GLAAD/LA Reports - November '93 Issue Carl Matthes, Editor (213) 254-2726 - FAX (213) 257-5878 "Aren't enough of them..." Opening the Daytime Closet In the August 3 issue of Soap Opera Weekly, Joanne Douglas Lampe investigates homophobia in the soap opera industry. "The Daytime Closet" encourages readers to write in with opinions about 1) whether or not you could still enjoy the "fantasy" of a love scene or heterosexual relationship if you knew the actor or actress was homosexual; 2) would you be interested in a storyline involving a gay or lesbian relationship? The article came on the heels of "Day of Compassion," where daytime TV focused on the need for a compassionate response to people with HIV and AIDS. On another note, Michael Laibson, executive producer of "Another World" speculated, "I tend to think there aren't enough of them (homosexuals) watching soaps to make it worthwhile for the shows to do gay stories." Kay Alden, co-head writer for "The Young and the Restless," feared a loss of ratings with a homosexual storyline. She said that in the late seventies "Y&R" was the first soap to hint at a lesbian relationship, and viewers "turned off the soap in droves." Alden continued, "If gay issues are dealt with in daytime, the storylines will probably be geared toward trying to teach the audience acceptance and understanding..." The Sept. 28 issue included coverage of the vicious attack on soap hunk Keith Pruitt ("Former Daytime Actor Victim of Bias Crime"). The article included quotes from activists who criticized judicial homophobia, police indifference and the largely untold story of anti-gay/lesbian hate violence. Your note of thanks and encouragement could only be helpful. Send to: Mimi Torchin, Editor-in-Chief, Soap Opera Weekly, 41 W. 25 Street, New York 10010. Volunteers Needed for Comedy Night III Here's your chance to join in the fun on Nov. 20 and help make GLAAD/LA's "Comedy Night/Cast Party III" fundraiser a smash success. This gala Sat. evening show will be held in the Harmony Gold Auditorium on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, and volunteers are needed to help with the Silent Auction, displays and ticket and refreshment sales. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Call now to: (310) 652-3963 and ask for Kym. For complete details on this exciting event see the full page announcement on opposite page. Co-President's Column by Stephanie Farrington-Domingue How often is it in our daily lives that we get the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the way things happen or are perceived? Or should I ask: How many times do we act on the opportunity when it knocks? When we, as individuals, consider orchestrating the elements that could lead to making differences or creating change in legislation or public perception, we often find ourselves overwhelmed. But, when you reflect on the mounting pressure of the religious right in their efforts to snuff out our very existence, or the recent disappointment surrounding the struggle to lift the military ban, or the fact that some people feel that you would be an inappropriate parent and therefore should not have that privilege, you can see that we must rise to the occasion. And, that's where organizations like GLAAD bridge the gap between the individual and the cause. Our efforts are tireless in making sure that you have a voice, that we have a presence and that our issues are dealt with fairly. To quote George Bernard Shaw: "This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me, it is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. (From "Man and Superman," dedicatory letter.) I'm sure many of you have been reading this newsletter for years, content to know that "the work is going on," but WE CAN NO LONGER GO ON WITHOUT YOU! And so we offer you this opportunity to make a difference from right where you are: You are cordially invited to participate in the changing of the public's perception as it relates to lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgenders. You may accept this invitation by making a tax deductible donation to GLAAD/LA to underwrite the vital work that they do on behalf of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgenders everywhere. Please send your checks to: GLAAD/LA Making a Difference P.O. Box 93176 Hollywood, CA 90093-1763 We just can't do it without you. Film and Television "Hard Target" Jean Claude Van Damme continues his homophobic ways in Universal's John Woo directed "Hard Target." Van Damme, still trying to live down his very first film role as a gay hustler, plays a drifter in "Hard," where his attempts at being Mr. Tough Guy consists of insulting and threatening bad guys by saying, "Why don't you and your boyfriend get out of here." In a cover story in Details magazine featuring Van Damme, writer Erik Hedegaard speculates that Van Damme's butt shots in the movie are for his female and gay fans. Hedegaard seems to believe that there are many gay males with internalized homophobia, as he states "Van Damme has a large gay following." Is he saying that gay men care nothing about homophobia and homo hating content in films as long as it includes a nice butt? Send your comments to: Rob Tapert, Producer & Director, "Hard Target," 100 Universal City, Bungalow 415A, Universal City, CA 91608; Erik Hedegaard, Details, 632 Broadway, New York 10012; Jean Claude Van Damme, c/o Kevin Campbell, PMK, 955 S. Carillo Drive, #200, Los Angeles 90048. On KCET-TV... "High School Stories" & "In the Mix" Kudos to KCET-TV for two programs that included segments on gay and lesbian teens. "High School Stories: One Day in America's Schools" aired on September 7 and highlighted the Harvey Milk School (HMS) in