"Grey's" Star Meets With Gay Rights Groups
Isaiah Washington, star of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," is taking his first steps towards keeping a promise to reach out to the gay community after using an anti-gay slur at the Golden Globes last week.
A spokesman for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) confirmed to The Showbuzz that Washington met with the organization's leader and the leader of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Monday afternoon in Los Angeles. The meeting was arranged by ABC.
"Isaiah understands that he is going to be judged by more than just his apology," GLAAD president Neil Giuliano said in a joint statement after the meeting. "He knows that his future actions — including the genuine first step that today's 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."
Washington's publicist did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The meeting coincides with No-Name Calling Week, a joint project of GLSEN and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing targeted towards fifth- through eighth-graders around the country.
"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 GLSEN's effort to educate young people about the negative impact of name-calling and bullying," GLSEN founder and executive director Kevin Jennings said.Photos: Golden Globes
According to GLSEN's 2005 National School Climate Survey, 75 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students reported hearing derogatory remarks such as "faggot" or "dyke" frequently or often in school.
GLAAD and GLSEN expect to meet with Washington again in the coming weeks to begin discussing and implementing possible public education initiatives.
It's not known if the meeting will help Washington keep his job on the hit show, which ironically is nominated for a GLAAD media award in the outstanding individual episode category.
"We still are busting our little tails working, telling the story, and we're so proud of our work," actress Kate Walsh, Washington's "Grey's" co-star, told "Entertainment Tonight." "I'm keeping my fingers crossed, saying prayers that everybody is going to be cool."
Washington opened old wounds backstage at the Golden Globes on Jan. 15 when he answered a question about an October on-set argument with co-star Patrick Dempsey. During the argument, he allegedly referred to cast member T.R. Knight using an anti-gay slur.
"No, I did not call T.R. a 'faggot,'" Washington told reporters. "It never happened."
Washington and the cast of the show were in the press room to celebrate their Golden Globe win for best drama series.
"I know the power of words, especially those that demean," Washington later said in a statement. "I realize that by using one filled with disrespect I have hurt more than TR and my colleagues. With one word, I've hurt everyone who has struggled for the respect so many of us take for granted. I welcome the chance to meet with leaders of the gay and lesbian community to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I've opened."
By Judy Faber