Issue 5 Volume 42
Celebrating 41 Years!
FRIDAY January 31, 2014 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands
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Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Zmuda firing protest march: Olympia to Seattle I’m going to march – for three days and nights – from Olympia to Seattle with co-organizer Mario Penalver, because we believe that love always wins. We believe that the Catholic Church – or any organized religion for that matter
and state and that the Church, as it stands right now, can fire an employee for having a same-sex marriage, but that doesn’t make it okay. Not now. Not ever. It is always wrong to discriminate. You’ve no doubt, by now, heard of Mark Zmuda, the Eastside Catholic high school teacher who got fired because he married
Jewel Samad / AFP / Getty Images
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Our goal with this visibility march is to get people to realize that yes, there is a separation between Church and state and that the Church, as it stands right now, can fire an employee for having a same-sex marriage. – should not be allowed to legally fire someone because they are married to someone of the same sex. While I am stopping short at calling for an end to organized religion and you won’t hear me say that Catholics are bad people (all of that would be hateful and ignorant) I will say that our goal with this visibility march is to get people to realize that yes, there is a separation between Church
another man last summer. Well, despite the amazing effort of a group of youth activists from the high school as well as neighboring Catholic schools, tons of media coverage from CNN to FOX cable news, he still is out of a job. A new foundation has been organized in his name and he is fighting the school’s decision to fire him in see march page 20
Ninth Circuit OKs California law ENDA 2014? “No banning “conversion therapy” way!” Boehner says by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
In a January 29 ruling, the full Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a previous decision by a three-judge panel that California’s law banning so-called “Gay conversion therapy” is lawful. The measure, known then as SB 1172, was enacted in 2012 and protects minors from supposed mental health treatments that claim to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Such practices have been rejected by mainstream therapists and professional associations. In fact, California’s legislature based the law on the unanimous consensus of leading medical and mental health associations that such purported treatments have no scientific basis and put children at risk of serious harms, including depression and suicide. The law was challenged by therapists who wanted to continue offering such “treatments,” on the grounds that they had a First Amendment right to free speech. The Ninth Circuit’s panel ruled in August last year that California’s law was a permissible regulation of medical treatment to
President also omits ENDA from SOTU
Republican House Speaker John Boehner
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Republican House Speaker John Boehner told members of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus there was “no way” he would allow ENDA – the Employment Non-Discrimination Act – to come see california page 20 up for a vote in 2014.
“A number of us did meet with, actually the caucus met with Speaker Boehner,” openly Gay Congressman Mark Takano (DCA) told the Washington Blade. “He said no way was it going to get done in this session.” The LGBT Equality Caucus insee enda page 21
Washington State 1-888-BE-THERE History Museum WashingtonHistory.org 2
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Celebrating 41 Years!
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It’s about our spouses, dummy
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last three weeks almost unbearable. This past week alone saw three pinnacles in my life: the populating of the John C. Anderson The last three years have been intense, Apartments, my birthday and, most importhe last three months more intense and the tant of all, my and Jason’s 10th anniversary. by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News
Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@ epgn.com.
In Loving Memory Of
Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
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Last year, after the excitement of the groundbreaking of JCAA, about the only negative comment I got was from someone who wrote on Facebook, “Why did Mark have to mention his partner in his remarks?” The simple answer is because he is my partner and I’m proud of him and what he contributes. But there’s a more important reason that that comment has to be addressed. We in the LGBT community at times do not give enough credit to our partners. When you watch the Academy Awards in a few weeks, note how many of the winners thank their husbands or wives. It’s expected. The same holds true on election nights around the country: Winners and losers thank their spouses. But it is still rare for those in the LGBT community to do the same. Are we ashamed of our relationships? With all the support for marriage equality out there, you’d think we’d have a little more respect for our spouses. Any achievement any of us makes is in some respect related to our spouses, and the support and advice that they give us, or just their ability to put up with our long-suffering projects. (That last part was truly about my relationship with Jason.) Ten years ago when I met Jason, I was not in a good place. That didn’t frighten Jason off; instead, he made me realize that my best days were ahead of me and he understood and encouraged me to find other mountains to climb. Those of you who have watched my career or activism over the last almost-45 years now might have noticed how focused, assured and successful the last 10 years have been. Much of that is thanks to the man who each night gets me to take a breath, step back and see the world. Happy anniversary, Jason. You’ve made me a happy man.
Reprinted courtesy of Philadelphia Gay News
January 31, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
Local news
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) announced their 2013 Business and Humanitarian award recipients this week. According to officials, GSBA will honor six individuals and businesses at their annual Business and Humanitarian Awards Dinner on February 25 at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront (2100 Alaskan Way). The Business and Humanitarian Awards honor top businesses and individual leaders each year, recognizing business performance and contributions to the community. According to GSBA officials, 2013 saw an unprecedented year of state after state embracing marriage equality, whether at the ballot box, in the state legislature or through the courts. While there is still much work to be done for the U.S. LGBT community to reach equality, many eyes have turned to places such as Russia, Uganda and Nigeria where terrible new laws are being enacted against LGBT people. The idea that equality has no borders is increasingly being brought up in the face of these disturbing acts. The banquet’s keynote, Ambassador (ret.) Michael Guest is the perfect speaker to address that concept. America’s first openly Gay, Senate-confirmed ambassador (to Romania, 2001-04), Mr. Guest co-founded and now advises the Council for Global Equality, a coalition of 22 human rights and LGBT advocacy organizations seeking U.S. support for LGBT-fair policies abroad. His prestigious 26-year State Department career included a range of executive-level
1st Security Bank
GSBA announces 2013 Business and Humanitarian award recipients positions in Washington and oversees, and included decorations such as the Charles E. Cobb Award, given to the most successful ambassador in trade development, and the Christian A. Herter Award, recognizing intellectual courage, initiative and integrity in the context of constructive dissent. “At this year’s Business & Humanitarian Awards Dinner, GSBA is proud to showcase the businesses and leaders in our community which embrace equality and diversity in the workplace,” says GSBA President and CEO, Louise Chernin. “This year’s theme, Equality Has No Borders was created to remind us that inequality and discrimination is the reality of the lives of those who are not as fortunate to live in Washington state or anywhere in the U.S.” It is our hope that by focusing on the work that still needs to be done, we will all continue to work together to achieve national and global equality for all.” Award recipients are: • Business of the Year: 1st Security Bank, Joe Adams, CEO • Business Leader of the Year: Barbara “bg” Nabors-Glass, Seattle Goodwill • Corporate Leader of the Year: Pacific Medical Centers, Linda Marzano, COO • Community Leader of the Year: Anne Levinson, Judge (Ret.) • Nonprofit of the Year: Mary’s Place, Marty Hartman, Executive Director • New Business of the Year: Repair Revolution, Eli Allison, Owner • Special Recognition, Voice for Social Justice: Anne Melle, PFLAG (Parents,
