From: MediAction@aol.com Date: Wed, 1 Jan 1997 13:00:19 -0500 Subject: MEDIAlert! - for 31 DEC 96 ---------------------------------------------------------------- INDEX: "MEDIAlert!" for 31 DEC 96 -ITEM 1: "Home-O-Phobia" [Alfie's Home; International Healing Foundation; Richard Cohen; Donate-A-Book Campaign; Daddy's Roommate; Heather Has Two Mommies; NCAC; Ex.Ex; GLSTN]. -ITEM 2: "News Notes" [MTV News: UNFiltered; MTV Networks; Judy McGrath; City Nightclub; VH1; RuPaul; Loveline; The Real World; Storytellers; Melissa Etheridge; Rodman World Tour; MTV News Presents]. -ITEMS 3 - 10: "Media/Briefs" [MSNBC, Imus In The Morning; GLAAD, MPAA, ACLU, Mel Gibson; Townhall.Com; CCPJ 1996 Report on Free Expression; Rethinking Schools; Making Contact; HBO, Official and Confidential: The Secret Life of J. Edgar Hoover; NGLTF Action Alert List]. -GENERAL INFO [about MEDIAlerts; author notes]. ---------------------------------------------------------------- M E D I A l e r t ! ______________________________ December 16-31, 1996 Al Kielwasser [1] H O M E - 0 - P H O B I A Operating as a tax-exempt organization, the homophobic International Healing Foundation (IHF) recently renewed its efforts to launch a national fundraising scheme -- the "Donate-A-Book Campaign." IHF is distributing copies of a hard-cover children's picture book, "Alfie's Home," which tells "the story of a boy who struggles with homosexuality and then transitions into heterosexuality after finding help and experiencing his father's love." "Alfie's Home" was written by Richard Cohen, who is also the director of IHF. According to Cohen -- who identifies himself as an educator, psychotherapist and "former homosexual" -- the book is intended "to offer hope and healing to children who wish to change from gay to straight." "No one is born homosexual," says Cohen. "'Alfie's Home' offers the understanding that change is possible. I have done it, and so have many others." The author adds that "Alfie's story is no mere abstraction but has been carved out of numerous case studies arising from my therapeutic practice." IHF hopes to donate over 1,000 copies of the book to public and school libraries across the nation. The campaign is currently seeking donations, and hopes to raise $5,000 to continue the effort. To support the campaign, IHF is also running radio/TV public service announcements and placing print ads and news releases. "This year, one patron donated thousands of dollars for us to advertise in local papers," Cohen claims. "From these ads many called and got help for the first time." According to Cohen, "Alfie's Home" is necessary to counter "the pro-homosexual books such as 'Daddy's Home' and 'Heather has two Mommies' which now exist in many libraries and schools throughout the country." "Members of the homosexual community have donated a large number of these books in order to promote the acceptance of homosexuality," Cohen says. The main character in "Alfie's Home" is a young boy who announces woefully: "When I became a teenager, I started feeling really different from the other guys.... I was confused. I did have strong feelings for other guys." "After awhile, I went to a school counselor for help and advice," the boy relates. "I told him my story and that I thought I was gay. He said I wasn't gay.... He explained that because I didn't experience affection with my father, that now I was looking for closeness with other boys, to fill the need for my Dad's love." Elsewhere, the story suggests that homosexuality is also caused by gay pedophiles. "My Uncle Pete comes over sometimes," Alfie says. "One night when he was holding me, he started touching my private parts." The book also includes a hideous depiction of Alfie being taunted by other classmates: "Some of them called me names like 'Sissy,' 'Faggot,' 'Queer,' 'Homo.' I didn't know what they meant." However, this taunting is portrayed as one of the problems associated with homosexuality, NOT homophobia. The book condemns BEING gay, but not BASHING gays. Not surprisingly, the story of "Alfie's Home" concludes heterosexually ever after. Following family counseling, Alfie explains: "Now, I realize that I'm not gay.... Finally, I am happy and at home. Now I am seeing Nancy.... We are getting married. It's exciting!!!" Cohen is urging homophobes across the nation to "contact IHF for free copies of 'Alfie's Home' to donate to your local public libraries and public schools." Supporters are also provided with copies of a press release and PSA, to run in their local media markets. * * * * ACTION ALERT!: Request a FREE copy of "Alfie's Home" and alert your local press, library or school board to the true nature of this insidious and hateful misinformation campaign; contact Richard A. Cohen, Director, International Healing Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 901, Bowie, MD 20718-0901, tel. 301-805-6111, fax 301-341-1258, e-mail