GLAAD/LA Reports - December '93 Issue Carl Matthes, Editor (213) 254-2726 - FAX (213) 257-5878 GLAAD/LA Office Moves GLAAD/LA has moved. The new office is now located at 8455 Beverly Blvd, #305, Los Angeles, CA 90048. (This is just east of La Cienega on the south side of Beverly.) The new office phone number is (213) 658-6775, while the new FAX number is (213) 658-6776. Discontinued will be the GLAAD/LA P.O. Box. All correspondences may now be addressed to the GLAAD/LA office on Beverly Blvd. Also changing is the Spanish Hotline number which now is: (213) 658-6074 and the GLAAD BBS which is now (213) 658-6516. (Remaining the same is the English Hotline: (213) 931-9429.) A new line has been added for the Phone Tree, (213) 658-6435. All committee meetings will be held at the new GLAAD/LA office (see the Calendar on page 18 of this issue). "CBS Evening News": Wrong on Rights Who's watching the writers and checking the text of the correspondents for the "CBS Evening News"? Someone was asleep at the switch on November 1 as correspondent Scott Pelley gave this explanation of Colorado's Amendment 2, the anti-gay and lesbian initiative passed earlier this year. Said Mr. Pelley, "Basically, Amendment 2 says that homosexuals have no special rights in Colorado." The word "special" received emphasis. Mr. Pelley, and the writers for the "CBS Evening News," need to be reminded that Amendment 2 was conceived to deny equal rights to lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. "Special rights" are the code words used by the right wing in its misinformation campaign to subvert the legitimate civil rights of lesbians and gays. Direct your comments to: Eric Ober, President, CBS News, 524 W. 57th Street, New York 10019. GLAAD/LA Reports "On the Air" Plans are being made to take GLAAD news one big step further: into the ether! We are looking for talented script writers and journalists to write concise editions of our media stories for a weekly radio or television program which will be produced locally. Style must be exciting, informative and concise. Messages will be read by on-air personalities. Contact: Bob LaFont, 32392 World Trade Center, Long Beach, CA 90832-2392. Co-President's Column by Dean Hansell 1993 has been a mixed year for gay rights in the United States. Several defeats make clear that we have a lot of work ahead of us. In the November 2 elections, voters in Cincinnati, Ohio and Lewiston, Maine voted to repeal gay rights ordinances enacted by the city councils in those towns; while voters in Portsmith, New Hampshire voted down a gay rights ordinance. Similarly, the United States Supreme Court, at the request of government attorneys, voted to limit the effect of United States District Judge Terrence Hatter's ruling invalidating the military ban on gays in the military. Recently, voters in seven Oregon counties voted to prevent their local governments from enacting ordinances that would protect gays and lesbians from discrimination. And, a Virginia state judge ruled that a lesbian mother was presumptively unfit to care for her child, awarding the child to the lesbian's mother. On the other hand, consensual sodomy was decriminalized in the District of Columbia after Republican leaders persuaded Senator Jesse Helms not to introduce legislation overturning the decriminalization ordinance. U.S. District Court Judge Milton Schwartz of Sacramento ruled that the military ban on gays was motivated by prejudice and politics rather than legitimate concerns about military needs. The State Department has for the first time issued a statement that it will not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in the selection of its Foreign Service corps. About seventy corporations participated in the first sexual orientation in the workplace conference, held in Palo Alto, CA. American Express has formed a task force aimed at identifying products to focus on lesbian and gay consumers. The Automobile Club of Southern California has changed its by-laws to allow two adults living in the same household to hold a joint member/associate member membership. Los Angeles got its first openly gay Deputy Mayor and member of the Police Commission. While Mayor Dinkins of New York was defeated, many papers prominently identified gay voters as being among Dinkins' largest supporters. The many successes we have enjoyed this year did not come without a lot of work from people such as yourselves. These victories all stand as evidence that often our efforts really do pay off. On the other hand, the defeats need to remind us that we still have a long way to go and that there are going to be setbacks. Your work with GLAAD/LA and your financial contributions are critical to our work and to the fight for equality. Let's hope that 1994 will be a year that will bring about an end to legalized discrimination by the government against lesbians and gays, that it will no longer be acceptable for media stars and politicians to make homophobic statements in public, that the media will portray us for whom we are rather than typecasting us according to bigoted stereotypes. With your help all of this is possible. Film & Television Kissing a man... "I Just Couldn't Do It" A feature story in the Fall '93 issue of Tell, a new teen magazine, profiles actor/rapper Will Smith (NBC-TV's "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air"). Feature