The recently held 35th GLAAD Media Awards ceremony faced disruption as over 150 demonstrators gathered at Manhattan’s Hilton Hotel. Their protest targeted GLAAD’s affiliations with pro-Israel entities. Leading the demonstration was ACT UP NY, joined by numerous queer Palestinian artists, activists, and organizers aiding Gazan refugees in Egypt. Sara Ramirez from “And Just Like That…” and “Grey’s Anatomy” lent the support too. The protestors demanded GLAAD address the Palestinian cause and sever connections with pro-Israel groups like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), along with corporations accused of union-busting, including Google, Walmart, McDonald’s, Disney, Hulu, Coca-Cola, Amazon, P&G, and IBM. While demonstrators on the street rallied with chants, a group on the 42nd floor of the hotel unveiled a sprawling 40-foot banner emblazoned with “NY LOVES GAZA”. This banner prominently featured the watermelon symbol intertwined with ACT UP’s iconic pink triangle, originally conceived by Gran Fury in 1987. Amidst the clamor of protesters outside, drag performers Chiquitita and DiDi Opulence caused a stir within the ceremony as they passionately chanted, “GLAAD is complicit in genocide!” during Ross Mathews’s speech. Security swiftly escorted them out. Following the protest, a representative from GLAAD provided a statement to The Advocate saying it unequivocally condemns genocide or any violence against innocent individuals. We stand for the principles of free speech.
