From: GLAADSFBA@aol.com Date: Fri, 28 Apr 1995 08:29:42 -0400 Subject: GLAAD MEDIA WATCH, April 28 M E D I A W A T C H for April 28, 1995 by A L K I E L W A S S E R Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter QUEER FOLK Celebrating 35 years in the entertainment industry, folk music legends Peter, Paul & Mary have issued "Lifelines," a new CD that features various guest artists. One of the numbers is a duet between Mary Travers and Holly Near. The song -- "Home Is Where The Heart Is" -- was written by Sally Fingerett, and is an ode to queer families. Written as if sung by a mother to her daughter, the lyrics touch upon the lives of various couples, with references to both lesbian and gay individuals. The chorus reminds listeners: "Home is where the heart is, no matter where the heart lives." As one fan of the new CD remarked, the song's theme is "that family values are gay values." Significantly, Warner Brothers has released "Home Is Where The Heart Is" as the CD's first single. ** Compliments can be sent to Donna Russo, Warner Brothers Records, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10019, tel. 212-275-4500, fax 212-275-4500. Copy your correspondence to Gerald Levin, CEO, Time-Warner, Inc., 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019, tel. 212-522-1212. And don't forget to request the song when calling your local "Adult Contemporary/Middle-of-the-Road ('Soft Rock')" radio stations. NOTHING BETTER TO WRITE Recently, widely-syndicated gossip columnist Liz Smith wrote a piece on Chasity Bono, who came out in an April18th interview with "The Advocate" magazine. Amazingly, Smith -- who is a "semi-closeted" lesbian herself -- refers to Chastity Bono's "sexual preference." Of course, most mainstream journalists have begun to use the more-accurate terminology, "sexual orientation." "Preference" carries the unfortunate implication that lesbians and gay men can be changed; it's a term that appeals to the homophobic imagination, in which evil queers prefer immorality over righteousness. Of Bono's lesbianism, Smith writes: "Now, you may think this is old news, but Chastity, the daughter of Sonny and Cher, has actually never spoken about her sexual preference. She was 'outed' by the tabloids (with help from gay activists who have nothing better to do than tell other people how to live)." Smith's blanket condemnation of "gay activists" is also inaccurate, as well as unfair. The practice of "outing" has been driven by tactics that are much more complex than Smith admits. She seems to assume that referring to a public figure as "lesbian" or "gay" can only be a defamatory invasion of privacy, rather than a simple statement of fact. Moreover, many pro-outing activists have never participated in outing the relatives of celebrities (but have focused, instead, on the celebrities themselves). In his book "Contested Closets: The Politics and Ethics of Outing," media researcher Larry Gross points out that, even at their height, the lesbian and gay press virtually ignored the Bono rumors. He concludes that Bono's outing was largely "committed by the tabloid press and by mainstream journalists, not by gay activists." Smith's cumulative record on lesbian/gay issues has been less-than-admirable. In 1984, for example, she expressed public disgust at Harvey Fierstein because he actually (gasp!) thanked his gay lover at the Tony Awards. Over the years, Smith has also used her column to paint an impossible picture of the pervasiveness of heterosexuality; by insisting that such notables as Rock Hudson and Malcom Forbes were straight men, Smith has actively engaged in what Larry Gross describes as "one of the most common forms of journalistic deception." Honestly, does Liz Smith have nothing better to write about? ** "Fan Mail" for Liz Smith is received by the Los Angeles Times Syndicate, 218 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, tel. 213-237-7987. OUT IN SPACE The late Gene Roddenberry, creator of the "Star Trek" media empire, once vowed to include lesbians and gays in the cast of characters who inhabit his science fiction universe. Unfortunately, that promise has yet to be kept. However, it now seems that another television show -- "Babylon 5" -- will be the first to go where no science fiction series has gone before. The show's producers have announced plans for queer inclusion. Some time ago, J. Michael Straczynski, the creator/producer of "Babylon 5," made this observation: "We have no intention of avoiding the gay question. We will not, however, do a 'gay story,' which is usually described by those friends and acquaintances of mine in derogatory terms . . . a la 'fags are people too.' The sense I get is that they resent the hell out of that kind of patronizing approach. The one suggestion that comes most often is, 'Why not simply introduce a character, we get to know that character over the run of a season, and at some point discover, practically in passing, that this person is bi or gay . . . .' And that's what we're going to do." Reportedly, the telepathic Talia Winters -- a regular "Babylon 5" character -- will be revealed as bisexual. Ardent series fans suspect that Winters will have an "intimate relationship" with the character of Susan Ivanova, an officer aboard the Babylon 5 space station. Since its debut in January 1994, "Babylon 5's" ratings have been notable. The series has ranked amongst the top of the charts for one-hour television series, making it an especially attractive vehicle for affirming bisexuality. ** Send feedback to J. Michael Straczynski, Executive Producer, "Babylon 5," Babylonian Productions, 14431 Ventura Blvd., Suite 260, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, e-mail straczynski@genie.geis.com. Copy your correspondence to Dick Robertson, President, Warner Brothers Domestic Television Distribution, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522, tel. 818-954-5877, fax 818-954-5820. TROUBLED TIMES In its April 22 edition, the "Richmond Times-Dispatch" editorialized in favor of a Virginia Supreme Court decision that denied lesbian mother Sharon Bottoms the custody of her young child. In a grossly homophobic tirade -- entitled "Prudent Jurists: In the End, Reason Prevailed" -- the "Times-Dispatch" argued that Bottoms' "lesbian lifestyle" poses