writer Karen Catchpole describes Smith's "commitment to growing as an actor," explaining that he just hired his first acting coach and "is taking his best shot at becoming a bone fide movie star" by playing the lead in the upcoming film "Six Degrees of Separation." In the film, Smith's character is gay. When he accepted the role, Smith knew that the script called for an on-screen kiss with another man. However, when the time came to shoot the scene, Smith refused. "I just couldn't do it," Smith explained. "I mean, I'm an actor. I can sit there with a greasy smile on my face and act like I kissed a man. But it's different when you actually, physically, kiss a man. It wouldn't have been acting. It would have been real. I have kissed girls on-screen. I could work that out. The difference is how people perceive it. If I'd kissed a guy and then went home, they'd be like, 'Yo, man. Why'd you do that?' And I'd be like, 'You know, Man. I'm an actor. I was acting.' And they'd be like 'Yo, man. You kissed a dude. Something's wrong with you, man.' I just didn't want to hear that." Smith's attitude demonstrates a remarkable lack of sensitivity. Is Smith worried that if he "actually physically kissed a man," he would not have been acting but that "it would have been real?" Or is he just uninformed and worried that a straight can become gay just by touching or kissing another guy? For Smith acting is, apparently, not a means for expanding awareness but reinforcing ignorance. Write to: Will Smith, "Fresh Prince of Bel Air," c/o NBC TV, 3000 West Alameda Ave., Burbank, CA 91505. Three Gays and a Baby "Sally Jesse Raphael" (KNBC-TV, weekdays, 3:00pm) recently featured Tiffany and Carol, their baby, Sophie, and Jim, their gay friend who fathered Sophie. The show went quite well until Sally brought out Dr. Judith Reisman, career homophobe, who turned the show into another typical gay-bashing forum. Reisman was so vile that most of the audience turned against her. Carol, Tiffany and Jim were loving and articulate in stark contrast to Reisman's well-known agenda of misinformation and misanthropy. Evidently we must continually remind talk show hosts and those who book their guests, that there are enough homophobic people in every studio audience to present "the other side." Inviting in the professional haters does nothing but derail intelligent presentations. Your letters and comments can only be helpful. Write: "Sally Jesse Raphael," 267 Broadway, New York 10007. "Other Mothers" CBS-TV's "Schoolbreak Special" marked a historic first on the afternoon of October 15 when it broadcast "Other Mothers," the travails of Will (William Russ), a high school freshman, who weathers homophobic ostracism when his peers discover that he has "two" mothers, both of whom happen to be lesbians. (The two women had revealed their status at the parent's booster club. His biological mother is played by Joanna Cassidy and his "other mother" by Meredith Baxter.) It was an excellent presentation. "Other Mothers" was directed by Lee Shallot, co-produced by Joseph Stern and Karen Shapiro and written by Amy Dunkleberger In a "Read More About It" postscript to the program, actress Meredith Baxter says: "To learn more about the changing roles in our parenting society, the Library of Congress recommends these books: Diversity in American Families, by Maxine Baca Zinn and D. Stanley Eitzen, and Rethinking the Family, edited by Barrie Thorne and Marilyn Yalom." Advertisers on this affirming program were: Multigrain Cheerios (General Mills), Jell-O, Actifed Sinus Medicine, Cortisone-10, Campbell's Soup, Sears, Airwick, Purina Cat Chow, Yuban Coffee, Aquafresh, Efidac 24, Fleishmann's Egg Beaters, Lever 2000, Mrs. Dash, JC Penny, 1-800-DENTIST (a registered service mark of Applied Anagramics, Inc.), Post Raisin Bran, Huggies Diapers, M&M's, V-8, Prego, Preparation H, Hershey's Hugs, and Rolaids. CBS-TV received 185 negative phone calls on the show soon after its airing - but it's not too late to call with your positive comments. Call: CBS at (213) 852-2345. Your written comments to: Jeff Sagansky, President, CBS Entertainment, 7800 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles 90036. "Montel" Spotlights G/L Teens On October 15 "The Montel Williams Show" (KCOP-TV, weekdays, Noon and 4:00 pm) continued the presentation of its "Family Matters" series by featuring Joyce Hunter, co-founder of the Harvey Milk High School in New York City, and psychologist Robert Becker. The program spotlighted the issue of lesbian and gay teens coming out at home and in school. In a format that can easily be taken advantage of by a talk show host only to boost ratings by creating a circus, Montel instead created a forum to educate his television audience. By not including a professional homophobe on the program, the gay and lesbian teens, who comprised most of the audience, were able to tell their stories in a safe environment. In addition, Becker and Hunter were able to answer questions and give advice without having to defend themselves. Montel, playing "devil's advocate," explained that "like the homophobes out there, I want to understand." Hunter pointed out, however, that that was what differentiated him from the homophobes. Let Montel know that you're happy he presented an informative and positive show by writing: "The Montel Williams Show," 1500 Broadway, Suite 