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I'm up and at 'em early, getting ready for the breakfast plenary that promises to elaborate on the double discrimination faced by LGBTQ immigrants in the United States

Later, I will moderate a breakout session (workshop) on media and accessibility. I believe this will be the first time that voices of LGBTQ disabled folks will be heard at a National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association convention. Today will provide a broad overview with an eye to more specific workshops in future conventions. With 78 million Baby Boomers aging rapidly, the need to have accessible journalism products becomes more pressing if we are to tap into this vast market and provide news and information critical to these times.



An article about the events and concerns leading up to my proposal for the workshop was published in Insight, the daily paper chronicling the events at the convention. Student journalists staff the publication, and I am thoroughly impressed with their work product. Maybe next year, we can have some UT j-majors on the staff.


More later...

Margaret McElligott named 2007 Women's Distinguished Service Award recipient
























McElligot accepts award from a smiling Lauren Ober, Women's Task Force Chair

Greetings from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association 2007 convention!

I am blogging live from Westin Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego where the NLGJA convention has been in full swing for the second day. The plenaries and breakout sessions never fail to please with topics such as blogging vs. reporting, gay media covering gay news, and the 40th anniversary of The Advocate to keep all attendees excited about the annual LGBT Media Summitt on Thursday, followed by the general convention when our cohorts from mainstream media joined us today.

In addition to new board members, NLGJA has a new executive director. David Barre, formerly with Greenpeace and the National Minority AIDS Council, looks forward to moving NLGJA into the future, meeting and exceeding membership goals including extra efforts to recruit women and people of color.

With many so many topics and photos, I will have to wait until I return to Tennessee to make a full report, but in the meantime I will post snippets periodically.

Look for them in your inbox!

Lesbian anti-terrorist freedom fighters

The ultimate fighting machine

There is finally a solution for combating worldwide terrorism! Check out the latest version of the Lesbian Avengers outlined on Pam's House Blend. Condi will love you for it.

Who is Tom Cole, and why is he calling me?

Republicans stoop to yet another low, calling small business owners

I just got a phone call from Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) sounding an alarm for the poor small business owners and outlining his forecast of trouble ahead because of that nasty old Nancy Pelosi. I mean, really - she has to be evil, right? She's a woman with money in a powerful position and a Democrat to boot!

It seems that Rep. Cole is the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and he is "concerned" for the health of our small businesses. This guy was "deeply involved" (from the NRC Web site) in the fiasco otherwise known as the sham that passed for an election in Florida's 2000 Presidential race. This pointy-headed conservative with his three degrees is hardly worried about the Mom's and Pop's, but rather seeks only to erode the Democratic foothold in Congress so that he and his "party" can spend more money on their illegal wars while they consistently reduce funding levels for programs aimed at improving our nation's health, education, and general well-being of the people. He should be ashamed of himself.

As my grandmother would say "horse-shoo."

Knox County Democratic Party Chair Betty Reddick notes, "The health of our nation's small businesses are not endangered by Speaker Nancy Pelosi."

Well, indeed. I couldn't have said it better myself, Betty.

The phone calls appear to be part of a national campaign to attack Speaker Pelosi and the new Democratic Congressional majority by raising the level of fear and anxiety among our nation's small business owners. I hope they don't fall for it. I'm afraid some will. The message needs to go out that we won't be duped again. The last time small business owners got a fair shake there was a guy named Bill in the White House.

After scraping my jaw up off the floor, it occurred to me that I am listed on the national do-not-call list. Unfortunately, these folks can call me all day everyday due to the political party exemption from from state and federal do-not-call registries. I will say however, that I will make a point of broadcasting their dirty, shameless tactics every time my tellie jingles.

It is ironic that a link to the National Do Not Call Registry is the second link down in the left margin navigation bar on Cole's Web site. That would certainly indicate to me that harassing phone calls are a cause for concern among his constituents. Maybe he just doesn't care.

I want the Tennessee Republicans who pretend to represent my family in Washington to know that I do not appreciate this telephone harassment. Congressmen David Davis, John J. Duncan, Jr., Zach Wamp, and Marsha Blackburn - you are now on notice that if you party does not *back off* I will blog this harassment every time it happens.

