Eastern Michigan University forum to examine evolving roles facing gay journalists
Noted journalist Garrett Glaser to discuss changing representations on television
by Melissa Ardery, Published March 05, 2013
YPSILANTI - Eastern Michigan University will host the program, "Media LGBT Visibility Forum: The Changing Landscape of Representation and Equality," March 11, 3:30-5 p.m. in EMU's Student Center Auditorium, 900 Oakwood Dr., Ypsilanti. The event is free and open to the public.
Garrett Glaser
Garrett Glaser, former broadcast journalist, will be the guest speaker. Glaser, a member of the National Lesbian/Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) Hall of Fame, will discuss his experience as the first broadcast journalist to "come out" on-air. He also will examine what the current conditions are for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and the issues in television news media.
"This forum will offer the public an opportunity to engage in a dialogue about LGBT representation with industry professionals and the southeast Michigan community," said Michael Tew, director of EMU's Center for the Study of Equality and Human Rights. "It is important that we understand how TV influences and reflects equality in our daily social lives."
Additional speakers include:
- Maryann Watson, nationally recognized Eastern Michigan University media scholar, who will present research on historical and contemporary representations of LGBT individuals on television, and
- Matt Kane, associate director of entertainment media for GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), and author of "Where We Are On TV Report: 2012-2013 Season."
EMU's Center for the Study of Equality and Human Rights, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center (LGBTRC) are co-sponsors.
The Center for the Study of Equality and Human Rights was established at EMU in Fall 2010. Its mission is to advance and promote research on equality and human rights, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, with a primary focus on eliminating homophobia. The Center is dedicated to the advancement of equality by connecting academic, evidence-based research to community action, public policy and curricular innovation.
Visit the Center for the Study of Equality and Human Rights for additional details about the upcoming forum or visit the Center's homepage to learn more.
