Issue 49 Volume 37
Celebrating 36 Years!
FRIDAY December 4, 2009 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
world aids day p. 5 cal anderson park p. 8 rain city soccer p. 9
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Transgender woman New York Senate kills claims discrimination at Seattle Hostess Bakery marriage bill by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In a stunning defeat for both marriage equality advocates and Gov. David Paterson, the New York State Senate voted down a marriage equality bill on December 2. The vote was 38-24. Later that night some 300 New Yorkers staged an impromptu protest in Times Square. Most of the anger seemed directed at the eight Democrats who voted against the bill with the crowd chanting, “Vote them out! Vote them out!” Pre-vote speculation was that the measure would pass. The New York Assembly passed the bill in July by a margin of 89-52, and again on December 1, 88-51. A Marist College poll released last week found that 51% of New Yorkers questioned favored legalizing same-sex marriage, with only 42% opposed. A June poll by Qunnipiac University poll reported a similar spread of 51% to 41%. Thomas K. Duane, the prime sponsor of the bill and the New York Senate’s only out Gay member, claimed he had lined up enough votes to pass the measure. The Empire State Pride Agenda
andres duque
courtesy Alicia Frenter
Seattle’s Central District neighborhood. The feeling of accomplishment and teamwork she first felt as an employee of the Interstate Bakeries Corporation soon gave way to feelings of sadness and frustration when co-workers began making discriminatory statements regarding her gender identity. Frenter, an American Samoa immigrant living in Seattle since 1990, is a Transgender person who identifies as a woman. “They call me Alicia Frenter names like ‘heby Shaun Knittel she’” an upset Frenter told SGN as she described the verbal abuse she SGN Staff Writer has suffered at the hands of some For a little over two and one-half Hostess Bakery employees. “They years, 47-year-old Alicia Frenter has enjoyed her job as a machine see transgender page 19 operator at the Hostess Bakery in
Times Square rally in protest of New York state Senate vote against marriage equality
(ESPA), the state’s LGBT lobby, had also expressed confidence that a bipartisan majority in the 62-member Senate would vote Yes. Stating emphatically, “I’m not the one who ever lied throughout this entire process,” Duane charged that at least eight of his colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, had broken promises made to him, and said that he felt “betrayed.”
In Times Square, protestors circulated photos of rats labeled with the names of the eight Democratic defectors. Longtime Gay activist David Mixner said, “If they insist on operating on a level of betrayal, then it is time to seriously consider a more civil rights movement apsee NY marriage page 20
Marc Nozell
Hillary Clinton
shaun Knittel
Hill holds fundraiser Hillary Clinton announces Capitol for fallen officer AIDS conference by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
In a major speech marking World AIDS Day, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton denounced international homophobia and revealed plans to host the 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington DC. In her speech, delivered on December 1, Clinton said: “Obviously, our efforts are hampered whenever discrimination or marginalization of certain populations results in less effective outreach and treatment. So we will work not only to ensure access for all who need it, but also to combat discrimination more broadly. We have to stand against any efforts to marginalize and criminalize and penalize members of the LGBT community worldwide. It is an unacceptable step backwards on behalf of human rights. But it is also a step that undermines the effectiveness of efforts to fight the disease worldwide.” While she did not explicitly mention the government of Ugansee clinton page 20
Bill’s Off Broadway
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer On December 9, 11 restaurants and bars on Capitol Hill will participate in a fundraiser to benefit the family of their neighborhood’s respected police officer, Timothy Brenton. All participating businesses – Bill’s Off Broadway, Century Ballroom, The Elite, The Garage, The
Honeyhole, Julia’s on Broadway, Bluebird Coffee and Tea, Rosebud, Quinns, Vermillion, and The Cuff Complex – will contribute a portion of their total sales in an effort to raise money for Brenton’s family. According to Don Stevens, owner of Bill’s Off Broadway and one of the organizers, a special bank see fundraiser page 20
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different AND we are proud to have presented the 2009 Seattle AIDS Walk. THANK YOU, everyone.
* Here’s something different. try our MOMSPak.
Proud to be your community Pharmacy We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store.
Call us at 206.568.2486
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Seattle Gay News
December 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
December 4, 2009
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2009
Deadlines Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the SGn office All others - Tuesday 5pm
Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Tom Flint (retired) Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Rajket Dirzhud-Rashid, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, Tim Peter Contributing Writers
Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner
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Cards on the table in Raleigh by Jennifer Vanasco SGN Contributing Writer The day after Thanksgiving, I was in a bar in Raleigh, NC, playing cards with Jenny, her two brothers, and two Evangelical Christians who had sat down at our table. “So y’all are together,” Chase said, gesturing at Jenny and me. He looked like an adult version of Fred Savage from The Wonder Years, all blue eyes, bright smile and dark hair. “Yep,” I said. “Play your card.” Jenny and I were liking Raleigh. We liked that she had family there. We liked the abundance of small designers, the lack of chain stores and restaurants, the walkability and friendliness and general arty vibe. Hmmm, we thought. Maybe we could live here. Not now, but maybe five years from now, when we have children. Jenny’s brother and sister-in-law liked the idea of us moving there, too, so they showed their city off. And so Friday night found us in a warehouse of a bar, smoky and unfamiliar, with a ping pong table (a pool table, too, but no one played) and a few quiet, well-lit corners for a good game of cards. We were all drinking. The play was jovial; Chase’s friend was a good conversationalist and we talked about places we had been. We asked him how he knew Chase and he said,
Seattle Gay News is published weekly by JT&A, Inc. © 2009, JT&A, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.
Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
“A small group.” “Bible study,” Jenny’s sister-in-law translated. Jenny and I looked at each other, but said nothing. I went to the bar and when I came back, Jenny was telling Chase, “We want to get married because we love each other, and we want to make a public commitment before God and our families.” “But God doesn’t ordain that,” Chase said. “There are churches that marry Gays and Lesbians, you know.” Chase shrugged. “Maybe,” he said. “But God doesn’t ordain that.” “Wait,” I said. “What? How do you know what God wants?” “It’s in the Bible,” Chase said. “No it’s not,” I said. “The Bible says nothing about Gay marriage.” “The Bible says that man will not lie with another man….” I felt cold. I pulled my jacket on. Chase’s friend said, “We’re having a nice night here. Let’s not talk politics when we’ve all been drinking.” I looked at Chase. My head hurt. I shook it a little to clear it. “The Bible says a lot of things. It doesn’t say anything about Gay marriage. It does seem to say something about Gay male sex. But you know all the reasons why that doesn’t matter, Chase. You’ve got to know that the Bible also prohibits eating shrimp, and that you’re not supposed to wear mixed fabrics – but here you are, wearing cotton and synthetics and leather and plastic, right in front of me.”
“There was no plastic in the Bible,” Chase said. “Well,” I said, “there are a lot of things in contemporary society that weren’t in the Bible. That’s why we don’t read the Bible literally.” “Gays are not right with Jesus,” Chase said. Later, Jenny’s brother said, “That’s never happened to me before. I know that that attitude is there, but it’s not usually blatant.” Jenny’s sister-in-law said, “There are plenty of Gay people in Raleigh.” That night, Jenny and I stared up at the ceiling in the guestroom. People will think what they think. There will always be prejudice. But in a state like North Carolina, which has no laws protecting Gay people except an anti-bullying law in the schools and a hospital visitation law, prejudice is more than annoying; it is dangerous. If we moved to North Carolina, we wouldn’t be safe from people like Chase. People like Chase could deny us a job and decline to recognize a marriage legal in other states. People like Chase could refuse to recognize a child of ours as belonging to both of us. “I’m so sad about this,” Jenny said. “It’s one thing to know in the abstract you can’t live somewhere – it’s something else to see it in person.” “Yeah,” I said. There was nothing else to say. Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning, syndicated columnist. E-mail her at Jennifer.vanasco@gmail.com. Follow her at Twitter.com/JenniferVanasco. Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/JenniferVanasco.
In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
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Seattle Gay News
December 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
I received an early-morning text message a few hours ago: “Congratulations on your law going into effect today!” I already knew that the so-called Everything But Marriage Law would officially become THE LAW today in Washington, and there is a bottle of champagne waiting for after work, but I think I will be toning down the celebration. My partner works in the construction industry and is part of a big national union with great benefits. I have been denied these benefits for many years while his union brothers and sisters have been able to insure their spouses. We assumed that starting today the union would have to offer me these same perks, but that seems not to be the case. I just got off the phone with my partner’s insurance company and it turns out they have no intention of changing their discriminatory practices. They are claiming that our new law does not force national businesses based outside of Washington to extend benefits to same sex couples.
