GLAAD/LA GLAAD/LA Reports - July Issue Carl Matthes, Editor (213) 254-2726/FAX (213) 257-5878 Lee Werbel Appointed Executive Director of GLAAD/LA David M. Smith joins NGLTF The Board of Directors of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation/Los Angeles (GLAAD/LA) announced the appointment of Ms. Lee Werbel as Executive Director of the organization, effective May 20, 1993. Werbel has served as Deputy Director of GLAAD/LA since February, 1993. Stephanie Farrington-Domingue, Co-President of GLAAD/LA, commented on Werbel's appointment, "With her strong administrative background, I know that Lee will provide leadership to assist GLAAD/LA in its mission of promoting balanced and accurate images of lesbians and gay men in media depictions. She knows how to combat the defamation and discrimination we face daily." Werbel succeeds David M. Smith, who has been on loan from GLAAD/LA since Feb., 1993, when he moved to Washington, D.C. to assist the Campaign for Military Service in spearheading media strategy and planning in the effort to lift the current ban on lesbian and gay service personnel in the U.S. Military. Smith has accepted the position of Public Information Director at the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force beginning in Sept., 1993. "Lee has the skills, experience and vision to guide GLAAD/LA to its plateau. She will make an outstanding executive director," said Smith. Werbel comes to GLAAD/LA with fifteen years of management experience, specializing in the arts and non-profit sectors. For the past two years, she has served as a consultant to a variety of Los Angeles cultural organizations, including the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, the California Confederation of the Arts and the Dance Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles. Prior, Werbel was Managing Director for the Los Angeles County Music and Performing Arts Commission's State/Local Partnership Program. Earlier, Werbel served as President of the Arts Democratic Club, Vice President/Secretary of the Board of Directors of Connexxus Women's Center/Centro de Mujeres, and Campaign Coordinator for the "No on LaRouche" Initiative Coalition. Werbel said she is excited about her new role as staff leader of one of Southern California's most effect advocacy groups: "I could not be more pleased by this new opportunity. Each and every one of us is hurt by the defamation and lack of representation lesbians and gay men face each day in mainstream news accounts, feature films and television shows. The picture is improving, but we still have a long way to go." Co-President's Column by Stephanie Farrington-Domingue Every day you turn on your TV, your radio, or you pick of a local daily paper, and when you do, you're either there or you're not. They're either covering subject matter and issues that are of concern to you or they're not. I can remember watching TV as a child and not really being fazed by the absence of African-American characters. I was crazy about "Sheriff John," "My Friend Flicka" and the Mouseketeers. Oh, there was "Amos 'n Andy," but we didn't talk like them and they seemed too old and too stiff and, most of the time, I laughed at them rather than with them. As I grew older, I watched eagerly any time there was an African-American character allowed in a story line. I remember cringing when they were continually cast in stereotypical roles. I seldom remember reading about our minority accomplishments in the mainstream news, and it was really something when my aunt, who was a pioneer African-American journalist, wrote an article of note and got crossover recognition in the mainstream press. Then came the re-occurring African-American characters like Link in "Mod Squad," and "Julia," and Bill Cosby in "I Spy." These characters were pivotal because they entered living rooms across this nation on a weekly basis and they began to expand peoples' comfort zones to the point that it is now generally accepted to have a sprinkling of African-American characters in almost any story line. No one really gets shocked anymore when these images appear on the screen. What does this have to do with lesbian and gay images in the media? Well, it's actually a very similar evolution. Now, as an adult lesbian, I watch eagerly anytime there is a lesbian or gay character allowed in a story line. I look for coverage of our issues in the mainstream newsprint - oh yes, we have or own community rags and we always will, but it really felt good to see the front page spreads covering our wonderful March on Washington and other issues germane to our community. We watch and wait and actively advocate for those re-occurring roles, because they, too, will be pivotal. These images of lesbians and gay men will enter living rooms across America on a regular basis and they will have much to do with how America defines you and me as lesbian and gay folk. That's why the work we do here at GLAAD/LA is vital. We monitor just how the media presents us. We educate them and heighten their sensitivity when they're off center, and we applaud their efforts when their portrayals are accurate and balanced. Over the years, we have managed to make and maintain dialogue with most of the major media outlets in this town...and that feels good! You know, it wasn't that long ago that you ONLY saw stereotypical portrayals of ourselves in TV and film, and all our issues were covered on the obituary page. Now, in no way are we here at GLAAD/LA trying to take claim to all the progress that has been made, but we can certainly see the changes since GLAAD has been in existence. More and more, you're there. From the integration of more lesbian and gay roles into your evening entertainment to lesbian and gay issues featured topics for hard hitting new reports; the work we do here at GLAAD/LA comes to fruition in the newsprint and over the air waves, and it is most rewarding to be