New York – GLAAD, the world’s LGBTQ media advocacy organization today announced that media industry veteran Ariel Foxman and musician, songwriter, and designer Justin Tranter will join the organization’s National Board of Directors.
Ariel Foxman is a media industry veteran, Philanthropist, and the former editorial director of leading fashion media brands InStyle and StyleWatch. He also oversaw the all-digital InStyle Collection, comprised of InStyle, xoJane, xoVain, and The Outfit. Over the course of his career, Foxman has received many accolades. The Advocate has named him as one of the “50 Most Influential LGBT People in Media” and he was thrice included in Out’s annual Power List. In 2016, for the second straight year, he was listed in “Business of Fashion 500” as one of the world’s most influential fashion insiders. Foxman received the Marylou Luther Journalism Award from the Accessories Council in 2015, and in 2014 was honored at Live Out Loud’s annual Trailblazers Gala. In 2013, Crain’s listed Foxman as one of the “40 Under 40,” a group of rising stars “who will shape New York for the next 25 years.” Prior to that he was named one of Forbes magazine’s most powerful U.S. fashion editors.
“Fashion has always been at the forefront of culture and artistic self-expression,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President & CEO. “Through his storied career in the media, Ariel Foxman has helped shape narratives that build understanding and positively impact acceptance. GLAAD is thrilled to welcome his expertise and instight to the National Board of Directors.”
Justin Tranter is a gender non-conforming musician, songwriter, and designer whose writing credits include collaborations with major artists such as Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and Fall Out Boy. He got his start in the music industry as the lead singer of NYC rock band Semi Precious Weapons. Tranter began his activism with the initiation of an annual AIDS benefit while attending high school at the Chicago Academy for the Performing Arts. His advocacy continued while attending Berklee where he founded Musicians With a Mission, a scholarship fund for LGBTQ youth education. In 2016, after flying to Orlando to help with the aftermath of the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, Tranter joined with frequent collaborator Julia Michaels and GLAAD to find a way to make a larger contribution. Through Interscope Records, and joined by many talented artists and the music community, they brought about the release of the charity single "Hands" to raise funds for Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, GLAAD, and the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida.
“Justin Tranter’s impact on the music industry is far reaching and dynamic,” continued Ellis. “By harnessing the power of song, he is able to share beautiful stories that change hearts and minds. Justin’s work on ‘Hands’ helped a nation cope with tragedy and we are honored to add his vision and voice to the GLAAD National Board of Directors.”
