Celebrating 36 Years!
Issue 33 Volume 37
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Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
APA says homosexuality Ref. 71 signature count saga cannot be “cured” enters third week by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
AMERICAN Psychological ASSOCIATION by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer The American Psychological Association (APA) released a report August 5 firmly stating that homosexuality cannot be cured and that mental health professionals should not tell Gay clients they could become straight through therapy or other treatments. In a resolution adopted by a 125 to 4 vote by the APA’s governing
council, and in a comprehensive 138-page report based on two years of research, the association went on record in opposition of “reparative therapy” which seeks to change sexual orientation. Instead, the APA said therapists should consider other options, such as celibacy or switching churches, for helping clients whose sexual see apa page 21
As of Thursday, August 13, the Secretary of State’s signature verifiers have checked 50,493 of the more than 137,000 signatures that Protect Marriage Washington turned in to the office July 25 in hopes of qualifying R-71 for the November 3 General Election. The Secretary of State’s final count is expected to be completed be the end of the month. If the current incremental increase in the cumulative error rate holds, then R-71 will either qualify or fail by a razor-thin margin. State elections officials state that the signaturecheck is too close to call at this point. Throughout the week, signature verifiers reported that most signature rejections were due to the person not being found on the statewide voter registration base. Other rejections were made because the signature on the petition did not match the one on file. Most of the signatures that are temporarily set aside while awaiting an electronic signature from the person’s home county will typically be moved over to the “accepted” file. The number of duplicate sig-
Vote yes on Ref. 71
natures rose substantially and, according to elections officials, duplicates are expected to push up the error rate as more and more signatures are checked. Washington Families Standing Together, the official campaign hoping to keep R-71 off the ballot, and Protect Marriage Washington, the backers of R-71, continued to send observation teams to Olympia this week. The signature-by-
signature verification process was accelerated last week as elections officials added an additional night shift. In order for R-71 to make the November ballot, the Secretary of State’s office will have to report that 120,577 of the 137,689 signatures turned in by Protect Marriage Washington are valid. R-71 asks see Referendum 71 page 18
ENDA picks up votes SGN endorses candidates David Bloom and Rob Holland in House and Senate attle Displacement Coalition, the Downtown Emergency Service Center, Common Ground nonprofit housing developers, and the Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness. Bloom wants to build 5,000 affordable housing units above and beyond the units built by the housing levy, to enact a Living Wage Ordinance, and to protect neighborhoods and neighborhood businesses. David Bloom will be a welcome addition to a City Council that too often listens to the voice of downtown business interests. Rob Holland is a newcomer to politics, but not to the waterfront. His grandfather worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and his father was a member of the Inland Boatman’s Union, operating Puget Sound ferries. Holland himself has worked on a number of terminal projects in Tacoma and in South America. Holland’s Green Jobs Plan has earned him the endorsement of the Sierra Club and King County Conservation Voters as well as the
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would protect LGBT workers from discrimination in hiring and on the job, continues to pick up support in both houses of Congress. ENDA was introduced in the US House of Representatives in June by Rep. Barney Frank (DMA), and in the US Senate this month by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Based on the public statements of members of the House and Senate, projected votes now line up as follows: In the House, there are 171 definite Yes votes, and another 36 probable, for a total of 207 – just short of the 218 needed for passage. Seven Representatives have stated they will definitely vote No, and another 148 will likely join them. Seventy-eight members resee endorsements page 21 main uncommitted.
official photo
file photos
gressive politics, testimony to his 30-plus years of political activism. A minister who helped lead his church into an “open and affirming” Baptist association, Bloom speaks passionately about social justice. But he’s not just a talker. Bloom gets things done. In the 1970s, David Bloom (l) and Rob Holland Bloom organized and led the fight to end redlining in Seby SGN Editorial Staff attle’s Central Area. In the 1980s, The SGN doesn’t endorse many he was a leader in the campaign for candidates for office, deferring Seattle’s first housing levy. In the to SEAMEC, but this year we are 1990s, he organized the Church proud to endorse David Bloom Council’s Americorps program for Seattle City Council Position serving at-risk youth. He has 4, and Rob Holland for Port Com- served on the boards of directors for ROOTS young adult shelter mission Position 3. Bloom’s endorsement list reads and Real Change newspaper. Bloom is a co-founder of the Selike a Who’s Who of Seattle pro-
Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
In the Senate, 47 members are committed to vote Yes. Only one – Sen Sam Brownback (R-KS) – has publicly declared he will vote No. Fifty-two Senators have not yet announced their intentions. The situation in the Senate is complicated by the cloture rule, which means that 60 Senators see enda page 17
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Celebrating 36 Years!
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Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973
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Deadlines Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the sGn office All others - Tuesday 5pm
Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Tom Flint (retired)
Remembering Ed Ruby courtesy Lenny Larson
Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Rajket Dirzhud-Rashid, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, Tim Peter Contributing Writers
Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner
Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers Nick Ardizzone, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, Rajket Dirzhud-Rashid National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by JT&A, Inc. © 2008, JT&A, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.
Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
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Seattle Gay News
Ed Ruby (l) and friend, Lenny Larson, one of the founders of Chicken Soup Brigade
The Knights of Malta are holding a Celebration of Life for our friend, Ed Ruby. Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 3-5 p.m. at the Elite Tavern. Please join us in celebrating the life and good times of Ed Ruby.
friends, beginning in the early ‘60s when we both lived in Tacoma. We usually saw each other at The Sandbox, one of the three bars in Tacoma then. Over later years, Ed would tell the tale of I was surprised and saddened to learn of his supposedly “first time” when he invited Ed Ruby’s passing a short time ago. me home. Turned out later he had a friend Ed and I went back a long way together as sleeping in the bedroom and so supposedly
SGN writer remembers Merce Cunningham by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid SGN A&E Writer It was late fall in Chicago, and I worked for my then-school paper at Northeastern Illinois University, and somehow we’d gotten an invite to see the new, splashy dance performance which was a collaboration by world-renowned choreographer Merce Cunningham, designer Oscar De La Renta (costumes for the dancers), and the music of Frank Sinatra. Yes, quite the opportunity, my friends, for a college junior on a student’s budget. Of course I wanted to go, loving ballet
August 14, 2009
and modern dance since I was a little girl, but this was late fall in Chicago. The weather was very cold and there was a light dusting of snow on the ground, as well as ice sheets on the sidewalks and the streets. I tried to persuade my then-boyfriend and managing editor of our paper to go with me, but he refused. I made for the bus and did indeed get to the theater in time to see Cunningham himself walk up the side aisle to the stage for one of the dances. I was close enough to smile at him, and I think he smiled back, and I remember thinking how delicate and yet how sprightly he looked, eyes sparkling from that dark aisle.
stifled my “screams” with a pillow on the couch. In later years I moved to Seattle, as did Ed, where we frequented the “old” Elite, where in later years he helped out as a beerback and with stocking. During one late night he was savagely attacked outside and had a lengthy recovery. In these last years we saw each other occasionally at other bars on the Hill. I am dedicating this poem to Ed and to everyone when we miss seeing friends as time goes on. Around the corner I have a friend, In this great city that has no end. Yet days go by and weeks rush on, And before I know it, a year is gone. And I never see my old friend’s face; For life is a swift and terrible race. He knows I like him just as well As in the days when I “rang his bell” And he rang mine – we were younger then – And now we are busy, tired men – Tired of playing those foolish games Tired of trying to make our names “Tomorrow,” I say, “I will call Jim Just to show that I’m thinking of him” But tomorrow comes – and tomorrow goes And the distance between us grows and grows. Around the corner! Yet “miles” away… “Here’s a telegram, sir.” “Jim died today.” And that’s what we get – maybe deserve in the end Around the corner, a vanished friend. With fondest memories, Lenny Larson Then he was on stage, dancing with the much younger dancers, and my mouth fell open. I was amazed and knew I’d made the right choice to be at this performance. As wide-eyed as someone who watched Nureyev and other greats dance in black and white programs on my grandmother’s home television, I watched the dancers in their glorious Oscar de La Renta gowns and listened to the Frank Sinatra music with sheer joy. The Cunningham performance and seeing the man himself will always stay with me. I saw another of his performances when I moved to Seattle. What I remember most is how elegant and dedicated a dancer this man was, even as he was fragile in older years. To me, a would-be dancer who writes instead of those who do dance, there will be a great hole in the fabric of the dance world now that Cunningham is gone. Viva to one of the truly magnificent artists of our time.
