SGN Aug 23, 2019 - Part 2 by (c) Stratus Group, LLC / Mike Schultz

Arts & Entertainment

The 24th annual Seattle

Queer Film Festival

unveils opening and closing night gala films

Early bird tickets and passes go on sale

August 22nd

Romantic Vita & Virginia an empathetic journey of understanding

SGN A&E Writer

“Throughout this year’s festival, we reflect on the last 50 years since the Stonewall Riots, where queer rights are today, and

see SQFF page 3

The freshest films in queer cinema are set to sweep Capitol Hill this autumn at the 24th Annual Seattle Queer Film Festival (SQFF), taking place October 10-20. The largest festival of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, SQFF has announced its Opening and Closing Night gala screenings and launched a members-only early-bird sale of discounted tickets and passes.

Being open to transformation

Author Garth Stein on the line between “art,” “craft” and writing The Art of Racing in the Rain

Bestselling

see GARTH STEIN page 7

In 1922 popular author, wife of British Ambassador Sir Harold Nicolson (Rupert Penry-Jones) and infamous socialite Vita Sackville-West (Gemma Arterton) heads to a bohemian get-together with the express interest of making the acquaintance of

see VITA & VIRGINIA page 5

A movie of her own

Writer/director Chanya Button on breathing romantic life into Vita & Virginia

According to the production notes for Vita & Virginia, actress Gemma Arterton and filmmaker Chanya Button were on holiday together when the former asked the latter what she thought of making a movie

see CHANYA BUTTON page 5

by Sara Michelle Fetters

VITA & VIRGINIA Now playing

by Sara Michelle Fetters

SGN A&E Writer THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN Now playing

by Sara Michelle Fetters

SGN A&E Writer

VITA & VIRGINIA Now playing

Gemma Arterton and Elizabeth Debicki in Vita & Virginia – Photo courtesy of IFC Films

Garth Stein – Photo by Susan Doupé

Chanya Button – Photo by Lionel Bonaventure / AFP

Sid & Judy – Photo courtesy of Showtime

Portrait of a Lady on Fire – Photo courtesy of Hulu

the vast amount of work we have to do for the future,” said Ben McCarthy, executive director of Three Dollar Bill Cinema, the nonprofit queer film and media arts organization that produces the Seattle Queer Film Festival. “It is fitting to open the festival with the story of a legend whose life had and continues to have such an incredible impact on the queer community.”

This year’s Opening Night Gala film is Sid & Judy, Showtime’s new documentary about queer icon Judy Garland and her tumultuous marriage to Sid Luft, her third husband. Narrated by actor Jon Hamm, the film raids Luft’s archives, providing a previously unseen cache of recordings and photographs that give fresh insight to a legendary woman. SQFF is excited to host Director Stephen Kijak (Never Met Picasso) for a Q&A after the film.

“The Wizard of Oz was such a touchstone for me as a little girl, and it was because of Judy and all her wonderfully queer companions,” said Kathleen Mullen, SQFF Festival Director. “Judy was more than just an ally to our community at a time where allies were few and far between. She was an important person in our collective queer psyche. We are all ‘Friends of Dorothy’ in a way.”

The Seattle Queer Film Festival is set to close with the winner of the Queer Palm and the Best Screenplay prizes at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, Portrait of a Lady on Fire The lesbian love story set in the late 18th century follows the young daughter of a French countess who develops a mutual attraction to the female artist commissioned to paint her wedding portrait.

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire was a natural choice for our festival sendoff,” said Mullen. “It’s exquisite and seductive storytelling and cinematography. It’s especially exciting to be bringing back an alum of the festival.” Director Céline Sciamma‘s 2011 film Tomboy won Best Narrative Feature at the 16th Seattle Queer Film Festival (formerly the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival).

Both Opening and Closing Night Galas will take place at the SIFF Cinema Egyptian on Capitol Hill with parties to follow.

Early-bird discounted tickets and passes go on sale this Thursday, August 22. Full Festival Passes, Gala Passes, Six- and TenPacks, and Opening Night and Closing Night tickets will all be discounted through September 10 for Three Dollar Bill Cinema members, who receive, among other perks, discounted tickets and exclusive access to screenings throughout the year. Tickets and passes range from $14 to $245. Prices will increase on September 11.

The full SQFF24 program launches online on September 11 at www.threedollarbillcinema.org/sqff24.

OPENING

NIGHT: SID & JUDY

Stephen Kijak; 2019; US; 95 min.; in English without subtitles

It’s been 50 years since the untimely death of diva and queer icon Judy Garland in June of 1969. But she is still a star to many a queer kid, whether through the timeless The Wizard of Oz, emotional ballads sung with her famous intensity, or the many drag queens that still belt out her powerful songs.

Garland began performing in vaudeville when she was only two years old and went on to have an illustrious career on the stage and in radio, film, and television. Now, director Stephen Kijak (We Are X, Never Met Picasso) has uncovered never-beforeseen recordings, photographs, and insights from the archives of her third husband, producer Sid Luft (A Star is Born and “The Judy Garland Show”).

First-person accounts of Garland’s career along with Sid and Judy’s tumultuous marriage are narrated by Emmy winner Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”) and Academy Award® nominee Jennifer Jason

(The Hateful Eight, Atypical ). Judy Garland’s status as an icon for the whole LGBTQ2+ community – her death may even have partly inspired the Stonewall Riots – is highlighted through her queer following, including transgender activist and Stonewall veteran Miss Major.

CLOSING NIGHT:

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE

Céline Sciamma; 2019; France; 119 min.; in French and Italian, with English subtitles Desire can be a powerful force, capable of consuming the heart like a roaring fire. Set in 18th century France, Portrait of a Lady on Fire follows Marianne, a young painter commissioned to undertake the wedding portrait of reluctant bride-to-be Héloïse. Pretending to be her companion, Marianne discreetly observes her muse by day and secretly paints her by night. The intimate moments they share during their daily walks along the beach spark the flames of a passionate romance that defies their fate, which has been imposed on them by the norms of their conservative and repressive society.

Winner of the Queer Palm and the Best Screenplay prizes at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, out lesbian director Céline Sciamma (Water Lilies, Girlhood, and Tomboy [Best Narrative, SLGFF 2011] and co-writer of Being 17 ) wraps us in an elegant and seductive canvas, where each frame of the film becomes a stunning work of art, thanks to its breathtaking cinematography. Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel deliver monumental but nuanced performances, freely inhabiting the fascinating female-centric world Sciamma constructs. An arresting and provocative drama, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is one of the most beautiful and fervent romances in recent years, one that everyone will fall in love with.

About the Seattle Queer Film Festival Started as the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival in October 1996, the Seattle Queer Film Festival has grown into the largest event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, gaining industry and audience recognition for showcasing the latest and greatest in queer film, from major motion picture premieres to emerging talent. An important venue in the Seattle film scene, the festival provides unique opportunities for visiting and local filmmakers to engage and entertain the Seattle region’s LGBTQ2+ and allied community. For more information, visit https://threedollarbillcinema.org/ seaqueerfilm.

About Three Dollar Bill Cinema

Three Dollar Bill Cinema is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides access to films by, for, and about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and twospirit (LGBTQ2+) people and a forum for LGBTQ2+ filmmakers to share and discuss their work with audiences. Annual programs include the Seattle Queer Film Festival, Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival, Three Dollar Bill Outdoor Cinema, and Reel Queer Youth. For more information, visit https://threedollarbillcinema.org.

Courtesy of Three Dollar Bill Cinema

Leigh

Sid & Judy – Photo courtesy of Showtime

Portrait of a Lady on Fire – Photo courtesy of Hulu

Unique Peeling a dark commentary on war

by Miryam Gordon

SGN A&E Writer

PEELING

SOUND THEATRE COMPANY

Through August 24

“Three disabled actors walk into a play…” A unique production, both in style and substance, is being produced by Sound Theatre Company. Peeling, by Kaite O’Reilly, a playwright known for her focus on and inclusion of disabilities, uses a playwithin-a-play structure to introduce us to the Chorus.

The first thing the audience notice when they enter the theater are three mounds of fabric fixed on stage. Differently colored and layered, they appear somewhat like beehives. Then, as a vocal announcement and written projection demands that they appear for the start of the play, three actors appear and climb inside the mounds which become the belled bottoms of great gowns.

The women are all disabled in different aspects: Alfa (Michelle Mary Schaefer) is deaf, Coral (Carolyn Agee) uses a wheelchair and Beaty’s (Sydney Maltese) aspect is one that may not be visible beyond her short stature.

They are performing as the Chorus in a version of a play called The Trojan Women: Then and Now Trojans is largely a polemic against war and a description of the ways in which Troy was destroyed and its citizens slaughtered and its women raped. These chorus women were apparently cast so they fulfilled some attempt by “theater management” to be inclusive and check some kind of “social justice” box of do-gooding.

At least, that is what these women feel, as they gripe about their placement against the back stage wall and bitingly criticize the company and stage management. Coral tells the others that the bathroom is so far

away from the stage and the dressing room that it’s easier for her to “hold it for four hours” than it is to seek a toilet.

Over the course of ninety minutes, the actors recite their choral lines and stand waiting for their next cues. Their gowns are peeled back, first to a blood red layer and then to the metal structure (bones?) below. Similarly, their conversation peels back the layers of their personal pain, particularly around pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood.

There are moments of dark levity. While much of the dialogue is also projected onto screens behind the actors, it’s not an easy play to read or to absorb. Still, it’s a fascinating ride and all three of these actors give 110% of themselves.

It is unavoidable to hear about the devastation of war. There are descriptions, both verbal and written, speaking about “mounds of bodies” and limbs strewn about. There is a striking and repeated refrain about how some mothers enticed their children to dance and sing until they were led overs cliffs to their death to demonstrate another way mothers tried to care for their children in these circumstances –helping them avoid more fear and trauma by choosing an easier death for them than the kind of death soldiers would choose!

If you have been longing for a different theatrical experience, this is definitely that. The cast is of people not usually included in casting, the play is visually arresting and the ping-ponging between the “other play” they’re performing in and their personal relationships is engrossing.

For more information, go to www. soundtheatrecompany.org or call 206-8803947.

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

Peeling – Photos by Ken Holmes

VITA & VIRGINIA

continued from cover

fellow writer Virginia Woolf (Elizabeth Debicki). From that point forward the pair embark on a strange, surreal journey of friendship, camaraderie, antagonism, creative expression and romance. Their affair would lead to Vita writing a novel, Seducers in Ecuador, for Virginia and her husband Leonard Woolf’s (Peter Ferdinando) publishing house to help the pair cover their mounting debts. It would also lead to the publication of Woolf’s Orlando: A Biography in 1928, a book inspired by the two women’s intimately complex relationship.

There were moments in director Chanya Button’s Vita & Virginia where I felt like she had made this delicate, painfully mesmeric drama just for me. While I’m no Virginia Woolf scholar, many of the author’s books, most notably Orlando: A Biography, To the Lighthouse, Mrs. Dalloway and A Room of One’s Own, are some of the most poignant, inspirational and inspiring works I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. While Woolf’s tragic life has always moved me to the verge of tears, her exquisite words continually speak directly to the center of my soul no matter how many times I read them, and as such a drama that utilizes them with such effortless elegance is one I was likely going to personally respond to no matter what sort of structural or narrative weaknesses it might otherwise possess.

As it is, Button, who wrote a dissertation on Virginia Woolf, certainly knows the minute ephemeral complexities of this period in the author’s life with far more depth than I could ever hope to. Utilizing letters written between the two women as well as vaunted actress Eileen Atkins’s (who also wrote the script for 1997’s Mrs. Dalloway adaptation) same-titled play as her starting point, the director has crafted an elaborate script that overflows in passionate transient empathy for the authors and their lives. Vita and Virginia are front and center throughout this story, and while the former has a bit more agency, it is the latter who makes the deepest, most profound and decidedly more longlasting impression.

There is an air of emotional uncertainty that permeates every fiber of this film’s muscular membrane. Button fearlessly plays with concepts of sexuality, gender and artistic freedom that are just as valid and vital now as they ever were during these early decades of the 20th century. She deftly parallels modern events with those affecting Vita, Virginia and their respective husbands, each’s personal pursuit of individual happiness intricately bound to what might be happening to those closest to their individual emotional circles. Unimaginable scandal that could bring all of their

CHANYA BUTTON

continued from cover

about the relationship between early 20th century friends, confidants, rivals, authors and lovers Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. “Well, it didn’t go quite like that,” quietly laughs Button. “It was a little more involved, the process of our collaborating on making a movie about Vita and Virginia.”

Speaking to the Vita & Virginia writer/ director on the phone while she was sitting on the train to London, our connection precipitously wavering in and out for the 15-minute duration of our chat, we attempted to dive into some of what went into this marvelous historical drama’s creation. Featuring Arterton as Vita SackvilleWest and a luminous Elizbeth Debicki as Virginia Woolf, the movie revolves around the pair’s tumultuous friendship and love affair, their time together ultimately spawning one of the latter’s greatest literary triumphs, the gender-bending and convention-shattering novel Orlando: A Biography published in 1928.”

“We were on holiday,” says Button, “but

lives crashing down upon the lot of them is a constant harbinger of doom that they try not to worry too much about, each going out of their way to be their own person even if it isn’t always possible to do so.

I’ve never read any of Vita SackvilleWest’s books, and I can’t say I knew a lot about her other than she supposedly had an affair with Virginia Woolf and was the inspiration for Orlando: A Biography This made the author especially fascinating for me, and I almost wish I could see a film that would revolve around her marriage to Nicholson and relationship to her prim and oh-so-proper mother Lady Sackville (a wickedly judgmental Isabella Rossellini) next. Even without that happening, I could still grasp so much about the woman and her nature thanks to Arterton’s splendidly dexterous performance. There is an almost Machiavellian playfulness to what she’s doing that’s monstrously fascinating, the way she assumes so many masculine and feminine gender stereotypes as Vita pursues her wants and desires continually keeping me on my toes.

Yet as stunning as the Their Finest and Gemma Bovery actress might be, for me the showstopping performance comes from Debicki. So great in films as diverse as The Man from U.N.C.L.E and Widows, she is

my getting involved with the film was far more involved than just a brief conversation between Gemma and I. She did initially bring the project to me. Gemma knew Virginia was my favorite author. She let me get a look at the play Eileen [actress and playwright Eileen Atkins] had written and I was immediately inspired.

“But the process of fashioning that play into a movie was a collaborative effort. Eileen agreed to work with me on the screenplay and we sat together for the entire summer so I could pick her brain in regards to her play. I also received input from other sources as well, especially from Gemma and Elizabeth. They really helped in the crafting of these two characters and with giving me additional insight as to the best way to tell their respective stories. These were incredible, intelligent women. They are both so complex. We all wanted to make sure that we did their story justice.”

All of which made going to work each day a joy for the filmmaker. Woolf isn’t just Button’s favorite writer, she also wrote her college dissertation about her, so bringing her love, affection, and most of all knowledge to a project that is to a large extent cen-

nothing less than magnificent as Woolf. Eschewing the prosthetic makeup effects utilized by others in the past (most notably by Nicole Kidman’s for The Hours), the actress finds a way to slip inside the author’s skin through the sheer force of will and little else. There are times where Debicki towers over the narrative with a stoic resolve that had me sitting upright in rapt attention. At others, however, her psychological state becomes more fragmented, more indistinct, this larger-than-life literary titan suddenly shrinking in both stature and bearing to the point she comes perilously close to disappearing entirely. This is unforgettable work on the Debicki’s part, and I can guarantee I’ll be thinking about the enormity of this performance for the rest of the year.

There are times where Button has her two leading ladies read their letters to one another directly into the camera. This is a little disconcerting, and it does have the unintended consequence of showcasing the film’s theatrical roots all-too clearly. But as things progressed I became more and more enamored by these little moments, the emotional nuances of what is being discussed, explored, debated and analyzed fascinating me with a fiercely determined specificity I couldn’t help but be drawn to. As for the

tered around the literary icon was nothing less than a dream come true. “Absolutely,” proclaims the director. “Each day was a challenge, but it was also really exciting. I was getting to spend time with Virginia Woolf. What could be better than that?”

One of the great challenges of the project was to ensure that Vita Sackville-West was an equal presence to her more historically revered fellow author. “That was a challenge,” admits Button, “but it was a challenge I think we were all excited to meet. I wanted to make sure this film was more than just a dry biographical history lesson. We needed Vita to be her own woman and not just a bunch of footnotes describing her historical importance. She was a strong, intelligent woman who was, like Virginia, well ahead of her time. She was a wife. She was a mother. She had her own domineering mother who made life oftentimes difficult. She freely walked amongst a wide variety of social circles and had numerous lovers. I think Gemma was thrilled at the challenge of bringing Vita to life. We worked very hard to make sure she was a three-dimensional woman.

“But you are right. Virginia is the more

creation and writing of Orlando: A Biography, that portion of the story is handled magnificently, and by the time the film was over I realized I now saw the novel, one of my all-time favorites, in a brand new way which only made me want to read it again right that very second.

Which, I must admit, I’ve started doing now. I’m about halfway through and am discovering new components of this tale I’m not sure I knew were initially there. Has this colored my reaction to Vita & Virginia? Am I more open to the movie, as staid and as measured as it might be, because of my affinity for Woolf and my connection to so many of her more enduring novels? Maybe, but I’d like to think I’m a better critic than that. Button’s drama is superbly acted by its two leads and features so many sterling moments of compassionate perceptiveness I’m pretty sure I’d have loved it had I never read any of Virginia Woolf’s prose. In my opinion this feature’s excellence isn’t up for debate, and to paraphrase one of the two authors if books are the mirrors of the soul then this motion picture is a looking glass overflowing in unvarnished reason and romantically comprehensive understanding everyone needs to see.

historically well-known figure. What people do not know is that, during this period of the 1920s, Vita was the best-selling author. Virginia was the underdog. I think this movie and this story, they provide the perfect opportunity to educate the public on just who these women were and what the world at that time was like for both of them.”

