (and increasingly, bisexual and transgender issues) has moved beyond simplistic political dichotomies and toward more fully realized representations not only of the diversity of our community, but also of our lives, our families, and our fundamental inclusion in the fabric of American society. As a mirror of our cultural values and institutions, the media have increasingly recognized the value of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) stories, struggles and lives, and have moved toward telling those stories in the same way they tell others -- with fairness, integrity and respect. Journalists realize that LGBT people have the right to fair, accurate and inclusive reporting of their stories and their issues. And GLAAD's Media Reference Guide, now in its eighth edition, offers the tools they can use to tell our stories in ways that bring out the best in such journalism.