SGN Feb 25, 2011 - Section 1

Issue 08 Volume 39

Celebrating 38 Years!

FRIDAY February 25, 2011 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands

BULLYING PANEL p. 5

ED MURRAY p. 8

BOBBY McFERRIN p. 25

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Photo by Meryl Schenker Photography www.merylschenker.com

President Barack Obama has ordered the Justice Department to stop defending the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), according to a statement issued by Attorney General Eric Holder on February 23. “The president has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny,” Holder said. According to Holder, President Obama believes that Section 3 of DOMA “fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional.” “Given that conclusion, the president has instructed the [Justice Department] not to defend the statute” in two pending cases, Holder Kim Bogucki said. by Shaun Knittel “I fully concur with the presiand 500 civilians. But there is only one Detective dent’s determination,” Holder SGN Associate Editor Kim Bogucki, and we are lucky to added. DOMA passed in 1996, with a The Seattle Police Department have her. large majority in both Houses of employs approximately 1,250 see bogucki page 20 Congress. sworn law enforcement officers

WDC Pix

SPD detective Kim President Obama says Bogucki protects DOMA unconstitutional Seattle with pride

President Barack Obama

Section 3 is the piece of the law that defines marriage in terms of opposite-sex couples. “[T]he word ‘marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a

wife,” it says. President Obama has said in the past that he wants DOMA to be repealed, but until now he has also asked the Justice Department to defend the law in court. see doma page 18

Lifelong AIDS Alliance Transgender community “left behind” by DADT repeal hosts Greg Louganis A Transgender veteran shares her views on the future

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Michelle Marie McKay, 59, can at long last live comfortably. In 2008, she became the woman she always knew she truly was. Much more than a Transgender member of society, the Williamsburg, VA, citizen is an activist with Equality

Virginia, a founder of the Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia, a facilitator with the Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth, and a board member of the Virginia Anti Violence Program. In other words, when it comes to the woes of the Trans community, Michelle is somewhat of an expert. There is another title McKay

SECRET SAILOR, 1970 “I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1970, just two weeks after graduating high school,” recalled Michelle. “I did this because of Vietnam, and I had a fear of being drafted into the Army. I felt I see transgender page 20

at breakfast benefit

munity event that provides an opportunity for donors, corporations, and political leaders to join together and make a charitable difference in the lives of those affected by and living with HIV and AIDS. Lifelong officials say the mission of the alliance is to prevent the spread of HIV and to provide practical support services and advocate for those whose lives are affected by the disOlympic swimmer Greg Louganis ease. The well-attendby Shaun Knittel ed breakfast was emceed by EmSGN Associate Editor my-winning anchor Jean Enersen. A longtime supporter and advocate The Lifelong AIDS Alliance for Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Enheld “Making a Difference: The ersen has served as co-chair of the 2nd Annual Benefit Breakfast” Seattle AIDS Walk & 5K Run. February 24 at The Red Lion Hotel The event was free to attend, but (1415 Fifth Ave.) from 7:30-9 a.m. The breakfast benefit is a comsee lifelong page 21 nate gowdy

photos courtesy Michelle Marie McKay

Michelle Marie McKay in 1970 (l) and today

lays claim to: veteran. I met Michelle on OutMilitary. com, a social network site for LGBT servicemembers and their supporters. It was her profile picture that made me stop and read her stats: a photo split down the middle, one side an official U.S. Navy photo of a young man, the other side an older woman with blonde hair and a similar smile. The man on the left is who she used to be, and the woman on the right is who she is now. After a brief exchange, I felt compelled to tell her story in the pages of the Seattle Gay News. With the debate raging over Transgender equality within the ranks of the U.S. military, I think Michelle – a “she” who never really felt like a “he,” even when enlisted in the service – has a very interesting and unique perspective on an argument that has only just begun.

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Seattle Gay News

February 25, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

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February 25, 2011

Seattle Gay News

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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.

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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

Former Colorado Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon

by Ken Gordon Former majority leader of the Colorado Senate Moneypolitics: Noun. A political system created in the United States by the Supreme Court circa 2010, whereby wealth has nearly the entirety of the political power. The system is characterized by large numbers of television ads which mislead the people into believing that the candidates who are best for wealthy interests are actually best for the people. This political system only survives as long as the people are distracted, uninformed and inactive. Before Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, people knew that space and time were two separate things. It turns out that they are not separate, but inextricably connected. You can’t have time without space and matter. Now scientists talk about “spacetime.” (Don’t ask me to explain this in any more detail.) Similarly, there was once a time when people thought money and politics were two separate things. It turns out that our Supreme Court doesn’t believe in the separation of money and politics, and until we either amend the Constitution or replace the

February 25, 2011

Court, we should no longer talk about politics, or elections or democracy. It should always be moneypolitics, moneyelections, or moneydemocracy. The reason this comes up is that we just observed the one-year anniversary of Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission. That was the decision that said that nonhuman entities, such as corporations and unions, have what we had previously thought were exclusively human rights. In that case, the right to spend unlimited amounts of money persuading the electorate that the candidate who is best for their selfish, private interest is actually the best for the general welfare. I have successfully run for office seven times and I have never accepted contributions from special interest political action committees. It has always been clear to me that it is wrong to finance campaigns by contributions from groups buying influence over the political process. Our concept of democracy – demonstrated in founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence (“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal”), the Gettysburg address (“dedicated to the proposition that all men are created

equal”), and the Constitution (“no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws”) – carries with it a commitment to political equality. Our economic system allows for vast disparities in wealth. In order to insulate the equality necessary for our political system to respect individual human dignity and democracy there has to be a barrier between wealth inequality and political equality. The U.S. Supreme Court has destroyed that barrier. The Court – I will actually name the justices who made up the majority because their names should live in infamy: Roberts, Thomas, Scalia, Alito, and Kennedy – has said there can be no effective money rules in politics. They have made it extremely difficult to protect average people – difficult, but not impossible. What then can actual citizens do to reclaim political power and invigorate our founding concept of democracy? This is what I propose. We need to create an organization to support candidates who agree to three things. 1. To fund their campaigns from individual contributions. Not special interests. 2. To run honest and respectful campaigns. 3. To denounce third parties who do dishonest and disrespectful activities on the candidate’s behalf. If we support these candidates with individual contributions, volunteers, and internet communication, we will begin real political change. We can make it a political advantage to do the right thing. People respond to candidates who want to represent them and not big contributors. I have seen it in my own career. This is idealistic and pragmatic at the same time. We are on the verge of a tipping point. The dots are closer than they have ever been before. All we need to do now is connect them. The American people rightfully believe that organized, wealthy special interests have captured our government. That knowledge can motivate action. We can create an organization to do just that, and in the coming weeks, months, and years, I will be asking for your help. The power of committed citizens can overwhelm the power of big money. Soon we will volunteer for, contribute to, and vote for candidates who agree to these principles. For now, help me think of a name for this new organization. The name may contain within it the concepts of democracy, action, justice, equality, and people. Or something else that you think of that I did not. Someday, you will be able to say that you were at the creation of …. When you think about it, we actually don’t have a choice. We have to do this.

Celebrating 38 Years!

UW holds LGBT bullying panel

be issues,” he said. “I think there probably will be [issues] in probably all the services, but I don’t think it’s going to be of any magnitude that’s going to cause more than a blip. So I’m very optimistic.” Amos recently appeared in a video with Sergeant Major Carlton W. Kent, the top enlisted Marine, advocating a peaceful implementation process.

“I want to be clear to all Marines: We will step out smartly to faithfully implement this new law,” Amos said in the video. Final implementation of the repeal does not go into effect until 60 days after the president, defense secretary, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that lifting the ban won’t hurt the military’s ability to fight.

courtesy of Gabe Verdugo

anti-harassment posters on their campus. She also noted that 76% of students who attend a GSA say they feel safer. Harris, the education ombudsman, explained what her job consisted of. The Office of the Education Ombudsman, or OEO, is an agency within the governor’s office that was created by the Washington State Legislature in 2006 that is not a part of the education system. Education ombudsmen are trained problem solvers who bring families and educators together to resolve issues while focusing on the best interest of the student. They also have extensive knowledge of the education system and can make recommendations, but don’t have authority to force schools or the school district to take specific action. “We are impartial. We don’t advocate for any particular individual, but for fair and equitable processes that support student academic success,” Harris explained. Harris went on to say that the 2010 legislature passed Substitute House Bill 2801, which called for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), to create a new model policy for procedure on harassment, which is updated from the original

law enacted in 2002. The model procedure has several steps which include bullying prevention, staff intervention, filing incident report forms, addressing the bullying, and granting immunity to the students and those who report the incidents. OSPI’s model also allows from a compliance officer to step in and follow a procedure of their own to serve as a mediator for those involved in the incident and help develop a safety plan and keep families in the loop while doing so. “Twenty-five percent of calls to our office are due to parent concerns about bullying,” Harris said. Sixty-one percent of those calls are complaints about a school’s lack of response to a particular incident. Mangel, the education equity director from the ACLU, explained that having policies and procedures really doesn’t do anything when the school staff isn’t committed in their heart to enforce them. “What do we do when all else fails?” she asked. “Unfortunately, it fails a lot more for LGB students.” She added that staff is “far more likely” to look the other way and say, “Boys will be boys.” When it comes to basic education laws, schools aren’t liable for the harassment, but they’re responsible for protecting the students that are being harassed. There are two different standards that schools can follow depending on state and federal laws. The first is the “knew or should’ve known” standard, where a school should have been aware of the harassment taking place, but wasn’t. The second is the “deliberate indifference” standard, where the school might have known but didn’t care to act. According to the ACLU website, the ACLU-WA believes it is critical that school districts are liable for the harassment of students when they “knew or should have known” of the harassment but failed to take reasonable action to end the misconduct. “Knew or should have known” is the standard in federal anti-harassment laws in cases brought by the Federal Office for Civil Rights. Also, it is worth noting that the “knew or should have known” standard is the accepted standard applied under both Washington state and federal law in cases where employees are the victim of workplace harassment. Parents are protected at work, but students aren’t protected in school. “How crazy is that?” Mangel stated. Lastly, Mangel mentioned that the “knew or should have known” standard is the standard articulated under the OSPI, but is not quite the law in Washington state just yet. The panelists will continue to work toward making schools safe for LGB students, but have a long way to go. For more information on the Safe Schools Coalition, visit www.safeschoolscoalition. org. For more information on the OEO, visit www.waparentslearn.org. For information on the ACLU, visit www.aclu.org.

