Read Between the Lines

The Impact of Pop Culture Images in an Election Year

2008-05-09T18:55:29Z

An estimated 12 million viewers will tune in Sunday to the season finale of ABC's Brothers & Sisters and witness the wedding of Kevin (Matthew Rhys) and Scotty (Luke Macfarlane) in the presence of their family and friends. For fans, this is a natural progression for the couple whose relationship spans the past two years. But what’s historic is that this is the first wedding of its kind. The first.

There have been a handful of gay guest characters married in “very special episodes” over the past two decades, as well as a couple of weddings on pay cable. But this is a first for series regular characters on network television and is cause to celebrate.

Once the vows are spoken, however, there will be no ink to dry on a legal marriage license because Kevin and Scotty reside in California, not Massachusetts, which remains the only state where they could legally wed. California does possess one of the most comprehensive domestic partnership laws in the nation, but the state’s domestic partners still lack the security provided by federal protections that are provided to married straight couples, thus making it harder for committed gay couples to take care of and be responsible for each other.

Millions of gay Americans are being denied the legal protection their unions deserve, and anti-gay initiatives are currently under way in Arizona, California and Florida to put measures on the November 8 ballot that would further distance gays and lesbians from the security of marriage. Additionally, none of the presidential candidates currently support marriage for gay and lesbian couples. But the power of the media is its ability to show images of couples like Kevin and Scotty in loving, committed relationships. These images reinforce for voters that gay couples should not be prevented from being able to fully take care of one another.

This being television, and Brothers & Sisters a family drama that thrives on obstacles, there is no doubt that in coming seasons Kevin and Scotty will face their own challenges. But they will deal with them while being treated like all other couples on the show. And isn’t that all we’re asking for in real life as well?

Damon Romine is the Director of Entertainment Media

Leading Voices Call for More Media Scrutiny of Rev. John Hagee

2008-05-09T14:27:41Z

As journalists continue to discuss the relationship between Sen. Barack Obama and his controversial former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright, prominent voices in the media are asking why the connection between Sen. John McCain and anti-gay televangelist Rev. John Hagee isn’t receiving equal attention in the news.

After Rev. Hagee again defended his contention that Hurricane Katrina was caused by God’s anger over New Orleans hosting of a gay pride parade, the May 8 edition of MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann replayed audio of Rev. Hagee’s extreme anti-gay comments and raised the question of why Sen. McCain’s relationship with the televangelist is not being widely scrutinized by the media. On the program, host Keith Olbermann talked with Washington Post columnist and associate editor Eugene H. Robinson about the unequal media coverage of Rev. Wright and Rev. Hagee. Robinson opined that a lack of diversity amongst leading journalists could be a reason that many reporters are not recognizing the newsworthiness of Rev. Hagee’s incendiary anti-gay views.

In addition to Olbermann, New York Times columnist Frank Rich devoted his May 4 column to address what he perceived to be a racially motivated double standard in the media coverage of the relationships between Sen. Obama and Rev. Wright and between Sen. McCain and Rev. Hagee. Noting Rev. Hagee’s anti-gay comments, Rich argued “If we’re to judge black candidates on their most controversial associates — and how quickly, sternly and completely they disown them — we must judge white politicians by the same yardstick.”

National journalists aren’t alone in raising questions about Rev. Hagee’s endorsement of Sen. McCain. Noting Rev. Hagee’s anti-gay rhetoric, Denver Post op-ed writer Gail Schoettler penned a May 7 piece concluding, “We need to look just as closely at the words of other ministers who preach contempt and hate. In this election year, maybe America will begin to hold all vicious preachers accountable for their loathsome words.”

With people such as Olbermann, Robinson, Rich and Schoettler calling on the media to hold Rev. Hagee accountable for his hateful anti-gay statements, it’s time for more journalists to ask Sen. McCain why he refuses to dissociate with him.

Cindi Creager is Director of National News

Change in Our Communities, One Step at a Time

2008-05-07T20:56:22Z

All week the media have reported on the importance of the North Carolina and Indiana primaries, but for the LGBT community, other Election ’08 issues took the spotlight. Though each of the following four people and events did not garner the national attention the way the primaries did, they did make waves in local news.

In Virginia, the first openly gay black candidate was elected. Lawrence Webb won a seat on the Falls Church City Council. For such an historic event, it was barely covered in mainstream press. National LGBT and local mainstream blogs however, reported on Webb’s win.

