What is the GLAAD Media Fellowship:

The GLAAD Media Fellowship was created in 2001 to develop new leadership in the movement for LGBT equality and provide a unique opportunity to build experience in media activism by working nearly full time in GLAAD offices and being supervised and mentored by GLAAD's staff in Programs and Communication. Since 2001 GLAAD Media Fellows have worked in our National News Media Program, People of Color Media Program for Asian Pacific Islander Communities and Public Relations.

In His Own Words: "Feeling strongly about something is only half of the equation; you have to actually do something in order to get results. By putting passion into action, GLAAD does just that. Also, I learned that my voice is just as strong as anyone else's, and by speaking up and using it as a tool I can create change." - Ryan Hartigan, Public Relations Media Fellow, 2004-2005

GLAAD's Media Fellows are given a great deal of responsibility and have been able to make significant achievements in their respective areas of focus. In 2004, the GLAAD API Media Fellow received national media coverage when he organized community members to respond to Details magazine's defamatory piece "Gay or Asian." In 2005, GLAAD's National News Media Fellow created a daily National News Update that proved instrumental as GLAAD expands the scope of its national work. Also in 2005, our 2005 API Media Fellow wrote a column focusing on API and transgender media representations in the March issue of Advocate.

GLAAD Media Fellows will also have the opportunity to increase and diversify their media skills by working with GLAAD's media contacts to allow the fellows to also experience media work outside of GLAAD through lunches, programs and lectures with professionals in corporate, public relations and media organizations.

Fellowship Stipend and Logistics:

GLAAD will select three Media Fellows to work thirty hours per week out of either our New York or Los Angeles offices in three very exciting programs: National News Media (New York) People of Color Media focusing on Communities of African Descent (New York) and Messaging (Los Angeles).

The GLAAD Media Fellowship runs from October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006. GLAAD Media Fellows are paid a monthly stipend of $1500. GLAAD Media Fellows are responsible for their own housing and living expenses but GLAAD and Tylenol PM may assist fellows in finding affordable and convenient housing options.

In Her Own Words: "As a transgender, Korean American activist, it is not the easiest to find images and stories about others that are Asian Pacific Islander (API) and LGBT within the Sunday edition of the New York Times or on the local news at six o'clock. However, when someone suggested that I apply for the API Media Fellowship at GLAAD, I knew that this was my opportunity to become a part of creating change. This was my chance to be one of the many workers to pave the road for more stories and images of the LGBT API community within the media." - Andy Marra, Asian Pacific Islander Media Fellow, 2004-2005

Qualifications:

Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program at least half-time as a graduate or undergraduate student, or have successfully completed a graduate or undergraduate degree within the 12 months preceding the application deadline.

Applicants should have:

• Demonstrated leadership in progressive and/or LGBT communities
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines, and desire to be a self-starter.
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.
• Computer proficiency in word processing, database work, email and Internet research
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ages, ethnicities and sexual identities.
• Experience in communications, media, journalism, organizing or public relations.

How to Apply:

Applications should be sent to GLAAD's Director of Volunteer Management Ruben Gonzales via mail to 248 West 35th Street, 8th Floor NY, NY 10001, via fax to 212-629-3225 or via email at ruben.gonzales@glaad.org by September 12, 2005 and should include:

• A cover letter outlining your interest and experience specific to this position and current resume
• Contact information for three references
• Answers to the following three questions (please limit answers to one page each):
  1. Describe your first memory of an LGBT media image. How did it effect you and why?
  2. Choose an article from your local newspaper that covers an LGBT person, issue, image or event and write a critique of article. Was this article fair, accurate and inclusive? Why or why not?
  3. In the last four years what is the accomplishment you are most proud of and why?

You may also apply online.

In His Own Words: "In November 20/20 decided to air a special investigation into the death of Matthew Shepard. The premise of the special was to shed new light on the murder which 20/20 was claiming was drug related and not solely a hate crime. After previewing the show at GLAAD before its air date the staff felt the piece was sensationalistic and ignored actual facts of the case. GLAAD did extensive research to challenge the claims made in the piece and to discredit the witnesses 20/20 secured and wrote, with the help of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, an online viewers guide to help viewers ascertain the truth. I am proud to say that I helped work on that project and keep the memory of Matthew alive." - Nafees Nuruddin, National News Media Fellow, 2004-2005