IHF90@aol.com. Whenever fair and accurate books about homosexuality come under attack in your town, respond! The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) and the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN) are progressive organizations that can provide advice, resources and other information regarding the fight for fair and free expression now being waged in schools and libraries. Contact: NCAC, 275 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, tel. 212-807-6222, fax 212-807-6245, e-mail ncac@netcom.com; GLSTN, 122 West 26th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10001, tel. 212-727-0135, e-mail glstn@glstn.org, web http://www.glstn.org/respect/. Among the resources available from GLSTN is an especially handy reference sheet, "Just The Facts: On Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Students and Schools." "Ex.Ex" -- pronounced "x-dot-x" -- is a new website created as "a resource for individuals that are seeking information on these 'ex-gay' groups and more specifically on those that have now become 'ex-ex-gay.' In other words, they have come to accept their sexual orientation instead of trying to change it." For details, browse the site (http://members.aol.com/exexgay) or e-mail inquiries to exexgay@aol.com. [2] N E W S N O T E S The tenth installment of "MTV News: UNFiltered" premiered December 22, and has been re-broadcast on several dates since. Once again the show prominently includes queer content. According to MTV, this series "turns the cameras around and puts viewers in control of the content, pictures and words that make the news." The latest "UNFiltered" episode opened with a segment on Portland's "City Nightclub," which has come under fire from local authorities. According to club patron Patrick Hill, the harassment is utterly homophobic "as most of the clubgoers are gay, lesbian or bisexual." Hill's segment effectively argues the urgent need for places -- other than the street -- where queer youth can gather affirmatively. "UNFiltered" debuted in 1995, and the series "invites viewers around the country to call a special toll free number (1-800-296-2445) with their story ideas;" selected viewers are provided with a camera to document their story on tape. Previous episodes of "MTV News: UNFiltered" have covered such issues as teenage suicide, squatters' rights, sexual harassment and gay drag. "UNFiltered" is a production of MTV News. According to "TV Guide" (Dec. 27), the music network's news division -- which has "tackled subject matter hard and soft in its 15 years" -- is currently undergoing "an extensive overhaul." Reportedly, $10.5 million will be slashed from the MTV News budget in the coming year. However, MTV president Judy McGrath insists that "the network's commitment to news remains as strong as ever." "We will actually be upping the amount of news on the network," McGrath promises. "Normally, we do 16 half-hour specials. This year we're adding another 10 to that number as part of a regular Sunday night 'MTV News Presents...' show." "MTV News: UNFiltered" aired seven times in 1996, but will be cut to four installments in '97. The series will be merged with "MTV News Presents..." MTV is a unit of Viacom Inc., which also owns and operates VH1, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, and TV Land. Other network programs that offer affirmative lesbian or gay content include VH1's "RuPaul" show (hosted by the gay drag diva/singer of the same name), and MTV's "Loveline" (a nightly sex advice/talk show), "The Real World" (documentary series) and "Rodman World Tour" (celebrity interview/talk show). In addition, a recent (December 29) episode of the VH1 biography series -- "Storytellers" -- featured lesbian rocker Melissa Etheridge. * * * * ACTION ALERT!: Encourage MTV to continue programming queer news and music. Send comments to Judy McGrath, President, MTV Networks, 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, fax 212-258-7955, e-mail mtvnews@aol.com; copy correspondence to Sumner M. Redstone, Chair, Viacom International, Inc., 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, tel. 212-258-6000. Calls can also be directed to Andrea Smith, Manager, Communications (MTV Networks/East Coast, tel. 212-258-8768) or Vanessa Reyes, Manager, Corporation Communications (MTV Networks/West Coast, tel. 818-505-7812). Questions, comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to "Loveline" (Loveline3@aol.com), VH1 (vh1@here.viacom.com) and "MTV News: UNFiltered" (unfiltered@aol.com). M E D I A / B R I E F S [3] *** QUALITY PRODUCE? . . . The MSNBC network has renewed its contract with "Imus In The Morning," a New York based radio show. Each weekday MSNBC simulcasts the nationally-syndicated series, which is hosted by Don Imus. Unfortunately, the radio series -- and now, the TV network -- also provide a platform for snide on-air comments from "Bernie," the show's producer. Acting a something of a side-kick for Imus, Bernie regularly interjects homophobic asides. In recent MSNBC simulcasts, for example, Bernie suggested that homosexual marriages will only "pave the way for man-boy weddings. That's coming next!" Following a news report on IBM's decision to extend domestic partnership benefits to lesbian and gay employees, he remarked: "Instead of a mouse, you can have a gerbil on the pad. Go all the way with it!" By contrast, host Imus has been more supportive -- or at least less hateful -- than his producer. Contact: Mark Harrington, Vice President, MSNBC, 2200 Fletcher, Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, e-mail opinion@msnbc.com. [4] *** COSTLY FREEDOM . . . "Journalists around the world found themselves under increasing threats of both violent and legislative assaults in 1996," according to the Canadian Committee to Protect Journalists (CCPJ). In its recently-released annual report, CCPJ notes: "In 1996 alone, 163 journalists were charged and brought to trial for their work, 79 were sentenced, and 8 were handed suspended sentences. These numbers show a marked increase over 1995." "While scores of journalists are murdered every year for their work, the more common threat for journalists is the courtroom, and the enemy, more often than not, is their own government," said Wayne Sharpe, executive director of CCPJ. For more information, including "complete statistics on freedom of expression violations in 1996," contact the Canadian Committee to Protect Journalists/International Freedom of Expression Clearing House, 490 Adelaide St. W., Suite 205, Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 1T2, tel. 416-703-1638, fax 416-703-7034, e-mail ccpj@web.net, web http://www.web.net/ccpj/. [5] *** GLAAD TIDINGS . . . Sadly, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has extended dubious support for the nation's new TV ratings scheme. Though opposed by other progressive organizations, the system has been greeted optimistically by GLAAD's national director, William Waybourn. The ratings system was developed under the direction of Jack Valenti, president of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which has consistently -- and unfairly -- applied more-restrictive ratings (e.g., NC-17) to films with lesbian or gay content. Ignoring the MPAA's record of homophobic bias, however, Waybourn expressed "cautious optimism that the new system would not distinguish between heterosexual and gay content." Citing no firm or concrete policy statement -- but only vague assurances from "industry insiders" -- Waybourn insists the ratings scheme "is not intended to discourage creation of lesbian- and gay-themed programming." By contrast, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has denounced the ratings system as "subjective and arbitrary" and tantamount to "government-coerced censorship." According to ACLU associate director Barry Steinhardt, the new system could easily encourage advertisers or producers to drop certain shows and projects "for fear of being thought too controversial." In another seemingly-inexplicable (and equally "industry-cozy") move, GLAAD and homophobic actor/director Mel Gibson "will host 10 lesbian and gay filmmakers for an on-location seminar on the set of Gibson's new film, 'Conspiracy Theory.'" According to GLAAD, the day-long seminar is scheduled to take place in early January and will provide participants "with an up-close and personal look into the inner workings of a major Hollywood feature film." "GLAAD is proud to offer up-and-coming lesbian and gay filmmakers the opportunity to spend time on set with an actor and director of Mel Gibson's caliber," said Waybourn. Though described by GLAAD as "groundbreaking," the seminar is actually being held without serious expression of any new understanding (let alone an apology) from Gibson, who has routinely smeared lesbians and gays, both on and off the screen. In fact, this event -- at which homosexuals will essentially have the "opportunity" to sit at the feet of a homophobe -- seems little more than a continuation of Gibson's condescension towards queers. If Gibson was an unrepentant misogynist, would NOW proudly invite up-and-coming women filmmakers to spend time learning from a man of such caliber? GLAAD's vague "opportunity" appears no less absurd. Contact: GLAAD/National, 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 640, Washington, DC 20009, tel. 800-429-6334 or 202-986-1360, fax 202-667-0902, e-mail glaad@glaad.org or waybourn@aol.com, web http://www.glad.org; American Civil Liberties Union National Office, 132 West 43rd Street, New York, New York 10036, e-mail info@aclu.org, web http://www.aclu.org. [6] *** RIGHT WING WATCH . . . Keeping an eye on the on-line Right is an important -- yet increasingly daunting -- task. To make the effort easier, web watcher Scott Miller