LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
In Brief |
News from Here, There and Everywhere |
Study Links Youth Suicide Attempts to Isolation Gay and Lesbian youths are at high risk for attempting suicide, according to a new study by Dr. Robert Garofalo of the Childrens Hospital, Boston. The study, published today in the American Medical Associations Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, found that students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or not sure of their sexual orientation are 3.41 times more likely to report a suicide attempt. "These statistics underscore that anti-gay prejudice is a life-threatening problem confronting this country," said David M. Smith, Communications Director of the Human Rights Campaign. "Suicides, and violence against gay people, will continue as long as extreme right wing groups continue to dehumanize gay Americans and anti-gay harassment flourishes unchecked in our nations schools." The study said that factors which may exacerbate this problem are "psychological stresses such as marginalization, isolation, and rejection." Despite the scientific evidence that stigmatization can have devastating consequences for gay youth, the extreme right continued their ongoing attacks by unveiling an anti-gay television ad in Washington. The ad, which aired on UPNs Washington affiliate, WDCA-TV, is an extension of last summers $500,000 "Truth In Love" newspaper campaign. The TV ad shows a son thanking his mother for telling him what she regards as the truth about homosexuality, and that he could change through the help of an "ex-gay" ministry. "My son found out the truth, he could walk away from homosexuality. But he found out too late. He has AIDS," said the ad. The Human Rights Campaign countered the right-wing ad by airing a new ad on WDCA. The 45-second ad titled "Baby" urges parents to teach their kids tolerance and to not discriminate. Produced by TBWA/Chiat/Day, the ad features an infant with a narrator asking who will teach the baby the important joys and lessons of life. "Behold wonder. Who will teach him to tie his shoes? To ride a bicycle? To find faces in the clouds? Who will teach him to love and respect people for who they are...unless theyre gay? Who will teach him that? Will you?" "These suicide statistics show that it is imperative to reach gay and lesbian youth with positive images to counter the barrage of anti-gay material put forth by the far right," said Smith. "We hope our ad and other similar efforts contribute toward creating a society where the next generation of gay and lesbian youth can live relatively free of the indignities and violence that many of todays youth face." The ad ends with the tag line,"choose tolerance", and a graphic which reads, "In memory of Matthew Shepard, 1976-1998." Independent Film Festival to Grow in November Building on the tremendous success of its inaugural year in 1998, the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival is well into planning its second season with more programs, more theaters and more days. "If you missed this festival last year, make sure to get it on your calendar now for 1999," said Rob Rector, President of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, which produces the festival. "And if you were here last year, make sure you come back with all your friends, because if you thought last year rocked, wait until you see what were planning this year!" Due to the overwhelming response of film fans last year, the festival will be adding an additional day of film this November. Films will run all day long on Thursday, November 11 through Sunday, November 14, with an Opening Night Gala at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Wednesday, November 10. In addition to the extra day, there will also be extra venues involved. With the festival again anchored at the 6 screens of the Rehoboth Mall Cinema, film fans will also be able to take in the best of world independent cinema at select screenings at the new Movies at Midway complex, just north on Highway One from the Mall. Special film extravaganzas are also scheduled for the Convention Center, and speaker and filmmaker events will be held in town to complement the festival experience. The 1998 festival saw thousands of people enjoy more than 100 films from around the world. Many of the films had won awards at major festivals, or had won honors in their countrys version of the Academy Awards. There were films for all ages and every voice of the areas community. "The vision for this year is not to necessarily show more films," said Festival Director and Programmer Barry Becker, "but to repeat films more often, so festival goers will have more opportunities to see more films." To volunteer, sponsor a film, buy an ad in the festival program, get details on the festivals discount ticket plan, or just get on the mailing list, send your name, address and phone number to the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, 4493 Highway One, #63, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971. Or, check out our website at www.rehobothfilm.com or e-mail us at rbfilm@dmv.com. Tony Awards Party to Benefit AIDS Delaware The annual TONY AWARDS PARTY to benefit the John Wills Memorial Fund of AIDS Delaware will take place at Three Little Bakers Dinner Theatre in Pike Creek Valley, Delaware, Sunday June 6. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the telecast scheduled from 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. The Tony Awards, which will be shown on 12 x 16 screens, are only part of this great evening. There will also be fabulous food, a cash bar, a "Pick the Winners" contest, plus a raffle. A $10 minimum (tax-deductible) donation is requested at the door. If you would like more information or directions, call 302-368-7655 or 302-652-6776. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 5, May 21, 1999 |