A report from the front lines: Yesterday I posted this in GD:

[hedgehog]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7396910

I contacted the four major MSM outlets in Buffalo: The News, and the NBC, CBS and ABC affiliates before 9AM. (It didn't occur to me to contact FOX68).

sample e-mail:

Why aren't you covering this story:

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/01/04/NY_Woman_Stabbed_Outside_of_Club/

Shame!




Before 11AM, I received e-mails and phone calls asking for more info, and I pointed the reporters to Nicole Bauer who was directly involved in the incident and in getting the story out. Since then, the story has gotten more attention. I am proud if anything I did played a part in getting this story to the front page.

I have some important comments to make:

1. It's possible that this story was ignored because there aren't enough reporters out there and they simply didn't have the time to dig into the facts. They may have thought this was a run-of-the-mill drunken altercation and been unaware it was gay bashing.

2. It's possible some reporters thought that the victim would prefer not being identified as lesbian. This gets into the broader argument about outing people.

3. The reporters who contacted me were very upset at my implication that the story was buried because it involved gay bashing. The war is still on, but no polite middle class person wants to be known as a homophobe. That's one battle won.

So, the takeaway on this is don't assume: don't assume that the members of the MSM have all the info you have, and don't assume that they won't put the info out there if notified.

[galledgoblin]

1. the story is now the "most viewed" at Buffalo News

it seems to have struck a nerve: http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/913251.html

between that and the incident at the Galleria Mall, there's talk of braving the cold for a rally this weekend.

in any case, the MSM would not have picked up on this story without pressure, from you and the local LGBT community. thanks mom! :hug:

[hedgehog]

2. Hey - no one messes with my babies!

:grr:


Any chance of connecting with the students coming back to Buff State and UB this week-end? What about local churches that support the GLBT community? It'd be good if you had the wider community at any rally

[monmouth]

3. You did some wonderful work. Kudos...n/t

[hedgehog]

4. I still have a long way to go to make up for my ignorance in previous years.

I never engaged in gay bashing, but I didn't know know how to support my daughter properly.

[monmouth]

5. Well the community is certainly and rightfully proud of you. Your

daughter is very proud of you I'm sure. I had a wonderful co-worker who was a lesbian and she taught me a great deal about the community and the heartaches they endure on a daily basis.

[galledgoblin]

6. oh, pshaw.

you did fine, I was raised to be very self-assertive and able to stand on my own two feet with the certainty that you would be there no matter what. I get angry at anyone who shifts any sort of criticism to the parents of gays because you "did something wrong" to make us gay, because you and dad are the best parents anyone could ask for.:grouphug:

but now we're getting all mushy. :blush:

[hedgehog]

7. I didn't have Heather has Two Mommies, and neither did you

or anyone your age. You found your way yourselves and taught the rest of us.

[RetiredTrotskyite]

9. Hugs, Hedgehog.

:grouphug: I will send out positive energy for you and your daughter.

[tbyg52]

8. Thank you.

:patriot: