GLAAD/Chicago April 1995 Newsletter ************************************************************************ ************************************************************************ TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Tristano Affair Should Send a Clear Warning 2. GLAAD/Chicago Seeks Volunteer Support 3. Victor/Victoria Comes to Chicago 4. GLAAD/Chicago Meets with WLS Execs to Address Defamatory Talk Show Host 5. Volunteers Make "Serving in Silence" Parties a Success 6. Downstate Report 7. Americans Divided on Teaching About Gays 8. Do You Have Items to Help our Cause? 9. GLAAD Announces 1995 Media Awards 10.President's Message 11.Daily Herald Attacked for Article on Lesbian and Gay Bridal Fair 12.America's First Mainstream Gay-Themed Opera Opens at the Houston Grand Opera 13.Chicago-Area Print Media 14.In Memoriam 15.Community Demands Apology from House Majority Leader 16.Currently in Production . . . 17.Life-Saving Television 18.Letter 19.Columnist Deb Price Guest of Honor at September Fundraising Event 20.Thank You to our Donors! 21.GLAAD/Chicago Board of Directors 22.GLAAD/Chicago Announces Board Expansion 23.Upcoming GLAAD/Chicago Events ************************************************************************ 1. Tristano Affair Should Send a Clear Warning by Randy Snyder The recent appointment of Michael Tristano, who oversaw the distribution of defamatory anti-gay literature to Illinois households prior to the November 8, 1994 elections while Executive Director of the Illinois House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC), to the position of Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) should be a cause of alarm for every lesbian, gay and bisexual person in Illinois. It seems that it is now acceptable for our state legislators to use the tactics of deceit for political gain that are used by Radical Right groups. By using gays and lesbians as a wedge issue, a tool to stir voters' anger based on ignorance and fear about lesbian, gay and bisexual people, our state legislators inflame voters and divide citizens. This tactic is a proven method of mobilizing people by appealing to their basest fears and ignorance about lesbigay people. The flyer co-authored and distributed by Tristano and the HRCC accomplished just that. The premise of the leaflet, that legislation to protect lesbians, gays and bisexual people against discrimination gives us "special privileges," is a lie. It creates the impression that equal rights legislation is a threat to other people. In an interview in the February issue of Chicago magazine, Tristano said, "I tried to make the brochures as tasteful as possible." But clearly the intent of this damaging leaflet was to cast the lesbian and gay community in a threatening light. The leaflets targeted candidates who voted to include the lesbigay community with the same group of people already protected by existing laws, such as people of color, women, the disabled and ethnic groups. None were re-elected. I am also alarmed at UIC's handling of this issue in relation Tristano's hiring. After meeting with GLAAD/Chicago and the Illinois Federation for Human Rights, and after consultation with the Chancellor's committee on the State of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Issues, Chancellor James J. Stukel dismissed the issue as one of differing political beliefs and freedom of speech. In a letter to GLAAD/Chicago, the Chancellor said, "We should not, and will not, demand that our employees share a prescribed set of political beliefs." Other University officials quoted in the UIC student newspaper, the Chicago Flame, cited similar arguments. But the real issue is not Mr. Tristano's political beliefs, but his willingness and the willingness of Illinois Republicans to sacrifice our well-being for political gain. Tristano's careless disregard for the lives and safety of the gay, lesbian and bisexual people of this state makes him unqualified to assume any position with the university. It is appalling that UIC would dismiss this issue as one of differing political beliefs and freedom of speech. One can only wonder what the university's response would have been had Tristano insulted African-Americans, Latinos or Jews in the same fashion. The 1996 elections are not far away. If our community allows this kind of defamation by our elected officials to go unchallenged now, 1996 will be open season on us all. We must educate ourselves as to the difference between political beliefs and clear-cut tactics of deceit and voter manipulation. We must protest being used as a political tool to sway votes. We must let our leaders in politics and education know that we will not tolerate being denigrated and then swept under the rug as a "political issue." ************************************************************************ 2. GLAAD/Chicago Seeks Volunteer Support GLAAD seeks volunteers to work with various committees now being structured in order to fulfill an ambitious fundraising and activity schedule for 1995. This schedule includes a fundraising event to coincide with GLAAD/Chicago's hosting of the quarterly national GLAAD board meeting on the weekend of September 