Radio stations KMPS and KMTT first agreed to run the ads, then pulled them off the air. "Our research showed that lesbians were unaware of the risks they were taking by not getting these health screenings -- hence the ads," said Director of Public Health Dr. Alonzo Plough. "We were appalled. It's no wonder the problem persists, if the media refuse to deliver the message. I'm pleased that a resolution was reached and the ads reinstated."

The advertisements have now run in their entirety. In addition, print advertisements and wallet cards have also been distributed community wide.

"KMTT worked quickly & sensitively to repair the situation, including running an additional 31 ads at no charge, & heavily advertising their "Mountain Magazine" program on lesbian health; KMPS eventually resumed advertising as well," said Commission for Sexual Minorities Co-Chair, Kathleen Stine. Both KMPS and KMTT are now running slightly modified advertisements that substitute the words "annual exam" for the words "pap test," but still specifically mention lesbian women.

The Health Department and the Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities are impressed with the level of coverage brought to the ad campaign as a result of the controversy. "We are now hearing from women whose lives have been saved as a result of the detection of cervical cancer by pap smears; they are sharing their stories with other women in the workplace and in their homes. This is what we hoped would happen, and our expectations have been greatly exceeded," said Commissioner Stine.

"We, at the Health Department, want to remind lesbian women that they can cut their risk of cancer by not using tobacco, drinking less alcohol, getting regular exercise, and eating 5 fruits and vegetables everyday," said Ellen Phillips-Angeles, Women’s Health Program Manager.

The lesbian ad campaign was funded by the City of Seattle and implemented by the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health, in response to research data that showed that lesbian women were dangerously under-served in the area of preventive health care. For a referral to lesbian-friendly providers, call 1-800-756-5437.

The Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities (SCSM) recommends legislation, policy, and programs to the mayor, city council, and city departments on issues of concern to sexual minorities. The SCSM also encourages understanding between the sexual minority community and the larger Seattle community through-long range projects. To contact the SCSM, please call 206-684-4500, e-mail scsm@ci.seattle.wa.us, or visit the Commission's web site at http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/scsm.