(l to r) Linda Mangel, Jennifer Harris, Heather Elise Murphy, and Professor Lisa Kelly

by Anthony Greer SGN Contributing Writer Eighty percent of LGBT students experience verbal assaults, and 45.9% of those students experience it on a daily basis. Between 25% and 44% have experienced physical violence, and almost a quarter of students who have been harassed or attacked at school because someone perceived them to be Gay or Lesbian report having attempted suicide in the past year – a suicide attempt rate more than three times that of their peers. These are some of the statistics that were discussed at the LGBT Bullying Panel at the University of Washington School of Law on February 22. With the help of UW law student Gabe Verdugo, the panel was set up and facilitated by UW Law Professor Lisa Kelly and consisted of three speakers: Heather Elise Murphy, a Safe Schools Coalition co-chair and middle school teacher; Jennifer Harris, an education ombudsman; and Linda Mangel, an education equity director with the ACLU of Washington. The statistics above are courtesy of Mur-

phy, who emphasized that 60% of LGB students don’t feel safe at school, that 38.4% of them don’t even feel comfortable talking about it, and 79% of these instances go unreported. She also stated that among straights, being called “Gay” was the most psychologically upsetting form of verbal harassment – moreso than being called fat, stupid, retarded, or any racial slur. Some of her other statistics revealed that 89% of male adolescents between 15-19 consider sex between males “disgusting,” and 32-66% of LGB youth attempt suicide. “These kids are being victimized,” Murphy said, “which is why their suicide rate is so much higher [than their heterosexual peers].” Murphy suggested that some of the ways to decrease these statistics would be to have more support services, safe settings, an inclusive curriculum, and a Gay-straight alliance. “I started a GSA at the middle school that I’m at about three years ago, and it’s been a really good experience,” Murphy said. “The students have done phenomenal work.” Some of the projects that her students have done include putting up anti-bullying and

Army, Marines lead the charge in DADT repeal training by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Late last week, the Army’s top general issued an order to begin training soldiers on the new law allowing Gays to serve openly in the military. The Pentagon said they hope to have the whole force trained by mid-August. During the debate over the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” specific attention was paid to the Army. It is the largest of all of the service branches, with an active duty force of 565,000 and 567,000 Guard and Reserve force. Once the Congress and Senate passed legislation calling for repeal, all eyes were on the Army. General George Casey launched the effort in a presentation at the Pentagon for the Army’s four-star generals. Because of the sheer size of the force, the Army is scheduled to take longer to com-

plete the training, but Casey assured that despite the challenge, the Army would get it done. The Air Force also began training last week. The Navy announced that fleet-wide training would be complete by the end of June. The Marine Corps, the other service branch that received attention during the DADT repeal debate, has said that they are committed to completing training by May – far ahead of the other three service branches. Marine commandant General James Amos, who vocally opposed repealing DADT, now says he does not anticipate losing any troops due to the new policy allowing Gay and Lesbian personnel to serve openly. “It would be naïve to think that somewhere down the road there are not going to

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February 25, 2011

Seattle Gay News

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INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer

And La Coruña is renaming a street after the late Gay activist Tomás Fábregas, who emigrated to the U.S. at age 21 and was active in the fight against the U.S. ban on HIVpositive foreign visitors and immigrants, which was repealed in 2009. At the 1992 International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, which he attended as a board member of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Fábregas publicly dared the Bush administration to block his re-entry into the U.S. It did not do so. Fábregas died in 1994.

14 in Minsk, reported GayRussia.ru. The LGBT group IDAHO Belarus held a rally against homophobia in a park near the Justice Ministry, with approval from the city’s Executive Committee and police department. The small group carried banners reading, “Love who you want” and “Homophobia = fascism.” About two dozen journalists covered the rally, outnumbering the protesters. “For the first time, the only thing that we feared was neither the police nor the homophobe hooligans but the cold,” organizer Sergey Praded told GayRussia. “This is a very good first step.” Last year, the city’s Executive Committee banned the Gay pride march. When activists ignored the ban, several were aggressively arrested for taking part in an unsanctioned public action. Moscow Pride founder Nikolai Alekseev, who joined that march, said police were “brutal and violent.” “I’ve never run so fast in my life,” he said. He and activist Ira Fet evaded arrest by running into a building and hiding in a trash room for 20 minutes. COCUT photo

tion, aka ILGA. Court overturns The committee voted to take “no action” Budapest pride ban Hungary’s Budapest Metropolitan Court on the request and to reconsider it in May. Seven nations supported moving to an on February 18 overturned city officials’ refusal to grant permission for this year’s Gay actual vote on granting ILGA the status to access U.N. meetings, deliver oral and writpride parade. The city’s ban came after organizers ten reports, contact country representatives sought to extend the route of the June 18 march to an endpoint in Parliament Square. Officials claimed the new route would disrupt traffic and disturb an ongoing photo exhibit outside the Parliament Building. A coalition of local organizations along with pan-European LGBT groups and Amnesty International had harshly criticized the ban, and pride organizers went to court to block it. “Hungary currently holds the presidency of the European Union and surely is sending the wrong signal about the union’s respect of human rights of all,” said Evelyne Paradis, executive director of the New Zealand European Region of the Internaprime minister tional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, The group Tijuana LGBTI Cultural Community, or COCUT, was formally inaugurated this month at a ceremony attends Gay event Trans and Intersex Association. at the offices of the Tijuana Tourism and Conventions Committee. New Zealand Prime Minister “Indeed, such a blatant denial of Tijuana LGBTI group John Key attended the Big Gay Out festithe right to free and peaceful assembly goes and organize events at the U.N. They were recognized by city, val in Auckland’s Coyle Park for two hours against the EU fundamental principles of Belgium, Bulgaria, India, Israel, Turkey, Peru and the United States. Opposed were plans congress February 13. democracy and respect of diversity.” The group Tijuana LGBTI Cultural ComDuring an on-site radio interview, Key Other problems have cropped up recently Burundi, China, Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Senegal, Sudan and Venezuela. munity, or COCUT, was formally inaugu- was asked if he now supports the Gay civilin Hungary, as well, Paradis said. “The ban on the pride march adds to our Kyrgyzstan abstained and Cuba and Mo- rated this month at a ceremony at the offices union law, which he had voted against as a of the Tijuana Tourism and Conventions member of Parliament. concerns with the deteriorating situation for zambique were not present. The NGO Committee only rarely has ap- Committee. Key refused to answer, saying, “I’m leavLGBTI in Hungary,” she said. “Currently Committee head Alan Bautista Plascencia ing it until my book.” there is a proposal to amend the country’s proved consultative status for LGBT orgaconstitution to limit the scope of marriage to nizations, though its refusals have several expressed strong support for COCUT’s upTwo Hundred arrested one man and one woman with the effect of times been overridden by the full ECO- coming five-day Tijuana Cultural Congress Against Homophobia. at“Gay” party in Bahrain banning the possibility of a future opening SOC. Groups that have finally achieved conArtistic, literary, cultural, and educational At least 200 people were arrested Februof marriage to same-sex couples. Additionally, the current Hungarian EU presidency sultative status include International Wages events will take place from May 17 to 21 in ary 3 at the Hidd Sports Club in Al Muharprogram has no reference to the rights of Due Lesbians, Australia’s Coalition of Ac- the city’s historic downtown, on Avenida raq, Bahrain, for engaging in what local media called “immoral behavior” at a “Gay LGBTI people even in events that deal tivist Lesbians, ILGA-Europe (an autono- Revolución and in Plaza Santa Cecilia. party,” according to Amnesty International. with equality. Moreover, a draft media law mous division of ILGA), LandsforeninBelarusian Gays allowed Reports said the individuals were drinking is currently being revised after heavy criti- gen for Bøsser og Lesbiske (Denmark’s to stage public protest alcohol and wearing women’s clothes. cism from the EU [that is] aimed to prevent National Association for Gays and LesGays in Belarus staged the nation’s firstamong other things same-sex affections in bians), Lesben- und Schwulenverband in With assistance from Bill Kelley the media. We believe that represents a dan- Deutschland (Lesbian and Gay Federation ever authorized public Gay event February gerous signal not only to LGBTI people in in Germany), the Swedish national LGBT Hungary, but also across the EU. We call group RFSL (whose former initials now are upon EU institutions and member states to its full name), Coalition Gaie et Lesbienne remind Hungary of its duties and about the du Québec (Quebec Gay and Lesbian CoaliEU fundamental principles of equality, non- tion), COC Netherlands (a national LGBT discrimination and respect for human rights group whose former initials are now its full by Rex Wockner name), Associação Brasileira de Gays, Lésfor all.” SGN Contributing Writer The vice president of the European Parlia- bicas e Transgêneros (Brazilian Association ACLU takes on ment’s LGBT Intergroup, Sophie in ‘t Veld, of Gays, Lesbians and Transgenders), and school web filtering A video showing students how to check if agreed that the pride ban was “potentially the International Gay and Lesbian Human The American Civil Liberties Union and their school is illegally filtering content can indicative of what the new Hungarian con- Rights Commission. ILGA had ECOSOC status from 1993 to Yale Law School have launched a campaign be found at tinyurl.com/filttest. stitution and media law may have in stock 1994 but was stripped of it following a scan- called “Don’t Filter Me” against web cenfor LGBT people.” Indiana Legislature “Enshrining inequality in law and in the dal, orchestrated by the U.S. right wing, in sorship by public high schools. The campaign urges students to check if targets same-sex couples constitution would be an immense step which a small number of ILGA’s hundreds The Indiana House of Representatives backwards, putting Hungary at odds with of member organizations were accused of their school is blocking LGBT content and the values it signed up to when joining the not taking a strong enough position on age to report such incidents at http://action.aclu. passed a measure February 15 to send to org/dontfilterme. voters a constitutional amendment that European Union,” she said. “We cannot ac- of consent. “Students may not realize that it actually blocks recognition of same-sex marriages Around 3,000 nongovernmental organizacept the EU being led by a presidency that is illegal for their schools to block educa- and any status similar to marriage. disrespects equality and freedom of assem- tions have U.N. consultative status. tional and political content geared toward House Joint Resolution 6, which passed bly.” the LGBT community,” said ACLU attorney 70-26, states: “Article 1 of the Constitution Spanish cities Joshua Block. “We hope to inform students of the State of Indiana is amended by adding honor Gay communities U.N. shuns ILGA again Three Spanish cities are recognizing of their rights, and let them know there is a new section to read as follows: ... Only a The Non-Governmental Organizations something they can do if their school is en- marriage between one (1) man and one (1) Committee of the United Nations’ Econom- LGBT people via public works. woman shall be valid or recognized as a In March, the Barcelona city government gaging in censorship.” ic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on FebruBlocking such content can violate the First marriage in Indiana. A legal status identical ary 4 again rejected a request for consulta- will place a large marble pink triangle in tive status from the International Lesbian, Ciudadela Park, where the Catalonian Par- Amendment and the federal Equal Access or substantially similar to that of marriage Act, which requires equal access to school for unmarried individuals shall not be valid Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Associa- liament is located. “This is a necessary monument to remem- resources for all extracurricular clubs, in- or recognized.” To take effect, the amendment would have ber the discrimination, repression, humilia- cluding Gay-straight alliances and LGBT to pass two consecutive general assemblies tion, persecution, attacks and assassinations support groups, the ACLU said. “Some schools have improperly config- and be ratified by a majority of voters who that the LGBT community suffered for centuries and very especially during the Franco ured their web filters to block access to web- turn out to vote. “Freedom to Marry calls on the Indiana dictatorship,” said Antonio Guirado, secre- sites for LGBT rights organizations such as tary general of the Catalonian LGBT um- the GSA Network and the Gay, Lesbian and Senate to reject this punitive amendment, brella group Gay Lesbian Coordinator. “It is Straight Education Network, but allow ac- which would write discrimination into the an act of justice and reparation but also will cess to sites that condemn homosexuality state constitution,” said the group’s presibecome a permanent symbol of the com- or urge LGBT people to try to change their dent, Evan Wolfson. “Government should mitment of the city of Barcelona in the fight sexual orientation,” the organization said. be on the side of all families, not putting “Some schools have also improperly con- barriers in their paths as they seek to care for against homophobia.” The city of Gijón is creating a park called figured their web filters to block news items their loved ones.” “June 28, Gay Pride Day” alongside the pertaining to issues like ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’” With assistance from Bill Kelley Montevil soccer field.

