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06/27/2009
GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios on Obama and LGBT Rights
New GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios discusses the Obama administration and LGBT rights, and Monday's cocktail reception at the White House in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Stonewall.
Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...
Posted 6:03 PM EST by Andy Towle in Barack Obama, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Gay Pride, Gay Rights, GLAAD, Jarrett Barrios, News | Permalink
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He's well spoken. Too bad it seemed like there was a delayed connection and he didn't seem to be looking directly at the camera, but it was still a good job. Clever to mention his son.
Slightly odd that they mentioned he was co-chair of Harvard's LGBT group. Wouldn't that have been 20+ years ago? And at the risk of sounding like an old grump, I will always hate those useless, distracting little news feeds across the bottom of the screen (half of which involved Michael Jackson).
Posted by: Paul R | Jun 27, 2009 6:19:40 PM
He is so HOT!
Posted by: Tony | Jun 27, 2009 6:51:56 PM
he and lt. dan choi remind americans that smart comes in all colors. (hot, sexy colors.)
Posted by: nic | Jun 27, 2009 7:39:55 PM
I do not find Mr. Barrious impressive. He comes across as another Joe Salmonese, very disappointing.
Posted by: InExile | Jun 27, 2009 7:55:27 PM
I have known Jarrett since his law school days. He has fought on the front lines here in MA as a State Rep and as an Advocate for Gay Rights, Marriage Rights (Which we have) and HIV/AIDS funding (once of the best in the country).. all these issues and others through his selflessness and dedication to many communities (Gay, Latino, Transgender,and youth to mention a few) Please do not make rash judgements on this man he has done more in his "short" career then most. He is an attorney, he was one of the youngest OPENLY gay men to ever run for STATEWIDE office AND WIN! Some of the responses above appear to be way too judgmental and for all the wrong reasons..Come back in a year and re-evaluate him please for we here in MA hold in highest esteem for the work he has done in MA both as an OUT STUDENT AT HARVARD, In LAW school and again as a public servant..... He knew to change laws you needed to be in the mix and by god he got in there and he changed laws - remembering that we in MA were the first in the nation to have SAME SEX MARRIAGE, repeal of the Sodomy Laws and the notorious Law of 1913 when repealed allowed others to come to MA and get married without restrictions, I'd say that would warrant your respect!! All this during his terms in office!!!!
Posted by: alex in boston | Jun 27, 2009 8:49:10 PM
what a dolt...
Posted by: roger | Jun 27, 2009 9:34:17 PM
Wow. Jarrett is no doubt pretty cute and well spoken and able to articulate the conventional talking points, which he no doubt thought was the best sort of response when talking to the general audience on CNN who may not be too familiar with these particular points. But first he kissed ass about how he is "appreciative the president has chosen to commemorate Stonewall" (thanks for the symbolism Barry, and you are light years better than the previous eight year historical anomaly). And repeatedly used "asking" when "demanding" seems more appropriate. And leadership from all "could really help"??!! I realise that a little bit of honey makes the medicine go down, but this was a really pathetic performance.
Posted by: emjayay | Jun 27, 2009 11:06:29 PM
Jarrett has become a friend of mine since we met at the dallas principals. He is one of the most outstanding folks I've ever met. Glaad is so lucky to have a guy like him leading them.
Posted by: Andy | Jun 27, 2009 11:46:51 PM
I think he's got some of his facts wrong too.
He said that in 45 states there is no protections for same sex couples.
There is marriage in 6 states. Other states (California, Washington for example) do have protections, but not marriage.
Posted by: patrick | Jun 27, 2009 11:52:58 PM
Paul R... Then DON'T sound like a damp old grump
Posted by: GBM | Jun 28, 2009 3:15:03 AM
Jarrett will do much better in future interviews. I blame the interviewer on this one, it's difficult when the questions seem scripted and she was trying to get too much into this interview. I know Jarrett personally, he was a great friend when we launched the controversial KnowThyNeighbor.org in 2005. I have faith that he will be a true fighter, he certainly was during our marriage fight here in Massachusetts.
Posted by: Tom Lang | Jun 28, 2009 1:15:43 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Shouldn't you focus on his words and not his presentation. He is speaking on public policy and not singing on American Idol.
Posted by: Charlie | Jun 28, 2009 1:55:03 PM
Do some research before immediately judging Jarrett. He's very promising!
Posted by: remix | Jun 28, 2009 2:38:37 PM
Jarrett please sit down with a PR person or public speaking coach and work on TV presence/interviews. TV is a completely different medium requiring a specific way of conveying a message. Looking good isn't enough, and I know you know that.
Also (PLEASE) stay away from Gay Face on air: tensed forehead, raised brows, manic smile, over expressive in general. That telegraphs as passive, ingratiating and irritates viewers regardless of sexual orientation.
Posted by: Mark | Jun 28, 2009 2:51:27 PM
GBM, I'm allowed to sound like an old grump because I'm not old. Those little messages convey nothing and are a distraction.
I agree that his TV presence needs some work, but he was speaking on CNN, not at a Pride rally. Of course he had to be general and polite.
Posted by: Paul R | Jun 28, 2009 4:18:30 PM
Jarrett Barrios did a fantastic job in Massactusetts. We are fortunate to have him as President of GLAAD. To those who know him his presence is powerful. He is truly one of the finest human beings I have ever met.
Posted by: declan | Jun 28, 2009 5:22:30 PM
Alex:
I don't think Jarrett ever ran for statewide office. Jarrett is awesome, but AFAIK the highest elected office he's ever had was State Senator -- and he was the first one to run (and win) as an out gay man.
I don't think we've ever had an openly LGBT candidate for statewide office (and by extension, no one who has won). The closest we came was when Pat Guerriero started running for Lt Gov but dropped out.
Unless I've forgotten someone.
Posted by: tjc | Jun 28, 2009 7:49:45 PM
Mark,
I find your statement offensive and self-defeating.
~Ryan
Posted by: Ryan | Jun 28, 2009 8:13:33 PM
It's his first appearance on national tv, I'll give him some leeway because of it. However, I hope he strengthens his words, I don't want another weak gay person representing me, we have too many of those.
Posted by: Bill | Jun 28, 2009 8:52:33 PM
I find some of the comments on here beyond catty and snarky. He did very, very well, got his points across effectively, ingratiated himself to the interviewer as well as the typical viewer, and showed great promise. This was his first CNN interview an GLAAD president and remember the guy doesn't even offcially start until September, according to the press release. If this is what he does 2 months before taking the job, then just imagine what he is capable of once he's steeped in the work. This guy is going to be great for the LGBT community.
Posted by: JustinNJ | Jun 29, 2009 1:42:28 AM
Love Jarrett, hate Tom Lang.
Posted by: Name: | Jun 30, 2009 9:01:38 PM