Issue 17 Volume 38
Celebrating 37 Years!
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DINING OUT FOR LIFE p. 12 & 36 IDENTITY THIEVES p. 25
GAY CITY p. 4
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
SGN Exclusive Interview Bisexual men sue national
Charlene Strong Gay softball group, claim bias talks about Obama’s executive order courtesy gsba
care and Medicaid money grant the same visitation rights to Gay and Lesbian partners that they do to married heterosexual couples. The moment I read about Obama’s action, I thought about Charlene Strong. I first interviewed Strong in 2008 when For My Wife..., the awardwinning documenCharlene Strong tary film about the by Scott Rice struggle for full LGBT marriage SGN Contributing Writer equality which starred Strong, was showing at the Seattle Lesbian and On April 15, President Obama Gay Film Festival. Strong is smart sent an executive order to Secre- and resolved. She is a tireless adtary of Health and Human Services vocate for LGBT rights and a huge Kathleen Sebelius requesting that all hospitals that receive Medisee strong page 19
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer Three Bisexual athletes are suing the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) because they say they were discriminated against during the Gay Softball World Series held in Seattle two years ago. On April 20, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and
the law firm of K&L Gates LLP filed the lawsuit on behalf of their clients in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington challenging the discriminatory practices of NAGAAA. The lawsuit alleges that NAGAAA violated Washington state’s laws governing discrimination in public accommodations, and state consumer protections by implementing and enforcing
a “two heterosexual per team” cap during the 2008 Gay Softball World Series and also violated the plaintiff softball players’ rights by subjecting them to a series of invasive questions about their sexual orientation and private lives in front of more than 25 people, most of them strangers. The three plaintiffs – Steven see softball page 17
Clay Greene
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Officials in Sonoma County, California, forcibly separated an elderly Gay couple, confined both of them in county medical facilities against their will, prevented one of the men from visiting his dying partner, and sold off all their belongings, leaving the surviving partner destitute. Those are the facts alleged in a lawsuit filed on behalf of Clay Greene, now 78. Greene v. County of Sonoma will
go to trial July 16, according to Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). NCLR became involved in the case at the invitation of Anne Dennis, Greene’s court-appointed attorney. The formal complaint, filed by Dennis on March 22, lists 20 separate causes of action against eight named defendants and up to 50 “John Does.” The facts that both sides in the case can agree on might describe any number of older Gay couples.
Clay Greene and Harold Scull had been together for 20 years. They lived in a leased home in the town of Sebastopol, California. Both men had worked in Hollywood and collected film memorabilia. Scull worked for MGM studios in the 1950s and was a protégé of Louis B. Mayer. Greene worked in television in that medium’s early days. Scull was also an accomplished artist and art collector, especially of Mexican and Central American santos religious artifacts. As longtime partners, they had wills, powers of attorney, and medical directives, all naming each other as responsible parties. Scull was 88 years old in 2008, and in deteriorating health. Greene was 11 years younger and physically healthy, but beginning to show signs of cognitive impairLt. Dan Choi (second from left) and five other military personnel ment. handcuffed themselves to the White House fence on April 20 As their physical and mental to protest “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” health declined, it became apparent that they would need assis- by Shaun Knittel Thomas – handcuffed themselves tance, but the men resisted outside SGN Staff Writer to the White House gates to dehelp. mand that President Obama keep In April of 2008, Scull fell down On April 20, Lt. Dan Choi and his promise to repeal “Don’t Ask, the front steps of their home. five others – Capt. Jim Pietrange- Don’t Tell” (DADT) this year. lo, Petty Officer Larry Whitt, Petty Officer Autumn Sandeen, Cadet see california page 20 Maria Boyd, and Cpl. Evelyn see choi page 16
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Choi and five others Horror in California protest DADT at Sonoma County, CA victimizes elderly Gay couple White House
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Celebrating 37 Years!
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Deadlines Classifieds - thursday at noon Calendar - tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the sGn office All others - tuesday 5pm
Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor tom Flint (retired) Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, James Whitely, tim Peter Contributing Writers Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers Nick Ardizzone, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry thorsness/Digital team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by JT&A, Inc. © 2010, JT&A, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.
Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
Gay City Quinceañera celebrates 15 years of community by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer
“Certainly Seattle has seen its share of organizations that have gone by the wayside. … Even that we’re here is an accomplishment and shows that we are still relevant Gay City’s Quinceañera and meaningful.” April 28 The story of Gay City begins in 1993, two Gay City (511 E. Pike St.) On April 28, Gay City Health Project, years before the organization was founded. A group of local HIV/AIDS activists and Seattle’s multicultural Gay men’s health educators formed the MSM organization and the leading For 15 (men who have sex with provider of HIV and STD men) HIV/AIDS Pretesting in King County, years [Seattle has vention Task Force. will be celebrating had] a constant force and a According to Gay their “Quinceañera” for 15 years of build- constant energy for creating a City’s website, the group found that ing a healthy Gay and Bisexual men’s com- healthy space for Gay and men who have sex men accounted for munity here in Seattle. Bisexual men. 90%with of all new infections, SGN asked Gay City Health but only 20% of locally distributed Project Executive Director Fred Swanson what it meant to have an organization HIV prevention funds were targeted toward meeting their needs. Armed with this unforlike theirs here in Seattle for so long. “I think it means a lot of things,” Swanson tunate knowledge, MSM made independent told SGN. “It means that in Seattle we’ve recommendations to the King County HIV/ had, for 15 years, a constant force and a con- AIDS Planning Council. MSM held their initial public forum, stant energy for creating a healthy space for Gay and Bisexual men. … I think it speaks which drew over 300 men. Attendance at to the commitment of the community, the these forums quickly grew stronger, and people who support this organization, and to voices likewise grew louder until public health officials could no longer ignore the the health of the community.” “That the organization is still around, I need for new HIV prevention strategies for think, is really remarkable,” said Swanson. Gay and Bisexual men. Gay City Health
In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim tully, James Arnold
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Seattle Gay News
April 23, 2010
Project was founded in April 1995, with a grant from Public Health – Seattle & King County. Dedicated to bold, innovative programming, Gay City was conceived to bring people together to work toward creative solutions to common problems. Gay City began to develop never-beforeseen programs such as “Queercore,” a program for men under 30 that addressed “the unique concerns of being the second generation of Gay and Bi guys affected by the AIDS epidemic,” and “The Over-40s Project” (in collaboration with Seattle AIDS Support Group) which provided “meaningful community discussions on sexuality, masculinity, survivor guilt, relationships, and redefining what it means to grow older in a community often focused on youth.” In 2000, Gay City began to change its focus from solely HIV/AIDS-related issues to nearly all aspects of Gay men’s health, with programs like “Party Smart,” a media campaign that was designed to address substance use in the community in a nonjudgmental way; “Domestic Disturbance,” a community forum about male-on-male domestic violence; “Suck My Gender,” a community forum focused on the complexities of gender and sexuality; and “Out to Quit,” a Queer smoking cessation program of which I am a veteran myself. Hundreds of organizations throughout the world have developed programs based on the Gay City model, making Gay City part of a larger movement of holistic approaches to Gay and Bisexual men’s health. “We added the HIV testing in 2004. That’s something we worked on for a couple years before we were able to do it,” said Swanson. “That, I think, is a huge accomplishment for the organization and a huge asset to the community.” From resources guides to 24-hour phone lines, from classes to discussion groups, from HIV/STD testing to nicotine patches – all at no cost – Gay City Health Project is and always has been innovative, overwhelmingly positive, and unequivocally giving. Be sure to come out to Gay City on Wednesday, April 28 from 5-8 p.m. to celebrate “Gay City’s Quinceañera,” an open house anniversary celebration with refreshments and food from Galerias Gourmet Mexican Restaurant. You’ll be able to meet volunteers and staff and learn more about Gay City’s programs. Additionally, if you have a story you’d like to share about how Gay City’s programs have affected your life, I’d love to hear them in order to incorporate them into another article I’ll be writing next week. Email submissions to jamesatsgn@yahoo. com. Please include your name exactly as you’d like to see it in print.
Celebrating 37 Years!
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
On April 16, hundreds of thousands of students at thousands of middle schools, high schools, and colleges participated in the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network’s (GLSEN) 15th annual Day of Silence by taking some form of silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment. According to GLSEN officials, more than 6,000 middle and high schools registered to participate in the student-created and student-led event sponsored nationally by GLSEN. Students typically participate by remaining silent throughout the school day, unless asked to speak in class. The event is designed to illustrate the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment on LGBT students and those perceived as LGBT. “Anti-LGBT bullying is a pervasive problem in America’s schools and creates unsafe learning environments for countless youth,” GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said. “The Day of Silence was created by students as a simple yet powerful way to raise awareness about a problem that very few schools adequately address. More than a decade later, the Day of Silence is an example of how people of any age can bring about positive change by working together to make their world a better and safer place.” The Day of Silence originated at the University of Virginia in 1996 and has grown each year. GLSEN came on board as national sponsor in 2001. Research has shown that anti-LGBT bullying is commonplace in American schools. Two of the top three reasons why students said their peers were most often bullied at school were actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression, according to “From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America,” a 2005 Harris Interactive report commissioned by GLSEN. The top reason was physical appearance. According to GLSEN’s 2007 National School Climate Survey of more than 6,000
AFP
Day of Silence observed Legal drama in Argentina Lesbian marriage annulled, then un-annulled around the nation LGBT students, nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT youth (86.2%) reported being verbally harassed at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation, nearly half (44.1%) reported being physically harassed, and about a quarter (22.1%) reported being physically assaulted. The report also found that three out of five LGBT youth (60.8%) felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation. To bring attention to this problem and explain their participation in the Day of Silence, students often hand out speaking cards on the Day of Silence that read: Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence (DOS), a national youth movement bringing attention to the silence faced by LGBT people and their allies. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by anti-LGBT bullying, namecalling, and harassment. I believe that ending silence is the first step toward building awareness and making a commitment to address these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. The Day of Silence can logistically be organized in any school, public or private, although getting support from school administration is critical in middle and high schools. GLSEN advises students interested in participating to discuss their intentions with their administration and teachers. Many schools allow students to participate throughout the day. Some schools ask students to speak as they normally would during class and remain silent only during breaks and at lunchtime. There is no single way to participate, and students are encouraged to take part in the way that is the most positive and uplifting for their school. GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. For more information on GLSEN’s research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs, and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.
