GLAAD/LA Reports - January 1993 Issue Carl Matthes, Editor (213) 254-2726 - FAX (213) 257-5878 FILM AND TELEVISION Charges of racism and homophobia... "X" Marks the Spot Spike Lee's most important picture to date, "Malcolm X," vividly recounts one man's journey to overcome the oppression of racism. Garnering almost as much press time as the merits of the movie have been the controversies surrounding Mr. Lee. Charges of racism were leveled after the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times reported that requests for interviews from Lee regarding "Malcolm X," preference be given to reporters who are African-American. Lee was quoted as saying, "What I'm doing is using whatever clout I have to get qualified African-Americans assignments. The real crime is white publications don't have black writers, that's the crime." Enter David Ehrenstein, the only African-American writing film criticism for a national publication. The name of the publication: The Advocate, a national gay magazine. David requested interview time but was not given an appointment even though he had interviewed Lee on previous occasions for the now defunct Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. And to quote David's recent Advocate editorial, an interview would not be granted, "Not now. Not ever." (Los Angeles Times columnist Liz Smith theorized that while David qualified on the African-American portion of Lee's request, the reason for not granting the interview was that David is openly gay and is working for a gay publication.) Additional questions have come from some African-Americans who are upset that in the movie the assassination of Malcolm X has been put at the doorstep of the Nation of Islam because of the actions of some of its members. They're disturbed that any role of the FBI or CIA has never been fully investigated. "X" has only a few references to gay activity, even though, according to Ehrenstein, Malcolm's "gay experiences are one of the bigger open secrets of modern African-American history." The movie discharges the word "fag" and/or "fey" a few times and only hints at some type of homosexual activity between Malcolm X and an elderly man. In comparison to the unrelenting and damaging attacks by the vitriolic right-wing, this is pale stuff. Jim Emerson interviewed Spike for the Nov. 19 issue of the Orange County Register and contacted GLAAD/LA Reports with the following quotes from that interview: Emerson: "Right now, gay civil rights are getting a lot of attention as kind of the last frontier in the fight for equal rights in America..." Lee: "The gay movement, the women's movement, they all owe a lot to the civil rights movement. All of it applies, whether you're black, minority, woman, or gay. It's all about human rights." Ehrenstein chronicles an impressive list of important issues that overlap being African-American and being gay and lesbian, all of which he would like to talk to Mr. Lee about. Spike has been quiet on these issues, going against his public personna as the brash, mover-and-shaker on issues not deemed easily appropriate for mainstream cinema. Mr. Lee has learned to play the Hollywood game of gaining press time for a movie in whatever way comes along. But, while his on-screen message against racism is clear, his track record on supporting human rights for all American citizens raises questions. Your comments can be directed to: Mr. Spike Lee, 40 Acres and a Mule Productions, 124 DeKalb Ave., Brooklyn, New York 11217; Mr. David Ehrenstein, The Advocate, 6922 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 90028. (Front Page, Centered Boxed Position) You Are Invited... to the Fourth Annual GLAAD/LA Media Awards Show. Look for the card which is your personal invitation enclosed within this issue of GLAAD/LA Reports. Co-Presidents Column by Stephanie Farrington-Domingue Happy New Year and welcome to 1993! When I reflect on just how I became involved with GLAAD/LA, I recall that what first captured my attention was the very item you hold in your hands right now -- the monthly newsletter. It is a most effective outreach tool. My spouse received the newsletter each month along with a host of other community mailings. I always made it a point to read it when she was done. This soon changed to my intercepting it and ingesting it before she was even aware that it had been delivered. Through this newsletter, I had made a connection. A connection to a force in the universe that was advocating for me, fighting my fights, and keeping my issues and concerns on the front burner. (Not to mention the added bonus that my knowledge was also being increased.) As an African-American lesbian, I needed the power and credibility of GLAAD making major points as I dealt more intimately with the issues of homophobia and denial within my community. My next step was to attend the monthly general meetings where I found many of my friends, but more importantly, I found people with a commitment to and a passion for the work that GLAAD does. My union with GLAAD has been an empowering one. Everywhere I go (and I've been quite a few places across the U.S. doing GLAAD work) I am met with respect and admiration for the work that we do. Even if they don't agree with everything we do, the overriding feeling is that the organization is respected, and the work we do is vital! This brings me to my point. This new year holds much promise for us as a community. With the change in administration and the presence and momentum that we have established, this is a crucial time in our forward movement. We need all hands on deck! We cannot be all that we can be without YOUR support and your dollars to maintain our visibility. We presently have a monthly newsletter mailing which last month topped 9,000; the majority of which are not GLAAD/LA members. We need you to take the next step forward in your activism and become a member of one of the most pivotal organizations of our time. So much of this battle is about changing attitudes. GLAAD/LA is actively working with media entities to provide them with the necessary information they need to depict us accurately, to cover our stories fairly, and to represent our images in the way we really are: diverse, productive and proud. Taking the time right now to start your year off by filling out your $35.00 individual or $50.00 household membership would help guarantee that GLAAD/LA has a position to represent you at the tables among the major media outlets. Our history is being read, but it is also being written. If you have been passive, it is time to become active. Please take out your check book and pen and start writing your own history today by becoming