GLAAD/LA Reports - August Issue Carl Matthes, Editor (213) 254-2726/FAX (213) 257-5878 Cracking the Invisibility Barrier Newsweek: "The Power and the Pride" "Coming Out Strong/What are the Limits of Tolerance?" U.S. News & World Report: "Straight Talk About Gays" "Where a Concerned America Draws the Line" Vanity Fair: "k.d.lang's Edge: Crossing Over, Catching Fire" There were lesbians and gays all over the place as three of the nation's leading magazines, Newsweek (June 21 issue), U.S. News & World Report (July 5 issue) and Vanity Fair (August issue) featured cover stories on lesbian/gay issues and personalities. From Vanity, with a cover showing the super talented country "Ingenue" k.d. lang sitting in a barber chair about to be shaved by a scantily clad Cindy Crawford, to the social and political activism covered in Newsweek and U.S. News, lesbians and gay men have never been more visible. Our report: >From invisibility to... Gracing the cover of the June 21 issue of Newsweek were Ashley Herrin and Catherine Angiel, two women who happen to be lesbians. The cover, complete with attractive color and pose, glossy finish and bold type, may help to shatter the media-constructed image of lesbians as ice-pick wielding psychos, and begin the debate on why "Lesbians have always been the invisible homosexuals..." Inside, seven pages featured insights on the strides lesbians are making politically. ("Now these women are stepping front and center.") Also included: a lesbian glossary, lesbians in the military, Lesbianville (aka Northhampton, MA), lesbian youth and an unabashed look at lesbian sex. Mirroring the debate over numbers were unsubstantiated statements such as, "There are an estimated 2 million to 3 million (lesbians) in the United States -- far fewer than the approximately 5 percent of the population (12 million) represented by gay men." While the article contains an undertow of homophobic fretting that visible lesbians "may test the limits of America's uneasy tolerance of homosexuality," no evidence is presented to support the idea that homosexuals in general, and lesbians in particular, should be subjected to a discussion of "limits of tolerance." We feel America's limits of tolerance would be better tested against racism, homophobia, indifference to AIDS, child abuse, homelessness, drug abuse, illiteracy, poverty, rape, incest and divorce. That Newsweek was able to step forward and present this cover story, however, testifies to the efficacy of our educational efforts and to the continued growth and power of our pride. Comments to: Richard M. Smith, Editor-in-Chief, Newsweek, 444 Madison Avenue, New York 100222. 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. "Concerned America..." The July 5 issue of U.S. News & World Report, with a cover of bold print and a gay man with a raised, clenched fist, features a well-researched and balanced story about the politics of lesbian/gay liberation in the 90's. The story presents some key areas of focus and concern for lesbian/gay activists - from civil rights advances to the question of self-definition and identity. The cover story is followed by a second feature, written by two women, which conducts an in-depth examination of the fluidity and variety of sexual expression. Unfortunately, the cover headlines are misleading and inflammatory. Anyone who looks at the cover, without reading the articles, would be led to believe that the real story here is the viewpoint of homophobic heterosexuals, flatteringly characterized as "Concerned America." As the actual article illustrates, the attitudes of Americans as a whole, in regard to all forms of sexuality, are in a state of transition. Your comments may be sent to: Mr. Mort Zuckerman, Editor-in-Chief, Publisher, U.S. News & World Report, 2400 "N" Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. "My body is very womanly"... Continuing its winning ways with eye-catching, mind-boggling covers, is Vanity Fair's August issue. Photographer Herb Ritts has clearly evoked an all "fun-and-games" attitude from his cover subjects: k.d. lang ("One of the most famous gay woman in the United States," says L.A. Times columnist, Liz Smith.), and Cindy Crawford (who needs no further clarification of identity, but whose husband is Richard Gere). While most pictures are worth a thousand words, this cover picture, plus others inside, will certainly revise that figure upward. The interview with Leslie Bennetts is articulate and thought provoking ("My body is very womanly...I don't understand my own feminine power yet...how to use (it) as a powerful tool. I use my sexuality, but I eliminate the gender from it."), and follows k.d.'s (Kathy Dawn) childhood in the Lang's home in Consort, Canada, to her latest project of supplying the music for the upcoming movie, "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" (directed by openly gay filmmaker Gus Van Sant). The article makes for a great combination of visuals and text. On lesbian issues, k.d. is not yet ready to become a spokesperson, "I'm not interested in making that my thing. I'm an artist." One surprise: in a caption to a photo, which includes k.d. saying "I have a little bit of penis envy," is an edit remark referring to sexual "preference." A small blip in an otherwise superb presentation. Comments to: Graydon Carter, Editor-in-Chief, Vanity Fair, 350 Madison Avenue, New York 10017. Co-President's Column by Dean Hansell An Open Letter to Mayor Riordan Dear Mayor Riordan: On behalf of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation/Los Angeles we would like to congratulate you on your recent victory and wish you the best of luck in your new challenges. I would also like to commend you on the actions you took as Mayor-elect by marching in the Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade (which with 400,000 attendees is second in size only to the Hollywood Christmas parade), and in appointing an openly gay Deputy Mayor for City Services, and a member of the Gay & Lesbian Police Advisory Task Force to the Police Commission. We are also aware that two of the people you have selected to be your advisors are gay. While no precise numbers exist, estimates of the size of Los Angeles' lesbian and gay community put it variously at 500,000 to 600,000 people, making it one of the City's largest groups. It is also the most diverse. We are black, Hispanic, white, Asian-American, Native American and Arab-American. We are male, female, young, old, Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Moslem and Buddhist. We are present in every board room in the City, we are lawyers, teachers, fire fighters, social workers, merchants, politicians, clergy, entertainers and, yes, even Republicans. While the lesbian and gay community has made great strides in the five years since GLAAD/LA has been in existence and in the preceding decade, we are still the one group in the United States against whom it is still permissible to discriminate. While being Mayor gives you only limited powers, there are still many things that you can do to help combat homophobia and AIDSphobia. According to the annual hate crime