Ramona Arevalo (l) and Norma Castillo
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In a case featuring dueling Argentine judges, Lesbian couple Norma Castillo and Ramona Arevalo, who were married after more than 30 years together, saw their marriage annulled, and then restored – all in the space of two weeks. Castillo and Arevalo, both 67, were legally married April 12 on orders from Buenos Aires Administrative Judge Elena Liberatori. On April 16 Judge Martha Gomez Alsina, acting on a motion by attorney Ricardo Ernesto Lamuedra, declared the marriage “null and non-existent.” On April 20, Liberatori entered the case again, according to the Argentine newspaper La Capital.
Tory J. Plaisance 1963-2010 Tory J. Plaisance passed away in his home in Renton on March 20, 2010 from multiple cancers. Born September 10, 1963, in Everett, WA, Tory was a 1982 graduate from Edmonds High School. Tory had a very active life. While in high school he was a member of the Edmonds choir as well as dancing jazz with the Barclay School of Dance for seven years. He started Edmonds Community College for a year before beginning cooking classes, where he then worked as an assistant chef at La Fleur and for three years at Brasseux in Edmonds. In 1985, he attended the Divers Institute of Technology in Seattle then the College of Oceaneering in Los Angeles and worked on tankers and container ships welding anodes onto ship propellers as well as refinishing propellers. While working, Tory attended Cascade Business College, getting a degree in computer accounting. He started his career in freight forwarding in 1991 and after four years of illness returned to school, graduating with honors from Highline Community College with an Associate International Business degree in freight forwarding. He started working for Express Northwest in 2005 where with the support of the owners, Matt and Kathy McLean, Tory was able to continue his employment until he could no longer work. Besides singing, dancing, working, and going to school, Tory also played for two years on a men’s softball team as well as fulfilled his desire to sky dive. His first jump was from 12,000 feet in 1996, and his second was from 14,000 feet. Knowing that he had terminal cancer, Tory contacted King TV to see if they would like to document the steps he would need to take in order to comply with the new “Death with Dignity” law. This became known as “Tory’s Journey.” Because of some glitches in the law, Tory was unable to fulfill his desire to use the “Death with Dignity” law and passed away with his friend Paul and his mother Nancy at his side. Tory’s father preceded him in death, but he leaves behind his friend Paul, his mother Nancy, his sister Claudia (Greg) of Colorado, his brothers Steve (Patti) of Lake Stevens, and Chris (Leah) of Mill Creek, his son Max of Arizona, also his uncle Bill, aunts Mary and Jean, his nephews Sean, Drew, Tanner, Conor, niece Jennifer, cousins Mindy, Beth, Denise, Karen, and numerous very close and special friends. A memorial service will be held for Tory on April 24, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 22909 56th Ave W. Mountlake Terrace, WA. (206) 776-5490. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
April 23, 2010
“Administrative Judge Elena Liberatori confirmed the validity of same-sex marriages, and today ordered the City Civil Registry of Buenos Aires to deliver the marriage certificate to the court for the Lesbian couple. The judge further ordered that the certificate be kept ‘in judicial custody for safekeeping,’” La Capital reported. Judge Liberatori explicitly voided Judge Alsina’s ruling, and warned that if she persists in interfering, the dispute would be submitted to the country’s Supreme Court of Justice. Three Gay couples have also been married in Argentina, but two of those marriages have been annulled by subsequent court rulings. The Argentine LGBT Federation said in a statement that Liberatori’s ruling confirmed that “no” same-sex marriage has actually been annulled in the country. The country’s first same-sex couple to be married, Alex Freyre and José Maria Di Bello, announced they would appeal the annulment of their marriage. Attorney Lamuedra previously filed suit to prevent Freyre and Di Bello from marrying in Buenos Aires. The couple eventually married in Tierra del Fuego province, after the provincial governor intervened on their behalf. Lamuedra also filed suit to annul the marriage of Damian Bernath and Jorge Salazar in Buenos Aires. Carlos Alvarez and Martin Canavaro were married in Buenos Aires on April 15. To date their marriage remains unchallenged. The Argentine Supreme Court has promised to review same-sex marriage, but observers have speculated that the justices might prefer to wait and see if the Argentine parliament acts on a marriage equality bill that was introduced last year. LGBT Federation Secretary General Stephen Paulón told La Capital that his group has the “political commitment” of a majority in parliament to give “favorable treatment” to a new marriage equality initiative that may be introduced next week.
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INTERNATIONAL
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
The Death of Hyacinth (Apollo and Hyacinth) by Aleksander Kisielev will be featured at The Poland National Museum’s exhibition of Gay erotica.
Gay group can run candidates in Philippines election The Philippines’ Supreme Court on April 8 overruled the nation’s Elections Commission and ordered that the Gay group Ang Ladlad can register as a political party and run candidates for Congress. The ruling was 14-1. In blocking the group, the Elections Commission had said it is “crystal clear ... that [Ang Ladlad] tolerates immorality which offends religious beliefs.” “Should this Commission grant the petition, we will be exposing our youth to an environment that does not conform to the teachings of our faith,” the agency said. Its determination went on to assert that the Bible and the Koran call homosexuality unseemly and transgressive. But the Supreme Court was having none of it and ruled that Ang Ladlad had complied with all legal requirements for accreditation as a party-list group. “[M]oral disapproval, without more, is not a sufficient governmental interest to
justify exclusion of homosexuals from participation in the party-list system,” the court wrote. “The denial of Ang Ladlad’s registration on purely moral grounds amounts more to a statement of dislike and disapproval of homosexuals, rather than a tool to further any substantial public interest. ... It is this selective targeting that implicates our equal protection clause.” The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission commented, “The Philippines Supreme Court has sent a clear message that regardless of political affiliation, people cannot be excluded from the political process simply because of their identification with or support of the rights of LGBT people.” Uzbek AIDS activist jailed An AIDS activist in Uzbekistan, psychologist Maksim Popov, reportedly has been sentenced to seven years in prison because a brochure he was distributing allegedly encouraged immoral behavior and drug use. He may also have been convicted of fiscal impropriety and other alleged crimes. A website called uznews reported, “Maksim was found guilty on the charges of embezzling fund, involving minors in antisocial behaviour, molesting individuals aged under 16, concealing the hard currency, involving individuals in drugs and tax evasion.” Other accounts said the charges regarding minors stemmed solely from the brochure’s alleged promotion of homosexuality. In regard to the fiscal-impropriety charges, a Facebook page called “Amnesty for Maksim Popov!” states: “The charges of fiscal impropriety come in the wake of years
of harassment of NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] by the Uzbek government via such measures as restricting or blocking access to foreign funds in bank accounts, repeated tax audits, and threatening visits from secret police or others urging NGO heads to close their organizations to avoid trouble. Popov kept [his organization] Izis open even when the government blocked all access to funds, operating without pay and in collaboration with local community councils and volunteers.” The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists has called all of the charges “fabricated.” “A Tashkent court convicted Popov on six fabricated criminal charges, including embezzlement and concealment of funds, tax evasion, incitement to drugs use, corrupting minors, and provoking antisocial conduct,” the group said. The pamphlet reportedly was funded in part by UNICEF, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Britain’s Department for International Development, Population Services International, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It is said to have provided detailed information on correct use of condoms and disposable syringes. Reports said officials confiscated the entire print run and burned it. Popov, 28, is said to be jailed in the city of Navoiy. The Facebook page, which can be found at tinyurl.com/maksimp, also says: “Those of us who have worked with Maxim Popov know him to be a witty, humble, curious, enthusiastic and effective educator and psychologist. We urge the international donors who supported him to ... speak out for his release.” Indian professor who was suspended for having Gay sex dies An Indian languages professor at Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh, India, who was driven from his job in mid-February after a TV news crew burst into his house and taped him having sex with a male “rickshaw puller,” apparently committed suicide in early April, local media reported. Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras was suspended from his job for “gross misconduct” and then resigned, after students reportedly sent the TV crew to his residence. He was found dead April 7 on his bed in his new, off-campus apartment. Some Gay activists and media reports have suggested the timing of the apparent suicide was curious, given that a court had just ordered the university to reinstate Siras. “The police are suggesting suicide because that’s a convenient verdict for them, but it really seems unlikely,” said one Gay leader, speaking privately. “He had just won a victory in the Allahabad High Court, which directed AMU to revoke its suspension. ... The people who spoke last to him ... say that he was cheerful and upbeat. The whole process had been a sort of rebirth for him, from the utter disgrace of the exposure and early newspaper reports, then the support he got from the Gay and Lesbian community, and even from people within AMU. ... It just seems so completely unlikely that he would commit suicide when things were going his way.” The AMU Teachers Association and
LGBT activist groups have demanded that officials conduct a high-level examination of the circumstances of Siras’ death. In a joint statement, the Gay groups and other nongovernmental organizations said: “That Dr. Siras had to undergo the trauma, fear, harassment and humiliation in his own beloved university in what would turn out to be his last weeks is condemnable. If these events and that trauma are in any way linked to his death, then all actors involved must be held culpable.” Poland’s National Museum to mount homoerotic exhibit Poland’s National Museum will mount an exhibition of Gay erotica from June 10 to Sept. 5. “Ars Homo Erotica” will include more than 200 works dating from antiquity to the 21st century, including Greek vases with frolicking youths, male nudes by old masters, and contemporary LGBT art. It will be the most comprehensive exhibition of homoerotics ever presented by a world-class museum, as well as the first show of Queer art in Central or Eastern Europe, organizers said. Cyprus to consider recognizing s ame-sex partnerships Cyprus’ governmental ombudsman has urged the government to legally recognize same-sex partnerships, and Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Lazaros Savvides said April 10 that the government will “seriously” consider doing so. “It is something we have to study a bit further,” Savvides told the Cyprus Mail. “It remains open. ... The ministry always takes these reports seriously.” In her report, Ombudsman Iliana Nicolaou said recognizing Gay and Lesbian relationships is imperative for purposes of pensions, insurance, taxes, immigration and property. She also said that not recognizing same-sex partnerships runs afoul of European Union anti-discrimination norms. Macedonia criticized for failure to protect Gays Gay activists and the European Union criticized Macedonia April 9 for failing to include sexual-orientation protections in the nation’s new anti-discrimination law. An EU representative said Macedonia stands alone in the region in not protecting Gays and Lesbians, which, in the case of employment safeguards, is a requirement of EU membership. Macedonia is hoping to join the EU. An earlier draft of the law did include sexual-orientation language but the government deleted the words in January. “As an EU candidate country, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is expected to introduce a comprehensive anti-discrimination law providing protection from discrimination on the grounds of age, ethnic origin, disability, religion, race and sexual orientation,” said the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. “ILGA-Europe ... calls on the European institutions to react firmly to bring FYROM (Macedonian) legislation in line with EU legislation.” With assistance from Bill Kelley
NATIONAL
NEWS
Out magazine lists “most influential” Gays, Lesbians Ellen DeGeneres is America’s “most influential” Gay man or woman, according to Out magazine’s fourth annual “Power 50” list. “Since DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul as a judge on American Idol in February, millions upon millions of viewers are getting a double dose of the hugely popular talk show host and 12-time Emmy winner,” Out said. “The American Express and Covergirl pitchwoman’s reach is nearly unparalleled. ... A passionate advocate for marriage equal6
Seattle Gay News
April 23, 2010
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer ity, an avid opponent of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and staunch defender of animal rights, DeGeneres’s enormous platform is many an American’s gain.” Others near the top of the list include MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, singer Adam Lambert, actor Neil Patrick Harris, Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese and U.S. Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Jared Polis and Barney Frank. For the full list, see out.com/power50. With assistance from Bill Kelley
Celebrating 37 Years!
lowing title to be discussed in their ongoing reading and discussion series: April – The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault. All GLBTQ folks in the community are welcome to participate in this free book club. compiled by Rick McKinnon The reading list is chosen and the discussion SGN Staff Writer facilitated by Nick DiMartino, published novelist and playwright, currently a book reviewer for ShelfAwareness.com, and a “WIGBOWL” “YOUTHOPOLIS 2010” 30-year employee of University Book Store. AT THE GARAGE On Friday, April 23, from 8-11 p.m., join On Sunday, April 25, from 4-8 p.m., join For more information, email nickdimartin@ Seattle area LGBT youth at Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., for a Gay Cocktail and Miss Anita Goodmann earthlink.net or contact Dunshee House at for a delightful late afternoon of bowling 206-322-2437. party. and fabulous wigs at the Garage, 1130-1140 DINING OUT FOR LIFE Broadway. “Join us for a fierce evening of REGISTRATION UNDERWAY BENEFITS LIFELONG AIDS fun and cocktails. Wear your most fabulous FOR SEATTLE PRIDE PARADE ALLIANCE AND PIERCE Registration is underway for the 2010 wig creation or let our wig dressers add COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION Seattle Pride Parade and March. The theme that something extra to your ‘do. Bring any On Thursday, April 29, dine out at parthis year is “Over the Rainbow – Be Seen, trims and hair ornaments you want to use.” Be Heard, Be There.” The event will be held Miss Anita Goodmann will bring her beauty ticipating restaurants and raise money for on Sunday, June 27, starting at 11 a.m. on and comedic improv skills to the “runway” Lifelong AIDS Alliance and Pierce County 4th Ave. between Union St. and Denny Way. styled wig-off contest. Wig dressers will be AIDS Foundation. Participating restaurants on-site from 4-6 p.m. The VIP “red carpet” will donate 30% of their sales to Lifelong www.seattlepride.org. photo booth will be available from 4-6:30 AIDS Alliance or 25% to Pierce County p.m. Contestants for the “wig-off” must be AIDS Foundation on that date. For a comTHE VAGINA MONOLOGUES at the event by 5:30 p.m. The “wig-off” run- plete list of participating restaurants, see ads AT STONE SOUP THEATRE Stone Soup Theatre presents an accom- way contest begins at 6:30 p.m. Photographs in this week's SGN on pages 12 and 36 or plished production of the 10th anniversary from the “red-carpet” styled event photo visit www.diningoutforlife.com. edition of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Mono- booth will be posted on Facebook. Cost is NATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL logues featuring five new monologues. Per- $15 at the door, which includes bowling and FOR TALENTED YOUTH formances run Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. shoes. Happy Hour specials from 4-7 p.m. APRIL 29 - MAY 2 and Sunday at 2 p.m. now extended through www.NFFTY.org. CARY ALAN JOHNSON. May 16. General admission is $16-$20 and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR $13 for those under 30. Advance tickets can SEATTLE EROTIC FOR THE INTERNATIONAL be purchased at www.brownpapertickets. ART FESTIVAL GAY & LESBIAN com/event/99179 or by calling 800-838The 8th annual Seattle Erotic Art Festival HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, 3006 or 206-633-1883. No one under 10 will be held Friday, April 30 through SunTO SPEAK IN SEATTLE will be admitted. Stone Soup Theatre is Cary Alan Johnson, Executive Director day, May 2, at the Seattle Center Exhibition located at 4035 Stone Way N. www.stoneof the International Gay & Lesbian Human Hall, 299 Mercer St. www.SeattleErotic. souptheatre.org. Rights Commission (IGLHRC), will speak org. The Seattle Erotic Art Festival supports about current challenges and opportunities a vibrant creative community, promotes LANGSTON HUGHES in the fight for LGBT rights around the globe freedom of expression, and fosters sex-posAFRICAN-AMERICAN at three public lunchtime events in Seattle, itive culture through public celebrations of FILM FESTIVAL April 26-28. On Monday, April 26, from the arts. APRIL 17-25 Call or check website for film schedule 12:30-1:30 p.m., Johnson will appear at SEATTLE BAMBOO FESTIVAL and new venues. 206-326-1088, www.lang- the UW Law School, Room 133, UW Main On Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Campus, 4293 Memorial Way NE. On Tuesstonblackfilmfest.org. day, April 27, from noon-1:15 p.m., Johnson the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Ameriwill appear at Seattle University, 12th Ave. can Bamboo Society presents the Seattle RAIN COUNTRY DANCE – & E Marion St., in Casey Hall, Room 517. Bamboo Festival at the Donald Graham “EMERALD CITY HOEDOWN” On April 23-25, Rain County Dance hosts On Wednesday, April 28, from noon-1 p.m., Visitors Center, Washington Park Arborea three-day weekend gathering of dance Johnson will appear at PATH, 2201 West- tum, 2300 Arboretum Dr. E., featuring bamclasses (two-step, line, swing, waltz and lake Ave. IGLHRC’s mission is to advance boo plants, poles, products, seminars, arts lindy hop), workshops and social events, human rights for everyone, everywhere, to and crafts, rare plant gallery, local bamboo culminating in the Rain City Hoedown Ball end discrimination based on sexual orienta- experts. on Saturday, April 24, at Polish Hall, 1714 tion, gender identity, or gender expression. MCC SEATTLE 18th Ave. at E. Olive St., 7 p.m.-midnight. www.iglhrc.org. GARAGE SALE $20 at the door. For complete information, On Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., GAY CITY UNIVERSITY visit www.raincountrydance.org. MCC Seattle hosts their annual Pride garage NIGHT SCHOOL On Monday, April 26, learn about Rain sale at 5019 2nd Ave. NW. MEN OF ALL COLORS & If you have used furniture and/or houseCity Jacks, Seattle’s renowned JO club! CULTURES TOGETHER RCJ offers community, healing, friendship, hold items to donate to the sale, contact APRIL “EARTH DAY” POTLUCK On Saturday, April 24, Men of All Col- self-acceptance and an unfettered, joyful ex- Pastor Ray Neal at 206-325-2421 or email ors and Cultures Together (MACCT) will perience of male sexuality. Meet at Gay City revray@comcast.net to arrange for pick-up. www.MCCSeattle.org. be hosting their April “Earth Day” Potluck Health Project, 511 E. Pike St., at 7 p.m. from 6-10 p.m. in Seattle (98115 zip code RAINBOW CITY BAND – GSBA YOUNG area). Please call 206-923-8313 or email “SWING FEVER 2010: PROFESSIONALS WITH PRIDE macctseattle@yahoo.com for additional inPUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ” On Tuesday, April 27, from 5:30-7:30 formation and location. www.macctsea.org. On Saturday, May 1, at 6 p.m., join Rainp.m., meet partners in business and partners in life, Paul Villa and Curtis Bigelow, own- bow City Band at the Renaissance Seattle EMERALD CITY ers of The Lobby Bar, who will share with Hotel, 515 Madison St., for their 6th annual SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION’S you their experiences of recently opening gala fundraising dinner, musical entertainSPRING SEASON Visit www.emeraldcitysoftball.org for in- and running their own successful business. ment, silent and live auction, and swing formation about the Emerald City Softball The Lobby Bar is offering one complimen- dancing to the RCB's Purple Passion Swing Association’s Open League for Gay and tary glass of wine or non-alcoholic bever- Band. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased age and some tasty hors d'oeuvres. Also, in advance at www.rainbowcityband.com. non-Gay men and women. Rainbow City Band is a non-audition Visit www.eteamz.com/womensecsa for Girls Rock! Seattle will join the event to information about the Emerald City Softball talk about their amazing program. Cost is community band consisting of Gay, LesAssociation’s Women’s League for Gay and $10 for members and students; $15 for non- bian, Bisexual, Transgender and straight members. To RSVP, call 206-363-9188 or members from all around the Puget Sound non-Gay women only. area. visit www.thegsba.org. IDENTITY THIEVES – HISTORIC SEATTLE GAY CITY CELEBRATES SURVIVING CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY THE “EX-GAY” MOVEMENT RESTORATION OF WITH “QUINCEAÑERA” On Sunday, April 25, at 6 p.m., the Living WASHINGTON HALL On Wednesday, April 28, from 5-8 p.m., Water Fellowship, 7204 NE 175th St., KenHistoric Seattle has recently completed more, WA (across the street from St. Vincent Gay City Health Project, 511 E. Pike St., de Paul in the yellow metal building), pres- hosts an open house celebration to recognize restoration of Washington Hall, 153 14th ents Oregon songwriter/filmmaker Jason T. their 15 years of service. Stop by for some Ave. (one block north of E. Yesler at E. Fir Ingram’s one-man show, Identity Thieves: refreshments, meet volunteers and staff, and St.). Washington Hall was built in 1908 Surviving the “Ex-Gay” Movement – a find out about their programs. www.gaycity. and has hosted noteable civic leaders and performing artists and was home to On the journey through art and music of one man’s org. Boards during its 100 year history. In celstory to find truth, authenticity, faith and ebration of the restoration, Historic Seattle SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN identity. Ingram brings his world premiere BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE will host an evening of celebration and live multi-media work-in-progress performance The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club performances on Saturday, May 1, from piece to the Seattle area FREE of charge. meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dun- 5 p.m.-midnight. On Sunday, May 2, Hisshee House, 303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas toric Seattle will host a Community Open St. The club is pleased to announce the fol- House at Washington Hall from 1-4 p.m.
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Both events are FREE; donations will be welcome. For more information, visit www. historicseattle.org or call 206-622-6952. PRIDE IDOL CONTEST AT R-PLACE Seattle Out and Proud (SOaP), producers of the annual Seattle Pride Parade, in association with Esurance, presents Pride Idol 2010, Seattle’s talent search contest to find the best vocalists in the area. The contest will be held at R-Place, 619 E. Pine St., door at 7 p.m., contest at 8 p.m. The Pride Idol contest runs every Sunday, May 2 through June 20. Winners will be awarded cash and additional prizes and get to ride on the official Seattle Pride Idol float in the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 27. For more information, visit www.seattlepride.org, call the Pride office at 206-322-9561 or email info@seattlepride.org. IN THE LIFE TV – “IT’S ABOUT TIME” On Sunday, May 2, at midnight, KCTSTV, Channel 9, broadcasts In the Life TV’s May episode, “It’s About Time.” In this repeat episode, the program explores what it means to grow old as a Gay person in America – how a generation once at the frontlines of establishing the modern LGBT movement finds, in what should be their golden years, new challenges to living life openly Gay. The episode highlights the leaders spearheading a national effort to protect the rights of LGBT senior citizens and care for our elders. KBTC-TV, Channel 28, will broadcast the show early Wednesday morning, May 5 at 1 a.m. The program can also be viewed online throughout the month of May at www.inthelifetv.org. LAFEMME MAGNIFIQUE WASHINGTON PAGEANT SEEKING CONTESTANTS On Sunday, May 23, Gaysha Starr Productions presents the LaFemme Magnifique Washington Pageant, at Neighbours, 1509 Broadway, entrance in alley between Harvard and Broadway off E. Pike St., door at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. The pageant will be hosted by pageant founder and Portland legend Darcelle XV. Competition categories are: Evening Gown, Theme Wear: “The Garden of Eden,” Talent Presentation, and Las Vegas Showgirl. Admission is $12 at the door, with partial proceeds to GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) Washington State. The winner and first runner-up of both LaFemme Magnifique Washington and LaFemme Magnifique PLUS Washington will go to the International Pageant Labor Day Weekend at the Oregon State Convention Center for a $1,000 cash prize, crown, sash, jewelry and the title, in both categories. For complete information, contact pageant coordinator Gaysha Starr at gaysha. starr@gmail.com. FREE RÉSUMÉ AND JOB SEARCH WORKSHOPS South Seattle Community College’s WorkSource Center is partnering with the Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System to offer résumé and job search workshops. The Seattle Public Library events will be held at the downtown Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Room 4 on Level 4. No registration is required, but seating may be limited. For more information, contact South Seattle Community College WorkSource Center at 206-764-5304 or visit www.southseattle.edu for complete schedule. SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP – IT’S TIME FOR SPRING CLEAN Spring has arrived and Seattleites are gearing up to take part in the city’s longestrunning neighborhood cleanup program – Spring Clean. Spring Clean, now in its 24th year, runs from April through May and is sponsored by the City of Seattle. Spring Clean info, including neighborhood cleanup activities and sign-up packets, is available by calling 206-233-7187 or by visiting www.seattle.gov/util/springclean.
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by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott is appealing two recent divorces of same-sex couples in order to “defend the traditional definition of marriage that was approved by Texas voters.” In 2005, Texas voters passed a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage by a 3-to-1 margin even though state law already prohibited it. Abbott fears that granting divorces to same-sex couples implies recognition of their marriages. A judge in Austin granted a divorce to Angelique Naylor and Sabina Daly who were legally married in Massachusetts in 2004. A Gay couple – identified only as JB and HB in court filings – were also granted a divorce by a Dallas judge. They were married in Massachusetts in 2006 and separated amicably two years later. A state appeals court is scheduled to hear arguments in the Dallas case on April 21. All four parties in the divorce cases say they did not file for divorce as an equal rights statement – they just want an official divorce. “We didn’t ask for a marriage; we simply asked for the courtesy of divorce,” said Naylor. Abbott has argued in court filings that Texas does not recognize same-sex marriage and therefore cannot grant a divorce, but a Gay or Lesbian Texas couple may have a marriage voided. Attorneys representing same-sex couples argue that voiding a marriage in Texas may leave it intact in other states, creating problems for property divisions and other issues.
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“OK, you’re recommending voidance, but how does that work?” asked Jennifer Cochran, Naylor’s attorney. “Is it only void in Texas and can you void a marriage that’s valid in another state? The attorney general I feel didn’t answer those questions.” Same-sex couples who file for divorce get mixed results in different jurisdictions. Last month a Pennsylvania judge refused to divorce two women who married in Massachusetts, while New York grants such divorces even though the state does not allow same-sex marriage. “The bottom line is that same-sex couples have families and their families have the same needs and problems, but often don’t have the same rights,” said Lambda Legal attorney Jennifer Pizer. “It really is an unenviable position that the courts have put these couples in,” said Karen Loewy, an attorney at the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders. Dallas divorce attorney Tom Greenwald said he’s advising Gay couples to wait and see how things play out in the courts. “Getting the court of appeals to even accept the issue is a step in the right direction in getting some clarity on this,” he said. “We just don’t know how to treat it.” “They said it’s too up in the air, wait and see for appeals,” Naylor said. “I didn’t have a lot of time to wait and see.” Eventually she and her former partner worked out a custody arrangement for their son and a division of their property on their own. However, they remain legally married in Massachusetts and in states that recognize same-sex marriages concluded in other states, so they are unable to remarry until their divorce is finalized.
April 23, 2010
AP Photo/Thao Nguyen
You can’t marry – or divorce, Texas attorney general says
Angelique Naylor stands near the Texas state capital in Austin, Texas Monday April 12, 2010. She had a same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, but received her divorce in Texas. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott is appealing the decision.
Labor complaint targets porn industry by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has filed complaints with the California Labor Commissioner against nine talent agencies which recruit performers for the porn industry. AHF alleges that the agencies recruited performers and sent them out to porn shoots knowing they would be working in situations that put their health at risk. The complaints were filed with Angela Bradstreet, California State Labor Commissioner, Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement on April 15. Nine talent agencies were named in the filings. They include A List Media, ATMLA, Gold Star Modeling, LA Direct Models, Lisa Ann’s Talent Management, Metro Talent Management, Spiegler Girls, Type 9 Models, Inc., and World Modeling. Each of the agencies represents approximately 30 to as many as 140 performers, including both men and women performers. Far more women performers are featured on each agency’s website, however. The AHF complaints were supported with printouts from the agencies’ websites which graphically describe the unprotected sexual acts that the clients they represent will perform in adult films. “After reviewing the business practices and websites of these nine talent agencies, it’s clear that the agencies are violating California State Labor Code,” said Brian Chase, Assistant General Counsel for AHF. “It appears that the State of California is giving out licenses to businesses which then turn around and send people out to get sexually transmitted diseases.” According to AHF, most workers in the adult film industry perform sexual acts without any protection from exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH) estimates that condoms and other protection are used in less than 20% of hardcore heterosexual pornography. According to LADHP, workers in the adult film industry are 10 times more likely to be infected with an STD than members of the population at large. LADPH documented 2,013 individual cases of Chlamydia and 965 cases of gonorrhea among porn industry workers between the years 2003 and 2007. LADPH observed that many workers suffered multiple infec-
tions, with some having four or more separate infections over the course of a year. LADPH also reports that as many as 25 porn industry-related cases of HIV have been reported since 2004. AHF says that agencies regularly advertise models available for “creampie” shoots, meaning that they will allow male actors to ejaculate inside them without a condom, AHF’s complaint says. California law specifically provides that “[n]o talent agency shall send or cause to be sent, any artist to any place where the health, safety, or welfare of the artist could be adversely affected, the character of which place the talent agency could have ascertained upon reasonable inquiry.” (Labor Code § 1700.33) Labor Code § 1700.9 also provides that “[n]o license shall be granted to conduct the business of a talent agency [i]n a place that would endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the artist.” “These talent agencies are a pipeline for the procurement of young people for the adult film industry,” said AFH President Michael Weinstein. “It is reckless for these agents to jeopardize the health of their clients by encouraging and profiting from the unsafe, potentially life-threatening behavior of the models and performers they represent. Many of these agents are callous enough to describe the unprotected sexual acts their clients will engage in on a checklist on their websites as cavalierly as if one was ordering off a menu in a restaurant. We are asking the California Labor Commissioner to investigate and crack down on the illegal behavior of these state-licensed agencies.” AHF previously filed 16 worker-safety complaints with the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/ OSHA) in August 2009, citing the lack of condom use in adult films made in California. In December 2009, AHF also filed a separate petition with Cal/OSHA asking the board to clarify protections for workers in the porn industry and explicitly include a condom requirement. AHF said at the time that “regulations to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases in hospitals should extend to adult film sets. The current regulations aren’t clear enough.” At its quarterly statewide meeting in Costa Mesa, California on March 18, the Cal/ OSHA Board voted unanimously to convene an advisory panel to determine whether – and how – to amend state regulations.