New York City. HMS was created to provide a safe learning environment for gay and lesbian teens. Two teens attending the school gave their perspectives on how homophobia and heterosexism affects gays and lesbians at a young age. They explained how HMS was a way to escape high school gay bashing. On September 19 "In the Mix" ran a segment on gay and lesbian teens, addressing stereotypes as well as realities. The program mixed the stories of exceptional teens with music videos. Emma told her story of how she had low self-esteem before coming out and how being out made her more confident and happy. The segment also allowed gay and lesbian teens to send a message to other g/l teens telling them that they can be proud of who they are and that they're not alone. Another message was sent to straight teens, "We're your friends and we want respect and not tolerance." Reducing isolation is important for anybody confused about their sexuality or scared and in the closet. These programs were definitely a step in the right direction. Write KCET and encourage them to present additional programs of this caliber. Comments to: William Kobin, President, KCET-TV, 4401 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90027; "High School Stories: One Day in America's Schools," Wisconsin Public Television, 3319 W. Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53713; "In the Mix," WNYC-TV, 1 Center Street, New York 10017. Fear and hate at school... Hostile Hallways is the name for the nationwide survey on sexual harassment in America's schools conducted by the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The survey documents that the form of harassment children and teens fear most is being called faggot, sissy or other anti-gay epiteths. A copy of Hostile Hallways may be obtained by writing: AAUW, Survey on Sexual Harassment in America's Schools, P.O. Box 251, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0251; (800) 255-9998. Gay Activation on Melrose? Guess who came to dinner? An endangered species; one of only two or three left in the nation. Matt Fielding (Doug Savant), the almost invisible gay habitant of Fox's "Melrose Place" (KTTV-TV, Wed., 9:00 pm) has surfaced. Receiving questions from almost all quarters, the producers of "Melrose" have been trying to explain the lack of storylines dealing with Matt and black fitness instructor Rhonda (Vanessa Williams), two components of this "realistic" '90s apartment complex. (She has now left the series entirely.) On the October 6 episode Matt is asked over for dinner by a co-worker, and it is established that he is still gay and still breathing - something easy to miss during the show's past season. Contact Darren Star, the Executive Producer of "Melrose" (recipient of a 1993 GLAAD/LA Media Award), and encourage him to allow Matt to be portrayed as a real, complete and honest gay man. And, horror of horrors, this could mean he should have a boy friend. Comments to: Darren Star, Executive Producer, "Melrose Place," Spelling Enterprises, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036; Ms. Lucie Salhany, President, Fox Broadcasting, P.O. Box 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90213. Custody Coverage The Sharon Bottoms child custody case created a spate of TV talk shows on lesbian moms and gay dads as well as intensive press coverage. In denying Ms. Bottoms custody of her son on the sole grounds that she is a lesbian, Judge Buford Parsons of Virginia's Henrico County Circuit Court demonstrated his ignorance about gays and lesbians as he moved away from rational jurisprudence and acted upon his own homophobia. Three TV shows were especially memorable: "Geraldo" (KCBS-TV, 4:00 pm, weekdays) on September 29, "Sally Jesse Raphael" (KNBC-TV, 3:00 pm, weekdays) on October 1, and "Home Show" (KABC-TV, 10:00 am, weekdays) on September 15. "Geraldo" presented "Lesbian Moms" and it was an unmitigated disaster. As invited guests, Geraldo had Paul Cameron, a professional homophobe who has been disbarred from the American Psychological Association, the prosecuters in the Bottoms case, Richard Ryder and Paul Morrisey of the Morality Action Committee, pitted against a panel of lesbian mothers. This show was proof that Geraldo only wants "ratings" based on polarization and stupidity. "Sally," on the other hand, had Sharon Bottoms' mother and Richard Ryder, but handled it with such class and dignity that a homophobic panel member walked off the show in a huff. Also checking in with a positive presentation was Woody Fraser on "Home Show" where he interviewed two lesbian couples - one in Virginia (seen only in shadows) and the other in Los Angeles (Dyan Ullman and Terri Levine with their daughter Hannah), seen in full light with an attendant Gloria Allred and a heterosexual son (David Abbitt) of a lesbian mother. David was quite eloquent when asked if he could handle the discrimination from his peers because of his lesbian mother. Said David, "All children suffer ridicule in one form or the other...I don't think I suffered anymore than any child in the classroom." It was a very positive presentation. Your comments may be sent to: "Sally Jesse Raphael," 267 Broadway, New York 10007. Send your comments along with suggestions that Geraldo include guests such as the openly gay Reverend Mel White, former ghost writer for Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and Billy Graham, on his show to: "Geraldo," Mr. Marty Berman, Executive Producer, 524 W. 57th Street, New York 10019. And to: Woody Fraser, "Home Show," 1845 Empire Avenue, Burbank, CA 91504. Most of the press coverage of the Richmond custody case has included inaccurate assertions by homophobes. Despite the fact that no evidence