Working with the media presents a set of unique challenges to advocates for LGBT equality, and it takes patience and persistence to meet your communications goals. The skills and techniques presented in this guide will help you analyze and improve your communications goals and take steps to make a difference in the ongoing media conversation about LGBT lives. Despite the political and legislative setbacks our community has faced in recent years, we’ve also made tremendous progress in changing hearts and minds all over the country. Your media work will continue to play a central role in the struggle for full equality. Remember that you can always call on GLAAD for support and resources. We provide media training nationwide for community members new to media work, as well as seasoned advocates who have been part of the movement for years. GLAAD also provides media planning and strategic support for organizations, whether you’re an organization that’s just getting started or are rethinking your communications goals after years of experience. Don’t hesitate to contact us for information, support or resources—we’re here to help. Visit us at www.glaad.org or contact us via email at mediaprograms@glaad.org. You can also reach us by phone in our New York office at (212) 629-3225 or in our Los Angeles office at (323) 933-2240. GLAAD would like to thank all of those that provided content and offered tips and support in the development of this manual. Special thanks to the SPIN Project, which provided information, resources and support integral to the creation of this manual. Additional thanks to the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Planning Association’s Planning Advisory Service, The Grassroots Recycling Network, Green Media Toolshed, The Wilderness Society and the Population Information Program and the Center for Communication Programs at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health for ideas and background information. Thanks to GLAAD staff members, fellows and interns for their input in the creation of this guide. Gina Altomare, Mihal Ansik, Mike Lavers, Marc McCarthy, Alex Shoor, Glennda Testone and Roxanne Varza provided necessary research, analysis, suggestions and input throughout the writing process. Thanks to Design Action Collective for graphic design and Inkworks Press Collective for printing. This training manual was developed and produced by Sean Lund, Tom Ogletree, Rashad Robinson, Adam Rogers and Rebekah Spicuglia.