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Gay union organizer fired by cruise line indybay.org
ing comments towards women,” Arguelles added. “But being flamboyant, or as they called it, ‘limp wrist,’ supposedly offends the workers and clientele and makes for an uncomfortable work environment. I think that’s B.S.” Pride At Work is an LGBT labor organization affiliated with the AFL-CIO. “Worker’s rights and Queer rights are connected the same way we fight for immigrant’s rights,” said Reverend Israel Alvaran, a representative for UNITE HERE Local 2, which represents hospitality and food service workers. “All these are issues of justice, and like what Martin Luther King said, an injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere.” Alcatraz Cruises spokesperson Tegan Firth denied that any discrimination was in-
volved. “The company has a zero-tolerance harassment policy and there is no discrimination whatsoever,” Firth said. Firth declined to comment on the specifics of the Atos case, citing confidentiality restrictions. In response to the claims about pornography and sexism in the workplace cited by Waggoner, Firth stated, “I have absolutely zero experience with that. I’ve worked here for about four years and I have never seen anything like that at all, or anything close to those claims.” Pride At Work and the Milk Club have demanded that the National Parks Service terminate its contract with Hornblower or intervene to ensure that workers can exercise their legal rights to union activity.
Arkansas judge strikes down adoption ban by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Protesters held signs outside Alcatraz Cruises to protest the firing of Vincent Atos, who was fired for alledgedly “acting too Gay.”
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer San Francisco Pride At Work and the Harvey Milk Democratic Club picketed Alcatraz Cruises April 19 to protest the cruise line’s firing of Gay union organizer Vincent Atos. Atos was questioned about his sexual orientation and then suspended for 15 days for sexual harassment in October 2009. He was fired in November. He has filed a complaint regarding his dismissal with the city’s Human Rights Commission, alleging that being openly Gay led to his termination. The case is now under investigation. “What it was alleged Vincent did was make inappropriate sexual comments in the workplace of a Gay nature,” says David Waggoner, a lawyer and co-president of the Milk Club. “But many of his co-workers routinely made comments of a sexual nature that were heterosexual. One of his managers even viewed porn in the workplace. So this highly sexualized workplace was the norm. ... He was fired essentially because he was a Gay union organizer.” When asked by reporters if Atos would still be employed if he were a straight union organizer, Waggoner chuckled, “Good question.” Alcatraz Cruises is a subsidiary of Hornblower Cruise line. Atos worked for the company from September 2006 till he was fired. He has worked in the industry for 10 years. He says he was never informed about the exact charges against him.
“They wouldn’t tell me what the nature was, or who complained. They just asked me weird questions about myself and my behavior,” Atos said. He added that he was questioned specifically about his sexual orientation. Alcatraz Cruise Lines’ Human Resources Department subsequently claimed that other employees found Atos’ behavior “inappropriate.” Nevertheless, Atos was voted “Employee of the Year” by his co-workers in 2009. Josue Arguelles, a representative for San Francisco Pride at Work, said the sexual harassment charges may have been used by the cruise line as a pretext to fire Atos for his union activities. “Vincent was given the Employee of the Year award and he had a really good relationship with most, if not all, of his co-workers, I understand, from hearing from his coworkers and his statement with the Human Rights Commission,” Arguelles said “Most of the other heterosexual behavior is tolerated that he mentioned, such as looking up pornography and making degrad-
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An Arkansas circuit judge struck down a state law prohibiting unmarried couples from adopting children or serving as foster parents. The law effectively banned Gay men and Lesbians from adopting or foster parenting children because they may not marry in Arkansas. In 2004, Arkansas voters overwhelmingly approved a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as only between a man and a woman. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza said in a two-page ruling that the law, known as Act 1, unconstitutionally burdens people in “non-marital relationships” by forcing them to choose between becoming an adoptive parent and sustaining their relationship. “Due process and equal protection are not hollow words without substance,” Piazza said. “They are rights enumerated in our constitution that must not be construed in such a way as to deny or disparage other rights retained by the people.” While Piazza held that protecting children is in the state’s interest, he added that the ban “is not narrowly tailored to the least restrictive means necessary to serve the state’s interest in determining what is in the best interest of the child.” Therefore Act 1 infringed upon a “fundamental right,” Piazza concluded. A group of families represented by the ACLU sued to overturn the ban in 2008. They argued that there are too few families willing to adopt or foster in Arkansas, which has an average of 1,600 children on waiting lists, and that good homes were being arbitrarily cut from the list. Holly Dickson, an ACLU-Arkansas attorney who represented the families, said Piazza’s ruling opens many homes for children who need them. “We are happy, obviously, and we hope that now families who are perfectly good families will all be able to go through the screening process, and maybe this will start chipping away at the critical shortage of foster and adoptive homes that we have,” Dickson said. Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, whose office defended the law, said on April 16 that he had not yet made a decision on whether to appeal the ruling. Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe’s office said it would review the decision with other agencies and decide what to do next. “There’s a lot of things to consider. …
April 23, 2010
We’re going to decide how to proceed,” Beebe’s spokesperson Matt DeCample said. Voters had approved Act 1 in November 2008 by a margin of 57% to 43%. Jerry Cox, Director of the Family Council, the conservative organization that spearheaded the drive to put Act 1 on the ballot, said his group would definitely appeal. Cox called Piazza’s ruling “a classic example of judicial tyranny.” “It is a sad day when one judge in Little Rock chooses to overrule the will of the people of Arkansas,” he said. “We teach our children in school that we have government by the people – apparently, not in this case.” The Family Council petitioned to put Act 1 on the ballot after the Arkansas Supreme Court overturned a state agency ban on Gays and Lesbians serving as foster parents. Both Beebe and McDaniel opposed Act 1 because they believed the measure would hinder the state’s ability to recruit qualified parents.
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Justice Alito sole dissenter in animal abuse video ruling Steve Petteway
jority opinion. “The First Amendment itself reflects a judgment by the American people that the benefits of its restrictions on the government outweigh the costs,” Roberts wrote. “Our Constitution forecloses any attempt to revise that judgment simply on the basis that some speech is not worth it.” Justice Department attorneys defending the law argued that some categories of “speech” should be weighed against their social costs when applying the 1st Amendment. Roberts found this argument “startling and dangerous.” “We would not uphold an unconstitutional statute merely because the government promised to use it responsibly,” he wrote. In his dissent, Alito said the law U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was intended “not to suppress by Mike Andrew speech, but to prevent horrific acts of animal cruelty.” SGN Staff Writer The law was enacted in 1999 to forbid U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito sales of so-called “crush” videos. They apwas the sole dissenter in an 8-1 decision peal to a fetish porn market by depicting striking down a federal law that banned vid- the torture of small animals – cats, dogs, monkeys, mice and hamsters, according to eo depictions of violence against animals. The court ruled on April 20 that the law Congress – showing them being crushed to violated 1st Amendment protections of free death by women wearing stiletto heels. Under the law, anyone who “creates, sells speech. The case, United States v. Stevens, in- or possesses a depiction of animal cruelty” volves Robert Stevens of Pittsville, Vir- for commercial gain can be imprisoned for ginia, who was sentenced to three years in up to five years. A depiction of cruelty was prison for making and selling videos of pit defined as one in which “a living animal is intentionally maimed, mutilated, tortured, bulls fighting. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the ma- wounded or killed.”
Works of “serious religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value” were explicitly exempted from the law. Roberts wrote that the definition was so broad that it could include all depictions of wounding or killing animals, even hunting videos or magazines. Alito argued that the “practical effect” of the ruling would be to spur production of crush videos, which the Humane Society of the United States said had decreased with passage of the 1999 law. U.S. v. Stevens was the court’s second important 1st Amendment ruling this term. In January, the court ruled in Citizens United v Federal Election Commission that federal campaign finance legislation – the so-called McCain-Feingold Act – was unconstitutional. Corporations have a 1st Amendment right to spend unlimited amounts of money on political ads for and against specific candidates, the court majority said.