exists to link sexual orientation to parental fitness, statements to that effect were reported as matters of legitimate opinion. Almost without exception, reporters failed to ask homophobic bigots to defend their statements. An article on the lesbian custody case was written by Associated Press (AP) reporter Larry O'Dell. To his credit, O'Dell quotes University of Virginia psychology professor Charlotte Patterson who has studied the children of lesbian parents. "The basic finding was that children of lesbian parents are developing much like children of heterosexual parents," Patterson said. Unfortunately, O'Dell placed this quote at the end of his story, increasing the likelihood that this vital information would be cut in many newspapers around the country. Send your comments to: Bill Schiffman, News Editor, Associated Press, P0B 7247, San Francisco, CA 94120. Update on Billboard... The GLAAD billboard project, "Another Traditional Family," is still gathering attention. In September the image and the models - Pat, Karen and Zachary Norman - appeared on the "John and Leeza Show" (KNBC-TV, weekdays, 11:00 am) and next year the billboard will be featured in a British documentary on lesbian parents. Real World II MTV's hip documentary series Real World II tracks the lives of several young adults living together in Los Angeles. The format is a combination of cinema verite intercut with talking head commentary. In the September 10 episode, a new roommate, Beth Stolarczyk, arrives on the scene. Wearing an "I'm not gay but my girlfriend is" t-shirt, Beth is definitely an out lesbian. Reactions from others in the household demonstrated their own prejudices and curiousities, providing a clear comparison to the intelligent and upfront Beth. The October 7 episode featured the roommates playing a get-to-know-you game where each answered questions about themselves. Beth was eloquent in pointing out that questions to her were about her sexuality only and that was only a part of who she was. This was a very positive presentation. Your comments to MTV about inclusion of gays and lesbians in the "real world" can be directed to: Office of the President, MTV Networks, Inc., 1515 Broadway, New York 10036. And more on "Real World II"... Editor Los Angeles Times I was extremely disappointed by Steve Weinstein's decision not to discuss the open lesbianism of Beth Stolarczyk on the MTV series "Real World II" in his article, "A 'Real World' of Difference," September 19. At a time when there are so few openly gay characters on TV, MTV has established some of the "real" in "Real World" by choosing to include us in their show. Mr. Weinstein prefers not to include any mention of Beth's lesbianism, instead stating that "men want to buy her drinks far more often now," further burying her true identity. Mr. Weinstein's decision to expurgate his article of any mention of gays or lesbians regarding this season or last is offensive...Anythng less than acknowledgement of gays and lesbians on the part of Mr. Weinstein implies bigotry and intolerance and will not go without challenge. Sincerely, Elizabeth Winston (Editor's note: Thanks to Ms. Winston for forwarding a copy of her letter to GLAAD/LA.) And more on MTV... "Cowboys" Hats off and thank you to MTV's "Free Your Mind" series for their positive images of the gay and lesbian community. One particular service annoucement depicts two "macho" gunfighters donning the typical attire (e.g., hats, boots, dusters, etc.) under the hot sun (a la "High Noon") facing off for a draw. With hands poised above their guns, they cautiously approach one another, face to face. Slowly they loosen and drop their holsters. Then they reach out and hold hands. They begin to dance; a little two step of sorts. A moment or two later they separate and walk off into the sunset. An on-screen message then reads, "Would you rather they killed each other?" Very well done, with beautiful production values. And, most importantly, very positive gay representation. Can Can Never at a loss to distort, misrepresent and outright lie to raise more money off the images of gays and lesbians, CAN, the Christian Action Network - a heterosexual supremacist group - has been sending "clips of pornographic films" to politicians in Washington, D.C. including President Clinton. A 15 minute video, which CAN misrepresents as having the "stamp of approval" of the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), is composed of excerpts from films shown at the 1991 Pittsburgh International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The CAN excerpts depict two men masturbating, a woman masturbating and a man - dressed only in leather boots - handcuffed to another man. The NEA did not contribute any funds toward the production of these films. NEA did grant $17,500 toward the support of lesbian and gay film festivals in Los Angeles and New York with a small part of that going to Pittsburgh. CAN should be canned. Contact President Clinton and encourage him to resist and speak-out against such distorted and hateful campaigns. Write: President Bill Clinton, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500. If you would like to have a copy of the CAN video, send your request to: Christian Action Network, P.O. Box 606, Forest, VA 24551. Quotable Quote... From Jane Alexander upon being sworn in as the new Chair of the NEA, "If I can accomplish anything as chairman, it would be to release the imagination and creative spirit that I feel is alive in all people of all ages in this vast and wonderful county of ours." Wright Veering Right? NBC President Robert Wright has named Roger Ailes, media advisor to former Presidents Nixon, Reagan and Bush and the executive