1st Security Bank CEO, Joe Adams, will receive the Business of the Year Award
Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) gratulate all of the nominees and recipients. • Special Recognition: Cheryl Chow (posthumously), Former Seattle City CounThe awards dinner will be held from 5:30cil Member 9 p.m. Registration: $140 GSBA members; $160 nonmembers; $100 students. For more Seattle Mayor Ed Murray will be in atten- information and to register, phone 206-363dance to offer welcoming remarks and con- 9188 or visit www.thegsba.org.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Saying that controlling household expenses are just as important as increasing household incomes, Mayor Ed Murray announced plans to strengthen Seattle’s utility discount program and double the number of households participating by 2018. “I have said all along that, while a living wage is an important piece to addressing the overall affordability crisis we face in this city, it alone is not enough,” Murray said in a statement. “Wages are growing too slowly, while costs are growing too quickly. As we address the issue of wages, we also need to address these cost issues – including costs for City-provided services. And as we consider difficult but occasionally necessary service rate increases, we must recommit to minimizing the impacts on those who can least afford them.” About 14,000 Seattle households currently participate in the program which offers discounted city utilities to residents who earn less than 70% of the state median income. Seattle-King County Public Health says that as many as 65,000 households could be eligible for the program, however.
Murray said he has asked the directors of the three departments responsible for overseeing the low-income assistance program – Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, and the Human Services Department – to report back to him in one month with a plan that clarifies the number of eligible residents and improves the City’s ability to reach out and enroll more households. Qualifying households are eligible for discounts of 50 to 60 percent on their cityprovided electricity, drinking water, garbage and recycling, sewer, and drainage bills. A single person could qualify with an income of $30,600, and a couple living together would qualify with a combined income of $40,020. Couples with children or other dependents can refer to a table on the Seattle Human Services department web page to see if they qualify. Murray said that Seattle City Light has among the lowest electricity rates – and the most robust low-income rate discounts – in the country. “Without question, this is positive news,” he added. “But, at a time when Seattle is on the verge of being a city where only the rich can afford to live, we as a City can do better, and we must do better.”
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file photo
Ed Murray to double households getting utility discounts
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray
Murray today also announced the launch of a website containing information related to his Income Inequality Advisory Committee, which features a calendar of opportuni-
January 31, 2014
ties for public input in March, including a public meeting with the Seattle City Council’s Select Committee on Minimum Wage, an online town hall, and a symposium.
Seattle Gay News
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Sixth Annual Seattle Red Dress Party
Dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS movement file photo
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The 6th annual Seattle Red Dress Party is right around the corner. Hundreds of people will don red dresses (otherwise you can’t get in) on February 8 and head to the Fremont Studios (155 N. 35th St.) to party for a cause – with VIP entry at 8 p.m. and then
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adorned in a red dress. While the exact origins of The Red Dress Party are unknown, Seattle’s event is fashioned after our sister city to the south, Portland. The Portland event, which started out as a small band of committed supporters, has grown to a grand scale that today welcomes more than 2,000 attendees each year. Now in its fifth year in Seattle, Red Dress continues to grow. The Red Dress network of parties now includes Chicago and Sacramento.
Entre Hermanos holds open house at new location
Here is some history on the party: The color red is commonly accepted as the international symbol for AIDS awareness, the Seattle Red Dress Party builds on that idea that all guests, despite age, gender or sexual orientation, attend the event wearing a red dress. The visual of all attendees donning red dresses whether male, female, Gay, straight, old or young, serves as a pow-
The Seattle Red Dress Party is a Pacific Northwest community tradition, one that draws crowds as diverse as Seattle itself. Each year, on this one special evening, people of all backgrounds come together for a celebration full of dancing and music, spirits and laughter. from 9 p.m. onward to 2 a.m. for general entry. This year’s beneficiaries are BABES Network-YWCA, Gay City Health Project, Inspire Youth Project and The Pride Project. National talent Betty Who, Thea Austin, DJ Grind, Hostess/Emcee Michelle Visage, Shokra and Mantryx will join local talent BenDeLaCreme, DJ Bret Law, DJ Breezy, Co-Hostess/Performer Gaysha Starr and Red Carpet Hostess Mama Tits for the evening. This year’s theme is “Attitude Optional” and you can buy tickets at brownpapertickets ($40 general admission; $100 VIP) and at the door ($50 general admission; $120 VIP).
the signature-colored dress, the Seattle Red Dress Party is a true testament to the power of our community coming together to affect positive change. The Seattle Red Dress Party is an event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the HIV/AIDS movement and to building a strong, unified LGBT and allied community. With the color red as an international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness, organizers require all attendees regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation to attend the event
erful symbol of solidarity of people living with HIV/AIDS and also reminds us that we are all here to make a difference and support a common cause. The Seattle Red Dress Party is a Pacific Northwest community tradition, one that draws crowds as diverse as Seattle itself. Each year, on this one special evening, people of all backgrounds come together for a celebration full of dancing and music, spirits and laughter. This light-hearted fun provides the background for the real purpose of Red Dress, the opportunity for supporters from all walks of life to unify behind the common goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As an annual symbol of hope and solidarity, with every last attendee donning
January 31, 2014
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Entre Hermanos, the LGBTQ Latino advocacy organization in Seattle, held an open house event at 1105 23rd Ave., the site of their new location, on January 29 from 4-7 p.m. Executive directors and staff from local nonprofits, organizations and service groups – LGBTQ, HIV/AIDS, counseling – were present and celebrated the fact that Entre Hermanos continues its mission, which is to promote the health and well being of the Latino LGBTQ community in a culturally appropriate environment through disease prevention, education, support services, advocacy and community building. Entre Hermanos came into being from the initiative of a group of LGBT Latinos/ as that saw the need for social, educational, and health support services in their community in the spring of 1991. By December of 1992, the group was organized and carried out various activities to raise funds to cover its operating costs.
