Petrelis Files

Advocate Magazine = GLAAD's Lapdog

It's a depressing trend, the co-opting of what remains of the independent gay press.

Back in May, I blogged about the Washington Blade entering into a partnership with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. A gushing release from the paper said:

“As a longtime supporter of the Task Force, I am excited to work with this important organization as a National Corporate Partner,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “The Blade looks forward to furthering our mission of informing the LGBT community while supporting the Task Force’s work for full LGBT equality.” 

Say good-bye to any independent or coverage critical of this Gay Inc group from the Blade with that announcement.

This week, the leech upon the gay body politic known as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation announced that's made a similarly cozy relationship with the publisher of the Advocate and OUT magazines. Sure, it further diminishes what little creditibility the Advocate has as in impartial journalistic operation but the partnering also is quite apt, given how superficiality and full of empty gloss both the Advocate and GLAAD share.

From the gay kiss-ass organization:

Give the gift of equality this season, and receive a free subscription to Out and Advocate magazines!

As part of a partnership with Here Media, when you donate $50 or more to GLAAD ( and indicate you want to receive the magazines) you get a free subscription to the publications! . . .

We want to be able to provide this rapid response work for 2013 too, but we can't do it without your help! So, donate $50 for the holidays, and get a gift from Here Media! 

So! Many! Exclamation! Points! Why?

Here on the Left Coast, for all practical intents and purposes the Bay Area Reporter is in partnership with the Merchants of Upper Market Castro in several ways. First, the paper's advertiser director is a voting member of MUMC, the organization regularly purchases display ads and so do many businesses that belong to MUMC.

The BAR has never provided timely, accurate or balanced coverage of the many controversies surrounding MUMC on issues ranging from attendance at their meetings where public policy is created to control of the rainbow flag to disrespecting transgender people.

Our LGBT community needs media outlets to serve as watchdogs not lapdogs and it becomes ever more important for bloggers and activists to bring transparency and accountability to the likes of NLGTF, GLAAD and MUMC.