Issue 34 Volume 37
Celebrating 36 Years!
MCC seattle p. 16
Stonewall football p. 18
basterds p. 27
Seattle Gay News
FRIDAY August 21, 2009 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Clinton’s DADT speech Anne Levinson interview & draws fire from leaders signature count week four
Former President Bill Clinton
by Lisa Keen Keen News Service Former President Bill Clinton lambasted the Gay community in a speech to a national convention of liberal bloggers in Pittsburgh this month, blaming the community itself for the enactment of two pieces of anti-Gay legislation during his administration. But Gay leaders weren’t buying the blame. They said it was Clinton who failed the
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
The verification process of the more than 137,000 signatures Protect Marriage Washington turned in to the Secretary of State’s office July 25 has now entered its fourth week. The Secretary of State’s initial count is expected by the end of the month. 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 voters to approve or disapprove of 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-by-signature check is pending. A daily update is available on the R-71 homepage at www.vote. wa.gov.
been accepted and 10,554 rejected. In addition, 8,822 signatures cannot be found, 44 are pending verification, 821 are a no-match, and 867 signatures are duplicates. That brings the margin of error to 11.97%. In order for R-71 to qualify, the sponsor’s margin of error cannot exceed 12.5%. The Secretary of State’s office and the ElecBY THE NUMBERS tions Division maintain that, at this As of August 20 the Secretary point, whether the margin of error of State’s office reports that out will be exceeded is still too close see DADT page 19 of 88,191 signatures, 77,637 have to call.
community. In a keynote speech before the fourth annual meeting of Netroots (formerly known as the YearlyKos), Clinton departed from prepared remarks to respond to an audience member. The audience member, Gay blogger Lane Hudson, interrupted Clinton’s speech to challenge him on his record as
ANNE LEVINSON WEIGHS IN ON R-71 Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST) Chair Anne Levinson spoke with SGN regarding her organization’s views on the signature verification process, as well as the direction WAFST will take should R-71 make the ballot. “First, it’s important to know that due to the small number of see Referendum 71 page 20
SGN Exclusive Interview Obama: DOMA “It’s happening … equality for all.” is discriminatory HRC
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBT equality. Joe Solmonese has quickly emerged as one of the nation’s most powerful voices for the Gay movement since becoming the organization’s president in 2005. With the launch of a new HRC campaign and a National Equality March planned for October, SGN contacted the executive to talk about the current state of the LGBT community and what direction he thinks we should move in. Shaun Knittel: HRC recently announced a “No Excuses” campaign that demands equality through in-district visits. What has the feedback been like so far? Will this campaign be successful? Joe Solmonese: The response to the “No Excuses” campaign has been amazing. More than 7,500
Joe Solmonese
see solmonese page 5
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
In a brief that satisfied neither marriage equality activists nor the Christian right, the Obama administration intervened again in Smelt v United States, a suit that seeks to overturn key parts of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The Justice Department brief filed August 17 argued that Smelt should be dismissed by the US District Court, but added that the administration “does not support DOMA as a matter of policy, believes that it is discriminatory, and supports its repeal.” Arthur Smelt and Christopher Hammer were legally married in California prior to passage of Prop 8. They filed suit on March 9 this year to have DOMA and Prop 8 declared unconstitutional. While the suit was filed in a California Superior Court, it was referred to the US District Court because it includes claims against the US,
file photo
HRC President Joe Solmonese talks with SGN
President Barack Obama
challenging federal law. The US Justice Department has filed two briefs in the case. The latest, coming in the wake of increasing impatience with the Obama administration by LGBT activists, was intended to clarify the administration’s position on DOMA. see doma page 16
Volunteers needed we need your help. Washington Families Standing Together is hosting phone banks out of the Equal Rights Washington Office in Seattle, every Monday thru Thursday. Many shifts are available, so please consider donating your time to make a difference in the lives of thousands of families across the state. Log on to: www.approve71.org for more details.
An Investment in your smile increases your face value
Smile Proudly Mark A. Caggiano, DDS 4000 East Madison Suite 201 Seattle, WA 98112
www.seattlesbestsmiles.com Conveniently located in the Madison Park neighborhood. (206) 323-5677 It's time for a smile that gets noticed.
We're here to make it happen.
2
Seattle Gay News
August 21, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News
3
Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973
1605 12th Ave., Ste. 31 Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 324-4297 Fax: (206) 322-7188
MEMBER
e-mail: sgn2@sgn.org internet: www.sgn.org
2009
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)
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.
Rep. Murphy says DADT repeal possible in months Murphy is considered the point man in Congress on overturning the law banning open Gays and Lesbians from serving in the military and has 168 co-sponsors for legislation that would repeal DADT. Murphy, one of the youngest members of Congress, is the first veteran of the Iraq War to serve in Congress. “This policy is going to be repealed in a short matter of time,” said Murphy. Over 350 Gays and Lesbians have been discharged under the DADT policy since President Obama and the 111th Congress were sworn in. Murphy said of the servicemembers who are being discharged because of their sexuality, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) “If they can hold by Shaun Knittel on, help is on the way. And help is going to come from the Congress and be signed into SGN Staff Writer law by the president.” Murphy said that while he understands the Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) told the Huffington Post August 14 he was confi- anger directed at Obama for failing to addent that a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” dress the subject sooner, it was ultimately (DADT) would pass through Congress and misplaced. “President Obama has clearly said he make it to the president’s desk in months. official photo
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
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
wants to repeal DADT,” he said. “He has instructed, as Commander in Chief, his Secretary of Defense and chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff to be prepared to implement the policy. But he has respect for the legislative branch, a co-equal branch, and said, ‘Guys, I want a bill on my desk. And when it comes, I’m going to sign it.’” Former President Bill Clinton, whose administration was responsible for implementing DADT, spoke about the policy during his address to the Netroots Nation conference August 13. Gay activist and blogger Lane Hudson, who asked the former president to call for a repeal of DADT, interrupted Clinton’s speech. In a nearly 10-minute rebuttal, Clinton said his intentions were good, but Congress and an unfriendly media thwarted him. “You want to talk about ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ I’ll tell you exactly what happened,” said Clinton. “You [LGBT community] couldn’t deliver me any support in the Congress and they voted by a veto-proof majority in both houses against my attempt to let Gays serve in the military, and the media supported them. They raised all kinds of devilment. And all most of you did was to attack me instead of getting me some support in Congress. Now that’s the truth.” Clinton reiterated his distaste for the policy and said he was not happy about how it all has played out in the 16 years since its inception. “Can you believe they spent … $150,000 to get rid of a valued Arabic speaker recently?” Clinton said, referring to Lt. Dan Choi, an Army officer recently discharged under DADT after announcing he was Gay on the Rachael Maddow news show. “And, you know,” he continued, “the thing that changed me forever on DADT was when I learned that 130 Gay service people were allowed to serve and risk their lives in the first Gulf War, and their commander knew they were Gay. They let them go out there and risk their lives because they needed them, and then as soon as the first Gulf War was over, they kicked them out … that’s all anybody needs to know, to know that this policy should be changed.”
Store Closing Sale! Huge Discounts!
151 3rd Street, Downtown Kirkland Open daily 10-5:30, Sun 12-5
(425) 827-7443
4
Seattle Gay News
August 21, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
solmonese continued from cover
people have signed up to visit their members of Congress. As we know, there are many challenges facing this Congress and this president. But LGBT people often face additional hardship protecting their families, their loved ones and their jobs, and too few in Congress are willing to champion these issues of basic fairness. Now, more than ever, members of the LGBT community need to make their voices heard face to face and in the districts where they live. (You can take action by visiting www.noexcuses.hrc.org.) Knittel: On August 12, you released a statement announcing HRC’s role in the National Equality March on Washington. You say that HRC views October 11 as a starting point for people to continue to work towards equality after the crowds clear. Activist Cleve Jones and his supporters are asking for equality across the board – your thoughts? Solmonese: Well, we share that goal of full equality. The march is one way to express that demand, but I don’t view it as a final destination. Just as our “No Excuses” campaign is laying the groundwork, we need more in our community and more of our allies to become citizen lobbyists, ready and able to tell their senators and members of Congress what has to happen: an ENDA that protects every single one of us, a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a repeal of DOMA, and overdue protections for our families. Knittel: In Seattle, there is a lot of talk about which issue is the domino that will push over all the other dominos. What would you say to anyone who is asking, “Where should my activism start? Which domino do I choose?” Solmonese: That is a question we face as a movement all the time: where and when should we invest our resources, and on what issues? I’m really pushing this “No Excuses” campaign because it tackles key priorities on the federal level that will help everyone have their voice heard. Much of the progress our community has made over the last 40 years has come from our willingness to come out and share our personal stories. Now, more than ever, members of Congress need to hear from us that these legislative priorities make a real connection. Knittel: You are one of our nation’s most influential LGBT leaders with access to the audience of powerful political leaders. How is President Obama doing? Solmonese: The administration put forth this week its second briefing in response to the federal complaint filed in California over DOMA. You may recall the concerns raised over the first brief filed in June. We were relieved to see that in preparing this brief, the government familiarized itself
with the fact that we are equal parents. The numerous social science and child welfare authorities that the brief cites overwhelmingly [show] that the government was right to disavow arguments that it is in the interest of children for the government to discourage our families from forming. Now, the president must take a leadership role in repealing DOMA. It is not enough to disavow this discriminatory law and then wait for Congress or the courts to act. While they contend that it is the Department of Justice’s duty to defend an act of Congress, we contend that it is the administration’s duty to defend every citizen from discrimination. Knittel: Why hasn’t “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” been repealed yet? Solmonese: The president has made the commitment, and I have no doubt it will be overturned. The administration views this in the context of the broader issues agenda they are working on with Congress – everything from the economy and healthcare to hate crimes. They see overturning of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” along that spectrum as something that will likely happen next spring. I see a road map of six-month windows: the hate crimes bill, then the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, then “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Plus, the administration is building a case in military leadership and Congress as well as the rank-and-file members of the military. Knittel: Gay marriage is all anyone can talk about these days. Is this a state-by-state fight or a federal fight? Solmonese: The HRC is working on both levels in a strategic way. Clearly, we continue to make enormous strides at the state level, but the big fight facing us right now is happening in Maine. Once again, there’s a move to dismantle a marriage law enacted by the legislature and governor. So, we are involved, both on the ground and financially, in Maine. On the federal level, we continue to press the administration and Congress to repeal DOMA. Knittel: At this point in the LGBT community’s history, how would you rate the movement?