National Conference on Media Reform

Friday, Jan. 11, 2007

The day was exhausting, and I did not have the energy to blog last night. It was an intense day starting with Dr. Willie Harenton, the Mayor of Memphis, followed by Bill Moyers. You know, I never knew Moyers is a Southern Baptist. It made sense, but it just never occured to me. His limited view of diversity was attributed to his status as such as I listened to him speak. Little did I know that it would be a common refrain in the rarified atmosphere of the conference.

After lunch, we were treated to Danny Glover, topped off with Jesse Jackson. I never clapped so hard in my life. Jackson's rousing style replete with the wonderful cadence that is the exclusive domain of Southern African American preachers was balm to my soul. I overlooked the occasional dampening of my enthusiasm over his references to Christianity in fair exchange for the lift to my spirit that he always brings.

Following that I went to a workshop on Big Media moderated by none other than Phil Donohue. Phil's 25 years as a pioneer in TV talk was a frequent source of inspiration for me in the mid-seventies. His groundbreaking topics brought previously taboo subjects to the fore for American viewers. We owe him a great debt of gratitude.

Entitled "Inside Corporate Media: Can It Tell The Truth?", they began by talking about Donohue's brief stint at MSNBC that coincided with 9-11 and the beginning of the war in Iraq. Jeff Cohen, author of Cable News Confidential, worked with Phil on the MSNBC talk show. They were quite honest about the fact that Phil was fired because of his criticism of Bush and the number of anti-Bush guests they booked.

I knew there had been something going on back then, but it just seemed like so much was happening so fast, that I had never delved into the why's and wherefore's of Donohue's quiet disappearance. As I look back, it makes perfect sense.

Cohen has an impressive progressive journalism resume, however I believe I admire him the most for spendng five years at Fox News. I identify with entering enemy territory to bring a message to the people. That is exactly how I feel frequently while working on LGBT issues in East Tennessee. Homeland or not, the natives are definitely hostile.

The workshop also featured Juan Gonzalez, a brilliant historian who probably knows more about Latino and Native American journalism in the American West during the period of atrocities otherwise known as Manifest Destiny as anyone on the face of the earth. I find him fascinating.

Laura Washington also sat on the panel. She is a free-lancer who writes for the Chicago Sun-Times and In These Times. She told an interesting story about her first interview with the Sun-Times early in her career. The job in question involved covering a beat that included low-income, dense housing areas that were populated predominantly by African Americans. The interviewer asked her if she thought she could cover that beat with objectivity. She looked him dead in the eye and asked, "Would you ask a white writer if they can cover the suburbs objectively?" Needless to say, she did not get the job, but says that ultimately it has worked out better for her in her role as free-lancer.

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007

Memphis, TN

My day began with a workshop on civil rights after a quick breakfast at my hotel. I had planned to go to the Policymakers workshop, but the congressmen could not be there until after 2:00 p.m. I chose the civil rights workshop, hoping for more diversity that I saw on Friday. The presenters at this conference have whittled diversity down to one word - "raceNgender." Age, geographic ethnicity, religious diversity, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, ableism were all cast to the wind with raceNgender foremost on the minds of every speaker I heard on Friday.

In fact, not one single speaker addressed *any* form of discrimination/oppression except for raceNgender with an occasional bone tossed to the dog named economic justice. I guess I had forgotten where I was. I thought I had come to a conference to network with open-minded progressives. Instead I found myself in an Oz populated almost exclusively with middle class hippies of various ages aka the peaceNjustice folks along with a handful of political operatives and professional journalists.

I'm not here to trash the conference. Some important and creative work has occurred here, but as was noted at the Women and Media workshop that I attended for my second installation today, the only women speaking in the plenaries (the large banquet-hall-type room) were actresses, namely Geena Davis and Jane Fonda. I missed Geena and may not get to see Jane. All I've heard were men who talked about raceNgender until it came out of my ears.

In no way do I mean to disrespect the struggles of people of color. I have been alive in East Tennessee since 1952. I saw first-hand what they struggled against and how they continue to struggle in many ways.

Gender discrimination is very real. I am a product of the second wave of the women's movement. Without the brave women who cared for the psychologically-injured young woman who had lost her mother to a madman, I would probably not be here today. The universal war on women is the matrix from which I understand everything else. Our struggles have really just begun. Global justice for women is something that is very important to me.