producer of "The Rush Limbaugh Show," as the president of CNBC, the cable talk show and business news network. Said Wright, "(Roger Ailes is a) one of a kind in the television business. He represents a unique combination of promoter, entrepreneur and, above all, a highly talented television producer." Ailes will also take charge of "America Talking," a NBC cable channel venture due in 1994. In the America of the '90s, those appointed to important media positions need to reflect an ability to understand the diversity and breadth of American society. Can Mr. Ailes rise above his previous and present connections to the right wing? Share your concerns with Mr. Wright by writing: Robert Wright, President, NBC, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10021; CNBC, 3000 W. Alameda Avenue, Burbank, CA 91523. Radio and Print Playboy Larry Kramer Larry Kramer, author, playwright and founder of New York's Gay Men's Health Crisis and ACT UP, is interviewed by David Nimmons in Playboy Magazine's September issue. Blunt as ever, Kramer compares the Reagan and Bush inaction on AIDS to Hitler's acts against the Jews; wonders whether Clinton may be one of our worst Presidents; targets the Center for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health as wasteful and destructive and criticizes ACT UP for its bureaucracy problems. And he wants more from the gay community, calling it "meek, recalcitrant and useless in the battle against AIDS." When Nimmons says, "We know more about HIV than we have ever (known)," Kramer responds, "Bullshit...If we knew so much we'd have a cure by now." Kramer describes a "Manhattan Project" as the way to an AIDS cure and says that letters to congress, the President and newspapers is our power. Whether this lengthy interview breaks new ground is questionable, even though the dynamics between Kramer and Nimmons are sometimes contentious. Playboy deserves credit for not only printing this interview but for allowing Kramer his full range of self-expression. His description of what it was like finding out he is HIV-positive may be the most meaningful confrontation with the reality of HIV Playboy readers have ever had. To encourage more in-depth coverage of such personalities and issues send your comments to: Playboy, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611. Readers, Help Reader's According to Out magazine, The Reader's Catalog (RC) is receiving hate mail and has lost 50 subscribers for including lesbian and gay titles in their book lists. Catalogs such as this are an important source of information for anyone wanting to know about material on topics of special or limited interest. This is especially true for gay men and lesbians who do not have access to a well-stocked bookstore. Support the decision by RC to be inclusive and for standing its ground in the face of homophobic reactions. Write: Stephanie Smith, The Reader's Catalog, 250 W. 57th Street, New York 10017. The free catalog can be ordered by dialing (800) 733-BOOK. "Chic Love" in Harpers The October issue of Harper's Bazaar featured an article by Wendy Wasserstein on "Chic Love." She is concerned about lesbianism being viewed as a passing trend. Says Ms. Wasserstein, "What concerns me is that the media will make lesbian chicness all about bell bottoms and pierced body parts, and not about safeguarding basic rights...the right to love another woman or raise a child with her isn't about making a fashion statement or creating for women an equivalent of the gay male world to which they obviously would never be completely admitted. It seems to me it's all about women being created equal. And that leads to for more profound changes for everyone, men and women." That her comments are well-centered and intelligent gives them universal appeal. Your comments may be directed to: Harper's Bazaar, Elizabeth Tilberis, Editor-in-Chief, Hearst Publishing, 1700 Broadway, New York 10019. The New Yorker: From Journalism to Trash? (The following article is excerpted from the September 14 "GLAAD Tidings" by Tom Trela of GLAAD/NY) While most reviews of the film "And the Band Played On" (the HBO production of Randy Shilts' best selling book) have been favorable, few if any have been as offensive as the one by James Wolcott in The New Yorker. Wolcott complains that "almost none of the homosexuals we see (in the film) are beefy, butch; they're wan and slender - angels in America. It's something of a rewrite job of history." Wolcott says he knows this to be true because he lived in the West Village during the '70s. He discusses "the weekend mobs of men in leather and chains" and "even then one sensed an orgiastic build toward critical mass." Wolcott continues by stating that William Friedkin's film "Cruising" was a much better statement of the era because, according to Wolcott it "caught the sexual compulsions of the period better...