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Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
It’s Murray vs. McGinn Challenger backed by SGN tops primary, mayor runs second State Sen. Ed Murray led the field in the August 6 Seattle mayoral primary, with incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn coming in second place. The two will face off in the November 5 general election. At press time, Murray, who would be Seattle’s first openly Gay mayor, leads McGinn by about 3,000 votes out of 112,880 cast, or 30.38% for Murray as opposed to 27.58% for McGinn. Former Seattle City Council member Peter Steinbrueck and current member Bruce Harrell made up the second tier of candidates, with 16.26% and 15.25% of the vote, respectively. All the other challengers finished in single digits. Since election night, Murray EXPERIENCE GAP VAST and McGinn have widened their Although Murray is the challead over their seven opponents as lenger in the race for mayor, his ballots continue to be counted. political experience is far greater than McGinn’s. MOST OPPOSE McGINN The incumbent was elected by a Steinbrueck and Harrell ran as narrow margin in 2009 in his firstcritics of the incumbent, just as ever try for public office. Murray,
wikipedia
Murray did, allowing the frontrunner to conclude that the vast majority of voters had rejected McGinn’s administration. “One thing is clear from today’s results, the people of Seattle want new leadership,” Murray told a cheering crowd of supporters at his election night party at the Crocodile, in Belltown. Former City Council member Jim Compton went even further, telling the Seattle Times, “This result means that Ed Murray will be the next mayor of Seattle.” Although it may be too early to predict how the Steinbrueck and Harrell voters will break in November, it seems likely that the substantial “not-McGinn” vote could coalesce around Murray and sweep him into office.
ed murray
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
State Senator Ed Murray (l) and Mayor Mike McGinn will face off in the November 6 election.
on the other hand, has served 18 years in the state legislature, representing the 43rd District first as a representative and then as a senator. Even before that, he learned the nuts and bolts of city government serving as an aide to Seattle City Council member Martha Choe.
On the campaign trail, Murray pointed to his record working with conservative Republicans to pass state budgets. Murray also played a leading role in passing two of the state’s biggest gas-tax-funded transportation packages for highways and transit. While McGinn has tried to por-
tray Murray as the candidate of the “establishment” – a curious claim for any incumbent to make – Murray says his political skills, honed over his 18 years in the legislature, will make him a more effective mayor.
see MURRAY page 21
Kerry announces new visa policy State Dept. will now treat all married couples the same Business Insider
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced a new visa policy on August 2, under which samesex couples will be treated the same as opposite-sex couples.
“I’m very pleased to be able to announce that effective immediately, when same-sex spouses apply for a visa, the Department of State will consider that application in the same manner that it will consider the application of oppositesex spouses,” Kerry said.
“... Effective immediately, when same-sex spouses apply for a visa, the Department of State will consider that application in the same manner that it will consider the application of opposite-sex spouses.”
Secretary of State Kerry
Speaking at the U.S. Embassy in London, Kerry said the State Department is “tearing down an unjust and an unfair barrier that for too long stood in the way of samesex families being able to travel as a family to the United States” by changing the policy.
“And here is exactly what this rule means: If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, your visa application will be treated equally. If you are the spouse of a noncitizen, your visa application will be treated equally. And if you are in a country that doesn’t recognize
see KERRY page 6
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op-ed
Press releases are not activism
How the HRC tripped itself up on the Russian issue by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News Russia is beginning to prove, under the leadership of President (and former KGB leader) Vladimir Putin, to be not only an authoritative state, but one of the most homophobic in Europe. The city of St. Petersburg
FLY OUR FLAG IN RUSSIA BOYCOTT A NO-BRAINER Taking advantage of diplomatic immunity, President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry should order the rainbow flag flown over the American Embassy in Moscow during the 2014 Winter Olympics. Furthermore, Secretary of State Kerry should work with our NATO allies to fly the rainbow flag over their embassies in Moscow. Diplomatic couriers, with diplomatic immunity, can carry the flags into their embassies without search. Displaying that flag would give the metaphorical finger to the Russian government for their fascistic anti-Gay laws. Steven L. Kendall Seattle
Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Nate Gowdy, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863
Boe Oddisey Seattle
LOCAL MOTION On the other side of the scale were the thousands of Gay bars and other businesses from coast to coast that took it upon themselves to toss Stoli liquor and other Russianmade products out of their establishments. That action, which should be highly praised, along with behind-the-scenes diplomatic work, started to get results by weekend’s end. Russian officials told the IOC that the Gay ban would not be enforced during the Olympics. Stoli has issued numerous press releases itself – as good as the HRC press releases on the same subject, meaning not at all. So, LGBT bars, thumbs up. HRC, learn diplomacy or learn how to communicate with those you have relationships with. And let’s remember that President Obama will be meeting with Putin in September. I’m sure it will be one of their topics of communication, but this meeting comes at a bad time since there’s this guy named Snowden who just moved to Moscow.
Segal, Ross honored by NLGJA
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The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) has announced its 2013 inductees into the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame: Bob Ross, founder of the Bay Area Reporter; and Mark Segal, founder of the Philadelphia Gay News. “We are thrilled to be inducting two pioneers of the LGBT press in the NLGJA Hall of Fame,” said Jen Christensen, NLGJA president. “These two men created two of our most well-respected and enduring LGBT publications in the country and also bravely showed mainstream publications how to give our community the thoughtful respect and coverage it deserved, at a time when stereotypes and shallow reporting were the norm.” Segal’s opinion column appears frequently in SGN. We congratulate both of these LGBT media trailblazers!
In Loving Memory Of
Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
Seattle Gay News
Regarding the news of what is happening in Russia, of course there is a need to boycott Russian products. The [Russian] government owns everything and is persecuting LGBTQI people. The question was raised, should we boycott tourism and the Olympics in Russia? If it is a felony for just appearing to be Gay, and one is sent to the gulag for the rest of their life (gulag is Russian for prison), it is obvious not to go and to boycott, in my opinion. Thank you.
Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@ epgn.com.
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and the nation itself have passed several anti-Gay laws, including one that bars Gays from getting permits to hold Pride events or meetings – and if they do so anyway, they risk physical attack. Now comes the new anti-Gay propaganda law, signed by Putin. Under the law, any LGBT person caught talking about Gay
rights or demonstrating for Gay rights, or any two men or women showing affection (e.g., holding hands), can be arrested. Think it’s just a joke? Ask the people who have already been hauled off to jail, including four Dutch tourists. They were eventually deported. Giving credit where it’s due, actor/writer Harvey Fierstein first made an issue of Russia’s policies, followed by Dan Savage of the It Gets Better Project. Then, HRC did what it does best: it put out a press release. Now, I’m a supporter of HRC, but their press release was a little strange. It publicly called on NBC to use its clout, since it has the broadcast rights to the Russian 2014 Winter Olympics. The reason I found that strange is that HRC already has a line of communication open with NBC and its parent company, Comcast (I’m a member of the Comcast Joint Diversity Board and know this personally). Media is usually the issue of another organization, GLAAD. Finally, if HRC had realized point one, it would have discovered that NBC is not only obliged by legal issues but is also a highly regulated business that deals in news and international trade, so it was in its best interest to work quietly behind the scenes with the International Olympic Committee and the Obama administration. But press releases are very important to HRC.
August 9, 2013
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Local news
No progress for grocery workers, union says by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer After five months of bargaining, there has been no progress toward a new contract for workers at the “Big Three” grocery chains – Safeway, Albertson’s, and Kroger, which owns QFC and Fred Meyer. In fact, the two sides seem further apart than ever. According to UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) Local 21, one of the unions that represents grocery workers in Western Washington, “employers are attempting to fundamentally change the structure of the contract.” Some 30,000 grocery workers represented by UFCW Locals 21 and 367, and Teamsters Local 38, are affected by the contract negotiations. The unions charge that the Big Three are proposing nothing but “very significant pay cuts and benefit reductions.” For example, the employers are proposing to take away time-and-a-half pay for employees who work on holidays, and substitute only $1 per hour extra pay. Employers are also proposing to take away all health insurance for employees who work less than 30 hours per week, and are systematically reducing hours for many workers below the 30-hour threshold. “Their vision for the industry is one in
which workers are increasingly part-time, with grossly inadequate pay and benefits,” UFCW 21 said in an August 8 statement. “They are trying to build their own version of a Walmart business model. All of this is happening at a time the major grocery corporations are profitable and their CEOs are raking in huge salaries.”
ing near Cal Anderson Park. The armed robbery attempts come as SPD announced Wednesday it is looking for a group of male suspects believed to be involved in as many as 10 robberies around Seattle. One victim in Thursday’s robbery attempts decided to outrun his assailants. He’s fortunate he wasn’t hurt or worse, as the criminals had threatened him with a handgun. The victim, whose name was redacted from the SPD report about the crime, posted on Facebook, “I was walking north on 10th Ave. near Cal Anderson, there were 3 midto-late teenaged African American kids in front of me who stopped to sit by a car. As I walked past them one of them asked what time it was. I pulled out my phone. “12:41,” and put my phone back in my pocket.” From there, things went from bad to worse for the victim, who said that after they had attempted to steal his phone, one of the teenagers pulled out a gun and cocked it. The victim fled on foot and was chased by the teen. Luckily, he outran his aggressor and made it safely home. “Be careful out there, Capitol Hill is getting dangerous,” he concluded. Another victim reported robbery attempt near 10th and John just before 1 a.m. as males fitting the description in the first report apparently were fleeing the scene. Those suspects, described as three Black males in their 20s, were last seen in a dark Chevy Caprice or Impala headed northbound on 10th Ave. The suspect who chased the first victim was also described as having cornrows and wearing a gray hoodie.
