Issue 02 Volume 40
Celebrating 39 Years!
FRIDAY January 13, 2012 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
CARDINAL’S APOLOGY p. 13 ASK MICHAEL p. 6 spring awakeNing p. 21
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Oh, Canada! YES! R’s join marriage
equality push in Olympia
Canadian government may invalidate marriages of 5,000 foreign couples
A Canadian government attorney has indicated that Canada’s federal government does not recognize the marriages of foreign same-sex couples wed in Canada. Foreign couples reportedly account for about 5,000 of the 15,000
same-sex marriages performed in Canada since marriage equality took effect in 2005. Canadian Department of Justice lawyer Sean Gaudet stated what The Globe and Mail newspaper characterized as a “reversal of see canada page 18
courtesy wa.gov
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor When Washington Governor Christine Gregoire announced her support for marriage equality last week, the debate over whether or not there would be enough votes in the state Senate to pass a Gay marriage bill this legislative session began immediately. After all, openly Gay Senator Ed Murray has warned for some time now that although there were enough votes in the House, it was the state Senate where votes were falling short. It would seem that all that has changed and the pendulum is shifting. Seattle Gay News has learned that, just four days into the session, the Legislature is on the verge of having enough support to approve marriage equality. The Associated Press announced January 11 that after reaching out to 49 state senators over the past week, they found more lawmakers resolutely supporting samesex marriage than opposing it by a margin of 21-18 – just four votes see senate page 17
Senators Cheryl Pflug and Steve Litzow
file photo
SGN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW King County Congressman Adam Smith Council votes for marriage equality Within 24 hours of Washington’s new congressional district boundaries being published in the press, Congressman Adam Smith was on the phone introducing himself to his new constituents. “I’m no shrinking violet,” he told SGN. “I want the people in my district to feel they’re being represented. You don’t have to agree with everyone, but you have to give people an opportunity to be heard.” Because Washington gained one congressional seat as a result of reapportionment following the 2010 census, all the state’s congressional districts were redrawn. Smith’s 9th District now includes Seattle south of Madison Street and east of I-5, as well as Mercer Island, Bellevue, Renton, Tukwila, SeaTac, Kent, Des Moines, Federal Way, and a piece of northern Tacoma. The new 9th District includes what used to be parts of Jim McDermott’s 7th District and Dave Reichert’s 8th District. “I’m excited about the new dis-
courtesy seattle transit blog
Congressman Adam Smith
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
King County Council
five Democrats on the council in a bipartisan eight-to-one vote. Only Republican Kathy Lambert voted The King County Council voted No. The resolution was proposed to support marriage equality in a resolution passed on January 9. Three Republicans joined all see council page 17 by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
see smith page 18
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Seattle Gay News
January 13, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Each year, The Advocate puts out their list of the Gayest cities in America. And each year, we are not at number one. I say that’s a good thing. I mean, let’s be honest, Seattle isn’t everybody’s rainsoaked cup of tea. But for those of us who live and love here, we think it’s great! And while I suppose it is always good to be number one on one list or another, the truth is we are who we are up here in the Northwest. “It’s no secret that megalopolises New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles have robust LGBT life – and we’ve even heard tell of little Queer hoods like the Castro and P-Town,” said Advocate writer Matthew Breen. “This isn’t that list.” “There’s the official census with information on same-sex couples as a percentage of the population, then there’s our accounting of the Gayest places in the USA – and we know the twain shan’t meet,” said Breen. “But do we really need another article telling us that the homos gather in West Hollywood and Hell’s Kitchen? That Northampton, Massachusetts, is still Lesbianville, USA? (Don’t get us wrong, we love those places.) Instead, in our third annual accounting of the Gayest places in America – according to
our totally accurate if decidedly subjective criteria – we look at the per capita Queerness of some less expected locales.” The Advocate ranked cities according to its own criteria, including the number of Gay and Lesbian bookstores, elected officials who are LGBT, Imperial Court chapters, nude yoga (yes, seriously), and even the number of International Mr. Leather competition semifinalists. Here is The Advocate’s write-up on Seattle: “When Forbes named Seattle the most miserable sports city in the nation, many of us felt a twinge of empathy. No matter; there’s heaps of other stuff to keep us busy, including tons of locavore and cosmopolitan cuisine, funky bars in a robust LGBT scene, Dan Savage, and hookups – or at least the search for them. TheStir.com noted that Seattle ranks among the top cities for residents who list ‘casual sex’ as the type of relationship they’re seeking.” Well, there it is. Raise your heads high, LGBT Seattle! Apparently, we are a promiscuous lot. So who did top the list this year as the Gayest City in America? You might be surprised but, according to The Advocate, Salt Lake City, Utah, doesn’t mean Mormon – it means “more men!”
Marriage equality bill introduced in New Jersey by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Democratic leaders in New Jersey’s state legislature introduced a new marriage equality bill on January 10. A similar bill was defeated two years ago on a 20-14 vote, when some Democrats defected to the anti-equality side. Current State Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a Democrat, abstained two years ago, helping to defeat the bill. Now Sweeney says, “I made a mistake.” As a Roman Catholic, he considered the measure a religious question two years ago, he says, but now thinks of it as a civil rights issue. “Well, it took a couple of years but Steve Sweeney and I are finally playing on the same team,” Garden State Equality President Steven Goldstein said. “He’s evolved just like the world has evolved.” “You might call it the Andrew Cuomotization of legislators in New Jersey,” Goldstein added. “Andrew Cuomo has set the stage for the legislature in New Jersey and in other states, by championing the cause or marriage equality not begrudgingly but with gusto. And that’s happening in New Jersey now.” In 2010, then-governor Jon Corzine, a Democrat, had promised to sign the bill into law if it passed. Current governor Chris Christie, a Republican and a Roman Catholic, is against marriage equality. “I oppose it and I think it’s the wrong thing to do,” Christie said after his election. He said if it came to his desk he would not sign it. The governor’s spokesperson, Michael Drewniak, declined to comment on the new bill. Democrats in the legislature are ready for a fight, they say. “It’s going be a fight,” Sweeney said. “We expect it to be a fight. The governor’s a decent person, and I think we can work on
file photo
Seattle ranked fifth Gayest city in America
Here’s what they had to say about Salt Lake City: “While those unfamiliar with the Beehive State are likely to conjure images of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, far-lessoppressive-than-it-used-to-be Salt Lake City has earned its Queer cred. There are more than a half-dozen hot spots for men and women, including the eco-friendly nightclub Jam (JamSLC. com), though the sustainable bamboo flooring is perhaps less of a draw than the packed dance floor. The Coffee Garden (878 S. 900 E.) is a gathering spot for those looking for a caffeine fix, the Sundance Film Festival brings LGBT film buffs to screenings downtown, and Lesbian-owned Meditrina (MeditrinaSLC.com) is a true wine bar – yes, you can get a drink in this town.” Other cities that made the cut include Orlando, Florida (2); Cambridge, Massachusetts (3); Fort Lauderdale, Florida (4); Ann Arbor, Michigan (6); St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota (7); Knoxville, Tennessee (8); Atlanta, Georgia (9); Grand Rapids, Michigan (10); Little Rock, Arkansas (11); Portland, Oregon (12); Austin, Texas (13); Long Beach, California (14); and Denver, Colorado (15).
woman.” land and Washington to introduce a marNew Jersey is the third state after Mary- riage equality bill in 2012.
