News

The new year will bring GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders a new director of public affairs and education: Amanda Johnston, who has served as GLAD’s senior manager of integrated media since 2007.

During a period of important LGBTQ victories, Amanda contributed significantly to public understanding of GLAD’s cases and issues. She elevated the sophistication of the organization’s web, email, social media, multimedia and print communications. She’s overseen two website redesigns, created podcasts about GLAD’s signature cases, and produced multiple videos.

“I’m thrilled to have Amanda stepping into this leadership role,” said executive director Janson Wu. “All of us who have worked with her for nearly ten years admire her talent, integrity, and terrific strategic sense. Her skills will be of even greater benefit to GLAD as we enter a new era for LGBTQ rights.”

“It’s been inspiring to be part of such an excellent and effective team over the past decade, and I am energized by the opportunity to advance GLAD’s strategic vision, particularly during the challenging time our country faces,” said Amanda.

Before joining GLAD, Amanda served for six years as managing director of The Boston Jewish Film Festival. She became an early advocate of the power of the internet for communication and social change in the mid-90s through her work with the Austin, TX grassroots media training center Women’s Access to Electronic Resources, and through her work designing the first website for the Feminist Bookstore Network. She was a founding member of North Shore Pride, a board member of Women in Film & Video/New England, and served as the Programmer of Boston’s LGBT Film Festival from 2005-2009.  Amanda holds a Master’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of Texas at Austin.