GLAAD Announces Layoffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Observer Update) - As the nation’s economic crisis deepens, Gay rights organizations are feeling the pinch. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced it eliminated some staff positions last Friday (Nov. 21), reported the Washington Blade.

GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano said that "the reduction in force touched all departments," but did not reach "double digits." "We looked at the work we're doing and the mission we have and we had to make a strategic plan to make reductions," he said. "Fundraising has slowed dramatically and the non-profit sector is not immune to what's going on, and sometimes we're impacted more."

Giuliano said the election impacted donations to GLAAD. "People were donating to the candidates and also gave a historic amount to fight anti-Gay ballot measures," he said. He said the reduction in donations coupled with the financial crisis meant that GLAAD had to make job cuts in order to stay within budget and prepare for 2009. The way I look at it is that it is the responsible thing to do to protect the long-term health of the organization, and be good stewards of the revenue that donors have provided," Giuliano said.

He added that he suspects GLAAD will be in a growth period again soon and could restore some jobs. "Honestly, I don't think that's happening anytime soon," Giuliano said. "I think this economic slowdown and hit to non-profits is going to last for a good year or so. I'd love to be proven wrong, but everybody really stretched themselves this last year giving to candidates and causes."