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, co-producer of 'Out & Proud,' told Windy City Times in an e-mail that WTTW-11 takes threats very seriously, and has since 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.'
'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 are currently investigating.
Windy City Times will continue to report details as they become available.
