Gay-Inclusive Advertising Campaign Responds to GLAAD's Pronouncement
GIA notes that they very much DO exist, GLAAD's assertion to the contrary notwithstanding

Also, GLAAD suggested Jones did not have a legitimate organization or background from which to express an opinion on the subject matter and implied GIA may have been a fictitious organization created by Fox News specifically for the segment.

GLAAD suggested Cavuto's and Jones' dialogue along with imagery from A&F Quarterly, which Fox News showed during the segment, was lurid and sensationalist. Fox News did not create the imagery. Abercrombie & Fitch did. It is a valid point to show the imagery in question if that is what one is discussing. While Fox showed images of nude males on screen Jones clearly stated GIA does not want to see nudity in A&F Quarterly, rather positive imagery of gay males expressing emotion and affection for one another.

GLAAD's research was not very extensive as GIA does exist. According to an article in the New York Observer, GLAAD's entire research into the existence of GIA consisted of asking each other around the office if they'd ever heard of GIA and asking Michael Wilke of the Commercial Closet if he'd ever heard of GIA. Perhaps GLAAD could have called the producers of Your World with Neil Cavuto and asked them how to contact GIA. Apparently, they did not. Other news reporters did the obvious, however, because they have contacted us.

"The idea that a gay organization cannot exist outside the scope of GLAAD is ludicrous. New gay organizations pop up all the time. I think that working together is far more productive than publicly challenging each other with outrageous accusations," said Brandon Lewis, member of the Board of Directors of GIA.

It is unfortunate in the gay community when a gay organization whose name implies they are against defamation chooses to cast aspersions on another organization because they have not heard of it or disagree with its views. GIA was organized to help create a climate in which gay people can feel comfortable being more visible in their communities. GLAAD's attack makes some gay people not want to speak up and express their opinions.

GLAAD does not represent all gay people. The gay community is more varied than one voice. GIA does not claim to speak for all gay people, merely the organization we represent. GIA has a legitimate right to express its views in the public forum. We were unaware that GIA needed to contact GLAAD for an official gay "seal of approval."