ANOTHER PICKET PLANNED Grocery workers and community supporters held informational pickets at 12 Puget Sound-area locations on July 3, and the unions are now calling for a second – and expanded – round of picketing. Pickets will hit 34 locations on August 28, the unions said, promising to “escalate our actions to a level not seen in this area for almost 25 years.” As yet, no strike vote has been taken and the picketing will be only to communicate information to store shoppers. In the last round of grocery negotiations three years ago, employers did not agree to a contract until union members voted 94% in favor of strike authorization. UFCW 21 is the largest private-sector local in the state and was one of the key labor supporters of Referendum 74, donating money, staff time, and office space to the campaign for marriage equality. SUSPECTS STILL AT LARGE Spokespeople for Safeway and Kroger According to police radio dispatches, were invited to comment for this article, but CHS Blog reports, the suspects were reportthey declined to do so. edly seen talking with an older man in his 50s inside the park speaking “an African language” prior to the robbery attempts. Police fanned out around Cal Anderson Park following the 911 calls and searched the area for the suspect vehicle. One person was detained, but we don’t yet know what
Violent crime still on rise on Capitol Hill
connection that person had to the incidents. CHS Blog reports that nobody has been booked in connection with the crimes. The suspects in the two cases are Black males between 18 and 25 years old. Following several of the recent incidents, detectives received information that the men may be East African or Somali. In one of the incidents, the suspects were seen fleeing in a green Toyota Camry. SPD officials say the men could be responsible for up to 10 robberies within the last two weeks alone. If you have any information about these incidents or any other details that might help detectives track down these suspects, please contact SPD’s robbery unit at (206) 684-5535. For tips from SPD’s Crime Prevention Coordinators and Robbery Unit on what to do if you think you’re being followed by a robber or are targeted in a robbery go to http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2012/03/05/ broadcast-confidence-and-other-pro-tipson-how-to-avoid-a-robbery/. ANOTHER LGBT ASSAULT On Monday, the neighborhood learned that Jason Jacobs, well-known among the Gay Seattle bar scene and volunteer during the Approve Referendum 74 campaign, had been chased and beaten by a group of people when walking home from a night out drinking. Detective Renee Witt wrote in the August 5 police report, “Man chased and beaten by group of people. Just shortly after midnight, officers responded to a reported assault that occurred near the 200 block of Summit Ave. E. The victim was located in the parking lot of the Starbucks at 1600 E. Olive Way. The victim stated that he had been walking eastbound when he was approached by a group of suspects, 2 females and 3 males. The victim stated that the group began calling him derogatory names about his sexual orientation. The victim began running eastbound
see CRIME page 6
Anti-LGBT hate crimes continue to mount
came apparent to me that the list of victims was far greater than I, or anybody else, had originally thought. Not everyone had made The list of LGBT victims of violent crime a police report and many of the victims, out in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is in- of shame or fear, had never told anyone else creasing. The severity of the beatings and what had happened to them. muggings and the frequency at which they DON’T WALK ALONE are occurring is not sitting well with busiIn May, Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea), ness and home owners, as well as the neighthe nonprofit I am co-founder and president borhood’s visitors and residents – many of whom feel they are being targeted for being of, led an anti-crime march and rally on the Hill, with the message that “Our neighborLGBT. hood belongs to us, not crime.” Nearly 100 concerned citizens showed up to protest the violence. We also launched, in cooperation with Seattle Police Department (SPD), our Block Watch SAFE SPACE program, which is a business neighborhood watch program designed to train employees and owners how to de-escalate situations, be a good witness, and other essential skills. Now, in response to the recent attacks and the wave of anti-LGBT language, intimidation, and threats that have made their way into the Gayborhood, SOSea, in collaboraIf you, like me, live and work and play on tion with founding member Ceasar Hart, has the Hill, then you most likely know at least developed the NO ONE WALKS ALONE one or more of the victims. They are bar- awareness campaign. The message is simtenders, students, activists, and more. One ple: Don’t walk alone after dark. While this of the victims was carjacked at gunpoint in may not stop all crime, it will decrease your front of my house on East Pike, while an- risk of becoming a victim. Criminals look other victim, also a SOSea member, was for easy targets and those targets are almost nearly slashed with a knife in broad day- always alone. Look at the police reports light while onlookers did nothing. Shit from the last few months and you’ll find that has gotten real. People are being hurt and nearly 100% of them are victims that had a sense of anti-LGBT sentiment has crept been walking alone, mostly between about into the neighborhood. There is no doubt midnight and 6 a.m. If you need to be out about it. Simply put, the Hill is unsafe at late at night, share a cab. Walk with friends. Just don’t walk alone. night. A few months ago I wrote an editorial ONE NIGHT, TWO HOLDUPS about the rise in violent crime on the Hill. CHS Blog (www.capitolhillseattle.com) The piece was well-received and as people began to step forward and comment on it, reports that two people reported attempts to by telling their story and what happened to hold them up at gunpoint in incidents within them in regard to criminal activity, it be- minutes of each other early Thursday mornby Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
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August 9, 2013
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KERRY
continued from cover your same-sex marriage, then your visa application will still be treated equally at every single one of our 222 visa processing centers around the world.” A POST-DOMA SHIFT Kerry’s announcement was confirmation that U.S. policy had changed to reflect the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in June striking down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano had already announced that visas for same-sex married couples would be processed “in the same manner as those filed on behalf of an opposite-sex spouse,” within hours of the court’s ruling. For U.S. citizens in same-sex marriages, their foreign-born spouses will now enjoy easier access to U.S. visas. The same preferential treatment will apply, as it does to straight husbands and wives who seek spousal visas. “Now, as long as a marriage has been performed in a jurisdiction that recognizes it so that it is legal, then that marriage is valid under U.S. immigration laws, and every married couple will be treated exactly the same, and that is what we believe is appropriate,” Kerry explained. “Starting next year, that will include same-sex couples from England and Wales, which just this year passed laws permitting same-sex marriage that will take effect in 2014.” “If you are the spouse of a non-citizen, your visa application will be treated equally.”
the same rights as marriage for federal purposes. However, couples can be married in any jurisdiction where same-sex marriages are legally recognized. A couple legally married in their home state or province can apply as married, even if their home country does not recognize same-sex marriage at a federal level. In Brazil, for example, several states allow Gay and Lesbian couples to marry, although there is no law at the national level that recognizes the marriages. For couples who live in countries and states where same-sex marriage is not legal, they can be married in other countries that do recognize such marriages, and the State Department will recognize them as married couples. For U.S. citizens who are engaged to foreign-born partners but cannot legally marry, the partners can apply for fiancé visas to travel to the U.S. for the purpose of marrying.
CRIME
continued from page 5
pursued by the group. “The suspects eventually caught the victim and assaulted him. The victim sustained a broken nose, minor lacerations to his face, and knee abrasions. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment,” reports Witt. “The 37-year-old victim had been drinking and could only provide the vaguest of descriptions for the suspects. The suspects were last seen north bound on Summit Ave E. The suspects are described as (2) white females and three (3) white males. An area check was conducted with negative results.” Jacobs, and his friend Michael Sullivan had both attended the SOSea march against MARRIAGE IS REQUIRED To apply for spousal visas, same-sex crime and violence on the Hill. couples must be legally married. Domestic A BARTENDER’S TALE partnerships and civil unions do not confer
Andrew Flewelling is a well-known bartender at Purr Cocktail Lounge, on 11th Avenue between Pike and Pine. He’s the type of guy who doesn’t really ever seem to have his spirits down. One of the first things you notice about him is his smile. While no one can be certain who will be the next victim of some senseless act of violence or crime, we tend to think about such things in the abstract. So when I say that Flewelling is the last person you’d think would be a victim of a robbery at gunpoint, you can understand why that would be. But he was. He spoke with Seattle Gay News about the experience, which left him shaken but not defeated. “I was walking on 11th toward my car, parked a block away from Pine,” Flewelling told SGN. “I was approached by several men who asked me for a cigarette. I told them I didn’t have one and they surrounded me.” Then, Flewelling says, one of the men pulled out a gun, “pointed it at me and told me to empty my pockets.” “As soon as they took my belongings, they left and told me to continue walking,” he said. “I wasn’t hurt – they only searched through my pockets to make sure they got everything.” “Obviously, with someone holding a gun at me, I was afraid,” Flewelling recalled, adding, “as soon as they left me I was relieved, and the closer I got to the police station, the more secure I felt.” He walked the half-block to the East Precinct, only to find it locked. “But an officer leaving his shift let me in and stayed with me to help with the police report.” “The officer in the lobby of the station
VICTIMIZING THE VICTIMS At first, Flewelling wanted to remain anonymous. “I’m not stressed about the situation – I’ve dealt with what happened and I don’t want this to be about me,” he said. “I want this to be about keeping our neighborhood and our community safe and to pre-
Seattle Gay News
August 9, 2013
CRIME HURTS ALL OF US One thing to keep in mind is that whenever someone is robbed, beaten, or killed, it isn’t just the victim who suffers. Each of those people is loved by at least one other person. In this case, Flewelling’s partner, Andy Riffle, also feels the pain of what happened to his loved one – albeit in a somewhat different way. “Usually he is home by the time I wake up to go work at 4 a.m.,” Riffle told SGN. “As I am getting ready to head out the door I get a phone call from an unknown number. It was Andrew calling from the police station to let me know what had happened. My heart immediately dropped and started racing. I
“Now more than ever, we need to pay attention to our surroundings. I think we need to make choices and think about what we’re doing to keep ourselves safe, but I think some circumstances, though terrible, might not be avoidable.” was helpful and made sure to thoroughly note the incident for the report,” he said. “Several officers even stayed by my car to make sure I could get my spare key and get my car home safe. I was later contacted by a detective in case I needed to talk to someone or had any other information.” After the fact, although he is happy he didn’t get hurt, “I’m more irritated at the fact that I have so much to replace and so much paperwork to deal with. I’m not afraid they’re going to find me. I’m not afraid of this happening again, though I hope it doesn’t. It was an unfortunate incident, but I’m not going to let fear put my life on hold.” He maintains that even though he can’t say for sure, he doesn’t think he would’ve been able to avoid the situation if he had been walking with one or two more people. “I think even if I was walking with someone, we both would have been robbed. There were enough men that approached me that I don’t know if they would have been deterred.” While he is not yet ready to declare the Hill unsafe, Flewelling did say, “Now more than ever, we need to pay attention to our surroundings. I think we need to make choices and think about what we’re doing to keep ourselves safe, but I think some circumstances, though terrible, might not be avoidable.”