NATIONAL

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Seattle Gay News

February 25, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

NORTHWEST

NEWS

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

“SWING INTO LAUGHTER” – SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS IN CONCERT On Friday, February 25, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, February 27, at 2 p.m., at the Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., join the Seattle Women’s Chorus and special guest, Kathy Najimy, for an evening of musical entertainment. Tickets: $20-$55 available at www.flyinghouse.org or by calling 206388-1400. SEATTLE PARKS AND RECREATION CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH SERIES OF PERFORMANCES On Saturday and Sunday, February 26 and 27, Seattle Parks and Recreation will celebrate Black History Month with a series of short performances highlighting the lives of African Americans the City has honored by naming parks after them. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center will present eight performances in eight parks. Each event will be approximately 15 minutes in length. These events are free and open to the public, and everyone is invited. Performances on Saturday, February 26: 1 p.m. – Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park (2100 S Jackson St.) Dr. Lavizzo was the first African-American woman pediatrician in the state of Washington. She was the founding medical director of the Central Area’s Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, whose motto is “Quality Care with Dignity.” 2 p.m. – Edwin T. Pratt Park (1800 S Main St.) Edwin Pratt was a civil rights leader and Seattle Urban League Executive Director. He was killed by a shotgun blast at his Shoreline home in 1969. The crime has never been solved. 3 p.m. – Homer Harris Park (2401 E Howell St.) Dr. Harris was a University of Iowa graduate who wanted to play professional football, but in the 1930s black players were banned from the National Football League. He went on to become Seattle ’s “go-to” dermatologist and treated generations of Seattle teens. 4 p.m. – Prentis I. Frazier Park (401 24th Ave. E.) Frazier was a former slave who came to Seattle in 1916. In the 1920s he started and published a newspaper for the black community, the Seattle Enterprise, which later became the Northwest Enterprise. He is remembered as a generous philanthropist and business entrepreneur. Performances on Sunday, February 27: 1 p.m. – William Grose Park (1814 30th Ave.) Grose was a pioneer who arrived in Seattle in 1860 after serving in the U.S. Navy. By the 1880s he was Seattle’s wealthiest black resident. 2 p.m. – Alvin Larkins Park (corner of E Pike St. and 34th Ave. E.) Another U.S. Navy man, Larkins was stationed at Sand Point Naval Air Station in 1943 when he became a member of the band the Jive Bombers. He spent the rest of his career as a renowned music teacher and member of the Rainy City Jazz Band. 3 p.m. – Powell Barnett Park (352 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way) Barnett was a prominent community organizer and the first president of the Leschi Improvement Council. 4 p.m. – Flo Ware Park (corner of S Jackson St. and 28th Ave. S.) Flo Ware was a tireless education activist and supporter of Head Start and Meals on Wheels. She anchored the King County Economic Opportunity Board in the 1960s and raised 20 foster children. For more information, please visit www. seattle.gov/parks.

GLSEN Washington State board members and current and prospective volunteers to find out how you can support the work of this important community organization that works to support LGBT students and raise awareness about LGBT issues (including bullying, harassment and homophobia that LGBT youth face) in schools. GLSEN supports Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), Day of Silence and No Name Calling events, and organizes an annual GLSEN/GSA Awards/ Recognition Banquet. For more information, call 206-330-2099, www.wagsa.org, www.glsenwa.org; mail@glsenwa.org. FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH FORUM: “THE FBI’S WAR ON THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY – THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER” On Saturday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m., at New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), FSP hosts a panel discussion featuring local activists Elmer Dixon and Megan Cornish with a special message from behind the walls from Eddie Conway. Door donation $5. Jones Barbeque Smoked Turkey Dinner at 6 p.m. for $10 dinner donation. Vegetarian option available. Sliding scale or work exchanges available for students and unemployed. For information or to reserve childcare, call 206-722-2453; www.socialism. com. NIGHT FANTASIA On Saturday, February 26, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Nijo Sushi Bar & Grill (83 Spring St.), join Aleksa Manila for an evening in celebration of the GLBT Asian community. Enjoy live DJ, great food and drink, with special raffle drawing fundraiser for the GLBT Youth Suicide Prevention Program. Happy Hour menu available throughout the evening. 21+ w/ID. Sponsored by Kwanchai. JET CITY HOOPS 2ND ROUND PLAYOFFS & CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES On Sunday, February 27, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Miller Recreation Center (330 19th Ave. E.), Jet City Hoops, Seattle’s GLBT basketball league, is hosting their 2nd Round Playoffs and Championship Games for the Recreational and Competitive Divisions. The Recreational Championship Game will be held a 12:30 p.m. and the Competitive Division Championship Game will be held at 4:30 p.m. Come out and watch some great basketball and show your support for the hot men and women of Jet City Hoops! Admission is FREE and open to the public. To learn more about the largest GLBT basketball league on the West Coast, visit www.jetcityhoops.org. NINTH ANNUAL HRC SEATTLE BOWLING FOR EQUALITY On Sunday, February 27, from 3-5 p.m., 5:30-7:30 p.m., and 8-10 p.m., join Human Rights Campaign Seattle supporters and friends at The Garage (1134 Broadway) for light appetizers, great entertainment and 2 hours of bowling (bowling shoes included). Tickets: $40 before 2/19, $45 after, VIP 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, doors 4:30 GAY, LESBIAN, STRAIGHT p.m. (VIP doors 3:30 p.m.), at Seattle CinEDUCATION NETWORK erama (2100 4th Ave. at Lenora St.) join (GLSEN) Three Dollar Bill Cinema (Seattle Lesbian VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION & Gay Film Festival organizers) and Gay AND INFORMATION SESSION City Health Project on the red carpet for On Saturday, February 26, from 1 p.m. to Seattle’s most fabulous Academy Awards 4 p.m., at Miller Community Center (330 Party. Watch Hollywood’s biggest night on 19th Ave.) in the multi-purpose room, join the biggest screen in town and support two

