Posted on 07/26/2006 8:44:15 PM PDT by dukeman
To: National Desk
Contact: Eric Hegedus, 215-840-3909 (cell) or eric@nlgjaleaders.org, or Tom Avila, 202-588-9888 ext. 17 or 202-906-9885 (cell) or tavila@nlgja.org
WASHINGTON, July 26 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following is an open letter from the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association to the news industry regarding Lance Bass' "coming out":
Dear Colleagues:
This week, many reporters will write stories about the public "coming out" of musician Lance Bass, the ‘N Sync band member who discusses his sexual orientation in the latest issue of People magazine.
Over the past year, such celebrities as WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes and "Star Trek" actor George Takei also came out, bringing substantial coverage to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. As similar stories are filed and produced in the future, the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) encourages reporters and other journalists, bloggers, columnists and media analysts to keep in mind the following recommendations for fair and accurate reporting of LGBT people:
The term "gay" is the preferred adjective that has largely replaced "homosexual" in referring to men who are sexually and affectionally attracted to other men. "Homosexual" should be used only if "heterosexual" would be used in parallel constructions, such as in medical contexts.
Whether in headlines, teases, or body copy, try to avoid using forms of the word "admit," which is typically used in the context of something shameful or illegal. Some examples of less potentially charged words are "announce," "disclose" and "say."
Also, be aware that the Associated Press Stylebook recommends avoiding the term "lifestyle" when referring to someone's sexual orientation. In this context, "lifestyle" suggests that gays and lesbians -- not to mention bisexuals and transgender people -- think and act the same way. In fact, there is no "gay lifestyle" or "alternative lifestyle" just as there is no "straight lifestyle."
NLGJA has several resources to help guide journalists who are reporting on LGBT people and issues. Please visit our Stylebook Supplement on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Terminology at http://www.nlgja.org/resources/stylebook.html , or our Journalists Toolbox at http://www.nlgja.org/resources/toolbox.html. We hope these will be useful to you in your pursuit of good journalism.
Sincerely,
Eric Hegedus, NLGJA National President
Pamela Strother, NLGJA Executive Director
I'm sure those Russian astronauts are breathing a sigh of relief that he didn't make the space journey.
"Finger-paint faster!!"
A lesson on spinning from Rumplestiltskin but it ain't gold.
I have shirts and pants in my closet and they come out when I put them on to wear.
Whew, got that off my chest. Now I feel a lot better. :-)
Why are these people so interested in describing their sexual habits to everyone all the time?
I'm sure it bothers them that so many of us just don't give a Hillary any more.
What the hell does that mean?? You must be young or new here.
YOU must be a little slow Suzy, or overly sensitive. I thought what he wrote was pretty funny!
Sounds as if you're more "affectionally attracted" to the Back Street Boys.
It is too a lifestyle,and they are proud of being "hip" and gay when it suits them(As in "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy"). It's also a lifestyle because they themselves go around defining themselves by who they have sex with. When's the last time a straight(normal)person made news by announcing that they have sex with the opposite gender?
I'm sure that the person or persons who wrote this tripe actually think that they are in control of the entire English language and its usage.
So....to ask for the 1359th time...WHY ARE THESE PEOPLE OBSESSED WITH THEIR BEDROOM ACTIVITIES? Why does it become their life, even their livelihood? Why do they think that the world should reverse its rotation because of what they get up to behind closed doors?
I think we ALL should COME OUT! What are they going to do....ask us to PROVE it?
Nah, I'm hopelessly hetero. Sorry Duke, you won't mind too many fags here, better try DU.
And to think I lamented my grandson's changing taste in music.
Isn't he that guy on Mad TV?
Sheryl Swoopes? Say it ain't so. I'm not shocked but, if this is true, I am terribly disappointed.
"Does this mean I have to stop using the term "faggoty" as in, "That guy in the pink shirt sure looks faggoty"?
No, use the term if you like SittinYonder, just be careful not to "mark" someone as gay if they wear a pink shirt. I wear a pink shirt on rare occasions but I have a pat answer for people who remark about it; e.g. "You're wearing a pink shirt?" I tell them: "I'm secure enough in my manhood, masculinity and my sexuality that I can wear a pink shirt withou fear of being thought to be a fag."
They (pink shirts) go great with a gray suit and sharp tie, by the way.
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