1107, New York 10036. "Front Page" and Gay Teens Fox's "Front Page" (KTTV-TV, Saturday, 9:00 pm) on October 16 featured "Gay Teens Face Parents." This informative undertaking presented the lives of three homosexual teens, Eric McMahon, Jessica Byers and Troix Bettencourt, president of the Boston Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth. Each explained how lonely life was inside the "closet," the anxieties they had deciding to come out and how their families reacted. Their personal stories sent a strong message that coming out made them stronger and improved self esteem, helping to reduce the isolation felt by teens. Comments to: "Front Page," c/o The Fox News Magazine Show, 10301 West Pico Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles 90064. "Free Your Mind" MTV continues to gain points with its inclusive "Free Your Mind" theme (diversity programming designed to open dialogue among its teens-to-thirties viewers). Unfortunately, MTV then turned around and demonstrated a "closed mind" when it refused to air, because of its homoerotic content, the video from the album "Woman to Woman" by Fem to Fem, a group of lesbian and bisexual performers. The "Free Your Mind Forum: Testing the Limits of Racial and Sexual Tolerance" aired October 13 with discussion on homophobia, racism and sexual harassment. The homophobia segment opened with footage from MTV's August special on "The Gay '90s." Guests ranged from a lesbian college student in Colorado (who had appeared in the August special) and gay marine, Justin Elsey, to former Soldier of the Year, Joseph Zuniga. Topics included attitudes about lesbians and gays showing affection in public, what would you do if your child were gay or lesbian and gays in the military. While the format didn't allow for much in-depth discussion of the the issues, moderator Tabitha Soren did have objective come-backs to negative or bigoted comments from the audience. Your comments to: Viewer Department, MTV Networks, Inc., 1515 Broadway, New York 10036; Viewer Comment Line, (212) 258-8700. Correction: Will the Real Beth Please Stand Up Following last month's story on MTV's "Real World II," we have received corrected information about the last name of Beth, the lesbian included as one of the roommates in the series. This young woman's last name is Anthony, not Stolarczyk, as we printed. There are two Beths living in the home. Unprepared Richard Bey Anyone familiar with the format of the "Richard Bey Show" (KCOP-TV, weekdays, 1:00 pm) knows that the guests and the audience inevitably scream and shout at each other as invariably the show becomes a circus. Unfortunately, the October 18 broadcast also showed that when it comes to lesbian and gay issues, Bey is unprepared with the facts. The topic revolved around a gay man who wanted a family and, after his male lover refused to adopt a child, married a woman who was willing to have a family with him even though she knew he was gay. The situation was further complicated when the wife discovered that her new groom was having an affair with his old lover. The audience was judgemental and called the gay man selfish, self-centered and a monster. Bey did not mention the fact that lesbians and gay men often want children and have proven to be good parents. Also, nothing was mentioned to challenge the myth that a man or woman will become straight if they are just treated right or find the right person. If Richard Bey wants to be taken seriously, then he should be armed with the facts. Your comments may be sent to: Richard Bey, 6th Floor, 445 Park Avenue, New York 10022. "For Love or Money" Is there anyone not insulted in Universal's "For Love or Money"? Michael J. Fox stars as an ambitious hotel concierge who dreams of owning his own hotel. He discovers a way to do this by selling the woman he loves to a wealthy businessman in exchange for the money for the hotel. While setting this plan into action, we discover that room attendants and dishwashers are African-American while the front offices and boardrooms are all white males. A nearly senile bellman, the only senior depicted in the movie, a money grubbing Jew, a fast talking not so bright Arab and, of course, a stereotypical obnoxious gay fashion designer, are all the subjects of unfunny humor. Perhaps the real justice is realized in the film's poor performance at the box office. Comments to: Allen Sutton, Director, "For Love or Money," 100 Universal City Plaza, Bldg. 507A, 3rd Floor, Universal City, CA 91608. "The Mommies" The new NBC comedy series "The Mommies" (Saturday, 8:00 pm), featured an offensive scene on their October 16 episode. A young boy comes into the kitchen to talk to his father (Luke Robin Thomas) about someone he likes. Once the father hears it's a girl the son likes, he lifts his face to the heavens and whispers "Thank God." "The Mommies" has just received a full season order. Considering how new the show is, let's hope this type of homophobia doesn't become "business as usual." Send your hopeful comments and suggestions to: Kathy Spear and Terry Grossman, c/o Paramount Television, 5555 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90038. Evil Gay Bad Guys The new Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes actioner "Demolition Man," features a couple of evil gay bad guys. The two are a homophobe's dream: sneaky, underhanded, disloyal, cowardly