(the film) allowed itself to be drawn into the dark drive of sadomasochism which found its fullest expression in fisting." In one short column, Wolcott implies that 1) if you're gay you can be neither thin nor good; 2) that the real cause of AIDS are all those frightening men in leather; 3) that all gay men who went through the '70s found fisting as the ultimate sexual act; and 4) that we brought AIDS on ourselves. Your comments can be directed to: Tina Brown, Editor, The New Yorker, 20 W. 43rd Street, New York 10036. (Ed. note: To request a copy of the Sept. 14 issue of GLAAD Tidings, write to: Carl Matthes, Editor, GLAAD/LA Reports. Be sure to include your address and it will be mailed to you.) NLGJA Release Survey Results Most gay and lesbian broadcast journalists say their newsrooms are comfortable places to work, but many are highly critical of coverage of gay and lesbian issues, a survey released October 1 shows. The survey, by the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) and the Radio-Television News Directors' Foundation, showed that seventy-two percent of newsroom managers praised their coverage of violence against gays, while only 35 percent of the gay and lesbian journalists agreed. The l/g journalists were also critical of how TV covered the gays-in-the-military issue and the recent March on Washington for gay and lesbian rights. "The survey is an important part of the work we are doing in the area of newsroom diversity," said Eric Swanson, executive director of the News Directors' Foundation. "Diverse newsrooms not only better reflect the communities they serve, but should add considerably to the depth and quality of the coverage they provide." Two-thirds of the 179 gay and lesbian journalists who responded say they are "out" in the workplace. The journalists and the managers agreed that sexual orientation does not generally affect career advancement, but 9% of the 228 news managers who responded said whether an on-air employee was gay might make a difference in hiring. Comments to: Mr. Eric Swanson, Executive Director, Radio/TV News Directors Foundation, 1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. Podolsky Wins Award Robin Podolsky, GLAAD/LA Board Member, received an "Outstanding Journalist Award" from the NLGJA for her column in the LA Weekly entitled "Pollyanna with a Hatchet." Congratulations, Robin! Opinion Survey on Blacks & Gays The National Black News Survey (NBNS) is conducting a national survey of the attitudes towards homosexuality within the African-American community, according to The Los Angeles Sentinel. While the questions might be relevant, the survey methods are open to question. It has been demonstrated that by inviting any "interested persons" to respond to a survey, the results can be skewed. Questions are: 1) As you understand them, do you support the goals of the homosexual rights movement? 2) Do you think homosexuals should be allowed to adopt children? 3) How many of your friends are homosexual? Interested persons can participate in the survey by sending their answers to the above questions to: NBNS, 1221 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Suite 522, Washington, D.C. 20005, or by calling (202) 895-5246. Sheldon on "Gay Rights, Special Rights" Lou Sheldon's Traditional Values Coalition (TVC) has produced a videotape entitled "Gay Rights, Special Rights," that he is distributing to conservative African-American ministers in an attempt to make a distinction between civil rights and gay and lesbian rights. Sheldon and the TVC have championed mostly reactionary causes, none of which are remotely connected to the defense of civil or human rights. To obtain your copy, write: Traditional Values Coalition, 100 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 350, Anaheim, CA 92805. ADVERTISING Is Mark's Seduction of Klein Ending? Calvin Klein underwear super-spokesperson Marky Mark may be stripped of his skivvies. Reportedly the convicted racist and openly sexist Mark, who recently added gay bashing charges to his list of hate crimes, may be replaced by a member of the rock group The Red Hot Chili Peppers. GLAAD /USA, which recently stepped up its national activation to remove Mark as the Calvin Klein spokesperson, is continuing to press for his removal. As Al Kielwasser of GLAAD/SFBA put it, "We want Marky's designer briefs replaced with a pink slip." (A few weeks back, GLAAD's New York chapter and CAAAV, The Committee Against Anti Asian Violence, cancelled plans to produce an anti-violence television spot that would have featured Mark speaking out against hate and violence. That decision was made after the underwear poster boy assaulted a record company executive in Los Angeles. The police report filed by the bashing victim in Los Angeles stated that the altercation began when Mark "started making disparaging remarks about homosexuals." Warner Bros. has confirmed that Mark was in a violent altercation with Maverick Records executive Guy Oseary at a party on July 31. In 1986, Mark attacked a group of African-American elementary school children. In 1988, he served time in jail for assaulting two Vietnamese men.) By dropping Mark now and telling the nation why, Calvin Klein could send a strong anti-violence message of his own. Racism and homophobia should hardly be "fashionable." At the least, Klein needs to re-think his use of Mark as company representative and underwear spokesmodel. The Public Relations Department for Klein say they will respond to individual written inquiries. Mark's management has had no official response. Write to: Calvin Klein, 205 West 39th St., 10th Floor, New York 10018; and Public Relations Dept., same address; Marky Mark, c/o Richard Channer, Dick Scott Entertainment, 888 7th Avenue, New York. This Won't Clean Your Windows Following many months of "will they or won't they" (GLAAD/LA Reports, May & August '93), S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc., maker of Johnson Wax, Glade, Windex and other household products, will buckle under to the pressure, scare and hate tactics of Donald Wildmon's American Family Association (AFA) and CLeaR-TV. Says Thomas Conrardy, Johnson spokesperson, "I am happy to report that CLeaR-TV has lifted the national boycott against S.C. Johnson Wax...We are confident that the mutual understanding will strengthen our ability to avoid programs that are not in good taste or inconsistent with our own values." In the September issue of Penthouse, Bill Dedman and Art Harris examined the Reverend Donald Wildmon and his American Family Association. They state that Wildmon isn't successful when corporations ignore or stand up to his intimidation, that he doesn't pick boycott targets fairly and they charge he isn't accountable to his donors. Wildmon's main goal is not to change corporate behavior in funding TV shows but to raise large sums of money. Wildmon has eight family members on the AFA payroll, with his salary being over $100,000 yearly plus housing and car allowances. The AFA raises a reported $6 million annually while in non-compliance with the Better Business Bureau's Philanthropic Advisory Service. In addition, Wildmon has invested donations in 15,000 shares of Phillip Morris and American Home Products Corp., two corporations he criticizes. Reported shifting of tax deductible contributions into lobbying and legal functions may bring IRS scrutiny. If S.C. Johnson is still receiving its own mail, you may send your comments to: Samuel C. Johnson, Chair, S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc., 1525 Howe Street, Racine, WI 53403; carbon copy to: Thomas R. Conrardy, Director, Consumer Resource Center, same address. GLAAD NEWS Barbie's Boyfriend Gay? Mattel's new Ken doll, Earring Magic Ken, is causing quite a storm. Is he gay? Is he out? Or is he just a "cool dude?" Ken is wearing a cock ring around his neck. Mattel claims it's a necklace to hold charms he shares with Barbie. The rest of his attire and look also provides further clues. His outfit may remind many of International Male some three years ago: purple leather vest, purple mesh shirt, black jeans, black loafers, earring and two-tone blond hair. Our gay culture has again been co-opted or appropriated by the straight culture. Now it is hip and chic to be gay. We have gay comics on national television, lesbians on the cover of Newsweek, gays and lesbians meeting in the White House with the President, and day-long coverage of the March on Washington on C-SPAN. Or, is there a closeted, or not-closeted, lesbian or gay designer working at Mattel? What do you think? Visit your nearest Toys R Us and check Ken out. D.C. Sodomy Law The Washington, D.C. Sodomy Law reform went into effect on September 17. The mandatory Congressional 60 day review period for changes to the D.C. criminal code expired allowing the change. A new subsection to the D.C. Sodomy law has been added reading: "No act engaged in only by consenting persons 16 years of age or older shall constitute an offense under this section." The Criminal Code Right to Privacy Amendment Act of 1993, the official name of the legislation, was unanimously passed by the D.C. Council and signed by the Mayor last May. No opposition emerged on Capitol Hill despite threats by extreme right wing religious leaders. These same leaders did get Congress to remove funding for the D.C. Domestic Partnership program. Both Houses of Congress have to pass a Motion to Disapprove and have it signed by the President to overturn a D.C. Council action. Prior to passage of this law, sodomy -- defined as oral-genital, genital-anal, or anal-oral contact -- was a felony punishable by up to $1000 fine and ten years in jail. The law applied equally to heterosexual and homosexual relations. An arrest last November of two men accused of "attempting sodomy," a misdemeanor, was nullified by a jury which refused to find the men guilty of engaging in oral sex. A reception was held at the District Building on Friday, September 17, to officially celebrate the act going into effect. Word has not been received on how the act was officially celebrated. Media Awards Nominations Preparations are already underway for the 1994 GLAAD/LA Media Awards. Next year's gala awards' event will take place on Saturday, March 19 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City. Nominations are now open and GLAAD/LA is accepting names of possible award nominees from the following areas: Television and Radio Programming and News; 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, bisexuals and gay men. For the entertainment media, the primary criteria is that the work portray gay, lesbian and bisexual characters as complete human beings rather than one dimensional stereotypes. To qualify, the material must have been first published, broadcast or released in the United States between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1993. To submit your nominee, simply write legibly or type the name, topic, storyline or title, date and other pertinent information and include a brief blurb on why you feel an award is deserved. Please include your name and phone number in case there are any questions and send to: Media Awards Nominating Committee, GLAAD/LA, 7033 Sunset Blvd., Suite 304, Hollywood, 90028. Questions can be directed to: GLAAD/LA Office at (213) 463-3632. Great chance for volunteers... 1994 Media Awards There are many opportunities for volunteers to help with the 1994 Media Awards. From the Celebrity Committee and the various sales committees - corporate, community, program book and table sponsor - to the Silent Auction Committee, your help is needed and welcomed. And, for writers and creative people, there's the program book and show production committees. Being launched this year is the GLAAD/LA mentoring plan, named the Understudy Program. Basically a two-year commitment; in the first year a volunteer would understudy an experienced committee chair, and the following year chair the committee itself. For more information contact: Carmichael Smith-Low or Will Halm, co-chairs, Media Awards, (213) 463-3632. Executive Director's Column by Lee Werbel The umbrella organization for all our GLAAD chapters -- GLAAD/USA -- has hired its first staff person as Chapter Coordinator: Advocate Woman