Phewy!! This is why we need full marriage rights now. I am proud that Washington was the first to pass such a law by popular vote, but I am disgusted that it ever went to a vote at all. What did we really gain, and at what cost? The process was expensive and divisive, even in the Gay community, and the new law obviously does not go far enough. We are either EQUAL or we are NOT. We currently are NOT EQUAL and anyone who thinks otherwise is naïve. We need to stop congratulating ourselves for our win and keep fighting for equality while we still have momentum. We need to demand more from our local political leaders (why not have the city of Seattle start the ball rolling by refusing to deny same-sex marriage applications?) and we must demand more from the Obama administration (repeal DOMA and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell now!). Small steps have brought us this far, but it’s time for big leaps. Don’t relax. Don’t give up the fight!
james Whitely
FROM SMALL STEPS TO BIG LEAPS
Dr. Bob Wood honored at World AIDS Day Luncheon
Andrew Cleary
DC Council votes for marriage equality by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer By a vote of 11 to 2, the City Council of Washington DC passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage on Tuesday, December 1. Titled the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009, the bill authorizes same-sex civil marriage, while exempting religious institutions from any obligation to perform or recognize such marriages. Aisha Mills, president of the Campaign for All D.C. Families, said in a statement after the vote: “Today we celebrate the District of Columbia City Council’s initial vote to extend marriage equality to all residents. When passed this important law will provide Gay and Lesbian couples the securities and protections of marriage and create a stronger community for all of us.” The bill must now be voted on for a second time by the City Council, and then goes to Congress for a 30-day review. The second City Council vote is scheduled in two weeks. DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) has said he will sign it. Because the District of Columbia is administered by the federal government, Congress has the final say on all local ordinances. If Congress does not act to block the measure within the 30-day review period, it will become law. Openly Gay Council member David Catania (I-At Large), the bill’s prime sponsor, said before the vote, “It really speaks to the long and rich tradition of tolerance and acceptance that does make up the sense of place in the District of Columbia,” but the Council’s vote reflected deep divisions in the city. Two council members who represent majority-black wards – former DC Mayor Marion Barry (D-8) and Yvette M. Alexander (D-7) – voted against the measure. Both said they were under considerable pressure from African American ministers in their wards to vote against the bill. In an emotional speech, Barry pleaded with the city’s LGBT community not to hold his vote against him, saying that he has battled for Gay rights since he began his political career in the 1970s. “I stand here today to express, in no uncertain terms, my strong commitment to the Gay and Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender community on almost every issue except this one,” Barry said. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-5), who represents a majority-black ward in
northeast DC, came to a different conclusion. “I represent a ward that is torn down the middle on this issue,” Thomas said. “But as a legislator, I cannot allow my personal or religious life to allow for the disenfranchisement of any individual in the District.” Council member Kwame Brown (D-At Large), who voted for the bill, said he has taken flak from constituents who oppose same-sex marriage “because of their religious upbringing, of being in the Baptist Church that clearly defined what they think.” Baptists were not the only religious group opposed to the measure, however. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has been locked in an intense public battle with the city over the legislation. At one point in November, the Archdiocese threatened to halt all its charitable and social service work in DC if the bill passed. Catholic Charities claims to serve 68,000 people in DC, and to supplement the city’s social services budget with $10 million from its own coffers. Catania, who is Roman Catholic and a Catholic Charities donor, said he would rather end the city’s relationship with the Archdiocese than give in to its demands. “They don’t represent, in my mind, an indispensable component of our social services infrastructure,” he said. After passage of the legislation, the Archdiocese appeared to step back from its earlier threats. Archdiocese spokesperson Susan Gibbs said the Church will continue to provide services but with fewer resources, because it will no longer be able to bid on city contracts. “We are just asking for a [compromise] bill that would balance the city’s interest in legalizing same-sex marriage and religious groups’ interest in following their faith teachings,” Gibbs said. On the other side of the issue, about 200 ministers, representing a broad spectrum of faith traditions, formed DC Clergy United for Marriage Equality. “We declare that our faith calls us to affirm marriage equality for loving same-sex couples,” they said in a statement issued October 30. Catania, who quit the Republican party five years ago over the issue of same-sex marriage, told his colleagues that he was pleased and surprised by the vote. “It’s hard to capture the significance of this day and this event,” Catania said after the vote. “It’s a day I never thought would come.”
Visit us online www.sgn.org
Dr. Bob Wood accepting the AIDS Service Award at the World AIDS Day luncheon
by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer On December 1, in commemoration of World AIDS Day, about 700 people gathered at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center for the 6th Annual World AIDS Day Luncheon. The complimentary luncheon was sponsored chiefly by Multifaith Works. It featured speakers, a short film, and an awards ceremony. Emceed by KING 5 co-anchor Joyce Taylor, the luncheon served as a fundraiser for Multifaith Works, the Dunshee House, Gay City Health Project and Seattle Counseling Services. The luncheon earned $95,160 for the four agencies. Speakers from the various benefitting organizations spoke about the work that they do in the Seattle area and presented some unsettling statistics about the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in King County. The short film which was screened, Can’t Be Done Alone, featured interviews with members of the community speaking on not only how HIV/AIDS has affected them, but how organizations like Gay City and Dunshee House have affected their lives. “Shanti” was the word of the day for the
December 4, 2009
luncheon. A staple word of the work Multifaith works does, shanti is a Sanskrit word meaning “inner peace through understanding.” The idea is that inner peace is derived from an ongoing relationship of equals, in which service is given freely and with compassion in such a way that both the giver and the receiver benefit. At the end of the luncheon, the AIDS Service Award was presented to Dr. Bob Wood, who has dedicated his career to fighting HIV/AIDS. Dr. Wood is retiring from his position as director of the Seattle-King County Health Department’s HIV/AIDS Control Program for Public Health in January. Dr. Wood plans to take a much-needed six-month vacation, then resume his work in a smaller capacity. Seattle joined the rest of the world in observing World AIDS Day, a day of commemoration and remembrance of those lost, and a day to raise awareness about the HIV/ AIDS epidemic that is still, unfortunately, abundant all across the world. Multifaith Works unites communities of compassionate care and inclusive spirituality with people living in isolation and loneliness. For more information on Multifaith Works, visit www.multifaith.org.
Seattle Gay News
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INTERNATIONAL file photo
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer which is likely to prompt a furor among church groups.” Present law allows religious groups to reject Gay job applicants if homosexuality conflicts “with the strongly held religious convictions of a significant number of the religion’s followers.”
Gay party blocked from Philippines election The Philippines Commission on Elections has blocked the LGBT group Ang Ladlad from registering as a political party, claiming it “tolerates immorality which offends religious beliefs” and is a “threat to ... youth.” Ang Ladlad had planned to field a candidate for Congress in the May 2010 national elecHomophobic violence in Serbia has deprived LGBT people of access tions. “We are not condemnto basic freedoms, says Human Rights Watch’s Boris Dittrich ing the LGBT, but we cannot compromise the well-being of the EU criticizes UK greater number of people, especially the for allowing employment discrimination youth,” the commission said. Ang Ladlad said it will appeal the rejecThe European Commission informed the United Kingdom on November 20 that it has tion as far as the nation’s Supreme Court, if incorrectly implemented European Union necessary. At present, the group has filed a motion for reconsideration with the comanti-discrimination rules. Among other infractions cited by the EC, mission. Activists are concerned the commission the UK allows religious employers to diswill use stalling tactics to delay resolution criminate based on sexual orientation. The UK was supposed to have imple- of the matter beyond imminent election deadlines. mented the EU rules no later than 2003. The International Gay and Lesbian HuThe EC determinations reportedly followed a complaint made by the National man Rights Commission said the issue “demonstrates the urgency for Congress to Secular Society. According to the Guardian newspaper, pass ... a law to prevent discrimination on “the [UK] government now has no choice the basis of sexual orientation and gender but to redraft anti-discrimination laws, identity in the Philippines.”
