SGN Apr 26, 2019 - Part 2

Arts & Entertainment

14th Annual Translations Seattle Transgender Film Festival May 2-5

Leslie Jordan’s show “Exposed” raises $5,000 for the AMP

Translations Seattle Transgender Film Festival is a groundbreaking film festival that provides the Pacific Northwest with a venue for films by, for, and about transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people and the issues facing the community. Launched in 2006, Translations is one of only a handful of dedicated transgender film festivals in the world, and places emphasis on visibility and positive representations.

by MK Scott

SGN Contributing Writer

LESLIE JORDAN “EXPOSED” THE TRIPLE DOOR April 22

May blooms on Seattle-area stages

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer

Musicals, old and new, vie with drama, and some comedy this month. Seattle companies excel in diverse offerings to tempt every palate. What do you want to see?

This year the festival will screen 45 films from 10 countries including Italy, Brazil, Costa Rica, Australia and India. Translations opens at the Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.) with THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND, winner of the 2019 SXSW Visions audience award and closes at Gay City (517 E. Pike St.) with the West Coast premiere (and see TRANSLATIONS page 7 see LESLIE JORDAN page 4

Office Hour, ArtsWest, 5/2-26 (opens 5/3) (Written by Julia Cho)

Alarmed by a troubled student’s grisly writings, a professor invites him to her office to shed light on – and build a bridge across see MAY OPENINGS page 3

Monday, April 22, was an outstanding night for the AIDS Memorial Pathway project (the AMP) when Seattle Gay News and Unite Seattle Magazine joined with BECU to present comedian Leslie Jordan in his autobiographical one-man show “Exposed” at The Triple Door raising $5,000 for the AMP.

Masterful Sunset a violently eye-opening historical hat trick

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer

SUNSET Now playing

With his second feature-length motion picture Sunset, László Nemes cements himself as a rising virtuoso filmmaker whose cinematic talents are nothing less than extraordinary. Already an Academy Awardsee SUNSET page 8

MAY OPENINGS

– the dark clouds that surround him. As tensions rise, she learns that notions of “good” and “bad” are dangerous illusions. This searing play tackles thorny issues of gun violence, immigration, and “the other” to reveal our essential, human need for connection. www.artswest.org

The Spitfire Grill, Showtunes Theatre Company, 5/4-12 (at The Cornish Playhouse)

Based on the award-winning film, the musical depicts the journey of a young woman just released from prison who decides to start her life anew in a rural Wisconsin town. She finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. It’s for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town. Newcomer Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off, choosing the best essay on “why you want the grill.” Soon, mail arrives by the wheelbarrow, and Percy’s ability to see beauty and worth in both the town and the people who live within it leads the community on a journey of recovery and redemption. (This is a concert-style presentation.) www.showtunestheatre.org

Aesop’s Fables, Thistle Theatre, 5/4-6/2 (various locations)

Families aged 3 to 103 will delight in this puppet production of Aesop’s Fables. Aesop was born a slave in 6th Century BC and is heralded as one of the great moral teachers of all time. Three entertaining stories tell of animals that have human foibles and strengths. “The Raven and the Swan” comically illustrates the lesson that true beauty is found within. “The Lion and the Mouse” shows how a small mouse can help a mighty lion. “The Tortoise and the Hare” tells the classic story of how “slow and steady wins

the race”. Thistle Theatre specializes in the tabletop Bunraku-style of puppetry. https://thistletheatre.org/tickets.htm

Million Dollar Quartet, Village Theatre, Issaquah: 5/9-6/23, Everett: 6/28-7/28

The blockbuster true story of a night that Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins gathered returns to Village Theatre’s stage – 12 years after shaping its triumphant premiere. It returns home complete with the hit songs of the 1950s you know and love, plus a few new visual surprises. www.villagetheatre.org

Kim’s Convenience, Taproot Theatre, 5/15-6/22

The Kims are a loving, if imperfect, Korean family making their way in Toronto. As they face an uncertain future Appa (dad), Umma (mom), their unmarried daughter Janet and disappointing son Jung learn to see each other in a new light. This hilarious and heartwarming story reminds us that family isn’t always convenient, but it might be the best deal out there. www.taproottheatre.org

The Arsonists, The Horse in Motion, 5/17-6/3 (at Gallery Erato in Pioneer Square)

Stories of arsonists burning down houses fill the news, but it could never happen here, right? The site-specific production in Gallery Erato in Pioneer Square is where the Seattle Great Fire raged over a century ago. With tough questions about fate, responsibility, and hair rejuvenator, this play asks the burning question of what it could mean to burn it all down. www.thehorseinmotion.org

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Seattle Musical Theatre, 5/17-6/9

A rollicking hootenanny of a musical,

based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel, operated from the 1840s to 1973. This happy-go-lucky view of small-town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors, and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello.

www.seattlemusicaltheatre.org

The Call, Seattle Public Theater, 5/176/9 (Written by Tanya Barfield)

When Annie and Peter decide to adopt, they come to set their sights on a child from Africa. But when the reality of this choice sinks in, it opens a well of uncertainty that speaks to their very identity as White Americans. Politically-charged, the play is a startling portrait of cultural divide, casting global issues into the heart of an American home.

www.seattlepublictheater.org

Tiny Beautiful Things, Seattle Repertory Theatre, 5/17-6/23 (opens 5/22)

(Written by Nia Vardalos, adapted from the book by Cheryl Strayed)

Anonymous online columnist “Sugar” receives thousands of letters asking for advice, and with her own particular brand of brutal honesty and incisive empathy, helps those seeking guidance for life obstacles both large and small. It is later revealed that “Sugar” is author Cheryl Strayed. A play that personifies the unfathomable questions that are at the heart of being human.

www.seattlerep.org

Take Me Out, Strawberry Theatre Workshop, 5/23-6/22 (opens 5/25)

What happens when a superstar player on a major-league baseball team announces that he is gay? What outfielder Darren Lemming receives is disarming – and often hilarious

– candor from his teammates, manager, and agent. Setting his play entirely in the team’s clubhouse and shower, playwright Richard Greenberg traps a dozen (often naked) men in one room with their most intimate thoughts and no place to hide. A rookie relief pitcher’s unfiltered television interview opens a locker of complicated insights about masculinity, democracy, race, and identity for the twenty-first century. (This show contains nudity, sexual language.)

www.strawshop.org

Pass Over, ACT Theatre, 5/316/23 (opens 6/6) (Written by Antoinette Nwandu)

Moses and Kitch, two young black men, chat their way through a long, aimless day on a Chicago street corner. Periodically ducking bullets and managing visits from a genial but ominous stranger and an overtly hostile police officer, Moses and Kitch rely on their banter to get them through a day that is a hopeless retread of every other day, even as they continue to dream of their deliverance.

www.acttheatre.org

West Side Story, 5th Avenue Theatre and Spectrum Dance Theatre, 5/31-6/23 (opens 6/7)

With a cast of 40 of the finest performers in Seattle, a 25-piece orchestra and the highest levels of talent and artistic dedication – and including the gifted ensemble of Spectrum Dance Theatre – the 5th will recreate the original Jerome Robbins choreography on Broadway. On the harsh streets of the Upper West Side, two gangs battle for control of the turf. The situation becomes complicated when a gang member falls in love with a rival’s sister. The musical was an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, modernized.

www.5thavenue.org

LESLIE JORDAN

continued from cover

Special thanks to pre-show hosts and performers DJ Vinnie, Aleksa Manila, Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse as well as to The Triple Door, Amy’s Limo, W Seattle hotel, Seattle Event Printing and Lifelong AIDS Alliance for flyer and poster printing, and many other individuals and organizations who helped publicize and promote the event to attract a nearly soldout crowd to the show.

The evening began with DJ Disco Vinnie on stage spinning music and screening videos from ABBA to Michael Jackson from 6pm to 7:30pm.

Backstage during the Meet and Greet, Leslie Jordan was all smiles and gracious to everyone.

At 7:30pm Aleksa Manila and Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse set the tone for the eve-

ning with warm welcoming remarks along with brilliant comedy and song. Both Jason Plourde of the AMP and Stephen Black from BECU spoke about the importance of community and the AIDS Memorial Pathway project being developed at the north end of Cal Anderson Park adjacent to the Capitol Hill Link Lightrail Station.

At 8pm Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Leslie Jordan brought his raunchy humor to the stage with his autobiographical one-man show “Exposed” and the exuberant audience showed their appreciation with unending cheering, clapping and laughter.

The evening was a triumphant success and the event raised $5,000 for The AMP: the AIDS Memorial Pathway general fund.

Photos courtesy of MK Scott and Aleksa Manila

Small Mouth Sounds is something to smile at

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer

SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS

THALIA’S UMBRELLA

(AT 12TH AVENUE ARTS) Through May 11

Six people walk into a silent retreat week…. It is kind of a joke, right? And there are definitely moments that are very amusing in both the set up and the small exchanges, either of uneasiness or strangerinteraction. That’s all part of the experience watching Bess Wohl’s quiet play, Small Mouth Sounds

Since the retreaters are not supposed to talk, at all, you might wonder if you’ll be watching a play with no words… Does that mean it’s a … dance? Or a mime? If there is no speech, does that mean it’s not a play anymore? Well, if you didn’t wonder that, you’re better’n me, cuz I surely did. But actually there is definitely some speech and a very specific storyline.

The people do seem to be a bit stereotypical, at least at first. As they line up in chairs right next to the audience, and open packets of retreat information, a guru or mediation guide, with the requisite vaguely Indian accent, speaks through a microphone at them. Is it live or is it Memorex? they might ask.

There’s an over-eager, anxious guy wanting enlightenment (Adam St. John), an older man who we think might have lost a child (Terry Edward Moore), a lesbian couple with issues (Ina Chang and Bridget Connors), a single woman unhappily out of a bad relationship (Sara Dabney Tisdale) and an already enlightened yoga-type who is so “spiritual” he’s gone into jerk territory (Douglas Ridings).

We begin to get to know each participant and their relationship to the others as the roughly 100 minutes unfolds in a series of time-lapsed scenes throughout the course of the weeklong retreat. Of course, the guide tells them, and the audience, at the beginning, that if they give themselves

over to the process, they have an opportunity to be transformed and leave as a different person! Quite a promise.

One aspect of Thalia’s Umbrella that I appreciate is the focus on “adults” and choosing plays with older characters. It’s not all 20- and 30-somethings or high school dramas. Many times, that means the plays focus on the many decisions people have already made in their lives and they can reflect back on those and perhaps decide to choose differently in the future. This play is like others chosen, in that way. But also, often, there’s a trend toward humor, as well. It’s never bad to laugh at life.

Roberta Russell continues to impress with her sleek staging. Here, at first we only see a row of chairs on a movable platform. But when the platform is moved, we focus on the subtle fabric hangings against the back wall that look like tree trunks of that forested retreat. It’s elegant. Her lighting scheme also specifically delineates rectangles on the floor, which are clearly small sleeping rooms.

It’s fun to identify with or secretly snigger at the participants. The guide ends up being another amusement as he also grapples with his own burning issues, including cell phone interruptions of his own!