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sopen.com for more information. important community organizations. Dress casual or in Hollywood red carpet SEATTLE EROTIC BALL inspired attire, and enjoy delicious hors MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION d’oeuvres, fantastic raffle prizes, and much On Tuesday, March 8, doors at 8 p.m., at more. Tickets: $25 general, $50 VIP. www. threedollarbillcinema.org; www.gaycity. Trinity Nightclub (111 Yesler Way) enjoy Seattle’s biggest, sexiest Mardi Gras party org. at the Seattle Erotic Ball. Hosted by Sasha Scarlett with DJ Sonny Boy!, enjoy live THE ELITE HOSTS circus and fetish performances, burlesque FREE ASL LESSONS dancers, aerialists, fire dancers, stilt walkFOR BEGINNERS Have you ever wanted to learn basic ers, costume contests. “You are the party, so American Sign Language? If so, you can dress to thrill!” More than 1500 guests are get some beginning ASL instruction at the expected. Advance tickets: $15-general admission; Elite (1520 E. Olive Way). The FREE lessons will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in $30-VIP available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/153061, www.SeattleErotthe loft. icBall.com, Julia’s on Broadway (300 Broadway E.) and The Crypt (1516 11th SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE Ave.). A percentage of all ticket sales will The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club benefit Rise ‘n Shine. www.risenshine.org. meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dun“THE BIG BAIL OUT” shee House (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas BENEFIT FOR RISE N’ SHINE St.). All GLBTQ folks in the community are On Wednesday, March 16, from 3 p.m. to welcome to participate in this FREE book club. The book for March is Dry by Augus- 9 p.m., at Broadway Grill (314 Broadway ten Burroughs. For more information, e- E.) stop by the “jail” and make a financial mail nickdimartin@earthlink.net or contact contribution to help volunteer “outlaws” make “bail” to benefit Rise n’ Shine’s proDunshee House at 206-322-2437. grams in support of kids affected by HIV/ AIDS. It’s a party! www.risenshine.org. SAINT MARK’S CATHEDRAL HOSTS FORWARD TOGETHER ALLYSHIP SYMPOSIUM SEEKING VOLUNTEERS From Friday, March 4 to Sunday, March 6 Allyship is an organization that does at Saint Mark’s Cathedral (1245 10th Ave.), LGBT support groups will work together multi-issue organizing in the social justice to promote education and heal broken re- community as out Queers and connects lationships within families, the church, and social justice issues within LGBTQ comlocal communities. Integrity at St Mark’s, munities. For several years Allyship has the local chapter of the international group been sponsoring a discussion series called for Gay Episcopalians, has joined with For- “Queerly Classed,” as well as mobilizing ward Together, Saint Mark’s fellowship of for marches and actions, and building relaLGBT folk, to hold a three day symposium tionships in the labor, feminist, immigrant entitled Forward Together With Integrity. rights, housing and health care movements. The event is in honor of the historic 2009 This year Allyship will be creating camGeneral Convention, which sanctioned Gay paigns around health care, workers’ rights marriage blessing and affirmed the ordi- and Queer youth and is looking for volunnation of Gay and Lesbian bishops. It will teers to help with campaign research, social include prayer services and fasting, discus- media, and outreach. For more informasion groups, guest speakers, and late-night tion, including a description of tasks and movies. We invite everyone to join us as you time commitment for volunteer positions of researcher, social media assistant, and outhave time and interest to attend. Registration beforehand is needed only reach assistant, email ladyking6k@yahoo. for the Mennonite training on Sunday at 1 com or allyship@yahoo.com. p.m. Register with Jim Bachmann at ForFORECAST: COMMUNICATING wardTogether@saintmarks.org. RegistraWEATHER AND CLIMATE – tion cost for Sunday is $10.00, and seating ARTS & SCIENCE EXHIBIT AT is limited to 25. WASHINGTON STATE For a full schedule of events and more inCONVENTION CENTER formation, visit www.saintmarks.org. Through Saturday, April 9, EcoArts Connections presents an arts and science based INTERFACE PANEL: exhibit, Forecast: Communicating Weather KLEIN, CAGE & and Climate, at the Washington State ConCUNNINGHAM On Friday, March 4, at 12:15 p.m., at vention Center (800 Pike St. – North and Cornish Main Gallery (1000 Lenora St.), South Gallerias). Commissioned by the Cornish College presents an interdisciplin- American Meteorological Society for their ary conversation looking at the legacies of 91st AMS annual meeting at the WSCC Merce Cunningham, John Cage and Yves (January 24-27), the exhibit features the Klein with Seattle artists Catherine Cabeen, work of 36 regionally, nationally, and interTonya Lockyer and Jarrad Powell. Present- nationally recognized artists based in Washed by the Cornish College of the Arts Dance ington State whose work has been inspired Department and Interface Series (an event and/or informed by weather and climate. Eight scientists from four states and two series designed to encourage and celebrate collaborative and cross-disciplinary artistic countries collaborated with the artists for projects and foster departmental interac- the exhibition. “I can say from personal experience that tions). This event is FREE and open to the working with an artist, you discover the public. commonality between the sciences and the arts. The creative process is similar: both NUBIAN PRIDE can end up looking at our world in way that KING & QUEEN PAGEANT On Sunday, March 6, at 6 p.m., at Neig- no one has before, and both are compelled to hours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway (entrance communicate that insight to others,” comin alley between Broadway and Harvard ments Peggy LeMone, 2010 AMS President Ave. off E. Pike St.) Honoring King Philip and Senior Scientist Emerita at the National Agape and Queen Diamond St. James. Join Center for Atmospheric Research. “These us as we celebrate the beauty and class of scientist-artist dialogues give us a better our African American culture through pag- chance of communicating this vision – and through the arts we can avoid the barriers eantry. www.nubianprideproductions.org. people might have to learning something new.” HEART BREAKS OPEN Forecast works will range from docuBENEFIT GALA On Sunday, March 6, from 6 p.m. to 11 menting nature or science, to science inp.m. – Act I at Julia’s on Broadway (300 forming and/or inspiring art, to co-equal sciBroadway E.) and Act II at Broadway Grill ence/arts collaboration. In addition to being (314 Broadway E.) – come out for an eve- an exhibit that is exciting, interesting, and ning of fun, cocktails, food and a gala ad- attracts new audiences, Forecast is designed vanced sneak preview screening of the film to engage scientists, artists, and the general Heart Breaks Open. Proceeds from the public in cross-disciplinary dialogue on inevent will send the cast and crew to the 2011 novative ways to communicate and underseason’s international Queer film festivals in stand weather and climate issues. www.box. London and beyond. Visit www.heartbreak- net/shared/rgz4mos84j

February 25, 2011

Seattle Gay News

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official photo

SGN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Senator Ed Murray talks about money and marriage by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Although several legislators have proposed plans to close tax loopholes, Murray is not optimistic about their chances. Seattle State Senator Ed Murray is at the “That’s very difficult to do,” he said. center of the state’s budget process. “We’d need a big chunk of the Republicans As chair of the Senate Ways and Means to do that.” Committee, all state business that has Asked if he saw any willingness from the anything to do with money will pass Republican side to raise new revenues, through his hands. While his will Murray was not hopeful. not be the only voice in decid“No. None,” he said flatly. ing how the state copes with State law allows the legisa revenue shortfall that may lature to suspend voter-aptop $5 billion, it will be an proved initiatives two years influential one. after they have passed. He spoke with SGN In fact, it was the legison February 23 about lature’s suspension of whether the state will be a previous Tim Eyman able to keep its core serinitiative that caused Eyvices up and running. man to put I-1053 on the To give some context ballot last November. to the budget discussion, Asked if he thought the Murray noted that “60% legislature might suspend of our budget can’t be cut I-1053, Murray replied, because of constitutional “I can’t predict two years or federal requirements.” ahead.” Among the protected bud“We suspend the initiaget items are K-12 education, tives, and Tim Eyman comes service on the state’s debts, and re-instates them,” he added. and some Medicaid services. That “It started with I-601. These initialeaves a very small part of the budget to tives tend to get suspended. You have to make up the $5 billion shortfall. – or government just doesn’t function.” The state is also required to balance its Murray did cite some successes in finding budget, Murray noted, so the options are ei- funding for core programs. ther to raise revenue or to cut spending. “The governor eliminated Basic Health, Murray would have preferred to raise the Disability Lifeline, Children’s Health. additional revenue, but that option was … We restored those programs – with Reforeclosed in November by initiatives that publican votes. In the Senate, we passed it repealed a sales tax on candy and soda and on a bipartisan basis.” restored restrictions on the legislature’s “We couldn’t restore 100% of the fundability to raise taxes. ing,” he added. “There were cuts. So with “We tried to [raise revenue],” Murray told Basic Health, for example, we have tens of SGN. “We raised taxes only to have the vot- thousands of people who still have health ers overturn them. And they passed a law coverage. But not as many as there would that we need a two-thirds vote to raise taxes have been before. again – or close loopholes.” “What we did was preserve what I can call

“Even if we began to gain jobs at the same rate as before the recession, it would be 12 years before we reached pre-recession levels.”

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February 25, 2011

Senator Ed Murray

the infrastructure. So when the economy improves, we don’t have to rebuild all these programs from scratch.” Asked if the state was essentially in damage control mode, Murray said, “Yes, that’s a way to put it. Damage control. Mitigate some cuts. Make some programs more efficient. Preserve the programs we can.” In Wisconsin and Ohio, attempts to deal with state budget problems have led to proposals to eliminate the collective bargaining rights of state employees. Asked if he thought Washington state employees’ collective bargaining rights might be at risk, Murray shot back, “No, no.” Unlike Republican state officials in the Midwest, our state legislators are constantly in touch with union members, Murray said. “Labor is in here every day. Several times a day,” he told SGN. While President Obama’s proposed 2012 budget keeps federal money for HIV/AIDS at the same levels as 2011 – or even slightly increases it – no one can predict whether his recommendations will be approved by Congress. Asked if he is worried about federal funding for the state’s HIV/AIDS programs, Murray answered, “We need to be, given the Republicans in the House.” He did note that the legislature made essentially no cuts in state HIV/AIDS spending. “We’ve basically been able to hold HIV/ AIDS programs harmless,” he said. Murray is a supporter of the deep bore tunnel project that will replace the Alaskan Way viaduct. At a Publicola-sponsored debate in December, he called the tunnel project “a stimulus package” that would help lo-

cal economies. Murray said once again that the tunnel and similar transportation projects, funded by gas taxes, are having a beneficial effect on the state’s economy. “We did our nickel in ’03,” Murray said, referring to a five-cent per gallon gas tax, “and the gas tax in ’05. That money is reaching its peak now. There are projects all over the state that are funded that way. It wasn’t our intention to create stimulus to deal with recession, but that’s the way it turned out.” On the other hand, Murray believes that the stimulus effect of such projects will not be enough to bring the state’s economy – or its revenues – up to pre-recession levels. “We need to be very, very realistic,” he warned. “Even if we began to gain jobs at the same rate as before the recession, it would be 12 years before we reached prerecession levels.” “It will take many years to come out of this recession,” Murray added. Murray also spoke with SGN about the marriage equality bill he introduced this year. He is the prime sponsor in the Senate and Rep. Jim Moeller (D-49) is the House sponsor. Although Murray has introduced a marriage equality bills for several years, he says he does not foresee action on his bill this year. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do,” he told SGN. “Most legislators still haven’t heard from their constituents [on the marriage issue].” “It illustrates our ongoing need to organize outside of Seattle,” Murray insisted. Nevertheless, Murray says he remains optimistic that the legislature will pass a marriage bill in the near future. “It will be a few years,” he says. “A few years. Not many years.” Then, Murray says, “we have to be prepared to win an initiative campaign,” like the Referendum 71 campaign, because the opponents of marriage equality will almost certainly file a repeal petition. Asked about the possibility of running a proactive initiative to get voters to pass a marriage law, Murray was skeptical. “That’s a conversation we have to have within our community,” he said. “First we have to build our education efforts.”