But dammit, they're not the only ones who struggle. I take much more flak for being pagan than for being female in the circles I live in today. I lived for years in fear that I would lose my children to the foster care system because of who I love. I have lost jobs, apartments, and much more because I am lesbian, because I dare to love women and share my life with one woman. Since Sam has transitioned, many may question the latter statement, but let's just put it this way. All of my partners since 1978 were born female.

At any rate, the Media and Women workshop was great. It included a variety of speakers who were at least three different colors as well as geographically diverse. It contained no women much over forty and no lesbians.

The final workshop of the day was a Policymaker Roundtable with Congressmen Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Steve Cohen (D-TN). It was moderated by Frannie Wellings of the Free Press, sponsors of the conference. I am so offended by some of the things Wellings did that I cannot at this time write in detail about this workshop. I am deeply offended by the lack of LGBT voices at this conference. I am deeply disappointed by her lack of concern regarding that issue.

I felt that it would only be fair to get a statement from someone representing the conference with regard to this. Speaking with Outreach Coordinator Charlotte Capogna, I emphasized my gratitude for the willingness to dialogue around LGBT issues that she and the Women in Media organizers and presenters had shown. Her willingness to admit that this is an area that needs work has endeared her to me forever. I am also grateful to the young lesbian who was working at the information table on the Mezzanine. I did not get her name, but she was very helpful and sweet.

Hopefully I will have time to write more tomorrow or Monday. For now, I must call it a night.

National Conference on Media Reform

www.freepress.net

Thursday, January 11, 2007

12:35 pm

I am bored stiff as I fly via Northwest Airlines to Memphis for the National Conference on Media Reform hosted by Free Press.

As I waited with my partner, Sam, to board my flight at the McGee-Tyson Airport, three young adults sat immediately behind us, engaged in a rather loud conversation. Even I with my severe hearing impairment could understand enough of what was said to gather that the young woman doing most of the talking was affiliated in some way with the Knoxville Police Department (KPD.) She began describing the recent prostitution stings that KPD conducted along Magnolia Avenue in East Knoxville, a street well known for such activity.

Her diatribe consisted of a blatantly slanted account of the stings lauding the poor police officers who were sent to this area to do the work they were paid by the taxpayers to do. Her unspoken complaint was imbedded in her description of the “little old ladies” who repeatedly requested that their neighborhood be cleared of these people with careful note that there was really noting law enforcement could do about it. In addition to attesting to the futility of these stings, her sympathy for the police officers who had to the this work oozed like honey from every word she uttered.

I could no longer resist. I reached for a business card and turned around, offering it to her as I introduced myself. I pointed out that I was familiar with the stings in question and highlighted the fact that the names of the men having sex with men who were arrested in Tyson Park were named on the air by WVLT-TV in Knoxville.

She immediately retorted that that was the fault of “the media.” I returned fire stating that the only “media” doing this was the most conservative station in the area. You know, the one that included a segment by Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family fame in each evening news broadcast.

I turned around and stewed in my juices until I remembered that the Chief Information Officer for KPD, Darrell Debusk, was a recent guest on the Halerin Hilton Hill morning radio talk show on WNOX Newstalk 100, local Reich Wing radio station. During his appearance, he read the names of the 15 men previously arrested at Tyson Park, He did not ready any names associated with the Magnolia Avenue stings.

She stared at me, apparently speechless, as I leveled the whole spiel of information at her that I had gathered during my background research for an Equality Herald article, also carried on Out and About Newspaper’s Web site.

She remained speechless, staring. Her companions turned around to see this woman, middle-aged grandmother, who knew statistics about men who have anonymous sex in public places. You see, I could not resist letting them know that these men are mostly married and heterosexual.

9:59 pm

After a frustrating beginning during which I practically had to wring a neck or two to get someone to show me where the elevators were, I finally got registered and got cleared for press credentials.

After an exhausting day, I was hungry and found that Memphis has a trolley system that, for $1/ride, will “carry you” to Beale Street and other destinations. As I stood awaiting the trolley, I found a lovely trio consisting of two young women from New York City, one an academic and one a broadcast journalism activist, along with their friend, a man from Seattle. We rode the trolley and met up with their friends at the famous Rendezvous Ribs. Our waiter was the very chap pictured on their Web site. His playful gruff manner made it even more fun.

The friends that had joined us were all from Canada. We had wonderful conversation about everything from kids to Dubya to the Alcan Highway. They were all sweet, interesting people who were patient with the deaf old lady from Knoxville.

