Get to Know Me First
In the wake of the passing of Proposition 8 in California, a new organization has emerged with the intent of challenging people's perceptions of gay marriage and pushing the message "Marriage promotes family, so support marriage equality." GetToKnowMeFirst.org is doing this through a series of television spots depicting healthy families led by same-sex couples. From their web site:
Our goal is to put these images of gay and lesbian families on the air now. Our target audience is the person who voted for Proposition 8, but may not recall how s/he voted. Many people simply have no connection to marriage equality for gays and lesbians. Our ads will put our faces, and those of our children, on the issue. They will plant a seed. Some people will understand immediately. For others, the idea will grow slowly. Ultimately, people will change their minds and support marriage equality after they get to know us.
Unfortunately, the reason they came across my radar was that Los Angeles-based KABC-TV refused to air a commercial during the Inaugural Festivities because it was viewed as "controversial" for "family viewing." The controversial ad was centered on a church-attending African-American gay couple and their five children... but after meeting with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)*, they've decided to start airing ads this Sunday night. They claim it was a matter of miscommunication that caused the problem, but whatever the case, their current statement is: "Having seen the ads, we believe these spots are suitable for airing during any day part on our schedule. Gay and lesbian families are part of our KABC family, and issues of equality are certainly not a controversial subject for us."
*Get to know me first.
I'll be curious to see what kind of difference these ads make - their next goal is to have an ad on during the Super Bowl next month! Please visit the web site and take an opportunity to learn more. Even if you don't agree with what they have to say, it's always a good idea to learn before you speak.
Oh, and here's the "controversial commercial":
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