statistics the lesbian and gay community still remains one of the primary targets of hate crimes in Los Angeles. Only recently, for example, a young gay man, who was approaching a gay bar in Echo Park, was killed by a homophobe. Prompt investigation and response to incidents of hate crimes against not only lesbians and gays but against other groups that are frequent victims of such attacks (such as blacks and Hispanics) should be a high priority of the Police Department and the Police Commission. In addition, the treatment of lesbians and gays and people with AIDS by police, paramedics and other City employees merits your attention. While relations with the Police Department have improved substantially under Chief Williams, much more work in this area remains. Specifically, Chief Williams' efforts to improve professionalism and bolster the Police Department's Internal Affairs Unit. Further, there are incidents of gay men and people with AIDS being subject to insulting and sometimes abusive treatment by paramedics. Paramedics and other Fire Department employees, as well as police, should have sensitivity training and an effective method of handling complaints pertaining to homophobia involving Fire Department employees should be developed. Qualified lesbians and gays should be appointed to the various City commissions and to other top positions. Among the applications your transition team has received for commissioner positions are those of many highly qualified lesbians and gays. We are an integral part of Los Angeles and need to become fully represented in the governance of Los Angeles as well. As mayor of the country's second largest city, Mayor Riordan, your opinion will carry great weight. You can use your voice, if you choose, to combat hatred and prejudice against lesbians and gays and against people with AIDS. When we are under attack by religious supremacists or hate-mongering television and radio commentators or by the bigots in the extreme right wing of your own political party, you can speak out. Mayor Riordan, please join us in our struggle for acceptance and equality. Together we shall overcome..." Coretta Scott King News Conference; Supports Lifting of Military Ban Following are the remarks of Coretta Scott King, made at a June 30th news conference, urging President Clinton to revoke the ban on lesbians and gays in the military. Mrs. King attended the news conference with other civil rights leaders, which was held at the Martin Luther King, Sr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, GA. "As you know, President Clinton will soon announce his decision on what to do about the unjust ban against lesbian and gay people in the armed services. We are counting on the President to honor his pledge to end discrimination by taking clear and decisive measures to lift this un-American ban, which makes a mockery of civil and human rights in our country. "The arguments that have been raised in favor of the ban are the same arguments that were so often raised against racial integration in the past. Then, as now, we were told that making the military service more inclusive would somehow diminish morale. Then, as now, we were told that military leaders were not prejudiced, but they were concerned about 'others' who might feel that way. This is not much different from businesses which cited `customer preference' to justify their refusal to hire African-Americans to work in their stores. "Back then, certain politicians raised the fear of health risks to oppose integration, and today we hear the same irrational arguments being used to deny lesbian and gay people their human rights in the military. "The controversy over this issue indicates that homophobia, as well as other forms of prejudice and intolerance, are serious problems in the military services, as they are throughout our society. Educational programs about the destructive effects of bigoted attitudes should be made a required part of basic training for all branches of the services. "I strongly believe that freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. As my husband, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, `Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' On another occasion he said, `I have worked too long and hard against segregated public accomodations to end up segregating my moral concern. Justice is indivisible.' Like Martin, I don't believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others. "Lesbian and gay people have served their country with honor and courage in the military and other institutions since the early days of American history, and many have paid the highest price to defend the freedoms we cherish as Americans. I might also add that many lesbians and gays supported the African-American freedom struggle, and I am not going to turn my back on their movement for freedom and dignity. "The great promise of American democracy is that no group of people will be forced to suffer discrimination and injustice. I believe that eliminating this ban altogether will strengthen the military services and our country as a whole. So, I join my colleagues in calling on President Clinton to stand firm against all forms of discrimination in the military and to accept no compromises which undermine the principles of fairness and human dignity. To this endeavor, I pledge my wholehearted support, and with this committment, together we shall overcome." Your comments may be sent to: Mrs. Coretta Scott King, c/o Martin Luther King, Sr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, 449 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA. FILM AND TELEVISION "Phenomenal success..." "Day of Compassion" The observance on June 21, 1993 by the television industry of the "Day of Compassion" surpassed all original expectations, and was "a phenomenal success" according to Neil Tadken, Coordinating Director for "Day." Participating in this AIDS awareness were five major daytime dramas and almost every major syndicated talk show, entertainment news program and morning show. Participating this year were: "All My Children," "General Hospital," "Loving," "One Life to Live," "Days of Our Lives," "Geraldo," "Donahue," "Jenny Jones," "Regis & Kathie Lee," "Jerry Springer," "Montel Williams," "Maury Povich," "The Home Show" and "John & Leeza." Neil would like to single out "One Life to Live" and "Days of Our Lives" for special thanks. "One Life to Live" featured Sloane Carpenter, the previously homophobic General, speaking to a veteran's group about AIDS on his deceased son's birthday. "Days of Our Lives" constructed the most extensive scene. It revolved around a candy striper who learns a guy she knows from school is hospitalized with AIDS. The storyline dealt with her fears and what she learned from the hospital staff and friends. Several role models of compassion were presented. Already being planned is "Day of Compassion '94," which will occur on June 21, 1994. Expansion to the full spectrum of television programming is planned for the second year, as well as an effort to expand the campaign overseas. Neil credits the hard work of many people for the success this year including his co-coordinator Ari Sloane, and GLAAD/LA Board Members Jehan Agrama and Michael B. Keegan. For more information contact Neil at (213) 874-8458. Also: Linda Gottlieb, Executive Producer, Michael Malone, Headwrtier, "One Life to Live," 56 W. 66th Street, New York 10023; Mr. Tom Langan, Co-Executive Producer, "Days of Our Lives," 3000 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, CA 91505 (Conspicuous by their absence were any shows produced by Proctor & Gamble. See accompanying story under "Advertising" in this issue.) What goes around, comes around... "Chain of Desire" In an updated version of Arthur Schnitzler's classic script, "La Ronde," writer-director Temistocles Lopez presents a tour de force of mostly unconsummated sexual encounters in his film "Chain of Desire." Set in New York City, and with the specter of AIDS in mind, "Chain" pairs women with straight and bisexual men, the bisexual with a gay male hustler, the hustler with a gay couple, etc. A dozen or so other matchings later, the "daisy-chain of love affairs" is complete and we are returned to our first character, Alma (Linda Fiorentino). While the gay encounters are presented attractively and as naturally as any in this witty and well produced film, a lack of a lesbian presecnce, beyond that hinted at in a massage scene, left "Desire" incomplete. Seymour Cassel, Malcolm McDowell and Grace Zabriskie add their acting skills. A Mad Dog Pictures Release. Goldberg election... Awkward Moments for the Local Media The arrival of Jackie Goldberg to Los Angeles' 13th Council District seat is another victory for the city's gay and lesbian population, and like any major news event involving the homosexual community, it reflected the ability -- or inability -- of the local media to provide intelligent coverage. There were some awkward moments. On election night, KNBC's Paul Moyer referred to Goldberg as an "admitted lesbian," as though she had just confessed to wrongdoing. During the swearing-in ceremony, KTLA's Susan Etheridge referred to Goldberg's partner as her date -- hardly an appropriate title considering the relationship has lasted for 14 years. Perhaps the biggest problem was overlooking Goldberg -- the politician. Although the addition of an open lesbian to the city council is extremely important, newscasters ignored the issues championed by Goldberg, such as neighborhood empowerment. By referring to her repeatedly as "openly homosexual," reporters gave the impression that she would be serving only her gay and lesbian constituents while diminishing her extraordinary political abilities. By comparison, other winning council candidates, Laura Chick and Richard Alarcon, were profiled on their positions regarding crime, development and the L.A. Unified School District breakup. For Goldberg, single label coverage was superficial coverage. Sheila Kuehl on Century Cable... "Get Used To It" Gaining time on Century Cable's public access channel (channel 10 in most service areas) is "Get Used To It," hosted by attorney and activist Sheila Kuehl. The monthly programs, covering topics of current interest within the gay and lesbian community, have attracted guests such as David Mixner, Ginny Foat and Phill Wilson. Sheila, in a telephone interview, says the program is basically a "discussion among ourselves," which she hopes will foster ideas, communication and consensus in the community. Broadcast times are dependent on public access scheduling. The program in August is entitled "Voices Among Us" and will feature former NGLTF executive director Urvashi Vaid and comic Kate Clinton. For dates, times and comments write: "Get Used To It,"c/o City of West Hollywood, 8611 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069. RADIO AND PRINT More Information, Please! The 1993 edition of the best-selling Information Please Almanac (IPA) makes gays and lesbians invisible. Promoted as "the almanac for the nineties," "the new universe of information" and "the centerpiece of the world's reference shelves," IPA nonetheless omits references to significant lesbian and gay subjects. In fact, you won't find the words "lesbian," "gay" or "bisexual" in the index of this 1,024 page paperback (published annually since 1947). The section on "Law Enforcement & Crime" doesn't mention hate crimes. The lengthy "Sports" section is silent on the subject of the Gay Games. An essay on curriculum issues in "Education" never mentions the nationwide struggle to combat homophobia in school textbooks. The omissions continue through "Where to Find Out More," "U.S. Societies & Associations," "Toll-Free Numbers," and the "Ever-Changing American Family." There is an oblique, inflammatory reference under the listing "Current Events": "Philadelphian charged with spreading AIDS. Police arrest man who may have infected several hundred teen-age boys through sexual relations." IFA does update its information. Listings of pro- and anti-choice organizations, war resisters' groups, "Women's Rights" and "Native Americans" are now included. Your comments to remind the editors that gay and lesbians are essential elements in the fabric of our society, and of the nineties, can only be helpful. Write: Otto Johnson, Executive Editor and Vera Dailey, Associate Editor, The Information Please Almanac, Editorial Office, Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York 10003. "My Brother's Gay. Big Whoop." The cover of the July '93 issue of Sassy, a monthly magazine for teenage women, carries the headline: "My Brother's Gay. Big Whoop." Inside, Margie Ingall takes a look at "How My Brother Came Out," chronicling the "coming out" path taken by her brother, Andy. One accompanying photo is captioned: "It's Margie and her brother. Both of 'em grew up to like boys." The author concludes her essay on this note, "My brother is a regular brother. People who choose to hate him because of who he is need to get a hobby...Right this second there are as many as 100,000 gay, lesbian and bisexual high school seniors in America. That's how it is. The only question is whether we want to make their lives easier or harder." Comments to: Jane Pratt, Editor-in-Chief, Sassy, 230 Park Avenue, New York 10169; and to Margie Ingall, Feature Writer, same address. And now... A Sassy Backlash Concerned Woman for America (CWA), a national right-wing hate group, is backing a crusade against Sassy, which includes getting this young women's `zine "pulled off local shelves" and getting "advertisers to pull their support." Sassy is vilified in the CWA's July newsletter, Family Voice, by staff writer Marian Wallace who complains, "This magazine encourages teenage girls to explore every politically correct area available, from different sexual orientation to abortion." Your supportive comments can only be helpful. Write: Dick Latora, President, Sassy, 230 Park Avenue, New York 10169. Tracking the Right Wing People for the American Way has published "An Abridged Guide to Right Wing Activity in 1993 at the Grassroots Level." Serving as a state-by-state guide of targets in the Religious Right's war on civil liberties, the listings include anticipated