Versatile Painting Company
Interiors Exteriors
Faux finishes Murals
Over 22 years experience 206-755-5723 Visit our website at web.mac.com/tedobey
Solmonese: It is clear we’re at a tipping point in the movement. The Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village in 1969 were more than a cultural event; it marked a turning point when LGBT New Yorkers, tired of government harassment and persecution, said, “Enough. No more.” Just this year, Maine, Vermont and Iowa legalized marriage equality for same-sex couples, while New York and New Hampshire remain close. And in Washington, D.C., the City Council voted to recognize same-sex marriages performed out of state. It’s becoming crystal clear that those who continue to use our community as a wedge issue are out of touch with the American public. Over the past decade, public acceptance of marriage equality for same-sex couples has changed dramatically. For the first time, more Americans say they support Gay marriage [49%] than oppose it [46%], according to the latest Washington Post/ ABC poll released in April. The bottom line: it’s happening, steadily and irrevocably, and more Americans from all walks of life are supporting the constant quest of our country’s history: equality for all. Knittel: Do you have anything you’d like to say specifically to LGBT youth? Solmonese: Yes. Make sure you’re up to speed on our Generation Equality Scholarship Program for LGBT and allied students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to Queer equality. All too often, LGBT students face obstacles in the pursuit of education, whether from a lack of family support or negative experiences in the classroom or on campus. The Generation Equality Scholarships were created to provide exceptional students with the funding that they need and deserve. Knittel: What would you like to say to the Seattle LGBT community? Solmonese: Be informed and be involved. Make sure you’re tapped into the HRC new media tools on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and our blog at HRCBackStory.org. And be heard, whether that’s through our “No Excuses” campaign or not. Take your stories to Congress, to your statehouse, and to city hall. That’s how change happens.
TAKE OUR SURVEY AND
Travel light Link light rail is here. Now there’s a smoother, quieter, greener way to commute, shop, dine or explore your way from Tukwila to Westlake Center with 10 stops in between. Visit soundtransit.org for details.
WIN! WIN! WIN!
1. Visit www.gaycitytv.org 2. Watch video clips of gay & bi guys from Seattle 3. Answer questions from our brief online survey at www.gaycitysurvey.org 4. You are entered to win... A $50 gift card to El Gaucho, or A super-gay prize package that includes books, a T shirt, and a special surprise from Babeland! GAY CITY TV uses the internet to bring ideas and people together. We interview guys, asking their opinions on a wide range of topics about gay life. The result....video clips you can watch at: www.gaycitytv.org
Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News
5
by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer On August 17, Anchorage, Alaska Mayor Dan Sullivan vetoed the Anchorage Assembly’s recent ordinance to ban discrimination against LGBT people in Anchorage. Proposition 64 – introduced on May 12 by then-acting Mayor Matt Claman, who is now one of the voting supporters of Prop 64 on the assembly – would have added LGBT people to the city’s current anti-discrimination ordinance, which pertains to education, employment, public accommodations, the sale and rental of property, to name a few. A small crowd of demonstrators with rainbow flags rallied at City Hall after the expected veto was announced, demanding an override. The Anchorage Assembly had voted 7-4 to approve an already compromised version of the ordinance August 11. The measure now needs to go back to the Assembly, where eight votes are needed to override Sullivan’s veto. The Assembly had 21 days as of August 17 to take up the ordinance again. Their next convening will be August 25. The two members who authored slightly different versions of the anti-discrimination ordinance said they were doubtful of an eighth vote, and therefore an override. In a written statement, Sullivan said he was not convinced that “discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation exists here. … My review shows that there is clearly a
lack of quantifiable evidence necessitating this ordinance. My review also shows that the vast majority of those who communicated their position … are in opposition.” “As elected officials, we are charged with reflecting the will of the community in our decisions, particularly in the absence of compelling data that would supersede that will,” said Sullivan. A spokesperson for Equality Works, Jackie Buckley, said, “This was an opportunity. It was good for business, so Anchorage could attract and retain the best employees and customers. This is a giant step backwards by the mayor.” Equality Works is an Anchorage coalition of organizations working to protect Anchorage citizens from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Claman, the introducer and primary supporter on the assembly, stated that Sullivan “is wrong if he thinks discrimination against Gays doesn’t exist here [in Anchorage]. More than 20 hours of public hearings over several meetings since early June produced ample evidence that the legislation is needed.” Claman added that he heard “compelling evidence from many people who came and testified that they had been discriminated against.” More than 700 people signed up to testify about the measure. “Somebody observed that the opponents of the ordinance had essentially engaged in what you could call a public filibuster” un-
LGBT groups denied federal Prop 8 case by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer On August 19, Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker set January 11, 2010 as the trial date for the legal challenge to Proposition 8. Vaughn also ordered lawyers on both sides of Perry v Schwarzenegger to get ready quickly for the trial, which foes of California’s same-sex marriage ban hope will be the first step in getting the legal fight over Gay marriage into the U.S. Supreme Court. During the August 19 hearing, Walker refused to allow a coalition of Gay rights groups to directly join the lawsuit. The judge said the current plaintiffs, Theodore Olson and David Boies, could challenge Proposition 8 on their own. “On behalf of our clients, we are disappointed that the court did not permit organizations that represent California’s diverse
LGBT community to participate in the case as the Court weighs the harms inflicted by Proposition 8,” Lambda Legal, the ACLU, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights said in a statement following Walker’s ruling. “The significance of this case for our entire community is enormous. To exclude the people whose very freedom is at stake is troubling.” The organizations went on to say, “Our commitment to restoring marriage for all Californians is unwavering, and we will continue to do everything within our power to secure full equality and justice for LGBT people.” The plaintiffs urged Walker to deny the groups’ request because the organizations had originally opposed taking the legal fight over Gay marriage into the federal courts. The California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8 in May with a 52-48 vote, which amended the California Constitution to outlaw Gay marriage. Immediately following the ruling, two same-sex couples sued in federal court to overturn Prop 8. The lawsuit maintains Prop 8 violates the federal constitutional rights of Gay and Lesbian couples by denying them the equal right to marry. The case will be the first legal test in the federal courts over the issue. California Attorney General Jerry Brown, who has argued the law is unconstitutional, is not defending the law. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken no public position on the case.
the alaska standard
Anchorage mayor vetoes LGBT discrimination bill
Anchorage, Alaska Mayor Dan Sullivan
til Sullivan became mayor, Claman said. “I think the right to do that is protected under the charter.” It is important to note that Mayor Sullivan’s father, Mayor George Sullivan, vetoed a similar ordinance in 1975, the city’s first attempt to add sexual orientation to the
city’s equal rights laws. The younger Sullivan, who took office on July 1, seems to be carrying on the tradition of discrimination. The Anchorage Assembly has just less than three weeks to come up with an eighth vote, which would override the Mayor’s veto. Supporters believe it looks unlikely.
Celebrating Ed Ruby’s life A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 3-5 p.m. at Martins Off Madison, 1413 14th Avenue. After 60 great years of life, Ed Ruby passed away August 1, 2009 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle Washington. Born in Alameda, CA on September 2, 1948, Edmond E. Ruby was the son of Edgar Edmond Ruby and Rosalie Barbara Slavik. Ed was a 1968 graduate of Queen Anne High School, where he was a swim instructor for the handicapped and went on to receive an A.A. degree in occupational therapy from Green River Community College. Ed worked for the Lighthouse for the Blind, First Hill Villa Care, the Northwest Progressive Care Center and other local nursing homes for the elderly until his deteriorating eyesight prevented him from continuing to serve the public. He loved a good prank and a great joke. He supported good causes whenever called upon. He was co-founder of the Mouseketeer Club, a club officially sanctioned by Disney Productions which worked in Seattle’s Gay community. He was Baron 1 of Tacoma when the Barony was first created. He was a great masseur and loyal friend. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Wyness Berry, and also by his beloved partner Mac “Chico” Meads in 1993. He is survived by his sister Kathryn (Bob) Currie and family in Trinity Texas, his adopted brother Jim (Jo-Ann) Larson and family in Calgary Alberta, Canada, his mentor and friend of 40 years, Jim Feigley, former owner of the Crescent Lounge, and his many, many friends in Seattle who were his family. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses who cared for him in his last week of life along with his dear friends Derek Lloyd and Roy Sizemore, who watched out for Ed and made sure his needs were taken care of during these last few months. Mike Duloulin
6
Seattle Gay News
August 21, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
INTERNATIONAL anton nossik
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
Polish woman punished for anti-Gay slurs A Polish court has ordered a woman to pay her Gay neighbor $5,200 for repeatedly calling him a “fag” (“pedal”) in public, local media reported. The verbal assaults injured Ryszard Giersz’s dignity and privacy, the court determined. Giersz, his partner and the woman live in the small northwestern town of Wolin. The Polish organization Campaign Against Homophobia said the case was the first of its kind for Poland. Argentine attorney general supports same-sex marriage Argentine Attorney General Esteban Righi recommended August 8 that Congress consider legalizing same-sex marriage, saying the nation can’t ignore Gay people’s “reality.” Righi’s determination came in a brief filed with the Supreme Court in the case of two women – María Rachid and Claudia Castro – who have sued for the right to marry each other. Righi suggested that Congress could legalize same-sex marriage following “public discussion with the participation of all sectors,” local media said.