educating him to the fact of what it means.” Even if Christie is not persuadable, Sweeney says he has the votes to pass the bill, and is prepared to override Christie’s veto if necessary. “We’ll work to do what we have to do. We’re going to work toward an override if necessary,” Sweeney promised. “We have many more Democratic votes.” Democratic leaders also rejected same-sex civil unions as a possible compromise. “Civil unions send a message to the public that same-sex couples and their families are not equal to married couples in the eyes of the law,” New Jersey Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver said. “It sends a message that same-sex couples are not good enough to warrant equality. This is the same wrong message we heard from segregation laws.” Meanwhile, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) promised to go all out to defeat the measure. NOM President Brian Brown told The Washington Times that his group was prepared to spend up to $500,000 to back state lawmakers who oppose the measure. “The media is reporting that Gay marriage is sure to pass through the Legislature, but we heard the same false story in 2009 and 2010. The people of New Jersey can and will stop this bill,” Brown said. John Tomicki, president of the anti-equality New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage, predicted another legislative defeat, regardless of Sweeney’s change of heart. “At this time, we still are confident they do not have the 21 votes for passage,” Tomicki said. “Senate President Sweeney has clearly changed his position. But we would note for the record that whenever this issue has been put up for a vote by citizens in every other state, marriage has been uniquely upheld by the voters as a union of one man and one
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January 13, 2012
Seattle Gay News
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Perry and Lawrence v. Texas: Oops! by Leslie Robinson SGN Contributing Writer Rick Perry jumped into the Republican presidential race in August, and a spate of verbal blunders followed. The Texas governor is on gaffe-ing gas. He flubbed the voting age, the date of the 2012 election, the number of justices on the Supreme Court, and the name of Justice Sotomayor. Perry infamously blustered during a Republican debate that he would do away with three cabinet agencies, but then he couldn’t remember the third. On that occasion, Gov. Goodhair – as the late columnist Molly Ivins called the impeccably coiffed Perry – went flat and lifeless. Recently Perry explained to Iowans the need for the Keystone XL pipeline, saying, “Every barrel of oil that comes out of those sands in Canada is a barrel of oil we don’t have to buy from a foreign source.” I hear a line of beavers has taken up a defensive position on the Canadian side of the
border. Now we can add to Perry’s record another sinkhole where knowledge should be, this time concerning a matter of major importance to the LGBT community. In Cedar Rapids, an audience member at a campaign event asked Perry about Lawrence v. Texas, the 2003 landmark Supreme Court case that struck down the sodomy law in Texas and nullified such laws across the U.S. As far as Perry was concerned, he might as well have been asked about Ali v. Frazier. “I wish I could tell you I knew every Supreme Court case. I don’t. I’m not a lawyer,” Perry responded, according to National Journal. After the event, Perry told a reporter he didn’t know what the case was. That’s incredible. Lawrence v. Texas began shortly before Perry became Texas’s lieutenant governor, and the Supreme Court heard and decided the case while he was governor. This case began in Texas, affected Texas law, and concerned his cherished conserva-
tive social values. It gave us Gays the right to diddle each other with impunity, for heaven’s sake. Yet Perry couldn’t remember it. What will he forget next? The Alamo? ABC News blogged that in Perry’s 2010 book, Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America from Washington, he referred to Lawrence v. Texas as one of the cases in which “Texans have a different view of the world than do the nine oligarchs in robes.” Apparently at one time Perry did remember the case. And the number of justices on the Supreme Court. Or at least his ghostwriter did. Maybe he has to learn so much these days – like the name of North Korea’s late dictator is Kim Jong-il, not “Kim Jong the Second” as Perry dubbed him – that facts he previously knew are falling out of his head to make room. Anybody standing near him should look out for falling objects. Back at the Blue Strawberry coffee shop, after being asked about the Lawrence case, Perry changed the subject: “We can sit here and, you know, play ‘I gotcha’ questions on what about this Supreme Court case or whatever, but let me tell you, you know and I know the problem in this country is spending in Washington, D.C. – it’s not some court case.” Actually we have a number of problems in this country. One of them is a Texan who believes he should be president even though his brain shoots blanks. As it happens, John G. Lawrence, one of the two plaintiffs in Lawrence v. Texas, passed away in November. I have every confidence that when someone mentioned to Perry that John Lawrence died, the governor responded, “Poor Eydie. Now who will she sing with?” Leslie Robinson is grateful to John Lawrence for seeing the fight through. Email Leslie at lesarobinson@gmail.com, and visit her blog at www.generalgayety.com for daily LGBT humor.
In Loving Memory Of
Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
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Seattle Gay News
January 13, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
by Peter Tatchell Special to the SGN In most parts of the world, homophobia is in decline. The global trend is for the repeal of anti-Gay laws and for greater public understanding and acceptance of sexual difference. Overall, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people are gradually gaining respect and rights – not losing them. There are, of course, frightening examples of intensified homophobic repression in parts of Africa and the Middle East. But taking the long view, in world historical terms, anti-Gay attitudes and laws are on the wane. This begs the question: As homophobia diminishes and as future societies eventually embrace a posthomophobic culture, how will this transition to equality, dignity, understanding, and acceptance affect the expression of sexuality? If human civilization evolves into a state of sexual enlightenment, where the differences between hetero and homo no longer matter, what would this mean for the future of same-sex desire and same-sex identity? We already know, thanks to a host of sex surveys, that Bisexuality is a fact of life and that even in narrow-minded, homophobic cultures, many people have a sexuality that is, to varying degrees, capable of both heterosexual and homosexual attraction. It is also apparent that same-sex relations flourish, albeit often temporarily, in singlesex institutions like schools, prisons and the armed forces – which suggests that sexuality might be more flexible than many people assume. Research by Dr. Alfred Kinsey during the 1940s was the first major statistical evidence that Gay and straight are not watertight, irreconcilable, and mutually exclusive sexual orientations. He found that human sexuality is, in fact, a continuum of desires and behaviors, ranging from exclusive heterosexuality to exclusive homosexuality. A substantial proportion of the population shares an amalgam of same-sex and opposite-sex feelings, even if they do not act on them. In Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (1948), Kinsey recorded that 13% of the men he surveyed were either mostly or exclusively homosexual for at least three years between the ages of 16 and 55. Twenty-five percent had more than incidental Gay reactions or experience, amounting to clear and continuing same-sex desires. Altogether, 37% of the men Kinsey questioned had experienced sex with other males to the point of orgasm, and half had experienced mental attraction or erotic arousal towards other men (often transient and not physically expressed). Kinsey’s statistics on same-sex behavior have since been criticized as out-of-date, exaggerated, and unrepresentative. However, his idea of a spectrum of human sexuality has been reinforced by subsequent surveys which have shown that a significant proportion of the population have had sexual relations with both men and women. A British sex survey, conducted by ICM for The Observer newspaper in 2008, found that 16% of women reported sexual contact
with a woman, and 10% of men said they’d had sexual contact with another man. The survey revealed a trend to greater sexual experimentation, with 23% of 16- to 24-yearolds indicating that they had a same-sex experience. All these figures are much higher than the number of people who are exclusively Gay or Lesbian and who define themselves as such. The possibility that individuals can share a capacity for both hetero and homo behavior is an idea that was researched and documented by the anthropologists Clellan Ford and Frank Beach. In Patterns of Sexual Behavior (1951), they noted that certain forms of homosexuality were considered normal and acceptable in 49 (nearly two-thirds) of 76 tribal societies surveyed from the 1920s to the 1950s. They also recorded that in some aboriginal cultures, such as the Keraki and Sambia peoples of Papua New Guinea, all young men entered into a same-sex relationship with an unmarried male warrior, sometimes lasting several years, as part of their rites of passage to manhood. Once completed, they ceased all homosexual contact and assumed sexual desires for women. If sexual orientation was totally biologically pre-programmed at birth, these men would have never been able to switch to homosexuality and then to heterosexuality with such apparent ease. This led Ford and Beach to deduce that homosexuality is fundamental to the human species, and that its practice is substantially influenced by social mores and cultural expectations. The evidence from these two research disciplines – sociology and anthropology – is that the incidence and form of heterosexuality and homosexuality are not fixed and universal, and that the two sexual orientations are not mutually exclusive. There is a good deal of fluidity and overlap. What’s more, although scientific evidence shows that human sexuality is significantly affected by biological predispositions – such as genes and hormones – other influences appear to be cultural, including social expectations, peer pressure, and the availability and opportunity for sexual release. These influences channel erotic impulses in certain directions and not others. An individual’s sexual orientation is thus influenced culturally, as well as biologically. As culture changes, perhaps manifestations of sexuality can also change? The evidence of considerable cross-over between Gay and straight relations comes from research that records consciously recognized and admitted desires. At the level of unconscious feelings – where passions are often repressed, displaced, sublimated, projected, and transferred – it seems probable that very few people are 100% straight or Gay. Most are a mixture, even if they never mentally acknowledge or physically express both sides of the sexual equation. This picture of human sexuality is much more complex, diverse, and blurred than the traditional simplistic binary image of hetero and homo, so loved by straight moralists and – equally significantly – by many Lesbians and Gay men. If sexual orientation has a culturally influ-
courtesy peter tatchell
Future sex: Beyond Gay and straight
As future societies eventually embrace a posthomophobic culture, how will this transition to equality, dignity, understanding, and acceptance affect the expression of sexuality?
Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell
enced element of indeterminacy and flexibility, then the present forms of homosexuality and heterosexuality are conditional. They are unlikely to remain the same in perpetuity. As culture changes, so will expressions of sexuality. In a future non-homophobic society, as the taboos concerning same-sex relations recede, more people are likely to have Gay sex – even if only experimentally or for a few years. Interestingly, the demise of homophobia is likely to make redundant the need to assert and affirm Gayness. Gay and Lesbian identities are largely the product of homophobic prejudice and repression. They are a self-defense mechanism against homophobia. Faced with persecution for having same-sex relations, the right to have those relationships has to be defended – hence Gay identity and the Gay rights movement. But if one sexuality is not privileged over
THANK YOU, GREGOIRE Dear Governor Gregoire, Thank you for your courageous decision to introduce a marriage equality bill in the state of Washington. We greatly appreciate your leadership on this issue, which is of great importance to many families in your state and across the country. As leaders of the nation’s largest organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Catholics and our families, we are proud to stand with you and other Washington leaders committed to justice and fairness. As the debate on marriage equality proceeds in Washington, know that we will work hard to ensure that the voice of the Catholic majority that supports the right of same-sex couples to have our relationships
another, defining oneself as Gay (or straight) will cease to be necessary and have no social relevance or significance. The need to maintain sexual differences, boundaries, and identities disappears with the demise of straight supremacism. As we evolve into a sexually enlightened and accepting society, homosexuality and heterosexuality will begin to fade as separate, exclusive orientations and identities. The vast majority of people will be open to the possibility of both opposite-sex and same-sex desires, regardless of whether they act upon them. They won’t feel the need to label themselves (or others) as Gay or straight because, in a future non-homophobic civilization, no one will care who loves whom. Love will transcend sexual orientation. For more information about Peter Tatchell’s human rights and social justice campaigns, visit www.petertatchell.net
legally recognized is heard. As you so effectively articulated in your speech announcing your intentions, none of the arguments that are sure to be offered by our Church’s hierarchy are based in fact or relevant to the legitimate responsib ility of government. Neither do they represent the views of most people of faith. Thank you again for taking such a public stance in support of the equality of all committed, loving couples in Washington. Please feel free to contact us for any support we can provide. We look forward to celebrating passage and implementation of equal marriage in the state very soon. Marianne Duddy-Burke, Leo Egashira, Paula Lavallee, Patrick Roche
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January 13, 2012
Seattle Gay News
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NEWS
NEW HUNGARIAN CONSTITUTION BANS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Hungary’s ruling right-wing Fidesz party, which came to power with a two-thirds majority in the parliament last year, has pushed through a new constitution that vastly increases the power of the party leader, Viktor Orban. Tens of thousands of Hungarians – including LGBT activists – have taken to the streets in protest. Among other changes the new constitution bans Gay marriage and fails to explicitly protect LGBT people from unfair dismissal or hate crimes. It also appears to ban abortion by saying that fetuses must be protected from conception onwards. Simultaneously, a Family Protection Bill was passed, which defines the family unit as heterosexual and says that preparing for family life should be part of the school curriculum. In addition, the bill stipulates that media services should broadcast programs that respect the institution of marriage and family. The former constitution dated back to 1949, with major amendments following the fall of communism in 1989. Fidesz argued a new set of rules was vital to deliver the
Touza Arquitectos
INTERNATIONAL by Scott Wittet SGN Contributing Writer their partnerships, but does not allow them to adopt. Since 2002, it has had an equal age of consent and Gay people may serve in the military. Fidesz lawmakers said the new constitution is based on the E.U. Charter of Fundamental Rights, but activists have questioned why it does not mention discrimination protections for LGBT people, when gender and race are protected. Tamás Dombos, of the Háttér Support Society for LGBT People, told Gay Star News that “Despite such bad news, there is a ray of hope, LGBT rights is now a mainstream issue embraced by the opposition.”
