Who Controls the Narrative? GLAAD's Sarah Kate Ellis on Safeguarding LGBTQ+ Voices

As political tides shift with Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, Sarah Kate Ellis, the President and CEO of GLAAD, is vigilant about the changing landscape of American media.

“Who owns the media owns politics,” Ellis emphasizes, noting that recent studies indicate major social media platforms like Facebook and X are increasingly platforms for anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. Elon Musk has transformed X into a megaphone for right-wing voices, while Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta, has recently cut back on fact-checking, arguing it’s too politically charged.

Ellis found Zuckerberg’s comments deeply unsettling: “To suggest that fact-checking is biased and holding people accountable is biased is offensive,” she says. “People deserve truth and facts.”

Media's Influence on Politics

Sarah Kate Ellis knows the power of storytelling well. Under her leadership, GLAAD not only monitors media but also champions pro-LGBTQ+ cultural change. She works closely with media entities, lawmakers, and thought leaders to portray authentic stories about the queer community.

“We need to examine the evolving media landscape carefully,” Ellis states. “Social media algorithms often amplify hate, and we must find ways for them to promote truth.”

The portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues in right-wing rhetoric is often skewed, with damaging consequences. While 10% of Americans identify as LGBTQ+, support for marriage equality and nondiscrimination has waned. This decline aligns with online narratives painting LGBTQ+ individuals as a societal threat.

The Struggle for Rights

Historically, the LGBTQ+ community has faced demonization. However, current anti-LGBTQ+ media efforts seem synchronized with a Republican agenda that portrays LGBTQ+ people as threats.

Many Republican legislators oppose recognizing same-sex marriages, and some Supreme Court justices have expressed interest in overturning such decisions. Ellis warns, “We’re at risk of losing hard-won rights. They’re all under threat.”

During his first administration, Trump enacted policies harmful to LGBTQ+ rights. For his second term, he pledges to bolster religious-based discrimination and terminate federally funded DEI programs, impacting marginalized communities most.

Countering Misinformation

GLAAD combats false narratives by educating the public and sharing powerful stories. At the 75th Annual Emmy Awards, Ellis and RuPaul called for greater LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Oprah Winfrey, upon receiving a GLAAD Vanguard Award, shared her brother’s AIDS story to humanize queer lives.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to counter anti-LGBTQ+ forces. “We must protect the rights our community fought for,” Ellis insists. “These rights are in jeopardy.”

Targeting Trans Rights

Republican initiatives have targeted trans people, aiming to restrict their rights in sports and healthcare. Trump has vowed to retract transgender civil rights, specifically targeting youth access to gender-affirming care.

Despite the focus on trans issues, Ellis highlights that only a small percentage of the population is affected. “It’s puzzling they focus so much on trans people,” she says, referencing the $215 million spent on transphobic political ads.

A poll by the Human Rights Campaign showed minimal voter concern over gender-affirming care, with 61% opposing candidates who support banning access to it.

“Most Americans believe people should live freely without government interference,” Ellis says. GLAAD’s 2023 poll found that 91% of non-LGBTQ+ Americans agree that LGBTQ+ people deserve equal rights.

Changing Hearts and Minds

Ellis sees the need to humanize trans individuals by telling their stories beyond politics. Initiatives include featuring real-life experiences of trans people, like military families navigating healthcare post-ban and showcasing trans athletes like CeCé Telfer.

“Storytelling is powerful,” Ellis states. “It bridges understanding and reduces hate when you know someone’s story.”

She compares this to the gay rights movement’s success, which grew through stories of ordinary lives, showing LGBTQ+ people as neighbors and family.

Broadening Perspectives

Ellis also aims to broaden public understanding of gender-affirming care, noting that cisgender individuals frequently undergo similar procedures to align with their gender identity.

According to a 2024 study, cis children receive gender-affirming surgeries more often than trans children. “Normalizing these facts can help the public understand,” Ellis says, emphasizing that people simply want to live freely.

GLAAD's Role in Advocacy

Beyond storytelling, GLAAD seeks to influence policymakers and industry leaders. They have succeeded in getting social platforms to ban conversion therapy content and have launched tools to track extremism.

GLAAD advocates on Capitol Hill, contributing to discussions on legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act and briefing influencers about LGBTQ+ trends.

Ellis highlights the importance of individual voices in fostering change: “Everyone has a platform now. It’s crucial to amplify LGBTQ voices and represent the community.”

As the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues, GLAAD remains committed to ensuring truth and representation for all.