Issue 06 Volume 39
Celebrating 38 Years!
FRIDAY February 11, 2011 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
PHYSIQUE MAGS p. 16
CINDERELLA BALLET p. 19
FILM NOIR p. 25
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
From hate to help
A Queer youth supporter gets the word out
by Anthony Greer SGN Contributing Writer
page grant proposal which gave Three Wings, a separate committee of the Queer Youth Space (QYS), In July of 2011, the City of Seat- $100,000 to open the kind of safe tle Neighborhood Matching Fund see queer youth page 20 Program approved a roughly 80-
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
courtesy richard tso
courtesy kyle rapiñan
SGN UPDATE: Queer Youth Space search A Seattle man’s journey to commit an act of tolerance each day It is hard to conceptualize that the man standing before me – confident, outgoing, and driven – was on the receiving end of a Gay bashing one year ago. That’s because Richard Tso refuses to be a victim. The Seattle resident is adamant about that. The “incident,” as he refers to it, spurred his interest in working for a nonprofit dedicated to making sure that these incidents do not happen to anyone else. In August of 2010, Richard was scheduled to speak at a conference in Baltimore, Maryland. As vice president of marketing for the technology company Spigit, he was doing well for himself. Before heading to dinner with a couple of potential clients from clothing and shoe company Zappos, he headed to his hotel room to drop off his laptop. “As I approached the hotel lobby elevator, I noticed a man speaking loudly and causing a scene,” Richsee tolerance page 19
Richard Tso
rainbow tourism
“From all over the world ...” Canada’s House of Whistler’s Winter Pride 2011 Commons passes
Trans protection bill
Montrealais
by David Luc Nguyen SGN Contributing Writer In grade school, we learned that bears hibernate during the winter. Hibernation is a state of inactivity, lowered body temperatures, slowed breathing, and extended periods of slumber. This week in Whistler, I learned that this is simply not true. Sexy bears and cubs joined twinks, circuit boys, Lesbians, and athletic supporters from all over the world
to descend on the former Olympic Alpine site to show their Winter Pride. Winter Pride – often called Gay and Lesbian ski week – offers an alternative to the usual party, party, party atmosphere Gay men and women have become accustomed to during pride. Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of partying, but Whistler offers other events in tandem for the more athletically inclined event goers. There was a plethora of indoor and outdoor
activities to choose from, sure to appease even the most physically active, granola-eating Seattlite. SGN readers can now get to the snowy paradise much easier and faster than before. Road construction and other modes of transportation following the Winter Olympics last year changed the trip from six hours to just over four hours. Just watch out for Canadian Mounted Patrols, because
Canada’s House of Commons in the capital of Ottawa
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Transgender Canadians moved one step closer to full legal protection on February 10, when the House of Commons passed a bill to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or gender expression. The measure is a so-called “private member’s bill,” meaning it see winter pride page 20 was put forward by an individual
– in this case MP Bill Siskay of the New Democratic Party – rather than by the government party. Canada is a parliamentary democracy in which the party that commands a majority in the House of Commons forms the government and nominates the prime minister. While the governing Conservative Party largely opposed the law, see canada page 20
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Seattle Gay News
February 11, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
February 11, 2011
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Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973
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2011
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 Shaun Knittel 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, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel, Miryam Gordon, Tim Peter Contributing Writers
Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner
Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers Nick Ardizzone, Nate Gowdy, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by Frogs and Ink, Inc. © 2011, Frogs and Ink, 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.
Another round, ladies? RODRIGUEZ No thanks, Goosie. We have to work tomorrow.
Where no Gays have gone before by Leslie Robinson SGN Contributing Writer Brannon Braga, who produced many of the episodes and feature films in the Star Trek universe, told AfterElton.com that the franchise’s lack of Gay characters was “a shame.” His new show, Terra Nova, so far also has no Gay characters. It doesn’t strike me as all that hard to include LGBT characters in televised science fiction. I’ll take a shot at a scene right now: INTERIOR CROSSROADS BAR, PLANET OF NEW POUGHKEEPSIE – EVENING CAPTAIN ISABEL RODRIGUEZ and FIRST ENGINEER SUE TREMAINE, wearing work jumpsuits, drinking Saturn slings. TREMAINE I’ll never get over her. RODRIGUEZ That’s what you said last time.
TREMAINE I’m repetitive. Sue me. RODRIGUEZ What you are is addicted to the chase.
TREMAINE Hey Goose, I can’t tell if you’re a guy or a girl today. GOOSIE Not too sure myself. Wait, it’s Tuesday. Guy. He moves to the next table. TREMAINE Hell of an interesting planet he comes from. RODRIGUEZ It’s bedtime for me.
TREMAINE TREMAINE If I wanted psychoanalysis I’d be drinkThe night is young! Look, the Orion Exing with the counselor from Pluto with three press just unloaded. Visitors who’d love to feet. be shown around by our fair captain. RODRIGUEZ Maybe you should take a break from women.
RODRIGUEZ Stuff it.
TREMAINE TREMAINE Izzy, you haven’t been with a man or a Not in this lifetime. And if what the Oracle woman since the Leberwurstians invaded. told me is true, not in the next one either. RODRIGUEZ GOOSIE the barkeeper stops at their taThe tingling in my artificial nose says ble. they’ll be back. I have to lead. Not love. GOOSIE
See? Adding LGBT characters opens a host of dramatic doors. Sci-fi creators need to beam us on board. Leslie Robinson wants a Tribble. E-mail her at lesarobinson@gmail.com, and check out her blog at www.generalgayety.com.
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
February 11, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
ECSA launches “ECSA Gives Back” program Courtesy ecsa
and other equipment,” said Card. “Our league keeps growing every year, and it’s always a challenge for new teams to gather the equipment they need,” he said. Seattle’s Gay softball league is the fourth largest in country, boasting more than 500 players on 35 teams last year, and is poised to grow even larger this season. The Super Bowl party at R Place doubled as a fundraiser to support players needing help with the league’s player fee. Rental prices for Seattle fields have spiked in recent years, and the fees players pay have increased for the first time in several years. “Our local business community has been
the backbone of our league, and we appreciate R Place’s generous support to help make sure anybody who wants to play Gay softball will have the opportunity to do so,” Card said. ECSA’s new player events are open to all skill levels. Teams are classified by skill level, with the greatest growth in recent years coming from novice-level teams. Games start in April, but teams start looking for new players as early as February. For more information about the ECSA Gives Back Program and the New Player Skills Clinics, visit www.emeraldcitysoftball.org.
One Degree announces Celebrity Bingo for Pride at Seattle Center by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
From left, Letwon Canton (a coach), Randy Robison (on the board), and Jeff Card
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The Emerald City Softball Association (ECSA) Open Division kicked off the “ECSA Gives Back” program on February 6 at R Place during their Super Bowl party. The program is an effort to put used softball equipment into the hands of players just starting out with the league. ECSA Gives Back coincides with the league’s annual new player recruitment drive. This year, the league is hosting two New Player Skills Clinics. The first is scheduled for 11 a.m. on February 12 at the Rainier Beach Playfields (Cloverdale St. just west of Rainier Ave. S. in South Seat-
tle). If there is a rainout, February 13 will be the makeup date. The second new player event will take place at Bobby Morris Playfield (E. Pine St. and 11th Ave. E.) on February 27 at 11 a.m. The ECSA Gives Back program will be active at each of the new player events. Active or retired players can donate their old equipment at either New Player Skills Clinic. “Our number-one objective is to collect the most basic equipment – softball gloves and cleats – which costs about $100 for somebody just starting out to buy them new,” said ECSA Commissioner Jeff Card. “The league is also collecting bats, balls,
In The Life presents “You Are Not Alone” by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
For nearly a decade, Lifelong AIDS Alliance’s Gay Bingo was one of the most popular fundraising events in the local LGBT community. Last year, Lifelong decided to end the event to focus on other programs, and Gay Bingo was immediately missed. One Degree Events officials, who produce the annual PrideFest at the Seattle Center, told Seattle Gay News that they are bringing back Gay Bingo as Pride Bingo. According to Egan Orion, the festival director, the theme for this year’s Pride Bingo event is “Celebrity Bingo,” with prizes given to participants dressed up as LGBT or LGBT-allied celebrities such as Madonna, Elton John, or Cher. Pride Bingo is officially scheduled for June 24 at Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center from 8-10 p.m. One Degree Events say that 100% of the net proceeds from Pride Bingo will benefit local HIV/AIDS charities. In addition, One Degree Events has announced that Armistead Maupin, bestselling author of the Tales of the City series, is
booked to deliver the keynote at PrideFest and will be on hand to sign books. “His keynote will follow the thematic of PrideFest this year,” Egan told SGN. “We will be looking back with a personal look at the AIDS crisis and looking forward towards marriage equality.” This year’s Seattle PrideFest theme is “BE YOU: Show Your True Colors.” One Degree Events took over the Downtown Pride Festival in 2007, renaming it PrideFest. Since then, the festival has grown from a 10,000-person crowd to over 70,000 in 2010. Historically, the PrideFest has been a one-day event, but this year One Degree Events officials say the celebration will last two days – one an open-air benefit concert, and the other the big festival with three stages from noon to 8 p.m. at the Seattle Center, immediately following the Downtown Pride Parade. Keep a lookout for updates in the Seattle Gay News for all your 2011 Seattle Pride needs.
cide and ensure the healthy development of all youth through powerful communication and education on gender and orientation.
