Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 18:46:10 -0700 From: Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Subject: GLAADLines March 30, 1998 GLAADLINES contact: Don Romesburg (415) 861-2244 romesburg@glaad.org http://www.glaad.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 1998 News and Breaking Stories about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS IN NATION'S CAPITOL: On April 4, GLAAD will continue its three-city, 9th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the JW Marriott. GLAAD will honor Judith Light with its Vision Award. Hosted by openly gay comedian Bob Smith, some notable people expected at the gala include military hero and Congressional candidate Margarethe Cammermeyer; heavy metal rocker Rob Halford; NOW President Patricia Ireland; ex-NFL player David Kopay; performer Mary Louise-Parker; Hillary Rosen, President of the Record Industry Association of America; National Public Radio Weekend Edition host Scott Simon; and the White House Director on AIDS Policy Sandy Thurman. "Tonight, the New York Media Awards kick off GLAAD's season of celebration and the Washington, DC event will continue our acknowledgment of growth by the entertainment and news media in how they represent lesbian and gay lives. They highlight the work GLAAD has contributed to this important process," said Joan M. Garry, GLAAD Executive Director. The awards were created in 1990 to honor individuals and projects in the media for their balanced and accurate representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives. For more information contact Cathy Renna (GLAAD Interim Communications Director) at (202) 986-1360 or pgr. (301) 215-1354. For press credentials, please contact the Widmeyer Baker Group at (202) 667-0901. GAY ORGANIZATIONS RESPOND TO WHITE'S ATTACKS: Following Green Bay Packers star Reggie White's anti-gay and ethnically stereotyping comments on March 25, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations have responded. White accused the U.S. of "going away from God" by allowing homosexuality to "run rampant," adding, "Homosexuality is a decision. People from all different ethnic backgrounds live in this lifestyle. But people from all different ethnic backgrounds also are liars and cheaters and malicious and back-stabbing." He then went on to stereotype various ethnic groups, ostensibly calling these stereotypes the "gifts" of each race. GLAAD, the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership, LLEGO (Latino/a Gay and Lesbian Organization) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) have all called upon Campbell's Soup, for whom White is a spokesperson, to sever ties with him. In addition, GLAAD and HRC urge the National Football League to distance themselves from White's divisive comments. "White's stardom gives him influence over millions of youth and adult fans. I am shocked that he would irresponsibly use his voice in such a damaging manner. White's assertion that being lesbian or gay is a malicious 'lifestyle' akin to dishonesty and cruelty is bizarre, wrong-headed and factually inaccurate," said GLAAD Executive Director Joan M. Garry. "GLAAD calls upon him to apologize for his divisive and hurtful comments and asks the National Football League (NFL) and the Green Bay Packers to separate themselves from White's prejudicial views." GLAAD has also encouraged CBS Sports, who is currently considering hiring White as a sports commentator, to reject him. For more information, contact Cathy Renna (GLAAD Interim Communications Director) at (202) 986-1360 or pgr. (301) 215-1354. SATURN JOINS OTHERS EXPOSING HAWAIIAN RADICAL RELIGIOUS WRONGDOINGS: Saturn has joined the chorus of companies and organizations aiding the Hawaii State Campaign Spending Commission investigation of deception by the anti-gay group Save Traditional Marriage (STM) related to an November 20 fundraising event featuring a workshop and dinner with Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. The fees paid by attendees, ranging from $110-$1,000, all went directly to STM, making attendees public supporters of the group, despite the fact that an October 22 solicitation received by Saturn of Honolulu for the event claimed its host was "Hawaii's Future Today," a non-political non-profit group. After a number of companies and organizations, including the Australian Consulate, protested their inadvertent support for STM, the anti-gay political group claimed its deception was just an accident. However, the group has put forth an October 24 letter which indicates the event beneficiary as STM as its letter of solicitation, failing to mention the letter sent out two days previous which does not. According to Michael Johnson, Vice President and General Manager of Saturn of Honolulu, "Along with many others, we did not realize the education workshop was a political fundraiser. We believe in including, not excluding, people....We are considering legal remedies with 'class action' on the groups on misrepresentation." For more information contact David Smith (HRC) at (202) 628-4160. HARVARD HOSTS FIFTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BISEXUALITY: From April 3-5 at Harvard University, the Fifth International Conference on Bisexuality will bring together an expected 700 participants from around the world with the theme, "One World, Many Faces: Unity and Diversity in Bi Communities, Queer Communities and the World." Special guests will include openly gay musician Tom Robinson, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Kerry Lobel, bisexual minister and theologian Dr. Elias Farajaje-Jones, and Connecticut State Representative Evelyn Mantilla, who came out in 1997 as the only bisexual state representative in the U.S. For more information contact David Rostcheck (Press Coordinator) at (781) 643-0354. To report events that merit media coverage, or news stories breaking in your area, please contact us. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is the nation's lesbian & gay multimedia advocacy organization. GLAAD promotes fair, accurate, and inclusive representation as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity. To subscribe contact Don Romesburg at (415) 861-2244 or at romesburg@glaad.org. 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