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vent as much as possible any incidents that may occur in the future.” What Flewelling is talking about is the victimizing of the victim. And as ugly as it is, it happens. When Social Outreach Seattle founding member and local entertainer Robbie Turner was attacked in May, he went public with his story and endured a pretty vocal backlash from community members who felt he was making the issue too much about himself. It was ridiculous. Robbie Turner did no such thing and even bravely showed up at the rally and march against crime to speak out about what happened to him. So, you see, Flewelling’s fears aren’t unfounded. We must always work toward understanding and compassion and never victimize the victim. But then, after asking him to reconsider, he agreed to go on the record and tell his story so that it might help others remain safer at night, especially when they are walking in or near Cal Anderson Park.
then called my work to tell them what had happened and headed to the police station to pick him up.” Dealing with the anger and fear after something like this happens, Riffle said, “my first instinct was to load him up with pepper spray and a Taser.” “But realistically, against a gun being held up to you, none of that is going to do anything,” he said. “The only thing I can do is pick him up at work or make sure he is with someone on his short walk to his car.” Riffle points out that his car was parked just two short blocks from Purr. PESSIMISTIC ASSESSMENT “It’s falling apart,” Riffle says of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, long known for its Gay residents. “What I feel used to be a welcoming, safe neighborhood is now turning into a crime-ridden community. I really don’t know why all these crimes have started. It’s just sad our community is not safe anymore.” “We really have to find a way to keep everyone safe, until we can find a way to stop these crimes from happening,” he said. “I hope that this will educate people on way to keep them and their loved ones safe in one of the most walkable cities that we call home.” Despite the rash of robberies, SPD maintains there are enough cops on the street and that 911 response time remains on target. “Officers are deployed in keeping with our Neighborhood Policing Plan. That means every officer has 30% of their shift available for problem-oriented policing and emergency 911 calls have an average seven-minute response time, regardless of precinct or watch,” SPD officials told CHS Blog.
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national news Kerry urged to ensure LGBT Olympic athletes’ safety – 83 signers Reps. McDermott, DelBene express concern over Russia’s anti-Gay laws by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Seattle-area U.S. Reps. Jim McDermott (D-7) and Suzan DelBene (D-1) this week joined 81 other House members in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry asking him to “determine the appropriate course of action to assure the safety and well-being of LGBT and LGBT-supporting individuals involved in or attending the 2014 Sochi Olympics and Paralympics.” The letter was written by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), a longtime ally of the LGBT community, and included both Democratic and Republican members of Congress. “The United States must do everything we can to protect those Americans who are traveling to Russia for the Olympic and Paralympic Games this winter. Russia’s anti-LGBT laws defy basic human rights that should be guaranteed to everyone at all times and in all places,” Nadler said in a statement. “These laws are completely contrary to the uniting spirit of the Olympics, which brings diverse nations together in a spirit of peaceful and friendly competition.” FEAR OF PERSECUTION McDermott, a vocal opponent of U.S. military interventions abroad, stressed his commitment to peace. “In the Olympic spirit of peace, mutual understanding, and friendship, I hope the Russians will welcome all of our citizens,” he told SGN. “That said, their recent anti-LGBT law is a major cause for concern and runs contrary to principles of human dignity and basic rights. The United States must take action to ensure that all our athletes, staff, and spectators are safe and fully respected when participating in the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.” DelBene echoed the concern for the safety of athletes and travelers in Russia. “All athletes deserve to be treated with respect during the Olympic games and LGBT
athletes should be able to compete without fear of persecution by Russian authorities,” she said in an e-mail to SGN. “The spirit of the Olympic Games is supposed to be of tolerance and mutual understanding by bringing together different cultures from around the world. The recent discriminatory law in Russia is unjustly harsh and can have real consequences for the safety and treatment of American and international LGBT athletes, staff, their supporters, and spectators in Russia during the 2014 Games. It’s critically important that our State Department take steps now to ensure no one is mistreated or suffers from the discriminatory laws in Russia.” WAITING FOR REPLY In addition to Nadler, McDermott, and DelBene, the letter was signed by Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and every openly LGBT member of the House: Jared Polis (D-CO), David Cicilline (D-RI), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Mark Pocan (DWI), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Mark Takano (D-CA). Nadler’s office told SGN they had not yet had a response from the State Department, but expected one soon. Although he did not sign on to the Nadler letter, Rep. Adam Smith (D-9) said he was “outraged” by Russia’s conduct and issued a statement expressing similar concern for the safety of athletes in Sochi. “Russia’s policies to arrest and intimidate LGBT people are appalling. Recent laws have allowed the Russian government to arrest anyone who is openly Gay or anyone who openly supports the equal treatment of LGBT people,” Smith wrote on August 8. “With the 2014 Winter Olympics set to take place in Sochi, Russia, in the coming months, I am deeply concerned about the safety and freedom of our athletes and visitors as they attend the Games. If President Putin cannot assure that LGBT athletes and supporters will be free to express themselves without fear of being jailed, then the U.S. needs to consider the implications of
Secretary of State John Kerry
participating in the Games. “With that said, after speaking with constituents and leaders on this issue, I am confident that we can adequately protect our athletes, and by participating and protesting the oppressive anti-LGBT laws in the spotlight of the Olympics, we can bring greater exposure to the discrimination and persecution of LGBT people in Russia and around the world. As this issue evolves, I will work with my colleagues to pressure Russia to ensure our athletes and visitors will be protected.” OBAMA: ‘NO PATIENCE’ In response to an inquiry from SGN, the State Department declined to discuss “communications with Congress,” but a department official reiterated State’s concerns about new Russian laws restricting “homosexual propaganda.” “The United States understands that the Russian ban on so-called ‘LGBT propaganda’ applies to both Russian citizens and foreigners in Russia,” the official said in an
e-mail statement. “The United States places great importance on the protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender persons, as well as anyone attending or participating in the Olympic Games. We call on Russia to uphold its international commitments regarding freedom of assembly and association and freedom of expression, now and in the future. “ Meanwhile, in an August 6 appearance on The Tonight Show, President Obama expressed impatience with Russia’s attitude. “I have no patience for countries that try to treat [LGBT people] in ways that intimidate them or are harmful to them,” the president said. “I think Putin and Russia have a big stake in making sure that the Olympics work, and I think that they understand that for most of the countries that participate in the Olympics we wouldn’t tolerate Gays and Lesbians being treated differently. They are athletes. They are there to compete.”
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The federal agency that administers benefits for employees of the U.S. government has announced new benefits for same-sex partners of retired federal workers. In a statement released August 2, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) said same-sex spouses of retired federal employees are now entitled to survivor benefits from their partners’ pension plans.
EUOBSERVER.COM
Feds extend survivor benefits to same-sex spouses
Survivor benefits are pension payments that continue to go to partners of retired employees even after the employee has died. The survivor benefit option is one of the key features of the federal retirement package. In addition to a lifetime monthly benefit of up to about half of what the retiree earned through federal service, it conveys eligibility to continue health insurance coverage for the life of the survivor. Previously, OPM had ruled that because of DOMA the agency could not offer any benefits to Gay or Lesbian spouses. That policy was an issue in two lawsuits challenging DOMA – Gill v. OPM and Golinski
see BENEFITS page 9
Same-sex spouses of retired federal employees are now entitled to survivor benefits.
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Honoring a lifetime of civil rights activism Bayard Rustin to be posthumously awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
The award is not limited to U.S. citizens and, while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel and worn on the uniform. It was established in 1963 and replaced the earlier Medal of Freedom
WORDPRESS.COM
The White House announced this week that Bayard Rustin, the late civil and human rights advocate, will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. An aide and confidant to Dr. Martin Luther King, Rustin, who died in 1987 at age 75, was the main organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, an iconic moment in the history of our nation. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin wrote President Obama a letter earlier this year urging him to posthumously grant the medal to Rustin. “Bayard Rustin’s contributions to the American civil rights movement remain paramount to its successes to this day,” said Griffin. “His role in the fight for civil rights of African-Americans is all the more admirable because he made it as a Gay man, experiencing prejudice not just because of his race, but because of his sexual orientation as well.” The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States and is – along with the comparable Congressional Gold Medal bestowed by an act of U.S. Congress – the highest civilian award in the United States. It recognizes those individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural, or other significant public or private endeavors.”
that was established by President Harry S. the 1980s, he also spoke up for the rights of Truman in 1945. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people, testifying in support of anti-discrimSIX DECADES OF ACTIVISM ination legislation in New York. Rustin was active in the struggle for civil “Bayard Rustin dedicated his life to adrights for 60 years, from organizing early vocating for fairness and equality and overfreedom rides in the 1940s, to serving as key came prejudice to help move our nation foradvisor to Dr. King, to helping found the A. ward,” added Griffin. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s Philip Randolph Institute. But his advocacy was far from limited to the rights of African largest civil rights organization working to Americans. He worked to end apartheid achieve Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transin South Africa, fought for the freedom of gender equality. By inspiring and engaging Soviet Jews, worked to protect the prop- all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimierty of Japanese Americans interned dur- nation against LGBT citizens and realize a ing World War II, and helped highlight the nation that achieves fundamental fairness plight of Vietnamese “boat people.” And in and equality for all. – Submitted by HRC
Bayard Rustin giving a rare speech
BENEFITS
November. The August 2 announcement fleshed out OPM’s previous statement that retirees who v. OPM – and was finally reversed after the are in legal same-sex marriages will have Supreme Court found Section 3 of DOMA two years from the date of the high court’s unconstitutional. ruling, through June 26, 2015, to choose a The Supreme Court’s decision in U.S. v. survivor benefits plan. Windsor, issued in late June of this year, means that OPM “is now able to extend THINGS TO CONSIDER benefits to Federal employees and annuiThere is a cost to survivor benefits, howtants who are legally married to spouses of ever. In its notice, OPM warned that retirees the same sex, regardless of the employees’ “should be aware that electing a survivor or annuitants’ states of residency,” the agen- annuity will require a reduction of his/her cy said in a Federal Register notice. annuity to provide the survivor annuity” and that they “should consider their language FOREIGN WEDDINGS INCLUDED carefully before sending OPM written reThe OPM will also recognize marriages quests regarding survivor benefits for their concluded outside the U.S., just as it does spouses.” for opposite-sex couples. The Social Security Administration, “Consistent with OPM’s long-standing which provides retirement income to all policy of recognizing the legal foreign mar- seniors, says it is working “to determine riages of opposite-sex couples for purposes how the [Supreme Court’s DOMA] deciof the retirement benefit programs that OPM sion affects our programs, and to develop administers, OPM will also recognize legal appropriate instructions for our personnel. same-sex marriages granted in countries We encourage individuals who believe they that authorize such marriages, regardless may be eligible for Social Security benefits of the employees’ or annuitants’ states of to apply now, to protect against the loss of residency, for purposes of these programs,” any potential benefits. We will process these OPM said. claims as soon as we have finalized our inOPM has already said that in addition to structions.” providing survivor benefits, employees and Social Security payments are part of the retirees in same-sex marriages now may retirement benefits package for most current cover their spouses and children under fed- federal employees and many recent retireral employee insurance programs, includ- ees, although older federal retirees typically ing health insurance, under the same eligi- worked under a different retirement system bility policies as are in force for opposite- that did not include Social Security benefits. sex spouses. While eligibility is automatic, employees and retirees are allowed to make enrollment changes through August 26, like switching from self-only coverage to self-and-family coverage, which will now be available to Gay and Lesbian families under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Afterward, they will have to wait until the next regular benefits open season, which starts in continued from page 7
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August 9, 2013
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international news
The trouble in Russia How should our community respond to the country’s anti-Gay law?