These activities were done in cooperation with the Washington Latino AIDS Coalition, a group affiliated with People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN), a nonprofit organization that offers prevention and educational services against HIV/AIDS for people of color. In April of 1993, Entre Hermanos functioned independently, directing several activities for the community. But later that year, Entre Hermanos also affiliated itself with POCAAN. In May of 1993, Entre Hermanos held their first contest to elect a Latina Queen. That same summer, they incorporated a Lesbian group and participated in Seattle’s LGBT Pride Parade for the first time. Toward the end of 2001, Entre Hermanos received a charter from the State of Washington to operate as a nonprofit organization, through the corporate status offered by IRS Section 501(C)3. Since then, they have continued to grow, thanks to their personnel, Board of Directors, volunteer corps, and educational and recreational activities.
Celebrating 41 Years!
national news
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said on January 24 that she was rethinking the brief she filed in Sevcik v. Sandoval, a lawsuit challenging her state’s ban on same-sex marriage. Masto, a Democrat, filed a brief on January 21 supporting the state law, on her own behalf and that of Republican Governor Brian Sandoval. On the same day she filed her brief, however, a panel of the Ninth Circuit issued a decision in an unrelated case that forced her to take a second look at the state’s arguments. “The Ninth Circuit’s new decision [prescribing ‘heightened scrutiny’ in cases of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation] appears to impact the equal protection and due process arguments made on behalf of the state,” Masto wrote in a January 24 statement. “After careful review of the SmithKline decision these arguments are likely no longer tenable in the Ninth Circuit. “This office will conduct further review over the weekend in order to evaluate the state’s argument in light of SmithKline. We will be discussing this with the Governor’s Office next week.” While the Ninth Circuit’s decision came in a case involving jury selection, their reasoning raised the bar for defenders of state bans on Gay and Lesbian marriages. “We must first decide whether classifica-
tions based on sexual orientation are subject to a standard higher than rational basis review,” Judge Reinhardt wrote for the Ninth Circuit panel. “We hold that such classifications are subject to heightened scrutiny.” “Rational basis review” means that laws discriminating among different classes of people may not be based solely on animus or prejudice, but must have some rational relationship to a legitimate government interest. For example, the brief Masto filed for the State of Nevada asserted that, “The case made here is that the State of Nevada’s marriage law is constitutional because it serves the legitimate purpose of preserving traditional marriage.” But “heightened scrutiny” is a much more rigorous standard, which requires, as the Ninth Circuit ruled in the 2008 DADT case Witt v. Department of the Air Force, that the discriminatory law “must advance an important governmental interest, the intrusion must significantly further that interest, and the intrusion must be necessary to further that interest.” Even if the State of Nevada has a legitimate interest in “preserving traditional marriage” – a proposition that itself is open to question – the Attorney General will now have to prove that preventing Gay and Lesbian couples from marrying is necessary to keeping straight couples married. Lambda Legal Senior Attorney Tara Borelli called the Ninth Circuit’s decision a
Ethan Miller / Getty Images
Nevada AG rethinks case against marriage
Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez-Masto
“game changer” for supporters of marriage equality. “While we are confident that Nevada’s discriminatory marriage ban would be found unconstitutional under any level of scrutiny, it is even clearer after the GlaxoSmithKline v. Abbott Laboratories decision,” she said. “The Ninth Circuit ruling in the GlaxoSmithKline case is a game-changer and cannot help but compel reconsideration of all arguments supporting discriminatory marriage bans such as Nevada’s. “We have long argued that discriminatory classifications based upon sexual orientation must at least meet the same standard of review as those based upon sex – they should be presumed to be unconstitutional.
In the GlaxoSmithKline decision the Ninth Circuit has agreed, ruling that heightened judicial scrutiny must be applied to such discriminatory classifications. We are glad the Nevada Attorney General is reconsidering the issue.” While a favorable decision in Sevcik v. Sandoval might bring marriage equality to Nevada more quickly, the legislature took action last spring to begin repeal of the state constitutional amendment banning samesex marriage. Both houses of the state legislature voted to repeal the amendment. If they do so again in the 2015 legislative session, repeal of the ban would be placed on a public ballot in November 2016.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Republican-controlled Indiana state House of Representatives has effectively delayed an anti-marriage equality amendment till 2016. On January 27, the lawmakers voted to amend the bill under consideration, known
ballot this year. According to Associated Press, Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma worked hard to shepherd the ban through the start of the session, but he washed his hands of the measure after members of his own caucus joined with House Democrats to change it. Indiana law says that constitutional amendments must pass two separate ses-
“The support that we saw today from Indiana legislators – including Republicans – and the success in achieving this vote reflected the growing momentum for the freedom to marry the person you love.” as HJR-3 – striking the second sentence of the measure, which would have banned any legal recognition for same-sex couples that was “identical or substantially similar” to marriage. According to Zack Ford at Think Progress, many legislators felt that language was too extreme, and could interfere with benefits for domestic partners or future civil union legislation. The amended bill was then passed on January 29 by a vote of 57-40. By passing an amended bill, the legislature set back plans to put the constitutional amendment on the
Ellie Price
Indiana legislature delays anti-marriage amendment till 2016
sions of the state legislature with precisely the same language before they are put on the ballot for a popular vote. A version of the amendment including the section deleted on January 27 was passed in 2011, and if the same version had passed in the current session, the measure could have proceeded straight to the November 2014 ballot. But the measure as amended now becomes a totally new bill, and therefore must be re-passed in the session beginning next year, which means it will not reach the ballot before 2016. The bill now goes to the Indiana Senate. If
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Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma
Senators pass the legislation in its original form, and the House then votes to accept the Senate version, it could be back on track for the November ballot. Freedom Indiana, the state’s largest LGBT organization, said they were “incredibly grateful to members of the House – Democrats and Republicans – who did the right thing today by striking down this deeply-flawed and harmful clause.” “But we haven’t won yet,” the group added. “HJR-3 is still alive, and in order to ensure that it stays off the ballot – or at the very least, that the second sentence stays removed – we have to work harder than ever in the Senate, starting right now.” Freedom To Marry called the legisla-
January 31, 2014
ture’s action “a welcome step back from the brink.” “This offers the possibility that Indiana’s families will not be subjected to a harsh campaign and offensive ballot-measure that would add cruel and unconstitutional language to Indiana’s state constitution,” the group said in a statement. “The support that we saw today from Indiana legislators – including Republicans – and the success in achieving this vote reflected the growing momentum for the freedom to marry the person you love, and a repudiation of the effort to strip Gay Hoosiers and their families of all legal protection and respect.”