a member of GLAAD/LA. (See the membership application coupon on the inside back page of this newsletter.) "Oh, a Gay Clover!" Oprah Winfrey continued her enlightened and intelligent approach to subjects with lesbian and gay content with her show "What Happens When Your Children are Gay?" Lesbians and gay men talked to their parents about their lives. A mother and son who hadn't spoken to each other in years reconciled on the show. Oprah stated she felt that gays and lesbians were like four leaf clovers. There are a lot of three leaf clovers, she explained, and when she finds a four leaf clover she says (happily), "Oh a gay clover!" The audience was generally supportive. Comments to: Ms. Oprah Winfrey or Ms. Debby di Maio, Executive Producer, "Oprah Winfrey Show," c/o Harpo Inc., 110 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, IL 60607. Lesbians/Gays in the Military 1. "PrimeTime Live" 2. Military's Gay Subculture 3. Senator Nunn & the Washington Blade "PrimeTime Live" (KABC-TV, ch. 7, Thurs., 10:00pm) aired an excellent show on lesbians/gays in the military on Nov. 12. It featured Colonel Gerthe Cammemeyer, the highest ranking officer in the armed forces to be dismissed for being homosexual. Colonel Cammemeyer served in Viet Nam and has a distinguished military career. "PrimeTime" showed her courage, dignity, valor and desire to serve her country. And it also showed the hypocrisy and waste of military witch hunts that destroy lives and sacrifice careers to mindless homophobia. Your comments for more intelligent presentations on issues of importance to lesbians and gays can only be helpful, and may be directed to: Rick Kaplan, Executive Producer, "PrimeTime Live," ABC News, 47 W. 66th Street, N.Y. 10023. Miltary's Gay Subculture... Meanwhile, as the nation debates the policy of excluding gays and lesbians from the military, reality shows that lesbians and gays are already present and accounted for. According to the headline of a Dec. 1 article in the New York Times, "Military's Gay Subculture: Off Limits but Flourishing," gay Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune near Jacksonville, North Carolina, the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, risk stiff fines or even jail time by frequenting Friends Lounge, a dance bar placed off-limits to the installation's 43,000 marines and sailors. According to reporter Eric Schmitt, the commanders of Camp Lejeune are clearly aware of the bar's existence but have not done anything to shut it down or round up its patrons for years. "We don't sit and stake out these places and harass people," said Major Jay Farrar, a camp spokesperson. In addition, there are several small groups of gay enlisted personnel and officers in the area which serve as social anchors. One group is called Oasis and attracts about 30 gay marines and civilians. "There's a camaraderie here," said one 30-year-old sargeant who belongs to Oasis. "It's like we're all in a family and we can understand what each other is going through." The well-written article sheds an important light on present day after-hours military life at Camp Lejeune. Mr. Schmitt and the New York Times should be commended for establishing the professional and inclusive tone, while presenting an intelligent commentary on some aspects of gay life in the military. Comments can be directed to: Mr. Max Frankel, Editor, New York Times, 229 W. 43rd St., New York 10036. Mr. Eric Schmitt, same address. Senator Nunn and the Washington Blade... One of men most frequently mentioned as a nominee for the position of Secretary of Defense in a new Clinton Administration, is Sen. Sam Nunn, Democrat of Georgia. Sen. Nunn presently serves as Chairperson of the Senate Armed Services Committee and has confirmed that ten years ago he asked two aides to leave because of their homosexuality. The story of the two men, first reported in the Washington Blade, a DC gay weekly newspaper, is being brought to light as gay and lesbian groups try and stop Sen. Nunn from being appointed. Sen. Nunn is already on record as being opposed to Clinton's avowed position to lift the ban on homosexuals having the right to serve their country as part of the military. Said Sen. Nunn, "I have had people who did a tremendous job and who've stayed on my staff who are homosexuals. I've had other people who were involved in classified matters and I faced a situation where both the Defense Department and the CIA would not deal with classified matters with people who were known homosexuals. In that case, I have not fired people. I had told them that I hoped they would stay as long as they needed to be able to find suitable employment, but I've had to remove them from dealing with classified documents." Sen. Nunn added importantly, "That's got to be rethought by our government." The Defense Department has not commented; a CIA spokesperson said, "...over the last couple of years sexual orientation alone was no longer grounds for denying security clearance." Comments to: Senator Sam Nunn, The Dirksen Senate Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510. Colorado Amendment Two 1. The Wording 2. Arsenio Hall & David Smith 3. Rocky Mountain News 4. Barbra Streisand 5. GLAAD/LA Supports Boycott 6. Lesbian Avengers 7. Armistead Maupin 8. Traditional Values Coalition 9. CLIP 10. Colorado Tourist Board The Wording... "Neither the State of Colorado, through any of its branches or departments, nor any of its agencies, political subdivisions, municipalities or school districts, shall enact, adopt or enforce any statute, regulation, ordinance or policy whereby homosexual, lesbian or bisexual orientation, conduct, practices or relationships shall constitute or otherwise be the basis of, or entitle any person or class of persons to have or claim minority status, quota preferences, protected status or claim of discrimination. This section of the Constitution shall be in all respects self-executing." Arsenio: New and improved... Arsenio Taps Smith On Wed. Dec. 2, GLAAD/LA Executive Director David Smith appeared on "The Arsenio Hall Show" (KCOP-TV, ch. 13 11:00pm) to discuss Colorado's Amendment Two with Denver Mayor Wellington Webb. Mayor Webb was opposed to the Amendment which allows for discrimination against lesbians and gays. David Smith explained the impact of Amendment Two, which is backed by the religious right, and pointed out how gay bashings have increased since its passage. Aresenio invited Smith to be on the show and allowed a 15 minute discussion. We have noticed that Aresenio seems to have had his consciousness raised about lesbian and gay issues and has provided support and a public forum for our