courtesy LGBT Asylum news
SPAIN’S FIRST GAY RETIREMENT HOME FINDS A HOME A group of elderly Spanish Gay men are rebelling against the homophobia of their generation by setting up what will be the country’s first Gay and Lesbian retirement home. “Homosexuals who go into homes often also have to go straight back into the closet,” Architect’s illustration of Spain’s first ever retirement home for said Federico Armenteros, the man behind Gay and Lesbian residents in Rivas-Vaciamadrid. the plan. “This will be a place that is open to everyone and where no one will have to hide ple to sign up as members. Around 20 have chological Association and says, “belief in God cannot be an excuse for oppressing and already joined. The retirement home would cost €1,000 terrorizing citizens.” In part the letter states: ($1,273) a month to live in, he said – much “This letter is being written on behalf of lower than the average Madrid monthly rent a particular contingent of the Diaspora of of €1,400. Two-hundred and thirty residents will live Arab citizens throughout Canada and the in 120 apartments and studios in the com- world. “On February 11, 2006, six men were arplex, with some set aside for people who are HIV-positive. “Most homes simply won’t rested in the United Arab Emirates for being at an alleged Gay wedding. These men were let them in,” he explained. Among those who have already contacted convicted under the United Arab Emirates’ the NGO is a 90-year-old Transgendered laws that ban obscenity and homosexual acwoman fed up with her current Madrid re- tivity. “‘Because they’ve put society at risk they tirement home. “I imagine she needs somewhere where will be given the necessary treatment, from she can feel safe to talk about her life and male hormone injections to psychological her experiences, or even explain why her therapies,’ Interior Ministry spokesman Isbody is like it is and how she was operated sam Azouri told the local media. “This practice of imprisoning individuals on,” he said. “Old people need to be able to and subjecting them to a medical procedure talk about their lives openly.” “Older Gays and Lesbians have had a with no scientific basis, just for expressing difficult life. We were downtrodden in the their innate, human tendencies that are proFranco years and many people were arrest- tected under the United Nations Universal ed. It took years for us to win our rights,” Declaration of Human Rights, is an atrocity he said. “We refuse to go back to that atmo- that demands the attention of all Arabs and other concerned citizens around the world. sphere when we retire.” “Following the arrests and the negative If all goes well, the residence will be up and running by 2014. Armenteros sees this reaction of the international community, as just a first step. He hopes to develop an particularly the U.S. State Department, senadditional home if this one succeeds, per- tencing for this indigenous Transgendered haps in the town of Sitges, a popular Gay community has been kept out of the international media; however, the arrests continue, resort outside of Barcelona. as do the punishments. Images of the rainbow flag flying in Tehran, Iran were covered with “On September 8, 2008, two women were TEHRAN FLIES RAINBOW FLAG anti-American slurs on conservative Iranian blogs. arrested for making out on a beach in Dubai. BY MISTAKE The International Gay and Lesbian Hu- They were imprisoned for 30 days and then economic growth it had promised Hungary. their sexuality.” man Rights Commission (IGLHRC) reports deported. In 2009, a homosexual couple Armenteros, who heads a Gay and Lesbi- that Tehran city authorities recently flew from Toronto, Rocky Sharma and Stephen But the new text has reportedly removed social safeguards the 1989 amendments put in an NGO called December 26, recently found rainbow flags over a major highway – but Macleod, were detained for their obvious a site for the new retirement complex, in a had no idea what the flags mean. place, causing widespread civil unrest. homosexual tendencies and eventually arHungary decriminalized Gay sexual acts Madrid suburb. According to the Guardian, Officials explained that as soon as they rested and held in separate prisons for 39 in 1961 and allows Gay couples to register now he needs to find 120 like-minded peo- were alerted by Iranian conservative blog- days for possession of Celebrex, an overgers to the link between the rainbow flag the-counter medication. The real reason for and Gay people, “appropriate measures their detainment was their apparent sexuality.” were taken to remedy the situation.” The bloggers later posted images of the “LOVE IS EQUAL” VIDEO rainbow flags covered with messages like FROM BELARUS “Down with USA” and “Death to America.” Belarusian film director Max Anatskaya In their words, they did it “to ensure the imhas posted a sweet three-minute video onages are not exploited by the enemies.” line with the theme that “love applies to all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, CANADIAN ARABS CONDEMN age, race, [or] nationality.” UAE PERSECUTION OF LGBT The Gay couple in the film is played by On its Facebook page, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transexual Rights UAE recently cute boys Vova Maruk and Nick Antipov. Belarus is not particularly Gay-friendly. posted an open letter detailing persecution of LGBT people in the United Arab Emir- Several weeks ago, reports emerged of the ates. It particularly targets the Emirates Psy- Belarus KGB harassing local Gay activists,
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Seattle Gay News
January 13, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
courtesy care 2
A scene from the movie Love Is Equal from Belarus
ANTI-GAY PROTESTERS IN SIERRA LEONE REACT TO U.S. AND U.K. Africa Review reports that Freetown, Sierra Leone was the scene of a protest against Gay rights, held to “ward off” the possibility of recognizing same sex marriages in the country. Close to 1,000 protesters thronged the streets as pedestrians cheered them on. The demonstration was held after Friday prayers by a group called the “Inveterate International Islamic Revitalists,” who said they were worried that persistent pronouncements from major powers could influence the country’s politicians to recognize “alien” and “immoral” practices in the country. Shiekh Marra, one of the leaders of the protesters, said they staged the protest because “we want government to understand well the repercussion of endorsing the practice of same-sex marriage.” He referred to a recent statement by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who said the U.S. would use foreign aid to encourage respect of the rights of Gays and Lesbians. That followed a similar statement by the U.K. prime minister, David Cameron. Sierra Leone Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Sheka Tarawalie led the wave of condemnations that follow David Cameron’s statement. The minister said in October that homosexuality was against the country’s culture. The head of the Sierra Leone Methodist Church, Bishop Arnold Temple, was more forthright. He said Africa should not be influenced by the “demonic threat” of the British prime minister “as our values are totally different.” Members of the only active pro-Gay rights group in the country today, “Why Can’t We Get Married?” dismissed the assertion that homosexuality is a foreign import. George Reginald Freeman, who is West
a Lesbian-themed musical. The theater’s founder, Perry Chiu Woon, started preparing for the show in early 2011. At that time she was in New York with her scriptwriter looking for ideas. During their research they came across an interview with the Chopsticks Sisters and realized they would be a good subject for a girl-girl story. Chiu set out to explore the relationship between the two girls and the difficulties they faced. The girls had loads of hit English numbers and combined them with sexy dance moves, so they were perfect for a musical story line. In an interview with fridae.asia, Chiu explained, “During the ‘60s and ‘70s, relationships between two girls were not accepted. Not to mention, of course, that it is still difficult now. So the story is about how the two overcame their adverse circumstances while being in the limelight as growing superstars. For instance, there is a scene where the Chopsticks are caught kissing in public by paparazzi. Afterwards they get reprimanded by their manager, who tells them how disgusting they are, how the public will despise them and how behaving like that will destroy their careers. So they have to control their feelings for each other and cannot truly express themselves.” Chui feels that “there isn’t much difference between a Lesbian and a hetero couple, like when the Chopsticks break up in the musical, I can relate to their emotions as I can to any other relationships.” CHOPSTICKS: HONG KONG’S “My main message is that we should treaFIRST LESBIAN MUSICAL sure the people around us and never give Inspired by the ‘70s Hong Kong girl band cause for regret; people nowadays should Chopsticks Sisters, an experimental theater do what they want to do and should never let in Hong Kong is producing Chopsticks, anyone tell them they are not worthwhile.”