Celebrating 36 Years!
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Seattle Gay News
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NATIONAL
NEWS
Employment Gay-rights bill introduced in U.S. Senate The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which bans workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, was introduced in the U.S. Senate on August 5. The proposed law would make it illegal to fire or refuse to hire or promote an employee based on his or her being straight, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender. A similar measure was introduced in the House of Representatives in June. President Barack Obama supports ENDA. Individuals who wish to lobby for the measure’s passage can visit noexcuses.hrc.org.
the partnership law does not confer a status substantially similar to marriage. Gay man, Lesbians in line to become Episcopal bishops Following a new Episcopal Church resolution that Gays and Lesbians, including those who are partnered, may be called to “any ordained ministry,” leaders of the Diocese of Los Angeles have nominated a Gay man and a Lesbian for two assistant-bishop vacancies. The Rev. John Kirkley and the Rev. Canon Mary Glasspool will face off against four heterosexual nominees in an election at the diocese’s annual convention at year’s end. At the same time, the Diocese of Minnesota has nominated a Lesbian priest, the Rev. Bonnie Perry, and two heterosexuals for its top bishop position. The moves will cause further angst in the worldwide Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch. The communion has been in turmoil since 2003 when the Diocese of New Hampshire elected openly Gay and partnered Gene Robinson as its bishop. Hawaii coach punished for saying “faggot” University of Hawaii football coach Greg McMackin has been punished by the university for using the word “faggot” at the Western Athletic Conference media football preview in Salt Lake City on July 30. McMackin was suspended for 30 days without pay, took a voluntary salary reduction, must do work with the GLBT community on campus and must make a public-service announcement about how words hurt, among other things. Part of the money from his salary reduction will pay for a GLBT student intern to
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Wisconsin partnership law takes effect Wisconsin’s same-sex domestic-partnership law took effect August 3. It grants 43 of the more than 200 statelevel rights and obligations of marriage, in areas such as family medical leave, hospital visitation, inheritance in the absence of a will, court incrimination, wrongful-death suits and real-estate transfers. Starting in January, a second measure will extend health insurance coverage to sameand opposite-sex partners of state employees, said the GLBT lobby group Fair Wisconsin. Opponents have sued to overturn the new law, claiming it violates a state constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriage – as well as same-sex unions similar to marriage. The amendment states, in part: “A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state.” A spokeswoman for Fair Wisconsin said
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
University of Hawaii football coach Greg McMackin
conduct campuswide workshops in GLBTawareness training. McMackin said to reporters: “They [Notre Dame] get up and they do this little cheer, like this. You know, this little faggot dance. ... Don’t write that ‘faggot dance.’ I was misquoted. ... Go ahead, say ‘faggot dance.’ No. Please cover for me on that ... I’ll deny it.” Audio of the incident was posted by The Idaho Statesman newspaper. A short while after uttering the slur, McMackin again tried to talk reporters out of reporting it. “Please don’t write that statement I said as far as Notre Dame,” he said. “I don’t want to come out and have every homosexual ticked off at me. You know what I mean. Because I don’t have any problem with homosexuals. But I apologize for saying that and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t run that word. If you said dance, that’s OK. But don’t use the bad term that I chose, please.” Reporters didn’t bite, which led to more
apologizing. “I would sincerely like to apologize for the inappropriate verbiage, words that I used,” McMackin said. “I don’t talk like that and I’m really ticked off at myself for saying that. I don’t have any prejudices and it really makes me mad that I even said that and I’m disappointed in myself. ... I was trying to make a joke and it was a bad choice of words and I really – I really, really feel bad about it and I wanted to apologize. I’m going to apologize to my team. I’m going to apologize to the people in Hawaii.” A day later, back in Hawaii, McMackin continued: “I’m committed to do whatever I can to use this as a life lesson and to learn from my mistake. ... I’ve offended the Gay and Lesbian community and now I’m going to work with the LGBT community on campus to use this as a teachable moment for me and hopefully others.” With assistance from Bill Kelley
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Celebrating 36 Years!
Bisexual, and Transgender people and their families,” said the Romanian LGBT group ACCEPT, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, and the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (aka ILGA-Europe). “Articles 277, 258, 259, and 462 prevent same-sex couples and other nontraditional families from enjoying their rights to nondiscrimination, freedom of movement, and privacy under international and European law and policy,” the groups said. “These provisions ... deny the existence of LGBT and non-traditional heterosexual families, increasing social stigma and discrimination against them.” The organizations wrote Basescu a letter expressing their disappointment with the laws and urging him to support any efforts that may be made to repeal them.
INTERNATIONAL
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
João Paulo
Teresa Pires (r) and Helena Paixão lost their case attempting to overturn Portugal's ban on same-sex marriage July 31.
Australians march for same-sex marriage A National Day of Action for Same-Sex Marriage saw demonstrations August 1 in the Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra and Lismore. According to the group Equal Love, 5,000 people marched in Melbourne in “the largest single show of support for marriage equality ever in Australia.” The rallies had no apparent effect on the national convention of the ruling Australian Labor Party, which voted the same day to support a national registry for same-sex partnerships but to oppose legalization of same-sex marriage. “Although the decision of the ALP delegates was disappointing, I think politicians from all sides now understand that this is not an issue that’s going to go away,” said Equal Love co-convener Tim Wright. “Today’s rallies put it clearly on the national agenda. Marriage equality is rapidly spreading throughout the world and we’re going to be back here year after year until we get it in Australia.” Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told local radio July 29 that marriage is “between a man and a woman.” At the same time, the Rudd government has altered around 100 laws to give samesex de facto couples the rights and obligations of marriage in areas that include health care, taxation, pensions, parenting, public benefits, workplace benefits, workers’ compensation, veterans’ affairs, elder care and educational assistance. Rudd said July 29 that his goal is to remove “all legal discriminations” against Gay couples. Polling has found that 60 percent of Australians think Gay couples should be allowed to get married.
ten specific to this group alone,” the report said. “They experience a high degree of discrimination and intolerance in all fields of life, as well as outright violence.” Among other things, the document asserts that Transgender people should not have to undergo sterilization or other medical treatment before their revised gender identity is recognized.