Award for Outstanding TV JournalismNewsmagazine. In The Life Media produces change through innovative media that exposes social injustice by chronicling LGBT life and providing their audiences with effective ways to advance equality within and beyond the Gay community. Studies from the Center for American Progress and Media Matters have repeatedly shown that talk radio, network, and cable news heavily favor conservative (i.e. anti-LGBT) opinion and “experts.” Repeated academic studies have demonstrated that the best way to reduce homophobia and Transphobia is to expose more people to sexual minorities. By producing diverse images of the LGBT communities, In The Life Media is changing hearts and minds by exposing hundreds of thousands of people nationwide to our communities.
“You Are Not Alone” will be shown in Seattle on KCT-TV, Channel 9 on Sunday, February 20 at midnight and can also be viewed online. To find out when it airs outside Seattle or to stream or download the video, visit www.itlmedia.org. Produced by In The Life Media, In The Life is the longest-running television show documenting the Gay experience. In The Life is a three-time Emmy Award nominee, fighting for federal legislation to protect all a Lambda Legal Liberty Award honoree, and the recipient of the Courage Award children. from the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, the Seigenthaler Live Out Loud’s Award from the National Lesbian and Gay Homecoming Project “This is such a special day for me to come Journalists Association for excellence in back to my school. I grew up in a conser- network television, and a GLAAD Media vative, conservative Mormon family. I knew that I was going to Hell.” – Dustin Lance Black
In February, In The Life Media presents “You Are Not Alone.” “Bullycides” is an informative online video calling attention to the national health crisis of young people taking their own lives as a result of bullying. In the next segment, Oscar-winning openly Gay screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk, Big Love) reDustin Lance Black was a shy high school turns to his hometown high school to inspire LGBT students. In the third segment, In The student when he first heard Harvey Milk’s Life Media staffers share their personal sto- message to Gay kids in small towns across America: “I know that you cannot live on ries of hope for young viewers. hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living.” Black survived high school and Bullycides “I want people to know my son is not alive went on to write the Oscar-winning film because of what happened to him in his en- celebrating the life of his hero, Milk. Now, vironment at school. I could not protect him Black returns to his hometown of Salinas, California to deliver his own message of between the hours of 8:00 to 3:00.” survival as part of The Homecoming Proj– Sirdeaner Walker ect, Live Out Loud’s grassroots initiative Studies show that youth who are bullied that brings successful Gay adults back to are five times more likely to be depressed their high school to inspire a new generation and to report suicidal thoughts. LGBT chil- of students. dren and those who are perceived to be Creating a Safer World Gay, Lesbian, or challenge traditional gen“I was literally a punching bag at school der roles are among those most likely to be targeted by bullies. In this look at the most and at home. I decided that I couldn’t take it tragic outcome for kids tormented by kids, anymore.” – Evan Bornacelli you meet the heartbroken families of Carl Joseph Hoover and Erik Mohat, who are The YES Institute works to prevent sui-
Visit us online www.sgn.org
Chris Bender 1957-2011
Chris Bender was born on August 18, 1957 and passed away February 5, 2011 in Palm Springs, CA. Chris heroically fought AIDS for over 20 years. He is best known for working at the old Timberline (now Cornish) as the friendly doorman who greeted everyone with his winning smile. His partner was Rick Wilson, who tended bar on the weekends and for Sunday T-Dance. Rick preceded Chris in death a number of years ago. A memorial service for Chris will be held this spring.
February 11, 2011
Seattle Gay News
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NEWS
French Constitutional Court upholds same-sex marriage ban France’s Constitutional Court upheld the nation’s same-sex marriage ban January 28. It said Gay and straight couples find themselves in a “different situation” that justifies differing treatment under family law. Parliament, however, can legalize samesex marriage if it wants to, the court said. Polls suggest that nearly 60 percent of French people support letting same-sex couples marry. The nation has offered civil unions for Gay couples for more than a decade, but the unions lack many legal benefits of marriage. German court blocks Trans sterilization requirement Germany’s Constitutional Court ruled January 28 that it is unconstitutional to require Transgender people to undergo sterilization or gender-reassignment surgery before they can be legally recognized as a
pa
INTERNATIONAL by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer member of the other sex. The decision came in the case of a Transsexual woman who was denied the right to enter a same-sex civil partnership with her female partner. The court said such requirements are incompatible with rights to sexual self-determination, physical integrity and privacy. In response, Berlin’s TransInterQueer called on the German government to immediately bring federal law into line with the ruling. According to Transgender Europe, a majority of European nations have laws similar to Germany’s, which the group said violates international human rights law. Christians to appeal hotel case A Christian couple in Cornwall, England, who were ordered by the Bristol County Court to pay more than $5,700 in damages to a Gay couple to whom they refused to rent a double room at their bed-and-breakfast likely will take their case to the Court
Catholic Church enters 21st century, OKs iPhone app
Christian hotel owners Peter and Hazelmary Bull
of Appeal with backing from the Christian Institute. Peter and Hazelmary Bull were found guilty of violating the United Kingdom’s ban on sexual-orientation discrimination in public accommodations when they told civil partners Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy that
they would not be allowed to sleep together. In their defense, the Bulls claimed they apply the same policy to unmarried heterosexual couples who seek to check into their lodging.
Benedict XVI last month. In a speech on January 24, the pope said it was not a sin to use social networking sites. Presumably Catholics are required to use social networking technology in line with Church teachings and not to hook up, for example. The pope also encouraged young Catholics to share information with each other online. The firm said the new app was developed with assistance from several priests and had been given the church’s imprimatur by Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne in Indiana.
The imprimatur of a bishop is necessary before Catholics are allowed to publish new books or articles, and by extension to launch new iPhone apps. A spokesperson from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales told BBC News that “The Church believes in embracing new technology and this creative app will hopefully help people to make a good confession.” In 2007, the Vatican launched its own YouTube channel. Two years later, it created a Facebook app that allows users to send virtual postcards featuring the Pope Benedict.
With assistance from Bill Kelley
Living out online with OutMilitary.com
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Roman Catholic Church entered the 21st century this month – at least as far as the sacrament of confession goes. Senior Catholic officials in both the U.S. and U.K. announced on February 7 that they had approved the sale of a new iPhone app that allows Catholics to confess their sins digitally. Described as “the perfect aid for every penitent,” the new app will be sold by iTunes for £1.19, or $1.99. The app takes users through the sacrament of confession – in which Catholics admit their wrongdoings – and helps them to keep track of their sins. 6
Seattle Gay News
It also allows them to examine their conscience based on personalized factors such as age, sex, and marital status. Church leaders cautioned that it is not intended to replace in-person confession entirely. Instead, it is intended to help Catholics to understand their actions and identify sins. Catholics are still required to visit a priest for absolution. Among the sins Catholics may confess through the new app are same-sex relations – which the church teaches are “objectively disordered” – and support for reproductive choice – which the Church believes is equivalent to aiding and abetting murder. The app’s Indiana-based developers said they were inspired by an address by Pope
February 11, 2011
With the end of DADT, Gay servicemembers will soon be ready to communicate in a way never before possible. Launched just over a month ago, www.OutMilitary.com is providing a supportive environment for “friending,” sharing and networking between Gay active military, vets, and supporters. After nearly two decades, Gay soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines can now “ask yes, say yes” as they socially network as open Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual troops. The social network (similar to Facebook) was launched one week after President Obama signed a new law overturning the ban on Gays in the U.S. military. Within one month, the networking site has seen tremendous growth – proving that the estimated 1 million LGBT veterans and
nearly 65,000 active-duty Gays really do exist. More than just a representation of numbers, OutMilitary.com gives these men and women a chance to network with each other and their supporters. According to the creator and web designer of OutMilitary.com John McKinnon, many users joined the network after seeing an ad on Facebook. Currently, the U.S. military is preparing rules to enforce the repeal, but a specific date for when that will take place has not been announced. Still, some soldiers say they will not wait and do not fear the possibility of losing their jobs. McKinnon says he encourages people to join the social network, but does not encourage people who are currently serving on active duty or in the reserves to divulge personal information before the new rules come into effect.
