The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) organization held the Out Auction an exhibition featuring GLAAD”s top established and emerging artists at the Met Pavillion on Sunday. GLAAD is dedicated to ensuring fair and accurate representation of people that does not encourage homophobia or discrimination based of sexual orientation or gender identity. One of their great achievements this year included gaining an apology from Fox TV when one of the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” openly mocked a participating gay couple. Due to the great work of GLAAD, unlike last season, this year’s show features a gay couple who are being properly respected. This is just one example of their many victories against homophobia and defamation of the gay and lesbian community.
The honoree of the evening was artist Ross Bleckner, who was presented with the Out in Art Award by the legendary, Joel Grey. Despite an unusually noisy crowd, both GLAAD Executive Director Jarrett Barrios and Mr. Bleckner gave very moving speeches peppered with real-life accounts of the extraordinary accomplishments of the organization. The evening was sponsored by Bud Light with libations from Stoli, Barefoot Wine, Bud Light. And in a nice event gift twist, attendees were given a pair of sandals from Okobos at the end of the evening.
I salute the vital and great work of GLAAD and had a wonderful time at their event.
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