style during press conferences is sitting back and not looking too excited,” Obama said. “Now, part of it is he’s not accustomed There’s a big problem in Russia – and it to having press conferences where you’ve has little to do with vodka. got a bunch of reporters yelling questions at The lives of not only LGBT Russians, but you.” those who have immigrated to the country and those who are visiting, are being OBAMA DENOUNCES NEW LAW threatened – legally – by the passage of a However, according to Obama Adminisso-called “homosexual propaganda” law. tration officials, the passage of the anti-LGThis is a hate law. The Russian government, BT law in Russia played a part in his deciunder the leadership of ex-KGB Lt. Col. and sion to cancel on Putin. On Tuesday night current President Vladimir Vladimirovich Obama told Jay Leno, “I have no patience Putin, backed the law, which has led to nu- for countries that try to treat Gays or Lesmerous arrests, beatings, and bans against bians or Transgender persons in ways that LGBT people and specifically prohibits the intimidate them or are harmful to them.” “propaganda of non-traditional sexual rela“One of the things I think is very importions.” The controversial Russian law im- tant for me to speak out on is making sure poses fines on people for holding Gay rallies that people are treated fairly and justly beor giving information about the Gay com- cause that’s what we stand for, and I believe munity to young people. And now, activists that that’s a precept that’s not unique to are calling for all kinds of responses, includ- America. That’s just something that should ing a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics apply everywhere,” he said. in Sochi and (sigh) … a boycott of StoliSo what now, then? Let’s start with the chnaya Vodka. proposed boycott of Stoli vodka. But there’s also a problem in America. By now you’ve no doubt heard of, or perAnd it, likewise, has little to do with vodka. haps participated in, the boycott of Stoli. The problem is we want to do something When video footage of LGBT teens being about this mess, but we just don’t know bullied, sprayed with urine, and worse were what that something is. If only it were as first released, Seattle-based sex columnist simple as pouring vodka down a storm and Gay rights activist Dan Savage called drain. But it’s not. by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
PART OF A PROCESS I think it is obvious that the passage of this sick law, which harkens back to pre-WWII when Hitler began searching for scapegoats for the state of Germany in the 1930s, is the symptom of a much greater disease. Sure, Putin and his cronies are homophobic, but did they really pass this law just based on their idea that homosexuality is a form of “non-traditional sexual relations”? That’s highly unlikely. Let’s just cut through all the bullshit and remember that the Kremlin has spent a year honing its anti-American rhetoric on issues ranging from the adoption of Russian children to missile defense in Europe to the civil war in Syria. And, lest we forget, Russia’s decision last week to grant asylum to Edward Snowden, who is wanted in the U.S. for leaking the secrets of American intelligence agencies. All of these things, says President Obama, were factors in his decision to cancel a proposed meeting with Putin before or after the G-20 Summit next month. “Following a careful review begun in July, we have reached the conclusion that there is not enough recent progress in our bilateral agenda with Russia to hold a U.S.Russia summit in early September,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in an August 7 statement. Carney told members of the press that given the lack of progress on issues such as missile defense and arms control, trade and commercial relations, global security issues, and human rights and civil society in the last 12 months, “we have informed the Russian Government that we believe it would be more constructive to postpone the summit until we have more results from our shared agenda.” Obama said Tuesday night in an appearance on The Tonight Show, “There have been times where they slip back into Cold War thinking and a Cold War mentality, and what I consistently say to them and what I say to President Putin is that’s the past, and we’ve got to think about the future, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to cooperate more effectively than we do.” Obama also described his frigid rapport with Putin. “Well, you know, the truth is that when we had meetings we could have some pretty blunt exchanges, animated exchanges, but that seems to be his preferred
ment is designed to bring awareness to this outrage,” continued the statement from the popular neighborhood Gay bar. “R Place and many other Gay bars join in solidarity to give a voice to our oppressed Russian LGBT brothers and sisters.” Of course, all of that took place during the onset of when news of the law, and its subsequent consequences, began to surface. People were angry and wanted to direct their anger towards more than just Putin. After all, Putin is half a world away. Once Savage named Stoli the target, people began to take aim. LGBT-FRIENDLY? But then SPI Group, the parent company of Stolichnaya Vodka, fired back. SPI Group CEO Val Mendeleev has taken pains to distance the company from the Russian government, recently saying that his company
“One of the things I think is very important for me to speak out on is making sure that people are treated fairly and justly because that’s what we stand for, and I believe that that’s a precept that’s not unique to America. That’s just something that should apply everywhere.” for a boycott of Stoli. The call was answered. As many as 200 bars in New York participated in the Stoli ban, and some even took to the streets to pour out bottles still on the shelves. SEATTLE BARS DUMP STOLI In Seattle, R Place and Diesel were among the first Gay drinking establishments to ban Stoli. “Unfortunately, oppressive regimes have existed throughout the beginning of humankind,” R Place officials posted on Facebook. “One effective tool in ending discrimination is through the mode of boycott. Boycotts helped end apartheid, spurred the civil rights movement, and curbed potential atrocities. Major governments use a form of boycott to suppress aid in an attempt to eliminate human rights violations. We understand the frustrations tied to this affects entire populations. Sometimes things need to cause a little discomfort to send a bigger message to enforce change. Losing a little revenue pales in comparison to the suffering tied to discrimination, imprisonment, and even death. “We are aware that on a global basis this #Dumprussianvodka boycott may have little impact to Russia’s vodka profits,” R Place officials continued, referencing information from an excerpt from The Wire, “Now, will this push be enough to actually hurt Russia’s vodka companies and effect change? There is evidence, according to one marketing study, that 45 percent of Gay men and 44 percent of Lesbians who drink prefer to drink vodka. That’s a solid number, but given that LGBT people are just a small number of the general population, the boycott could be futile. “As futile as this may seem, this move-
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“has been a friend of the LGBT community and has been an opponent of the Russian government.” Stoli is “not a Russian company,” but does employ “several hundred” of its 2,500 employees in the country, according to Mendeleev. Stoli operates a distillery in Russia and gets its ingredients from there as well. As of August 7, SPI Group’s “Culture and People” section of its website has a new paragraph under “Employee Welfare” that reads, “SPI Group is an equal opportunity employer. SPI Group does not and will not discriminate in employment or personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, sexual orientation, handicap, religion, or national origin.” While the policy indicates that the parent company does not discriminate against people based on “sexual orientation,” it should be noted that it does not include a clause protecting members of the Transgender community. The website also does not include information about the benefits offered to same-sex couples compared to straight couples. OWNERSHIP DISPUTE And there’s more. According to information provided to Seattle Gay News by a source close to SPI Group, the brand is solely owned by ex-Russian entrepreneur Yuri Scheffler, who was forced out of Russia over 10 years ago and currently lives in London and Geneva. Scheffler legally acquired the Stolichnaya brand in 1997 and SPI Group currently sells vodka under that name in over 150 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. According to the source, “For over a decade, the Russian state-owned FKP Soyuzplodoimport has owned and operated the
August 9, 2013
Stolichnaya brand in Russia. It was seized from SPI Group by the Russian government in 2001 and illegitimately ‘nationalized.’ Since that time, we have been locked in a legal battle with the Government over the ownership of the trademark.” In 2000, within weeks of taking office, the new Russian government issued an order to confiscate the Stoli brand without compensation to SPI. “Our offices were raided, our files taken. The Russian courts, being what they are, supported the government over our claims,” said the source. The company was soon thereafter forced to move its headquarters to Europe (today it is in Luxembourg). Unfortunately, the Russian government did not stop there and since 2000 has been trying to seize the brand in other countries. “Since SPI Group was kicked out of Russia, we have been fighting the government tooth-and-nail in courts around the world to retain control of our brand in the 150 countries we sell Stolichnaya Vodka,” continued the source. “They have used friendly lawyers, misleading press releases, and other tactics to try and confuse the public and grab control of the brand from us. It drives them crazy that we continue to sell this high-quality vodka outside their control.” “Our influence in Russia is limited because Stoli cannot have any sales, marketing or PR activities in the country; however, we have been one of the few companies over the past decade that has been very vocal in the fight with the Russian State about numerous matters including the ownership of the brand in Russia,” they said. ASSURANCES OF SUPPORT SPI Group told Seattle Gay News, “We support the LGBT community around the world to be free and equal members of society and free from persecution and laws that prevent their freedom. Therefore we oppose the laws recently passed by the Russian government against the LGBT community there and the violent attacks members and supporters of that community have endured.” “While our sponsorships of Pride events are most widely known, we do support the LGBT community through other programs and nonprofits that need outside support to function and produce their events,” said SPI officials. “Nevertheless, as the situation in the Russian LGBT community has significantly deteriorated over the past few weeks, we are actively studying this matter and looking into what is in our power to do to help, including making donations to charities or NGOs that will be better equipped than us to lobby against the laws.” In addition, SPI officials told SGN, “We wanted to make it clear that while we are proud of our Russian heritage, we are not a Russian state-owned brand nor do we support their laws and actions against the LGBT community there. Over the past four years our marketing campaign has been focused on originality and the diversity of people and respect of different people when different people have fun and enjoy their lives and delivering a consistent product that is the highest quality on the market.”