a part of the driving force to make these things happen. That's what I want to share with you, THAT REWARDING FEELING. You know, no matter what your primary community affiliation is, you should also be a member of GLAAD/LA, because this organization works for YOU on a daily basis. Even when you're tired and just don't give a damn, we're there working for you. For a scant $35.00 a year, you can support our efforts, continue to receive this newsletter delivered to your home each month, and also be a member of GLAAD/USA. GLAAD/USA is our newly incorporated federation of local GLAAD chapters. GLAAD/USA galvanizes our voices from across the nation and sanctions us to monitor and respond with a national voice. Where else could you get so much for so little? How else could you have such a far reaching impact? If you find a better way, please let me know. Until then, please clip the membership form from the back of this newsletter and send it to: GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093. We thank you, we appreciate you, we love you. FILM AND TELEVISION GLAAD/LA at the Movies GLAAD/LA and the Women of GLAAD/LA will be co-sponsoring, with the Gay & Lesbian Media Coalition (GLMC), three screenings during the 11th Annual International Gay & Lesbian Film & Video Festival. The Festival, which is sponsored by the GLMC, will have its gala opening on July 8, and the GLAAD/LA co-sponsored presentations will be on Friday night, July 9 and Saturday, July 10. Leading off GLAAD's participation will be the Women of GLAAD/LA's co-sponsorship of "Thank God I'm A Lesbian" (1992, Canada). This 55 minute film showcases writers Sarah Schulman, Dionne Brand and Nicole Brossard, musician Lee Pui Ming and other prominent women speaking frankly and eloquently about issues ranging from coming out, racism, bisexuality and lesbian literature. Inclusive of various and often contradictory points of view, "Thank God I'm A Lesbian" proposes an alternative vision of self and community that is portrayed as realistic and positive. The film is directed by Laurie Colbert and Dominique Cardona. The film short, "Rules of the Road" by Sue Friedrich (1993, USA), fills out the evening's program. (Tickets: $8.00 each.) On Saturday, July 10, there will be two GLAAD/LA co-sponsored screenings. The first will be at 4:30pm and features the video "The Gay Agenda," which was created by the political and Christian right wing as part of its hate campaign against lesbians and gays. Appearing during the presentation will be activists (from both sides of the fence) on issues confronting the queer community and the various counterattacks being mounted by the right wing. Videos to be seen include: "The Gay Agenda" distributed by the Oregon Political Action Committee (1992, USA); "The Heterosexual Agenda" distributed by Deep Dish Television (1993, USA); and excerpts from the "Clinton Inauguration Exposed" distributed by Jerry Falwell and "The Old Time Gospel Hour" (1993,USA). (Tickets: $7.50 each.) Finally on Saturday, July 10, at 7:30pm, the video "To Support and Defend" will be screened. Produced by a group of lesbian and gay professionals in the entertainment community as a response to the Senate Armed Services Committee hearings on homosexuals in the military, the video, which is moderated by Cybil Shepherd, focuses on a group of extraordinary Americans who have served with distinction in the Armed Forces. However, because they admitted being lesbian or gay, they have been labeled "unfit" for military service. Through intimate profiles and perspectives, and supported by interviews with straight comrades-in-arms and families, the video shows the human faces and feelings of those who are most affected by the ban. "To Support and Defend," Parade Pictures (1993, USA), will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and interviewees. (Tickets: $10.00 each. $2.00 from each ticket will go to GLAAD/LA's media advocacy efforts to lift the ban.) Tickets for these three screenings may be obtained from Theatix at (213) 466-1767 (11:00am to 7:00pm, Tues. - Sun.); To charge by FAX (213) 466-6972 (24 hours a day); GLAAD/LA Office: (213) 463-3632; GLMC may be reached at (213) 650-5133. "Cheers" to Gay Couple It was great to be included in the second most watched TV broadcast in history: "Cheers," the last episode, aired on May 20 on NBC-TV. Diane's character was brought back for the last episode. She called to Sam and said she was coming to Boston and was going to bring her husband, Reed. Sam immediately asks Rebecca to pose as his "wife" and to be with him at dinner with Diane and Reed. As it turns out, Reed was just a show for Sam, the same as Rebecca was a show for Diane. The whole charade falls to pieces when Rebecca's boyfriend comes to the restaurant and asks her to marry him. She says yes, and after they leave, Reed's "Muffin" comes in looking to see why he's been left for the weekend. He mistakenly thinks that Sam is the "other man." Reed rushes from the dinner table after "Muffin," leaving Sam and Diane to themselves. The whole idea of Rebecca and Sam pulling off this fake marriage for the sake of Diane was very funny and that she would do the same silly thing with her gay friend was great. Although some may have felt that the terms of endearment were stereotypical, the overall portrayal of us in the show was positive. Bigotry and Death The May 12 episode of NBC's "Law & Order" was entitled "Manhood" and dealt forcefully and honestly with the problems facing police officers who come out or become known as gay or lesbian to their colleagues. A production of Universal Television, the program was heralded as a "ground-breaking commentary on bigotry in America today." And, it certainly was. The story involved a young officer responding to an emergency situation. Back-up is called but doesn't arrive in time to save the officer from being killed. A question arises over why back-up - in this