Who Controls the Narrative? Sarah Kate Ellis on Facing Future Challenges

As Donald Trump prepares for a potential return to the presidency, Sarah Kate Ellis, the president and CEO of GLAAD, is keeping a vigilant eye on the state of American media.

"Whoever controls the media controls politics," Ellis asserts, highlighting the troubling trend revealed by GLAAD’s research. Major social media platforms like Facebook and X are increasingly permitting the spread of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and misinformation.

Billionaire Elon Musk has reshaped X into a platform amplifying right-wing voices, while Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has notably relaxed hate speech policies across several platforms, ending fact-checking with claims of political bias undermining trust.

Ellis finds this deeply concerning, particularly Zuckerberg's remarks about fact-checking being biased. "The notion that there's bias in holding people accountable is disturbing at its roots," she says, advocating for the American public's right to factual information.

GLAAD's Role in Media Monitoring

For over a decade, Ellis has led GLAAD in not just monitoring the media but also advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusive storytelling across various platforms. "As the media landscape evolves, we must scrutinize the algorithms that now favor sensationalism and misinformation," she stresses.

Currently, misinformation seems rampant, especially concerning LGBTQ+ issues. Terms like "groomers" are being used more frequently online, contributing to a decline in public support for marriage equality and nondiscrimination protections.

The alignment of anti-LGBTQ+ narratives with certain political agendas poses significant challenges. Many Republican leaders oppose the federal recognition of same-sex marriages, and some Supreme Court justices have expressed interest in revisiting the legality of such decisions.

Protecting Hard-Earned Rights

Ellis warns about the potential impact of another Trump administration on LGBTQ+ rights. His previous term included numerous anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and he has promised further measures to expand religious-based discrimination protections and cut diversity initiatives.

The rhetoric fueling these policies is steeped in misinformation, blaming queer inclusion for societal issues ranging from education to military efficiency.

GLAAD counters these narratives through education and amplifying powerful stories from LGBTQ+ advocates. At significant cultural events, figures like RuPaul and Oprah Winfrey have championed queer visibility and rights.

Such efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat anti-LGBTQ+ forces, Ellis notes. "We must safeguard the rights our community has fought hard to achieve," she says, particularly concerning trans rights, which are often the first target.

The Fight Against Anti-Trans Legislation

Republican legislative efforts frequently focus on banning trans individuals from public spaces and athletics. Trump has vowed to revoke protections for trans youth seeking gender-affirming care, a move Ellis finds disproportionate given how few people are directly affected.

"It's perplexing how much they focus on such a small demographic," she says, citing the extensive expenditure on transphobic campaigns. However, polls indicate that the majority of Americans do not prioritize these issues.

GLAAD surveys show that most Americans support LGBTQ+ rights and believe in the freedom for individuals to live authentically without discrimination.

Changing Minds Through Storytelling

Ellis emphasizes the power of storytelling to bridge gaps in understanding. "Introducing people to transgender individuals through media can dismantle prejudice," she asserts, pointing to various media stories that humanize LGBTQ+ lives.

Historically, sharing everyday stories has advanced the gay rights movement by showing the multifaceted lives of queer individuals. "Knowing someone's story makes it harder to harbor hatred," Ellis explains, underscoring GLAAD's mission.

Additionally, she highlights the often-overlooked commonality of gender-affirming practices among cisgender individuals, which could foster greater acceptance of similar choices by trans people.

Influencing Policy and Culture

Beyond public opinion, GLAAD also engages with industry leaders and policymakers to shape perceptions and policies affecting LGBTQ+ people. Recent initiatives include working with advertisers to maintain LGBTQ+ inclusion and lobbying for protections against harmful practices like conversion therapy.

Ellis believes that everyone can contribute to this effort by amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and fostering inclusive dialogues in their communities. "Everyone has a platform now," she reminds us, urging each person to use theirs to support the most marginalized.

By understanding and sharing the complexities of LGBTQ+ experiences, Ellis hopes that society can move towards a more inclusive and truthful future.