see TROUBLE page 17
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12TH ANNUAL SEATTLE TATTOO EXPO AUGUST 9-11 SEATTLE CENTER NW ROOMS www.seattletattooexpo.com
TRIANGLE RECREATION CAMP – “NEON DREAMS” UNDERWEAR FOAM PARTY AUGUST 9-11 www.camptrc.org and on Facebook THREE DOLLAR BILL CINEMA – “I NEED A HERO” SUMMER MOVIE SERIES On Friday, August 9, at Cal Anderson Park (11th Ave. & E. Olive St.), join Three Dollar Bill Cinema for the next movie in their outdoor summer movie series. On Friday, August 9, it’s Batman: The Movie (1966); and on Friday, August 16, it’s Conan: The Destroyer (1984). All screenings are FREE and start at dusk. www.threedollarbillcinema.org BREATHE DEEP SEATTLE – A FUNDRAISING RUN & WALK TO BENEFIT LUNG CANCER RESEARCH On Saturday, August 10, at Lincoln Park (8011 Faunteroy Way SW) check-in at 8:30 a.m.; program at 9 a.m.; 5K timed run and untimed walk/fun run at 9:30 a.m.; closing ceremony at 11 a.m., join the LUNGevity Foundation for Breathe Deep Seattle, a 5K walk and timed run to raise funds for lung cancer research through the LUNGevity Foundation, the largest private funder of lung cancer research, and to raise awareness for America’s #1 cancer killer, lung cancer. LUNGevity is also able to provide a community of hope for those affected by this disease. Registration fees for the event range from $10 to $40. Event participants will receive a free t-shirt and be treated to refreshments and a DJ after the event. Event participants will also receive their own web page to raise funds toward lung cancer research and to track their individual or team goal. The Breathe Deep Seattle 5K race and walk is a wonderful way for participants to spend a summer morning. Participants will enjoy a beautiful one-mile trail run through evergreen forests, with views from a bluff to the Puget Sound below. Then they will wind their way down to the beach and run for 2 miles along the water on paved and hardpacked gravel travel. Wildlife, waves, and mountain and sound views will inspire! For more information, to register or to make a donation, visit www.lungevity.org/ seattle or call the LUNGevity office at 312464-0716. LEO PARTY X On Sunday, August 11, VIP Reception at 6 p.m.; Variety Show at 8 p.m., Neighbours Nightclub (1605 Broadway, entrance in alley between Broadway and Harvard off E. Pike St.) proudly presents Joe Torres’ Leo Party X featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Jujubee and Yara Sofia with Aleksa Manila, Roxy Doll, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and hot go-go’s. $30-VIP; $10 general admission. leopartyx.brownpapertickets.com. A benefit for Seattle Counseling Service. SEATTLE PEACE CONCERTS On Sunday, August 11, from noon-6 p.m., at Magnuson Park Beach Area enjoy the music of Stephen Smartt, The Daily Flash, Emerald Fire, Alice Stuart, and Septimus at this FREE city-wide outdoor concert.
16 Seattle Gay News
Seattle Peace Concerts will be held from June through September at Woodland Park, Gas Works Park, Magnuson Park Beach Area and Volunteer Park. All ages welcome. Cash and non-perishable food bank donations welcome. For a complete schedule, visit www.seapeace.org.
ACLU OF WASHINGTON – “MARRIGE EQUALITY AFTER DOMA” On Monday, August 12, from 6-8 p.m., at Seattle University, Pigott Auditorium (901 12th Ave.), ACLU of Washington and Q-Law host a community meeting on “Marriage Equality after DOMA.” Now that part of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has been overturned, what does it mean for you and your relationships? Join us for a FREE community meeting that will help answer those questions. Panelists will provide information relating to tax and employee benefits, family law, social security, portablity, military benefits, immigration, and what the next steps are to achieve the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in every state throughout the country. To RSVP, email events@aclu-wa.org. OUT FOR SUSTAINABILITY – “EVOLUTION OF A GAYBORHOOD” On Tuesday, August 13, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., with the panel starting at 6:15 p.m., OUT for Sustainability, the Pride Foundation, the GSBA (Greater Seattle Business Association), and the Bullitt Foundation invite you to an evening at the new Bullitt Center: UW Integrated Design Lab (1501 E. Madison St.) to discuss trends in sustainable built environments in areas with a strong LGBTQ identity. The neighborhood is changing and so we’re diving into the history that got us here, the policy and economy that’s shaping current trends, and the buildings that are literally changing the character of the “Gayborhood.” The evening will feature a short panel followed by interactive smaller group discussions with some of the bright minds and active leaders on this emerging topic. Special guests include: Tom Rasmussen (Seattle City Council, co-author of the Pike/Pine Conservation Overlay District), Michael Brown (University of Washington, Political and Health Geography), Alex Brennan (Capitol Hill Housing, Sustainable Communities), and a local business owner to be announced. Capacity is limited, so please RSVP. $7 suggested donation. Light appetizers and refreshing beverages (non-alcoholic) will be provided. www.out4s.org POZ SEATTLE – “SUMMER BEACH PARTY BBQ” On Wednesday, August 14, form 6-8 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (13th Ave. & E. Pine St.), join POZSeattle on the back patio for some summer grillin’ fun, socializing, to catch-up with old friends, to make new ones, Trivia, and a whole lot of fun. Please bring your appetite for burgers, chicken breasts, beef hot dogs, Boca burgers (with all the fixin’s), chips, salads and desserts. Please wear your favorite board shorts, or swimsuit and sign up for the Wet Swimsuit Contest. Prizes awarded by group voting. This event is offered at no cost (no one turned away for lack of funds), but to help with overhead costs, a $2 donation is requested and you can always give more! POZSeattle is fully self-supported by your donations. Beverages are at cost from The Cuff bar. This event is for all HIV-Positive men and their friends, regardless of age, shape, size, or color. POZSeattle is a social organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-Positive guys that is committed to planning and promot-
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compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
ing fund, social activities. Their primary tains are Ceasar Hart and Jenuwine Beaute monthly event is held the 2nd Wednesday with a special performance by Jessica Paradisco. each month at The Cuff. This summer POZSeattle is also hosting TULALIP CASINO – a few Sunday BBQs at The Cuff. The next MELISSA ETHERIDGE one is Sunday, August 18, 4-8 p.m. IN CONCERT For questions or more information about AUGUST 18 this event, to plan your own social event, or www.tulalipcasino.com to be added to the POZSeattle event promotions email list, email contactpozseattle@ LATINO THEATRE PROJECTS gmail.com or visit www.pozseattle.org & BURIEN LITTLE THEATRE – BEAUTY OF THE FATHER GREENSTAGE – AUGUST 2-25 SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK On Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., AT VOLUNTEER PARK On Thursday, August 15, at 7 p.m., at and on Sundays at 2 p.m., from August 2 Volunteer Park amphitheatre (14th Ave. E. through August 25, Latino Theatre Projects & E. Prospect St.), GreenStage presents A presents Beauty of the Father by Pulitizer Midsummer Night’s Dream. On Friday, Au- Prize-winner Nilo Cruz at Burien Little gust 16, at 7 p.m., at Volunteer Park, Green- Theatre (14501 Fourth Ave. S., Burien). In Beauty of the Father, a young AmeriStage presents King Lear. On Saturday, August 17, GreenStage presents both King can woman travels to Spain to meet her Lear at 3 p.m., and A Midsummer Night’s long-estranged Gay artist father and falls Dream at 7 p.m., at Volunteer Park. FREE - for his Moroccan companion. Cruz explores donations appreciated. www.greenstage.org the conflict between love and sacrifice in an unrequited love triangle in Andalusia, where the restless ghost of Spanish poet/ SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN playwright Federico Garcia Lorca wanders BOOK CLUB – the streets, conversing with the living. THE STORY OF THE NIGHT Lorca is considered the premier writer in The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday from 6-7:15 p.m., Spanish history. During the Spanish Civil at Seattle Area Support Groups Community War, he was executed by General Franco’s national security forces because of his leftCenter (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.) In August, the club will discuss The Story ist politics and because he was well-known of the Night by Colm Toibin. Twice short- to be a homosexual. After his death, he was listed for the Booker Prize, this Irish Gay martyred to their cause by the Republicans author has written a man-to-man love story and, in current times, is revered by Spain’s unfolding against the political turmoil of Gay community. It is believed that some of Lorca’s best poArgentina in the time of the Generals. This novel is on most lists of the 100 best Gay ems were written about various Gay lovers. novels ever written. Toibin currently has a However, he never found true love before novel on the national bestseller list, Trans- he was murdered. Cruz brings his ghost into atlantic, and also wrote the non-fiction book the play to provide a kindred spirit for the artist Emiliano as he grapples with learning about Gay authors, Love in a Dark Time. All GLBTQ folks are welcome to par- to be a father again and discovers that his ticipate in this FREE book club. For more daughter and his Gay lover have become ininformation, visit http://faculty.washington. volved. Tickets: $7-$20. Check out special openedu/swittet/SGLBookClub/. ing weekend ticket deals. 206-242-5180; www.latinotheatreprojects.org; www.burBORDER RIDERS ienlittletheatre.org MOTORCYCLE CLUB WEEKEND RUN GAY CITY ARTS – AUGUST 16-18 “TO TAKE THIS RISK” On Friday, August 16 to Sunday, AuTHRU SEPTEMBER 9 gust 18, Border Riders Motorcycle Club From August 8-September 9, Gay City hosts their Goldstream Park Weekend Run near Victoria, BC. For more information Arts (517 E. Pike St.) presents “To Take about Border Riders Motorcycle Club and This Risk,” an exhibition of work by Grant this weekend run, visit www.borderriders. Rehnberg. Grant Rehnberg, a self-taught collage com and mixed-media artist, draws inspiration from lost images (vintage Gay porn, old SEATTLE HEMPFEST photos, archaic maps, discarded medical AUGUST 16-18 textbooks). Through alteration and fresh MYRTLE EDWARDS PARK juxtaposition, these transformed images www.seattlehempfest.org make the invisible visible, the forgotten 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE remembered. “To Take This Risk” is one MARCH ON WASHINGTON (D.C.) Queer’s response to life’s “crippling hurt” FOR JOBS AND EQUALITY and restorative love. Grant strives to expose On Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m.-6 both the very real risks and infinitely more p.m., at MLK Memorial Park (2300 Martin beautiful rewards of living (and loving) auLuther King, Jr. Way S.), the Coalition of thentically. Black Trade Unionists host the 50th Anni“There is no intensity of love or feeling versary commemoration and celebration of that does not involve the risk of crippling the historic and pivotal March on Washing- hurt. It is a duty to take this risk, to love and ton (D.C.) for jobs and equality. The public feel without defense or reserve.” (William is invited. Endorsed by the Martin Luther S. Burroughs) King County Labor Council. “To Take This Risk” is presented in conjunction with Gay City Arts, through which SEATTLE AREA Gay City collaborates with local LGBT artSUPPORT GROUPS – ists to galvanize an audience for Queer arts, “BAT N’ ROUGE” foster the development of LGBT artists, and On Saturday, August 17, from noon-4 facilitate excellence across a wide range of p.m., at Bobby Morris Playfield / Cal An- disciplines, including theater, music, dance, derson Park (11th Ave. & E. Olive St.), Se- fim, spoken word, literary and visual arts. attle Area Support Groups presents “Bat n’ For more information, visit www. Rouge: Dykes vs. Drag Queens 2013.” Join grantrehnberg.com. hosts Jesse Volt and Drew Paradisco for this hilarious softball fundraising event to benefit Seattle Area Support Groups. Team Cap-
Celebrating 40 Years!