concerns. Some reports to the GLAAD/LA Hotline -- (213) 931-9429 -- indicate that Arsenio is still not fully aware of the implications of some of his interviewing techniques. For example, his recent remarks while talking with Michael Caine. However, we'll keep watching and we'll be GLAAD to see if this noticeable change for the better continues. Comments to: Mr. Arsenio Hall, "The Arsenio Hall Show," Paramount Domestic TV, 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood 90038. Quotable Quote... Evidently the good editors and reporters at the Rocky Mountain News, which had opposed the anti-gay measure, viewed Arsenio on Dec. 2 and couldn't understand what they were seeing and hearing. The follow-up coverage of the show by RMV reporter Brian Weber, characterized David as being an "angry" gay-rights advocate and that the appearance was a "confrontation." David has written the newspaper and protested. Meanwhile this quote from RMN's editorial writers upon hearing of the boycott efforts, "...a little perspective, please...(while the amendment sends) an unfortunate symbolic message to the rest of the nation...(there is no reason) to equate the results of a popular vote with Nazism, apartheid or other scourges of mankind." (Dear Editors: Umm...to what should it be equated?) Comments to: Jay Ambrose, Editor, Rocky Mountain News, 400 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204. Let's Hear it for Babs Barbra Streisand is getting a tremendous amount of flack for her suggestion of boycotting Colorado because of their anti-queer vote. (See Executive Director's column). On Nov. 18, Streisand made the following remarks at APLA's Commitment to Life where she was being honored: "There are plenty of us who love the mountains and the rivers of that beautiful state, but we must now say clearly that the moral climate there is no longer acceptable, and if we're asked to, we must refuse to play where they discriminate." Streisand is in good company with her sentiments. GLAAD/USA, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, AmFar, the City of Atlanta, American Association of Law Libraries, the National Center for the Social Studies and N.O.W. are some of the groups who announced early that they have cancelled plans to spend time and money in Colorado. It will take many strategies to overturn this heinous ordinance, and a boycott is just one of them. Whether or not you agree with the boycott, in a Hollywood that often gives lip service to our concerns, Streisand took a stand. Send Babs your support for her courage, write: Barbra Streisand, c/o Ron Meyer, CAA, 9830 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212 or FAX (310) 288-4800; or Ms. Cis Corman, Barwood Productions, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10112. GLAAD/LA Into Action... GLAAD/LA endorsed a national boycott of the state of Colorado for the passage of Amendment 2. (See E.D. column in this issue.) Newsweek magazine's Dec. 14 issue made note of this when it faithfully logged, "GLAAD/LA wrote to more than 250 industry leaders on Nov. 25 asking them to support the boycott." Lesbian Avengers... A report in the Los Angeles Times detailed the activities of a 300-member lesbian group called the Lesbian Avengers who dogged the heels of Denver Mayor Wellington Webb on his recent trips to try and halt the snowballing boycott. At a press conference on Dec. 9, Webb recalled that during his recent PR trip the Lesbian Avengers somehow obtained a copy of his itinerary and were present all along the route to confront him. "They were there to harrass me," claimed Webb. "At points, it got disgusting." Carrying signs and chanting "We're here, we're queer and we won't go skiing," eight Lesbian Avengers first confronted Webb in New York's Regency Hotel. That same day, according to Avenger's spokesperson Ann Northrup, he was hit five more times. "Everywhere he went we were at the door to greet him. Quotable Quote... From Armistead Maupin appearing on the Opinion page of the New York Times upon cancelling his appearance in Denver following the passage of Amendment Two, "I plan to keep on boycotting the state and urge others who care about human decency to do the same. The voters of Colorado have spoken, and their message to the rest of us is not a pretty one. If their consciences can't be tweaked, maybe their pocketbooks can." Traditional Values Coalition... Raising Money Off Gays and Lesbians Under the guise of saving the American family, Lou Sheldon is at it again, mining the religious right for money to fight the threat of gay and lesbian equality. In his Nov. 20 fundraising letter, Lou is asking his supporters to "prayerfully consider supporting a statewide ballot proposition on the heterosexual ethic." The bottom line of this three and a half-page merry-go-round of hate, religious dogma, right-wing myopia and ignorance, is that, by increment, California must have its own Colorado Amendment. Lou would like the first increment to be a statewide vote to "Protect the Marriage Laws." After reading the polls the right-wing has determined that the majority of voters in California do not support marriage between same-sex couples. The possible statewide initiative would be designed to put wording in the California Constitution to forbid this possibility. The Colorado Legal Initiatives Project (CLIP)... Helping to focus the legal battle against Colorado Amendment 2 will be the Colorado Legal Initiatives Project (CLIP). Their address: CLIP, P.O. Box 44447, Denver, CO 80201-4447. Colorado Tourist Board... Meanwhile, the Colorado Tourist Board is placing advertisements in California newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, encouraging vacation visits to their state. Listed is an 800 number that will get you an operator willing to send you a vacation information packet. The operator could also, no doubt, be told that you are cancelling your plans to come to Colorado due to the boycott. To reach out and put the touch on the Colorado Tourist Board, call: 1-(800)-COLORADO. Emphasis on Vicious As would have been expected, some of the media handled the recent story of Isaiah Thomas allegedly outing Magic Johnson better than others. Not impressive was the KCBS-TV promo stating, "They use to be close enough to kiss, now they don't even shake hands. Did Magic Johnson's team mate Isaiah Thomas start the rumors he's bisexual? Find out tonight." Even more disappointing was the lead-in read by Linda Diaz to KABC-TV's sports report. She advised listeners to stay tuned to Todd Donoho's report about "...the vicious rumors...(about) Magic Johnson...