Victory Fund Applauds New GLAAD President

WASHINGTON (U.S. Newswire) -- Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund President & CEO Chuck Wolfe made the following statement today regarding the selection of Neil Giuliano to head the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD):

"Neil Giuliano is a seasoned public figure, who as Mayor of Tempe, Arizona, a city of over 160,000 residents, was an advocate for fairness and equality for all. Judging from his professional accomplishments, he will be a diligent guardian of our community's image in the public spotlight and ensure that gay and lesbian Americans are portrayed accurately and inclusively in the media.

"During his years in public service and beyond, Neil participated with the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute, sharing his experiences, best-practices, and serving as a role model to up and coming gay and lesbian leaders and officials.

"I look forward to continuing to work with Neil in his new role and congratulate GLAAD's board of directors on their superb selection"

Giuliano, a progressive Republican, served on the Tempe City Council from 1990 to 1994, when he was elected mayor. The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund endorsed Neil Giuliano in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund provides strategic, technical and financial support to openly LGBT candidates and officials. It's the largest LGBT political action committee and the sole national organization committed to increasing the number of openly LGBT public officials at federal, state and local levels of government.

So far in 2005, Victory Fund has endorsed 45 gay and lesbian candidates and expects to endorse more before the end of the year. Year-to-date, 65% of Victory Fund candidates have won. A full list of currently endorsed LGBT candidates can be found at www.victoryfund.org/candidates. In 14 years, Victory has helped the number of openly LGBT officials grow from 46 to 295.