Occasionally we're asked about the importance of LGBT media: given how coverage of LGBT issues have improved in mainstream outlets, are LGBT publications still relevant to the gay community? As long as discrimination and challenges exist gay papers and magazines will continue to be a vital resource for the community. For the most part, reporters and editors are community members themselves, and bring an awareness to LGBT issues that straight reporters don't always possess. The Bay Area Reporter strives to adhere to the same professional, journalistic standards as our mainstream counterparts, as do many other LGBT periodicals. Just as important is the fact that LGBT journalists can cover any issue – gay or otherwise – in a professional manner.
Which is why we are glad that CNN anchor Anderson Cooper came out last week. It was not a big shock: most people either thought he was already out or suspected he was gay. But it's important for mainstream America to see an out professional deliver the news, talk to people on his daytime show, and report stories for CBS' venerable newsmagazine 60 Minutes . Howard Kurtz, the media critic who hosts CNN's Reliable Sources, isn't so sure it's important. "Why do we need to know if someone is gay?" he posed on his Sunday show.
It's necessary for the same reasons that we have gay entertainers, gay authors, gay politicians, gay judges, and yes, gay reporters. We do not expect anyone to be all-gay all the time, but the general public needs to know we exist in all facets of life. Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank, who recently married his partner, rose to become one of the most powerful politicians on Capitol Hill – but it wasn't because he's gay. It was due to his expertise in banking and finance issues and his talent for crafting legislation. Same for Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin; the Wisconsin Democrat is an important voice for LGBT rights but also on broader issues like health care.
Every time a public figure opens that closet door, more Americans will get a glimpse of the real person. Not too long ago it would have been unfathomable and quite risky for a celebrity like Ellen DeGeneres to be an out lesbian who is loved by her studio audience of mostly straight women and able to stand up for equal rights. Just as other minorities have earned positions of power and influence, out LGBT people are equally accomplished. And by being open and authentic, these out leaders send a message to young people who may be exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity that it's okay to be out, and it's possible to be successful and contribute to society in whatever way they choose.
The other neat thing about Cooper's coming out was how unremarkable it was. No pre-planned interview with a major outlet or publication, just his matter-of-fact answer to an email from gay blogger Andrew Sullivan, who was seeking a response from Cooper on the latest trend of celebrities coming out more matter-of-factly.
In his note, Cooper pointed out that he has long been out to friends and family, and didn't really think it was anyone's business. But, he added, he does find value in standing up and being counted.
Cooper also said that he is not an activist, which is appropriate given that he is a journalist. Some public figures don't want to be labeled "gay activist" and that's their right. People shouldn't assume that because someone is LGBT that they are pushing an agenda.
Kudos to Cooper for coming out on his own terms.
Censorship in Fremont
The Fremont Unified School District board in the East Bay is busy censoring reading materials for advanced placement high school English classes. According to an article in the Oakland Tribune , the board nixed out lesbian Dorothy Allison's Bastard Out of Carolina, a semiautobiographical novel about horrific childhood abuse. Last year the board voted to forbid Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Angels in America , which is about AIDS. Apparently, some school board members feel the subject matter is too graphic for "vulnerable children."
But deeper in the article the board president suggests that Angels in America does not portray Mormons positively and might offend some students.
So here is a school board that has determined that two literary works contain mature themes that are too advanced for high school students to handle, even as these very students have most likely been exposed to more violence on television, in the movies, and in video games – not to mention real life episodes. Here's a news flash for the Fremont board members who voted against these books being taught: today's high school students don't need to be protected from highly regarded works of literature. Teacher Teri Hu should be commended for trying to teach her students difficult subjects that will be challenging and meaningful. Censorship should be avoided in any school, especially in the Bay Area.