NCAA Pulls Right-Wing Conservative Ads

2/24: Under pressure from LGBT activists the NCAA has decided to rescind the Focus on the Family ad.

"The decision by the NCAA came in response to vocal protests from a small number of advocates for gay and lesbian athletes, who complained that the group's views that homosexuality and abortion are immoral are inconsistent with the NCAA's stated nondiscrimination policy. 'Focus on the Family did have a banner ad on NCAA.com. Today, it was decided to remove the ad from the website as a result of concerns expressed by our membership,' Bob Williams, an NCAA spokesman, said via e-mail late Tuesday." (Towleroad)

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2/23: The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is running ads on their website for the anti-gay, anti-choice 'Focus on the Family' organization. The organization has recently aired an anti-choice ad during the Super Bowl.

The NCAA has a non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation. Demand these advertisements be retracted by the association.

You can reach the NCAA via:

Call NCAA Public Relations: 317-917-6762
Call NCAA Main Number: 317-917-6222
Email NCAA Public Relations: pmr@ncaa.org

H/T to OutSports

Organization Spotlight: Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association

The Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA) is an international association of LGBT sport organizations from around the world.

CBS Rejects Two Gay Ads for Superbowl

CBS Sports is neglecting to air two ads that have been submitted to it one for a gay dating site, the other of an effeminate black man who is likely perceived to be gay which is advertising domain registration. The company has rejected an ad from the United Church of Christ five years ago which featured a gay couple, citing that they do not allow advocacy ads. The company however has given the green light this year to an anti-abortion ad by ultra-conservative group Focus on the Family.

If the company has changed its policy to allow advocacy and controversial subjects why than are these 'gay' ads being rejected?

Ad by gay dating site ManCrunch:


Ad featuring effeminate man from Go Daddy:


Demand to know why a religious right organization can have airtime but a progressive Church, gay dating company, and a harmless ad about an effeminate man are rejected.

Chris Ender
Senior Vice President, Communications, CBS Television
cender@cbs.com
(818) 655-1100

LeslieAnne Wade
Senior Vice President, Communications, CBS Sports
lwade@cbs.com
212-975-5171

Word of the Gay: "Dykes on Spikes'"

"Dykes on Spikes" is a term to reference lesbian softball players.

Organization Spotlight: Front Runners

Front Runners International is the hub for GLBT running/walking clubs throughout the world. The organization unites people who are GLBT who have an interest in walking/running for sport and fitness, and is a safe environment as well as a social one.

ESPN - Your Destination for Homophobia!

2/2 UPDATE: ESPN will remove the ad, embedded below, from its site and post a statement, its Associate Director of Diversity, Stephanie Turner, told GLAAD's Sports Media program Monday afternoon.(PageOneQ)

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2/1: ESPN has released a new commercial advertising a website that is being billed as the destination for information on the NBA. The site provides information on their 'NBA on ESPN RV Tour' a promotion for ABC and ESPN and scheduling for upcoming basketball games.

They have released this new commercial in which Shaquille O'Neal finds the homo insinuation of a "fist kiss" to be "weird & disgusting." He goes on to make fun of the suggestion, in an effeminate voice.



Networks like ESPN, ABC, and stars like Shaquille O'Neal should be held to a higher standard. Millions of young people look to these shows, and celebrities as role models and for their guidelines. Commercials like these perpetuate fear of homosexuality and continue a condemnation of gayness and gender expression.

Voice your concern by calling on ESPN/ABC to remove this offensive commercial immediately.

ESPN
ESPN Plaza
Bristol, CT 06010

http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/contact

http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html?cat=ABC%20Sports

Web Spotlight: The Federation of Gay Games

The Federation of Gay Games ensures that the Gay Games offers participants the opportunity to express themselves openly and to experience camaraderie and validation through sport and culture.

Is NBC Stuck in the Closet?

UPDATE (8/27/08) - According to the Miami Herald, NBC President Gary Zenkel apologized over the lack of coverage on Matthew Mitcham's orientation, life story, and partner.

"We regret that we missed the opportunity to tell Matthew Mitcham's story. We apologize for this unintentional omission."

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Originally posted on: 8/25/08

NBC, the network which covered the Beijing Olympics has failed to mention that gold winning medalist Mathew Mitcham is openly gay. They also neglected to show his partner who embraced him after he won. Mitcham's story is a powerful one, having previously struggled with depression and leaving the sport he has made an amazing comeback. NBC shows other peoples stories as well as their partners and loved ones. Is this homophobia on the part of NBC or are they just afraid of backlash from the right-wing groups?

To contact NBC click the link below and select the form "other"
http://www.nbc.com/Footer/Contact_Us/

Mitcham Dives Way into Gay History!

The openly gay and openly gorgeous ;) diver, Matthew Mitcham of Australia has made gay and Olympic history today. He has won the gold medal in the men's 10m platform. The competition was a shock and a huge upset to his close in score, Chinese competitors. He has produced the highest scoring dive in Olympic history! Mitcham was cheered on by his partner Lachlan courtesy of a Johnson & Johnson Olympic sponsorship.

More info on Matt Mitcham - http://www.mattmitcham.com/

Thank Johnson & Johnson for supporting Matthew Mitcham & his partner and for their sponsorship and support of LGBT initiatives. Click for E-contact Form