The European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) is today saddened and disappointed to learn that GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation) has been forced to close its Sports Media Program.
The Sports Media Program, headed up by Ted Rybka, has worked with gay and transgender athletes – both amateur and professional and with sports
media outlets from ESPN to Sports Illustrated to elevate the voices, stories and accomplishments of LGBT sports people since 2007. GLAAD has also
worked to address the issue of homophobia in locker rooms and in the stands by encouraging media outlets to generate conversations to “help
change hearts and minds”. Under Rybka’s strong leadership, the Media Program also worked to raise the profile of openly gay and transgender
athletes through support of LGBT-focused sporting events such as the Gay Games.
The reason behind the dissolution of the program is financial. Like many other organisations in the current climate, GLAAD has had to make savings
in order to ensure its continuing viability. GLAAD will of course continue its work in other aspects of homophobia and discrimination, and have made
assurances that it will try to continue Ted Rybka’s work using other members of GLAAD’s staff. However, as Andrej Pisl, EGLSF Board Member explains:
“It seems likely that the organisation will not be able to maintain its current focus on LGBT sports issues and whilst GLAAD has a strong US focus, the loss of Ted Rybka’s work will undoubtedly be felt on both sides of the Atlantic.”
EGLSF would like to pay tribute to the work achieved under GLAAD’s Sports Media Program, and will continue to work with all organisations who are fighting against discrimination of LGBT sports people across the world.