a threat to the well-being of her three-year-old son. According to the "Times-Dispatch," lesbianism is a "lifestyle violating both nature and Virginia law." The newspaper further argued: "Had Sharon Bottoms been awarded custody of her son, her live-in lesbian lover was to help raise him. Such an unconventional home life would have created an embarrassment for the boy at best -- and been a damaging, corrupting torment for him at worst." The editorial came to this galling conclusion: "In deciding to spare the boy such a bizarre upbringing, the jurists made a prudent decision: one that finally -- mercifully -- puts the CHILD'S interests first." Clearly, the Virginia court decision put the interests of homophobes above all others. In defending those interests, the "Times-Dispatch" supports the most "bizarre upbringing" of all. The newspaper ultimately argues that is better for Bottoms' son to be raised in a climate of (heterosexual) bigotry, rather than (homosexual) love. Apparently, the managers of the "Times-Dispatch" have never availed themselves of the expanding research literature on lesbian/gay parenting, which refutes every premise of this ignorant editorial. Competent studies of the children of lesbian and gay parents offer no evidence of a "damaging, corrupting torment." Rather, the data suggest that a child's development is not significantly affected by a parent's sexual orientation. A child's growth IS affected, however, by a parent's (or guardian's) homophobia. Bigotry can strike at every aspect of child development, from self-esteem to physical health. It is homophobia -- and not homosexuality -- that corrupts family life. ** Criticism should be directed to Ross Mackenzie, Editor, "Times-Dispatch," P.O. Box 85333, Richmond, VA 23293-0001, fax 804-775-8072. To fight back with facts, arm yourself with resources from the Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International (GLPCI, P.O. Box 50360, Washington, DC 20091, tel. 202-583-8029), Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE, 2300 Market Street, #165, San Francisco, CA 94114, e-mail kidsofgays@aol.com), and the Committee on Lesbian and Gay Concerns or the Committee on Children, Youth and Families at the American Psychological Association (APA, 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, tel. 202-336-6041). MEDIA BRIEFS * Groundbreaking Journalism . . . "Notes From The Underground" is a publication offering "Objective News for Ottawa's Transcommunity." The all-volunteer periodical is published in print and electronic versions by Gender Mosaic, a transgender community group in Canada. Contact "NFTU," P.O. Box 7421, Vanier, ON, Canada K1L 8E4, tel./fax 613-741-3007, e-mail bz247@freenet.carleton.ca. * A Sorry Reply . . . The long-standing rumor has finally been shot down. "DJ," one of the characters on the ABC sitcom "Roseanne," will not come out as a gay teen. Network spokesperson Ed Citron has told interested viewers: "I'm sorry, but there is no such episode planned according to the production company." Send comments to Ed Citron, ABC Television, 2040 Ave. of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067, tel. 310-557-7777, e-mail abcaudr@ccabc.com. * Call Of The Wilde . . . The Kentucky Gay and Lesbian Library and Archives is calling upon individuals everywhere to write letters to newspapers for publication on May 25, 1995. That date marks the 100th anniversary of Oscar Wilde's imprisonment in London for "indecency and sodomy." Letter writers can use this historic occasion to draw attention to the continuing oppression of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. For a sample letter or more information about the Oscar Wilde Project, e-mail willnich@aol.com. * Newsletter News . . . "c.c.watch" is an "independent newsletter monitoring the religious right." Contact Paula Xanthopoulou, Editor, tel. 305-751-5001, fax 305-759-7193, e-mail watch97@aol.com. * Gay TV On Pay TV . . . On April 26th, the CINEMAX cable network aired a1993 Canadian documentary, "Out: Stories of Lesbian and Gay Youth." Compliments can be sent to CINEMAX, The HBO Building, 1100 Ave. of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. * Civil Writes . . . October 1995 will mark the second annual celebration of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual History Month in the U.S. To publicize this project, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN) and the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual History Month (LGBHM) Coordinating Council have announced an essay competition for young queers (under 22). Winning writers receive a cash prize and the essays will be reprinted in mainstream and lesbian/gay publications around the country. Entries must be received by June 15. For details, contact GLSTN, Box 390526, Cambridge, MA 02139-0006, e-mail glstn@aol.com or lgbhm@aol.com. * Getting It On . . . The QueerLinks Project of Digital Queers/San Francisco will host "Queer Activists Online," a forum offering a general overview of strategies for using the Internet and various online services/resources. The event takes place on May 20th, 1:00 to 5:00 PM, at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. For details, contact DQ/SF, 1360 Mission Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94103, tel. 415-252-6282, e-mail digiqueers@aol.com. * People's Forum . . . On May 6th, People For the American Way will present a forum entitled "Public Art/Private Expression." Promising a "lively discussion concerning public art and freedom of expression," the forum is scheduled for May 6, 1:30 - 3:30 PM, at Stanford University. For more information, call 800-743-6768. * Signs And Wonders . . . A visitor to the Tourist Club -- a bar in Truckee, California -- reports that a wooden sign in the tavern declares: "THIS IS A HAPPY BAR, NOT GAY!" Calls to the bar have been met, so far, with "no comment." Your comments can be directed to Duncan Reed, Tourist Club, P.O. Box 427, Truckee, CA 96160, tel. 916-587-9964. # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # 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 GLAAD SFBA@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, whenever 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." Thank you for your participation in GLAAD's vital work!