Gays march for marriage in Dublin Some 5,000 people marched from Dublin City Hall to the Justice Department on August 9 demanding that the Irish government abandon a proposed civil-partnership bill and instead legalize same-sex marriage. Activists say the partner bill, which is exPrefect of Moscow’s Northern Administrative District Oleg Mitvol pected to be in effect by the end of the year, Many Israelis think Moscow Gay bar raided formalizes second-class status for Gay couhomosexuality is perverse The Moscow Gay bar Body & Soul was ples. A Haaretz-Dialog poll has found that 46 raided August 7 by police, prosecutors, antiCivil partnerships would differ from mardrug officers and the prefect of Moscow’s percent of Israelis “see homosexuality as a riages in areas that include inheritance, taxaNorthern Administrative District, Oleg Mit- perversion.” tion and children’s rights, Gay activists have Forty-two percent don’t see it that way said. vol. They were accompanied by journalists, and 12 percent don’t know what they think, photographers and a TV news team, said the Haaretz newspaper reported August 6. Ultra-Orthodox respondents were most GayRussia.ru. Mitvol reportedly has said that such clubs likely to label homosexuality a perversion “lead to moral degradation” and “should be (71 percent) and secular people were least likely to do so (24 percent). closed.” On August 1, a gunman opened fire at a GayRussia said two people were arrested youth meeting in the Tel Aviv clubhouse during the raid for unknown reasons. Gay activists will picket Mitvol’s office of the Israeli Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association. on August 24. Two people were killed – Liz Troubishi, 16, and Nir Katz, 26 – and 15 were injured. Fewer UK Gays, Lesbians The shooter, who wore black clothes and a tie the knot in 2008 Same-sex couples formed 7,169 civil part- mask, remains at large. On August 8, some 70,000 people and nerships – 3,824 male and 3,345 female – in the United Kingdom in 2008, a decline of President Shimon Peres gathered in Tel 18 percent compared with 2007, the Office Aviv’s Rabin Square in response to the shootings. for National Statistics reports. “This heinous murder of youth and teenThere were 180 civil-partnership dissolutions in 2008 – 64 between males and 116 agers is an act that a civilized nation cannot tolerate,” Peres said in a statement released between females. The number of civil partnerships fell by by the Israeli Consulate General in New 18 percent in England, 4 percent in Wales, York. “Murder and hate are two of the most 24 percent in Scotland and 23 percent in appalling crimes against society. I call the police to do its utmost to catch this vile murNorthern Ireland. The London borough of Westminster and derer. I call all the citizens of Israel to dethe Brighton and Hove unitary authority nounce this crime.” Openly Gay Knesset Member Nitzan saw the largest numbers of civil-partnership Horowitz blamed the attack on public figregistrations in 2008. More couples tied the knot between April ures who have denounced Gay people, acand September than in other months, the cording to the consulate. “We will not step back into the dark closagency said. A total of 33,956 partnerships were et, we shall not be terrorized,” Horowitz formed between December 2005, when the said. “Years of incitement from politicians, Civil Partnership Act came into force, and rabbis and public officials have materialized into this tragedy. We shall not forgive nor the end of 2008. Civil partnerships grant the same rights forget them.” and obligations as a marriage.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Croatia condemned for homophobic textbooks The European Committee of Social Rights, which monitors compliance with the Council of Europe’s European Social Charter, ruled August 11 that Croatia’s sex-education curriculum discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation. The committee said parts of the curriculum “stigmatize homosexuals and are based upon negative, distorted, reprehensible and degrading stereotypes.” The case against Croatia was filed in 2007 by the London-based International Centre for the Legal Protection of Human Rights, the New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights, and Zagreb’s Center for Education, Counseling and Research. The complaint said the state-sponsored sex-education program TeenStar teaches that condoms do not prevent HIV and STDs, that Gay relationships are “deviant,” and that stay-at-home mothers make for better families. “This is an extremely important decision because it is the first time that an international human rights body has addressed a complaint on the issue of sex education in schools and articulated detailed standards on countries’ obligation to provide accurate and science-based sex education,” said Christina Zampas, regional manager and senior legal adviser for Europe at the Center for Reproductive Rights. With assistance from Bill Kelley
jim’s southend Servicing all brands, MMI & Factory trained techs p. 206-244-4111 f. 206-244-4110
motorcycle 20+ years experience
10840 Myers Way S, Seattle, WA 98168 southendmotorcycle.com
Seattle Gay News
7
file photo
“They want us exterminated” New report on crimes against Gay Iraqis by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
“Iraq’s leaders are supposed to defend all Iraqis, not abandon them to armed agents of hate,” said Scott Long, director of the In a report released on August 17, Human LGBT Rights Program at Human Rights Rights Watch charges that Iraqi militias are Watch. “Turning a blind eye to torture and carrying out systematic atrocities against murder threatens the rights and life of every Iraqi.” Gay Iraqis. “Murder and torture are no way to enforce Titled “They Want Us Exterminated: Murder, Torture, Sexual Orientation and morality,” said Rasha Moumneh, Middle Gender in Iraq,” the 67-page report docu- East and North Africa researcher at Human ments a campaign of executions, kidnap- Rights Watch. “These killings point to the pings, and torture of Gay men that began in continuing and lethal failure of Iraq’s postoccupation authorities to establish the rule early 2009. According to Human Rights Watch, the of law and protect their citizens.” The Human Rights Watch report confirms killings began in the Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City, a stronghold of Moqtada similar charges made earlier this year by US al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army militia, and spread to Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) after his visit to Iraq. Polis met with Gay Iraqis, and cities across Iraq. The bodies of several Gay men were has also maintained contact with the Lonfound in Sadr City with the Arabic words for don-based exile group Iraqi LGBT. Polis has called on the US government to “pervert” and “puppy” (the Iraqi equivalent of “fag”) written on their chests. Threats use its influence to help protect Iraq’s Gay and abuses have since spread to the cities of citizens. The position of the US State DeKirkuk, Najaf and Basra, although the mur- partment is that homosexuality is illegal under Iraqi law, and that it does not interfere in ders remain concentrated in Baghdad. Mahdi Army spokesmen have played on the internal affairs of friendly countries. Human Rights Watch does not agree that fears about “feminization” of Iraqi men, and religious leaders associated with the militia same-sex sexual relations between adults have preached weekly sermons against ho- are illegal in Iraq. Iraqi law is unclear on this point because legal continuity between mosexuality. “Murders are committed with impunity, the Saddam regime and the present governadmonitory in intent, with corpses dumped ment is disputed. As reported in SGN last week, charges in garbage or hung as warnings on the that US troops participated in killing Gay street,” the report said. Some people told Human Rights Watch Iraqis have been investigated by the US that Iraqi security forces have colluded with Army CID and found to be “not credible.” Following is actual testimony of Gay and even joined in the killing. The Iraqi Ministry of the Interior, which controls Iraqi Iraqis excerpted from the Human Rights police, is widely reported to have been in- Watch report. The names are aliases, to disfiltrated by Mahdi Army and Badr Brigade guise the men’s identities. militias. Gay Iraqis Testify “[The killers’] measuring rod to judge people is who they have sex with. It is not by their conscience, it is not by their conduct or their values, it is who they have sex with. The cheapest thing in Iraq is a human being, a human life. It is cheaper than an animal, than a pair of used-up batteries you buy on the street. Especially people like us. ... I can’t believe I’m here talking to you because it’s all just been repressed, repressed, repressed. For years it’s been like that - if I walk down the street, I would feel everyone pointing at me. I feel as if I’m dying all
Scott Long, director of the LGBT Rights Program at Human Rights Watch
the time. And now this, in the last month I don’t understand what we did to deserve this. They want us exterminated. All the violence and all this hatred: the people who are suffering from it don’t deserve it.” –Hamid, in Iraq, April 24, 2009
the list.’ They sent him a piece of paper in an envelope, to his home: there were three bullets wrapped in plastic, of different size. The note said, ‘Which one do you want in your heart?’ ... I want to be a regular person, lead a normal life, walk around the city, drink coffee on the street. But because “We’ve been hearing about this, about of who I am, I can’t. There is no way out.” Gay men being killed, for more than a –Mohammad, in Iraq, April 21, 2009 month. It’s like background noise now, every day. The stories started spreading in “At 10 a.m., [Ministry of Interior officers] February about this campaign against Gay cuffed my hands behind my back. Then they people by the Mahdi Army: everyone was tied a rope around my legs, and they hung talking about it, I was hearing about it from me upside down from a hook in the ceilmy straight friends. In a coffee shop in Kar- ing, from morning till sunset. I passed out. ada, on the streets in Harithiya [Baghdad I was stripped down to my underwear while neighborhoods], they were talking about I hung upside down. They cut me down that it. I didn’t worry at first. My friends and I, night, but they gave me no water or food. we look extremely masculine, there is noth- Next day, they told me to put my clothes ing visibly “feminine” about us. None of us back on and they took me to the investigatever, ever believed this would happen to us. ing officer. He said, ‘You like that? We’re But then at the end of March we heard on the going to do that to you more and more, until street that 30 men had been killed already.” you confess.’ Confess to what? I asked. ‘To –Idris, in Iraq, April 24, 2009 the work you do, to the organization you belong to, and that you are a tanta [queen].’ “They did many things to us, the Mahdi For days, there were severe beatings, and Army. ... They kidnapped [my partner] for constant humiliation and insults. ... It was six days. He will not talk about what they the same form of abuse every day. They did to him. There were bruises on his side beat me all over my body; when they had as if he was dragged on the street. They did me hanging upside down, they used me like things to him he can’t describe, even to me. a punching bag. ... They used electric prods They wrote in the dust on the windshield all over my body. Then they raped me. Over of his car: ‘Death to the people of Lot [Gay three days. The first day, 15 of them raped people] and to collaborators.’ They sent us me; the second day, six; the third day, four. veiled threats in text messages: ‘You are on There was a bag on my head every time.” –Nuri, on April 15 and 27, 2009
jim’s southend
Servicing all brands, MMI & Factory trained techs p. 206-244-4111 f. 206-244-4110
motorcycle 20+ years experience
10840 Myers Way S, Seattle, WA 98168 southendmotorcycle.com
Store Closing Sale! Huge Discounts!
151 3rd Street, Downtown Kirkland Open daily 10-5:30, Sun 12-5
(425) 827-7443
8
Seattle Gay News
August 21, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
NORTHERN XPOSURE WEEKEND EMERALD CITY SOFTBALL Join the fun at one or more of Northern ASSOCIATION FALL Xposure’s Thursday-Sunday, August 20-23, BALL LEAGUE community events and parties in support of Emerald City Softball Association is sponLambert House, Seattle’s LGBTQ youth soring Fallball ’09, an ECSA Open Division center. For a complete schedule of all the softball league for men and women of all events, visit www.nxposure.com. skill levels. Play dates will be August 9 and 23, September 13, 20 and 27, and October 4. THREE DOLLAR BILL For complete details, visit www.emeraldciPRESENTS “UNDER THE STARS, tysoftball.org. THE EIGHTIES STRIKE BACK!” OUTDOOR CINEMA QUEER ALLY COALITION IN CAL ANDERSON PARK HOSTS BIWEEKLY This summer Three Dollar Bill Outdoor LGBT HISTORY STUDY GROUP Cinema presents a slate of three fun and As part of their ongoing efforts to educate campy films from 1980, the premiere year the LGBT and allied community about the of the decade that made sexual power plays, history of the LGBT struggle in this country, alien encounters and shameless success all the Queer Ally Coalition is hosting a series the rage. The films are Friday, July 17 – Lit- of study groups around the book, Gay Powtle Darlings; Friday, July 31 – Flash Gor- er: An American Revolution by David Eisendon; Friday, August 21 – 9 to 5. The FREE bach. The group will meet Sundays, August screenings will be shown at sunset (around 9 and 23 and September 6 at 7 p.m., at Ka8:30-9 p.m.) at the southeast corner of Cal ladi Brothers, 511 E. Pike St. The group will Anderson Park, near the park’s shelter house adopt the following format: 10 minute sumoff 11th Ave. & E. Olive St. Snacks and bev- mary, 10 questions, then discussion. erages will be available for purchase on-site This book presents a complex portrait of with proceeds benefiting Three Dollar Bill the birth of the modern Gay rights moveCinema’s non-profit efforts to produce and ment. For more information on the study promote Queer-friendly film events in the group, call 206-612-6139 or email queeralPacific Northwest. Three Dollar Bill Cin- lycoalition@gmail.com or visit www.queerema produces the annual Seattle Lesbian & allycoalition.org. Gay Film Festival. www.threedollarbillcinema.org. GAY CITY HOSTS MONTHLY CHATROOM AIDS HOUSING ASSOCIATION DISCUSSION GROUP OF TACOMA (AHAT) On Monday, August 24, at 7 p.m., Gay HOSTS 20TH ANNIVERSARY City Health Project hosts Chatroom, their CELEBRATION & BBQ monthly drop-in discussion group. This On Saturday, August 22, from noon to 3 month’s topic is Mentorship: Who has p.m., AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma helped you achieve success in your life? (AHAT) hosts a 20th anniversary celebra- Come honor your mentors at this discussion tion and BBQ. The Honorable Deputy May- and learn how to pay it forward. The discusor of Tacoma, Julie Anderson, and the City sion will be held at Gay City’s offices, 511 Council of Tacoma have proclaimed August E. Pike St. 22, 2009 “AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma Day” in honor of AHAT’s 20 years THE ELITE HOSTS of providing services and a circle of care to FREE ASL LESSONS those who live with HIV/AIDS. The event FOR BEGINNERS will be held at AHAT’s Three Cedars GarHave you ever wanted to learn basic den, 301 N. “L” St.. “We welcome all who American Sign Language? If so, you can wish to celebrate with the AHAT family as get a some beginning ASL instruction at the we enter into another 20 years of providing Elite, 1520 E. Olive Way. The FREE lessons quality care, support, and housing to those will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the living with HIV/AIDS.” loft. AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma’s mission of service is to provide people livQUEER ALLY COALITION ing with HIV/AIDS a circle of caring that SPONSORS WEEKLY empowers them to stabilize their health and COMMUNITY ORGANIZING to maintain diverse housing options through MEETINGS support services, life skills education, and The Queer Ally Coalition sponsors weekin-home professional services. ly Community Organizing Meetings on AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma Tuesdays, at 7:30 p.m., at Cascade People’s (AHAT) was founded in 1989. With the Center, 309 Pontius Ave. N. The Queer Ally assistance of members of Christ Church Coalition is a grassroots democratic alliance Episcopal of Tacoma and other community of LGBT people and allies committed to the volunteers, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corpora- fight for Queer rights, culture, and liberation was formed to provide safe, alterna- tion. For more information, call 206-612tive housing for people with HIV/AIDS in 6139 or email queerallycoalition@gmail. Pierce and Kitsap counties. www.aidshous- com or visit www.queerallycoalition.org. ingtacoma.org. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN RADICAL WOMEN HOSTS BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE WOMEN’S RIGHTS DAY FORUM The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club On Saturday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m., at meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at DunNew Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., shee House, 303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas Radical Women hosts a Women’s Rights St. The club is pleased to announce the folDay forum featuring Anne Slater, Radical lowing titles to be discussed in their ongoing Women firebrand and national organizer reading and discussion series: August – A who is on a coast-to-coast speaking tour to Fairly Honourable Defeat by Iris Murdoch; mobilize women and their allies to stand September – The Thief ’s Journal by Jean against right-wing racism, layoffs and state Genet; October – Wild Dogs by Helen Humbudget cuts. She is a member of Queer Ally phreys; November – The Gifts of the Body Coalition, a longtime abortion clinic de- by Rebecca Brown; December – Death in fender and led a community college union- Venice by Thomas Mann. All GLBTQ folks ization drive. She recently helped to launch in the community are welcome to particithe grassroots group Sisters Organize for pate in this free book club. The reading list Survival. A Sizzling Barbecue Buffet will is chosen and the discussion facilitated by be served at 6 p.m. for a $9.00 donation. Nick DiMartino, published novelist and Door donation is $3.00. Call in advance playwright, currently a book reviewer for for childcare or work exchanges. 206-722- ShelfAwareness.com, and a 30-year em6057; RWseattle@mindspring.com; www. ployee of University Book Store. For more radicalwomen.org. information, email nickdimartin@earthlink. net or contact Dunshee House at 206-3222437.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
JOBS WITH JUSTICE & LGBTQ ALLYSHIP PRESENT “THE TRUTH SQUAD” STREET THEATER TO SUPPORT REAL HEALTH CARE REFORM On Thursday, August 27, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the NW corner of Broadway & E. Pike St., join “The Truth Squad,” a street theater troupe for real health care reform. “The Truth Squad" will highlight LGBTQ worker health care issues while advocating for the passage of the “Public Option.” LGBTQ Allyship and Jobs with Justice will gather signatures thanking Senator Cantwell and Senator Murray for their support of the “Public Option.” Come be a signature gatherer! SEATTLE COMMISSION FOR SEXUAL MINORITIES HOSTS COMMUNITY POTLUCK PICNIC On Saturday, August 29, from 11a.m. to 3 p.m., the Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities will hold a community potluck picnic, resource fair and forum on healthy LGBT families. The forum will be held at the Columbia City Library, 4721 Rainier Ave. S. from 1-3 p.m. The potluck picnic and resource fair will be held at the adjacent Columbia Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE, ABBEY OF ST. JOAN HOST “CRAPTACULAR!” – WEEKEND BIG-ASS RUMMAGE SALE & “BALLS OF FURY” – AN AFTERNOON OF BOWLING, BILLIARDS AND SISTERLY FUN On Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, from noon to 6 p.m., at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 500 Broadway E., it’s the return of the Big-Ass Rummage Sale, the Sisters’ annual yard sale extravaganza. Yes, it’s more crap than you can shake off your stick – so much you’ll probably need two shovels. (No early birds!) On Saturday, August 29, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., join the Sisters at Garage Billiards, 1130 Broadway, for an afternoon of bowling and billiards. Your $10 donation will raise money for the Sisters’ Charity Grant Fund. Go retro and enjoy cocktails at this 21 and over event.
GAY SKATE PARTY IS BACK AT SKATE KING On Monday, August 31, from 7-10 p.m., come out for an evening of roller skating at Skate King Bellevue, 2301 140th Ave. N.E. – a community event for friends and family, fun and games for all ages. Cost is $8.00 ($5.00 under 18 years) which includes regular skate rental (or bring your own). For more info, call Dirk Haughton, 206-7902342 or email dirkhaughton@comcast.net. Q-SQUARED HOSTS LABOR DAY WEEKEND CAMP (COME AND MEET PEOPLE) FOR GAY, BI & TRANS MEN This coming Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 4-7), Q-Squared, a Seattle-based non-profit organization, is hosting its annual CAMP (Come And Meet People) getaway at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington State. Celebrating its 14th year, CAMP provides camp-goers a unique opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with fellow GBT men in a healthy, fun-filled environment. Like traditional summer camps, the weekend event will offer a wide variety of fun-filled activities, including campfire sing-alongs, hiking trips, a talent show, a dance, and a variety of workshops and outdoor games. CAMPers will have the choice of staying in a modern cabin or roughing it in their own tent. Early registration is available until June 28. After June 28 the cost for the weekend will be $175. Scholarships are available. www.qcamp.org.
NW LEATHERSIR/BOY & COMMUNITY BOOTBLACK CONTEST AT THE CUFF LABOR DAY WEEKEND On Friday, September 4, an informal Meet-and-Greet will be held at the Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave. at E. Pine St., to meet the contestants for the NW LeatherSir/Leatherboy and Community Bookblack Contest starting at 9 p.m. The Community Bootblack Contest will also be held at the Cuff Friday evening starting at 8 p.m. On Saturday, September 5, the Cuff will host the Northwest LeatherSir/Leatherboy Contest, doors at 6 p.m., contest at 7 p.m. Contestants will compete in the categories of: Interview, Leather Image and Speech, Physique and Fantasy. The Victory Brunch will be held at Lydia's GAY PIONEER SQUARE: Dungeon on Sunday, September 6, at noon. COMING OUT The Northwest Leather Sir/boy & ComFROM UNDERGROUND – munity Bookblack Contest is produced by AN HISTORIC TOUR On Saturday, August 29, explore Pioneer Generic Leather Productions of Washington. Square’s past as the center of LGBT life in GENDER SPECTRUM Seattle. This walking tour begins at 2 p.m. GENDER ODYSSEY CONFERENCE at the Greg Kucera Gallery, 212 3rd Ave. LABOR DAY WEEKEND S., and lasts approximately three hours. $25 2009 will be Gender Odyssey’s 7th conregistration on-line at www.seattlearchitecture.org or call 800-838-3006. $30 day-of- ference. The conference takes place each year in Seattle over Labor Day Weekend. tour registration, if space available. This year’s conference will be held September 5-7. The conference will feature more IN THE LIFE TV CONCLUDES SUMMER OF STONEWALL SERIES than 75 workshops and facilitated discusOn Sunday, August 30, at midnight, sions, exclusive programming for people of KCTS-TV broadcasts In The Life TV, color, teens and partners, gender spectrum which concludes its Summer of Stonewall education and trainings, health screenings, series, celebrating the 40th anniversary of health care provider seminar, social events, the Stonewall Riots, with “Coming Togeth- entertainment, receptions and BBQ. Gender Odyssey is an international coner,” a look at how LGBT art and culture has ference focused on the thoughtful explorashaped and inspired the movement. Credited as the first Off-Off-Broadway tion of gender. We strive to create an emtheatre, Caffe Cino began in 1958 as a powering environment where people of all Greenwich Village coffee house with a tiny genders can share their experiences and makeshift stage. This Bohemian refuge was learn from the experiences of others. Through dialogue, peer-led presentations, home to burgeoning Gay playwrights and performers, who, inspired by its owner, Joe and sharing skills and expertise, we work to Cino, were liberated to create their most ex- create broader and evolving language, soperimental and daring works of self-expres- cial support, and life pathways that support sion. In A Conversation With... writers Ed- all gender identities. By doing so, we hope mund White and Doric Wilson share first- to strengthen ourselves and develop comhand accounts of the Stonewall Riots, and munities that celebrate all experiences of discuss how bearing witness to the uprising gender at any age. Gender Odyssey is open to all. We emimpacted their work and shaped their politics. Capping off the Summer of Stonewall brace the presence and participation of traseries, this episode’s REAL TO REEL high- ditionally gendered and gender variant peolights Crayton Robey’s 2009 documentary ple: transmen, transwomen, genderqueers, Making the Boys, a tribute to Mark Crow- intersex people, our families, partners, and ley’s 1968 play, Boys in the Band, and Wil- allies. It is a place for us and those we love liam Friedkin’s subsequent film adaptation to gather together, share our lives, and learn that swept Gay and straight audiences alike. from one another. It is also a great place for This and other In The Life TV episodes can those who serve this community to expand also be viewed online at www.inthelifetv. their knowledge and understanding of transgender and gender variant issues. org. For more info, www.genderodyssey.org.
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News
9
new ’09 elantra
CasH 4 ClUnKers now In effeCt! CoMe In and Get YoUr ClUnKer aPProVed! serVICe oPen Mon-sat.
Sales contact David Yama davidyama@carpros.com 206-817-4459
30% off underwear select designer brands
swim sale 50% off all Board Shorts 30% off all Swimwear
underwear sale 30% off designer brands: Ed Hardy, Ginch Gonch,
30% off
C-IN2 Colors, Go Softwear,
all swimwear
and 2(x)ist Liquid
50% off board shorts
designer underwear & swimwear
every day: 11-7pm, friday ‘til 9pm | 709 broadway east at roy | capitol hill | 503.324.6446 | www.underU4men.com 10 Seattle Gay News
August 21, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News 11
Watercrest Apartment Homes
SC RU B A
www.watercrestapts.com 206*365*1811
D U B DUB
© 2008, Beyond Wine & Cheese Marketing, LLC
a f un t w i s t on l a un d r y
12 Seattle Gay News
August 21, 2009
Free up your time for fun by washing your clothes in your stylish new apartment home. Come see what all the talk is about...
Fantabulous apartment homes now available with 6 WEEKS FREE when you move in by 8/25/2009 on a 12 month lease. Enjoy living in a larger home for less money.
Celebrating 36 Years!
When it comes to understanding hiV
MOMS knOwS beSt
Proud to be your community Pharmacy We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store. Call us at 206.568.2486
Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News 13
14 Seattle Gay News
August 21, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News 15
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Seattle, the oldest welcoming and affirming congregation in the Pacific Northwest, celebrates its 37th anniversary on August 23 at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Temple de Hirsch Sinai at Capitol Hill. “It is exciting to be a part of a church and a denomination that has never had to take a vote on whether any person can attend worship or become a member,” said Rev. Ray Neal, MCC Seattle’s pastor. “Other religious groups talk about being open to everyone but seldom are. MCC Seattle and our denomination are truly open to anyone and everyone: Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Bisexual, Intersexed, questioning or confused.” And if you are straight, Rev. Neal says, “Well, you are included, too!” Also speaking at this Sunday’s worship are newly appointed Associate Pastor Rev. Michelle Carmody and Rev. Gloria Root, a member of the congregation and a local hospital chaplain. MCC has a diverse congregation made up of a variety of different religious backgrounds. “We are diverse not only in our sexual
jim’s southend Servicing all brands, MMI & Factory trained techs
20+ years experience
10840 Myers Way S, Seattle, WA 98168 southendmotorcycle.com
F
und
Bud?
street because they said they couldn’t have that kind of sinfulness in their Christian home.” Neal asks, “What kind of Christian throws out their 18-year-old niece to live on the streets?” He said they call it “tough love” in many Christian circles, but he says, “I call it, plain and simple, child abuse.” Rev. Neal, along with his partner Mark, opened their home up
Lifelong’s Rustic Sunday Faux finishes Supper a gourmet success Murals
Interiors Exteriors
Over 22 years experience 206-755-5723 Visit our website at web.mac.com/tedobey
se e kin g f- buds! giv e until it hurts! w a nna be my
Rev. Ray Neal
Versatile Painting Company
motorcycle
p. 206-244-4111 f. 206-244-4110
preferences and gender orientations, but we are an amalgamation of Christian traditions and worshipping styles,” Rev. Neal told SGN. “What many of us have in common is the experience of being rejected from our own faith traditions and communities because of our sexuality. That was why MCC was founded, and remains one of the reasons why we exist today.” He said MCC is a unique church with a unique mission in the LGBT community. He said the other open and affirming churches, which MCC does not view as competition, welcome the Queer community. “We are focused on the Queer community and the special needs and problems LGBT individuals encounter daily in their lives, and in their spiritual lives, too.” One of his biggest concerns is that people understand that there are still ministries throughout the country and Seattle which still teach that a person cannot be Christian and Gay. “I got a phone call last week from an 18-year-old young woman. She had come to the Seattle area with her girlfriend to look for work and establish a new life together. They were invited to stay at her aunt and uncle’s home,” said Rev. Neal. “But as soon as they found out that the couple was more than friends, they tossed them out onto the
file photo
MCC Seattle celebrates 37th anniversary
You can get a FREE VIP ticket to BUMP, Seattle’s Hottest Halloween Party!! Ask your friends to support Gay City, and for every $200 you raise, you get a ticket! Join Fund Buddies, help your community, and win prizes! To learn more or join, visit www.gaycity.org and click FUND BUDDIES!
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
Rustic Sunday Supper fundraiser August 16 Chicken soup brigade warehouse On August 16, Lifelong AIDS Alliance hosted a “Rustic Sunday Supper” benefit from 6-11 p.m. at the Chicken Soup Brigade warehouse. The event raised over $3,000, with all proceeds going directly to the Lifelong AIDS Alliance client services and programs. “We’re ecstatic over the success of the dinner party,” said Lifelong AIDS Alliance Executive Director David Richart. “It is a true showing of the community’s support of Lifelong and our clients’ welfare in these tough times.” Lifelong AIDS Alliance officials and volunteers transformed the warehouse into a unique, beautiful dinner hall where, for $75 per person, guests enjoyed a delicious seasonal feast featuring the finest Pacific Northwest ingredients and wines. Upon entering the warehouse-turned-café, guests were offered champagne and hors d’oeuvres. The social setting was a delight as guests mingled and got to know one another, which proved helpful when choosing a seat because each party chose their own arrangement. Groups of four and five tables were set up throughout the warehouse. The attire ranged from suit and tie to jeans and a
doma
continued from cover
ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES DOMA IS DISCRIMINATORY According to Justice Department spokesperson Tracy Schmaler, “The government’s filing makes clear that the administration believes the Defense of Marriage Act is discriminatory and should be repealed. The president has said he wants to see a legislative repeal of DOMA because it prevents LGBT couples from being granted equal rights and benefits.” However, Schmaler went on to say that the Justice Department considered itself 16 Seattle Gay News
to the young ladies until they can find transitional housing and jobs. MCC is a small but growing congregation which is boldly involved in political issues, as well as justice, social and health issues that affect the LGBT and straight communities. MCC has a team in the upcoming Lifelong AIDS Walk in September and will be present at the Gender Odyssey program on Labor Day weekend. The church is in discussion with the University District Ecumenical Campus (UDEC) feasibility study board and may join the group next month. UDEC is an effort to build one joint campus shared by many congregations in the University District which will offer a home to several Christian and community ministry groups. Still, Rev, Neal says MCC will never permanently leave Capitol Hill. “No, we won’t leave the Gayborhood,” he told SGN. “ If that campus is built, it will serve us as a second worshipping group in the University area.” MCC Seattle is a member congregation of the University Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. It was founded in 1968 – a full year before Stonewall – by Rev. Elder Troy Perry, who began a new congregation in the Los Angeles area that would minister to the LGBT community. MCC was the first church to have a direct concern and
August 21, 2009
T-shirt. The menu, prepared by Chicken Soup Brigade chef Jim Watkins, was topnotch. As a starter, Watkins prepared a Vashon Island goat cheese tart with miniature heirloom tomatoes. Guests then chose between panroasted sea scallops with watercress and rhubarb vinaigrette, or crab cakes. The main courses – Anderson Farms rack of lamb with Shiraz honey demi-glace, and seared halibut with sweet pea sauce – were both served with mashed potatoes and sautéed seasonal vegetables. Following the main course was a salad of garden-fresh greens with candied pumpkin seeds and Point Reyes blue cheese. For dessert, guests were served a light summer berry brûlée. Watkins also prepared seasonal vegetarian meals upon request. Lifelong AIDS Alliance officials say the Rustic Sunday Supper is something they plan to host on a regular basis. Lifelong AIDS Alliance is committed to preventing the spread of HIV, and to providing practical support services and advocating for those whose lives are affected by HIV and AIDS. Lifelong AIDS Alliance was formed in 2001 through the merger of Chicken Soup Brigade and Northwest AIDS Foundation. Lifelong AIDS Alliance is made up of staffers, volunteers, donors and community members of many different backgrounds. For more information about the organization, Chicken Soup Brigade, or how to volunteer or to make a donation, visit the organization online at www.lifelongaidsalliance.org or cal 206-328-8979. obligated to defend existing federal law, regardless of whether it is discriminatory or not. “The Department’s filing in this case upholds the rule of law in keeping with our obligation to defend federal statutes when they are challenged in court,” she said in her statement. “The Justice Department cannot pick and choose which federal laws it will defend based on any one administration’s policy preferences.” The White House also issued a statement Monday from President Obama: “I have long held that DOMA prevents LGBT couples from being granted equal rights and benefits. While we work with Congress to repeal DOMA, my administration will continue to examine and implement measures that will help extend right and benefits to
Celebrating 36 Years!
