Celebrating 41 Years!
Issue 9 Volume 42
FRIDAY February 28, 2014 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Victory! Arizona Governor vetoes anti-Gay bill Courtesy of AP
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has vetoed a bill that would have authorized discrimination against LGBT people in the state, as long as it was justified on “religious” grounds. “The bill is broadly worded and could result in unintended and negative consequences,” Brewer told reporters at a February 26 news conference. “After weighing all of the arguments I have vetoed Senate Bill 1062 moments ago.” “My agenda is to sign into law legislation that advances Arizona,” the governor added. “I call them like I seem them despite the tears or the boos from the crowd.” Brewer said she gave the legislation careful consideration, and consulted with lawyers, citizens, and lawmakers on both sides of the debate. Although the news conference was hastily called, a large crowd of pro-LGBT demonstrators gathered at the state capitol building in Phoenix before Brewer spoke. They broke into cheers when she announced the veto. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer
see Arizona page 8
Federal judge strikes Texas ban on same-sex marriage
A federal judge ruled on February 26 that the Texas law banning Gay and Lesbian marriages is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia said in his ruling that the Texas law did not pass even “rational basis review,” the lowest
standard of judicial scrutiny. “Without a rational relation to a legitimate governmental purpose, state-imposed inequality can find no refuge in our United States Constitution,” Garcia wrote. “These Texas laws deny Plaintiffs access to the institution of marriage and its numerous rights, privileges, and responsibilities for the sole reason that Plaintiffs wish to be mar-
Oregon and the new Jim Crow Same-sex marriage fight shifts to discrimination measure
Benjamin Brink / The Oregonian
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
ried to a person of the same sex.” Consequently, Garcia said, the Texas law violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. “One of the court’s main responsibilities is to ensure that individuals are treated equally under the law,” he wrote in his decision. “Equal treatment of all individuals under the law is not merely an aspiration it is a constitutional mandate.” Lawrence v. Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down state sodomy laws, and Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts decision establishing same-sex marriage in that state, led to a decisive shift in legal opinion on LGBT rights, Garcia said. Now, he continued, LGBT rights are enshrined in Supreme Court precedent. “Supreme Court precedent prohibits states from passing legislation born out of animosity against homosexuals, has extended constitutional protection to the moral and sexual choices of homosexuals, and prohibits the federal government from treating state-sanctioned opposite-sex marriages and same-sex marriages differently,” Garcia wrote. As expected, Texas Democrats hailed the decision, but Republicans vowed to appeal. “This is a historic day for the LGBT community and the state of
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum
by Denis C. Theriault Portland Mercury Special to the SGN
On February 20, in a compact legal filing, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum shook Oregon’s political bedrock with an announcement she wouldn’t defend the state’s 10-year-old constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in federal court. Joining a federal appellate ruling earlier this year that attaches “heightened scrutiny” to LGBTQ discrimination cases – akin to a legal power boost, sources say – Rosensee TEXAS page 8 blum’s decision all but paves the
way for a favorable ruling on marriage equality as soon as April. It’s looking good enough that the coalition pushing to overturn the state’s ban with a ballot measure this fall, Oregon United for Marriage, decided to suspend its campaign while it waits and watches. “This all suggests the court should move swiftly in Oregon,” says Evan Wolfson, head of the national group Freedom to Marry. That would be a hard-fought victory – and achieved with far less expense and effort than a state ballot fight in November. But it’s not see Oregon page 13
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Seattle Gay News
February 28, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
op-ed
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Gays in the news! (Film at eleven.) Words
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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.
In Loving Memory Of
Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
Oscar Wilde
by Jesse Monteagudo SGN Contributing Writer There was a time when a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender person had to get arrested in order to make the news. Homosexuality, when it was mentioned at all, was the source of scandal; the grave sin that ruined a person for life. Before 1895, Oscar Wilde was a family man who wrote brilliant novels, poems and plays. After 1895, he was a washed-up sex pervert. Closer to home, homosexuality was a topic of discussion only if a “Gay rights” ordinance was up for a vote. When the voters of Dade County were asked to approve or reject one such law in 1977, many were surprised that there were actually Gay people in Dade County, much less that they had rights that needed to be protected. During the 1980s, Gay men made the news as people living with AIDS or as targets of political bigots like the late North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms. More recently, LGBT people made the news as victims of hate crimes, like Matthew Shepard.
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Things are different now. TV news anchors and commentators who were once visibly uncomfortable whenever they uttered the “G word” now freely discuss sexual orientation or gender identity issues at the top of the news hour. One did not discuss the recently concluded Winter Olympics in Sochi without bringing up Russia’s antiGay laws. Sports lovers around the world took notice when President Obama sent figure skater Brian Boitano to Sochi to deliver a message and Boitano obligingly came out for the occasion. Though Obama’s message was duly noted, Boitano’s sexual orientation surprised no one. Meanwhile, those who expected American team sports would remain “Queer free” were startled out of their complacency by the emergence of openly-Gay players Robbie Rogers in soccer, Jason Collins in basketball and Michael Sam in football. The issue of same-sex marriage allowed most media outlets (outside of Fox News) an opportunity to discuss Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual people with approval. (The media
February 28, 2014
still have problems dealing with Transgender people. Just ask Katie Couric or Piers Morgan.) It is increasingly difficult to attack “perverts” when the two women or the two men who live next door are so nice and wholesome. Edith Windsor, the Lesbian widow who won a lawsuit challenging the federal Defense Of Marriage Act, was a contender for TIME magazine’s 2013 Person of the Year. Legislative votes or judicial rulings in favor of “Gay marriage” headline many a 6 or 11 p.m. news program, right after the obligatory murders, of course. TIME itself has progressed from the days when its coverage of LGBT people was infrequent and disapproving. TIME covers have run the gamut from discharged Air Force Sgt. Leonard Matlovich (1975) to TV comic Ellen Degeneres (1997) to Edith Windsor, looking for all the world like someone’s grandmother. If you still oppose marriage equality after reading Windsor’s TIME magazine profile, there is something wrong with you. For the last few years, Arizona was infamous around the world for its hatred of immigrants, legal and otherwise. More recently, Arizona’s bigoted center of gravity has changed, from hating brown folk to hating Queer folk. Arizona’s ironically-named “religious freedom” act has been the topic of many a news program; drawing attention away from the Polar Vortex and the latest violence in Egypt, Syria, Ukraine or Venezuela. Half the world waited with baited breath for Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, no friend of our community, to make up her mind about signing or vetoing that bill. Finally, Brewer vetoed the measure, not because she likes LGBT people (she doesn’t) but because every business from the NFL on down threatened to stay away from Arizona. Upsetting Queers is one thing. Losing the Super Bowl is quite another. All in all, there is enough LGBT news content in our print, broadcast, cable or online media to make our own LGBT media almost unnecessary. Of course, there will always be a need for an independent, LGBT media; not only for folk like me who profit from it, but our community, which depends on it for information and entertainment. Still, it is good to know that the world has taken notice of us; not as sources of scandal, but as people like everyone else, with our own needs, rights, interests and aspirations.
