Date: Sat, 22 Jun 1996 11:54:28 -0800
From: family@electricity.com (Gay & Lesbian Families of America)
Subject: Gay Billboards to be Displayed in San Diego During GOP Convention

Gay/Lesbian Billboards to be Displayed in San Diego During GOP Convention

San Diego, CA - Gay and Lesbian Families of America recently released
photos of the first of three billboard themes appearing in selected San
Diego area during the weeks surrounding the upcoming GOP convention. The
first billboard an actual 4-generation family photo in a backyard
barbecue-style setting. The tag: " Someone you know and love is gay." Media
interest
in receiving a photo of the billboard should call (619) 435-6299.   The
billboards can be viewed on the Gay & Lesbian Families of America webpage
at http://www.electriciti.com/~family/

Gay and Lesbian Families of America (GLFA) has rented 12 billboards and 17
bus shelter ads strategically placed throughout the Downtown, Hillcrest and
Harbor areas of San Diego. The ads will be located on all the city's major
arteries. They will be visible to San Diego residents and visitors.

GFLA is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting positive image of
Gays and Lesbians during the weeks coinciding with the upcoming GOP
Convention. The organization, launched by Brad Diskin, Gene Burkard and Don
Belcher has been endorsed by the City of San Diego Human Relations
Commission and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), San Diego
Chapter.

GFLA will also place several display advertisements in key San Diego
publications, designed to attract both local and national media attention.
The ambitious media blitz is scheduled to begin July 15 and continue
through August 15. The estimated cost of the entire project is $37,000.

"Those appearing on the billboards are real people from all walks of life,"
said Brad Diskin, committee member of GLFA.

Diskin and his life partner, Alex Urbano, along with GLFA's advertising
firm, recently flow to Arizona for the photo shoot of the first billboard.
Urbano and Diskin planned the shoot during a 4 generation family gathering.


"We're fortunate that our families have been extremely supportive of our
ten year relationship," said Diskin

Diskin noted that one of the most memorable moments of the photo session
came from the mouth of Urbano's 81 year old grandmother. She said, "I'm so
glad to be apart of a campaign that's helping to combat hatred". He said
the photo session was a typical American family spending a day together in
the backyard,

"After the shoot, we ate Kentucky Fried Chicken," said Diskin.

The billboard campaign will focus on three themes: family, workplace and
basic human rights. The objective is to deliver a positive message to
mainstream America from the gay community and to direct national attention
to the broad spectrum of diversity that exists among Gay and Lesbian
families.

Gay and lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)/San Diego has taken on
the official sponsorship of the media campaign. All donations (payable to
GLAAD/San Diego) are tax deductible.

For more information, or to donate funds please call Brad Diskin at (619)
542-0817, or write 3156 Fifth Avenue, Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92103. Email
address: family@electricti.com.

Media interested in more information regarding this unprecedented project
should call Michael Lamb at (619) 435-6299.

Television, newspaper, magazine and radio interviews of key people involved
in this campaign can be arranged.