TROUBLE
continued from page 9 SPI also addressed the allegations that they use Russian workers and goods when distilling the vodka. “Stoli’s production process involves both Russia and Latvia. Stoli is made from Russian ingredients (wheat, rye, and raw alcohol) blended with pure artesian well water at our historic distillery and bottling facility, Latvijas Balzams, in Riga, Latvia (formerly part of the Russian Empire and then of the Soviet Union, today an independent state part of the E.U.), which has been one of its main production and bottling facilities since 1948.” The takeaway from all of this, I think, is that the pro-Stoli boycott folks aren’t wrong, and neither are those who say they won’t participate in the boycott. What Dan Savage was able to successfully do is give people a focus point, locally, and begin the conversation about what we intend to do about the trouble in Russia. That conversation has sustained for well over three weeks now. Mission accomplished, Mr. Savage. TO BOYCOTT, OR NOT? Then there is the question of what should be done about the Olympics. At first, the simple answer would be for all democratic nations to boycott the 2014 Games, to be held in the Russian resort city of Sochi. But what activists have learned about this issue is that it ain’t that simple. Nearly 100,000 people have signed a Change.org petition calling on people to “Stand Against Russia’s Brutal Crackdown on Gay Rights: Urge Winter Olympics 2014 Sponsors to Condemn Anti-Gay Laws.” “In Russia, it is basically illegal to say that you are Gay,” said the petition’s sponsor. “You cannot kiss your partner in public. You can’t have a rainbow flag in public. You can’t even acknowledge that you are Gay, or else you face possible imprisonment and fines.” “Russia is becoming one of the most antiGay places in the entire world. But it’s also going to hold the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, where the world is supposed to come together in a spirit of community and togetherness,” continued the sponsor. “But how could LGBT people and their families be welcome, when they run the risk of being thrown in jail or fined just for being who they are?” RUSA LGBT, a Russian-speaking American association for members of the Gay community, says that LGBT athletes and spectators will not be safe in Sochi. The petition sponsor says that given the Russian government’s recent actions toward LGBT people, nobody should feel safe during the Olympic Games. “That’s why I’m asking the major sponsors and partners of the Sochi 2014 Olympic games – Coca-Cola, Panasonic, Samsung, Procter & Gamble, and Visa – to condemn Russia’s anti-Gay laws, which are some of the most repressive laws in recent history, and pull their sponsorship from Russia’s Olympic games,” said the sponsor. You can sign the petition here: www. change.org/petitions/stand-against-russia-sbrutal-crackdown-on-gay-rights-urge-winter-olympics-2014-sponsors-to-condemnanti-gay-laws. “It’s time for these companies to put their support for LGBT people first, and send a message to Russia that their anti-Gay laws are not only contrary to basic human rights, but fly in the face of the spirit of the Olympic Games, which celebrate human dignity and community above all else,” concludes the Change.org petition. MOVE THE GAMES? Another tactic, say activists, is to move the Olympic Games out of Sochi, and Russia, altogether. LGBT Activist and U.S. Navy Veteran Brian Stone said in a Huffington Post op-ed, “If we don’t boycott the Olympics, we’re going to be watching NBC’s beautiful landscapes of the Russian countryside while Gays and Lesbians are beaten to death in the dark streets of St. Petersburg and Moscow.” Stone asks, “Are we going to allow a repeat of 1936, when the Nazi regime used the Berlin Summer Olympics as a propaganda front?”
He also supports the boycott of corporate sponsors. “We need to tell the world that any products advertised during the Olympic Games in Sochi are going to be boycotted indefinitely. Corporations have no right to our business, or to our family and friend’s business, if they are going to try to sell products during a Russian propaganda festival.” “Russia and the Russians have made their choice,” he said. “And they’ve chosen a homophobic dictatorship. It’s past time we stopped rewarding them for it.” MUTKO’S MIXED MESSAGE Urging critics of Russia’s new anti-Gay law to “calm down,” the country’s sports minister said last week that the rights of all athletes competing at next year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi will be respected. Vitaly Mutko did, however, insist that athletes would “have to respect the laws of the country” during the Feb. 7-23 games in the Black Sea resort in southern Russia. Mutko said “the athletes can come and compete,” and the chase for medals should be their primary concern. “This is a sports forum,” he went on. “This is a sports festival and we have to talk only about it.” He insisted that, beyond the law, Russia has “a constitution that guarantees to all citizens rights for the private life and privacy.” “Rest assured that all the athletes and all the sports organizations should be relaxed,” he added, saying the issue had been blown out of proportion by a groundswell of protest and unease outside Russia. FRY’S IMPASSIONED PLEA Openly Gay actor Stephen Fry wrote an open letter to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and the International Olympic Committee calling for a boycott of the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. The letter is receiving a lot of attention because Fry compares Putin to Hitler. “An absolute ban on the Russian Winter Olympics of 2014 on Sochi is simply essential. Stage them elsewhere – in Utah, Lillehammer, anywhere you like. At all costs Putin cannot be seen to have the approval of the civilized world,” said Fry. “He is making scapegoats of Gay people, just as Hitler did Jews. He cannot be allowed to get away with it. I know whereof I speak. I have visited Russia, stood up to the political deputy who introduced the first of these laws, in his city of St. Petersburg. I looked into the face of the man and, on camera, tried to reason with him, counter him, make him understand what he was doing,” he said. “ All I saw reflected back at me was what Hannah Arendt called, so memorably, ‘the banality of evil.’ A stupid man, but like so many tyrants, one with an instinct of how to exploit a disaffected people by finding scapegoats. “Putin may not be quite as oafish and stupid as Deputy Milonov, but his instincts are the same,” Fry continued. “He may claim that the ‘values’ of Russia are not the ‘values’ of the West, but this is absolutely in opposition to Peter the Great’s philosophy, and against the hopes of millions of Russians, those not in the grip of that toxic mix of shaven-headed thuggery and bigoted religion, those who are agonized by the rolling back of democracy and the formation of a new autocracy in the motherland that has suffered so much (and whose music, literature and drama, incidentally, I love so passionately).” “I am Gay. I am a Jew. My mother lost over a dozen of her family to Hitler’s antiSemitism,” he concludes. “Every time in Russia (and it is constantly) a Gay teenager is forced into suicide, a Lesbian ‘correctively’ raped, Gay men and women beaten to death by neo-Nazi thugs while the Russian police stand idly by, the world is diminished and I for one, weep anew at seeing history repeat itself.” IAAF KEEPS ITS DISTANCE The International Association of Athletics Federations has urged Russia to reconsider its views on Gay rights, but the head of track and field’s ruling body said Thursday the federation did not want to raise political issues about the law.
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“I don’t have the feeling there is a problem whatsoever,” IAAF President Lamine Diack said. “There is a law that exists. The law has to be respected. Some things have to be respected. We are here for the world championships.” The trouble is, the law that the IAAF president wants respected is leading to the senseless and violent deaths of LGBT Russians. In May, a 23-year-old man was tortured to death in Russia in an apparent homophobic attack, investigators said, amid the rise in anti-Gay sentiments in the country. The victim’s battered and naked body was found in the courtyard of an apartment building in the southern city of Volgograd on May 11. The young man had suffered numerous injuries, including to the genitalia, and had been sodomized with several beer bottles. “He was raped with beer bottles and had his skull smashed with a stone,” Natalia Kunitskaya, a spokeswoman for the Volgograd region branch of the Investigative Committee, said. She confirmed the attack was believed to have been a hate crime, in a rare admission from Russian law enforcement agencies on the sensitive issue of homophobia in the country. In June, a 39-year-old airport senior airport administrator was savagely stabbed and trampled to death before his body was stuffed in a box, placed in his car and set on fire.
