Date: Fri, 08 Aug 97 18:20:54 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: PTown Forum Looks at Gay Images NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mark F. Johnson, Media Director mfjohnson@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3314 pager 1-800/757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org .............................................................. PROVINCETOWN FORUM LOOKS AT IMAGES OF GAYS Washington, DC---August 8, 1997---What effect did the coming out of "Ellen" have on mainstream America's perceptions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people? Have the allegations that gay man Andrew Cunanan murdered five people including fashion designer Gianni Versace affected people's impressions of the GLBT community? These are some of the questions to be discussed at a Provincetown community forum sponsored by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF). The discussion will center on the increasingly visible role of the GLBT community in the media including television and film. The forum, entitled "The `Ellen'/Cunanan Effect: Who is the Gay `Me' in Mainstream Media?" will be held on Friday, August 22, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. at Provincetown Town Hall. The panel discussion will feature comic and social commentator Kate Clinton; Rene Graham, television and cultural critic at The Boston Globe; and Robert Bray, media critic with the San Francisco-based Institute for Alternative Journalism. Kerry Lobel, NGLTF executive director will moderate the panel. "We've moved in a few short months from Ellen Morgan as the most recognized gay person in America to Andrew Cunanan" said Lobel. "Ellen was the girl next door. Andrew was America's most wanted criminal suspect. Ellen was the proof that if America knew us, America would love us. Andrew represented our own worst fears and those of America," she added. This is the third annual Provincetown community forum. Last year's discussion focused on the approaching presidential election, and the 1995 forum discussed gay and lesbian families and their children. Provincetown resident and NGLTF board member John R. Dreyer said, "the GLBT influence in Provincetown often helps us forget that we are part of a larger world and a country still conflicted about people whose sexual orientation or gender identity puts them at odds with traditional expectations. The way we are portrayed in the media reflects the assumptions, hopes and fears of the wider world." The Forum, free and open to all, is held in conjunction with NGLTF's 10th annual Sunset Deck Party on Sunday, August 24 at the Red Inn. For more information, contact John R. Dreyer at (508) 487-1319 or visit our website at http://www.ngltf.org/ptown. -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. _________________________________________ 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 .