(being gay)," with emphasis on the word "vicious." (Donoho's report itself was completely neutral in content and tone.) To alert Ms. Diaz and the newswriters that it is not vicious to say a man is gay, write: Ms. Linda Diaz, KABC-TV "Eyewitness News," 4151 Prospect Ave., Hollywood 90027. Raising Trojan Cinema Awareness School of Cinema-Television faculty. Discussed was Hollywood's dismal record on lesbian and gay portrayals and how this powerful medium influences public opinion globally about our community. Media Co-Chairs Jehan Agrama and Michael Keegan, Video Archive Coordinator Dr. Sylvia Rhue, and Sociology Professor Dr. Peter Nardi spoke on a range of topics from how to create an atmosphere which would encourage lesbian and gay film makers to express their lives through their art, to specific exercises that the faculty use to foster inclusiveness. USC alum John Keitel and current student Kirk Marcolina also contributed to the presentation by discussing their personal experiences as gay men in the film school. It was a very informative and productive meeting. A resource guide to lesbian and gay media organizations in Los Angeles will be put together for the faculty to be able to give students. It was also decided that GLAAD/LA will participate in the student orientation program to sensitize incoming student to the issues of diversity. USC Dean of the School of Cinema-Television Elizabeth Daley, Dean of Production Mark Harris and Program Coordinator Michelle Gringeri-Brown are to be thanked for making this possible. GLAAD/LA member Alan Hergott was instrumental in getting the two organizations together. If you want GLAAD/LA to speak to the faculty or students at your school, or to your company or business, call (213) 931-9429. Our Speaker's Bureau and Media Committee are ready. Out on Screen at USC Out On Screen was formed in the fall of 1992 by a group of USC cinema students to increase awareness of and address lesbian, gay and bisexual issues in film and video. In the upcoming semester they plan to sponsor a festival of student films, facilitate production of projects with gay themes, and host discussion sessions and screenings with industry professionals. Out on Screen is a recognized student organization at USC and is a member organization of the Gay and Lesbian Assembly for Student Support (GLASS). For more information on Out On Screen call Kirk Marcolina at (213) 955-0001. PRINT AND RADIO National Gay Radio Network North America's first national commercial gay radio station/network, KGAY, made its broadcasting debut at 8:00pm, EST. on Nov. 28 from Denver, Colorado. The commercially sponsored radio "superstation" will broadcast 24-hours daily, from the Hughes' Galaxy 5 Satellite on Channel 6, at 6.30/6.48mhz. (Discrete Stereo). Simultaneously, the signal will be broadcast from GTE's Spacenet 3 Satellite on Channel 22, at 6.20/7.40mhz. (Discrete Stereo). Initially, a C-band home satellite dish will be the only option for receiving KGAY's signal. However, according to KGAY President and General Manager Clay Henderson, negotiations are under way with cable-tv system operators and radio stations in many areas to re-transmit the KGAY signal. Comments and inquiries may be directed to: Superstation KGAY, North America Satellite Radio, P.O. Box 9383, Denver, CO, 80218; (303) 733-6642; FAX (303) 733-6786. Something Queer at the NBA Congratulations to our own Paul Monette, winner of the 1992 National Book Award for non-fiction. Paul's book, Becoming A Man, is about the tyranny and self-hatred of the closet. One man's struggle, for half his life, to come out. (GLAAD/LA honored Paul with our Visibility Award during last year's Awards show). Congratulations are also in order for lesbian poet Mary Oliver. Her book of poetry, New and Selected Poems, won that category. There have been lesbians and gay men who have won the National Book Award in the past, but isn't it nice that these two are visible and out. Rush off Center Stage... KFI-AM 640: Extreme Right Side of the Dial Have you noticed? Now that Los Angeles radio-powerhouse KFI-AM fired radio talk host Tom Leykis, the station is mostly an echo-chamber for right-wing anti-gay bigots? They replaced Leykis with former Los Angeles Police Chief Darryl Gates. They broadcast conservative hate-monger Rush Limbaugh's syndicated daily radio show each weekday morning. And they have other unsympathetic radio personalities on their (our?) air, as well. All of it means an unbalanced approach to issues affecting lesbian and gay lives. We would like to place KFI-AM on GLAAD/LA's Center Stage for special monitoring and suggest that you take these important steps: 1. Report any slurs or remarks to the GLAAD/LA Hotline (213) 931-9429. 2. Write to KFI's general manager and complain: Mr. Howard Neal, General Manager, KFI-AM Radio, 610 S. Ardmore, Los Angeles 90065. 3. Send a copy of your complaint letter to the FCC: Ms. Edythe Wise, Chief, Complaints and Investigations Section, Mass Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 1919 "M" Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20554. 4. Send a copy of your complaint letter to: GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093. KFWB Covers the News From gays and lesbians in the military to Creating Change West, KFWB AM News Radio, 980 on the dial, has been constant and diligent in its coverage of issues affecting the gay and lesbian community. Writing to them to show that listeners appreciate the inclusion of gays and lesbians can only be helpful: Chris Claus, Vice President and General Manager, KFWB, 6230 Yucca Street, Los Angeles 90028. Literature and language arts... Project 21 Tackles Inclusion With the battle still joined for inclusion of lesbian, gay and bisexual information in California's history and health textbooks, the struggle is beginning for the recognition of our contributions and sensibilities in literature and language arts. This will be an even tougher battle, since the Strategic Plan as currently formulated does not include gay/lesbian or bisexual reference. The current Curriculum Commission Chair, Dr. Yvonne Johnson, has been very open to our issues; unfortunately she rotated off as chair the end of Nov. There is still time to show our concern for inclusionary language and historical accuracy and this can be done by writing: Dr. Yvonne Johnson, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Hayward Unified School District, 24411 Amador Street, P.O. Box 5000, Hayward, CA 94540-5000; and Gloria Blanchette, Chairperson of the Curriculum Commission's English Language Arts Subject Matter Committee and Dr. Shirley Hazlett, Administrator, Language Arts and Foreign Languages Office, Department of Education, P.O. 