A report from May notes that 19-year-old Alex Bulygin, a victim of the ‘fighters with pedophiles’ branch of the group, committed suicide after having his sexuality revealed online. The group was established with the intention of revealing the identities of pedophiles, but after turning to adult Gay men, it has now begun targeting teenage boys. The Spectrum report says that no police action has been taken against the incidents, despite numerous victims, and that more than 500 similar groups have been formed across Russia using the VK social networking site. SOSEA RESPONDS As co-founder and president of Social Outreach Seattle, I can tell you that my organization is not taking this issue lightly. Last Friday, we held an awareness rally, “To Russia With Love” to protest these terrible crimes and the law that the Russian government and so many of its people have embraced. We are planning future actions at the Consulate General of the Russian Federation’s office (600 University St., Suite 2510, One Union Square Building, Seattle). Please visit www.socialoutreachseattle.com for more information. There is more that can be done and we intend to build a coalition of organizations that call on the Russian government to undo this law, police its people, and stop the hate and cruelty it is inflicting on its LGBT citizens.
TEENAGERS TARGETED In July, Gay victims aged 12-16 were reportedly lured in by group Occupy-Pedofilyay, led by Maxim Martsinkevich, known under the nickname “Cleaver.” Videos were then filmed and circulated of the victims being made to come out as Gay, with parents, schools, or friends finding out about their sexuality. An uncensored image of one of the victims, covered in red paint, holding a sex toy, and being held down, appeared on the Spectrum Human Rights Alliance blog, as well as a video of the torture of one victim who was sprayed with urine in public.
Gay Russian teen dies after torture tled one of the grave monuments and forced Gorodilov to run in front of their car while carrying a huge wooden cross. A Russian teenager has died as a result of When Russian Orthodox authorities filed torture by an anti-Gay, neo-Nazi group call- a complaint with the local police, members ing itself Occupy-Pedofilyay, according to of the group were brought in for questioning Spectrum Human Rights Alliance. but subsequently released without charges. The young man reportedly was one of several Gay teens kidnapped by the group, SUPPORTED BY OFFICIALS then videotaped as they were beaten and huThe leader of Occupy-Pedofilyay has miliated by their abductors. The teens were been identified as Maksim Martsinkevich, reportedly lured into a trap by hookup ads known as “The Cleaver.” Other members of posted on VK, a popular Russian social me- his group have not been identified by name, dia site. but their pictures have been posted online, In photos, the victim was shown stripped posing with some of their victims. to his underwear, daubed with red paint, and Nevertheless, no charges have been forced to kneel in front of his attackers. Oth- brought against them by Russian authoriers have been sprayed with urine or forced ties. According to Spectrum Human Rights, to pose with dildos. authorities have actually referred to the The young man said to have died was not group, which purports to oppose child sex identified by name, but it was reported that abuse, as one of the “civil movements fighthe was of Uzbek nationality. Russian neo- ing the sins of the society.” Nazis are known to target Jews and Central Human rights activist Dr. Valentin DeAsian Muslims, such as Uzbeks, as well as gtyarev told Spectrum Human Rights that Gay men. he had sent “numerous written complains to the authorities” about Occupy-Pedofilyay, BEATINGS AND OUTINGS but this “only resulted in his own perseA previous victim, identified as 19-year- cution and threats directed at him and his old Alex Bulygin, committed suicide after 72-year-old mother.” his sexual identity was revealed in an online According to the British website Pink video. It was not stated definitively whether News, more than 500 similar groups have the Uzbek teen committed suicide or died been formed across Russia using the VK site as a result of injuries, but Spectrum Human to entrap young Gay men. Rights say he “tragically died as a result of Spectrum Human Rights is planning a numerous tortures.” conference on LGBT rights in Russia, to In a related case, Gay rights activist Artem be held August 19-21 in Washington, D.C. Gorodilov was kidnapped by Occupy-Pedo- Speakers will include prominent LGBT filyay and taken to the local cemetery, where activists and scholars from Russia and the he was beaten. His abductors then disman- United States. by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
August 9, 2013
Seattle Gay News 17
Tour de Life: The ups and downs of dating apps by Beau Burriola SGN Foreign Correspondent
“Scruff,” my Irish Gay friend Owen tells his friend Melanie at the pub, turning around his phone and pointing out a screen full of men who are apparently arranged by distance from him. “It’s like Grindr.” I am listening intently, careful to appear all-knowing when I’m getting a lesson, too. In the eight years I was in a relationship, technology changed the whole dating world. At 34, I consider myself reasonably advanced with using technology, but the relatively new area of dating technology makes me feel like I’ve stepped out of a time machine into a brave new world. Mobile dating apps have been something I heard about on news stories – like when the Olympics went to London and Grindr crashed – but never seen in person, certainly not like this. “Women would never do this thing,” Melanie announces in her adorable French accent, with a sort of shocked bemusement. “A woman wants more than a picture to know if she wants to meet a man, not just how he looks and how far away he is. She will go further if he is worth meeting.” “We are not so patient,” Christophe says and laughs, looking at me. I nod and giggle into my beer, but file away the odd app name. Now, single again, I find myself putting my toes into very unfamiliar waters. I am uncertain, a little afraid and a little excited in equal measure. In a slow spell sitting at my desk at work, I download the app. I put in a smiling picture, click a few buttons, and then the little patchwork quilt of men – well, torsos and beards and the odd cat – pop up on the screen, arrayed in order of distance from me. The first thing I notice is how many of these guys are close to me – very close. If they are less than 100 meters from me,
they must be at my work. I scroll down a bit and then back up in a panic – that can’t be HIM. Don’t I know him? Or HIM!? Isn’t THAT guy married? “Pssst,” I say to Jeff, my best buddy and fellow American expat at work. “Scruff,” I say, showing him my iPad proudly. “It shows me how many of the
Gays are closest to me,” sounding all knowing, although in reality I only found this app last night. “Oh,” Jeff says, “it’s like Grindr?” “How do you know about Grindr?” I ask, surprised. Jeff moved out here years ago to be with his Belgian wife, Kim, and very often I learn about anything Gay from him
because here they’ve got more Gay friends screen toward them and opening the cover, than I’ve got. Nothing surprises him. I quickly and definitively discover the ugly “I wish there were something like that side of mobile dating apps. Having forgotfor straight people,” he says with a laugh. ten to close the thing, the first thing that “Women want a lot of care.” opens is the latticework of torsos, faces, and I turn around my phone and show him the odd cat. my surprise realization from the night bePaying no mind to my burning ears and fore, how many faces, headless torsos, and dizzying embarrassment, I slap the lid shut with no subtlety and a lot of discomfort. It’s a defining moment of my professional life, I realize instantly, but I pretend it is nothing in the hope that nobody actually saw anything or – if they did – that they didn’t quite see close enough to realize what it was. I go on without my iPad, pretending it is all in my head. Mostly. Just four minutes into the presentation, I hear a “ding” from my iPad. This fairly normal noise causes me a bit more embarrassment than usual since I slapped the lid of the damned machine down. Then another. Then another. Over the next hour, in quick succession, my iPad gives a little chime and vibrates eight times, throwing me off my game and distracting me entirely from my breadwinning job. Later, as I would learn, these are notifications from Scruff that someone likes my face. At the end of the meeting, having recovered enough to finish my main contract points – but still red as a cherry – I thank the participants as they leave the room. One of the stuffy suits, Joeren, stays in the room. I pretend he is not there at first, until I realize I can’t anymore. “Scruff ,” he says, smiling, then walks out with a smirk bordering on a laugh. I sure have a lot to learn. “Some of the most devastating things the odd cat show up less than 100 meters that happen to you will teach you the most.” from me, or in our work building. – Ellen DeGeneres “Wow,” he says, sufficiently impressed. I close my iPad, pleased as pudding with my Beau Burriola (beaubrent@gmail.com) newfound social tool. is a 34-year-old expat writer finding his way An hour later, in a stuffy meeting of five back into the big, wide world of dating. suits, it is my turn to present. I grab my iPad and go to pull up a presentation. Turning the
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18 Seattle Gay News
August 9, 2013
Celebrating 40 Years!
Kiki with D
Time for a trade-in?
of relationship. In the spirit of true brotherand-sisterhood how are we encouraging camaraderie in these types of actions? With DOMA’s demise we have made leaps and bounds toward equality. This is truly a time to celebrate. Let us not downplay that with showing such disregard for the movement. But if you are done with your FWB and you want to move on, let him know that he can take this time to find someone who will value, treasure, and treat him the way he deserves. He can now find that special someone to make a life with and enjoy all that life has to offer. Sorry if this is harsh but it’s time to get real. Life waits for no one. You have to seize
but not fast enough for you. It sounds like there is more to this story than what’s being told. Time to investigate, and what better way to do that than getting the inside scoop? If you are not ready to cut your losses and move on, I have an idea I would like you to ponder. Think about how much you would spend on an average date. Offer that amount to her, if you feel that $200 would be too much to ask of a person you have only known a short period of time. Also, offer to help her move. This shows your willingness to be there for her in her time of need. Not to mention it won’t bust your pockets either. Take time to look at how she reacts and what she says
If you are done with your FWB and you want to move on, let him know that he can take this time to find someone who will value, treasure, and treat him the way he deserves. the moment. If you don’t want to love him, allow and respect him enough to find the one who will. Take pride in the movement, not just the celebration. Remember why we are celebrating. Hope this helps. And as always, stay positive and remember to encourage yourself! –D
by D Smith Special to the SGN Dear D, My current FWB is starting to get a little boring. Things are kind of routine between us and with Pride coming up, I think I would like to try someone new. My FWB is sensitive and I’m hoping you’ll have some words that would allow me to let him down easy. – Trying to Care When I Really Don’t Dear Trying, Wow, you have truly opened my eyes to an entirely new world! Thank you for that. You know, until I received your e-mail I had no clue how common this is. Please forgive me; I had to do some research on this one. I thought I was up on the new trends of the latest and greatest. This was a very interesting journey into a world on sexual freedom that I had no clue
existed. I can appreciate the fact that you have taken things out of the original context of being friends. However, once you cross the line to become something more, are you really still friends or are you something else? Identify what you now have with this person. If you call them your friend you care enough or value them enough not to hurt them – otherwise, why would you be asking me for advice? I feel that this is a way to quickly make you feel comfortable with a person, at least comfortable enough to have sex with them under the ruse and illusion that you are friends. If this person is your friend, why would you place them in this kind of situation? We are to look out for our friends and support them – making sure that no harm comes their way and help to make life easier for them. Friendship is to be valued and treasured. I don’t see how that is facilitated by this type
when you make her this offer. It will tell you everything you need to know. The truth is if she is not talking there is not too much to go on. In the future I would encourage you to engage in conversation that will allow you to get to know her better. Ask her open-ended questions that allow her to elaborate on things, not ones with yes or no answers. This will give you an opportunity to know more about her. Sometimes things are not what they seem. Remember, there is something you like about her, or you wouldn’t be longing to spend more time with her. Just take your time in getting to know her and only do what you can. Don’t over-extend yourself – it’s still new. Enjoy this time, no need to rush it. Let us not forget all good things come to those who wait. Hope this helps. Remember, always be true to you, stay positive and always encourage yourself! – D
Dear D, So I have a female friend who I’m digging a lot and when we hang out we have a great time. Sounds good, right? NOT! This woman is harder to gauge than most women I’ve dated. We’ll hang out a couple times and then I don’t hear from her. Everybody says to not hit her up again until she hits me, but when she did it was because – as she put it – she was bored. I’m thinking this could be a test. Anyway, she also said she was moving this weekend and I offered to help. Her response was, “Can I get $200 for storage?” I’m like, damn, we only hung out like twice. Life problems bringing you down? Have I do like her but I’m honestly feeling like a a burning question? Can’t tell your girlsucker. Is this a game? Should I peace her friend? Hit me up! KikiWithD@hush.com. out or what? – Kanye Dear Kanye, A friend in need is a friend indeed. It is my pleasure to be here for you in a time of need. Like most things in life, when it comes to dating, time is the best teacher. The more time you spend with a person the more you get to know about them. I always trust my gut. My intuition is hardly ever wrong. However, that’s me. If you feel like you are being played, maybe you are, or maybe not. Maybe things are just moving fast for her
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August 9, 2013
Seattle Gay News 19
Flori-duh!
