Date: Mon, 15 Mar 93 10:04 PST From: "Jack Newsbaum" GLAAD/LA Reports - April, 1993 Issue Carl Matthes, Editor FAX (213) 257-5878 GLAAD/LA's Smith Coordinates Communications... Campaign for Military Service is Up and Running The Campaign for Military Service (CMS) is a broad-based non-partisan effort that has been established to secure a federal executive order barring discrimination in the U.S. Military on the basis of sexual orientation, and to mobilize Congressional support for this policy change. Those serving at CMS include Thomas B. Stoddard, former executive director of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund as Campaign Coordinator; Sky Johnson, coordinator of administrative logistics for the 1992 Democratic National Convention, as Campaign Administrator; David M. Smith, current Executive Director of GLAAD/LA on loan, as coordinator of Campaign Communications; The Sheridan Group, a Washington-based lobbying team, comprised of Tom Sheridan, Sabrina Sojourner and Jeff Nelson; and Chai Feldblum, a leading attorney on gay and lesbian rights, as coordinator of legal and policy work. Organizations supporting and endorsing the CMS to date include Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Veterans of America, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Human Rights Campaign Fund, People for the American Way, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee, The Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation/USA, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, the United Church of Christ, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the National Organization for Women and the Steering Committee for the National March on Washington. You may reach the campaign at: Campaign for Military Service, 2027 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20036; (202) 265-6666; FAX (202) 265-7393. Gathering support in Southern California... Coalition Forms to Aid National Effort With the national organization Campaign for Military Service now a reality, GLAAD/LA is helping to mobilize groups in Southern California into a coalition to help support the national effort. The coalition has already attracted representatives from over 18 organizations to its weekly meetings. An agenda is being created that will include organizing a march to Long Beach Naval Shipyard in memory of slain sailor Allen Schindler; seeking the endorsement of mainstream professional, religious, civil liberty groups and celebrities; holding town hall meetings; and coordinating lobbying efforts. At present the Coalition consists of representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, the American Jewish Congress/Pacific Southwest Region, the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, the Human Rights Campaign Fund, Congregation Kol Ami, Veterans for Peace, Veterans C.A.R.E., the City of West Hollywood Lesbian and Gay Advisory Council, Hollywood Supports, Project Rainbow, Catalyst of Pasadena, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center, West Hollywood Presbyterian Church, Celebration Theater, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Church, the Stonewall Democratic Club, All Saints AIDS Service Center and GLAAD/LA, who will be coordinating press relations among other responsibilities. With meetings being held each Wed. morning at 8:00 am at the Center, many other organizations are poised to join the coalition. An updated list will appear in GLAAD/LA Reports next month. A spokesperson said, "There are a lot of people who are not touched personally by this issue, but who are sympathetic. These are the people we need to mobilize." Inquiries are invited and interested persons may call the GLAAD/LA office at (213) 463-3632. Co-President's Column by Dean Hansell To have a meaningful impact on how lesbians and gay men are portrayed in the media and how our issues are treated in Washington, D.C., it is not enough that voices from Los Angeles, New York or San Francisco are heard. Rather, it is critical that people throughout the country respond. GLAAD/USA is of critical importance in this process. There are GLAAD chapters in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Kansas City, with chapters forming in Dallas, Denver, Chicago, San Diego, Seattle and Detroit. Representatives of these chapters meet in person four times yearly and more often by conference call as GLAAD/USA. The mission of GLAAD/USA is to organize national activations to respond to media and public issues; to help organize chapters in cities throughout the country; and to work in coalition with other national lesbian and gay organizations. GLAAD/USA, for example, has had a representative on the March on Washington Steering Committee for almost two years and is represented on the Steering Committee of the Campaign for Military Service. The value of having a GLAAD presence throughout the country was underscored recently at a GLAAD/USA steering committee meeting. Originally scheduled for Denver, the meeting was moved to Kansas City in support of the Colorado Boycott. The meeting became a media event in Kansas City. A public reception to begin the meeting attracted several hundred representatives of the local community including two members of the Kansas City (Mo.) City Council. There was a letter of welcome from the mayor and the proceedings were prominently featured on the evening news. Visibility such as that is critical to sensitizing people in that region to the issues concerning homophobia. In order to be successful on a national scale, it is not enough that we have an impact on the media or the entertainment industry located in California or New York. It is only when we succeed in turning around the media in places like Kansas City, Dallas, Atlanta, etc., that we will have truly become an effective national organization. GLAAD/USA could use your support, especially your financial support. If you can make a financial contribution to GLAAD/USA, you may do so through the GLAAD/LA office or by contacting Veronica Davis or myself (as the GLAAD/USA representatives from Los Angeles) or Stephanie Farrington-Domingue, who serves as GLAAD/USA co-chair. FILM AND TELEVISION Jerry and George... "Outing" Hits Top 10 On Feb. 18, the "Seinfeld" show (KNBC-TV, Thurs., 9:30 pm) had Jerry (Seinfeld) and George, Jerry's best friend (Jason Alexander), "outed" accidently. A student reporter overhears a conversation in a diner between Jerry and George where Ellen (Julia Louis-Druifus), Seinfeld's sometimes girl friend, jokes that Jerry and George are gay. To prove to the student journalist that they're not gay, always declaring with the running tag line, "not that there's anything wrong with it!" In one hilarious sequence they explore the different layers of homophobia that can attack well-meaning heterosexuals. Homophobia was the joke, not homosexuality. The writers on "Seinfeld" definitely "get it" and give it back to the audience. That was the week that "Seinfeld" hit the top 10 list of television shows. Take time to write and show your support for this type of intelligent comedy. Comments to: "Seinfeld," Mr. Andy Scheinman, Executive Producer, Castle Rock Entertainment, 335 N. Maple Drive, Suite 135, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. "A human rights issue..." Leno on Target "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" cancelled a scheduled Mar. 3 guest appearance by Shabba Ranks because of anti-gay remarks made by the Grammy-winning reggae artist (GLAAD/LA Reports, Mar.). Leno, who has shown consistent and intelligent awareness toward gay and lesbian concerns, conferred with "Tonight's" producer Debbie Vickers, co-producer Bill Royce (in charge of bookings) and musical director Branford Marsalis before announcing his decision. Calling the issue a "human rights issue," an NBC spokesperson commended personnel associated with the show and GLAAD for bringing Mr. Ranks' comments to their attention. Sending a note of thanks to Jay Leno and his staff would be great: Jay Leno, c/o "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," NBC, 3000 W. Alameda, Burbank, CA 91523. Following Jay's lead, organizers of an April 3 charity event in Pasadena's Rose Bowl bumped Ranks from its lineup, which he was to have co-headlined, with the statement, "We cannot allow the charitable efforts of this concert event to be deterred by controversy due to the unfortunate remarks that were made and subsequently retracted by Mr. Ranks." "Changing Our Minds" Wins Academy Nomination "Changing Our Minds," the ground-breaking film on the work of pioneering psychologist Evelyn Hooker, has been nominated for an Academy Award. The film, by James Harrison and Richard Schmiecken, is up for Best Achievement in Documentary Features. It graphically chronicles the odyssey of Hooker, whose studies on gay men were instrumental in removing homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). This signified the "end of homosexuality's official status as a disease." Produced by David Haugland, the film shows how lesbians and gay men underwent lobotomies, hysterectomies, electroshock therapy, aversion therapy and castration at the hands of psychiatrists to correct their "illness." Not to be overlooked is Neil Jordan's "The Crying Game" which is up for six awards including one to Jaye Davidson for his crucial supporting role. "Game's" nominations allow the outcome of the Academy vote to be intriguing and fascinatingly speculative. "Sirens" Debuting Mar. 10 on KABC-TV, Wed., 10:00 pm, was the new series "Sirens." The one-hour dramatic series follows three female rookie cops, newly graduated from the Pittsburgh Police Academy, during their first year on the beat. One of the "narrative arcs" of the first thirteen episodes involves Molly (Liza Snyder) being partners with Heidi (Deidre O'Connell), a veteran officer who is a lesbian. According to a press release, this coupling will move Molly from "denial to gossipy fascination and ultimately to acceptance; Molly is forced to grow up and acknowledge that gay people are a part of today's police force." Comments to: Ann Lewis Hamilton and Robert Butler, Executive Producers, ABC Productions, 2020 Avenue of the Stars, 5th Floor, Century City, CA 90067; Robert Iger, President, ABC-TV, at same address. "The Temp:" Equal Opportunity Villainy Paramount Pictures' "The Temp" is not typical of its genre in several respects. "Women as villains" is a particularly sensitive issue but screenwriter Kevin Falls maintains balance throughout. Lara Flynn Boyle plays the title character working for an ineffectual boss (Tim Hutton) with whom she falls in love...maybe. Evidently Lara will do anything to further her career, including murder. Tim is talking with his best friend about wanting to have sex with his secretary. The friend, unaware that Hutton's male secretary has been replaced by the female temp, remarks that he always knew that Hutton would be the first to "go out" between the two of them. Another scene reveals Hutton asking Boyle if she had ever slept with the Vice President, a man who has turned up dead. "No," she replied, "I went straight to the top," referring to Faye Dunaway, the company's president. As it turned out, the admitted affair with the president was just another mind game. The film's message was that this character was willing to sleep her way to the top and that it was unnecessary for her sexual activities to become the brunt of heterosexist or homophobic reaction. A step in the right direction for a Hollywood film. Reactions can be directed to: Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood 90038. "Gay Men Who Date Married Men" Heterosexuals are sometimes shocked when they find that some married men seek out gay men for sexual, erotic and emotional experiences. This was brought home on the Feb. 17 "Oprah Winfrey Show" (KABC-TV, weekdays, 3:00 pm) with the program "Gay Men Who Date Married Men." Oprah had five gay men as guests who had or were having long term relationships with married men. The relationships included sex and dating. Some of the wives were aware of their husbands' activities. One wife, however, fainted when she confronted her husband about an affair with a retired military man named Jack. She thought he was seeing someone named "Jackie." Despite gasps from the audience, the attitude of the gay men toward the various living arrangements and relationships prevailed. What finally evolved was that dishonesty towards the wives by the husbands was the biggest problem, not the ongoing sexual relationships between the men. Comments to: Ms. Debby di Maio, Executive Producer, "Oprah Winfrey Show," c/o Harpo Inc., 110 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, IL 60607. Teenage Lesbians on "Jenny Jones" Young teenage lesbians held forth on the Feb. 25 edition of "Jenny Jones" (KNBC-TV, weekdays, 2:00 pm) keeping at bay an audience that wanted to know the difference between being with a man or a woman. The young women (ages 16, 17 and 18) had all experienced sex with males ("boring and gross" and "they kiss like pirhanas") and females ("emotional and spiritual connections"). Some of the audience members were troubled that the panelists preferred women and objected to their perceived masculine appearance. The young lesbians handled all of the questions with a maturity beyond their years. The mother of one was in the audience and was supportive of her daughter. During the program one 16 year-old told of her attempts to commit suicide on three different occasions and started to cry. Jenny, who had demonstrated consistent support for the panel, hugged and comforted her. A very good show with an articulate panel. Write: "Jenny Jones," Ms. Debbie Glavin, Executive Producer, P.O. Box 3333, Chicago, IL 60654; send a carbon copy of your remarks to the show's syndicator: Mr. Jim Paratore, President, Telepictures Productions, 3300 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91522. Good Reporting on National News Both "NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw" and ABC-TV's "World News Tonight" Feb. 9 broadcasts provided additional perspective on lifting the ban on openly gay and lesbians citizens serving in the U.S. military. NBC's national news team interviewed African-American and Japanese-American veterans of World War II to get their views. The vets, one of whom had flown with the distinguished Tuskegee Airmen (an all-Black squadron famous for its valor), and another, whose all Japanese-American unit was the most decorated in the country, spoke out against segregation. They had experienced it themselves. They linked the situation of lesbians and gays in the military to that of people of color when the subject of racial integration in the armed forces was raised. Said one, "Of course they're entitled to live without discrimination; if not, what the hell did we fight for?" Meanwhile, ABC-TV was reporting on the effect of the lifting of the ban in the Canadian military. So far, no breaches of discipline or violent incidents have been reported. Most of those interviewed felt that the presence of openly lesbian and gay people in Canada's military had become an ordinary fact of life. To encourage more of these factual presentations write: Mr. Jeff Zucker, Executive Producer, "NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw," 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10112; Linda Martinez, Senior Producer, "World News Tonight," 47 W. 66th Street, New York 10023. Quotable Quote... From Chris Coker writing in Veritas, the student newspaper of the conservative Republican, Los Angeles County Young Americans for Freedom at Occidental College, on lifting the ban, "...motivated by religious zealots...the Gay-Ban is governement-imposed discrimination...I am sorry to say that it is my party who argues most vehemently for the maintenance of this abomination." Getting Stuck on "Picket Fences" The Feb. 12 episode of "Picket Fences" (KCBS-TV, Fri., 10:00 pm), featured yet another rehash of the psychotic gay killer cliche. This time, however, the plot offered a twist: two killer queers in one episode - the suspect and the FBI man who turned out to be his secret lover. J. Edgar's dead. So please, give us a break, especially since the FBI's historic policies toward lesbians and gays have been less then friendly. It's unfortunate that such an ordinarily sensitive show had to fall back on homophobic sensationalism. Comments to: David Kellogg, Executive Producer, "Picket Fences," 20th Century Television, P.O. Box 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90213. "Jackie Thomas" "The Jackie Thomas Show" (KABC-TV, Tues., 9:30 pm) aired a very funny episode on Feb. 2 around rumors that Jackie and his assistant were gay. Tabloid headlines blared that they were seen in a gay bar (they had gone in to use the telephone). The show explored homophobia from two angles: the reaction of those who worked with Jackie on his TV show (the only homophobe turned out to be the producer) and the attitude of the television industry itself. The scenes were realistic and set up in a very funny way while providing a good balance. Comments to: Marion Arnold, Executive Producer, "The Jackie Arnold Show," c/o Wapello County Productions, 500 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 90049. "The Gay '90s" "They're your friends, neighbors and colleagues," said Maria Shriver as she introduced NBC's look at "The Gay '90s: Sex, Power & Influence" on "Dateline." Beginning with a segment on the background of the present day gay and lesbian movement by Polly Powell, Shriver then detailed the lives of gay and lesbians couples around the country. Profiled was a lesbian wedding and gay parenting. Jess Bushyhead produced a segment on fear over coming out and another segment showed the destructive effects of homophobia on a gay bed and breakfast in Tennessee. Also presented were the changing image, habits and tactics of the movement. The producers of "Dateline" deserve thanks, with special thanks to Sid Feders, for the thought and research that went into this project. Letters may be addressed to: "Dateline," NBC, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 10012 CABLE Third Time the Ax? When Dino and Rocco advocated, "...if you haven't bashed a gay yet today, go out and do it tomorrow," on their Public Access television show entitled "Dino & Rocco" (GLAAD/LA Reports, Nov. '92), they were warned by Gail Fetzer, Public Access Supervisor at Century Cable, that they were in violation of Century's Public Access Operating Guidelines. These guidelines prohibit material which incites violent or harmful acts on other persons. Unfortunately, that didn't stop them from re-broadcasting their homo-hate on a subsequent show. Because of this, Ms. Fetzer has agreed to write a letter to them stating that the next time hateful incitements to violence appears on "Dino & Rocco," they will be suspended. Direct your comments to: Glen Friedman, General Manager, Century Cable, 2923 Nebraska Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404. C-Span: Moot Court Competition C-SPAN, a public affairs cable channel, provided fascinating programming on Sat., Feb. 27, with the National Security Law, Moot Court Competition of the "America and the Courts" series. Emanating from South Texas College of Law, a team of four students debated the question of "Gays in the Military" before a panel of three jurists. Two students advocated for inclusion of openly gay and lesbian citizens and two argued for the continued ban. The students arguing for inclusion were articulate, passionate and persuasive. Their opponents were well prepared and presented intelligent and legally reasoned arguments. An excellent hour of television. Comments to: National Law Center, Office of University Relations, Washington, D.C. 20052; Mr. Brian Lamb, Chairman and CEO, C-SPAN 400 N. Capitol NW, #650, Washington, D.C. 20001; (202) 737-3270. RADIO AND PRINT "Hidden Hoover" Found in Vanity Fair A cover graced by Andie MacDowell and featured stories around Anthony Summers' expose of J. Edgar Hoover and the last days of ballet mega-star, Rudolf Nureyev, helped Vanity Fair, with its Mar. issue, retain its "cutting edge" reputation. Anthony Summers, a former BBC correspondent, "outs" J. Edgar Hoover (or "Mary," as Summers claims was the name Attorney Roy Cohn used for Hoover). The excerpts from Summers' new book, "Official and Confidential: The Secret Life of J. Edgar Hoover," read like the mobster booking sheet that should have been compiled, but never was, by the FBI. While long time associates of Hoover have taken to the airwaves vehemently denying that the mob ever influenced the FBI's actions, the naming of names and the documentation offered by Summers is persuasive. Ironically, the gay connections in the articles seem the least ominous of the allegations studied and researched by Summers. Most frightening was the discussion of the Bureau's dirty tricks, its ability to be selective in its targets for investigations and its forming of secret dossiers from its compilations. Vanity Fair's high gloss presentation adds credibility. Comments to: E. Graydon Carter, Editor-in-Chief, Vanity Fair, 350 Madison Avenue, New York 10017. Tracking the Times 1. The Times Poll 2. Letter to the Editor 3. "Rednecks are to Blame" 4. "Homosexuality and Biology" 5. Spy 6. "The Gay Agenda" Times Poll on Military Service The Los Angeles Times' (LAT) Feb. 28 front page carried a headline proclaiming "74% of Military Enlistees Oppose Lifting Gay Ban." The article, written by Times staffer Melissa Healy, presented the results of a nationwide survey of more than 2,300 enlistees from all three military services and the Marine Corps. A press release from GLAAD/LA's Deputy Director Lee Werbel, and public relations officer Sandy Bodner, declared that the results of the Times poll "documents widespread prejudice against lesbians and gays in the military and is to be expected given the anti-gay rhetoric of military leaders. Unfortunately, this poll attests to prejudice in the military, which has been fired by respected military leaders whose outspoken comments against the ban amount to rank insubordination." The poll revealed an astonishing lack of understanding about gays and lesbians, citing that 28% of the respondents fear AIDS as a primary reason for their opposition to lifting the ban. "The poll results show that fear and ignorance are driving this debate and we cannot allow this to continue," said Werbel. Comments to: Mr. Shelby Coffey III, Editor, Los Angeles Times, Times-Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. To: The Editor Los Angeles Times Dear Editor: The recent L.A. Times poll of enlisted military personnel is deeply disturbing, both for the conclusions it draws and the questions it raises. The poll's underlying assumption is that assault is sometimes justifiable if the victims are homosexual. The survey predicts a virtual revolution in the ranks if the U.S. Military if ordered to accept homosexuals. This is an astonishing judgment...How valid is a poll that asks members of the armed forces if they intend to defy a Presidential order? And when did news organizations start using polls to predict the probability of violence? Let's be candid...this "unprecedented" survey does not simply attest to prejudice; it inflames it. The Defense Department's own studies have demonstrated that lesbians and gays are not security risks. The American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association do not agree with the ban. Neither does the General Accounting Office. Canada and Australia most recently dropped their own exclusionary policies. "Armies are very flexible organizations able to absorb all kinds of human material and make soldiers out of them," one Canadian expert told the Washington Post. Although the Los Angeles Times poll does not advance the debate about lifting the ban, it does add startling new elements of fear and violence to the discussion. Sincerely Nancy Perez Office Manager, GLAAD/LA GLAAD/LA Reports welcomes your letters and/or copies of any letters you have sent to others in support of GLAAD/LA's work. Correspondences may be sent to: GLAAD/LA Reports, Attn. Carl Matthes, Editor, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood, 90093-1763. "Rednecks are to Blame" On Tues, Feb. 16, the LAT ran a story by Sam Jamieson regarding the murder of seaman Allen R. Schindler. The article was entitled "Crew Calls Gay Sailor's Killing Isolated Incident" and relates efforts by the Navy and some seamen to minimize the atmosphere of homophobia that contributed to the beating death of Schindler. "As Belleau Wood (Schindler's ship) returns to home port in Japan for the first time since the beating (killing), some seamen say a couple of 'rednecks' - not the atmosphere on board - are to blame..." "Homosexuality and Biology" Bob Sipchen of the LAT reviewed the March issue of the The Atlantic's cover story on "Homosexuality and Biology" by Chandler Burr. Sipchen characterized the piece as "a timely, intricate and fascinating look at science's exploration of the nature of homosexuality." Burr writes: "Five decades of psychiatric evidence demonstrates that homosexuality is immutable, and nonpathological, and a growing body of more recent evidence implicates biology in the development of sexual orientation." Sipchen also quotes columnist Ken Adelman writing about the Burr article in the Feb. 19 edition of the Washington Post, "My once-fixed views have been jarred. Not chosen and not changeable, then homosexuality is a given - yes, like skin color and gender. Then integrating gays into the military would indeed be like integrating blacks into the military and women." The Atlantic's thorough, intelligent and well-presented article should be required reading. A note of thanks could only be encouraging. Write: Mr. William Whitworth, Editor, The Atlantic, 745 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. Spy in the Times Spy magazine's March issue was also reviewed by Bob Sipchen in the LAT. Said Sipchen on Spy, "For all its macho bluster about admitting gays, the U.S. Military seems confused at best about its own sexuality...as the March Spy tells it, 'in the Navy especially...homosexual innuendo is nearly a constant. Drag shows are a big part of life at sea where heterosexual gay sex is known as facultative homosexuality.'" Randy Shilts is quoted in the article as saying, "The big expression in the submarine service is 'a submarine leaves with 120 sailors and comes back with 60 couples.'" Comments to: Bob Sipchen, Los Angeles Times, Times-Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. "The Gay Agenda" The LAT on Feb. 22 carried an article on a highly misleading video production called "The Gay Agenda." Produced and distributed by the Antelope Valley Springs of Life Ministries in Lancaster, the video has had an initial run of 25,000 copies and portrays the homosexual "lifestyle" as "nudity, public lasciviousness,...unnatural, a sickness and not worthy of legal protection." It has gained prominence recently because it was sent to members of Congress and the Pentagon. "The Gay Agenda" was released in Oct. '92 to bolster the efforts of groups in Oregon and Colorado working for the approval of ballot measures that would relegate lesbians and gay men to second class citizenship. It was featured recently on television by defeated presidential candidate Pat Robertson's "The 700 Club," which claims a nationwide audience of more than one million. It also is being hawked by the Reverend Jerry Falwell for a donation to his ministries. Senators, representatives, government and military personnel are being influenced by this distorted, untruthful and manipulative production as the country moves towards lifting the ban on openly gay and lesbian citizens serving in the military. Comments to: Editor, Los Angeles Times, Times-Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. Quotable Quote... From GLAAD/LA board member Robin Podolsky remarking about the homophobic video "The Gay Agenda" being circulated to members of Congress, "It's like showing film of Mardi Gras and saying this is how heterosexuals live." On the Prowl... California Assemblyman Bill Morrow (R - Oceanside) introduced a bill, AJR 11, in the California Assembly asking President Clinton and Congress to enact legislation to prohibit homosexuals from serving in U.S. military. First Federal Gets it Right Not all banks are the same. While Bank of America went out of its way to exclude gay concerns in its funding of the Boy Scouts of America, First Federal Bank of California seems especially sensitive to the discrimination lesbians and gay men face. In its recent institutional advertising campaign, the bank included copy that read: "With continuing acts of bigotry, violence and ugly slurs directed against people based on their religion, the color of their skin, their sexual orientation or ethnic background...we must speak out against any acts of bigotry." Why not write a letter of thanks to: Mr. Bill Mortensen, Chair of the Board, First Federal Bank of California, 401 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401. New York Times Back on the "other coast," the New York Times continued is broad print coverage of lesbian and gay issues. Included were stories of the ongoing battle for a gay presence in the St. Patrick's Day Parade (two different parades will now occur), the search to replace Chancellor Joseph Fernandez of the public schools who was ousted after introducing the gay/lesbian positive Rainbow Curriculum, and the fight to lift the military ban. Other highlighted articles included the Campaign for Military Service, Russian homosexuals, the Christian Right dividing the City of Colorado Springs, homosexuals in the Israeli Army, and a hugh portion of the Arts & Leisure section devoted to Jonathan Demme's AIDS picture, "Philadelphia" and the filming of Armistead Maupin's novel, Tales of the City, by a British film company and Los Angeles-based Propaganda Films. Comments to: Mr. Max Frankel, Editor, New York Times, 229 W. 43rd Street, New York 10036. Quotable Quote... From Andrew Sullivan, editor of the New Republic writing in the New York Times, "Lifting the military ban could heal a deep wound between gays and straights and lead the gay world in a new direction of integration and responsibility. The act would embody the sober, civic toleration that is the essence of what most gay men and women hope for -- not the approval of anything we do in private, not the embracing of some mythical abstraction called the gay life style, not the derogation of traditional values, but merely the recognition that we are human beings too, that the mere statement of our identity should not be a cause for violence or hatred or public discrimination." MUSIC & THEATER The Defamation Duo Shabba Ranks, the Grammy-winning reggae artist, and his cohort in defamation, underwear model extraordinaire Marky Mark, were busy issuing apologies for their anti-homosexual and, in Mark's case, racist statements and actions. Ranks offered a statement expressing his "regret" at his comments (GLAAD/LA Reports, Feb. & Mar., see below) and said, "I do not approve of any act of violence against homosexuals or any other human beings...Gay bashing is not an activity which I condone." Mark's bigoted plate is heaping with generous helpings of racism along with his recent anti-gay posturing. Said Mark in his apology statement, "I want to make it clear that I condemn anti-gay hatred and violence." And continuing, "In 1986 I harassed a group of school kids on a field trip, many of them African-American, and in 1988 I assaulted two Vietnamese men over a case of beer. I used racist language during these encounters and people were seriously hurt by what I did. I am truly sorry. I was a teenager and intoxicated when I did these things, but that's no excuse." These actions earned Mark three months in a Massachusetts jail in the first instance and the issuance of a civil rights injunction in the second. Mark has promised an ad campaign to denounce all forms of bigotry. Mark's apology prompted organizers to call off a rally scheduled in New York's Times Square. GLAAD/NY, the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence and other groups had targeted Mark after he failed to denounce the anti-homosexual remarks made by Ranks. Comments to: GLAAD/NY, 150 W. 26th Street, Suite 503, New York 10001; Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence, 191 E. 3rd Street, New York 10009. Editor's note: Responsible for exposing this homophobia has been reggae star Buju Banton's dance hit "Boom Bye Bye" which encourages listeners to murder gay men. A sampling of the lyrics reveals, "Faggots have to run / Or get a bullet in the head / Bang-bang (shots) in a faggot's head / Homeboys don't condone nasty men / They must die. / Two men necking / Lying in a bed / Hugging each other / And caressing one another's legs / Get an automatic or an Uzi instead / Shoot them now, let us shoot them (gunshot)." If you hear this number being played over the radio in Southern California call to the GLAAD/LA hotline, (213) 931-9429, and make a report. In your report include the date, which station, time of day and any remarks made by the DJ. Since recording the song, Buju has signed with Mercury Records, which strongly disavows any association with the earlier song. Mercury has committed to working with GLAAD to sponsor a series of anti-homophobia public service announcements. Write to: Edward Eckstine, President, Mercury Records, Worldwide Plaza, 825 8th Avenue, New York 10019. RuPaul/Supermodel Gaining time on "Entertainment Tonight," a number one dance single, a lot of zine space and a hot MTV video is RuPaul, the 27 year-old recording artist, drag queen and almost seven-foot tall budding superstar. An article in the Mar. 5 Entertainment Weekly spotlighted the six hours and $3,895 expense of achieving his special make-up and coifed-wigged personna that has helped attract and keep a growing cadre of adoring fans. The exuberant and talented RuPaul, a Tommy Boy recording artist, has just finished his second album "Supermodel of the World" which will be released in May. Comments to: Entertainment Weekly, c/o Time Inc., 1675 Broadway, New York 10019. Michael Jackson's Sex Appeal "(Michael Jackson) doesn't really fit the rules as far as being an endorseable celebrity...For any other celebrity who wants an endorsement, a man has to be a man, and a woman, a woman. Any questions about sexuality plummets their value." The Feb. 26 issue of ADWEEK carried these words of advice from Ms. Jerry Shaftel of the Celebrity Endorsement Network. To suggest the attractiveness of other images and personalities, write: Ms. Jerri Shaftel, Vice President, Celebrity Endorsement Network, 20700 Ventura Blvd., Suite 227, Woodland Hills, CA 91364; carbon copy to: Craig Reiss, Editor, ADWEEK, 5055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036. Taking top honors... Two of Our Favorite Women The Grammy Awards that aired Feb. 24 on CBS-TV honored two of the finest women in music: k.d. lang took Best Pop Female Vocal while Melissa Etheridge received Best Rock Female Vocal. Congratulations! GLAAD NEWS Media Awards Show The Fourth Annual GLAAD/LA Media Awards Show took place in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Mar. 20, 1993. The GLAAD Awards are presented to those in the media and entertainment industries who represent and portray the lives of lesbians and gay men accurately. Special thanks go to those who were table sponsors. Table sponsors not listed in last month's GLAAD/LA Reports are: Wayne Stephen Braveman, Christopher Street West, GTE, KCAL, KTTV, Del Martinez, Debra Olsen, Nancy Perez, Jewelry By Ponce, David Schneiderman & Bob Nitkin and the Hon. G. Keith Wiscor. Reprint of Executive Director's Media Awards Welcome by David M. Smith Welcome to GLAAD/LA's Fourth Annual Media Awards. I am writing this welcome to you from Washington, D.C. during a pivotal moment in our country's history, and I want you to know how the work, dedication and vision of GLAAD/LA is being felt in our nation's capital. Across our nation, the years of organizing and struggle by millions has brought lesbians and gay men to the edge -- and given us the hope -- of meaningful change. The Reagan/Bush years of dismissal and dishonesty galvanized our community into facing, virtually alone, the AIDS holocaust while sadly producing thousands of martyrs as its legacy. Washington, D.C became known as the vortex of evil because of this genocide. Then the nation voted for sanity. Right-wing reactionaries representing false religious values were pushed to the sidelines; and while the mighty U.S. Military sits on the verge of capitulation, a million people get ready to march on Washington, D.C. April 25, in the most dramatic showing for human rights by U.S. citizens ever. We are now sensing that our nation's capital will become the vortex of hope. The light at the end of the tunnel is hope. Hope that the ban against gays and lesbians will be lifted in the U.S. military, and hope that the passage of the Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Bill will end, in one fell swoop, the state by state assaults on our human rights by the right-wing. Los Angeles has always been an organizing center for our movement. Recently, however, Los Angeles has emerged as a movement leader, not only providing funding, but leadership and human resources as well. In that vein, GLAAD/LA has taken some powerful positions, such as endorsing and organizing around the boycott of Colorado over the passage of Amendment 2, and most recently, sending me to Washington to work with the Campaign for Military Service. From this important leadership position, GLAAD/LA will ensure that the coverage of important issues will be reported responsibly and that we will be able to take control of our stories and frame the issues. We cannot allow the public to be duped by the continued blitz of the media machines of our opposition. Our job is not going to be easy. While we take the initiative and help lead in our nation's capital, our important mission in Los Angeles will not go unattended. Though there remains much to be changed, and we continue our struggle, it's important to stop and take notice of positive change. Tonight we honor those whose achievements are indicative of change, and have communicated the truth about gay and lesbian people. For so long, it has been the truth about us that has been clouded by a conspiracy of silence. Now, as we face some of our most important work, the truth will be our most valuable resource. "Why We Don't Kiss and Make Up" The Women's Caucus of GLAAD/LA in cooperation with the Lawyers for Human Rights and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Los Angeles, announce a panel/forum discussion for May 4, 1993 addressing issues surrounding lesbian intolerance and differences. Entitled "Why We Don't Kiss and Make Up," the panel will include Robin Gans and Sandy Sachs, the founders of Girl Bar; Francesca Miller, Bisexual Facilitator at the GLCSC; Jody Hoenninger, founder of Leather and Lace; and Angela West, writer and civil rights advocate. The program begins at 7:30 pm at the National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles' Women Center, 543 N. Fairfax (one block south of Melrose). Tickets are $10.00 at the door and there will be a reception afterwards at Six Gallery, 8861 Santa Monica Blvd. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds.) This will be a unique opportunity to explore and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. For more information call: GLAAD/LA at (213) 463-3632. Deputy Director's Column by Lee Werbel I am pleased to be working with GLAAD/LA in my new capacity as Deputy Director, while David Smith, our Executive Director, is in Washington, D.C. (on loan from GLAAD/LA) working for the Campaign for Military Service as Communications Director. The work he is doing is critical -- helping to secure a Presidential Executive Order lifting the ban, garnering Congressional support, coordinating with the March on Washington, and countering all the misinformation and fear that is driving the debate. GLAAD/LA's work is continuing without skipping a beat. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you who might not know me. My background is in arts administration. For over 15 years, I have worked with dance companies, presenting organizations and public agencies in all areas of the arts: grant making, grant writing, development, producing events, box office, publicity/promotion, fiscal operations, etc. My previous work in the lesbian and gay community includes serving on the Board of Directors for Connexxus/Center for Women, Co-Coordinator for the Sunset Junction Street Fair and Campaign Manager for the "No On LaRouche" Campaign. I have also served as member of the GLAAD/LA Board of Directors since Oct., 1992. GLAAD/LA media relations will be handled by a consultant, Sandy Bodner, who has many years of experience planning nationwide campaigns, orchestrating events, developing press materials and working closely with national and local electronic media and print across the U.S. We are responding as issues arise, as in the case of Shabba Ranks on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and as we did with the Los Angeles Times poll of military enlistees (see related stories). But, more importantly, we continue our efforts to take more control of our stories and frame the issues. We work diligently with the media that provide coverage of events that impact our lives and to ensure that the information is reported responsibly and that our voices are heard. My coming into the GLAAD/LA office feels like another campaign. It is rewarding to be part of the day-to-day activities that help promote positive images of lesbians and gay men in the media. I also know in my own way, I am helping the effort to lift the ban against military service by openly lesbian and gay citizens, and to ensure that second-class citizenship does not prevail in our lives. SIDE BARS General Meeting: April 27 "How to Get Your Message Heard" Representatives from the media will be providing information on "How to Get Your Message Heard" during the April General Meeting of GLAAD/LA. The meeting, which will take place at 7:00 pm Tues. evening, Apr., 27, will be chaired by GLAAD/LA Board Member Carol Anderson. Highlights will cover: how to write a press release, the nature of stories that are published, how to contact the media, when or when not to hold a press conference, etc. Come to: Temple Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6000 W. Pico Blvd. (just east of Crescent Heights). Refreshments are available and guests are welcomed. A donation of $5.00 is requested. Quotable Quotes... From his new book Conduct Unbecoming: Gays and Lesbians in the U.S. Military, journalist and author Randy Shilts claims "a vast gay subculture has emerged within the military...At least one gay man has served in the astronaut program...The Navy and the Marine Corps had at least one gay person at four-star rank since 1981, and at least one gay man has served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff in that time." From Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones commenting on hate crimes, "I think Las Vegas is growing up, and part of that is realizing that diversity, whether it has to do with gender, ethnic background or sexual preference (sic) (orientation) is one of the important elements. My office will not tolerate hate crimes. I think gays are becoming a recognizable force here. I think the gay community has really taken a stand that they are not only a functioning part of Las Vegas, but they want to be able to give, to be represented. They are just as valuable to the future of this community as any other group." "Coming Out Under Fire" The Independent Television Service (ITVS) has provided $250,000 to help fund "Coming Out Under Fire," an hour-long documentary based on Allan Berube's history Coming Out Under Fire: The History of Gay Men and Women in World War II. The documentary is being written, directed and produced by Arthur Dong and is scheduled to be released in early 1994. Filmmakers interested in applying to ITVS for funding should call (612) 662-9035 or write to: ITVS, 333 Sibley Street, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55101. March on Washington Organizers are predicting over 1 million people will participate in the Sunday, April 25, 1993 March. Parties are planned. Information: Los Angeles March on Washington Hotline: (310) 285-6774; Firstworld Travel Express (310) 820-6868; Travelers Services (800) 728-2515 or (818) 709-0300. ACTION ALERT "Make Yourself Heard" Here are the numbers to call and let officials know where you stand on lifting the ban on military service by people who are openly gay or lesbian: President Bill Clinton 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Phone: (202) 456-1111 FAX: (202 456-2461 General Colin Powell Joint Chiefs of Staff The Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20301-5000 Phone: (703) 697-9121 FAX: (703) 697-8758 Senator Sam Nunn Dirksen Senate Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20504 Phone: (202) 224-3521 FAX: (202) 224-0072 Senator Diane Feinstein 367 Dirksen Bldg Washington, D.C. 20504 Phone: (202) 224-3841 FAX: (415) 249-4777 Senator Barbara Boxer 112 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-3841 FAX: (415) 403-0100 Republican Senators: Dan Coats (202) 224-6551 Robert Dole (202) 224-6521 Strom Thurmond (202) 224-5972 You may send a telegram to the White House. Call Western Union at (800) 325-6000 and tell them you wish to send an OpinionGram to President Clinton. It costs $9.95 for 20 words and is charged to your phone. GLAAD/LA Board Changes The GLAAD/LA Board of Directors announces the following changes: board member Lee Werbel has been named GLAAD/LA Deputy Director and has taken a leave of absence from the board. Adel Martinez, who has worked as a community organizer in Watts and East Los Angeles, and is now the executive director of a westside social service agency, has been named to the GLAAD/LA board. She served as vice president of the GLCSC and founded Connexxus Women's Center-Centro de Mujeres with Lauren Jardine. Her other community activities include serving as treasurer on the "No On LaRouche"/No On 64 campaign and being a founding board member of Caring for Babies with AIDS. Sandy Bodner has been named as an outside consultant to assist Lee Werbel with public relations. Articles, letters, etc. for GLAAD/LA Reports: April 1st Deadline The deadline for submitting material for possible publication in GLAAD/LA Reports will be the first of each month for the following month's newsletter. For the May newsletter all material needs to be submitted on or before Apr. 1. There are five steps in producing each month's GLAAD/LA Reports: 1) The collecting, writing and editing of stories brought forward from the Monitor/Response Committee and other sources. 2) The formatting, set-up and design of the pages of the newsletter. 3) The printing, collating, trimming and first fold of 9,000 copies. 4) An additional fold and the adhering of address and sealing labels. 5) The delivery of the issue by the US Postal Service by the first of each month. GLAAD/LA Reports welcomes your participation and invites you to attend the Monitor/Response Committee meetings in Apr. on the 1st, 15th and 29th. Send your comments, articles, letters or other submissions to: GLAAD/LA Reports, c/o GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093; FAX (213) 463-4923; or directly to the Editor, Carl Matthes, FAX (213) 257-5878. A word of thanks... Last month's cover page of GLAAD/LA Reports sported two colors. In celebration of the Media Awards Show, the second color was added at no extra charge by the newsletter's printer, Ella Matthes at Superior Printers. (The design was the handiwork of Tom Mandragon.) Also, a word of thanks to the new graphic designer of GLAAD/LA Reports, John Cook. He has donated illustrations for several issues now, the latest two being "I Want You" and "J Edgar Who?"in this issue. GLAAD/LA Reports... New Advertising Rates Interest by potential advertisers in GLAAD/LA Reports is on the increase, according to Advertising Editor Margo Strik. She cites the new advertising rates as responsible for the climbing interest. GLAAD/LA Reports is mailed to more than 9,000 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, new prices, deadlines and special positions is available by calling: Margo Strik at (213) 259-9208. Nexis Anyone? If you have access to LEXIS/NEXIS, chances are you're a researcher in a library, an advertising agency or media department. If you do have quick access to a comprehensive database, maybe you could help us. When we are developing story angles for the media, NEXIS, as you know, can answer all the key questions - Who, What, Where and When - in less time than it takes to drive from Venice Beach to the Santa Monica Library. If you have this expertise, the access and would be able to give GLAAD/LA Press Relations your occasional assistance, we could sure use the help. Contact Sandy Bodner at (310) 823-8058. Updates to Handy Media Guide A new addition to the Handy Media Guide (listed on the inside back cover of this issue of GLAAD/LA Reports) is Warner Bros Pictures, Mr. Terry Semel, President, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522; (818) 954-6000. Added to the guide last month was CNN: Mr. Ed Turner (no, not Ted Turner), Executive Vice-President, Cable News Networks, 1 CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30348-5466; (404) 827-1700. A word of apology to those we misnamed and/or mistitled in last month's issue. The correct listings are: Ms. Lucie Salhany is the new Chair, Fox Broadcasting Company, taking over from Peter (not Paul) Chernin who has moved to 20th Century Fox Film Corporation as Chair. Sherry Lansing is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Paramount Pictures (not Paramount Studios). Stanley Jaffe has become Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Paramount Communications, the division's corporate parent. Mr. Terry McCluggage is the new Chair, Paramount Television. Reed Manville is President/General Manager at KNBC/TV. Another change in the listing is: Rick Feldman, Vice President/General Manager, KCOP-TV. Media Outreach Committee The Media half of the Outreach Committee will be meeting the third Tues. of each month (for Apr. that will be the 20th) at 7:00 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. Monitor/Response Committee Dateline Hollywood: GLAAD/LA makes the list of the "100 most influential groups in Hollywood."...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. Behind these actual events 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 entertainment industries. But there's a lot to monitor and respond to and we need your help. Do you own a television? A video cassette recorder? Then you are already highly qualified to join the Monitor/Response committee, the group that sniffs out great or lousy portrayals of lesbians and gays in the media and then lets the entertainment and news media know how we feel. The committee could really use more television watchers, but movie, radio and print media hounds are also welcome. Do you have friends who absorb popular culture like a sponge? Send them down. Few like to admit that they watch TV, but we know you're out there. Co-chairs are Anne Dutton and GLAAD/LA Board Members Robin Podolsky and Ruthe Canter. Please join us, we need your help. Meetings for Apr. are on the 1st, 15th and 29th at 7:30 pm at the GLAAD/LA office, 7033 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood; (213) 463-3632. And there's more... GLAAD/LA is starting an advertising watch, and we need your help. The Monitor/Response Committee is going to begin tracking companies that sponsor shows containing gay/lesbian content. The next time you watch television keep a pencil and paper handy. If there is such content, jot down the name of the show, its sponsors and products. Then call this information into the GLAAD/LA Hotlines: English (213) 931-9429; Spanish (213) 463-4673. This will help us to learn which companies are inclusive with their advertising budgets. Women of GLAAD to Meet Tues., April 6 The Women of GLAAD Caucus meeting will be on Tues., Apr. 6, 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. Tracy Stern is Chair. For more information: GLAAD Office, (213) 463-3632. GLMC Looking for Submissions The Gay & Lesbian Media Coalition (GLMC), sponsors of the 11th Annual Los Angeles International Gay & Lesbian Film & Video Festival, is now accepting submissions for inclusion on the Festival which will run from July 8 - 18, 1993. Deadline for submitting films or videos made by and/or for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgenders, is April 16. For more information contact GLMC at (213) 650-5133. 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. But, we need more volunteers. Can you, or someone you know, start watching and clipping the Daily News, Los Angeles Times, or any other newspaper? 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 hotline (213) 931-9429 and report it. GLAAD/LA Wish List Can You Help? We need: a laser printer - computer paper - programmable fax - general office supplies, i.e. copy paper, scissors, staplers, file folders, etc. - multi-line phones, phone systems - blank video and audiocassettes. Call: GLAAD/LA office (213) 463-3632. GLAAD/LA Office Volunteers Yearning to have your finger on the pulse of combatting homophobia and heterosexism in the media? Interested in seeing first hand how GLAAD operates? Want to assist our weary overworked office staff? GLAAD is looking for people to volunteer in the office to help with phones, faxing, mailings and general office duties. Volunteer some time and make a difference. Call Nancy at the office: (213) 463-3632. Call GLAAD/LA BBS GLAAD/LA members may pick up GLAAD/LA Reports on the GLAAD Bulletin Board, (213) 463-9257, with no charge. "Send Me Some 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. Anti-Homophobia Curriculum Homophobia: Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation is a 40-page, 5-part lesson plan for junior and high school students. This prejudice reduction curriculum contains lesson plans, supplementary readings and a bibliography. The lessons are entitled: Homophobia and Violence, A Lesson In History, Dispelling Myths and Falsehoods, Troubled Teens, and Preparing Your Class for Speakers on Homosexuality. Each lesson plan has a teacher's guide which includes objectives, vocabulary, teaching strategy, discussion questions and activities. The lesson on history includes a chronology of important events in the lesbian/gay rights movement and a list of famous historical figures who are known to have had lesbian/gay relationships. The curriculum has been approved for use in the Los Angeles Unified School District. It has been styled to be used in conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League's "World of Difference Campaign." To order please send $12.50 (includes shipping and handling) to GLAAD/LA, P.O. Box 931763, Hollywood 90093. You may also purchase copies at A Different Light Bookstore. Calendar dates: Apr 1 Thursday Deadline for May issue GLAAD/LA Reports Apr 1 Thurdsay Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Apr 6 Tuesday Women of GLAAD 7:00pm 7033 Sunset Apr 7 Wednesday Community Outreach (Speakers) 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Apr 13 Tuesday GLAAD/LA Board Meeting 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Apr 15 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset Apr 20 Tuesday Media Outreach 7:00pm 7033 Sunset Apr 25 Sunday March on Washington Apr 27 Tuesday General Meeting 7:00pm 6000 Pico Apr 29 Thursday Monitor/Response Committee 7:30pm 7033 Sunset May 1 Deadline for April GLAAD/LA Reports May 4 Women of GLAAD, 7:00pm May 5 Community Outreach, 7:30pm Board of Directors changes: Add: Deputy Director, Lee Werbel Remove Lee's name as member of the Board Add: Adel Martinez Handy Media Guide change: Under television stations, KCOP-TV replace Bill Frank, Gen. Mgr. with Rick Feldman, Vice President/General Manager Under motion picture studios, Paramount Studios should be titled Paramount Pictures Editor Carl Matthes FAX (213) 257-5878 Assistant Editor David Zahniser Art Direction & Design John Cook Research Assistance Garrett Glaser Advertising Editor Margo Strik (213) 259-9208 Contributors: Jehan Agrama, Sandy Bodner, Veronia Davis, Anne Dutton, Dorothy Engleman, Garrett Glaser, Carl Matthes, Nancy Perez, Robin Podolsky, Sylvia Rhue, David Smith, Tracy Stern, Jeff Sullivan, Lee Werbel, David Zahniser, GLAAD/LA Committees Administration, Veronica Davis Community Outreach, Carol Anderson Fundraising, Co-Chairs: Lee Werbel, Rich Jennings GLAAD/USA, Co-Chairs: Dean Hansell, Veronica Davis Media Awards, Co-Chairs: Will Halm, Carmichael Smith-Low Media Outreach, Co-Chairs: Jehan Agrama, Michael Keegan, Monitor/Response, Co-Chairs: Ruthe Canter, Anne Dutton, Robin Podolsky Womens' Caucus, Tracy Stern The 1993 Stephen F. Kolzak Award Sir Ian McKellen GLAAD/LA Special Award Roseanne and Tom Arnold Lesbian and Gay Visibility Award Openly Lesbian and Gay Members of the United States Military Outstanding Community Service Award VIVA! Outstanding Television Comedy Series "Roseanne" Outstanding Television Dramatic Series "Melrose Place" Outstanding Dramatic Television Movie "Doing Time on Maple Drive" Outstanding Theater Production "Angels in America" Outstanding Musical Theater Production "Children of the Night" Outstanding Music Video "The Last Song"/Elton John Outstanding Song "We Shall be Free," by Garth Brooks ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++