Africa regional director for the group, said none of the religions (Islam and Christianity) that are being used to condemn homosexuality has any origin in Africa. He said, “The problem is people are not educated about the issues and then they tend to be homophobic. “Homophobia here is really bad. I myself receive a lot of harassment and a lot of threatening remarks. Just after the protest, my car battery was stolen. They were trying to get to me but I was not in the car. We have to change where we sleep every night so they don’t come and get us.” Last month, U.S. embassy officials in Freetown condemned the Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission when it refused an invitation from a group launching a book on safe sex for Gay and Lesbian people. BASHING GAYS AND ALLIES IN THE PHILIPPINES While in many ways Filipino culture is accepting of Gay people, especially in nonMuslim communities, violence against LGBTs is not uncommon in the country. LGBT activists recently submitted two scathing reports to the United Nations on violations of human rights in the country. The Philippine LGBT Hate Crime Watch reports that 37 LGBT people were murdered last year. Last week, a Filipino father admitted to scalding one of his sons, Edmund Padilla, with boiling water after learning that three of his children are Gay. Reighben Labilles, a spokesperson for the PLHCW, said: “We plead to the government to initiate pro-active programs that provide parents and LGBT children the opportunities to promote freedom of expression of sexuality and gender. Since Edmund Padilla is already 19 years old, he may no longer be covered by the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and our national child protection laws, yet we fear that so many violent acts perpetrated by parents and legal guardians against their LGBT children go unreported. In a separate incident, the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) reports that Fernando Mendoza, Jr., 18 years old, was brutally mauled and shot with a homemade gun by three men after he defended two Gay passengers in a public mi-
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and Gay Pride in Minsk has been consistently shut down. According to care2.com, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenkо often mocks LGBTs, including reportedly the Gay foreign minister of Germany. Watch the video at www.care2.com/ causes/first-belarus-gay-movie-video.html
crobus. LGBT groups called the New Year’s Eve killing a hate crime. Friends of Mendoza described him as a quiet guy, but one who would stick up for others. He was offended when some young men in the bus began taunting other passengers for being Gay. Mendoza came to their defense, a reaction that would end his life. According to his cousin, one of the thugs punched Mendoza, who retaliated. Outnumbered, Mendoza jumped off the bus, and the gang chased him along a busy street. A TV news crew happened to be there and caught the attack on camera. In the video, a man in a white sleeveless shirt is seen rushing towards Mendoza and shooting him with an improvised shotgun as bystanders stand by in shock. After firing his weapon, the man and four others continue to beat the teen. The suspects fled before anyone could stop them. Mendoza was pronounced dead at 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, with six bullet fragments in his heart. With the help of the video, police were able to identify and arrest three of the suspects at 11 a.m. Monday. Ceejay Agbayani, an advocate for Gay rights and a pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church, declared it a hate crime because “Mendoza was defending a Gay from bullying.” “We consider him a hero. We salute him for what he did.”
Perry Chiu Woon, founder of the Perry Chiu Experimental Theatre
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BORN THIS WAY KAFE FOR URBAN QUEER TEENS AT CAL ANDERSON PARK On Fridays, 5-9 p.m., at Cal Anderson Shelterhouse (1635 11th Ave., one block north of E. Pine St.), Seattle Parks & Recreation hosts Born This Way Kafe, a welcoming place where LGBTQ youth, friends and allies (ages 13-19) can gather, be themselves, and have fun. Meets every Friday. For more information and to help make it happen, contact Randy at Seattle Parks, 206883-6110 txt/phone, email randy.wiger@seattle.gov or google “SeattleParksCOD.”
Olympia Film Society presents “Silent Pioneers: Gay and Lesbian Elders.” In this film, we meet eight elderly Gay men and Lesbians who lived through an era when homosexuality was not tolerated, and who battled for self-esteem and survival in a “straight world.” Among them are: a male couple still in love after 55 years of living together; a former monk turned rancher who in his eighties has made peace with being Catholic and Gay; and a black great-grandmother who revealed her Lesbianism to her grandchildren. This film challenges many stereotypes about homosexuals and shows that they have long-standing, deep-rooted SEATTLE VOLLEYBALL CLUB commitments. The Winter 2012 League Season is has The film series continues monthly. For just begun. For more information, visit more information on SAGE Olympia and www.seattlevolleyballclub.com. the film series, call 360-602-1204 or visit www.sageolympia.org. SAGE Olympia’s GROUND ZERO CENTER mission is to promote the wellness of GLBT FOR NONVIOLENT ACTION elders in the Thurston County area with a PRESENTS OCCUPYING TRIDENT range of referrals, services and other activi“OCCUPY TRIDENT: The billions spent ties. on nuclear weapons are needed to house, feed, and care for each other – not threaten MLK DAY – the world with annihilation” is the theme 30TH ANNIVERSARY – as Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Ac“RECAPTURING MLK JR.’S tion honors Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT!” with a vigil and nonviolent direct action on On Monday, January 16, workshops 9:30Saturday, January 14, at Bangor, WA. 11 a.m., rally 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., march The day begins at 9 a.m. with a discus- 12:30 p.m., at Garfield High School (23rd sion on the connection between the struggle Ave. & E. Jefferson St.), join the MLK Celagainst Trident and the Occupy Movement, ebration Committee for a day of action in nonviolence training and action planning. memory and celebration of the life and work A vigil and nonviolent direct action will of Martin Luther King, Jr. 206-786-2763, begin at 2 p.m. at the gates of the Naval Base 206-296-1002, www.mlkseattle.org. Kitsap-Bangor, home of the U.S. Navy’s West Coast Trident nuclear submarine fleet GSBA BUSINESS LUNCHEON – as well as its nuclear weapons storage deWITH LISA BRUMMEL, pot, the Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific MICROSOFT EXECUTIVE & (SWFPAC). SEATTLE STORM CO-OWNER Participants should bring warm, waterOn Wednesday, January 18, from 11:30 proof clothing, a sack lunch or food to share, a.m.-1:30 p.m., at W Seattle (1112 4th Ave.), and a strong, nonviolent spirit. GSBA hosts their bimonthly luncheon with On Monday, January 16, people are wel- guest speaker Lisa Brummel, Chief People come to join members of Ground Zero Cen- Officer at Microsoft and a member of Miter who will occupy the streets with an in- crosoft’s senior management team. For 8 flatable, full-scale Trident D-5 missile in Se- years prior to that, she served as corporate attle’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day March. If vice president of Microsoft’s Home & Reyou will be attending and can help carry the tail Division. As head of this billion dollar missile, please email to rodney.burnelle@ division, Lisa was responsible for overseegmail.com or call 425-485-7830. ing worldwide development and business Join us as we honor Martin Luther King, strategy for Microsoft’s line of consumer Jr.’s legacy by Occupying Trident and work- hardware, software and Macintosh products. ing for the abolition of nuclear weapons. In addition to her position at Microsoft, Lisa For over 34 years, Ground Zero Center for is one of the owners of the Seattle Storm, Nonviolent Action has engaged in educa- Force 10 Hoops. tion, training in nonviolence, communityEvent cost: $34-members & students, building, resistance against Trident and ac- $39-nonmembers. To RSVP, visit www. tion toward a world without nuclear weap- thegsba.org or call 206-363-9188. ons. For more information on the January 14 SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN event, visit www.gzcenter.org or contact AlBOOK CLUB – FINISTERE ice Zillah at 360-357-7705. The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Seattle “A CABARET: Area Support Groups Community Center REFLECTIONS ON HIV TESTING” (formerly Dunshee House) (303 17th Ave. AT UW E. & E. Thomas St.) On Saturday, January 14 at 7 p.m., at January’s selection is Fritz Peters’ pioKane Hall, Room 130, University of Wash- neering Gay novel of 1951, Finistere - a ington, a fundraiser will be held for the new classic from the era of Gore Vidal’s The City UW Student-Run HIV Outreach Testing and the Pillar. Program at Seattle Area Support Groups. All GLBTQ folks are welcome to particiThe evening will feature guests from the Se- pate in this FREE book club. For more inattle Men’s Chorus and the UW School of formation, email nickdimartin@earthlink. Medicine performing songs from Wicked, net, visit http://faculty.washington.edu/ RENT, Elegies for Angels, Punks and Rag- switter/SGLBookClub/ or contact SASG at ing Queens, Cabaret at more! 206-322-2437. SAGE OLYMPIA HOSTS LGBT ELDER FILM SERIES – “SILENT PIONEERS: GAY AND LESBIAN ELDERS” On Sunday, January 15, at 5 p.m., at Capitol Theater (206 5th Ave. SE, Olympia), SAGE Olympia in collaboration with
“HOW THE WELFARE SYSTEM CRIMINALIZES POOR WOMEN” On Thursday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m., at New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), doctoral graduate Rebecca Castner presents connections between governmental welfare policies and the prison system. Dinner, with
