Gay Rights Organizations Online
The online presence that many gay rights organizations have developed serves as an important base for people interested in gay rights. These organizations act as central places where activists can get the latest news as well as collaborate and share ideas and resources and organize projects to further the causes of that particular organization. Different organizations may work for gay rights in a broad sense, but really have a more narrow focus. For instance GLAAD is an organization which focuses on how gays are portrayed in the media, which is very important because the media plays a large role in the formation of people’s views. In general these organizations provide support for one another and organize events that will further promote gay rights.
The internet has been a revolutionary development for these gay rights organizations. The internet allows planning between many people to be done very effectively. One big reason that the internet is so effective is that it allows a degree of anonymity. People who do not typically come out as gay in public can contribute and stay updated while maintaining discretion about their sexuality publicly. People from around the world can contribute to an organization from around the world and eventually make a global impact through their collective efforts. This would not be possible without the technology of the internet.
One negative aspect of gay rights organizations having an online presence is that by keeping their members up to date with information and allowing public planning and interaction, it unfortunately gives anti-gay rights organizations an edge. They are able to keep up to date with the current events for a particular organization. Say there is going to be a pro gay rights event and it is listed on their website; it could not be any easier for an anti gay rights organization to see that and go harass the pro gay rights activists at their event. It is horrible that this is even a concern, but the reality is that it does happen when you are dealing with some of these right-wing nut-job “organizations”.
References:
GLAAD – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). (n.d.). GLAAD – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). Holy Bible . Retrieved October 25, 2010, from http://www.glaad.org
Crooks, R., & Baur, C. (2010). Our Sexuality. California: Wadsworth.