GLAAD

Friend, last week, we shared Scott’s powerful story about how one authentic portrayal in the media gave him the confidence to be himself.

That’s the power of the work you support. Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, a day when that generosity takes center stage. At GLAAD, we’re celebrating that power by giving back — elevating visibility, truth, and representation. Because when we give, everyone gains.

This Tuesday, we give:

Our community a space to share inspiring stories, just like Scott’s.

Journalists accurate information to report with fairness and integrity.

Advocates the know-how to push for acceptance with confidence and impact.

Social Media Platforms guidance to make online spaces safer for LGBTQ people.

Studios and creators direction to portray LGBTQ characters authentically — the very characters that change hearts and open minds.

And when you give, you make it all possible.

This Tuesday, we give — will you join us? Your donation will be doubled.

Your support helps GLAAD tell the stories that build empathy, dismantle stereotypes, and unite communities. Together, we can keep our truth visible — and LGBTQ people represented and celebrated.

GET THE GIVING TUESDAY MATCH HERE

— Your friends at GLAAD

P.S. When you donate today, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact for LGBTQ acceptance and visibility.
Don’t wait — start Giving Tuesday early and make your generosity go twice as far.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Scott Mena <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, Nov 13, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Subject: Growing up Mormon, I had to make a choice.
To: <[email protected]>

Hi there,

I’m Scott (also known as Theater Guy in the Drag Community). I want to tell you why GLAAD works tirelessly to keep our stories — our authentic stories — alive in the media.

Growing up Latter-Day Saint (AKA Mormon), I lived under many expectations. I had to be devout, maintain an approved social network, and adhere to a structured lifestyle, including my sexuality.

And so, when I realized I was gay in the late 90’s, I knew my identity conflicted with my religious teachings. And if I chose to live authentically, I risked losing my family and friends, whom I dearly loved.

I felt so isolated and confused. But then in 2004, I read about Angels in America, a story set in New York City at the height of the AIDS crisis. It features a character named Joe Pitt — a closeted Mormon and lawyer struggling with his sexuality and faith.

I had to see it, so I checked out the DVD from my local library. And as a gay Latter-Day Saint hiding who I was, I entirely related to Joe, and I finally realized that I wasn’t alone.

But that’s not all that happened. My mother found the DVD.

When she told me she watched the DVD, I was terrified. I had no idea what she was going to do. She told me she did not want me to watch the television series, and I asked her why.

“Because I don’t like the way the mother treated her gay son. If you ever told me you were gay, I would listen.”

You see, through this series, I not only learned that there were people like me, but I gained confidence in my mom that I didn’t have before. This would be a big factor when I finally came out to her the following year.

Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience or know someone who has. And if so, I urge you to support GLAAD today. It’s a perfect time, because a generous donor will match your gift 2X, ahead of Giving Tuesday.

Thanks for reading, and let’s keep telling our stories. Through them, we can strengthen the LGBTQ community and foster understanding for the world around us.

Sincerely,

Scott Mena (Theater Guy)

MATCH YOUR GIFT HERE

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