Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 07:41:37 -0500 (EST) From: David Casti To: Action Alert Exploder Subject: ACTION ALERT: GLAAD MEDIA WATCH, March 24 Submitted by: GLAADSFBA@aol.com M E D I A W A T C H for March 24, 1995 by A L K I E L W A S S E R Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter MICKEY MOUSE PROTEST The Walt Disney Company -- a paragon of "family values" in entertainment -- is, ironically, under attack by Morality in Media and the 200,000-member Catholic League. At the center of this controversy is "Priest," a new film from the Disney-owned company, Miramax. Scheduled to be released nationwide on April 14th, "Priest" tells the tale of five fictional clergy men, two of whom are sexually active. One of the "actives" is also gay (a character described by "Variety's" Greg Evans as "a young priest coming to grips with his homosexuality"). William Donohue, president of the Catholic League, wants Disney to pull the film from distribution entirely, and he has threatened a nationwide boycott and stockholder protest. ``We can take their Snow White imagery, which is already tarnished, and blacken them up a little bit,'' Donohue said at a recent press conference. "If Disney gets no resistance from the Catholic League and from Catholics around the country (over) this film, God knows what we can expect in the future.'' According to Morality in Media's president, Robert Peters, "this movie attacks the Catholic Church's teachings as the cause of the (characters') failings and attempts to undermine the Church's moral authority at a time when the world needs all the moral help it can possibly get." "It is not surprising that this movie came from Miramax," Peters added. "That company has produced films featuring cannibalism, animal worship, explicit sex, occultism -- you name it." Miramax spokesperson Mark Gill has publicly defended the film. According to Gill, the characters in "Priest" are ``not satanic figures, but real people in a real world.'' You can voice your opinion by contacting Michael Eisner, CEO, The Walt Disney Co., 500 S. Buena Vista, Burbank, CA 91521, tel. 818-560-1000. GAYS ON THE GUEST LIST One of network television's more inviting programs is the new FOX series "Party of Five." This drama includes the recurring character of "Roth," a gay teacher (played by actor Mitchell Anderson). "Party of Five's" March 15th episode examined Roth's efforts to adopt a child. Though he encounters the expected resistance, Roth is ultimately successful and brings home a new baby daughter, "Tess." A highlight of the episode is an impassioned speech given by "Bailey," a teenage boy and one of the show's leading characters. Bailey eloquently stands up for Roth in an encounter with the skeptical social worker who is handling the adoption. "Party of Five" occupies an important time slot, following FOX's popular youth drama "Beverly Hills, 90210." The character of Roth -- as a teacher and now a parent -- can significantly challenge long-standing stereotypes, targeting an important segment of the viewing audience with affirming messages about lesbians and gays. Unfortunately, however, the party may soon be over. The series is at-risk for cancellation, and supportive letters are crucial. Write to Amy Lippman and Christopher Keyser, Executive Producers, "Party of Five," c/o FOX Broadcasting, P.O. Box 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90213, tel. 310-277-2211, e-mail foxnet@delphi.com; copy your letters to Chase Carey, President, FOX Broadcasting, at the same address. NOT A GOOD B.E.T. The Black Entertainment Network (B.E.T.) recently re-broadcast an episode of its "Comic View" series, in which a viciously homophobic comedian delivers a non-stop attack on lesbians and gay men. During her routine, Sheryl Underwood rails against equal rights for lesbians and gays and shouts that homosexuality must never be included in any civil rights movement. Underwood concludes her stand-up routine with a "humorous" comparison between gay sex and a well-known deodorant commercial. "I've got one thing to say to the homosexual," she yells, "the penis may be strong enough for a man, but it's made for a woman!" At this bigoted slur, the audience burst into a standing ovation. Moreover, a panel of judges gave her the program's award for "best comedian" ("Comic View" is a "talent" contest for stand-up comedians). Lynne Harris Taylor, "Comic View's" Supervising Producer, sees nothing wrong with the whole affair. In response to complaints, Taylor has told viewers: "It is unfortunate that you are offended by the remarks pertaining to homosexuals. Comedy does not discriminate. Our comics often make fun of different types of people; black, white, asian, hispanic, handicapped, homosexual, deaf, blind, etc., and it is all done in fun. During a time when stress plays a major part in all our lives, laughter and the ability to laugh at ourselves is a priceless commodity." Nothing about Underwood's routine could be construed as an attempt to "laugh at ourselves." She offers a homophobic sermon intended to promote ignorance and divisiveness. Underwood's brand of "comedy" only perpetuates the invisibility of people of color in the lesbian and gay community, which has to struggle against racism as well as homophobia. Her hateful ranting is, in fact, one of the very reasons that lesbians and gays find ourselves living in such "stressful times." Send feedback to Lynne Harris Taylor, Supervising Producer, "Comic View," Black Entertainment Television, 2801 West Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91505, tel. 818-566-9948 or 213-849-2728, fax 818-566-1655; copy your comments to Curtis Gadson, Vice-President, West Coast Operations, B.E.T., at the same address. TO YOUR HEALTH In 1994, after intensive advocacy efforts, the California State Board of Education published the "Health Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve." This framework is the FIRST in California history to include specific references to sexual orientation. Significantly, the framework calls for health education to include information that applies to ALL students, regardless of sexual orientation (p. 22). In accordance with other Board policies, the framework allows for a "factual, substantiated discussion of homosexuality" in textbooks used for grades six and above (pp. 115, 146). Finally, the framework notes the unique stigma attached to homosexuality, and specifically states: "Name-calling or other hurtful actions must not be tolerated" and "the curriculum in this content area should