Seattle Gay News
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Mixed signals this week for Gays and the NFL AP Photo / Brandon Wade
Michael Sam
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor When news that college football star Michael Sam came out as Gay hit the Internet a few weeks ago the chatter reached a fever pitch. He was hailed as a hero, people said he was brave and a trailblazer, and our own openly Gay Mayor, Ed Murray, hinted that Seattle would be a great place for Sam to come and play for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. All of a sudden bashing Gay men who wanted to play football professionally was out and being accepting and wanting a Gay guy on your team was in. Just like that and the world was changed. Or was it? Maybe it was the hysteria around such a monumental announcement that, in all the euphoria of feeling even closer to that dream the community has of reaching equality, but it did seem like that was it. We are winning marriage across the country and people like us now. There’s just one thing. It is never, ever just that simple. Evidence of this could be found this week when a few days ago, lobbyist Jack Burkman, the CEO of Burkman LLC, announced a plan to push a bill banning Gay people from playing in the National Football League. It was a bizarre oddity from the beginning, I must admit. The supposed bill had no language, no supporters, and is likely unconstitutional in a strict legal sense, and it was never particularly clear how this effort was going to proceed, let alone succeed. But Burkman said he was motivated by openly Gay Missouri football star Michael Sam’s decision to enter the NFL draft, and his concern that “society” was “sliding in the wrong direction.” We’ve heard, and seen this before, haven’t we? But this guy seems especially idiotic. Even without supporters he soldiered on and don’t you know – he even got a few people to listen, eventually. Burkman says that he will “not back down from his quest to keep Gay men out of pro-
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Seattle Gay News
fessional football.” He said “It is about re-enforcing and protecting American values of decency and civility. Should NFL players shower with NFL cheerleaders? Certainly not. Given this, why should straight NFL players shower with gay NFL players?” The fact is, straight NFL players have been showering with Gay colleagues since at least 1964, based upon what we know about the seven athletes who have come out as Gay after playing in the NFL. That is just literally a fact. There is no way you can deny these men existed, played pro ball for the league, and came out as Gay after they retired. Michael Sam actually responded via Twitter this week saying, “Jack Burkman is going to need a DeLorean, not some bogus bill, if he wants to prevent Gay athletes from being in the locker room.” Many people, including other NFL players, spoke out against the idea of a bill banning Gays from the NFL. On Tuesday, Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews said that a Gay player would be welcome in Green Bay’s locker room. “I really don’t think it’ll be an issue,” Matthews told Boomer and Carton. “I think it will be something more for the fans to use as fodder just like they would make fun of any other player. ... “The unique thing about the NFL locker room is that every player can attest to that we don’t see race, religion or sexual orientation. We see simply ‘Can you help us win ball games? Can you help us produce on the football field?’” Recently the NFL has made a sharp change from being anti-Gay to pro-Gay. In fact, over the weekend, when it was not yet known if Arizona Governor Jan
Brewer would veto Senate Bill 1062, which, as the Arizona Republic noted, “would expand religious protections in state law in a way that critics claim would be discriminatory against Gays and Lesbians,” business leaders in the state were already concerned that the bill’s passage would prompt the NFL to move next year’s Super Bowl out of Glendale, Arizona. Those opposing its passage included the Super Bowl Host Committee. “On that matter we have heard loud and clear from our various stakeholders that adoption of this legislation would not only run contrary to that goal but deal a significant blow to the state’s economic growth potential. We do not support this legislation,” the committee said. The NFL also issued a statement on the matter. “Our policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other improper standard,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. “We are following the issue in Arizona and will continue to do so should the bill be signed into law, but will decline further comment at this time.” And that is not just hot air. The NFL’s biggest game has been relocated before. The league moved the 1993 Super Bowl to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, after Arizona voters failed to approve a state holiday honoring Martin Luther King in November 1990. State business leaders also sent a letter Monday asking Brewer to veto the bill. “We are troubled by any legislation that could be interpreted to permit discrimination against a particular group of people in the marketplace,” the letter said. “The legislation is also already clearly having a negative effect on our tourism industry, one of the largest sectors of the economy. The bill could also harm job creation efforts and our ability to attract and retain talent.” The Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association spoke out against the damage the bill’s passage could do as well. “This legislation has the potential of subjecting the Super Bowl, and major events surrounding it, to the threats of boycotts,” GPEC Chairman James Lun-
always follow my name. It’s like that black football player who recently came out,” Deen, 67, told People magazine. “He said, ‘I just want to be known as a football player. I don’t want to be known as a Gay football player.’ I know exactly what he’s saying.” Uhm … what? If that was her idea of smoothing things over, she failed miserably. Really, their struggles are nothing alike. Her struggles are about losing business partners and money because she got caught saying racist things. Not about the intersection of being a black American male who is an athlete who happens to be Gay. “When I woke up each morning, it was like my world was crashing down again,” she said. But nearly nine months later, Deen is trying to rejuvenate her business with a new company, Paula Deen Ventures, which recently received a $75 million to $100 million investment, according to The Wall Street Journal. Deen says that the scandal involved facing her “greatest fear.” “I used to have dreams that I lost everything,” she told People magazine. “But then you wake up and realize you are still alive.” In contrast to all of that crazy, here is what Michael Sam told reporters February 22: “I just wish you guys would see me as Michael Sam the football player instead of Michael Sam the Gay football player.” Back to Jack Burkman for a moment. According to TIME magazine, DC Solar Solution, a California company that paid Burkman $30,000 in the fourth quarter of 2013, said it was severing ties. “DC Solar does not condone or support Mr. Burkman’s homophobic views, and since learning about his misguided efforts to write legislation banning Gay athletes from the NFL, we have ended our relationship with him,” wrote DC Solar executives Jeffery Carpoff and Paulette Carpoff in a statement. “DC Solar values diversity within our company and within our communities, and we do not tolerate discrimination of any sort. As a company working to address issues about our country’s future, we have no intention of working with those stuck in the past.” Unfortunately, this isn’t Burkman’s first anti-Gay effort. On his website he links to his radio show where he encourages families to yank their children out of the Boy Scouts after that group decided to allow Gay scouts, but not Gay scout leaders. As for his wonky yetto-be-written anti-Gay bill; he claims to have at least 36 House members and five Senators interested in the NFL legislation. But the truth is lobbyists cannot introduce bills, and Burkman has not identified even one member of Congress that will. Given the fact that Democrats control the Senate, there is little chance that the bill would pass even if it is introduced, and it would face an almost certain veto from President Obama. And, as if this story couldn’t get any odder, Seattle Gay News learned this week that Burkman’s biggest critic is his openly Gay brother, Seattle anesthesiologist Dr. James Burkman, who tweeted Tuesday at his brother: “Having your head up your ass seems quite Gay to me. No?”