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by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Bar Association announced this week that it has selected Elliot Stultz, senior vice president, assistant secretary and deputy general counsel of Allstate Insurance Company to receive its Out & Proud Corporate Counsel Award during a February 6 reception at Chicago’s Metropolitan Club. The LGBT Bar is proud to honor attorneys and corporations that advocate for LGBT equality within the legal sphere through the Out & Proud Corporate Counsel Awards program. Stultz is the executive sponsor of Allstate’s LGBT resource group, ANGLES (Allstate Network of Gay and Lesbian Employees and Supporters). ANGLES includes approximately 200 members from Allstate’s offices across the country, with membership steadily increasing each year. In 2012, the group sponsored a presentation for Allstate employees by Judy Shepard, mother of slain Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard, about the LGBT community and hate crimes legislation. Additionally, ANGLES hosted an event focusing on the business impact of the then-impending Supreme Court decisions on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). “Elliot is a leader both within Allstate and Chicago’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
echelon magazine
Elliot Stultz recognized with Out & Proud Corporate Counsel Award Transgender community,” said D’Arcy Kemnitz, executive director of The LGBT Bar. “His work raising awareness about critical issues impacting the community is impressive, and his leadership on these issues within Allstate has helped the company cement its reputation as a leader with LGBT employees and consumers. We’re excited to recognize him with our highest honor for corporate counsel attorneys.” In addition to his work at Allstate, Mr. Stultz is also an active member of the Chicago LGBT community. He serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Center on Halsted, an LGBT community center. The Center provides programs and services for the LGBT community including performances, classes and group therapy sessions. Mr. Stultz has also spoken on a number of panels related to LGBT issues, lending his expertise to a variety of issues that affect LGBT employees in the corporate sphere. The Out & Proud Corporate Counsel Award will be presented on Thursday, February 6, 2014, at a reception in Chicago. Please contact Kelly Simon at (202) 6377661 or Kelly@LGBTbar.org for additional information. The National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and LGBT legal organizations. The Association promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community in all its diversity.
Virginia marriage hearing snowed out
Eliot Stultz
ap
for Equal Rights (AFER), which joined the lawsuit in September, a severe snow storm blanketing the East Coast forced the federal district court to close. “While this is a temporary delay, marriage equality will once again have its day in court very soon,” AFER said in a statement. Plaintiffs in the case include Timothy Bostic and Tony London, who have been together nearly 25 years, and Carol Schall and Mary Townley, who are raising a 15-yearold daughter and whose California marriage is not recognized by Virginia. Virginia’s newly elected Attorney General, Mark Herring, made headlines when he announced on January 23 that he would not defend the state law banning same-sex marriage because he found that it violated the US Constitution. Herring then filed a motion in the case asking the court for summary judgment on behalf of the plaintiffs. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe rejected a demand by Republican legislators to appoint a special prosecutor to take Herring’s place before the federal court. In a letter to Delegate Robert Marshall, the organizer of the Republican petition to the governor, McAuliffe said that other state officials were representing Virginia’s government. “I share your view that the effective administration of our legal system requires zealous advocacy on all matters before the courts,” McAuliffe wrote “In the pres-
ent case, Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban is being vigorously and appropriately defended by the Clerk of Court for the City of Norfolk and the Clerk of Court for Prince William County,” as well as other parties. “Accordingly, I respectfully decline to appoint special counsel in this matter.” McAuliffe has been a long time supporter of Marriage equality, and a spokesperson for his office said the Governor agrees with Herring that state law is unconstitutional. What Republican legislators will do now remains unclear. A House committee divided mainly along partisan lines passed a measure that would give each member of the state legislature the right to “intervene” in a case when the Governor and Attorney General decline to defend Virginia law. Supporters of that bill said they rushed it through the Courts of Justice Committee so they would have time to join legal proceedings in the ongoing federal marriage case. Republicans control Virginia’s House of Representatives, but Democrats are in control of the Senate, so the future of the measure is unclear. Republicans also went after the Attorney General. Marshall said he is developing a legal ethics complaint against Herring on the premise that the Attorney General has failed to properly represent his clients – the people of Virginia, the majority of whom voted for the marriage ban.
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January 31, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
northwest news
DIVERSE HARMONY – “WHEN I GROW UP, I WANT TO BE ME” On Friday & Saturday, January 31 & February 1, at 7:30 p.m., join Diverse Harmony, the nation’s first Gay-straight alliance youth chorus, at Broadway Performance Hall (Broadway & E. Pine St.) as we take you on a musical journey from the family we are born into, to the family we choose. Combining Broadway, pop and classical tunes, this concert will explore what family is, and how everyone forms their own sense of family and community. Selections include Sondheim, music from Ragtime, pop hits of the ‘70s and 2000s, and dancing and acting from our amazing youth. www. diverseharmony.org. Tickets: $20 general; $25 premium; $30 VIP. www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/520888. Free youth tickets (ages 22 and under with ID) available at the door on day of show only. KNIGHTS OF MANTRA – BEGGARS FEAST 2014 On Saturday, February 1, door at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., at the Russian Cultural Center (704 19th Ave. E.), the Knights of Mantra present Beggars Feast 2014, a seven course dinner with wine, entertainment and games. Tickets: $35. www.jetchapterkofm.com “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE: BATTLE OF THE SEASONS” On Tuesday, February 4, doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m., Seattle Theatre Group presents “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons” hosted by Michelle Visage and featuring Sharon Needles, Alaska Thunderfuck, Pandora Boxx, Ivy Winters, Manilla Luzon, Carmen Carerra, Willam, and Detox. Tickets: $27-47 advance; $32.50 day of show. 1-877-784-4849. www.stgpresents.org.
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
SEATTLE RED DRESS PARTY On Saturday, February 8, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (VIP admission at 8 p.m.), at Fremont Studios (155 N. 35th St.) enjoy a festive evening with Michelle Visage, VIP pre-party hostess and MC for the evening, co-hostess Gaysha Starr, Betty Who, Thea Austin, DJ Grind, Ben de la Creme, DJ Bret Law, DJ Breezy, Mantryx, and Shokra. Tickets: $40 general admission ($50 at the door); $100 VIP ($120 at the door). This is a 21+ event, SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS – ID required. Proceeds benefit Inspire Youth “WE CAN SWING IT!” Project, Gay City, BABES Network, The FEBRUARY 6-9 On Thursday, February 6, through Sun- Pride Project. www.seattlereddressparty.org day, February 9, at Cornish Playhouse at and on FaceBook. Seattle Center (201 Mercer St.) join the IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE – Seattle Women’s Chorus for an evening of CORONATION WEEK jazz, swing, stories and memoirs of the lives FEBRUARY 9-16 of Rosie the Riveters. Dates/times: 2/6 7:30 On Sunday, February 9, at 11 a.m., at p.m., 2/7 8 p.m., 2/8 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., 2/9 2 p.m. Tickets: $28, $33, $43, $53, $63. 206- C.C. Attle’s (1701 E. Olive Way) the Im388-1400; www.seattlewomenschorus.org. perial Court presents the In-Town Brunch and Awards ($10 cover), followed by Voting Day at C.C.’s from 1-6 p.m. All King EQUAL RIGHTS WASHINGTON – County and Island County residents (with LOVE THY NEIGHBOURS valid ID) are encouraged to vote for the ImFUNDRAISER On Friday, February 7, doors at 7:30 perial Court’s candidates for Emperor and p.m., show and auction 8-10 p.m., at Neigh- Empress. On Thursday, February 13, doors at 7 bours Nightclub (1509 Broadway) join Equal Rights Washington and guest host- p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., at The Baltic Room esses Aleksa Manila and Robbie Turner and (1207 Pine St.), the Imperial Court presfor a fundraising auction with live entertain- ents the Denver and Salt Lake City Show, ment to benefit Equal Rights Washington. featuring performances by dignitaries and Tickets: $15 advance, $20 at the door. www. friends of The Court from Denver and Salt Lake City in town for Coronation. No cover. equalrightswashington.org. On Friday, February 14, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., at Neighbours Nightclub SEATTLE ASIAN AMERICAN (1509 Broadway, entrance in alley between FILM FESTIVAL – Broadway and Harvard Ave. off E. Pike LGBTQ SHOWCASE On Friday, February 7, 8:30 p.m., at Ark St.), the Imperial Court presents the Out of Lodge Cinemas (Screen 2), 4816 Rainier Town Show ($15 cover), featuring perforAve. S., the Seattle Asian Film Festival with mances by dignitaries and friends of The API Chaya Queer Network Program and Court visiting from outside Seattle in town Three Dollar Bill Cinema, present an eve- for Coronation. ning LGBTQ showcase featuring two short films, Kimchi Fried Dumplings and House for Sale, leading up to the evening feature, R/Evolve: Lucas and Lincoln just got engaged. Lucas thinks they’ll have it all once marriage equality becomes law, but Lincoln isn’t satisfied. When he encounters a radial Queer hitchhiker, his inner artist is awakened, but his hasty actions soon jeopardize the life he has built and the campaign for equality. Both director, Billie Rain, and writer/editor/producer, Basil Shadid, will be present for a panel discussion following the film. Cost is $11-general; $8-student/senior. For more information on this and the complete festival, visit www.seattleaaff.org On Wednesday, February 5, from 9-11 p.m., come get your skate on at the Southgate Roller Rink’s monthly LGBT Pride Skate event (9646 17th Ave. SW). Meets the first Wednesday most months. This month’s theme is “Thrift Shop.” (March theme is “Leather.”) Cost is $7 (with free skate rental, if needed.) This is an age 18 and older event. www.southgaterollerrink.com.
On Saturday, February 15, doors at 5 p.m., ball at 6 p.m., at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel (515 Madison St.), the Imperial Court presents Coronation 2014 – “The Future Masquerade: A Journey Through the Past, Present & Future.” Tickets: $50 available in advance at goo.gl/ioy2wX and at the door. Light fare available for purchase outside the ballroom. All entries $7. Queen Mother of the Americas Empress Nicole the Great presents her 8th annual State of the Empire address. On Sunday, February 16, at 11 a.m., at Lost Lake (1505 10th Ave.), the Imperial Court presents the Victory Brunch. Come celebrate the investiture of The Court’s new reigning monarchs. Cost: $20 per plate. On Sunday, February 16, at 2 p.m., at C.C. Attle’s (1701 E. Olive Way), the Imperial Court presents the Alaska Birdwater Party, featuring performances by dignitaries and friends of The Court in town for Coronation. “REVEALING QUEER” – LGBT HISTORY AT MOHAI FEBRUARY 14-JULY 6 Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry (860 Terry Ave. N. in South Lake Union) presents “Revealing Queer,” a landmark exhibit on the history of the Puget Sound region’s LGBTQ community. On Friday, February 14, from 7-11 p.m., MOHAI will host a special opening night celebration for the exhibit. Enjoy Gay Bingo hosted by Mama Tits, Queer burlesque with Lily Divine and Pidgeon Von Tramp, DJ SassyBlack (Cat of THEESatisfaction), gallery talks with Community Advisory Committee members throughout the night, and a Queering the Museum Project digital storytelling video playing in the Prologue Theater. All galleries at the museum will be open during this event. Tickets: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. www.mohai.org
