Often communications departments at universities and other event organizers are interested in getting press for Peterson’s performance. In working out your press campaign, consider some the following.
The media has often covered Peterson’s performances in various communities and has featured history in print, on radio and TV. Sending press releases that you follow up with calls could lead to a printed article or a radio or TV interview.
Some hooks that have worked
Gay Conversion Therapy:
Peterson Toscano spent 17 years and over $30,000 on three continents trying to “de-gay” myself. He ultimately came out gay and has been a vocal witness concerning the potential dangers of what is known as gay conversion therapy or “ex-gay” treatments. In 2007 he organized the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference in Irvine, CA. He is the author of the one person play, “Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House,” and is featured in the award winning documentary film, This is What Love in Action Looks Like.
Recent press:
WHYY Philadelphia Radio Times — discussion of law banning gay conversion therapy in NJ
Gay Bible Scholar
Peterson Toscano has raised the question, Are there transgender people in the Bible? and concluded some of the most important people in the most important Bible stories are gender non-conforming.
Recent press:
WHYY Philadelphia Newsworks — interview about gender outlaws in the Bible
Interview in popular blog LOVE Boldly
A Queer Response to Climate Change
Although most of his work has been as a queer rights activist, Peterson Toscano sees Climate Change as the single biggest issue facing humanity. He believes that the LGBTQ community is especially gifted and situated to provide hopeful and meaningful responses to the current climate crisis.
Recent press:
Guilford College, The Guilfordian — Talking about a Queer Quaker Response to Climate Change
Radio
NPR stations have often shown interest in Peterson and his work. If your local public radio station has a weekday arts program or community discussion program, you might want to contact them about your event. Here are some other NPR interviews Peterson has done that you can reference in your query.
WHYY Philadelphia Radio Times – discussion of law banning gay conversion therapy in NJ
WHYY Philadelphia News Works — interview about gender outlaws in the Bible
WNPR Connecticut — Where We Live Gender Identity (PRNDI Award winning episode)
WNPR Connecticut — Where We Live Transgressing Gender
National Public Radio, Morning Edition — Can Therapy Help Change Sexual Orientation
Finally, use your already established networks and social media. Tweet and post about the event weeks in advance. Post the details on the Facebook walls of friends who might be interested and who may have other friends who see the post and get excited. Send out emails aimed at specific audiences highlighting why they will appreciate Peterson’s work. Include a few links to articles about Peterson and to some of his YouTube videos.
Partner with other groups and ask them to include announcements about the event in their newsletter, as part of their social media campaign, and to mention the event at other events in the community. Produce half-page fliers you can give out at other events or have available for people to take at your venue or nearby coffee shops.