By Joseph S. Amster

Op/Ed Counterpoint

In counterpoint to Karen Ocamb’s Op/Ed in issue 9.10, L.A. Gays Not Statistically Significant, I believe there are other reasons why there was little coverage of Christopher Street West in the Los Angeles Times. As a reporter and editor, I believe that after 36 years of gay pride parades in Los Angeles, the event is simply no longer newsworthy outside of the gay press. Given that, the Times, did run two large pictures of the event on page 2 of their California section, which took up nearly a quarter page. Other ethnic parades and festivals (Chinese and Thai New Year's, Martin Luther King Day, Little Tokyo's Nisei Week, and the downtown Latino Festival on Broadway) don't warrant much coverage either, so it begs the question, why do we? Those other minorities have been historically, at least, as oppressed as we are (some would argue more due to slavery, immigration rights, and internment during World War II), so are these demands for press coverage the “special rights” the right wing often accuses us of asking for? The Times does, however, routinely cover LGBT and HIV/AIDS-related stories. Recent examples include the debate within the Episcopal Church regarding the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy, as well as a front-page story on June 27 about a study that may have proven yet another genetic component for sexual orientation. Much of the print media (although not the Times) have also done excellent reporting about the 25th anniversary of AIDS.

There was a time when history was made at the parade, but those days are long gone, as well as the activism that made those times historic. Direct activism is dead—we now occupy the corridors of power and fight for our rights through the legislative process instead of taking to the streets. Although Police Chief Bratton and Sheriff Baca marching in the parade with other peace officers was significant, the LAPD and L.A. County Sheriff’s Department have had contingents in the parade for years. Also, the press was probably unaware of Bratton and Baca's plans to march in the parade, as it appears no press releases were issued by the Sheriff's Department, the LAPD, or Christopher Street West. There's also the changed message of the parade. As much as those of us who remember what the parade stood for would like that message remembered, few who now participate and watch the parade know that it commemorates a riot and the birth of our civil rights movement—to them, it's a big party. Those of us who grew up remembering what Stonewall meant can scream as much as we want about the younger generation's lack of knowledge of their history, but it's not going to change the situation—it's time we accept that reality.

To the point of KCET no longer celebrating Gay Pride Month with a block of programming, perhaps part of the blame is due to the current political climate, but I believe it's also because of a different media landscape. Today, we have two networks, here! and Logo, dedicated exclusively to LGBT programming. In addition, other channels like Bravo feature shows of gay interest. Gay issues are routinely debated on the numerous 24-hour cable news channels, and the Internet is a vast resource of LGBT history and information.

I am pleased to hear that the L.A. Times is considering using the gay and lesbian community as a demographic in November's election, and we must be vigilant that they do. I am also disappointed that this hasn't been done in the past. However, I do not believe the local news media is ignoring our community. Often, we are not doing a good job of getting our message across to the media and coming up with innovative ways to package stories. When there is a story that warrants coverage, like a court ruling, an important piece of legislation being vetoed or signed into law, or a study being released, I expect and see coverage in the Times and other media outlets. That's the nature of news: Given the limited amount of space in a newspaper or time in a broadcast, only the most important stories rise to the top.

Joseph S. Amster is regional editor of IN Los Angeles magazine.