GLAAD/LA Reports - December Issue Carl Matthes, Editor (213) 254-2726 - FAX (213) 257-5878 GLAAD Comedy Night II & Cast Party Start your holiday season with the funniest, most upbeat show in town: the GLAAD Comedy Night II & Cast Party on Saturday evening, Dec. 5, at the Harmony Gold Auditorium, 7655 Sunset Blvd., in Hollywood. Leading a cast of cutting-edge comics for this GLAAD/LA fundraiser will be Lynda Montgomery. As in last year's show, Lynda will be the MC and will introduce comics Ivy Bottini, Judy Carter, Michael Dane, Robin Greenspan, Vanessa Kaufman, Bev Mickens and Barry Steiger. A special segment of the evening will be the debut of some "Amateur Comics" selected by Lynda. With the doors opening at 7:00pm, and curtain at 8:00pm, a no host bar will be available and you will have a chance to bid in our Silent Auction. (Those wishing to donate items for the Silent Auction may contact GLAAD/LA Co-President Dean Hansell at (213) 931-4883.) Everyone is invited to join in the cast party which will follow the show. What a great way to kick-off the holidays. Tickets can be reserved in advance for $25.00 each by calling the GLAAD/LA office at (213) 463-3632 before 1:00pm on Fri., Dec. 4. Tickets are $30.00 at the door. Meet our great line-up of comics: Lynda Montgomery, MC With a career objective of being able to qualify for a mortgage as a stand-up comic and to become famous as an "out" lesbian comic, Lynda has been performing regularly at the established southland comedy clubs as well as being sought after as an emcee and host for many street festivals, parades and shows. Judy Carter Judy has achieved an enviable place among her contemporaries as a highly acclaimed comedienne touring the U.S. and being the opening act for everyone from Prince to Kenny Loggins. A regular in Atlantic City, she was nominated for that city's "Entertainer of the Year." In addition to three Showtime specials, Ms. Carter has guest starred on just about every variety show on TV. She is the author of Stand-up Comedy: The Book (Dell Books) and her comedy workshop has been featured on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "ABC World News Tonight" and "Entertainment Tonight." As part of her community service she has taught stand-up comedy to continuing education high school students and to persons afflicted with AIDS. Her hit musical, "Goddess of Mystery," which she co-wrote and starred in, played at Theater/Theatre in Hollywood for five successful months. Michael Dane UCLA trained Michael Dane has participated in comedy/variety shows from Los Angeles to Miami including the Miami Comedy Fest, the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and the Rose Garden Performance Center in Los Angeles. His film and TV exposure has included a PBS comedy special and inclusion as a writer and performer on the National Literacy Council telethon. He keeps actively involved by teaching a comedy writing workshop. Robin Greenspan Robin started doing comedy in College where she joined The Left Fielders' Improv troupe. With this team, she endured everything from a nine month stint at The Laugh Factory to a one-night campfire performance in front of 300 angry Boy Scouts. Then, as a murderer/waitress, Ms. Greenspan acted with "Suspenseful Moments" mystery company before such celebrities as Mayor Tom Bradley and Doug Lewellen of People's Court. Recently, she has been performing her stand-up act at such clubs as The Ice House, The Comedy Store and The L.A. Cabaret. Vanessa Kaufman As a stand-up comedienne, working throughout the United States, Vanessa has had experience in film (the Zoetrope Production of "Dracula"), television (CBS TV movie "Grave Secrets" and Disney's "Save the Dog"), and on radio and comedy club venues. She attended the University of Texas in the Radio, TV and Film Department. Among her comedy club appearances have been the Laff Stop in Austin, Texas, the Funny Bone in Baton Rouge, and the Comedy Zone in Washington, D.C. Beverly Mickins A native of San Francisco, Beverly began her stand-up comedy career in New York. She has appeared on "30 Something" and can currently be seen on the PBS show "Square One," a children's TV program. Her speciality as a stand-up comedienne is political satire and she was especially pleased to be asked to return and appear on the GLAAD Comedy Night II. (As a straight person she is wondering if this might be one of the benefits of affirmative action?) Barry Steiger Barry's unique style of comedy is a product of what he calls Southern inhospitality. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Barry was an ordained Southern Baptist minister at 17 and a radio commentator at 18. He moved to New York City on advice from his mentor, Steve Allen, and became a regular at the Improv Club and at Catch a Rising Star. He has performed at the Riviera in Las Vegas, and his TV credits include: "The Pat Sajak Show," "The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers and Arsenio Hall," "George Schlatter's Comedy Club" and "An Evening at the Improv." Columna del co-presidente by Dean Hansell Cualquier estrategia que involuere el problema de la homofobia en el sur de California debe tomar en consideracion nuestra creciente poblacion latina. El 40% de los habitantes del condado de Los Angeles es de origen hispano y uno de los grupos que crece con mayor rapidez en la region. El desarrollol de estrategias para tratar el tema de la homofobia dentro de la comunidad hispana debe tener en cuenta tres factores: 1. Los principales medios de comunicacion que sirven la mayor parte de la poblacion latina en Los Angeles no son los mismos que sirven la comunidad anglo, asiatico-americana o afro-americana. 2. Al mismo tiempo, una gran parte de los medios hispanos y una gran parte del dialogo politico se lleva a cabo en espanol. 3. Una de las preocupaciones mas grandes de los latinos en cuanto a su lucha contra la homofobia es la situacion de peligro que deben confrontar sus hermanos y hermanas en varios de los paises latinaomericanos por el simple hecho de se gay o lesbiana. Los principales medios de comunicacion hispanos en elcondado de Los Angeles son el diario La Opinion (con una circulacion de alreadedor de 120 mil ejemplares diarios), tres estaciones de television (KMEX Canal 34, afiliada de la cadena nacional en espanol Univision, KVEA, afiliada a la cadena nacional en espanol Telemundo, y el Canal 22, que repite la programacion de Galavision, senal proveniente de Mexico). Existen tambien una variedad de estaciones radiales en FM y AM (incluyendo KLVE y la FM 98) que tienen una extensa audiencia cuya lengua principal es las espanola. Un control efectivo y una respuesta a la homofobia dentro de la comunidad latina requiere el conocimiento del idioma espanol pues el diario La Opinion esta escrito en esta lengua y la mayoria de los canales de television y estaciones radiales sirven a la comunidad latina en espanol. Al mismo tiempo, una gran parte de los immigrantes y las primeras generaciones hablan predominantemente o exclusivamente espanol. Finalmente, con los escuadrones de la muierte, las torturas y los asesinatos de las cuales son victimas los gays y lesbianas y los activistas del side, perpetrados por el govierno en paises como Nicaragua, Colombia y Mexico, muchos de nuestros problemas parecen juegos de ninos cuando se compara con las situaciones de vida o muerte a las cuales se deben enfrentar nuestros hermanos latinoamericanos. Existe una cantidad de organizasciones de gays y lesbianas latinos en la ciudad de Los Angeles que trabajan con la intencion de combatir la homofobia y con las cuales GLAAD ha realizado en el pasado distintos proyectos. VIVA! es las organizacion que reune a artistas de origen latino; hace poco VIVA! ha indicado que creara un liaison para unirse al consejo directivo de GLAAD/LA. GLLU (Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos) es la organizacion mas grande y mas antigua en Los Angeles. Finalmente la recientemente formada Latino-Network se encargara de la lucha en contra de la homofobia en toda Latinoamerica. El consejo directivo de GLAAD/LA ha decidido recientemente que una de sus prioridades sera la de acercarse. En la actualidad tenemos una linea abierta en espanol, (213) 463-4673, y muy pronto tendremos una liaison en nuestro consejo directivo con VIVA! Pero de cualquier modo, hay mucho que haver aun para desarrollar una comprensiva estrategia dirigida a la comunidad latina. Debemos desarrollar formas efectivas para controlar y responder a los problemas de homofobia dentro de los medios latinos, hecho que se debe traducir en un conocimiento de los politicos latinos en Los Angeles y en el trabajo con grupos para poder adentrarnos mas en los temas que preocupan a los gays y lesbianas en latinoamerica. Una manera en que lo podremos lograr es trabajando con organizaciones latinas de gays y lesbianas en el sur de California y ayudar asi a llevar a cabo sus metas. Si estas interesado en estos asuntos y quieres dedicar tu tiempo voluntariamente, por favor ponte en contacto con las oficinas de GLAAD/LA en el (213) 463-3632 o llamando a Lois o Arnold Newdorf al (818) 989-1595. English Translation of Co-President Column by Dean Hansell Any strategy to address the issues of homophobia in Southern California must take into consideration our burgeoning Hispanic population. 40% of the population of Los Angeles County is Hispanic and it is one of the fastest-growing populations in the region. Development of a strategy to deal with homophobia as it effects Hispanics must consider three factors: 1. The primary media outlets serving much of Los Angeles' Hispanic population are not the same as those that serve the white, Asian-American and African-American populations; 2. Much of the media communication that serves Los Angeles' Hispanic population and some of the political dialogue is done in Spanish; and 3. A major consideration for Hispanics in fighting homophobia are the life and death situations confronted by many of their sisters and brothers in Latin America for being lesbian or gay. The major Hispanic media in Los Angeles County consist of the daily newspaper La Opinion (with a circulation of about 120,000), three television stations, Channel 34 (KMEX, an affiliate of Univision, which in turn is owned by Hallmark), Channel 52 (KVEA, an affiliate of Telemundo), and Channel 22 (cable television, which broadcasts programming from Mexico.) In addition there are a variety of AM and FM radio stations in Los Angeles whose audience is primarily Hispanic, including KLVE. To effectively monitor and respond to homophobia within the Hispanic community requires a facility with the Spanish language since La Opinion is written in Spanish and most of the broadcasting on the television and radio stations that serve Los Angeles' Hispanic community is done in Spanish. Further, a substantial percentage of Hispanics in Los Angeles, particularly immigrants and first generation members speak only or predominantly Spanish. Finally, with death squads and government torture and killing of gay and lesbian and AIDS activists in countries such as Nicaragua, Colombia and even Mexico, for many Hispanic lesbian and gay activists in Los Angeles many of our issues seem almost luxuries when compared with the life and death issues encountered in many Latin American countries. There are several Hispanic lesbian and gay organizations in Los Angeles that do work in combating homophobia and with whom GLAAD/LA has done some work. VIVA! is the organization of Hispanic artists and performers. VIVA! has recently indicated that it will appoint a liason to the GLAAD/LA Board of Directors. GLLU (Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos) is the largest and oldest Hispanic gay and lesbian organization in Los Angeles. Finally, the newly-formed Latin Network will address issues of homophobia in Central and South America. The GLAAD/LA Board of Directors has recently decided that outreach will be one of our top priorities for the year. We currently maintain a Spanish language hotline, (213) 463-4673, and will soon have a liason on our board from VIVA! However, there is much else we must do to develop and execute a comprehensive Hispanic strategy. We must develop effective means for monitoring and responding to homophobia within the Hispanic media, translate many of our publications into Spanish, meet with and become a presence with Hispanic politicians in Los Angeles, and work with groups to help address the survival issues of gays and lesbians in Latin America. One way we might do so is to work with Hispanic lesbian and gay organizations in Southern California to assist them to become media savvy. If you are interested in this issue and can volunteer your services, please contact the GLAAD/LA office at (213) 463-3632 or Lois and Arnold Newdorf at (818) 989-1595. Television and Film "20/20" Covers Northhampton "20/20" reporter, Lynn Scherr, did an excellent job on an Oct. 23 segment aired on KABC-TV (Ch. 7, Fri, 10:00pm), dealing with the lesbian population of Northhampton, Massachusetts. While marred by some extremely sensationalized promotion, echoed by Hugh Downs and Barbara Walters, which tended to frame lesbianism as a pathology (i.e. "Women who love women -- why are they that way?"), the report itself went below the surface to look at women who build substantial relationships, have children and who, in at least one case, had the wit to turn the interviewer's question back on to her, asking Ms. Sherr why she is a heterosexual. The sample of women interviewed was diverse in terms of age, occupation and personal lifestyle, ranging from butch to femme to those who are less easily classified. The vast majority of those interviewed were white, which may have been a reflection of the particular community being profiled. Several stereotypes were met head-on and dismissed. ("First they say we hate men and then they say we want to be them.") The token homophobe, a retired public official whose arguments against the "normalcy" of lesbians and gays did not come across as compelling or logical, was immediately followed in the broadcast by a taped hate call to a lesbian-owned business. While leaning toward the generalization that lesbians are less politically active than gay men, the show ended with the assertion that lesbians are becoming increasingly visible and vocal in demanding their rights. The broadcast was a step forward in the presentation of balanced and accurate information about our various communities. Comments to: "20/20," ABC Television, 157 Columbus Ave., New York 10023. "Night Talk with Jane Whitney" "Night Talk with Jane Whitney," week nights at 11:30pm on KCAL-TV, ch. 9, is a great addition to the talk- show circuit. A distinct case in point was her Nov. 5 program on "Gay and Lesbian Support Groups in Public Schools." While she follows the well-traveled format of long-established talk-shows, she brings to the genre an intelligent manner and interviewing technique that allows her hour show to be filled, at least in this case, with relevant information and discussion. One problem: the choice of guests presenting opposition to the gay and lesbian support groups. At the start of the program, the various panelists were spotlighted and brief biographical introductions indicated where they stood on the topic of the evening. Ms. Whitney's direct and clear questioning -- plus her ability to ask incisive follow-ups -- moved the tone of the discussion to an easily understandable level. Her one lapse during the course of the program was when the guests from "the other side" began their usual religiously-tinted homophobic diatribes. She was not able to stop the flow of misinformation and "honey-tongued" hate coming from one well indoctrinated parent. To even have this type of guest on such a panel is unproductive. The gay teenagers on the panel were remarkable: intelligent, calm, prepared, committed and polite. To commend Ms. Whitney on her manner and the nature of this show, as well as to encourage her to find informed guests with factual information, write: "Night Talk with Jane Whitney," 5 TV Place, Needham, MA 02192; also to David Woodcock, General Manager, KCAL-TV, 5515 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90038. Straight Kids USA The latest wrinkle in homophobia must be Straight Kids USA, a self-appointed "heterosexual support group" for children and adolescents. As seen on the Nov. 5 "The Montel Williams Show" (KCOP-TV, ch 13, weekdays at 4:00pm), this variation on the same tune-of-hate involves youngsters joining together to "vent their anger" about gays and lesbians and "reveling in the natural heterosexual state in which they were created and born." Founder of this "group that does not hate anyone" is a man named Tom McDonough. Under questioning from Montel, and provocative remarks and questions by the adolescent audience, McDonough, and two of his Straight Kids USA members, clearly demonstrated advanced cases of homophobia. What evidently triggered the start of this group is an educational program in the public schools -- Straight Kids USA is active in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Staten Island -- called the Rainbow Curriculum. Since the interview and discussion were so protractedly heated, the viewing audience never learned exactly what Rainbow Curriculum was except that it includes the teaching of AIDS and HIV awareness in very early school grades. That the three gay teenagers on the panel were able to hold their own against the ugly onslaught of Straight Kids USA, is testimony to the educational efforts of the gay and lesbian community. No address was given for Straight Kids USA, but comments about the show and the need for additional topics on lesbian and gay issues, can be directed to: "The Montel Williams Show," 7800 Beverly Blvd., Suite 231, Los Angeles 90036. Has Religious Right Targeted KCET? Jack Castiglione, author of The Straight Person's Guide to Gay People's Anguish, was featured on KCET-TV's "Life and Times" on Oct. 29. The segment was called "Straight Hate," and focused on the efforts of the community to combat the rising tide of gay bashings in the city of Long Beach. Jack, who is chair of the Long Beach Police Chief's Gay and Lesbian Advisory Group, a member of the Human Relations Commission and chair of the Hate Crimes Sub-Committee, was later contacted by a staff member from KCET and told that the station received many calls and letters about his appearance on the show. Many of them were negative. The staff member then intimated that it is suspected many of the callers were the same set of people calling over and over again. KCET has been at the center of controversy on several occasions relating to the gay and lesbian content of some programs. If KCET gets the impression that their programming is too controversial and that it is turning-off their financial supporters, they could decide to discontinue such programs. If they do, public television will cease being public. To voice your support for the inclusion of gay and lesbian issues, viewpoints and people in all aspects of KCET's operations, write: William Kobin, President, KCET-TV, 4401 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90027. In the pink... Maidenform Continuing the inclusion of issues important to gays and lesbians, as well as recognizing this segment of the American population as important consumers, is the latest TV ad from Maidenform. In the Oct. ads, models are shown wearing various social and political buttons. Clothed torsos of women fade in and out on the TV screen portraying the racial, ethnic and age diversity of American women. Buttons shown were the expected political ones (Bush, Clinton, Perot); the names of various women senatorial candidates (Boxer, Yeakel, Braun, Feinstein); and the various social issues such as "I Believe Anita," "Murphy," "Fight Racism," "Pro Life," and "Pro Choice." A red ribbon, the symbol of the fight against AIDS, made its appearance followed by a woman wearing a pink triangle. In one sequence a button was shown with the message "Cure AIDS." At the end of the commercial, a voice-over recommends, "If you have something to say, now is the chance to get it off your chest." The Maidenform name then appears on the screen. To show your support for this inclusive and aware advertising, contact: Mr. Robert Brawer, President, and Ms. Elizabeth Coleman, Chairperson, Maidenform, Inc., 90 Park Avenue, 38th Floor, New York 10016 and Marilyn Bane, Vice-President in Charge of Advertising, same address. First-ever broadcast... AHF/AIDS Telethon Nets $1.2 Million The first-ever broadcast AIDS Telethon in America, which was seen on Oct. 25 over local Los Angeles station KCAL-TV, channel 9, brought in $1.2 million for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). The three-hour telethon was seen throughout Southern California and, according to AHF President Michael Weinstein, the results were gratifying. Celebrity MCs such as James Edward Olmos, Anna Marie Horsford, Edward Asner, Dick Sargent, Charles J. Dutton, Channel 9 newscaster Pat Harvey, and others, helped to keep the pace of the show moving as the individual and corporate donations began to mount. A special moment occurred when Leonard Bloom, Executive Director of AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), appeared and gave a $25,000.00 donation. According to Weinstein, KCAL-TV was supportive, running Public Service Announcements prior to the telethon and a "Women and AIDS" program the hour immediately before the telethon. Your comments may be directed to: David Woodcock, General Manager, KCAL-TV, 5515 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038; copy to Bill Kraines, AHF, 1800 N. Argyle, Suite #304, Los Angeles 90028. "They should be shot"... "Dateline NBC" Focuses on Violence "Always a Target," an Oct. 27 segment on "Dateline NBC" (KNBC-TV, ch. 4, Tues., 10:00pm) dealt with homophobic violence in New York City and what that city's gay and lesbian population is doing to protect itself. Anchored by Deborah Roberts, the piece put a realistic and horrifying face on hatred, showing film of a crowd showering verbal abuse on lesbian and gay marchers in last year's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Most astonishing were interviews with heterosexual teenagers in Bergenfield, New Jersey. One young male declared, "I call them names like 'fag' and 'queer'...they're spreading AIDS all around -- well actually AIDS is a cure to them, 'cause AIDS is killing them. I hope they just die out." A young woman simply said while laughing, "They should be shot." The piece showed how lesbians and gays are protecting themselves in the face of indifference by society and law enforcement. Interviewed were members of Out Watch, a lesbian and gay street patrol program. Hosts Stone Phillips and Jane Pauley made intelligent statements against prejudice in both introducing and closing the segment. In her introduction, Pauley helped viewers relate to the issue by saying, "You're holding your sweetheart's hand as you walk down the street. And for that, you're kicked in the face." Phillips closed the report with a call for stronger hate crime laws and more education stressing tolerance. Your comments for "Dateline NBC" to aggressively pursue gay and lesbian bashing issues, can be directed to: Jeff Diamond, Executive Producer, "Dateline NBC," 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Room 510, New York 10012. RADIO AND PRINT "It's trickle-down intolerance..." Anna Quindlen: An Inspiring Voice of Reason It would be hard to find a more enlightened and intelligent voice speaking out against hatred, discrimination and bigotry than that of Anna Quindlen, columnist for the New York Times. (In Los Angeles, writer Tim Rutten of the Los Angeles Times has achieved similar high-marks in his pleas for human rights.) However, the Oct. 28 Quindlen column "It's trickle-down intolerance..." in the New York Times, sets such an inclusive tone and projects such a reasoned intelligent light, that it has set a new high. Some excerpts: "Cause and effect is always an iffy kind of thing, but reasonable people may discern a relationship between Ballot Measure 9 (in Oregon) and the firebomb death of Hattie Mae Cohens and Brian Mock of Salem, Ore. "Four people, barely out of their teens and already devotees of white supremacist groups, have been charged with lobbing a Molotov cocktail into the apartment where the black lesbian and white gay man lived. The murder indictment said motive could be found in the 'defendants' perception of the race, color and sexual orientation of the victims." Her column continues, "That's why leaders of this country have to confront homophobia every chance they get. When the president of the United States is talking about swastikas painted on the walls of synagogues or crosses burned on the lawns of black households, he should include the other great prejudice in America, the one that has lead to rampant gay-bashing, both rhetorical and physical." To commend Anna Quindlen on her eloquent depiction of "trickle-down intolerance" write: Anna Quindlen, c/o New York Times, 229 W. 43rd Street, New York 10036. To receive a photocopy of her column, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Carl Matthes, Editor, GLAAD/LA Reports, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 9009301763. The Lagging Times It took them a while to do it, but the Los Angeles Times finally ran a front page story (Oct. 22) on the battle in Oregon over the anti-gay ballot Measure 9. Reporter Bettina Boxall examined the arguments used by the