After nearly two decades, Gay soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines can now “ask yes, say yes.”
Celebrating 38 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
SHANTI SEEKS VOLUNTEERS Seattle Shanti, a program of Multifaith Works/Rosehedge, has volunteer opportunities available for those interested in providing emotional support to people in our community challenged by HIV/AIDS, MS, other life-challenging illnesses, or addictionrecovery issues. Our volunteers provide one-to-one non-directive, nonjudgmental, compassionate listening to those who are generally isolated and alone. We are currently accepting applications for our four-day winter training, which occurs over the weekends of February 26-27 and March 5-6. During this training, volunteers will gain insight into themselves while learning about providing support to stigmatized populations, working with grief and loss, chemical dependency and recovery, and mental health issues. Volunteers will also have an opportunity to increase their active listening, communication, emotional support, and relationship-building skills. One of our volunteers has shared the following thought: “After a couple years’ practice with the Shanti model of heartfelt listening, I’ve come to regard this technique as a radical tool for reimagining myself and my society. It’s a little like when politicians redraw the lines separating legislative districts. But Shanti erases boundaries between hearts, and enfolds people who are often consigned to marginal territory.” And Shanti Partners (clients) have said: “Before my Shanti experience I was angry, depressed, and sad. Just knowing I had one person in my life who could really hear me allowed me to go deep within myself and emerge with joy and peace.” “I really didn’t have anybody in my life to talk to … some things just didn’t make sense until I said them out loud.” Consider whether this is the right time in your life to bring your presence and talent to impact the life of another. Consider whether it might be time to explore a volunteer opportunity with Shanti. We are especially in need of volunteers from the LGBTQ community now. If you have any questions, please call Molly at (206) 787-8409, or simply download an application from www.multifaith. org and send it to molly@multifaith.org. THE BEARATONES – “MY FUZZY VALENTINES” On Friday, February 11, and Saturday, February 12, at Erickson Theater (1524 Harvard Ave., between E. Pike & E. Pine Sts.) join the Bearatones, a Seattle-based group of five bearish guys who sing, dance, and just plain have fun, for “My Fuzzy Valentine,” a new cabaret-style show that takes a musical look at love and the people and things that inspire it, all served up with bearish good humor. Tickets are $18 advance or $25 cash at the door. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/142708. LESBIAN COMMUNITY VALENTINE’S DAY GATHERING AND DANCE On Saturday, February 12, from 7 p.m. to ????, come dance your heart out at the Laughing Ladies Cafe (17551 15th Ave. NE, Shoreline.) Sliding scale: $4-$10. Food and beverage available. Sponsored by the Seattle Area OverForties Group. DAVID WOJNAROWICZ’S CONTROVERSIAL VIDEO, A FIRE IN MY BELLY, SHOWING IN SEATTLE David Wojnarowicz’s controversial video, A Fire in My Belly, that was part of a show of Gay and Lesbian related art at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery recently, until it was removed from the exhibition in response to a deluge of unfavorable calls and e-mails from the Catholic League and its partisans, is being shown with other less controversial works by Wojnarowicz at the Greg Kucera Gallery (212 Third Ave. S.)
and the Henry Art Gallery (15th Ave. NE & NE 41st St.) through February 13. The video can also be seen online by Googling “David Wojnarowicz,” including http://vsthepomegranate.blogspot.com/2010/12/fire-in-mybelly-by-david-wojnarowicz.html IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE SCHEDULE OF CORONATION EVENTS On Sunday, February 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Richmark/12th and Pine Building (12th Ave. and E. Pine St.), King County residents who are 18 and over with valid ID, are encouraged to vote for their candidates of choice. Later that evening at 7 p.m., at R Place (619 E. Pine St. at Boylston Ave.) the Court presents their In Town Show and Awards. On Thursday, February 17, at 7 p.m., at Neighbours, the Court presents the Denver/ Salt Lake City show. On Friday, February 18, at 7 p.m., at R Place, the Court presents the Out of Town Show. On Saturday, February 19, the Court presents Coronation 2011: “The 40th Annual President’s Ball – An American Gala” at 5 p.m., at Seattle Renaissance Hotel (515 Madison St., at 6th Ave.) Tickets are $40. On Sunday, February 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the Renaissance Hotel, the Court presents the Victory Brunch in celebration of the new Emperor and Empress. www.imperialcourtofseattle.com. THE ELITE HOSTS FREE ASL LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Have you ever wanted to learn basic American Sign Language? If so, you can get some beginning ASL instruction at the Elite (1520 E. Olive Way). The FREE lessons will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the loft.
On Friday, February 18, from noon to 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, February 19, from 9 a.m. breakfast to 4:30 p.m., including lunch, Emerald City MCC Seattle will host a MiniChurch Growth Conference at All Pilgrims Church (509 10th Ave. E., Broadway E. & E. Republican St.). This summit will provide education about church-size theory and offer churches individual assessment and feedback. “Emerald City MCC Seattle is currently in the Under-50 category, the Family Church. We want to learn how we can move up into the next size group, the Pastor-Led Church, where we consistently have more than 50 people in worship. There are significant differences in how each sized church operates and how new members come into membership. Friday is the training day. Saturday is the application day where we will begin making plans on how to overcome the barriers to growth that we face. “On Friday, we will be learning about the barriers to growth that we face as a church and how to overcome them. Saturday’s sessions will focus on planning for the future together as a congregation so we can determine what are the most important issues to tackle first! Help us plan to grow MCMCC!” The cost is free, but you need to register by going to: http://www.regonline.com/ Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=910211. Emerald City MCC Seattle meets for worship every Sunday at 11 a.m., in the Chapel of the University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd St. www.MCCSeattle.org. LIFELONG AIDS ALLIANCE’S “MAKING A DIFFERENCE” ANNUAL BENEFIT BREAKFAST WITH GREG LOUGANIS On Thursday, February 24, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. (registration begins at 7 a.m.), join emcee Jean Enerson, guest speaker Greg Louganis, the Lifelong AIDS Alliance board and staff, and caring community members for a fundraising breakfast in support of Lifelong AIDS Alliance at The Red Lion Hotel, 1415 5th Ave. Dr. Lawrence Corey, president and director-elect of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, an American physician-scientist and an internationally recognized expert on infectious diseases, whose discoveries have been recognized as having advanced the understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases caused by viruses, especially the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), will receive the 2011 Ned Behnke Leadership Award. For more information, contact 206-9571742; www.lifelongbreakfast.org. Suggested minimum donation is $150.
SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dunshee House (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). All GLBTQ folks in the community are welcome to participate in this FREE book club. The book for February is Alan Hollinghurst’s The Line of Beauty, the novel that surprised the English-speaking world by running away with one of the most honored annual literary prizes on this planet, the 2004 Booker. This is a big Gay novel with GREATER SEATTLE hot sex scenes, catty comments, relentless BUSINESS ASSOCIATION realism and hilarious perceptions. HollinHOSTS ANNUAL ghurst writes like a Gay Iris Murdoch, with BUSINESS & HUMANITARIAN gorgeous sentences, hilarious stinging satAWARDS DINNER ire, and flawed fascinating characters. On Thursday, February 24, from 5:30-9 For more information, e-mail nickdimartin@earthlink.net or contact Dunshee House p.m., at the Westin Seattle (1900 Fifth Ave. at Stewart St.) join the Greater Seattle Busiat 206-322-2437. ness Association, Seattle’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, in celebrating the “cream of OUTVIEW ONLINE the crop” at the GSBA Business and HuPREMIERES DOCUMENTARY manitarian Awards Dinner. TO BENEFIT GLSEN’S “These leaders have truly inspired us to SAFE SPACE CAMPAIGN reach higher and reminded us that success AND THE TREVOR PROJECT On Thursday, February 17, at 7 p.m., at isn’t only measured by the numbers on the Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.), balance sheet but by what they can accomOUTView Online screens their full-length plish for the community.” U.S. Senator Patty Murray will be the documentary – a re-edited compilation of their three-part online series on the facts of keynote speaker and special guest Ret. Col. suicide, bullying, gender issues. The film Margarethe Cammermeyer will be honoring features interviews with Jesse Archer, Jo- Major Margaret Witt for her efforts in the seph Fenity, Jallen Rix and Lincoln Rose. landmark repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Tickets are: $130-members, $145-nonProceeds from this evening’s screening will benefit The Trevor Project (www.thetrevor- members, $75-students. For more information and to RSVP, call project.org) and GLSEN’s Safe Space Campaign (www.glsen.org). www.outviewon- 206-363-9188 or visit www.thegsba.org. line.com. 9TH ANNUAL HRC SEATTLE BOWLING FOR EQUALITY EMERALD CITY On Sunday, February 27, from 3-5 p.m., METROPOLITAN 5:30-7:30 p.m., and 8-10 p.m., join Human COMMUNITY CHURCH Rights Campaign Seattle supporters and HOSTS MINI-CHURCH friends at The Garage (1134 Broadway) for GROWTH CONFERENCE light appetizers, great entertainment and 2 hours of bowling (bowling shoes included). Tickets: $40 before 2/19, $45 after, VIP
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February 11, 2011
tickets $70. An annual membership to HRC is included with any ticket purchased. To RSVP, visit www.hrcseattle.org/bowling. THREE DOLLAR BILL CINEMA & GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT HOST 6TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS PARTY AT SEATTLE CINERAMA On Sunday, February 27, 4:30 p.m. doors (3:30 p.m. VIP doors), at Seattle Cinerama (2100 4th Ave. at Lenora St.) join Three Dollar Bill Cinema (Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival) and Gay City Health Project on the red carpet for Seattle’s most fabulous Academy Awards Party. Watch Hollywood’s biggest night on the biggest screen in town and support two important community organizations. Dress casual or in Hollywood red carpet inspired attire, and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, fantastic raffle prizes, and much more. Tickets: $25 general, $50 VIP. www. threedollarbillcinema.org; www.gaycity. org ALLYSHIP SEEKING VOLUNTEERS Allyship is an organization that does multi-issue organizing in the social justice community as out Queers and connects social justice issues within LGBTQ communities. For several years Allyship has been sponsoring a discussion series called “Queerly Classed,” as well as mobilizing for marches and actions, and building relationships in the labor, feminist, immigrant rights, housing and health care movements. This year Allyship will be creating campaigns around health care, workers’ rights and Queer youth and is looking for volunteers to help with campaign research, social media, and outreach. For more information, including a description of tasks and time commitment for volunteer positions of researcher, social media assistant, and outreach assistant, email ladyking6k@yahoo. com or allyship@yahoo.com. FORECAST: COMMUNICATING WEATHER AND CLIMATE – ARTS & SCIENCE EXHIBIT AT WASHINGTON STATE CONVENTION CENTER Through Saturday, April 9, EcoArts Connections presents an arts and science based exhibit, Forecast: Communicating Weather and Climate, at the Washington State Convention Center, 800 Pike St. (North and South Gallerias). Commissioned by the American Meteorological Society for their 91st AMS annual meeting at the WSCC (January 24-27), the exhibit features the work of 36 regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists based in Washington state whose work has been inspired and/or informed by weather and climate. Eight scientists from four states and two countries collaborated with the artists for the exhibition. “I can say from personal experience that working with an artist, you discover the commonality between the sciences and the arts. The creative process is similar: both can end up looking at our world in way that no one has before, and both are compelled to communicate that insight to others,” comments Peggy LeMone, 2010 AMS President and Senior Scientist Emerita at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. “These scientist-artist dialogues give us a better chance of communicating this vision – and through the arts we can avoid the barriers people might have to learning something new.” Forecast works will range from documenting nature or science, to science informing and/or inspiring art, to co-equal science/arts collaboration. In addition to being an exhibit that is exciting, interesting, and attracts new audiences, Forecast is designed to engage scientists, artists, and the general public in cross-disciplinary dialogue on innovative ways to communicate and understand weather and climate issues. www.box. net/shared/rgz4mos84j
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Puerto Rican judge throws the book at Trans woman’s killer PrimeraHora.com
gender identity or expression. • An astonishing 41% of respondents reported attempting suicide, compared to only 1.6% of the general population. • Discrimination in health care and poor health outcomes were frequently experienced by respondents. Nineteen percent reported being refused care due to bias against Transgender or gender-nonconforming people, with this figure even higher for respondents of color. Respondents also had over four times the national average of HIV infection. • Harassment by law enforcement was reported by 22% of respondents and nearly half were uncomfortable seeking police assistance. • Despite the hardships they often face, Transgender and gender non-conforming persons persevere. Over 78% reported feeling more comfortable at work and their performance improving after transitioning, despite the same levels of harassment in the workplace. “By shedding light on the discrimination that Transgender Americans face, this study poses a challenge to us all,” said Rea Carey, executive director for the NGLTF. “No one should be out of a job, living in poverty, or faced with sub-par health care simply because of their gender identity or expression. The scope of the problem is clear, and now we must come together to solve it.”
“Reading these results is heartbreaking on a personal level – each of these facts and figures represents pain and hardship endured by real people, every single day,” said Mara Keisling, executive director of NCTE. “This survey is a call to the conscience of every American who believes that everyone has the right to a fair chance to work hard, to have a roof overhead, and to support a family. Equality, not discrimination, is the ideal that Americans believe in, have fought for, and need to apply here.” The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds the grassroots power of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement. The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) is a non-profit, social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration and empowerment. NCTE was founded in 2003 by Transgender activists who saw the urgent need for a consistent voice in Washington, D.C. Their work focuses on federal policy, federal legislation and other issues of national significance that impact the lives of Transgender people and our families.
Howard Stern says he is done using anti-Gay language on air
John Spellman / Retna Ltd.
Emmanuel Adorno Ayala
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer On February 7, Puerto Rican Judge Jesus Peluyera sentenced Emanuel Adorno Ayala to 111 years in prison. Adorno had previously confessed to stabbing Ashley Santiago, a Trans woman, more than a dozen times in April 2010. After the sentencing, Santiago’s mother, Carmen Ocasio, told Primera Hora reporters that “this pain will last for the rest of my life.” According to El Nuevo Dia, Ocasio went to police on April 20, 2010, after not hearing from her daughter for two days. Police then went to Santiago’s house some 25 miles away from San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital. There they found Santiago’s naked and bloody body. According to police reports, she had been stabbed up to 14 times.
She had worked in Corozel as a hair stylist. Santiago was murdered only five months after the killing of Gay teen Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado. Lopez’s murderer, Juan Martinez Matos, is serving a 99-year sentence for his crime. The FBI monitored the Lopez case because Puerto Rican activists feared it would not be prosecuted as a hate crime. Puerto Rico has had a hate crimes law on the books since 2002 including both sexual orientation and gender identity, but Puerto Rican activists say the statute has never been used. In fact, police were initially reluctant to characterize either murder as a hate crime. After agitation by LGBT rights activists in both Puerto Rico and the U.S., however, both Adorno and Martinez received very severe sentences.
Transgender study finds “Injustice at Every Turn” by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) released a comprehensive new report, “Injustice at Every Turn,” on February 4, revealing the depth of discrimination against Transgender and gender nonconforming people in a wide range of areas, including education, health care, employment, and housing. The study, based on the results from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), was based on responses from over 6,450 participants. The NTDS is the first large-scale national study of discrimination against Transgender and gender nonconforming Americans, and paints a more complete picture than any prior research to date. Among the key findings from “Injustice at Every Turn”: 8
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• Respondents were nearly four times more likely to live in extreme poverty, with household income of less than $10,000. • Respondents were twice as likely to be unemployed compared to the population as a whole. Half of those surveyed reported experiencing harassment or other mistreatment in the workplace, and one in four were fired because of their gender identity or expression. • While discrimination was pervasive for the entire sample, it was particularly pronounced for people of color. African American Transgender respondents fared far worse than all others in many areas studied. • Housing discrimination was also common. Nineteen percent reported being refused a home or apartment and 11% reported being evicted because of their gender identity or expression. One in five respondents experienced homelessness because of their
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Howard Stern
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Howard Stern, host of the long-running The Howard Stern Show, has said that he intends to curb any anti-Gay remarks on air. The self-described “King of All Media” admits he sometimes slips and uses the word “fag,” but he says he was taken aback by how much outspoken comedian Lisa Lampanelli recently used it on his radio show. Stern has said he dislikes the word because he thinks Gay people are too often “bullied” and “abused.” “I know Lisa’s kidding around and all that, but I’ve tried to change my thoughts about that word. I’ve tried to stop using it. … I’d rather not use it,” he said when a call-
er asked if he was bothered by Lampanelli’s excessive use of the word on his Sirius XM radio show. “I have a tremendous compassion for people that are homosexual. I feel that they are bullied and abused in our society. They take such shit just because they like to be with the same sex, and it’s so absurd to me,” he said. “It must be a terrible thing to be exposed to that kind of hatred and be hated just because of your sexuality.” Although it has become commonplace for many entertainers to vocalize their support for LGBT equality, it is particularly notable in Stern’s case because he maintains an audience of nearly 20 million listeners. In other words, when Stern speaks, millions are listening – literally.