and pushing their own greedy agenda. It's sad to see, since a few months ago Stallone was on the "Arsenio Hall Show" and Hall pointed out a guy who was cheering when Stallone unbottoned his shirt. Stallone replied, "It's okay, get with it Arsenio, it's the '90s." Just when we thought we had an action star (he is on the board of Hollywood Supports) on our side. Comments to: Marco Bambilla, Director, "Demolition Man," 9830 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212; Sylvester Stallone, c/o Ron Meyer, CAA, 9830 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212. "The Mo Show" The new Mo Gaffney show or "The Mo Show" was dedicated to coming out on October 11, National Coming Out Day. Most of the audience appeared to be from the lesbian and gay community and roundly applauded Amanda Bearse of "Married...with Children," who is the first to come out while appearing in an on-going television comedy or drama. Mo knows how to run a show and doesn't bother to pack a panel with professional homophobic types in order to boost ratings. Your thanks and comments to KTTV-TV may be addressed: "The Mo Show," c/o KTTV, Tom Capra, General Manager, 5746 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90028; (213) 856-1000. "Butterfly": The Lovers and the Movie The Lovers... The real-life male lovers, who were the inspiration for the play and movie, "M. Butterfly," were interviewed by Barbara Walters on "20/20" (KABC-TV, Friday 10/8/93, 10:00 pm). Bertrand B., the former French diplomat, and Xiu Pe Pu, the Beijing Opera performer, had an 18-year relationship during which time Bertrand believed that Pe Pu was a woman disguised as a man. Ms. Walters pursued Bertrand during the interview trying to pin him down and unravel the love story. Walters and the segment seemed obsessed with fitting it into a heterosexist framework and making Bertrand out to be either an innocent virgin or a "sexual buffoon." But, after he was shown with his current long-term male lover in Paris, Barbara did have the good sense to bring up the possibility that Bertrand had been closeted himself and that the situation had suited his self-denial at the time. Hugh Downs' side comments had him declaring the love-affair "bizarre." But, Joyce Wadler, author of "Liaison," a book based on the couple's story, put it all in perspective by describing Bertrand and Pe Pu as "two beings who entered into the same dream - the dream they both needed." Your comments to: "20/20," Victor Neufeld, Executive Producer, ABC, 77 W/ 66th Street, New York 10023. The Movie... Many critics agree that Warner Bros. "M. Butterfly" has not translated well to the screen from the Broadway play. Jeremy Irons plays the unknowing French diplomat to John Lone's cross-dressed opera diva. The film, directed by David Cronenberg, concludes the same as the book and the play, some finding the ending homophoic. THe actual intention of the ending was the transference of power from the straight white male to the helpless Asian female. The film does include several good points including how Asian women are portrayed as passive sex objects. Write: David Cronenberg, c/o Geffen Films, 9130 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90069. Be on the lookout for... "Birdland" Frontera Productions B.C., Ltd. is producing an ABC television series called "Birdland," starring Brian Dennehy, for distribution by Columbia Pictures Television. The dramatic comedy follows the relationships of Dr. Brian McKenzie (Dennehy) and his "family" (the doctors, patients and administration of a hospital's psychiatric ward). "Hector," an orderly, will be a continuing gay character with no apparent stereotypical mannerisms. Radio & Print "The Date-or-Wait Game" Ah, the dating game! Who hasn't played it? Who hasn't suffered the anxieties of making the first move? In the October 6 edition of the Los Angeles Times, writer Michael Haederle explored the "rules" of the dreaded game in his article "The Date-or-Wait Game." Explaining that traditional and gender roles can often create a challenge, he does not limit this universal phenomenon to heterosexuals - gays and lesbians were included. Show Coalition director and GLAAD/LA board member Stephanie Thomas and psychotherapist Chuck Gurth provided input from the gay and lesbian community. Explaining that in the world of same sex dating we don't, or don't always, follow traditional gender roles, they remarked, "it ultimately comes down to a matter of which person is bolder" when it comes down to making the first move. The best part of this positive and well rounded article is that it unifies gays, lesbians and heterosexuals in our humanity. Let the Los Angeles Times know that more human interest articles need to include the attitudes and thoughts of lesbians and gays. Send your comments to: Mr. Shelby Coffee III, Editor-in-Chief, Los Angeles Times, Times-Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053; also feature writer Michael Haederle at the same address. Newsweek on "Gay Rights, Special Rights" The mid-October issue of Newsweek spotlighted the political agenda behind the Traditional Values Coalition's (TVC) new anti-gay video "Gay Rights, Special Rights" (GLAAD/LA Reports, Nov. '93). Black conservatives are being targeted with the video in the hope of inciting them into joining the TVC anti-gay cause. TVC is referred to by Newsweek as "one of several predominantly white, conservative Christian groups attempting to attract black support by stirring anti-gay resentment." Newsweek does a very responsible job in exposing the TVC by reminding its readers that two central figures in the video - Mississippi Republican Senator Trent Lott and former Attorney General Edwin Meese - have both worked for legislation particularly unfriendly to African-Americans. "Gay Rights, Special Rights" was written and produced to show as unfavorably as possible that lesbians and gay men have adopted the legitimate tactics of the black civil rights movement to gain "special protection" as a minority. Newsweek deserves special credit for exposing the hate tactics behind "Gay Rights, Special Rights." Your comments of appreciation may be sent to: Richard M. Smith, Editor-in-Chief, Newsweek, 444 Madison Avenue, New York 10022. You may also call their Telephone Mail Desk: 1 (900) 990-MAIL for a cost of $1.95 for the first minute and ninety-five cents after that. Newsweek on "Lifestyles": "Tune In, Come Out" The November 8 issue of Newsweek focused on the increasing number of pro-gay programs introduced in public and private shcools in Massachusetts. (Even Andover, the elite private school and alma mater of George Bush, now has a gay student group.) Unfortunately, the article was found in the "Lifestyles" section. Entitled "Tune In, Come Out," an impressive list of educators, counselors and doctors spoke to the increasing willingness of younger and younger students to come out to their classmates. Teenagers, according to Dr. Frances Stott, a professor of child development at Chicago's Erikson Institute, "...are at a point in life where...they're figuring out issues of sexual identity, occupational identity (and) role identity. They're really asking the question, `Who am I?'" The article examined the coming out process for gay and lesbian teens and the phenomenon that "spurred by media images and a new climate of acceptance, teenagers are experimenting more openly with gay and bi-sexuality." At some schools it has become almost "chic" to be questioning whether or not you might be gay, lesbian or bisexual. Meanwhile, the number of student gay organizations are burgeoning and "A climate of greater tolerance is making it possible for teens to explore more openly what they've historically sampled in secret." However, the authors pointed out that "faggot" is still the most popular locker room taunt and that 60% of high school students polled would be "upset or afraid" if people thought they were gay or bisexual. The point needs to be made that being gay or lesbian is not a choice, nor just chic or a passing fancy; it is more than just sexuality or experimenting sexually with the same gender. Gays and lesbians are complete human beings and deserve the same rights and can accept the same responsibilities as any other person. Your comments to:Richard M. Smith, Editor-in-Chief, Newsweek, 444 Madison Avenue, New York 10022. You may also call their Telephone Mail Desk: 1 (900) 990-MAIL for a cost of $1.95 for the first minute and ninety-five cents after that. Essence: Lesbian Legacy of Amazons The November issue of Essence Magazine featured an article by Khephra Burns on "The Fanfare for the Amazons," which traced the Black Warrior women of Northern Africa to the Isle of Lesbos. "Lesbos' most famous daughter was the poet Sappho, whose `small dark body's lesbian loveliness' reveals much about her Amazonian origins." Your comments and your thanks for their efforts to address lesbian concerns in a positive and educational way may be addressed to: Susan Taylor, Editor-in-Chief, Essence Magazine, 1500 Broadway, New York 10036. Advertising Uncorking Homophobia? The current radio commercial for Meridian Wine on KLOS-FM features two men engaged in conversation with a woman at a party talking about the "great bottle of wine" they brought. At the end the woman asks, "Did you guys come in together?" The men, shocked, reply "No, no never!" The ad leaves the impression that any implication that the two men may be gay is insulting or that there is something wrong with being gay. Comments to: Meridian Wine, 7000 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, CA 93446. HIV Positive The latest advertising campaign for United Colors of Benetton has brought mixed responses. Three separate images (see accompanying photos) depict various body parts which have been stamped "HIV Positive." The image of the stamped arm has appeared in Rolling Stone, The New Yorker and The New York Times. A billboard campaign is ensuing with two already in place in the Los Angeles area. Your reaction and comments to this ad campaign may be sent to: Peter Fressola, Director of Communications, United Colors of Benetton, 55 East 59th Street, 24th Floor, New York 10022. And, while you're at it, send a copy of your letter to GLAAD/LA, 8455 Beverly Blvd, #305, Los Angeles 90048. Tracking the Ads The Media Outreach Comittee wants to inform the gay and lesbian community of advertisers who either support programs about our community or contribute to censorship of those programs, and you can help. The next time you watch television, keep a pencil and paper handy. If there is such content, jot down the name of the show and its sponsors. Then, call the information into the GLAAD/LA Hotlines: English (213) 931-9429; Spanish (213) 658-6074. If you are an advertising industry "insider" who might have access to information about advertisers who have been under boycott or hate-campaign pressure to cease advertising on programs that are lesbian and gay positive, call us. Any information will be treated in confidence. GLAAD News "Hostile Climate" A report entitled "Hostile Climate: A State-by-State Report on Anti-Gay Activity," prepared and released by People for the American Way, a 300,000 member nonpartisan constitutional liberties organization, documents anti-gay efforts in states and localities around the country. The report was released to the press one day after three local jurisdictions -- Cincinnati, Ohio; Lewiston, Maine; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire -- voted against discrimination protection for lesbian, gay and bisexual citizens by wide margins. The report can be obtained through the organization's Communications Department at: (202) 467-4999. Media Awards Nominations Nominations are now open and GLAAD/LA is accepting names of possible 1994 Media Award nominees from the following areas: Television and Radio Programming and News; the Recording Industry; the Print Media; Film and Advertising. The primary criteria for submissions in news is that the work includes fair and comprehensive coverage of lesbians, bisexuals and gay men. For the entertainment media, the primary criteria is that the work portray gay, lesbian and bisexual characters as complete human beings rather than one dimensional stereotypes. To qualify, the material must have been first published, broadcast or released in the United States between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1993. To submit your nominee, simply write legibly or type the name, topic, storyline or title, date and other pertinent information and include a brief blurb on why you feel an award is deserved. Please include your name and phone number in case there are any questions and send to: Media Awards Nominating Committee, GLAAD/LA, 8455 Beverly Blvd, #305, Los Angeles 90048. Questions can be directed to: GLAAD/LA Office at (213) 658-6775. 1994 Media Awards... Hollywood's Other Awards GLAAD/LA's 1994 Media Awards Show arrives on March 19, 1994 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City - and there are many opportunities for volunteers. From the Celebrity Committee and the various sales committees - corporate, community, program book and table sponsor - to the Silent Auction Committee, your help is needed and welcomed. And, for writers and creative people, there's the program book and show production committees. Being launched this year is the GLAAD/LA mentoring plan, named the Understudy Program. Basically a two-year commitment; in the first year a volunteer would understudy an experienced committee chair, and the following year chair the committee itself. For more information contact: Carmichael Smith-Low or Jody Hoenninger, co-chairs, Media Awards, (213) 658-6775. Executive Director's Column by Lee Werbel At the end of each year, as the holiday season approaches, I often find myself in a reflective mode. 1993 has been quite a year for GLAAD/LA and for me. Both the struggles and accomplishments are reminders that the work is not close to done. A sampling of activities follows: The election of Bill Clinton as President (starting right at the beginning) and the hope and sense of inclusion we felt as a community; GLAAD/LA loaned it's then Executive Director to serve as Communications Director for the Campaign for Military Service when President Clinton announced he was going to lift the ban on gays and lesbians in the military; GLAAD/LA created and distributed the "Willing to Fight/Lift the Ban" poster and became the main distributor of "To Support and Defend;" GLAAD/LA coordinated media relations for the Allen Schindler Memorial March; Over 900 people attended GLAAD/LAUs Media Award Dinner at which Sir Ian McKellen, Roseanne and Tom Arnold, and others were honored; I was appointed Executive Director! GLAAD/LA and Hollywood Supports jointly designed, prepared and trained facilitators for the first ever "Sexual Orientation in the Workplace" seminars to be delivered to the entertainment industry; GLAAD/LA joined with MANAA (Media Action Network for Asian Americans) to protest "Rising Sun;" Lesbians and gay men, including many members of GLAAD/LA, appeared on television (especially all of those talk shows) fighting stereotypes and showing our diversity; Media coverage of the 1993 March on Washington for Gay, Lesbian,and Bi Rights and Liberation was extensive, including all day on CSPAN; GLAAD/LA helped organize and publicize "Day of Compassion," television's day of dealing with HIV and AIDS; GLAAD/LA moved into new offices (larger, with a little room to grow) with Hollywood Supports. I hope you share the pride I feel about the work we do. I also hope you will want to do something special to support GLAAD/LA by sending GLAAD Holiday Cards to your family and friends. And, if you are buying toys for children (of any age), why not consider the new "gay" Ken doll from Mattell, a delight for everyone's collection? However you celebrate, all of us at GLAAD wish you the best, safest and most peaceful time during the season and in the new year. SIDE COLUMNS No General Meeting in December There will be no GLAAD/LA General Membership meeting in