Over in Ohio, the Cleveland Plain Dealer took notice of 18-year-old Kate Snyder, who founded her high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), and was recently chosen to be one of the six delegates representing her district at the Democratic National Convention.

Openly gay Portland mayoral hopeful Sam Adams was endorsed by The Oregonian on Sunday. Adams currently serves as City Commissioner.

And in Illinois, the State-Journal Register reported that the anti-gay group “Protect Marriage Illinois” failed to get their signatures and paperwork in order by Monday’s deadline, stalling their marriage ban efforts another two years. The Windy City Times also reported on the issue today.

The historic Webb victory, the young pro-LGBT Ohio delegate, Adams’ run for Portland mayor, and the absence of an anti-marriage measure on the Illinois ballot all speak to our changing culture. In the LGBT movement, we’ve seen these kinds of important changes on the local level, which has moved the conversation about these issues forward in communities across the country. Local victories are important and reflective, and notably: none of these issues were reported sensationally. Local press has taken these victories in stride, paving the way for coverage of future movement triumphs on a larger scale.

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy

Media Leave LGBT Voters Out of the Equation in NC, IN Primary Coverage

2008-05-06T16:54:00Z

LGBT viewers will notice that the media are reporting on today’s primaries in North Carolina and Indiana a bit differently than their predecessors. The coverage so far has given little or no time to LGBT issues or LGBT voters.

When the Ohio and Texas primaries took place on March 4, we saw Sen. Barack Obama take out large-scale advertisements in Ohio’s and Texas’ LGBT press, and publish an open letter to the LGBT community. The week before, we saw Sen. Hillary Clinton also reach out, giving interviews with publications like the Gay People's Chronicle. Though coverage of this phenomenon was largely relegated to LGBT newspapers and blogs, by the time the Pennsylvania primary rolled around, mainstream press picked up on the voices of these voters. National cable TV outlets, as well as local Pennsylvania press, picked up on Chelsea Clinton’s trips to local gay bars, and her campaigning for LGBT votes in the state. The Patriot-News featured a story on why LGBT voters were voting for one candidate over another.

The coverage today of the presidential primaries has neglected the LGBT community as a segment of the voting population, despite both Clinton and Obama’s outreach to North Carolina and Indiana LGBT press. For answers on why LGBT voters were given much more attention in the Pennsylvania primary versus those happening today, one simple suggestion from The Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, Jr., may suffice: “The gay vote is not a priority for Clinton in today's primary [in North Carolina] or in Indiana.” During last Tuesday’s debate, the media ignored LGBT issues that came up. Perhaps journalists are not viewing the LGBT community as a viable voting bloc. However, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times did spend time discussing the anti-gay implications of North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley’s use of the word “pansy” in his speech in support of Clinton. Stay tuned for media coverage of LGBT voters in the May 13 primaries in Nebraska and West Virginia.

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy

Democratic Candidates Talk with LGBT Press in North Carolina, Indiana

2008-05-02T21:38:04Z

With Tuesday’s primaries just around the corner, Sen. Barack Obama recently did his first interview for a local North Carolina LGBT outlet. In his interview with Q-Notes, Obama highlighted his outreach to the community in Pennsylvania and his “longstanding commitment to LGBT equality.” Q-Notes also asked Obama’s advisor, Eric Stern, if Obama would ever be willing to apologize for anti-gay statements made by Donnie McClurkin while he stumped for the presidential candidate in South Carolina. Stern responded by saying that Obama was clear that he disagrees with McClurkin’s views.

Indiana’s LGBT community pulled together to interview the presidential hopefuls this week too. Reality Magazine, along with bloomingOUT radio, The Bloomington Beacon, The Letter, LGBT statewide advocacy organization Indiana Equality and The Word, all submitted questions for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Obama. Northeast Indiana LGBT outlet Reality Magazine published the interviews. Both candidates addressed the same set of questions, which consisted almost entirely of their stances on pending and existing legislation, such as the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and hate crimes protections. The interviews were lengthy, but gave little insight that LGBT folks interested in either candidate probably hadn’t heard before.

When Obama took out large-scale advertisements in Ohio and Texas’ LGBT press earlier this year, the community took notice. Though The Advocate ran a short story announcing the Indiana and North Carolina interviews, it has not hit the LGBT blogs and news sites the way Obama and Clinton’s previous LGBT outreach efforts have. Despite the fact that these new interviews have not had the same widespread impact, it’s commendable that both candidates are continuing to work to make sure that their stances on LGBT issues are reaching stakeholders.