supporters and opponents of the measure on the front page Column One space. Unfortunately, the piece failed to mention the anti-gay and lesbian violence and vandalism that accompanied the Measure 9 campaign. One headline even returned to a favorite language trick of the Times -- "gay lifestyle." The coverage by the Los Angeles Times can easily be contrasted with the New York Times, whose coverage on the initiative since mid-Aug. included two front page stories and at least three opinion pieces. Even though California borders Oregon, Oct. 22 was the first time the story was covered in the national news section of the L.A. Times. Measure 9 did receive a "point-counterpoint" style debate in the L.A. Times Opinion section, but that was before the news section had ever broached the subject. Just when thin coverage appeared to be the norm, however, the Oct. 30 L.A. Times took an unusually strong editorial stand on Measure 9, calling it cruel, repressive, foolish and disgraceful. In one of the strongest statements from the newspaper, the editors declared: "Homosexuality is indeed an orientation." On Nov. 4 and 5 Bettina Boxall recapped the successes and failures of the anti-gay measures at the polls. Measure 9 went down to defeat but anti-gay legislation went on to success in Colorado, Tampa, Florida and other parts of the country. Encourage the L.A. Times national editors to keep attention focused on these and future battlegrounds projected in Idaho, Washington and here in California. Send comments to: Editor, Los Angeles Times, Times-Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. Susan Estrich's column in the Sun., Nov. 8 Opinion section of the Times, was entitled "New Social Policy -- Price is Right: Free." The column covered the social issues that will be addressed by President-elect Clinton, using the words gay, lesbian and AIDS seven times. Eleanor Roosevelt The first volume of Blanche Wiesen Cook's biography of Eleanor Roosevelt entitled Eleanor Roosevelt, Volume One, 1884-1933 (Viking Press), is receiving critical acclaim for, according to Celia Morris of the Los Angeles Times, "a style that is lucid, supple, direct and...passionate." Ms. Cook's thorough research of one of America's enduring personalities, touches on how E.R. "...forged close friendships with other women, some of them lesbians, and joined women's organizations committed to the progressive struggle." Ms. Cook continues, "...our culture has sought to deny the truths and complexities about women's passion because it is one of the great keys to women's power." Cook then presents, persuasively, according to Ms. Morris, that "After she became First Lady, she may have had (an affair) with prize-winning reporter Lorena Hickok." And, "Seldom has a second volume been so eagerly awaited." GLAAD NEWS Another Traditional Family... Billboard Project Moving into High Gear With the debut of the first GLAAD billboard near Sacramento on Oct. 22, the Billboard Project, "Another Traditional Family," is getting ready to move into high gear. With billboard space at a premium due to the elections and the oncoming holidays, Patrick Media Group, the company which is donating the billboard space for this educational project, will soon be assigning, on a space available basis, at least 20 billboards to GLAAD for one month periods. GLAAD/SFBA spokesperson, Trish McDermott, has been monitoring the Northern California portion of the project (the first billboard went up in the Sacramento area) and is very encouraged by the response from the gay and lesbian press and the mainstream media. Said Trish, "I have been overwhelmed by the response. It is very gratifying. The requests for information, interviews and appearances are coming everyday from as far away as Florida and, of course, here in the Bay Area." Not all reaction has been positive, however, according to Ms. McDermott and Jessea Greenman, co-chair of GLAAD/SFBA. "One caller promised to burn every billboard we put up, and added that we would all burn in hell," said Greenman. "Another left a message filled with obscenities and called us sick and pathetic." The Patrick Media Group, a leading outdoor advertising firm with offices in Southern and Northern California, as well as coast-to-coast, is interested in public response and is encouraging correspondences and calls. Comments to: Southern California: Ed Dato, Patrick Media Group, 1550 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles; (213) 731-5111. Northern California: George Broder, Patrick Media Group, 1601 Maritime, Oakland, CA 94607; (510) 835-5900. Quotable Quote... From Marilyn Quayle, wife of outgoing Vice-President Dan Quayle, upon hearing about the GLAAD Billboard Project and taking exception to the billboard's affirmation of lesbian and gay families, "My understanding is that without the intervention of science, they wouldn't be able to procreate." Project 21... California State Board of Education The fate of gay and lesbian references, as contained in the proposed Health Education Framework, is still being debated by the State Board of Education. At its Oct. meeting the Board was treated to a bold presentation by Irene Cheng, its 16-year-old student member. Cheng informed her adult colleagues, that student leaders throughout California were "overwhelming in support of the principle of (lesbian, gay and bisexual) inclusion," and did not approve of the Education Code's requirement that textbooks must teach "honor and respect for monogamous heterosexual marriage." To date, Cheng is the only member of the Board of Education to make a strong statement in support of educational equity for lesbians and gays. Direct your comments to: Irene Chun-I Cheng, member, State Board of Education, 2801 Mariposa Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010. Also to: Joseph Stein, Chairman, State Board of Education, 721 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 94244; (916) 657-5478, fax (916) 657-5101. And Yvonne Johnson, Chair, Curriculum Commission, P.O. Box 944272, Sacramento, CA 94244; fax 916/327-6887. Accrediting Discrimination The Western College Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities has recently released a draft of a proposed Policy Statement on Diversity which explicitly excludes sexual minorities. The statement reaffirms that any institution to be accredited must "demonstrate its commitment to the increasingly significant role played by diversity of ethnic, social and economic background among its members by making positive efforts to foster such diversity." In further defining "diversity," the statement clarifies that WASC standards "make no mention of sexual orientation. Institutions accredited by this commission follow varying policies based upon institutional mission and religious conviction." In plain English, colleges and universities are invited to discriminate against, and ignore the concerns of lesbian and gay students and staff, without their bigotry affecting their accreditation. The WASC is accepting comment on its proposed policy before making a final draft in Feb. Write the Commission and explain to them that its proposed Policy Statement on Diversity explicitly recognizes homophobia and discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Remind them that any type of bigotry is unacceptable. Write to: Sister Magdalen Coughlin, Chair, Senior Commission, P.O. Box 9990, Mills College, Oakland, CA 94613. To the Rescue... San Diego Police Deserve Merit Badge San Diego Police Chief Bob Burgreen severed his department's ties to the Boy Scouts of America in Oct. because the organization discriminates against homosexuals. Burgreen said he ordered police officials to return a charter to operate a police Explorer post for the Boy Scouts after it was learned that local BSA officials had suspended El Cajon Police Officer Chuck Merino as an advisor to the Explorer Post after Merino acknowledged that he is gay. (Merino first came out publically last year.) The San Diego Police Explorer Post has been a part of the department for more than 25 years. In related developments, the San Diego Human Relations Commission issued a harsh censure of the Boy Scouts calling for the city to terminate its lease agreements with them and asking the United Way in San Diego to cease its funding of the local Scout group. Concurrent with these calls, the California Highway Patrol announced that it was "reviewing" its affiliation with the Scouts in light of the suspension. Comments to: Chief Bob Burgreen, San Diego Police Department, 