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The action comes one month after Choi and Pietrangelo were arrested for a similar DADT protest at the White House in which they handcuffed themselves to the gates as hundreds of protesters looked on. The new LGBT activist group, GetEQUAL, coordinated both actions. The vets said they were concerned about mounting signs that the president is irresolute on his promise to push for repeal this year. Less than 24 hours later, their fears were justified as White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that DADT repeal language would not appear in this year’s Defense Authorization Bill because the White House does not yet know the outcome of the current DADT study being conducted by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and top military brass. The Gay military ban, known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” requires the Defense Department to separate from the armed services members who engage in or attempt to engage in homosexual acts, state they are homosexual or Bisexual, or marry or attempt to marry a person of the same biological sex. Nearly 14,000 otherwise qualified men and women have been discharged from the
military under DADT, and many thousands more have chosen to not re-enlist because of the policy. Enforcing and implementing the policy has cost U.S. taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. “We are handcuffing ourselves to the White House gates once again to demand that President Obama show leadership on repealing DADT,” said Choi. “If the president were serious about keeping his promise to repeal this year, he would put the repeal language in his defense authorization budget. The president gave us an order at the Human Rights Campaign dinner [in October 2009] to keep pressure on him, and we will continue to return to the White House, in larger numbers, until the president keeps his promise to repeal DADT this year.” Cpl. Thomas, who was discharged from the Army National Guard in 1991 under DADT and participated with Choi at the White House protest, said, “When my commander in chief promised at the State of the Union to end DADT, my heart swelled. But his words mean nothing without action. He has an opportunity to take action right now. The Defense Authorization Bill provides funding for all military operations, and it will soon be up for renewal. President Obama knows that the Defense Authorization Bill provides a way to repeal DADT immediately. And he knows that repealing the policy quickly and decisively is the right thing to do for the LGBT servicemembers and for all of the armed forces.” During this second protest, unlike the last one, the press were barred from talking with Choi and escorted across the street from where the servicemembers were handcuffed. In addition, after some time, all six servicemembers were taken into custody. The battle to repeal DADT has increased over the last six months, with military leaders, politicians, and Gay advocates jumping into the fray. Reports point out that the American public overwhelmingly supports a repeal of the discriminatory law, yet Congress and the Defense Department are saying otherwise. Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, alleges that the Obama administration is quietly campaigning against repeal. “I am very disturbed by multiple reports from Capitol Hill that your Congressional liaison team is urging some members of Congress to avoid a vote on repeal this year,” Sarvis said in a letter to the president. “The upcoming House and Senate votes will be close, and very frankly, Mr. President, we
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Celebrating 37 Years!
the players’ sexual orientations – despite COMMUNITY REACTION NAGAAA’s stated mission of promoting AND OUTRAGE “amateur sports competition, particularly NAGAAA officials have refused to softball, for all persons regardless of age, change the discriminatory rule that excludes sexual orientation, or preference, with spe- players based on sexual orientation, apolocial emphasis on the participation of mem- gize to Apilado, Charles, and Russ for what NCLR is calling a “traumatic and humiliatber of the LGBT community.” The plaintiffs allege that they were forced ing public interrogation” or to disavow the to answer intrusive questions about their practice of interrogating players about their sexual orientations and private lives in front sexual orientation in protest hearings. “This case shows that Bisexual people are of a room of over 25 people. The players were forced to answer whether they were an integral part of the LGBT community. “predominantly attracted to men” or “pre- The San Francisco team was truly diverse dominantly attracted to women,” without and welcomed Bisexual, Gay, and straight the option of answering that they were at- players, and they saw each other as not just teammates, but family,” said NCLR Sports tracted to both. Allegedly, after each player was inter- Project Director Helen Carroll. “We all derogated, a panel voted on whether he was serve to be treated with respect no matter “Gay” or “non-Gay.” According to NCLR, what part of the ‘LGBT’ we are. It damages NAGAAA’s committee refused to entertain our community to conduct witch-hunts and the idea that the players could be Bisexual. to exclude people from playing in a sports In response to a player’s statement that he league for not being ‘Gay enough.’ We was attracted to both men and women, a wouldn’t accept this kind of treatment from NAGAAA member responded, “This is the a non-LGBT sports organization and we Gay World Series, not the Bisexual World shouldn’t do it to ourselves.” Minter told SGN that NCLR got involved Series.” NCLR issued a statement to SGN saying, with the case because they deeply care about “ Ultimately, the predominantly white com- making sure that Bisexual people and people mittee voted that Charles, Russ, and Apila- of color are fully welcomed and included in do, all men of color, were not Gay. The com- the LGBT community. mittee voted multiple times on at least one “We want to play a constructive role in player. The committee also declared that the persuading the league to get rid of this polother two players both – one of whom had icy,” she said. “We tried hard to settle this given precisely the same answers as Russ through discussions, without the need for – were Gay. The committee recommended litigation, but so far to no avail. We would disciplinary measures against Apilado, like for this to be a positive learning experiCharles, and Russ, their team, and the San ence for our whole community. We remain continued from cover Francisco Gay Softball League, including open to talking to the league, and would forcing their team, D2, to retroactively for- love nothing more than to reach a positive settlement that allows everyone to move feit their second-place World Series win.” “The league’s questioning of our clients’ forward together.” “We have been through other divisive sexual orientation was wrong for at least Apilado, LaRon Charles, and Jon Russ – two reasons,” Shannon Minter, legal direc- battles in our community, such as whether are asking for $75,000 each for emotional tor for NCLR, told SGN. “First, the purpose women and men could work together, and distress, for the league to invalidate the al- of the question was to enable the league to whether Transgender people would be welliance’s findings on the men’s sexual orien- discriminate based on sexual orientation. In come,” Minter told SGN. “We should learn tations, reinstate their team’s second-place addition, the way the questioning was con- from the past, and not repeat old mistakes. World Series finish, and requesting the court ducted was invasive and humiliating. The Bisexual men should be included and weltoss out the alliance’s rule limiting the num- league didn’t just ask the players to self- comed in a Gay softball league, period. The ber of straight players on each team. identify; they subjected them to public in- true test of our strength and character as a terrogation about the details of their sexual movement is not in our power to exclude, ATHLETES, COACH desires and conduct, and publicly debated but in our ability to welcome and include all HUMILIATED AT their identity – and then voted on whether people who want to be part of our community and who support our right to freedom PUBLIC INTERROGATION they were ‘Gay’ enough to play.” When NCLR clients Apilado, Charles, Beth Allen, NAGAAA’s attorney, said the and equality.” The bottom line, said Minter, is that what and Russ traveled with their softball team to lawsuit is unwarranted and that the three the 2008 Gay Softball World Series in Se- plaintiffs “were not discriminated against the league did was illegal and wrong. “There attle, they never expected to encounter dis- in any unlawful manner.” Allen says that, is no discrimination in our community,” she crimination, hostility, and suspicion. After in any case, the alliance is a private orgaall, their team, D2, had been playing togeth- nization that can determine its membership er in the San Francisco Gay Softball League based on its goals. for years. In 2008, they had practiced more NAGAAA was formed in 1977 and now than ever in the hopes of winning the World includes more than 680 teams in 37 leagues Series, and made it all the way to the cham- across the U.S. and Canada. pionship game. NCLR Staff Attorney Melanie Rowen During that game, D2 learned that anoth- said, “Washington law prohibits discrimier team challenged their eligibility to play nation based on sexual orientation in public based on a tournament rule that each team accommodations. But conducting an inquicould have no more than two straight play- sition into someone’s sexual orientation to ers. According to the NCLR, NAGAAA exclude them from playing sports in their officials summoned five D2 players to a community is not just discriminatory; it’s conference room for a protest hearing about outrageous.”
need your help now.” In an interview with The Advocate, Sarvis goes on to say that the Department of Defense is lobbying Congress to delay taking a vote on the policy until Gates’ implementation review is completed. The study – which will look at how to best implement changes in the military should Congress repeal the law – is due in December. “The administration is saying, ‘Look, the working group has its task, their work is not concluded until the end of the year, and we would prefer that this is not to be voted on this year’,” Sarvis said. Proponents of repeal – including openly Gay Congressman Barney Frank – have previously said the study is unnecessary and a likely delay tactic. “The administration has been ambiguous about it, and that ambiguity has allowed some to interpret Secretary Gates’ argument for delay in implementation as a delay in adopting the legislation,” Frank said. One fact that emerges crystal clear out of all of this muck and mire is that Choi, GetEQUAL, and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network are not quietly going away. It does not appear that the White House protests by openly LGBT uniformed servicemembers will stop anytime soon.
softball
said. “When you play softball, you never expect for anyone to corner you and ask you personal questions about who you are and what you do,” said Charles, one of the players interrogated by NAGAAA officials in 2008. “It was emotional for me as a coach to go in there and not only go in there and not only get grilled, but watch my team be put in this situation. This had me angry, had me in tears, contemplating whether I even want to be part of the league anymore after being in it since 1999.” Charles says that the rationale that straight players should be limited on a team because they are better athletes is wrong and “it’s insulting to the many strong LGBT athletes of today. A player is a player.” NCLR and Suzanne J. Thomas and Cristin J. Kent of K&L Gates represent Apilado, Charles, and Russ pro bono. EMERALD CITY SOFTBALL DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE It is important to note that the local Gay softball league, Emerald City Softball Association (ECSA), the third largest in the country, is not the NAGAAA and does not discriminate player eligibility based on sexual orientation. In a memo sent to ECSA managers, players, coaches and SGN, ECSA Commissioner Jeff Card said the ECSA has no limitations on straight players. “In fact, there is nothing in our rules or by-laws one way or the other regarding sexual orientation,” he said. “Our purpose is providing a safe and fun environment for LGBT people – plus our straight friends and allies. We place no limits on our rosters for playing in our local league.” ECSA is not a party in the lawsuit. “Although the 2008 Gay Softball World Series was held in Seattle, the softball tournament is operated by NAGAAA,” said Card. “As the local host, our organizing committee was primarily responsible for events and hospitality. NAGAAA operates everything related to the tournament itself, including the rules of play.” Card told SGN, “The environment we’ve created through our league in Seattle is being enjoyed this year by a record number of teams and players. On behalf of the rest of the Board, we remain committed to providing an environment of competition and fun for the Seattle LGBT community and its allies.”
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April 23, 2010
Seattle Gay News 17
vocate, April 12.