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Iowa bill to allow antiGay discrimination stalls pridesource.com
Iowa House of Representatives
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A bill that would have allowed discrimination against people involved in same-sex marriages was tabled by an Iowa House subcommittee on February 9, preventing it from moving forward. House Study Bill 50, called the “Religious Conscience Protection Act,” would have allowed a person, business, or organization
such as a charity or fraternal group to deny services to people involved in marriages that violate the provider’s religious convictions. The bill explicitly exempts providers who cite religious scruples from civil claims or lawsuits. Iowa Rep. Richard Anderson, a Republican from Clarinda, told the 75 people gathered for the February 9 hearing that the bill was being tabled. “This bill is important to some Iowans and
I have some issues, as do other people, with this bill,” Anderson said. “There is no intent to move it forward.” Anderson later told reporters there may be an attempt to draft a narrower bill to give Iowans some legal means of refusing to employ or do business with LGBT people. “We don’t know,” Anderson said. “There are issues that people have and we just have to continue to work on it.” While most of the debate on the measure centered on self-identified Christians denying services to same-sex couples, the bill also would have legalized a wide range of other discriminatory acts. A Christian married to a Jew, a white person married to someone of another race, or an older woman married to a man half her age might also raise religious objections and be legally targeted for discrimination. Nan Hunter, a law professor at Georgetown University, said that such broad exemptions are unprecedented in anti-discrimination law and predicted such a law would open the door to abuses. “What is at issue here is the enforcement of state anti-discrimination laws that prohibit denying jobs or housing or services to people based on sexual orientation,” Hunter said. “What it would change is how much discrimination we as a society will allow against married couples who are Gay. It’s going to be discrimination based on sexual orientation.” At least three civil rights groups issued statements on February 7 opposing the bill. “The ACLU recognizes this bill for what it is: an effort to legitimize discrimination under the guise of religious liberty,” said Ben Stone, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa. Alicia Claypool of the Iowa Civil Rights
Commission warned legislators the bill would “undermine” legal protections for all minorities. “It’s like driving a Mack Truck through the Civil Rights law,” Claypool said. Two rabbis from Des Moines also testified against the bill. Rabbi David Kaufman of Temple B’nai Jeshurun suggested if the bill became law, Iowa businesses could put up signs that say, “Gays Not Allowed.” “Jews certainly have a long history of being persecuted as a minority people and having laws legislated against us because of who we are, not necessarily what we believe,” Kaufman said. “I don’t think that’s the direction Iowa wants to go. I don’t think anybody wants to go in that direction.” Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank of the Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des Moines suggested the bill would open up a “Pandora’s Box” of discrimination. “The Biblical verse says that a man shall not lie with a man, like a woman,” EdelmanBlank said. “But I don’t see any legislation in the Bible that says, ‘One shall not serve someone a hamburger’ … or ‘Someone should not give someone housing because of that,’ or ‘Someone should be fired from their job.’” Republicans won control of the Iowa House of Representatives in the 2010 election, and they have introduced legislation to amend Iowa’s constitution to ban same-sex marriages. That measure is being blocked by a slim two-vote Democratic majority in the Iowa Senate. Same-sex marriages are legal in Iowa under an Iowa Supreme Court decision handed down in April 2009. The proposed amendment would nullify the court’s decision.
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s LGBT media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, announced the launch of its People of Color Media Training Institute as a part of the organization’s National People of Color Media Initiative. The Media Training Institute, funded by the Arcus Foundation and created specifically for people of color who are LGBT or LGBT allies, will develop a group of passionate and visible leaders to speak in national media outlets about issues that impact the lives of LGBT people and their families. According to GLAAD officials, the Institute will consist of a two-day advanced spokesperson training program in New York and Los Angeles, where GLAAD staff, leading journalists and talking heads, and key media trainers will develop Institute participants in the areas of framing and messaging for on-camera and radio interviews. Applicants to the Institute are asked to submit an application through GLAAD’s website: http://www.glaad.org/programs/
pocmedia. The program will be limited to 25-30 people, and participants will receive ongoing support, coaching, and training from GLAAD staff, including quarterly progress reviews. “While the visibility of LGBT people and issues continues to grow, far too often the voices, views, and faces of people of color are underrepresented, if represented at all, in American news, entertainment, and online media,” said GLAAD’s senior director of media programs, Rashad Robinson. “This initiative will help us elevate more voices and continue GLAAD’s ongoing effort to ensure that LGBT issues are represented in a fair, accurate and inclusive way – celebrating the rich diversity of the community and our allies.” GLAAD amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, visit www.glaad.org.
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GLAAD launches media Red Lion workers win, institute for LGBT boycott called off people of color
The Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport location
Courtesy of Pride At Work AFL-CIO Workers at the Red Lion Seattle Airport Hotel announced on February 9 that they have called off their boycott of the hotel. In a statement from union organizer Sarah Warren, the hotel workers’ union, UNITE HERE, said: “Thanks to the strength of the employees and the support of our community and labor allies, today we reached a tentative agreement with the Red Lion Seattle Airport. “Given this exciting turn of events, the worker committee has decided to call off the boycott of their hotel pending ratification of a new contract.” The boycott had been scheduled to begin on February 10. Workers at the hotel voted to boycott their employer over contract negotiations that had dragged on for more than a year. At issue was contract language that would protect workers and their union if the hotel or the attached restaurant were sold or if a subcontractor took over the work. The company had maintained strong objections to successorship language that
February 11, 2011
would protect employees if the hotel ceased operating the restaurant, but with the boycott looming, the employers opted to settle quickly. UNITE HERE promised to post “details of the agreement and the result of the vote” on their website, www.unitehere8.org. For a menu of LGBT-friendly contract language, visit Pride At Work’s website, www.prideatwork.org. Pride At Work’s King County chapter can be reached at OutFront.PrideAtWork@ gmail.com or 206-261-8110.
