Faith LGBT activists put on a “media hat” at my media workshop. Participants nodded as they examined how gay people in faith traditions focus on changing internal policies, and sometimes treat media as irrelevant or at least a matter of luck when it comes to good coverage. Participants began to take charge of their own media moments as they brainstormed upcoming events in their own contexts. They worked and reworked talking points—always examining what impact their words might have and who they wanted to persuade. Serious “ah-ha!” moments occurred as we began to do media planning so that our press advisories give press the heads up they need to show up for the media moment. Faith stories have captured the interest of journalists so the door is open. With knowledge that journalists need us as much as we need them, these faith activists gained awareness that the wide reach of media gets the word out that many faith people are moving toward equality.
The big take-home folks stuffed in their “media hat” was the help available through GLAAD's Religion, Faith and Values program and access to GLAAD's full staff when a big press moment comes around. With staff in the areas of faith, Media Field Strategy and National News faith activists don’t have to do media alone.
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