Among the previous participants in the reality competition was the openly gay tandem of New York natives Tom and Terry, and the show's foremost lesbian competitor, Lauren Marococcio. Tom, a College Admissions Director and graduate of Columbia University, and Terry, a Special Events Director, first met at a singles event and decided to join the tenth season of the Amazing Race in the hopes of not only winning one million dollars, but also finishing the game as a stronger and tougher couple. Lauren, a Speech and Language Pathologist from Rhode Island, joined the competition with her father, Duke, after the truth about her sexuality surfaced and created a tear in their once very tight bond. Both father and daughter went into the game hoping that they could rebuild their relationship.



Indeed, The Amazing Race (among many other shows) has proven to be an integral factor in helping address homosexual issues, most especially with regard to human relationships. Having provided a venue for people like Tom, Terry and Lauren to shine despite what some of the public may have to say about their lifestyle is certainly commendable, and the Media Award nomination they received from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) for is certainly well-deserved.

GLAAD is an organization that was created in 1985 in New York. In its official website, their mission is clearly stated as their dedication to "promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation." The organization decided to nominate The Amazing Race for having successfully and willingly actualized their mission statement.