Pub:HERALD RETAIL Tag Line: Color Info:
JUSTICE DEPT. RULES DOMA DOES NOT PROTECT CHILDREN In a significant development, however, the Justice Department explicitly tossed out the argument that DOMA is necessary to protect procreation and the interests of children. “[T]he United States does not believe that DOMA is rationally related to any legitimate government interests in procreation and child-rearing and is therefore not relying upon any such interests to defend DOMA’s constitutionality,” their brief said.
This provoked immediate objections from the Christian right. Alliance Defense Fund attorney Brian Raum told the Baptist Press, “It is very disappointing that the [Justice Department] has rejected the idea that kids do best in homes with a married mother and father.” The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) is a legal organization that typically intervenes against reproductive choice and marriage equality, or to defend individuals accused of hate crimes against LGBT people. Washington state attorney Stephen Pidgeon, who represents some of the principals behind Referendum 71, is connected with ADF. Marriage equality activists took a measured view of the administration’s new filing. “I guess this is a step in the right direction,” Gay blogger John Aravosis wrote on AmericaBlog.com. Aravosis had been a vocal critic of the Justice Department’s previous brief in the Smelt case. That brief, filed June 12, seemed to put same-sex marriage on par with incest, pedophilia, and plural marriage, and provoked an uproar among LGBT activists. Carisa Cunningham, director of public affairs for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, told the Los Angeles Times that
the brief’s support of DOMA as constitutional is “simply wrong.” “But this administration,” she added, “contrary to its predecessors, has acknowledged the reality that children are part of families with Gay and Lesbian parents and those children can grow up as well adjusted as anyone else. That’s a very important acknowledgment, and it is also important legally.” Similar sentiments were expressed by National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell in a statement August 17. “We appreciate that the Department of Justice has acknowledged that DOMA is a blatantly discriminatory measure that must be repealed,” Kendell said. “We remain disappointed that the Department of Justice continues to defend DOMA and to argue that laws that discriminate based on sexual orientation do not raise serious constitutional problems,” she added. However Smelt is decided at the US District Court level, it may be appealed to a Circuit Court of Appeals and, if necessary to the US Supreme Court. Several challenges to the constitutionality of DOMA have been referred to the Supreme Court, but the court has so far declined to hear any DOMA cases.
0001659526-01
LGBT couples under existing law.” In their August 17 brief, the Justice Department asked that Smelt be dismissed because the plaintiffs had not shown that they suffered any harm from the discriminatory effects of DOMA. The Justice Department also argued that the federal government’s interest in supporting the existing law passes the “rational basis” test. “Congress could reasonably have concluded that there is a legitimate government interest in maintaining the status quo regarding the distribution of federal benefits in the face of serious and fluid policy differences in and among the states,” the administration’s brief said.
Counseling Services Artemis Counseling Services
sPECiAlTiEs LGBT Issues Couples Counseling Depression Anger Management Domestic Violence Grief and Loss HIV/AIDS
∙ overcoming abuse ∙ addiction recovery ∙ building healthy relationships ∙ sexual orientation ∙ gender identity
Gary sarozek, MA, lMHC
affirming alternative spiritual paths
1370 Stewart Street 206-619-4187 (Across from REI)
Seattle WA, 98109
Deb Dettman LICSW (206)276-5335
gsarozek@comcast.net www.garysarozek.com
Capitol Hill location with free parking.
Sliding fee available.
www.sgn.org Corner of Melrose Ave in Capitol Hill
Religion & Spirituality “OPEN & AFFIRMING”
Rev. David Strong Pastor
www.PlymouthChurchSeattle.org
SOJOURNER TRUTH MINISTRIES
Walk the labyrinth: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday Worship 12:00pm
1st Friday & saturday of each month Jazz Worship service: at noon on Wednesdays sunday services: 8:45 am & 11:00 am Plymouth Congregational Church, uCC downtown at 6th & university 206-622-4865
P.O. Box 19734 Seattle, WA 98109 Phone: 206.621.8960
Come worship with us!
2524 16th Ave. South A209 Seattle, Washington 98144 Phone 206-478-6718 www.sojournertruthministries.org
A Church for All God’s People – since 1972 www.mccseattle.org Sunday Worship 12:30 pm 1441-16th Ave on Capitol Hill (206) 325-2421
Trinity Episcopal Church An Open and Affirming Congregation - Come join us! Sundays 8:00 and 10:30 - Wednesdays & Thursdays 5:30
Eighth Avenue & James Street, Seattle www.trinityseattle.org
Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News 17
Stonewall Football Club are world champions file photo
Seattle Stonewall Football Club savoring sweet victory
by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer On August 16, the boys of Seattle Stonewall Football Club (FC) crowded the Elite for their welcome home party – and their victory party. Stonewall FC won the gold medal at the OutGames in Copenhagen, Denmark July 31, a victory they were fully expecting. Stonewall FC played six games total at the OutGames, squaring off against Denmark in the finals at Valby Stadium. The Danish goalkeeper was the biggest obstacle for Stonewall FC, as they were able to maintain control of the midfield throughout the game’s entirety and shut down the Danish
The current team lineup consists of more new players than ever, said Nick, who’s been with Stonewall FC for eight years. The team had to go through what he called a “rebuilding period.” Stonewall FC’s training regiment was fairly simple. “We had several practices where we just worked on field positioning and conditioning, but we pretty much just go to our games and play, and take notes on what we can improve on,” Nick told SGN. “Practices are good, but real-life games are a lot better.” When it comes to an American team beating Europeans at soccer, Stonewall FC’s blog put it best: “Despite smirks and a cold welcome from the European teams, Stonewall swept the competition and remained the only undefeated team in the tournament.” “They didn’t take us seriously because America is not known for soccer,” Nick added, “but after we played Mexico, they woke up.” In addition to participating in the closing ceremonies, Stonewall FC attended a dinner the evening of the final game. “Everyone turned and looked at us, and started clapping for us.” Nick told SGN. Stonewall player Chris Breseman also
offense. However, center midfield player Jared Auckland was able to score the team’s two goals that gave them their victory – one in the first half, the other in the second. The 2-0 score made Stonewall FC the World OutGames 2009 Champions. When asked if the team was expecting to win the gold, Steve Nick, who plays defense, quickly replied, “We did.” For the by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid past 12 months, Stonewall FC has been put- SGN A&E Writer ting together a solid and stellar team. AcCARA’s Nat Turner Teach-in cording to Nick, the strategy for preparing and Central Area for the OutGames was to “Get the best playCommunity Festival ers from the Seattle area to get the gold.” August 22 Stonewall FC was intent on forming the best E. Cherry YWCA and team possible, one that would come home Garfield Community Center with the gold medal. Even though the days are winding down for summer, there are still things to see and Re do that are not only entertaining, but can get fees t duced hrou one thinking, too. Here are two events comg h Sept . 30 ing up this weekend that are certainly worth checking out. As in years past, CARA (Communities Against Rape and Abuse) is putting on its annual Nat Turner Teach-in at the E. Cherry YWCA (located at 29th and Cherry in the Central District) on Saturday, August 22, 1-5 p.m. The teach-in is specifically for people of color to learn more about strategizing for change in their communities and liberation efforts in other countries. It takes its name from Nat Turner, the slave who led a slave rebellion in 1831. Included in the afternoon program are
won multiple medals in various track and field events. Stonewall FC is enormously grateful of the Elite’s sponsorship. “The Elite is our main sponsor, and have been for the past year. Their help made the trip possible for a lot of people on the team. Their support and their backing has been just fantastic. They’ve kind of taken us on as their family,” Nick told SGN. The Elite provided food and copious amounts of JellO shots to the team and all customers in attendance during the party. The team is starting a fundraising campaign for the Cologne, Germany Gay Games 12 months from now. “We’ll be working with the Elite again and have various fundraising ideas,” said Nick. Stonewall FC is also looking for corporate sponsorship this time around. Stonewall FC is Seattle’s premier Gay men’s soccer team. They play throughout the year and assemble a team to compete in regional, national, and international tournaments to include the OutGames, Gay Games, and the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) World Championships. For more information, visit www.seattlestonewall.com.
