GLAAD's mission is built on the understanding that media representation has a profound impact on societal attitudes and perceptions. The organization was founded in 1985, in response to the AIDS epidemic and the subsequent rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violence. Since its inception, GLAAD has worked tirelessly to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are represented in a fair and accurate manner, holding media outlets accountable for their portrayals of LGBTQ+ people. By doing so, GLAAD has helped to humanize and normalize LGBTQ+ identities, fostering a more empathetic and understanding public discourse.