Celebrating 38 Years!

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Muhsin Hendricks is an imam and a Gay man. He says he sees no contradiction between the two. Speaking in the Netherlands at the invitation of the LGBT rights organization COC, Hendricks told Radio Netherlands reporters “Being Muslim and being Gay are both strong identities. And I think that they are both innate identities for me. So somewhere along the line I had to reconcile the two.” Known in his own country as the “Pink Imam,” Hendricks runs a foundation called The Inner Circle, which helps Muslims who are struggling to accept their sexuality. The message is simple, he says. “It’s okay to be Muslim and Gay!” It’s a message not everyone agrees with – especially other Muslim clerics – and Hendricks has been barred from his official responsibilities by other imams. Hendricks was born into an orthodox Muslim family in South Africa. His grandfather was a cleric in one of Cape Town’s most prominent mosques. Hendricks says he discovered at an early age that he was different. He played with dolls rather than cars. He was seen as effeminate and was teased as a result. In spite of the fact that many Muslims believe their religion condemns Gay sex, and many Muslim countries punish Gay people with death, Hendricks decided to discover for himself what the Quran had to say about homosexuality.

Hendricks says he was skeptical of the usual view that Islam condemns Gay people. “It didn’t seem fair for a very merciful and compassionate God to condemn me for something that I didn’t choose,” he says. Hendri cks drew a striking conclusion from his religious studies – nowhere does the Quran state that homosexuality is forbidden. Not even in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Hendricks says. He argues that the cities’ residents were punished for rape, not for consensual sex between men. According to Hendricks, there are even one or two Quran verses in which Allah acknowledges the existence of Gay people. One example is in sura 24, verse 31. “It says that women have to put on extra clothing when they go out in public ... but not in front of those men who have no attraction for women. They must be the Gay people,” he laughs. Despite these discoveries, Hendricks says he still did not feel able to acknowledge and openly express his own sexual feelings. He married, and he and his wife had three children. Hendricks says his wife knew he is Gay, but still tried to make the relationship work. After six years, his marriage ended in divorce and at that moment he decided to come out to his family. His mother fainted when he told her. But little by little, Hendricks says, she is beginning to understand. Other members of the family want nothing more to do with him.

Montana House OKs anti-Gay discrimination file photo

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Montana House of Representatives

The measure, sponsored by Tea Party Republican Rep. Kristin Hansen, now goes to the Montana Senate. A bill that would allow discrimination All 32 Democrats in Montana’s House against LGBT people passed the Montana voted against the measure. They were joined House of Representatives on February 22. by seven Republicans. Sixty Republicans HB 516 repeals Missoula’s 2010 anti-dis- voted to pass the bill. crimination ordinance and a similar policy Missoula’s Democratic legislators were declaration in Bozeman, and prohibits other infuriated by passage of the measure, as well local governments from enacting ordinances as a companion bill that repealed a Missoula or policies that seek to protect residents from ordinance making enforcement of marijuana real or perceived discrimination based on laws the lowest law enforcement priority. their sexual orientation and gender identity. “It is ironic that the first bill of the day and The bill passed by a lopsided 60-39 mar- the last bill of the day both intend to override gin. the expressed will of Missoulians to govern

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bertrand gaudillere

Not a sin to be Gay, South African imam says

Imam Muhsin Hendricks

Neither do many members of South Africa’s Muslim establishment. “Imams see me as a threat to their worldview and the way they see Islam,” he says. “I don’t feel they should be threatened. It’s just another view that I would invite them to look at. My view allows Queer Muslims to continue being Muslim but also to accept themselves for who they are.”

In 1996 he established The Inner Circle. The group runs weekly study circles for Gay Muslims to understand an affirming Islamic view of their sexuality. The group’s website also includes an “Ask a Scholar” feature that allows Muslims to seek the advice of religious scholars on “the issue of Islam, gender, and sexual diversity.”

ourselves as we see fit,” said openly Lesbian Rep. Diane Sands of Missoula. “Our community is filled with possibly the biggest Gay and Lesbian population in the state,” said Rep. Ellie Hill, another Missoula Democrat. “We are a community with the University of Montana. We have a lot of young people. We passed this ordinance because we wanted to protect our own citizens, our own people. You don’t have to agree with it.” “Leave us alone,” said Missoula Rep. Sue Malek. “For heaven’s sake. We’re one little town in a corner of Montana that has nothing to do with you. You know, I mean, why can’t you let people live like they need to live their lives? Why can’t they love who they want to love?” Few Republican legislators spoke on the bill, and those who did avoided talking about the specifics of the Missoula antidiscrimination ordinance, according to The Missoulan newspaper. The Montana House moved quickly to pass HB516 after it was passed by its Judiciary Committee the previous day. The committee vote was 13 in favor and seven opposed, with one Republican joining all six of the committee’s Democrats in voting against it. The Judiciary Committee had voted earlier the same day to table HB514, which would have amended the Montana Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or expression and sexual orientation throughout the state. That measure was sponsored by Democratic Rep. Edie McClafferty, of Butte. The vote to table her measure was strictly along party lines, 14-6. Currently the Montana Human Rights Act prohibits only discrimination based on age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, political beliefs or ideas, race or color, religion, and sex, including pregnancy, maternity, and sexual harassment. All previous attempts to amend the Montana Human Rights Act to protect LGBT residents have also failed. Jamee Greer of the Montana Human Rights Network denounced the committee’s action on the two bills. “They have essentially made it clear that LGBT Montanans are not equals and that they believe the LGBT people do not de-

serve the same protections as anyone else,” he said. Before the committee vote on HB514, Democratic Rep. Diane Sands of Missoula spoke out in favor of the bill. “As an out member of the Lesbian community, you may never have experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation, but I have,” she said. “In many ways, I am not your peer. I am probably the only person – well, not in this room – who can be asked to leave a restaurant, denied housing, refused to be allowed into a hotel simply because of sexual orientation. “It is a fact that I am not protected under the law. You can go ahead and vote against this bill, which I know you will, but that’s a fact, and I want to you to know the face of a person who’s affected by it and it’s me.” The HRN’s Greer argued that HB 516 would interfere with the legal right of municipalities to protect their own citizens, even if the state government failed to act. “Localities have the right and the legal ability to go beyond the Montana Human Rights Act,” he said. “The Montana Human Rights Act sets the floor. It does not set the ceiling. Cities have the authority to establish ordinances and policies that protect and value members of their communities that have faced a history of discrimination. “That is exactly what the City of Missoula did when it passed its Anti-Discrimination Ordinance in April of 2010.” Republicans made major gains in legislative seats in the 2010 election, and now outnumber Democrats in the Montana House 68 to 32. Republicans also control the Montana Senate by a margin of 27 to 23. Governor Brian Schweitzer is a Democrat, but he has not indicated whether he would veto HB516 if it is passed by both legislative bodies and sent to him for his signature. A 2008 poll sponsored by the Montana Human Rights Network, the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) HealthCare 775NW, and the United Church of Christ found that “voters support changing Montana human rights law to protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation.” “Strong supporters include women, Democrats, and younger voters,” HRN added.

February 25, 2011

Seattle Gay News

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10 Seattle Gay News

February 25, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 25, 2011

Seattle Gay News 11

The Seattle Gay N Her Most Imperial Olympia XL Miss His Most Imperial Rainier XXXVI on their reign as Em

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February 25, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

News congratulates Sovereign Majesty Precious Cargo & Sovereign Majesty II Mark Surreal mpress and Emperor.

all photos by nate gowdy

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February 25, 2011

Seattle Gay News 13

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February 25, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

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206-255-0393 10am-9pm Daily *Bring in ad and get FREE African Jazz CD with $20 purchase. *A portion of the proceeds support charity URGENT Africa.

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February 25, 2011

Seattle Gay News 15

Five things to know before going to Switzerland by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer

Francs instead, and they trade about even to American money. Beware: it’s pricey over there – I paid $4 for bottled water at a Starbucks and $8.60 for a cappuccino and blueberry muffin at a no-frills café. I suggest exchanging a minimal amount of cash at the airport before take-off, just to have on-hand, and then use credit cards or ATMs once you arrive. German is most commonly spoken throughout Switzerland with several dialects pertaining to different regions of the country, and if you happen to be visiting Lugano, be prepared to bust out some Italian. English is widely spoken, especially in the urban areas like Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and Lucerne. Signage is a potential problem, as so much of it is written in German, though you shouldn’t have too much of a hassle in the city sectors. If you need backup, invest in a German-English dictionary.