SEATTLE CENTER FESTAL – vegetarian option, available at 6:30 p.m. for “TET FESTIVAL: an $8 donation. Hosted by Radical Women. VIETNAMESE LUNAR NEW YEAR” For more information, rides or childcare, On Saturday, January 21, from 10:45 call 206-722-6057 or 206-722-2453. Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. www. a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, January 22, from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at Seattle Center’s CenRadicalWomen.org. ter House and Fisher Pavilion, Tet Festival celebrates the traditions of VietnameseDIVERSE HARMONY – Americans by presenting and promoting the “TRAVELIN’ THRU: arts, music, performances and foods that are SONGS FROM THE ROAD” On Friday and Saturday, January 20 and unique to Vietnam. FREE. For more infor21, at 7:30 p.m., at Seattle First Baptist mation and complete schedule of events, Church (111 Harvard Ave. at E. Union St.), visit www.tetinseattle.org. Diverse Harmony, the nation’s first GayQLAW FOUNDATION Straight Alliance chorus presents “Travelin’ PROJECT OUTREACH – Thru: Songs from the Road.” “GLBT AND GROWING OLDER: “In this concert, we celebrate both the ISSUES IN THE GOLDEN YEARS” physical and (frequently) emotional jourGrowing older presents complicated leneys that we experience throughout our lives. Many of the songs are near and dear gal issues for almost everyone, but Lesbian, to our youth’s hearts, because many of our Gay, Bisexual and Transgender elders face performers ultimately have to leave the even greater challenges. On Tuesday, Januchorus because of work, school, or age. In ary 24, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Capiaddition, many of us can understand how tol Hill library (425 Harvard Ave. E.), join our journeys can be both exciting and isolat- QLaw Foundation Project OUTreach for ing. Please join us for a high-energy, upbeat a lively discussion of legal issues facing show that includes “Go the Distance,” “Sit- LGBT elders. The event is FREE and open tin’ on the Dock,” “Take the A-Train,” and to the public. Lawyers will present important informa“Midnight Train to Georgia.” We hope to tion and will be available to answer quessee you there!” Tickets: $12-general; FREE-youth 22 tions. Topics include: the importance of years old or younger available online at legal documents such as wills, medical www.diverseharmony.org or www.brown- directives, and powers of attorney; longpapertickets.com/event/215928 or at the term care financing; domestic partnerships and public benefits; discrimination against door. LGBT elders. This event is part of the Project OUTreach VELOCITY DANCE CENTER’S program of the QLaw Foundation and is “THE BRIDGE PROJECT” & supported by a generous Pride Foundation SEATTLE DANCE PROJECT’S grant. A podcast of the event will be avail“PROJECT 5” On January 20-22, at 8 p.m., at Veloc- able at www.q-law.org/educationcommittee ity Dance Center’s Founders Theater (1621 along with podcasts of previous community 12th Ave.), “The Bridge Project” features education panels on GLBT bullying and four new works by four emerging artists. GLBT parenting. Tickets: $15-general, $12-student/senior. A PUBLIC MEETING ON www.velocitydancecenter.org. 12TH AVE TRAFFIC SAFETY On January 20-21 at 8 p.m. (with payOn Wednesday, January 25, at 6 p.m., at what-you-will dress rehearsal on January 19 at 8 p.m.), and January 22 at 2 p.m., and on the Capitol Hill branch library (425 Harvard January 27-28 at 8 p.m., and January 29 at Ave. E.), join the Capitol Hill Community 2 p.m., at ACT Theater (7th Ave. & Union Council for the second of three public meetSt.), the critically acclaimed Seattle Dance ings to identify how to make dangerous Project launches its fifth season with “Proj- spots along 12th Ave. and 12th Ave. E. safer. ect 5,” a collection of new works and return- Help make traveling on Capitol hill safer for ing favorites – including Brahms Afoot, a all. new, multidisciplinary collaboration with NEW GROUP FORMING The Inverse Opera, a group that explores FOR ALL SCHOOL EMPLOYEES the unique storytelling aspects of the classiTO DISCUSS cally trained voice; and a world premiere by LGBTIQ DIVERSITY ISSUES choreographer and former Hubbard Street FOR ADULTS WORKING IN Dance Chicago member Jason Ohlberg. K-12 SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT The piece is a mixture of music, movement On Thursday, January 26, from 4-6 p.m., and spoken word, incorporating audio from dancer interviews into the score. To round at Roy St. Coffee (700 Broadway E.), a new out the program, Seattle Dance Project social and discussion group for all school brings back a number of audience favorites employee will begin meeting on a monthly from past seasons, including “Planes in the basis to share coffee, tea and resources conAir,” by Molissa Fenly, Edwaard Liang’s cerning LGBTQI diversity issues related to “To Converse Too,” and Kent Stowell’s adults working in the K-12 school environ“B6.” Tickets: $25-general; $20-student/se- ment. You are invited to lend your spirit and hand to this venture. RSVP not required. For nior. www.seattledanceproject.org. more information, contact Doug at 206-3295676 or Jill at jilldavidson53@gmail.com LAMBERT HOUSE Except for this first meeting in January, FORMING NEW SUPPORT GROUP the group will meet the third Thursday in FOR LGBT YOUTH 10-14 Lambert House is forming a new group for February, March, no meeting in April, start10-14 year old LGBT youth. This group will ing up again in May and June, with no meetfocus on developing friendships, commu- ings over the summer. nity building, sense of self (and self-worth), 2012 GSBA & PRIDE FOUNDATION confidence and age-appropriate information SCHOLARSHIPS important for LGBT adolescents. Deadline for application is January 31. Youth will meet monthly to discuss gender and sexuality in a developmentally ap- For more information, visit www.pridefounpropriate context for their age, play games, dation.org/pride-foundation-scholarshipsapply-online-today1 and get to know one another. Dates: January 21, February 11, March SAFE SCHOOLS COALITION – 10, April 14, May 12, June 9. LOCAL AND NATIONAL The group will be led by a counselor, soSCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS cial worker and teacher. Additionally, a famFOR LGBTQ STUDENTS ily therapist will host a Q & A discussion for www.safeschoolscoalition.org parents. To register, please email 1014@lamberthouse.org. Registration fee is $50, with waivers available for those who qualify.
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by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Roman Catholic Cardinal Francis George of Chicago finally apologized for his inflammatory remarks comparing Chicago’s Pride Parade to the Ku Klux Klan. On January 6, the cardinal posted a statement on the Chicago Archdiocese website. “During a recent TV interview, speaking about this year’s Gay Pride Parade, I used an analogy that is inflammatory,” Cardinal George wrote. “I am personally distressed that what I said has been taken to mean that I believe all Gays and Lesbians are like members of the Klan. I do not believe that; it is obviously not true. Many people have friends and family members who are Gay or Lesbian, as have I. We love them; they are part of our lives, part of who we are. “I am deeply sorry for the hurt that my remarks have brought to the hearts of Gays and Lesbians and their families. I can only say that my remarks were motivated by fear for the Church’s liberty. This is a larger topic that cannot be explored in this expression of personal sorrow and sympathy for those who were wounded by what I said.” George’s initial remarks, broadcast by Fox News in a Christmas interview, provoked a firestorm of protest among mainstream media commentators as well as LGBT activists. Less than a week later, he repeated the comparison to reporters who approached him for his comments on the controversy. Truth Wins Out responded with a full-
page Chicago Tribune ad demanding George’s resignation. While most LGBT groups seemed to take the cardinal’s apology at face value, the Gay Liberation Network dismissed it as “disingenuous.” “This is completely disingenuous. No one was challenging the church’s ‘liberty,’” the group said in a statement. “Even though George himself has done everything he can to prevent legal equality for LGBTs, we have never in turn insisted that the church be forced to perform same-sex marriages, for example, any more than others have insisted that it be forced to perform marriages for divorcees.” The group followed up with a picket line outside the cardinal’s Holy Name Cathedral on Sunday, January 8. “It is totally inadequate,” GLN co-founder Andy Thayer said of the cardinal’s apology. “When it came time to issue an apology he chose the most passive manner to do it. … I would say it to his face.” “We called for Cardinal George’s resignation but we think remorse is a positive step in the right direction,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. “It is gratifying to see the cardinal take personal responsibility for the hurt he has caused and we hope this incident leads to improving relations with the LGBT community.” “It appears that the cardinal has had a chance to reflect on the deeply hurtful and destructive statement he had made on Christmas Day in comparing the movement for LGBT equality to the Ku Klax Klan. His apology is important and will go some
newwaysministryblog
Chicago Cardinal finally apologizes for KKK remark
Even though George himself has done everything he can to prevent legal equality for LGBTs, we have never in turn insisted that the church be forced to perform samesex marriages.
CNS/Catholic Press Photo
Pope Benedict XVI
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Cardinal Francis George
way toward healing the pain he has caused,” Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov said in a statement. “However, his actions will speak louder than words, and we will be paying attention to see if his words translate into acts of dignity and respect towards LGBT people.” Meanwhile, the anti-Gay Illinois Family Institute denounced the cardinal’s apology.
“What I wish Cardinal George had said was that homosexual acts are soul-destroying acts that are ‘detestable’ in God’s eyes and that the parade is a tragic, offensive event that shouldn’t take place on any day in any neighborhood,” said the group’s spokesperson Laurie Higgins. “It is not an act of love to affirm or appear to affirm that which God condemns.”
Same-sex marriage is a threat to humanity, pope says Pope Benedict XVI said on January 9 that same-sex marriage is a threat to “the future of humanity itself.” The pope made the remarks in a New Year address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican, of which he is head of state. Diplomats from some 180 countries heard the pope say that the education of children needed proper “settings” and that “pride of place goes to the family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman.” “This is not a simple social convention, but rather the fundamental cell of every society. Consequently, policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself,” Benedict said. “The family unit is fundamental for the educational process and for the development both of individuals and states; hence there is a need for policies which promote the family and aid social cohesion and dialogue,” Benedict added. The Vatican and Catholic officials around the world have protested moves to legalize same-sex marriage in the United States, Europe, and other developed parts of the world. New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catho-
lic Bishops and a vocal opponent of marriage equality, will be elevated by the pope to the office of cardinal in February. Dolan fought against same-sex marriage before it became legal in New York state last June, and in September he sent a letter to President Obama criticizing his administration’s decision to stop defending DOMA. In that letter, Dolan said such a policy could “precipitate a national conflict between church and state of enormous proportions.” The Roman Catholic Church teaches that same-sex attraction is “objectively disordered” but not sinful. Same-sex sexual acts are considered sinful, however, as are all sexual acts outside of a church-sanctioned marriage. The church also forbids divorce, artificial methods of birth control, and abortion, and insists that children should grow up in a traditional family with a mother and a father. The Roman Catholic Church has some 1.3 billion members worldwide. Recently the pope indicated he would welcome clergy from Anglican or Episcopal churches who wished to defect to the Catholic Church because they object to Gay clergy or same-sex marriage. The Vatican has set up “ordinariates,” structures similar to dioceses, in Britain and the United States to oversee ex-Anglicans who have converted.
January 13, 2012
Seattle Gay News 13
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Honesty: It’s a dilemma by Michael Raitt SGN Contributing Writer Everyone I know unequivocally declares that they value honesty in their relationships with family and friends. They also talk about how much they want people to be honest with them and no one I know likes it when they feel they have been deceived. Honesty is a verb. It is a noble act yet it is very hard for some very good people to do because it creates an uncomfortable dilemma. Many people who extol the virtues of honesty quickly follow up with a comment like, “But I can’t say that! I don’t want to hurt their feelings!” Herein lies the dilemma: how can one be honest and act according to their values and not cause someone hurt? Honestly, it’s impossible! It really does come down to either being honest or hurting someone you care about. Most of us don’t want to hurt people we care about. What’s behind this dilemma and how do we make it work? Fear is a huge motivator and most of us are afraid of hurting another for various reasons: fear we’ll create a scene, fear they won’t like us anymore, fear there will be a fight, fear they’ll say something hurtful to us, and, ultimately, fear that they will leave us. Most of us really don’t like rejection and therefore, we do what we can to avoid it, which means avoiding being honest with others. How do we make it work, then? First, we have to understand intent. We all have the
capacity to be hurtful. People get in moods where, at the time, it seems like it would feel good to rip another apart and make them feel bad. As hard as it might be to admit, we want them to hurt or, equally as bad, we don’t care whether someone is hurt. If we are truthful, most of us have had this feeling. I’m very clear when I’m in this mood! People who are on the receiving end usually know as well. When I’ve been ripped apart in a hurtful way, I know. I know because it comes with such hostility and hateful words. However, when one knows that there is something important to talk about with another, the intent is about honesty and problem solving and it comes with the feeling of care and respect. This kind of conversation doesn’t come with intense hostility and isn’t usually accompanied by spiteful language either. Another piece of this is context: how each looks at the interaction. For example, in my business, I have to be honest with people all the time. They understand that my feedback (albeit difficult to hear sometimes and which, for some, could be perceived as hurtful) comes from a caring place and is given respectfully. Doctors do the same. They have to talk openly and honestly with their patients and the ones I know do it with respect. Interpersonal relationships are no different. This is completely about how the people in the interaction choose to view the interaction. I’ve had people come to me and say things that were hard to hear but when
I remembered they were doing it because they cared, I was able to receive what they were saying. We take risks when we are being honest with others. There is no way around this risk. Whether we are honest or dishonest is about our character and, even though we may intend care and respect, the other may not be able or willing to hear what we have to say. I had a friendship for 20 years and I would frequently not speak my truth for some of the reasons I listed above. Finally, one day, I was honest about how I saw a situation with this friend. He was unable to hear it and he hasn’t spoken to me in over two years. However, I walked away feeling good about myself because I was acting in a way that I value and I know my intent was not to hurt him while acknowledging that he did get hurt. In a scenario like this, when people can, working through the hurt is possible. Self-esteem comes from esteemed behavior. At the end of the day, how I see myself depends upon how I showed up in my rela-
tionships with others. If I say I value honesty, then I have to be honest and deal with whatever comes out of it. In the end, though, I can say I was the type of person I wanted to be. Reflect upon how you deal with the dilemma of being honest and hurting another’s feelings. What effect does it have on you? When you can’t be honest, do you get angry? Passive-aggressive? Distant or sad? Our unwillingness to be open does have an effect on us. Think about how you want to feel at the end of the day. You might end up deciding to take a risk. Your relationship might become stronger. Yes, it might end as well. Regardless, it ends up being about how you feel about yourself. Good luck. Michael Raitt, M.A., LMHC, is a therapist and a contributing writer to the SGN. If you would like to comment on this column, ask a question you’d like him to write about, or suggest another topic of interest, please contact him at askingmichael@comcast.net.
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Openly Lesbian Miss California L.A. City Council passes USA contestants make history photos courtesy greaterlongbeach.com and mollie thomas
Jenelle Hutcherson (l) and Mollie Thomas
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Jenelle Hutcherson, 26, of Long Beach, and Mollie Thomas, 19, of West Hollywood, may not have taken home the crown in the Miss California USA competition over the weekend. But what they did take with them – what is perhaps the best consolation prize one could hope for – is a page in history as the first openly Lesbian contestants in the 60 years of the state pageant. According to event organizers, more than 400 women vied for the title of Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA, compared with 378 participants from last year. The winner, Natalie Pack, 22, was
awarded the crown January 8, in Palm Desert. She will go on to compete in Miss USA, the national pageant. Thomas, a part-time UCLA student, had never entered a pageant before. She agreed to compete because, according to Keith Lewis, co-executive of the contest, the state pageant encouraged “individuality” and urged contestants to “push the envelope even further.” Thomas saw a chance to represent the LGBT community in a positive way, she said. “I’m running for equality and will use this in order to promote visibility on current issues, to become a youth advocate and a role model,” Thomas said in an interview before the competition.
condom ordinance by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer On January 10, the Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance requiring performers in the city’s porn industry to use condoms during filming. The vote was 11-1 in favor. The measure requires a second, final approval to become law, with only eight votes needed at that time. The law would then go into effect in 90 days. The City Council’s action preempted a proposed city-wide initiative that asked voters to approve the condom requirement. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation organized the city initiative and a second county-wide initiative campaign that began gathering signatures this month. “In a historic move, during today’s City Council meeting, the Los Angeles City Council adopted the proposed ordinance, ‘City of Los Angeles Safer Sex in the Adult Film Industry Act,’ a ballot initiative that has recently qualified to be placed on the June
5, 2012 election [ballot],” AIDS Healthcare Foundation said in a statement. The original city initiative, which was slated for a June vote, was blocked by a suit brought by Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich. Trutanich claimed that the state of California, and not the city, has jurisdiction over occupational health and safety issues. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation responded to her suit with a Los Angeles County initiative campaign on the grounds that counties have jurisdiction over public health issues. The proposed legislation stemmed from a several cases in which adult film performers tested HIV-positive after having unprotected sex on porn shoots. The most recent case involved Derrick Burts, whose HIV-positive diagnosis in October 2010 caused a temporary shutdown of the porn industry. Burts told authorities that he had unprotected sex with six men and 10 women in the two months before his HIV diagnosis.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation organized the city initiative and a second county-wide initiative campaign that began gathering signatures this month.
Pierce County Labor Council endorses marriage equality Courtesy of Pride At Work Pierce County’s labor community demonstrated its solidarity with the LGBT community Wednesday night when the Pierce County Central Labor Council voted to support Gov. Gregoire’s bill to legalize full marriage equality. Anita Latch, president of the new Pierce County Chapter of Pride at Work, made the motion at the Labor Council’s monthly delegates meeting, stating the time-honored labor adage that “An injury to one is an injury
to all.” The motion was quickly seconded, and after Latch called for all working people to be treated equally, there was no further discussion. The motion passed without any “nay” votes. Pride At Work is an LGBT labor organization affiliated with the AFL-CIO. It includes members of AFL-CIO, Change To Win, independent unions, and non-union allies. Pierce County Pride At Work meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the IBEW 76 Hall (3049 S. 36th St.) in the back meeting room.
