Date: Sun, 11 Sep 94 17:43:39 PDT From: wasmith@eis.calstate.edu (Waugh Smith) Articles from GLAAD/LA Reports - October 1994 Carl Matthes, Editor (213) 254-2726 - FAX (213) 257-5878 Index 1) Upcoming Flix 2) Dean Hansell, GLAAD/LA's President, his Farewell Address 3) "Priscilla" 4) "My So-Called Life" 5) "Brady Bunch" 6) "Lassie" and faggots 7) Playboy - Leeza Gibbons *turns* lesbian 8) "Little Rascals" 9) Andrew Dice Clay 10) NBC's "Today" and Cracker Barrel 11) Parade Magazine 12) La Opinion 13) USA Today 14) Deb Price 15) Tom Leykis 16) KOST 17) Billboard Magazine 18) Garrett Glaser - upfront TV journalist 19) Bjorn Borg Underwear 20) "Gay Rights" Commercial 21) Sony Pictures 22) Sexual Orientation in the Workplace 23) Japanese American Citizens' League 24) History Textbooks 25) Lee Werbell - GLAAD National 26) If you are in LA Oct 25 27) Donna Red Wing 28) When Hate Groups Come to Town 29) "Speak Out" 30) "Struggle for Equality" 1) Developing Images GLAAD's Media Outreach Committee and Hollywood Supports are encouraged by the huge increase in gay and lesbian themed films and TV movies that have entered the Hollywood production and development pipeline in the past several months. The two organizations jointly monitor and encourage these projects, which currently number over 60. Currently being tracked is the progress of the following major upcoming projects: "Boys on the Side" (Warner Bros.), with a loopy, funny script by Don Roos and many scenes set in a lesbian club in Arizona. Now in post-production, the film stars Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg as a lesbian lounge singer who cares for an HIV-positive heterosexual woman (Mary Louise Parker) as they travel cross country. The Indigo Girls are featured on the soundtrack. Release is currently planned for February '95. "Serving in Silence" (NBC), starring Glenn Close and Judy Davis; produced by Close, Barbra Streisand, Cis Corman, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. The moving script by Alison Cross is based on the true life of Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, the highest ranking woman in the armed forces who served for 26 years until she was expelled when she truthfully answered inquiries about whether she was a lesbian. "The Keith Meinhold Story" (Fox TV movie), to be scripted by Richard Kramer, who was Emmy-nominated for "Tales of the City," is based on the true story of sailor Meinhold who was banned from the Navy but ordered reinstated by the Federal courts. "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar" (Amblin) is a Steven Spielberg project, already in production, bringing to the screen a much anticipated script by Douglas Bean and starring Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes as big drag queens who get stranded in a small town when their car breaks down. Stockard Channing plays a local woman who gets fashion and makeup advice from the divas. If you're plugged into the Hollywood development loop, the GLAAD Media Outreach Committee and Hollywood Supports are looking for your help in providing and verifying information on current and future projects in feature/TV development dealing with gay, lesbian and AIDS issues. Call: GLAAD at (213) 658-6775, or Tamra or Mark of Hollywood Supports at (213) 655-7705 if you can help with this important project. 2) President's Column by Dean Hansell This is my last column. For nearly three years it has been my great fortune to serve as co-president and then president of GLAAD/LA and my tenure is coming to an end. I have learned a great deal, worked on a number of fascinating projects and met many incredible people. It has been gratifying to witness GLAAD's growth from a small organization that met in people's living rooms and passed the hat to cover expenses, to an organization with a small, crowded office and a paid executive director, to our three full time staff with our current, more spacious offices and soon to be even larger organization with offices on both coasts. The projects we have undertaken have become more sophisticated, our Media Awards show has grown steadily each year and our clout has measurably increased. With the merger of GLAAD/LA and GLAAD/NY, our effectiveness will increase dramatically. What is also important is that the role GLAAD fills is as crucial today as it was when we began. GLAAD is unique in the lesbian and gay community as being a cultural advocacy organization. The role played by the media in public perception about the lives of lesbians and gay men, and the need for a media watchdog organization, are as strong today as they were when we began. During this time, I have been able to work with some highly talented and committed people for whom GLAAD has been a major focus of their lives and who have had a major role in GLAAD's success. I cannot do justice to naming them for fear I would leave people out, but I do want to publicly mention and thank my two co-presidents, Jehan Agrama and Stephanie Farrington-Domingue, my vice-presidents, Simon Pastucha and Nazila Hedayat, and GLAAD/LA's Executive Directors Rich Jennings, Chris Fowler, David Smith and Lee Werbel. I also would like to thank the dozens of board members I have worked with, the committee chairs, the hundreds of volunteers and GLAAD's staff. I am also deeply appreciative of the many people from GLAAD/New York, GLAAD San Francisco Bay Area and the other GLAAD chapters throughout the country who have devoted so much of their lives to GLAAD. Finally, I thank and remember the people associated with GLAAD who have died from the complications of AIDS and cannot witness all of our triumphs and growth, especially GLAAD/NY's first executive director, Craig Davidson. Stepping down as GLAAD's president will leave a big gap in my day which heretofore has been filled with countless daily phone calls, lengthy meetings, constant report writing, continual fund raising and so forth. In its place I will have a lot of great memories, some new friends and maybe even time to write a protest letter or two of my own. Film & Television 3) "Priscilla" We've got just the storyline for you: Take three drag queens. One is young, attractive and inexperienced. Another, a veteran performer who has a child from a failed marriage. And the third, a veteran's-veteran transsexual. Put them in a second-hand bus and have them travel into Australia's Outback to fill an engagement in the middle of nowhere. Get Terrence Stamp to star, along with Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce and Bill Hunter. Give it a name. A long name, like: "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," and make it available to gay and lesbian film festivals. Then do the impossible: Interest mainstream distributors and movie houses to book it. "Just distribute it, they will come." And they have! Complete with full page ads in the Los Angeles Times Calendar (between "Rapa-Hui" and "Timecop") and the listing of theaters from Burbank, Costa Mesa and Glendale to Ventura, Victorville and Woodland Hills, "Priscilla" has done what many said could never be done: American audiences are viewing a drag queen film, which is unapologetically and emphatically gay. And as we know, nothing succeeds like success. The Nuart Theater in West Los Angeles was quick to revive "The Queen," Frank Simon's 1968 documentary of a drag queen contest and "Split: Portrait of a Drag Queen," the story of Chrysis, one of Manhattan's fabled gender-benders. Congratulations all around. 4) "My So-Called Life" This season ABC-TV offers a very intelligent drama on Thursday nights at 8 o'clock called "My So-Called Life." The show revolves around high school student Angela Chase (Claire Danes) and how she begins to question the world around her. Angela is joined by new best friends Rayanne (A.J. Langer) and Rickie (Wilson Cruz) as they explore high school life in the 90s, from unwanted sexual advances to guns at school. Rickie is the conduit through which the issue of sexuality is explored as he is bisexual. He wears eyeliner and hangs out with the girls in the girl's bathroom and exudes a great air of mystery. Some may look at this as a stereotypical portrayal, but we have to realize that this is about high school where life is hard and everything is uncertain. Rickie, in many ways, represents what many gays, lesbians and bisexuals go through at that age; his is not a one issue character and is not flatly played; Rickie is very much three dimensional. Comments to: Winnie Holzman, Creator, and/or Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick, Executive Producers, 11500 Tennessee Ave., Los Angeles 90064. Also write Ted Harbert, President, ABC Entertainment, 2040 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles 90067. 5) "Brady Bunch" the Movie Currently in production at Paramount Pictures is the movie version of the 70's TV sitcom, "The Brady Bunch." Writing duties have been assigned to Jim Berg and Stan Zimmerman, writers for "Roseanne" and creators of the now famous "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" episode which featured Roseanne and Mariel Hemingway sharing a kiss. Berg and Zimmerman have suggested that in the film the character of Marcia Brady will become involved with her best friend, Nicole, an out lesbian. A queer Brady could powerfully subvert the historical heterosexism of television's family sitcoms and send an affirming message throughout the popular culture. Send your own affirming comments to: Jim Berg and Stan Zimmerman, "Brady Bunch," Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood 90038. 6) Michigan Residents Gather Signatures... "Lassie" vs Faggot Paramount Pictures' latest adaptation of "Lassie" has hit screens across America and middle-America doesn't like it. GLAAD/LA was sent a copy of a letter and petition, signed by 88 residents of the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, addressed to Ms. Sherry Lansing, CEO of Paramount Pictures, decrying the use of the word "faggot" in the movie. We applaud the efforts of these residents and the use of their moral and public relations power as evidenced in the following letter: Dear Ms. Lansing, It is of great concern that the word "faggot" is used in the "Lassie" movie now showing in theaters across the nation. "Lassie" is not just a movie about a dog, but a way for children to see how life's concerns are worked out. It's too bad that bigotry is permanently an example of the working-out process in your movie. We hereby voice disapproval, serious concern and disappointment. Your own comments may also be directed to: Ms. Sherry Lansing, CEO, Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood 90038. Copy: GLAAD, 8455 Beverly Blvd., Suite 305, Los Angeles 90048. 7) "Playboy Bunny Turned Lesbian"... "Entertainment Tonight" Not Very Entertaining Leeza Gibbons, on-camera reporter for the popular TV program "Entertainment Tonight" (KCBS-TV, weeknights, 7:30pm), raised more than eyebrows when she referred to a "Playboy Bunny Turned Lesbian" on the August 25 broadcast. In a faxed complaint to the producers of "ET," Patrick Baca, President of Artists' Management West, declared, "During a bumper in last night's broadcast, Leeza Gibbons referred to HIV positive model Rebekka Armstrong as 'Playboy Bunny Turned Lesbian.'...Most educated people know that a person's sexual orientation is a biological trait...Rebekka Armstrong did not turn into a lesbian, she came out as one, and for you to suggest otherwise, especially after she had granted you a personal and enlightening interview, reflects poorly on the integrity of your show... "Generally speaking, your hosts usually strike me as sensitive and enlightened, but last night Leeza's ignorance was showing which really upset and disappointed me." While it is perhaps more sensational for writers to describe someone "turning into a lesbian," they should know that this type of hype brings their veracity into question. Your comments may be sent to: Jim Van Messel, Executive Producer, "Entertainment Tonight," 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood 90038; FAX (213) 956-4954. 8) "Little Rascals" This summer offered a remake based on the classic 1930s series "The Little Rascals." Anyone familiar with the series won't be surprised by the misadventures of Alfalfa and the "He Man Womun Haters Club." The film tries to recreate the series as much as possible, including much of the misogynist content. The film also has a homophobic moment. Spanky and Alfalfa are being chased by bullies at Darla's ballet recital. They hide in a dressing room and disguise themselves as girls in sugar plum fairy outfits. Trying to escape they end up with the other little girls waiting to go on stage. Darla asks the costumed Alfalfa, "Are you a fairy?" Alfalfa becomes flustered and embarrassed and denies it. Darla clarifies by asking if he is a "sugar plum fairy." He breathes a sigh of relief when he realizes she is not questioning his sexual orientation. Your own questions may be directed to: Lew Wasserman, CEO, MCA/Universal, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608; Penelope Spheers, Producer, "Little Rascals," same address. Penelope Spheers, Producer "Little Rascals" Universal Pictures 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608 Dear Ms. Spheers: I was dismayed at the homophobic scene in which the Little Rascals were depicted wearing "fairy" costumes and their obvious displeasure at being called "fairies." Considering the fact that this fine film will be viewed by impressionable young children as a "family film," I would wish that the scene could have been handled differently. As you may not be aware of, childrer's attitudes about "fairies" become adult attitudes of anti-gay rhetoric and bigotry. Information, however innocent, is transferred that being gay is not "OK" by such scenes...Would it for example have been "funny" to have a race related anti-black comment made to Buckwheat? The anti-gay remarks were not in keeping with the innocence of the characters we grew to love so well. Respectfully, Owen-Pahl Greene 9) Anything for a Laugh Andrew Dice Clay Dismal comedian Andrew Dice Clay will play a supporting role in the new NBC series "The Ties That Bind," a Warner Bros. (WB) production from executive producers Peter Noah and Bruce Rasmussen. Clay's earlier notoriety was built around a "shock comedy" routine that trashed women, gays and others. When the shock wore off, he flopped. Why is WB making an effort to revive this uncreative and unoriginal anything-for-a-laugh menace? Ask WB yourself by contacting: Warner Bros. Pictures, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522; and Warren Littlefield, President, NBC Entertainment, 3000 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, CA 91523. 10) Homophobia Slithers on to "Today" Populist Willard Scott, ebullient weatherman and gadabout for the venerable "Today" program (KNBC-TV, mornings, 7:00am), is at his best when doing promos for any number of charitable activities, announcing birthdays of viewers 100 years of age and over and detailing his most recent culinary adventures. He has personally turned "weather reporting" into an art form. But he was duped by the homophobes running the Cracker Barrel Restaurants. On the August 2 and 3 "Today" broadcasts, Scott offered several supportive pitches for Cracker Barrel, recommending the restaurant to his viewers and describing, in detail, the company's breakfast menu. What Scott failed to describe was Cracker Barrel's homophobic employment practices. Since Feb. of 1991 Cracker Barrel has had in place a corporate policy stating, "It is inconsistent with our concept of values...to continue to employ individuals...whose sexual preference fails to demonstrate normal heterosexual values." Because many, if not most, Americans are unaware that no federal anti-discrimination laws protect lesbians and gay men, it is especially egregious for "Today" to endorse the restaurant without giving the whole story. Inform "Today" that "heapin' helpin's of homophobia" don't belong on any menu. Write: Steve Friedman, Executive Producer, "Today," 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Room 304, New York 10112. Meanwhile, Carl Lange of GLAAD/ Atlanta has learned that another southern restaurant chain, Cartel Restaurants, Inc., fired a chef one day before he was to be enrolled in the company's health care plan based on the incorrect assumption that Ronald Kirkland, who is gay, was HIV-positive or had AIDS and would force the company's premiums to rise. A lawsuit filed by Kirkland in U.S. District Court is supported by affidavits from three former Cartel employees. GLAAD has also learned of other incidents. Cartel Restaurants include, in the Atlanta area, Otto's, Peachtree Cafe, East Village Grille, Nickiemoto's, the Raccoon Lodge and Azio. Contact CEO and President George Rohrig, Cartel Restaurants, Inc., 235 E. Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30305; FAX (404) 237-6927, and let him know you intend to avoid his businesses. Copies to: Carl Lange, GLAAD/Atlanta, P.O. Box 55111, Atlanta, GA 30308; FAX (404) 876-4051. 11) Parade Mag Al Kielwasser of GLAAD/SFBA reports that journalist James Brady recently interviewed actress Meredith Baxter for Parade magazine, writing: "I noted that in previous acting jobs Meredith had been an addict, an alcoholic, a lesbian mother, a bulimic and a murderer. So I asked [her], 'What have they got against you?'" Let Mr. Brady know that lesbian motherhood has no place in a list of societal ills. Perhaps "bad journalist" would be more appropriate. Write: James Brady, Editor-at-Large, Advertising Age, 220 East 42nd St., New York 10017-5846; FAX (212) 210-0200. Radio & Print 12) GLAAD Meets with La Opinion In response to a commentary in the June 23 issue of La Opinion by Rigoberto Cervantez regarding the gay games (see September 1994 GLAAD/LA Reports), GLAAD Executive Director Lee Werbel and Nancy Perez, GLAAD Office Manager and Co-Founder of People of Color Committee, met with representatives of the paper. A very informative and, in the long-run, positive meeting was conducted with Monica Lozano, Associate Publisher and Editor, Hugo Valicente, Copy Desk, Fernando Paramo, Sports Editor and the author himself, Mr. Cervantez, Assistant Sports Editor. La Opinion talked about their track record of postive reporting of lesbian and gay issues. But, there were three important results: the paper has revised its publication policies, they agreed to have the Sexual Orientation in the Workplace seminar presented for employees and the Associate Publisher agreed to write a letter/article reflecting the publicationŐs views and policies regarding lesbians and gay men. Your supportive comments can only be helpful, contact: Monica Lozano, Editor, La Opinion, 411 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013; FAX (213) 896-2177. 13) USA Today Endorses AB 2810 On Wed., August 31, USA Today editorially endorsed the passage of AB 2810, the Domestic Partners Bill sponsored by the LIFE (Lobby for Individual Freedom and Equality) Lobby and authored by Assemblymember Richard Katz (D). The endorsement by USA Today was thoughtful and insightful. However, in the name of "balance," USA Today seriously stumbled and ran an opposing view by Revered Lou Sheldon, head of the Traditional Values Coalition. Why would USA Today solicit an opinion from a right wing religious zealot as opposed to a member of the California Senate or Assembly? AB 2810 is not about religion and Sheldon has only proven his expertise in the area of bigotry and hate. And further, Sheldon included in his article the message "send him (Wilson) a veto request telegram on your behalf for $7.95; just call (800) 854-4747." In their own editorial, USA Today did not include any phone number or means of registering a "yes" vote. Hypothetically, if USA Today ran an editorial supporting equal rights for interracial marriages, would they then seek out an opposing viewpoint from the American Nazi Party? To help USA Today understand not to give with one hand and then take away with the other, contact: Mr. Peter S. Prichard, Editor, USA Today, 1000 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22229. GLAAD salutes the following media outlets which endorsed AB 2810 as of 9/1/94: Contra Costa Times, KCBS, CBS Radio, Los Angeles Times, Oakland Tribune, Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, The Sun Star (Merced), Daily Journal (Ukiah), Marin Independent Journal (San Rafael), Oxnard Press Courier, San Ramon Valley Times and West County Times (Pinole). 14) Price on the Money Deb Price is an openly lesbian journalist writing for the Washington bureau of the Detroit News. We reprint, in part, a recent column: Cowards of Congress Better Get Brave By Deb Price "Something must be done - and done soon - about the high-risk behavior of one tiny but politically powerful group. Driven to gratify a desire unknown to most Americans, its members recklessly endanger the lives of ordinary men, women and children by dealing with sex irresponsibly. Those of us blessedly untouched by this feverish compulsion must not flinch from calling it by its proper name: re-election. Terrified of being accused of 'promoting' homosexuality, the Cowards of Congress are a group easily intimidated by Sen. Jesse Helms (R.-N.C.) and his ilk. The cowards are the ones smart enough to know better, the ones who didn't believe Helms' propaganda yet helped him derail federally funded sex surveys desperately needed for designing more effective AIDS-prevention campaigns." Ms. Price then goes on to eloquently write about the ravages of AIDS and the inactivity of Congress, ending with the challenge that our senators must choose between, "Bravely battling AIDS or pandering to ignorance." You may contact her by writing: Deb Price, GNS Features, 1000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22229. 15) Leykis Spotlights Gay Murder The August 18 broadcast of the "Tom Leykis Show" (KMPC 710) presented a discussion of the recent court ruling involving the execution-style murder of Douglas Koehler in Ogden, Utah. According to openly gay program producer Eric Braverman, "This story was brought to our attention by our affiliate station in Salt Lake City. Once we researched a little further, we felt compelled to discuss it on a national level." Guest on the program was John Harrington of KTLK/Salt Lake City, who documented that Koehler was shot to death by David Thacker after the two men had met in a bar. The men then went to Thacker's home where they ingested cocaine and alcohol and, after Koehler propositioned Thacker, Koehler was thrown out, then hunted down and murdered later that same night. Witnesses heard Thacker tell his friends, "I'm gonna kill me a faggot tonight." Thacker's original first degree felony manslaughter charge was reduced to a second degree charge after plea-bargaining. Third District Judge David Young sentenced Thacker to a maximum six year sentence (the sentence appropriate for third degree murder), the lightest sentence possible, and will allow Thacker to be released after only three years. "What Judge Young has said is that it's okay to kill faggots," said David Nelson, founder of the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats. Several times during the program Leykis encouraged his listeners to contact the Utah governor to voice their opposition to anti-gay hate crimes and the need for legislation. Your comments may be sent to: Tom Leykis, P.O. Box 4455, Hollywood 90078; FAX (310) 854-4455; Eric Braverman, Producer, 9450 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232-2689; Governor Michael O. Leavitt, 210 State Capitol, Salt Lake City, UT 84114; Judge David Young, 3rd District Court, 240 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. 16) KOST Offers Same Sex Dedications Kudos to KOST 103.5 FM, the soft hits station, for allowing same sex dedications to be broadcast over the air. The station has had a history of not accepting such dedications. Actually, according to the station, they had been accepting "gay" dedications since the station first started in 1983. The hitch was that the names of the parties could not obviously be same sex! (John could not dedicate a song to Jim, but he could to Chris.) This change was brought about by campaigning by gay and lesbian listeners and an impassioned letter from Brian Dreesman, a former EAGLES intern for GLAAD/LA. However, as of this printing, the station has not established this as written policy. Your letters and calls can only be helpful. Contact: Mr. Jhani Kaye, Station Manager, KOST 103.5 FM, 610 S. Ardmore Ave., Los Angeles 90005; (213) 385-0101. If you would like to make a dedication over the air, dial (800) 929-5678. 17) Billboard Magazine Timothy White, Editor-in-Chief of Billboard Magazine, was certainly singing a great tune with his recent editorial "Truth, Lies, and the Getting of Wisdom." Earlier this year Mr. White had extolled the virtues of the debut album of Afro-Plane, "Afro-Plane And The Power of Surprise." Looking back, Mr. White commented, "At the time, I admired the rap group for its ability to transcend the adolescent gullibility of ganster rap with inventive music whose political and social commentary seemed to succeed at 'courting no ritual, seeking no acolytes, respecting no demagogues, requiring no pimps. "But I was mistaken. "Afro-Plane...has no such tolerance for gay people." What Mr. White was made aware of by Jon Pareles in a New York Times article, was that "within the dense wordplay of a track called 'Trouble (Thought It Was Love)'...Afro-Plane rejects any human rights or civil rights parallels between racism and bigotry toward homosexuals, further advising gays and their allies that 'sooner or later you'll have to do some repenting.'" GLAAD commends Mr. White and Billboard Magazine for its forthright acknowledgement of the problems of hate, bigotry and discrimination, whether based on race, religion or sexual orientation. Your own comments can only be supportive. Write: Timothy White, Editor-in-Chief, Billboard Magazine, 1515 Broadway, New York 10036. And while you're at it commend them for the reprinting of the extensive letter from Tom McCormack entitled "Bring Gay Music Out Of The Closet." 18) Times Showing Diversity - Garrett Glaser A full color photo of Garrett Glaser occupied the prime position on the front page of the Calendar section of the Saturday, Sept. 3, Los Angeles Times. In the photo, the handsome Glaser, backed by klieg lights and TV monitors, wore a coat and tie and found himself positioned just above a 44 point bold headline reading, "Out of the TV Newsroom Closet." And he is, according to the article's author, Joseph Hanania. Glaser, who is a former GLAAD/LA board member and newsletter advisor, sits on the national board of National Lesbian/Gay Journalists Association, and in addition to his regular duties at KNCB-TV, hosts gay-themed shows for KCET-TV. He joins Steve Gendel, medical correspondent for CNBC, the cable channel, as two of the most visible and viable openly gay TV personalities. Said Glaser, "Gays are still an invisible minority. The sooner we stand up and are counted, the faster the fight will go in our favor." Meanwhile, the next day, September 4, "Another Gay Party Line: The Gay Conservative Backlash" was the name of one of the articles in Los Angeles Times Magazine. Written by Joe Morgenstern, the article generously covered the activities of Log Cabin Republicans and its founder, Rich Tafel. Complete with full-page, full-color photo, the inclusion by the Times of the activities of these lesbians and gay men only widens the picture of diversity necessary for America to understand our lives. Your comments may be directed to: Mr. Shelby Coffey III, Editor-in-Chief, Los Angeles Times, Times-Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. Advertising 19) Marital Support and Comfort - Bjorn Borg Underwear To commemorate the Swedish Riksdag's (parliament's) decision to legalize lesbian and gay marriages, Bjorn Borg Underwear (BBU) took out a two-page print advertisement in Svenska Dagbladet, a Stockholm daily newspaper. The ad pictured two loaves of bread baked in the image of large penises leaning against each other. The text declared, "Because of the vote today in the Riksdag as to whether homosexuals are to be allowed to enter into registered partnership or not, we would like to remind the congregation of the eighth chapter of the fifth book of Moses, verse three: 'Man does not live by bread alone'." Noting that his customers included gay men and lesbians, Anders Arngorger, CEO of BBU, stated, "This is a way of directing our advertising campaign toward a segment of our circle of customers. If our advertising campaign has contributed to making homosexuals feel strengthened and supported, we are happy." Contribute your own strength and support by writing: Anders Arngorger, CEO, Bjorn Borg Underwear, Gvtgatan 30, 11846 Stockholm, Sweden. 20) "Gay Rights" Commercial Alliance for Progress (AFP), a Dallas-based nonprofit organization, has filmed "Sunday Morning," "the nation's first gay rights television commercial." AFP says the new spot will "pointedly show that the lesbigay community shares the same values of family, religion, patriotism and economic success as the heterosexual community," by depicting the daily lives of lesbians, gays and bisexuals through a chronological series of vignettes. The first airing of the spot was on the 6 and 10pm newscasts of NBC affiliate KSNT-TV in Topeka, Kansas on August 26. AFP co-founder Christopher Parman, "It's important that the lesbigay community educates parents, grandparents, friends, co-workers and neighbors to the fact that the majority of lesbians and gays live normal everyday lives, except with same-gender partners." AFP intends to broadcast the new commercial in political "hot spots," where lesbigay civil rights are under attack while seeking financial support to expand the effort. Direct your inquiries to: Jon Etienne Mourot, Alliance for Progress, The Centrum, Suite 700, 3102 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX 7521-94272; (800) 520-4237; e-mail AFProgress@aol.com. GLAAD News 21) Sony Pictures Extends Benefits Hollywood Supports today praised Sony Pictures Entertainment for its decision that, effective January 1, 1995 health insurance coverage given to families of Sony employees will be extended to same-sex spousal equivalents, also known as "domestic partners." Employees were informed this week that they will be able to choose this option during Sony's annual benefits open enrollment in October and November. In announcing the company's decision, Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter Guber explained that, "The strength of the Sony Pictures family lies in its talent, creativity and diversity. This issue has been an important priority of ours for a long time, and we are delighted to have launched this initiative." Richard Jennings, Executive Director of Hollywood Supports, said "Hollywood Supports salutes Sony, and our Board member Peter Guber, for taking this major step in recognition of the diversity of its employee base and the importance of the principle of equalizing benefits traditionally based on family status. Sony is one of our major employers, has one of our industry's strong benefits program, and has previously taken great strides to provide the best available benefits for employees affected by HIV. We think Sony's leadership on this issue will be influential with other enlightened companies, both inside and outside the entertainment industry." Sony now joins a growing list of entertainment companies seeking to equalize benefits for all employees, regardless of sexual orientation. The list of entertainment-related companies that have adopted Hollywood Supports' model documents for domestic partner benefits includes, besides Sony, MCA/Universal, Viacom International, Warner Bros., Time Inc., Home Box Office, InterMedia Partners, Irell & Manella, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Hollywood Supports was founded by leading industry figures to counter workplace fears and discrimination on the basis of HIV status and sexual orientation. Copies of Hollywood Supports' model documents for domestic partnership health insurance benefits can be obtained by calling (213) 655-7705. 22) Educate Your Co-Workers - Sexual Orientation in the Workplace GLAAD and Hollywood Supports want to deliver a "Sexual Orientation in the Workplace" seminar at your workplace. Over two dozen highly trained volunteer facilitators are now available to present the 90-minute seminar, which has been very well received at over thirty southland companies to date, including the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, NBC, CBS, MCA/Universal and Warner Bros. For more information, to make suggestions on whom to contact at your workplace regarding the seminar, or to schedule a seminar, contact: GLAAD at (213) 658-6775 or Hollywood Supports Assistant Director Tamra King at (213) 655-7705. 23) JACL Supports Same Sex Marriage The Japanese American Citizen's League (JACL) became the first non-gay national civil rights organization to officially support the concept of same sex marriages when on August 6 its National Board asserted that marriage is "...a constitutional right that should not be denied because of a person's sexual orientation." The Board's action was in response to a letter sent by the Honolulu chapter of JACL to the Hawaiian Supreme Court supporting same sex unions in that State. Send your own supportive comments to: Japanese American Citizen's League, 1765 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115; FAX (415) 931-4671. 24) You Can Help Make it Queer Positive - History Textbooks The California State Board of Education is currently working on revisions to the History Curriculum Framework and the Visual/Performing Arts Framework. These "curriculum frameworks" are policy statements that substantially determine the content of courses and textbooks used in California's public schools. It is vital that fair and factual references to lesbian/gay/bisexual concerns are included in these curriculum frameworks. Getting into the frameworks is the first step towards full educational equity. And because it's a leading state for textbook sales, changes made in California will have an impact on textbook development across the nation. Certainly, the History Framework must recognize the long-censored history of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Likewise, California students cannot fully understand or appreciate artistic masterpieces unless they know something about the queer artists who created them. To encourage inclusion in the framework revision process, write: The History Subject Matter Committee and/or the Visual & Performing Arts Subject Matter Committee, Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Office, P.O. Box 944272, Sacramento, CA 94244-2720. To get a schedule of public hearings on the frameworks, call (916) 657-3023. 25 Executive Director's Column by Lee Werbel GLAAD is national. The transition has started. The new national board of directors met for the first time in September in Dallas. With representatives from around the country -- Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, St. Louis, Little Rock, Chicago and other chapter sites. The planning for the national strategy has begun. GLAAD will soon have the national Executive Director in place. He or she will be traveling around the country and spending an equal time in each of the national headquarters located in Los Angeles and New York. This is about really building a national organization from the grassroots up. While the local chapters will maintain autonomy, the New York and Los Angeles organizations/chapters will officially merge their operations into the national GLAAD. We have both developed organizationally -- with budgets that support five full time employees in New York and three full time employees in Los Angeles. We are going to take all of our organizational resources and combine them to make the national GLAAD. With the support of the two largest chapters, the national GLAAD will have a strong, stable start. With established chapters already formed in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Washington, DC, San Diego and San Francisco/Bay Area; Outposts (small groups of individuals doing GLAAD work) currently located in Utah, Oregon, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Mississippi, Nevada and Massachusetts; and Outposts planned in Idaho, Washington, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona, all of the grassroot work continues and we hope will flourish. The GLAAD work has to happen on two levels: on the local level, on a truly one-to-one basis, with publications, television stations and the like. The successes happen locally; the education has to be provided on the local level. On the other level, a majority of the work that the New York and Los Angeles chapters have done in the past is national. By combining our forces, we are creating a real powerhouse. This merger and the creation of the national GLAAD will provide for a unified national strategy to confront the continual public expressions of homophobia and will provide for more visibility for GLAAD. Remember, as a member of GLAAD/LA, you remain a member of GLAAD. We will keep you informed about the transition. If you want to help, please telephone the GLAAD office. The local work continues; it needs to be strengthened. We need to get into all the studios/production companies on an ongoing basis. We need to constantly develop relationships with new key people whenever there are personnel changes in the industry. Each of you has a place in the new GLAAD and in the work -- national and local. 26) General Meeting Tuesday, October 25, 1994 "Which Way, GLAAD/LA?" Nearly ten years ago GLAAD had a single chapter; twelve months ago there were ten. Now we've become a national organization with a fifty-state presence able to make a stronger impact on the national media, the entertainment industry and local attitudes. But how will it all work? How will it affect GLAAD-life in Los Angeles? Where will we all fit in? Join GLAAD executive director Lee Werbel and Will Halm, member of our new national board (among others), as we look at these exciting changes. Among the important topics to be discussed will be how GLAAD factors into the equation of the national struggle for gay and lesbian civil rights. Come share your views with us. Schedule: 7:00 p.m. refreshments, 7:30 p.m. program. Come to: Temple Beth Chayim Chadishim, 6000 West Pico Blvd., one block east of Crescent Heights. 27) GLAAD Opens National Field Office - Donna Red Wing GLAAD has announced the opening of its National Field Office in Portland, OR. Donna Red Wing, GLAAD National Field Director will be working from the new Portland office. Contact numbers are: 1130 SW Morrison, Suite #607, Portland, OR 97205; (503) 224-5285; FAX (503) 224-5480. E-mail is the same: glaadusa@aol,com or drredwing@aol,com Oregon outposts of GLAAD have been formed in Portland, Eugene and Salem. 28) Responding to Hate "When Hate Groups Come to Town: A Handbook for Model Community Responses" is available from: Center for Democratic Renewal, P.O. Box 50469, Atlanta, GA 30362. 29) "Speak Out" "Speak Out" is the quarterly publication of the International Lesbian and Gay Youth Organization (ILGYO). For details, contact: "Speak Out," P.O. Box 542, NL-1000 AM, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Information about the organization is available from: ILGYO American Secretariat, P.O. Box 42463, Washington, D.C. 20015-0463, (202) 362-9624, e-mail EP4417A@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU. 30) "Struggle for Equality" A new social studies teaching guide, including lesson plans for showing the participation by lesbians and gay men in history and politics, presented in the context of the U.S. civil rights movement, is entitled "Struggle for Equality: The Lesbian and Gay Community." For information contact: PACE, 115 West 28th St., #3-R, New York 10001; FAX (212) 643-7867.