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy

Media Ignores Dialogue About Gay Issues During Important Debate

2008-05-01T20:35:31Z

In an April 29^th debate, North Carolina’s two main contenders for the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, State Sen. Kay Hagan and openly gay candidate Jim Neal, faced off in a heated exchange. Neal attacked Sen. Hagan for accepting contributions from political action committees. Sen. Hagan responded that she challenges “anyone to question my integrity.” Sen. Hagan is trying to portray herself as the most experienced candidate with the best chance of beating incumbent U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole in the general election. Meanwhile, Neal has branded himself as the anti-establishment candidate, who is not beholden to special interests.

The candidates were asked about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and hate crime legislation. Sen. Hagan, who has been accused of equivocating when questioned about LGBT issues, said we should repeal DADT and that she supports hate crime legislation. Neal has been vocal on both issues throughout the campaign, repeatedly stating his strong support for LGBT equality. Unfortunately, Sen. Hagan’s remarks were mainly left out of the mainstream media’s coverage of the debate. The News & Observer’s article made no mention of her statements. Similarly, the Associated Press story excluded their exchange on gay issues.

Now that Sen. Hagan is finally speaking about important legislation impacting the LGBT community, it is requisite that the media inform the public on exactly where she stands on these issues, so that North Carolinians can make a fully informed decision when casting their vote.

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy

Blurring the Lines between News and Entertainment

2008-05-01T16:40:37Z

Over the past few months, cable and network news programs have been asking why Sen. John McCain’s campaign pursued the endorsement of anti-gay televangelist John Hagee. Media scrutiny of the Rev. Hagee reached a wider audience on ABC’s popular daytime talk show The View on April 30. During a heated exchange between co-hosts Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck about the political relevance of Sen. Barack Obama’s relationship with controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright, Behar quoted the Rev. Hagee’s statement that God’s anger at New Orleans for having a gay pride parade caused Hurricane Katrina.

After giving the audience the opportunity to hear the Rev. Hagee’s incendiary quote word for word, Behar questioned why his relationship to Sen. McCain hasn’t received the same attention and criticism as the Rev. Wright’s relationship to Sen. Obama. Though the hosts of The View often engage in political debates, this is the first time that involved discussion of the Rev. Hagee’s anti-gay statement has taken place on a daytime TV talk show.

The conversation on The View brought close scrutiny of Hagee’s comments to a much broader audience, and prompted Alan Colmes to ask guest pundits on the April 30episode of Fox News’ Hannity & Colmes –which featured a clip from The View—to respond to the same issues that Behar addressed. In this unique election climate, it’s not uncommon for the lines between hard news and entertainment to be increasingly blurred, underscoring the degree to which a wider variety of media outlets are shaping public perception of all of the candidates.

Cindi Creager is Director of National News

North Carolina Governor Uses Word With Anti-Gay Connotations When Endorsing Sen. Clinton

2008-04-30T15:14:06Z

Controversy was sparked by the remarks of North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley during his April 29 public endorsement of Sen. Hillary Clinton for president. With Sen. Clinton standing next to him at North Carolina State University, Gov. Easley told the crowd “…this lady right here makes Rocky Balboa look like a pansy.” Gov. Easley’s use of the word “pansy,” which Webster’s Dictionary defines as “[Slang] an effeminate man; esp., an effeminate male homosexual: often a contemptuous term,” was taken by some people to be an anti-gay slur. In the wake of Gov. Easley’s remarks, GLAAD issued a statement of concern about his decision to use a word with anti-gay connotations to endorse Sen. Clinton. The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times have also noted that many bloggers have been debating about the anti-gay implications of Gov. Easley’s use of the word "pansy" and questioning why Sen. Clinton, a supporter of many LGBT issues, hasn’t issued a statement about it. Additionally, Keith Olbermann on MSNBC’s Countdown discussed Gov. Easley’s offensive choice of words. As discussion about Gov. Easley’s remarks continues, the media may be asking Sen. Clinton tougher questions in the coming days about her response to Gov. Easley’s remarks.

