Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 18:43:58 -0700 From: Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Subject: GLAADAlert April 10, 1998 GLAADALERT April 10, 1998 The GLAADAlert is the weekly activation tool of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Sheehan Comes Out in Golf World In a March 27 Golf World column by LPGA golfer Patty Sheehan, the champion pro athlete comes out as a lesbian who is raising her adopted daughter with her partner, Rebecca Gaston. "I didn't really know how well others would deal with the idea of Bryce having two moms, but I've decided if they have a problem with it, it's their problem, not mine," writes Sheehan. "There are too many children in this world who don't have an equal chance in life and who aren't loved to worry about what other people think. We have the means to provide Bryce with a comfortable upbringing and, more importantly, we have the desire to be loving and devoted mothers....Bryce knows that she's loved and wanted now." She also says, "I think there are a lot of men and women like me-people who spent much of their 20s and 30s devoting themselves to their careers, and put off starting a family until their 40s. After years of believing we would make ideal parents-and having many of our friends and family tell us the same thing-it's been wonderful to finally take on this new challenge." Sheehan, who is an 18-year veteran of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and inductee to the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1993, won the Nabisco Dinah Shore title in 1996, has twice won the U.S. Women's Open, and has more than 35 total career titles to date. "Patty Sheehan is breaking down barriers in sports and in society," said GLAAD Executive Director Joan M. Garry. "For a professional athlete to come out as a lesbian mom takes a great deal of courage. As a mother myself, I greatly appreciate her stance on this issue: Love is at the heart of parenting, and lesbian and gay people are as committed to that ideal as anyone. Her voice resonates to many thousands of fans, and she is sending an accurate, positive message about our community." Please commend Patty Sheehan for her courage to step out of the closet and thank Golf World for providing her a forum in which to do it. Contact: … Al Tays, Managing Editor, Golf World Magazine, 5520 Park Ave., Trumbull, CT 06611-3426, fax: 203.373.7062 … Patty Sheehan, c/o Rebecca Gaston, P.O. Box 11675, Reno, NV 89510 Will A Gay Teacher Be the Object of America's Affection? 20th Century Fox's new film, Object of My Affection, stars Paul Rudd as George Hansen, a young, gay schoolteacher living in New York. When George's boyfriend Joely (Tim Daly) breaks up with him, George needs a place to stay, and moves in with a young social worker, Nina Borowski (Jennifer Aniston). Nina and George quickly become friends, and as they begin to spend more time together, Nina falls for him. When Nina learns that she is pregnant by boyfriend Vince (John Pankow), she asks George to help her raise the baby. Their relationship continues to grow and change through Nina's pregnancy and through George's new romance. Object of My Affection compassionately explores the nuances of George and Nina's relationship. From the numerous scenes which show George in the classroom interacting with his first-grade students to those in which he and Nina are most intimately connected, George is shown to be a character of integrity and personality. He is comfortable in his sexual orientation and is a well-liked and successful teacher. Vince and Nina's step-sister both provide stereotyping comments, but in a manner which serves only to lessen their credibility. In one scene, George and new boyfriend Paul (Amo Gulinello) kiss on the street, with no more fanfare than George saying, "I'll call you tomorrow." Unlike other recent films, the kiss is less a shock than simply an ordinary display of their affection. Object shows many facets of the community and many of the real issues gay men deal with. Check out the film and then please thank 20th Century Fox and the producers of Object of My Affection for this fresh, honest film. Contact: … Laurence Mark, Producer, The Object of My Affection, Laurence Mark Productions/Twentieth Century Fox, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019 … Twentieth Cetury Fox, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035 "Militant Lesbians" on Parade? In the "Personality Parade" column of the April 5 Parade magazine, gossip columnist Walter Scott makes several bizarre assertions about openly bisexual rock star Ani DiFranco and her fans. The question asked of Scott is "I thought Grammy nominee Ani DiFranco was gay. Now I hear she's dating a guy. What's up?" Scott responds, "DiFranco, 27, is bisexual. She won't say if the relationship [with Andrew Gilchrist] is monogamous or if she has given up women for the time being. Her fans-many of whom are militant lesbians-may be upset by her current sexual