case two different units - didn't arrive in time to prevent the killing. As the investigation unfolds the suspected killer, who is a drug dealer, is picked-up and reveals that he saw a police car sitting around the corner from the murder scene. We then learn that the police car was one of the back-up units and that the young officer who was killed was gay. The gay cop's partner discloses that he, too, is gay and that he wants a quick transfer from his present precinct because he suspects a conspiracy among his fellow officers to get rid of any gay cops. The story reaches the trial stage and not only are the back-up officers shown to be involved but that their captain is also aware and involved. The officers are tried and found not guilty. That parallels can be drawn to the attitude of some military and police situations in America today is not surprising. "Law & Order" certainly presented a timely, honest and sophisticated look at the problems lesbians and gay men face, as a matter of course, as they try to serve their community or country. Your comments may be directed to: Dick Wolf, Executive Producer, "Law & Order," MCA/Bldg. 69F, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. Unbalanced Balance Have you noticed most of the times "The Jerry Springer Show" (KCAL-TV, ch. 9, weekdays) features an episode on gay/lesbian issues, they bring on a far-right hatemonger to denounce us? Why? Is this the show's clumsy attempt at "balance?" Would they bring on a KKK spokesperson every time they did an episode of interest to African-Americans" We think not. Write to the show's Executive Producer, Burt Dubrow, and ask that the show be more responsible in the way it produces episodes on gay/lesbian themes. Balance, responsibility and moderation should be the hallmarks, not shrill fag-baiting. Write to: Mr. Burt Dubrow, Executive Producer, "The Jerry Springer Show," P.O. Box 4113, Chicago, IL 60654. "A damn lesbian," says Helms... Achtenberg Nominated and Confirmed C-SPAN recorded the three days of hearings around the nomination of Roberta Achtenberg as the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing at the Department of Housing and Development. Senator Barbara Boxer testified that the hearings should have lasted only three hours, but arch-conservative, Senator Jesse Helms, claimed he wouldn't vote for "a damn lesbian," and led a campaign to block her nomination. In a surprise turn of events, Senator Claiborne Pell (D-R.I.) said he had "a personal reason" for supporting Achtenberg. His own daughter is a lesbian. Senator Pell stated, "I know I would want my daughter to be treated fairly if she were the nominee before us today." After the affirmative vote, Achtenberg became the highest ranking open lesbian (or gay) in the Clinton Administration. Off-the-Wall Street Journal... In an editorial titled "Bill and Roberta," the May 26 issue of The Wall Street Journal condemned the U.S. Senate's confirmation of Robert Achtenberg as Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. According to the Journal, Achtenberg "decided to teach those 12-year-old (Boy Scout) bigots a lesson (by) introducing a successful resolution to direct the city (of San Francisco) to cut its financial ties to the Bank of America." That this statement is inflammatory and false didn't seem to faze the editorial writers at the Journal. (The resolution was not successful and Achtenberg's attention was directed at the adult leadership of the BSA.) Not content with this distortion, the editorial writers went further, "The broader society doesn't want to punish gays, but it doesn't want to endorse their lifestyle either, especially when it comes to instructing children...A presidency that sides with the values of Roberta Achtenberg over the values of the Boy Scouts is heading for a big fall." Comments to: Paul E. Steiger, Managing Editor, The Wall Street Journal, 200 Liberty Street, New York 10281. Oprah! Oprah Winfrey is conducting a 12 part series on the family. In May, she included lesbians and a gay male couple as part of the series. The show was entitled "The New Gay and Lesbian Baby Boom." Roberta Stokes and Jaque Dupree appeared with their two children and talked about their lives as African-American mothers and lovers. Two corporate lawyers, Ron and John, had a baby through a surrogate mother. They had a baby shower for their daughter and talked about their families' reactions. April Martin, PhD, author of "The Lesbian and Gay Parenting Handbook," also appeared to talk about good parenting among lesbians and gays. Hearty applause from the audience when Dr. Martin said she hoped every baby would be "as planned for and as wanted as the children of gay and lesbian people." Pamela and Rusty, lesbian lovers, appeared with their six kids as proof of the benefits of living in a warm, loving home. A man in the audience called an openly gay man in the audience "a fruitcake." Oprah immediately reprimanded him saying "We are not going to tolerate name calling," and made him apologize. Oprah's ability to be personal, professional, thorough and informative keeps her audience's interest and attention. And her at the top of the ratings. Comments to: Ms. Debby di Maio, Executive Producer, "Oprah Winfrey Show," c/o Harpo Inc., 110 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, IL 60607. RADIO AND PRINT "Lesbian Chic" Now this is news. We have reached lift off...or have we? For an entire week, New York magazine appeared on newsstands across the country, bold letters on the cover announcing Jeanie Russell Kasindorf's feature piece, "Lesbian Chic." Imagine the word "Chic" following the word "Lesbian!" And to back it up, a full page photograph of a sultry k.d. lang that simply proclaimed the article's subtitle: "The Bold Brave New World of Gay Women." Yeah. In its soup-to-nuts approach, the article includes: Roberta Achtenberg, Ingrid Sischy, Sandra Bernhard, The Lesbian Avengers (of chasing-Denver-Mayor-to-breakfast fame), Torie Osborn, Martina, Gertrude Stein, Rita Mae, GLAAD, Lea DeLaria, "Seinfeld," Banana Republic and Diane Salvatore among others. In fact, the piece covers so much ground that the topics mentioned could make a a year's worth of feature stories. Will the interest continue? Is the future here, or is this just our own fifteen minutes of fame? In the midst of all of this star power, there was also a discussion of one of the biggest lesbian issues today - invisibility. "We have been the stepchildren of two movements," said Torie Osborn, "the feminist movement and the gay movement." Rita Mae Brown adds, "Gay men have always treated women the same way straight men have treated straight women. There was always this feeling we let the gay men speak for us and then we do the work." The piece reports: AIDS kills, but more lesbians die of breast cancer, which is almost never discussed. Four to eight times more gay women have been discharged from the military than gay men, but the debate continues in a mostly male forum. Child care and education rarely see gay men showing interest. Even Kasindorf felt a need to talk about lesbians as measured against gay men. Why aren't we just ourselves? The populist in us must enjoy this piece enormously. Anything that takes the sleaze and demons-from-hell image from the concept of lesbianism while raising visibility is of tremendous value. Yet it is the purist in us that must make the feminist argument, "why must we be chic, fashionable to attract positive coverage in the first place?" Comments to: Edward Kosner, Editor and President, New York 755 Second Avenue, New York 10017. KNX Programming Raises Questions GLAAD wants to know why gay-friendly KNX Newsradio 1070, the CBS-owned and operated radio station in Los Angeles, continues to purchase and air syndicated programming from right-wing homophobe "Rev." James Dobson? By providing a secular forum for Dobson on psychological issues and "good parenting," three times daily, KNX lends credibility to this fearmonger and right-wing activist, whose "Focus on the Family" operation in Colorado Springs spearheaded the anti-gay initiative in Colorado. Write to KNX and ask them to purchase their syndicated features on psychology and family matters from a less hateful source. Dobson may be smooth and friendly on the air, but read up on "Focus on the Family" and you'll find the truth. Mr. George Nicholaw, Vice-President/General Manager, KNX Newsradio 1070, 6121 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90028. Newsweek Poll In the avalanche of media attention the March on Washington received, it should come as no surprise that Newsweek published a poll on "What Gays and Lesbians Think." It is encouraging that the views of the lesbian and gay community are considered valuable and that Newsweek took the time to commission the poll. It was also interesting to read the questions and to learn of the approve/disapprove percentages as disclosed in their May 3 issue. What was not so encouraging was to speak to two poll respondents who reported being contacted by the Princeton Survey Research Associates, the organization conducting the poll for Newsweek. Yes, the questions as printed in Newsweek were what they were asked. But the pollsters never mentioned the fact that the polling was being done only among "400 gay men and lesbians drawn from lists compiled by Strubco, Inc., of 400,000 who have associated themselves with gay and lesbian interests and activities." Both poll respondents felt that they could have been more open and would have responded more directly and intelligently if they had been told up-front that this was a poll being done among gay and lesbians only. Not reported in Newsweek was the barrage of "personal" questions regarding sexual orientation that followed the political questions. Comments to: Richard M. Smith, Editor-in-Chief and President, Newsweek, 444 Madison Avenue, New York 10022. National Catholic Reporter: Duped or? The National Catholic Reporter (NCR), a news journal with a liberal reputation, carried a reprint of an article first published by the San Diego News Notes that consisted of an interview with Dr. Joseph Nicolosi. The interview of Nicolosi, who has gained an infamous reputation for his "reparative therapy" (i.e. turning you straight for a price) and his homophobic writings and utterances, somehow gained favor with the editors of NCR and was given space in the May 7 issue. The article, complete with picture, paraded his time-worn and debunked doggerel to an audience that may not be aware of his sleazy reputation. And worse, the NCR offered no rebuttal, challenge or clarification regarding the statements made by Nicolosi. In a letter sent to the NCR by GLAAD/LA friend, David Beaulieu, it was pointed out that "For a liberal journal to print the opinions of an advocate of the thoroughly discredited reparative therapy is astounding...Efforts by the likes of Nicolosi just contribute to the dangerously low self-esteem of vulnerable gay and lesbian youth and to the vicious campaign of hatred (by) the fundamentalist crazies." In a follow-up, David reported that the NCR issue following the Nicolosi interview carried many letters critical of the false representations of Nicolosi and the NCR decision to print it. Your comments may be directed to: Editor-in-Chief, National Catholic Reporter, Kansas City, Missouri 64141; San Diego News Notes, P.O. Box 84507, San Diego, CA 92138. "The Boys and the Ban"... Details Impressive In the June issue of Details magazine, correspondent John Weir writes about "The Boys and the Ban: Gay Life in the Marines." The author visited Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, "to uncover the roots of rage and self-loathing in the U.S. Military." (GLAAD/LA Reports Jan. '93 and Mar. '93) Wier offers many important details and overlooked stories that have not been explored