Do you know Karen and Jerry?

They're a retired couple living in a small town. They're empty nesters now, but that's alright — the television treats them better than their kids. Day and night, One Truth News plays in the background. It's Karen and Jerry's favorite, because it's familiar. The pundits look like them. They share the same opinions. And when it comes to LGBTQ issues, well… that's just not important. They don't even know anyone who is gay… or so they think.

There are couples like Karen and Jerry all over the country — well-meaning, but dangerously under-informed about LGBTQ people. That's why GLAAD is fighting for more authentic and accurate representation in the media and why I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity: When you give by 6/28, your gift automatically doubles to show both Karen AND Jerry what their world looks like in technicolor.

GLAAD's work — and your commitment to LGBTQ visibility — is the antidote to ignorance. By meeting people where they're at with LGBTQ-focused news stories, advertisements, and public service announcements, we amplify queer people's humanity. And we make sure everyone knows about the dire attacks our community is facing, from bans on healthcare for transgender people to ridiculous “Don't Say Gay” legislation for our schools.

Media fuels change. What the world sees in the media directly influences decisions made in our living rooms, schools, offices, and at the ballot box. So when people are exposed to LGBTQ people and experiences, it shifts our culture forward. Familiarity humanizes us and makes our lives richer and more joyful.

And LGBTQ visibility couldn't be more critical right now. According to the annual FBI Hate Crimes report, biased crimes against LGBTQ people increased by more than 19% since last year, while incidents targeting transgender people increased by more than 35%.

Take control by 6/28, give with twice the impact, and change what folks like Karen and Jerry see whenever they turn on the television.

P.S. Misinformation and ignorance have real-life consequences for our community. Transgender youth are dying because of state-sponsored violence against LGBTQ people. The adults who should be keeping them safe are failing them. We can't shrug this off. Please give generously and make your impact double this Pride — help us help Karen and Jerry.