GAY CITY ARTS – “IT WILL KILL THEM!” FEBRUARY 6-9 On Thursday-Satuday, February 6-8, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, February 9, at 2 p.m., at Calamus Auditorium at Gay City (517 E. Pike St.), Gay City Arts presents Jennifer Jasper’s “It Will Kill Them.” Everyone has tried to put Jennifer Jasper in a box. Is she a Queer artist? Lesbian? Bisexual? Mainstream? In her signature comedic storytelling style, “It Will Kill Them!” explores the struggle she’s had with the need people have to label her. She has been performing improvisational stories of FEBRUARY CLINIC DEFENSE her life for decades. Recently, she had critiOn Saturday, February 8, from 8 a.m.cal success with her one-woman show, “I 11 a.m., at Madison Planned Parenthood Can Hear You ... but I’m Not Listening.” Tickets: $15-general, $13-student/senior. (2001 E. Madison St.) join Seattle Clinic Defense in support of women seeking serwww.gaycity.org vices at Planned Parenthood. Seattle Clinic Defense is a grass roots group dedicated to SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN comprehensive, medically-accurate, shameBOOK CLUB – VAINGLORY The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club free and affordable reproductive care for all, meets every Wednesday from 6-7:15 p.m., in support of women seeking services at at Seattle Area Support Groups Community Planned Parenthood. www.seattleclinicdeCenter (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). fense.org. In February, the club will discuss VaingloEMERALD CITY SOFTBALL ry by Ronald Firbank, a classic Gay writer ASSOCIATION – who was a huge influence on E.M Forster FIELD DAY and Evelyn Waugh. Alan Hollinghurst NEW-PLAYER CLINIC & wrote about him in The Swimming Pool LiSKILLS ASSESSMENT brary. He wrote eight short novels before On Saturday, February 8, at 10 a.m., dying at the age of 40. His first novel, Vainglory, written in 1915, is still available 99 at North SeaTac Playfields (S. 128th St. & years later. You have NEVER read anything 20th Ave. S., SeaTac), players of all skill like it. Take a chance on one of the oddest, levels are invited to attend this new-player clinic and skills assessment meet-up for most eccentric Gay stylists EVER. This is an experience in Gay sensibility. ECSA’s 2014 LGBT softball season. For It’s the beginning of camp. For further de- rainout and league information, visit seattlegaysoftball.com. tails, vist the book club’s website. All GLBTQ folks are welcome to parTHE TRIPLE DOOR – ticipate in this FREE book club. For more SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER information, visit http://faculty.washington. On Saturday, February 8, doors at 6:30 edu/swittet/SGLBookClub/. p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., The Triple Door (216 Union St.) presents Lesbian comic SuSOUTHGATE ROLLER RINK – zanne Westenhoefer. Tickets: $35 advance; PRIDE SKATE $40 day of show. 206-838-4333; www.thetripledoor.net; 1-800-745-3000.
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Discover 40 years of LGBTQ history in the Puget Sound region 860 Terry Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109 206.324.1126 www.mohai.org
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international news
file photo
LGBT leader in Azerbaijan Nigerian courts suspend Gay trials over dies from suicide fears of violence
afp
A picture taken on January 22, 2014 shows two suspected homosexuals (l) sitting before Judge El-Yakubu Aliyu during court proceedings at Unguwar Jaki Upper Sharia Court in the northern Nigerian city of Bauchi.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Two sharia courts in northern Nigeria have suspended the trials of 10 Gay men because they fear lynch mobs will attack the defendants, Agence France Press news agency reports. A previous session of the sharia court in Bauchi City was disrupted by just such a mob, who pelted the court building with stones when the presiding judge refused to turn over the defendants for immediate
of the stoning incident in the other court, which we are trying to avoid here,” Judge Nuhu Mohammed Dumi told reporters. “The remand notice for the suspects expired today (January 29) but we will have to extend it.” Dumi said that the new trial date would not be publicized and the suspects would be brought to court in secret to avoid more rioting. Attorney Suleiman Musa, representing three of the accused, objected to his clients’ continued detention but Dumi said the deci-
“We can’t continue with the trial in view of the security breach we had during the last court session.” stoning. Police had to fire their weapons into the air to disperse the mob. “We can’t continue with the trial in view of the security breach we had during the last court session,” court registrar Isa Bununu told AFP: “The court will have to suspend the trial pending the review of the security situation with relevant authorities to avoid a repeat of the mob action we saw last week.” Seven men were on trial in one Bauchi court, and three in another. All 10 are charged with being members of a “Gay club,” AFP said. One defendant was already convicted and publicly whipped. The court said it was being lenient and sparing him the death penalty because he admitted to one episode of Gay sex as a boy, and had not repeated the act since. “The trial has been suspended because
Isa Sahmarli
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Isa Sahmarli, a leader of the LGBT human rights movement in former communist Azerbaijan, succumbed to anti-LGBT sentiment and rejection by his family; he was found dead in his apartment Wednesday. He hanged himself with a rainbow flag. Sahmarli, only 20 years old, served as the head of Azad (Free) LGBT, one of the few Gay-rights organizations in the country. The openly Gay activist left a note on his Facebook page: “I am leaving you. God bless you. This country and this world are not for me. I am going to be happy now. Tell my mother I
loved her very much. I blame you all for my death. This world is not colorful enough for my colors. Farewell.” Homosexuality is stigmatized in the mainly Muslim but officially secular former Soviet country. Many Gays and Lesbians say they experience routine harassment and attacks and are shunned by friends and family after coming out. Vugar Adigozalov, a close friend and former colleague of Sahmarli at the Gay rights organization, told AFP that his family had difficulty accepting his sexuality. “The main reason for his suicide was that he had bad relations with his family,” Adigozalov said.
sion was for their own safety. “The families of the three suspects . . . came to me requesting bail and I told them that it was in their interests to stay in prison because they risk losing their lives at the hands of an angry mob if they are released on bail,” he said. “They realized the danger.” Nigeria has a secular civil law code – under which Gay Nigerians may now be sentenced to 14 years in prison – but sharia law is usually used in the northern states, which are predominately Muslim. To be proven, the charge of sodomy, like adultery, requires the testimony of three reliable witnesses or a voluntary confession. If convicted, Gay men may be stoned to death, but observers familiar with Nigeria say that the death penalty is rarely carried out.