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A short history of physique magazines by Jesse Monteagudo SGN Contributing Writer
Bob Mizer (1922-1992). In 1945, Mizer started the Athletic Model Guild in Los Angeles as a modelI saw my first physique magazine when I ing agency for male bodybuilders. was 13 years old (1966), in a newsstand in Mizer, a self-taught photographer, downtown Miami. Though I did not yet know what I was, I knew that I found other men attractive, and I was instinctively drawn to the magazine’s models, who were completely naked from the back or tastefully covered with a posing strap up front. Of course, having a 13-yearold looking at naked men was the last thing the old man who ran the stand wanted, and he was quick to chase me away every time he caught me looking at the magazines (which happened quite often). Still, what little I saw confirmed what I already knew: that, at its best, the male body is the most beautiful thing on God’s green earth. Coming from a family and a culture that claimed men were ugly, it was an epiphany. I was not the only Gay man whose life was changed by physique magazines. In its 1945-1970 heyday, male mags influenced a generation of men who came of age in the crucial decades that followed World War II. “By the end of the 1950s,” wrote the author(s) of Completely Queer: The Gay and Lesbian Encyclopedia, “physique magazines were arguably the most openly – and selfaffirmingly – Gay male publications available to a wide American audience.” According to F. Valentine Hooven, author of Beefcake: The Muscle Magazines of America 1950-1970, “Those little physique magazines were not just an aspect of Gay culture; they virtually were Gay culture.” For many Gay men, wrote Hooven, “It was their first awareness that they were not alone, the first contact with others of recruited and photographed the models, their own kind.” Physique Pictorial consis- carefully listing their vital statistics along tently outsold homophile publications like with their real names and ages. Mizer sold ONE and the Mattachine Review. To quote his photos by mail, advertising them in Hooven, by the mid-‘50s, “Physique Pic- men’s magazines. By 1951 Mizer’s catatorial and Tomorrow’s Man routinely sold log was so extensive that he began to colover 40,000 copies each” while ONE maga- lect his photos and sell them in a magazine zine, at its height (1955), enjoyed a circula- format. Thus began Physique Pictorial. The tion of just 3,500. first publication of its kind, Physique PicThe father of physique magazines was torial showcased a generation of male pin16 Seattle Gay News
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ups and bodybuilders, including (the now recently deceased) Jack LaLanne, “Little” Joe Dallesandro, Steve “Hercules” Reeves, and Mickey Hargitay (the husband of Jayne Mansfield and the father of Mariska Hargitay). Physique Pictorial also showcased the art of George Quaintance, Tom of Finland, and “Art-Bob.” Physique Pictorial became a hit with thousands of men, and it was soon joined by a slew of imitators who hoped its success would rub off on them. Soon newsstands carried titles like the Grecian Guild Pictorial, Adonis, Young Adonis, Body Beautiful, and Tomorrow’s Man. Chicago’s leather king Chuck Renslow jumped on the
nudity – which made the posing pouch synonymous with beefcake magazines – and no body hair; and even exposed buttocks were controversial. Though most of the physique magazines’ readers were Gay men, the mags themselves were never “Gay.” Instead, Mizer and his colleagues pretended that they published their magazines to promote physical fitness, art, or a so-called “Greek Revival” movement. Grecian Guild Pictorial went so far as to publish a “creed” that pledged “allegiance to my native land ... I seek a sound body in a sound mind that I may be a complete man; I am a Grecian.” Models posed in historic-artistic settings that evoked Classical Greece, Imperial Rome, Aztec Mexico or the American West. Since, in our society, male-male contact is only justified under the cover of violence, models were often shown wrestling, which led to a whole new subgenre. Even so, as time went by the mags became more implicitly Gay, and though the photos tried to retain the illusion of art and health, the drawings became deliberately campy and suggestive. What effect did physique magazines have on Gay liberation? According to the authors of Completely Queer, “Mizer was never directly associated with Gay and Lesbian activism, but his effect on the development of a Gay male consciousness was immeasurable. As early as the 1950s, he began urging readers of his publications to demand their rights, join homophile organizations, and fight police entrapment and censorship.” Certainly Mizer’s war against censorship led to wider dissemination of information about homosexuality, which in turn inspired many of us to come out of our closets and to become active in the homophile and Gay activist movements. By the time I came out of the closet (1973), physique magazines were a thing of the past, victims of their own success. Fullfrontal male nudity was no longer “obscene,” and publications like Drum and Vector soon proclaimed what the beefcake mags could not admit: that they published photos of naked men to please other men. Still, I never lost my interest in physique magazines, both for their own sake and as an important part of Gay social and cultural history. Happily, publishers like Taschen have preserved some of the best of physique magazines – including, most notably, Taschen’s three-volume Complete Physique Pictorial. Mizer himself continued to publish Physique Pictorial, as a semi-annual digest of old and new photos, until 1991. Mizer died in 1992, and his Athletic Model Guild soon followed suit.
physique bandwagon with Kris Studios and its publications Triumph and Mars, which became showcases for Renslow’s lover, the late, great artist Etienne (Dom Orejudos). Not surprisingly, physique magazines faced constant attacks from censors, who would not allow “obscene” material through the mails. Mizer served time in prison for “obscenity” and, if we may believe Thom Fitzgerald’s 1999 movie Beefcake, pimping out his models to discerning customers. Renslow and his partJesse Monteagudo (jessemonteagudo@ ners were indicted by the Justice Department for “excessive genital delineation.” Pub- aol.com) is a freelance author, Gay activist, lishers went through great lengths to avoid and lifelong aficionado of physique magasimilar mishaps. There was no full-frontal zines.
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Sports Illustrated China Uganda bishop features cover story on condemns homophobia LGBT athletes With rainbow runners and the words “Go Gays!” on its cover, Sports Illustrated China’s January 21 edition features a major story on LGBT athletes. According to the independent LGBT webcast Queer Comrades, “It’s the first time a Chinese sports magazine pays full attention to world Gay sports events and informs society about the relationship between LGBT and sports.” It may also be the first major Chinese-language article to cover China’s LGBT community. Gay-themed articles have appeared in the Chinese press before, but mainly in Englishlanguage publications like China Daily and the English version of People’s Daily. Sports Illustrated China is owned and operated by the U.S. magazine of the same name, but publishes in the Chinese language. In May last year, Sports Illustrated in the U.S. ran a story about openly Gay Welsh Rugby star Gareth Thomas. The story was described as “very, very big and very well received” by the Sports Illustrated communications department. Sports Illustrated China’s story runs to nine full-color double pages. The story includes a photo spread and interviews with five Chinese Gay and Lesbian athletes who represented China at international sports events, profiles of foreign LGBT athletes, and an interview with sexologist and LGBT rights activist Prof. Li Yinhe.
Queer Comrades host Wei Xiaogang explained that the story was originally intended to be a short feature, but expanded because the magazine’s editors wanted to do a serious report. Speaking on his webcast in Chinese with English subtitles, Wei said: “Writer Zhang Xinming told us that Sports Illustrated took this report very s e r i o u s l y. At first they wanted to do a small report on LGBT sports, but in the end, with the support of the chief editor, it became this edition’s cover story. “According to Zhang Xinming, the chief editor urged him to stay true to the Sports Illustrated values and to write a piece respectfully representing the LGBT community.” Wei concluded his webcast with the words “Chinese media, let these words and this magazine report inspire you!” “Comrade” is Chinese slang for Gay, and a mocking reference to the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Same-sex relations have been legal in China since “hooliganism” laws were repealed in 1997. “Hooliganism” was a catchall term used by the Chinese government to describe a range of supposedly anti-social behavior ranging from vandalism to unauthorized sex. In 2001, China removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. Beijing’s first Gay bar opened in 2005, and in June 2009 Shanghai hosted China’s first Pride Festival, although the parade was cancelled by authorities. June 2009 also featured the five-day Beijing Queer Film Festival, an event that police blocked in 2001 and 2005.
Eric Politzer
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
of the Ugandan Church, opposes ordination of women and Gay bishops. He has been sympathetic to other African bishops who sought to break away from the Church rather than recognize openly Gay U.S. bishops Gene Robinson and Mary Glasspool. While Orombi has not openly supported the “Kill the Gays” bill, he has said he believes Uganda’s LGBT community represents a moral threat to the country. “Many African countries imprison LGBT people because of who they are,” Senyonjo continued. “As a bishop in the midst of those countries, I am now a shepherd caring for the lost sheep that are persecuted by the Church and threatened by a pending anti-homosexual draconian bill in Uganda.” Citing Church leaders like Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who played key roles in other human rights struggles, Senyonjo called for the Church to take the lead Uganda’s Bishop Christopher Senyonjo in fighting for LGBT rights. by Mike Andrew “The criminalization of homosexuality remains the greatest state and church sancSGN Staff Writer tioned violence perpetrated against LGBT In an open letter to Archbishop of Can- people and their allies in many countries,” terbury Rowan Williams, retired Anglican he said. “We must agree to demolish all forms of Bishop Christopher Senyonjo sharply condemned homophobia and the recent murder institutional homophobia beginning with the removal of all laws that punish human of LGBT activist David Kato. Senyonjo was bishop of West Buganda in beings for being Gay or living in loving Uganda. The Archbishop of Canterbury is relationships. This will be the first step in head of the worldwide Anglican Commu- providing basic human rights to a largely innion, which includes the Church of England visible international community who live in daily fear of their lives.” and the Episcopal churches in the U.S. Soulforce – a faith-based LGBT rights Senyonjo became a bishop in 1974 and retired from his diocese in 2001, He now runs organization – posted the entire letter on its a counseling center serving LGBT Ugan- website and issued a statement welcoming Bishop Senyonjo’s remarks. dans in Kampala, the county’s capital. “Few things are more vulgar or indecent He has also been an outspoken opponent of the infamous “Kill the Gays” bill still than violent oppression masked as piety,” the Soulforce statement said. “The new pending in Uganda’s parliament. Senyonjo was pictured, along with Da- fundamentalists, led by national Christian vid Kato, in the “Hang the Homos” Roll- organizations like Focus on the Family and ing Stone tabloid article inciting violence Trinity Broadcasting Network, are a perfect example, as they proudly advocate for disagainst Uganda’s LGBT community. “The church has a tragic history of con- crimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexudemning Jews, Moslems, scientists and al, and Transgender people in the name of LGBT people,” Bishop Senyonjo wrote to ‘moral values.’” Calling Christian-right religious media a Archbishop Williams. “Our teaching and theology has a causal effect and if we do not “Trojan horse for homophobia,” Soulforce learn from our own historical mistakes, we went on to note that Ugandan media has will repeat the same sinful destruction of published many inflammatory reports that Gays recruit school children. lives, families and communities.” “Uganda’s religious institutions did nothThe Anglican Church in Uganda has been on the conservative side of recent theo- ing to counter these lies, which cost the life logical controversies that have shaken the of David Kato, a leading Ugandan Gay activist who had dared to tell the truth,” Soulworldwide Communion. Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, the head force added.