recommends pointing to http://www.townhall.com/townhall/. This site "gives you options to access quite a few right-wing groups," including such infamous homophobes as the so-called Family "Research" Council (http://www.townhall.com/townhall/FRC/) and the American Family Association (http://www.afa.net). [7] *** EDUCATIONAL MEDIA . . . The latest issue of "Rethinking Schools" (Winter 1996/1997) includes a four-page centerfold: "Teaching the Whole Story -- One School's Struggle Toward Gay and Lesbian Inclusion" This expansive article reports on efforts to introduce fair and factual information about homosexuality, through such educational media as Debra Chasnoff's recently-completed film "It's Elementary." Sidebars examine student reactions to anti-gay resolutions and suggest "Recommended Resources" (books, videos, photo exhibits), useful to both professional educators and educational activists. "Rethinking Schools" is a progressive tabloid, published quarterly. Contact: Barbara Miner, Managing Editor, "Rethinking Schools," 1001 E. Keefe Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53212, tel. 414-964-9646, fax 414-964-7220, e-mail rethink@execpc.com. [8] *** RADIO ACTIVITY . . . Featuring progressive critiques of contemporary media issues, "Making Contact" is an exceptional half-hour radio show. A recent episode asks "How Free is Our Free Press?" and examines the "stories that go largely unreported in mainstream media." This series is provided free to all non-commercial stations, and the show's producers encourage listeners to recommend "Making Contact" to local broadcasters. For further information, contact Phillip Babich, Producer, "Making Contact," 1876 16th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122, tel. 415-851-7256, e-mail contact@igc.apc.org or pbabich@hooked.net, web http://www.igc.apc.org/MakingContact. [9] *** DID SHE, OR DIDN'T SHE? . . . Reuters/Variety (Dec. 23) reports that "HBO has halted work on a movie about J. Edgar Hoover, because it could not resolve such issues as whether to portray the late FBI director as a cross-dresser who had an affair with his right-hand man, Clyde Tolson." Apparently, network executives objected to "the issue of drag and other allegations made in the Anthony Summers book 'Official and Confidential: The Secret Life of J. Edgar Hoover,' which served as HBO's source material for the film." However, HBO sources deny that the network is "shying away from volatile subject matter" and insist the script is still being developed. Aside from a latenight phone call from an HBO staffer, Summers said he has not been fully briefed by the network. "Three weeks ago, I had a call from a woman who was very rude at 9:30 at night, asking, 'What's this about Hoover being homosexual, what are your facts to back it up?,'" Summers said. According to Variety, HBO has "officially declined comment." Contact: HBO, Jeff Bewkes, President, HBO, 1100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, fax 212-512-5517, web http://www.hbo.com/cmp/feedback.html. [10] *** E-MEDIA ACTIVISM. . . The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) provides an "Action Alert" e-mail list. To subscribe to this vital service, send a message to: listserv@list.ngltf.org. In the body of the message, simply type: subscribe activist. -------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT MEDIALERTS Distributed as a community press service since 1992, "MEDIAlert!" [TM] (formerly "Media Watch") is a biweekly, advocacy-oriented column of media criticism, primarily focused on lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender issues. Recipients may print, publish or post this material, in whole or part, under this or any title, without prior permission. When appropriate, attribution can be made to "Al Kielwasser" and/or "MEDIAlert!" File copies of publications using all or part of any "MEDIAlert!" are always appreciated (and can be sent to the address below). Next "MEDIAlert!": January 15, 1997. Contact: A. P. Kielwasser, MEDIAction, 163 Park Street, San Francisco, CA 94110-5835, voice-mail 415-826-5203, fax 415-826-5203 (ext. 8), e-mail mediaction@aol.com. -------------------------------------------------------------- AUTHOR NOTES Al Kielwasser is the editor of "Gay People, Sex and the Media" (New York: Haworth Press) and his criticism and research have appeared widely, in both mainstream and academic publications (including the "Journal of American Culture," "Journal of Homosexuality," "Journal of Popular Culture," and "Critical Studies in Mass Communication"); in 1996 he completed a second term as Chair of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation/San Francisco Bay Area, a pioneering media advocacy organization. ___________________________________________ Shape the forces that shape our society . . . Challenge homophobia in and through the media! ____________________________________________