944272, Sacramento, CA 94244-2720. "Free Souls" from Banana Republic Concerned Women for America (CWA), a national homophobic and anti-feminist organization, is urging its members to complain about a recent Banana Republic ad that features a photo of an apparently gay male couple. The ad, which appears in Vanity Fair, contained the caption "Free Souls," and featured two young men, arm in arm and one caressing the other's chest. Your comments to Banana Republic may help to neutralize the CWA's pressure. Write: Robert Fisher, President and CEO, Banana Republic, 1 Harrison Street, San Francisco 94105. GLAAD NEWS Wrap-up to Lesbian-Feminist Forum... Creating a Movement We All Own It was the "Field of Dreams" concept at work: build it and they will come. And that's what happened at the "Why Is Lesbian-Feminist Still a Dirty Word?" Forum on Nov. 11 when over 200 people attended the standing-room-only discussion in the auditorium at the National Council for Jewish Women Building. The discussion was lively and ran the gamut from racism within our own movement to the history and reality of lesbian-straight antagonism. What are the problems? Where do we all go from here? Concrete steps to create a movement which we all own. The issues raised could have each had a panel devoted to them and hopefully many will. The women who attended believe more discussion is necessary and are interested in holding additional panels. The Women of GLAAD Caucus, which meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at the GLAAD/LA office (Jan. 5 will be the next meeting), will be discussing future panels and issues of lesbian visibility. Bring your ideas, energy and join us. The Lesbian-Feminist Forum was presented under the auspices of GLAAD/LA, women from Lawyers for Human Rights (the lesbian and gay bar association of Los Angeles) and the Los Angeles NOW. The panelists were Urvashi Vaid, Executive Director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force; Helen Zia, Executive Director, Ms Magazine; Linda Villarosa, Senior Editor, Essence Magazine; Donna Minkowitz, a writer for the Village Voice and columnist for The Advocate; and Tammy Bruce, President, Los Angeles NOW. Jehan Agrama, immediate past Co-President of GLAAD/LA, was the moderator. Phillips, an unlikely candidate... Letter to the Editor Dear Editor: So Julia Phillips is writing about power lesbians in Hollywood. Considering the misogyny so evident in You'll Never Eat Lunch In This Town Again, she seems an unlikely candidate to study the subject. Rather like assigning (LAPD Sgt.) Stacy Koon (the Rodney King beating participant) to cover the black community in Los Angeles. Actually, her involvement in the subject doesn't surprise me. I saw her in the audience at a panel discussion (see accompaning story) this month concerning the sometimes uneasy alliance between lesbians and feminists. I thought her presence at the event odd since both panel topics require a basic minimum affection for women. In the lobby, she was overheard on the phone loudly describing the audience as "over-the-hill militants." Apparently, Ms. Phillips is already swinging her journalistic hatchet. As to her description of "over-the-hill militants," I can't imagine anyone who better fits that description than the spike-gray-haired, crucifix-adorned harridan herself. Sincerely, Ms. Bronwen McGarva Guest list begins to grow... Star Struck The excitement around the Fourth Annual GLAAD/LA Media Awards Show, which takes place in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel on March 20, 1993, is building as word is received that many film and TV personalities will participate and attend. As of this writing, poised to join this glittering event are movie and TV personalities Steve Allen, Beatrice Arthur, Rene Auberjonois, Bruce Davison, Jill Eickenberry, Sheila Kuehl, Judith Light, Paul Monette, Rita Moreno, Kathy Najimy, Lisa Pelikan, Carl Reiner, Doris Roberts, Doug Savant, George Takei, Rip Taylor, Michael Tucker, Karen Malina White, Jobeth Williams and Hattie Winston. The Celebrities Committee is continuing its industry wide efforts and the names of additional personalities who will be attending will be announced in next month's GLAAD/LA Reports. The nominations for the GLAAD/LA Media Awards closed Jan. 1, and the interest and excitement are now focusing on who the Media Award recipients will be. The Media Award winners will be announced at the gala kick-off cocktail party for table sponsors slated for Jan. 23. Being a table sponsor is the best way to help make the Media Awards a success and to learn first hand about all of the exciting plans for the March 20 Media Awards Show. To become a table sponsor, which ensures that you and your friends will be seated together, or to make your reservations for the Fourth Annual GLAAD/LA Media Awards Show, please call: Events Unlimited, (310) 996-1188. Now's the time to get involved... Volunteers needed for Media Awards Show As was reported in last month's GLAAD/LA Reports the planning process for GLAAD/LA's 1993 Media Awards Show & Dinner (Sat., Mar. 20, 1993, International Ballroom, Beverly Hills Hotel), our 4th annual is well underway. A committee structure has been developed, and as a result, opportunities to become involved in this glamorous and important event abound! The Corporate/Industry Sponsorship & Sales Committee is responsible for procuring corporate/industry sponsorships, ticket sales and program book ad sales. The Nominating Committee, which is the heart and soul of the evening, coordinates the nominations process, sends acknowledgements to the award winners, and gathers and organizes information and material about the awardees. This committee's work ended the first week of Jan. (conveniently enough, this is when the Program Book Production Committee's work starts) and the nominees will be announced at the Media Awards kick-off cocktail party on Jan. 23. The Production Committee works with the producer of the show, makes sure that the requisite permits, insurance coverage, etc., are obtained, produces the show video, makes sure that the awards themselves are ordered and delivered on time and is responsible for certain physical aspects of the dinner, such as the table centerpieces. The Public Relations Committee prepares and sends out press releases, coordinates the advertising, generates publicity and coordinates the press desk the night of the Awards Show & Dinner. The Program Book Production Committee is responsible for all aspects of the program book except for ad sales. It does the copy for the book, works with the graphic designer on layout and printing, and gathers information re credits, acknowledgements, etc. The