Tel Aviv Gays say city is thwarting cruisers Cruisers in Tel Aviv say the city government seems hell-bent on making Independence Park less convenient for anonymous homosexual assignations, according to local media reports. Brighter lights, fewer bushes and trees, and increased police patrols are all interfering with cruisers’ attempts to diddle in the shrubbery. Some Gay activists are fine with the clampdown, saying that in the post-closet era, clandestine park shenanigans should be a thing of the past. Others point out that many men who have sex with men are still not openly Gay or Bisexual. Yet others note that parks are free while other places for meeting fellow Gays, such as bars and bathhouses, cost money. According to the city, all Tel Aviv residents should feel comfortable in Independence Park, which necessitates not tolerating “illegal ... activity” by “the Gay community.” HRW goes after Serbia over its Gay climate Serbia’s government should quickly take visible steps to end a spate of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to President Boris Tadic released November 23. “Homophobic violence in recent months has threatened LGBT people’s access to basic freedoms,” said Boris Dittrich of HRW’s LGBT Rights Program. In September, the government cancelled Belgrade’s second Gay pride parade, saying it couldn’t protect the marchers from antiGay thugs who had broadcast their intentions to attack the march. Pride opponents had covered walls in the city center with graffiti that said, “We will get you,” “Death to faggots,” and “Blood will flow,” and had spoken openly to reporters about planned assaults. Other recent homophobic incidents include the cancellation of a Gay Straight Alliance press conference by a business center that called the group’s message inappropriate, and an assault on the then-relocated press conference by youths who threw rocks and yelled, “Faggots, we will kill you.” HRW urged President Tadic to denounce violence and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, to
ensure that the 2010 Gay pride parade takes place, and to promptly investigate all threats and allegations of anti-GLBT violence. The group further urged the government to train prosecutors, police and judges to respond effectively to violence against LGBT people, to institute training in schools about equality and the need to prevent discrimination, and to ensure that children receive an education in an environment free of bullying or discrimination. “Freedoms on paper are worthless if the state cannot or will not protect people who are threatened when they try to exercise them,” said Dittrich. “Hatred and prejudice have kept too many Serbs from full participation in society for too long.” Belgrade’s first Gay pride march – in 2001 in what was then Yugoslavia – was attacked by hundreds of thugs from ultranationalist youth organizations, skinhead groups and soccer clubs. The hoodlums kicked and beat the marchers and chanted, “Death to homosexuals.” Police fired pistols into the air to chase the miscreants from the city’s main square. Euro Parliament calls for Gay freedom of movement The European Parliament on November 25 adopted a resolution calling on European Union member nations “to ensure freedom of movement for EU citizens and their families, including both registered partnerships and marriages” and “to avoid all kinds of discrimination on any ground, including sexual orientation.” MEPs also called for EU-level anti-hatecrime legislation, citing “growing intolerance within the EU.” The co-presidents of the Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights, Michael Cashman and Ulrike Lunacek, called the resolution “a step toward equality.” “The European Parliament has just sent a clear message that member states need to ensure the freedom of movement of all families and recognize unions between all EU citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation,” they said. “The text goes in the direction of an EU-wide recognition of all unions contracted in member states ... but we will need to keep up the pressure on EU institutions and member states in the coming years to fully recognize same-sex unions – only then will we have genuine equality.” With assistance from Bill Kelley
NEWS
ENDA delayed again, activists grumble The Employment Non-Discrimination Act’s journey through Congress has been delayed again, according to an Advocate. com report. The Advocate story was emailed to this reporter by the Human Rights Campaign in response to a request for an ENDA update. The story said “lawyers” need to “adjust the legal language regarding issues of disparate impact, double recovery, and attorney’s fees.” “Disparate impact” is when a policy or practice has the effect of being discriminatory even if that was not the intention. The article provided by HRC said the latest ENDA modifications will explicitly block disparate-impact cases on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity – even as they will remain possible on the basis of race, color, gender, religion and national origin. “Double recovery” would involve the filing of two similar discrimination cases under both ENDA and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Some courts have ruled that Title VII’s ban on gender-based discrimination extends to discrimination against Transgender people. Finally, the lawyers plan to prevent the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other administrative agencies from awarding attorney fees to the winning side in cases based on ENDA. The EEOC does not award attorney fees in other types of dis6
Seattle Gay News
rex wockner
NATIONAL by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer crimination cases; that is done by courts. Some activists are unhappy with the new delay and the details of what’s being reworked. “Gay Americans have never had protections from discrimination in the workplace,” activist and political consultant Steve Hildebrand said in an interview. “Year after year the LGBT community asks Congress to pass ENDA so we have the same protection from discrimination that every other American has had. Now we see staff attorneys weakening the bill and causing unfortunate delays. We need to generate tens of thousands of calls to members of Congress and demand full equality under the law now.” Hildebrand served as Barack Obama’s deputy national campaign director and still has the president’s ear. Former National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman commented, “Every word of ENDA has been vetted to death for years on end and any of these minor issues could and should have been addressed in an afternoon.” Foreman spoke as an individual, not as an employee of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Asked for comment on the delays and rewriting, HRC spokesman Trevor Thomas e-mailed the Advocate story and some links on HRC’s website that are older than the Advocate story. When asked for more information, Thomas accused this reporter of being out of touch with HRC’s ENDA-related efforts.
December 4, 2009
Political consultant and activist Steve Hildebrand
He later wrote: “After speaking with our legislative team I can tell you that the entire coalition is working closely with the [congressional] committee. It is our understanding that the legal issues the committee wants to address before markup will continue to keep ENDA on a parallel track with Title VII.” A high-placed, longtime source alleged that the House “committee staff aren’t talking to HRC at all and HRC is in the dark about what’s going on.” Thomas said that is false “and I’ve reconfirmed we are talking with committee staff.” ENDA would ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity – protecting Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, heterosexuals and Transgender
people. Out Gays attend White House state dinner At least eight out Gays attended President Barack Obama’s first state dinner November 24, reported Towleroad. Openly Gay attendees included Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and partner Sean Eldridge; Gay activist Urvashi Vaid and her partner, comedian Kate Clinton; U.S. Export-Import Bank President Fred Hochberg and partner Tom Healy; and music/film mogul David Geffen and partner Jeremy Lingvall. The dinner was in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife, Gursharan Kaur.
Charleston, SC, bans anti-Gay discrimination The City Council in Charleston, S.C., on November 24 banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, and on the basis of sexual orientation in public accommodations and services. No council member voted against the measures though one abstained, complaining that the penalty for anti-Gay discrimination – a $500 fine – is too low. Columbia is the only other South Carolina city to protect Gay people from discrimination. With assistance from Bill Kelley
Celebrating 36 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
PRIDE FOUNDATION & GSBA OFFERING $300,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2010-11 Pride Foundation and the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) are accepting applications for 2010-11 scholarships to eligible LGBT students and straight allies. Currently, $300,000 in scholarship money is available during this cycle. Pride Foundation along with the GSBA offers 50 different scholarships, all through a single streamlined application. For more information on previous scholars, the scholarship process, or how to start a scholarship fund, visit www.pridefoundation.org/scholarships/ or www.PrideFoundationScholar.org or thegsbascholarship.org. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2010 at 5 p.m. PST. THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE, THE ABBEY OF ST. JOAN, HOST AIDS QUILT PANEL MAKING WORKSHOP The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan are hosting an AIDS Quilt Panel Making Workshop on Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Nova High School at Meany Middle School, 300 20th Ave. E. There is no cost for this event. The purpose of this workshop is to give those who have lost loved ones to AIDS a chance to memorialize them through the making of a quilt panel. Once assembled, these panels will be shipped to the Names Project Foundation in Atlanta, GA, where they will join the approximately 45,000 other panels that make up the AIDS Memorial Quilt. These panels will be publicly displayed at various locations around the globe and will become a part of the largest community art project worldwide. For more information or to register for the workshop, please send an email to aidsquiltseattle@gmail.com. For more information on the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan, please visit www.theabbey.org.
STEAMPUNK VENDOR FAIRS AND EXHIBITION BALL PRESENTED BY CENTER FOR SEX POSITIVE CULTURE On Saturday, December 5, the Center for Sex Positive Culture presents the Steampunk and Kink Vendor Fairs from 12-6 p.m. at 1602 15th Ave. W. Admission is FREE. Must be 18+ with photo ID for the vendor fairs. At 8 p.m., the Center presents the Steampunk Exhibition Ball at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), 2700 24th Ave. E. A night of whimsy and merriment, the Ball will showcase a number of local Steampunk dance and music performers in the setting of the MOHAI’s Alaskan-Yukon-Pacific Expo exhibit. Tickets: $30. Must be 21+ with photo ID for the ball. 800-838-3006; www.brownpapertickets.com. “Steampunk,” or “Victorian science fiction,” has a strong following in Seattle. For complete information, visit www.steampunkexhibitionball.com. SEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERTS DECEMBER 5, 6, 13, 14 & 20 Santa’s bag is jam-packed with new musical toys, as well as new takes on old favorites in the SMC’s 2009 holiday concert, “Santa Baby.” This year, tune into a “Very Special Christmas Special” with hilarious highlights from forgotten TV Christmas shows, a Bollywood carol that will expand your holiday horizons, and the chorus’ inspiring version of “Silent Night,” back by popular demand. Add in the majestic sounds of Benaroya Hall’s Watjen concert organ and you have a wonderful new visit with a Seattle holiday tradition. 12/5 @ 8 p.m., Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby St., Everett; 12/6, 12/13, 12/14, 12/20 @ 7:30 p.m., Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & University St. 206-388-1400; www.flyinghouse.org. POZ SEATTLE HOSTS ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY On Wednesday, December 10, from 6-8 p.m., POZSeattle presents their annual Holiday Social, at The Cuff Complex, 13th Ave. & E. Pine St. Meet in the downstairs bar for drinks, homemade chili (two kinds – vegetarian and meat) and cookies, socializing and a whole lot of fun. This event is FREE, except for the cost of beverages, and is for all HIV-Positive men and their friends, regardless of age, shape, size or color. The Holiday Social will also feature an optional Holiday Gift Exchange. If you’d like to participate, bring a fun, funny or naughty wrapped gift for Santa POZ to deliver and you will get one in exchange. NOTE: Starting in January, POZSeattle will sponsor Dunshee House’s Gayme Night every third Friday of the month, with Sister Pure Heart from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence gearing up to serve up some fun and frolic from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Gayme Night is scheduled the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Fridays of the month at Dunshee House, 303 17th Ave. E. For more information, visit www.dunsheehouse.org. POZSeattle is a social organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-positive guys that is committed to planning and promoting fun, social activities. For questions or more information about this event, to plan your own social event, or to be added to the POZSeattle event promotions email list, email info@pozseattle.org or visit www. pozseattle.org.