As expected, no one leaves so completely changed after one week, but we’ve gotten to know them all a lot better, and it’s an enjoyable, if quiet journey. For more information, go to www. thaliasumbrella.org.

Discuss your opinions with SGNCritic@gmail.com or go to www.facebook. com/SeattleTheaterWriters. More articles can be found at MiryamsTheaterMusings. blogspot.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

“EK AASHA”

FRI, MAY 3, 5:00 PM

only the second public screening) of JACK & YAYA. (Except for the Opening Night screening all screenings and panel discussions will be held at Gay City.)

“I am thrilled to return as Festival Director for the 14th year of this important and engaging film festival,” said Sam Berliner, Translations Festival Director. “Our acclaimed Opening Night Film, THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND, just won the audience award at SXSW and it will bring you to your feet and ready for action. Our Closing Night Film, JACK & YAYA, is a beautiful portrait of lifelong trans friendship guaranteed to make you hold your friends even closer.”

The festival offers individual tickets, six-packs, and full festival passes ranging in price from $14-$100. Two free panel discussions will be held during the festival on Saturday and Sunday at noon. Tickets are available online at threedollarbillcinema.org/translations and day of at the venue box office.

Following is the festival schedule with a brief description of the films and programs. For more information, visit threedollarbillcinema.org/translations.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

OPENING NIGHT FILM + PARTY: “THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND” FLAVIO ALVES; USA, 2019, 88 MINS. NORTHWEST PREMIERE

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 7:00 PM

NORTHWEST FILM FORUM

1515 12TH AVE

Fresh from its premiere at SXSW comes an incredibly timely film about Tina, a young transwoman, and her grandmother Eliana, as they navigate Tina’s transition and their struggle to build a life as undocumented immigrants in New York City. Tina (played with poise and depth by newcomer Carlie Guevara) luckily has a supportive group of transwomen friends but is faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, including violent threats in the streets and a lack of commitment from her lover. Director Flavio Alves (“TOM IN AMERICA”,TWIST 2014) employed trans actors in this exceptionally well-crafted first feature that will leave you on your feet and ready for action.

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

This moving drama follows Aasha from childhood to maturity as she comes to terms with her gender identity and leaves her home and family to join a traditional transgender (Hijra) community.

“PATERNAL RITES”

FRI, MAY 3, 7:30 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

Part road movie, part experimental animation, part found-footage collage, PATERNAL RITES deeply explores the American family and its false dreams of normalcy.

“BIXA TRAVESTY”

FRI, MAY 3, 9:30 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

Da Quebrada, a black transwoman uses spoken word, rap, and high-energy dance to explore gender, race, and sexuality in Brazil’s urban slums.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

“A DEAL WITH THE UNIVERSE”

SAT, MAY 4, 12:00 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

Drawing from 15 years of archival home footage and personal video diaries, this visceral film documents Jason and Tracey’s unrelenting pursuit of parenthood.

SHORTS: KNOW YOUR HIRSTORY

SAT, MAY 4, 2:30 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

Travel back in time to uncover stories from our collective transgender past.

HOW TO BE A TRANS ALLY

SAT, MAY 4, 4:30 PM

GAY CITY, 517 E PIKE ST

FREE PROGRAM

Are you new to transgender concepts? Want to learn how to be a good ally? Join us for two short films, and then stick around for a presentation and discussion.

“TRANSFINITE”

SAT, MAY 4, 5:00 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

In this sci-fi film featuring a series of standalone short stories, black and brown transgender, gender-nonconforming, and nonbinary persons resist oppression with their extraordinary powers.

“HOLD ME LIKE BEFORE”

SAT, MAY 4, 7:15 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

Featuring a cast of non-actors, HOLD ME LIKE BEFORE illustrates how everyday dramas can become symbolic guides for processing the recurring themes in our lives.

“THE DEVIL’S MAGNIFICENT”

SAT, MAY 4, 9:30 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

Manu (Manu Guevara), an eccentric

trans immigrant living in France, plans on returning to her native Chile after 10 years of instability.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

“BECOMING COLLEEN”

SUN, MAY 5, 12:00 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

Bagpiper, film projectionist, and selfproclaimed shoe fetishist are only a few of the terms that describe Colleen, the captivating subject of this Australian documentary.

\ AUTHENTICALLY US:

VR FILMS + PANEL

SUN, MAY 5, 12:00 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

FREE PROGRAM

AUTHENTICALLY US: STORIES FROM THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY introduces viewers to a diverse group of transgender and gender-diverse people using interactive virtual reality (VR).

SHORTS: TRANS JOY

SUN, MAY 5, 2:30 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

Couldn’t we all use some trans joy? Check out this radiant collection of trans people living their best lives, and leave with a smile on your face.

“MY NATURE”

SUN, MAY 5, 5:00 PM

GAY CITY

517 E PIKE ST

In this documentary, Simone reveals how his choice to live more closely connected to nature and community in Umbria allowed him to finally accept himself and open up to love.

CLOSING NIGHT FILM + PARTY: “JACK & YAYA” JEN BAGLEY & MARY HEWEY; USA, 2018, 83 MINS. WEST COAST PREMIERE SUNDAY, MAY 5, 7:15 PM GAY CITY 517 E PIKE ST

Jack and Yaya’s friendship rivals the closest of bonds. Neighbors since toddlerhood, they have a deep, supportive connection that ensures that they are never alone as they endure the many trials associated with being trans. These two created safe spaces for one another to grow and explore their identities before they could truly understand it for themselves. This documentary follows their path to discovery as well as that of their friends and family. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt documentary that reminds us of the power of lifelong friendship.

Courtesy of Three Dollar Bill Cinema

SUNSET

winner for his 2015 debut Son of Saul, the director’s latest is a stunning miracle of historical fiction that blew me away. It is the personal story of a young woman deciphering, not only the mystery of her past, but also discovering the hidden horrors that will lead to European collapse and worldwide tragedy. This is an immersive drama that held me spellbound for all 142-minutes of its sprawling, singularly focused narrative, and the only thing I wanted to do when the story came to an end was to rewind back to the beginning and watch the whole thing for a second time right then and there.

It is 1913. Irisz Leiter (Juli Jakab) has arrived in the Hungarian capital of Budapest hoping to get a position as a milliner and designer at the world-renowned hat company her parents founded three decades prior. But company manager Oszkár Brill (Vlad Ivanov) is hesitant to hire her. He knows why she was sent away to study when she was just a child, her return reminding everyone of the tragic fire that took the lives of her parents when she was two-years-old. But his reasons for not wanting her associated with the company at the time of its 30th anniversary are even more mysterious than Irisz could imagine they would be, and even though everyone she encounters keeps telling her to leave the city, the young woman resolutely decides to stay in Budapest until she knows exactly why so many want her to go away.

Initially it appears as if Sunset is going to be a period mystery with terrific hats following a woman learning about the death of her parents while also discovering the truth about the brother she never knew

existed. Very quickly it becomes apparent that Nemes has more on his mind than that. Through Irisz’s eyes we see the seeds being planted that will horrifyingly blossom into the carnage of WWI. We see how industrialization and modernization clash with the socially and religiously-conservative ideologies that also end up in direct opposition to the growing resentment starting to brew between the few wealthy elites and the common worker who has seen their quality of life diminish over the years. Not only does Irisz learn about herself and her family, but she also discovers a catastrophic break in the formerly indissoluble status quo, death and madness walking hand-inhand in a blind march towards calamity the likes of which no one could have prepared for let alone comprehended back when the hat shop first opened it doors.

That’s a lot of stuff to be examining, and yet Nemes manages to do it with breathless specificity. Irisz is an active observer, clueless participant and stubborn instigator in all that ends up happening as it pertains to the hat company her parents founded as well as to the nation of Hungary. She attempts to save others from damnation one moment only to later on accept that they will be the lifeless collateral damage left behind when revolution and chaos sweep through and stain the pristine halls of the bourgeoisie with the blood of prince and pauper alike. It’s magnetic stuff, the breadth of the historical windstorm that’s on the cusp of becoming an earthshattering hurricane a constant threat that follows Irisz wherever it is she chooses to go next.

This purely observational approach does take some getting used to. As someone cruelly points out a bit before the film’s explosively devastating climax, Irisz looks the part of the heroine and spends much of

her time ascertaining answers to a variety of different questions, but that does not mean she actually does anything with any of this information or takes an active role in what could potentially transpire. But her reasons for acting the way she does has far more power to change the course of history than is initially discernable, and her apparent passivity should not be confused with indifference. Irisz coldly and clearly takes her time figuring out what is happening, her formerly black and white view of the world and its travails bursting into shades of grey she quickly attempts to learn the best ways to traverse within no matter what the repercussions of doing so might prove to be.

There is a set piece set inside the sprawling mansion of a distraught and emotionally demoralized countess (Julia Jakubowska) that’s nothing short of glorious. A sedate moonlit garden party and concert erupts into catastrophic violence, a determined mob laying waste to man, woman and child alike with cutthroat resolve. Cinematographer Mátyás Erdély (The Quiet Ones) captures it all in a series of elongated, fluidly magnetic takes that are deftly compiled into a seamless concerto of carnage by editor Matthieu Taponier (Son of Saul ). It is here Irisz will begin to understand the full extent of what is going on. It is here she will see exactly what her shadowy brother is capable of.

But this moment will also lead to even more incredible revelations involving, not just Oszkár Brill and the running of the hat shop that bears the name of Irisz’s parents, but also of the ruling monarchs governing Hungary and the secretive deal they’ve made with him that involves the prettiest and most poised of business’ milliners. These disclosures will play a gigantic part in the story’s climax, the decisions Irisz eventually makes in many ways mirroring

those by various European governments that will plunge the entire world into war in no time whatsoever.

Jakab is sensational, and as she’s in practically every scene of the film, Erdély’s camera following her wherever she goes as if it were perched on top of the actress’ shoulder, this is a very good thing indeed. Her determined introspective performance is full of layers, and as she begins to peel each of them away subtle, heartrending truths about this world and her place within it are laid bare with raw, naked intensity. Ivanov is also excellent as the secretively deceitful Brill, while Evelin Dobos makes an indelible impression as the hat store’s manager who cannot hide her dissatisfaction with her boss when he unexpectedly decides to allow Irisz the opportunity to become a part of their staff.

I couldn’t get enough of this movie. I was mesmerized by everything Nemes was doing, was infatuated with the way he chose to dissect this story. Irisz Leiter is a fascinatingly complex character who eschews simplistic categorization and rarely follows anything close to resembling a conventional path as she pieces together this violent socio-political puzzle. This is a daring, thought-provoking motion picture that overflows in disturbing resonance, Nemes drawing parallels between the personal saga of a woman looking for answers to questions she didn’t even initially know, the birth of WWI and the groundwork for the fascist resurgence we’re seeing in the United States and several European countries right this very second here in the 21st century over a hundred years after this story is set. Make no mistake, Sunset is magnificent. See it at once.

Rousing Endgame an epic adventure in comic book fan service

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer

AVENGERS: ENDGAME

Now playing

I can say this with conviction: Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) who have studied, analyzed, debated and discussed every little nuance of every film in the series from 2008’s Iron Man all the way up to this past March’s Captain Marvel, all of those who let out shocked gasps of outright terror over the ending of last summer’s Avengers: Infinity War, just about every single one of those individuals are going to stand up and cheer the moment Avengers: Endgame comes to an end. After an unprecedented string of 21 connected motion pictures involving heroes of all stripes, types, cultures, genders, ethnicities and even species across a multitude of genres and filmmaking styles, this 182-minute culmination of a decade of storytelling is undeniably impressive. I can’t imagine anyone who has been waiting for this with bated hopeful breath walking out of the theatre disappointed, directors Anthony and Joe Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely showcasing a level of narrative confidence that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

All of which makes my moderate emotional indifference to this epic superhero adventure all the more frustrating. Do not misunderstand me here, this is still a good movie. It’s well made, overflowing in spectacle and is anchored in a slew of strong, multifaceted performances (most notably those given by Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd and, somewhat surprisingly, Karen Gillan). The climactic act is suitably thrilling, and I will admit a lump filled my throat as all that the MCU has been, and all it potentially still could be, came roaring to life with such staggering authority. Be all that as it may, about halfway through I realized that this climactic MCU adventure was all about fan service. As such, while there is one shocking turn of events, even that didn’t catch me that off-guard when I realized where our heroes were and what it was they were after. This movie, in

spite of its massive budget and gigantic scale, feels more like the conclusion to a popular television series more than it does a distinct, individualized feature film. Markus and McFeely have a lot of loose ends that have been generated over the past decade that they have to tie up and a whole slew of cliffhangers they need to bring to tidy resolution. While they are successful, they don’t necessarily do any of this in a way that goes too far outside the box. They, as well as their directorial partners the Russo brothers, are content to do everything that their fans expect them to, and as such Endgame can feel more like a raucously produced, energetically produced greatest hits culmination than it does its own unique thing.

It’s possible that’s just fine. A lot of love and care went into this, and the early portions where many of the surviving Avengers try to make peace with their failure while attempting to now live in a universe, not just the Earth, mind you, but the entire galaxy, where half of all life has been eradicated thanks to a single snap of the fingers by the Infinity Stone-wielding mad titan Thanos (Josh Brolin) is nothing less than excellent. Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) is still sitting in the team’s headquarters working in tandem with Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Nebula (Gillan), James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and intergalactic heroine Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) as they work to restore peace and order to a shattered cosmos. Meanwhile, a pudgy Thor (Hemsworth) has set up a new Asgardian colony in Norway, while Steve Rogers (Evans) runs a support group for people trying to get on with their lives after all they knew and loved was taken away from them. As for Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), he’s retreated into a life of seclusion, putting the mantel of Iron Man aside as he grapples with his and his fellow Avengers’ collective failure.

Much to everyone’s flabbergasted shock, from seemingly out of nowhere comes Scott Lang (Rudd). He was trapped in the Quantum Realm while the tragic fight in Wakanda was taking place, and after learning about all that transpired and how much was lost he’s got the faintest glimmer of an

idea that could potentially set things right. This, of course, will bring the band back together, including a slightly more emotionally stable Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) as well as a rogue, ruthless Clint Barton (Renner) who has been trying to satiate his bloodlust by slaughtering yakuza and cartel bosses along with their various foot soldiers. Those two original Avengers are reunited with Steve, Tony, Thor and Natasha, the six of them joined by Rocket, Scott, Nebula and Rhodes in a desperate gambit that could theoretically undo all that happened after Thanos snapped his fingers.

That’s all the plot I’m going to talk about. Whether the viewer is a die-hard MCU junkie or just someone who tolerates these movies and finds themselves dragged along to a screening even if they’d rather sit at home and watch Netflix, the less I say about what transpires the more fun everyone is likely to have. Even with that being so, as intricately plotted as this is, nothing that happens can still be easily predicted beforehand. For me, this is where I do think the filmmakers somewhat drop the ball. They are all so intent on getting to the moments they think everyone wants to see they don’t appear to feel the need to shake anything up in ways that might make the eventual sacrifices of some of our heroes have an impact that lasts any longer than it takes to walk outside of the theatre.

Other than one big, well-deserved exception, I wasn’t moved by anything that happened during the climactic stretch. It’s all fine, and everyone gives it their all, and in one notable case I loved how the Russo brothers seemed to let all of the sound drain from the proceedings so that what was happening up on the screen got the opportunity to hit home with maximum impact. But because it felt so preordained, because it happened in such a straightforward manner, even this moment didn’t do as much for me as I know it will for so many others, unfortunately undercutting the emotional ramifications of the scene for me a significant amount.

Can I tell you about the exception or who it involves? No. Can I tell you about the one segment of the story that did surprise me, if only ever-so-slightly? No. Can I tell you

why Gillan gives such a superlative performance which ends up making Nebula one of the richest, most pleasingly (and somewhat painfully) complex characters in all of the MCU? No. I can’t tell you any of that, because no matter how much I want to speak about all of this and so much more, doing so just wouldn’t be fair to an audience hoping to discover everything all on their own. Even if I wasn’t necessarily surprised by all that transpired I fully understand that so many others out there will be, and as exquisite as some of these individual moments and revelations might be talking about them in any way whatsoever, even in the most minute sort of detail, just feels wrong.

I like the humor here. I like that this film is willing to slow things down, to spend so much time focusing on the characters and how they are dealing with their grief, how they are trying to face the demons that have materialized since their failure to stop Thanos. I love the opening scene, the shattering power of it, as it reintroduces a character who hasn’t been around since Captain America: Civil War. I like the way it resolves so many of the core friendships and relationships while at the same time introducing new ones that can be explored as the MCU charts unnavigated waters as it sails onward. I like the beauty of its haunting final scene, this dance of pure, everlasting love a gentle reminder to the innate potential for goodness and purity that lurks within the beating heart of every person on the planet, the choice to listen to it and follow its instructions theirs and theirs alone.

None of this means I think Avengers: Endgame is a great movie, even if it might be a superlative ending to a decade of interlocked cinematic stories unlike any we have ever seen before. But its positives are obvious, and even at three hours watching it is hardly a chore. This is a solid adventure that fans will go nuts for. As for me, this last assembling of the original team of Avengers brought a smile to my face, this curtain call a satisfying final bow for a team of comic book heroes who all deserved this moment in the spotlight standing at the center of the stage.

1533 13th Ave. - 323-1525

SEATTLE

BATHS

SEATTLE

BATHS

CLUB Z - (men)

1117 Pike near Boren - 622-9958

HOT HOUSE SPA & SAUNA - (women)

CLUB Z - (men)

1117 Pike near Boren - (206) 622-9958

SW corner of Pike & 11th

HOT HOUSE SPA & SAUNA - (women)

(stairs behind Wildrose) - 568-3240

STEAM WORKS - (men)

SW corner of Pike & 11th

1520 Summit - 388-4818

(stairs behind Wildrose) - (206) 568-3240

STEAM WORKS - (men)

1520 Summit Ave - (206) 388-4818

RESTAURANTS & BARS

88 KEYS - 315 2nd Ave. S. - 839-1300

BALTIC ROOM - 1207 Pine St. - 625-4444

RESTAURANTS & BARS

THE BOTTLENECK LOUNGE

2328 E. Madison St. - 323-1098

88 KEYS - 315 2nd Ave. S - (206) 839-1300

C.C. ATTLE’S BAR & GRILLE

BALTIC ROOM - 1207 Pine St. - (206) 625-4444

1701 E. Olive Way - 726-0565

THE BOTTLENECK LOUNGE

2328 E. Madison St. - (206) 323-1098

RETAIL SHOPS

DIESEL BAR - 1413 14th Ave. - 322-1080

GLO’S - 1621 E. Olive Way - 324-2577

HOT MAMA’S PIZZA - 700 E. Pine St. - 322-6444

BABELAND - 707 E. Pike St. - (206) 328-2914

JAZZ ALLEY - 2033 6th Ave. E. - 441-9729

CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17

JULIA’S - 300 Broadway Ave. E. - 860-1818

1017 E. Pike St - (206) 204-0126

KREMWERK - 1809 Minor Ave. #10 - 682-2935

DIEGO PELLICER - 2215 4th Ave. S - (206) 624-0070

MADISON PUB - 1315 E. Madison - 325-6537

DOGHOUSE LEATHERS

NEIGHBOURS - 1509 Broadway - 324-5358

1312 E. Pike St. - (206) 257-0231

OUT WEST - 5401California Ave. SW

EMERSON SALON - 909 E. Pike St. - (206) 323-7437

FANTASY UNLIMITED

THE PINE BOX - 1600 Melrose Ave - 588-0375

POCO WINE ROOM

2027 Westlake Ave. - (206) 682-0167

1408 E. Pine St. - 322-9463

1510 1st Ave - (206) 624-1784

POKE BAR - 1542 12th Ave - 402-5178

HASHTAG - 3540 Stone Way N - (206) 946-8157

PONY - 1221 E. Madison St. - 324-2854

HERBAN LEGENDS - 55 Bell St - (206) 849-5596

HERB(N) ELEMENTS

PURR - 1518 11th Ave. - 325-3112

R PLACE - 619 E. Pine - 322-8828

11013 Lake City Way NE - (206) 535-8769

RE-BAR - 1114 Howell at Boren - 233-9873

ROOT TABLE 2213 NW Market St. - 420-3214

LAUGHING BUDDHA TATTOO

1534 Broadway - (206) 329-8274

THE CANTERBURY - 534 15th Ave. E. - 322-3130

CHANGES IN WALLINGFORD

CAPITOL CIDER - 818 E Pike St. - (206) 397-3564

C.C. ATTLE’S BAR & GRILLE

2103 N. 45th - 545-8363

1701 E. Olive Way - (206) 726-0565

SEATTLE EAGLE - 314 E. Pike - 621-7591

SHORTY’S 2222 2nd Ave - 441-5449

THE NEW YORK XCHANGE

STOUT -1530 11th Ave - 397-3825

225 Broadway E. - (206) 726-3300

TOULOUSE PETIT

ONYX LEATHER

THE CRESCENT - 1413 E. Olive Way - 720-8188

THE CANTERBURY

THE CUFF COMPLEX

534 15th Ave. E - (206) 322-3130

CHANGES IN WALLINGFORD

2103 N. 45th - (206) 545-8363

THE CRESCENT

1413 E. Olive Way - (206) 720-8188

THE CUFF COMPLEX

1533 13th Ave. - (206) 323-1525

DIESEL BAR - 1413 14th Ave. - (206) 322-1080

GLO’S - 1621 E. Olive Way - (206) 324-2577

HOT MAMA’S PIZZA

700 E. Pine St. - (206) 322-6444

JAZZ ALLEY - 2033 6th Ave. - (206) 441-9729

JULIA’S - 300 Broadway Ave. E - (206) 860-1818

KREMWERK - 1809 Minor Ave. #10 - (206) 682-2935

THE LUMBER YARD

9619 16th Ave. SW - (206) 695-2007

MADISON PUB - 1315 E. Madison - (206) 325-6537

NEIGHBOURS - 1509 Broadway - (206) 324-5358

OUT WEST

5401California Ave. SW - (206) 937-1540

THE PINE BOX - 1600 Melrose Ave - (206) 588-0375

POCO WINE ROOM

1408 E. Pine St. - (206) 322-9463

POKE BAR - 1542 12th Ave - (206) 402-5178

PONY - 1221 E. Madison St. - (206) 324-2854

QUEER BAR - 1518 11th Ave - (206) 687-7491

R PLACE - 619 E. Pine - (206) 322-8828

RE-BAR - 1114 Howell at Boren - (206) 233-9873

ROOT TABLE 2213 NW Market St. - (206) 420-3214

SEATTLE EAGLE - 314 E. Pike - (206) 621-7591

SHORTY’S 2222 2nd Ave - (206) 441-5449

STOUT -1530 11th Ave - (206) 397-3825

TOULOUSE PETIT

601 Queen Anne Ave. N - (206) 432-9069

UNICORN - 1118 E Pike - (206) 325-6492

UNION - 1318 E. Union St. - (206) 328-1318

WILDROSE - 1021 E Pike - (206) 324-9210

ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS 9614 14th Ave SW - (206) 763-1347

1605 12th Ave. #8 - (206) 328-1965

601 Queen Anne Ave N - 432-9069

UNICORN - 1118 E Pike - 325-6492

OZ - 3831 Stone Way N - (206) 251-0630

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SHOP

4411 Wallingford Ave. N. - (206) 535-6920

PANACHE - 225 Broadway E. - (206) 726-3300

PONDER - 2413 E Union - (206) 420-2180

RUCKUS - 1465 E Republican St - (206) 257-4805

TABOO ADULT VIDEO

9813 16th Ave SW - (206) 767-4855

TRUE LOVE ART GALLERY & TATTOO

1525 Summit Ave. - (206) 227-3572

UNDER U 4 MEN

709 Broadway Ave. E - (206) 324-6446

UNCLE IKE’S

2310 E Union St - 1-800-GET-DRUGS 501 15th Ave E - 1-800-GET-DRUGS

9822 15th Ave SW - 1-800-GET-DRUGS

WILD AT HEART

1111 NW Leary Way - (206) 782-5538

BELLINGHAM

LOVER'S

193 Telegraph Road - (360) 752-1862

RUMORS CABARET 1119 Railroad - (360) 671-1849

DES MOINES

ADULT AIRPORT VIDEO 2 21635 Pacific Hwy S

ADULT

LOVER’S - 112 SE Everett - (425) 353-3607

LOVER’S - 3402 Broadway - (425) 252-8754

KENT

WILDROSE - 1021 E. Pike - 324-9210

ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS

5633 Airport Way S - 466-5954

9614 14th Ave SW - 763-1347

LOVER’S - 25801 104th Ave. SE - (253) 852-1720

RETAIL SHOPS

THE FANTASY SHOP 604 Central Ave. S - (253) 850-8428

CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17

NASHVILLE’S SPORTS BAR (Drag Shows) 114 - Railroad Ave. N - (253) 852-0909

1017 E. Pike St - 204-0126

DOGHOUSE LEATHERS 1312 E. Pike St. - 257-0231

LA CONNER

EMERSON SALON - 909 E. Pike St. - 323-7437

HASHTAG - 3540 Stone Way N - 946-8157

NEW YORK EXCHANGE

THE HERON INN & WATERGRASS DAY SPA 117 Maple Ave. - (877) 883-8899 info@theheron.com

225 Broadway E. - 726-3300

ONYX LEATHER - 1605 12th Ave. #8 - 328-1965

OZ - 3831 Stone Way N - 251-0630

PANACHE

OLYMPIA

225 Broadway E. - 726-3300

RUCKUS 1465 E Republican St. - 257-4805

DARBY’S CAFE

THE FANTASY SHOP 9630 16th Ave. SW - 762-3299

211 5th Ave. SE - (360) 357-6229

LOVER’S 3959 Martin Way E, Suite D - (360) 456-7300

TABOO ADULT VIDEO 9813 16th Ave SW - 767-4855

JAKES - 311 4th Ave. E - (360) 956-3247

TOYS IN BABELAND - 707 E. Pike St. - 328-2914

UNDER U 4 MEN

PORT ANGELES

709 Broadway Ave. E. - 324-6446

MAPLE ROSE INN 112 Reservoir Rd - (800) 570-2007

UNCLE IKE’S 2310 E Union St - 1-800-GET-DRUGS

SPOKANE

501 15th Ave E - 1-800-GET-DRUGS 9822 15th Ave SW - 1-800-GET-DRUGS WILD AT HEART 1111 NW Leary Way - 782-5538

ANDY’S - 1401 W. 1st Ave. - (509) 747-0304

THE BLIND BUCK

BELLINGHAM

204 N. Division St. - (509) 343-9425

GLOBE BAR AND KITCHEN

LOVER’S 193 Telegraph Road - (360) 752-1862

204 N. Division St. - (509) 443-4014

NYNE BAR AND BISTRO

RUMORS CABARET 1119 Railroad - (306) 671-1849

232 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 474-1621

DES MOINES

EVERETT

KENT

LA CONNER

TACOMA

CASTLE SUPERSTORE

OLYMPIA

PORT

SPOKANE

TRI-CITIES

TACOMA

TRI-CITIES

TUKWILA

Activities

TO GET A CALENDAR LISTING: To have your meeting or event considered for the Community Calendar, please mail, fax, or drop off details to: SGN, Attn: Community Calendar, 1707 23rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98122. SGN phone: (206) 324-4297. E-mail: sgn2@sgn.org.

INCLUDE: Date, time, location, contact phone # for publication (if possible), brief description of event & sponsoring organization. DEADLINE: Tuesday 5pm. ACCESSIBILITY: Is your event accessible to LGBTQ people with visible or hidden disabilities? See Jean’s List webpage www.scn.org/activism/calendar/disabilities. html for Marla Nonken’s disabilities accommodations lists.

NOTE: 10-digit dialing has come to the Seattle area. The (206) area code must now be used to dial local calls. Location of meetings/events is in Seattle unless otherwise noted.

SATURDAY - April 27

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival. 10am-6pm. Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion. Performances, exhibits, demonstrations, food, and children’s activities celebrating Japan’s cultural heritage. Performances include Taiko drumming, martial arts, choral music, much more. Info: www.cherryblossomfestiorg. (Continues Sun., April 28.)

Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 9am. Greenlake (outside Evans Pool). Every Saturday. GLBT running & walking club sponsors weekly runs, monthly potlucks, track & field activity, annual Run With Pride. (206) 4488518. www.seattlefrontrunners.org.

Positively Living Coffee Social. 10am-12 noon. Cupcake Royale, 1111 E Pike St. Every Saturday. Casual social get-together for the HIV community. (206) 9571600. Sponsored by LIfelong. New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave #100, Room 3. Meets daily. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous is a 12-step/12-tradition-oriented fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope to overcome sex and love patterns of addiction. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org.

Seattle Counseling Service 50th Anniversary Gala. 5pm (VIP), 6pm (GA). Westin Seattle, 1900 5th Ave. Join host Aleksa Manila in celebrating SCS’s 50 years of service to the local LGBTQ community. Tickets ($250 VIP, $200 GA) and info at (206) 323-1768 or https:// seattlecounseling.org.

Mature Friends Monthly Potluck. 6pm. Wallingford Community Senior Center, Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 140. Monthly potluck meets last Saturday most months. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www. maturefriends.org

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 6pm-12 midnight. Call for location & details. Every Saturday. (253) 671-2838. www.oasisyouthcenter.org. (Also Thursdays & Fridays 4-10pm.)

SUNDAY - April 28

Center for Spiritual Living. 9am meditation; 9:30am & 11am services. The Mountaineers, 7701 Sand Point Way NE. Blessings & we hope to see you soon! (206) 527-8801 ext 203, www.cslseattle.org Seattle Soto Zen. 9:15am Zazen Instruction, 9:30am Zazen. 101 Nickerson St, Lower Level. Follow the traditional forms of the Soto school of Zen in a spirit of warmth & inclusion. Anyone interested in meditation, whether new or experienced in Zen practice or other traditions, is welcome. (206) 323-1659, www.seattlesotozen.org Gay Men’s Bowling in Everett 9:30am. Glacier Lanes, 9630 Evergreen Way, Everett. Every Sunday. Spectators welcome. Join us for lunch afterwards! Sponsored by the Snohomish County Gay Men’s Task Force. For info email John at johndmarsh@mac.com; www.gaysnohomish.org Tacoma First United Methodist Church. 9:30am Worship, 11am Adult Education. 423 Martin Luther King Way, Tacoma. This reconciling congregation welcomes with warm hands, warm hearts & open minds GLBT persons seeking a spiritual home. (253) 627-0129, www. fumctacoma.org

University Lutheran Church. 9:30am Worship, 10:30am Coffee Fellowship, 11am Adult Forum & Education Hour. 1604 NE 50th St. All are welcome. We choose love. (206) 525-7074. universitylutheranseattle.org Earth Gay at Colman Park. 10am. Colman Park, 1800 Lake Washington Blvd S. Make new friends, connect with old ones. Sponsored by Patagonia Seattle and the National Parks Conservation Association. East Shore Unitarian Church. 10am Sunday Service. 12700 SE 32nd St, Bellevue. An open & affirming congregation. (425) 747-3780. Gethsemane Lutheran Church. 10am Worship. 911 Stewart St. A downtown faith community centered in justice. An open & affirming congregation. (206) 682-3620. Plymouth Church United Church of Christ. 10am Worship. 1217 6th Ave. Love your (LGBTQ) neighbor as yourself. (206) 622-4865, plymouthchurchseattle.org

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival. 10am-6pm. Seattle Center Armory and Fisher Pavilion. See Sat., April 27 listing.

Unity Church of Kent. 10am. 218 State Ave S, Kent. A welcoming congregation open to people of all races, religions, creeds & lifestyles. Join us any Sunday for an inspirational message, joyful fellowship & a fresh spiritual outlook. (253) 854-9747.

community calendar

University Congregational United Church of Christ. 9am all ages education; 10am Worship. 4515 16th Ave NE. UCUCC is an open & affirming congregation. (206) 524-2322; www.universityucc.org.

Volunteer Park Spring Restoration Day. 10am-2pm. Volunteer Park, 1247 15th Ave E. Join your neighbors in helping clean, mulch, weed, and generally spruce up Volunteer Park for spring and summer fun. Free coffee and donuts served. For more info contact Jeff Rinedahl at jeff@volunteerparktrust.org or (206) 353-9148. Wallingford United Methodist Church. 10am Worship. 2115 N 42nd St. A progressive congregation. In 1984 Wallingford UMC became the 9th reconciling Methodist church in the U.S. (206) 547-6945 (office); (206) 2855077 (George).

All Pilgrims Christian Church. 10:30am Worship. 500 Broadway E. Come as you are. All are welcome. A congregation of the Disciples of Christ & the United Church of Christ. (206) 322-0487, www.allpilgrims.org First Church - First United Methodist Church of Seattle. 10:30am. 180 Denny Way. (Enter on 2nd Ave N for worship.) Welcome to First Church, a progressive community advocating for the homeless and hungry, and creating a refuge of inclusive Christianity. First Church is a proud member of the Reconciling Ministries Network. (206) 622-7278; firstchurchseattle.org

Northminster Presbyterian Church. 10:30am Worship. 7706 25th Ave NW. A village church in the city open to all. (206) 783-3402. www.northminsterpres.org (Conveniently located a block from the Metro #40 bus route.)

St. Clement’s Episcopal Church. 10:30am Worship. 1501 32nd Ave S. Great music. Dynamic preaching. Holy communion. Encountering the transformative and unconditional love of God in Christ. Join us! www. stclementseattle.org

Seattle Sunday Bowling. 10:30am. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW (at SW Oregon St). Open bowl every Sunday for the GLBT community & friends. You don’t have to worry about how you bowl! $6.50 + $3 shoe rental. (425) 785-4729.

Welcome Table Christian Church. 9:45am Meditation; 10:30am Worship; Labyrinth 2nd Sundays 1-4pm. 1322

S Bayview St. Where people of all genders and sexualities, and families of all shapes & sizes are welcome and celebrated. A welcoming and affirming community since 1987. welcometablecc.org

Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation. 10:30am. 7141 California Ave SW. (206) 935-0418, office@wsuu.org, www.wsuu.org

Emerald City Metropolitan Community Church Seattle. 11am Worship. Chapel at University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd St. MCC is a progressive Christ-centered faith community committed to providing a nurturing environment for individual & community growth thru Jesus Christ while celebrating unity in diversity. MCC is Seattle’s oldest Gay-friendly church. (206) 325-2421, www.mccseattle.org.

Meditation for GBT Men. 11am-1pm. Cal Anderson House, 400 Broadway. Suitable for beginning & experienced meditators. Sponsored by Dharma Buddies. Contact Forrest Rode, (206) 920-6117, or Doug Allison, doug.l.allison@gmail.com. Find us under “Dharma Buddies” on Meetup.com or at DharmaBuddies.org. (Women are invited to contact our sister meditation group at www. LotusSisters.org.)

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. 11am Worship. 6512 12th Ave NW. An “open & affirming” congregation. “We celebrate our diversity in religious background, sexual orientation, race, age & abilities.” (206) 783-6733; www.stpauluccseattle.com.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. 11:15am (also 7:30am, 9am, 5pm). 15 W Roy St. We are an accepting, progressive, Anglo-Catholic parish, renewing its people for their Christian lives in today’s world through worship, spiritual formation, engagement in the arts, and acts of compassion. www.stpaulseattle.com

Just for Today (NA). 12-1:15pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave #100. Every Sunday. Drop-in 12-step Narcotics Anonymous group open to anyone in recovery. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave #100, Room 3. Meets daily. (See Saturday listing at noon for details.)

Paths to Recovery Al-Anon Family Group. 12-1:30pm. Seattle University Student Center, 901 12th Ave, Room 122. Every Sunday. LGBTQ supported. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number (206) 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org

Vernal Moon Black Owl Market. 12 noon-6pm. Fred Wildlife Refuge, 128 Belmont Ave E. More than 20 artists and craftspeople offer unique goods from the PNW. Also features Tarot readings, tattoos, and gift for first 25 attendees. Free, all ages (bar 21+). www. blackowlmarket.com.

Orca Swim Team Workout. Sun: Afternoon; Mon/ Weds/Fri: Evenings; Tues/Thurs: Mornings. Seattle University, Redhawk Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. Pre-registration required. Orca Swim Team workouts are for both competitive & recreational swimmers. www. orcaswimteam.org

Seattle Prime Timers Rap Group. 1:30pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Room 1. Meets 4th Sunday each month. This month’s topic: “How has wealth corrupted our values?” Coffee and tea will be served. Parking available for $5 at 1521 Belmont Ave (between Pine & Pike). Info: www.seattleprimetimers.org. Trans Shorts & Speed Friending. 1:30-4pm. Seattle Public Library, University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way NE. Fourth annual free mixer for Queer/Trans people featuring fun movies, “speed-friending” activity with discussion prompts, and refreshments. Info: (206) 684-4063.

Rain City Soccer Club - Kickabout. Sunday afternoon usually at 3pm. Location varies. Join us for Seattle’s mostly-weekly mostly-LGBTQ pickup soccer game. We play an organized, 2-hour scrimmage on nice fieldturf surface. Sometimes there is a brief training/practice session before we play. Usually there is a “one-beer” after the scrimmage. To sign up visit www.raincitysoccer.org

Seattle Women’s Chorus: “Legends of Rock.” 4pm. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St. Tribute to loud, proud women of rock including Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith and many more, with special guest artist Sarah Rudinoff. Tickets: $15-65 at www.seattlechoruses.org or (206) 388-1400.

Shame to Grace (SAA). 6-7:30pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave #100. Every Sunday. Sex Addicts Anonymous is a fellowship of men & women who share their experience, strength & hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction & help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency. Seattle SAA helpline (206) 237-8828, SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191. (206) 322-2437. www. peerseattle.org

Pride League Bowling. 6:30pm. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW. Every Sunday. Regular league bowling. Jeff, (206) 932-3731; leagues@wsbowl.com. Integrity/Puget Sound. 7pm Worship & Fellowship. St. Mark’s Cathedral, Thomson Chapel, 1245 10th Ave E. Integrity is an international ministry of Gay & Lesbian Episcopalians, their friends & families, dedicated to education, support & service within the Church & the GLBT community. (425) 226-2746.

MONDAY - April 29

New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave #100, Room 3. Meets daily. (See Saturday listing at noon for details.)

SOBER On Meds. 1-2pm. Peer Seattle 1520 Bellevue Ave #100. Every Monday. 12-step group open to anyone in recovery & living on a medicine regimen. (206) 3222437; www.peerseattle.org

Strength Over Speed (SOS). 2-3:30pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave #100. Peer support for Gay and Bisexual men recovering from crystal meth addiction. www.strengthoverspeed.org. (206) 322-2437, www. peerseattle.org

Orca Swim Team Workout. Evening. Seattle University, Redhawk Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday afternoon listing.)

Meditation Class for LGBTQ Seniors. 6:30pm. GenPride Senior Center, 401 Broadway E, Suite 223. Free class every Monday for LGBTQ seniors, their caregivers and allies. Beginners welcome. www.gapseattle.org

Freely Speaking Toastmasters. 7pm. Gay City, 517 E Pike St, downstairs space. Every Monday (except holidays & the last Mondays in August & December). Seattle’s only LGBT speaking club. www.FreelySpeaking.org

Trans Youth Group. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. A chance for youth to talk with others about their experiences & concerns related to identifying as Transgender. www.lamberthouse.org

Destiny/Unity AA Meeting in Tacoma 7:30-8:30pm. Christ Episcopal Church, 310 N “K” St, Tacoma. Every Monday. LGBTQ-friendly AA meeting. (253) 474-8897. (Also meets Fridays.)

Lambert House Art Night. 7:30-9:30pm. 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. Bring your ideas & let’s have some fun. (206) 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org

Washington Gender Alliance Support Group Meeting in Shoreline 7:30pm. Center for Human Services, 17018 15th Ave NE, Shoreline. Every Monday. www. washingtongenderalliance.com

TUESDAY - April 30

Orca Swim Team Workout. Morning. Seattle University, Redhawk Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday afternoon listing.)

New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave #100, Room 3. Meets daily. (See Saturday listing at noon for details.)

LGBTQ+ Group. 1:15-2:15pm. Orion Center, 1828 Yale Ave. Every Tuesday. A group for LGBTQ youth ages 13-24 & their allies. Sponsored by YouthCare. (206) 622-5555. “Incapacity and Decision-Making: Legally Speaking.” 6-7:30pm. GenPRIDE, 401 Broadway E, Suite 223. Learn about durable power-of-attorney, guardianship, and other legal steps to take when a loved one experi

ences cognitive decline. FREE. Info: www.gapseattle. org or (206) 393-3400.

LGBTQ Questioning & Allied Youth Drop-in Group in Renton 6-8pm. Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), 1025 S 3rd St, Renton. Every Tuesday. Confidential. Snacks provided. Bring friends or come alone - anyone 12-18 is welcome. Questions? Call Sarah Hardin, (425) 271-5600 ext 155, or email sarahh@rays.org

Strength Over Speed (SOS). 6-7:30pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Peer support for Gay and Bisexual men recovering from crystal meth addiction. www.strengthoverspeed.org. (206) 322-2437; www. peerseattle.org

Diverse Harmony. 6:30-9pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave. Every Tuesday. Diverse Harmony is the nation’s first Gay/Straight Alliance Youth Chorus. Youth ages 13-22 are welcome regardless of sexual orientation. www.diverseharmony.org

No Man’s Land - For Female-Identified Youth, Ages 22 & Under. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Tuesday. Topics range from family issues to school happenings to like/lust/love relationships. All Queer females welcome. Come discuss how smart. strong Queer women live their lives. (206) 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org

Tuesday Night Sex Addicts Anonymous (GLBTQI).

7-8:30pm. All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E (enter at 509 10th Ave E; buzz in, Colonial room). Every Tuesday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women whose primary purpose is to stop addictive sexual behavior & help others recover from sexual addiction. Seattle SAA helpline (206) 237-8828. SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191.

Men’s Discussion Group. 7:30-9pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Every Tuesday. Peer group for Gay & Bi men. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

Here & Now Gay & Lesbian AA Meeting in Tacoma 7:30pm. Christ Episcopal Church, 310 N “K” St, Tacoma. Every Tuesday.

Spiritual Empowerment. 7:30-9pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. A vibrant drop-in workshop for those of any spiritual belief. (206) 322-2437; www. peerseattle.org

Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. GLBT & GLBT-friendly co-ed water polo team is open to all who want to play. Beginners & experienced players welcome. Check our website for up to the minute details, or call the Otter Hotline (206) 414-8797. www.otterpolo.com.

Seattle Poetry Slam. Doors 8pm, Show 8:30pm. Rebar, 1114 Howell St. Every Tuesday. A spoken word poetry event that features a weekly open mic, feature poet, and slam (poetry competition). Come out and express yourself. LGBTQ- & QTPOC-friendly; all genders welcome. $5. 21+. seattlepoetryslam.org

WEDNESDAY - May 1

Mature Friends Walk Around Greenlake. 11am. Meet up at 10:50am with a group of older men gathered at the north end of the parking lot that is next to the boathouse along the southwest side of Greenlake. Every Wednesday. Walk around Greenlake followed by lunch at a local restaurant. www.maturefriends.org

New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100, Room 3. Meets daily. (See Saturday listing at noon for details.)