16/17. Other activities include three major direct-mail campaigns, three film/video presentations, several cocktail parties, Halsted Street Market Days and Pride Week. GLAAD/Chicago also needs volunteer support for its ongoing media monitoring and response efforts, presentations of its "Exposing the Radical Right" workshops and production of the GLAAD Monitor newsletter. Interested in volunteering? Call (312) 871-7633. ************************************************************************ 3. Victor/Victoria Comes to Chicago Blake Edwards' musical version of Victor/Victoria, is coming to Chicago during July and August prior to its Broadway premiere. The show was at the center of a controversy earlier this year when GLAAD protested a homophobic song, "You'd Be Surprised." Producers promised that the song would "either be reworked, so that it reflects the sensibilities of the movie, or it will not be in the show." ************************************************************************ 4. GLAAD/Chicago Meets With WLS Executives Randy Snyder, Executive Director, and Bill Weeks, Vice President of GLAAD, along with Alan Amberg of Lesbigay Radio of Chicago, met with Tom Tradup, President and General Manager, and Drew Hayes, Operations Director of WLS Talk Radio, on January 24. They discussed the problem of the outrageous ridicule and defamation targeting lesbians and gays on Jay Marvin's daily afternoon talk show. GLAAD/Chicago had received a message on its Tipline on December 20, 1994, reporting that Jay Marvin had been using the gay and lesbian community as the brunt of jokes and had called his radio sidekick Grant Park (a pseudonym) a "fairy" on the air. GLAAD/Chicago monitored two consecutive programs on December 27 and 28 and was shocked to hear Marvin encouraging the outright ridicule of gays and lesbians. Listeners calling in made references to "gerbiling," "deep throating" and the Manhole gay bar. Additionally, men called in with high-pitched voices and made reference to Park's "delicious red panties." Meanwhile, Marvin's laughter encouraged the ridicule to continue. GLAAD/Chicago opened the meeting by playing a tape of the defamatory programming. Amberg shook his head as he listened to the tape. Tradup then played a tape of Marvin's on-the-air response to GLAAD/Chicago's letter, including a caller who claimed he was gay, who called in to offer support for Marvin's antics. Marvin then called GLAAD/Chicago just another gay group looking for an issue and claimed that he had every right to "poke fun" at gays and lesbians, because he supports gay rights. Snyder called Marvin's explanation "Ridiculous. Claiming to be a supporter of gay and lesbian rights does not give him the right to ridicule and defame lesbians and gays on the air, for whatever reason." Tradup expressed his deep concern over the issue and agreed that the program was indeed defamatory. "I'm terribly sorry it got as out of control as it did," he said. "The listeners have too free a reign [on Marvin's show]."He assured Snyder, Weeks and Amberg that "This will clear itself up, on this station, faster than anything we've done." He then offered GLAAD/Chicago the possibility of appearing on Jay Marvin's program to discuss the issue with his listeners on the air. GLAAD/Chicago eagerly accepted Tradup's proposal. Unfortunately, Marvin canceled a meeting with GLAAD officers to discuss an appearance. GLAAD/Chicago also won an agreement from WLS to run public service announcements about gays, lesbians and bisexuals, as well as GLAAD/Chicago, on the air. Snyder then offered GLAAD/Chicago's assistance and advice on gay and lesbian issues to Tradup, should the need arise in the future. "I'm happy that we've opened the door for communication between WLS and GLAAD/Chicago," Snyder said. Concerned people are encouraged to contact Tom Tradup, President and General Manager, WLS Talk Radio AM and FM, 190 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 984-5305 FAX. ************************************************************************ 5. Volunteers Make "Serving in Silence" Parties a Success GLAAD/Chicago thanks Kelly McCray, David Hall and Michelle Lawalin for hosting our Chicago House parties, part of a national GLAAD effort to celebrate the critically acclaimed "Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story," which aired on NBC February 5. Thanks also go to Alan Amberg of Lesbigay Radio (92.7 FM) for cosponsoring a party with Paris Dance in which GLAAD/Chicago shared the contributions. In total, the house parties brought GLAAD/Chicago $320 for our important work. Thanks again to all who helped. ************************************************************************ 6. Downstate Report by Dave Bentlin Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story" played in Peoria, but not when millions of other Americans saw it. In a move that outraged GLAAD/Chicago and gay and lesbian activists in Central Illinois, WEEK-TV pre-empted the highly anticipated movie in favor of a Bradley University basketball game. A GLAAD/Chicago representative who contacted the NBC affiliate was informed by Program Director Carolyn Gunn that the contract to air the game was signed in October. She explained that they did not learn about the Cammermeyer movie until after the contract had been signed. A follow-up letter from GLAAD/Chicago to General Manager John Deushane urged the affiliate to seriously consider possible changes in future contracts that would allow them to revert to NBC programming when the subject matter was as compelling as the Cammermeyer movie. Deushane responded with the same excuses, claiming the affiliate's hands were tied by the contract. The real tragedy is that the affiliate eventually aired the movie on the following Sunday at 11 p.m., traditionally a very low viewership slot. Gunn explained that NBC would only allow them to broadcast the movie at a time when it would not conflict with other NBC programming. As a result, Central Illinois essentially missed out on a landmark program. While the contract may have legally bound the affiliate, their lack of remorse at the unfortunate situation left a bad taste in the mouths of many central Illinois viewers. On the positive side, this is not the first time WEEK-TV has heard from GLAAD/Chicago, so at least they know we are watching them. CONCERNED? Write to John Deushane, General Manager, WEEK-TV, 2907 Springfield Road, East Peoria, IL, 61611, or call (309) 698-2525. GLAAD/Chicago has also responded this winter to several homophobic articles that appeared in local newspapers. Far and away the most mean-spirited of these articles was a commentary by Sports Editor Kirk Wessler in the Peoria Journal Star. Wessler's commentary, "Louganis far from heroic," was a blistering indictment of the Olympic gold medalist diver who recently announced he has AIDS. Wessler argued that Louganis was simply paying the price because he "engaged in high-risk behavior for personal satisfaction--specifically homosexual relationships." He also labeled Louganis an "opportunistic mercenary" who timed his announcement to coincide with the release of his autobiography. He also criticized Louganis for not telling Olympic officials and the Olympic doctor about his HIV status when he cut his head at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Wessler conveniently ignored the fact that medical experts termed the chances of HIV transmission to other divers in a pool of chlorinated water "infinitesimal." He also failed to acknowledge that the doctor should have worn gloves in any case involving blood. David Bentlin of GLAAD/Chicago responded to this scurrilous attack in a letter to the editor. Our organization has consistently responded to acts of defamation in the pages of the Journal Star and will continue to do so. CONCERNED? Contact Kirk Wessler at the Peoria Journal Star, One News Plaza, Peoria, IL, 61643, or call (800) 322-0804. ************************************************************************ 7. Americans Divided on Teaching About Gays NEW YORK--Sixty-one percent of Americans think children should be taught respect for gays and lesbians, according to The Public Agenda Foundation. The Foun-dation's report, First Things First: What Americans Expect from the Public Schools, reviewed public opinion on what schools should include in their curricula. Only 18 percent of parents think schools should avoid mentioning homosexuality, while 40% think gays are treated unfairly--more than those who think any other group is treated unfairly. (From Outlines) ************************************************************************ 8. Do you have items to help our cause? The GLAAD/Chicago organization is in need of office equipment, office supplies and other items to help us fight defamation and slander against gays and lesbians on the local and national level. Check this list--perhaps you can make a tax-deductible contribution! Office space Large office desk and chair Conference table and chairs Blank videocassettes 4-drawer hanging file cabinet Copy machine General office supplies (copy paper, scissors, staplers, file folders, paper clips, tape, etc.) Audiovisual equipment (VCR, monitor, receiver, speakers) Tape deck HP laser printer or Deskjet printer GLAAD/Chicago thanks David Locey for donating three office speaker/handset telephones and an intercom system. ************************************************************************ 9. GLAAD Announces 1995 Media Awards GLAAD announced January 24 the recipients of the 6th annual GLAAD Media Awards, who were honored in bicoastal ceremonies held in L.A. and New York in March. The awards included: Outstanding Television Documentary Series: The Real World III-San Francisco; Outstanding Television Program for Young Adults: More Than Just Friends: The Coming Out of Heidi Leiter; Outstanding Film: GO FISH; Outstanding Film Documentary: Coming Out Under Fire; Outstanding Print Media: Doonesbury: Same-Sex Unions, by Garry Trudeau; Outstanding Music Video: I'm the Only One, by Melissa Etheridge; Outstanding Song: "This Train Revised," by the Indigo Girls; Outstanding Album: Disappear Fear, by Disappear Fear; Outstanding Film with Gay Content: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; Outstanding Gay Theatre Production: The Only Thing Worse You Could Have Told Me...; Outstanding Lesbian