MUSIC OF REMEMBRANCE PRESENTS FREE CONCERT: “UNCONQUERED!” On Saturday, December 5, at 2 p.m., Music of Remembrance (MOR) presents a free 90-minute chamber music concert featuring songs and music composed during The Holocaust. The concert will be held at the Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. (in Wallingford). The promising composer, Gideon Klein, only 23 when he was sent to the Terezin concentration camp, organized concerts there and gave talks on music. On this program, MOR will perform Klein’s vibrant, melodic Trio, composed just nine days before his transport to Auschwitz in October, 1944. The wit and satire of Terezin’s Czech and German cabaret songs by Karel Svenk and others represent a unique expression of spiritual resistance. A wellknown actor, Svenk dared to write new morale-boosting lyrics for popular songs of the time, mocking camp authorities and the absurdities of camp life. The program also includes the second string quartet of the audaciously original Erwin Schulhoff. Schulhoff – whose music the Nazis banned as “degenerate” – was sent not to Terezin but to a camp in Bavaria, where he perished in 1942. He combined dance, jazz, and folk song melodies in compositions that are only now gaining the recognition they merit. At this concert-with-commentary, MOR artisSEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN tic director Mina Miller will provide percepBOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE tive insights on the music’s unique context The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club and profound significance. For more infor- meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dunmation, visit www.musicofremembrance. shee House, 303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas org. St. The club is pleased to announce the following titles to be discussed in their ongoing reading and discussion series: December – Death in Venice by Thomas Mann. All GLBTQ folks in the community are welcome to participate in this free book club.
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The reading list is chosen and the discussion facilitated by Nick DiMartino, published novelist and playwright, currently a book reviewer for ShelfAwareness.com, and a 30-year employee of University Book Store. For more information, email nickdimartin@ earthlink.net or contact Dunshee House at 206-322-2437.
other guests both nights.
FREE MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENINGS AT THE WILDROSE The YWCA LGBT Health Outreach program and the Wildrose Tavern will conduct mobile mammography screenings on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Wildrose, 1021 E. Pike St. The screenings are free for income-eligible people age 40 14TH ANNUAL and over who lack insurance or are underSEATTLE HUMAN RIGHTS DAY insured. Those with insurance are also welTO HONOR PRIDE FOUNDATION come. To make an appointment, please call AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS On Thursday, December 10, from 7-8:30 206-436-8671 or email lbthealth@ywcap.m., Professor Adrien K. Wing will speak works.org. at a FREE evening event to celebrate the GAY CITY PRESENTS 14th annual Seattle Human Rights Day at MIRRORED – Town Hall, 8th Ave. & Seneca St. The event A GCTV SHORT FILM will also include presentation of the 2009 What’s in your reflection? Gay City’s latHuman Rights Awards to local human rights est GCTV short film explores the relationleaders. As an expert in international human rights ships between Gay men, our body images, and social justice, Professor Wing has ad- and its impact on our community. Join Gay vised the founding fathers and mothers of City on Saturday, December 12, at 2 p.m., at three constitutions: South Africa, Palestine, the Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., and Rwanda. Professor Wing has authored for this FREE event, FREE popcorn, and more than 100 publications on topics such FREE lively post-film discussion. Presented as constitutionalism, women’s rights, rape by Gay City and Three Dollar Bill Cinema. in Bosnia, Muslim headscarves in France, “A HOLIDAY SHOW Tunisian secularism, and Turkish democTO REMEMBER” racy. Her US-oriented scholarship has foOn Saturday, December 12, door at 6 cused on race and gender discrimination. An accomplished public speaker, Wing has p.m., show at 6:30 p.m., the Imperial Court of Seattle, the Imperial Court of Tacoma, lectured all over the world. The event will also include presentation of and the Knights of Malta/Jet Chapter presthe 2009 Human Rights Award to local hu- ent “A Holiday Show to Remember,” at man rights leaders Joe Martin, Legal Voice, Neighbours, 1509 Broadway (entrance in Pride Foundation, Comunida a Comunida alley between Broadway and Harvard Ave. and Garfield High School student Suk Lin off E. Pike St.) Enjoy a festive evening of fine drag entertainment, plus silent auction Zhou. The 14th Annual Seattle Human Rights and 50/50 raffle. Cost is $5 at the door along Day commemorates the anniversary of the with an unwrapped toy or food donation. United Nation’s Universal Declaration of DIVERSE HARMONY Human Rights, which was adopted DecemPRESENTS ber 10, 1948. “A SEASON OF GIVING” For more information, call the Seattle On Saturday, December 12, at 7 p.m., DiOffice for Civil Rights at 206-684-4500 or check their website at www.seattle.gov/ verse Harmony presents “A Season of Givcivilrights/events.htm. Human Rights Day ing,” an evening of music and scrumptious 2009 is produced by the Seattle Office for desserts benefitting Diverse Harmony, the Civil Rights, Seattle Human Rights Com- nation’s first Gay/straight youth alliance mission, The Bush School, United Nations chorus and the GSBA’s youth scholarship Associati0n-Seattle, and Amnesty Interna- program. With special guest performance tional, with support from the Seattle Wom- by the Seattle Women’s Chorus’ ensemble, en’s Commission, King County Civil Rights Sensible Shoes. The event will be held at the Commission, WA State Human Rights Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Commission, and Youth for Human Rights. Ave. at E. Union St. Tickets: $50 suggested donation - 90% of each ticket sold will benefit Diverse Harmony, 10% will benefit the SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS GSBA youth scholarship. www.diverseharHOLIDAY CONCERTS mony.org. DECEMBER 11, 19 & 20 The heavenly and angelic voices of the GRACE GOSPEL CHAPEL Seattle Women’s Chorus will once again be PRESENTS “Making Spirits Bright” in their annual holANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT iday concert. Joyful numbers will combine On Saturday, December 12, at 7 p.m., with inspirational carols to create an experience the whole family will love. 12/11 @ Grace Gospel Chapel, 2052 N.W. 64th St., 7:30 p.m. at Edmonds Center for the Arts, presents their annual Christmas Concert, 410 4th Ave. N., Edmonds. 425-275-9595, featuring accomplished concert pianist, Jee www.EC4arts.org; 12/19 @ 8 p.m. & 12/20 Wong, with local vocalists. A dessert bar @ 2 p.m. at Meany Hall, University of and refreshments will be served after the Washington. 206-388-1400, www.flying- concert. Grace Gospel Chapel is the oldest indehouse.org. pendent LGBTQ church in the US. The church is also straight affirming. The church VOICES RISING – has limited disability access due to the age of LGBTQ OF COLOR ARTS its building. They have a stair seat lift with & CULTURE – PRESENTS people available to assist with the chairlife AN EVENING OF SPOKEN WORD, as well as taking chairs up and down their HIP HOP, POETRY & ARTISTRY On Friday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m., facility. However, electrical wheelchairs are Voices Rising presents Luzviminda Car- not accessible due to weight. They do not penter, Crystal Ybarra, Marita Isabel and have ramps. 206-784-8495; www.graceEla Barton, with Chad Goller-Sojourner, at gospelwa.org. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., just INGERSOLL GENDER CENTER north of E. Pine St., for an evening of spoPRESENTS SNOWBALL 2009 ken word, hip hop, poery and artistry. Tick“SIMPLY WONDERFUL!” ets: $10-$25 sliding scale. www.facebook. HOLIDAY CELEBRATION com/voicesrisingseattle. www.brownpaperOn Saturday, December 12, from 7 p.m.tickets.com. midnight, the Ingersoll Gender Center presents their annual holiday celebration at Café SEATTLE MEN IN LEATHER Metropolitain, 1701 E. Olive Way. Dress HOSTS up or dress down, this event is for all ages. “PICTURES WITH SANTA” On Friday and Saturday evening, Decem- Enjoy music, dance, celebration and food. ber 11 and 12, from 8 p.m.-midnight, the Se- Only $9 at the door! www.ingersollcenter. attle Men in Leather will host their annual org. “Pictures With Santa” fundraiser at The Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave. at E. Pine St. Come get your picture taken with a hot and hunky Santa. Your $5 donation will benefit Lambert House, Seattle’s LGBTQ youth resource center. Plus enjoy naughty elves and
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by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer Forbes.com and the web edition of Forbes Magazine have named Cal Anderson Park one of the 12 best urban parks in the U.S. Forbes is a well-known publication which features news about developments and trends in business and finance. The story, “America’s Best City Parks,” says of Cal Anderson Park, “When a federal regulation required drinking-water reservoirs to be covered, Seattle took the opportunity to make its Lincoln Reservoir roof double as park space.” “The result,” says Peter Harnik of the Trust for Public Land, “was beautiful parkland. The recently redesigned space in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood includes paths, wading pools, and playing fields.” The park is named after the late Cal Anderson, a decorated Vietnam veteran who served as an aide to the late City Councilmember George Benson and to Mayor Charles Royer. Anderson was then appointed and later elected the state’s first openly Gay legislator. He served in the Washington House of Representatives from 1987 to 1994, when he was elected to the State Senate. Anderson died in 1995. A beloved politician, Anderson worked diligently on legislation relating to Gay rights, campaign finance reform, easier voter registration, and easy access to government documents. Cal Anderson Park features the rebuilt Shelterhouse, which includes a multipurpose room, outdoor restrooms, a plaza, and storage for maintenance equipment. The new community space, completed in 2003, is routinely used for community meetings, events, and performances. The Olmsted-inspired improvements to Cal Anderson Park include a fountain, texture pool, the Waterworks reflecting pool, promenade paths, landscaping, an irrigation system, and light-
ing. “We are so proud and pleased to know that the special qualities of Cal Anderson Park are being noticed nationally. To be in such august company is gratifying,” said Kay Rood of Groundswell Off Broadway and a founding member of the Cal Anderson Park Alliance, about the Forbes.com award. “We have known from the outset that this park would provide a much-needed place for communities to gather, to relax and play. What it also has become is the heart of Capitol Hill.” Rood says, “People simply love this park, and it’s what they all bring to it that makes it so special.” Cal Anderson Park has a long history. The southern half of Cal Anderson Park began life as Lincoln Park in 1907. It was the first park developed by the Olmsted Brothers’ under their 1903 parks and boulevards plan for Seattle. On the northern half of the site was the Lincoln Reservoir, put into use in 1901. In 1922, the Board of Park Commissioners renamed the playfield on the site’s southern half “Broadway Playfield” after the neighborhood and its main street, and in 1980 the field was again renamed “Bobby Morris Playfield” after the late King County auditor and Capitol Hill coach. In 2003 the entire site was named Cal Anderson Park. According to a Seattle Parks and Recreation news release, instrumental in the park’s development were Groundswell Off Broadway, a local group led by Kay Rood that supported the renewal and redevelopment of the whole site, and Anne Knight and Jerry Arbes of the Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks. The group’s focus was to preserve the Olmsted legacy and create a historic park that would be a true gift for future Seattle residents. The park was characterized by local architect Jerry Garcia as “a
Red Dress Party has local charities seeing green
by David Luc Nguyen SGN Contributing Writer
A sea of red chiffon, satin lace, and matte jersey painted a dramatic crimson backdrop for a memorable evening in the Emerald City on November 21. More than 850 individuals braved the cold weather, blustering winds, and epic rainfall to raise more than $20,000 for local HIV/AIDS charities. Great music, beautiful people, memorable performances, and an appearance by American Idol top-three finalist Kimberly Locke helped to make the event shine, and has quickly established the Seattle Red Dress Party as one of the “must-do” events of the social season.
