[this file can be found in /pub/QRD/qrd/glaad/SFBA/glaad-SFBA-8.13.93 at vector.intercon.com, the Queer Resources Directory] San Francisco Bay Area Chapter GLAAD Media News Briefs -- August 13, 1993 by Al Kielwasser GLAAD/SFBA How to Cure Homosexuality: Inquiring Minds Want to Know An article in the August 10 issue of the National Enquirer -- which boasts the "largest circulation of any paper in America" -- declares: "Simple Injection Will Let Gay Men Turn Straight, Doctors Say." The thoroughly-unscientific article, written by John Blosser, reports that researchers may soon be able to turn "gay genes" into "straight genes." The reporter cites an anonymous source at the National Cancer Institute, who reveals that the institute "is already looking for the gene or group of genes associated with homosexuality. It won't happen overnight, but it will be possible to develop genetic therapies to turn homosexual straight." The article also quotes a number of quack doctors, including Thomas Easton, a professor of theoretical biology at Thomas College, who claims: "In homosexuals, you would use an injection which would change them into permanent straights until -- or unless -- they want to change back." To his credit, the National Enquirer reporter does provide ample evidence in support of one important point -- no matter what the research ultimately says, homophobes will simply twist the data into the service of their cause: spreading hatred and prejudice. However, throughout the article John Blosser writes about "treating homosexuals" as if there were no question that homosexuality was a disease or genetic defect. While Blosser does cite Ellen Carton (a spokeswoman for GLAAD/New York), he reduces the complex subject to a simplistic and misleading statement: "Many gays object to the gene studies." Of course, what many gays -- and lesbians, and bisexuals -- object to is rampant homophobia. And the objectionable tendency of reporters to sensationalize and obsess over biology of homosexuality, while utterly ignoring the social, political and cultural achievements of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Sadly, articles like this one will give certain comfort to bigots bent on curing anyone that is "different." Homophobic parents will delight in John Blosser's report, locking their children away in the closet until the "cure" arrives at last. Ultimately, in fact, reporting such as this makes one hope for other sorts of research breakthroughs ... perhaps a simple injection that could dramatically increase the intelligence level of certain tabloid journalists. Please heap criticism upon John Blosser, Reporter, National Enquirer, National Enquirer, Inc., Lantana, FL. 33464. Utah Board of "Education" Bans Books The Utah State Board of Education rejected a proposal to allow teachers to use textbooks that provide affirmative and unbiased information about homosexuality. Instead, the board voted to uphold standards that require a homophobic curriculum that prohibits the use of textbooks that "accept or advocate" homosexuality (California is not much better off, by the way, since our own state law requires that all public school textbooks "teach honor and respect for monogamous, heterosexual marriage"). The Utah Board of Education's decision was "disappointing, but not surprising," according to Tommie Leydsman, a member of the state's textbook commission. Their decision suggests that some board members could benefit from a little remedial education in human sexuality, not to mention human dignity. Send your instructive comments to the board's chair, and ask that he share your letter with all members. Write to Grant Hurst, Chairperson, Utah Board of Education, 1893 Terrace Drive, Sandy, UT 84093, tel. 801-538-7500. Local Media Briefs K101: Dan Wohlfeiler, Education Director for the Stop AIDS Project, reports that radio station K101 made an exceptional effort to provide responsible coverage of the project's report, "A Call for a New generation of AIDS Prevention for Gay and Bisexual Men in San Francisco." The station featured a half-hour segment on the report. "No holds were barred," says Wohlfeiler, "although we did agree that we would talk about 'sucking' and not 'sucking dick'." Send compliments to John Evans, News Director, K101, 700 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, tel. 415-956-5101. KTVU: In response to your complaints about KTVU's coverage of San Francisco's Lesbian and Gay Freedom Day Parade (the station's morning-after newscast covered little more than the garbage that had accumulated), field reporter Gary Kauf writes: "The letters have convinced me that I obviously didn't present this story properly. The point of the story was to ask why the city street sweepers hadn't cleaned the mess up, not to suggest or intimate that gays were messy. I would never put a story like that on the air." Comments can be sent to Kauf at KTVU, Channel 2, P.O. Box 22222, Oakland, CA 94623, tel. 510-834-1212, fax 510-451-2610. KITS: Lester Temple, Production Director at KITS (Live 105) radio, reports that his station's support for the Freedom Day Parade has been overlooked. He points out that LIVE 105 both promoted the celebration on the air, and had a contingent in the parade itself. The station's parade entry featured the local band Pansy Division. Belated thanks can be sent to Richard Sands, Operations Manager, KITS-FM, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94133, tel. 415-512-1053, fax 415-777-0608. Marky Mark PSA On Hold Speaking of briefs, it seems that the iconic Marky Mark -- rapper, underwear model, and "recovering" homophobe -- has been up to his old tricks. Just as GLAAD's New York chapter was preparing to co-produce an anti-violence public service announcement (PSA) featuring Marky Mark, the performer became involved in yet another act of violence. Though reports of Mark's much-publicized assault on another man have been muddled (it's possible that the injured man repeatedly thrust his face against Mark's fists), the incident has caused GLAAD/New York to put the PSA project on hold. Originally, Marky Mark had committed to the project, sponsored by GLAAD/NY and the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence, in order to make amends for his past record of race-motivated hate violence and homophobic posturing. Comments and inquiries may be sent to GLAAD/NY, 150 W. 26th Street, Suite 503, New York, NY 10001, and the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence, 191 E. 3rd Street, New York, NY 10009. The only way to cure homophobia is to confront it! To notify the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation/San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of defamations, or to request membership information, call our office at 415-861-4588; South Bay Hotline, 408-235-0229; East Bay Hotline, 510-273- 9146; fax, 415-861-4893. Our mailing address is GLAAD/SFBA, 514 Castro street, San Francisco, CA 94114. Items for this weekly report should be sent to the attention of Al Kielwasser at GLAAD/SFBA. [OCR done by Alan Batie ] [text provided by Jesse Greenman]