The Sunshine State’s dysfunction goes far beyond ‘Stand Your Ground’ by Jesse Monteagudo SGN Contributing Writer While the world was engrossed in the George Zimmerman trial in Sanford, two other cases showcased the vagaries of Florida law. In Tampa, retired Army Col. Ralph Wald, a 70-year old Vietnam War veteran, was found not guilty of killing 32-year old Walter Conley. Wald invoked Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law to justify shooting Conley, whom Wald caught having sex with Wald’s 41-year old wife, Joanna Lynn Flores. (Wald said he thought Conley was raping her.) “This is a military man,” said
Wald’s attorney, Joe Episcopo. Wald did “what you do with the enemy ... you take your gun out and kill the enemy.” For her part, Flores was “elated” that her husband was acquitted: “Because my husband puts me first, he’s taking me to Waffle House.” Meanwhile, while George Zimmerman and Ralph Wald got away with murder, Marissa Alexander of Jacksonville was sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot toward her abusive husband. Alexander argued that the “Stand Your Ground” law should apply to her because she was defending herself. However, a judge denied a motion to grant her immuni-
ty and she was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Under Florida’s mandatory-minimum sentencing requirement, Alexander was given 20 years in prison, a sentence even the judge thought was excessive. The fact that Alexander is Black had nothing to do with it, of course. The Alexander, Wald, and Zimmerman cases seem to showcase the ways that racism influences Florida’s legal system. They are also indicative of a political system that likes gun owners and military veterans but is tough on Blacks and Latinos. The fact that all three cases got so much attention is due to the fact that whatever happens in Florida gets attention – and not just in Florida. Since 2000, when Elian Gonzalez split South Florida and faulty voting cards held up a presidential election, Florida has replaced California as the crazy capital of the U.S.A. It is not for nothing that the Sunshine State is known as “Floriduh.” A PARTICULAR PECULIARITY The crimes, follies, and misfortunes of Florida’s 19 million people are often the stuff that make newspaper stories and online blogs. South Florida’s Sun-Sentinel even has a blog, “FloriDUH” (www.sunsentinel.com/news/strange/floriduh-blog), that showcases all the “weird, wacky, strange news from the Sunshine State.” Just a glance at the headlines there give us some indication as to the perversity of some Floridians: “Registered sex predator busted again for allegedly having sex with a dog”; “Man behind bars after allegedly snoozing on [someone else’s] car”; “Cops: Couple broke into school to have sex”; and so on – stories that feature sex, nudity, drugs, guns, and animals are quite common on this blog. Craig Pittman, writing in Slate.com (another site fond of weird Florida stories), lists some of the ingredients that make a story a “weird Florida story”: unusual weapons, nudity, animals (preferably alligators), sex, sex workers, mistaken identities, and Disney World. We all heard about Rudy Eugene, who after dropping his clothes on the MacArthur Causeway chewed off part of Ronald Poppo’s face before the police could stop him. This story has uniquely Florida qualities: a man of Haitian descent (Eugene), a homeless man from New York (Poppo), nudity, the possibility of drugs (never proven), and cannibalism. More recently, when Pedro Vargas went nuts and killed six people in his apartment building, the press called it a “Florida story,” not because of the number of victims but because Vargas lived in Hialeah, a largely workingclass, mostly Hispanic community west of Miami that the blogosphere has turned into an ethnic joke. (It also has its own blog, http://sweethomehialeah.blogspot.com.) Vargas himself added to the Florida-ness of
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this tragic story when, before he went on his rampage, he told a 911 dispatcher that others were “doing witchcraft (brujeria) and things to me.” Santeria, of course, is a very Florida religion, as is Scientology. POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS Why is Florida so weird? Weirdness, of course, is in the eye of the beholder. But this has not stopped pundits and journalists from trying to analyze the Sunshine State. Writing for Salon.com, Steven Rosenfeld offered five theories why Florida is so dysfunctional: (1) Florida cops don’t keep quiet; (2) the curious mix of people drawn there; (3) the law – if you can call it that; (4) the land and the weather; and (5) “The media like Florida-bashing.” Slate’s Pittman adds to that list the state’s unique history, “the promise of laissez-faire living” and “the pervasive possibility of bad hookups.” Though much has been written about the influence of firearms in “the Gunshine State,” Florida’s car culture is just as deadly, since cars often heighten their owners’ sense of power and lower their inhibitions. Florida cities like Miami often lead the nation in road-rage incidents and hit-and-run accidents, events that often lead to death or serious injury. Of course, in the case of drive-by shootings, car and guns join forces to provide a deadly mix that is very Floridian. Florida has a unique variety of people who come here in search of paradise but who stay because of the weather and the low taxes. Though there is more political corruption in Chicago, New Jersey, and New Orleans, our corrupt politicians grab attention because they are different. Only Florida could give us Gov. Rick Scott, whose campaign expenses were paid mostly out of his own well-stocked pockets. Most Floridians, like Scott, are immigrants from other states or countries – even the Native American Seminoles and Miccosukees originally came from somewhere else – and weird people seem weirder when they come here from New York, the West Indies, or Russia. But it is this heady mix that makes Florida the third most populous state in the Union (after California and Texas), and different from other Southern states. I have lived in Florida for almost 50 years, and would not live anywhere else. ONE BRIGHT SPOT Speaking of Florida attractions, Orlando’s Parliament House just celebrated its 38th anniversary. Back in 2010 the P-House faced foreclosure, and we worried that this great Gay resort and entertainment center would have to close. Happily, the P-House survived that crisis and continues to flourish. I recently spent a few days there, and I am happy to report that this Florida gem is alive and well – Balcony Bingo and all. After nearly four decades, the Parliament House remains uniquely Gay and uniquely Floridian, and I would not have it any other way.
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20 Seattle Gay News
August 9, 2013
Celebrating 40 Years!
MURRAY
continued from cover MAYOR SEEN AS DIVISIVE “Too often in recent years, it has seemed that Seattle’s success has come despite our city government, not because of it. Too often in recent years, this city has been divided and polarized. With your help, I intend to change that,” Murray said at his election night party, echoing a theme he frequently brought up in the campaign. “I’m not running to be a Gay mayor of Seattle … I’m not running to be a progressive mayor of Seattle … I’m running to be an effective mayor!” he added. Murray says McGinn has been a divisive figure, a charge substantiated by former governor Christine Gregoire and current Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes, both of whom endorsed Murray after very public feuds with the incumbent. McGinn, on the other hand, called Murray out for his supposedly cautious style. “You know where I stand,” McGinn said. “You know who I stand with. Now we’re going out into the general election and the question will be, what does the city stand for?” DOWN THE BALLOT In other primary election results, fourterm Seattle City Council incumbent Richard Conlin will face Trotskyist Kshama
Sawant in the November general election. Conlin took 48.8% of the vote to Sawant’s 33.67%. The third candidate in the race, Brian Carver, finished with 17.01%. In the other Seattle City Council primary race, McGinn ally Mike O’Brien polled a convincing 57.94% of the vote. His closest challenger, Albert Shen, drew 34.85% and third-place finisher David Ishii got only 6.66%. O’Brien and Shen will face off in November. In county races, incumbent King County Executive Dow Constantine drew a whopping 76.02% of the votes. He will face Allen Lobdell in the November election. Lobdell polled a mere 12.15% of the votes. Also in the race were Everett Stewart (7.24%) and the charmingly wacky perennial candidate Goodspaceguy (4.08%). In the race to fill the King County Council seat vacated when Bob Ferguson was elected Attorney General last year, appointed incumbent Rod Dembowski pulled in 70.22% of the vote. His closest challenger, Naomi Wilson, who he will face in November, polled 23.54%. Third-place finisher John Fray got 5.6%. In the Eastside 9th King County Council District, incumbent Reagan Dunn, the unsuccessful Republican candidate for Attorney General in 2012, got 55.85% of the vote. Second-place candidate Shari Song (34.76%) will face Dunn in November. Kristina Macomber ran third with 8.6% of the vote.
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Home & Specialized Services Gary D. TorGerson Co. Expert Painting and Repairs Rot Repair: siding, doors, windows, porches and decks. Lead-Safe Certified
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August 9, 2013
Seattle Gay News 21
22 Seattle Gay News
August 9, 2013
Celebrating 40 Years!
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Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 9, 2013
Seattle Gay News 23