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Seattle Gay News
The color red has long been tied to AIDS awareness. The Red Dress Party builds on that color tie and takes it to a fun extreme. As the party’s organizing committee said, “The visual of all attendees donning red dresses – whether male, female, Gay, straight, old or young – serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity of people living with HIV/AIDS and also reminds us that we are all here to make a difference and support a common cause.” Sam Galano, the founder of the sold-out Seattle’s Red Dress Party, was inspired after attending Portland’s Red Dress Party with a group of friends to support local audio talent (and good friend) DJ Brian Gorr. “The energy was so overwhelmingly positive and they were raising money for such a good cause I
December 4, 2009
William Creswell
Forbes names Cal Anderson Park one of America’s best
The fountain is the centerpiece of Cal Anderson Park
venue for urban strolls out in the open and devoid of commerce – our first great park of the 21st century.” After Seattle Public Utilities covered the reservoir in 2004, the Parks and design team stepped in. With funding from the Pro Parks Levy approved by Seattle voters in 2000, the State Recreation and Conservation Office, and $1.2 million raised by the commu-
nity, Olmsted Parks carried out the plan for renovation work. After the park opened in 2005, a group of park neighbors and users formed the Cal Anderson Park Alliance to generate creative, innovative activities, programs and events to activate Cal Anderson Park. Its goal is to build on and sustain healthy, safe and varied uses for the park.
knew we had to do one in Seattle. We were impressed [by how the organizers] were able to create a strong sense of community, and how inclusive the event was. People from all walks of life, in both the LGBT and the straight allied communities, were mingling and having a good time.” Seattle’s Red Dress Party board was able to successfully recreate that inclusive feeling to the benefit of not only attendees, but deserving community organizations. Four HIV/AIDSrelated service organizations will benefit from this year’s festivities: Multifaith Works, Gay City Health Project, The Seattle Humane Society, and the Pride Project. “Each of the beneficiaries was selected first and foremost because they service our friends and loved ones in the community that are affected by HIV/AIDS, and second because of the unique niche they fill in the community,” said Galano. Attendees not only got to help out the GBLTQ community, they were also treated to great music, inspired performances and dancing. The ever-sexy DJs, The Perry Twins, and DJ Joy did not disappoint the scantily clad men and women, as they spun a web of audio delight and kept the masses on their feet well past 2 a.m. Also entertaining the cross-
dressing crowd were local drag phenoms Gaysha Starr, Regina King, and Nina Maxwell, who took center stage and mesmerized the crowds with their beauty and talent. Kimberly Locke also took the stage to speak about how she had heard about the event and has been an advocate for HIV/ AIDS since leaving American Idol. Afterward, she spoke exclusively with SGN about how an 11-day trip to Africa with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation changed her life, and in doing so made her a powerful lifelong advocate to the cause. She also discussed her charitable work for an organization that is near and dear to her, Camp Heartland. She was so impressed with how successful Seattle’s Red Dress Party was that she arranging meetings in January to discuss the possibility of throwing similar parties in other cities to help other struggling HIV/AIDS organizations. When asked if we can expect another Red Dress Party next year, Mr. Galano said, “Absolutely! As long as people are having fun and we can continue to raise money for HIV/AIDS, we will continue doing this. The need for this event reminds us that there is not yet a cure, but that we are all there because we care enough to do something about it. My hope is that the Red Dress Party will continue to raise awareness that this disease is still around and we still need funding for research, education, care and prevention.” Next year’s Red Dress Party promises to be bigger and better, so plan on attending this event in 2010. One piece of advice, though: don’t get too caught up on finding the perfect pair of shoes or clutch to compliment your fabulous frock like I did. If next year is anything like this year, the must-have accessories is a strong social consciousness and/or bulging biceps – and chest hair helps, too.
“Each of the beneficiaries was selected first and foremost because they service our friends and loved ones in the community that are affected by HIV/ AIDS.”
Celebrating 36 Years!
UPDATE: Fallout over Rain City Soccer launches club calendar Atlanta Eagle raid by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer
On November 24, Lambda Legal and cocounsel filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Atlanta, the Atlanta Police Department (APD) chief of police, and 48 APD officers on behalf of 19 Atlanta Eagle patrons who were present during the September 10 raid on the Eagle, an Atlanta Gay bar. The lawsuit challenges the APD officers’ actions, claiming violations of the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions and Georgia state law, according to Lambda’s press release. On September 10 at approximately 11:30 p.m., the APD raided the Atlanta leather bar during the Eagle’s “Underwear Night.” In an interview with SGN just after the incident, Richard Ramey, co-owner of the Atlanta Eagle, said, “We were having our underwear party, at approximately around 11 p.m. or so the police came in.” Ramey estimated that 30 Special Weapons and Tactics officers were present from the APD’s “Red Dog Unit,” a drug unit which, according to their website, “provides aggressive police presence in areas that have a high incidence of street drug sales, use, and drug related crimes.” “They were here for about two and onehalf hours,” said Ramey. Clients of Lambda Legal are claiming that they were forced to lay in spilled beer and broken glass. Patrons were reportedly told to “shut the fuck up,” not to ask questions, and that they
didn’t have any rights, Ramey told SGN. “Most, but not all, of the officers were incredibly derogatory and insulting whether they found evidence of drugs or not,” claimed one patron. By the end of the night, eight staff members had been arrested and charged for not having the proper permit to work in an “adult entertainment facility,” which the Atlanta Eagle has never claimed to be. “We’re a nightclub and a bar,” said Ramey. However, not a single patron was charged with any crime. “I’ve listened to dozens of stories from patrons who were mistreated by police at the Atlanta Eagle that night,” said Dan Grossman, co-counsel in the case. “The Atlanta Police Department is not above the law. They do not get to search and detain people who are not suspected of any crime.” The case, Calhoun v. Pennington, is being handled by Greg Nevins, supervising senior staff attorney in Lambda Legal’s Southern Regional Office, Dan Grossman from Law Office of Daniel J. Grossman, and Gerry Weber, senior staff counsel at the Southern Center for Human Rights. Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals, Transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. “We have to let everyone know the truth about what happened, so we can make sure we all have equal rights,” said Ramey.
“Most, but not all, of the officers were incredibly derogatory and insulting whether they found evidence of drugs or not.”
by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer
the Lambert House and Lifelong AIDS Alliance. “We thought that having a calendar could help supplement our income for the club,” said Apuya. The full-color 2010 calendars are $15. The cover photo (above) shows Stonewall star player Jared Auckland performing a sideways scissor kick. Each page of the calendar features a model, all members of RCSC, and a short testimonial from each model about RCSC. Calendar sponsors include: C.C. Attles, Madison Pub, Acme Barber Shop, The Elite, Pony, Café Metropolitan, and Dr. Felix Marcial, DDS. RCSC will be hosting calendar sales at local bars in the upcoming weeks.
Rain City Soccer Club, which organizes predominantly Gay/Lesbian soccer teams in the Seattle area, held their first calendar launch party on the November 20 at Café Metropolitan. “For a while, we talked about doing a calendar … it was kind of a last-minute decision,” RCSC Board President Abmel Apuya told SGN. The calendar took about two months to put together. Club photographer Malcolm Smith did the calendar layout and all the photography. The calendar is, frankly, awesome. The members of Rain City Soccer Club pay dues, but often it’s not enough for the club to send its teams to competitions like the Gay Games or put on charity events. For more information, check out: rainciRecently, RCSC has held benefit games for tysoccer.org.
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December 4, 2009
Seattle Gay News
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restraurant + bar Finders Keepers
urrent now has pitchers of beer! During the month of December, Mon-Wed
All pitchers will be $5
drafts available Bud Light, Mac & Jacks, Mannys, Widmer Hefeweizen, Shock Top, Stella, and Red Hook Seasonal
Happy Hour Daily 4-7
October 17, 2009 to Memorial Day 2010, over 2000 hand blown glass floats will be hidden on the beach for you to find and keep!
Upcoming Events Oct 31-Nov 1: Glass Galore Art Fair & Sale Nov 14: Seafood & Chowder Cook-off Nov 14: Restoration Pow Wow Nov 19-22: Native American Arts Festival Nov 27-28: Comedy On the Coast Dec 3: Civil War Games & Festivities
All appetizers are half off
Dec 26-Jan 1: Whale Watch Week Dec 30-Jan 23: Seniors of the Sahara at Theatre West
600 E. Pine | 206-323-1923 | kurrentseattle.com
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www.7principles.coop 10 Seattle Gay News
December 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
December 4, 2009
Seattle Gay News 11
Holiday Trees Kringles Korner
located at Martin Luther King Jr & East Union Monday through Friday Noon to 9:00 PM Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Quality Trees, Great Prices and a Really Wonderful Cause... We sincerely appreciate your support in keeping the doors of the Capitol Hill Alano Club open to all who are seeking recovery from addiction.
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East Madison at 19th www.capitolhillalanoclub.org
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OPEN DAILY: Mon.-Sat. 7:00am-10:00 pm • Sun. 9:00am-9:00pm HOLIDAY HOURS: Dec. 24th 7:00am-7:00pm • Dec. 25th 11:00am-6:00 pm (Beaverton/Renton) Dec. 25th Closed (Seattle/Bellevue) • Dec. 31st 7:00am-8:00pm • Jan. 1st 9:00am-6:00pm
seattle: 206.624.6248 | bellevue: 425.747.9012 | renton: 425.277.1635 | beaverton: 503.643.4512 | www.uwajimaya.com
12 Seattle Gay News
December 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
December 4, 2009
Seattle Gay News 13
14 Seattle Gay News
December 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
December 4, 2009
Seattle Gay News 15
Seattle Men in Leather name Poll: NJ residents narrowly 2010 Daddy and Daddy’s Boy support Gay marriage by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
The Seattle Men in Leather (SML) named Mark Handel as Seattle Leather Daddy 2010, and Kyle Hardy as Seattle Daddy’s Boy 2010 at the Seattle Leather Daddy and Daddy’s Boy contest at the Cuff Complex November 28. This is the 21st year of the contest. The competition was the highlight of a three-day SML social. On November 27, the organization held a meet ‘n’ greet for the judges and contestants, as well as a leathermeets-country dancing night (sponsored by Rain Country) at the Cuff. Non-public interviews of the contestants were held Saturday afternoon, with the public contest taking place later that evening. Immediately after Handel and Hardy were announced as the winners, the SML crew attended a dungeon party hosted by Northwest LeatherSir Hugh BR. The following morning, SML held a victory brunch for the new titleholders. This year’s Seattle Leather Daddy and Daddy’s Boy competition head judge was Eric Bonesteel, Emperor Rainier XXXV of the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle, Northwest LeatherSir 2003, and Seattle Leather Daddy 2006. The judging panel was made up of Gauge Strongarm, San Francisco Leather Daddy XXVII; Hugh BR, Northwest LeatherSir 2010; Sheldon Jacobs, Seattle Leather Grand Dad 1995; and Darian Hawke, Seattle Daddy’s Boy 2005. According to SML President Toby Noon, the competition’s winners are expected to promote the men’s leather, Levi, and uniform lifestyles to the larger community, sponsor three fundraising events, and help SML further its goals throughout their title
year. Moon says it was great to see the contestants step up and represent the local leather community for 2010. In addition, the SML president said he is thankful for the great job that “our 2009 Daddy ‘Will’ and Boy ‘Parka’ did to represent our community during the past year.” The Seattle Leather Daddy and Daddy’s Boy contest was brought to Seattle in 1990 from San Francisco, California, where the San Francisco Leather Daddy and Leather Daddy’s Boy contest began in 1983. “A Daddy or Daddy’s Boy title is very different than most other leather titles,” Noon told SGN. “It is a ‘working title’ that carries with it certain responsibilities. Not so much just showing up at Pride events throughout the year or prepping for another contest that the title feeds into.” Becoming a Seattle Leather Daddy or Daddy’s Boy is considered a “title for life,” he said. “You become a member of the exceptional fraternity of other Seattle Leather Daddies and Seattle Daddy’s Boys,” said Noon, “many of whom will assist with the various fundraisers put on throughout the year.” The Seattle Men in Leather is a Gay men’s social group promoting with power and pride, the Seattle men’s leather community. SML was founded in 1989 and is the Pantheon of Leather 2005 award winner for Large Club of the Year. SML is known throughout the Seattle LGBT community for its organization’s dedication to the leather community and their many fundraisers to benefit local non-profits, such as Lambert House. For more information regarding SML, visit the organization’s official website at www. seattlemeninleather.org.
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer As New Jersey Democratic lawmakers debate over whether to attempt to pass a law that would legalize Gay marriage, supporters of a marriage equality bill flocked to the Statehouse November 23, the first day of the lame-duck session. Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, directed 300 protestors to take advantage of legislative committee meetings and speak with their senators. Goldstein, who wore a T-shirt bearing the slogan, “Equality, the American Dream” said the protestor’s job was to “see and be seen.” Although the Senate Judiciary committee is not considering the bill at this time, Gay marriage proponents arrived to demonstrate their support for the legislation anyway. The demonstration and show of support comes on the heels of a Rutgers-Eagleton Poll that finds that the state’s citizens narrowly favor the measure – although getting it passed doesn’t seem to be a top priority for most. The poll of 903 New Jersey adults surveyed November 6-10 found that New Jersey adults support allowing Gay marriage by a 46 to 42 margin. About one in eight was undecided. The latest poll is not the first to show that support for Gay marriage is higher in New
Jersey than in many other states throughout the country. A Pew Research Center poll released last month found just 39% of Americans support Gay marriage. But 40% – nearly all those who oppose Gay marriage – said they would support a state constitutional amendment to overturn such a law. “There is more of a ‘live and let live’ attitude in New Jersey than in many other states that have dealt with this issue,” said David Redlawsk, director of the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll. Still, the poll finds the issue of Gay marriage is low on the priority list for most of the state’s residents. Fewer than one in six said it was a very important issue; nearly half said it’s not important at all. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. Currently five states allow Gay marriage: Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Iowa, and New Hampshire. New Jersey is one of a handful of states that offer civil unions containing the legal protections of marriage for same-sex couples, without the title. Gay activists in New Jersey have a renewed urgency to persuade lawmakers to give Gays full marriage rights in the state quickly because Gov. Jon Corzine, a Democrat, supports the measure, but Governorelect Chris Christie, a Republican, says he would veto it if it passed after he takes office January 19.
“There is more of a ‘live and let live’ attitude in New Jersey than in many other state that have dealt with this issue.”
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AFL-CIO takes on AIDS Witness immunity by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer To mark World AIDS Day, the AFL-CIO announced new international initiatives against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In South Africa, the AFL-CIO’s Solidarity Center is partnering with the National Metal Workers Union of South Africa in a five-year workplace-centered HIV/AIDS program “Be Faithful, Be Tested, Be Unionized.” One out of every nine South Africans is estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. The Solidarity Center program, which was initiated on World AIDS Day 2008, develops and supports HIV/AIDS education, voluntary testing, counseling, and services. The nearly all-male metalworkers can also learn skills to negotiate workplace HIV/ AIDS policies with their employers. The AFL-CIO says that working with local unions, as opposed to companies or government agencies, is crucial for achieving results: “The key to the program’s success: it’s led by the union, not management. Workers in South Africa and other countries fear they will lose jobs or job status if they are perceived as being HIV-positive. During the past year, the program provided HIV/AIDS education to more than 6,000 union members and their families and more than 2,300 workers volunteered to receive counseling and testing for the disease.” In East Africa, the Solidarity Center is a partner in SafeTStop, a comprehensive fiveyear initiative aimed at bringing HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment to long-haul truckers and communities in the East African transport corridor. SafeTStop centers operate at truck stops and serve adjacent communities as well. The centers link truckers to voluntary, confidential HIV counseling and testing, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, education and training opportunities, and provide support for orphans and at-risk children. The AFL-CIO Solidarity Center’s mission is “to help build a global labor movement by strengthening the economic and political power of workers around the world through effective, independent, and democratic unions.” It maintains field offices in 26 developing
countries worldwide, and has its headquarters in Washington DC. Individual AFL-CIO unions are also participating in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has joined with teachers’ unions in Africa to create the Teachers Caring for Teachers program, which has become a prototype for teachers unions across the continent. The AFT Educational Foundation also is working with six teachers unions in South Africa to provide support for teachers affected by HIV/AIDS. So far, the program has reached out to 750,000 teachers. With AFT’s help, students in the United States and Africa are sharing their experiences with HIV/AIDS in their communities. In September this year, students at Artesia High School in Lakewood, California, and Manenberg High School in Cape Town, South Africa, began communicating via computer. Students also will visit each other’s schools. Communications Workers of America (CWA) has partnered with Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the producers of a kid’s DVD Sockville – A New Pair of Socks to raise money for children with HIV/AIDS. The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has been CWA’s charity of choice for the past 20 years. Some 2 million children are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, with 1,000 more becoming infected every day. On World AIDS Day 2007, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), of which the AFL-CIO was a founding member, launched a global action plan against HIV/AIDS. The ITUC plan focused on improving workplace health and safety and providing better care and treatment for all workers, including those with HIV/ AIDS. In 2001, the International Labor Organization announced its Code of Practice on HIV/ AIDS and the World of Work, a document providing 10 principles for “policy development and practical guidelines for programs at enterprise, community, and national levels.” The AFL-CIO adopted the ILO principles as the basis for its own programs. The ILO is an agency of the United Nations.