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Utah legislature kills Judge continues Palm second-parent adoption Springs sex sting case By a 5-1 vote, the Utah Senate’s Health and Human Services Committee tabled SB62, which would allow a legal parent of a child to designate a second, adoptive coparent. The bill would permit one partner in an unmarried couple, including same-sex couples, to adopt children of the other partner. Utah law currently prohibits anyone who is living in an unmarried, cohabiting relationship from adopting or fostering children. Married couples or single individuals may adopt. Only Democratic Sen. Luz Robles of Salt Lake City voted to send the bill to the senate floor for consideration. The measure was sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Ross Romero, also a Democrat representing Salt Lake City. Since SB62 was tabled, it can be brought back for consideration at another time, but the move effectively killed it for this session of the legislature. A majority of the Senate committee would have to agree for SB62 to be reconsidered. Romero said he would be open to suggestions from committee members on possible amendments to the bill that would gain their support. Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck, another Salt Lake City Democrat, is sponsoring an identical bill in the House, HB108. It has not been scheduled for a committee hearing. Debate on the bill made it clear that the potential for adoptions by same-sex couples were the sticking point for the committee majority. “My own personal belief is that marriage
should be between one man and one woman. ... I also believe that children are better [off] with married couples,” said Sen. Pat Jones, a Democrat from Holladay. Jones said she had received more phone calls and e-mails from residents of her district against the bill than in favor. Gayle Ruzicka, president of the Utah Eagle Forum, said SB62 would gut Utah’s adoption policy, and create a pretext for a court decision authorizing same-sex marriage. “Where does this all lead? Well, it leads to the slippery slope that we’ve talked about so many times – the slippery slope to [Gay] marriage that happened in California,” Ruzicka said at the committee hearing, referring to the California Supreme Court decision that allowed same-sex marriage in 2008. The ruling was overturned by Proposition 8, which is itself being litigated in federal court. On the other hand, Julie Gainer, a physician from Sandy, told the committee she is the biological mother of a 4-week-old “miracle,” and she would like her Lesbian partner of 10 years to be able adopt the child. “I am an adult, yet I cannot appoint a second adult to be a [legal] parent to my child, because I am a single cohabiting person with my partner,” Gainer told the committee. “I do not have the option to marry her in this state. … My daughter will not have the protections afforded by a second parent if I die.” The LDS (Mormon) Church, which dominates Utah politics, says it will not oppose legislation benefitting LGBT Utahns as long as the measures do not compromise the definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.
Gayle Ruzicka ... said SB62 would gut Utah’s adoption policy, and create a pretext for a court decision authorizing samesex marriage.
mydesert.com
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Former Palm Springs Police Chief David Dominguez
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Palm Springs Police have won a court victory in their defense of a Gay sex sting that resulted in 19 arrests in 2009. A Superior Court judge refused to dismiss the charges last week, saying that he did not believe the police discriminated against Gays in the controversial sting. “These 19 men were not being arrested for being Gay,” said Superior Court Judge David B. Downing as he denied the defense attorney’s motion to dismiss the misdemeanor charges. “They were arrested for having sex in a public place.” During the trial, lawyers for the men contended that police unfairly targeted them, claiming a lack of complaints from residents in the Warm Sands neighborhood. Former police chief David Dominguez stepped down last month over revelations that he made anti-Gay slurs during the sex sting operation. The arrests were made by undercover po-
lice officers, some of them shirtless, who acted as decoys to engage Gay men in the city’s Warm Sands neighborhood. Adding to the controversy, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office charged the men under state codes that would force them to register as lifetime sex offenders in a database available to law enforcement. The judge’s refusal to dismiss the case means that it will now proceed to trial unless the men accept a plea deal before them. The D.A.’s office has offered to throw out the requirement to register as sex offenders if the men accept such a deal. Next up is a pre-trial hearing, which is set for March 14. The sex sting surprised residents because the desert community has long been a retreat for Gays and Lesbians from around the U.S. The controversy has strained relations between the city government and Palm Springs’ large Gay community, which is estimated to be as high as 50% of the city’s population.
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18 Seattle Gay News
February 11, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
tolerance continued from cover
ard told Seattle Gay News. “As I passed the man I heard him mutter the word ‘fag.’ He appeared to be intoxicated, so I ignored him and headed into an available elevator.” Once inside the elevator, Richard went up to his room on the 14th floor to drop off his computer and jacket. “I was only in my room for approximately two minutes,” he said. “As I left my room and approached the elevator, I heard the voice of a man who was holding the elevator door open and yelling at a person on the other end of the call box.” Assuming the man was heading back downstairs, Richard entered the elevator. Inside, he realized that the man was the same person who had called him a slur on his way up to his room. Richard immediately exited the elevator and pushed the call button. But since the man was holding the elevator door open, no others were coming. That is when things went from bad to worse. “He came toward me, obviously intoxicated, and said, ‘Hey, faggot. Where are you going, faggot?’” Richard told SGN. The man then cornered Richard in the foyer and began hitting him in the face. “I pleaded with him,” Richard said, “asking him why he was doing this, and reminding him he didn’t even know me.”
Richard’s pleading only seemed to anger the man, who “kept punching me and repeating ‘faggot.’” A scuffle ensued in which Richard tried to kick the man. He began to scream for help while his attacker continued to hit him. “I then grabbed the glasses the man was wearing and he told me he would let me go if I gave them back,” Richard said. “I threw them down the hall.” As the man let go of him to retrieve the glasses, Richard fled, screaming, “Help me, please help me!” “I screamed over and over and knocked on doors as I passed by,” he said. “No one would help.” His attacker began to chase him. Richard approached the stairwell and ran down to the 12th floor, where he saw a man employed by the hotel. “I told him I was just attacked and he immediately called hotel security on his radio and we waited together next to the elevator,” said Richard. “We could hear the suspect yelling down the stairwell.” Ultimately, the assault left Richard with a swollen face and several bumps and bruises, and his attacker was arrested. Since then, the assailant has been charged with assault and a hate crime. During the ongoing court case, Richard found out that the man has a prior assault charge. After the attack, Richard was a changed man. “When something like this happens, you tend to become afraid and withdraw,” he said. “I went through that phase.” “But there comes a point when you have
to take action.” Richard did just that. He decided to take an active role in preventing this from happening to others. He left his home in California and moved to Seattle to promote the idea of tolerance around the country. Richard is now the executive director for TAP America, a Seattle-based non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening America and its citizens. Richard says the goal of TAP – an acronym for “Tolerance, Americanism, and Patriotism” – is to unify America through education, leadership, and social research. “America was founded on the ideals of tolerance, patriotism, and embracing all individuals. As a country, the United States is comprised of people from countries around the world, with 37.7% immigrating from Central America, 25.4% from Asia, and 13.6% from Europe,” said Richard. “In order to build a united and strong country, TAP America asks all Americans to practice at least one act of tolerance per week in order to learn more about each other.” “We at TAP believe it is the differences between Americans that make our country so unique and powerful,” he said. “Once we look past these differences we realize that we are more similar than we are different – we are all Americans.” Richard says he is proud of the work that TAP America is doing. “We are a lot broader than civil rights – we are really more about educating people on the bad side of humanity, getting them to understand that violence
and hate are wrong.” On a personal level, Richard has refused to let his attack define him or his life in a bad way. “I’m learning how to protect myself through self-defense classes,” he said. “I’ve also joined the Seattle Men’s Chorus and have become much more active in the community as I move forward.” For more information about TAP America, to volunteer or to make a donation, please visit www.tapamerica.org.