Silent Auction Committee puts together the Silent Auction, including collecting and displaying the auction merchandise, and will work closely with Events Unlimited the night of the dinner, coordinating payment for and disbursement of the auction goods. The Celebrities Committee shamelessly pursues and procures celebrity presenters and guests for the show itself, and for the kick-off event, coordinates the VIP cocktail reception and celebrities' desk the night of the Awards Show & Dinner. Our third Media Awards Show & Dinner this past Apr. was an exciting and moving "Brava/Bravo" to those people in the media who portrayed our community and our lives in a realistic, non-stereotypical manner. Not only was it a resounding success financially, it was for those of us working on it a great deal of fun and a source of deep satisfaction. With your help, we can work together (in pride) to ensure that the 1993 edition will be even more of a triumph. If you would like to volunteer for a committee, please contact either co-chair: Will at (213) 273-9222 or Carmichael at (213) 874-1139. Thanks! Will Halm and Carmichael Smith-Low, Dinner Co-Chairs. Comedy Night II, Cast Party & Silent Auction - An Unqualified Success GLAAD/LA's Comedy Night II was a great success. Over 200 people attended this fun filled evening. The audience was treated to a night of laughs by great comics. Lynda Montgomery was brilliant as MC, as she kept the audience laughing and took them from act to act. The amateur comics were a welcome addition to the night and were applauded for their courage and humor. Marshall Feldman, Myra Riddell, Michael Raskey, and Kim Singh were the fearless few. BRAVI! The pro's did not disappoint. In the first half of the show the audience was delighted with Ivy Bottini, Robin Greenspan, Michael Dane, and Vanessa Kaufman. Right before intermission Lynda introduced Jehan Agrama, who Co-Chaired the event with GLAAD/LA Board Member Michael Keegan. Jehan told the audience that while "last year I came out here with a bag over my head to ask you for money, this year I just want to talk about GLAAD's programs and accomplishments." She then proceeded to deliver a "subliminal" pitch (she admits to having shamelessly stolen from Kevin Nealon of Saturday Night Live), David Smith joined the podium to explain the call for boycotting Colorado (See related stories.) and asked the audience to support GLAAD in this and its other important projects. Comics Bev Mickins, Barry Steiger and Judy Carter closed the show, leaving the audience exhausted from laughter. A special thanks for all the comics, amateur and pro, who donated their time and humor to make this evening so special. The evening could not have run so smoothly if it were not for a core group of volunteers. Much thanks to Serena Tripi and Maureen Lyons for ticket sales and will call; great box office! Carol Anderson, Kathy Paspalis, Becky Bailey and Zee Tobin did a fantastic job at the bar. Frank Carrillo not only donated the refreshments but staffed the food station. Norma D'Andrea and Vinayak went shopping. Norma also donated the lovely stained glass table for the Silent Auction which she helped staff. Vinayak staffed the coffee station and was an usher. Nancy Perez and Marie Towning were terrific greeters meeting people at the door and passing out Silent Auction programs. Dean Hansel organized and prepared the auction. Rosie Rogers and Tracey Stern were ushers and assisted with the refreshments and auction. Myra Riddell and Sharon Tobin staffed the information table. Last but most certainly not least, was our great spotlight operator, Rob Shultz. Thank you one and all! We look forward to seeing everyone next year at GLAAD's Third Annual Comedy Night. Executive Director's Column by David Smith Identifying a class of people then denying rights for people who fall into that class is something we read about in history books. Something that used to happen. Those who believe in civil rights must employ the strongest possible action to stop it. Amendment 2 makes Colorado the first state in the union since Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, to identify a class of people, then specifically deny them civil rights. Colorado has, in effect, created a second class citizenship within the state's borders. The initiative amended the state's constitution to repeal and prohibit civil rights for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Similar initiative drives are now underway in other cities, counties, and states, including Oregon, despite the fact that a harshly worded measure was defeated there Nov. 3. The Colorado initiative's sponsor, Colorado for Family Values, is a right wing group connected to several national fundamentalist organizations including Lou Sheldon's Traditional Values Coalition and Pat Robertson's "700 Club." Sheldon, who continues to raise money by attacking gays and lesbians, is currently drumming up support in California for a stealth anti-gay measure saying in a recent fundraising letter "...we have to start simple and work in increments...It would be unwise to present an issue with too much controversy to the voters on a statewide ballot proposition." These groups promoted Amendment 2 as protection against "special rights" for homosexuals, a misleading strategy they believe can win them success in other states. While legal groups such as Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund are developing a strategy for challenging the constitutionality of Amendment 2, GLAAD/LA, The Victory Fund, The Advocate, and other gay and lesbian groups are endorsing a boycott of Colorado's economy to send a clear message to the 53% that voted for the initiative that hate is not only bad public policy, it can also have severe economic consequences. Equally as important, the boycott will send the message to other jurisdictions in which the right wing is now working to adopt similar discriminatory measures. This boycott should, in no way shape or form, be interpreted as an attempt at punishment - it is simply a means of expediting justice. If Colorado had barred civil rights laws based on gender, race or other immutable characteristic, this country would have erupted with outrage. Because it's based on sexual orientation, the response has been muted. 