Inaugural GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising

Why an Advertising Media Awards?

Americans take in hundreds of ads every single day – and it’s important that companies include the LGBT community in these ads. Not only do inclusive ads demonstrate a company’s support for our community, but they send a powerful message about the American scene and show the common ground that we all share.

GLAAD has a long history of recognizing those corporations and advertising agencies that feature LGBT people and our families in print, broadcast and digital ads. With the launch of the Advertising Media program, GLAAD will continue to work to build partnerships and continue to weave stories and images of LGBT people into a wide range of advertising platforms.

The new Advertising Media Program and the GLAAD Advertising Media Awards will build upon the resources of the former Commercial Closet Association – including its expansive online database of LGBT-themed advertisements – as we work to increase the breadth and diversity of LGBT-inclusive images in mainstream advertising.

At GLAAD, we are in the business of changing people's hearts and minds through what they see in the media. Fair, accurate and inclusive media images shatter stereotypes. They prove that we are connected through common, human experiences. And these are stories that we -- and the media -- have a responsibility to share.