attacks on multicultural textbooks, sex and AIDS education programs and "anti-family" school board policies. Also on the hit list: the entertainment industry, art exhibits and other forums for creative expression. For more information contact: People for the American Way, 2000 "M" Street, N.W., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036. "She's Quite a Man" "Tell people to be honest. Don't live with lies. It's up to you, it's up to me, to bring this out." That's some of the advice offered by gay African-American singer RuPaul (GLAAD/LA Reports Apr. '93) in an article, entitled "She's Quite a Man," vitalizing the pages of Sister 2 Sister, a glossy 'zine covering African-American women in the entertainment industry. RuPaul offered some insights about drag, "Underneath everything, we're all doing drag, honey." And on being gay, "People who live outside the main parameters of society see things other people don't see. It's like dogs that can hear things we can't hear." Your comments can be sent to: Jaime Foster Brown, Publisher, Sister 2 Sister, P.O. Box 41148, Washington, D.C. 20018. "An example of everything that is good about America..." Rand Schrader Following is a reprint of a letter which appeared June 27, 1993 in the "Letters to the Editor" section of the Los Angeles Times: "In response to 'Rand Schrader, Judge and Gay Activist, Dies at 48,' June 14. "Los Angeles has lost a good and decent man. Rand Schrader, Municipal Court judge and gay activist, died of AIDS. My family was deeply touched by his quiet generosity and kindness. He married us eight years ago. "In a time when the news is full of discourse about gays in the military, gay rights and AIDS research, I think it's sad that we will no longer have Schrader, an example of everything that is good about America, to participate in those debates. That he was gay is only a plus to who he was and how he will remain in our memories. That he died (from the complications) of AIDS is a tragedy and a sad fact of an exemplary life. That many others in our society cannot accept him because he was homosexual, despite his accomplishments, is a tragedy for America. "We didn't know him very well when we asked him to marry us. My wife had known him through gay friends for whom he led a bonding ceremony. She thought his words were from his heart, and that we would be lucky to have such words spoken on our behalf. Schrader was quite generous in agreeing to spend an afternoon marrying two strangers. He wanted to meet us and not only refused any fee but insisted on buying us dinner as well. "The words he used as a refrain during our wedding that I will always remember are, `From this day forward...' We have been happy living with those words, but `from this day' we will have only his legacy and his deeds to remember him by. We can repay his kindness to us now only through what we teach our son about tolerance and how we share our lives." William Nettles & Candace Lee KROQ - What's the Story? It's time for a KROQ 106.7 FM "watch" again. We've received some mixed messages from GLAAD/LA hotline callers about KROQ's "Love Line" and its position on lesbian and gay relationships. Some of our callers are concerned that "Love Line" is actively pushing anyone who is confused about their sexual orientation toward heterosexuality. Others disagree. Also, it's time for a Rick Dees "watch" again. We've received more calls than usual to report that his humor dealing with lesbians and gays is offensive, this, after a period of improvement. So, if you're a KROQ listener, please stay in touch with us. We want to know what you think. Calls and comments to: GLAAD/LA hotlines: English (213) 931-9429, Spanish (213) 463-4673; GLAAD P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093-1763; KROQ 106.7 FM, 3500 W. Olive Street, #900. Burbank, CA 91510; For Rick Dees: KIIS 102.7 FM, Ellen Kay, General Manager, 6255 Sunset Blvd., 11th Floor, Hollywood 90028. "Send Me Some Stickers..." You've just heard Rick Dees on KIIS 102.7 FM and he's "at it again." A lesbian positive program is shown 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 can't 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. FCC Head to be Appointed President Clinton will have the opportunity to appoint a new chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) following the expiration in June of the term of its present chair, Alfred Sikes. Over the last decade, the FCC has taken a number of actions to restrict "indecent" broadcasts -- some use that as a code word for lesbian, gay and bisexual programming. During that time, the long-standing "Fairness Doctrine," designed to insure that radio and TV stations present conflicting views on important issues, was also dismantled. Send your views and expectations for the new FCC chair to: President Bill Clinton, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20500. And while you're at it... Despite Bill Clinton's campaign promise to free the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) from the regressive and repressive policies of the Reagan-Bush years, the Justice Department is seeking to uphold funding restrictions for lesbian and gay art. United States Attorney General Janet Reno has tacitly approved an appeal, filed March 29, that would overturn a district court ruling and maintain the "decency clause," the NEA "code words" that ban federal funding of lesbian/gay and "sexually explicit" projects. Contact the President by writing: President Bill Clinton, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20500. ADVERTISING "Day of Compassion"... Will P&G Come Clean? One major daytime drama producer, Proctor& Gamble (P&G), the country's largest advertiser, was absent from the "Day of Compassion" (see related story on page---). Not one of the shows produced by P&G - "Another World," "Guiding Light" and "As the World Turns" - participated. While other shows even changed their story lines, these shows did not participate in even a minor way, e.g., a flashback to an earlier show with an AIDS related theme, something in the credits about "Day," or someone in the cast wearing a red ribbon. Could Cincinnati-based P&G be bowing to fundamentalist pressure? We were told that it was coincidence that none of the shows chose to participate. See if you can find out by writing them, and, while you're at it, encourage them to participate next year. Contact: Mr. Ed Trach, Executive in Charge of Production, Daytime Program Services, c/o D'Arcy, Masius, Benton & Bowles Advertising, 1675 Broadway, New York 10019-5809. Also: Jill Farren Phelps, Executive Producer, "Guiding Light," 222 E. 44th Street, New York 10017; Laurence Caso, Executive Producer, "As the World Turns," 524 W. 57th Street, New York 10023; Mr. Michael Laibson, Executive Producer, "Another World," 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10112. AFA too slick?... Johnson Wax Slips It appears that S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc., maker of Johnson Wax, Glade, Windex and other household products, may have buckled under to the tactics of the American Family Association (AFA) and CLeaR-TV (GLAAD/LA