While Arterton was always going to be playing Vita, the actor that would share the screen with her as Virginia was initially something of a question mark. “It took a little time to find our Virginia,” says Button. “But once Elizabeth came aboard, she grabbed the character with both hands and then refused to let go. She’s just so bold and brilliant. I found myself captivated by her fearlessness.”

What is most striking about Debicki’s performance is the transformative physicality of it. There are moments where Woolf towers above everyone in the film, her imposing presence feeling as if it is filling the entirety of the frame. But then there are other instances where it is like she dissolves into something akin to invisible insignificance. There is a constant fluctua-

Gemma Arterton and Elizabeth Debicki in Vita & Virginia – Photo courtesy of IFC Films

Dramatically empty Art of Racing runs out of gas

by Sara Michelle Fetters

SGN A&E Writer

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN

Now playing

Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner) is the beloved dog of Seattle racecar instructor and driver Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia). The golden retriever was adopted from a farm as a puppy and has been with Denny as his faithful companion ever since. He has watched as his owner has won and lost races and married the love of his life Eve (Amanda Seyfried) while reveling in the growth of their lovely daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), now nine years old. Together they have shared moments of great euphoria, epic celebration, deep sadness, unbridled anger and unimaginable tragedy, each finding strength in one another’s love to carry on with their lives and keep reaching for their dreams no matter what hardships they will be forced to overcome.

Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain is an utterly harmless, if also oddly toothless, melodrama that chronicles roughly a decade-and-a-half in Denny Swift’s life, all of it as seen through the eyes of his dog Enzo. He sees everything, constantly commenting on what is happening, daydreaming that he will someday be reincarnated as a human when his days as a canine are finished, hopefully following in his owner’s footsteps to become a great racecar driver. Enzo loves Denny with selfless devotion, the animal hanging on to the man’s every word, movement and action as they attempt to navigate their way through life in a symbiotic partnership that goes far beyond the rudimentary dynamics of “pet” and “owner.”

Director Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn) keeps things moving well enough, and Mark Bomback’s (War for the Planet of the Apes) script does a reasonably solid job of following the general flow of Stein’s source material even though he’s made a few substantial changes to the narrative. Problem is, some of the stuff that was fleshed out a bit more fully in the book ends up coming across as clunky and emotionally tiresome when depicted inside the confines of a feature-length motion picture. An entire subplot devoted to Eve’s wealthy parents Maxwell (Martin Donovan) and Trish (Kathy Baker) and a strange, ill-defined custody battle is schlocky in its ham-fisted tedium,

and instead of filling my eyes with heartfelt tears another plot strand depicting an unexpected illness for one of the primary characters instead had them rolling back inside my head in incredulous exasperation. Both of these subplots did not work for me, their facile inauthenticity a constant slap to the face I quickly grew tired of.

On the plus side, much like Stein’s novel the idea of a dog narrating both its own and

its owner’s lives still works rather well, and Costner does a terrific job voicing Enzo with a form of winsome authoritative maturity I instantly responded to. I also liked Seyfried’s performance as Eve and wish the overall movie treated her a bit better than it unfortunately does. The Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables actress makes as much out of the character as she can, adding a layer of introspective maturity to the woman, and to

the story itself, that’s rather wonderful. As for Ventimiglia, he’s quite good, and even though he has more chemistry with the golden retriever portraying Enzo than he does his co-star, the “This Is Us” star still proves to be a charismatic protagonist I was rooting for even when the movie reduced itself to overtly melodramatic pabulum that should have driven me nuts.

Curtis is a solid director, and he admittedly guides things towards a conclusion confidently. There’s a reoccurring motif of a playfully problematic zebra that’s a wonderful part of Stein’s book and is in turn nicely realized by the filmmaker here. I also liked how Curtis and cinematographer Ross Emery (Woman in Gold ) manage to showcase events from Enzo’s perspective for the majority of the running time, and even though this canine-level view of Denny and his family’s world isn’t exactly original that still does not make it any less expertly handled. Heck, all of the technical aspects of the production are top-notch, and I can’t say I’ve got a bad thing to say about any of those facets of the film.

It’s the blasé awkwardness of the emotional dynamics that almost drove me insane. Every movie is designed to manipulate the viewer in one way or another, that’s just the way it is. But feeling like one is being manipulated and knowing that it is happening in an obvious and trite manner is a definite problem. While there are enough plusses to make The Art of Racing in the Rain moderately agreeable and not particularly difficult to watch, as far as the greater whole is concerned the inelegant mediocrity of its interpersonal human maturations is unquestionably calamitous. Curtis’ latest drama runs out of gas, and for all the talent of its cast and crew this adaptation of Stein’s bestseller stalls out on the track long before it has the chance to reach the finish line.

Amanda Seyfried, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Milo Ventimiglia in The Art of Racing in the Rain – Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Milo Ventimiglia in The Art of Racing in the Rain – Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

GARTH STEIN

ast, documentary filmmaker (co-producing the Academy Award-winning short The Lunch Date in 1989), taught creative writing at the Tacoma School for the Arts and an esteemed playwright. He is also the author of the international smash The Art of Racing in the Rain, a Pacific Northwestset tale of a dog, Enzo, and his roughly 15 years living with racecar driver Denny Swift. Seen entirely from the canine’s point-of-view, the story is an empowering, life-affirming family saga of love, loss, forgiveness, tragedy and joy, the entire spectrum of the human condition explored throughout the pages of the novel.

Featuring Kevin Costner as the voice of Enzo, Milo Ventimiglia as Denny, Amanda Seyfried as his wife Eve and newcomer Ryan Kiera Armstrong as their daughter Zoe, director Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn) and screenwriter Mark Bomback (War for the Planet of the Apes) have adapted Stein’s book for the screen. I sat down with the author to talk about the evolution of the project, his thoughts on the adaptation, the love we have for our pets and whatever else crossed both of our minds during our wide-ranging conversation. Here are some edited excerpts from our much too-brief chat:

Sara Michelle Fetters: I imagine last night was pretty fun. I mean, getting to attend a local premiere of the movie based on your bestseller surrounded by friends and family, doesn’t get a lot better than that, does it?

Garth Stein: To be perfectly truthful, [last night] petrified me, I gotta be honest with you, because my mother was there, all my relatives, friends, all the car people who I used to race with and all that, like everybody possibly on the planet who could judge me, was there to judge me. I was a little nervous. [laughs] I wasn’t nervous all last week going to do these events all over the country, and even at the LA premiere I wasn’t nervous because I didn’t really have the investment. But last night I felt invested.

Sara Michelle Fetters: What’s the difference from talking about this the first time when you were doing those initial press tours when you were promoting your book, one that ballooned into this bestseller that everybody couldn’t stop talking about, to now where you’re the author seeing this movie that’s an adaptation of your original prose?

Garth Stein: The difference is I’m ten years older, and theoretically ten years wiser. Although, I think wisdom years don’t correlate with age years necessarily. It’s been a real pleasure to watch the ongoing journey of Enzo the dog and his family and to know that I had a part in that. I say that knowing that you’re going to be like, “But you wrote the book…” I did write it, but in a way I have a sort of a spiritual take on writing and on any of the arts. I don’t believe artists are creators as much as discoverers, explorers in the creative world, and there’s a certain amount of channeling that’s going on and dealing with soul material from who knows where. About becoming a conduit for sort of a larger story or message that, if you can get it right, will suddenly resonate with millions of people. It’s weird.

Sara Michelle Fetters: Well, now that you’ve brought that up, this is a good time to ask a question I was going to bring up a little bit later in the interview. When I was doing a little research on you, and I don’t know if it was in an interview or if it was during a lecture that you were giving, you spoke about the differences between the craft of something and the art of something. I found that fascinating. Would you be open to elaborating a little more about that?

Garth Stein: Very much so. I’d love to. That’s exactly it. “Craft” is stuff we can work on, it’s the stuff we can practice, it’s the stuff we can improve and we can get instruction on because we’re using our conscious mind to do an activity that is designed to be done with our conscious mind. But that can only get you so far. It’s releasing the subconscious that taps into this greater world around us, this universe that’s beyond this membrane that we have of reality.

Then things drop in and magic begins to happen. That’s “art.” You can plan all you want, but when something magic happens, you go with the magic all the time, every time. When you can do it a few times in the course of writing a book, it’s good. When you can do it many times in the course of writing a book, it’s like, wow, I’m onto something. When I wrote The Art of Racing in the Rain and I sat down and did kind of this weird thing, I found the magic, and it’s something that all you can do is kind of tip your hat and say, that was really cool.

I hope I have the privilege of doing that again.

