Date: Mon, 19 May 1997 12:35:21 -0400
From: glaad@glaad.org (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD))
Subject: GLAAD NAMES JOAN M. GARRY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Alan Klein (212) 807-1700
Liz Tracey (212) 807-1700
Email:  klein@glaad.org, tracey@glaad.org

GLAAD NAMES JOAN M. GARRY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FORMER NETWORK ENTERTAINMENT EXEC
 TO TAKE THE REINS OF NATIONAL GAY ORGANIZATION

NEW YORK, NY, MAY 19, 1997- Joan M. Garry, vice president of Showtime
Networks, has been named Executive Director for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation (GLAAD). Chosen after an nationwide search, Garry will
assume leadership of the national media advocacy group on June 15, 1997.

"Equipped with years of executive-level experience at a major television
network,  Joan Garry is precisely the person that can take GLAAD to the
next level," said David Huebner, co-Chair of the GLAAD Board of Directors.
"She brings an exciting mix of media savvy, fresh vision and operational
and programming expertise to GLAAD."

Joan M. Garry has been a fixture in the entertainment industry for the past
16 years, 7 of which were spent at Showtime Networks. As Vice President of
Business Operations, she managed the network's $300 million pay-per-view
business. Previously, Ms. Garry helped launch MTV, and as Director of
Business Development for MTV Networks, she developed new channels, helped
to create the worldwide annual MTV Video Music Awards and the network's
innovative merchandising program. Ms. Garry lives in New Jersey with her
partner of 16 years and their three children.

"While the decision to leave Showtime was difficult, there were three
extremely compelling reasons to join GLAAD-my three children," said Ms.
Garry.  "Like every parent, I worry about the kind of world in which our
children will grow up and GLAAD offered me the opportunity to help make
that world a better place for everyone."

Joan Garry will lead GLAAD in the battle for unbiased and inclusive media
representations of lesbians and gay men. Ms. Garry will oversee the
completion of the integration of former GLAAD chapters into the national
organization. She will also manage a wide array of educational and
media-oriented programs in GLAAD's offices in Los Angeles, New York, San
Francisco, Washington DC, Atlanta and Kansas City.

GLAAD is the nation's lesbian and gay news bureau and the only national
lesbian and gay media watchdog organization. GLAAD promotes fair, accurate,
and inclusive representation as a means of challenging discrimination based
on sexual orientation or identity.

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