December. The next General Meeting will be on January 25, 1994. Meet People and Have Fun! Volunteers are needed to help the Membership Committee of GLAAD/LA canvas the community. Especially needed are people to help out weekends and evenings. For information please call Membership Committee co-chair, Steven, at (213) 650-2099. Steven Moore We've just lost one of our hard-working volunteers. Steven Moore was already on disability when he phoned us four years ago and said he had time and could gather articles from the Orange County Register and the San Gabriel Valley Gazette and perhaps help GLAAD/LA in other ways. His clipping service was especially valuable. He gathered for us the newsletters of Lou Sheldon's Traditional Values Coalition, Donald Wildmon's American Family Association, and Pat Robertson's Family Research Council. He also tracked and clipped the writings of such right wing homophobes as Phyllis Schlafley and Pat Buchanan, contributing material for our reference files that enables us to quote them and others accurately. More than that, Steve wrote streams of letters to the editors. Once he phoned proudly that he'd had four letters published in one paper or another on four successive days. Unless you are out of the Los Angeles reading area you don't realize the many letters that homophobic ministers write. When Steve answered them, they were infuriated to have their version of God's word challenged. Steve capitalized on that fury to get our message out. Some day, with more volunteers, we'll form a committee just to battle the bigots, and when we do we'll have a wonderful file of Steve's letters to guide us. Steve was already doing it. Steve knew how much we valued his work. He was proud that we have a special file marked "Steven Moore" and that last year he received GLAAD/LA's special volunteer award. Children's Books A new bibliography of more than 85 picture books for children of gay and lesbian parents and a bibliography on gays and lesbians and their families are available from: GLPCI, Box 50360, Washington, D.C. 20091. GLAAD/SFBA Seeks ED GLAAD/SFBA (San Francisco Bay Area) has announced a job opening for the position of Executive Director. Inquiries as to job functions, responsibilites and duites may be obtained by contacting GLAAD/SFBA before resume deadline of December 15, 1993. GLAAD/SFBA, 514 Castro Street, Suite B, San Francisco, CA 94114; (415) 861-4588; FAX (415) 861-4893. GLAAD/USA Identity Committee The GLAAD/USA board of directors is seeking proposals for the development of a comprehensive corporate identity. The project will include the creation of a unifying logo for existing and new GLAAD chapters. Proposals must include proposed costs and previous work examples/references. Proposals due Dec. 6, 1993. For requirements please contact: Carl Lange, GLAAD/Atlanta, P.O. Box 55111, Atlanta, GA 30308; (404) 876-1398. GLAAD/LA: We Need Volunteers Archives Volunteers are needed to enter dates on our computers for our video archives. Please contact the GLAAD/LA office at (213) 658-6775 and leave a message for Sylvia. GLAAD/LA Reference File GLAAD/LA is continually updating its reference file of clippings and articles so that the actual statements of anyone who is practicing defamation, or voicing support for our human rights, can be easily documented. Can you, or someone you know, start watching and clipping the Orange County Register, L.A. Weekly, L.A. Reader, La Opinion, or the Daily News? In addition, if you read something in a magazine, periodical, newsletter, etc., that relates to gay and lesbian issues, clip and send it to: GLAAD/LA, 8455 Beverly Blvd, #305, Los Angeles, CA 90048; FAX (213) 658-6776; or call the hotlines, English (213) 931-9429; Spanish (213) 658-6074 and report it. Office Help GLAAD/LA is seeking sharp, reliable, enthusiastic and motivated individuals to volunteer in our friendly, relaxed and very busy office. There is a vast array of general office duties which provide information relevant to monitoring the media. The work done by GLAAD/LA is only possible because of the volunteer spirit within the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. We encourage you to contact the GLAAD office at (213) 658-6775 if you have time to volunteer. You will receive genuine satisfaction as a result of your experiences, and will give a significant contribution to the community. GLAAD/LA Wish List Donations of any of the following items would be greatly appreciated: A multi-line phone system and phones A laser printer A new copying machine A telephone answering machine A conference table with chairs for ten or more Blank video and audiocassettes General office supplies, i.e. copy paper, scissors, staplers, file folders, etc. Office desks Donors, please call the GLAAD/LA office at (213) 658-6775. GLAAD/LA Committee Information Community (Educational) Outreach This committee is responsible for extending GLAAD's message outside the lesbian and gay community. Projects include an ongoing journalism outreach where speakers are sent to journalism classes in universities; a high school project, where GLAAD's published "Homophobia: A Curriculum for..." is sent to school districts for inclusion in their curriculum; and a Speakers Bureau. Co-Chairs: Carol Anderson and Bruce Tucker. Media Outreach Committee The Media Outreach Committee will be meeting the third Tues. of each month