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer outgames
“I cried. It knocked me on my ass, really. I feel so in control of my life and my body, and then this comes, and it’s completely out of my hands.” –Martina Navratilova to People magazine April 7 on being diagnosed with breast cancer. “Our goal with GetEqual is to create the lunch-counter moments that so clearly defined the civil rights movement around racial justice. In an equality movement, we believe that we need to create those images that highlight the injustices that are clearly out there.” –Robin McGehee, co-chair of GetEqual. org, the group responsible for the recent civil-disobedience arrests inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s D.C. and San Francisco offices, to DC Agenda, April 7. “If the White House and Congress think that it is enough to acknowledge Gay people in speeches and non-controversial mem-
“Last week’s [same-sex families] hospital visitation directive [from President Obama] is a welcome, but small step. Long gone are the days when we will accept crumbs and politely smile as if we were served the entire meal. We are tired of waiting. We are tired of seeing our money and our support go to politicians who promise us everything yet give us only small token gestures in return. We will continue confronting our elected officials, including President Obama, with direct action demanding that they fulfill their campaign promises to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and pass the Employment NonDiscrimination Act.” –GetEQUAL.org activist Lt. Dan Choi in an April 18 press release. “The very first and most important sea change in this community started with the passage of Prop. 8. A whole Prop. 8 generation of people under 30 years old who were livid and couldn’t understand how that could happen because they had never experienced anything like that – they were radicalized. Then the Harvey Milk movie really inspired them. You can’t underestimate the impact of that movie on these people. The third thing that happened was that the leadership of our national organizations didn’t embrace them. The fourth thing that happened was they created it themselves. I think out of the [National Equality] march, four or five different organizations have been created. ... What’s happening is, with the disappointment in Obama and the passage of Prop. 8 and [of Question 1 in] Maine, that we are making a transition slowly, but surely, which will change our institutions, which will change our movement.” –Veteran activist David Mixner to the Ad-
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os, then they have made a serious error in judgment. Following in the footsteps of the Stonewall riots, ACT UP and other non-violent, civil disobedience that have been at the forefront of the battle for LGBT equality, we will go anywhere, at any time, to confront those politicians who put their own politics in front of our equality.” –GetEQUAL.org activist Robin McGehee in an April 18 press release.
ery for money and so that’s when we started the PAC [Municipal Elections Committee “[I’m looking forward to] seeing this Prop. of Los Angeles]. And I was right.” 8 generation glow and blossom. I think it’s –Veteran activist David Mixner to the Adthe most exciting thing that’s happened to vocate, April 12. our movement since the ‘92 convention. I think it’s a turning point, I think they are “They tell me they were going to put presbrilliant. Do you know how many young sure on Congress [to pass the Employment people I’ve had come in and talk to me? You Non-Discrimination Act]. All they put pressort of become the wise man. I haven’t seen sure on was the grass. Members of Congress this since the civil rights movement of the didn’t know it [the National Equality March] ‘60s. This is without a doubt the most excit- happened because they didn’t call anybody. ing development within the last two decades And I don’t understand why they think that for our community.” works. By the way, you know who under–Veteran activist David Mixner to the Ad- stands that? The National Rifle Association. vocate, April 12. They don’t have shoot-ins and rifle marches – they write and call. The NRA, person for “I was 30 [when I came out]. I had a ner- person, they are extremely influential bevous breakdown; my parents disowned me cause they lobby that way.” for a while; I wasn’t home; I lost all my –Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., businesspeople who I worked with for 20 to lgbtpov.com, April 12. years in politics. It was a brutal coming-out. It wasn’t one of those, ‘Oh, my God, what “His [Obama’s] not being for it will give a pleasant surprise!’ [Then] one day I was people an excuse to not vote for it. ... At this at a cocktail party and someone who I had point, the president’s refusal to call for rehelped become powerful politically was peal [of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell] this year is a there. He didn’t know I was behind him. problem. ... I’m frustrated. I’m disappointed And I heard him say, ‘David Mixner is fin- with the administration, in part.” –Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., to lgbtpov.com, April 12.
“I can’t remember much about the years of physical and emotional abuse my (Gay older) brother Eamon suffered. I was very small. The thing I do remember though, quite literally, is blood on his school shirt when he came home in the afternoon. The beatings and taunting were very frequent for David Mixner him and a constant part of his school years.” ished. He’s washed up. He’s a faggot.’ And –Actor Colin Farrell in an April 1 statethat’s all it took. I got angry instead of be- ment to the Irish LGBT group BeLonG To ing a victim and I said, ‘I’ll show you, you Youth Services. fucker.’ And the one thing I knew was that a politician would sell their mother into slav“If I hadn’t been born a woman I would have certainly been Gay because I love sparkles and ruffles and color.” –Skater Dorothy Hamill to Fox News, April 13.
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18 Seattle Gay News
April 23, 2010
“Many psychologists, many psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relationship between celibacy and pedophilia but many others have demonstrated, I was told recently, that there is a relationship between homosexuality and pedophilia. That is true. I have the documents of the psychologists. That is the problem. ... This pathology is one that touches all categories of people, and priests to a lesser degree in percentage terms.” –Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the so-called “deputy pope,” speaking April 12 in Chile.
“I think there’s been a real level of being disingenuous on the part of the Gay and Lesbian community with their goal of civil unions. ... You don’t go ahead and accommodate every behavioral pattern that is against the ideal. That would be like saying, well, there are a lot of people who like to use drugs, so let’s go ahead and accommodate those who want to use drugs. There are some people who believe in incest, so we should accommodate them. There are people who believe in polygamy, so we should accommodate them. ... I think this is not about trying to create statements for people who want to change the basic fundamental definitions of family. And always we should act in the best interest of the children, not in the seeming interest of the adults. Children are not puppies. This is not a time to see if we can experiment and find out, how does this work?” –Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee to The Perspective, a newsmagazine at The College of New Jersey, April 9. “House Democrats have been quietly plot-
Celebrating 37 Years!
ting how to rush through the so-called ‘Employment Non-Discrimination Act’ (ENDA) which will force every public school in America to hire Transgendered teachers and forbid their re-assignment out of the classroom. ... Every state will be forced to make cross-dressers, drag queens, Transsexuals, and she-males (male-female hybrids) into protected classes. Therefore, every school district in America will be forbidden by law to reassign any she-male teacher because this would be considered ‘discrimination.’ Thus, children will be trapped in classes taught by men who dress as women, and students will be indoctrinated to affirm that this is normal behavior.” –Traditional Values Coalition Executive Director Andrea Lafferty writing at OneNewsNow.com, April 14. “Since [Ellen] DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul as a judge on American Idol in February, millions upon millions of viewers are getting a double dose of the hugely popular talk show host and 12-time Emmy winner. The American Express and Covergirl pitchwoman’s reach is nearly unparalleled. ... A passionate advocate for marriage equality, an avid opponent of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ and staunch defender of animal rights, DeGeneres’s enormous platform is many an American’s gain.” –Out magazine April 15 naming Ellen DeGeneres the most influential Gay man or Lesbian in America, in the publication’s annual “Power 50” list. “CNN’s [Anderson] Cooper threw himself full-force into covering January’s Haitian earthquake with his usual journalistic rigor, but the sheer scope of the disaster soon revealed a tender side to the steely news anchor that sparked tabloid rumors (quickly dispelled) that he and his companion, New York club owner Benjamin Maisani, were adopting a Haitian child.” –Out magazine April 15 naming Anderson Cooper the third-most-influential Gay man or Lesbian in America, in the publication’s annual “Power 50” list. “Being a Gay man with a foot half in and out of the closet is tough; the games it plays with your mind – and more importantly, your heart – are hard to put into words but I am going to try my best. I finally accepted my sexuality at the end of 2006 following a huge anxiety attack at work. After what were literally years of torment, denial and very, very dark times, I couldn’t live a lie to myself any more. You often read that when people came out they had felt depressed or had suicidal tendencies. I, like them, experienced all of the extremes, but mostly it was the loneliness that was the hardest part of being Gay – and still is.” –Olympic swimmer Daniel Kowalski, who won four medals for Australia, writing in The Age, April 18. With assistance from Bill Kelley
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asset to our community. Charlene Strong’s life changed on December 14, 2006. That was the day a single social worker at Harborview Medical Center denied Strong access to her partner of 10 years, Kate Fleming, who lay dying in the next room after a tragic accident in the couple’s Seattle home. In the days and weeks following the accident, Strong experienced kindness and generosity, ignorance and cruelty, and unexpected tests of her faith and her inner strength. As her journey continued, as Strong opened doors and met each test, she found a voice she never knew she had. She found, inside herself, the voice of an activist. Strong has since become a leading voice for LGBT rights locally and nationally. She has testified before the Washington State Senate and was appointed to the Washington State Human Rights Commission by Governor Christine Gregoire in 2009. Strong graciously agreed to speak with me about Obama’s executive order via phone while traveling on the East Coast. Scott Rice: What did Obama get right? Charlene Strong: What did he get right? This is something he said during his speech when he spoke in Denver. I remember it very clearly when he said that no one should be kept from an emergency situation because they are Gay or Lesbian. I remember being very moved by that, and I thought, “Will he really be able to have that power to do that?” I think it’s a very good step in the right direction. I think it kind of puts people to the fire who take federal money while allowing discrimination to happen. I think implementation of it is going to be interesting. Rice: How so? Strong: If they [hospitals] receive federal funding from the federal government, they don’t have a choice, but I think it’s going to be an education process because I think there are going to be those who don’t believe we do deserve any kind of rights. Rice: So you think there will still be resistance? Strong: You know, I would like to wait and see. I think there will need to be some education in the process of implementation of this memorandum. Rice: What’s the best way to go about educating the gatekeepers? Strong: It’s interesting. There was an article in the Washington Post … one of the media contacts for Harborview said that Harborview did not discriminate against me the night Kate died, that they would not have kept me from Kate. And I wrote her a
letter – a very nice letter – and said, “Had you been there, you would have seen what happened.” And she wrote me and said, “I’d love to talk with you about this.” So there’s going to be a concerted effort on a lot of people’s parts. I mean it’s so new, everybody is kind of scrambling to figure out where we go from here. But I’m sure that there’s some work that’s going to need to be done in order to make this happen. At this point, I’m not sure how that would look. I’m not sure if anyone really knows how that looks. They’ve given them 180 days to come back with a response on how they’re going to implement. Rice: Were you surprised that Obama did this with an executive order? Strong: No. Well, let me rephrase that. I was hopeful. When he said it during his campaign, I was hopeful. You know, he is trying to push these things forward. I’m forever going to try to be an optimist about where we’re headed. I can tell you I was immensely proud when I heard what happened. Rice: There hasn’t been much of a response from the right or left. Why? Strong: I’m not sure I agree with you on this. The Washington Post ran a very large article about it, about the memorandum and how great it will be. It’s not that they’re giving us marriage rights, but they’re giving us visitation rights. Rice: In Obama’s first 15 months in office, we’ve seen the passage of hate crime legislation and the first Gay Pride celebration at the White House. The president’s top military and defense officials testified before Congress in favor of repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, though the policy remains in place. Is he doing enough for the LGBT community? Strong: I think this is a very measured step. I think anything we can do to advance equality for our community is a step in the right direction. I think this is a huge victory, and I’d like to focus on the fact that it is a huge victory. As far as speculating whether he’s done enough, has any president done enough? Has any government done enough? Until we see full equality for all citizens in this country, then no, no one has done enough. Rice: Should we feel impatient? Strong: You know what? I’m always impatient, Scott. But that’s just the nature of who I am. I was obviously impatient
with what happened to Kate the night she died and the fact that I chose to testify so quickly after her death – impatience is my middle name, I think. But I also think that with growth and understanding, with what Washington state just did [Referendum 71], I think right now is a good time to look at our victories. We all know that in Washington state, we did something that no other state in this nation has done [when voters approved a ballot measure that extended LGBT rights]. … We defeated them. Rice: Charlene, thank you for taking some time to talk to me. Is there anything else on your mind that I haven’t asked? Strong: What do you think of this memorandum, I’d like to ask? Rice: You know, I’m very pleased with it. I also look at in a sort of jaded way, that it’s kind of a political bone to toss and I’d like to see something more substantial on both marriage equality and military service. However, I understand pragmatic politics and I think we’re going to have to wait until [Obama’s] second term to see the most important change take place. Strong: I don’t think that was a bone in any way, shape, or form. I genuinely believe that was in the works going way back because he did mention it right from the getgo. So I think it was on his radar and he was being educated about the realities of what happens when we don’t have those rights. And this is a huge step. Do you realize that if hospitals who take Medicaid or Medicare do not follow through on this, they will lose all federal funding? This is a no-messingaround situation. My thing is now, how do we educate the healthcare providers? They are going to have to figure out how to implement in each state and how they’re going to educate and, frankly, in Washington state, I would love to get on board with that education process. I think it would be wonderful to get on board. For now, I know there’s real protection in real people’s lives, and that’s what matters. Would I like to see the whole ball of wax, absolutely. But you know, I cried when I heard it. I was actually in Fort Lauderdale at a restaurant that I had gone to with Kate years before … and it felt very surreal that I was sitting there hearing this great news. For me, it was a huge victory, as I’m sure it was for many other couples who have gone through what I went through with Kate that night.