True Colors: Connecting LGBTQ Teens in Shoreline 4-5pm. Every Wednesday. Discussing your important issues, building a supportive community. For information, location & to REGISTER call Lindsay Bagley (206) 362-7282 x 8018 or email lbagley@chs-nw.org Living Positively. 5-7pm. Lifelong, 1016 E Pike St., 3rd Fl. Every Wednesday. Social and support group for the HIV community with various topics for discussion and conversation. (206) 957-1600 or www.lifelong.org. Sponsored by Lifelong.

GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): A Support Group for GLBTQ+Youth (14-20) serving Snohomish County & surrounding communities. 6-8pm. Phone or email for location. Every Wednesday. Sponsored by PFLAG Everett. Brenda, (425) 263-2908. globeleaders@hotmail.com

Queer Seattle Book Club. 6pm. University Book Store Cafe, 4326 University Way NE. Every Wednesday. This month’s title: “Leading Men” by Christopher Castellani. https://faculty.washington.edu/swittet/SGLBookClub/ Southeast Seattle Lesbian Evening Group. 6pm. Southeast Seattle Senior Center, 4655 S Holly St. Meets 1st Wednesday each month. RSVP to Kate Hawkins (206) 722-0317. www.sessc.org. FREE. Lotus Sisters Meditation & Dharma DiscussionNorth. 6:15-8pm. Ravenna Bryant neighborhood. Every Wednesday. Call (206) 525-7295 for location. www. LotusSisters.org.

Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 6:30pm. Volunteer Park, 14th Ave E & E Prospect St. Every Wednesday. Meet at Black Sun sculpture across for museum. (See Saturday at 9am.)

Orca Swim Team Workout. Evening. Seattle University, Redhawk Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday afternoon listing.)

Ingersoll All-Trans Drop-In Support Group. 7-9pm. Seattle Counseling Services, 1216 Pine St, Suite 300. Every Wednesday. All Transgender, Gender Variant, Gender Queer, Gender Questioning, allies, family & friends are welcome. This is a drop in group to get & give support, social interaction & information for the whole Gender community. No fee, donations welcome. www. ingersollcenter.org

Mature Friends Weekly Bridge Group. 7pm. Wallingford Community Senior Center, lower level of Good

community calendar

Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnywide Ave N. Every Wednesday. All levels welcome. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www. maturefriends.org

PFLAG/Renton Monthly Meeting. 7pm. St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Wells Ave S, Renton. Meets 1st Wednesday each month. Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays is a national support organization for parents, spouses & families of GLBT persons, as well as those minorities. PFLAG/Renton: 425-235-4139. PFLAG/ Puget Sound: (206) 325-7724. www.seattle-pflag.org.

Mature Friends Pinochle Group. 7:30pm. Wallingford Community Senior Center, lower level of Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnywide Ave N. Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month All levels welcome. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www.maturefriends.org

Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Everett. 7:30-9pm. Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Every Wednesday. Trained peer facilitators lead a structured support meeting helping people deal with issues of gender identity & expression. All adults are welcomed, including those who are questioning, allies, or identify as FTM, MTF, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex, among others. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com.

Pride Skate Seattle. 8:30-11pm. Southgate Roller Rink, 9646 17th Ave SW. Meets 1st Wednesday each month. $8 admission includes skate rental. Must be 18+, with 21+ bar. Performances, roller skating, and fun! See you there! www.southgaterollerrink.com

THURSDAY - May 2

Orca Swim Team Workout. Morning. Seattle University, Redhawk Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday afternoon listing.)

ALISS - Aging Lesbians in South Seattle Lunch Gathering. 11:30am-2:30pm. Southeast Seattle Senior Center, 4655 S Holly St, Rainier Ave S & S Holly St., Arts & Crafts Room. Meets 1st Thursday each month. This is a group primarily for Lesbians but all are welcome to attend. Facilitator: Fai Coffin; Cost: Free for gathering; $5 suggested donation for lunch. Metro route 7. Wheelchair accessible. Kate, (206) 722-0317; www.sessc.org.

BABES Women’s Support Group/Lunch Meeting. 12-2pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. The BABES Network is a peer led agency; a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. (206) 720-5566 or 888-292-1912; www.babesnetwork.org.

New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100, Room 3. Meets daily. (See Saturday listing at noon for details.)

Safe and Sober (AA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Thursday. (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org

First Thursday Art Walk in Downtown Seattle/Pioneer Square. 5-9pm. Art galleries in Downtown Seattle/Pioneer Square host opening night receptions. Seattle Art Museum is free today.

Rouge at Maximilien. 5-7pm. 81a Pike Place Market.

Live Parisian music during First Thursday Art Walk. Seattle Human Rights Commission. 6-8pm. Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave. Meets 1st Thursday each month. SHRC is made up of 15 citizen representatives who advise the Mayor, the City Council, & all City of Seattle Depts in matters regarding human rights. The commission advocates for justice & equal opportunity & collaborates with & educates the public & private sectors about how to prevent & eliminate discrimination city-wide. Meetings open to the public. (206) 684-4540. B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group). 6:30-8pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. Sponsored by Youth Eastside Services, which offers many programs for GLBT youth. (425) 747-4937.

Boys Group - For Male-Identified Youth, Ages 1422. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Thursday. Youth take the opportunity to talk about issues that relate to their everyday lives, with the facilitation of a male volunteer. (206) 322-2515 ext 16. www. lamberthouse.org

Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival (5/2-5/5). 7pm. Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave. Features Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people and issues, with an emphasis on visibility and positive representation. Tickets and more info: www. threedollarbillcinema.org. (Translations continues through Sun. 5/5 at Gay City, 517 E Pike St.) 21st Century Bowling. 7pm. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW. Every Thursday. Regular league bowling. Jeff, (206) 932-3731; leagues@wsbowl.com. Buddhism & Recovery. 7:30-9pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100 Every Thursday. A meditation/ recovery group. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

Emerald City Social Club. 7:30pm. Call for details & location - phone staffed most Tuesday evenings or leave message. Meets 1st Thursday each month. ECSC is a confidential crossdressing social & support organization for Transvestite & Transsexual individuals, primarily MTF, which offers confidential membership, private monthly meetings, frequent events on the town, & help in coming out. (425) 827-9494.

Gay Fathers Association of Seattle. 7:30-9pm. Group Health, 201 16th Ave E, Central Bldg, Lower Atrium. Every Thursday. Support meetings for Gay fathers & Gay men who are currently or previously married. Safe, anonymous, non-judgmental environment of caring fathers & friends. You are not alone. For information, community events & “questioning” visit www.gfas.org or our message board at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/ gayfathersseattle

Gay Male Sexuality & Relationships. 7:30-9pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Every Thursday. Ongoing support group open to Gay and Bisexual men. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org [NOTE: Please contact the facilitator prior to attending.]

Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. (See Tuesday listing at 8pm.)

FRIDAY - May 3

Ageless in Recovery (AA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Every Friday. A drop-in AA group for 55+. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100, Room 3. Meets daily. (See Saturday listing at noon for details.)

Road to Recovery (SLAA). 12-1:30pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Every Friday. Ongoing 12-step group for sex and love addicts. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Friday. (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org

Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival (5/2-5/5). 5pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm. Gay City, 517 E Pike St. www.threedollarbillcinema.org. (See Thurs. 5/2 listing for details.)

LGBTQ & Allies 18+ Free Friday Night Drop-In Volleyball. 6-7:45pm. Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave E. Every Friday. (206) 684-4753.

Orca Swim Team Workout. Evening. Seattle University, Redhawk Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday afternoon listing.)

Strength Over Speed (SOS). 6-7:30pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Peer support for Gay and Bisexual men recovering from crystal meth addiction. www.strengthoverspeed.org. (206) 322-2437; www. peerseattle.org

Game Night. 7pm-11pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100 Every Friday. Card games, board games and fellowship. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

Lambert House Queer Movie Night. 7-9:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Friday. Lambert House is a nationally-recognized activities & resource center for GLBT & questioning youth, ages 14-22. (206) 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org

Rain Country Dance Night. 7-11pm, lessons at 7:15pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. An evening of country-western dancing for the LGBTQ community. FREE. www.raincountrydance.org.

Destiny/Unity AA Meeting in Tacoma 7:30-8:30pm. Christ Episcopal Church, 310 N “K” St, Tacoma. Every Friday. LGBTQ-friendly AA meeting. (253) 474-8897. (Also meets Mondays.)

LGBT Friday Night Al-Anon Family Group. 8-9pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100, Room 3. Every Friday. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number (206) 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon. org; (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

SATURDAY - May 4

(See previous Saturday for ongoing activities.)

Seattle Prime Timers Coffee & Conversation. 10:30am. Urban Bakery, 7850 E Green Lake Dr N. Meet old friends and make new ones over baked goods, soups, sandwiches, espresso drinks. Contact Frank at franka15@outlook.com or (206) 693-3119. On Metro routes 26 & 45. www.seattleprimetimers.org

Entre Hermanos’ “Cinco de Mayo” Fundraising Brunch. 12 noon. El Gallito Mexican Restaurant, 1700 20th Ave. Benefiting Entre Hermanos, Seattle’s premier Latino social and health services organization. Info: www.entrehermanos.org.

Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival (5/25/5). 12 noon, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 5pm, 7:15pm, 9:30pm. Gay City, 517 E Pike St. www.threedollarbillcinema.org.

(See Thurs. 5/2 listing for details.)

Renter’s Rights Training. 12 noon-2pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Learn about upcoming legislation to increase affordable housing and equitable development that benefits people of color and other marginalized communities. Free. Info: www.peerseattle.org.

Seattle Choruses’ 23rd Annual Dinner and Auction. 5:30-10pm. Fremont Studios, 155 N 35th St. This year’s theme: “Under the Sea.” Benefits Seattle Men’s and Women’s Choruses. KOMO-TV’s Elisa Jaffe and Seth Wayne will MC with entertainment produced by Nathan Young, plus four-course dinner (choice of steak, salmon, or vegan chickpea curry) and hosted bar. Formal/festive attire. Tickets: $225 patron, $275 VIP ($2,250/$2,750 for table of 10). www.seattlechoruses.org/auction.

SUNDAY - May 5

(See previous Sunday for ongoing activities.)

Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival (5/2-5/5). 12 noon, 2:30pm, 5pm, 7:15pm (Closing Night feature). Gay City, 517 E Pike St. www.threedollarbillcinema.org (See Thurs. 5/2 listing for details.)

Knights of Mantra Monthly Meeting. 3pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. Meets 1st Sunday each month. K of M/ Jet Chapter is a fun-loving leather/Levi social & charitable organization that raises money for various causes & organizations. (206) 329-0886. www.facebook.com/ kofmjetchapter/ PFLAG/Whatcom County (Bellingham) Monthly Meeting. 5pm. Community Food Co-op Bakery, 405 E Holly St, Bellingham. Meets 1st Sunday each month. Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays is a national support organization for parents, spouses, & families of GLBT persons, as well as those minorities. www.whatcompflag.org; PFLAG/Puget Sound: (206) 325-7724. Seattle Jazz Vespers. 6-8pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, Seneca St & Harvard Ave. Meets 1st Sunday each month (October-June). The historic Gothic sanctuary of Seattle First Baptist Church is offered to the best jazz groups in the city to perform 100 minutes of their own popular music. FREE. For info (206) 325-6051, www.seattlefirstbaptist.org/sjv.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQAllyship. org, allyship@yahoo.com, (206) 279-8169. American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us Another Gay Social Club! - www.meetup.com/AnotherGay-Social-Club/ Bellingham/Whatcom County - www.theslowlane. com/guide.html

BiNet Seattle is a mixed gender, social group for Bisexuals, their partners & other Bi-friendly folks - www. binetseattle.org.

Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org

Cascade Rainbow Community Center (Mount Vernon) - (360) 840-8499 and on Facebook.

COLAGE unites people with LGBTQ parents and caregivers into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities - www.colage.org

Central Washington University GALA Hotline: (509) 963-1994.

DIFFA/Northwest (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). (206) 763-8885; www.diffanorthwest. org

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, (206) 461-3222 (24 hour line); King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line for information, support, & medical & legal assistance: 1-888-99-VOICE; Northwest Networksupport & advocacy for Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse & Dating Violence, (206) 568-7777 (voice), 517-9670 (tty), www.nwnetwork.org; Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: Teresa, (253) 798-4166; Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities - offers on-going support groups for men: 323-1768; Seattle Police Dept Domestic Violence Unit, (206) 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025. In an emergency call 911. Report domestic violence and sexual assault. Equal Rights Washington - (206) 324-2570; www. equalrightswashington.org Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freelyspeaking.org

Gay City promotes wellness in LGBTQ communities by providing health services, connecting people to resources, fostering arts, and building community. Gay City Health Project’s Wellness Center provides anonymous & confidential HIV/STD testing. 517 E Pike St. More info or to schedule an appointment, (206) 860-6969. www.gaycity.org

Gay & Lesbian National Hotline (GLNH): 1-888-THEGLNH (1-888-843-4564). Non-profit, peer-counseling, information & local resources telephone hotline for GLBT people across the country.

Generations Aging With Pride empowers elder LGBTQ adults to live with pride and dignity by promoting, connecting, and developing innovative programs and services that enhance belonging and support, eliminate discrimination, and honor the lives of older members of our community - (206) 393-3400; info@gapseattle.org; gapseattle.org

GLSEN/WA - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network - (206) 330-2099; www.glsenwa.org

Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) - (206) 363-9188; www.thegsba.org

HIV/AIDS Program, Seattle/King County Dept of Public Health, provides confidential/anonymous information about & testing for HIV/AIDS. (206) 205-7837. For a comprehensive list of HIV/AIDS service organizations see the GSBA Guide or visit www.thegsba.org or call Lifelong AIDS Alliance, (206) 328-8979. Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & the Olympic & Rainier Empire - www.facebook.com/ISCSORE; www. imperialcourtofseattle.com

Lambert House - (206) 322-2515; www.lamberthouse. org

LGBT Library - 517 E Pike St. Open Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. A wide range of fiction and non-fiction for the LGBT community and allies can be borrowed free of charge.

LGBT MS Connection - (206) 250-5002; LGBTMSConnection@gmail.com. Support group for LGBT persons

with MS and their partners and their caregivers. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Lifelong AIDS Alliance - (206) 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org

Lion’s Main Art Collective - www.lionsmain.org

MEN: Gay City: (206) 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: (206) 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Northwest Bears: www. nwbears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians. net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.com; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: www.raincityjacks. org; Seattle Gay Couples: www. seattlegaycouples.org; Seattle Men in Leather: www.seattlemeninleather. org; Seattle Prime Timers: Gay & Bi men 40 & over, www. seattle primetimers.org; Tacoma Older LGBT: www. tacomaolderlgbt.org. (See also listings under Bisexual, Parenthood, People of Color, Transgender.)

MUSIC: Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; Rainbow City Band: 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; rainbowcityband@onebox.com; www.rainbowcity band. com; Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus: (206) 388-1408, (206) 323-0750. www.seattlechoruses.org.

Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project - gayhistnw@aol.com

Northwest Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf - www. nwrad.org

Olympia/Thurston County - www.RainbowCenterOly. org Out & Equal Workplace Advocates/Seattle Regional Affiliate supports the work of LGBT employees and the growing number of ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) making a difference within local companies, including Alaska Airlines, Amazon.com, Amgen, AT&T, Bank of America, Deloitte, Macy’s, Microsoft, Russell Investments, Safeco Insurance, Starbucks Coffee, Xerox. www.outandequal.org/affiliates/seattle Out & Proud Grays Harbor Coalition - http://outandproudgh.org

PARENTHOOD: Families Like Ours provides a gateway for LGBT families interested in adoption & provides a network of safe placement agencies, training, support & resources: (206) 441-7602, www.familieslikeours. org; Family Works offers support, information & activities for LGBT families: (206) 694-6727, www.familyworksseattle. org; Gay Fathers’ Association of Seattle offers support groups & social activities: www.gfas. org; Proud & Loud Families - Northwest, www.meetup.com/proudand-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@aol.com; Queer Parent Networking Dinners: (206) 568-7777, qpnd@nwnetwork.org, www.nwnetwork.org; Rainbow Families of Puget Sound: www.rainbowfamiliesps.org PFLAG is the national organization for parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ people united for equality with chapters in Seattle, Bellevue/Eastside, the Puget Sound region and across Washington state. PFLAG Seattle: (206) 325-7724, info@pflagseattle.org, and www.pflagseattle.org; PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside: (425) 483-6642, info@bellevue-pflag.org, http://community. pflag.org/PFLAGBellevue; PFLAG Pacific Northwest: www.pnwpflag.org; PFLAG Washington State: www. pflagwsc.org.

Peer Seattle (formerly Seattle Area Support Groups) is a non-profit organization that builds community and cultivates powerful, healthy lives by providing emotional support and personal development services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, the Queer communities, and those who love them. Our work is done in a spirit of safety, trust, inclusiveness, and celebration of individual differences. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org PEOPLE OF COLOR: AARTH (African American Reach & Teach Health Ministry), (206) 850-2070, www.aarth.org; Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, (206) 467-9976; Center for MultiCultural Health, (206) 461-6910, www.multiculturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, (206) 322-7700, www.entrehermanos.org; Ile LaiLai, (206) 781-3565, iya@ilelailai.org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), (206) 923-8313, macctseattle@yahoo.com, www.macctsea.org; Northwest Two Spirit Society, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/nw2spiritsociety/, Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, (206) 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; QBASS - Queer Black Alliance of the South Sound, (253) 256-1846, weareqbass@gmail. com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, (206) 322-7061, (206) 255-8951; Somos Seattle, somosseattle.org; Trikone-Northwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www.trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-685-0164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle, www.utopiaseattlewa.org; VietQ Greater Seattle, vietqorganization@gmail.com Pierce County AIDS Foundation - (253) 383-2565; www.piercecountyaids.org

Pride Foundation - (206) 323-3318; www.pridefoundation. org Pride Lives - www.facebook.com/PrideLives/ Project NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. (206) 323-1768. www.crystalneon.org Public Health-Seattle & King County Online Comprehensive Health Information for Sexual Minorities: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/ glbt.aspx

Q Law: The GLBT Bar Association of WA - (206) 682-6711; www.q-law.org

Q Law GLBT Legal Clinic - (206) 235-7235. Queer Geek! - queergeekseattle.org

Rainbow Center - Resource Center for Tacoma/Pierce County LGBTIQA community. Through education, ad-

community calendar

vocacy and celebration, the Rainbow Center expands resources, and safe space for the LGBTQIA community. Sponsors Tacoma Pride Festival. (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org

Resource & Referral Line can connect you to LGBTfriendly resources throughout Puget Sound and beyond. Call (206) 323-LGBT Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. At other times leave voice mail and your call will be returned. Or visit www.gaycity.org to view list of resources online or through Facebook.

SEAMEC interviews, researches & rates candidates for public office on issues of concern to the LGBT community. www.voteseamec.org

Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center (SASG) i- SEE LISTING for Peer Seattle.

Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network - BiSeattle.wixsite. com/SBWN and on Facebook.

Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities is a community mental health service for GLBT persons & their families providing comprehensive mental health services on a sliding scale. (206) 323-1768.

Seattle LGBTQ Commission - (206) 684-4503. www/ seattle.gov/lgbtq

Seattle Out & Proud - (206) 322-9561; www.seattlepride.org

Seattle Police Department Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council: kim.bogucki@seattle.gov

Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org

Seattle Treatment Education Project (STEP) E-zine is an electronic resource distributed to people affected by HIV/AIDS, case managers, front line workers & other health professionals. Now a part of Lifelong AIDS Alliance, (206) 328-8979, www.thebody.com/step/ steppage.html

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202) 328-3244; www.sldn.org

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan - (206) 860-3666; www.theabbey.org

Snohomish Health District HIV/AIDS Program provides free confidential/anonymous HIV counseling & testing 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, until 7pm Tuesdays. (425) 339-5298.

South Sound Q Calendar - LGBTQ events in Tacoma, Olympia & Sound Puget Sound area; www.SouthSoundQCal.com Spokane/Inland Northwest - www.outspokane.com; www.stonewallnews.net

SPORTS & RECREATION: Bent Car Guys: www. bentcarguys.org; Border Riders Motorcycle Club:

www.borderriders.com; Bottom Dwellers Scuba Club: www.bottomdwellers.org; Capitol Hill Cyclers: join their Facebook group or email capitolhillcycling@ groups.facebook.com or jordan.l.simonson@gmail.com; Cascade Flag Football: www.cascadeflagfootball.org; Cascade Flyers: www.cascadeflyers.org; Emerald City Mudhen Rugby: www.mudhenrugby.com; Emerald City Softball Association: www.emeraldcitysoftball. org, www.eteamz.com/womensecsa; Ethyl Forever Car Club: ethylforever@hotmail.com; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthebabes.com; Olympic Yacht Club: www.oycnw.org; OutVentures: outdoor education & recreation activities, www.outventures.org; Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo Association: www.pacificnwgra.org; Puddletown Squares: www.puddletownsquares.org; Rain City Soccer: www.raincitysoccer.org; Rain Country Dance Association: a country-western dance organization catering to the LGBTQ community but open to all, www.raincountrydance.org; Sea Dawgs: LGBT ice hockey - SkateSeaDawgs@gmail.com and on Facebook; Seattle Frontrunners: www.seattlefrontrunners.org; Seattle Gay Basketball Association: www. seattlegaybasketballassociation.com; Seattle Orca Swim Team: www.orcaswimteam.org; Seattle Otters Water Polo: www.otterpolo.com; Seattle Quake Rugby: www.quakerugby.com; Seattle Tennis Alliance: www. seattletennisalliance.org; Seattle Unified Bowling Association (SUBA): magee98106@aol.com, www. teamseattle.org/bowling.htm, www.theprideleague. com, Century 21 League; Seattle Volleyball Club: www.seattlevolleyballclub.com; Ski Buddies: www. skibuddies.org; Team Seattle Gay Sports Network is an umbrella organization for a wide range of local GLBT sports activities, (206) 367-4064, www.teamseattle.org (see website for comprehensive list of sports clubs); Triangle Recreation Camp at Bender Creek: recreational camping for GLBT folks. Must be 21; ID required. trc@ camptrc.org, www.camptrc.org, 1122 E Pike St #1069, Seattle 98122-3934. Strength Over Speed - www.strengthoverspeed.org Tacoma/Pierce County - Rainbow Center, 2215 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, a resource center for the LGBTIQA community of Pierce County, (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org