“Our policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other improper standard,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.
February 28, 2014
dy, CEO of Alliance Bank of Arizona, and Barry Broome, president and CEO of GPEC wrote in the letter. “We have already been contacted by four companies we are working on with the Arizona Commerce Authority who will look to locate elsewhere if this legislation is signed.” Luckily, Brewer did not sign the bill. But it wasn’t just crazy lobbyists throwing around Michael Sam’s name this week. In a particularly bizarre foot-in-mouth moment, the disgraced celebrity chef Paula Deen compared her struggle to repair her tarnished reputation, after admitting she used the n-word, to the NFL prospect’s fight to be seen simply as a football player – not the token Gay football player. “I feel like ‘embattled’ or ‘disgraced’ will
Celebrating 41 Years!
GSBA Business and Humanitarian Awards Dinner And the GSBA Nonprofit of the Year was Mary’s Place, with Executive Director, Marty Hartman accepting the award for the integral work Mary’s Place accomplishes for homeless women and their children. The Community Leader Award was presented to Judge Anne Levinson (ret.) “recognizing the decades of activism and public service that she has so selflessly given.” The second special recognition award of the night honored the courage and memory of former Seattle City Council member, Cheryl Chow, who passed away almost one year ago after a battle with cancer. “Lending us her insight as to what Cheryl would have said to the crowd was her wife, Sarah Morningstar,” said Chernin.
the evening,” said Chernin. “Thank you to both businesses for your generosity and recognition of these recipients.” “One of the highlights of the evening was our Keynote Speaker, Ambassador Michael Guest (ret.), who spoke eloquently on the theme of the night – Equality Has No Borders,” recalled Chernin. ”There is perhaps no better speaker on this topic than our nation’s first openly Gay, Senateconfirmed ambassador and co-founder of the Council for Global Equality. He urged us to keep in mind the awful reality that many LGBT people face in their daily lives around the world and that we must use our positions to speak up.” The GSBA thanked the evening’s spon-
Awardees and GSBA members
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor On February 26, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) continued its annual tradition with the 33rd GSBA Business and Humanitarian Awards Dinner at the Seattle Waterfront Marriott. The GSBA Awards Committee Chair, Jeanne Barwick, welcomed the crowd of over 400 people at the event. The Awards Dinner began with the “Harley and Greg Show” (Harley Broe, CPA and Greg Serum, Your Man Friday).
“What an incredible group of leaders we had the privilege of honoring last night. Each of them contributes their part in making our community vibrant and strong,” said Chernin. “We learned about the unique, welcoming and affirming business model of our New Business of the Year, Repair Revolution, from its owner, Eli Allison, who is making great strides to empower customers in the realm of auto repair.” The first special recognition award was given to Anne Melle, who received the Voice for Social Justice award for her deMary Klein received GSBA’s President’s Award
Once again this year, the recipient of the President’s Award was a secret. “Even I did not know who was going to receive the award until the name was announced,” said Chernin, adding, “And now I know why. The surprise recipient is a de facto member of the GSBA family, my partner, Mary Klein, who our Immediate Past Board Chair, Mark Rosén reminded the crowd, has probably attended more GSBA events than anyone in the room – perhaps even combined.” The final award of the evening went to
sors: RBC Wealth Management, Seattle Goodwill and Wells Fargo. “And thank you to our annual event sponsors,” said Chernin. “From collateral materials to photos and flowers, GSBA can count on these small businesses to ensure every detail is taken care of: Ketcham Design, Girlie Press, and Team Photogenic.” Chernin also said a special thanks to the Seattle Waterfront Marriott “for going the extra mile in helping us put on the event.” “The lovely music you heard before entering the ballroom was courtesy of Victor Ja-
Anne Melle receives GSBA’s Voice for Social Justice Award
“Our traditional kick-off for the evening helped explain how sometimes you may find borders in unlikely places and why equality should have no borders,” said GSBA officials in a statement sent to the organization’s supporters on Thursday. Gary Tucker, of Pacific Northwest Ballet, returned as emcee. “We were thrilled to welcome Seattle Mayor Ed Murray to the stage, whose heartfelt words about GSBA and standing up before his community were joyously received,” said Louise Chernin, GSBA President & CEO.
