GLAAD Alters Mission Statement to Include Transgender Focus: VIDEO

On a panel on Sunday's Melissa Harris-Perry on MSNBC, GLAAD's Wilson Cruz joined author and advocate Janet Mock and Mel Wymore, a community activist and Democratic candidate for New York City Council, to talk about GLAAD and an announcement made by President Herndon Graddick at the recent GLAAD awards that the organization would be altering its mission statement to add a focus on transgender defamation and equality.

"The organization has formally dropped the words 'Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation' from its name and will be known going forward as simply GLAAD, the LGBT media advocacy organization," it reports:

"It is a natural progression that reflects the work GLAAD's staff is already leading," said Cruz. "We respect and honor the full name that the organization was founded with, but GLAAD's work has expanded beyond fighting defamation to changing the culture. Our commitment to marriage equality, employment nondiscrimination, and other LGBT issues is stronger than ever, and now our name reflects our work on transgender issues as well as our work with allies."

GLAAD will continue a broad range of important media work, from holding the media accountable for coverage of LGBT issues, to elevating the important LGBT stories that make headlines and ultimately inform the conversations that are happening at dinner tables, in boardrooms, and schools around the country. GLAAD also reaffirmed its commitment to combatting the misinformation and hateful rhetoric that anti-LGBT activists like the Family Research Council's Tony Perkins put forth through the media.

Watch the Melissa Harris-Perry segment, AFTER THE JUMP...

Wilson Cruz Joins GLAAD As Strategic Giving Officer

GLAAD today announced that actor Wilson Cruz, best known for his groundbreaking role as out teen Rickie Vasquez on My So-Called Life, is joining their team as a strategic giving officer.

Pointing out that GLAAD has "combatted anti-LGBT images in the media and changed the national conversation about LGBT people," Cruz said "GLAAD is also using its media expertise to create a culture that is accepting and safe for all young people" and that he is "proud and excited to grow this culture-changing work."

Herndon Graddick, GLAAD's president, celebrated Cruz's role in expanding positive portrayals of LGBT people on television.

"His work in film and television, as well as his commitment to supporting local and national LGBT organizations exemplifies GLAAD's mission to move LGBT equality forward," said Graddick.

AFTER THE JUMP, a 2010 GLAAD interview in which Cruz discusses his decision to be true to himself on stage and off. Oh, I've also included that iconic My So-Called Life dance scene featuring Rickie and Delia Fisher, the girl who was heartbroken when Rickie came out. Eat your heart out, Brian Krakow!

Converting Gays to Heterosexuals at L.A. Pride: VIDEO

"Eager to help them get into heaven, Thaddeus Thacker puts on a mustache and heads to the West Hollywood Pride Parade to see if he can get some gay men to join his heterosexualization seminar."

And you know Wilson Cruz doesn't fall for that fake facial hair.

Silliness straight from Santa Monica Boulevard, AFTER THE JUMP...

Wilson Cruz Shows Off His Summer Wardrobe

Wilson Cruz recently provided a bit more sightseeing on the Brooklyn Bridge.

One more shot, AFTER THE JUMP...

(Wilson's twitter via ed kennedy)

Wilson Cruz and Darryl Stephens Can Do It!

The Open Artist Movement has started a new photo campaign which takes as its inspiration the well-known World War II 'We Can Do It' posters by graphic artist J. Howard Miller in support of the war effort.

John Ganun and the OAM have found a selection of actors, models, and activists eager to flex their biceps in a first round of prints. The campaign is an effort to show solidarity with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal efforts and other LGBT causes.

Wilson Cruz and Darryl Stephens are featured here. Reichen, model Stephanie Roberts, and activist Andrew Oldershaw are some of the others.

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #559

LINDSEY GRAHAM: Health care public option doesn't have a chance.

RACHEL MADDOW: On the health care public option, only available to uninsured people, in some places.

GAY BABY: Pastor tries to pray away the gay from an infant.

WILSON CRUZ: On being openly gay in Hollywood.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.