Cindi Creager is Director of National News

Arizona Stories Should Reflect Real People, Not Politics

2008-04-28T19:27:51Z

The Arizona House of Representatives has recently passed a constitutional amendment proposal to limit marriage to exclude gay people in that state. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Unfortunately, the media has thus far only been covering a piece of legislation, without exploring the real-life impacts such an amendment would have on gay and transgender citizens of the state.

The media has an obligation to talk to gay and transgender people in Arizona and to address this proposal in ways beyond the legislative mechanisms and vote tallies, but rather to address the day-to-day realities of those who will be affected by this type of legislation.

Arizona media deserves credit where it is due for staying on top of this important election-year story affecting LGBT people. However, so far reports have fallen short of distinguishing between LGBT issues being used as a divisive measure, and the real-life impact such divisiveness has on everyday Arizonans.

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy

Young Religious Voters Increasingly Motivated by Social Justice Concerns Rather Than Anti-Gay Sentiment

2008-04-28T15:12:28Z

Too often, the media portrays all religious voters as adamantly opposed to candidates who support equality for LGBT Americans. As the Associated Press recently reported, the reality is far more complex. According to the AP, a growing number of young people of faith are finding issues of social justice—such as the alleviation of poverty and strife—significantly more important than divisive issues such as the prohibition of marriage for gay and lesbian people. Reflecting the unpredictability and diversity of the voting preferences of young religious people, a Feb. 2008 Barna Group study revealed that 40 percent of likely born-again Americans plan to vote for a Democratic candidate and 29 percent plan to vote for a Republican candidate in November 2008. These results contrast with the 2000 and 2004 elections when born-again voters were more likely to support a Republican candidate. “The religious voice in politics is not one unified voice,” said Beau Underwood, a student at the University of Chicago Divinity School. “There are times when the media paints a very narrow picture of the religiously minded voter as being very conservative and fundamentalist. People and groups who don’t fit that stereotype aren’t given the same amount of attention.” Refreshingly, some media outlets—such as ABC News—have been paying increasing attention to the fact that younger religious voters are more diverse and progressive--and less motivated by anti-gay sentiment--than previous generations.

Cindi Creager is Director of National News

FL Media Overlooks Other Side of the Seniors Story

2008-04-25T15:51:29Z

An April 17^th article published in the Florida Sun-Sentinel provided a rather one-sided story on Florida marriage ban supporters' new campaign, Yes2Marriage, which is bussing seniors around the state to hold press events and speak with voters. The piece talks to a couple that is supportive of the ban, but provides no viewpoint from those who might lose basic rights if the amendment is passed. There are seniors in Florida who are deeply concerned that a constitutional amendment barring legal unions other than marriage between one man and one woman could jeopardize their domestic partnership. Many older couples enter into this type of union because they do want to remarry after the loss of their husband or wife. Unfortunately, their voices are silent in this article.

The only statement opposing the amendment is from a Florida Red and Blue spokesperson. It is certainly important that the other perspective is included, but again, it is not a quote from someone directly impacted by what’s being discussed in the story.

It is essential the media include the stories of those affected by amendments like the Florida ballot initiative. Readers need to hear about the real world consequences of anti-gay legislation, which can break up families and deny couples the right to raise children with love and responsibility.

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy

Media Looks At Long-Term Implications of a Potential McCain Presidency

2008-04-24T15:52:56Z

In an April 23 Op-Ed in The Ithaca Journal, Christopher Latimer, a political scientist and openly gay Republican, raised issues surrounding John McCain’s candidacy as it relates to LGBT voters that haven’t been fully discussed in the media before.

While McCain gets mixed reviews from conservatives and liberals on his general voting record, little has been reported on the long-term consequences for the LGBT community with regard to potential McCain appointments.

A key argument that hasn’t been raised during this election cycle with regard to any of the candidates for President is the impact that their appointments will have on LGBT Americans. Latimer discusses the wide latitude that an Attorney General has in deciding which discrimination cases are pursued at the federal level and notes that given McCain’s opposition to an inclusive hate crimes law and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, it’s unlikely that a McCain appointee serving in such a critical role would be an advocate for the LGBT community.

Even more significant would be the lasting impact that a new justice on the Supreme Court would have. McCain voted for the confirmations of Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito – both of whom haven’t voted on any cases that are significant for the LGBT community but have generally sided with Justices Scalia and Thomas on many cases that are related to social issues. President Bush has railed against ‘activist judges’ and McCain has seemed to take the same verbal posture when it comes to discussing potential nominees to the court.