Sara Michelle Fetters: But as the artist, as the person that is the creator who had that magic happen, how hard is it for you to maybe step back and let other artists like screenwriter Mark Bomback and director Simon Curtis take the lead?

Garth Stein: In a very real way, the way I kind of came to terms with this whole thing was if they [the filmmakers] want to adapt this book, God bless them. I hope they do really well.

But I also felt like, they better do their work. It’s the same thing I would do when I talk to my three sons. You want it, you better make the sacrifices and do the work to get it, because if you screw it up, it’s on you and not on me.

Sara Michelle Fetters: You obviously must feel like they did at least a halfway decent job on the movie. After all, authors don’t have to do PA tours for a movie if they don’t want to.

Garth Stein: [laughs] True! I hadn’t thought of that.

They did a decent job. I’m 100% behind the film.

Look, they had to change stuff. They had to. That’s the nature of the business. There are many layers as to the best way to do things when you’re adapting a book into a motion picture. That’s why I wanted to step back. I was like, look, you’re the studio and you’re putting it out and therefore you have to have certain things a certain way. I get that. You’re a director. You visualize the story in certain ways, and certain things resonate with you. You’re the screenwriter. It’s the same thing.

What any of them did not need was me like “tsking” in the corner and shaking my finger. You just don’t need that. So if it comes out and it’s horrible, I’m just going to step back and say, “Look at this book. Read the book.” And if it comes out and it’s great, I’m going to say, “Good on ya!” and not take credit for how it all turned out.

And they did it! So good on them. You know what? The heart is in the right place

for this movie. Did they change things? Yes, but the heart was always in the right place.

Sara Michelle Fetters: But, you do have a filmmaking background. Were there ever moments where…

Garth Stein: No. There weren’t. [laugh] I have a background in documentary film, which is a different thing. You know you approach things in a different way, and you think about them in a different way. It tends to be more craft than art. There are art moments, but it’s very much cerebral in terms of how you’re trying to structure the argument or the story that you’re telling.

Sara Michelle Fetters: Which is interesting that you say that because this book is very cerebral. It is literally from the pointof-view of a dog.

Garth Stein: Yeah, that’s true. [laughs] The voice of the dog. Yes.

But you know, in the way that this story came out, the framework that I had for it was very generous and very loose. In other words, I didn’t spend a lot of time plotting each individual moment. I could take you through the book and point to the things that were magic.

The whole zebra sequence was not something that was in any of my notes. I didn’t think of it. I didn’t preconceive it. I went into my office one day and I said, all right, where am I today? You know what?

Before I do anything today, I’m going to give myself a writing exercise. I’m going to put Enzo through his paces. I’m going to put him in jeopardy and I want to see how he gets out of it. I gave myself permission to throw it away if it wasn’t any good or didn’t serve the story. I said, I’m not going to use it in the book.

That’s a good thing writers should do all the time. It’s okay to make mistakes. So I started writing, and suddenly the whole zebra sequence in the beginning just came out, and I was like, oh crap. That’s actually really good. Not only am I gonna keep it, I’m going to take that zebra motif and use it more because that’s the theme of the entire book. I’m going to have to drop this in at different places. So now how do I take that inspiration and, using my craft skills, make it fit into the story for maximum impact?

That’s where we need the craft. That’s the difference between “craft” and “art.”

Sara Michelle Fetters: Obviously, with a movie, it’s not going to be all filmed here in Seattle.

Garth Stein: Oh yeah. In an ideal world. But a studio is going to make studio decisions when they’re filming. I love when they go to Mercer Island and it’s like, that’s the freaking ocean! I’m like, Lake Washington is big; it’s not that big. [laughs]

Sara Michelle Fetters: But for you as an author, as far-reaching and as large in scope as the book is, it still feels true to the Pacific Northwest. Was that always important to you, to make sure to infuse that mindset of the Pacific Northwest and Seattle into the story?

Garth Stein: I mean this is where I grew up. I grew up in Shoreline. I went to Shorewood High School. Go T-birds. I always want to have Seattle as a backdrop of any of the things I write. It becomes a character. Seattle is a weird city. It doesn’t have the same gravitas as many New England towns, that they have their little sign up saying “invented in 1552.” That’s not the way Seattle worked. In 1860 there were no white people here. In 1861 there were white people here cutting down trees. In that sense, we don’t have the same kind of traditions as other places.

And, by the way, all apologies to the Native Peoples who were here first, who got totally f-ed. Just so we know. Let’s make that really clear right now that they got f-ed. With that understanding, I think that what Seattle does have is the natural beauty that we have the privilege to use to our advantage, a sort of a sense of reinvention and innovation that people come here looking for in how to shape and retell their personal story. I want to try and use the city as a character in that transformative way in my books.

Sara Michelle Fetters: The other thing you do well, especially in this book, is the utilization of animals as family members. Why is it that people tend to treat their animals, in this case Enzo, better than they do themselves?

Garth Stein: It’s all about unconditional love, I’m afraid. We don’t have any expectations for our pets. We’re going to love our dog. Even if our dog craps on the floor, we’re going to love our dog. Even if our dog eats our best shoes, we’re going to love our dog. If you come home from a long day at work and open up the kitchen door with your arms full of groceries and you find your spouse lying naked and asleep on the kitchen floor, you’re going to be like, “Get up!” But your dog, you’re going to be like, “Aww! That’s so sweet.” We have that sense of unconditional love and, unfortunately, we don’t always have that with the people around us. We put tons of conditions on one another that honestly don’t need to be there. And that’s bad. I think we should treat each other more like we do our dogs. There’d be so much more love in the world if we did.

Sara Michelle Fetters: That’s the great thing about the father-daughter relationship

Milo Ventimiglia, Garth Stein, and Amanda Seyfried at an event for The Art of Racing in the Rain – Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

GARTH STEIN

continued from page 7

in this book and in this movie. Stuff happens. Bad stuff happens.

Garth Stein: Dramatic things happen. [laughs]

Sara Michelle Fetters: Yes. That’s a good way to put it. Dramatic things happen. No spoilers. [laughs]

But, even with all that drama, that bond between Denny and Zoe survives. Why can’t we as human beings treat ourselves as well as they treat Enzo? Why can’t we persevere and love one another unconditionally no matter what might be happening in our lives the same way Denny and Zoe do?

Garth Stein: Because our ego gets involved. We become lost in own self-interest and our own defensiveness and we are afraid. We’re afraid of losing people. We’re afraid of losing the things that we’ve built around ourselves, all the little bits of our life that we’ve piled up in the bricks that have become the wall that shields us from the outside world. We have to allow ourselves to be more vulnerable and to accept that not everything is going to be the way we want it to be. That we can only control one person. That’s it.

When it all started, you were born and somebody waved a magic wand and breathed life into your little bloody blob. You were given the permission to make choices for that one person and that’s it. If you walk around presuming you can make choices for everybody else around you so that they conform to the view that you want, that’s going to become a problem and we should recognize that. We should be more generous with other people and with ourselves. We should allow ourselves to make mistakes. We’re so deathly afraid of making mistakes. And if you make a mistake, we need to be able to say, “I made a mistake. I would like to apologize for that.” That’s it. That’s all it takes. Just own it.

I was at a soccer game for my kid, a tournament down in San Diego, and there was a dad on the other team who was kind of being a little bit of a…well…you know. He said something to me and got kind of nasty for no reason, at least that’s what I thought. I kind of responded to that because suddenly my ego was enflamed. Suddenly I’m on my thing, right?

We had a little bit of an exchange and he was getting riled. Finally, I just took a second and I was like, there’s no reason for this. I looked at him and was, if I offended you in any way, I just want to apologize. There’s no reason why we should be having this confrontation. I’m not going to antagonize you. I’m not going to get in your face. I just want you to know, if I’ve upset you in any way, I apologize. I own it.

This guy, he didn’t know what to do. His wife came up and took his arm and said, “Thank you,” and then she guided him away. That’s all it took. Suddenly it was over. No one can be mad at you if you just step up and say, “Yeah, my bad,” and take responsibility. But our egos often don’t let us do that. We need to take our egos out of the equation.

Sara Michelle Fetters: Changing directions a little, did you hear a voice similar to Kevin Costner’s when you were writing Enzo? What did you think of that vocal casting?

Garth Stein: No, I did not. [laughs] No and no and NO, is the answer. That’s not the way my brain works. I don’t really hear a specific voice. I don’t really see a specific actor or anything like that. Not at all. Kevin Costner? No.

I mean, Enzo in the book says he would want to be voiced by James Earl Jones. I thought that was going to be easy. It’s a no-brainer, right? I don’t know why they didn’t go with James Earl Jones. But then they said, we have Kevin Costner and I was like, wow! Okay. I went to the internet and looked up Field of Dreams on YouTube and watched a few clips. There’s a lot of voiceover in that. I was like, this is actually a really good choice.

Presence. Costner has a presence and he has a confidence. He has a straightforward tone that I think people trust. That’s what was needed for this movie. Everyone has to trust Enzo. The audience has to know that Enzo’s going to get us through the story okay and in one piece.