preference." Clearly, Scott harbors a host of misconceptions about lesbians and bisexuals. First, by focusing on the issue of monogamy, Scott assumes that bisexuals are more likely to be promiscuous than any of the heterosexual celebrities he discusses each week. Second, by juxtaposing monogamy against "giv[ing] up women for the time being," Scott is bringing out the stereotype that being bisexual means having relations with men and women concurrently, as opposed to what it really means, which is having sexual interest in both genders, regardless of the number or genders of current romantic partners. Third, the phrase "militant lesbians" is meaningless, since Scott fails to explain what these lesbians might be "militant" about, or, for that matter, why bisexuality would upset them. By saying "may be upset," Scott reveals he is just speculating based on his own preconceived notions. While some lesbian DiFranco fans, and other fans, for that matter, may be upset by her being bisexual, many more are not, and they celebrate DiFranco's courage to be honest publicly about her sexual orientation. Lastly, by calling her sexual orientation a "current sexual preference," Scott seems to be under the wrong-headed impression that bisexuality is a "phase" or a choice undertaken by DiFranco, as opposed to a sexual orientation. For someone who has been inclusive of accurate lesbian and gay celebrity talk in the past, it is disappointing to see Scott pack so many misconceptions about bisexuals into one gossip item. Tell Walter Scott that he needs to reevaluate his own assumptions about bisexuality before he begins writing about it and perpetuating damaging and false stereotypes. Contact: Walter Scott, "Personality Parade," c/o Parade Magazine, 711 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017 Two Articles on Teaching Tolerance In the first week of April, both the Chicago Tribune and the Associated Press featured strong articles on the challenges faced by lesbian and gay teachers in public schools. The April 5 Chicago Tribune piece begins by discussing the struggle of Los Angeles middle school physical education teacher Cathy Figel, who came out to her students during a lesson on respect. "A new principal disciplined Figel for introducing her personal life into the classroom. Figel fought back, arguing that heterosexual teachers bring their lives into the schoolroom through wedding rings and family photographs. Now Figel is on medical leave because of the stress," it says, but adds, "In other cases, the response has been positive." It then looks at several teachers who have had only positive experiences to coming out, and cites reasons for coming out, including honesty, and support for lesbian and gay youth. "While gay and lesbian teachers struggle with their decisions, many parents and religious authorities have little trouble in formulating their response," it says, allowing several leaders of anti-gay groups to make statements about the "concern" of "sexual contact" and the influence of teachers "living in a homosexual lifestyle." Finally, it ends with a psychologist noting how positive a teacher's coming out can be for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth, but how for conservative religious youth such "'information about a teacher they respect might not fit into their beliefs.' But," the article states, "such experiences could not be avoided. 'It is a bit like a child learning that Santa Claus is not all that real,' [the psychologist] said. 'It may be disturbing, but it is part of growing up.'" The Associated Press article begins by comparing the reactions to lesbian and gay educators coming out in San Francisco to the hostility faced by a former science teacher in San Leandro [California], even though "only the San Francisco Bay separates them." It continues, "There is nothing new about gay and lesbian teachers. Although exact numbers aren't available, authorities say there are probably thousands nationwide. Most are closeted...[yet] a small but growing number of teachers are coming out-sometimes by directly telling students, and, more often, by simply refusing to edit themselves when talking about their partners." It then goes into some of the legal issues, pointing out that a federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act could help protect teachers, and all Americans, from being discriminated against in the workplace solely based on sexual orientation. It also interviews several parents opposed to teachers coming out in the classroom or discussing anything related to lesbian or gay issues, including the show Ellen. However, going a step further than the Chicago Tribune article, it also highlights parents who support gay teachers and the discussion of relevant, age-appropriate lesbian and gay subject matter. Please thank both the Chicago Tribune and the Associated Press for these engaging articles on the increasing presence of openly lesbian and gay teachers. Contact: … Ann Marie Lipinski, Managing