It’s critical that the media continue to look beyond the voting records of the individual candidates to the long-term repercussions that Presidential appointees will have for the LGBT community.

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy

Threat of Anti-Gay Ballot Measure Looms in California

2008-04-23T18:59:50Z

The Associated Press reported that anti-gay groups claim to have collected enough signatures to place a constitutional amendment banning marriage for gay and lesbian couples on California’s November ballot.

Proponents of the measure say they have exceeded the 1.1 million signatures needed to qualify for the ballot, however, they haven’t revealed the exact amount of signatures they’ve actually gathered. They are expected to deliver the petitions this week ahead of the April 28 deadline with the Secretary of State’s signature verification process to follow.

Oftentimes when the media covers anti-gay ballot campaigns, anti-gay extremists tend to dominate the coverage with their controversial, sensational positions. But in California the coverage seems more nuanced. Rather than simply allowing ballot measure proponents to claim their victory unchallenged, the story presents a more complicated picture.

And the story didn’t relegate LGBT advocacy groups to the standard one quote response. Instead, they were able to deliver powerful messages suggesting that despite the potentially successful signature drive, anti-gay groups are likely out of step with mainstream California voters. Hopefully if the ballot measure does, in fact, appear on the November ballot, the media will continue to provide a thorough analysis of where Californians stand on this issue and look at how the amendment would have an impact on LGBT families.

Paul Karr is Directory of Media Field Strategy

The Media Reflects Diversity of LGBT Voters in PA Primary

2008-04-22T15:37:33Z

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s campaigns have been visibly courting LGBT voters in Pennsylvania in the few final days leading up to today’s primary. The media have focused attention on the LGBT electorate with prominent stories in different regional and national outlets, picking up on why LGBT voters support who they support, and highlighting each campaign’s LGBT outreach strategies.

LGBT press reported heavily on Chelsea Clinton’s Friday night out at Philadelphia’s gay bars. She was accompanied by prominent Clinton supporter and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. But Chelsea’s night out wasn’t all the media saw. National cable TV outlets, as well as local Pennsylvania press, picked up on her recent walking-tour, where she campaigned for gay and lesbian votes. Mainstream and gay outlets both covered Chelsea interacting with the community in a more social setting, and were just as interested in her more traditional campaigning.

Monday’s Patriot-News featured a story on why LGBT voters were voting for one candidate over another. Nearly all of the coverage focusing on the LGBT Pennsylvania electorate has explored the reasons behind why individual voters are supporting their candidates.

According to the Patriot-News piece, LGBT voters seem to be expressing personal preferences that aren’t related to the candidates’ positions on LGBT issues, but rather broader issues like health care, the economy or the war in Iraq. As we have seen from the beginning of this election season, journalists are framing LGBT issues (like marriage for gay and lesbian couples) as larger social issues. In return, the media are reflecting the diversity of LGBT voters, and reporting on the fact that LGBT voters care about issues across the board, and that voters across the board care about LGBT issues.

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy

Keith Olbermann Encourages Questions About John McCain’s Relationship with Rev. John Hagee

2008-04-21T19:30:08Z

On April 18, Keith Olbermann of MSNBC's Countdown proposed several tough questions for ABC News' George Stephanopoulos to ask Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain during their then upcoming April 20 interview on This Week. Encouraging Stephanopoulos to press Sen. McCain on his association with anti-gay televangelist John Hagee, Olbermann posed the cutting question: "...you proudly accepted the endorsement of Pastor John Hagee, who wants the U.S. to start a nuclear war as part of the apocalypse, who called Catholicism the great whore, and who said Katrina was God's punishment of New Orleans for holding, quote, 'a homosexual parade.' Senator McCain, does Pastor Hagee love Catholics, Muslims, New Orleans, gay people, parades and life on earth as we know it as much as you do?"

Not surprisingly, Stephanopoulos didn't use such strong language on This Week when he addressed Rev. Hagee's support of Sen. McCain. Instead, Stephanopoulos asked Sen. McCain if "it was a mistake to solicit and accept [Hagee’s] endorsement." Sen. McCain replied "oh, probably, sure," but went on to say that he's "glad to have his endorsement" Unfortunately, Stephanopoulos did not follow Olbermann's suggestion and ask Sen. McCain to further explain why he’s still glad to have the support of a man who is well known for his extreme anti-gay rhetoric.

Cindi Creager is Director of National News