cades of service to the LGBTQ community through her work with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Goodwill’s Vice President of Job Training and Education, Barbara “b.g.” NaborsGlass, was well received when it was announced she had won the GSBA Business Leader of the Year award. Linda Marzano, COO of Pacific Medical Centers accepted the Corporate Leader of the Year award recognizing Pac Med’s work to provide culturally competent care to the LGBT community. Marty Hartman of Mary’s Place receives five thousand dollars
Eli Alison of Repair Revolution receives five thousand dollars
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the Business of the Year, 1st Security Bank, whose CEO, Joe Adams, accepted with a speech about why 1st Security Bank is a firm believer in equality for all. According to Chernin, the President’s Award was not the only surprise of the night. BECU presented the New Business of the Year, Eli Allison of Repair Revolution with a $5,000 check and 1st Security Bank also presented a check for $5,000 to the Nonprofit of the Year, Mary’s Place. “Both recipients had no idea these checks were coming and the surprise on their face and gratitude in their hearts were truly some of the most memorable moments of
February 28, 2014
nusz and Robertson Witmer,” said Chernin. “It can sometimes take a small village to put on such a wonderful event,” she said. “And GSBA is very fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated village. Thank you to all of our table captains, volunteers and the GSBA staff and Board of Directors.” “Mark your calendars for our next inspiring night where we award our next generation of leaders: May 16, 2014 – the 2014 GSBA Scholarship Awards Dinner,” concluded Chernin. All photos courtesy of Team Photogenic
Seattle Gay News
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northwest news
GAY CITY ARTS – “ON THE TRAIL OF TREES” FEBRUARY 10 - MARCH 10 Shawn Marie Johnson’s “On the Trail of Trees” vividly captures her naturalist outings in the great Northwest, with colorfully saturated watercolors, sumi-ink paintings, and bold metal sculptures. Her work is on display at Gay City (517 E. Pike St.) “On the Trail of Trees” is presented in conjunction with Gay City Arts, through which Gay City collaborates with local LGBT artists to galvanize an audience for Queer arts, foster the development of LGBT artists, and facilitate artistic excellence across a wide range of disciplines, including theatre, music, dance, film, spoken word, literary and visual arts. A portion of any sales will be donated to Gay City. www.gaycity.org. “REVEALING QUEER” – LGBT HISTORY AT MOHAI FEBRUARY 14-JULY 6 Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry (860 Terry Ave. N., in South Lake Union) presents “Revealing Queer,” a landmark exhibit on the history of the Puget Sound region’s LGBTQ community. The museum is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Thursdays until 8 p.m. Admission is FREE the first Thursday of each month. Admission: $14-adults, $12-students, seniors, military, teachers. Youth 14 & under FREE. www.mohai.org.
GAY CITY ARTS – FANTASTIC Z THEATRE COMPANY FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 2 This show at Gay City’s Calamus Auditorium (517 E. Pike St.) will feature several short plays and one acts by talented young writers from our community focused through Fantastic.Z Theatre Company’s Queer lens. Thurs.-Sat. 2/27-3/1 at 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3/2 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $15 advance; $20 at the door. www.FantasticZ. org; www.gaycity.org.
PURR & SEATTLE GAY NEWS – “A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS” On Sunday, March 2, starting at 4 p.m., join Purr (1518 11th Ave.) and the SGN for “A Night at the Oscars.” Enjoy drink specials, prizes and watch the Oscars on Purr’s many large flat screen TVs. FREE. GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT & THREE DOLLAR BILL CINEMA – 9TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS PARTY On Sunday, March 2, from 4-9 p.m., at Fred Wildlife Refuge (127 Boylston Ave. E.) join guest host, the vivacious Robbie Turner, and staff and friends of Gay City and Three Dollar Bill Cinema fro this Academy Awards Benefit Party for Gay City Health Project and Three Dollar Bill Cinema. Tickets: $35 general admission; $100 VIP. www.gaycity.org.
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
TRANS* LIBERATION AND THE CARCERAL STATE: A PANEL OF NATIONAL TRANSGENDER ACTIVISTS On Tuesday, March 4, from 6-8 p.m., at Seattle University, Pigott Auditorium (901 12th Ave.), national Trans* prison activists, advocates and researchers will share their perspective on the social and structural challengs that the law, police and prisons pose on the lives of Transgender, gender variant and gender non-conforming people in the U.S. Moderated by Dean Spade, Seattle University Professor of Law and Founder of the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. Panelists include: Carolyn Henry, Transgender Activist, Los Angeles; Janetta Johnson, Trans Gender Variant Intersex Justice Project, San Francisco; Eric Stanley, editor of Captive Geners; Alisha Williams, Sylvia Rivera Law Project, New York City. Sponsored by: Pride Foundation, Office of Multicultural Affairs, SGSU, Justice in a Diverse Society Learning Community, GenderGalaxy, Wismer Center for Gender and Diversity, Department of Criminal Justice and Center for the Study of Crime and Justice, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Seattle University Committee to Improve Trans Inclusion. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.
SOUTHGATE ROLLER RINK – PRIDE SKATE On Wednesday, March 5, from 9-11 p.m., come get your skate on at the Southgate Roller Rink’s monthly LGBT Pride Skate event (9646 17th Ave. SW). Meets the first Wednesday most months. This month’s theme is “Leather.” Cost is $7 (with free skate rental, if needed.) This is an ages 18 and older event. www.southgaterollerrink. com. WATERFRONT WEEK MARCH 5-9 Join the City of Seattle’s Waterfront Seattle project for a week of events to learn, play and explore Seattle’s future waterfront. Wed 3/5: Waterfront 2020; Fri 3/7: Art, Design & Play: Liane Lefaivre; Sat 3/8: Art, Design & Play: Ideas from around the world; Sun 3/9: Field Day. Learn more at www.waterfrontseattle.org. Q SQUARED MEN – Q-SPRING 2014 APRIL 25-27 Q-Spring, a celebration of self and Spring for Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Men, is a chance to gather with other men to reflect on, embrace, and celebrate who you are, where you have been, and where you are headed. Discover new parts of yourself and enjoy the company of other men in a nonjudgmental, attitude-free atmosphere. www.qsquared.org; 253-216-3997.
national news
It’s official: Bigots fail to force vote on California law protecting Trans students A coalition of anti-Gay hate groups has failed to force a vote on repealing the new California law that protects Trans students from discrimination. According to the final count of signatures posted on the California Secretary of State’s website on February 24, their initiative petition gathered only 487,484 valid names – well short of the 504,760 needed to qualify for the November ballot. The law guarantees the rights of California’s K-12 students to use school restrooms and to participate in gender-segregated activities, like sports teams, that correspond to their expressed genders. They previously could be compelled to conform to the genders specified in school records, whether or not they identified in that way. “This law gives schools the guidelines and flexibility to create an environment where all kids have the opportunity to learn. We need to focus on creating an environment where every student is able to do well and graduate. This law is about doing what’s best for all students,” said Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center in Oakland. The law was passed by the California legislature and signed by Governor Jerry Brown last year, and went into effect January 1. The measure was challenged by a coalition of churches and other groups calling themselves “Privacy for All Students,” who filed an initiative campaign to force a vote on the legislation. The coalition’s spokesperson, Karen England, complained that California officials
had thrown out valid signatures. “We are preparing for the next stage of the battle,” England said in a statement. “After months of waiting, we now get to see why so many signatures were thrown out. Certainly some signers were not registered to vote or had moved without changing their address. But it is also certain that many of those signatures were rejected based on reasons that will not survive a legal challenge.” England has a long history of anti-Gay and anti-Trans activism. In 2009 she sued in federal court in an unsuccessful attempt to overturn California’s anti-bullying law. The next year she tried to get California’s Lieutenant Governor to file an appeal of Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision striking down Prop 8 while Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was out of the country. When he turned her down, she ran unsuccessfully for his job. In 2011 she launched another unsuccessful campaign, to prevent Transgender adults from changing their birth certificates to reflect their real gender. She has also organized school walkouts in opposition to GLSEN’s annual Day of Silence. California is the first state to detail the rights of Transgender students in schools by statute. Some school districts around California, as well as the education departments in Massachusetts and Connecticut, have implemented similar policies by regulation. The California Interscholastic Federation, which governs competitive high school sports, in 2012 adopted a detailed process that students must follow if they want to play on a team that is not consistent with the gender assigned them at birth.
Phil Konstantin
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Governor Jerry Brown
Rich Full-Bodied Cafes Savory Homestyle Soups & Sandwiches 6
Seattle Gay News
February 28, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
State AGs not obligated to defend anti-Gay laws, Holder says AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder
Virginia marriage ruling appealed The federal District Court decision striking down Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage was appealed on February 24. Judge Arenda Wright Allen ruled that Virginia state law violated the Fourteenth Amendment on February 16 and issued her final order in the case on February 24. Shortly after she did so, County Clerks for Prince William and Norfolk Counties filed appeals. They were joined later the same day by State Registrar of Vital Records Janet Rainey. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has said he agrees that the state’s law against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, and did not defend the statute in Wright Allen’s court. Herring did file a motion with the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals for an expedited review of the case. The case involves two same-sex couples, Timothy Bostic and Tony London, and Carol Schall and Mary Townley. Bostic and London applied for a marriage license in Norfolk County, and were refused by the County Clerk. They are suing to be allowed to marry in their home state. Schall and Townley, were married in California in 2008. They want Virginia to recognize their legal marriage, and their joint parentage of their teenage daughter. Norfolk County Clerk George Schaefer is an original defendant in the case, since he denied Bostic and London’s initial request for a marriage license. Prince William County Clerk Michele McQuigg asked to intervene in the case as a defendant because the outcome affects clerks throughout the state. McQuigg also expressed fears that the Virginia Attorney General’s Office would not adequately defend the law and that the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk “would not as zealously and comprehensively defend Virginia’s marriage
laws as I would to protect my interests as the Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk.” The plaintiffs were represented by AFER (American Foundation for Equal Rights) attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, who successfully argued that California’s Prop 8 was unconstitutional. Olson and Boies reportedly hope that the case will be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court, and will set the stage for a comprehensive decision on marriage rights for same-sex couples. AFER later issued a statement on the appeal. “The District Court ruled firmly and decisively in favor of gay and lesbian Virginians by striking down the Commonwealth’s discriminatory laws as wholly unconstitutional and exceptionally harmful. Loving gay and lesbian couples and their families should not have to live one more day as secondclass citizens under unjust laws,” AFER Executive Director Adam Umhoefer said. “We urge the Fourth Circuit to expedite the appeal process so that soon all Virginians – and hopefully all Americans – will have the freedom to marry the person they love and their rights fully realized.” Judge Wright Allen’s February 16 ruling was perhaps the most sweeping defense of equal marriage rights of all the federal court decisions that have come down to date. She opened her 41-page decision with a quote from Mildred Loving, one of the plaintiffs in Loving v. Virginia – the landmark Supreme Court decision that struck down state laws against interracial marriage. “Gay and lesbian individuals share the same capacity as heterosexual individuals to form, preserve and celebrate loving, intimate and lasting relationships,” Wright Allen wrote in her decision. “Such relationships are created through the exercise of sacred, personal choices – choices, like the choices made by every other citizen, that must be free from unwarranted government interference.”
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U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told a gathering of state AGs that they are obligated “to see that justice is done,” not to uphold state laws that discriminate against LGBT people. In a speech to the National Association of Attorneys General on February 24, Holder said that “the challenge that all justice professionals are called to address” is “not merely to use our legal system to settle disputes and punish those who have done wrong, but to answer the kinds of fundamental questions – about fairness and equality – that have always determined who we are and who we aspire to be, both as a nation and as a people.” Holder went on to describe how he and President Obama decided to stop defending DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act) in federal court. “As I’ve said before, this decision was not taken lightly,” Holder said. “Our actions were motivated by the strong belief that all measures that distinguish among people based on their sexual orientation must be subjected to a heightened standard of scrutiny – and, therefore, that this measure was unconstitutional discrimination. Last summer, the Supreme Court issued a historic decision – United States v. Windsor – striking down the federal government’s ban on recognizing gay and lesbian couples who are legally married. This marked a critical step forward, and a resounding victory for equal treatment and
equal protection under the law.” Holder noted that state Attorneys General in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Virginia, and Oregon “have reached similar determinations after applying heightened scrutiny to laws in their states concerning same-sex marriage.” AGs in California and Illinois reached similar conclusions, and same-sex marriage is now legal in those states. The issue of equality for LGBT people is one of “the defining civil rights challenges of our time,” Holder added, likening it to racial desegregation. “If I were attorney general in Kansas in 1953, I would not have defended a Kansas statute that put in place separate-but-equal facilities,” Holder later told a New York Times reporter. Holder’s comments drew criticism from some state officials. “It really isn’t his job to give us advice on defending our constitutions any more than it’s our role to give him advice on how to do his job,” Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen told the New York Times. “We are the ultimate defenders of our state constitutions – not the United States attorney general or the attorney general from another state,” he said, adding, “It is our duty and obligation to defend them, or no one else will.” Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said after the speech that he respected that Holder “approached it in a mindset that reasonable legal minds can disagree on an issue, as to how we approach it.”
