It is not surprising to me nor many other community activists this news today of the forced resignation of Mr Jarrett Barrios, president of GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). One would have thought it would have been sooner. Perhaps immediately after sending out letters against Net Neutrality but I suppose his fierce advocacy of the merger between AT & T and T Mobile plus the company’s large donations to the association was the final straw. I have never been a fan of pop-culture celebrity status being thrust upon community activists who gleely accept it and the perks that go along with it for this very reason – it leads to over inflated egos and temptations towards corruption. GLAAD panders to celebrities and big business without whom the association could not exist. I understand its works and deeds but firmly believe that defending or fighting against gay stereotypes in the media and advancing gay issues SHOULD NOT INVOLVE hosting an elaborate annual dinner with invitees from the entertainment community. A dinner I might add that is attended by mostly closeted actors and journalists, not average folks like me or you – too expensive for starters. But that is another issue.
When I see these guys attending awards ceremonies and rubbing elbows with the rich and famous dressed in their finest and of course accompanied by a nice slab of beef undertow, I think to myself is this what Stonewall was about?
The constant jocking for media attention, political in-fighting (and now Obama bashing--- I support the president 100% ) going on between the various GLBT camps leads me to believe that another out of touch self-absorbed community organization is the last thing we ought support. They do not represent you nor me but the mainstream media says they do. Enough!
News organizations don’t often feature negative reporting on the GLBT personality’s questionable antics for fear of being labeled homophobes. The gay community itself does not have a desire to discuss internal 'family" problems nor its inadequate responses to issues facing the GLBT. Honestly we all know for some of these association leaders it is all about the next A-list soiree or their latest conquests. They know nothing or have forgotten what it is to be about being foot soldiers within communities.
This reminds me of a an association with another GLADD official whom I admired until it became evident that he did not care about anything other than making money – via adventures.
No sweetie darling this ain't my first time around the rodeo feel free to flam away after reading.
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