NEON rolls out in February during Black History month, and will continue to produce content throughout the year.
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today launched NEON, an ongoing digital content series that aims to increase the visibility to Black LGBTQ people. NEON leverages the power of storytelling and GLAAD’s platform to create multi-dimensional, accurate portraits of the Black LGBTQ experience.
NEON's Black history legacy series, will continue throughout the month releasing one photo and video of other Black LGBTQ legacy people from various disciplines every Tuesday and Thursday.
“GLAAD’s continued commitment to communities of color is exemplified with the launch of NEON. We hope to help shift the narratives of underrepresented communities in media, especially for the Black LGBTQ community and their allies. With an increase in violence and murders of Black Trans women, LGBTQ youth suicides, and a decrease in LGBTQ acceptance, NEON comes at a time when it’s absolutely critical to showcase diverse, fair, and accurate representations of Black LGBTQ people within the media” said DaShawn Usher, Programs Officer, Communities of Color and producer of NEON.
“It’s important to me that queer people across the African disporia can see themselves and hear their stories. There are so many opportunities to be represented in the media and yet in 2020, I still don’t feel represented or seen in traditional media. Neon now has the chance to tell these diverse and collective stories,” said Major Nesby, NEON's co-creator and contributing producer.
NEON's content will cover four categories:
IN THE MEDIA: Stories about representation. Launching today: Black History Month: Legacy Series. A photo/video collection featuring 7 LGBTQ people from multiple disciplines whose work is a legacy of a historic figure.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS: Local stories that highlight changemakers and issues that impact communities on a more intimate level. Coming soon: Making A Barbershop Feel Like Home for Black LGBTQ People. A video about making traditional safe spaces like barbershops and beauty salons more inclusive for Black LGBTQ people.
CELEBRITY VOICES: Pop culture themed content that looks at LGBTQ celebrities and influencers shaping the narrative. Coming Soon: #GOALS A video series in which young millennials sit down with a professional who works in their dream job - someone who is #Goals.
ON THE SCENE: Having an LGBTQ presence at major events throughout the year. Upcoming events: GLAAD will have a presence at events such as: NAACP Image Awards, BET, Awards, Essence Festival, Black Women in Hollywood Brunch, American Black Film Festival, Black Girls Rock, MOBIfest, Afropunk, and more.