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Turkish government in Northern Cyprus OKs Gay sex
Yannakoudakis led an international campaign to pressure the North Cypriot government to drop the ban against Gay sex. “I haven’t stopped campaigning. There are still around 40 countries in the Commonwealth where homosexuality is illegal
sexual misconduct. The Republic of Cyprus decriminalized Gay sex in 1998, under pressure from the European Union, of which the country is a member state. A ban on “promoting” homosexuality was repealed in 2000, and a non-
courtesy ntvmsnbc.com
“Laws against private, consenting homosexual acts between adults criminalize someone’s very identity and have no place in the modern world. and some countries are moving backwards,” she added. Northern Cyprus’s anti-Gay laws provoked an international incident in 2011, when former Republic of Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris was arrested in the northern zone in the company of a 17-year old boy and charged with a felony count of
discrimination law protecting sexual orientation was passed in 2004. The Cypriot government is currently considering a same-sex civil union law. Despite the fact that Turkish authorities enforced the anti-Gay ban in Cyprus, Gay sex has been legal in Turkey since 1858.
Anti-Gay gang leader back in Russian custody file photo
President of Northern Cyprus Dervis Eroglu
The self-styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus became the last jurisdiction in Europe to decriminalize same-sex sexual relations when, on January 27, it repealed a law dating back to the British colonial era. Northern Cyprus was established after Turkish military forces invaded the island country in 1974, occupying the northern third of the island. Only Turkey recognizes the Northern Cyprus government. The remainder of the island is governed by the Republic of Cyprus, which considers the northern portion of the island to be under illegal foreign occupation. The amendment abolishing the North’s anti-Gay law still needs to be signed by the president of the occupied territory, Dervis Eroglu, but he has promised to do so. At the time of the reform, the Northern Cypriot regime was being sued by Human Dignity Trust in the European Court for Human Rights. In August 2012, the ECHR agreed to examine a legal challenge against Turkey for the ban against Gay sex in their Cypriot client state.
As a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights, Turkey is required to protect the rights of LGBT individuals. “This is a historic day for gay people in Europe and a major victory for human rights, equality and the Human Dignity Trust,” Jonathan Cooper, the chief executive of the Human Dignity Trust, said: “Our case before the European court required the law to be changed. Nowhere in Europe now still criminalizes gay people and we are proud to say that we have played a significant role in bringing this shameful chapter in European history to an end. “Laws against private, consenting homosexual acts between adults criminalize someone’s very identity and have no place in the modern world. “These pernicious anti-gay laws, which protect no one and cause deep distress and harm to gay and lesbian people, still exist in 82 legal jurisdictions. But that is one fewer than yesterday, and this we must celebrate.” “It’s been long overdue and I’m pleased that following conversations with Dervis Eroglu, he has promised to sign the bill into law,” said Marina Yannakoudakis, a former Greek Cypriot who now represents Great Britain in the European Parliament.
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January 31, 2014
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Maxim Martsinkevich
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Anti-Gay Russian gang leader Maksim Martsinkevich is back in Russian custody after being deported from Cuba. Martsinkevich, also known as Tesak, or “the Cleaver,” arrived at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on January 27, on a direct flight from Havana, and was immediately arrested by Russian police. Martsinkevich and his gang, which calls itself “Occupy Pedophilia,” were notorious for entrapping young Gay men with online sex ads, then kidnapping and torturing them. They then posted videos of their assaults online. Martsinkevich also posted photos of himself posing with swastika flags and other Neo-Nazi paraphernalia. Several of his victims were reportedly Bashkirs, Tadjiks, or people of other non-Russian nationalities. The video episodes were too much even
for anti-Gay Russian authorities, and Martsinkevich was charged with crimes under Article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code – “incitement of hatred or enmity and violations of human dignity with violence…” He fled Russia in November and was convicted in absentia, which is legal in Russia, on December 13. Martsinkevich is also wanted in the Ukraine, where he is accused of assaulting a contestant in the Ukrainian franchise of the TV talent competition “X Factor.” In January, Martsinkevich announced he was in Cuba. He was arrested by Cuban authorities on January 19. In Russia, Martsinkevich faces three to five years in prison. Yuvlena Frolyak, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in Sevastopol, told LGBTQ Nation that her office had also issued an arrest warrant based on the criminal complaint filed by Martsinkevich’s Ukrainian victim.
Celebrating 41 Years!
health and medicine
Kiki with D Wanting and waiting
take care of the kids (our child and my child from a previous relationship), and I was loyal and there for him through his last deployment and the rest of his career. What should I do? How should I go about telling him either he needs to come to his senses or I’m moving on? He is the type that if you give him an ultimatum he gets arrogant and the exact opposite will happen. I feel that since we’ve been together for three years and everything we have together, he should know by now if he wants to marry me or not. If it’s still questionable, then we don’t need to be together. Right? –Wanting and waiting in Portland
Dear Wanting and waiting in Portland, I’m stuck on the thing with the bills. Yes, it’d be great to get married, but it’d be even nicer to live like people who want to spend their lives together. Splitting expenses is fine, but you don’t seem to be planning for your future as a unit. If he helped with more bills, would you be able to save more for the both of you? Would it improve your lives (and the arguing) on a daily basis? These
Dear Kiki with D, I am in my late 20s and I have been with someone for a little over three years. We have lived together for about a year and a half. We also have a 10-month-old together. She was planned. (I know, stupid me to have a child with someone before marrying them.) Well, before we met, he was married for three years. He said their marriage was basically like they were roommates. They did their own chores. She never worked and he took care of all the bills and her spending habits. She cheated on him while he was deployed, and then they got a divorce. When we first got together, he said he never wanted to get married again and he never wanted children because of his career. He did change his mind on the child thing, and that’s when we decided to have our daughter. He also said he would get married. For the last year and a half now, I have mentioned things about getting married. I have tried to talk to him about it and ask him what the deal is because we have been together for three years, live together, and have a child together. When I first brought
are some things you should consider and think about. Instead of focusing on the marriage thing, consider how you feel about the relationship as it stands. Does it seem like he’s in, with or without the paperwork? Do you work together as a team? Do you feel supported? If you don’t, a proposal won’t help. You need to be with someone who treats you like a life partner. If he’s more of a co-parent who splits costs, you need to talk to him about wanting to feel like a family. Take the time to wrap your heads around that concept and pursue that mode of thinking. Perhaps if you explain that concept without using the M-word (which is probably beginning to lose its meaning), he’ll understand – or at least be open to discussion without getting defensive. The more he becomes comfortable with the family unit, the more opportunistic he might be, and if not, at least you are accomplishing the immediate resolution to the current situation. Hope this helps. Remember be true to you, love yourself, encourage yourself and others. –D
