Dr. Phil Begins Attempt at LGBT Inclusivity and Positive Coverage

Dr. Phil whom we have called out on numerous occasions for his continued shows featuring biphobic, homophobic, and transphobic titles, topics, and guests may finally be turning the tide. Our continued efforts at demanding positive LGBT coverage seem to be paying off.

According to GLAAD Dr. Phil has consulted with them on how to deal with the topic of bisexuality on his upcoming show "Relationship Surprises" in which guests discuss their sexuality. Guests on that show include a clinical social worker who sits on the board of the American Institute of Bisexuality, and HLN's Jane Velez who is a lesbian.

"You may think you know your loved ones, but could they be hiding a secret that would shock you? Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of HLN’s Issues with Jane Valez-Mitchell and author of the new book, iWant, opens up about her struggles with alcoholism and sexual identity. Learn how she came to terms with being a lesbian, how she revealed her sexuality on a radio show and how it affects her loved ones. And, Barbara, 39, knew she was gay at the age of 13, but ever since having a child via in vitro fertilization, she finds herself having doubts. What is behind her shift in sexuality? And, a mother of a teen claiming to be bisexual wants to know if it’s just a phase. Is she harming her daughter by not supporting her sexual identity?" (Dr Phil)

This is a giant leap in the right direction, and we will continue monitoring Dr. Phil's show closely.

In the mean time...

Send your comments to Dr. Phil praising him for trying to be LGBT inclusive.

Sign our twitter petition demanding more progressive coverage on queer issues.

Dr. Phil show
5482 Wilshire Boulevard #1902
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Web Spotlight: TV Gayed

TV Gayed is brought to you by GLAAD and gives you an up to date weekly listing of all LGBT content on television. Consider it your TV guide for all things queer.

Tell Apple Computers to Pull Transphobic Ad

A new commercial by Apple mocks transgender people and attempts to make trans people seem less than and a "work in progress"

"The ad features model Gisele Bundchen, who is supposed to be the embodiment of a home movie made using iMovie. After the Mac presents Gisele, the PC presents a person wearing a dress identical to Gisele’s, in a wig, with no breasts, a five o’clock shadow and an abundance of exposed chest hair" (GLAAD).



GLAAD has reached out to Apple and urged them to pull the ad, please follow suit:
http://www.apple.com/contact/

Utah Paper Rejects Gay Couples Wedding Announcement

Spencer Jones and Tyler Barrick were married at San Francisco City Hall on June 17, 2008 and will be living in California which recognizes their marriage which was performed before the passage of proposition 8 which eliminated gay marriage. They are holding a ceremony in their hometown of St. George, Utah for their friends and family and wanted to make that announcement as many couples do in their local newspaper, The Spectrum.

The newspaper first agreed to post their ad under celebrations if it did not show the couples picture. The couple refused and were then told by publisher Donnie Welch that they would run no ad at all because Utah law does not permit same-sex marriage.

GLAAD encourages you – particularly those who live in Utah – to reach out to The Spectrum’s Donnie Welch, and urge him to publish Spencer and Tyler’s announcement and all future gay and lesbian couples.

Donnie Welch
President/Publisher, The Spectrum
435-674-6222
dwelch@thespectrum.com

Pride Month Resource Kit for Journalists

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has created 2 kits to honor the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion and for LGBT pride month for journalists to use in their coverage.

The Stonewall Kit provides an introduction, history, progress and setbacks, and information about the current status of the LGBT community.

The Pride Kit provides history, information about pride, story ideas, and terminology suggestions for accurate reporting.