Reports, May '93). Johnson's latest statement declares, "We have communicated with CLeaR-TV and we've sent (them) the lists of television programs that we purposely avoided advertising on because we felt their content was inappropriate. This, despite the fact that those programs attracted our target audiences and the air time was offered to us at attractive prices." Additionally, the company has announced its membership in "the Media Directors' Council, an organization that works with television producers to encourage them to clean up their program content." S.C. Johnson needs to be reminded that rather than trying to cut-a-deal with the AFA and CLeaR-TV hate mongers, they should be expressing outrage at this blackmail and censorship. Contact: Samuel C. Johnson, Chair, S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc., 1525 Howe Street, Racine, WI 53403; and carbon copy to: Thomas R. Conrardy, Director, Consumer Resource Center, same address. "No Sissy Food, No Sissy Portions" Black Angus Restaurants is running a commercial that has generated complaints to the GLAAD/LA Hotline. A cowboy is cooking his dinner and says that Black Angus Restaurants has "no sissy food." He then picks up, with his bare hands, a hot metal coffee pot from the campfire, and says, "and no sissy portions." This is followed by a sinister laugh and smoke rising from around his hands. Write to Black Angus Restaurants and let them know how you feel about this commercial. Send to: Mr. Ralph Roberts, President, Stuart Anderson's Black Angus Restaurants, 4410 El Camino Real, Suite 201, Los Altos, CA 94022; GLAAD/LA Hotlines: English (213) 931-9429; Spanish (213) 463-4673. Vanity Fair and Banana Republic The April '93 issue of Vanity Fair, Banana Republic ran a series of three double-page ads all with the headline, "My Chosen Family." These ads, pictured below, are an example of the positive images of love between all people; same-sex and otherwise. Comments to: Don Fisher, President and CEO, GAP/Banana Republic, 1 Harrison Street, San Francisco 94105. Carbon copy to: Sam Shahid, Vice President, Banana Republic Advertising, 3 East 54th St., New York 10022. Tracking the Ads 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 programs about our community or contribute to censorship of those programs. 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) 463-4673. This will help us to learn which companies are truly inclusive in the use of 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 cease advertising on programs that are lesbian and gay positive, call us. Any information would be treated in confidence. The Media Outreach Committee will be meeting the third Tues. of each month (for August, that will be the 17th) at 7:00 pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd., Suite 304, 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/LA. Our activities are designed for the film, television, radio, music and print media. If you have experience in any of these areas, or if you are interested in learning more, please join us. Call: Michael B. Keegan or Jehan Agrama, Outreach Committee, Media Co-Chairs, (213) 463-3632. GLAAD NEWS Annual process begins... Nominations for GLAAD/LA Board of Directors It's election time again! No, not for the Senate. Not for the Los Angeles City Council. Not even for dogcatcher! GLAAD/LA is seeking a few good women and men to run for the open positions on the 1993-94 Board, and the Nominations Committee needs your input. If there is somebody who you think would be a good board member, please speak to him or her and encourage their application. If you are interested, please apply. While the hours may be long, and the financial rewards negligible, the pride and satisfaction of promoting social change in an exciting environment is incomparable. The list of candidates is scheduled to be presented at the August general meeting (August 24, 1993), so time is of the essence in receiving applications. An application form is included with this copy of GLAAD/LA Reports. Nominations for the board will also be taken from the floor at both the August and September general meetings. For more information contact: Carmichael Smith-Low, Chair, Board Development, GLAAD/LA, (213) 463-3632. GLAAD/LA Board of Directors Application (This application must be received in the GLAAD/LA Office on or before 5:00 pm on August 10, 1993.) Name___________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________City__________Zip________ Phone: home_(___)___________________ other_(____)_____________ Please list current or previous organizational affiliations within the lesbian, gay and bisexual community, or non-gay civil rights organizations if applicable. Please include the organizations full name, offices or positions held, and dates. (Use additional sheet if necessary.) List three personal references and their phone numbers. (Preferably, but not necessarily, members of the lesbian/gay/bisexual community.) 1. Name_____________________________Phone_(____)_______________ 2. Name_____________________________Phone_(____)_______________ 3. Name_____________________________Phone_(____)_______________ Describe your aims and goals for GLAAD/LA, and how you believe your particular skills and talents would complement them: Thank you, Carmichael Smith-Low, Chair, Board Development, GLAAD/LA, (213) 463-3632. 1994 Media Awards Program Hollywood's "Other Awards" at Century Plaza Hotel, March 19, 1994 March 19, 1994 may seem far away indeed, but GLAAD/LA's intrepid Media Awards '94 Planning Committee has not been lazy; and instead has been busily scheming and planning, organizing and outlining, in order that the '94 Media Awards Show, which will take place at the Century Plaza Hotel on March 19, 1994, will be our most spectacular and successful. The first volunteer orientation and planning meeting for the Media Awards '94 will take place at GLAAD/LA's August general meeting, on Tuesday, August 24, at 7:00 pm, at Temple Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6000 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. There you will learn about the myriad of involvement opportunities available. If you like to schmooze, there's the Celebrity Committee and the various sales committes - corporate, community, program book and table sponsor. If you are a collector, consider joining the Silent Auction Committee. For writers and creative people, there's the program book and show production committees. And, let's not forget the Awards Nominations Committee, whose work is crucial to the success of the event. We're also starting a GLAAD/LA mentoring plan, which we are calling the Understudy Program. Basically a two-year commitment, the first year a volunteer would understudy an experienced committee chair, and the following year chair the committee itself. Finally, a word of apology to those who tried to volunteer last year. Yes, there were glitches; yes, there was a veritable GLAAD Gulag Archipelago; and yes, we think we have the problems ironed out for this year. We look forward to meeting you on August 24. For more information contact: Carmichael Smith-Low and Will