Portuguese ban on same-sex marriage upheld Portugal’s Constitutional Court declined to strike down the ban on same-sex marriage July 31 in a 3-2 ruling. In a case brought by Lesbian couple Teresa Pires and Helena Paixão, the court said that although the Portuguese Constitution specifically bans discrimination based on sexual orientation, it does not mandate that same-sex marriage be permitted. “The issue posed to the Court is not whether the Constitution allows the establishment of a system of marriage between persons of the same sex, but is precisely to know if it is imposed in the Constitution,” the court said. Correspondent João Paulo from PortugalGay.pt said Pires and Paixão “questioned how can Gays and Lesbians not be discriminated [against] if they are not recognized the right to marry.” He said the couple told him they will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Meanwhile, the ruling Socialist Party has said it will move legislatively to legalize same-sex marriage, should it remain in power after September’s elections. Portugal has had a “de facto unions” law for same-sex couples since 2001 that grants
limited rights to all Gay couples who have lived together for two years or longer. Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Spain and the U.S. states of Connecticut, Iowa and Massachusetts. It also has been legalized in the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, though the laws have not yet come into effect. Amsterdam mayor marries binational couples Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen married five binational Gay couples on a boat during the Gay pride canal parade August 1. The couples were purposefully composed of one Dutch citizen and one resident of New York state. Same-sex marriage is not allowed in New York, but New York recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. The weddings created the disconnect of the couples now being married in the Netherlands and in New York, where they would not have been allowed to get married, and also not being married in the eyes of the U.S. government, which holds the keys to more than 1,000 marriage rights and obligations, including spousal immigration rights. “As a result, thousands of U.S. citizens are forced into exile in countries like the Netherlands, where their relationships with their foreign partners are recognized and where they enjoy equal rights in family law,” said Martha McDevitt-Pugh of the Love Exiles Foundation. On April 1, 2001, Cohen conducted the first same-sex marriages in the world, after the Netherlands became the first nation to allow them. Same-sex marriage has since been legalized in Belgium, Canada, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Spain and the U.S. states of Connecticut, Iowa and Massachusetts. It also has been legalized in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, but the laws have not yet come into effect. More than half a million people turned out for Amsterdam’s waterborne pride parade. With assistance from Bill Kelley
Romania enacts discriminatory laws Romanian President Traian Basescu has signed a new Civil Code enacted by Parliament that discriminates against Gay people. Ironically, Article 30 of the new code bans discrimination based on sexual orientation even as Article 277 bans same-sex marriage, recognition of foreign same-sex marriages, and recognition of foreign civil partnerships, Gay or straight. In addition, Article 462 prohibits two unmarried persons from adopting a child together. Article 258 defines “spouses” as a man and a woman united through marriage, and defines “family” as based on marriage between spouses. And Article 259 defines marriage as between a man and a woman and makes marriage a right. “The inclusion of these provisions perpetuates discrimination against Lesbian, Gay,
European human rights commissioner publishes Transphobia report Council of Europe member states should do more to stop Transphobia and discrimination against Transgender people, the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights, Thomas Hammarberg, said July 29 in an “expert issue paper” released at the World Outgames 2nd International Conference on LGBT Human Rights in Copenhagen. “The situation of Transgender persons has long been ignored and neglected, although the problems they face are very real and of-
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by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer In 2004, Ronald Weightman went from managing a Gay nightclub in Kent, Washington to spending five hours a day, three days a week on kidney dialysis. The road to dialysis was a perilous one, but it’s the road Weightman traveled during and after his dialysis treatment that has inspired so many. Armed with a kidney transplant and a $3,000 James W. Haviland Rehabilitation Scholarship from Northwest Kidney Centers, Weightman is currently studying at Highline Community College to become a medical assistant. “After going through the process of dialysis and transplantation, I hope to finish my educational goals to work with kidney patients and offer them hope during their journey of dialysis and, hopefully, transplant,” Weightman told SGN. “I would be honored to work with a transplant team somewhere. To be able to offer hope to those patients would be huge to me. I’d tell them, ‘It will be hard, but it will get better.’” Weightman was on top of the world in 1996. He was the reigning Empress of the Imperial Sovereign Court of Tacoma, managing a nightclub, and living happily with his partner of 20 years, Patrick Hines. Weightman and Hines knew the community, and the community knew them as the two men who helped start Gay Pride in Tacoma. He was an activist helping to raise money for HIV organizations and fought for equal
housing rights. Then, Weightman’s kidneys collapsed. “I thought I was dying. I had a great year as Empress, and life kept going,” he said. “I can relate to people who were diagnosed HIV positive in the ‘80s. They thought they had a death sentence, but then didn’t die. The years pass and they are still here. So, you begin to live with hope and you have to take care of yourself.” In 2004, Weightman could no longer avoid kidney dialysis. He began his first sessions at Northwest Kidney Centers, a model for saving and sustaining the lives of people with chronic kidney disease that focuses on improving the quality of patients’ lives. A not-for-profit organization, Northwest Kidney Centers provides personalized care for patients in the Puget Sound region. “It is frightening when you first come in,” Weightman recalls, “The machines make these sounds, it seems like there are miles of tubes of blood – it almost looks like a surgery is about to happen.” The pain and agony that we go through with dialysis itself, he said, can be horrible. Weightman said he would feel stomach sick immediately afterward and was subject to horrendous cramps. Still, Weightman never gave in or gave up. At almost the same time he started dialysis, he began volunteering countless hours with the organization and helped raise over $6,000 for Northwest Kidney Centers. Wightman spent three years on a waiting list before he got his chance for a kidney transplant. The process, he said, is monotonous. You have to be healthy enough to survive a transplant. He said it took him nearly a year to pass the tests to survive the surgery. “I prayed. I prayed hard,” recalls Weightman. “I prayed, let it be local and let it match.” The kidney wasn’t a perfect match, but close enough to try. Weightman received the transplant he prayed for in November 2007 at Virginia Mason hospital. At first, however, he spent eight days in the hospital before the kidney took to his body and began to work properly. It was a challenging
courtesy Robert Weightman
Ronald Weightman, new activist fights back
Ronald Weightman, recipient of James W. Haviland Rehabilitation Scholarship
time. “I have to be very careful during cold and flu season because I have a compromised immune system, just like someone with HIV,” he said. “This is due to anti-rejection medications. I’ve caught pneumonia two years in a row and had a bad sinus infection. It’s basically a chemical balancing game the first year after a transplant – it’s tough that first year.” LOOKING AHEAD Now, Weightman has set his sights on school and developing a strong sense of himself. “I feel pretty good. At 44, I’m going back to school,” he told SGN. “The transplant has allowed me to be with my partner longer and maybe, just maybe, with my story I might be able to have people become donors to help further another brother or sister’s life.” “You can be a live donor,” says Weightman, “You can donate one kidney.” Weightman said people could visit www. donatelifetoday.com for more information about donating. He said the website does a lot to dispel myths and fallacies about donating. “Take care of yourselves; your kidney can last a lifetime or can last someone else a lifetime – donate,” he said. “There are 13,000 people waiting on a list for donations. You can’t take the organs with you when you go.” He said one in seven people have kidneys
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disease and don’t realize it. “People should get checked,” Weightman said. “If you are smart enough to check your HIV status, you should be smart enough to check your kidneys.” According to Northwest Kidney Centers, in most cases kidney disease is preventable and its progression can be halted. The incidence among American adults has increased 30 percent in the past 10 years. Thirty percent of the country’s Medicare budget is spent on kidney disease; seven percent is spent on dialysis treatment. Two of the leading causes of kidney failure are high blood pressure and diabetes. Staying healthy, eating a well balanced diet, and reducing your salt intake can greatly decrease your chance of kidney failure. Northwest Kidney Center’s professionals say your doctor can run three simple tests to assess your risk: check your blood pressure, test for protein in the urine, and test your blood for creatinine. “I would love to get all of Seattle to buy a Northwest City bracelet at www.nwkidney. org,” Weightman said. “They are the only not-for-profit kidney dialysis in King County. The care for patients is amazing.” He said they are always updating the chairs, which patients spend numbers of hours in, and have laptop computers available as well. They are a wonderful and worthwhile charity, he said, adding that they are always looking for volunteers. Weightman said he has a simple message for SGN readers: “Donate, get tested, and check out the websites.”
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August 14, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
SEATTLE HOSTS NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LGBTQ ASIAN AMERICANS, SOUTH ASIANS & PACIFIC ISLANDERS Seattle will be host to a national conference for LGBTQ Asian American, South Asians and Pacific Islander on the weekend of August 14-16 at the University of Washington. Titled “Transgress, Transform, Transcend,” the conference will showcase the diversity of the LGBTQ Asian Pacific Islander experience and will expand the capacity and ability of LGBT Asian Pacific Islander activists and communities to organize. Conference organizers have lined up four keynote speakers and over 50 workshops, panel discussions, caucuses, and cultural performances, which will address a wide array of topics and issues. The event’s many programs will provide attendees opportunities to network and to expand their knowledge and skills in advocacy and community building. Registration fee is $100, with a reduced rate of $75 for presenters and people with limited income. Some scholarships are available to assist attendees pay for the cost of conference registration. Registration is available online at www.nqapia. org/nc-2009.html. SEATTLE HEMPFEST 2009 The THC Foundation presents Seattle’s annual HempFest, on Saturday/Sunday, August 15-16, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., at Myrtle Edwards Elliott Bay Park, 3130 Alaskan Way. $10 suggested donation. www.hempfest.org. AN OLD-SCHOOL CAR WASH WITH THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE On Saturday, August 15, from 11a.m. to 3:30-ish p.m., your favorite, hopefully water resistant, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan, will hold a bubblicious old-school car wash at C.C. Attle’s parking lot, 1501 E. Madison St. All donations will go to the Sisters’ Charity Grant Fund for the 2010 granting cycle. Stop by C.C. Attle’s and let the Sisters baptize your ride. www. theabbey.org. Q-SQUARED MONTHLY BOOK GROUP On Saturday, August 15, at 1 p.m., the QSquared monthly book group for Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered men will meet at the Capitol Hill Branch Library, Harvard Ave. E. & E. Republican St., to discuss Leslie Jordan’s autobiography, My Trip Down the Pink Carpet. For more information,visit www.qsquared.org and click on “Ongoing Programs.” COURT OF SEATTLE HOSTS A CARNIVAL FUNDRAISER FOR THE MATTHEW SHEPARD FOUNDATION AT C.C. ATTLE’S AND MONARCH BBQ AT THE CUFF COMPLEX On Sunday, August 16, from noon to 4 p.m., join the Imperial Court of Seattle at C.C. Attle’s, 1501 E. Madison St., for a carnival fundraiser for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. For your enjoyment, dunk an Emperor and throw a pie in an Empress’s face. Also, on Sunday, August 16, from 4-8 p.m., the Imperial Court hosts the Monarch BBQ at the Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave. at E. Pine St.
and families will have the opportunity to meet with dozens of Gay-friendly businesses in the wedding industry and related markets. Guests will have the opportunity to tour Waterways Cruises’ luxurious yachts as well as enjoy vendor samples, helpful planning tips, and giveaways.Whether planning a ceremony, expanding their families, or looking to become homeowners, this FREE event offers something for everyone. For more information, visit www.SameLoveSameR ights.com. THE ELITE HOSTS FREE ASL LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Have you ever wanted to learn basic American Sign Language? If so, you can get a some beginning ASL instruction at the Elite, 1520 E. Olive Way. The FREE lessons will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the loft. QUEER ALLY COALITION SPONSORS WEEKLY COMMUNITY ORGANIZING MEETINGS The Queer Ally Coalition sponsors weekly Community Organizing Meetings on Tuesdays, at 7:30 p.m., at Cascade People’s Center, 309 Pontius Ave. N. The Queer Ally Coalition is a grassroots democratic alliance of LGBT people and allies committed to the fight for Queer rights, culture, and liberation. Points of Unity: We are committed to: 1) democratic grassroots organizing and strategy: our community, our voices, our future, our vision; 2) fighting for Queer rights, culture and liberation; 3) embracing and publicizing the inclusive, multi-gendered, and sexually-liberated meanings of the word “Queer;” 4) active solidarity with other oppressed groups and their struggles around the world; 5) raising all voices, especially those of people of color, women, the Trans community and youth; 6) having fun while changing the world! Current Projects: 1) Referendum 71/ Marriage Equality in Washington; 2) Nationwide Kiss-In at local Mormon temple; 3) Hate Crimes Rapid Response Network; 4) LGBT Youth Shelter/Housing Proposal with the Mayor’s Office; 5) National March for Equality in Washington, DC (October 10-11); 6) building a grassroots, democratic, statewide network of LGBT and allied activists and organizations. Any questions, call 206-612-6139 or email queerallycoalition@gmail.com or visit www.queerallycoalition.org. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dunshee House, 303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St. The club is pleased to announce the following titles to be discussed in their ongoing reading and discussion series: August – A Fairly Honourable Defeat by Iris Murdoch; September – The Thief’s Journal by Jean Genet; October – Wild Dogs by Helen Humphreys; November – The Gifts of the Body by Rebecca Brown; December – Death in Venice by Thomas Mann. All GLBTQ folks in the community are welcome to participate in this free book club. The reading list is chosen and the discussion facilitated by Nick DiMartino, published novelist and playwright, currently a book reviewer for ShelfAwareness.com, and a 30-year employee of University Book Store. For more information, email nickdimartin@earthlink. net or contact Dunshee House at 206-3222437.
SAME LOVE SAME RIGHTS LGBTQ WEDDING & FAMILY EXPO RETURNS On Sunday, August 16, from 12:30-3:30 p.m., the Rainbow Wedding Network presCOUNTRY DOCTOR ents their Same Love Same Rights LGBTQ COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC Wedding & Family Expo at Waterways OFFERS HEALTH CARE NIGHT Cruises and Events’ Lakeside Event Center, FOR LGBTQ COMMUNITY 2501 N. Northlake Way. With the stunning Spectrum Natural Health at Country DocSeattle skyline as a backdrop, Seattle-area tor Community Health Clinic, 500 19th Ave. same-sex couples, singles, and their friends E., offers primary and naturopathic care for
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the LGBTQ community every Thursday, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Providers have been serving the LGBTQ community for many years. Cost is sliding scale – no one turned away for lack of funds. For information and to make an appointment, call 206299-1600. NORTHERN XPOSURE WEEKEND Join the fun at one or more of Northern Xposure’s Thursday-Sunday, August 20-23, community events and parties in support of Lambert House, Seattle’s LGBTQ youth center. For a complete schedule of all the events, visit www.nxposure.com.
IN THE LIFE TV CONCLUDES SUMMER OF STONEWALL SERIES On Sunday, August 30, at midnight, KCTS-TV broadcasts In The Life TV, which concludes its Summer of Stonewall series, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, with “Coming Together,” a look at how LGBT art and culture has shaped and inspired the movement. Credited as the first Off-Off-Broadway theatre, Caffe Cino began in 1958 as a Greenwich Village coffee house with a tiny makeshift stage. This Bohemian refuge was home to burgeoning Gay playwrights and performers, who, inspired by its owner, Joe Cino, were liberated to create their most experimental and daring works of self-expression. In A Conversation With... writers Edmund White and Doric Wilson share firsthand accounts of the Stonewall Riots, and discuss how bearing witness to the uprising impacted their work and shaped their politics. Capping off the Summer of Stonewall series, this episode’s REAL TO REEL highlights Crayton Robey’s 2009 documentary Making the Boys, a tribute to Mark Crowley’s 1968 play, Boys in the Band, and William Friedkin’s subsequent film adaptation that swept Gay and straight audiences alike. This and other In The Life TV episodes can also be viewed online at www.inthelifetv. org.
THREE DOLLAR BILL PRESENTS “UNDER THE STARS, THE EIGHTIES STRIKE BACK!” OUTDOOR CINEMA IN CAL ANDERSON PARK This summer Three Dollar Bill Outdoor Cinema presents a slate of three fun and campy films from 1980, the premiere year of the decade that made sexual power plays, alien encounters and shameless success all the rage. The films are Friday, July 17 – Little Darlings; Friday, July 31 – Flash Gordon; Friday, August 21 – 9 to 5. The FREE screenings will be shown at sunset (around 8:30-9 p.m.) at the southeast corner of Cal Anderson Park, near the park’s shelter house off 11th Ave. & E. Olive St. Snacks and bevQ-SQUARED HOSTS erages will be available for purchase on-site LABOR DAY WEEKEND CAMP with proceeds benefiting Three Dollar Bill (COME AND MEET PEOPLE) Cinema’s non-profit efforts to produce and FOR GAY, BI & TRANS MEN promote Queer-friendly film events in the This coming Labor Day Weekend (Sept. Pacific Northwest. Three Dollar Bill Cinema produces the annual Seattle Lesbian & 4-7), Q-Squared, a Seattle-based non-profit Gay Film Festival. www.threedollarbillcin- organization, is hosting its annual CAMP (Come And Meet People) getaway at the ema.org. Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington State. RADICAL WOMEN HOSTS Celebrating its 14th year, CAMP provides WOMEN’S RIGHTS DAY FORUM On Saturday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m., at camp-goers a unique opportunity to enjoy New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., the great outdoors and connect with fellow Radical Women hosts a Women’s Rights GBT men in a healthy, fun-filled environDay forum featuring Anne Slater, Radical ment. Like traditional summer camps, the Women firebrand and national organizer weekend event will offer a wide variety who is on a coast-to-coast speaking tour to of fun-filled activities, including campfire mobilize women and their allies to stand sing-alongs, hiking trips, a talent show, a against right-wing racism, layoffs and state dance, and a variety of workshops and outbudget cuts. She is a member of Queer Ally door games. CAMPers will have the choice Coalition, a longtime abortion clinic de- of staying in a modern cabin or roughing it fender and led a community college union- in their own tent. Early registration is availization drive. She recently helped to launch able until June 28. After June 28 the cost for the grassroots group Sisters Organize for the weekend will be $175. Scholarships are Survival. A Sizzling Barbecue Buffet will available. For more information and to regbe served at 6 p.m. for a $9.00 donation. ister, visit www.qcamp.org. Door donation is $3.00. Call in advance GENDER SPECTRUM for childcare or work exchanges. 206-722GENDER ODYSSEY CONFERENCE 6057; RWseattle@mindspring.com; www. LABOR DAY WEEKEND radicalwomen.org. 2009 will be Gender Odyssey’s 7th conference. The conference takes place each EMERALD CITY SOFTBALL year in Seattle over Labor Day weekend. ASSOCIATION FALL This year’s conference will be held SeptemBALL LEAGUE Emerald City Softball Association is ber 5-7. The conference will feature more sponsoring Fallball ’09, an ECSA Open Di- than 75 workshops and facilitated discusvision softball league for men and women sions, exclusive programming for people of of all skill levels. Play dates will be August color, teens and partners, gender spectrum 9 and 23, September 13, 20 and 27, and Oc- education and trainings, health screenings, tober 4. For complete details, visit www. health care provider seminar, social events, entertainment, receptions and BBQ. emeraldcitysoftball.org. Gender Odyssey is an international conference focused on the thoughtful exploraGAY CITY HOSTS tion of gender. We strive to create an emMONTHLY CHATROOM powering environment where people of all DISCUSSION GROUP On Monday, August 24, at 7 p.m., Gay genders can share their experiences and City Health Project hosts Chatroom, their learn from the experiences of others. Through dialogue, peer-led presentations, monthly drop-in discussion group. This month’s topic is Mentorship: Who has and sharing skills and expertise, we work to helped you achieve success in your life? create broader and evolving language, soCome honor your mentors at this discussion cial support, and life pathways that support and learn how to pay it forward. The discus- all gender identities. By doing so, we hope sion will be held at Gay City’s offices, 511 to strengthen ourselves and develop communities that celebrate all experiences of E. Pike St. gender at any age. Gender Odyssey is open to all. We emSEATTLE COMMISSION FOR brace the presence and participation of traSEXUAL MINORITIES HOSTS ditionally gendered and gender variant peoCOMMUNITY POTLUCK PICNIC On Saturday, August 29, from 11a.m. to ple: transmen, transwomen, genderqueers, 3 p.m., the Seattle Commission for Sexual intersex people, our families, partners, and Minorities will hold a community potluck allies. It is a place for us and those we love picnic, resource fair and forum on healthy to gather together, share our lives, and learn LGBT families. The forum will be held at from one another. It is also a great place for the Columbia City Library, 4721 Rainier those who serve this community to expand Ave. S. from 1-3 p.m. The potluck picnic their knowledge and understanding of transand resource fair will be held at the adjacent gender and gender variant issues. For more information, visit www.genColumbia Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. derodyssey.org.
August 14, 2009
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Queer Asian exhibit packs a punch by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer Across the Spectrum: Stories from Queer Asian Pacific America Wing Luke Asian Museum Through February 11 “Across the Spectrum: Stories from Queer Asian Pacific America,” currently on display at the Wing Luke Asian Museum, consists of 12 varied stories that touch on issues of race, gender, sexuality, faith, and radicalism. According to museum officials, the primary goal of the exhibit is to “shed light on the experiences of individuals in the Queer Asian Pacific community and explore their lives through their voices and stories,” which it does well. As you enter the room, you’ll find the wall adorned with signs and posters with the various stories on them. The voices of the storytellers can be heard on the sound system that plays continually throughout the room. The recordings echo the writing on the wall, and full transcripts are also available. The first sign you’ll notice is an introduction to the exhibit that reads: “While viewing the images may call to mind the commonplace, listening to the stories of race, gender and sexuality presented here across the spectrum gesture toward radical places.” One of the stories, the story of Vivek Manchanda rings especially true to the purpose of the exhibit. “There are six billion people on earth. In that variation, in that spectrum, you have sexuality and I am at one end of
the spectrum and my dad is at the other end of the spectrum. I guess being different, in a way, is being part of the spectrum but still realizing that you’re not part of the majority.” There are pencils and small pieces of paper available for the purpose of adding your own thoughts to the exhibit. With questions painted on the wall, you’re asked to answer the questions and post your written responses on the wall, questions like “Do you struggle for acceptance?” And “When does finding our place happen?” Although the exhibit is small, it packs a large punch; additionally, the rest of the museum is definitely worth taking a look at. Wing Luke staff member Susan Lee recommends the “Parallel Lines” exhibit, which is an art exhibition of eight Seattle area contemporary artists, and the upcoming “Yellow Fever Exhibit,” a collection of paintings by controversial artist Roger Shimomura. “Across the Spectrum” began on July 3 and runs through February 11, 2010. Major sponsors include The Pride Foundation, Nordstrom, and The Washington State Arts Commission, among others. The Wing Luke Asian Museum is the only pan-Asian Pacific American museum in the country and is dedicated to engaging the Asian Pacific American communities and the public in exploring issues related to the culture, art and history of Asian Pacific Americans. The Wing Luke is located in the International District and more information can be found online at www.wingluke.org.
No Justice Dept. investigation of Fort Worth bar raid by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In spite of a Fort Worth City Council resolution asking him to investigate the controversial June 28 police raid on a Fort Worth Gay bar, US Attorney James Jacks said he would not get involved in the case. In an e-mail sent to the Fort Worth StarTelegram newspaper, Jacks said that he is not authorized to “review the investigations of other law enforcement agencies for the purpose of issuing some type of grade or report on the quality or results of that investigation.” Jacks went on to say that it is the role of the FBI, and not of his office, to investigate civil rights violations. “At the conclusion of the local investigation, the FBI will, if appropriate, review the available evidence to see if there is predication to initiate a federal investigation for violations of federal criminal laws,” he wrote. The Fort Worth City Council and Mayor Mike Moncrief had sought to involve the Justice Department to reassure the public that accusations against state and local police were being fairly dealt with. Many Rainbow Lounge patrons complained of being roughed up during the raid, and one was hospitalized with serious brain injuries sustained while in state custody. The FBI also declined to get involved in the case, at least at this stage. FBI spokesperson Mark White said that as of August 13 the agency had received no complaints of any violations of federal law, including civil rights violations. “There hasn’t been any specific allegation that has been brought to our attention that warrants us stepping in and conducting an investigation outside what is occurring at this point,” White said. “That doesn’t mean there aren’t internal policy issues,” he continued. “That doesn’t mean there might not be violations of state law. But it has to meet federal statutes.
Right now, we don’t have that. Maybe this will prompt someone to step forward. We haven’t had that.” Openly Gay Fort Worth City Council member Joel Burns, who had previously called for an independent investigation, said Thursday night that he was “disappointed.” “We as a city made evident our desire to have an investigation done that both honors our citizens and the police that are involved – an investigation that yields irrefutable results about what happened that night,” Burns said. Fairness Fort Worth, an LGBT organization founded in the wake of the raid, continues to insist on an independent investigation. “If the U.S. attorney’s office has decided not to do it, then the question is, given the city’s unanimous desire for an independent investigation, what steps are they going to take to see that comes to fruition?” Fairness Fort Worth spokesperson Jon Nelson said August 7. “I don’t have the ability or the desire to dictate who does an independent investigation. We just want and need one.” The Texas Alcoholic Beverages Commission (TABC) admitted last week that its agents had committed several violations of policy during and after the raid on the Rainbow Lounge. A separate TABC “use of force” inquiry is ongoing. Two separate Fort Worth Police Department investigations are also in progress. In an ironic twist, the TABC announced that it would now distribute daily e-mails to its supervisors listing important historical dates, including the date of the Stonewall Rebellion. TABC’s raid on the Rainbow Lounge took place exactly 40 years – almost to the minute – after the NYPD’s raid on the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. “It’s embarrassing to say, but we had no clue, and I truly believe Fort Worth had no clue,” TABC Administrator Alan Steen told the Dallas Voice newspaper. “We do have a mechanism in place now to have a clue.”
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There is “no credible evidence” US troops participated in atrocities against Gay Iraqis, a US Army spokesperson said August 11. US Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) spokesperson Chris Grey circulated an e-mail announcing the results of an internal Army investigation into charges made by a Gay Iraqi refugee at a July 24 HRC fundraiser. Using the alias “Hussam,” the Iraqi refugee displayed photographs he claimed showed US troops guarding Gay Iraqis prior to execution. Hussam also displayed gruesome photos of corpses he alleged were Gay Iraqis after their murder by US forces. According to Grey’s report, “In a sworn statement to Special Agents, the individual giving the presentation at the 24 July fundraiser said his words were taken out of context, he was misunderstood due to language barriers, and he was misquoted.” “He stated that although he did show disturbing photographs at the event, the photographs of sectarian violence were in no way linked to US service members,” the report continued. “He also said he never witnessed any actions of US Soldiers that he would classify as criminal or any evidence of US service members targeting Iraqi men or women because of their sexual orientation.” Had US service members killed the Iraqis as alleged, it would constitute a violation of international law under the Geneva Convention or the Uniform Code of Military Justice, depending on the circumstances. Hussam’s charges were reported in the
Washington Blade newspaper last week, and brought an immediate response from Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) who promised to launch a Congressional investigation. The US Army CID also began to investigate Hussam’s allegations. The Washington Blade reported that it had been contacted by a CID investigator seeking information on its story. The CID is charged with investigating crimes in which the Army is – or might be – a party of interest. According to the Washington Blade, Hussam never admitted inaccuracies in any of his subsequent contacts with them, although he refused to allow the newspaper to examine the photos of the alleged atrocities. HRC praised the Army for addressing the matter promptly. In a response to the Army’s statement, HRC spokesperson Trevor Thomas said, “We applaud the U.S. Army for moving quickly and immediately launching an investigation.” The safety of Iraq’s Gay citizens has been a matter of international concern since reports began to surface earlier this year that Iraqi militias were torturing and murdering Gay men. Openly Gay US Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) visited Iraq in April, met with Gay Iraqis, and called for greater US attention to their safety. Ali Hili, founder of the London-based group Iraqi LGBT, has been in contact with Polis but expressed skepticism about Hussam’s claims. Hili said in an e-mail that until he sees real evidence that US troops are committing these atrocities, he believes the claims to be “false and untrue.” “You have no idea how far can people go and what length to lie, to get money or asylum,” Hili said. “I have told these people
Celebrating 36 Years!
over and over that they will not only damage their situation, but they are doing great damages to our movement in Iraq by lying to benefit for only themselves.” Hili and Polis have suggested that the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior is behind the attacks on Iraqi Gays. The Ministry has reportedly been heavily infiltrated by the Mahdi Army and Badr Brigade Shia militias. Under the Saddam Hussein regime, Iraqi Gays were not persecuted. Homosexuality was illegal but rarely prosecuted. Saddam was a secular Baathist and an enemy of the devout Shia parties which now control the Iraqi government.
enda
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must agree to end debate before any bill can be brought up for a vote. Two Senators who would likely vote for ENDA – Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Robert Byrd (D-WV) – are ill and have not been regularly attending Sen-
ate sessions. All six of Washington State’s Congressional Democrats have committed to vote Yes. Four of them – Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Jim McDermott, and Adam Smith – are cosponsors of the bill. Republican Rep Cathy McMorris-Rodgers has announced she will vote No. Fellow Republican Doc Hastings voted No on ENDA in 2007 and will most likely do so again this year. Rep Dave Reichert (R-8), who voted for ENDA in 2007, remains uncommitted. On the Senate side, both Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are co-sponsors of ENDA. Committee hearings on ENDA – a necessary preliminary to bringing the bill to the floor for debate and passage – are expected on the House side as early as September. On the Senate side, however, there has been no commitment to schedule hearings on the legislation. ENDA passed the House in 2007 by a margin of 235-184. It did not come to a vote in the Senate. The 2007 version of ENDA excluded Transgender workers from federal protections, and was roundly criticized by most national LGBT organizations. This year’s version is fully inclusive.
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referendum 71 continued from cover
voters to approve or disapprove Senate Bill 5688, which grants registered same-sex domestic partners the same rights and responsibilities as married couples in Washington State. The bill would have taken effect July 26, but is now on hold while the R-71 signature check is pending. A daily update is available on the R-71 homepage at www.vote.wa.gov. INFLAMMATORY WRITING “A TRUE THREAT” The state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) rejected an August 6 request by Protect Marriage Washington for an emergency hearing for suspension of modification of reporting requirements August 11. Protect Marriage Washington also asked the PDC to seal the names of their campaigns donors – a request also denied by the commission. Instead, the PDC has added the group’s request to a regularly scheduled meeting on August 27. In a four-page letter sent August 11 to Stephen Pidgeon, the attorney who represents Protect Marriage Washington, the commission said the donor names are a public record and have been available since June on the PDC website at www.pdc.wa.gov. “These reports and this disclosure to the public are required by statute,” wrote Doug Ellis, assistant director of the PDC. He said transparency is expected in election financing. “It’s a hurdle that they are going to have to jump to be able to say that the public doesn’t have a right to know who is financing their campaigns,” said Ellis. Last week, Pidgeon asked the commission to hold an emergency hearing because
the group had received threats. The attorney said the threats towards Protect Marriage Washington, posted on the website Queer Equality Revolution, were forwarded to the FBI. Pidgeon wrote that violent threats had been levied against churches, property, and at supporters of the campaign working to repeal Washington State’s same-sex domestic partnership law. Queer Equality Revolution, run by John Bisceglia, contains posts which Pidgeon called “a true threat to the lives and property of those people who support the referendum process.” On August 3, Bisceglia posted, “I advocate using violence against the property of ALL of those who are working tirelessly to HURT my family; starting with churches and government property. Government is enabling a vote on whether or not I ‘should be allowed’ to see my husband while he is dying in the hospital – any NORMAL man would be driven to get a gun and kill those who tried such evil cruelty against his loved ones.” Bisceglia declined a formal interview request by SGN because of stress he says he is under due to post-traumatic stress disorder. He posted a blog on August 11 saying that people were overreacting to what he posted earlier. “I NEVER urged people to get guns and kill, although I DO believe in SELF-DEFENSE,” he wrote. CONTROVERSY OVER RESTRAINING ORDER On September 3 at 2:30 p.m., a federal judge in Tacoma will hear a case in which Protect Marriage Washington’s attorneys plan to argue that releasing the names of R-71 signers will subject them to harassment and possible retribution. United States District Judge Benjamin H. Settle granted the organization a temporary Re fees t duced hr Sept ough . 30
restraining order to bar the release of “signatures, addresses or other contact information” on R-71 petitions. Settle granted the order, which expires September 3, because, he said, “Plaintiffs have demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of irreparable harm if Defendants release the contact information of those individuals who signed the Referendum 71 petition.” Settle said a temporary restraining order is in the public interest, stating, “Plaintiffs’ complaint raises constitutional issues potentially affecting over 100,000 voters.” WhoSigned.org, a political group, has said it will publish the names online of people who signed petitions. Washington Families Standing Together says the petition-listing effort is not supported by the organization. The organization said it condemns any threats of violence. Josh Friedes, campaign manager for Washington Families Standing Together, said in a August 11 statement, “The only way we [LGBT persons] are going to achieve full equality for our families is through a civil and open conversation about the lives of our families and the important protections that the domestic partnership law provides.” Friedes added he doesn’t want to diminish the pain and anguish that a non-Gay person might feel if they are the subject of a nasty e-mail or web posting, but, “every day we get nasty, harassing e-mails in the office or posted online.” He said we all have to be focused on creating a society which respects each other and allows for civil discussion of controversial issues. Deputy Solicitor General Jim K. Pharris is the lead attorney for the state on the case, and said that as far as he knows, “I’ll be the lead attorney throughout the [September 3] proceeding.” “One of the attorney general’s basic duties is to defend laws attacked by others as unconstitutional or otherwise invalid,” Pharris told SGN. “Here, we are defending the state’s public disclosure law as applied to petition signatures. The law is very defensible, and we are doing our job in defending it.” It was widely reported that no one from the Attorney General’s office was present at the July 29 hearing. Settle cited that absence as one of the reasons for granting the temporary restraining order. “The preliminary hearing on July 29 was held less than three hours after we were served with the complaint and the paperwork on the case,” Pharris said to SGN. “We had no chance to adequately prepare for the
hearing.” Pharris said the purpose of the preliminary hearing is to decide whether to issue a temporary restraining order preserving the status quo while the case goes forward. He said these orders are “nearly always granted … we thought it was better to use our time to read the 500 pages of material we had received rather than appearing in court.” “There is no case law suggesting that the signers of referendum petitions have a constitutional right of non-disclosure,” said Pharris. “On the other hand, the people of the state have a strong interest keeping the referendum process open to public review and scrutiny.” There may not be a case law about referendum petition rights of non-disclosure, as Pharris said, but there have been some federal court rulings in favor of political campaigns who did not wish to disclose the names, addresses, and/or employers of contributors due to threats lobbed towards them and a violation of the their freedom of association. On July 14, 2004, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik ruled that the City of Seattle may not force a Freedom Socialist Party candidate for Seattle City Council to disclose the names of her contributors in Averill v City of Seattle, C03-2508L. Judge Lasnik wrote, “The Supreme Court does not require a showing of actual violence, instead recognizing that mere threats, harassment, and reprisals have the ability to chill the dissemination of alternative and minority viewpoints. It is the likelihood that supporters will receive threats that must be determined by the Court: whether the perpetrators are likely to carry out their threat against party members does not alter the legal analysis.” True, Averill v City of Seattle dealt with campaign contributors and not referendum petitions, but what the case ruling does show in regards to the September 3 hearing is that a Federal Judge does have the power to rule in favor of sealing the petition names based on threats of violence made towards R-71 backers. In essence, angry blog postings and threatening e-mails sent to Protect Marriage Washington are not helping. Still, Pharris maintains the Attorney General's stance is that the public has the right to know who signed the R-71 petitions. “Petition information has been publicly released several times in the past few years, including earlier this year, without any serious harm resulting,” Pharris told SGN.
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Celebrating 36 Years!
More money and Metro madness rajkhet dirzhud-rashid
this one went out in 80-below weather in Chi-town to see when I lived there before moving to “Rat City” Seattle 20-plus years ago). You’ll both be missed my dears. Also, viva Walter Cronkite, a real journalist’s journalist, who also left this world two weeks ago. On a much happier note, this one finally got the government workers to free up the cash, so things are on an up note in that department (though there was angst before the good stuff, honey, let me More zombie hotness from the Fremont zombie walk tell you!). And big by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid props to those pharmacists, who are back in helpful mode and helping me work through SGN A&E Writer my own budget crunch healthcare issues of Yes, dear readers, I’m still here, and this late. Must be all of this “heart energy” that’s one is doing quite well, feeling groovy with showing up in heart-shaped puddles, a heart my handy and wonderfully loving slave shape on a puppy in Japan (and his mum), (who keeps astonishing this one with more and other interesting places, like a soap and more tangoing in the sheets, dahling) stain in my own kitchen sink. The universe and planning on my next tattoo very soon. loves us, babies, and it’s everywhere – you That’s ‘cause the universe is finally gifting just have to look. So, what else has been going on with moi this one with more cash via my psychic business, and big props to all those folks who are and my dear slave/love? Well, this one took getting readings (especially two stars at The that one to Sephora for a makeover in that Cuff’s Full Moon Party a couple of weeks one’s girl self, and the effect was nothing ago, my honeys!). Nothing like having my short of stunning. Couldn’t wait to get that own cash, and having a love who shares so one alone after the crappy movie we saw much that there’s pretty much a full coffer (don’t bother with A Perfect Getaway, babies, it’s so not worth it) and burn the sheets these days at The Digs. Ah, and we do say viva to John Hughes, up all over again! Also, will someone let hizzoner know the who left this world last week, and to muchcelebrated dancer Merce Cunningham (who expensive new transit system is causing muy
headaches for us pedestrian bus rider types with more traffic jams and longer wait times for buses like the number 11 and 10? We do so hope someone emerges to kick him to the curb and someone fills those vacated City Council seats who isn’t in the pocket of the developers and big business interests. Maybe some folks who actually walk around this city instead of take their taxpayer-paid-for limos everywhere. Are ya list’nin’, mayor? Okay, then. Also, while this one was at Sephora, waiting for my baby to get even more gorgeous than s/he is already, I managed to pick up some yummy facial products I want to tell you about. Do, do, do try Korres’ Olive and Rye Night Cream and their Wild Rose Brightening Serum (that this one ran out of from the little sample this morning and I so want more, as it makes my skin look kissably delish). And if you’re in the mood for some fun and hijinks in the sheets, or just more cuddling, do pick up some of AuraCacia’s Aromatherapy Bodymist in Cinnamon/Ylang Ylang. I sprayed me and honey bunny after showering and, dahling, I think we both saw stars (or at least a saluting 1940s cartoon icon that looked like the Oscar Meyer wienie at a certain “darling moment”) later that night and earlier that day. True, you might miss an
exercise class or something, but trust me, you won’t care. Oh, and do check out music by Alice Dimicelle, probably at Easy Street or Sonic Boom in the New Age, or just soft vibe section. A friend of a friend sent me the CD and I played it while the Fabulous Brother was here and we both liked it so much, I gave it to him for an early birthday present. And speaking of birthdays, happy, happy, happy to all of the Leos out there, especially our dear prez. Hope it’s been fun and continues to be. That’s it for now, my sweet peas, and keep on being fabulous, you creatures of the stars, and be more loving toward our planet and each other (no more spitting on concerned motorists, to a certain, very stupid bicyclist I saw the other day!), and remember we all share this planet and the road, so act like it, eh? Oh, and SPD, will you get your heads out of your asses and enforce the no parking at bus stops rule? My thanks! Hope some kind of goodness and love finds all of you and lifts you as high as this one is floating these days (never mind certain haters), and keep your little pinkies crossed that Dark Discoveries, a new horror ’zine this one checked out at Crypticon, does publish the story I sent them, or one of the others buzzing in this dreadlocked noggin these days. Kiss kiss, peace out, buhbye!
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Seattle Gay News 19
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ers say. Just think of it in terms of being in love – how would you feel if someone told you that you couldn’t be with the person you loved?” –Actor Brad Pitt, to Parade magazine, “I have love in my life, a soul mate – absolutely. When someone asked me why Angie August 9. and I don’t get married, I replied, ‘Maybe we’ll get married when it’s legal for everyone else.’ I stand by that, although I took a lot of flak for saying it – hate mail from religious groups. I believe everyone should have the same rights. They say Gay marriage ruins families and hurts kids. Well, I’ve had the privilege of seeing my Gay friends being parents and watching their kids grow up in a loving environment.” –Actor Brad Pitt, to Parade magazine, August 9.
“It’s true that where we’re concerned [Obama] has expressed no shortage of understanding and good intentions. To the NAACP, he said, ‘The pain of discrimination is still felt in America ... by our Gay brothers and sisters, still taunted, still attacked, still denied their rights.’ ... It’s as if he’s daring us: showing us the door is open, telling us to come in and get him.” –Michael Joseph Gross writing in the September issue of The Advocate.
“It was scary [becoming a Gay spokesperson after I came out] because I really wasn’t up on my politics. I was kind of there, but not like some of these amazing people like David Mixner, Urvashi Vaid, Kate Clinton and some of the people I was meeting. So it was scary. I take it very seriously that I am sometimes more or less a representative of the community. It is a great responsibility and a great honor too.” –Melissa Etheridge to Los Angeles’ Lesbian News, August issue. “We [Gays] are a sweet group of people who just really want to love and dance. We want to work and decorate our homes and fix up our houses. For us to have to fight for our equal rights for that is really strange.” –Melissa Etheridge to Los Angeles’ Lesbian News, August issue.
“When push comes to shove, we [Gays] always get pushed. I want the chaos, the anger, the truth, whatever it is, to come out. Otherwise it’s a big Kabuki dance in Washington, fundraising letters about nothing. Who’s willing to fast? Who’s willing to get handcuffed? This president will actually care. The last one didn’t. People like it when you appeal to their better angels. Because people want to be better. Most people do. They want to be appealed to.” –Rich Tafel, founding president of Log Cabin Republicans, to The Advocate, September issue. “These cuts could not come at a worse time and are so severe that they even eliminate funding for viral-load testing! Expecting us to provide appropriate medical care to people with HIV and AIDS without the ability to do viral-load testing is like expecting a surgeon to remove a tumor without being allowed to do an X-ray or MRI to determine its location. It’s outrageous!” –Lorri Jean, CEO of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, July 29 after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger decimated the budget of the state Office of AIDS, terminating, among much else, all state funding for viralload tests, which tell doctors if HIV drugs are working or not. “It’s Gay. If one more person asks me if I have a Twitter, I’m going to tell them, ‘Twitter this dick, motherfucker.’ I don’t have anything to say, and what I have to say is not that relevant. Anything that is relevant, I’m going to bottle it up and then squeeze it onto a record somewhere.” –Rapper Kid Rock to Rolling Stone, July 29. “Thanks to the fact that everyone’s a blogger these days, I don’t even have to write my own anymore. I can go out for a night on the
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town, Google myself the next day, and then just run someone else’s account of what happened to me.” –Gay Village Voice columnist Michael Musto on his blog, July 31.