47% of Colorado voted against the measure including majorities in Aspen, Boulder and Denver, and their support should be applauded, but there is historical precedent that a short term hardship will create a long term positive change. When Arizona legislators refused to make Martin Luther King's Birthday a national holiday, the ensuing boycott quickly changed their minds. Yet in the process there were plenty of African- Americans who were temporarily hurt by a boycott of Arizona. Amendment 2 will spread like a cancer out of control unless it is stopped in its tracks in Colorado. Notify the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, 1776 Lincoln Street, #1200, Denver, CO 80203-1029, (303) 831-7411, and the Colorado Tourism Board, 1625 Broadway, #1700, Denver, CO 80202, (800) 265-6723, with your outrage and intent to boycott. SIDE BARS Jan. 26 - First General Meeting of 1993 Featured during the first GLAAD/LA General Meeting of 1993 will be Ray Biller, GLAAD's new volunteer coordinator. Ray will be speaking about "Volunteer Orientation." The Tues. night, Jan. 26 meeting will start at 7:00pm and will be held at the Temple Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6000 W. Pico Blvd. (just east of Crescent Heights). Refreshments are available and guests are welcomed. A $5.00 donation is requested. Kudos for Jess The educational effort to gain for gays and lesbians the same human rights as other American citizens showed additional progress on Nov. 16 when veteran KNBC-TV Anchor/Commentator Jess Marlow, delivered a very supportive opinion piece about gays/lesbians in the military. Why not send him a letter of support and thanks. Write: Mr. Jess Marlow, Anchor/Commentator, KNBC-TV, 3000 West Alameda, Burbank, CA 91523. Copy to Nancy Valenta, News Director, KNBC-TV, same address. "Philadelphia" After nearly four years of development and several name changes, Jonathan Demme has begun filming "Philadelphia," a story about a young lawyer who is diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma. Starring Tom Hanks and budgeted at $30 million by TriStar, the film revolves around both the AIDS agony and the attendant homophobia. Inked to appear with Hanks are Denzel Washington and Mary Steenburgen. GLAAD/LA's Executive Director David Smith, who got a preview reading of the script, commented, "I thought it was incredibly real, incredibly moving. When straight people see this movie they're going to be privy to what the gay community has been going through for the last 12 years." Educating the Advertising Industry The Media Outreach Committee is starting a new project to educate the advertising industry about homophobia and about GLAAD. Volunteers are needed to help research the issues, monitor sponsors and advertisers of gay and lesbian-themed television programs, and launch the educational effort. If you are experienced in advertising, media buying and planning, or television ratings research and analysis, please attend the Jan. Media Outreach meeting - Tues., Jan 19, 1993, 7:30pm at the GLAAD/LA office (7033 Sunset Blvd., two blocks east of La Brea in Hollywood). You also can help with the Advertising Industry Project by reporting the names of sponsors of lesbian and gay-themed television programs to the GLAAD Hotlines: English: (213) 931-9429; Spanish (213) 463-4673. When you call the Hotline, give the name of the sponsor, the television show name, the station or network name, and the date of the airing. Come to the Media Outreach meeting, call the Hotline, get involved. For more information, leave a message for Michael Keegan, Media Outreach Co-Chair, at (213) 463-3632. Agrama to be Honored Jehan Agrama, immediate past co-president of GLAAD/LA, will be honored by the Women's Campaign of the Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center, during its annual dining and dancing event called Women's Night X, "The Prom." The Feb. 6 event will be held at the Olympic Collection in West Los Angeles and will raise funds to support women's services at The Center. For more information call: Sandi Hulon at the Center at (213) 993-7625. West Hollywood Seniors Film Series to Conclude The film series about older gays and lesbians, "Where we were, Where we are, Where we're going!," will be concluding in Jan. Held in Plummer Park, Hall A at 2:00pm, the Jan. 10 showing will feature "Making It Work," and the Jan 24 showing will be "Salute Victor." A $2.00 donation is requested. The series, which is a project of the West Hollywood Senior Center and Project Rainbow, has run bi-weekly since Oct. 4, 1992. For more information call: Stu (213) 851-8202 or Ruth (213) 876-1717. If you have additional time on any weekday, consider coming by the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd, and volunteer to help a few hours answering phones, faxing and mailing. Your help is needed and would be greatly appreciated. GLAAD/LA Office: (213) 463-3632. Lesbian/Gay Films Sought The San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is accepting entries until Mar. 1, 1993. The Festival is scheduled for June 18 - 27, 1993, and is sponsored by Frameline, a non-profit media arts organization dedicated to exhibiting, distributing and funding lesbian and gay films. Information can be obtained by calling (415) 703-6850 or by writing Frameline, P.O. Box 14792, San Francisco, CA 94115. Anti-Homophobia Curriculum Homophobia: Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation is a 40-page, 5-part lesson plan for junior and high school students. This prejudice reduction curriculum contains lesson plans, supplementary readings and a bibliography. The lessons are entitled: Homophobia and Violence, A Lesson In History, Dispelling Myths and Falsehoods, Troubled Teens, and Preparing Your Class for Speakers on Homosexuality. Each lesson plan has a teacher's guide which includes objectives, vocabulary, teaching strategy, discussion questions and activities. The lesson on history includes a chronology of important events in the lesbian/gay rights movement and a list of famous historical figures who are known to have had lesbian/gay relationships. The curriculum has been approved for use in the Los Angeles Unified School District. It has been styled to be used in conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League's "World of Difference Campaign." To order please send $12.50 (includes shipping and handling) to GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093. You can also purchase copies at A Different Light Bookstore. Newsletter Deadline: The First of Each Month The deadline for submitting material for possible publication in GLAAD/LA Reports will be the first of each month for the following month's newsletter. This has been changed from the first Thurs. of each month. For the Feb. newsletter all material needs to be submitted on or before Jan 1. There are five distinct steps in producing each month's GLAAD/LA Reports. First is the collecting and editing of the stories brought forward by the Monitor and Response