in other mainstream media, including the outright advocacy of gay-bashing on the military base. The same issue of Details carried a survey of sexual habits, which included responses from gay readers. Comments to: James Truman, Editor-in-Chief, Details, 632 Broadway, New York 10012. Reprint from "Family News in Focus"... "VA Parents Fight Back" "Parents in Fairfax County, Virginia say they're being ignored by county officials who pledge to distribute a homosexual newspaper at local libraries. Dave Henderson says he's formed a group of parents with something to say to county officials. "(Dave Henderson) 'We're not going to put up with it. And if you all won't get this thing out of there, then we will take it upon ourselves, on our own time, on a weekly basis, to go in and destroy every copy of this magazine that we can find.' "Henderson says 'several hundred' parents now visit local libraries and throw away every copy of the publication known as the "Washington Blade" that they can find." Washington Blade Responds... Verifying the fact that the Washington Blade continues to be under attack in Fairfax County was T.J. Mueller, circulation manager for the Blade. In a telephone interview, GLAAD/LA Reports was told that the Library Board ruled in favor of maintaining the distribution of the Blade in its 22 branches in March. The library staffs are supportive of the decision of the Board, and, if it is noticed that the copies of the Blade are missing, they are replaced. In addition, according to T.J., some of the branches of the library are under surveilance by Blade undercover employees and are taking down license plate numbers of suspects. What type of legal action is appropriate or available is being pursued. Comments to: Washington Blade, 1408 "U" Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009-3916. ADVERTISING Which Companies Discriminate, Which Ones Don't GLAAD/LA has started an advertising watch, and we need your help. The Media Outreach Comittee wants to inform the gay and lesbian community of advertisers who either support our community or contribute to censorship of programs with gay or lesbian content. The next time you watch television keep a pencil and paper handy. If there is such content, jot down the name of the show, its sponsors and products. Then call this information into the GLAAD/LA Hotlines: English (213) 931-9429; Spanish (213) 463-4673. This will help us to learn which companies are inclusive with their advertising budgets. 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 not advertise on programs that are lesbian and gay positive. Any information would be treated in confidence. The Media Outreach Committee will be meeting the third Tues. of each month (for July that will be the 20th) at 7:00 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 B. Keegan or Jehan Agrama, Outreach Committee, Media Co-Chairs, (213) 463-3632. GLAAD NEWS GLAAD/USA on Clinton Compromise Text of GLAAD/USA Press Release The united chapters of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance against Defamation (GLAAD/USA) are disappointed and dismayed by President Bill Clinton's recent endorsement of a "compromise" on ending the ban on lesbians and gay men in the military, and expressing his concern about appearing to "endorse the gay lifestyle." The only thing being "endorsed" by maintaining the ban on openly lesbian and gay soldiers is hypocrisy and discrimination. Furthermore, there is no lesbian or gay "lifestyle." We are as diverse in the ways we live our lives as heterosexuals. What we have in common is our sexual orientation. President Clinton's statements, both in tone and substance, backpedal to the forces of prejudice and discrimination. President Clinton's willingness to "compromise" our rights and establish separate rules of conduct for heterosexuals and gays in the military sends a chilling message about his commitment to the basic rights of all Americans. A "Don't ask - Don't tell" policy for lesbian and gay soldiers is a reconstituted "Separate but Equal" doctrine, and in an insult to the many lesbians and gays who have served and continue to serve honorably in our nation's armed forces. (GLAAD/USA, the umbrella organization for all GLAAD chapters, fights for fair accurate, and inclusive representations of lesbians and gay men.) An open letter to Representative Frank... Barney Frank Takes His Cue From Hollywood by Michael Kearns Openly gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), obviously taking his cue from Hollywood, has proposed that gays and lesbians should be allowed to remain in the military as long as they do not reveal their sexual orientation while on duty. "It's a policy that says, "Don't ask, don't tell, and don't listen, and don't investigate," Frank says. For gays and lesbians in the entertainment industry, Frank's "solution" is painfully familiar, mirroring a code of silence which has existed in Hollywood since before the talkies replaced sound. Hollywood continues to put up with homosexuals among their ranks -- as long as they keep their personal lives a secret, or, better yet, Hollywood homosexuals are tolerated if they can act well enough to pass for straight. This "Don't ask, don't tell" code of secrecy continues to inform Hollywood of the nineties: How many actors, as well as other industry-related professionals, remain closeted in fear of losing their livelihood? When will Hollywood consider lifting the ban on gay and lesbians in the entertainment industry? Including those who choose to be openly gay. While openly gay or lesbian soldiers supposedly threaten the morale of the military by what they do privately off the battlefield, openly gay and lesbian actors purportedly tarnish the morale of Hollywood by what they do privately off the soundstage. To suggest an actor's sexual orientation has anything to do with the art of acting is as specious as arguing that a soldier's sexual