4) Gay culture and lifestyle Feel very safe being who you are in Switzerland. The Gay lifestyle is widely accepted, and though the country has yet to legalize same-sex marriage, registered partnerships have been recognized for several years. Zurich has a vibrant Gay nightlife – I know this firsthand, as there was a raging dance club in the lobby of my hotel

Albert Rodriguez

Within minutes of checking into my hotel in Zurich, I was eating a boxed lunch on a bench with the locals and soaking up the sun on a warm autumn day. It was peaceful and this all seemed familiar, even though it was my first visit to this small but mighty European country. Bordered by France, Germany, Austria, and Italy, your finger might slide over Switzerland on a map because of its miniscule size, yet it’s one of the wealthiest nations on the planet and one of the most visually appealing. In an upcoming feature, I’ll take you to a restaurant 3,100 feet above ground with unobstructed views of Matterhorn and on a nature hike that ascends to a mountain village surely cut and pasted from a postcard – look for the article in our March 4 travel issue. Visit www.myswitzerland.com or search “Visit Gay Switzerland” 3) Domestic travel on Facebook if interested in going anytime Swiss Pass, provided by Rail Europe soon. Here are five tips in advance of your (www.raileurope.com), allows visitors Swiss adventure. to travel within Switzerland by train on a package plan – prices depend on dates 1) Getting to Switzerland Assuming your arrival city is Zurich and of travel and cabin class. I traveled firstknowing Seattle has no non-stop flights to class and the compartments were clean as Switzerland, you’ll need an international a whistle with seating for one or two, or connection in Paris (Air France), Frankfurt lounge-style booths for groups. Attendants (Lufhansa Airlines), London (British Air- will come through with snacks and beverways, Delta Airlines), or Reykjavik (Ice- ages, although these are not included with land Air). Should you choose a domestic the ticket price. If the word “flughafen” connection, New York-JFK (Delta, Ameri- appears on a train, know that it’s headed can Airlines), Atlanta (Delta), and Newark to the airport. Traveling by rail is the most (United/Continental Airlines) provide the convenient, inexpensive method of seeing most popular routes to-from there. Swiss as much of Switzerland on your trip. Swiss International, the nation’s principal airline, Pass also includes a museum pass that perflies out of San Francisco and Los Angeles mits you into over 400 museums around the country at no additional cost, and it also on the West Coast. covered my rail transfers between the airport and downtown Zurich. Switzerland has 2) Currency and language Don’t make the mistake of exchanging a terrific ferry system, too, so if you hapU.S. dollars for Euros, as you’ll need Swiss pen to be in Lucerne or Lausanne, definitely spend an afternoon visiting lakeside villages and boutique hotels along the water.

Lucerne, Switzerland

frequented by non-hetero men, not to mention the popular Cranberry Bar a few blocks away. Don’t expect Gay districts or rows of bars to bounce in and out of – no Swiss city is large enough to boast an entire Gay-borhood – but your hotel concierge should be able to point out a few known Gay bars and/ or bookstores in the vicinity, and I’ll mention some of these in my upcoming travel piece on Switzerland. The Zurich Pride Festival is set for June 17-19, 2011, and is celebrated by all types. Switzerland is one of the safest countries I’ve traveled in, and not once during my eight-day trip did I encounter any form of disrespect or harassment. 5) Cuisine Sushi was the first thing I ate when I arrived in Zurich, and later in my journey I dined at a restaurant offering fajitas and paella. Food choices in Switzerland are all over the place, though if desiring something

unique to the country try roesti (grated potatoes, similar to hash browns and served usually with chicken and creamy gravy) or hornli (pasta with a minced meat or veal ragout, sometimes with apple compote). If you must have fondue, at least get a recommendation from a trustworthy local because restaurants often include it on their menus to attract tourists and offer a mediocre version of it. For breakfast, most hotels provide guests with muesli, a cross between oatmeal and granola that could include fresh fruit, cottage cheese, or whole nuts. Traditional Swiss food is heavy on meat, starch, dairy, and sweets – save room for irresistible pastries and chocolate – so those nature hikes will come in handy.

Albert Rodriguez

Rutli, Switzerland

16 Seattle Gay News

February 25, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

Hawaii governor signs civil unions bill First civil unions January 1, 2012

file photo

fusal to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples was discriminatory. That decision was followed by a 1996 ruling that the state had failed to demonstrate a compelling interest in preventing same-sex couples from marrying. In 1998, however, Hawaii voters approved the country’s first-ever “defense of marriage” amendment granting the state legislature the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.

The next year, the Hawaii Supreme Court was forced to rule that because of the new marriage amendment, the state constitution’s equal protection clause no longer applied to marriage licenses. While less than one-third of Hawaiians identify as Christian, the largest Christian denominations are the Roman Catholic Church and the LDS (Mormon) Church. Both are strictly opposed to any recognition of same-sex relationships.

GSBA holds 2011 Business & Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie signed his state’s same-sex civil unions bill into law on February 23. “This bill represents equal rights for everyone in Hawaii, everyone who comes here. This is, to me, the essence of the aloha spirit,” Abercrombie said at the signing ceremony. “With its signing, I want to say ‘welcome’ to the world, come to paradise.” Hawaii State Senator Clayton Hee playfully kissed the governor on the head as he signed the bill. “It’s overwhelming,” said Tambry Young, an activist who has pushed for civil unions with her partner for more than two years. “All the families here can now feel like it doesn’t matter what kind of family you have.” “It’s a fantastic day,” said Tony Wagner of HRC, who attended the signing. “It’s been a good couple of months thus far since the elections. We’re going to keep fighting for equality day in and day out.” The Hawaii senate passed the measure on February 16 by an 18-5 margin. The measure had already passed the Hawaii House of Representatives by a vote of 31-19 on February 11. According to the Hawaii legislature’s website, the bill “extends the same rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil

union.” Civil unions will begin January 1, 2012. Hawaii will then be one of seven states offering same-sex couples rights equivalent to marriage without allowing actual same-sex marriages. Five states and the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriages, and three states recognize same-sex marriages concluded in other jurisdictions. Passage of the civil unions bill marks a victory in a long back-and-forth struggle for recognition of same-sex relationships in Hawaii. Last year, a similar bill was passed by the Legislature but vetoed by then-governor Linda Lingle, a Republican. Newly elected Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie promised during the campaign that he would sign the bill if the legislature passed it. After Lingle vetoed the earlier bill, Lambda Legal and the ACLU-Hawaii sued the state over lack of recognition for same-sex relationships, but they withdrew the suit when the measure was reintroduced in January this year. Civil unions bills have been introduced every year since 2001. In 1993, Hawaii became the first state in the country to grapple with the issue of same-sex marriage. In that year, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in Baehr v. Miike that the state’s re-

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) celebrated the cream of the crop at the organization’s 2011 Business and Humanitarian Awards Dinner at the Westin Seattle (1900 5th Ave.) on February 24. For 30 years, the organization’s Business and Humanitarian Awards Dinner has celebrated the nexus of equality and diversity in business along with the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism. “There are so many people doing amazing work in this community, I think it’s crucial that we recognize how their effort impacts our lives,” said Jerome Bader, director of marketing and external relations for GSBA. “We are talking about individuals and organizations that not only practice the notion of giving back, but define it. I’m honored that the GSBA can tell their story, that we can help the world to know that these people are making a difference every day.” It is in that spirit that the GSBA proudly announced this year’s recipients of the Business and Humanitarian Awards. This year’s honorees are: Business of the Year: Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria, Joe Fugere; New Business of the Year: The Lobby Bar, Curtis Bigelow and Paul Villa; Business Leader of the Year: Joseph Irons, Irons Brothers Construction; Corporate Citizen: Jennifer Moran, Carter Subaru & Carter VW; Com-

munity Leader of The Year: Kim Bogucki, Detective Seattle Police Department; Nonprofit of the Year: Entre Hermanos, Marcos Martinez; Special Recognition: Voice for Social Justice, Major Margaret Witt; and President’s Award: Michael Jaworski, Rain City Web Tech. “These leaders have truly inspired us to reach higher and remind us that success isn’t only measured by the numbers on the balance sheet, but by what they can accomplish for the community,” said GSBA officials of the 2011 honorees. U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) was the keynote speaker at the event and in a particularly touching and historic moment, Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer, a Lesbian icon, honored Major Witt for her efforts in the landmark repeal of DADT. The GSBA has been the LGBT and allied business and professional chamber of commerce since 1981. With over 1,000 members, the GSBA is the largest business chamber of its kind in the U.S. More than a chamber, GSBA is a vibrant community organization with a broad and diverse membership base. GSBA’s mission is to combine business development, social action and leadership to expand economic opportunities for the LGBT community and those who support equality for all. For more information about GSBA, visit www.thegsba.org.