affirm the dignity of all individuals" (p. 147). Homophobic organizations (such as the "Traditional Values Coalition") vigorously opposed even these marginal references in the "Health Framework." Now, the State Board of Education is beginning the process of adopting health textbooks based on this framework, and the battle over sexual orientation will begin anew. At this point in the process, the Curriculum Commission is training the members of a panel that will offer the first review of the State's new health textbooks (which, once adopted, will be in use for MANY years). The members of this panel must be reminded of the hard-won references to sexual orientation in the "Health Framework." The panel members should be advised that, for the safety and well-being of all students, California's new health textbooks must contain fair and factual information about sexual orientation. They should be encouraged to support textbooks that explicitly affirm the dignity of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth -- many of whom are, quite literally, dying for information about their lives. Contact Nancy Sullivan, Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Office, California Department of Education, 721 Capitol Mall, 6th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, tel. 916-654-1123; ask that your opinions be shared with all members of the Instructional Resources Evaluation Panel of the Health Subject Matter Committee of the Curriculum Commission. And remember, even if you don't live in California, let your voice be heard! As a leading textbook purchaser, California helps determine the books that will be used in public schools throughout the nation. As a quick and easy way to promote awareness of this issue, you can also fax or e-mail letters to the editors of these major California newspapers: "San Diego Union-Tribune" (fax 619-293-1440; e-mail computerlink@sduniontrib.com), "San Francisco Examiner" (fax 415-777-2525; e-mail sfexaminer@aol.com), "Sacramento Bee" (fax 916-321-1109; e-mail sacbedit@netcom.com), "San Jose Mercury News" (fax 408-288-8060; e-mail sjmercury@aol.com or letters@aol.com), and the "Los Angeles Times" (fax 213-237-7679). UNCOVERING QUEER YOUTH The March '95 issue of "Diablo" (the glossy "Magazine of the East Bay") features an outstanding cover story on lesbian/gay youth. Under a full-color photo of three smiling teens, the banner headline announces: "The Kids Next Door -- The Newest High School Activists, Gay and Lesbian Students, Are So Out They're In." Inside the cover, Eric Pfeiffer's ten-page feature article -- "Out In School" -- chronicles the problems and prospects that confront young queers. His feature story serves as an eloquent vehicle for the stories told by several out teens, whom he quotes extensively throughout the piece. Pfeiffer's article is further bolstered by two informational boxes (or side-bars). "Where To Turn?" provides extensive resources for lesbian and gay youth. "Prayers for Bobby" reviews a new non-fiction book about the suicide of a young gay man, Bobby Griffith, and his mother's subsequent transformation into activism. Congratulations go to Colleen Paretty, Executive Editor, "Diablo," 2520 Camino Diablo, Ste. 200, Walnut Creek, CA 94596-3939, tel. 800-799-7001, fax 510-943-1045, e-mail diablopubs@aol.com. QUEERS ON PARADE St. Patrick's Day (March 18) has become something of an unofficial "Gay Bashing Day" in the United States. Big parades in New York and Boston regularly refuse to allow the participation of lesbian, gay or bisexual organizations. This year, however, Chicago broke with homophobic tradition and welcomed queer contingents in the city's parade. Three groups -- Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Queer Nation, and Irish Queers -- marched in the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade. Widely covered by the media, such parade participation offers a unique and colorful opportunity to promote lesbian, gay and bisexual visibility. Support for the decision to include the queer community can be sent to Mel Loftus, St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, 1340 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60607, tel. 312-942-9188. MEDIA BRIEFS * Progressive Peek . . . The March 1995 issue of "The Progressive" magazine includes "Contract on Culture," two features examining conservative assaults on public broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Arts. The issue also contains an interview with former Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders, and a critique of "NewtSpeak" by lesbian comedian Kate Clinton. Contact "The Progressive," 409 East Main St., Madison, WI 53703, tel. 608-257-4626, e-mail progmag@igc.apc.org. * Calling All Queers . . . Media homophobe "Dr." James Dobson, host of radio's "Focus on the Family," has published a "Corporate America and the Homosexual Agenda Information Sheet." This Fact-Less Sheet includes the phone numbers for ten AT&T executives and Dobson's listeners are urged to call and demand that the company stop supporting "the homosexual agenda" (i.e., ban lesbian/gay employee groups, cease corporate contributions to AIDS/HIV support groups, etc.). A copy of the sheet can be had, at "Dr." Dobson's expense, by calling 800-232-6459. # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # WE MUST CONFRONT THE MEDIA'S HOMOPHOBIA IN ORDER TO CURE IT! TO NOTIFY GLAAD-SFBA OF ANY DEFAMATORY OR AFFIRMATIVE MEDIA COVERAGE CALL OUR 24-HOUR MEDIA WATCH HOTLINE AT 415-861-4588, OR WRITE TO "MEDIA WATCH," GAY & LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION-SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, 1360 MISSION STREET, SUITE 200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103; tel. 415-861-2244, fax 415-861-4893, e-mail GLAADSFBA@AOL.COM. FOUNDED IN 1988, THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA CHAPTER OF GLAAD IS A MEMBERSHIP-BASED COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO CULTURAL ADVOCACY AND MEDIA ACTIVISM. GLAAD/SFBA PROMOTES THE FAIR, ACCURATE AND DIVERSE REPRESENTATION OF LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL LIVES IN ALL FORMS OF MASS MEDIA. -------------------------------------------------------- "MEDIA WATCH" is a weekly report that may be reprinted or posted without prior permission, provided that, when appropriate, attribution is made to Al Kielwasser and/or GLAAD-SFBA. We greatly appreciate copies of any publications that use all or part of the "MEDIA WATCH." 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