Committee. Second is the formatting, or set-up, of the pages of the newsletter. Third comes the printing, collating and folding of the 9,500 copies, followed by the fourth step of an additional fold and adhering of address labels. The fifth and final step is the delivery by the US Postal Service by the target date of the first of each month. GLAAD/LA Reports welcomes your participation and invites you to attend the Monitor and Response Committee meetings in Jan., the 7 and 21. Letters or other submissions may be sent to: GLAAD/LA Reports, c/o GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093; FAX (213) 463-4923; or directly to the Editor, Carl Matthes, at FAX (213) 257-5878. Media Outreach Committee The Media half of the Outreach Committee will be meeting the third Tues. of each month (for Jan. that will be the 19th) at 7:30 pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd., two blocks east of La Brea in Hollywood. Media Outreach works in a variety of ways to educate people in the media about homophobia and about GLAAD. Our activities are targeted at the film, television, radio, music and print industries. If you have experience in any of these areas or if you are interested in learning more about the media, please join us. Call: Michael Keegan or Jehan Agrama, Outreach Committee, Media Co-Chairs, (213) 463-3632. Women of GLAAD to Meet Tues., Jan. 5 The Women of GLAAD Caucus meeting will be on Jan. 5 at 7:00 pm at the GLAAD office (7033 Sunset Blvd.). If you would like to be a part of the lesbian voice in GLAAD's affairs, come and join us for our monthly informal gathering to discuss ways in which we can become more visible in our community. Our purpose is to encourage the participation of lesbians on the GLAAD/LA board and on GLAAD's committees, and to ensure that GLAAD continues to fight for lesbian visibility in all areas of the media. We will aggrandize, politicize, scandalize, hypothesize, socialize and we need your creative input. Call: GLAAD Office, (213) 463-3632. Monitor/Response Committee Dateline Los Angeles: GLAAD/LA Reports questions invisibility of gay character, Matt (Doug Savant), on "Melrose Place." Fox Broadcasting contacts GLAAD/LA and arranges an interview with Doug to coincide with gay episodes.....Dateline Fresno: KRZR 103.7FM allows anti-gay slurs and tone to permeate Schlock-Jock Chris Daniels radio show: Queer Nation/Fresno contacts GLAAD/LA who sends representatives to meet with station management....Dateline Hollywood: GLAAD/LA makes the list of the "100 most influential groups in Hollywood." Behind these actual events, and many others, was the involvement of the GLAAD/LA Monitor/Response committee. Described as the heart and soul of GLAAD, the committee watches what's happening in the media and either congratulates accurate portrayals of our community or says, "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore." But there's a lot of media out there to monitor and respond to and we need your help. Co-chairs are Anne Dutton and GLAAD/LA Board Members Robin Podolsky and Ruthe Canter. Please join us, we need your help. Meetings for Jan. are on the 7th and 21st at 7:30pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood; (213) 463-3632. GLAAD/LA Reports Goes Electronic Use Your Modem The newsletter of GLAAD/LA (GLAAD/LA Reports) is now available electronically. Anyone with a modem can call (213) 463-9257, pick up the "sig" entitled "glaad" and read the latest issue several weeks before it is mailed. In addition, FIDONET will be receiving GLAAD postings so anyone, anywhere in the country, can get our messages on a local BBS that has a tie-in with FIDONET. (The local, Los Angeles area BBS FIDONET tie-in is: Stonewall West! (818) 781-9506.) If you need help in contacting the GLAAD/LA Bulletin Board, FIDONET or Stonewall West!, Mac users may call Charles Zweig (818) 763-9501. IBM/clones may call Jack Newsbaum (310) 441-9106. Hotline Stickers You've just seen a lesbian positive episode on TV or you've just read an article on family values that doesn't include us. You want to call the hotline but you cannot find your newsletter and you can't remember that the number is 931-9GAY. You panic. Then it comes back to you. You had sent a self-addressed stamped envelope to GLAAD/LA and had gotten back several hotline stickers to attach to your phone. You reach for the phone, content in knowing you are actively participating in helping the organization monitor the media. The feeling is great! YOUR CALLS ARE VITAL! USE THE HOTLINE. IT IS A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE. Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Send Me Some Stickers, GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093. GLAAD/LA Reports Offers Advertising Opportunity GLAAD/LA Reports is continuing to accept advertising. The newsletter is mailed to more than 9,000 members and supporters informing them about local and national media coverage and treatment of lesbian and gay issues. It provides an effective and proven way to reach thousands of concerned, responsible lesbian and gay community members -- the friends of GLAAD/LA. Information about ad sizes, prices, deadlines, special positions, etc., is available by calling to: Margo Strik at (213) 259-9208. (Deadline for submission of ad copy for the Feb. issue will be Jan 1.) Calendar dates: Jan 1 Friday Deadline for Feb. Issue GLAAD/LA Reports Jan 5 Tuesday Women of GLAAD 7:00pm 7033 Sunset Jan 6 Wednesday Community Outreach (Speakers) 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Jan 7 Thurdsay Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Jan 12 Tuesday GLAAD/LA Board Meeting 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Jan 19 Tuesday Media Outreach 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Jan 21 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Jan 23 Saturday Cocktail Party for Table Sponsors Jan 26 Tuesday General Meeting 7:00pm 6000 Pico FEBRUARY Feb 1 Deadline for March GLAAD/LA Reports Feb 2 Women of GLAAD, 7:00pm Feb 3 Community Outreach, 7:30pm Feb 4 Monitor/Response Committee, 7:30pm Correction: Ruthe Canter's last name is spelled with an "e" - CANTER. Add Karen Wilson, Treasurer to Board list GLAAD/LA Reports Staff: Editor Carl Matthes FAX (213) 257-5878 Art Direction and Design Jan Simons Research Assistance Garrett Glaser Advertising Editor Margo Strik (213) 259-9208 Illustrator John Cook Contributors: Jehan Agrama, Ruthe Canter , Hollie Conley, GLAAD/SFBA, Anne Dutton, Stephanie Farrington-Domingue, Garrett Glaser, Will Halm, Carl Matthes, Dr. Sylvia Rhue, David Smith, Wally Smith, Carmichael Smith-Low, Stephanie Thomas, Karen Wilson, David Zahnizer