March 7, 2005 – WASHINGTON, DC – The Family Pride Coalition -- the only national non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents and their families -- has announced it will broadcast online the “controversial” episode of PBS’ popular children’s program “Postcards from Buster.”
The program features Buster, an animated character who visits real-life families, exploring the diversity of America. But in the episode entitled “Sugartime!,” a storm of controversy ignited after U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings denounced the program because it featured children whose parents are lesbians. The Family Pride Coalition will make “Sugartime!” available to all families for one week, from March 7-13 at http://buster.familypride.org. Family Pride also hopes to raise awareness of the subject matter surrounding the program, while also generating support from the public in defending the dignity and integrity of all families.
In conjunction with the online broadcast, Family Pride will launch a “Virtual Rally” on Thurs., March 10 to defend family diversity around the country. Those interested in participating are asked to contact the Department of Education by phone, e-mail or fax, voicing their disapproval of Secretary Spellings’ actions against “Postcards from Buster” and demand she recant her incendiary remarks against LGBT-headed families. To participate in the rally, users can get more information by logging onto http://buster.familypride.org.
The controversy began late January when Spellings issued a strongly-worded letter denouncing PBS and the producers of “Postcards from Buster” for featuring a family with two moms, declaring, “Many parents would not want their young children exposed to the lifestyles portrayed in the episode.”
At the center of the debate are the two mothers, Gillian Pieper and Karen Pike, who have become both a target of hate by anti-gay groups, as well as the inspiration for increased activism among LGBT parents across the country. In a joint statement released by the couple, Pieper and Pike expressed their dismay toward Secretary Spellings’ stance, touching on the heart of the issue that has affected their family so personally.
“This issue is not about sexual behavior. This issue is all about the children. All children, from all families, must be made to feel valid and accepted. No child is too young to teach about love and inclusiveness, tolerance and unity. Knowledge is power. Let our kids learn about the world they live in so that they can grow up and believe that America is home to everyone, and not just people who are like themselves,” they said.
In addition to streaming the “Sugartime!” episode online, the Family Pride Coalition has also initiated an aggressive advocacy campaign to educate and inform the public about same-sex parenting. Featuring the slogan -- “Love & Hate are four-letter words. Which do you want your child saying?” -- Family Pride has begun a wide-reaching wild posting and postcard campaign designed to make people realize what exactly is at stake in this debate. The Family Pride Coalition is also producing a public service announcement featuring openly gay U.S. Congressman Barney Frank; openly gay actor, author and father B.D. Wong and others addressing the importance of defending diversity.
More information about the Family Pride Coalition can be found on their website at www.familypride.org. Press and media materials can be downloaded from http://64.170.176.220/buster/index02.html.
The Family Pride Coalition is the only national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents and their families.