History
IN THE LIFE's early team: (L.-R.) John Scagliotti, Pamela Jennings, Kevin McDonough, R. Katherine Brady, and Charles Ignacio.
For most of the history of broadcast television, gay men and lesbians were virtually invisible. If they appeared at all, they were portrayed as effeminate, flamboyant "sissies" or depressed, depraved, dissolute sociopaths. There was no Will & Grace, Queer As Folk or The L Word. Print media wasn’t much better.
It was in this climate that John Scagliotti, Producer of Before Stonewall, had a pioneering idea to bring real gay and lesbian stories to television. In pursuit of his vision, Scagliotti gathered friends and colleagues around his kitchen table, literally. The initial concept of IN THE LIFE was developed as a variety show, a vehicle to represent the diversity of the gay community. First titled OUT On TV, the program was finally renamed IN THE LIFE, from the Harlem Renaissance "In the life," a euphemism meaning a prostitute or a homosexual.
In 1991, armed with only enthusiasm, energy, and a vision, Scagliotti began advertising for staff. Charles Ignacio, who was then working at HBO, responded to an ad in the now defunct magazine Outweek. Together, they searched the television landscape for an outlet that would air this first program by and for the gay community. They found it in public television, with its mandate to reflect diversity in our culture and reach under-served populations.
Despite right-wing opposition, IN THE LIFE premiered on six public television stations on June 9, 1992 with comedian Kate Clinton as the first host. The pilot episode featured a diverse group of performers: dancers, comedians, folk singers and the New York Gay Men's Chorus. Still, the program faced significant resistance from many local public television stations.
First produced under the fiscal umbrella of the Media Network, the series matured considerably in its first three years, moving from an independent film production model (with deferred salaries and pro bono work) to operations befitting a professional television show. In 1994, In The Life Media was incorporated, in 1995, the organization received 501©3 nonprofit status, put together a board of directors, and began serious fundraising.
Since 1992, IN THE LIFE has been a pioneer on the media landscape, chronicling lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lives on television. We’ve documented the full spectrum of LGBT life, from the historic National March on Washington and AIDS Memorial Quilt to profiles of Matthew Shepard and the Stonewall Riots to personal stories of discrimination and triumph experienced by gay icons, leaders and “everyday” Americans. In The Life Media is not only a media pioneer, but also the keeper of a vital historical record.
Today In The Life Media remains at the forefront of LGBT journalism. Our media can be viewed online 24/7 through video-streaming and downloadable podcasts. Not only does web-technology put the viewer in control of what/when/where to watch, viewers are no longer dependent on program managers who schedule our show erratically or not at all.
Although LGBT issues are front and center in today's cultural and political dialogue, we are far from achieving full equality. Until we do, In The Life Media will be there to help shape engaging, informed and in-depth programming on issues critical to the LGBT community and allies.
Together, we will continue to produce media that produces change!