Sara Michelle Fetters: What are you working on next? Where do you go from here?

Garth Stein: I’m doing tons of stuff! I’ve got a graphic novel coming out next August. It’s so awesome. I love graphic novels. I mean, working with Matthew Southworth, who’s my collaborator, is just a ton of fun. Fantagraphics is going to be putting it out next August. We’re going to go do ComicCons and all that kind of stuff. I’ve also got a novel about old people called A Couple of Old Birds, and it’s about two 80-somethingyear-old ladies who become best friends and manage to heal each other and heal themselves while forging on with life at the ripe old age of 87. So, lots of stuff. I’m busy.

Sara Michelle Fetters: For people who are going to be coming to your story through the movie, what do you hope they take away from the experience?

Garth Stein: Yeah. I have no illusions. More people are going to see the movie than read the book.

I don’t have any expectations. I don’t have a one thing that they need to take away. I want them to take something. Just take something. Even if you’ve got to steal it, just take something.

Whenever I write a book, and now with this movie, I want people to go into it and be open to the experience, to see how it goes. To see if there’s something in there that resonates with you. That makes you think about your position in this world and your relationship with other people. Like, we were just talking about unconditional love and things that you can be doing to improve yourself and therefore also improve the lives of the world and the people around

you. That’s pretty incredible. Maybe someone can think about that?

It doesn’t have to be a big deal, reading the book or watching the movie, but it can be. I want people to be open to that experience. I want people to be transformed in some way, even if it is just a little, teeny way. Just be transformed and be opened to being transformed.

CHANYA BUTTON

continued from page 5

tion in power that happens between Debicki and Arterton that’s close to extraordinary, and as such it is difficult not to wonder how the two were able to make these transitions appear to be so naturally effortless.

“You’d have to ask Gemma and Elizabeth about how they were able to do that,” says Button. “They are both just so incredibly skilled. Their physicality is so different. The standards of conventional beauty that people use to define them are as equally different. But they refuse to bow to any sort of convention. They defy it. They are beautiful and smart in their own unique way, both inside and out. It’s fascinating to watch two incredible women with so different energies work together with such passionate conviction. They were always so conscious of what the other was bringing to the movie. I think it shows in their performances.”

Performances that, at least in the case of Virginia Woolf, were not augmented by prosthetic makeup effects as they oftentimes have been in previous films about the author, pictures like 2002’s The Hours which won Nicole Kidman an Academy Award for Best Actress. “I’m not a fan of prosthetics,” states the director emphati-

cally. “Under most circumstances, I’m not a fan of physically changing or augmenting an actor for a role. This is their interpretation of a character. I don’t want impersonation. I want to give the actor the permission to act. And I knew Elizabeth could play Virginia without my slapping a new nose on her face to allow her to more match historical photographs.”

As challenging as the material might be, Button is still excited for general audiences to finally get the opportunity to give Vita & Virginia a look. “I hope they are moved by the film,” she says candidly. “These women had a mature and complicated relationship. They were equals, collaborators, friends and lovers. This was a moment in their lives, one that made a massive impression upon both of them.

“For Virginia, their relationship almost overwhelmed her. She was so brilliant. Such a genius. But she was also quite fragile. This is an instance where Virginia was able to overcome the emotional and psychological obstacles that sat in front of her and wrote a work of brilliance that has stood the test of time. I think audiences can relate to that. I think they will be able to relate to a person overcoming these feeling of being emotionally overwhelmed. I find Vita and Virginia’s story to be very moving. I hope audiences will feel the same.”

Garth Stein and Comet – Photo by Frank Huster

Chanya Button on the set of Vita & Virginia – Photo courtesy of Pyramide Films

Meetings Events Activities

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

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

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

SATURDAY - August 24

PNW BLACK PRIDE 2019: “Transforming, Transitioning, Transcending.” Five-day event (8/21-25) continues with LGBTQ+ Pride Equity Brunch (10:30am, Red Lion); Pride Workshops/Mini Job Fair (12 noon, Red Lion) (Black History and Ballroom - Golly G Que 007; State of the Union: Black and Gay in America - Dr. Daniel Black, Professor of African Studies, Clark Atlanta; Black, Gay and Christian - Bishop O.C. Allen III, Presiding Bishop UPPC Fellowship; Kiki Ball - A Black Homage to the ‘90s (with Golly G Que commentator) (8pm, 714 Central Ave S, Kent); “Kid-N-Play Style” Black to the ‘90s House Party (10pm-1:30am, 714 Central Ave S, Kent) (Come dressed in your ‘90s gear: Neon, Denim, Flannel, Hightops. Visit www.nwblackpride.org for details, registration and updates.

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

Positively Living Coffee Social. 10am-12 noon. Cupcake Royale, 1111 E Pike St. Every Saturday. Casual social get-together for the HIV community. (206) 9571600. Sponsored by LIfelong. Tibet Fest. 11am-5pm. Seattle Center Armory. Experience ancient and contemporary Tibetan culture, including art, music, dance, clothing, calligraphy, a traditional Tibetan dwelling and much more to engage, entertain and educate. Features performances by Seattle’s Trisong Dance Group and several U.S.-based graduates of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamsala, India. Info: www.washingtontibet.org. (Continues Sun. 8/25, 11am-5pm.)

New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave #100, Room 3. Meets daily. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous is a 12-step/12-tradition-oriented fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope to overcome sex and love patterns of addiction. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org. Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 6pm-12 midnight. Call for location & details. Every Saturday. (253) 671-2838. www.oasisyouthcenter.org. (Also Thursdays & Fridays 4-10pm.)

Women’s Rights Day Celebration. 6pm (dinner), 7pm (program). New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S. Summer Harvest Dinner (w/ vegan option) followed by film: “Birthright: A War Story.” Investigative journalist Civia Tamarkin probes the origins and impact of the decades-long effort to control women’s reproduction in the U.S. Sponsored by Radical Women. Requested donation: dinner $10, program $7 (sliding scale; work exchanges and childcare available). Wheelchair accessible, everyone welcome. Info: (206) 722-6057 or email rwseattle@mindspring.com.

SUNDAY - August 25

PNW BLACK PRIDE 2019: “Transforming, Transitioning, Transcending.” Five-day event (8/21-25) concludes with Cultural Heath and Wellness Festival (12 noon-6pm, Othello Park), and Sage’s Table International Dinner, (8:30pm, Red Lion). Visit www.nwblackpride.org for details, registration and updates.

Ravenna United Methodist Church. 8:30am “Seattle’s most dangerous Sunday school” - 9:45am Worship. 5751 33rd Ave NE. A reconciling congregation, fully inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ persons. (206) 525-7988. Center for Spiritual Living. 9am meditation; 9:30am & 11am services. The Mountaineers, 7701 Sand Point Way NE. Blessings & we hope to see you soon! (206) 527-8801 ext 203, www.cslseattle.org

Seattle Unity Church. 9am & 11am Sunday Services. 200 8th Ave N. “Come join our Gay & Lesbian-friendly, spiritual family at Seattle Unity Church. Our mission is to bring love, miracles & spiritual awakening into everyday life!” (206) 622-8475; www.seattleunity.org.

Seattle Soto Zen. 9:15am Zazen Instruction, 9:30am Zazen. 101 Nickerson St, Lower Level. Follow the traditional forms of the Soto school of Zen in a spirit of warmth & inclusion. Anyone interested in meditation, whether new or experienced in Zen practice or other traditions, is welcome. (206) 323-1659, www.seattlesotozen.org

Gay Men’s Bowling in Everett 9:30am. Glacier Lanes, 9630 Evergreen Way, Everett. Every Sunday. Spectators welcome. Join us for lunch afterwards! Sponsored by the Snohomish County Gay Men’s Task Force. For info email John at johndmarsh@mac.com; www.gaysnohomish.org

community calendar

Tacoma First United Methodist Church. 9:30am Worship, 11am Adult Education. 423 Martin Luther King Way, Tacoma. This reconciling congregation welcomes with warm hands, warm hearts & open minds GLBT persons seeking a spiritual home. (253) 627-0129, www. fumctacoma.org

University Lutheran Church. 9:30am Worship, 10:30am Coffee Fellowship, 11am Adult Forum & Education Hour. 1604 NE 50th St. All are welcome. We choose love. (206) 525-7074. universitylutheranseattle.org

Central Lutheran Church. 10am Worship. 1710 11th Ave (just north of E Pine St). An open & affirming church, which in Lutheran churches is called “Reconciled in Christ.” “We seek to share God’s love with all people regardless of race, age, gender or sexual orientation.”

All are welcome. (206) 322-7500.

East Shore Unitarian Church. 10am Sunday Service. 12700 SE 32nd St, Bellevue. An open & affirming congregation. (425) 747-3780.

Gethsemane Lutheran Church. 10am Worship. 911

Stewart St. A downtown faith community centered in justice. An open & affirming congregation. (206) 682-3620.

