GLAAD Drops "Gay & Lesbian" From Name

To underscore their commitment to transgender issues, GLAAD has officially ended the usage of their full name, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.  Going forward the group will simply been known as GLAAD.

"It is a natural progression that reflects the work GLAAD's staff is already leading," said [spokesman Wilson] 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."

The name change was foreshadowed at last week's GLAAD Media Awards in Manhattan, where transgender issues dominated much of the evening.