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April 23, 2010
Seattle Gay News 19
Brits will ban author of Uganda “kill the Gays” bill by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The British government will ban the author of Uganda’s notorious “kill the Gays” bill from entering the U.K. if the bill is passed, The Guardian newspaper reported April 19. Officials in the British Foreign Office Department for International Development and the Borders Agency are reportedly drawing up plans to pull the visa of Ugandan Member of Parliament David Bahati. Bahati is a self-described “born-again Christian” and an ally of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. His Anti-Homosexuality Bill would impose the death penalty for “serial offender” Gays and for people with HIV who have sex, Gay or straight. It also calls for life in prison for those “promoting homosexuality.” The vagueness of that phrase endangers both human rights groups and ordinary citizens who fail to inform on Gay friends, relatives, or neighbors. An individual identified by The Guardian as a “senior British government source” said the issue could turn into a “major diplomatic incident if the Ugandans do not back
down.” The British government has previously banned a number of anti-Gay figures from entering the U.K., including lunatic pastor Fred Phelps, his daughter Shirley PhelpsRoper, radio talk-show host Michael Savage, and neo-Nazis Erich Gliebe and Stephen Donald Black. British officials have also rescinded the visas of individuals involved in Kenya’s election riots and members of the Zimbabwe government. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown reportedly cautioned Museveni at a Commonwealth meeting last year that Uganda faces international sanctions if the bill passes. President Barack Obama has described the legislation as “odious.” Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnny Carson has met with Museveni to express U.S. concern with human rights in his country, and reportedly extracted a promise that the “kill the Gays” bill would not be enacted. While Museveni has advised the Ugandan parliament to “go slow” on the bill, a government-sponsored march against homosexuality in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, attracted 2,000 supporters.
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Greene immediately called an ambulance and Scull was taken to the hospital. At that point, the men’s lives began to unravel, and the accounts of the two sides in the dispute begin to diverge. Domestic violence alleged Gregory Spaulding, an attorney representing Sonoma County, alleges that Scull was the victim of domestic violence perpetrated by Greene. “Mr. Scull reported that to the staff – that is, to the Public Guardians,” Spaulding told SGN in a phone interview, “and he said it to a number of people. The evidence will make it clear he was the victim of domestic violence.” According to Spaulding, the Public Guardians – county officials charged with protecting at-risk individuals – then acted on the theory that Scull had been assaulted by Greene, separated the two, and petitioned a court for conservatorship of Scull’s property. Greene’s legal team tells a much different story. Dennis flatly denies that Greene assaulted his partner. Kendell believes that Scull was frightened by his fall and the arrival of police, angry that Greene had called an ambulance, and also drunk, and that he told medics Greene had pushed him down thinking that would make them go away. “This was a couple that was closeted for most of their lives,” Kendell told SGN. “They are from a generation where the arrival of the police was a threat. You could lose your job, your livelihood if anyone discovered you were Gay. It was a generation that saw every instrument of government turned against Gay people. … It was also a
generation raised on a three-martini lunch.” “They were just unprepared for that level of intrusion into their lives,” she added. Local police investigated the domestic violence charge, but brought no charges against Greene, Kendell noted. “It’s a mandatory report situation,” she told SGN. “The hospital is obligated to notify the police, and the police are obligated to investigate, but Clay was never charged.” “The county had a rational basis for concern,” Kendell admitted, “but as soon as it proved unfounded, they should have gotten out of their lives and let them care for each other.” “They took everything” But Sonoma County did not get out of the couple’s lives. Instead, the county obtained limited power of attorney for Scull, sent him to a nursing home after he was released from the hospital, and sold off all the couple’s property. County officials also removed the couple’s two cats, Sassy and Tiger. They are now believed to have been euthanized. In court hearings, county attorneys failed to disclose Greene’s long-term relationship with Scull, referring to him merely as Scull’s “roommate.” According to the complaint filed by Dennis, the county acted improperly by failing to recognize Greene’s interest in the couple’s property and his authority to supervise his partner’s medical care. “They treated Clay [Greene] like a roommate and pushed him aside,” said his lawyer, Anne Dennis. “Quite frankly, they were going after Harold’s money.” County officials behaved in an intimidating, abusive, and demeaning way towards Greene. Some made mocking references to his sexual orientation. Once all the couple’s property had been sold, the county confined him to a “secure dementia unit,” the complaint says. Jeanette Biggerstaff, a friend named in
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www.sgn.org 20 Seattle Gay News
April 23, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
the couple’s wills as their executor, hired an attorney and attempted to intervene on their behalf, but she was rebuffed by county officials. “They stole my furniture, put me in a retirement home and told me to shut up,” Greene told a reporter for the Sonoma Press Democrat. “They took my cats. They took everything.” According to Kendell, Sonoma County “engaged in intentional actions based on homophobia.” “There will be evidence at the trial – statements were made by county employees that indicated distaste for Clay as a Gay man and for their relationship,” she said. According to Spaulding, the couple’s belongings were properly sold to cover expenses for their care. “I deny the contention that inappropriate procedures were followed by the county,” he told SGN.
“The most tragic case” When Scull was placed in a nursing home, county officials refused to inform Greene where he was being held. After Greene was also confined to a separate nursing home, he was allowed to phone Scull, but their conversations were strictly limited and monitored by staff. Three months after his fall, Scull died. He had not seen his partner since he was taken away from their home in an ambulance. In his last weeks, Scull managed to assemble several albums of photos for Greene, which are now his only memento of a 20year relationship. “In our 33 years, this case is perhaps the most tragic NCLR has ever been involved in,” Kendell told SGN. “One second he had a partner, a home, and everything,” Kendell said of Greene. “The next second his partner falls down and his world falls apart.”
Asked if he understood why the LGBT community would view the county’s actions as horrific abuse of elderly Gay men, Spaulding sighed. “The county takes very seriously the claims of domestic violence,” he said after a long pause. “I’m sensitive to other concerns. I am. But that’s not what this is about.” A lamp, a hutch, and eight photo albums Greene is now living in a tiny apartment in the small town of Guerneville, California. Asked about his health, Kendell replied “Physically, he’s OK. He’s fragile. He’s almost 80. Emotionally, not so good. He has some cognitive impairment. He has post traumatic stress disorder.” Greene was left without a home, without assets, without even household goods. “All he got was a lamp, a hutch, and eight photo albums,” Dennis said. “The cats are
dead.” “There’s no way we can turn back time,” Kendell told SGN. “Even if we’re vindicated, there’s no way to restore what he’s lost.” “With a monetary award, at least Clay can move to a bigger space,” she continued. “He can purchase some things to give him some comfort. It’s also a way that the county could say ‘sorry.’ That might be some small comfort to him.” For Kendell, this is a story about devaluation of Gay relationships. “If marriage could have been an option, they would have been married,” she said. “And had they been married, I think the story would have had a different trajectory.” “But it’s not just that Clay and Harold lacked formal recognition,” she continued. “The county in this case has sent a message that same-sex relationships are not equal, not worthy of government protection.”
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