Letter from GLAAD's Eddie Gutierrez (moving on)

Subj: Letter from GLAAD's Eddie Gutierrez
Date: 05-02-14
From: gutierrez [at] glaad.org (Eddie Gutierrez)

Dear Friends of GLAAD:

As many of you know through our media trainings, I am one to get to the
point and stay on message. So without burying the lead, a wonderful
opportunity has crossed my path: I have been offered the Director of
Communications position for Equality California - California's
statewide lesbian, gay. bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights
organization - and I have decided to pursue this opportunity.

This has been one of the most difficult decisions in my career, and
frankly the reason for my chronic insomnia lately. I love my work, the
community I serve, and the media we hold accountable. And over the
years, I have developed really close relationships in California, and
I am looking forward to continue these relationships and make new ones.

I also wanted folks to hear it from me because my decision is pretty
straight forward: I have been tapped by one of the fastest growing
LGBT statewide organizations to become their spokesperson and continue
California's road to full equality with new blood and a fresh face.

This is also personal. The Latina/o population is the largest and
fastest growing community nationwide, and this is an opportunity to
break barriers and show the diversity in the community. From taking
full responsibility for the organization's Spanish-language media
outreach to holding strong our messages of equality and freedom, this
as much about LGBT visibility as it is about changing mainstream
stereotypes about who is represented in the LGBT community. Breaking
glass ceilings has been a constant in my life, and this new path will
only amplify my bullhorn to share our stories and change hearts and
minds in California.

I learned so much at GLAAD, and I am making sure there is a smooth and
proper transition. In the interim, Kathy Sanchez, GLAAD'S Northwestern
Regional Media Manager, will be your contact. Many of you already know
Kathy, and she is a great resource and a great friend. You are all in
good hands, and not to mention a fellow El Pasoan from Texas! If you
need anything, Kathy is only a phone call away - 323.634.2022 /
sanchez [at] glaad.org.

I remain committed to GLAAD' mission and work, and I hope to continue
a very active and vibrant relationship with the organization. Take
care everyone and please don't be a stranger.

Abrazos,

Eddie Gutierrez
9056 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suite 300
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 248-3692
eddie [at] eqca.org
egfreedom [at] hotmail.com