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101; Mr. Dawson Dowty, President, United Way of San Diego County, P.O. Box 23543, San Diego, CA 92193. Quotable Quote... From R. Scott Rhodes, member of the San Diego Human Relations Commission, commenting on the Boy Scouts, "I say shame on us if we ignore cries for help from our gay youth who are crying for help, understanding, support and healthy role models. I, for one, will not ignore their cries, with my silence, neglect or ignorance. The Boy Scouts of America need to open themselves to new enlightenment that is more inclusive of the current knowledge about homosexuality." Comments to: San Diego Human Relations Commission, Att.: Ms. Christiann L. Klein, Executive Director, 1200 3rd Avenue, #916, San Diego, CA 92101. Meanwhile reports to the GLAAD/LA hotline - (213) 931-9429 - tell of full-page ads appearing in the Orange County Register produced by the Religious Right against homosexuals being involved with the Scouts. Included in the ad is a petition specifically against Wells Fargo and Levi Strauss for their actions in favor of non-discrimination. To support these companies in their stand for human rights, write: Mr. Robert Strauss, Chairman of the Board, Levi Strauss & Co., 1155 Battery Street, San Francisco 94111 - or call their consumer hotline (800) 872-5384; and Karen Wegmann, President, Wells Fargo Foundation, 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco 94163; FAX (415) 572-9594; Telephone (415) 396-3606. To help educate the Orange County Register, write: Letters to the Editor, Orange County Register, 625 N. Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Students Fight for Rights - Win On Oct. 13th, the GLAAD/LA hotline - (213) 931-9429 - received the following message: "My name is Stephen Santos. I am the president of the Gay & Lesbian Student Union (GLSU) at Santa Monica City College. Since our "Coming Out Week," (in which) GLAAD/LA had participated, we've been targeted with hate mail and the school refuses to do anything about it. We want to organize a phone zap against the school. The fliers in question (are worded) "Family Rights Forever, Gay Rights Never" and we at the GLSU find it very offensive. You can contact me tonight. We can organize this further if this is something GLAAD/LA would like to participate in. I would hope so because this is where the new generation is coming from and if we can't show that there's support within the community, (it will be) kind of discouraging for people in our club." GLAAD/LA moved into action. Stephen now reports: The perpetrators (of the flier) turned out to be the Executive Director and the Publicity Director of the Santa Monica City College Student Union. The E.D. insisted she had a right to any opinion and the right to express any opinion and that she had talked with her lawyer. She is against "special rights" for gays and lesbians and considers gay/lesbian "lifestyle" a choice, and that gays and lesbians don't support "family values." We and the students didn't object to her right of free speech. We just thought the persons heading the Student Union represented all of the students, not just the heterosexual ones. And David Smith (GLAAD/LA Executive Director) protested to the school's President that denying rights to any groups was not appropriate in any college and he hoped he would denounce the flyer. There were meetings with the deans and the student councils. The GLSU got support from all the other campus groups, circulated a petition for recall, got enough signatures, and the offending parties did "a Nixon" and resigned. The President of the College issued a statement that harassment of any group was unacceptable. He was glad that this issue had focused on student government, which it had. This was one of the first times the college students really got into activism. And it worked. The Santa Monica College GLSU is enthusiastic about GLAAD/LA and wants to support GLAAD Comedy Night II on Dec. 5, and wants to donate some money to bring one of GLAAD's billboards to Santa Monica. To encourage the equal treatment of all citizens, write: Dr. Richard Moore, President, Santa Monica City College, Santa Monica, CA 90405; and Stephen Santos, President, Gay & Lesbian Student Union, Santa Monica City College, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Letter to Dr. Richard Moore from GLAAD/LA Executive Director, David Smith: Dear Dr. Moore: With regard to the flier, "Family Rights Forever, Gay Rights Never," we enclose a copy of our letter to the Executive Director of the Student Union. We fully understand the constitutional right to hold any opinion and to express it. However, had the flier said "Latino Rights Never" or "African-Amercian Rights Never" we think you would have acted quickly. The head of an organization sets the moral tone of that organization. The assertion that ANY group should be denied civil rights is abhorrent and we feel it should be castigated as totally inappropriate to a college campus. We urge you to denounce the view of urging the denial of rights to any group. If you would like your letter to be considered for publication in GLAAD/LA Reports, send your letter about any subject, or, if it involves your letter or any response to one of GLAAD/LA Reports stories, to: GLAAD/LA Reports, Attn.: Carl Matthes, Editor, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093. Or FAX directly to the Editor at: (213) 257-5878. Media Awards Nominations It's that time of year again. The preparations for the annual GLAAD/LA Media Awards Nominations, the winners of which will be announced at the gala Media Awards Show and Dinner on March 20, 1993, are underway. GLAAD/LA is now accepting the names of possible Award nominees from the following disciplines: Television & Radio Programming; the Recording Industry; the Print Media; Film and Advertising. The primary criteria for submissions in news is that the work includes fair and comprehensive coverage of lesbians and gay men. For the entertainment media, the primary criteria is that the work portray gay and lesbian characters as complete human beings rather than one dimensional stereotypes. To qualify, the material must have been first published or broadcast between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 1992. To submit your nominee, simply write-out the name, the topic, storyline or title, date, etc. and send it to: Media Awards Nominating Committee, GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093. Questions can be directed to the GLAAD/LA office: (213) 463-3632. Now's the time to get involved... Volunteers needed for Media Awards Show As was reported in last month's GLAAD/LA Reports the planning process for GLAAD/LA's 1993 Media Awards Show & Dinner (Sat., Mar. 20, 1993, International Ballroom, Beverly Hills Hotel), our 3rd Annual, is well underway. A committee structure has been developed, and as a result, opportunities to become involved in this glamorous and important event abound! The Corporate/Industry Sponsorship & Sales Committee is responsible for procuring corporate/industry sponsorships, ticket sales and program book ad sales. The Nominating Committee, which is the heart and soul of the evening, coordinates the nominations process, sends acknowledgements to the award winners, and gathers and organizes information and material about the awardees. This committee's work has already started, and ends the first week of Jan. (Conveniently enough, this is when the Program Book Production Committee's work starts.) The Production Committee works with the producer of the show, makes sure that the requisite permits, insurance coverage, etc., are obtained, produces the show video, makes sure that the awards themselves are ordered and delivered on time and is responsible for certain physical aspects of the dinner, such as the table centerpieces. The Public Relations Committee prepares and sends out press releases, coordinates the advertising, generates publicity and coordinates the press desk the night of the Awards Show & Dinner. The Program Book Production Committee is responsible for all aspects of the program book except for ad sales. It does the copy for the book, works with the graphic designer on layout and printing, and gathers information re credits, acknowledgements, etc. The Silent Auction Committee puts together the Silent Auction, including collecting and displaying the auction merchandise, and will work closely with Events Unlimited the night of the dinner, coordinating payment for and disbursement of the auction goods. The