Cathy Renna Challenges the Status Quo and Demands Action for LGBTQ Rights
Cathy Renna has spent more than three decades at the forefront of LGBTQ advocacy, shaping narratives, mentoring the next generation, and ensuring that the stories of marginalized communities are heard. In a recent interview, Renna, the current Communications Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, reflected on her journey, the evolving media landscape, and the challenges facing the LGBTQ movement today. Her insights not only highlight the urgency of continued advocacy but also reinforce the power of personal relationships in driving change.
In honor of HUNTER’s Founding Day and Women’s History Month, Renna, a recipient of the PRSA-NY Barbara Way Hunter Trailblazer Award, joined HUNTER CEO Grace Leong for an inspiring conversation. The two PR trailblazers explored what it means to lead with purpose, navigate divisive moments, and drive meaningful change through the power of communication.
A Lifetime of Storytelling and Advocacy
Renna's path into activism began in the early 1990s when she started volunteering with GLAAD, then a small grassroots organization. What drew her in was not the politics of it all but the opportunity to work with media to shape how LGBTQ stories were told. "I always joke that I'm not political with a capital 'P'," she said. "I loved engaging with journalists and the media, and I loved how that connected with community and storytelling."
Her early years with GLAAD coincided with major shifts in LGBTQ rights, from Bill Clinton's outreach to the community during his presidential campaign to the enactment of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the Defense of Marriage Act. Through it all, Renna honed her skills, recognizing the impact that media coverage had on public perception and policy. "Fair, accurate, and inclusive coverage is key," she emphasized. "And that’s something I carry with me to this day."
Leadership in the Face of Adversity
Renna acknowledges that adversity has been a constant companion in LGBTQ advocacy. "There are years where we felt we were making more progress than not," she said, highlighting the cyclical nature of social movements. However, she credits her resilience to a supportive family and a chosen community that has sustained her through the decades.
One of her core leadership principles is mentoring young professionals, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to carry the work forward. "My staff are all in their twenties, and breaking into this industry is about relationships. If I’ve accumulated nothing else in 30 years, it’s relationships," she said. "If I can pass those along, along with the skills and values, that will be part of my legacy."
Adapting to a Changing Media Landscape
The evolution of media has dramatically changed the way advocacy work is done. "It used to be that I’d cut out newspaper articles with scissors," Renna joked. "Now, I call it a 24-second news cycle, not 24/7." This rapid pace demands a strategic approach to storytelling, where the first piece of coverage often dictates how the broader media will report an issue.
Renna also underscored the corporatization of media, particularly LGBTQ and community-focused outlets, which now face financial pressures that impact their ability to provide in-depth coverage. "We have to understand what journalists need to continue doing their work and how we can support them strategically. It’s not about blasting out press releases anymore; it’s about being targeted and intentional."
Beyond Performative Allyship
A significant part of Renna’s advocacy centers around pushing allies beyond symbolism into action. "Ally is a verb," she stated. "It’s about doing something." She recounted a recent rally at the Stonewall National Monument, where allies made up the majority of attendees. "Showing up, looking someone in the eye, and saying, 'I am here with you'—that’s what matters."
For those in corporate spaces, Renna urges deeper commitments. "It’s not just about throwing money at Pride," she said. "We want to see LGBTQ employees treated well. We want policies to be inclusive. We want diverse hiring practices. We want representation in advertising. Authenticity matters."
What’s Next for Renna and the Task Force
As the political climate continues to shift, the National LGBTQ Task Force is shifting its focus toward state-level advocacy. "We’re bracing for the next couple of years," Renna said, noting that their policy team is prioritizing fights against anti-LGBTQ bills in states like Texas and Florida. "Our role now is not just advocacy but also political education—helping people understand what’s happening and how they can engage."
She rejects the idea that individuals are powerless in the face of systemic challenges. "You are one person, but if you get five people involved, and they get five more, that’s how movements happen," she said. "There’s always something you can do, whether it’s attending a rally, donating to an organization, or simply having conversations that challenge misinformation."
A Legacy of Leadership
Reflecting on her career, Renna remains as committed as ever to the work. "You realize you’re a trailblazer when you’ve been doing something long enough to look back and see the impact," she said. But for her, the true reward isn’t recognition—it’s the progress made, the lives changed, and the future she’s helping to shape.
"We just put our heads down and did the work," she said. "And we’ll keep doing it."
