Date: Mon, 4 Dec 1995 18:02:44 -0500 From: PRCenter@aol.com _______________________________ News from the: L.A. Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center Contact: Jim Key or Mike Ausiello PHONE: 213-993-7603 EMAIL: PRCENTER@AOL.COM _______________________________ L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center to Denounce Congressional Hearings on Programs for Lesbian and Gay Students - CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS LIKENED TO 1950's McCARTHY HEARINGS - WHAT: News conference and unveiling of Tuesday's full page New York Times ad, attacking the Lou Sheldon-inspired congressional hearings on student programs for gay and lesbian youth and the distribution of safer-sex information in schools, which begin on Tuesday. The L.A. Unified School District, one of the few that offers programs for lesbian and gay students, has been targetted by the Radical Right. WHO: Kay Ostberg, Deputy Director of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and gay and lesbian young people WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 1995 at 10:30 A.M. WHERE: Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center, 1625 N. Schrader Blvd. (Formerly HUDSON BLVD.), Hollywood VISUALS: Unveiling of full page ad attacking Newt Gingrich in Tuesday's New York Times and Los Angeles Times -- Washington, D.C. edition. Stories from gay and lesbian youth relating their experiences in schools without supportive programs for gay and lesbian students. WHY: "In fulfilling his promise to Lou Sheldon, Newt Gingrich is re-opening one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history," said Kay Ostberg, Deputy Director of the Gay & Lesbian Center. "Senator McCarthy's devastating hearings made hundreds of Americans feel unwelcome in this country. Today, the Speaker of the House wants to revive this tradition by making thousands of children unwelcome in American schools." "Lesbian and gay youth are already three times more likely to attempt suicide than non-gay youth, are often physically and verbally harassed, and at risk for dropping out of school. Congress should be talking about how to expand safer sex education and programs that exist to support all students, including lesbian and gay youth."