Religion & Spirituality
sought for Gay service members by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer U.S. Representative Alcee Hastings (DFla.), introduced a bill December 2 that would grant Gay service members who reveal their sexual orientations during congressional testimony immunity from forced discharges as lawmakers prepare to consider repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), the ban on Gays serving openly in the U.S. military. Hastings said the bill is needed to ensure that Congress has reliable and relevant witnesses at its disposal if the House holds hearings next year on the DADT policy. In addition, the bill would also protect from retaliatory actions against any member of the military who testifies for or against lifting the 16-year ban. “How can there be anything more important than a Gay member of the service having the right to testify before the Armed Services Committee of the Congress that he is under the aegis of?” Hastings said. “But if they come and testify, that testimony could be used against them under DADT. In my judgment, it’s a question of fairness.” Hastings has secured 27 Democratic cosponsors for his “Honest and Open Testimony Act.” Hearings on DADT that were promised by the end of this year have been postponed and are now expected in early 2010. The new bill would apply to those, as well as any other hearings on the topic in the House of Senate. The protections are seen as a “carveout” because it would carve out, and drop, a section of DADT for the purpose of giving Congress access to full information. While some scholars praised the new initiative as an effort to ensure that Congress bases its decision-making on the best possible data, the measure has also met surprising opposition from leading Gay veterans groups and other Democrats who have been at the forefront of the movement to repeal the flawed policy. This legislation is good in theory, says Alexander Nichols, executive director of Servicemembers United, an advocacy group for Gay Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. But on a practical level, he thinks the legislation
would not protect Gay service members who out themselves to Congress from becoming outcasts within their units. He thinks it is better for Gay veterans to share their experiences than to put active duty service members at risk. “This proposal is, of course, well-intentioned and the idea behind it is certainly noble, but I believe it is naïve in its conceit and doesn’t reflect a thoughtfulness on what this would mean for Gay and Lesbian service members,” said Nichols. Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center, a think tank devoted to Gays in the military at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said that if the bill passes, it would be the first dent in DADT since the policy was adopted in 1993. “I don’t think there is any downside,” he said, “Politically, it is a very poignant thing to put a Gay person on the stand because that is shining a spotlight on the lie that structures the whole policy. The move, in and of itself, before they even say anything, is powerful ammunition.” “When the House and Senate evaluate the effectiveness of DADT next year, they will need to hear from those most affected by the law,” said Dr. Nathaniel Frank, a senior research fellow at the Palm Center and author of Unfriendly Fire: How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens America. Frank says that if current troops are not allowed to testify honestly, the quality of deliberations will suffer. “You can’t expect a legitimate and informed debate over repeal if you keep Gay troops in the closet,” he said. “Thousands of Gays are already open to their peers, but testifying publicly without protection would jeopardize their careers.” Since DADT took effect, nearly 13,000 troops have been discharged because it became known they were Gay. President Obama said he favors lifting the ban, but says the job is better left up to Congress, not the White House. U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy (DPa.), the first Iraq war veteran elected to Congress, has been spearheading a DADT repeal bill toward hearings in the House, but has yet to sign onto Hastings’ measure.
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Seattle Gay News 17
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
official photo
ENDA delay sparks fear, speculation duced in the US Senate.
When the US House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee postponed its scheduled markup of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) on November 18, it also sparked fear and speculation among LGBT activists. ENDA would expand the protections of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act – which prohibits discrimination by employers based on race, gender and religion – by extending similar protections to sexual orientation and gender identity. In part, activists’ concerns arise because the committee did not follow usual procedure and set a new date for the ENDA hearing. Committee Chair George Miller (D-Calif.) reportedly hopes to reschedule the markup in December, but is offering no guarantees. The House committee also offered very little by way of explanation for the postponement. The House website merely noted, “This markup has been postponed.” Some House sources told reporters that ENDA was being held up for unspecified “technical amendments,” and the lack of specificity itself has given rise to speculation on what might be cut from the bill. The worst case could be that Transgender workers will once again be excluded from federal protections. A version of ENDA without protection for gender identity passed the House in 2007, but was not intro-
Disparate impact, double recovery, and attorney fees The Advocate reported the delay came so that lawyers could “tweak” the bill’s language on disparate impact, double recovery, and attorney’s fees. There are two grounds for alleging discrimination in the workplace: disparate treatment and disparate impact. “Disparate treatment” means the employer treats an employee differently because of their identity. “Disparate impact,” on the other hand, is, means the employer is charged with labor practices that may not appear to be overtly discriminatory, but are nevertheless discriminatory in practice. Part of the legislative compromise under which ENDA is going forward is that it will cover only “disparate treatment” cases, not “disparate impact.” ENDA Section 4(g) already rules out disparate impact cases. “Double recovery” refers to the fear that, since a plaintiff is allowed to sue based on more than one cause of action, he or she could receive damages under more than one cause of action. For example, someone could sue under ENDA, and under another federal law, such as Title VII, and potentially recover damages under both. However, the law has a long-standing doctrine called “election of remedies,” under which courts routinely ensure that double recovery does not occur. ENDA does expand the right to attorney
Barney Frank
fees beyond that awardable under Title VII, the current federal discrimination statute. Title VII says that attorney fees can be awarded by the court to the winning party in “an action or proceeding,” in other words, a lawsuit in court. By contrast, if someone merely files an complaint with the EEOC,
which is an administrative agency, and it never goes to a federal court, then no attorney fees can be awarded. But ENDA would allow attorney fees in that situation. The solution does not seem to require much “tweaking” however. Instead of referring to “an action or administrative proceeding” in the attorney fees section, it could read “an action or proceeding,” the same as in Title VII.
Republican delaying tactics The decision to delay ENDA in the House may have more to do with the tactics of passing legislation in the Senate than it does with either the bill’s language or the wishes of its House-side sponsors. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), the longest-serving openly Gay member of the House and ENDA prime sponsor, said in an interview with the now-defunct Washington Blade that ENDA might not come up for a vote in the House till February 2010. Frank spoke to the Blade in early November, the week before the House markup was postponed. “So I say,” Frank said, “the schedule is the federal domestic partner benefits anytime in the next few months, ENDA out of the House in December or in February with the Senate voting in the spring, [and] ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ part of the military authorization, which means into the summer.” “[Domestic partner benefits for federal employees is the bill] I’m the most confident is going to become law because I think you have Senate support for it – enough to get to the 60,” Frank said, referring to the number of Senate votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Democratic Senators have complained that Republican delaying tactics have
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pushed their legislative agenda off-track. – even as a child – she identified as a girl. Even if ENDA passes the House, which is Now, as an adult, Frenter says she dresses still considered likely, it will have to wait till as a woman and goes about her daily life the pileup of pending Senate legislation – as such, but “I do not wear makeup or anystarting with healthcare reform – is cleared thing.” out. Frenter told SGN that the discriminatory Pres. Obama had wanted healthcare re- slurs quickly worsened from simple oneform passed before Congress’ August re- word comments like “fag” to vulgarities like cess. It now seems unlikely to happen before “she’s got a dick, she don’t got a pussy.” In the end of the year late October, Frenter reached her breaking “Over and over again, we are seeing tac- point and reported the incidents to her imtics to simply slow the Senate down,” said mediate supervisors as well as the Human Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). She Resources Department. These actions, she added that after initial procedural hurdles says, should have yielded positive results, were surmounted, “people have been con- but in her words, “My supervisor just hanfirmed overwhelmingly, if not unanimously, dled the problem at the moment. The harassand the same is true for legislation.” ment continued soon after I complained. Aides to Senate Majority Leader Harry Nothing had changed.” Reid (D-Nev.) have reported that when After additional complaints, she decided he was told that the House took less than to make a formal discrimination complaint an hour to pass an unemployment exten- to the Interstate Bakeries Corporation. On sion that had languished in the Senate for a October 30, a preliminary meeting was set month, he didn’t know whether to laugh or up between Frenter, a human resources repcry. resentative, and the plant manager. “It has been a very difficult year on the “During the first meeting, I told them Democratic side,” Sen. Richard Durbin (D- about the way I was being treated badly and Ill.), said last week. “We have faced, again, that some of my co-workers were giving me this onslaught of filibusters and delaying a hard time,” she recalled. “They said they tactics by the Republicans. That it would would stop the problems.” take four weeks for us to extend unemploy- The problems, according to Frenter, did ment benefits in the worst recession since not stop. In fact, she claims that when coour Great Depression is an indication of the workers learned of her discrimination claim, extremes that the Republican Senate leader- they ostracized her and the lewd and negaship has gone to.” tive comments continued.
