Increasingly fair, accurate and inclusive news media coverage has played an important role in expanding public

awareness and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lives. However, many reporters, editors

and producers continue to face challenges covering these issues in an increasingly complex, often rhetorically charged climate.

Media coverage of our community has become — and continues to become — increasingly multi-dimensional,

reflecting both the diversity of our community and the growing visibility of our families and our relationships. As a result,

reporting that remains mired in simplistic, predictable "pro-gay"/"anti-gay" dualisms does a disservice to readers

seeking information on the diversity of opinion and experience within our community. And as media coverage of the

Catholic Church abuse scandal demonstrated, misinformation and misconceptions about our lives can be corrected

when journalists diligently research the facts and expose the myths (e.g., claims that gay people are more likely to sexually abuse children) that often are used against us.

There continues to be a need for journalists to distinguish between opposing viewpoints on LGBT issues and the

defamatory rhetoric that fuels prejudice and discrimination. While defamatory comments may be newsworthy, they

should no longer be used simply to provide "balance" in a news story.

Unfortunately, anti-gay organizations and institutions continue to see their incendiary rhetoric and inaccurate,

sensationalistic distortions of gay and lesbian lives legitimized through stories, features and profiles. Such inclusion,

despite the best efforts of reporters striving for fair and accurate coverage, devalues the quality of journalism.

In an era when gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender lives increasingly intersect with mainstream coverage of family,

faith, war, politics, sports, entertainment and a myriad of other issues, we at GLAAD are committed to providing timely

and accurate resources for journalists. GLAAD believes the best news coverage allows readers, viewers and listeners

to form their own conclusions based on factual information and appropriate context. We ask that you help give them that

opportunity in your coverage of LGBT issues.

 

Download the GLAAD Media Reference Guide, 7th Edition

* Information provided by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)

Hate crimes (also known as bias motivated crimes) occur when a perpetrator targets a victim because of his or her

membership in a certain social group, usually defined by racial group, religion, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity,

nationality, age, gender, gender identity, or political affiliation.

Hate crime can take many forms. Incidents may involve physical assault, damage to property, bullying, harassment, verbal

abuse or insults, or offensive graffiti or letters.

Hate Crimes are often motivated by Homophobia and Heterosexism.

Homophobia is the irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals which we refer to

by the more common terms of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender or GLBT.

Heterosexism is a term that applies to attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and

relationships. It can include the presumption that everyone is heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and

relationships are the norm and therefore superior.

*Definitions provided by Wikipedia.com

Matthew Wayne Shepard was a gay student at the University of Wyoming who was fatally attacked near Laramie on the night of October 6 – October 7, 1998.

Shepard died from severe head injuries at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado, on October 12, 1998. His murder brought national attention to the issue of hate crime legislation at the state and federal levels.

Russell Arthur Henderson pleaded guilty to felony murder and kidnapping, allowing him to avoid the death penalty.

Aaron James McKinney was convicted of felony murder and kidnapping. Henderson is currently serving two

consecutive life sentences and McKinney is serving the same but without the possibility of parole.

For more information, visit www.matthewshepard.org.