GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, home of the annual Dorian Awards, is currently comprised of approximately 190 professional (as in paid — and not just with respect) journalists who write on television and film for legitimate media outlets in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. These outlets run the gamut, from magazine to radio, from national to regional, from consumer to trade, and from mass-audience to LGBTQ-centric.

Formed in 2009, GALECA toasts the finest in movies and television, from mainstream to LGBTQ-niche, via its Dorian Awards. The awards are named with a wink to our patron saint — the inimitable Oscar Wilde, of course!

Note: GALECA was originally an acronym for “Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association,” but in 2017 we changed our “tagline” to underscore our inclusivity. Most GALECA members identify as a member of the LGBTQ-munity, be they lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, though we happily include demonstrably committed ally journalists in our ranks as well.

OUR LOFTY (AND FUN!) GOALS

To remind the world — and at-risk LGBTQ youth — that our community, with its distinct history and perspective, often leads the way in flagging great film and TV.

To champion the art of witty, wise and historically knowledgeable film and TV criticism and entertainment journalism.

To provide fellowship, camaraderie and career support in a time of change and uncertainty in the media.

To revel in being different!

ABOUT MEMBERSHIP

GALECA officially accepts new members April through August ahead of award season, though journalists are welcome to apply at any time.

Those who are interested in joining GALECA must submit five recent pieces of their work from within the two most recent months.

To remain active year to year, members must be able to show they are currently and regularly writing, reporting and/or editing pieces about television and/or film for at least one legitimate media outlet, be it print, TV, radio or online.

Members must also pay dues (currently $35 per year), and participate in the voting process of our Dorian Awards, to be considered fully active.

GALECA members are given a strict code of conduct upon joining. They must abstain from voting for projects which present a clear conflict of interest, and must resist undue influence at all times.

Bloggers are welcome, provided their site represents their livelihood and is exceptional in legitimacy, presentation and popularity.

JUST SO YOU KNOW

GALECA, a tax-exempt 501 (c)(6) nonprofit, is guided by a seven-member Board of Directors who, along with our general membership, determines its policies, priorities and fiscal accountability. Our Board Members work on a voluntary basis, though they and any other members are reimbursed for organization-related expenses they are due.

GALECA members vote on the Dorian Awards in a purely democratic fashion. All members are encouraged to vote their top three choices per category in the nominating round, then their sole choice per category in the final round.

You may contact us at info@galeca.org. Direct emails for our Board of Directors and liaisons can be found on this site’s Members page.

POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT, BULLYING AND HATE SPEECH

GALECA membership is a privilege. In addition to upholding standards of journalistic quality and ethics, members must also behave ethically by upholding GALECA’s values of respect for human dignity, inclusion, and a supportive environment that fosters creativity. GALECA asks that members embrace their responsibility to affirm these principles and act to intervene when these principles are violated. There is no place in GALECA for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency.

More specifically, GALECA opposes and requires that members not engage in or have a history of any form of abuse, harassment, sexual harassment or bullying, or discrimination on the basis of gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, or other personal characteristics recognized as protected categories by law.

To be clear, a cheeky barb about a film or TV program or performance is one thing; we are entertainment journalists, after all. And activism requires mettle and powerful words: we cherish free speech and bold opinion. But purposely hurtful behavior of any kind another is not befitting of a professional organization, especially one that aims to help empower at-risk LGBTQ youth and end LGBTQ-phobia.

If any member (including Board members and officers) or employee is found by the GALECA Board, after the opportunity for a fair hearing involving all relevant parties, to have violated these standards or to have compromised GALECA’s integrity by their actions, the Board may take disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.
This policy includes but is not limited to a member’s conduct with or towards co-workers, assistants, other GALECA members, GALECA social media followers or GALECA.org itself, celebrities and others, whether in public, orally, via email, on social media (including our private Facebook Members Page) or otherwise.

Any complaints about members’ conduct should be directed to a member of our Board.