The debut of WTTW-11's documentary of Chicago's LGBT community was marred by a recent bomb threat.
WTTW-11 received a bomb threat in reference to its 'Out & Proud in Chicago' program, a documentary about the history of the local LGBT community, which debuted Tues., June 3, and will air throughout the month of June.
Alexandra Silets, the show's co-producer, e-mailed Windy City Times that WTTW-11 takes threats seriously, and has increased security.
'Obviously, we are saddened by it, but we will continue to air quality programming that represents our diverse city,' Silets said.
Silets confirmed that the threat was against WTTW-11 for airing 'Out & Proud in Chicago.' Co-producer Dan Andries said the threat occurred prior to the program's premiere. He said he was uncertain whether the threat was made in a phone call or letter.
'However, it didn't spoil a great evening,' Andries said, 'and it won't spoil what we will continue to do.'
Despite the setback, the program received high ratings during its premiere, and an 'incredible response' from those who called in to pledge donations, added Andries, who worked the phones that night as calls came in.
In a statement, Michelle Kristel, producer of 'In the Life,' an LGBT documentary series that is regularly aired on WTTW-11, said, 'While this incident sadly illustrates the persistence of hatred against LGBT people, the public's response is not only heartening, but a welcomed reminder of the support for independent television that represents the full diversity of American life.'
'It is shameful and disgusting that this is how our LGBT community can be treated in Chicago,' Chicago Commission on Human Relations Chairman and Commissioner Dana Starks said in a statement. 'While we would like to believe that this kind of homophobia was a thing of the past, unfortunately it continues—this time at the expense of WTTW, Northeastern Illinois University [ which WTTW collaborated with, using its archival material ] and also the entire LGBT community.
'More than anything, this incident emphasizes the importance of providing education on the harmfulness of stereotypes which lead to discrimination—and even hate.'
The Chicago Police Department told the Chicago Tribune that it became aware of the bomb threat June 3, and is currently investigating the issue.