Theatre Production: Last Summer at Blue Fish Cove; Outstanding Print Media: "Whose Values are These, Anyway?" by Robin Abcarian, Los Angeles Times. ************************************************************************ 10. President's Message by Molly Melick It's amazing how much can be accomplished in one year. The year 1994 was a growth year for GLAAD/Chicago. Because of the unparalleled dedication and megawatt energy of Randy Snyder, who became Executive Director in 1994, we were able to accomplish a great deal. In 1993, when I started volunteering with GLAAD, I began working closely with Randy, and was soon awed by his abilities. Now I find myself a leader of the organization, something I couldn't have imagined when I joined. I've stuck with GLAAD for a number of good reasons. The main reason is GLAAD's mission: to fight for fair, accurate and inclusive representations of gay men and lesbians in the media and anywhere that defamation occurs. What better way to change things for gay people in the United States? I believe nothing can be accomplished (civil rights won, laws changed) until the lies are stopped and the understanding is started. In Chicago, GLAAD is doing that on a shoestring budget. Our volunteer base is sadly lacking as well, especially with volunteers who are of color and women. I question the reason for this. In New York and Los Angeles, GLAAD/National's bicoastal headquarters, women lead the organization. There's even a "Women of GLAAD" group. I wonder if that idea would fly in Chicago? Chicago is an incredibly diverse city, and our organization needs to reflect that. We are lacking a major perspective, which can only damage our movement in the end. As newly elected president, I plan to continue to grow GLAAD/Chicago into an ethnically diverse organization with many more women volunteers. We have a wonderful group of people on our Board, and I am now seeking additional candidates who can offer us a different perspective. And we need an office!!! I call on you now to fill out the coupon on the back of this newsletter and join GLAAD/Chicago as a full-fledged, dues-paying member. It's a crime that we still read in the papers and hear on the news about "special rights for homosexuals," "lifestyles" and "militant lesbians." We're working hard to end such ignorance--that means we're working for you. Please help us by attending one of our open meetings, held every third Thursday at Horizons, 961 W. Montana. ************************************************************************ 11. Daily Herald Attacked for Wedding Article By Randy Snyder The Daily Herald, a major suburban newspaper in Arlington Heights with a circulation of 123,000, is currently under attack by readers who object to a Feb. 15 feature story titled "They've Only Just Begun..." In the article, staff writer Gordon Walek writes a fair and balanced account of "A Commitment to Love," the second annual gay and lesbian bridal fair that was held at Ann Sather's Restaurant on Feb. 5. Walek's article describes how committed relationships between same-sex couples are on the rise, and that these relationships are becoming more recognized by some religious orders, as well as society in general. He also offers testimony to the fact that most of these relationships are not frivolous, but are serious commitments of love and faith. The next day, the Daily Herald received 45 critical phone calls. Its response was to print a coupon that readers could fill out and return to the newspaper, voice their opinions and begin a dialogue on the subject. The Herald maintains that this dialogue is not a referendum on whether the paper will continue to cover lesbigay issues in a positive manner. More than 400 responses, both positive and negative, have been received. Alan Amberg of Lesbigay Radio 92.7 FM interviewed both Walek and John Lampinen, the Daily Herald's Managing Editor, on March 8. The two characterized the positive responses the paper has received as well thought-out and intelligent, and the negative responses as heavily weighted with stereotypical views about gays and lesbians. Some responses, they said, reflected a fear of gay men and lesbians, as well as the belief that the paper's coverage of our community will make children become homosexual. In the coming week, the Daily Herald will run a follow-up story. People who support the Daily Herald's portrayals of lesbian, gay and bisexual people are encouraged to write to John Lampinen, Managing Editor, Daily Herald, 217 W. Campbell Ave., Arlington Heights, IL, 60005, call (708) 870-3600 or FAX at (708) 870-1718. ************************************************************************ 12. America's First Mainstream Gay-Themed Opera Opens at the Houston Grand Opera John von Rhein, Chicago Tribune music critic, reports that Harvey Milk, the first openly gay-themed opera in America, is "not without flaws, but the flaws are relatively minor and cannot obscure the work's many virtues, or the audacious brilliance of the production by director Christopher Alden and designed by Paul Steinberg." The opera draws on the late writer Randy Shilts' moving biography of Harvey Milk, The Mayor of Castro Street, and the 1985 