transgender continued from cover
say, ‘That is not a woman, it’s a man’ and some of them even say I don’t belong at the job.” Frenter says she has been Transgender all her life. As far back as she can remember
ceased. She said she was told that she was a distraction to other workers and felt the meeting consisted of her being accused of things, while her aggressors were protected. “They asked me to open up to the managers and tell them who was messing with me,” she told SGN. “I gave them the names of the people who hate me there, and I gave them the names of people who witnessed the incidents.” Days later, Frenter said she was shocked to learn that human resources and management had not gone to the witnesses she named. According to Frenter, each co-worker she asked systematically told her that they had not had any conversation with a human resources representative regarding her claim. Once again, she thought, the company had let her down. A pattern was beginning to form, one that saw management quelling the situation for the time being, leaving her to suffer in the long run. Frenter, who still works at the bakery, says she feels uncomfortable when she goes to work now. Sometimes Frenter feels threatened she said. When SGN attempted to contact the Seattle Hostess Bakery, we were referred instead to their public relations firm, which sent a statement on behalf of Hostess Brands. “Hostess Brands believes in treating in-
dividuals in our workplaces with dignity and respect and therefore takes issues such as these very seriously,” read the statement. “In the last four weeks, we have taken nearly 100 percent of our workforce at the Seattle facility through training focusing on treating others with respect in the workplace. We will continue to work with all employees to continue to provide a fair workplace.” Frenter says the training that was given to employees was sexual harassment training, and had little to do with Transgender discrimination. Additionally, Frenter says, she was told the training was routine, though that was the first time she attended such training in over two years. “I decided to make my story public because it is clear they do not take me seriously,” Frenter said. “I feel manipulated and I know that I should not have to face discrimination because of the clothes I wear or the way I live my life.” Frenter told SGN that she wants the Hostess Bakery management to pay attention to help stop discrimination from happening at the plant. “I have felt humiliated from the comments made to me,” she said. “I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.” Phone calls by SGN requesting a statement from the Local 9 union representative went unanswered by press time.
MANAGEMENT TURNS BLIND EYE Management scheduled a follow-up meeting. This time they invited Frenter’s Local 9 (Bakers and Confectioners Workers Union) union representative to sit in on the meeting. The November 2 follow-up did not go the way Frenter had planned. She claims the company made her feel like she was being forced to agree with them that they had done everything right and that the problems had
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Seattle Gay News 19
clinton
continued from cover da, Clinton’s remarks were widely interpreted to refer to legislation introduced in the African nation specifying the death penalty for “repeat offender” Gays and Lesbians. The State Department had previously characterized the Uganda bill as “a significant step backwards for human rights in Uganda.” State Department spokesperson Noel Clay told SGN in October, “we are in the process of raising the issue with the government of Uganda.” Not all US officials seem to have gotten the message, however. US Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Eric P. Goosby, who sat behind Clinton as she spoke on Tuesday, told Newsweek magazine on November 27 that he would not hold up AIDS relief funding for Uganda. “My role is to be supportive and helpful to the patients who need these services. It is not to tell a country how to put forward their legislation,” Goosby said. Uganda receives some $287 million in PEPFAR funding for AIDS prevention and treatment. PEPFAR – the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief – was first enacted in 2003 on the initiative of Pres. George W. Bush. It was renewed, expanded, and some of its controversial provisions were removed, in 2008.
The 2008 expansion provided $48 billion for AIDS treatment and prevention through 2013. Uganda is one of the 15 current “focus countries” – most of them African – which are eligible for priority funding because of high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. One of the significant revisions when PEPFAR was renewed in 2008 was a repeal of the ban on people with HIV/AIDS from entering the US. While this was enacted under the Bush administration, the administrative rules preventing entry of HIV-positive people were not actually revised until Pres. Obama took office. “President Obama is implementing the repeal of the ‘HIV entry ban,’” Clinton said in her speech. “The repeal will take effect early in the new year, and we will be vigorously enforcing it.” “Today, I am pleased to announce that, with the repeal of the ban, the International AIDS Society will hold the 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington DC,” she continued to applause from the audience. “This conference will draw together an estimated 30,000 researchers, scientists, policymakers, healthcare providers, activists, and others from around the world.” International AIDS Conferences were held every year between 1985 and 1994, and every two years since then. They are the largest ongoing conferences on any health or development issue, and among the most prestigious. The 2010 Conference will be held in Vienna, with the 2012 event coming to Washington DC.
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there was speculation at the time that antimarriage Democrats were behind Espada’s maneuver. When it came time to vote, Monserrate voted against the bill. Espada voted for it, but was unable to bring eight of his fellow Democrats along.
NY Marriage
“This is not over.” LGBT activists promised not to be deterred by the setback in New York. “While this is a disappointing result, Family Equality Council will continue to fight for full equality until it is achieved in New York and across the US,” said Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler. “This includes not taking our eyes off New Jersey, where Governor Corzine has promised to sign a marriage equality bill if it reaches his desk before the end of his term.” Lambda Legal’s Director of Constitutional Litigation Susan Sommer vowed to continue litigation for full marriage equality, saying, “This is not over.” “As always, Lambda Legal will continue to make the case for equality and will continue to defend the state’s recognition of out-of-state marriages, as we did in New York’s highest court last month,” Sommer said. “But no matter how many times we defend families in court or how consistently the state upholds recognition of out-of-state marriages, same-sex couples in New York are still vulnerable to discrimination until they can marry in the state where they live.” David Mixner called for upping the ante. “With New York, Maine, and New Jersey, the wisdom of a federal strategy is enforced as a new way of approaching this dilemma,” he said. “What is not acceptable is that we all get filled with fear and start giving away our freedom out of frustration.” “We must consider a concerted and well planned campaign of non-violent civil disobedience,” Mixner continued. “Business as usual can not continue in this country as long as we are separated from the rest of our neighbors, families and friends who have full equality and freedom.”
continued from cover
proach to fighting for our rights instead of pumping money into either party in some sort of masochistic dance.” “Redouble efforts,” Paterson says Gov. Paterson had been a vocal supporter of the legislation. Facing the prospects of a primary challenge in 2010 from popular state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, son of former Governor and Democratic Party heavyweight Mario Cuomo, Paterson put much of his political capital on the line to pass the marriage bill. On April 16, he introduced the bill to a cheering crowd of supporters, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a number of city and state officials. “The time has come to act,” he said on that occasion. “The time has come to bring marriage equality to the state of New York.” “This is a civil rights issue and civil rights don’t wait for the right time,” Paterson said then. “Rights should not be stifled by fear. Silence should not be a response to injustice. If we take no action, we will surely lose.” After the vote on Wednesday, Paterson pledged to keep fighting for marriage equality. “It is always darkest before the dawn,” he said. “As disappointed as we are today, let’s get up tomorrow and redouble our efforts. We are going to lay the foundation to make people feel comfortable to vote their conscience and not fear political backlash.” Senate Majority Leader Democrat Pedro Espada promised “as many do-overs as is necessary to get us home.” “The Bible should never be left out!” On the other side, New York’s new Roman Catholic Archbishop Timothy Dolan made clear he would vigorously fight same-sex marriage legislation. He was joined in opposition by many evangelical Protestants. “I have religious beliefs, but when I walk through those [Senate] doors, my Bible stays out,” Sen. Eric Adams of Brooklyn, who is African American, said during the debate. In response, Sen. Ruben Diaz, a Pentacostal minister representing the Bronx and a longtime enemy of marriage equality, said, “The Bible should never be left out!” In an ironic twist, Majority Leader Espada, who supported the bill, ended up on the opposite side from his ally, Queens Democrat Hiram Monserrate. Espada and Monserrate briefly defected to the Republicans in June, giving them control of the Senate. In a complex deal to restore control to the Democrats, Espada was chosen as Democratic Majority Leader. The deposed Democratic Leader, Sen. Malcolm Smith, also of Queens, was a known supporter of marriage equality, and
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account has been opened at Bank of America called the “Timothy Brenton Family Assistance Fund.” The account will be active for a limited time and is available for private donations made by anyone who wishes to contribute. Also, at each participating location, customers can make additional cash donations in a “cash jar” on display for the cause. “On October 31, Officer Brenton was on duty protecting the East Precinct when he was taken from his family and our community,” Stevens said in a statement released to the press December 1. “In the days following officer Brenton’s murder, there was a tremendous outpouring of emotion from many Seattleites. It was a shock to everyone that this could or would happen in our city.” Stevens says that over the years “the closeknit Capitol Hill community and merchants have experienced a resounding relationship with the East Precinct and the officers who patrol the neighborhood.” In fact, Capitol
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Hill restaurant and bar operators frequently meet and talk candidly with local police officials to exchange ideas regarding safety and security. There is a close, mutual respect among them, Stevens said, that is “not easily found in other parts of the city.”
As the Capitol Hill community learned more about Brenton, and the young family he left behind, the restaurant and bar owners were left questioning what they could do to help, he said. The loss that was shared by the entire community led the business owners to
the decision to create a fundraising event. Stevens says, “This is something we can do, ought to do and will do – it’s really that simple.” Currently, 11 venues on the Hill have agreed to participate – a number Stevens
hopes will grow in the days leading up to the fundraiser. If you have any additional questions or would like to find out more information about the “Timothy Brenton Family Assistance Fund,” contact Stevens at capitolhillcares@hotmail.com.
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December 4, 2009
Seattle Gay News 21
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22 Seattle Gay News
December 4, 2009
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December 4, 2009
Seattle Gay News 23