it up he said he wanted to be together for two years first – well that came and went and still no engagement. Then when I mentioned it again, he said he wanted to get our own place first. Well, that came and went too. The last time I brought it up, he said we needed to work on our relationship first, because we argue. All couples argue; it’s only natural. Over the past few months, my feelings have seemed different toward him, and I know a lot of it is because I feel like I am waiting around for nothing. Financially, I am struggling because of my job and the bills I have to pay on my own. We split most costs (day care, etc.), but he has a good paying job and doesn’t offer to help me out more. I know he is the person I want to marry, but I feel my feelings changing for him, because I’m tired of waiting around for him to make the move. It’s something we never really talk about unless I bring it up, and it’s a short conversation anyways because he finds a way to change it. I feel like I am still paying for his past relationship and it’s not fair. I treat him well, I cook for him every night, make his lunches for him every day,
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amidst the controversy and Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain is still dodging the mecontinued from cover dia, spreading hate, and being his basically smug self daily, without a care in the world. court. The nun who fired him, Sister Mary Why is that? Because it is good to be king. Tracy, who seemed to become leftwing pub- Because he doesn’t have to address us, the lic enemy number one, resigned last week common people, unless he wants to. And he doesn’t want to apparently. Well, that is when things change. Mario and I recently met and talked about organizing an event that will allow people to join in, make a statement, and really send home the message that love always wins and that we aren’t just going to go away. On February 14, at 11 a.m., we will begin the three-day march from the steps at the Capitol Building. Along the way we will update social media about our experience and only rest when we need to. You are more than welcome to join us on any part of the walk for however little or as long as you’d like. We encourage it. Want to sponsor us? Contact me at socialoutreachseattle@
march
gmail.com. As we walk to Seattle, we will end the march at the office of the Archdiocese of Seattle and that is where all the rest of you married folks come into the picture. It is our hope that hundreds of same and oppositesex married couples show up and greet us. The Catholic Church says they do not recognize same-sex marriages. Well, let’s turn out a number of couples so big he won’t have a choice but to admit that we are here, we do exist and we deserve the same rights and respect as everyone else. More information will be made available in the coming days. For now, go to www. socialoutreachseattle.com
california continued from cover
protect public health and safety and did not violate the free speech rights of therapists. The ruling of the entire Ninth Circuit allows that decision to stand, thereby ensuring that California’s law will remain in effect. Three of the Ninth Circuit’s 27 active judges dissented from the ruling, but only because they disagreed with the original panel’s reasoning that medical practice did not constitute protected speech. The dissenting judges took no position on whether the statute is valid. “The regulation at issue may very well constitute a valid exercise of California’s police power…” they wrote. “Today’s decision affirms that California
can protect young people and their families from being deceived and harmed by unethical therapists who falsely claim they can change a person’s sexual orientation,” National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Legal Director Shannon Minter said. “These practices have no scientific basis and can cause serious, lasting harms that devastate families and destroy young lives. California has a duty to protect the public from deceptive and unsafe practices by medical professionals who are licensed by the state. The Legislature did the right thing by enacting this protective law, and the ruling today strongly confirms that other states should follow California’s example and adopt similar laws.” Equality California Executive Director John O’Connor, who joined the defense in the case, said he was “proud to have sponsored and defended this important law.” “No ethical professional should put a young person’s life and well-being at risk by engaging in these ineffective and dangerous practices,” he added. “Every young person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and to be valued for who they are.” New Jersey enacted a similar law in 2013, with support from Republican Governor Chris Christie. A federal district court upheld New Jersey’s law on November 8, 2013, and that law is currently the subject of an appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In that litigation, NCLR represents Garden State Equality, New Jersey’s largest LGBT rights organization.
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Celebrating 41 Years!
enda
continued from cover cludes 113 members of Congress, not all of them LGBT. The meeting with Boehner was “a historic sort of meeting,” Takano said. ENDA would add protections for sexual orientation and gender identity to federal civil rights laws covering employment. The measure has had a complicated legislative history. A version that omitted protections for Transgender workers passed the House in 2007, but was not taken up by the Senate because then-President George W. Bush promised to veto it. In 2009, a Trans-inclusive bill was introduced, but it failed to get a committee hearing in the House, even though Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi was a strong supporter of the measure. The Senate HELP (Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions) Committee did hold a hearing on their version of the bill, however. The Senate passed a Trans-inclusive ENDA in November, in a bipartisan 64-32 vote, leaving the ultimate fate of the bill up to a
hostile Republican House leadership. LGBT activists also noted that ENDA was omitted from President Obama’s State of the Union speech January 28. “The President’s message tonight failed to address the needs of LGBT workers looking for a fair shake in this economy,” HRC said in a statement. “Not only was there no call for the House to pass a federal law to protect LGBT workers nationwide, President Obama also sidestepped his commitment to take action where Congress has left off, leaving out an order prohibiting discrimination by federal contractors.” HRC and other LGBT organization had been pressing Obama to issue an executive order requiring federal contractors to adopt nondiscrimination guidelines that include sexual orientation and gender identity – much as he did for the $10.10 minimum wage. “No federal contractor, like ExxonMobil, should be able to take billions in taxpayer dollars without safeguards in place to prevent discrimination,” HRC said. The Task Force also urged the President to “sign an executive order that bans discrimi-
nation against the same contract workers train moves forward on what would obviwho are LGBT.” ously be an America where equal rights are Citing his executive order on the mini- extended to all Americans. mum wage, the Task Force noted what they “So I think his record on LGBT rights is called an “irony” – that “some LGBT fed- crystal-clear, his position is crystal-clear, eral contract workers will get a pay raise, and he continues to press Congress to take but they could still be fired for who they are action on ENDA.” and who they love. The longer the President waits, the more damage LGBT people will face; discrimination is a painful reality that is too often the lived experience of LGBT people. The President has to act when Congress won’t.” White House spokesperson Jay Carney defended President Obama’s commitment to LGBT rights in a statement to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to an event in Pittsburgh. “When it comes to the Employment NonDiscrimination Act, he is fiercely supportive of that effort, enormously gratified by the fact the Senate took action and very hopeful that the House will follow suit,” Carney said. “Because as I’ve said many times, reflecting his opinion, members of the House who block this are being left at the station as the
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