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February 11, 2011
Seattle Gay News 19
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as I found out they are quick to target leadfooted Americans. I was pulled over for going 80 MPH in a 50 KPH zone. That means I was going twice the speed limit! Also, laws are different in Canada, where flashing yellow lights actually means stop at the light instead of slow and proceed with caution. Both tickets would have ended up costing me $1,150 dollars, and with two violations, they would have impounded my car for seven days! Luckily, the very cute and kind Mountie gave me a break with a warning. After our brush with the law, we cautiously proceeded to the top of the mountain ready to take in everything that Gay Whistler had to offer. During the day, we hit the challenging ski runs, shopped in the Olympic Village, socialized at the après-ski (after skiing), and attended various charitable events. The most memorable and unique parts of our days were the dogsled run, zip trek, and snowmobile eco-tours, where we were able to enjoy the mountain’s natural beauty. Evenings were spent catching up with old friends we met during previous Winter Prides, treating our palettes to exquisite food and wine from all over the world, and mingling with new friends over strong cocktails. Late nights offered the usual circuit events such as Furrocious, Purrlesque, and the marquee event, Snoball. Thursday
night even had a pool party – leave it to Gay men to find any reason to wear a Speedo. Hundreds of people had the opportunity to dance the night away to great music from featured artists including DJ Ted Eiel, Zayra of Rockstar, Diamond Minx, Maggie Pie, and DJ Nick Bertossi. Around 3 a.m., it was also apparent some of the guys were hitting a different kind of white powder than the slopes were able to provide. My only complaint is that tickets to these events ranged anywhere from $15-$90. Add in lift tickets (at $70 each, versus $40 at Washington ski resorts), dining, and lodging, and a person could easily spend more than $1,500 for the long weekend. Winter Pride has redefined itself as more than just a meat market/party weekend that we often associate with circuit parties. Producers of the event have found a nice balance between good vigorous outdoor excitement and exciting social events that has become the must-attend event of the winter season.
canada
continued from cover a nearly unanimous Yes vote from the opposition parties was enough to pass the measure by a margin of eight votes. Six members of the government party, including four cabinet ministers, joined the opposition to pass the bill. One other minister abstained.
The final vote was 143 for the measure and 135 against. “It’s a great day,” said the bill’s author, NDP MP Bill Siksay. “It’s been in the works for six years, and it’s great to see people from all parties supporting the bill. This is not a partisan issue, it’s a human rights issue.” Currently the Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, and conviction for which a pardon has been issued. Siskay’s bill adds “gender identity” and “gender expression” to the prohibited grounds of discrimination. It also adds “gender identity” and “gender expression” to sections of Canada’s Criminal Code prohibiting genocide and advocating genocide. The February 10 vote was the bill’s third and final reading in the House of Commons. Its first reading was in May of 2009. The bill now goes to the Canada’s Senate, which is also controlled by the Conservative Party. Siksay must find a senator willing to sponsor his bill in the upper house, but he has not yet found a volunteer. Seats in Canada’s Senate are assigned on a regional basis, and its members are appointed by the governor general – Queen Elizabeth’s representative in Canada – rather than being elected like members of the House of Commons. The measure got strong support from the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), a union organization representing 54 Ontario unions and over one million members. “This bill is about extending human rights to some of the most vulnerable among us,” said OFL President Sid Ryan. “Denying the rights of some has never protected our society and has always undermined our integrity. It is past time that we extend human rights and criminal code protections to Trans-identified people.” “How many assaults, how many suicides will be enough to make us take action? One is too many,” Ryan added. “It is a national shame that Trans-identified people have been allowed to experience discrimination and harassment for this long.” Opponents of the bill were a predictable combination of conservative newspapers and Christian-right groups. “We find the whole thing appalling,” said Jim Hughes, national president of Campaign Life Coalition. “We find the lack of opposition from church leaders especially was deafening. The people are ignorant of it and what is going to happen next.” “Hopefully the Senate votes it down or Parliament dissolves before it is signed into law,” he added. While senators may reject a bill passed by the House of Commons, they rarely do. In December, the Canadian Department of National Defense issued a new Trans-inclusive dress code for its troops. The department has paid for sex reassignment surgery for Canadian military personnel since 1998.
queer youth continued from cover
space that many Queer youth had been advocating for. Half a year later, the space still does not exist. “The $100,000 is for the community match,” one of QYS’s founding members, Kyle Rapiñan, said. “We have more than $100,000 worth of volunteer time, but the amount of cash on hand is lower than that. We need to have a safe cash [reserve] to do what we want to do.” Rapiñan explained that the funds are contingent on a physical space with a secured lease. Eden Lord, a member on the Three Wings Board of Directors, said, “What we need primarily is a space on Capitol Hill that is close to bus lines, stores, and where people hang out.” QYS believes the space needs to be in an area which is “alive.” They also want to find a space that is accessible for the differentlyabled, and somewhere they can have shows in the evenings without noise complaints. So far, according to QYS officials, they’ve had difficulty finding the perfect space, as well as a landlord who, if need be, would negotiate with them on their lease. In order for them to open their cultural arts center, they will be dependent on additional help from the community. “We need a down payment of about $10,000 for the first couple months of rent,” estimated Kyle Croft, another member of both QYS and Three Wings. He and several others are currently searching for more donors and other grants to apply for, but he admits that “it’s hard to ask for money if we don’t have a space yet. I think we’re going to be launching a fundraising drive pretty soon.” Croft later mentioned that QYS is working with Vera Project to host an all-ages Queer dance party at Chop Suey on April 1, and that other fundraisers are in the early planning stages. Rapiñan, Lord, and Croft all emphasized that they want their events to be accessible to all of their constituents. Thus, they’ve had a more difficult time finding spaces to hold events in than other Queer-related organizations – hosting a fundraiser in one of Capitol Hill’s popular bars can be as simple as setting a date and time and creating a Facebook invite list. In fact, one of the reasons why QYS took form in the first place was because so many fundraisers involved pricey dinners that most youth can’t afford, and events are often held in spaces that are ageist, even if they could. “There have been a lot of fluctuating energy levels in QYS and Three Wings, but for now, the events that QYS throws are the most exciting part because it’s something that we can do right now,” Croft said. “It’s hard to be Queer and under 21 in Seattle,” Rapiñan said. “Adults say that it’s
Legal Services www.sgn.org www.sgn.org 20 Seattle Gay News
February 11, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
OK for [Queer] youth to come out, but they don’t have places that they can go to that aren’t directed by adults. There really needs to be more of a partnership between Queer youth and adults, and I think that QYS is an avenue for that.” In order for QYS to be such an avenue, the Three Wings campaign needs to find a space. After they find a space, the Cultural Arts Center – also known as the first wing – would be able to open. It would allow for various events such as open-mic nights, rummage sales, concerts, and dance parties to take place. “We’d like to have an open social space, not like a drop-in center. We want an active space,” Croft said. There would ideally be a broad focus on art, available materials to create art, and the space to display it. “One thing I was really interested in when I was writing the grant was to make the space non-hierarchical. The people who are coming to the space are the people who own it. The constituency has power over the space and can react and change things as it
sees fit.” In addition to the Cultural Arts Center, the Three Wings campaign would also like to open a café, but the square footage that it
would reside on cannot be paid for by city money. The City of Seattle Neighborhood Matching Fund Program prohibits them
from using any part of the grant to further generate revenue for the space. After the Cultural Arts Center is created, the Wellness Collaborative Center – the second wing – would be added to it. “In its youngest form, it would provide mental health services to young people. Eventually it would expand to workshops focused on youth care and wellness and helping young Queer people who don’t really know anything about what’s out there to get the services that they need,” Croft said. Lastly, the Research and Education Center – the third wing – would involve working with other organizations on the Hill and getting them to be more accepting of Queer youth. It would also be a space where Queer youth could partake in anti-oppressive and activism training, lead by a coalition of Queer leaders and educators – youth and adult alike. Lord, who will be graduating this June with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington, said, “I would be there to offer whatever resources and support that I have. I would be 100% behind it, but they wouldn’t necessarily need my help.”
Members of the Three Wings campaign will be looking at a few more locations this weekend in hopes of finding a space where they can set their plan in motion. Until then, the general sentiments and ambitions of the campaign’s members remain strong. “I got involved with QYS because I felt so hopeful and inspired by this project. I feel energized and awakened by being part of this, and I’m really inspired by the other adults and youth on this project,” Lord said, smiling. “Any adults who want to get involved, who have special skills, or want to help with fundraising are totally welcome,” Rapiñan said. “For this to be successful, adults will have to collaborate with us if they really want to change society and if they really want to help Queer youth. I really think that adults need to look at the stats. Forty percent of homeless youth are Queer, but there are no Queer shelters for youth under 18. Also, the only dance space for youth is Neighbours after 2 a.m. There really needs to be a lot more of a welcoming environment for Queer youth.” After large-scale events such as last year’s “Mutiny” and “Pink Prom” achieved massive amounts of publicity, there are a lot of people waiting to see what will happen next with the QYS and the Three Wings campaign. Despite becoming quieter after receiving the $100,000, its members insist that 2010 was an amazing year for them – but that 2011 will be even better.
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22 Seattle Gay News
February 11, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
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