Three Dollar Bill Cinema - TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival; Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival; Outdoor Cinema at Cal Anderson Park. www. threedollarbillcinema.org

TRANSGENDER: Emerald City Social Club: (425) 827-9494; Gender Alliance of the South Sound: www.SouthSoundGender.com; Gender Diversity:

www.genderdiversity.org; Gender Justice League: www.genderjusticeleague.org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey.com; Hermanos Trans Latino & Foreign-Born Support Group: (206) 322-7700; Ingersoll Gender Center: (206) 329-6651, www. ingersollcenter.org; Lion’s Main Art Collective: www. lionsmain.org; The New BoyZ Club: www.olympiaftmgroup.webs.com; Olympia Trans Discussion Group: www.facebook.com/pages/Olympia-Trans-DiscussionGroup/262449878114; [trans] ACTION: Trans* & Gender Non-Conforming Sex Workers’ Support Group - a safe, peer-led space. mail@utopiaseattle.org; TRANSform Washington: transformwashington.com; Trans Resource & Referral Guide: kctransguide.org; Washington Gender Alliance: (360) 445-2411, www. washington genderalliance.com

WOMEN: Aging Ballard Lesbian Exchange (A.B.L.E.): We are Lesbians 60 years (generally) and up, living (mostly) in the north half of Seattle. The purpose of the group is to connect, socialize and support each other. ruthemilyvogel@gmail.com; Aging Lesbians in South Seattle (ALISS) - Lesbian Group at the Southeast Seattle Senior Center. This is a gathering primarily for Lesbians but all are welcome to attend. Kate, (206) 722-0317; www.sessc.org; BABES: support groups for HIV+ women. (206) 720-5566, 1-888-292-1912; Coming Out Women Support Group of Tacoma: www. comingoutwomen.org; Festival of the Babes: www. festivalofthebabes.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Puget Sound Old Lesbian Organizing for Change: http:// psoloc.org, (253) 777-3357; Older Lesbians Organizing for Change/WA State Chapter: gloria@oloc.org, mary@oloc.org, www.oloc.org; Pacific Northwest Lesbian Archives: www.pnwlesbianarchives.org; RainshadowWomen: RainshadowWomen@aol. com; Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network: BiSeattle. wixsite.com/SBWN; Seattle Girls of Leather: www. sgol.org; Tacoma Lesbian Concern (TLC): www.tacomalesbianconcern.org; Tacoma Older LGBT: www. tacomaolderlgbt.org; Women of West Seattle (WOWS): a fun, member-driven social group for Lesbians, http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/womenofwestseattle; YWCA Women’s Health Outreach: providing low or no-cost mammograms for income eligible 40+ LBTQ individuals. Follow us at http://lbtqhealth-ywca.blogspot.com, twitter.com/ingridWHO or email lbthealth@ywcaworks. org, (206) 461-4493. (See also listings under Bisexual, Parenthood, People of Color, Transgender.)

YOUTH: B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group): Youth Eastside Services offers many programs for GLBT youth, including B-GLAD, (425) 747-4937; Coyote Central: www.coyotecentral.org; Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; GLSEN/Washington State (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) & Washington State GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Network: GLSEN works to create safe schools for LGBT students. WA GSA Network supports youth-led GSA’s to fight harassment & homophobia in Washington state schools. (206) 330-2099; www.glsenwa. org; www.wagsa.org. GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): a support group & HIV/STD prevention program for GLBTQ youth, 14-20, in Everett, (425) 263-2908, www. globeyouth.org; It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, in Seattle, 1818 15th Ave @ E Denny Way; (206) 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org; Lifelong HEYO (Health Education Youth Outreach): for LGBTQ youth, ages 16-24: (206) 957-1665; www. llaa.org/HEYO; www.MatthewsPlace.com ; The Mockingbird Society: (206) 323-KIDS (5437), www. mockingbirdsociety.org; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 14-25, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org; OKAY! LGBTQ+ Outreach for Kent Area Youth: (253) 859-0699 ext 3034. OKAY! is an open support group for youth ages 13-19 who identify as LGBTQ+. A program of Kent Youth & Family Services; OUT There Adventures: www.outthereadventures.org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/Puget Sound: (206) 325-7724, www. seattle-pflag.org; Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets (PSKS) Drop-In Center & Young Adult Shelter: 1609 19th Ave @ E Pine St., (206) 726-8500; www.psks.org; Pizza Klatch: weekly lunchtime support groups for LGBTQ youth in Thurston County, www. pizzaklatch.org; Prism: for LGBTQ youth, 14-21, in Puyallup - Cherise.Alexander@ multicare.org; www. facebook.com/PuyallupPrism; Proud Out Wonderful (POW!): for LGBTQ youth, 13-21, in South King County, (206) 326-9112, www.facebook.com/proudoutwonderful; Q Youth Resources: in Kitsap County - (360) 698-3335; www.kchaf.org; Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS): LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth drop-in group, ages 12-18 - Sarah Hardin, (425) 271-5600, ext 155; sarahh@rays.org; Roots Young Adult Shelter: 1415 NE 43rd St., (206) 632-1635; www.rootsinfo.org; Safe Schools Coalition: www.safeschoolscoalition.org; (206) 451-SAFE, (206) 451-7233 (non-emergency), 1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): (206) 860-9606, www.sypp.org; Street Youth Ministries (SYM): (206) 524-7301 ext 111; www. streetyouthministries.org; Teen Link: (206) 461-4922, 1-888-431-TEEN; The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor; www.thetrevorproject.org; True Colors - Connecting LGBTQ Teens: in Shoreline, (206) 362-7282 x 8018, lbagley@chs-nw.org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, (509) 396-5198, www.vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/ Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): (206) 522-8412; YouthCare/ Orion Center Young Adult Shelter: 1828 Yale Ave @ Stewart St. (206) 622-5555; Youth in Focus: (206) 723-1479; www.youthinfocus.org; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoud-GLBTQ): (206) 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273-TALK, www.yspp.org

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Joyous Teen Spirit a rocking sing-a-long song

by Sara Michelle Fetters

SGN A&E Writer

TEEN SPIRIT

Now playing

In a small village on the Isle of Wight, 17-year-old Violet (Elle Fanning) lives with her Polish-immigrant mother Marla (Agnieszka Grochowska) on a small farm. The pair are barely getting by, both working at a local bowling alley while they also sell eggs at an outdoor farmer’s market. Violet secretly harbors dreams of becoming a singer, performing a couple nights a week at a neighborhood pub much to her mom’s disapproval. One night her singing catches the eye and the ear of town drunkard Vlad (Zlatko Buric), a former opera star who has through every fault of his own notso-recently fallen on hard times.

The popular reality television music competition program “Teen Spirit” is going to be holding auditions in the Isle of Wight for the very first time and Violet wants to participate. Needing a parent or guardian’s consent, and fearing Marla will not approve, she convinces Vlad to pretend to be her uncle and agrees to let him become her manager if she passes to the next round of the contest. Shockingly, that’s exactly what happens, and with her success no longer a secret and now the talk of the entire town Violet needs her mother’s support before she can travel to London to compete in front of a worldwide television audience for the grand prize.

That she gets it isn’t a surprise. That she finds herself a backwoods fish out of water when she reaches London is even less of one. Not a single thing that happens in writer/ director Max Minghella’s debut Teen Spirit would be considered as anything even close to shocking, this music-driven drama following a traditional path as its heroine follows her dreams and reaches for stardom. But while not exactly believable, this is still a feisty modern-day fairy tale that brought a great big smile to my face. Centered around a superb performance from Fanning and featuring a number of superlative musical numbers (including bravura covers of “Dancing On My Own,” “Little Bird” and “Don’t Kill

My Vibe”), this movie is a consistent joy first frame to last.

For me, the reason all of this works as well as it does is in large part because Minghella grounds his story in authentic human emotions. No matter how unbelievable things might be, because Violet, Vlad and Marla are real the fantastical nature of the scenario they’re involved with doesn’t seem nearly as farfetched as it otherwise could have. The relationships the teen has with both of her adult mentors, even when explored in narrative shorthand, are genuine, their hardscrabble complexity giving events a lived-in veneer that’s heartfelt and emotionally pure.

This does not make the film any less old-fashioned or generic. There are moments where Minghella’s drama feels more like a Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland

vehicle from the 1930s, if only one that’s been slightly modernized thanks to its neon visuals, energetic editing and that thumping club beat. Yet this strategy works. Violet’s innate innocence shines through, and not in a way that feels cloying or saccharine. Instead, there is an observational clarity to this whirlwind journey that’s refreshing, and even if the outcome is never in doubt watching the youngster get to the point she’s ready to take the stage and show exactly what it is she’s made of is well worth the wait.

Don’t get me wrong. Minghella’s script doesn’t even make a pretense of avoiding cliché. Vlad’s chronic drunkenness is a problem that could derail the singer’s momentum. There are some potentially shady music industry executives (led by a seductively beguiling Rebecca Hall) working hard to

convince Violet to sign a recording contract that doesn’t have her best interests at heart. One of the members of the band the teenager convinces to join her on this adventure harbors a not-so-secret crush on the singer. The previous year’s “Teen Spirit” victor may be manipulating Violet in order to help engineer a positive outcome for someone else when he feigns romantic interest in her. The outcomes to all of those items (as well as one or two additional minor plot points) is never in doubt, and as I’ve already mentioned this means anything resembling a surprise is difficult to come by.

Yet, Minghella’s strategy as far as the best way to tell his story works astonishingly well. The emotions are allowed to form naturalistically and with very little in the way of artificial augmentation. Violet and Vlad’s connection forms with shocking ease, all of which makes their penultimate hug before the singer takes the stage at the competition mean something distinctively personal, their emotionally-drained embrace after her triumphant performance even more so. As for Fanning, not only can she sing, she also delivers a performance that’s right up there with the celebrated young actress’ best, sitting alongside her memorable turns in 20th Century Women, The Neon Demon, Ginger & Rosa and Super 8 with no problem whatsoever.

I loved how this movie came to an end. Violet and her band demolish the “Teen Spirit” stage during their performance, their collective fiery bravado infectious. What’s even better are the moments immediately after their number had come to its end. The look of breathless exhaustion as Violet almost collapses in the arms of her bandmates is marvelous, as is the knowingly triumphant smile that slowly expands across her face as the teen realizes that, win or lose the contest, she’s discovered exactly what it is she’ll be doing for the rest of her life. It’s a perfect moment and one that is both wellearned and entirely justified. It helps make Teen Spirit the rousing sensation it eventually becomes, this ebulliently youthful concert of friendship and family a jubilant singa-long song I seriously doubt I’ll be the only one humming for the rest of 2019.