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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

GLAAD's New Leader Speaks OUT (Audio)

Produced by Charlotte Robinson





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson chats with Jarrett Barrios about what he hopes to accomplish in his new position as President of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and his vision for the future of LGBT civil rights in America. Barrios will begin his tenure at GLAAD in September 2009. LGBT advocate and author David Mixner said "The selection by GLAAD of Jarrett Barrios to lead them in their invaluable work is simply brilliant. As an openly gay man, a father, husband, former legislator and son of immigrants from Cuba, no one understands more than Jarrett what is at stake in this powerful moment in our history." Barrios brings an enormous amount of experience to our LGBT community. A former member of both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate, Barrios was a key player in the passage of gay marriage in Massachusetts. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge of what it takes to educate and achieve basic civil rights for our LGBT community. GLAAD’s mission of “Changing Hearts and Minds” has found a great advocate and voice to attain their goal in Jarrett. When asked what his hopes are for our LGBT community in the Obama administration, Barrios simply answered, "Full Equality. Full protections for our LGBT families in marriage, the military, the workplace, health benefits and providing safe schools for our LGBT youth."
Barrios is married to communications consultant and Democratic political operative Doug Hattaway. They have two sons.
For More Info: GLAAD.org












1 comment:

Jarrett Barrios said...

"It was an honor to take part in this important event for the gay and transgender community with fellow advocates and my 17-year old son. This event, is the first time that Stonewall was commemorated by the White House, was a symbol of the fact that the administration recognizes our community at a time when there has been growing frustration about his administration's seeming reticence to follow through on campaign promises.

During his speech Monday, President Obama said that the road to equality is not only about changing laws, but about changing hearts. Indeed, legal advances are vitally important, but full equality requires us to move our culture - through conversations, living openly in our communities, and through media representations- to a place where gay and transgender Americans are accepted and understood.

Our community will continue to advocate and will be watching closely to ensure Obama makes good on the promises he discussed Monday and during the campaign. At the heart of the issues discussed Monday day are everyday Americans who want the same chance as everyone else to earn a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country, and take care of the ones they love."

Jarrett Barrios, incoming President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Monday joined fellow lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates as well as President Obama and Mrs. Obama at a reception to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969.