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Marine fights for Gay brother’s right to marry
Stowell described being bullied as a schoolboy because he was Gay. “I was constantly asked by my peers, ‘Are you Gay? You sound so Gay. You walk so Gay,’” said the 23-year-old New Yorker, who works for a non-profit. Craig Stowell, who is an information technology director for a cabinet maker in Claremont, New Hampshire, empathized. “There were nights that I worried I may wake up and he wouldn’t be there any longer; crushed by the misery he was forced to endure. When New Hampshire extended marriage to Gay and Lesbian couples two years ago, he finally felt accepted. He finally felt like he belonged. Since that day, 1,800 loving and committed Gay and Lesbian couples have married.” “I’m a conservative Republican, and I believe in small government,” he continued. “I don’t think our legislators have any business
courtesy HRC
ry in New Hampshire. “I served as a Marine in Iraq to defend freedom and liberty. But now the New Hampshire state legislature might take away an essential freedom from my brother Calvin, who is Gay, and thousands of others: the freedom to marry the people they love,” Stowell, 30, said in an online petition seeking to pressure New Hampshire legislators not to repeal the state’s 2009 law that legalized Gay marriage. Stowell said that when New Hampshire finally granted marriage equality to Gays and Lesbians in the state, it “was a great day for my family.” “Growing up, my brother Calvin was tormented for beCraig Stowell ing Gay,” said Stowell. “The pain he felt is a direct reflection of the isoby Shaun Knittel lation caused by telling LGBT people that SGN Associate Editor they do not have the same rights as every Craig Stowell fought in Iraq with the U.S. other law abiding citizen: that they are not by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Marines in 2004 and is now fighting for the worthy of marriage.” In a video posted on YouTube, Calvin right of Gay people, like his brother, to marServicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) launched a new online toolkit to assist veterans discharged under DADT or the prior regulations prohibiting Gay and Lesbian service in the military seeking changes to their discharge paperwork. These changes include upgrading of discharge characterizations, modifying the narrative reason for discharge, or changing the reentry code. “Guidance from the Department of Defense,” released in September 2011 as DADT repeal was taking effect, provides the pathway for making changes and upgrades. It is estimated that as many as 100,000 veterans may qualify for such assistance. “Cleaning up these records is an important piece of restoring dignity and honor to these American patriots and closing the books on this shameful piece of our history. SLDN stands ready to assist all those who seek our help,” said army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis. “We already have heard from more than 100 Gay and Lesbian veterans who were discharged under the discriminatory law and now want their discharge paperwork changed or upgraded. Sometimes it’s for reasons of personal pride and setting the record straight about honorable service to our country. But often, there’s also a very practical reason, like urgently needed V.A. medical benefits or issues of employment. Employers routinely request discharge paperwork when reviewing job applicants
telling my brother he can’t get married. The people of New Hampshire don’t want marriage equality to be repealed, either – more than 60% of people in New Hampshire support keeping the equal marriage law in place.” So far, more than 75,000 people have signed it, according to Change.org. “This campaign is resonating with people not only throughout New Hampshire, but across the country,” said Benjamin JoffeWalt, a spokesman for Change.org, which hosts online campaigns. “Craig won’t stop defending his brother, and his campaign is inspiring thousands of others to stand up for the people they love, too.” Craig Stowell said Calvin was best man at his wedding, and Craig wants to be able to reciprocate. “I want the opportunity to be his best man when he finds the person he wants to marry,” he says in the petition.
SLDN launches new online toolkit to assist LGBT veterans who have prior military service. A narrative reason for separation of ‘homosexuality’ or a negative reentry code can mean forcing veterans to out themselves to future employers or being denied employment altogether,” he said. Through the online tool, veterans who believe they may qualify are able to connect with the National Archives Veterans Records Office to obtain copies of their discharge paperwork, as well as provide necessary information to SLDN in just a few easy steps in order to begin processing. “Since repeal, word has spread rapidly about this opportunity, and our attorneys have experienced a surge in calls from veterans seeking our services. This toolkit will streamline the process for them and help us get results for them more quickly. We urge anyone interested in this assistance to contact our office and let us help,” said SLDN Legal Director David McKean. Since September, SLDN has served veterans seeking this assistance who were discharged as far back as World War II. An early success was on behalf of Melvin Dwork, a World War II veteran who served in the Navy and was discharged in 1944 for being Gay. Dwork sought SLDN’s legal assistance in early 2011 to upgrade his discharge paperwork and it was granted in September 2011. The result was an honorable discharge in place of the previous “undesirable” characterization, allowing Dwork to qualify for long overdue benefits, and with them, in his words, the satisfaction “of righting a wrong” that was nearly 70 years old.
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Celebrating 39 Years!
senate
continued from cover short of the 25 the measure needs to pass the Senate. REPUBLICAN SUPPORT When the statewide marriage equality organization Washington United for Marriage was formed in November 2011, Murray told members of the community gathered at a Seattle town hall meeting November 23 that passage of a Gay marriage bill would not be possible without the support of a few Republicans. This week, Murray got that support. On January 9, State Senator Steve Litzow announced he would be the first Republican in the Senate to support Gay marriage. “I’m a traditional Republican,” Litzow, a freshman lawmaker from Mercer Island, told The Seattle Times’ editorial board. “When you think about Gay marriage, it’s the right thing to do and it’s very consistent with the tenets of being a Republican – such as individual freedom and personal responsibility.” Then, on January 10, state Senator Cheryl Pflug became the second Republican to say she will support Gay marriage legislation to give same-sex couples the full rights and benefits of marriage. “I have been a longtime supporter of human equality,” said Pflug, a lawmaker from Maple Valley who has voted for domesticpartnership benefits twice before. “I do not feel diminished by having another human being experience the same freedom I am entitled to exercise. I would feel diminished by denying another human the ability to exercise those same rights and freedoms.” Both Litzow and Pflug support the legislation without a public vote. Two first-term Republican senators, Joe Fain of Auburn and Andy Hill of Redmond, have declined to say whether or not they would officially support the bill, but left open the possibility of doing so after they discuss the issue with constituents. DEMOCRATIC SUPPORT It may be hard to believe that there are Democratic officials who do not support Gay marriage in Washington, but there are. In fact, it is because of those individuals that we need to rely on Republican votes in order to see the passage of a Gay marriage bill in the Senate. Perhaps the most talked-about Democrat not willing to support full marriage equality is Senator Mary Margaret Haugen of Camano Island. She says she is not willing to support anything that doesn’t allow a vote of the people – and even then she would not commit whether she would vote for a referendum. According to the Associated Press, there are only two Democrats among the 18 declared “no” votes on the Gay marriage proposal. Senator Tim Sheldon of Potlatch joins Haugen on that list.
“I’m not on board with it, and I don’t think my constituents are,” Sheldon said immediately following Gregoire’s announcement that she would support a Gay marriage bill. There remain some undecided Democrats, as well. It has been reported that senators Karen Fraser of Olympia and Rosemary McAuliffe of Bothell signaled support, but were unwilling to commit. Senators Brian Hatfield of Raymond, Jim Kastama of Puyallup, and Paull Shin of Edmonds opposed domestic partnerships just a few years ago, but all three have said they would consider supporting Gay marriage. NO VICTORY YET As far as the battle over same-sex marriage is concerned, it was a good week for the LGBT community and lawmakers who saw some ground gained in Olympia. Still, Murray remains vigilant. Murray told the Associated Press that he is “50% optimistic” a same-sex marriage bill would pass. “I can’t declare victory,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll know we have the votes until we actually vote.” Murray, who has spent years leading efforts to approve same-sex marriage and other pro-LGBT legislation in Olympia, noted that he saw a Gay civil rights measure he spearheaded lose by one vote in 2005 before it passed by a single vote the following year. As for rounding up the votes from the undecided lawmakers, Murray acknowledges that each of them he had spoken to “has a very difficult personal struggle.” “This isn’t a policy debate or something you can trade a vote for,” he said. “It’s such a personal decision.” Perhaps it is undecided Democratic Senator Brian Hatfield who summed it up best this week. He described himself as being simply “torn” by the debate and backlash that is almost guaranteed to come no matter what his decision is. “The supporters of the bill determine you’re a hateful bigot if you vote no, while the opponents question your faith and say you’re turning your back on God if you vote yes,” he said. We’ll find out soon enough. The legislative session is scheduled to end in a little over 50 days. If a same-sex marriage bill is approved by the Legislature, Washington would become the seventh state in the country to legalize Gay marriage. At this time, six states plus the District of Columbia recognize marriage for same-sex couples under state law: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Nine states – California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington – provide same-sex couples with access to the state-level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights or benefits in any state.
council
continued from cover by the council’s first and only openly Gay member, West Seattle’s Joe McDermott. “We have confirmed our county’s commitment to equality for all of Washington’s families,” McDermott said in a statement posted on the council’s website. “I want the opportunity to marry my partner of over 12 years before our families and friends. The Council’s vote is very personal for me and the thousands of families who are denied rights simply because of who they love.” McDermott later told SGN he was “thrilled” with the bipartisan result. “I was surprised at how broad the support was,” he said. “I hope it suggests to our legislators that the time has come to pass the marriage bill.” One of the surprise votes in favor of McDermott’s resolution was Republican Reagan Dunn, who is a candidate for Washington attorney general. Dunn credited McDermott’s diplomacy for the lopsided margin of victory. “When Joe [McDermott] introduced the resolution back in December I asked him to let me think about this. He gave me the time and I appreciated that. The thing I wanted to look at was the religious exemption.” The resolution includes language that allows religious institutions to opt out of performing or recognizing same-sex marriages. McDermott told SGN that he was willing to accommodate his Republican colleagues in order to “build relationships” that would allow them to feel comfortable voting for the resolution. “When they asked for a delay to consider the issues I agreed,” McDermott said. “And I accepted the religious exemption. So we were able to have a series of conversations that led to the bipartisan vote.” Of the three Republicans who voted for marriage equality, Dunn had perhaps the most to lose, since he is running for a statewide office and risks alienating conservative voters. Asked if he had gotten much negative feedback from fellow Republicans, Dunn shot back “Oh yeah!” “I have to tell you, though, the comments
are trending five to one in favor of the position I took.” Dunn also told SGN he sees his vote as “consistent with Republican values.” “We believe in less government,” he said. “More individual responsibility. More individual choices. A strong commitment to family. People should be able to form stable families. I personally see this as very consistent. “The social conservatives have a valid point as well. In the coming months all that will be sorted out.” Dunn said only a minority of Republicans now favor marriage equality, but he believes that number will grow. “It’s about 60-40,” Dunn said about the split on marriage in Republican ranks. “A lot of Republicans here have a position that’s different from the rest of the party. You’ll see that as things develop in Olympia.” “It’s very much generational,” he added. “Very much generational.” Democratic Councilmember Bob Ferguson, Dunn’s probable opponent in the state attorney general race, is a longtime supporter of LGBT rights. “This should tell the legislature it’s time to move forward,” Ferguson told SGN. “I always hoped it would be a bipartisan vote, but it didn’t become clear who was on board until the last couple of days.” “There’s been such a dramatic change in public opinion in recent years,” he added. “As usual, the people get ahead of the elected officials – there’s such strong polling in favor of marriage equality. I have no doubt that helped convince the ones who hadn’t made up their minds.” Republican Kathy Lambert, the lone holdout, said same-sex marriage should go to a statewide vote. “Something this big needs to have the people weigh in,” she said. When a Republican-backed amendment asking for a statewide referendum on marriage was voted down by the Council, Lambert alone decided to vote against the main resolution. An October 2011 poll by the University of Washington’s Washington Poll found support for marriage equality at 55% across the state. Among Republicans, support statewide was just 24%, but among Democrats it was 84%.