documentary film The Times of Harvey Milk. John von Rhein says that composer Stewart Wallace's score "parades its postmodernist eclecticism with all the flamboyance of a Gay Pride Parade down Market Street." Houston Grand Opera's production of Harvey Milk will open at the New York City Opera later this year. Comments should be brought to the attention of Mr. David Gockley, General Director, Houston Grand Opera, 510 Preston, Houston, TX, 77002, (713) 546-0200, (713) 247-0906 FAX. ************************************************************************ 13. Other Chicago-Area Print Media Aurora Beacon 101 S. River Street Aurora, IL 60506-6000 Belleville News-Democrat 120 S. Illinois St. Belleville, IL 62220-0427 Bloomington Pantagraph 301 W. Washington St. Bloomington, IL 61702 Chicago Sun-Times 401 N. Wabash Chicago, IL 60611 Chicago Tribune 435 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 Daily Southtown 5959 S. Harlem Ave. Chicago, IL 60638-3188 Decatur Herald & Review 601 E. William St. P.O. Box 311 Decatur, IL 62525 Joliet Herald News 300 Caterpillar Drive Joliet, IL 60436-1097 The News-Sun 100 W. Madison St. Waukegan, IL 60085 ************************************************************************ 14. In Memoriam ALLAN WARDELL Longtime servant of the lesbigay community and our premier anti-defamation activist. ************************************************************************ 15. Community Demands Apology from House Majority Leader for Homophobic Slur GLAAD is demanding a public apology from House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX) for calling Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) Barney "Fag." Armey made the remarks on CBS Radio on January 27. "It is outrageous that one of the most powerful men in the House would use this kind of gutter language," said GLAAD/National Executive Director Ellen Carton. "It not only offends the millions of gay and lesbian Americans who he is supposed to serve, it also sends the message that bigotry and intolerance have once again become acceptable in the corridors of power. We join with every group that has been targeted by slurs and other expressions of hatred in demanding that Armey acknowledge and apologize for making such a disgusting remark. We ask that other congressional leaders demonstrate their commitment to representing all Americans by also speaking out." ************************************************************************ 16. Currently in Production... Over the Rainbow..., a documentary on the lesbian/gay civil rights struggle, is currently in production. The film will feature archival film and present-day interviews with activists and historians. For more information, contact Over the Rainbow, 4583 Darrow Ct., Fremont, CA, 94536. ************************************************************************ 17. Life-Saving Television By Al Kielwasser GLAAD/SFBA The December 22, 1994 episode of ABC's My So-Called Life included a storyline in which teenager Rickie Vasquez was forced from his own home because of his sexual orientation. Wilson Cruz, the actor who plays Rickie, says that the story was based on his real-life experience: his father asked him to leave home just before Christmas in 1993. Cruz, who is gay, recently told a TV Guide interviewer why he decided to come out. "In order for my character to have any effect on people, I can't live a hypocritical life," he said. Asked if he thought his character would find romance, Cruz replied, "When he's ready." Currently, My So-Called Life is the only network television program that features a recurring (and potentially life-saving) role model for lesbian, gay and bisexual teens. Unfortunately, as one critic put it, the program is "ratings starved." ABC placed the show on hiatus on January 26; it may not be renewed for the fall. Grassroots efforts to save My So-Called Life have sprung up across the country, and supportive letters and phone calls could make all the difference. Write in support of My So-Called Life to Ted Harbert, ABC Productions, 2020 Avenue of the Stars, 5th Floor, Century City, CA, 90067, (310) 557-6147 FAX; and Marshall Herskovitz & Ed Zwick, Executive Producers, My So-Called Life, Bedford Falls Company, 409 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401. ************************************************************************ 18. Letters Following is the text of a letter written by GLAAD Executive Director Randy Snyder to the Chicago Tribune, commending the newspaper on its favorable coverage of openly gay actor Wilson Cruz, who appeared on ABC's My So-Called Life before the show went on hiatus in January. Mr. Allan Johnson Chicago Tribune 435 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 Dear Mr. Johnson: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation/Chicago congratulates you and the Chicago Tribune for your "special" article "A 'So-Called' Break: Actor's Not Ready to Call it Quits with Special Role" (KidNews, 1/24/95). Children are often the brunt of cruel verbal and physical attacks by their peers, but none more cruel than attacks toward adolescents who are perceived as being homosexual. This has a disastrous effect on the already low self-esteem of many of these youth. Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens comprise nearly one-third of all teen suicides in this country. ABC-TV deserves credit for programming like My So-Called Life. By portraying gay, lesbian and bisexual youth in a realistic and positive light, such programming helps to dispel the myths and educates our young people to be tolerant and accepting of the lives of others and to find common ground with them. This programming needs to be continued. Your fine article about gay actor Wilson Cruz, written for kids to read, deserves the same credit and encouragement. Thank you for your insight and sensitivity. Sincerely, Randy Snyder Executive Director GLAAD/Chicago ************************************************************************ 19. Columnist Deb Price Guest of Honor at September Fundraising Event GLAAD/Chicago is pleased to announce that nationally syndicated, openly lesbian columnist Deb Price will appear as a special guest at a GLAAD/Chicago fundraiser on the evening of Saturday, September 16. Her commentaries appear in the Chicago Sun-Times. This event will coincide with the quarterly board meeting of national GLAAD. This is the first time that the GLAAD Board of Directors have visited Chicago since the former New York and Los Angeles GLAAD chapters merged last summer to form a new national grassroots organization. Donna Red Wing, National Field Director of GLAAD and 1992 Advocate Woman of the Year, will also appear. "This event will be a breakthrough for the visibility of the local Chicago GLAAD chapter as well as the national GLAAD organization," said Molly Melick, President of the GLAAD/Chicago Board of Directors. "It is sure to be an exciting time for all in attendance, and we are all looking forward to it." The event will be held at the 410 Club, located in the historic Wrigley Building on the Chicago River. The cocktail and buffet reception will feature a professionally produced video presentation about GLAAD as well as other entertainment. GLAAD/Chicago is currently seeking corporate sponsorship for the event. Any business interested in sponsorship should contact Executive Director Randy Snyder at (312) 871-7633. Requests for ticket information should be directed to Molly Melick at the same number. ************************************************************************ 20. Thank You to Our Donors! GLAAD/Chicago wishes to thank the following people for their extra-generous financial support: Media Magnate: Dale R. Hackbarth & David J. Locey Allen Anthony Schuh Mogul: Michael Leppen Larry McKeon Patron: Richard Asch John Cooke Gary Cozette Joseph Lada Richard Gibbons Rick Ingram Dr. Edward Kollinger Robert W. Lesh David Lochman, M.D. ************************************************************************ 21. GLAAD Chicago Board of Directors Molly Melick President Bill Weeks Vice President Alan Kennard Treasurer Bruce Robson Secretary Rev. Gordon McCoy Earl Perlow Anne Wiberg ************************************************************************ 22. GLAAD/Chicago Announces Board Expansion The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation/Chicago is pleased to announce the addition of four new board members. The new members of the board represent a broader range of perspectives that will make GLAAD/Chicago much more responsive to the needs of the entire lesbigay community of Chicago-land. These members include Anne Wiberg, the proud mother of a gay son, representing Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG); and Rev. Gordon McCoy, Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of the Resurrection in Hyde Park. GLAAD/Chicago also has two new Executive Board Officers. Allan Kennard, tax attorney with Chapman and Cutter in Chicago, is the new Board Treasurer and Bruce Robson, Director of Food and Beverage at the Marriott Church Creek in Arlington Heights, is the new Board Secretary. "I am thrilled that we have found such talent and ability," said Molly Melick, President of the Board of Directors. GLAAD/Chicago continues to search for gender-balanced representation from our ethnically and racially diverse community. People representing communities of color are particularly encouraged to submit a resume to Molly Melick, GLAAD/Chicago, P.O. Box 146343, Chicago, IL, 60614. ************************************************************************ 23. Upcoming GLAAD/Chicago Events April 1--GLAAD Monitor mailed. April 17--Spring Direct Mail Campaign. Volunteers needed. April 20--Monthly open meeting. All are welcome. May 13--Media 101: A Basic Media Strategy workshop. May 25--Video/film presentation and fundraiser. Volunteers are needed to help with the planning and execution of our main fundraiser, to be held on Sept. 16. Please attend our monthly open meetings held at Horizons Community Services (951 W. Montana) on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Participate in our discussion of recent lesbigay media events and our "TV Tidbits: Parental Discretion Advised" presentation. Call (312) 871-7633 for the latest meeting information. ************************************************************************