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The 'Summer of Slither'
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First mayor's race forum
Sing out!
The
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Serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities since 1971
Vol. 41 • No. 19 • May 12-18, 2011
Rallies, parties planned for Milk Day
Witt settles DADT lawsuit by Lisa Keen
T
he American Civil Liberties Union of Washington state announced Tuesday, May 10 that Air Force Reserve nurse Major Margaret Witt has reached a final settlement with the Department of Major Defense in her highly Margaret Witt publicized litigation to avoid discharge under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” According to an ACLU press release, the DOD has agreed to allow Witt to retire with full benefits and the Department of Justice will drop its appeal of a federal district court ruling in her favor. Last September, Judge Ronald Leighton of the U.S. District Court for Western Washington ruled that Witt’s sexual orientation did not negatively impact her unit’s morale or unit cohesion and that her discharge under DADT violated her Fifth Amendment right to due process. “I am proud to have played a role in bringing about the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” said Witt, in a statement released by the ACLU. “I am so pleased that the tens of thousands of lesbians and gays who have served their country honorably will be able to serve openly.” The Witt v. U.S. case has been a high-profile one and the subject of debate on the floor of the Senate and in the confirmation hearing of the U.S. Supreme Court’s newest member, Elena Kagan. It was just one of several cases that applied pressure to Congress to repeal DADT before a federal court ordered it to do so immediately. After several failed attempts, Congress did pass legislation to repeal DADT and President Barack Obama signed it last December. DOD officials said earlier this year they expect to satisfy a necessary requirement – certifying that repeal can take place without affecting military readiness – about mid-summer this year. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which has been working to pass repeal, congratulated Witt and the ACLU on their “stunning victory.” See page 10 >>
by Matthew S. Bajko
S
million. Neither Leung nor Stiener would say for how much the business, which includes the liquor license and assets, is being sold. Leung, who has owned the bar since 2005, said the bar is in escrow, pending liquor license transfer and entertainment permit applications.
an Franciscans will have numerous options to mark the state’s second annual Harvey Milk Day, as various rallies and parties are planned for next weekend to celebrate the life of the gay icon. Rick Gerharter Fittingly, for Milk was not only a community Tommi Avicolli activist and organizer Mecca is one of the organizers for but also liked a good the Sidewalks are party, the events range for People rally on from the political, such Harvey Milk Day. as a “queen in” in the Castro in defiance of the city’s sit/lie law, to the entertaining; a comedy and burlesque fundraiser at El Rio will benefit the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center. This year’s Milk Day will take place Sunday, May 22 and coincides with the birthday of the late San Francisco supervisor, who became the first out politician in California when he won election in November 1977. Milk died a year later along with then-Mayor George Moscone after being shot inside City Hall by former Supervisor Dan White. City leaders and the Harvey Milk Foundation are hosting a rally that day from 1 to 2 p.m. at Jane Warner Plaza, at the intersection of 17th and Castro streets. Speakers include Mayor Ed Lee and several local out politicians as well as Milk’s family and friends. Immediately following will be a march down to 575 Castro Street, the site of Milk’s campaign headquarters and camera store. Also that Sunday across the street in Harvey Milk Plaza will be a demonstration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. against the city’s new law banning people from sitting on the sidewalks during the day and early evening hours. The group QUEEN – Queers for Economic Equality Now – is hosting the event to mark Sidewalks are for People Day. Tommi Avicolli Mecca, one of the organizers, said it was a fitting tie-in to Milk Day, as Milk opposed a similar sidewalk measure during his day. In another homage to Milk, there will be a soapbox for people to stand on and address the
See page 11 >>
See page 13 >>
Jane Philomen Cleland
Brendon Constans, center with hat, and Elan Segfarra, right, enjoy the beer bust at the Lone Star Saloon last Sunday. With the closure of the Eagle Tavern, which had beer busts for local groups every week, other bars in the South of Market neighborhood are stepping in to fill the void. See story, page 2.
EndUp club is being sold by Seth Hemmelgarn
J
ust weeks after the closure of the Eagle Tavern, another South of Market night spot is undergoing ownership changes. The EndUp club is being sold, but those involved say there won’t be major changes to the business, which has drawn people for almost 40 years. In response to emailed questions, Sydney Leung said that Ynez Stiener, one of his current business partners, and others are buying out him and other existing investors. “They will continue the EndUp and its legacy for the last 38 years going forward,” he said. The name of the EndUp, which Leung has described as “the premiere house music club in the world,” befits its purpose. Many people go after 2 a.m., when other venues have closed. The club was listed in January 2010 for $1.8
Steven Underhill
The EndUp, which is soon expected to have new owners, celebrated 2011 with a Playboy-themed party.
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