The Charleston, S.C.-based group Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA) has begun its 10th year of media messaging. The group plans on using a variety of media outlets and mediums to highlight its straightforward declaration: “Gay Rights are Civil Rights.”

The group is challenging South Carolinians to “recognize the LGBT movement as an intrinsic part of the historical struggle for human rights, such as those related to race, gender, disability, and age,” a press release said.

Warren Redman-Gress, AFFA’s executive director, told Q-Notes that his group will be using newspaper, radio, TV and billboard advertising in its media campaign. They’ll also be turning to new media to help spread the word.

“We are also setting up viral messaging through YouTube, Facebook and Twitter,” he said. “We have an intern from the College of Charleston who is compiling 30-second street interviews asking people why they believe gay rights are civil rights. They will be up on YouTube in two weeks.”

The campaign began in early April. Its total projected cost is $20,000, with the bulk of funds going toward two 12-week billboard ads.

“I am fortunate to have a great board with a creative finance committee who work hard at fundraising,” Redman-Gress said.

info: www.affa-sc.org