92-year-old Trans widow wins fight with Social Security Courtesy of Lambda Legal
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Robina Asti
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Robina Asti, the 92-year-old widow of World War II veteran Norwood Patton, has won a two-year legal battle with the Social Security Administration for the spousal survivor benefits due her when her husband died. Patton died at 97 years of age in 2012, and Asti, his wife since 2004, filed for the survivor benefits that would have given her an extra $500 a month income. In spite of the fact that she transitioned in 1976, and produced a passport, a driver’s license, and a federal pilot’s license that all listed her as female, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denied her claim, saying that she was “legally male” at the time of her marriage and therefore “her marriage does not meet the requirements under Federal law for payment of survivor benefits.”
February 28, 2014
Asti then went to Lambda Legal for assistance, and filed an appeal of the SSA ruling. “I am so insulted that the Social Security Administration refused to recognize me as a woman and treated my marriage to Norwood in such a disrespectful way,” Asti said in a statement released by Lambda Legal. “I have lived a very private life, but the SSA is forcing me to speak out. I don’t want other people to have to experience this.” In their appeal, Lambda argued that Asti has been legally female for more than 30 years, was legally married to Patton, and therefore was owed the same benefits she would have received had she been a cisgender woman married to a cisgender man. In more than six months since Asti’s appeal was filed with SSA, neither she nor Lambda Legal heard anything from the agency, but in mid-February she noticed that the SSA had transferred funds into her account, indicating they had accepted her claim.
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Why a $15/hour minimum wage matters to LGBT workers by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
arizona
continued from cover The bill, known as SB 1062, would have allowed people to cite their religious beliefs as a defense against lawsuits alleging anti-LGBT discrimination. It passed both houses of the Republican-controlled Arizona legislature in February. Backers of the bill pointed to a New Mexico Supreme Court decision that allowed a Gay couple to sue a photographer who refused to work at their wedding, even though the law that allowed that suit is not on the books in Arizona. Opponents called it an open attack on the LGBT community and an invitation to anti-Gay discrimination. “The heart of this bill would allow for discrimination versus gays and lesbians,” said Democratic state Senator Steve Gallardo. “You can’t argue the fact that bill will invite discrimination. That’s the point of this bill. It is.” As days passed with Brewer giving no clue to how she felt about the bill, Phoenix busi-
Words
shown that LGBT workers earn less and are unemployed more than straight workers in the same occupations, which may account for their greater reliance on SNAP and other forms of government assistance.
ness groups publicly worried that it would remind potential customers of the national backlash over Arizona’s 2010 immigrationcrackdown law, SB 1070, and warned that businesses looking to expand into the state may not do so if the bill became law. Huge national corporations like Apple Inc. and American Airlines also joined the chorus of opposition, and the NFL warned the state that it would consider moving the 2015 Super Bowl – scheduled for the University of Phoenix stadium – to another venue if Brewer signed the bill. “Our policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other improper standard,” NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said in a February 25 statement. “We are following the issue in Arizona and will continue to do so should the bill be signed into law, but will decline further comment at this time.” Arizona’s Republican U.S. Senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, also urged Brewer to veto SB 1062, as did three
of the Republican state legislators who originally voted to pass it. The three state lawmakers said in a letter to Brewer that the intent of their vote “was to create a shield for all citizens’ religious liberties, [but] the bill has been mischaracterized by its opponents as a sword for religious intolerance.” McCain later issued a statement applauding Brewer’s decision. “I appreciate the decision made by Governor Brewer to veto this legislation,” he wrote. “I hope that we can now move on from this controversy and assure the American people that everyone is welcome to live, work and enjoy our beautiful State of Arizona.” SB 1062 had been pushed by a rightwing group calling itself The Center for Arizona Policy. The group said Brewer’s veto “marks a sad day for Arizonans who cherish and understand religious liberty.” LGBT rights organizations, on the other hand, reacted with glee. “With today’s veto, Governor Brewer spared her state from institutional discrimination and economic catastrophe. Make no mistake, there is no better way to doom jobs in a state than by signing license-to-discriminate bills,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “We thank Governor Brewer for her decision to veto this outrageous measure – a law that if enacted would be bad for Arizona people and the Arizona economy,” the Task Force said in their statement. “In doing so, she has stopped a bill that both cynically uses religion as a smokescreen to justify discrimination and insults people of faith who feel that discrimination is morally wrong. This decision sends a clear message that extremism is totally unacceptable to people of all political persuasions.” “Discrimination has no place in Arizona, or anywhere else,” said Alessandra Soler, executive director of the ACLU of Arizona. “We’re grateful that the governor has stopped this disgraceful law from taking effect, and that Arizona will remain open for business to everyone.” “Discrimination is not an American val-
Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
For example, about 25% of Bisexuals receive SNAP benefits, compared to 14% of Gay and Lesbian people. Seventeen percent of Lesbian couples rely on SNAP, compared to 10% of Gay couples, and 9% of opposite-
Jan Brewer
8
Seattle Gay News
sex couples. There are also disparities identifiable by race. Thirty-seven percent of LGBT AfricanAmerican adults, 55% of LGBT Native Americans, and 78% of LGBT Native Hawaiians rely on SNAP assistance for their food needs. Previous Williams Institute studies have Words
A new study from the Williams Institute reveals that more than one in four LGBT Americans have experienced a time in the past year when they did not have enough money to feed themselves. According to the study, 29% of LGBT respondents said that at least once they lacked the money to buy food, compared to only 15% of straight respondents. About 21% of the LGBT respondents said they received benefits from SNAP – the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as “Food Stamps.” Thirteen percent of same-sex couples and 26% of same-sex couples with children under 18 said they received SNAP benefits last year. A whopping 43% of LGB single parents said they relied on SNAP for their food requirements. The Williams Institute food security study was compiled from data generated by three different national surveys that included “measures of LGBT identity or being part of a same-sex couple along with measures of food insecurity or participation in SNAP.” “LGBT communities and those in same-sex couples, particularly those raising children, experience disproportionate levels of food insecurity and higher participation rates in SNAP,” the study concluded. “This elevated risk of food insecurity and participation in SNAP remains even when pos-
sible differences in demographic characteristics between LGBT and non-LGBT individuals like gender, age, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment are taken into account.” Williams Institute also found that there are significant divisions within the different categories of the LGBT community as a whole.