Celebrities Committee shamelessly pursues and procures celebrity presenters and guests for the show itself, and for the kick-off event, coordinates the VIP cocktail reception and celebrities' desk the night of the Awards Show & Dinner. Our second Media Awards Show & Dinner this past Apr. was an exciting and moving "Brava/Bravo" to those people in the media who portrayed our community and our lives in a realistic, non-stereotypical manner. Not only was it a resounding success financially, it was for those of us working on it a great deal of fun and a source of deep satisfaction. With your help, we can work together (in pride) to ensure that the 1993 edition will be even more of a triumph. If you would like to volunteer for a committee, please contact either co-chair: Will at (213) 273-9222 or Carmichael at (213) 874-1139. Thanks! Will Halm and Carmichael Smith-Low, Dinner Co-Chairs. Lesbians/Gays and the Military The tide against the ban of lesbians and gays serving in the Military is still rising. With the Clinton Presidency still a couple months off, U.S. District Judge Terry Hatter ordered the Navy to reinstate 30 year-old Petty Officer 1st Class Volker Keith Meinhold (GLAAD/LA Reports, Nov. issue). While issuing the order based on a technicality, this marks the first time the armed forces have been told to reinstate an openly gay person since the 1981 ban went into force under then President Ronald Reagan. Meinhold's attorney is not sure what the government may do next. However, after President-elect Clinton is inaugurated, he can fully rescind the 1981 policy directive with a "stroke of a pen." And, according to Sandra Lowe, a New York attorney active in military discharges of homosexuals, "I fully expect him to do so." Educating the Media: Two Cases Case One: KRZR Radio The gay-hating patter of a DJ at the Fresno, California rock music station, KRZR 103.7 FM, was a continuing problem for the gay and lesbian community in that Central Valley city. His bigoted and hateful comments accompaning a syndicated, taped-radio program called "Mr. Manly," were brought to the attention of GLAAD/LA by Queer Nation/Fresno. GLAAD/LA in turn brought it to the attention of its membership and the FCC. GLAAD/LA set up a meeting with the station and representatives traveled to Fresno and met with station personnel. The result has been to open the door to some gay-positive programming. KRZR executives urged GLAAD to send copies of Public Service Announcements on gay and lesbian issues, and to work with the director of its Sunday news program on gay and lesbian themes. Telephone calls to Olympia Networks in St. Louis, Missouri, and to Column Keating in Austin, Texas, the creator and writer of the "Mr. Manly" personna, garnered cooperative remarks and denials that the intention of the show was hate. Gina Williams, manager of Olympia Networks, promised that "we are working on inclusion of gay positive material in future syndicated taped programs." Mr. Keating promised a letter to GLAAD/LA Reports outlining his benign intentions over any hate or bigotry. (As of this writing no letter has arrived.) Case Two: The Daily Breeze The Daily Breeze, a newspaper in the Copley chain based in the South Bay, invited GLAAD/LA to one of a series of lunches at which representatives of minority groups talk about their concerns and answer reporters' and editors' questions. More than 30 employees attended the lunch at which GLAAD/LA's Executive Director David Smith and Monitor and Response Co-Chair Charlotte Innes initiated a lively dialogue on issues ranging from gay-sensitive language and gay and lesbian-themed stories, to ways in which reporters can include gays and lesbians in routine stories, any why gay stories should get better play. These are recent examples of what we call Media Outreach, one of the most important aspects of what GLAAD/LA does. The heart and soul of GLAAD's work is to monitor and respond to media slurs against gays and lesbians -- and to any positive comments or portrayals of gay and lesbian people -- by writing letters, calling newspapers, stations and studios, and urging our members to do the same. This way we keep the media on their toes; and we let them know there is a large, vocal and concerned gay audience out there. But the next step is to meet with media leaders, to work with them and to educate them about our lives. It is this outreach work, this opening of eyes, that has the most far-reaching effect in our struggle to gain equal time for gays and lesbians in all areas of the media. GLAAD is currently expanding this work to include advertising agencies that want to use gay and lesbian images. We also have almost completed a media guide for the entertainment industry, and we are planning to standardize our sensitivity trainings for the media in order to train more people to be involved. In addition, we have begun to set up a series of discussion groups with faculty and students at Los Angeles film schools, so that the filmmakers of the future can learn about our invisibility in the films of the past, and rectify matters when they start producing films of their own. This is similar to GLAAD's Journalism School program of two years ago where we spoke at journalism classes throughout the Los Angeles area. Exit-Polling As Election Day was dawning GLAAD/LA members were busy setting-up exit-polling locations in 10 randomly selected precincts around Los Angeles. The exit polls were taken during three, two hour segments: 7 to 9:00am, Noon to 2:00pm and 6 to 8:00pm. The poll was done in connection with Columbia University and the information was used to understand the emergence of lesbians and gays as a distinct group of voters. Questions on the form covered age, race and the political preferences of the voter. There were two direct questions regarding sexual orientation. One asked the sexual orientation of the voter -- gay/lesbian/bisexual/heterosexual -- and the other asked if any family member of the voter was lesbian or gay. The Los Angeles Times in a wrap-up of its own exit-polling included a separate category for gay voters along with other minorities, union members, etc. Missing was the word lesbian. Quotable Quote... From a Los Angeles area voter upon finishing the exit-poll conducted by members of GLAAD/LA on election day, "Gee, there were a couple of really strange questions on that." Executive Director's Column A New Era For Gay and Lesbian Americans by David Smith, Executive Director November 4th was the first day of a new era for gay and lesbian Americans. The Religious Right suffered a resounding defeat with the election of Bill Clinton, Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer. The Republican Party pandered to its extreme Right Wing, a strategy that proved to be a fatal mistake. While most voters indicated the economy as a predominant vote motivator, the divisive politics of hate most prominently featured at the Republican Convention galvanized the gay and lesbian community into a powerful voting block which helped elect Clinton, Feinstein, and proved decisive for Boxer. An exit poll conducted in Los Angeles by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation/L.A. showed a whopping 95% of gay men and lesbians voted for Bill Clinton, 3% voted for George Bush, and 2% voted for Ross Perot. In the California Senate races, the poll showed gays and lesbians helped vote Democratic candidate Dianne Feinstein into office with 97% voting for her and 3% voting for Republican John Seymour. Democratic Senate candidate Barbara Boxer received the same 97%, while 3% voted for Republican Bruce Herschensohn. The exit poll randomly surveyed 250 voters at 10 precincts throughout the Los Angeles Metropolitan area. GLAAD/LA's poll contrasts with national exit polls taken for the networks by Voter Research and Surveys (VRS) and the Los Angeles Times Poll which both reported the gay vote for Clinton in the low seventies. While the numbers seem low, the fact that the gay and lesbian community was included for the first time in the national exit polls is indicative of growing political muscle in and of itself. VRS reported the gay vote nationwide at 3%, which puts it in league with the Jewish vote, but the poll's Assistant Director, Murray Edeleman, was quoted as saying he "believes the vote to be around 5% or 6%," which places it in league with the African-American vote. But actual gay and lesbian voting power will continue to be difficult to guage as long as society's bias precludes some to self identify as gay or lesbian under