orientation has any bearing on his or her ability to serve their country. Hundreds of homosexual actors and actresses have been fooling us for years; that's what required of actors: the ability to make believe. Knowing that a gay actor portraying a heterosexual isn't really straight is no different than knowing Clint Eastwood isn't really a gun-toting, shoot 'em up cowboy. In a town which takes every opportunity to show off its AIDS awareness, no number of red ribbons -- the de rigueur symbol of Hollywood society's liberalness -- has diminished fear in the hearts of gay and lesbian actors who remain padlocked behind closeted doors. While Hollywood has witnessed the emergence of openly gay writers, directors, producers, etcetera, actors are still forced to live by "regulations: -- like those in the military -- which need to be broken. Why do gays and lesbians -- including some of us who make a living as actors -- insist on being open? If you are heterosexual, imagine going through life denying who you are on a daily basis. Don't ask, don't tell. Don't tell anyone about your mate or who you date; don't tell if you have children; don't tell where you live; don't tell anyone what you did on the weekend. Don't reveal yourself to your peers: try it for twenty-four hours. Understandably, closetedness in Hollywood and the military has spurred well-documented atrocities including suicides and deaths from alcoholism and drug addiction. One simply cannot perform one's job satisfactorily -- whether on the battlefield or soundstage -- when forced to constantly hide, deny, lie. After years of living an unencumbered, uncloseted life, one wonders if Rep. Barney Frank could easily shift into the "don't ask, don't tell" mode? (Editor's note: Michael Kearns is an openly gay actor-writer and the Artistic Director of Artists Confronting AIDS.) Join GLAAD/LA Now! As of August 1, 1993, GLAAD/LA Reports will only be sent to paid members. GLAAD/LA is having a membership drive in order to increase the number of paid members. The more paid members we have the greater influence we will have in the media and in the lesbian and gay community. As of August 1, only paid members will continue to have our newsletter, GLAAD/LA Reports, sent to their homes. See the enclosed membership application in this newsletter. The annual basic membership is $35.00 for an individual and $50.00 for a household. Some of the benefits membership provides include: Advance notice of GLAAD/LA and Women of GLAAD/LA events. No extra charge to attend GLAAD/LA or Women of GLAAD/LA events. A year's subscription to GLAAD/LA Reports. Monthly programmatice membership meetings. For more information please call the GLAAD/LA office at (213) 463-3632. Unity In Diversity by Carol Anderson, Veronica Davis and Robin Podolsky Diversity in Hollywood: It Doesn't Exist (Yet) by Veronica Davis The May 21 edition of Entertainment Weekly contained an article entitled "Where Hollywood Fears to Tread," outlining Hollywood's reluctance to deal with AIDS and homosexuality in film. The article goes on to say that the success of "The Crying Game" and the Pulitzer-and-GLAAD Media Award-winning play "Angels in America" has paved the way for the production of more gay and AIDS-themed projects. There are several promising projects in various stages of development at the major studios including "Philadelphia," an AIDS-related court drama from TriStar, "The Normal Heart," Larry Kramer's play about the early days of the AIDS epidemic, and "Cure," Francis Ford Coppola's "science-fiction" story about scientists' search for a cure for AIDS. The attention being given to AIDS by Hollywood is certainly welcome as AIDS is considered the world's first truly global epidemic, according to the Hollywood Supports newsletter, The Supporter. Statistics from WHO and CDC indicate that 14 million men and women are infected with HIV worldwide and the largest rate of increase is among heterosexual women. In Hollywood's Year of the Woman, of the 18 or so gay/lesbian/AIDS projects currently being discussed or produced, 11 stories are specifically about AIDS, 16 have men as leads and only two are lesbian-themed. Of these two, one is the New Line Cinema release "Three of Hearts" which really isn't lesbian-themed at all, and the other, "Not for Profit" a Jennie Livingston project, has not found much financial backing. Livingston's project is also billed as an interracial lesbian love story, which would make it a welcome change to the standard Hollywood fare. With a president who promises to make government "look more like America" and at a time when "Unity Through Diversity" surfaces as one of the nation's priorities, it seems critical that Hollywood follow suit in order to facilitate this process. To that end, stories about gay men who don't have HIV or AIDS (a lover story perhaps?), strong women who may or may not be lesbians and lesbians of color are desperately desired by this community and perhaps the nation at large. This is one area where playing it "safe" is no longer admirable. Making movies that attract Americans in all their diversity could be quite profitable if given a chance. Executive Director's Column by Lee Werbel Things have really moved in a fast pace around here. I want to take a minute to say Hello to everyone. For those of you who are curious as to why I am writing the Executive Director's column now and David M. Smith is not, here's a recap. In February, David was offered the job as Communications Director for the Campaign for Military Service in Washington, D.C. He went to Washington, on loan from GLAAD/LA, to work to lift the ban against lesbians and gay men in the military for this six month period. As a member of the Board of Directors, and as an independent consultant, I was in a position to step into the job as Deputy Director while David remained our Executive Director. Recently, he accepted the position of Public Information