of the Year, Donna Red Wing! Donna will be working on national organizing including establishing new chapters. We've just completed the initial two-day training session for the first set of facilitators for the "Sexual Orientation in the Workplace" seminars designed especially for the entertainment industry, in partnership with Hollywood Supports. The weekend was intense and very gratifying. The volunteer industry professionals serving as facilitators are terrific and bring many different skills and talents to the process. These seminars will help our organizations in their proactive efforts to counter myths and stereotypes that lead to blatant and more subtle forms of workplace discrimination against lesbians and gay men. The first series of seminars is being scheduled for later this year. The team of facilitators will continue to meet to receive further training and brainstorm regarding marketing of the seminars. The holidays are coming soon...If you are looking for a Chanukah or Christmas gift for that special someone, why not get them the "Earring Magic Ken" doll. The question debated in the New York Times, and Washington, D.C.'s City News, is whether Ken is gay or not. It's clear to us. (Check accompanying story.) Actually, Mattel Toys claims Ken is not gay -- he's just a cool dude. And speaking of the Holidays, we hope you will consider our Holiday Card Campaign. (See ad on opposite page.) The new television season has begun and so has GLAAD/LA's new season. With the election for Board of Directors over, GLAAD/LA welcomes new Board members Lynn Ballen, Scott Barton, David Craig, Nazila Hedayat, Garrett Hicks (alternate), Jody Hoenninger, Steven Solomon, Tracey Stern, Angela West; and returning members Will Halm, Dean Hansell, Richard Jennings and Myra Ridell. While welcoming the new, we must also say goodbye to those members now gone from the Board -- Ruthe Canter, Veronica Davis, Garrett Glaser, Sylvia Rhue, Jan Simons and Karen Wilson. Each gave in a special way to GLAAD/LA. We thank you all. General Meeting: November 23 "Gays & Lesbians in the Fall TV Season: Who Has Us, Who Doesn't?" Join GLAAD/LA for the November General Meeting as our panel looks at the presence (or absence) of lesbians and gay men on the small screen. Has there been improvement in the quantitative and/or the qualitative presence since last season? Panelists will include Amanda Bearse, actress on "Married with Children" and currently on the cover of The Advocate; Mary Buck, casting agent; David Ehrenstein, film critic and formerly with The Advocate; Richard Gollance, panel moderator and currently Executive Story Consultant for "Beverly Hills, 90210;" and Rick Lead, President Wind Dancer Productions and producer of "Home Improvement." Come share your views with the panel. The meeting on the 23rd starts at 7:00 pm and will be held at Temple Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6000 W. Pico Blvd. (just east of Crescent Heights). Guests are welcomed; refreshments. Speakers Bureau Training GLAAD/LA will be conducting Speakers Bureau Training during November and/or December. Those interested in receiving training to represent GLAAD at various organization, club and professional meetings may call the GLAAD/LA office (213) 463-3632. "Out There" - December 3 Mark your calendars for December 3 and tune into Comedy Central's "Out There" - a full hour gay and lesbian comedy and variety special hosted by Lea DeLaria. Scheduled to perform are Marga Gomez, Phranc, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Steven Moore, David Drake and Scott Capurro. Letter to the Editor Editor, GLAAD/LA Reports Dear Editor: A letter printed in your last newsletter (October, '93) referred to a "Reclaim The Center" group working to erase racism at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center. While we applaud the efforts of anyone working to eradicate racism in our community and elsewhere, we felt it was important to let your readers know that we have never been contacted by a "Reclaim The Center" group to discuss any concerns about our work. As the largest gay and lesbian organization in the county serving 70,000 members of our community each year -- primarily low income lesbians and gay men -- we expect to get regular constructive comments on how we can provide the best possible services. We welcome the opportunity to work with any groups to eliminate all forms of oppression in our community. Sincerely, Lorri L. Jean Executive Director The Center Handy Media Guide Additions/Changes Two new Handy Media Guide listings will be found starting this month (see inside back cover). They are: The Hollywood Reporter, Robert J. Dowling, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, 5055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036, (213) 525-2000; and Daily Variety, Michael Silverman, Publisher, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036, (213) 857-6600. Change in management has taken place at KMEX-TV where Agustin Martinez has replaced Michael Martinez as General Manager; KVEA-TV picked Jose Ronstadt to replace Agustin Martinez and at the Long Beach Press Telegram, Jim Cratchfield has replaced Andy Alderette as Editor-in-Chief. KMEX-TV's address and phone is now: KMEX-TV 6701 Center Drive West, 15th Floor, Los Angeles 90045; (310) 216-3434. Women's Media The National Council for Research on Women has published the 16th edition of A Directory of Women's Media. For a copy contact the Council at: NCRW, 530 Broadway, 10th floor, New York 10012; (212) 274-0730; FAX (212) 274-0821. How to Break into the Movies Home Girl Productions, a group of women filmmakers, is compiling scenes from both amateur and professional filmmakers depicting the