any circumstances. New polling technology will be developed as our new demographic arrives in the consciousness of the nation, and gay and lesbian America finally comes of political age. Thankfully Oregon's dreadful Measure 9 failed, but not all of the results were positive nationwide. Colorado voters narrowly passed a similar, yet not-as-harshly-worded measure banning gay and lesbian civil rights legislation just the same. The Colorado measure received little media coverage primarily because the severity of the Oregon measure diverted attention and resources. Yes, overt political gay bashing has been repudiated nationwide, but unfortunately, this new era for gay and lesbian Americans will include fighting the new strategy of 'stealth bigotry' which won in Colorado. The election of Bill Clinton and new pro-gay Senators and members of the House of Representatives nationwide creates new political space to dramatically accelerate the Federal response to AIDS, pass national gay rights legislation, and end the Military's ban on homosexuals as promised by President-elect Clinton. With a new national tone of gay and lesbian inclusion set from the very top of the United States Government, lesbian and gay Americans should feel much freer to be 'out' (perhaps the whole issue of 'outing' will soon be moot). But, the fight for gay and lesbian civil rights is not over yet. The Right will not give up easily. These victories will have the effect of poking a stick in a beehive. The gay and lesbian community must not let its guard down, or lose the momentum of the movement as we face the new foes of complacency and a newly covert Right Wing. Though, for now at least, the future looks a whole lot brighter. SIDE BARS On the Horizon... "Roseanne" As we go to press, news about the storyline of the Nov. 17 episode of "Roseanne" (KABC-TV, ch. 7, Tues. 9:00pm) has been published. Ms. Arnold did say she wanted to be known as the "hippest straight person." Well, she's now very close. The episode covers Sarah Bernhart's character, Nancy, coming out. We're told the balance between comedy and reality is well portrayed as Nancy breaks the news about her new friend, Maria (Morgan Fairchild). Positive inclusion on a prime time show such as "Roseanne" could certainly garner another nomination for Ms. Arnold in this year's GLAAD/LA Media Awards. Part of the momentum to include a coming out on "Roseanne" was supplied by GLAAD/NY. A campaign was started this past summer to send signed petitions to Ms. Arnold to "help a lesbian come out on prime time." She is on record as saying, "Look for that to happen in the next couple of seasons." Comments to: "Roseanne," c/o The Carsey-Werner Co., c/o CBS/MTM, 4024 Radford Ave., Building #3, Studio City, CA 91604; and GLAAD/NY, 150 W. 26th St., New York 10001; (212) 807-1700 "And the Band Played On" Matthew Modine, Richard Gere and Whoopi Goldberg will star in HBO Pictures' "And the Band Played On," a TV movie based on journalist Randy Shilts' book about the early years of the AIDS epidemic. The film is being directed by Roger Spottiswoode. Modine plays a medical researcher who was among the first to recognize the nature of AIDS. Gere plays a choreographer who represents those in the entertainment industry who have battled AIDS, and Goldberg stars as Selma Dritz, a San Francisco public health official. The movie will be filmed in Los Angeles and San Francisco; Aaron Spelling is executive producer. Direct your comments to: Mr. Aaron Spelling, c/o Spelling Enterprises, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036. "Key West" With "Melrose Place" (KTTV-TV, ch. 11, Wed, 9:00pm) attracting its fair share of attention, Fox Broadcasting is readying yet another program featuring a continuing gay character. This time it will be a gay man who has just been elected the mayor of the fictional town, "Key West," the series title. Now waiting for the green light, the first episode is tentatively set for broadcast during Dec. or Jan. However, it may never make it to the airwaves if Focus on the Family has its way. This homophobic group is evidently already finding the storyline too "familiar," i.e., the mayor is elected to office despite a hate campaign waged by fanatic fundamentalists. Comments to encourage the inclusion of gay men and lesbians can be directed to: Peter Chernin, President, Fox Broadcasting, P.O. Box 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90213. Not on the Horizon? Reports last month documented the amazing success of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." After five years in syndication the allure of the program shows no signs of diminishing. Changes are in the making, however. With actor contracts already into an added sixth year to their five year contracts, a spinoff, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," is being prepared for syndication sometime in Jan. '93 by Paramount and executive producers Rick Berman and Michael Piller. This is the same group that has guided "The Next Generation." Now to the important question. Will there be the introduction of any gay/lesbian characters or story lines? It has been quite some time (Mar. '92) since "The Next Generation" touched on homosexual inclusiveness. And, unfortunately, that inclusion was out of step with Sci-Fi and '90s reality. Several years ago all inquiries about inclusion in "The Next Generation"were met with a "No." But what about "Deep Space Nine," Paramount? Inquiring minds would like to know. Any info to: GLAAD/LA (213) 463-3632; FAX (213) 463-4923. Comments to: Rick Berman and Michael Piller, Executive Producers, Paramount Domestic TV, 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood 90038. Quotable Quotes... From Cher appearing on CNN's Larry King Live when asked what she thought about gay people, "I don't think anything about gay people, they're people..." From Dima Lychov, Editor of a Moscow gay newspaper upon hearing that Boris Yeltsin has proposed the lifting of the Stalin-era Article 121-1 which criminalizes gay male activity, "Maybe if the government announces that it doesn't consider homosexuality scary or criminal, public opinion will begin to change." (Umm...anyone in Washington D.C. listening?) From Dick Sargeant upon hearing that tabloid reporters are trying to find out if he has died of AIDS, "I would like to set the record straight. I am recovering just fine from outpatient surgery for prostate cancer and will be starting a new film on Dec. 10." From former talk-show host Dennis Miller appearing on the Whoopi Goldberg Show when asked about "family values," "What business is it of anybodys who somebody decides to bonk?" Disney's new animated film "Aladdin," may be the first animated film to make a gay reference. An "in the works" screening attended by GLAAD/LA members report that the Robin Williams' character, the Genie, makes a quick, funny and good-natured gay reference to Aladdin to the effect of "I like you, but don't expect me to go shopping for curtains with you." The film opened in the Los Angeles area in Nov. GLAAD/LA Helps Oregon GLAAD/LA members participated with the Women's Action Coalition in leafleting passengers at Los Angeles International Airport outbound for Portland, Oregon with Vote No on 9 material just before last month's election. For willing passengers, pink triangles were pinned on lapels. Measure 9 was defeated. With the passing of the anti-gay and lesbian Prop. Two in Colorado, one caller to the GLAAD/LA Hotline - (213) 931-9429 - suggests not taking ski trips to Vail, Aspen, etc. Anyone for the snow and mountains of Oregon? Direct from the Horse's Mouth... GLAAD/LA Reference File GLAAD/LA is continually updating its reference file of clippings and articles so that the actual statements of anyone who is practicing defamation, or voicing support for our human rights, can be easily documented. A strong note of thanks goes to Marj Karpen, who follows the Los Angeles Times; Stephen Moore, the ever vigilant watchdog of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Orange County Register; and Roy Bigelow, who comes to the GLAAD/LA office three times a week to keep the files in order. But, we need more volunteers. Can you, or someone you know, follow the Daily News and share the burden with the Los Angeles Times? We need help. In addition, if you read something in a magazine, newspaper, periodical, newsletter, etc., that relates to gay and lesbian issues, clip it and send it to: GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093-1763; or FAX it to us (213) 