GLAAD PREMIERES NATIONWIDE ADS TO URGE VOTER TURNOUT SPOTLIGHTING THE STAKES OF THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS FOR LGBTQ AMERICANS: “Our family could be at risk.”

GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, is releasing two urgent new ads about the stakes for LGBTQ Americans in the upcoming midterm elections, including the threat to marriage equality, to urge LGBTQ people and allies to vote.

GLAAD created the 30-second spot “Marriage Threat” in collaboration with Family Equality. The ads premiere October 12th with a digital and broadcast media buy that stretches nationwide.

In the ad, married gay dads Kent and Diego describe how the overturning of Roe v Wade threatens LGBTQ families and their marriages, urging voters to show up to the polls to protect all families.

Ad transcript:
“When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, we both looked at each other and said: I think our family could be at risk. When we fought for marriage equality, we never thought we would be at risk of having it taken away. Walking down the aisle was very special and something I never imagined would happen for me. We can no longer take for granted the rights we thought were our protections. And marriage equality could be next. We all have to turn out to vote. It’s important for all families.” 

View/embed the ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaaQRtzk2DI

GLAAD also released a new version of a public service announcement featuring the Briggle family of Texas. 

Ad transcript: 
“Do you wanna meet a family of a transgender kid? Here we are. There are some politicians who are trying to tear my family apart simply because my son is transgender. Trans kids don’t have a political agenda. They are just kids. They wanna be left alone. They have the same hopes and dreams and deserve the same equality as your child does. My family is just like yours. We love our kids unconditionally and we will never stop fighting for them. Stand with us. Go to glaad.org/vote and make a plan to vote.” 

View/embed the ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO_kdnpICXs

More on the Briggle family: /blog/Equality-Now-PSA 

Quote from GLAAD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis:
“The stakes could not be higher. Every LGBTQ person and every one of our allies must hear the warning in these ads and make a plan to vote. The legal protection of our marriages is at risk, and marriage equality is on the ballot. We urgently need everyone to speak up for LGBTQ people with their votes to protect our marriages, our children, our families and our futures.”

Quote from Family Equality CEO Stacey Stevenson:
“It’s clear from the 300 plus anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the United States in 2022 that our families are at risk. Our legal protections are at risk. Our kids are at risk. The LGBTQ+ community and our allies must come together and vote. We can’t afford to sit this one out.” 

Additional Research:
A record high 71% of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, support same-sex couples’ rights to marry. The approval number has grown every year since the Obergefell decision legalized marriage equality nationwide in 2015.

In the concurring opinion overturning Roe v Wade in June, Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas stated that other landmark decisions including Obergefell, Lawrence and Griswold be “reconsidered.” Justice Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the majority opinion overturning Roe, have both repeatedly questioned marriage equality in Court documents and public speeches, and have consistently voted against discrimination protections for LGBTQ people.

The “Respect for Marriage Act” codifying marriage equality for same-sex couples and couples of different races passed the House in July with bipartisan support- every Democrat and 47 Republicans voted yes, yet Senators announced last month they would hold the vote on the bill until after the election. 

The ads are part of GLAAD’s ongoing work to ensure voters know the stakes and the key issues affecting LGBTQ people. 

Independent analysis shows LGBTQ voters made the deciding difference in the 2020 election for pro-equality candidates to take the White House and ensure a new pro-equality majority in the U.S. Senate. 

About Family Equality:
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education. Learn more at familyequality.org