Writer Benjamin Law (The Family Law) and comedian Jordan Raskopoulous (Axis of Awesome) will be joined by two directors from in a public forum that will explore LGBTQIA+ representation in the media.
The event is part of the 2017 Mardi Gras program and will be the first time that US-based non-profit agency will visit Australia.
“GLAAD is highly influential in the media sector in the US, particularly in Hollywood where each year the organisation hosts the high-profile GLAAD Media Awards,” says Mardi Gras Film Festival Director Paul Struthers.
“This special community forum provides a fascinating opportunity for us to go behind the scenes and find out how GLAAD works with filmmakers, TV producers, journalists, other media creatives to give LGBTIQ people a fair go on the page and the screen,” says Struthers.
Broadcaster Fenella Kernebone will MC the free event that will examine how news and entertainment media has the power to promote the social inclusion of the LGBT+ community.
GLAAD’s Director of Programs, Global and US South Ross Murray says that the representations created in Hollywood have an effect on audiences in Australia, and worldwide.
“Visibility and accuracy matters when it comes to LGBTIQ people, especially at this crucial time in Australia and the US. We are coming to listen and learn, as well as share what we’ve learned through over 30 years of media advocacy.”
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CEO Nicolas Parkhill says the event will be an opportunity to address the effect media has on LGBTIQ mental health.
“Whether it’s on the street, in the workplace, or on the screen, bias, discrimination and exclusion have a range of negative impacts on the mental health of LGBTI people.”
In Conversation with GLAAD: Accelerating LGBTIQ Acceptance Through the Media will be held at Giant Dwarf Theatre in Redfern on Tuesday February 28 at 6:30pm.
You can reserve tickets through . The Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival runs from February 15 to March 2. For more information, tickets, and the full line up of films, you can .
SBS will be streaming the 2017 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade live on Saturday, March 4 on SBS On Demand, and will then air our Mardi Gras special event - with commentary from our hosts, behind-the-scenes action and exclusive interviews - on Sunday March 5. In the meantime, you can .
