Date: Wed, 22 May 1996 11:18:26 -0800
From: glaad@glaad.org (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)
Subject: GLAAD BECOMES FIRST LESBIAN OR GAY ORGANIZATION TO ACKNOWLEDGE DONATIONS WITH
 AMERICAN AIRLINES AADVANTAGE MILES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: William Waybourn
(202) 986-1360


GLAAD BECOMES FIRST LESBIAN OR GAY ORGANIZATION TO ACKNOWLEDGE DONATIONS
WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES AADVANTAGE MILES

NEW YORK, May 22 -- The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
has become the first lesbian or gay organization to offer frequent flier
miles as an incentive to donors, according to William Waybourn, managing
director.

"We are pleased that GLAAD has advanced to the point where corporations see
us as a gateway to the gay and lesbian community. American Airlines deserves
credit for continuing its program of reaching out to the community, setting
an example of equal opportunity to all non-profits and extending this
benefit as an incentive to GLAAD's donors," Waybourn said.  GLAAD is in the
midst of a donor renewal and membership acquisition campaign, and through an
agreement with American, contributors can receive up to 30,000 miles or
enough to earn a free domestic ticket.

GLAAD's entry into the frequent flier promotion is a 'first' and takes
advantage of promotional incentives frequently used by major charities and
businesses, Waybourn said.  American provides 500 AAdvantage miles for a
minimum contribution of $120.  Larger gifts receive higher award incentives.

American Airlines served as the official airline for GLAAD's 1996 Media
Awards and continues to work closely with lesbian and gay organizations to
strengthen its position with the lesbian and gay market.  American Airlines
has the first sanctioned gay and lesbian airline employee association,
non-job related criteria employment practices, openly gay and lesbian
executives serving in management positions and offers Admiral Club
memberships to non-married couples, including same-sex couples.

American sponsors many community events nationwide and will also serve as
GLAAD's official airline for North America Gay and Lesbian Pride Events from
June through November, including the Folsom Street Fair, the Castro Street
Fair and return of the AIDS Quilt to Washington D.C. next October.

Anyone may receive the special promotional or discount fares by calling toll
free 1-800-221-2255.

For more information contact: William Waybourn (202) 986-1360.