Date: Thu, 10 Nov 1994 14:47:49 -0500
From: VictoryF@aol.com
Subject: Requestion for Info: Homophobia

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
*********************************************************
Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund
1012 14th Street NW, Suite 707, Washington, DC 20005
202/842-8679 (phone)                               email: victoryf@aol.com


The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund has documented an increase in the amount of
anti-gay campaigning against openly gay and lesbian candidates.  Even
opponents who claim to be "gay-friendly" have also engaged in this tactic.

Anti-gay campaign messages have included standard Radical Right rhetorics
such as the homosexual movement, special rights, gay agenda, and traditional
values.  More subtle messages may include code phrases such as the gay
candidate is part of a fringe movement, or is being supported by a special
interest group with non-traditional agenda.  Homophobic tactics are not
limited
to races with openly gay candidates, anti-gay messages have also been used
very effectively against straight progressive candidates.

The Victory Fund asks *your* help in documenting examples of homophobic
campaign messages by candidates in your district - whether against openly gay
or straight opponents.  We ask that the information be in the form of press
clippings or campaign materials - good copies are welcomed.  The contributors
of the 5 most homophobic campaign messages will receive autographed copies
of the Victory Fund's political resource directory, "Out for Office:
Campaigning in The Gay 90's."

Please mail your contribution to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, 1012 14th
Street NW, Suite 707, Washington DC, 20005.  Please contact Van Do at
202/842-8679 or send a note to victoryf@aol.com if you need additional
information.

Examples of Homophobic Messages Against Openly Gay Candidates:

-- Against Mike Pisaturo for Rhode Island House of Representatives.  Opponent
Paul Archetto sent out a letter stating, "I set the record straight... [My
opponent] is also being funded by a number of Special Interest Groups.  The
Gay Rights Organization being one of many."

-- Against newly elected State Representative Ken Cheuvront (AZ).  A flier
was sent to the voters headlined "Gays are Queers" and stated, "Cheuvront
[and an additional AZ candidate] are both young, single men with no families.
 We may force employers to hire these gay guys, but we are not yet required
to sit silently while they become elected to house seats in Arizona."

-- Against a straight candidate: newly elected congressman John Bryant (TX).
 A flier sent out by his opponent featured a photograph from the 1993 March
on Washington with a caption reading "That's right.  John Bryant puts the Gay
Rights agenda above our values while representing us in Congress."