Editor, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-4003, fax: 312.222.2598, email: tribletter@aol.com … John Dowling, News Editor, Associated Press - Chicago Bureau, 230 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60601-5960 Gay Issues are Kids' Stuff The March 30 Minneapolis Star Tribune features an excellent article for heterosexual parents who, nowadays, find the need to address lesbian and gay issues with their kids at an early age. "Parents are facing the 'there's -a-rainbow-of-families' talk a lot earlier than they'd expect," it says. "The consensus among child development specialists and religious leaders is that parents do need to share their moral view on the subject-but only when the time is right." Writer H.J. Cummins interviews several kids and parents who have discussed gay people, and notes, "Experts say it makes sense to wait until your children bring up the issue...[and] clarify what they know, what they want to know. Does a classmate have 'two moms?' Did someone use the word 'queer?'" Cummins then goes through age-appropriate examples for preschool, elementary age and pre-teens, including one for people who have "religious objections to homosexuality." Then Cummins discusses the issue with therapist Virginia Stone, who conducted a study on heterosexual couples discussing gay issues with kids. "Every parent mentioned one constant: These things come up in the car," Cummins writes. "And when the children raised the issue, [Stone] found they were curious not about sex, but about the myriad relationships that may be popping up in their worlds: Two moms? Two boys getting married?" While the media is increasingly realizing that lesbian and gay parents and their children exist in the United States, it rarely addresses the struggles of heterosexual parents to discuss lesbian and gay matters with their kids in a world that is increasingly embracing people of all sexual orientations. This article stands out as an important part of that dialogue, and reveals that the kids get it right more often: The fixation some adults have on the sexual acts of lesbians and gay men shows much less of the big picture than the perspectives of kids, who are more interested in the ways that people, regardless of sexual orientation, relate to each other as couples, partners and friends. Please thank the Star Tribune for a helpful and encouraging article on an underdiscussed issue. Contact: Pamela Fine, Managing Editor, Star Tribune, 425 Portland Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55488-0001, fax: 612.673.4359, e-mail: opinion@startribune.com (must include name, address, and daytime phone with all submissions) Cut the Life Line Greensboro, North Carolina News & Record Columnist Edward Cone, in his April 9 piece, discusses a frightening new long-distance service called Life Line that "has gay-bashing as [a] sales strategy." According to Cone, "Life Line says you should switch because the big-name phone companies provide benefits to gay workers. These guys should hire Reggie White as a spokesperson." He notes how, increasingly, "attacking corporations over social issues" has become a mainstay of radical religious attacks on equal rights for gay people. "Earlier this year, Amoco and Mobil were targeted by the American Family Association. The Oil companies, known as bastions of conservative politics and good-old-boy management, were outed for offering [domestic partner] benefits to employees." He notes that the use of economic power for political ends is an American tradition, and "even the Life Line approach is grounded in unfettered capitalism. Life Life's profit-making exploitation of homophobia is cynical-even hypocritical, since the company leases its lines from World Com, which is buying gay-friendly MCI." Still, "the top marketing executive at one of the nation's very largest companies told me that boycotts by the 'Religious Right' have very little economic effect," Cone says. He adds, "Who do the protests and boycotts hurt? The GOP, which has thrived on the alliance between business and social conservatives. But hardest hit of all may be the individual boycotter. You can't drive, lest you purchase gasoline from a gay-friendly oil company and you can't fly any major airline. You stay at home, but you can't surf the Web, because computer makers tend to be progressive. With MCI getting folded into World Com, you can't even make a long-distance call. You are isolated by intolerance." Life Line is also trying to promote its service by giving out free copies of a video featuring "Not Natural," the anti-gay song by Angie and Debbie Winans. Perhaps it is fitting that one group profiteering from fueling intolerance towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people would employ a music pair which makes its money from the same ends. Please commend the News & Record for this eye-opening commentary. Contact: John Robinson, Editorial Page Editor, News & Record, 200 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401-2950, fax: 