From: MPetrelis@aol.com Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 02:07:26 EST Subject: GLAAD's statement re: Coors donation [Dear friends, Here is GLAAD's official response to anyone who asks why they've accepted $110,000 from Coors. If you have questions about the statement, or wish to protest GLAAD decison to take the Coors money, please call 1-800-GAY-MEDIA and ask to speak with Joan Garry. Thanks. --mp] Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 02:55:21 -0800 Subject: finally! From: "Scott Seomin" The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is keenly aware of the power of images. For those of us in the business of enacting cultural change, we understand they can have a far reaching and indelible impact. In our work, we set out to change hearts, broaden minds and engage our own community as well as the nation as a whole. GLAAD's Sexual Orientation in the Workplace Seminar is a critical component to reinforcing accurate images of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. GLAAD's tenth annual Media Awards will be held in three cities, honoring and celebrating those who have provided the public with unique and powerful portraits of our lives. Both programs have proven themselves to be integral, vital and vibrant pieces of our work. Recently, the Coors Brewing Company has become a sponsor for both of these GLAAD programs. Our decision to work with Coors was not made in haste nor in isolation. It was a particularly difficult decision, and one which challenged us as an organization and as individuals. We took inventory of our organizational decision- making process. We examined the work which so desperately needs to be done. And we listened to those who believe that no LGBT organization should partner with Coors. Through our work with the media and with community organizations on both the local and national levels, we've come to recognize that the voices which resonate best with the public come from people who have experienced things first-hand. As a company, Coors has experienced a learning process. It has made significant strides in fostering an internal corporate culture which now values and welcomes all of its employees - including those of us in the LGBT community. GLAAD's Sexual Orientation In The Workplace Seminars are conducted in an attempt to encourage workplaces to demonstrate a tangible commitment to the well-being of their employees, their partners and families. Not just in word only, but in deed. This very real image of LGBT individuals and their colleagues enjoying the same benefits - at work - is bound to extend well beyond the walls of their workplace. Since its inception in the mid-eighties, GLAAD has understood that education must be at the heart of our progress. In our work, we build relationships on a daily basis with those within and often, outside of our community. Educating and broadening their understanding of our issues has proven a sound and successful strategy. We are making headway. Encouraging vocal and healthy debate and dissent is critical to the health of any movement. And as our community becomes more diverse, as our issues become wider in scope - we are certain to choose different paths at different times. We at GLAAD respect and have listened to those who so disagree with our working with the Coors Brewing Company. Regardless of our differences, we are all working toward the same goal. In the spirit of moving forward, GLAAD hopes that we can continue our work -together. There is so much to be done.