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Monday, April 25, 2005

PrideAlive Deserves More, Not Less

Thanks to Dan for pointing out this article.

Rep. Emmer,

I imagine that, as a lawyer, you speak with fellow lawyers using different language than if you were to speak with a five-year-old child. I imagine that you speak with your significant other differently than you speak with your parents. Perhaps you talk about different things, perhaps your tone of voice is different, perhaps you are comfortable swearing around one group but not the other.

My point is that different audiences respond to different language, tone of voice and communication styles. You wouldn’t speak to an Italian in German or go to a Christian church and pray outloud to Buddha.

But that seems to be what you would like Minnesota AIDS Project and PrideAlive to do — somehow change social behavior among young gay men by speaking a foreign language. Is the language in OutSight and Shameless sexual in nature? At times, though they also deal with issues like relationships and religion and self-acceptance. Is it offensive? Probably to some people. But are its intentions good? Most definitely. And is the language appropriate to the audience? Absolutely.

I have written several pieces for OutSight. All pieces in OutSight are written by and for community members, using language and writing on topics that resonate with our community. Last I checked, I haven’t received any state funding for doing so. But I have indeed paid taxes to the state. As a taxpayer, as a gay man who sees the needs of his community, as a human who supports MAP’s mission of “stopping HIV and enhancing the well-being of those affected,” and as a marketing professional who understands the need to speak in an authentic and relevant voice to our target audience, I protest the measures you are sponsoring that would reduce funding for the Minnesota AIDS Project.

There are many pressing problems in this state. HIV infection is among them, and I can’t fathom cutting important funding simply because you are offended by some risque language.

***

Email Representative Emmer with your own thoughts. rep.tom.emmer@house.mn

Posted by Aaron on April 25, 2005 2:38 PM