Community events highlight weekend
Home Services
workshops on various topics aimed at empowering people of color. The event is free and is will also offer light refreshment, though attendees can also bring a bag lunch to the workshops for after. For more information, visit www.caraseattle.org. If you’re in the area for the teach-in and want some uplifting cultural fun, then shimmy on over to the Central Area Community Festival, which takes place on August 22. The festival is part of Seafair, and brings together a variety of entertainment, from the Seafair Queens to various local musical artists like The Total Experience Gospel Choir with Reverend Pat Wright. There is also a delectable assortment of cultural food from the diverse community that makes the Central District home, and vendors selling jewelry, African art and clothing, and other items. A number of city organizations also participate in the festival, including SPD, Seattle City Light, and a number of clinics like the Carolyn Downs Clinic. So, whether you only want to check out the festival, or both the festival and the teach-in, there’s something for everyone to do this weekend.
Major Credit Cards Accepted
(206) 784-0313 www.happyhauler.com
Professional Customized Home Cleaning!
www.sgn.org
GARY D. TORGERSON cO.
Building Restoration Specialists expert residential painting and carpentry
Diversity Cleaners Jonathan Bell-Owner Phone: 206-330-8528
www.diversitycleaners.com Bonded 18 Seattle Gay News
D#602 244 664
August 21, 2009
SCRUBBOY CLEANERS
Professional Housecleaning
• Licensed & Insured • Reasonable Rates • Weekly Service, Move-Outs, or One-Time Only
Call now!
(206) 354-4187
www.scrubboycleaners.com
Comprehensive professional services essential to long term home preservation and renovation. Visit our web site for extensive displays of our services and expertise, including correction of peeling and blistering problems.
phone: 206-781-0999 / www.Torgersoncompany.com #GARYDTC134CJ
Celebrating 36 Years!
dadt
continued from cover
president. Clinton signed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy banning openly Gay people from the military and the “Defense of Marriage Act,” banning federal recognition of same-sex relationships.” “You want to talk about ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’?” replied a clearly angry Clinton. “I’ll tell you exactly what happened. You couldn’t deliver me any support in the Congress and they voted by a veto-proof majority in both houses against my attempt to let Gays serve in the military.” On DOMA, Clinton said, he signed the bill to “keep the Republican Congress from sending” a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage to the states. “If you look at the 11 referenda much later, in 2004, in the election, which the Republicans put on the ballot to try to get the base vote for President Bush up,” said Clinton, “I think it’s obvious that something had to be done….” That’s not how many Gay leaders at the time remember it. Elizabeth Birch, who was head of the Human Rights Campaign during six of Clinton’s eight years in the White House, said Clinton signed DOMA in September 1996 “because he wanted to get re-elected” in November 1996. “He made a completely incorrect assessment that it would cost him the election,” said Birch, saying she “completely rejects” Clinton’s claim that Gays failed to deliver support in Congress. Clinton’s claim that he signed DOMA to head off a constitutional amendment, she said, “is a complete fabrication.” “He folded to his own cowardice,” said Birch. “The truth is he never cared enough about any protection for Gay and Lesbian people and was unwilling to expend any energy or spend one ounce of political capital to get anything done. His record is a complete disappointment.” David Mixner led the Gay vote in 1992 to support Clinton’s initial election but abandoned him after he signed DADT and DOMA. He said he was “shocked” at Clinton’s remarks in Pittsburgh. In his personal blog, Mixner recalls Clinton “allowed Senator Sam Nunn to lead him around by the nose” on DADT “to show how
rights parades, go to Gay bars, go to political meetings, whatever mailings they get; whatever they do in their private lives – none of this will be a basis for dismissal.’ “It all turned out to be a fraud because of the enormous reaction against it, among the middle level officers and down, after it was promulgated and Colin was gone,” said Clinton. “So nobody regrets how this was implemented any more than I do. But the Congress also put that into law by a vetoproof majority and many of your friends voted for that, believing the explanation of how it would be [implemented].” “I hated what happened,” said Clinton. “I regret it. But I didn’t think at the time I had any choice if I wanted any progress to be made at all. “The thing that changed me forever on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” he said, “is when I learned that 130 Gay service people were allowed to serve and risk their lives in the first Gulf War and all their commanders knew they were Gay. They let them go out there and risk their lives because they needed them. Then, as soon as the first Gulf War was over, they kicked them out. That’s all I needed to know; that’s all anybody needs to know to know that this policy needs to be changed.” “The reason I signed DOMA,” he said, “was – and I said when I signed it that I thought the question of whether Gays AUDIENCE APPLAUDED should marry should be left up to states and FORMER PRESIDENT It was a former Human Rights Campaign to religious organizations and if any church staffer that prompted Clinton’s remarks in Pittsburgh: activist-blogger Lane Hudson, whose blog is widely credited with having forced U.S. Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) to resign over his e-mails with a Congressional page. In an article for HuffingtonPost.com, Hudson said he asked Clinton, “Mr. President, will you call for a repeal of DOMA and ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’? Right now?” He said others at the conference yelled at him, booed, and told him to sit down. When Clinton claimed that the most the Gay community did “was to attack me instead of getting me some support in the Congress, they applauded loudly. Clinton continued. He told the audience that, when then Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell came up with the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, “it was defined … much differently than it was implemented.” “He said, ‘If you will accept this, here’s what we’ll do,’” recalled Clinton. “’We will not pursue anyone; any military members out of uniform will be free to march in Gay endangered straights would be by Gays.” Nunn, then chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, held hearings in 1993 on President Clinton’s idea to allow Gays to serve in the military, but orchestrated media visits to sleeping quarters on submarines and ships to push, instead, for a policy that banned Gays. Mixner and others said Clinton failed to provide any significant leadership on the issue. “The president’s job,” wrote Mixner in a blog posted Monday, “was to protect an unpopular minority from the tyranny of a majority mob and he failed to do it. He gave in to the mob and then blamed us.” Joe Solmonese, the current president of the Human Rights Campaign, called Clinton’s remarks “disingenuous.” “It certainly doesn’t tell the real story,” said Solmonese. “It’s sometimes too easy for elected officials to put the onus back on the community. We hear that all the time – ‘We thought the community was going to do A-B-C,’” said Solmonese. “He came in and said he wanted to overturn the ban in military, and set out to overturn the ban and then he was taken by surprise with resistance,” said Solmonese, “but at the end of day, how much political will was he was going to expend?”
or other religious body wanted to recognize Gay marriage, they ought to.” “We were attempting at the time, in a very reactionary Congress, to head off an attempt to send a constitutional amendment banning Gay marriage to the states. And if you look at the 11 referenda much later, in 2004, in the election which the Republicans put on the ballot to try to get the base vote for President Bush up, I think it’s obvious that something had to be done to try and keep the Republican Congress from sending that – the President doesn’t even get to veto that. “I didn’t like signing DOMA and the constraints that were put on benefits,” said Clinton, “and I’ve done everything I could.” Evan Wolfson, a longtime Gay legal activist and current head of the national Freedom to Marriage group, agrees with other Gay leaders that Clinton is attempting to “rewrite history.” “It would serve everyone better if President Clinton would be more forthright and talk directly about why his position has evolved.” “We don’t need to look backward,” said Wolfson, “but moving forward, he can be a very important voice in explaining to the American people why he has changed his mind. … Rather than inviting people to argue with him over what he did in ‘96, it would be better if he talked about why he’s moved ahead.” 2009 Keen News Service
Health Services
der + i v o r P y a G t = n e i t a P y Ga Healthy ip Relationsh
www.capitolhillmedical.com Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News 19
referendum 71 continued from cover
signatures the proponents of Referendum 71 turned in, the Secretary of State has had to conduct a 100% manual verification process,” Levinson told SGN. “Out of 56 initiatives and referenda turned in since as far back as 1990, this is only the fourth time a 100% check has been done. Had the proponents turned in any sort of robust amount of signatures, the Secretary of State could have used the usual sampling method to do the verification.” She said reviewing every single signature takes quite a bit of time, and they need to balance their impending deadline for production for voter materials with the importance of a thorough process. “Our position is that we do not stand to benefit from either a faster or slower process; our concern is the accuracy of the process, so that a measure is not placed before the voters that does not have the requisite number of valid signatures to be certified,” Levinson said. She said that when WAFST was formed in early June, the coalition assumed that since the number of signatures needed to qualify a referendum is so low, they should prepare for a 100% check. “So while we were building the coalition and starting the public outreach, we also reviewed the Secretary of State rules and regulations on signature verification and set up our own internal mechanisms for crunching numbers and monitoring any signature review,” Levinson told SGN. “We had people on-site the day the signatures were first
turned in, and we’ve had teams of observers in Olympia from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day since then.” WASFT expects the process to continue at least another week, if not more. “The Secretary of State’s staff are working hard, and allegations by the other side that there is a bias based on support for LGBT equality are way off the mark,” said Levinson. She said WAFST has a number of issues with the verification process and are using all appropriate avenues to address them. “For example, the process provides as many as three layers of review for each ‘rejected’ signature, while there is only a single determination to accept a signature,” said Levinson. “This is intended to make sure that every signer who is a legitimately registered voter has their signature counted, but can result in some inequities in the process.” “We think it is important to vigorously participate in this process and not take anything for granted,” she told SGN. “If, by our diligence, we can keep this referendum – which may potentially result in the loss of important protections to thousands of domestic partners and their children – off the ballot, that is the best result,” Levinson said. State law, she said, allows observation of the verification process to instill public confidence in the result. “We plan to hold the State to that standard, but have no intention of doing so by casting aspersions on their integrity,” said Levinson. “We will do so by knowing all of the laws, rules and regulations in detail, pursuing any mistakes in interpretation or
Legal Services