February 28, 2014
Gay and Bisexual men, for example, might earn as little as 68 cents for every dollar that a straight male worker earns. Williams Institute did not discover significant disparities between Lesbian workers and straight women, but women as a whole earn less and are unemployed more than men in the same occupations. While LGBT workers can be found in every industry, there are concentrations of LGBT employees in typically low-wage jobs in retail, hospitality and food service, and other kinds of service occupations. LGBT workers also experienced significantly more unfair or discriminatory treatment in the workplace. Twenty-one percent of LGB workers and 47% of Trans or gender non-conforming workers report being “treated unfairly or discriminated against in hiring, pay, or promotions.” When the Williams Institute examined formal complaints about workplace discrimination, they found that LGBT workers showed about the same rate as women, and people of color. Some 4.7% of LGBT workers filed discrimination complaints, compared with 5.4% of women, and 6.5% of people of color. Founded in 2001 with a donation by Charles “Chuck” Williams, the Williams Institute is attached to UCLA Law School. The institute researches economic disparities affecting the LGBT community, and issues of law relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. ue, plain and simple,” said GLAAD CEO and President Sarah Kate Ellis. “Arizona’s recent history has taught corporate and civic leaders that discrimination is terrible for business,” Lambda Legal added. “This religion bill would have reversed the state’s hard-won economic progress by declaring ‘open season’ on LGBT people. Everyone in Arizona deserves respect and inclusion, including same-sex couples and their families, and people of all faiths and backgrounds.”
Texas
continued from cover Texas,” state Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said. “As Dr. King once stated, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’ Today, all Texans can celebrate that we are one step closer to justice and equality for all.” Texas Governor Rick Perry said that the law had been passed overwhelmingly by state voters, and he would seek to uphold it. “Texans spoke loud and clear by overwhelmingly voting to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman in our Constitution, and it is not the role of the federal government to overturn the will of our citizens,” Perry said. “We will continue to fight for the rights of Texans to self-determine the laws of our state,” he added. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, the leading Republican candidate to succeed Perry, said his office would appeal the ruling. “The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled over and over again that states have the authority to define and regulate marriage,” he said. “The Texas Constitution defines marriage as between one man and one woman.” Garcia stayed his ruling pending appeal, so no same-sex marriages will take place in Texas until the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rules on the case. Garcia, a former state legislator, was appointed to the federal bench by Bill Clinton in 1993 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1994.
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Federal judge to Kentucky: Recognize legal same-sex marriages now Courtesy of WLKY
Kentucky same-sex couples’ out-of-state marriages now to be legally recognized in Kentucky
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer U.S. District Judge John Heyburn II issued final orders on February 27 in a case brought by same-sex couples who wanted the state of Kentucky to recognize their marriages from other jurisdictions. Kentucky laws barring such recognition “violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, and they are void and unenforceable,” Heyburn wrote.
continued from cover
nale for a law does not make it constitutional when that law discriminates against a class of people without other reasons,” Heyburn wrote. In issuing his final orders, the judge ignored a request by Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway for a 90-day delay to allow the state to consider whether to appeal. Conway’s motion also said Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear needed additional time to decide how to implement the order if it is not appealed. Conway did not say whether he would ultimately appeal Heyburn’s ruling. Six other
petitioners, it’s got to agree on how the measure will be described for voters. It’s accused the state attorney general’s office of adding loaded words like “discrimination.” Groups including the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation and Basic Rights Oregon, meanwhile, are calling for the attorney general’s office to be even more blunt about the measure. The measure’s primary sponsor, Teresa Harke of Oregon Family Council, did not return a call seeking comment as of press time. Locally, the measure follows state punishment of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, a Gresham bakery that refused to bake a cake for a same-sex couple. But the measure is among a handful of attempts nationally to seek legal limits on discrimination in the name of religion – sweeping bills in Arizona and Kansas being more infamous examples. And Oregon’s is the only one that would actually go before voters – making it a bellwether that, if it’s successful, could be repeated in other states. “This is part of a concerted right-wing agenda,” says Wolfson. “We’ve seen this time and time again in civil rights struggles in history. This is Oregon’s version of this same battle. And it absolutely needs to be fought.”
the only potential good news to spill from Rosenblum’s stratagem. Potentially freed from having to spend the next few months selling voters on same-sex marriage – already backed by 55 percent of Oregonians in a recent poll – advocates can devote themselves instead to killing another affront to equality quietly lurking in the shadows: the Protect Religious Freedom Initiative, meant for the ballot this fall. Filed in November by the Oregon Family Council, the initiative would let businesses lawfully refuse to provide any services that might be used to further a same-sex wedding or civil union ceremony. Put another way, advocates say, the measure would essentially allow legal discrimination. Oregon United for Marriage says it’s looking to use cash and staff it had already been marshalling for the marriage fight as part of a statewide blitz meant to prevent the Oregon Family Council from even gathering enough signatures to qualify its measure for the ballot. “Treating people differently based on who they are is discrimination,” says Peter Zuckerman, spokesman for Oregon United for Marriage. “Religious freedom is a fundamental part of America. It’s already written into our state’s constitution. But beliefs don’t entitle Originally printed in the Portland Merany of us to discriminate against others.” cury on February 26, 2014. Reprinted Before Oregon Family Council sends out with permission.
