Over the past two decades, Americans have experienced a significant evolution in their understanding and cultural acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender lives.

Consequently, media coverage of gay and lesbian issues (and increasingly, bisexual and transgender issues) has moved beyond simplistic political dichotomies and toward more fully realized representations not only of the diversity of our community, but also of our lives, our families, and our fundamental inclusion in the fabric of American society.

As a mirror of our cultural values and institutions, the media have increasingly recognized the value of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) stories, struggles and lives, and have moved toward telling those stories in the same way they tell others — with fairness, integrity and respect. Journalists realize that LGBT people have the right to fair, accurate and inclusive reporting of their stories and their issues. And GLAAD's Media Reference Guide, now in its seventh edition, offers the tools they can use to tell our stories in ways that bring out the best in such journalism.

Download the GLAAD Media Reference Guide, 7th Edition

Browse GLAAD's Media Reference Guide by the sections listed below:

• Introduction: Fair, Accurate & Inclusive   Reporting on the diversity of experience within the LGBT community is key to quality journalism.

• Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Glossary of Terms   Ever wonder what "LGBT" means? Or why "queer" can be both an insult and part of the title of a hit TV show? Visit our glossary to find out!

• Transgender Glossary of Terms   Pronouns and names are key to reporting on transgender men and women with respect. Learn more about gender identity issues and language in our Transgender section.

• Offensive Terminology to Avoid   Have you ever read an article on "the straight lifestyle" or "the heterosexual agenda"? Yet some people still insist that such concepts should be applied to gay and lesbian people. Read about these and other offensive terms.

• Defamatory Language   Words like "faggot," "dyke," "pervert" and "deviant" often are used to denigrate LGBT people. Click here for a list of homophobic insults, epithets and defamatory characterizations to watch out for.

• Problematic Terminology   Why is "gay marriage" an inaccurate term to describe marriage in Massachusetts?  And why does use of the term "reparative therapy" give credence to the anti-gay myth that LGBT people are "broken" and in need of "repair"?  Learn more about these problematic terms.

• AP, New York Times & Washington Post Style   Did you know that the 2006 Associated Press Stylebook restricts use of the word "homosexual" and prohibits references to "sexual preference."  Learn more about the style guidelines of three of America's leading news organizations.

• In Focus   Read tip sheets on key issues, including: Marriage, Civil Unions & Domestic Partnership Laws, Public Opinion & Polls, Religion & Faith, Hate Crimes, Covering Crime Stories, HIV, AIDS & the LGBT Community, "Ex-Gays" & "Conversion Therapy" and Sports & Homophobia.

• Directory of Community Resources   Looking for experts on LGBT families, youth, politics or communities of color? Consult our expanding list of resources and community spokespeople on LGBT issues.

For additional information, please contact GLAAD Director of National News Cindi Creager at (646) 871-8019 or creager@glaad.org.