On June 22, we at Queerty followed a tip on Facebook and reported that the Batesville Guard, a local Arkansas newspaper, omitted the surviving same-sex partner from his late partner’s obituary. The general manager of the paper told us that “It’s not a gay thing. We don’t list unmarried couples, in-laws, or pets in the free obituaries.”
Well, GLAAD picked up on our piece and jumped into action. Director of Communications at GLAAD, Rich Ferrarro writes:
GLAAD, like Queerty, reached out to the paper to address this awful injustice. The paper is now in the process of re-writing the obituary policy, to ensure this would never happen again. The paper accepted GLAAD’s offer to provide suggestions on how to improve their policy to recognize the dignity of gay people.
The paper’s spokesperson, Oscar Jones, told GLAAD, “When a gay person loses their partner, the loss is no less, and they need to be treated the same.” He expressed sympathy for Mr. James, and stated an interest in apologizing to him directly if given the opportunity.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
GLAAD has asked the paper to re-run Mr. Millican’s obituary and to include his partner’s name.
In the hot mess of queer news, scantily clad boys, and genuine reporting that we do over here at Queerty, it warms the cockles of this blogger’s little heart to know that the world is changing, even if in small ways, at least occasionally. Please keep the news tips flowing to [email protected]. You never know what might happen.
Image via
Mike
I think it’s a little disingenuous to say you were the only ones doing work…the Center for Artistic Revolution, the GLBT rights organization in Arkansas, did a lot of work as well and were completely swept away by GLAAD wanting to snatch accolades. So I just find it disappointing that nobody wants to give credit to CAR.
Mike
But I am glad that this reached a happy ending and that Queerty did have a role in it. I also like the cute picture.
Kevin
That’s great. Good for you.
christopher di spirito
Good work, Queerty. Well done.
wade
Ya’ done good Queery and your picture is cute
wade
Should have done a spell check before I hit SEND – that would and should have been
Queerty. sorry
Cam
So what changed the General Manager of the paper’s mind? Did people call in to complain? Maybe these bigots who think their safe even in places like ARkansas are getting a rude awakening that the citizens there aren’t the bigots that people like that General Manager hope they are.
dazzer
Y’know – I like this new Queerty.
Not sure if I want to hug you yet, but if you were, like, on fire in the street, I’d definitely cross the road to piss on you to put out the flames.
TMikel
Ms. Jones has since rescinded her promise to run a free obituary and has come out with a statement that the paper owes no apology, no new obituary, etc. I have emailed her with my feelings on the subject. You can do the same at [email protected]. At the very least, we can make her life hell.
Andy
No gays or pets allowed.