OUT: GLAAD Officially Announces Resignation of President Jarrett Barrios, EIGHT Board Members!

GLAAD this morning announced that it has accepted the resignation of President Jarrett Barrios.

The Board of Directors, earlier this week, accepted the resignation of several members: Gary Bitner, Jocelyn Bramble, Kelly Dermody, Humberto Mata, Michael Nutt, James Walker and Randi Weingarten.  Yesterday, the Board also accepted the resignation of member Troup Coronado. He resigned voluntarily, stating that he wanted "to do what was in the best interest of GLAAD." Since 2008, Mr. Coronado has been a valued board member and an important voice in the LGBT community.

Said Barrios, in a statement: 

"None of you have asked me to resign, and I have appreciated such confidence in me. I have been pained by the difficulties that have beset GLAAD over the last three weeks.  As you know, they concern GLAAD's endorsement of the AT&T / T-Mobile merger--and inaccurate but effective characterizations that suggest GLAAD has supported this merger because of our relationship with them as a corporate sponsor.  As many of you have observed to me, this entire situation is wrought with miscommunication and assumptions.  Be that as it may, I respect the function and responsibility of my position, and know this is the right course of action. Of utmost concern and foremost in all of our minds must be the well-being of GLAAD.  The staff continues to work hard and does not deserve to work under a cloud, nor do they merit the distraction that it has become from our organization's fine brand."

Chief Operating Officer Mike Thompson will serve as Acting President.