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“It’s ridiculous that Prop 8 took away Gay people’s right to marry! I have no understanding of that kind of hatred. Maybe it’s fear of difference or of the unknown. If you feel belittled, maybe you need someone else to belittle to feel powerful. It’s the only way I know how to explain it. You’ve got religion telling you what to think about homosexuality, about marriage. They say homoLog Cabin Republicans sexuality is a choice, a lifestyle, something founding president Rich Tafel you can be cured of, and that isn’t true. But “Since ACT UP we have done nothing on a if you’re tucked away and have no friends who are Gay, you’ll believe what the preach- mass scale to exploit the potential of passive
resistance and nonviolent civil disobedience, the most effective, proven techniques of social action refined in the last century. Aside from a few rogue players who’ve applied for marriage licenses and small bands of activists like Soulforce (who’ve been arrested for trespassing on Christian college campuses where they try to instigate conversations about homosexuality), we have not even tried. When gay soldiers get kicked out of the military, why don’t they refuse to leave? Why don’t the rest of us go to support them? Why haven’t we tried?” –Michael Joseph Gross writing in the September issue of The Advocate.
Melissa Etheridge
“I could have probably been under that label [sex addict] but I was more of a drama addict. Lots of drama [in my 20s]. I really, really enjoyed a woman’s touch. I enjoyed being intimately connected to another woman. And I enjoyed it a lot and with a lot of different women. I just really liked it. I would think it was a beautiful, amazing thing that would make me feel good, and then in the morning, I didn’t feel so good. There was a lot of dishonesty that came with it. If I had been really honest, I probably would have felt better about it. There was an emptiness that only I could fill, but I was looking for others to fill it.” –Melissa Etheridge to Los Angeles’ Lesbian News, August issue. “More than 15 hundred people are marching from a courtyard beside Sydney Town Hall amid hugs and kisses, designer clothes and hair products, to fight a serious battle for the right to marry.” –The Australian Associated Press perhaps should have resisted the urge, August 1. With assistance from Bill Kelley
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20 Seattle Gay News
August 14, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
apa
continued from cover orientation and religious faith conflict. The report advises that people “avoid sexual orientation treatments that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder.” The APA declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973. The report said no solid evidence exists that “reparative therapy” is possible and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies. “Contrary to the claims of sexual orientation change efforts [SOCE] practitioners and advocates, recent research studies do not provide evidence of sexual orientation change,” said Judith Glassgold, chair of the task force assigned to the study. “In other words, we recommend that psychologists be completely honest about the likelihood of sexual orientation change, and that they help clients explore their assumptions and goals with respect to both religion and sexuality.” “EX-GAY THERAPY” INEFFECTIVE, DAMAGING Glassgold cited religious beliefs as a major cause of distress over orientation. Ex-Gay therapy is practiced by a number of religious organizations and has been condemned as ineffective at best, and deeply damaging at worst. The report says that when a therapist is dealing with a client from a conservative faith, they should “be very cautious about suggesting treatments aimed at altering their same-sex attractions.” “This [APA] report confirms what many of us have known for years: Gay reparative therapy and ex-Gay ministry is not necessary, does not work, and in many cases causes significant harm,” Peterson Toscano told SGN. “No matter how the Religious Right tries to spin this, we have a definitive answer about these treatments.” Toscano is the co-founder of Beyond ExGay, a national support group consisting of ex-Gay survivors. He said the survivors would continue to share their stories of why they pursued the ex-Gay route, including how much harm it caused them and how they found a better way by integrating their orientation and gender differences in a positive way. As a starting point, the APA task force took the belief that homosexuality is a normal variant of human sexuality, not a disorder, and that it remains stigmatized in ways that can have negative consequences. Addressing whether adolescents should be subjected to therapy aimed at altering their sexual orientation, the APA said any such approach should “maximize self-determination and be undertaken only with the youth’s consent.” Jacob Wilson, a 23-year-old ex-Gay survivor, told SGN, “We’ve been working to educate people, both Gay and straight, about the harm that ex-Gay programs can cause. This report is a resounding declaration of support from the APA.” Wilson said he believes the report’s information will help young men and women struggling to understand and accept themselves by telling them that they are not broken or sick. “You are who you are,” he said. “Rather than trying to change it or be ashamed of it, we need to embrace ourselves and each other irrespective of sexual orientation,” he added. 43-year-old Ron Poindexter, a Seattle ex-Gay survivor, said to SGN, “This is one more step toward the day when young men and women will not be tormented by the lie that they have to become someone they are not, and by the false hope that they can be someone they are not.”
on homosexuality. The APA based the reports findings from examining 83 studies on sexual orientation change conducted since 1960. Exodus International, whose core message is “Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ,” is one of the largest organizations that promotes the possibility of changing sexual orientation. Exodus’ President Alan Chambers describes himself as someone who “overcame unwanted same-sex attraction.” Surprisingly, Chambers expressed satisfaction with parts of the APA report. “It’s a positive step – simply respecting someone’s faith is a huge leap in the right directions,” he said. “But I’d go further. Don’t deny the possibility that someone’s feelings might change.” Metropolitan Community Church Seattle Pastor, Rev. Ray Neal, said people should not be asked to choose between their sexual preference and their church. “I have met many LGBT persons who have been through the horror of ex-Gay therapy,” Rev. Neal told SGN. I find it incredible that in this day and age, several have reported that they were subjected to aversion therapy by way of electrical shock treatments.” Rev. Neal said others have reported on therapies that he “can best describe as extremely questionable and arcane. … [They were] Things I have never heard of being used in any other type of so-called psychological treatment plan by any psychiatrist or psychologist I have ever known.” He said that although many have overcome their experience with ex-Gay therapy and now live happy lives with a same-sex partner, others might be haunted by their ex-
SOME THERAPIES “EXTREMELY QUESTIONABLE” The APA report said the subgroup of Gays interested in changing their sexual orientation has evolved over the decades into mostly well-educated white men whose religion is an important part of their lives and who participate in conservative faiths that frown
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perience, crippled from ever having a meaningful, loving relationship with another human being. “I personally cannot believe that anyone would subject another person to such terrorizing tactics and twist the word of God to conform to their own very limited social expectations and religious agenda,” Rev. Neal said. “They get their views shared widely. But, there are many who do not agree with them, to include renowned theologians, Biblical scholars and numerous pastors and priests.” SOME CHURCHES WELCOMING TO ALL Rev. Neal knows all too well the price that any LGBT person might pay by choosing between faith, society, and their sexual preference. He said he felt forced to conform to society’s expectations. Mostly on the basis of his relationship with the church of his childhood and family expectations, he got married and had children. Looking back, Rev. Neal says that although he is glad for the friendship that still remains between himself and his ex-wife, four children, and seven grandchildren, he lived most of those 32 years in constant depression, frustration and anger, “which was not good for my family, nor myself.” “I am afraid that those who try to submit to the ex-Gay therapies find themselves in similar situations, their lives filled with depression, frustration, anger and lack of hope for their futures as they deny the truth about their sexuality,” Rev. Neal said, adding, “I am afraid they deny themselves the loving relationships they could have had while attempting to conform to other’s expectations for them instead of being honest with them-
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selves and others and living their lives as God intended they should.” What they can change, he said, is their church. “An affirming, welcoming, inclusive church can give a person hope that what they have been told was true by others was God’s word being misrepresented, mistranslated and misinterpreted,” said Rev. Neal. “There are other ways to interpret scripture which results in affirmation and hope for all of God’s rainbow human creations.” The Metropolitan Community Church Seattle Pastor said he is glad the APA made their announcement based upon peer-reviewed scholarly research into the question. “I can only hope this will reduce the number of persons who are being subjected to false claims by so-called experts offering to change a person’s sexuality through unproven and obviously harmful psychological treatments,” he said.
endorsements continued from cover
Martin Luther King County Labor Council and the Building Trades Council of construction unions. Holland wants to build “green” infrastructure that he believes will give the Port of Seattle a competitive advantage over other West Coast ports, as well as preserving our local environment. An openly Gay African American, Holland doesn’t fit the usual profile of a Seattle Port Commissioner, but he will add diversity and a creative modern outlook to the Commission. Remember, ballots must be filled in, signed, and mailed on or before Tuesday, August 18, to be counted. For locations of accessible in-person voting centers, visit the King County Elections website at www. kingcounty.gov/elections/voting/accessible.aspx.
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