Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 09:32:03 -0700
From: glaad@glaad.org (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)
Subject: GLAAD LAUNCHES NATIONAL TOLL-FREE ALERT LINE 

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Alan Klein (212) 807-1700
Pager:  (800) 601-5483 (please include area code)
Email:  klein@glaad.org





GLAAD LAUNCHES NATIONAL TOLL-FREE ALERT LINE
1-(800) GAY-MEDIA  IS THE NUMBER TO CALL
TO REPORT DEFAMATION IN THE MEDIA - ANYWHERE


NEW YORK CITY, AUGUST 7, 1996-Starting today, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation (GLAAD) can be reached from anywhere in the United
States, toll free, by dialing its new AlertLine, "1-(800) GAY-MEDIA."

GLAAD's nationwide AlertLine, 1-(800) GAY-MEDIA or 1-(800) 429-6334, is
available to anyone reporting homophobia and discrimination in the media. A
state-of-the-art, automated telephone system guides callers through a
question and answer session specially designed to get the most accurate
information on what was seen on television or in a film, heard on the radio
or read in print.

"GLAAD is committed to helping every gay man and lesbian across the country
become a media activist," said William Waybourn, GLAAD's managing director.
"Media coverage influences the public's perception of the lesbian and gay
community.  The more GLAAD knows about how we are being portrayed in the
media, whether in a major Hollywood film or on a radio show in Kansas City,
the better able we are to aggressively challenge defamation whenever it
occurs."

GLAAD was founded in 1985 by a group of writers, including the late
Celluloid Closet author Vito Russo, who were outraged by the defamatory
headlines about AIDS in the New York Post.  They mobilized to change the
way lesbians and gay men are represented in all forms of media. With their
mission in place, the fledgling organization netted several early
successes.  Today GLAAD is a national organization that effectively
mobilizes public response to media coverage and educates media
professionals on lesbian and gay issues and concerns.  GLAAD has offices in
New York, Los Angeles, Washington, San Francisco, Portland (OR) and
Northampton (MA) and affiliates in Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Kansas City,
San Diego and St. Louis.

GLAAD is the nation's lesbian and gay news bureau and the only national
lesbian and gay media watchdog organization. GLAAD promotes fair, accurate,
and inclusive representation as a means of challenging discrimination based
on sexual orientation or identity.


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Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
glaad@glaad.org
VISIT THE GLAAD WEB SITE AT http://www.glaad.org!

GLAAD promotes fair, accurate and inclusive representation as a means of
challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.
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"GLAAD" and "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation" are trademarks of
the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Inc.