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February 25, 2011

Seattle Gay News 17

What DOMA decision means for Washington state by Josh Friedes Special to the SGN President Obama proved he is a champion of LGBT civil rights on Wednesday when, through the U.S. attorney general, he announced that he was ordering the Department of Justice to not defend Section 3 of DOMA, which is presently being challenged in Federal courts. It is hard to overstate the importance of this decision. In the struggle for LGBT civil rights, Obama has restored the rule of law. Perhaps watching events unfold in the Middle East has helped us all remember that we as a nation are greatest when we put our Constitution first and sublimate our personal prejudices to this ideal. We really and truly are a nation of laws and not of men, women, and gender nonconforming people. America has always struggled when it comes to civil rights but our march towards our ideals is made possible by our adherence to the supremacy of the living Constitution. We have watched Obama struggle with LGBT civil rights. Many of his recent statements seem to reflect a growing personal understanding of the lives of LGBT people and the deprivations we face because of inequalities in the law that are compounded by social injustices. Our constant mantra of the importance of personal relationships and telling stories seems to be holding true with the president. And yet on marriage equality, there is no evidence that the president personally supports it, although he has acknowledged his position is evolving. It would be easy to criticize the president for not personally supporting marriage equality. I wish he did personally support it, but like many people, he may presently believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. LGBT people will not achieve social equality until personal support for marriage equality and diverse gender identities increases. Today, much of the conversation is

about social equality even as the issue before the courts and in legislatures is legal equality: the ability of people to exercise their legal rights even in the face of personal prejudices, even if those personal prejudices are held by the majority. The U.S. attorney general’s statement in essence reminds us, and demands that the Department of Justice apply rigorous legal standards to questions of LGBT civil rights. Unbridled populism and sometimes the actions of the radical right (a minority) have to date eclipsed the rule of law in much of the debate around LGBT civil rights issues. To date, no president, not even a president as good on LGBT issues as Bill Clinton, was willing to impose the rule of law. In fairness to Bill Clinton, even the power of the presidency is limited, and arguably we had not achieved enough social equality during his tenure to see the imposition of the rule of law on LGBT civil rights issues. On Wednesday, this all changed when in a dry and legalistic statement, the U.S. attorney general wrote, “After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, the president has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny. The president has also concluded that Section 3 of DOMA, as applied to legally married same-sex couples, fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional. Given that conclusion, the president has instructed the Department not to defend the statute in such cases. I fully concur with the president’s determination.” In essence, Obama said his personal opinion is irrelevant. What matters are principles of constitutional law, and applying them there is no basis to deny legally married same-sex couples the federal benefits and protections of marriage. Of course, Obama is not a Supreme

Court justice, but his actions matter. It will take time for the challenges to Section 3 of DOMA to work through the courts. And the statement did not say that states refusing to issue marriage licenses are in violation of the United States Constitution. However in calling for a heightened level of scrutiny, Obama is putting huge pressure on the courts, increasing the probability that in the future a challenge to the legitimacy of denying marriage licenses could be successful. For Washington state, Wednesday’s statement changes everything. A few days ago it was hard to articulate to the moderate middle why domestic partnerships were not enough. After all, in essence, a Gay couple with a legal marriage in Massachusetts had roughly the same rights as a Gay couple with a domestic partnership in Washington state. Many people have trouble understanding the non-tangible protections marriage provide nor the indignity of not being able to marry. Now we can easily explain the difference. The U.S. attorney general explained to the nation that legally married same-sex couples should have a constitutional right to the federal protections of marriage. Legally this differentiates a marriage license from a civil union or a domestic partnership. There is no corresponding constitutional protection to provide the federal protections of marriage to same-sex couples with domestic partnerships or civil unions. Soon we will be able to measure the tangible difference between a domestic partnership and a legal marriage. At last count, I believe it was 1,138 federal protections that were given by the federal government to heterosexual couples with a valid marriage license. We are talking about important protections like Social Security survivor’s benefits and immigration rights and equal treatment under the IRS tax code and Veterans benefits to the families of those killed in the line of duty. Now, we in Washington must work quickly to achieve marriage equality. Never do we want there to be a day when our LGBT families lack the maximum protection provided by law. Soon federal DOMA will be struck down as unconstitutional and samesex couples with marriages from Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa, Connecticut, Canada, and other countries where marriage is legal will have federal protections. Couples from states like Washington or Oregon with domestic partnerships will

lack federal protections. Sadly, it will take time for Federal DOMA to fall, but this gives us time to achieve marriage equality in Washington state. Joshua Friedes is the executive director of Equal Rights Washington.

doma

continued from cover

Letter to Speaker Boehner Also on February 23, Holder sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, outlining the Justice Department’s legal analysis of Pedersen v. OPM and Windsor v. United States, the two cases immediately affected by the president’s order. At the conclusion of his letter, Holder tells Boehner that “I will instruct Department attorneys to advise courts in other pending DOMA litigation of the president’s and my conclusions that a heightened standard should apply, that Section 3 is unconstitutional under that standard and that the Department will cease defense of Section 3.” Boehner was not pleased by the president’s decision. “While Americans want Washington to focus on creating jobs and cutting spending, the president will have to explain why he thinks now is the appropriate time to stir up a controversial issue that sharply divides the nation,” he said in a terse reaction to Holder’s letter. In contrast, Sen. Diane Feinstein (DCalif.) hailed Holder’s announcement, and promised to introduce a DOMA repeal bill in the US Senate. “As a Member of the Judiciary Committee, it is my intention to introduce legislation that will once and for all repeal the Defense of Marriage Act,” Feinstein said. “My own belief is that when two people love each other and enter the contract of marriage, the Federal government should honor that. I opposed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996. It was the wrong law then; it is the wrong law now; and it should be repealed.”

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18 Seattle Gay News

February 25, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

Last year, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) introduced a DOMA repeal bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. Until now, it has not had a Senate companion bill. Nadler’s bill did not get a committee hearing while Democrats were in control of the House, and repeal is even less likely to go forward now that Republicans have the majority.

Act is unconstitutional. This is a position that we have held and argued since we filed our lawsuit in July 2009,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, who has filed her own challenge to DOMA, Massachusetts v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “This is a monumental decision for the thousands of same-sex couples and their families who want nothing more than the Reaction of same rights and dignity afforded to other human rights groups married couples,” said HRC President Joe Human rights groups greeted Holder’s an- Solmonese. nouncement with enthusiasm. Gay and Lesbian Advocates and DefendBigots are outraged ers (GLAD), the group that filed Pedersen Anti-Gay groups were predictably outv. OPM, one of the cases Holder cited in his raged by President Obama’s decision. letter to Boehner, said that “It is extraordi“This decision by President Obama and narily significant that the Dept. of Justice the Department of Justice is appalling,” the recognizes what we have been saying for Family Research Council said. years in our litigation. Laws that distinguish “This is outrageous and unthinkable,” between people based on sexual orientation Liberty Counsel added. are more likely to reflect prejudice against “We have not yet begun to fight for marGay people than good public policy.” riage,” NOM threatened. The ACLU, which filed the other case, “The Democrats are responding to their Windsor v. United States, said, “The presi- election loss with a series of extraordinary, dent did the right thing and just propelled extra-constitutional end runs around deGay rights into the 21st century, where it mocracy, whether it’s fleeing the state in belongs. Our government finally recognizes Wisconsin and Indiana to prevent a vote, what we knew 14 years ago – that the so- or unilaterally declaring homosexuals a called ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ is a gross protected class under our Constitution, as violation of the Constitution’s guarantee of President Obama just did. equal protection before the law.” “We call on the House to intervene to “I am very pleased that the Department protect DOMA, and to tell the Obama adof Justice and President Obama have deter- ministration they have to respect the limits mined that the federal Defense of Marriage on their power. This fight is not over, it has

only begun!” Why does it matter? The Justice Department is not the only agency that may defend DOMA in court. For example, Speaker of the House Rep. Boehner could decide to intervene to defend a duly enacted law passed by Congress. Even if he does not do so, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court, where the two cases Holder cites are being heard, is not required to accept the Justice Department’s legal analysis. Nevertheless, President Obama’s order to the Justice Department is important because it acknowledges the history of discrimination against the LGBT community and establishes a fairly strict standard for examining the constitutionality of laws relating to the LGBT community. “The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the appropriate level of scrutiny for classifications based on sexual orientation,” Holder says in his letter to Boehner. “It has, however, rendered a number of decisions that set forth the criteria that should inform this and any other judgment as to whether heightened scrutiny applies.” “Heightened scrutiny” means that the Obama administration considers sexual orientation to be a “suspect classification” – like race – that requires review under the Equal Protection clause of the 5th Amendment for reasons Holder lists in his letter: “[A] significant history of purposeful discrimination against Gay and Lesbian

people, by governmental as well as private entities … a growing scientific consensus accepts that sexual orientation is a characteristic that is immutable … [history shows] the group to have limited political power and ability to attract the [favorable] attention of the lawmakers … [and] there is a growing acknowledgment that sexual orientation bears no relation to ability to perform or contribute to society.” In this case, “heightened scrutiny” contrasts with the less strict “rational basis” standard of review. To be found constitutional under “heightened scrutiny,” a law like DOMA would have to address a compelling national interest in ways that are directly related to that interest. The less restrictive “rational basis” test simply means that lawmakers have to base laws on reasonable assumptions, and not on their own prejudices. For example, the Washington Supreme Court upheld our state’s DOMA in 2006 on the rational basis test, ruling that it would be reasonable for lawmakers to think that the state had an interest in protecting oppositesex marriage. It is not clear that Washington state’s DOMA would pass the heightened scrutiny test. In the main dissent, Justice Mary Fairhurst argued that the law was unconstitutional on both the rational basis test, and on grounds that it violated the equal protection clause of the state constitution.

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February 25, 2011

Seattle Gay News 19

bogucki

continued from cover The 22-year veteran of the force and out Lesbian (she serves as the liaison between SPD and the LGBT community) spoke with Seattle Gay News about her many years on the force, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) award she recently received, and her expectations for the LGBT equality movement. “I deeply appreciate the strides that past LGBT officers have made to make the Seattle Police Department a place where we can all serve with dignity,” Kim told SGN. Kim’s work in the community as an officer and as a civilian has led to her nomination for an award from the GSBA. On February 24, she received the Community Leader of the Year designation from the GSBA for her continued efforts in the Seattle LGBT community. “I am proud to receive this award from such an amazing group of people working for change and making a difference,” she said. “I’m partial to this award, above others, because it truly is an honor to be recognized within your own community and to be a part of something you believe in.” Kim says she has been supporting GSBA events for years. “As the SPD liaison officer, I have been able to do some collaborative events with the GSBA,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed watching them grow as an organi-

zation and I think their scholarship program is incredible.” Aside from her duties on the force, Kim is involved in a number of projects. For example, in her work with the IF Project (www.theifproject.com), Kim works with inmates at the Washington Correction Center for Women in Gig Harbor, where she inspires discussion to help the prisoners not just search themselves to find what could have changed their own lives, but nurtures a larger desire to impart information to help others. “Through them, we will search for answers as to how to break the chain of felonies that have brought them all in,” she said, “in the hopes of preventing others from doing the same.” Being a detective is a labor of love for Kim. “The reasons why I love being on the force have changed throughout the years,” she said. “When I first got on, I loved doing patrol, catching bad guys, and keeping people safe. I was getting to act out my childhood superhero fantasies. But in the last 10 years, my focus has changed to more prevention and intervention type police work; working within the community, listening to their ideas in problem solving, and reducing criminal activity.” Kim says that her methods now are “based in compassion and a clearer understanding of the help people need to achieve a better life.” Being a police officer is a tough job. Being