Officer with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. He will be again working with Torie Osborn with whom he worked closely at The Center. The Board of Directors offered me the position of Executive Director and I gladly accepted. It has been a whirlwind (actually since I began in February). Our battle combatting homophobia in the entertainment industry and all the media is not an easy one. We know that media portrayals of lesbians and gays are still often negative and inaccurate, based on stereotypes and misinformation instead of reality. GLAAD/LA is the recipient of a $30,000 grant from Hollywood Supports to provide an additional way to decrease homophobia in the entertainment industry. GLAAD/LA and Hollywood Supports will jointly provide sensitivity training on heterosexism through the creation of two publications and the training of volunteers who will go into entertainment industry corporations and conduct Sexual Orientation Sensitivity seminars. And speaking of training and positive examples...actor Neil Tadken is to be commended for his commitment and success at creating "Day of Compassion" for daytime television on June 21, 1993. The focus of the project was the need for a compassionate response to people with HIV and AIDS. Daytime dramas and talk show including ABC's "One Life to Live," "General Hospital," "Loving" and "All My Children," and NBC's "Days of Our Lives" each produced storylines dealing with AIDS. "Donahue," "The Maury Povich Show," "Sally Jesse Raphael" and "John and Leeza in Hollywood" also aired AIDS related programs in support of the event. The national media attention generated served to create awareness and compassion far beyond the usual viewership of daytime television. Neil's success is a testament to the incredible difference just one person can make. Hopefully, Hollywood's increasing sensitivity will be seen in the numerous films with AIDS themed and/or gay-and-lesbian-themed projects currently in the works: "Acceptable Risks," "And the Band Played On," "Angels in America," "Blue Earth," "The Celluloid Closet," "Cure/The Cure," "Daybreak," "The Dreyfuss," "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues," "Falsettos," "Family Values," "Farewell to My Concubine," "Good Days," "The Mayor of Castro Street," "The Normal Heart," Not for Profit," "The Object of My Affection," "Philadelphia," "Pursuit of Happiness," "Reunion," "Via Appia" and "The Wedding Reception." SIDE BARS General Meeting: July 27 The July GLAAD/LA General Meeting will be held on July 27 at 7:00 pm. Come to: Temple Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6000 W. Pico Blvd. (just east of Crescent Heights). Refreshments are available and guests are welcomed. Love Match Women of GLAAD/LA, in support of Lesbian Visibility Week, present "An Evening with Judy Nelson and co-author Sandra Faulkner" discussing the recently published book, "Love Match: Nelson vs. Navratilova," on Monday, July 26 at 7:00pm at the Pacific Design Center. Sheila James Kuehl will be the special guest moderator at this special event which will be held in the Center Green Theatre Complex, Floor 2, at 8687 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. Ms. Nelson and Ms. Faulkner will be available for book signing from 9:00pm to 9:30pm. Tickets at the door are $10.00 and Pacific Design Center parking is $1.50. For additional information call GLAAD/LA at (213) 463-3632. Monitor/Response Spread Too Thin For those of you that are avid channel 7 (KABC-TV) and channel 9 (KCAL-TV) news watchers, we apologize for their omission from the March on Washington Media Coverage Graph in the June, GLAAD/LA Reports. We only had a limited number of monitors compiling the information for the Monitor/Response Committee and those channels were missed. We appreciate those of you who called to the hotlines and letting us know that they, too, had good coverage. Nuart On Cutting Edge The Nuart Theater in West Los Angeles is becoming the year-round place to see gay and lesbian themed films. A quick check of their schedule reveals films such as Barbara Hammer's "Nitrate Kisses;" "Forbidden Love, The Unashamed Stories of Lesbian Love;" and finally "Okoge" ("oh-koh-gay"), an acclaimed film from Japan on gay life in that country as seen through the eyes of an accepting young girl, coming during the summer. Articles, letters, etc. for GLAAD/LA Reports: July 1st Deadline 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. For the August newsletter all material needs to be submitted on or before July 1. GLAAD/LA Reports welcomes your participation and invites you to attend the Monitor/Response Committee meetings in July on the 8th and 22nd. Send your comments, articles, letters or other submissions 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, FAX (213) 257-5878. Updates to Handy Media Guide The Handy Media Guide, which is printed on the inside back page of GLAAD/LA Reports, now has listings for the national television news bureaus. They are ABC News, (212) 456-7777, Roone Arledge, President, 47 W. 66th Street, New York 10023; CBS News, (212) 975-4321, Eric Ober, President, 524 W. 57th Street, New York 10019; NBC News, (212) 664-4444, Andrew Lack, President, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10112; and PBS, (703) 739-5000, Jennifer Lawson, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314. Also, C-SPAN (1 or 2), (202) 737-3270, Mr. Brian Lamb, Chairman/CEO, 400 N. Capitol NW, #650, Washington, D.C. 20001. Monitor/Response Committee Described as the heart and soul of GLAAD is the Monitor/Response committee. This committee monitors what's happening in the media and entertainment industries and writes letters, makes phone calls and produces articles for the GLAAD/LA newsletter. But there's a lot of media to monitor and respond to and we need your help. Do you own a television? A video cassette recorder? Then you already have two of the basic "tools of the trade." The committee could really use more television watchers, but movie, radio and print media hounds are also welcome. Do you have friends who absorb popular culture like a sponge? Send them down. Few like to admit that they watch TV, but we know you're out there. Co-Chairs are Ruthe Canter and Anne Dutton. Please join us, we need your help. Meetings in July are on the 8th and 22nd at 7:30 pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood; (213) 463-3632. Women of GLAAD to Meet Tues., July 6 The Women of GLAAD Caucus meeting will be on Tues., July 6, 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. Tracy Stern is Chair. For more information: GLAAD Office, (213) 463-3632. GLAAD/LA Wish List... FAX Machine Two/Thirds There: Can You Help? GLAAD/LA is very close to obtaining one of the prime items on its Wish List: a programmable FAX. All that is needed is another $600 and we move into the modern age. Can you help? One donor with $600, or two with $300, etc. would put us over the top. If you can help us in the "home stretch," please send your check, labeled "FAX machine" in the notation area, to: GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093. GLAAD/LA Reports... Advertising Information Interest by potential advertisers in GLAAD/LA Reports is on the increase, according to Advertising Editor Margo Strik. She cites the newsletters quality, wide distribution and attractive advertising rates as responsible for the climbing interest. GLAAD/LA Reports is mailed to 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, new prices, deadlines, etc. is available by calling: Margo Strik at (213) 259-9208. GLAAD/LA 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, and 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. Archives Volunteers are needed to enter date on our computers for our video archives. Please contact the GLAAD office at (213) 463-3632 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. But, we need more volunteers. Can you, or someone you know, start watching and clipping the Daily News, Los Angeles Times, or any other newspaper? 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, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093-1763; FAX (213) 463-4923; or call the hotlines, English (213) 931-9429; Spanish (213) 463-4673 and report it. GLAAD/LA Office Volunteers Yearning to have your finger on the pulse of combatting homophobia and heterosexism in the media? Interested in seeing first hand how GLAAD operates? Want to assist our weary overworked office staff? GLAAD is looking for people to volunteer in the office to help with phones, faxing, mailings and general office duties. Volunteer some time and make a difference. Call Nancy at the office: (213) 463-3632. Call GLAAD/LA BBS GLAAD/LA members may pick up GLAAD/LA Reports on the GLAAD Bulletin Board, (213) 463-9257, with no charge. "Send Me Some 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. 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 may also purchase copies at A Different Light Bookstore. Campaign for Military Service, 2027 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20036; (202) 265-6666, FAX (202) 265-7393. President Bill Clinton, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500, Phone (202) 456-1111, FAX (202 456-2461); General Colin Powell, Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301-5000, Phone (703) 697-9121, FAX (703) 697-8758; Senator Sam Nunn, Dirksen Senate Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20504, Phone (202) 224-3521, FAX (202) 224-0072. Toll-free Hotline 1-(800)-258-2222 (ask for Hotline Operator #9355). Callers can send high-impact messages to their two senators and congressional representative for $8.75. "Willing to Fight - Lift the Ban" Poster Available To help focus attention on lifting the ban and demanding equal rights for all Amercians, GLAAD/LA is offering a "Lift the Ban" poster. In full color and suitable for framing, the poster can be ordered for $5.00 each, plus $2.75 postage and handling. Send your check to: GLAAD/LA, 7033 Sunset Blvd., #304, Hollywood 90028; (213) 463-3632. United States Senate Armed Services Committee The following Senators are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee listening to testimony on lifting the ban on gay and lesbian citizens serving in the military. Lobbying groups are intensifying their pressure as the July deadline approaches. Consider making your opinions known to as many Senators as possible. Contact your friends or relatives in the home states of these Senators and encourage them to phone or write. Correspondences may be addressed to each Senator followed by: Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510. (All telephone numbers are area code 202) Chairperson: Sam Nunn (D-GA) 224-3521 Democrats: Robert Byrd (D-WV) 224-3954 Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) 224-5521 James Exon (D-NE) 224-4224 John Glenn (D-OH) 224-3353 Bob Graham (D-FL) 224-3041 Edward Kennedy (D-MA) 224-4523 Carl Levin (D-MI) 224-6221 Joe Lieberman (D-CT) 224-4041 Charles Robb (D-VA) 224-4024 Richard Shelby (D-AL) 224-5744 Republicans: Dan Coats (R-IN) 224-5623 William Cohen (R-ME) 224-2523 Lauch Faircloth (R-NC) 224-3154 Dirk Kempthorne (R-ID) 224-6142 Trent Lott (R-MS) 224-6253 John McCain R-AZ) 224-2235 Robert Smith (R-NH) 224-2841 Strom Thurmond (R-SC) 224-5972 John Warner (R-VA) 224-2023 Calendar dates: July 1 Thursday Deadline for July GLAAD/LA Reports July 6 Tuesday Women of GLAAD, 7:00pm 7033 Sunset July 7 Wednesday Community Outreach (Speakers) 7:30pm 7033 Sunset July 8 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset July 13 Tuesday GLAAD/LA Board Meeting 7:30pm 7033 Sunset July 20 Tuesday Media Outreach 7:00pm 7033 Sunset July 22 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset July 26 Monday "An Evening with Judy Nelson" July 27 Tuesday General Meeting 7:00pm 6000 Pico