implementation, and participating in a respectful and professional way. This is a very challenging and difficult process, but the implications are too important to sit on the sidelines and await results.” In the meantime, WAFST is moving forward quickly with phone banks, fundraising, and all the other work needed to win should R-71 be placed on the November General Election ballot. “Because the signature count has gone on so long, we really need people who have been waiting to contribute some money and some time now,” Levinson said, adding, “There are less than 10 weeks before ballots for the November election are mailed. Remember to tell all your friends and family [that] if this is on the ballot, voters will be asked if they want to approve or reject the domestic partnership law. To keep the law, a majority will have to vote to approve it.” For more information on WAFST, visit the organization online at www.wafst.org. SPEED AND ACCURACY CALLED INTO QUESTION On August 19, the sponsors of Referendum 71 accused the State Elections Division of rushing the signature-verification process and aligning themselves with the “homosexual lobby.” The Faith and Freedom Network, part of the campaign group Protect Marriage Washington, said in August 19 blog and email distribution, “Speed has replaced accuracy.” “As the homosexual lobby has increased their pressure on the secretary to ‘hurry up’ on processing the signatures, the error rate has risen,” Faith and Freedom Network President Gary Randall wrote. “The hurryup plan was put in place as the homosexual lobby discovered that the faster the checkers checked, the more names were discarded as not valid.” Randall said he was told, “With a possibility of a lawsuit and other pressing matters related to regular responsibilities, they needed to ‘get this completed.’” “Our volunteer observers, who are pastors, secretaries, doctors, tech experts, stay-athome moms and any number of other people willing to give their time for something they believe in, have experienced a dismissive and often adversarial attitude from the staff, and certainly from the homosexual activists’ representatives in the office,” said Randall. He added, “It is common knowledge that there is a warm and, in some cases, familial relationship between the elections office checkers and the observers representing the homosexual activists. This is something our people have addressed repeatedly.” Election officials at the Secretary of State’s office immediately pushed back, saying they strongly defend their crew of signature-checkers. In an August 19 statement from Secretary of State spokesman David Ammons, election officials said signature-checkers are “certainly not showing bias one way or the other about the legislation process.” Secretary Reed has declined to comment, but, according to Ammons, has stood by a response from the Elections Division saying the criticism was ill-founded. “Regarding speed, signature-checkers continue to follow established search meth-
ods and be thorough when researching each signature on a petition sheet,” the Elections Division wrote. As for deadlines and potential lawsuits, they said, “We have a deadline to meet for printing the ballots. However, there is ample time to meet this deadline and conduct a fair and thorough verification process. We are aware of the potential for lawsuits – from both sides – but the threat of lawsuits is not a factor in decisions made about managing the pace of the verification process.” In response to the claim that the increase in the invalid rate is because signaturecheckers are not being careful, the Elections Division said, “Since beginning the verification process, our office has told the public and Ref. 71 sponsors that the invalid rate will increase throughout the process and that duplicate signatures are the most significant factor in this increase.” The Elections Division said the trend is “mathematically provable” and “has occurred with every ballot measure our office has verified in the last 20 years.” It is not unique to R-71, they said. THREE ATTEMPTS TO VERIFY A REJECTED SIGNATURE Amidst the confusion and accusations surrounding the weeks-long signature verification process, Secretary of State’s office Assistant Director of Elections Shane Hamlin told SGN the signature-checkers are topnotch. “There are up to three different attempts to find a signature that is rejected by the first signature-checker,” Hamlin explained. “The signatures are first checked by a signaturechecker. Signatures which are not found or which do not have matching signatures are rejected by the signature-checker. All rejected signatures are then reviewed by a masterchecker, a more experienced checker.” He said the Elections Division mastercheckers “have worked at this for several years and use more sophisticated search techniques. As a result of this experience, they are more effective at finding voter registration records.” He said the vast majority of situations in which a master-checker would change the decision of a signature-checker would be where the master-checker is able to locate a signer’s voter registration record, which the signature-checker could not previously find. “We are also running a third check using the current voter registration database to look for any signatures not found in the first two checks to ensure we have picked up the most recent registrants,” Hamlin told SGN. Hamlin said in the case of ethnic names, such as Russian or Vietnamese, the masterchecker will search for the signature by reversing the first and last name provided on the petition sheet. “Naturalized citizens from Asian countries and from Eastern European countries are used to giving their last name – or family name – first when signing a document or identifying themselves,” he said. The Secretary’s office is sharing the same information with observers from both sides at about the same time, Hamlin said. “The discussions between the observers and the Secretary of State’s office is fluid and ongoing.”
practice FOCUSING ON THE UNIQUE LEGAL NEEDS OF the LGBT community
ElizabEth M. DronkErt attornEy at law, llc
edronkert@ladylibertylaw.com
206.780.4455
20 Seattle Gay News
August 21, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Queeries
The great oral sex dilemma: swallow or spit?
What do you do when a guy unloads in your mouth? by Steven Petrow SGN Contributing Writer It’s an age-old predicament and one with no simple answer. Of course, it makes a big difference how well you know the guy. An anonymous trick is not the same as a boyfriend who is not the same as your husband. But communication and planning will get you through this sticky situation every time. Even if you feel embarrassed talking about sex (especially with someone new), discuss your preferences beforehand. If you’re the shooter, ask your friend if it’s okay to ejaculate in his mouth and, in any case, give a little warning before you do (“Hey, I’m about to shoot!”). Similarly, let your partner know if you plan on spitting it out – or if you don’t want him spilling in your mouth at all. Whatever you decide, if you’re expecting a mouthful, follow the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared. By that I mean, think ahead about what exactly you’re going to do with this “load” and make the proper arrangements beforehand. If you know you’re going to spit it out, it’s a good idea to have a box of tissues or a hand towel at your side. If you’re planning to swallow, make sure you have a glass of water nearby. The safest practice, of course, is to use a condom (yes, even with oral sex). HIV risk is believed to be very low from this particular activity but lots of other STDs are easily transmitted through oral sex. In fact, if you happen to know that you or your partner has an STD, you should not have unprotected oral sex under any circumstance
but she never makes a sound or says a word. After we’re done, she just turns over and goes to sleep. I always enjoy the sex we have, but I never know what she thinks. How do I find out? Ask her! Sex often makes us so uncomfortable that we forget the easiest way to get to the bottom of a problem is to talk about it. So, yes, ask her about her feelings or her sexual enjoyment- or prompt her a bit more
slyly by telling her something like, “Hey, that was amazing sex.” (You may want to wait till morning if you can’t catch her in the moments before her post-coital doze.) On the other hand, don’t forget about all the other forms of communication besides words: Is she passionate? Does she seem engaged and like she’s enjoying herself? Pay attention to the nonverbal cues. Maybe she’s just not a very talkative person or is tired after a long day. She may already be telling you how great you are in her own way. When friends have sex Last week I ended up having sex with my best friend. At least he used to be my best friend – we haven’t talked since. Did I mess up? I definitely don’t want to lose our friendship, but I don’t know how to put the genie back in the bottle. Does that mean we should be boyfriends? Slow down. Before you plan the rest of your life together or, conversely, prepare for Armageddon, you’re going to have to do some thinking and talking. Best friends sometimes make the best lovers; after all, they know you so well and share your trust
and affection. But the decision to take a friendship to the next level is tricky- and you can’t do it alone. First, you’ll need to ask yourself: “What do you want out of this beyond sex?” and “Are you willing to risk your friendship if the romance fails?” In a perfect world, you would each have explored these questions before things got physical. But hey, that’s life. Assuming you want to move forward, call him or e-mail and say simply: “We need to talk.” Then, you’ll want to explain how you feel and what your hopes are. Ask if he knows what he wants from your relationship. Even if he doesn’t want to move beyond friends, initiating this conversation gives him an opportunity to talk about it with you. If you find you’re not on the same page, you may be able to salvage your friendship if stay open and honest with each other. But that’s hard. Been there. Done that. Steven Petrow is the author of “The Essential Book of Gay Manners & Etiquette.” Send him your questions at queeries@live. com.
Specialized Services
Silent Girlfriend I’m loud when we have sex and like to tell my girlfriend how much I love her,
Kennedy Painting and Design interiors/exteriors/color consultations
Richard Kennedy
206-683-9666 rkennedypainting@yahoo.com licensed bonded insured lic #kennedpd924bw
Major Credit Cards Accepted
(206) 784-0313 www.happyhauler.com
Real Estate www.sgn.org Affordable Bainbridge Island
Paul Holzman and Jerry Carlin
High Point Realty Group 206-856-2691 paul@paulholzman.com Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News 21
p r e s e n t s
S E A T T L E
A I D S
5K WALK & RUN
www.SeattleAIDSWalk.org
Saturday, September 26, 2009 TOGETHER WE CAN END THE AIDS EPIDEMIC WALK, EDUCATE, & FUNDRAISE TO CHANGE THE FUTURE Benefitting
Text GIVE to 90999 to make a $5 donation to Seattle AIDS Walk.
*
*A one-time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Lifelong AIDS Alliance by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.mGive.com/A. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 90999. Lifelong AIDS Alliance is committed to preventing the spread of HIV, and to providing practical support services and advocating for those whose lives are affected by HIV and AIDS. LLAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Photo courtesy of: www.SeattlePaparazzi.com. Graphics by
22 Seattle Gay News
August 21, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Prepare to play.
COACHING... If you are feeling stuck, out of sync, or in the doldrums...and want to rediscover "Flow and On-Purpose Living"...give me a call. For individuals and small businesses/teams who want to engage and move forward with intention, purpose, and impact.
DENTIST SEEKING PATIENT TALENTED DENTIST IN SEARCH OF . . . Highly skilled, very sensitive dentist located in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle is looking for patients who would appreciate being pampered and respected. If you are looking for a dentist who will listen to you, never judge or put you down and will always be there for you then please respond. I love all aspects of general dentistry including cosmetic dentistry, periodontal teeth cleanings, implants (dental implants, of course) and SEDATION dentistry. I am one of only 1% of dentists qualified to administer "Sedation Dentistry" in the entire country. I am open to having you come in for a complete examination or we could just meet for a short chat to get to know each other a little better first if you prefer. Just give me a call at (206) 323-7877 or visit me on-line at seattlesbestsmiles.com. Who knows, it might just be the perfect fit.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 21, 2009
Seattle Gay News 23