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canada
continued from cover federal policy” in a brief filed in a Toronto divorce case. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper denied that his government wanted to reverse policy on same-sex marriages however. “We have no intention of further re-opening or opening this issue,” Harper told reporters when asked about The Globe and Mail report. “In terms of the specifics of the story this morning, I will admit to you that I am not aware of the details,” Harper added. “This, I gather, is a case before the courts where Canadian lawyers have taken a particular position based on the law and I will be asking officials to provide me more details” A Lesbian couple – one British and one a resident of Florida – married in Toronto in 2005. They do not reside in Canada, but returned there to seek a divorce because they cannot divorce in either Britain or Florida. Gaudet claimed – on behalf of the Canadian government – that they cannot divorce in Canada either, because they were never legally married under Canadian law. Same-sex marriages are legal in Canada only if they are also legal in the home country or state of the couple, Gaudet said. “In this case, neither party had the legal capacity to marry a person of the same sex under the laws of their respective domiciles – Florida and the United Kingdom,” Gaudet stated. “As a result, their marriage is not legally valid under Canadian law.” “They returned home with marriage certificates.” The identity of the women seeking divorce is currently protected by court order. Martha McCarthy, a prominent Toronto lawyer who represents them, called the government’s position “scandalous” and “offensive.” McCarthy played an instrumental role in the fight to legalize same-sex marriage in Canada. “It is scandalous,” she said of the Canadian government position. “It is offensive to their dignity and human rights to suggest they weren’t married or that they have something that is a nullity.” “They returned home with marriage certificates that they got on their wedding day showing everybody they were legally married,” she continued. “They gave them to their employers, their benefits people, and all kinds of other third parties. And Canada participated in that.” McCarthy added that the Ontario provincial government has tried to duck a controversial test case by deferring to Canada’s federal government. “It is appalling and outrageous that two levels of government would be taking this position without ever having raised it before, telling anybody it was an issue or doing anything pro-active about it,” she said. “All the while, they were handing out
“Most legislative models in the world licenses to perform marriages across the restrict access in order to avoid marriage country to non-resident people.” tourism (and the possible implications for international relations),” he continued. “The What is the law? While McCarthy says that Canadian law Dutch legislation, for example, opens marhas, until now, authorized marriages of for- riage to foreign couples only if one partner eign same-sex couples, Gaudet claims their is Dutch or at least a resident in the Netherrights are limited by the laws in their places lands.” And significantly for the Toronto divorce of residence. If Gaudet is correct, 5,000 couples have case, “Belgium will only marry foreigners gone to Canada to be married under a seri- that come from jurisdictions that allow for ous misconception. Even worse, they were same-sex partnerships.” encouraged by information from Canadian A major embarrassment government sources. for Canada The website of the City of Toronto, where the couple in the divorce case were married, If Gaudet is, in fact, speaking for the Casays unequivocally “There are no citizen- nadian government, the new policy threatens ship or residency requirements when apply- to transform Canada from an international ing for a marriage license in Ontario [prov- beacon for the rights of Gays and Lesbians ince].” to a nation that discriminates against them, The divorce application of the Toronto McCarthy said. Freedom to Marry president Evan Wolfcouple also states very clearly that they were never told the validity of their mar- son said the Canadian government’s posiriage might be problematic. tion will be a major embarrassment for Can“At no time were they advised by either ada internationally. It is too early to predict the provincial or federal governments that what effects the move may have on child their marriage was not valid,” the applica- custody, spousal support, or asset division tion states. “In addition to the emotional dis- for estranged same-sex couples who were tress caused to the joint applicants, they spe- married in Canada, he added. cifically incurred legal and travel costs asso“One of the benefits that marriage gives ciated with a marriage that was promoted by to families is security and clarity,” Wolfson the provincial and federal governments, and said. “They don’t have to deal with a tangle of which is now being denied.” A joint statement from five U.S. legal or- uncertainty. If the Canadian government is ganizations said that Gaudet’s brief was not, serious about trying to cast doubt on peoin itself, legally significant. Lambda Legal, ple’s marriages, it not only insults their digthe NCLR, the ACLU, GLAD, and Freedom nity and hurts them personally, but it raises to Marry issued the statement in response all sorts of complex legal and economic questions for everyone who deals with them “to a news report from Canada.” “No one’s marriage has been invalidated – employers, businesses, banks, and on and or is likely to be invalidated,” the joint state- on.” ment said. “The position taken by one government lawyer in a divorce is not itself precedential. continued from cover No court has accepted this view and there is no reason to believe that either Canada’s trict,” Smith told SGN. “It’s more compact – courts or its Parliament would agree with less spread out. I used to have parts of three this position, which no one has asserted counties, now it’s a mainly King County before during the eight years that same-sex district. I grew up in SeaTac – I know King couples have had the freedom to marry in County, I understand King County.” Although Smith will have to introduce Canada.” On the other hand, some legal scholars himself to many new constituents in Seattle have always warned that Canada may re- and the Eastside, he is a political veteran. “I’ve been involved in King County polistrict marriages of foreign nationals. Writing for the American Society of In- tics since I was 13 or 14 years old,” he said. At 25, he defeated a 16-year incumbent ternational Law in 2003, in the wake of an important Ontario court decision addressing Republican to win a state Senate seat. He the rights of same-sex couples, law profes- served in the Senate from 1991 through sor Ralf Michaels of Duke University pre- 1996, becoming chair of the Senate Judidicted that Canada might refuse to marry ciary Committee. In 1996, he defeated Republican incumsame-sex couples who enter the country bent Randy Tate to win the 9th Congressioonly to marry. “For recognition purposes, Canadian law nal District back for the Democratic Party. so far has looked to the partners’ domicile Since then he has had no serious opposition. to determine their capacity to get married. He is now ranking member of the House If sexual orientation is considered an issue Armed Services Committee, the commitfor capacity (as the Court of Appeal of On- tee’s senior Democrat. The new 9th District is a so-called “minortario explicitly says in its decision), there is a real possibility that Canadian officials will ity majority” district. In other words, people eventually refuse to marry Americans who of color will make up a majority of the votcome into the country only to get married,” ers. Even as Smith was introducing himself to new constituents, rumors surfaced that Michaels wrote.
smith
Seattle City Council member Bruce Harrell would challenge him in the Democratic primary. “No, it’s a misunderstanding,” Smith said. “Bruce Harrell called me. We talked. He’s not running.” Responding to reports in The Stranger that Harrell’s niece and campaign manager had dismissed the assertion that Harrell would not run, Smith insisted, “No, she’s still operating on assumptions from before we talked. Bruce is not running.” In his 15 years in Congress, Smith has cosponsored every piece of pro-LGBT legislation introduced in the House. Asked about the House’s inability to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), even when Democrats had a majority in both houses of Congress, Smith agreed with Barney Frank that the Transgender protections in the bill were still problematic. “There’s still a remarkable amount of ignorance about Trans issues,” he told SGN, “and that makes some Democrats more scared of it than they should be. “It’s the old philosophical question posed by [British political philosopher] Edmund Burke: Am I elected to represent my constituents’ values, or my values? “I’ve always leaned towards representing my values,” Smith continued. “In 1993, when I was chair of the [Senate] Judiciary Committee, I tried to get the [Cal Anderson] civil rights bill passed – we failed by one vote. “On ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ my chairman on the Armed Services Committee, Ike Skelton, was opposed to repeal. We had to force the issue to get it done. “[Skelton] was from a district in central Missouri. A very conservative district. Now there are fewer Democrats from conservative states, so we’ve made some progress.” Smith admits to some frustration being a Democrat in a Republican-controlled House of Representatives. “It’s not just being in the minority,” he says. “It’s that the Republicans are extreme. It’s funny to look back at where Republicans were in the ‘90s – we thought they were very conservative. Now they’re so much worse! “Look at the budget debate. The debt ceiling. The Republicans think there’s no amount of cuts too extreme!” Asked what he saw as the major challenges Congress will have to address this year, Smith shot back, “Income inequality! Income inequality – that’s the biggest issue.” LGBT workers should be especially interested in a fairer economy because they tend to earn less and be unemployed more than their straight counterparts, Smith said. “That’s why it’s important to pass ENDA,” he said. “It gives you a legal right of action, and it helps to change public perceptions. “It’s not just an economic issue, it’s a fundamental civil rights issue. You’re supposed to get a fair shot at a job and security. That’s the legacy of the civil rights movement, the women’s movement, the LGBT movement.”
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