at 7:00 pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 8455 Beverly Blvd, #305. Media Outreach works in a variety of ways to educate people in the media about homophobia and about GLAAD/LA. Our activities are designed for the film, television, radio, music and print media. Interested people may call: Jim Thomas or Jehan Agrama, Media Outreach Committee, Co-Chairs, (213) 658-6775. Membership Committee The Membership Committee is in charge of developing campaigns to attract new members to GLAAD/LA as well as retain those who already have memberships. Co-Chairs are Myra Riddell and Steven Solomon. For information call Steven at (213) 650-2099. Monitor/Response Committee This committee watches (monitors) what's happening in the media and writes letters, makes phone calls and produces articles for GLAAD/LA Reports. Volunteers are needed and it is easy to get involved. Do you own a television or a video cassette recorder? Do you subscribe to any publications or attend movies? Then you already are in a position to help the Monitor/Response committee. Please join us. Meetings in December are on the 8 and 22 at 7:30 pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 8455 Beverly Blvd, #305, Los Angeles 90048; (213) 658-6775. Anne Dutton and Lynn H. Ballen, Co-Chairs. Newsletter Advisory Board The deadline for submitting material for GLAAD/LA Reports is the first of each month for the following month's newsletter. For the February newsletter all material needs to be submitted on or before January 1. Your comments, articles, letters or other submissions may be sent to: GLAAD/LA Reports, c/o GLAAD/LA, 8455 Beverly Blvd, #305, Los Angeles 90048; FAX (213) 658-6776; or directly to the Editor, Carl Matthes, FAX (213) 257-5878. Women of GLAAD If you would like to be a part of the lesbian voice in GLAAD/LA'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. The Women of GLAAD Caucus meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the GLAAD office, 8455 Beverly Blvd, #305, Los Angeles 90048; (213) 658-6775. Tracy Stern and Angela West, Co-Chairs. Advertising Policy Founded in 1985, it is the mission of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to counter stereotypes and misinformation about lesbians and gay men, to promote the fullest possible understanding of the breadth and diversity of lesbian and gay lives, and to counter all public expression of bigotry of any kind. It is the policy of GLAAD/LA to accept for its newsletter all advertising which is not inimical to its mission. GLAAD/LA nonetheless reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any advertising which it deems unacceptable on any grounds. The acceptance of, and publication by, GLAAD/LA of an advertisement in its newsletter shall not be construed as an endorsement by GLAAD/LA of any such event, product, company, organization, person, service or thing. Letter Writing; Send GLAAD/LA a Copy The need for continual gay and lesbian reaction to the events that are shaping our lives and our future is important. One of the most effective tools we can use is letter writing. When you write a letter, please send a copy of your correspondence, and any reply, to us for our files. Send to: GLAAD/LA, 8455 Beverly Blvd, #305, Los Angeles 90048. Calendar dates: Dec 1 Wed Deadline for January GLAAD/LA Reports Dec 1 Wed Community Outreach/Membership 7:30pm 8455 Beverly Bl 305 Dec 7 Tues Volunteer Recognition Party Call GLAAD/LA office for location Dec 8 Wed Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 8455 Beverly Bl 305 Dec 9 Thur Women of GLAAD Panel 7:30pm 543 N. Fairfax Dec 14 Tues GLAAD/LA Board Meeting 7:30pm 8455 Beverly Blvd 305 Dec 21 Tues Media Outreach 7:30pm 8455 Beverly Blvd 305 Dec 22 Thur Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 8455 Beverly Blvd 305 Dec 28 Tues General Meeting 7:00pm 6000 Pico Dec 30 Thur Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 8455 Beverly Blvd 305 January Dates: Jan 1 Sat Deadline for February GLAAD/LA Reports Jan 4 Tue Women of GLAAD 7:00pm 8455 Beverly Blvd 305 Jan 5 Wed Community Outreach/Membership 7:30pm 8455 Beverly Bl 305 Change to GLAAD/LA's Committees Media Outreach: Remove Michael Keegan and replace with Jim Thomas Add: Membership Committee - Co-Chairs Myra Riddell and Steven Solomon Monitor/Response: Add designation "Co-Chairs" and add the name Lynn H. Ballen Women of GLAAD: Add designation "Co-Chairs and add the name Angela West Change to Media Guide: Under Local TV Stations Remove Terry Crofoot as Gen. Mgr. replace with John Riedl, Interim General Manager Under Industry Publications: Remove Michael Silverman, Publisher under Daily Variety and replace with Vitale, V.P. and Gen. Mgr., Peter Neal Bart, V.P. and Editorial Director. Also add: FAX (213) 857-0742 Add to Hollywood Reporter: FAX (213) 525-2377 Under Local Radio Stations: for KRTH add zip code 90291 for KTWV add zip code 90028 The Editorial Staff of GLAAD/LA Reports reserves the right to edit all material for brevity, clarity and consistency with the goals and purposes of GLAAD/LA. Editor Carl Matthes FAX (213) 257-5878 Assistant Editor David Zahniser Graphics Carl Daugenti Advertising Rep Margo Strik (213) 259-9208 Contributors: Lynn H. Ballen, Isaac Del Valle, GLAAD/SFBA, Shawn Griffin, Dean Hansell, Loren R. Javier, Bob La Font, Carl Matthes, Jose Regalado, Sylvia Rhue, Jim Thomas, Lee Werbel.