463-4923; or call the hotline (213) 931-9429 and report it verbally. Newsletter Deadline: First Thurs. of Each Month The deadline for submitting material for possible publication in GLAAD/LA Reports will be the first Thurs. of each month for the following month's newsletter. For the Jan. newsletter all material is to be submitted by Dec. 3. Send your submissions to: GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093; FAX (213) 463-4923; or directly to the Editor, Carl Matthes, at FAX (213) 257-5878. Images, GLAAD/NY's Quarterly Newsletter Debuts The premiere issue of Images, an eight-page quarterly newsletter published by GLAAD/NY, has just debuted (Vol I #1, Fall 1992). Carrying reports from GLAAD/NY Executive Director Ellen Carton, Board Chair Mary T. Nealon, and others, the newsletters sports pictures along with attractive graphics and headlines. Articles covered GLAAD/NY Media Awards and Rush Limbaugh. Congratulations New York! Lesbian/Gay Films Sought The San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is accepting entries until Mar. 1, 1993. The Festival is scheduled for June 18 - 27, 1993, and is sponsored by Frameline, a non-profit media arts organization dedicated to exhibiting, distributing and funding lesbian and gay films. Information can be obtained by calling (415) 703-6850 or by writing Frameline, P.O. Box 14792, San Francisco, CA 94115. Return handling fees have been waived for entries submitted before Jan. 1, 1993. West Hollywood Seniors Film Series Continues The film series about older gays and lesbians, "Where we were, Where we are, Where we're going!," continues at Plummer Park, Hall A in Dec., 2:00pm. The Dec. 6 showing will feature "Harry Weinberg's Notebook (A Letter to Harvey Milk)"and "Women Like Us, Women Like That" will be shown on Dec. 20. A $2.00 donation is requested. The series, which is a project of the West Hollywood Senior Center and Project Rainbow, will run bi-weekly until Jan 24, 1993. For more information call: Stu (213) 851-8202 or Ruth (213) 876-1717. If you have additional time on any weekday, consider coming by the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd, and volunteer to help a few hours answering phones, faxing and mailing. Your help is needed and would be greatly appreciated. GLAAD/LA Office: (213) 463-3632. Media Outreach Committee The Media half of the Outreach Committee will be meeting the third Tues. of each month (for Dec. that will be the 15th) at 7:30 pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd., two blocks east of La Brea in Hollywood. Media Outreach works in a variety of ways to educate people in the media about homophobia and about GLAAD. Our activities are targeted at the film, television, radio, music and print industries. If you have experience in any of these areas or if you are interested in learning more about the media, please join us. Call: Michael Keegan or Jehan Agrama, Outreach Committee, Media Co-Chairs, (213) 463-3632. Women of GLAAD to Meet Tues., Dec. 1 The Women of GLAAD Caucus meeting will be on Dec. 1 at 7:00 pm at the GLAAD office (7033 Sunset Blvd.). If you would like to be a part of the lesbian voice in GLAAD's affairs, come and join us for our monthly informal gathering to discuss ways in which we can become more visible in our community. Our purpose is to encourage the participation of lesbians on the GLAAD/LA board and on GLAAD's committees, and to ensure that GLAAD continues to fight for lesbian visibility in all areas of the media. We will aggrandize, politicize, scandalize, hypothesize, socialize and we need your creative input. Call: GLAAD Office, (213) 463-3632. Monitor/Response Committee Dateline Los Angeles: GLAAD/LA Reports questions invisibility of gay character, Matt (Doug Savant), on "Melrose Place." Fox Broadcasting contacts GLAAD/LA and arranges an interview with Doug to coincide with gay episodes.....Dateline Fresno: KRZR 103.7FM allows anti-gay slurs and tone to permeate Schlock-Jock Chris Daniels radio show: Queer Nation/Fresno contacts GLAAD/LA who sends representatives to meet with station management....Dateline Hollywood: GLAAD/LA makes the list of the "100 most influential groups in Hollywood." Behind these actual events, and many others, was the involvement of the GLAAD/LA Monitor/Response committee. Described as the heart and soul of GLAAD, the committee watches what's happening in the media and either congratulates accurate portrayals of our community or says, "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore." But there's a lot of media out there to monitor and respond to and we need your help. The M/R Committee is in the process of change. Robert Scheps has completed his term as co-chair and Charlotte Innes has stepped down. Continuing as co-chair will be Anne Dutton, who will be joined by GLAAD/LA Board Members Robin Podolsky and Ruthe Cantor. Please join us, we need your help. Meetings for Dec. are scheduled for the 3rd and 17th at 7:30pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood; (213) 463-3632. GLAAD/LA Reports Goes Electronic Use Your Modem The newsletter of GLAAD/LA (GLAAD/LA Reports) is now available electronically. Anyone with a modem can call (213) 463-9257, pick up the "sig" entitled "glaad" and read the latest issue several weeks before it is mailed. In addition, FIDONET will be receiving GLAAD postings so anyone, anywhere in the country, can get our messages on a local BBS that has a tie-in with FIDONET. (The local, Los Angeles area BBS FIDONET tie-in is: Stonewall West! (818) 781-9506.) If you need help in contacting the GLAAD/LA Bulletin Board, FIDONET or Stonewall West!, Mac users may call Charles Zweig (818) 763-9501. IBM/clones may call Jack Newsbaum (310) 441-9106. Hotline Stickers You've just seen a lesbian positive episode on TV or you've just read an article on family values that doesn't include us. You want to call the hotline but you cannot find your newsletter and you can't remember that the number is 931-9GAY. You panic. Then it comes back to you. You had sent a self-addressed stamped envelope to GLAAD/LA and had gotten back several hotline stickers to attach to your phone. You reach for the phone, content in knowing you are actively participating in helping the organization monitor the media. The feeling is great! YOUR CALLS ARE VITAL! USE THE HOTLINE. IT IS A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE. Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Send Me Some Stickers, GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093. GLAAD/LA Reports Offers Advertising Opportunity GLAAD/LA Reports is continuing to accept advertising. The newsletter is mailed to more than 8,500 members and supporters informing them about local and national media coverage and treatment of lesbian and gay issues. It provides an effective and proven way to reach thousands of concerned, responsible lesbian and gay community members -- the friends of GLAAD/LA. Information about ad sizes, prices, deadlines, special positions, etc., is available by calling to: Margo Strik at (213) 259-9208. (Deadline for submission of ad copy for the Jan. issue will be Dec. 3rd.) Calendar dates: Dec 1 Tuesday Women of GLAAD 7:00pm 7033 Sunset Dec 2 Wednesday Community Outreach (Speakers) 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Dec 3 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Dec 3 Thurdsay Deadline for Jan. Issue GLAAD/LA Reports Dec 5 Saturday GLAAD Comedy Night II - Curtain 8:00pm 7655 Sunset Dec 8 Tuesday GLAAD/LA Board Meeting 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Dec 15 Tuesday Media Outreach 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Dec 17 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Dec 19 Saturday Hanukkah Begins Dec 20 Sunday Hanukkah Dec 22 Tuesday General Meeting 7:00pm 6000 W. Pico Dec 25 Thursday Christmas JANUARY Jan 5 Women of GLAAD, 7:00pm Jan 6 Community Outreach, 7:30pm Jan 7 Monitor/Response Committee, 7:30pm Jan 7 Deadline for Feb. issue of GLAAD/LA Reports GLAAD/LA Reports Staff: Editor Carl Matthes FAX (213) 257-5878 Art Direction and Design Jan Simons Research Assistance Garrett Glaser Advertising Editor Margo Strik (213) 259-9208 Illustrator Ruben Esparza Contributors: Jehan Agrama, Hollie Conley GLAAD/ SFBA, Veronica Davis, Anne Dutton, Garrett Glaser, Will Halm, Dean Hansell, Charlotte Innes, Carl Matthes, Robin Podolsky, David Smith, Wally Smith, Carmichael Smith-Low, Stonewall West BBS!, Jeff Sullivan, Stephanie Thomas, David Zahnizer. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++