Sarah Kate Ellis

The media environment may be a far more welcoming place to gays than it was even a short while ago, but GLAAD’s new president and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, thinks there’s still a long way to go to reach true equality.

“There’s so much work left to do. We can’t stop working until our families and our kids can live the life they love,” says Ellis, who started the high-profile position this month. “GLAAD is also working hard to tell the personal stories of LGBT people and families that build support for equality around the world.”

Along with her wife, Kristen Ellis-Henderson, Ellis was recently featured on Time Magazine’s “Gay Marriage Already Won” cover, and she was also the subject of The Huffington Post’s docuseries “Here Come The Brides.” However, her biggest accomplishment over the last few years happened closer to home.

“I have two actually: Kate and Thomas, my two beautiful kids.”

Choose one in each grouping:

Most Used Device: Laptop, iPhone, iPad, Desktop
iPhone. How did I ever survive without it?

Morning Drink: Coffee, Tea, Juice, Other
Coffee, with just a touch of skim milk.

Short Answer:

Is GLAAD’s work more difficult in this increasingly fragmented media environment?
Today’s media environment isn’t necessarily more difficult, but it provides greater opportunities. Social media is a powerful spot for GLAAD and LGBT people to share their stories and come together to make change happen.

What’s a great pro-LGBT work of entertainment you’ve seen recently that you’d recommend?
ABC Family’s The Fosters, because it shows how loving and diverse LGBT families are. Also, Jennifer Lopez – enough said.

What’s your go-to drink?
Vodka martini, extra dirty.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in New York?
The West Village. The cobblestone streets, brownstones, and sense of history are magical.

Do you have a favorite LGBT television or movie character?
Santana on Glee. She’s strong, smart and provides a great role model for young women—gay or straight.

Are there any media or entertainment trends that worry you?
Willingness to settle and declare victory when there’s still so much left to accomplish for equality.

What’s in your fridge?
Apple juice, my kids’ lunches, and way too many leftovers.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?
“Justice is what love looks like in public” —Cornel West

What’s the most played song on your iPod?
“That Was the Whiskey” by my wife Kristen’s band Antigone Rising

What do you think would be the best way to get more accurate portrayals of LGBTs in the media?
Incorporating real LGBT people, families and their own experiences into news, entertainment and social media.