Plymouth Church United Church of Christ. 10am Worship. 1217 6th Ave. Love your (LGBTQ) neighbor as yourself. (206) 622-4865, plymouthchurchseattle.org

Queen Anne United Methodist Church. 10am Worship. 1606 5th Ave W. (206) 282-4307.

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

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

Wallingford United Methodist Church. 10am Worship. 2115 N 42nd St. A progressive congregation. In 1984

Wallingford UMC became the 9th reconciling Methodist church in the U.S. (206) 547-6945 (office); (206) 2855077 (George).

All Pilgrims Christian Church. 10:30am Worship. 500 Broadway E. Come as you are. All are welcome.

A congregation of the Disciples of Christ & the United Church of Christ. (206) 322-0487, www.allpilgrims.org

First Church - First United Methodist Church of Seattle. 10:30am. 180 Denny Way. (Enter on 2nd Ave N for worship.) Welcome to First Church, a progressive community advocating for the homeless and hungry, and

creating a refuge of inclusive Christianity. First Church is a proud member of the Reconciling Ministries Network. (206) 622-7278; firstchurchseattle.org

Northminster Presbyterian Church. 10:30am Worship. 7706 25th Ave NW. A village church in the city open to all. (206) 783-3402. www.northminsterpres.org (Conveniently located a block from the Metro #40 bus route.) St. Clement’s Episcopal Church. 10:30am Worship. 1501 32nd Ave S. Great music. Dynamic preaching. Holy communion. Encountering the transformative and unconditional love of God in Christ. Join us! www. stclementseattle.org

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

Welcome Table Christian Church. 9:45am Meditation; 10:30am Worship; Labyrinth 2nd Sundays 1-4pm. 1322 S Bayview St. Where people of all genders and sexualities, and families of all shapes & sizes are welcome and celebrated. A welcoming and affirming community since 1987. welcometablecc.org

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

Emerald City Metropolitan Community Church Seattle. 11am Worship. Chapel at University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd St. MCC is a progressive Christ-centered faith community committed to providing a nurturing environment for individual & community growth thru Jesus Christ while celebrating unity in diversity. MCC is Seattle’s oldest Gay-friendly church. (206) 325-2421, www.mccseattle.org. Meditation for GBT Men. 11am-1pm. Cal Anderson House, 400 Broadway. Suitable for beginning & experienced meditators. Sponsored by Dharma Buddies. Contact Forrest Rode, (206) 920-6117, or Doug Allison, doug.l.allison@gmail.com. Find us under “Dharma Buddies” on Meetup.com or at DharmaBuddies.org. (Women are invited to contact our sister meditation group at www. LotusSisters.org.)

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

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. 11:15am (also 7:30am, 9am, 5pm). 15 W Roy St. We are an accepting, progressive, Anglo-Catholic parish, renewing its people for their

Christian lives in today’s world through worship, spiritual formation, engagement in the arts, and acts of compassion. www.stpaulseattle.com

Tibet Fest. 11am-5pm. Seattle Center Armory. (See Sat. 8/24 listing for details.)

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

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

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

Seattle Prime Timers Rap Group. 1:30pm. Generations Aging with Pride (GenPRIDE), 401 Broadway E #223 (above QFC in Broadway Market). Meets 4th Sunday each month in the Ian MacKintosh Room. This month’s topic: “How Can Gay Seniors Overcome Isolation?” Coffee and tea will be served. Info: www. seattleprimetimers.org.

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

Rain City Soccer Club - Kickabout. Sunday afternoon usually at 3pm. Location varies. Join us for Seattle’s mostly-weekly mostly-LGBTQ pickup soccer game. We play an organized, 2-hour scrimmage on nice fieldturf surface. Sometimes there is a brief training/practice session before we play. Usually there is a “one-beer” after the scrimmage. To sign up visit www.raincitysoccer.org PFLAG/Whatcom County (Bellingham) Monthly Meeting. 5pm. Community Food Co-op Bakery, 405 E Holly St, Bellingham. Meets 1st Sunday each month. Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays is a national support organization for parents, spouses, & families of GLBT persons, as well as those minorities. www.whatcompflag.org; PFLAG/Puget Sound: (206) 325-7724. Shame to Grace (SAA). 6-7:30pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave #100. Every Sunday. Sex Addicts Anonymous is a fellowship of men & women who share their experience, strength & hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction & help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency. Seattle SAA helpline (206) 237-8828, SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191. (206) 322-2437. www. peerseattle.org Integrity/Puget Sound. 7pm Worship & Fellowship. St. Mark’s Cathedral, Thomson Chapel, 1245 10th Ave E. Integrity is an international ministry of Gay & Lesbian Episcopalians, their friends & families, dedicated to education, support & service within the Church & the GLBT community. (425) 226-2746.

MONDAY - August 26

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

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

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

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

Meditation Class for LGBTQ Seniors. 6:30pm. GenPride Senior Center, 401 Broadway E, Suite 223. Free class every Monday for LGBTQ seniors, their caregivers and allies. Beginners welcome. www.gapseattle.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters. 7-8:30pm. Gay City, 517 E Pike St. Find your voice with Seattle’s safe speaking space for the LGBTQ community. Individuals of all orientations and identities are welcome. Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays each month (except holidays and December break). For more info email contact@freelyspeaking. org or just drop in and visit.

Lotus Sisters South Seattle/Columbia City Meditation & Dharma Discussion. Gather at 6:45pm; sit at 7pm. Meets 4th Monday each month. Short presentation with discussion to follow. Oriented to LBTQ sisters. Email us or call (206) 550-5587 for details and location; www. LotusSisters.org. (Wheelchair accessible.)

PFLAG/South King County Monthly Meeting. 7pm. Unitarian Universalist Church, 25701 14th Pl S, Kent Meets 4th Monday each month. Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays is a national support organization for parents, spouses & families of GLBT persons, as well as those sexual minorities. PFLAG/Puget Sound: (206) 325-7724.

Trans Youth Group. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. A chance for youth to talk

with others about their experiences & concerns related to identifying as Transgender. www.lamberthouse.org

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

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

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

TUESDAY - August 27

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

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

LGBTQ+ Group. 1:15-2:15pm. Orion Center, 1828 Yale Ave. Every Tuesday. A group for LGBTQ youth ages 13-24 & their allies. Sponsored by YouthCare. (206) 622-5555.

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

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

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

Seattle Tennis Alliance Summer Social Doubles. 6:30-8:30pm. Lower Woodland Tennis Courts, 5773 W Green Lake Way N. Most Tuesdays & Thursdays. Courts #5, 6, 7 & 8. June-August. Weather permitting. Pre-pay online if possible. seattletennisalliance.org

ALISS - Aging Lesbians in South Seattle Evening Gathering. 6:30-8pm. Southeast Seattle Senior Center, 4655 S Holly St, Rainier Ave S & S Holly St., Social Hall. Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month. This is a group primarily for Lesbians but all are welcome to attend. Facilitator: Fai Coffin; Cost: FREE. Metro route 7. Wheelchair accessible. Kate, (206) 722-0317; www.sessc.org. LGBTQ MS Connection/National MS Society. 6:308pm. Swedish Conference Center, Cherry Hill Campus, James Tower, 550 17th Avenue, Room E, 1st Floor. Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month. MS Connection is a support group with the goal of providing a safe environment for the LGBT community to express their experiences and the impact of MS on their lives and the lives of their loved ones, as well as provide support for one another. Contact Shelly at (206) 250-5002 or LGBTMSConnection@gmail.com.

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

PFLAG/North Seattle Monthly Meeting. 7-9pm. Haller Lake United Methodist Church, 13055 1st Ave NE. Meets 4th Tuesday each month. (206) 325-7724 or northseattle@pflagseattle.org. PFLAG, a national organization founded in 1972, provides support, education and advocacy for families and friends of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer persons and is committed to moving LGBTQ equality forward.

Tuesday Night Sex Addicts Anonymous (GLBTQI). 7-8:30pm. All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E (enter at 509 10th Ave E; buzz in, Colonial room). Every Tuesday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women whose primary purpose is to stop addictive sexual behavior & help others recover from sexual addiction. Seattle SAA helpline (206) 237-8828. SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191. Men’s Discussion Group. 7:30-9pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Every Tuesday. Peer group for Gay & Bi men. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

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

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

Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Bellingham. 7:30-9pm. St James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St., Bellingham. Every Tuesday. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com. (See Wednesday listing at 7:30pm for details.)

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

community calendar

WEDNESDAY - August 28

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

Mature Friends Dining Out Luncheon. 12 noon. Roosters Restaurant, 611 Broadway E. Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month. Just drop in - no RSVP required. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www.maturefriends.org New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100, Room 3. Meets daily. (See Saturday listing at noon for details.)

True Colors: Connecting LGBTQ Teens in Shoreline 4-5pm. Every Wednesday. Discussing your important issues, building a supportive community. For information, location & to REGISTER call Lindsay Bagley (206) 362-7282 x 8018 or email lbagley@chs-nw.org

Living Positively. 5-7pm. Lifelong, 1016 E Pike St., 3rd Fl. Every Wednesday. Social and support group for the HIV community with various topics for discussion and conversation. (206) 957-1600 or www.lifelong.org.