daily lives of lesbians. A feature length film will be made to show "women in their real life..." Submissions are being solicited and must include a SASE in order to be returned. Contact: Home Girl Productions, 6662 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 859-9013. GLAAD/USA An organization representative of its chapters to confront public expressions of homophobia or heterosexism and promote the fullest possible understanding of the breadth and diversity of gay and lesbian lives by facilitating national activations. GLAAD/USA Chapters: GLAAD/Atlanta (404) 876-1398; FAX (404) 876-4051 GLAAD/Dallas (214) 521-5342 x 816; (214) 522-4604 GLAAD/Denver (303) 331-2773; FAX (303) 494-7216 GLAAD/Kansas City (816) 374-5927; FAX (816) 756-1760 GLAAD/Los Angeles (213) 463-3632; FAX (213) 463-4923 GLAAD/National Capitol Area (202) 429-9500; (202) 857-0077 GLAAD/New York (212) 807-1700; FAX (212) 807-1806 GLAAD/San Diego (619) 543-8914; (619) 265-6417 GLAAD/San Francisco Bay Area (415) 861-4588; FAX (415) 861-4893 GLAAD/USA Identity Committee The GLAAD/USA board of directors is seeking proposals for the development of a comprehensive corporate identity. The project will include the creation of a unifying logo for existing and new GLAAD chapters. Proposals must include proposed costs and previous work examples/references. Proposals due Dec. 6, 1993. For requirements please contact: Carl Lange, GLAAD/Atlanta, P.O. Box 55111, Atlanta, GA 30308; (404) 876-1398. GLAAD/LA We Need Volunteers Archives Volunteers are needed to enter dates on our computers for our video archives. Please contact the GLAAD/LA office at (213) 463-3632 and leave a message for Sylvia. 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. Can you, or someone you know, start watching and clipping the Orange County Register, L.A. Weekly, L.A. Reader, La Opinion, or the Daily Newsr? In addition, if you read something in a magazine, periodical, newsletter, etc., that relates to gay and lesbian issues, clip and send it to: GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093-1763; FAX (213) 463-4923; or call the hotlines, English (213) 931-9429; Spanish (213) 463-4673 and report it. Office Help GLAAD/LA is seeking sharp, reliable, enthusiastic and motivated individuals to volunteer in our friendly, relaxed and very busy office. There is a vast array of general office duties which provide information relevant to monitoring the media. The work done by GLAAD/LA is only possible because of the volunteer spirit within the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. We encourage you to contact the GLAAD office at (213) 463-3632 if you have time to volunteer. You will receive genuine satisfaction as a result of your experiences, and will give a significant contribution to the community. GLAAD/LA Wish List Donations of any of the following items would be greatly appreciated: A multi-line phone system and phones A laser printer A new copying machine A telephone answering machine A conference table with chairs for ten or more Blank video and audiocassettes General office supplies, i.e. copy paper, scissors, staplers, file folders, etc. Office desks Donors, please call the GLAAD/LA office at (213) 463-3632. Board of Directors additions: Lynn Ballen, Scott Barton, David Craig, Nazila Hedayat, Jody Hoenninger, Steven Solomon, Tracey Stern, Stephanie Thomas, Angela West, Board Member Emeritus, Jehan Agrama, Alternate: Garrett Hicks. Board of Directors deletions: Ruthe Canter, Veronica Davis, Garrett Glaser, Sylvia Rhue, Jan Simons, Karen Wilson. Handy Media Guide corrections: Local TV Stations KMEX: remove Michael Martinez replace with Agustin Martinez News address for KMEX-TV, 6701 Center Drive West, 15th Floor, Los Angeles 90045; (310) 216-3434. KVEA: remove Agustin Martinez replace with Jose Ronstadt; change area code to (818) Newspapers Long Beach Press: remove Andy Alderette replace with Jim Cratchfield Handy Media Guide additions: The Hollywood Reporter (213) 525-2000 Robert J. Dowling, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief 5055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036 New category: Industry publications Daily Variety, (213) 857-6600 Michael Silverman, Publisher 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036 Calendar dates: November 1 Monday Deadline for December GLAAD/LA Reports November 2 Tuesday Women of GLAAD, 7:00pm 7033 Sunset, Suite 304 November 3 Wednesday Community Outreach/Membership 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 November 9 Tuesday GLAAD/LA Board Meeting 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 November 11 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 November 16 Tuesday Media Outreach 6:30pm APLA, 1313 Vine 211 November 20 Saturday GLAAD/LA Comedy Night III 8:00pm Harmony Gold 7655 Sunset Blvd. November 23 Tuesday General Meeting 7:00pm 6000 Pico November 24 Wednesday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 December Dates: December 1 Wednesday Deadline for January GLAAD/LA Reports December 1 Wednesday Community Outreach (Speakers) 7:30pm 7033 Sunset 304 December 7 Tuesday GLAAD/LA Volunteer Recognition Party December 9 Thursday Women of GLAAD Panel 7:30pm 543 N. Fairfax The Editorial Staff of GLAAD/LA Reports reserves the right to edit all material for brevity, clarity and consistency with the goals and purposes of GLAAD/LA. Editor Carl Matthes FAX (213) 257-5878 Assistant Editor David Zahniser Graphics Carl Daugenti Advertising Rep Margo Strik (213) 259-9208 Contributors: Lynn Ballen, Tom Divelbiss, Stephanie Farrington-Domingue, Jeffrey Fox, GLAAD/SFBA, Loren R. Javier, Al Kielwasser, Bob La Font, Carl Matthes, Ken Navran, Sylvia Rhue, Wally Smith, Lee Werbel.