Halm, co-chairs, Media Awards, (213) 463-3632. GLAAD/NY PSAs... Marky Mark and Shabba Ranks Denounce Violence It's Summertime, but the livin' ain't easy, because when school's out and the weather is hot, violent attacks on the lesbian and gay community increase. GLAAD/NY is prepared with a series of public service announcements (PSAs) that denounce anti-gay violence and feature formerly homophobic stars such as rapper/underwear model Marky Mark and Grammy-winning reggae singer Shabba Ranks. Marky Mark's PSA is being co-produced by GLAAD/NY and the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence, with The Anti-Violence Campaign behind the camera. Shabba Rank's PSA will be shot in July, and will be out this summer. Mercury Records' PSAs are currently running on New York's largest youth-oriented radio stations: WBLS-FM, WRKS-FM, and WLIB-AM. They feature Mercury artists, John Lucien and Crystal Waters, and are pitched specifically at New York area teens. Comments to: GLAAD/NY, 150 W. 26th Street, Suite 503, New York 10001; Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence, 191 E. 3rd Street, New York 10009; Edward Eckstine, President, Mercury Records, Worldwide Plaza, 825 8th Avenue, New York 10019. Project Censored Each year for the last 17 years, Project Censored has assembled a panel of media experts to select the top "underreported" stories of the year. Despite the fact that lesbian, gay and bisexual news is routinely ignored, Project Censored has never included such concerns in its top-list. The list issued this year continued that policy. However, a Bay Area version of the project, sponsored by Media Alliance, has just included lesbian and gay news items on their list of the seven most underreported local stories of the year. Interestingly enough, serving on the Media Alliance panel of experts was Carl Jensen, Director of Project Censored. Drop Dr. Jensen a line at Project Censored, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA 94949, and remind him that Project Censored has a poor record of recognizing censorship when it involves lesbian, gay or bisexual news. For more information about the Bay Area list of censored stories, write to: Media Alliance, Fort Mason Center, Building D, San Francisco CA 94123. Executive Director's Column by Lee Werbel GLAAD/LA is very interested in learning about lesbian/gay and AIDS-themed film projects. We have seen Greg Araki's "The Living End," Tom Kalin's "Swoon, "The Hours and Times" (a short by Christopher Munch about John Lennon and Brian Epstein), Derek Jarman's "Edward II," Gus Van Sant's "My Own Private Idaho," Jennie Livingston's "Paris is Burning," Todd Haynes' "Poison," (British-made project; written by David Leavitt and shown on public television in the States), "Doing Time on Maple Drive" (Fox TV), and independents "I Will Love You Forever...Tonight," "Claire of the Moon," "Silver Lake Life: The View from Here," Barbara Hamlin's "Nitrate Kisses," "Forbidden Love, The Unashamed Stories of Lesbian Love" (opening at the Nuart on August 4), "Okoge," and "Three of Hearts." GLAAD/LA and Hollywood Supports have compiled a list of other AIDS-themed and/or gay-and-lesbian-themed projects currently in the works. Included are: "Acceptable Risks" (Warner Bros. Spring Creek Productions) Journalist Jonathan Kwitny's book about "AIDS activists; fight to bring unapproved pharmaceuticals to patients," is, per Entertainment Weekly (6/1/92) in development. "And the Band Played On" (HBO Films/Spelling Entertainment) - Based on Randy Shilts' book; directed by Roger Spottiswoode, starring Richard Gere, Lily Tomlin, Matthew Modine, Anjelica Houston, and others. Currently in post-production; debut broadcast on September 11. "Angels in America" (Avenue Pictures) - Based on the hit play Tony Kushner. In development. "Blue Earth" (Sandollar Productions) - Produced by Howard Rosenman, "Blue Earth" is a "true story about a Chicago fast-tracker who returns to his hometown and learns he has AIDS," (Entertainment Weekly, 6/19/92). In development. "The Celluloid Closet" (documentary) Telling Pictures - This San Francisco-based film production company that produced the Academy Award-winning documentary "Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt," in July '92 secured the documentary film rights to Vito Russo's highly acclaimed book about homosexuality in the movies (Hollywood Reporter, 7/27/92). In development. "Cure" (Columbia) - To be directed by Francis Ford Coppola from Diane Johnson's script. Entertainment Weekly, 6/1/92, says it is "about the search for an AIDS cure." Not yet in production, but it is in "the development bin" at Zoetrope Studios, according to Variety. "We're calling it fiction--but," says Coppola. "Daybreak" - Based on the play "Beirut," "Daybreak" is set ten years in the future, when "the fear of AIDS is used as a tool by the government to break down civil liberties," (Variety). Written and directed by Stephen Tolkin and produced by John Bard Manulis' Chestnut Hill Productions. Cast includes John Savage, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Martha Plimpton. Production completed. The filmmakers plan to shop around for a theatrical distribution deal. (Originally made for cable in conjunction with HBO.) "The Dreyfuss Affair" (Touchstone) - Adaptation of Peter Lefcourt's book, The Dreyfuss Affair: A Love Story. Described by Claudia Eller in Dish (Variety, 5/5/92) as a "romantic comedy about a 28 year-old married white baseball player with two kids who falls in love with a black teammate." Lefcourt will adapt his book for the screen version. "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" (Fine Line) - Gus Van Sant adapted and directed Tom Robbin's novel; with Uma Thurman, John Nurt, Lorraine Braco and Keanu Reeves. "Falsettos" (Disney) - Adaptation of William Finn-James Lapine's 1192 Tony-winning musical about friends, lovers and families in the age of AIDS. According to Variety writer, Claudia Eller (Dish 6/30/92), Disney studio execs Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg saw the show on Broadway and "flipped over it." They want to do a low-budget version to be produced by Craig Zaden and Neil Merton (Storyline Productions). Project in development. "Family Values" (Columbia Pictures) - Writer Barry Sandler's ("Making Love") story is described by Variety (7/9/92) as being about a "straight columnist and his gay brother, who find the meaning of family values while fighting society's perceptions and homophobia." A Producers Entertainment Group, Krost/Chapin, Inc. production. In development. "Farewell to My Concubine" - Directed by Chen Kaige, written by Lillian Li, from her novel (to be published in the U.S. in '93). Described by the Hollywood Reporter (8/25/92) as "China's first film dealing with homosexuality," the story recounts the 50-year relationship of two Beijing opera actors eventually reunited in Hong Kong. Film wrapped production in August '92. "Good Days" - Per Entertainment Weekly (6/19/92), this Propaganda Films' production is an AIDS courtroom drama with an original script by Ramsey Fadiman ("The Normal Heart"). John Schlesinger ("Midnight Cowboy") is set to direct. Still in development as of 1/21/93. "The Mayor of Castro Street" (Warner Bros.) - The life and times of slain San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk. In development for more than 11 years, according to Variety (10/21/92). Not yet cast, though Robin Williams has been mentioned for the title role. Repeated delays; still not shooting. Oliver Stone executive producer with Craig Zaden and Neil Meron producing. "The Normal Heart" (Columbia) - Will Barbara Streisand (per the Hollywood Reporter, 2/10/93) direct? Or maybe co-star in this long awaited adaptation by Ramsey Faidman, also currently completing the screenplay for John Schlesinger's "Good Days." Larry Kramer's play is about the early days of the AIDS epidemic and its impact on two lovers. It is expected that Streisand's newest project, "The Mirror Has Two Faces," will go into production before "The Normal Heart." "Not For Profit" - Jenny Livingston's next project contains, according to the Los Angeles Times, "an interacial lesbian love story and a witchcraft subplot." Livingston hasn't found "much (financial) backing" for the film, despite having "Paris is Burning" as a credit. Not yet in production. "The Object of My Affection" (20th Century Fox) - Written by Wendy Wasserman from the book by Stephen McCauley. "Philadelphia" (Tristar) - Directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks. Also featured is Joanne Woodward, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen and Antonio Banderas. Shooting completed; Fall '93 release. "Pursuit of Happiness" - Low-budget-for-home-video adaptation of play staged at L.A.'s Celebration Theater, "Pursuit of Happiness" chronicles "three decades of gay and lesbian history in Los Angeles" and will feature a large multi ethnic cast, according to Out and About Pictures' president, Kevin Glover (Update, 4/22/92). In preproduction. "Reunion" (for TV) - Written and directed by ex-Black Panther and Sundance Institute Director Jamal Joseph, "Reunion" examines the "emotionally charged and difficult issues related to AIDS in the African-American community" (per press release). Produced by AIDSFILMS, a non-profit organization in New York, the producers have assembled a production team "that is diverse in terms of race, gender and sexual orientation." "Via Appia" (Independent) - Directed by Jochen Hick. Concerns, per the Los Angeles Times, "an HIV-positive man's search for the hustler who infected him." Film apparently played in Los Angeles a year ago and opened in New York last August. "The Wedding Banquet" (Taiwanese-American; Samuel Goldwyn pick-up.) - Directed by NYU film school graduate Ang Lee, who directed "Pushing Hands" (theme unknown). Producers are James Schamus and Ted Hope, all of them partners in the Good Machine Production Company. The film concerns a closeted, upwardly mobile Chinese man, living with his Caucasian lover in New York, who marries his female tenant in order to satisfy his parents' urgent request to see him married before his father dies. Complications arise when his parents decide to come to America to meet the bride. A disappointing civil marriage ceremony adjourns to a Chinese restaurant where a series of events leads to a lavish wedding banquet for the young couple. This highly intelligent comedy illustrates the uncontrollable consequences of deception. The fact that the film's leading protagonist is a gay person of color, and that women emerge as complex characters, are additional factors to the film's success. In English and Mandarin Chinese. Screened at the '92 Berlin Film Festival and opening in Los Angeles in August. Miscellaneous: Juliet Bashmore, director of "Kamikaze Hearts" (theme unknown), completed a film last August (title unknown) about "radical drag queens living in East Berlin" (Los Angeles Times), for "Out," the weekly gay-themed program on Britian's Channel 4. Up-and-coming directors (per Los Angeles Times' Calendar ) Nicole Holofener (Columbia University graduate) and Sadie Benning (video artist from Wisconsin). Please look for these projects. And, please notify us about other projects not listed. SIDE BARS General Meeting: August 24 1994 Media Awards & Board Nominees Temple Beth Chayim Chadashim will be the place to be Tuesday evening, August 24, to attend GLAAD/LA's General Meeting. Starting at 7:00 pm, highlights will include the first volunteer orientation and planning meeting for the 1994 Media Awards Program, and the presentation of nominees for the open positions on the 1993-94 GLAAD/LA Board of Directors. Were you unable to attend the 1993 Media Awards? Were you there, but wondered how award recipients are selected? Do you think GLAAD has overlooked some heroes in the past? Do you have suggestions for ways in which we, as a group, can be more effective? If your answer to any of these questions is "yes," then this General Meeting will be very enlightening. We will be showing clips from the 1993 Media Awards and the nominations process will be explained. Involvement opportunities for both the Awards programs and GLAAD/LA's ongoing activities will be discussed. Input from those attending will be important and welcomed. Come to: Temple Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6000 W. Pico Blvd. (just east of Crescent Heights). Refreshments are available and guests are welcomed. And, looking ahead... General Meeting: September 28 "The Adventures of Pat and Jerry" Mark your calendar for the GLAAD/LA General Membership Meeting for Tuesday, September 28. GLAAD/LA Board Member, Dr. Sylvia Rhue, will present a video discussion program on the religious right's use of the media in regards to the gay and lesbian movement. The focus will be on Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson and the ways they utilize our images to promote fear and hatred of lesbians and gay men. Discussion will include strategizing to counteract their media manipulations. Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell raise millions of dollars with their use of our images. Let's be aware of how they work and how it affects our lives. On the Horizon... "And the Band Played On" Mark your calendars: HBO's production of Randy Shilt's "And the Band Played On," will debut September 11. This made for cable television movie represents a "signficant breakthrough in television treatment of the AIDS epidemic and the lesbian/gay community's role in battling the disease." Lily Tomlin, Sir Ian McCellan, Richard Gere and Steve Martin star. "Forbidden Love" Starting August 4, and running for nine days at the Nuart Theater, will be "Forbidden Love: The Unashamed Stories of Lesbian Lives." This documentary, which examines the lives of lesbian Canadian women in the '50s, is both substantial and entertaining. Women of diverse class and ethnic backgrounds tell how they found entre into the well-guarded lesbian world of their day. Attn.: G/L Teacher-Writers Alyson Publications is planning an anthology of writings by gay and lesbian teachers to be published next year. Teachers working with any grade level from all areas of the country are invited to participate. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 1993. Information or submissions can be directed to: Kevin Jennings, 25 Kelly Road, #2, Cambridge, MA 02139. Articles, letters, etc. for GLAAD/LA Reports: August 1st Deadline for September Issue The deadline for submitting material for GLAAD/LA Reports is the first of each month for the following month's newsletter. For the September newsletter all material needs to be submitted on or before August 1. GLAAD/LA Reports welcomes your participation and invites you to attend the Monitor/Response Committee meetings in August on the 5th and 19th. Your comments, articles, letters or other submissions may be sent to: GLAAD/LA Reports, c/o GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093; FAX (213) 463-4923; or directly to the Editor, Carl Matthes, FAX (213) 257-5878. Monitor/Response Committee The heart and soul of GLAAD is the Monitor/Response committee. This committee watches (monitors) what's happening in the media 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. How do you get involved? Do you own a television? A video cassette recorder? Do you subscribe to any publications? Attend movies? Then you already are in a position to join and help the Monitor/Response committee. 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 may admit that they watch TV, but we know you're out there. The chair is Anne Dutton. Please join us, we need your help. Meetings in August are on the 5th and 19th at 7:30 pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd, Suite 304, Hollywood; (213) 463-3632. Women of GLAAD to Meet Tues., August 3 The Women of GLAAD Caucus meeting will be on Tues., August 3, 7:00 pm at the GLAAD office (7033 Sunset Blvd., Suite 304). 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. We will aggrandize, politicize, scandalize, hypothesize, socialize and we need your creative input. Tracy Stern is Chair. For more information: GLAAD/LA Office, (213) 463-3632. Handy Media Guide Updates The Handy Media Guide, located on the inside back cover, has added the following listings: Radio Stations: KROQ 106.7 FM (818) 520-1067, 3500 W. Olive Street, #900, Burbank, CA 91510; KIIS 102.7 AM-FM (213) 466-8381, Ellen Kay, General Manager, 6255 Sunset Blvd., 11th Floor, Hollywood 90028; and KRTH 101 FM (800) 232-5789, 5901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. Newspapers: Riverside Press Enterprise (909) 684-1200, Patricia Barnes, Editor-in-Chief, P.O. Box 792, Riverside, CA 92502; Long Beach Press Telegram (310) 435-1161, Andy Alderette, Editor-in-Chief, 604 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90844. GLAAD/USA Looking for National Coordinator GLAAD/USA is conducting a search for a National Coordinator. Call Ellen Carton, GLAAD/NY Executive Director, at (212) 807-1700 for more information. GLAAD/USA co-chairs are Stephanie Farrington-Domingue (co-president of GLAAD/LA) and Fred Humphrey (GLAAD/NY). If you are interested in obtaining contact information for other GLAAD Chapters contact GLAAD/LA office at (213) 463-3632. Advertising Information Interest by potential advertisers in GLAAD/LA Reports is on the increase, according to Advertising Editor Margo Strik. She cites the newsletter's 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. Newsletter Advisory Board; Internship Program A Journalism Internship Program is being established for GLAAD/LA. Requested by the GLAAD/LA Board of Directors, persons interested in getting started in journalism, helping with the GLAAD/LA newsletter and covering gay and lesbian issues are invited to contact GLAAD/LA Reports editor, Carl Matthes, by calling the GLAAD/LA Office at (213) 463-3632. The Newsletter Advisory Board consists of the GLAAD/LA Reports Editor, the GLAAD/LA Executive Director and one GLAAD/LA Board Member. The duties of the Advisory Board are: 1. Consult with the Editor on editorial and advertising policy. 2. Serve as a liaison between the Board and the newsletter. 3. Review newsletter each month for content. 4. Help establish and coordinate a Journalism Internship Program. The Newsletter Advisory Board members are Garrett Glaser, Carl Matthes and Lee Werbel. Archives: Computer Help Needed Volunteers are needed to enter dates on our computers for our video archives. Please contact the GLAAD/LA 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 Orange County Register, L.A. Weekly, L.A. Reader, La Opinion, Daily News 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. We Need Your 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) 463-3632 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; Programmable FAX a Reality The GLAAD/LA office now owns a brand new, programmable fax machine. The GLAAD/LA Board, staff and office volunteers extend their sincere thanks to Caroline Bernard, Jackie Black, Garrett Glaser and Carl Matthes for their generous support and contributions which enable us to purchase it. And now we have a new need and request: Due to the increased attention and coverage of lesbians and gay men in the media, it is imperative that we increase our monitoring capacity. In order to do that we need an additional television and VCR. The cost of these units will be $700.00. If you can assist us with these new acquisitions, please send your check labeled "TV/VCR" in the notation area to: GLAAD/LA, 7033 Sunset Blvd., #304, Hollywood 90093. In addition, 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. Donors, please call the GLAAD/LA office at (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. Electronic Gay Community Magazine, an on-line computerized publication, is available at no charge to gay and gay-supportive computer bulletin board systems. If you have an IBM/PC compatible system, the daily updated material is available as a diskette from the magazine. Also, mention the word "lesbian," in the event they might wish to update their name. Write: The Land of Awes, P.O. Box 16782, Wichita, KS 67216-0782. Calendar dates: August 1 Sunday Deadline for September GLAAD/LA Reports August 3 Tuesday Women of GLAAD, 7:00pm 7033 Sunset 304 August 4 Wednesday Community Outreach (Speakers) 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 August 5 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 August 10 Tuesday GLAAD/LA Board Meeting 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 August 17 Tuesday Media Outreach 7:00pm 7033 Sunset 304 August 19 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 August 24 Tuesday General Meeting 7:00pm 6000 Pico September Dates: September 1 Wednesday Deadline for October GLAAD/LA Reports September 2 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 September 7 Tuesday Women of GLAAD 7:00pm 7033 Sunset 304 Editor, Carl Matthes, FAX (213) 257-5878 Assistant Editor, David Zahniser Graphics, Carl Daugenti Research & Re-writing Assistance, Garrett Glaser Advertising Editor Margo Strik, (213) 259-9208 Contributors: Anne Dutton, Garrett Glaser, GLAAD/NY, GLAAD/SFBA, Dean Hansell, Michael B. Keegan, Al Kielwasser, Carl Matthes, Nancy Perez, Robin Podolsky, Jan Potts, Sylvia Rhue, Neil Tadken, Bruce Tucker, Lee Werbel, David Zahniser.