GLAAD/DENVER ACTION ALERT

"...IT IS NOT A LIFESTYLE MOST PEOPLE LEAD."

Claims Stephen Weisswasser, ABC legal representative, as to why the network
won't  air an upcoming episode of "Roseanne" because it features a kiss
between two women.

The censored "Roseanne" episode (originally scheduled to air March 1, 1994)
is as follows:

Roseanne and her sister Jackie go dancing with Nancy (Sandra Bernhart) and
her new girlfriend Sharon (Mariel Hemingway) at a lesbian night club. 
Jackie is very uncomfortable, but Roseanne has a great time.  After
dancing, Roseanne and Sharon sit down to chat.  One thing leads to another
and Sharon kisses Roseanne.  The remainder of the episode deals with
Roseanne's struggle between her accepting attitude toward lesbians and gays
and her discomfort with the kiss, as well as having to explain the incident
to her husband Dan.


Kisses are the most innocent expressions of affection, yet a kiss between
same-sex individuals presents an image homophobes fear the most -- the
portrayal of lesbians and gay men as affectionate, loving human beings. 
This kiss is but a brief part of this story and spurs Roseanne to question
her own level of acceptance and think about her own homophobia.

A same-sex kiss is not dirty.  
        A same-sex kiss is not shameful.  
                A same-sex kiss should not be controversial.  
                        Same-sex kissing is a fact of life!


ABC executives feel it is necessary to shield TV audiences from displays of
same-sex affection.  Yet these same network executives staunchly refuse to
allow government censorship of any kind, particularly of television
violence.  Homophobia and hypocrisy go hand-in-hand.

CALL & FAX ABC TO DEMAND THAT THEY AIR THIS EPISODE!

Ted Harbert, President, ABC Entertainment
        310-557-6518    (FAX: 310-557-7160)
Stephen Weisswasser, ABC Legal Affairs
        212-456-7203    (FAX: 212-456-6202)
Joe Franzgrote, Gen. Manager, KUSA-TV, Ch. 9  (Denver's ABC affiliate)
        303-871-9999    (FAX: 303-698-4700)

Contact 5 friends to do the same.
        Have them contact 5 friends.
                CREATE A CHAIN REACTION!

The only way to end homophobia is to confront it!

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation / Denver
Post Office Box 480662, Denver, Colorado, 80248-0662      303-331-2773
Wilkens_j@gold.colorado.edu 

(This e-mail has been posted in numerous places.  We apologize if you have
received multiple copies.)