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Don Ryan / Associated Press
Oregon
The effect of Heyburn’s final order is that already married same-sex couples will now be allowed to change their names on official identification documents and obtain any other benefits that pertain to married couples in Kentucky. Heyburn had published his opinion in the case on February 12. In that document, Heyburn concluded that the government may define marriage and attach benefits to it, but cannot “impose a traditional or faith-based limitation without a sufficient justification for it.” “Assigning a religious or traditional ratio-
state Attorneys General have announced they will not defend their state’s laws prohibiting same-sex marriage, and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said state officials need not defend such laws. Heyburn had said on February 26 that he would not issue a stay of his ruling to accommodate the state’s appeal. “There could be some confusion” if couples seek legal benefits associated with their same-sex marriages, and the state later appeals and delays implementation of his order, the judge said. The same day, Heyburn also allowed a new group of plaintiffs to intervene in the case and demand that Kentucky county clerks issue marriage certificates to samesex couples. The new plaintiffs are Timothy Love and Lawrence Ysunza, who have lived together for 33 years, and Maurice Blanchard and Dominique James, who have been together for 10 years. Heyburn denied the new plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction, a court ruling that would require Kentucky to issue same-sex marriage certificates immediately. The new case must move through the legal process just as the original case did because some of its facts are unique, the judge said. “I’ve got a couple of plaintiffs who have been waiting for 30 years to get married,” one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Daniel Canon, told Heyburn. “The court has already ruled on their constitutional rights in the matter. I don’t think they should have to wait any longer.” “I appreciate that people have waited a long time,” Heyburn responded, “but I think it’s more important that the process be fair. We’re talking about a matter of months.” Heyburn was appointed to the federal bench by President George H. W. Bush.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum
February 28, 2014
Seattle Gay News 13
international news
No, young man, you can’t be Queen Every Gay boy in Britain may dream of growing up to be Queen, but alas, those dreams will never come true after parliament finishes redrafting the laws that govern royal titles. Britain’s new Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act will take effect March 29, and officials are currently rewriting the country’s laws to reflect the possibility that in the future the King may have a husband or the Queen a wife. The title “Queen” will not be available to a Gay man married to the King, legal experts say. Nor will a man marrying the heir to the throne be entitled to be called “Princess of Wales.” The Treason Act of 1351 will also be altered to clarify that it is still treason for another man to have sex with a King’s wife – but that it would not be treason for a man to have sex with the King’s husband. The original purpose of that law was to ensure that only legitimate offspring of the King inherited the throne, which would not be an issue if the King’s
husband had sex with another man. Similar rules will apply to titles of nobility like “Duke” or “Earl.” Words like “widow” or “husband” will be changed, or deleted from statutes, in order to clarify that spouses are no longer expected to be of the opposite sex. “The route the Government has chosen seems to be to admit that the equalness of same-sex marriage has its limits,” Julian Lipson, head of the family law practice at Withers LLP, told the Telegraph newspaper. “They presumably don’t want to end up with the situation of, for example, there being two duchesses or a man with the title of duchess. “It seems that they are getting it all tidied up before these changes take effect to avoid uncertainties.” During the consultation phase for the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act, the LGBT organization Out for Marriage also asked for a review of so-called “courtesy titles,” and this may open a new can of titled worms. For example, under current rules, the wife of a knight is called “Lady,” but that might be considered inappropriate for the Knight’s husband. On the other hand, the husband of a woman who becomes a Dame – the female equivalent of knighthood – gets no special title.
Cecil Beaton / happyandgloriousblog
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
Uganda loses aid money after anti-Gay law is signed Museveni still defiant by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
14 Seattle Gay News
February 28, 2014
Even as European countries begin to withdraw foreign aid money from Uganda, its president Yoweri Museveni remains defiant after signing a tough new anti-Gay law. Al Jazeera news service reported on February 24 that the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark would redirect money formerly given to Museveni’s government. The Netherlands froze a $9.6 million subsidy to Uganda’s legal system, saying that “if the judiciary is to enforce such laws, we do not wish to assist that process.” Denmark and Norway, each of which give Uganda $8.5 million in aid, said they would redirect money towards private sector initiatives, aid agencies, and human rights organizations. U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, proposed suspending all $485 million of U.S. aid to Uganda. “I am deeply concerned by the decision of President (Yoweri) Museveni of Uganda to sign into law the anti-homosexuality bill,” Leahy said in a statement. “Much of U.S. assistance to Uganda is for the people of Uganda, including those in the Ugandan LGBT community whose human rights are being so tragically violated.” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States is “beginning an internal review of our relationship with the Government of Uganda to ensure that all dimensions of our engagement, including assistance programs, uphold our anti-discrimination policies and principles and reflect our values.” “The United States is deeply disappointed in the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda,” Kerry said in a statement.
“For the four years since the bill was introduced, we have been crystal clear that it blatantly violates human rights obligations that Uganda’s Human Rights Commission itself has recognized are enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution.” The White House press office also issued a statement condemning the law, which allows for life in prison for anyone convicted of being Gay. “As President Obama has said, this law is more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda, it reflects poorly on the country’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people and will undermine public health, including efforts to fight HIV/AIDS,” the White House said. “We will continue to urge the Ugandan government to repeal this abhorrent law and to advocate for the protection of the universal human rights of LGBT persons in Uganda and around the world.” According to The Associated Press, Uganda depends on foreign aid money for about 20% of its budget. Nevertheless, Museveni appeared defiant in a CNN interview after the signing. “They’re disgusting,” Museveni said of Gay people. “What sort of people are they? I never knew what they were doing. I’ve been told recently that what they do is terrible. Disgusting. But I was ready to ignore that if there was proof that that’s how he is born, abnormal. But now the proof is not there.” Ugandan government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo told Reuters news agency that by signing the anti-Gay bill, Museveni wanted “to demonstrate Uganda’s independence in the face of Western pressure and provocation.”
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health and medicine I’m starting to doubt our relationship
Dear Kiki with D, After three marriages I finally met a man that made my world turn. His heart was the best thing about him. Forget the six-pack and the personality; he was kind and he fell in love with me. I think. After 10 years, I’m starting to doubt whether he did or not. For seven years we NEVER had one argument, then some things happened with kids and parents – no adultery – but he has changed into a completely different person. It’s like I don’t exist anymore. This has been going on for 18 months now. This was what I had wanted and waited for all of my life, and I had it for seven years, and then suddenly it’s gone. But I still love him with all my heart and I am a good husband. I do everything for him. That’s the problem – I do everything, he has gotten lazy, and I am wearing myself out. I feel that if he loved me, he would see and wouldn’t let me do that. What have I done wrong? –Changed in Seattle
Dear Changed in Seattle, You gloss over some important details in your letter. You say that “something happened with kids and parents – no adultery,” and while I have no idea what that means, it sounds like a very big deal. I hate to simply throw the therapy card, but you’re in desperate need of a safe place where you can ask your husband about your marriage in front of a professional. Tell him that you need to figure out how to get happy again. If he says no, go to therapy on your own. Something bad went down and your relationship has changed. You won’t be able to hit rewind and get back to those first seven years, but you can make some educated decisions about whether you have a future with this man. Start that process and make an appointment now. Don’t let 18 months turn into two years ... or three ... or five. If you can’t find a therapist, ask your doctor for help. Hope this helps. Remember – be true to you, love yourself, encourage yourself and others. –D
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