THURSDAY - August 29

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

Aging Ballard Lesbian Exchange (A.B.L.E.) Monthly

Lunch Get-Together. 12 noon. Ballard NW Senior Center, 5429 32nd Ave NW. Meets 4th Thursday each month. Look for the A.B.L.E. sign on the table. We are Lesbians, 60 years (generally) and up, living (mostly) in the north half of Seattle. The purpose of this group is to connect, socialize, and support each other. We have been meeting since 2015. The group hosts evening potlucks, outings and get-togethers. Co-sponsored by Puget Sound Old Lesbians Organizing for Change. (PSOLOC).

BABES Women’s Support Group/Lunch Meeting. 12-2pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. The BABES Network is a peer led agency; a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. (206) 720-5566 or 888-292-1912; www.babesnetwork.org. New Beginnings (SLAA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100, Room 3. Meets daily. (See Saturday listing at noon for details.) Safe and Sober (AA). 12-1pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100. Open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

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

Fridays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.) Everett-Snohomish County Friendship Dinner for persons living with HIV/AIDS, their friends, and for those who want to support them. 6pm. Trinity Lutheran Church, 2324 Lombard Ave, Everett. Meets last Thursday each month. For further information, please call 360-202-3978. Sponsored by AIDS Project Snohomish County (APSC) and Gay Men’s Task Force. B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group). 6:30-8pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. Sponsored by Youth Eastside Services, which offers many programs for GLBT youth. (425) 747-4937.

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

Buddhism & Recovery. 7:30-9pm. Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Ave, Suite 100 Every Thursday. A meditation/ recovery group. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

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

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

FRIDAY - August 30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Dollar Bill Outdoor Cinema – “Kinky Boots.” 7pm/sunset. Pre-show entertainment with Aleksa Manila; screening at sunset. The meadow at Cal Anderson Park, 11th Ave & E Olive St. A drag queen (Chiwetel Ejiofor) comes to the rescue of a man who, after inheriting his father’s shoe factory, needs to diversity his product if he wants to keep his business afloat. See the film that inspired the hit Broadway musical. Bring blankets and chairs to sit on. Concessions will be available. FREE. www.threedollarbillcinema.org

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

SATURDAY - August 31

(See previous Saturday for ongoing activities.)

Mature Friends Monthly Potluck - Annual Picnic in Meridian Park on the west side of the Good Shepherd Center. 6pm. Wallingford Community Senior Center, Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 140. Monthly potluck meets last Saturday most months. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www.maturefriends.org

SUNDAY - September 1

(See previous Sunday for ongoing activities.)

Knights of Mantra Monthly Meeting. 3pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. Meets 1st Sunday each month. K of M/ Jet Chapter is a fun-loving leather/Levi social & charitable organization that raises money for various causes & organizations. (206) 329-0886. www.facebook.com/ kofmjetchapter/

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQAllyship. org, allyship@yahoo.com, (206) 279-8169.

American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us Another Gay Social Club! - www.meetup.com/AnotherGay-Social-Club/ Bellingham/Whatcom County - www.theslowlane. com/guide.html

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

Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org

Capitol Hill Alano Club - www.chacseattle.org

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

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

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

DIFFA/Northwest (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). (206) 763-8885; www.diffanorthwest. org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, (206) 461-3222 (24 hour line); King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line for information, support, & medical & legal assistance: 1-888-99-VOICE; Northwest Networksupport & advocacy for Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse & Dating Violence, (206) 568-7777 (voice), 517-9670 (tty), www.nwnetwork.org; Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: Teresa, (253) 798-4166; Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities - offers on-going support groups for men: 323-1768; Seattle Police Dept Domestic Violence Unit, (206) 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025. In an emergency call 911 Report domestic violence and sexual assault. Equal Rights Washington - (206) 324-2570; www. equalrightswashington.org Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freelyspeaking.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & the Olympic & Rainier Empire - www.facebook.com/ISCSORE; www. imperialcourtofseattle.com

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

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

LGBT MS Connection - (425) 785-8593; lgbtmsconnections@comcast.net. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Lifelong AIDS Alliance - (206) 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org Lion’s Main Art Collective - www.lionsmain.org

MEN: Gay City: (206) 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: (206) 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Northwest Bears: www. nwbears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians. net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.com; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: www.raincityjacks. org; Seattle Gay Couples: www. seattlegaycouples.org; Seattle Men in Leather: www.seattlemeninleather. org; Seattle Prime Timers: Gay & Bi men 40 & over, www. seattle primetimers.org; Tacoma Older LGBT: www. tacomaolderlgbt.org. (See also listings under Bisexual, Parenthood, People of Color, Transgender.) MUSIC: Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; Rainbow City Band: 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; rainbowcityband@onebox.com; www.rainbowcity band. com; Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus: (206) 388-1408, (206) 323-0750. www.seattlechoruses.org.

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

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

Olympia/Thurston County - www.RainbowCenterOly. org

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

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

Peer Seattle (formerly Seattle Area Support Groups) is a non-profit organization that builds community and cultivates powerful, healthy lives by providing emotional support and personal development services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, the Queer communities, and those who love them. Our work is done in a spirit of safety, trust, inclusiveness, and celebration of individual differences. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org PEOPLE OF COLOR: AARTH (African American Reach & Teach Health Ministry), (206) 850-2070, www.aarth.org; Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, (206) 467-9976; Center for MultiCultural Health, (206) 461-6910, www.multiculturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, (206) 322-7700, www.entrehermanos.org; Ile LaiLai, (206) 781-3565, iya@ilelailai.org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), (206) 923-8313, macctseattle@yahoo.com, www.macctsea.org; Northwest Two Spirit Society, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/nw2spiritsociety/, Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, (206) 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; QBASS - Queer Black Alliance of the South Sound, (253) 256-1846, weareqbass@gmail. com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, (206) 322-7061, (206) 255-8951; Somos Seattle, somosseattle.org; Trikone-Northwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www.trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-685-0164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle, www.utopiaseattlewa.org; VietQ Greater Seattle, vietqorganization@gmail.com Pierce County AIDS Foundation - (253) 383-2565; www.piercecountyaids.org Pride Foundation - (206) 323-3318; www.pridefoundation. org Pride Lives - www.facebook.com/PrideLives/ Project NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. (206) 323-1768. www.crystalneon.org Public Health-Seattle & King County Online Comprehensive Health Information for Sexual Minorities: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/ glbt.aspx

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

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

Rainbow Center - Resource Center for Tacoma/Pierce County LGBTIQA community. Through education, advocacy and celebration, the Rainbow Center expands resources, and safe space for the LGBTQIA community. Sponsors Tacoma Pride Festival. (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org

community calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org

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

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

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

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

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

SPORTS & RECREATION: Bent Car Guys: www. bentcarguys.org; Border Riders Motorcycle Club: www.borderriders.com; Bottom Dwellers Scuba Club: www.bottomdwellers.org; Capitol Hill Cyclers: join their Facebook group or email capitolhillcycling@ groups.facebook.com or jordan.l.simonson@gmail.com;

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

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

TRANSGENDER: Emerald City Social Club: (425) 827-9494; Gender Alliance of the South Sound: www.SouthSoundGender.com; Gender Diversity: www.genderdiversity.org; Gender Justice League: www.genderjusticeleague.org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey.com; Hermanos Trans Latino & Foreign-Born Support Group: (206) 322-7700;

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

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

YOUTH: B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group): Youth Eastside Services offers many programs for GLBT youth, including B-GLAD, (425) 747-4937; Coyote Central: www.coyotecentral.org; Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; GLSEN/Washington State (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) & Washington State GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Network: GLSEN works to create safe schools for LGBT students. WA GSA Network supports youth-led GSA’s to fight harassment & homophobia in Washington state schools. (206) 330-2099; www.glsenwa. org; www.wagsa.org. GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): a support group & HIV/STD prevention program for GLBTQ youth, 14-20, in Everett, (425) 263-2908, www. globeyouth.org; It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, in Seattle, 1818 15th Ave @ E Denny Way; (206) 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org; Lifelong HEYO (Health Education Youth Outreach): for LGBTQ youth, ages 16-24: (206) 957-1665; www. llaa.org/HEYO; www.MatthewsPlace.com ; The Mockingbird Society: (206) 323-KIDS (5437), www. mockingbirdsociety.org; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 14-25, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org; OKAY! LGBTQ+ Outreach for Kent Area Youth: (253) 859-0699 ext 3034. OKAY! is an open support group for youth ages 13-19 who identify as LGBTQ+. A program of Kent Youth & Family Services; OUT There Adventures: www.outthereadventures.org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/Puget Sound: (206) 325-7724, www. seattle-pflag.org; Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets (PSKS) Drop-In Center & Young Adult Shelter: 1609 19th Ave @ E Pine St., (206) 726-8500; www.psks.org; Pizza Klatch: weekly lunchtime support groups for LGBTQ youth in Thurston County, www. pizzaklatch.org; Prism: for LGBTQ youth, 14-21, in Puyallup - Cherise.Alexander@ multicare.org; www. facebook.com/PuyallupPrism; Proud Out Wonderful (POW!): for LGBTQ youth, 13-21, in South King County, (206) 326-9112, www.facebook.com/proudoutwonderful; Q Youth Resources: in Kitsap County - (360) 698-3335; www.kchaf.org; Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS): LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth drop-in group, ages 12-18 - Sarah Hardin, (425) 271-5600, ext 155; sarahh@rays.org; Roots Young Adult Shelter: 1415 NE 43rd St., (206) 632-1635; www.rootsinfo.org; Safe Schools Coalition: www.safeschoolscoalition.org; (206) 451-SAFE, (206) 451-7233 (non-emergency), 1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): (206) 860-9606, www.sypp.org; Street Youth Ministries (SYM): (206) 524-7301 ext 111; www. streetyouthministries.org; Teen Link: (206) 461-4922, 1-888-431-TEEN; The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor; www.thetrevorproject.org; True Colors - Connecting LGBTQ Teens: in Shoreline, (206) 362-7282 x 8018, lbagley@chs-nw.org; The Vera Project: fuels personal & community transformation through collaborative youthdriven engagement in music and art. (206) 956-8372; theveraproject.org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, (509) 396-5198, www.vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/ Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): (206) 522-8412; YouthCare/ Orion Center Young Adult Shelter: 1828 Yale Ave @ Stewart St. (206) 622-5555; Youth in Focus: (206) 723-1479; www.youthinfocus.org; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoud-GLBTQ): (206) 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273-TALK, www.yspp.org

SEATTLE

BATHS

CLUB Z - (men)

Pike near Boren - 622-9958

corner of Pike & 11th

1117 Pike near Boren - (206) 622-9958

(stairs behind Wildrose) - 568-3240

HOT HOUSE SPA & SAUNA - (women)

STEAM WORKS - (men)

SW corner of Pike & 11th

1520 Summit - 388-4818

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

STEAM WORKS - (men)

1520 Summit Ave - (206) 388-4818

RESTAURANTS & BARS

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

BALTIC ROOM - 1207 Pine St. - 625-4444

RESTAURANTS & BARS

THE BOTTLENECK LOUNGE

2328 E. Madison St. - 323-1098

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

C.C. ATTLE’S BAR & GRILLE

THE BOTTLENECK LOUNGE

1701 E. Olive Way - 726-0565

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

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

1533 13th Ave. - 323-1525

RETAIL SHOPS

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

GLO’S - 1621 E. Olive Way - 324-2577

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

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

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

CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17

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

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

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

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

DOGHOUSE LEATHERS

MADISON PUB - 1315 E. Madison - 325-6537

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

NEIGHBOURS - 1509 Broadway - 324-5358

OUT WEST - 5401California Ave. SW

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

FANTASY UNLIMITED

THE PINE BOX - 1600 Melrose Ave - 588-0375

POCO WINE ROOM

KENT

WILDROSE - 1021 E. Pike - 324-9210

ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS

5633 Airport Way S - 466-5954

LOVER’S

9614 14th Ave SW - 763-1347

RETAIL SHOPS

CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17

1017 E. Pike St - 204-0126

DOGHOUSE LEATHERS

Railroad Ave. N - (253) 852-0909

LA CONNER

1312 E. Pike St. - 257-0231

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

HASHTAG - 3540 Stone Way N - 946-8157

NEW YORK EXCHANGE

LA CONNER

TACOMA

OLYMPIA

C.C. ATTLE’S BAR & GRILLE

CHANGES IN WALLINGFORD

2103 N. 45th - 545-8363

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

THE CANTERBURY

2027 Westlake Ave. - (206) 682-0167 1510 1st Ave - (206) 624-1784

1408 E. Pine St. - 322-9463

POKE BAR - 1542 12th Ave - 402-5178

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

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

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

HERB(N) ELEMENTS

PURR - 1518 11th Ave. - 325-3112

R PLACE - 619 E. Pine - 322-8828

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

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

LAUGHING BUDDHA TATTOO

ROOT TABLE 2213 NW Market St. - 420-3214

1534 Broadway - (206) 329-8274

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

SEATTLE EAGLE - 314 E. Pike - 621-7591

THE NEW YORK XCHANGE

SHORTY’S 2222 2nd Ave - 441-5449

STOUT -1530 11th Ave - 397-3825

225 Broadway E. - (206) 726-3300

TOULOUSE PETIT

ONYX LEATHER

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

THE CUFF COMPLEX

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

CHANGES IN WALLINGFORD

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

THE CRESCENT

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

THE CUFF COMPLEX

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

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

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

HOT MAMA’S PIZZA

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEIGHBOURS - 1509 Broadway - (206) 324-5358

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

POCO WINE ROOM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE SWALLOW -9608 16th Ave SW - (206) 257-0217

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

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

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

ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS

9614 14th Ave SW - (206) 763-1347

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

601 Queen Anne Ave N - 432-9069

UNICORN - 1118 E Pike - 325-6492

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

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SHOP

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

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

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

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

TABOO ADULT VIDEO

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

TRUE LOVE ART GALLERY & TATTOO

1525 Summit Ave. - (206) 227-3572

UNDER U 4 MEN

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

UNCLE IKE’S

2310 E Union St - 1-800-GET-DRUGS 501 15th Ave E - 1-800-GET-DRUGS 9822 15th Ave SW - 1-800-GET-DRUGS

WILD AT HEART 1111 NW Leary Way - (206) 782-5538

BELLINGHAM

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

RUMORS CABARET 1119 Railroad - (360) 671-1849

DES MOINES

ADULT AIRPORT VIDEO 2 21635 Pacific Hwy S - (206) 878-7780

EVERETT

ADULT AIRPORT VIDEO 11732 Airport Road - (425) 290-7555

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

LOVER’S - 3402 Broadway - (425)

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

225 Broadway E. - 726-3300

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

OZ - 3831 Stone Way N - 251-0630

PORT ANGELES

OLYMPIA

PANACHE

225 Broadway E. - 726-3300

DARBY’S CAFE

RUCKUS 1465 E Republican St. - 257-4805

SPOKANE

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNDER U 4 MEN

ORCAS ISLAND

709 Broadway Ave. E. - 324-6446

UNCLE IKE’S

BROWN BEAR BAKING, LLC

29 N Beach Rd #1966, Eastsound - (360) 855-7456

PORT ANGELES

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

BELLINGHAM

SPOKANE

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

DES MOINES

EVERETT

KENT

TACOMA

19 [PET SERVICES]

KITTY CO. –

WE EXCLUSIVELY SERVE CATS

21 [LICENSED MASSAGE - NON-SEXUAL]

EXCEPTIONAL BODYWORK

Given by highly trained LMP. I specialize in injury treatment, acute, chronic, and repetitive stress motion. I have a studio on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Insurance accepted. Matt Shafer, LMP, 206-2357766. 25/12

38 [MEN]

RAIN CITY JACKS

RCJ is Seattle’s private club hosting hundreds of group jack-off events since 2005. Hot, friendly, and genuine male bonding for men 18+ only. Email or visit our web site for information. info@raincityjacks.org; www. raincityjacks.org. 26/12

RENT]

TIDY'S HAUL IT ALL offers a professional appliance and junk removal service at a competitive price. Free Estimates. Tidy, 206-354-8949. 34/6

Capitol Hill based provider of in-home cat sitting services. Licensed, bonded, insured and meticulous about your cat care needs. Book now for peace of mind while you’re away. Gay owned! www.kittycoseattle.com; 206-612-1533 39/3

20 [HEALTH & WELL-BEING]

ENERGY/BODYWORK

Therapeutic massage. 30 years experience. Relaxation, major/minor injuries, chronic muscle pain. Small Ballard home office/studio. Massage table or massage chair. Convenient parking. (I’m a Gay-friendly straight male graphic artist, web author.) First session 50% off = $45/1.5 hours (travel extra). By appointment only. References available. Chris Pringer, Reiki Master, 206-286-0899. If you get a voice message mentioning “extension #,” please hang up and call back again; otherwise, please leave a message. Brochure, testimonials, etc. via chalicebridge.com/BMI-Brochure. html. 44/21

22 [FOR SALE] 37 [BODYWORK]

EROTICALLY CHARGED nude full body rubdown from playful top, stimulating the senses. Get seduced. Incalls in Renton area. Scott, 206-355-4469. 08/3

GREAT MASSAGE

Given by highly-trained, clean-cut, handsome guy. I have two private studios, one on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Call/text Matt, 206-235-7766. In/ out calls. 25/12

FREE & ANONYMOUS HIV & STD COUNSELING/TESTING Walk-In or by Appt GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT 517 E. Pike St. M-F: 3pm-8pm; SAT: 12:30pm-5pm More Info & to Schedule Appt 206-860-6969