Cablevision, Gay-Rights Advocates Discuss MSG Atmosphere

Cablevision reps and two gay-rights advocates met Thursday to discuss "concerns over a hostile atmosphere'' at NHL Rangers games, according to Arthur Staple of NEWSDAY. Cablevision VP/Government Affairs Lee Schroeder and MSG Senior VP/Communications Barry Watkins met for an hour with NYC Gay Hockey Association (NYCGHA) Dir Jeff Kagan and Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network Dir Kevin Jennings, and both parties "came away with positive feelings." Jennings: "They seem to get it. They seem to want to do something, and we're very happy about that." Watkins: "We had a good meeting and we will continue dialogue." Jennings added that Cablevision "agreed to work on a [PSA] specifically addressing anti-gay language," and that MSG may "explore a partnership" with the NYCGHA. The meeting was arranged by N.Y. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and held at her office (NEWSDAY, 4/18).