Date: Thu, 30 Apr 98 20:03:06 -0400 From: NGLTF Subject: Homophobia Cancels Indigo Girls in SC ************************************************************ NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: Tracey Conaty, Communications Director tconaty@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3303 800/757-6476 pager 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ************************************************************* HOMOPHOBIA CANCELS INDIGO GIRLS CONCERT "Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth face harassment and violence in schools every day across the country. This is precisely why." -- Kerry Lobel, NGLTF Executive director WASHINGTON, DC---April 30, 1998--- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expressed outrage at the cancellation of a South Carolina High School performance by the popular duo the Indigo Girls. The school's principal acted because the women are lesbians. "Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth face harassment and violence in schools across the country. This is precisely why," stated Task Force executive director Kerry Lobel. "We urge Principal Witt to change his tune." The Grammy Award-winning duo, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, were slated to give a free half-hour performance during a May 7 talent show at Irmo High School near Columbia. Irmo High School Principal Gerald Witt canceled the show, saying through a spokesperson it was because Saliers and Ray are lesbians. Since publicity arose about the cancellation, principal Witt is attributing the cancellation to other reasons, in addition to the sexual orientation of the performers. "The refrain of Ray and Saliers is integrity and respect for everyone. Principal Witt certainly has a lesson or two to learn from the Indigo Girls," said Lobel. The Indigo Girls may be going forward with other arrangements for a show in Irmo next week. The Irmo High School show was part of a series of scheduled high school performances by the Indigo Girls. -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .