LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
In Brief |
Tell Dr. Laura The Truth
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, a best-selling author and syndicated talk-show host, has recently escalated her homophobic remarks. For example, Schlessinger repeatedly berates the American Psychiatric Association for its 1972 decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. Schlessinger, who refers to our community members as "biological mistakes," recommends reparative therapy for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people, as she advocates that our sexual orientation is something to be "cured." She describes the adoption of children by lesbian couples as "despicable," "unhealthy" and "a travesty." In recent months, Schlessinger's remarks about our communitywhich reach 20 million listenershave become more frequent and she has been more frequently referencing the ultra-conservative Family Research Council as a source of her opinions. Recently, Joan M. Garry, GLAAD's Executive Director, met with Schlessinger and received the following challenge: "If your organization doesn't agree with me then they will attempt to shut me down. Which, frankly, you've got to tell your people that when they do public attacks, it makes me more popular. It gets me more sponsors. It's counterproductive." Clearly, Schlessinger needs to hear the truth about our lives and about how her comments incite hate. But remember, Schlessinger believes public attacks against her actually benefit her. Therefore, GLAAD is making an appeal to you. Obviously, she is expecting (perhaps even hoping for) angry letters with attacks as personal as those she directs fodder to use against us on the air. So we are requesting that you write to her and register your opinions as clearly and strongly as possible without rising to her "bait." Think about your own experiences and help her see the impact her words have upon real peoplehow her words fan the fires of prejudice and discrimination. In addition, you can send a copy of your letter directly to your local station which airs the program by visiting http://www.glaad.org. At the same time, GLAAD is working on other fronts, including with other members of the media and entertainment communities to counter Schlessinger's influence. You will hear more about that from us in the future. We are also contacting her program's advertisers. Please send your letters to: Dr. Laura Schlessinger, c/o PREMIERE RADIO NETWORKS, 15260 Ventura Blvd., Suite 500, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, fax: 818.461.5140, e-mail: lmedel@premrad.com, webmaster@ drlaura.com (Note: After e-mailing, please mail or fax your letters to ensure they are seen.) Because real-life stories and experiences can aid GLAAD in our quest to gain understanding about the issues that face our community, we hope you will send a copy of your letter to the following address: Dr. Laura Letters, c/o GLAAD, 8455 Beverly Blvd., Suite 305, Los Angeles, CA 90048. GLAAD promotes fair, accurate and inclusive representation in the media as a means of challenging homophobia and all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity. Lesbian Singles Group Meets in Rehoboth Area A group for single lesbians over 35 who may be new to the area, or may have just come out of a relationship, and want to meet other single women in a social setting invites you to join them. The group is purely a social gathering. One person agrees to host the next meeting, which are held once every two weeks. Meetings can be in homes, restaurants, on the beach, etc. The group has listed the events it would like to sponsor, and these include whale watching, camping, going to the beach, eating out, etc. We welcome all who would like to join. "We can do together what we cannot do alone." For more information on the group, call 302-644-3570. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 11, Aug. 13, 1999 |