910.373.7067, e-mail: edpage@greensboro.com (specify if intended for publication). Tulsa World Says Anti-Gay Teacher Bill Not OK An April 7 Tulsa [Oklahoma] World editorial entitled "Rank Electioneering" calls attention to an unanimous vote by the Oklahoma House to ban schools from hiring anyone "who is a known homosexual or lesbian." Rep. Bill Graves (R-Oklahoma City) added the anti-gay language to a bill that would prohibit school districts from hiring convicted sex criminals in support jobs. "The provision is unenforceable, is not unconstitutional, and most of the House members probably know that. It is likely that many of them do not even agree with the amendment. After all," the editorial states, "statistics on sex crimes do not suggest that homosexuals are any more likely than heterosexuals to be child molesters." But because House members are afraid of being called "pro-homosexual" in upcoming elections, "it was easier to go along with a patently unfair provision than to deal later with smear campaigns," it says. "It is now up to the Senate to remove the offensive language so that an otherwise worthwhile bill-one that would prevent convicted sex criminals from having contact with schoolchildren-can become law." Please let the Tulsa World know that their call for sanity in this worst kind of electioneering is appreciated. Contact: Ken Neal, Editorial Page Editor, Tulsa World, 318 South Main Mall, Tulsa, OK 74103-3674, fax: 918.581.8353 (all letters must be signed, and include address and phone) GLAADAlert Round-up: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Don't Work A flurry of media coverage has followed several weeks of high-profile news about lesbians and gay men in the military, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy, and a new report released by the Department of Defense citing a 67 percent rise in discharges for gay people since the policy was adopted. While Defense Secretary William Cohen has claimed this rise is mostly attributable to gay people coming out as a way of getting out of service, it seems neither the public or the media for the most part is buying it. Following are several examples: … An April 8 editorial in the New York Daily News notes that the high number of discharges "raises serious questions about adherence to the rule," and insists "the Pentagon must be sure there are no witch hunts. Commanders must be trained in the full letter of the policy." … Andrew Sullivan's opinion piece in the April 9 New York Times quips that Cohen's asserts that the policy is "working." "If this is Mr. Cohen's definition of success, one wonders what failure would look like," Sullivan says, adding, "The policy has not simply failed. It is far worse than before.... The Pentagon has embraced a mix of spin, denial and confession. The President has other options. Last year, he denounced employment discrimination against homosexuals. But as Commander in Chief, [he] has now fired more homosexuals than any other employer in America. Is it too much to ask that this President finally live up to his own words?" … An April 9 USA Today editorial states, "The don't-ask compromise continues to distinguish between gays and straights with a prejudice against gays. [It also] institutionalizes other prejudices. It states that homosexuality is not a reason for discharge; there must be homosexual conduct. But if you are gay, the law automatically presumes that you have engaged in such conduct. The right conclusion is not that don't-ask is working, but that it never will truly work at all." Contact: … Michael Goodwin, Editorial Page Editor, Daily News, 450 West 33rd St., New York, NY 10001-2681, fax: 212.643.7832, e-mail: letters@dailynews.com … Howell Raines, Editorial/Opinion Page Editor, New York Times, 229 West 43rd St., New York, NY 10036-3959, fax: 212.556.3690, e-mail: letters@nytimes.com (inlcude phone number when sending e-mails) … Karen Jurgensen, Editorial/Opinion Page Editor, USA Today, 1000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209-3901, fax: 703.247.3108, e-mail: editor@usatoday.com The GLAADAlert is the weekly activation tool of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. GLAAD promotes fair, accurate and inclusive representation in the media as a means of challenging homophobia and all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity. Contact GLAAD by e-mail at glaad@glaad.org or by phone at 213.658.6775 (Los Angeles), 212.807.1700 (New York), 415.861.2244 (San Francisco), 202.986.1360 (Washington, DC), 404.607.1204 (Atlanta) and 816.756.5991 (Kansas City) Feel free to pass GLAADAlert on to friends, family and associates! Report defamation in the media by calling GLAAD's Toll-Free AlertLine! 1-800-GAY-MEDIA (1-800-429-6334) Visit GLAAD Online at http://www.glaad.org "GLAAD" and "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation" are registered trademarks of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Inc. 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