NYU prof slams Dobson for "distorting" research

Letter released by Truth Wins Out ED Wayne Besen


In a press release issued by Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen, a letter written by New York University psychology professor Carol Gilligan blasts Focus on the Family's James Dobson for "distorting" her research in a recently released Time magazine article on Mary Cheney's pregnancy. The letter, provided by Truth Wins Out, articulates Gilligan's displeasure with Dobson's use of her research to underpin his conclusions that same-sex couples cannot provide a positive family environment in which to raise children. Her position is stated in no uncertain terms.

Dear Dr. Dobson:

I am writing to ask that you cease and desist from quoting my research in the future. I was mortified to learn that you had distorted my work this week in a guest column you wrote in Time Magazine. Not only did you take my research out of context, you did so without my knowledge to support discriminatory goals that I do not agree with. What you wrote was not truthful and I ask that you refrain from ever quoting me again and that you apologize for twisting my work.

From what I understand, this is not the first time you have manipulated research in pursuit of your goals. This practice is not in the best interest of scientific inquiry, nor does bearing false witness serve your purpose of furthering morality and strengthening the family.

Finally, there is nothing in my research that would lead you to draw the stated conclusions you did in the Time article. My work in no way suggests same-gender families are harmful to children or can't raise these children to be as healthy and well adjusted as those brought up in traditional households.

I trust that this will be the last time my work is cited by Focus on the Family.

Sincerely,

Carol Gilligan, PhD
New York University, Professor

Dobson's article entitled "Two Mommies is One Too Many" released Monday, December 10. was a guest column for the industry giant. This is not the first instance of Time giving Dobson a platform for hate speech.

Dobson is the Founder and Board Chair of Focus on the Family, a right-wing group seen by many as dedicated to perpetuating patriarchal nuclear families with the traditional heterosexual couple with children to the exclusion of all other family constellations. They are headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Their mission (from their Web site) -

To cooperate with the Holy Spirit in disseminating the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible, and, specifically, to accomplish that objective by helping to preserve traditional values and the institution of the family.

"No reputable media outlet should continue using Focus on the Family as a resource because they are chronically dishonest and lack credibility," says Besen. "James Dobson should start to wonder if there is something inherently wrong with his stance on gay issues if the only way he can support his positions is outright lying."

Truth Wins OUT is a non-profit organization that counters right wing propaganda, exposes the "ex-gay" myth and educates America about gay life. For more information, visit www.TruthWins.Out.org.

Sears buys ads on LOGO

American Family Association issues Action Alert in protest

by Beth Maples-Bays

The American Family Association issued an Action Alert this morning urging members to call and write Sears regarding their purchase of ads on LOGO, a cable network devoted to LGBT programming.

Sears’ public relations spokesperson declined to comment and refused to be identified. He states that Sears buys advertising across the spectrum of available markets. He pointed out that it is Sears’ policy not to comment on present or future marketing strategies. They are aware of the AFA Action Alert.

From the AFA Action Alert:

Sears has thrown its support to the LOGO network. LOGO is the 24-hour cable television network dedicated to programming for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders according to a homosexual advertising website. It is carried on many cable systems around the country. Many of you have been forced to accept it as part of your cable package. Sears is now helping to make it mainstream!

Sear's advertising will help LOGO air shows like "Sex 2K Drag Kings," "The Gayest and Greatest of 2006," and "Transgeneration."

Sears advertising (two-minute infomercials) will go to help the fledging network get on firm financial ground. Sears advertising is financing LOGO's push to legalize homosexual marriage in addition to promoting the homosexual lifestyle.

Sears is owned by Kmart Corporation.

Sears will be hearing from the Religious Reich on this. We need to let them know that we appreciate their support for our community.

Take Action

1. Send an email to Sears asking them to cancel their advertising on LOGO.

2. Call your local Sears store and ask why Sears is supporting the homosexual network with its advertising.

3. Forward this email to your friends and family.

Click Here to Send Your Email to Sears Now!

Aylwin B. Lewis, President

Sears Holdings

3333 Beverly Road

Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Primary Phone: 847-286-2500

Secondary Phone: 1-800-549-4505

Fax: 847-286-7829

E-Mail: Aylwin B. Lewis, Sears Holdings