Last week a really intense PSA for the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network featuring comedian Todd Glass started getting passed around the Internet. I guess I’d consider myself to be a fan of stand-up comedy but somehow I totally missed the fact that back in January, Glass came out as gay on Marc Maron’s podcast, “WTF.”  That news took me by surprise but I think the real shocker is that he’s actually a damn good actor.  Here’s the video:
 

 
Man, that was hardcore.  I probably watched it 5 times.  It’s a really impressive piece of filmmaking.  The spot was written by Todd Glass and Daniel Kinno and directed by Ellen Houlihan. It was submitted by Houlihan to GLSEN’s “Think B4 You Speak” video contest.  Here’s some info from the contest site:

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) is a national educational organization working to ensure schools are safe and respectful for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN and the Ad Council launched the “Think Before You Speak” campaign to educate straight teens about the prevalence and consequences of anti-LGBT bias and behavior in America’s schools. To date, the campaign has included TV, radio, print and online ads featuring Hilary Duff, Wanda Sykes and NBA Phoenix Suns’ players Grant Hill and Jared Dudley.

GLSEN and the Ad Council are inviting artists to submit a public service announcement that reflects and encourages the theme of “Think Before You Speak.” Submissions will be judged by Brett Ratner, Tom Ford and Evan Bernard. The winner of the PSA competition will receive an award presented by Brett Ratner at GLSEN’s Respect Awards in Los Angeles.

There isn’t a cash prize in this contest but the winner gets a trip to LA and some publicity.  There is a public vote going on right now but the votes don’t mean too much.  Still, if you want to check out some more entries and cast a vote, you can do so here.