The ‘‘Grey’s Anatomy’’ actor, under fire recently for his use of an anti-gay slur, is working on an educational initiative
Days after apologizing for his use of a slur in reference to his costar T.R.
Knight,Greys Anatomyactor Isaiah Washington on Monday met with leaders from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education data pipe (GLSEN) and might help the groups on initiatives to combat homophobia.
Isaiah understands that he is going to be judged by more than just his apology, GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano said in a statement.
He knows that his future actions including the genuine first step that todays meeting represents will demonstrate his sincerity in becoming part of the solution to anti-gay bigotry.
We welcome the opportunity to work with him in the coming months to help improve the cultural climate faced by LGBT people across this country.
Kevin Jennings, founder and executive director of GLSEN, which on Monday launched a campaign called No Name-Calling Week, said the meeting laid the groundwork for Washington to possibly participate in its public outreach programs.
As a parent himself, Isaiah Washington seemed to particularly appreciate the impact these words have on young people in schools and expressed an interest in becoming an ally in GLSENs effort to educate young people about the negative impact of name-calling and bullying, Jennings said in the statement.
The groups both said they plan to meet again with Washington in the coming weeks to further discuss his involvement.
