Gay Ad Network, a vertical online advertising network, launched with support from an influential group of gay and lesbian publishers. Local gay newspapers, national gay magazines, gay content websites and popular gay social networking services have aligned to create a new online media platform for national advertisers.

Gay Ad Network was founded by Mark Elderkin, the president of PlanetOut, Inc.

"Independent web publishers have been successful in creating great quality content and attracting loyal and passionate audiences, but they have been less effective in attracting national advertisers due to their limited individual size," Elderkin said. "By developing content-rich marketing programs that span our aggregated audience, we can provide unique marketing vehicles for our advertising partners."

According to Harris Interactive, 68 percent of gay Americans are more likely to buy products directly marketed to them.