an openly Gay or Lesbian cop may prove to be even tougher. But Kim maintains that life on the force isn’t so bad after all for LGBT officers. “As SPD’s LGBT liaison officer, I can say that I have not experienced discrimination in my years of policing,” she said. In fact, Kim says that supervisors and chiefs often attend LGBT community events, in or out of uniform. “I have traveled to many departments nationwide and have yet to find a department like ours,” she said. “It’s a great job, but not without struggle. As a police officer, we see people at their worst day in and day out. I know that there have been some incidents lately that have not reflected well on the department, but know and believe that an overwhelming majority of the men and women of the department serve the community without incident.” They serve and protect from their hearts and without the need for public praise or recognition, she said. “I am proud to be one and to be a part of such an incredible department.” Kim says she is sensitive to the needs of the LGBT community. “I worry about the lack of LGBT folks reporting crime,” she admits. “I do know that there is fear in a number of community members in reporting. I would like to encourage them to try to overcome that fear and let us know if they have been victimized.” “It saddens me when I hear of things that have happened and that the person didn’t want to report it,” she said. “I am available to assist anyone struggling with this dilemma.” According to Kim, the best way for our community to make progress is to honor our right to be safe. “If you’re being victimized, step forward and speak up,” she said. “SPD specifically takes malicious harassment reports very seriously.” Overall, Kim says she wants what we all want: LGBT equality. “Above all things, I hope for equal rights pertaining to – but not exclusively to – healthcare, domestic partner benefits, and the right to a non-biased education nationwide. It would be very validating to watch more LGBT people be taken seriously and succeed in the workforce,” she concludes. “On a personal level, I would love to see Gay marriage become legal and stick within my lifetime.”

transgender continued from cover

couldn’t survive Vietnam because I wasn’t masculine. I had always known I wasn’t the boy I was seen as and demanded to be.” Enlisting in the Navy, thought Michelle, would be an easy tour; simply serve your time and then get out. But life rarely works out the way we plan it. Michelle soon learned that lesson tenfold. “I wanted to serve on an aircraft carrier,”

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she explained. “The ship is large and, so I thought, it would be easy to blend in.” However, Michelle, received orders to Submarine School in New London, CT, where, upon graduation, the new sailor was assigned to the pre-commission crew of the submarine USS Archerfish (SSN 678). When the boat got underway, Michelle says, “my gender feelings began to get discovered.” “I thought I did well hiding these feelings, but living in a steel tube with 95-plus others made it difficult to conceal,” she said. “I was not out to anyone in the Navy; only a few civilian friends knew.” “After a few people discovered my secret, small pranks soon gave way to hurtful ones, and then worse. I became disenchanted, angry, and my self-esteem crashed. I no longer cared about anything – including myself.” Michelle said she tried, in vain, to get transferred off the boat. “I knew I could not continue to endure the abuse I was experiencing.” Eventually, the troubled sailor found a way out. After serving her time, Michelle received an honorable discharge from the Navy. So why would Michelle advocate for open service by Trans personnel when she received so much grief? Because she says that, like DADT, serving in silence and shame is what perpetuates such situations. She believes that if Transgender servicemembers didn’t have to hide their gender identity, the situation would greatly improve. In fact, Michelle says that the passage of a DADT repeal has little to do with the issue of Transgender people and military service. “DADT directly targeted sexual orientation,” she explains. “That has nothing to do with gender identity. The Department of Defense views Transgender status and Gender Identity Disorder Diagnosis as automatic disqualifications from military service. This is a policy, not a law.” “Policies can be changed,” she said. “I WAS, AT LAST, COMPLETE” After the abusive experience during military service, Michelle said she decided to “create an outside shell” where people could see that she was physically a man, but a woman on the inside. Adopting a “normal” life, Michelle worked for General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and eventually ended up working for IBM in Virginia. Still, no matter how involved in day-today life she was, Michelle says, “Difficulties began to surface within myself. I was failing myself by pretending to be a man. Finally, in 1990, my whole world collapsed around me.” Michelle says she went into a deep depression and felt as if she no longer knew who she was. “After 12 years of deep depression and 14 suicide attempts, I found myself alone. I separated from and then divorced my wife. I lost everything.” “Alone and once again ready to end my life, I finally accepted what I had known since I was a child: I wasn’t, and never wanted to be, a man,” said Michelle. “I finally accepted myself. I informed my family, children, and ex-wife of my transition.” On July 31, 2008, Michelle’s life changed forever. Michelle had finally transitioned to the woman she always felt she was supposed to be. “I awoke in recovery and realized I was, at last, complete,” she recalled. “Excitement and happiness filled me completely, and I cried.” “That day, a new journey did not begin,” Michelle points out. “The journey of this woman’s life only continues. I am not a new or different person. I don’t need to find who I am. I know who I am and what I want to accomplish.” MILITARY ACCESS DENIED Speaking from a position of experience, Michelle believes that Transgender people should be allowed to serve in the U.S. military. The truth is, she says, they already are. “There are, and have been, many Transgender individuals who have served in the U.S. military. However, they have not been able to do so openly,” she said. U.S. Military regulations effectively prohibit service by Transgender persons.

20 Seattle Gay News

February 25, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

According to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an organization that provides LGBT servicemembers and veterans with legal advice, the military regulations that prohibit Trans service break down into two basic categories: medical and conduct regulations. Military regulations state that men and women who identify with or present a gender different from their sex at birth have mental conditions that make them ineligible to serve. “Presently, the American Psychiatric Association has Gender Identity Disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” said Michelle. “I have no mental disorder and I will argue that with anyone. Just as sexual orientation is not, I believe, a choice, neither is gender identity.” Homosexuality was listed in the APA’s DSM as a mental disorder, but was removed in 1973. “Who would choose to live a life being denied the basic civil rights to life, liberty, and freedom in order to be who they truly are,” asks Michelle. Military regulations also state that those who have undergone genital surgery are listed as having physical abnormalities. Servicemembers caught cross-dressing on a military installation have been court-martialed for interfering with “good order and discipline,” according to the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Currently, only seven nations – Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, the Czech Republic, Thailand, and Australia – allow Transgender troops. The Transgender American Veterans Association, an advocacy group founded in 2003, estimates there could be as many as 300,000 Transgender people among the nation’s 26 million veterans. The truth is no one knows exactly how many Transgender people are serving or have served. Neither the Department of Defense nor the VA keep statistics on how many servicemembers have been discharged or treated for “Transgender conditions or conduct.” Still, the military’s posture on gender identity has not prevented Transgender citizens from signing up before they come out, or from obtaining psychological counseling, hormones, and routine health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs once they return to civilian life. “For years, Transgender people have been left behind in the wake of political expediency,” said Michelle. “Many a federal bill or state bill has had gender identity and expression stripped from it because it’s seen as difficult to accept. Because of this, Transgender people are not visible.” Michelle says that many Trans people find that, after they transition, it becomes easy to blend into society because of that invisibility. “I believe that we as a community – and I

use that term loosely – need to become more vocal and seen if we are to achieve equality and true acceptance,” she concludes. “Transgender people are part of the LGBT – not a silent T.”

lifelong

continued from cover a minimum $150 donation was suggested. This year’s guest speaker was Gay icon and Olympic Gold Medalist diver Greg Louganis. Louganis spoke eloquently about the obstacles he has overcome. Louganis learned of his HIV-positive status in the late ’80s and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights since he publicly came out as Gay in the mid-’90s. Dr. Lawrence Corey, president and director-elect of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, was the recipient of the 2011 Ned Behnke Leadership Award, given in memory of Ned Behnke and presented to a special person who exemplifies the leadership and commitment of the Behnke family. The honoree must demonstrate exceptional vision and courage in promoting AIDS awareness in the community. Lifelong AIDS Alliance officials chose Dr. Cory, an American physician-scientist and an internationally recognized expert on infectious diseases, because they say his discoveries have been recognized as having advanced the understanding of the pathogenesis and

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treatment of disease caused by viruses, especially HIV. Attendees of the breakfast were asked to donate to Lifelong AIDS Alliance to aid them in the important work they do. Lifelong AIDS Alliance was formed in 2001 through the merger of Chicken Soup Brigade and Northwest AIDS Foundation. “We’ve come a long way since our beginnings in 1983, when a soup can was passed around Volunteer Park and collected the first $42 to help people living with HIV/AIDS in our community,” said officials. “Today, we are staffers, volunteers, donors, and community members from many different backgrounds. We are united in our determination to make sure that we never forget that HIV/ AIDS still exists. We will be here until there is a cure.” According to Lifelong officials, the organization does whatever it takes to improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. “We provide health insurance so that people can get the care they need. We cook and deliver healthy meals. We ensure that people have a safe place to live. And our caring case managers help people every step of the way.” Until there is a cure, preventing new AIDS infections is our best hope. “Lifelong distributes hundreds of thousands of condoms each year, along with safer-sex messages aimed at stopping thousands of new infections,” say officials. “We also counsel those at risk of spreading or acquiring HIV.” In addition, the organization is a strong advocate for change. “Decisions made in Olympia and Washington, D.C., have a profound effect upon people living with HIV/ AIDS here in Seattle/King County,” conclude officials. “We represent those living with HIV/AIDS and ensure that our voices are heard at the local, state, and federal levels.” Events like the 2nd Annual Lifelong AIDS Alliance Benefit Breakfast are just one small part of the visibility and action taken by the organization to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS and providing services for those living with it. For more information about Lifelong AIDS Alliance, visit their official website at www.lifelongaidsalliance.org.

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Seattle Gay News 23