SGN Jan 6, 2012 - Section 1

Issue 01 Volume 40

Celebrating 39 Years!

FRIDAY January 6, 2012 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands

JAMAICA PM p. 7

ALAN TURING p. 13

CONDOMS & PORN p. 14

Seattle Gay News

“It’s time.”

SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

REUTERS/Robert Sorbo

Governor Gregoire endorses marriage equality for Washington by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

On January 4, Governor Chris Gregoire announced she wants Washington to become the seventh state to legalize Gay marriage.

In a spirited and impassioned speech, Governor Chris Gregoire publicly supported legalizing samesex marriage in Washington state. Although she previously supported efforts to expand the state’s current law on domestic partner rights for LGBT couples, Wednesday, January 4, was the first time she came out in support of full marriage equality, going so far as to say that she would be the one to introduce the bill in the next legislative session – scheduled to start Monday. “It’s time. It’s the right thing to do,” Gregoire told a room crowded with reporters, LGBT advocates,

and supporters of same-sex marriage who came from as far away as Spokane and Vancouver, Washington to witness the speech.

face the same hurdles as heterosexual families: making ends meet, choosing what school to send their kids to, finding someone to grow old with, standing in front of friends and family, and making a lifetime commitment,” Gregoire said. “For all couples, a state marriage license is very important. It gives them the right to enter into a marriage contract in which their legal interests, and those of their children, if any, are protected by well-established civil law.” Present during the gov“Some say domestic partner- ernor’s speech were couples who ships are the same as marriage,” have registered as domestic partshe said. “That’s a version of the ners in Washington state. For many discriminatory ‘separate but equal’ argument of the past.” see marriage page 16 “Our Gay and Lesbian families

Washington to get $3.5 million 2012 Pride Parade for HIV prevention from CDC theme announced

all photos by Nate Gowdy

cording to a formula that matches federal resources to the geographic burden of HIV, as measured by the number of people reported living with HIV in each jurisdiction. “This new funding approach ensures that many areas with heavier HIV burdens receive urgently needed funding increases,” the CDC said in a press release. Previously, funding was allocated based on the number of people living with AIDS. The HIV figure is more inclusive, since fewer than half of all Americans living with see CDC page 18

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Washington state’s Department of Health will get almost $3.5 million from the CDC for “high-impact HIV prevention.” The CDC announced a total of $339 million in new funding, covering the first year of a five-year funding cycle, on January 4. The awards represent a new direction for the CDC’s HIV funding, designed to achieve higher impact for every federal HIV prevention dollar spent. The funds will be allocated to individual health departments ac-

HIV

to your right. Look behind you, ahead of you, across the street,” said SO&P officials in a media On January 5, Seattle Out and release. “All around, you’ll see Proud (SO&P) announced “The it – community, and the beautiful Many Faces of Pride” as the 2012 people who make it theirs. Some will be immediately recognizable; Seattle Pride Parade theme. “This year, as you revel and participate in the 2012 Seattle Pride Parade, look to your left, then see pride page 18 by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

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Seattle Gay News

January 6, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

Remembering the men behind Lawrence v. Texas Photo by David J. Phllip/Associated Press

John Lawrence (l) and Tyron Garner

by David Webb Courtesy of The Rare Reporter Deceased Houston residents John Lawrence and Tyron Garner couldn’t possibly have realized 13 years ago that one of the most mortifying events of their lives would wind up changing the course of history for a society of people. The two Gay men, who arguably were the unlikeliest pair of Gay advocates to ever play high-profile roles in the U.S. LGBT rights movement, turned out to be the catalysts for striking down centuries of oppressive American law and establishing homosexual relations as a basic civil right. Prior to the filing of a landmark LGBT rights lawsuit on their behalf, the men had no involvement with gay rights organizations. In June 2003 the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the 1973 Texas Homosexual Conduct Law in its review of Lawrence v. Texas, effectively striking down the 14 remaining state anti-sodomy laws that prohibited sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex. In doing so the high court re-

versed its 1986 decision in Bowers v. Hardwick upholding Georgia’s anti-sodomy law. In rendering the decision, the justices wrote that Gay men and Lesbians were entitled to privacy, and that states had no right to restrict their personal sexual lives – a startling contrast from the ruling in the Georgia law that maintained there was no fundamental right to homosexual relations. Even Justice Antonin Scalia, a dissenting voice in the court’s six-to-three vote, acknowledged that the Lawrence decision by the high court supported a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. It was a remarkable turn of events sparked by unremarkable men who apparently had never entertained any ideas of Gay activism prior to their arrest in Lawrence’s Houstonarea apartment in 1998 when a sheriff’s deputy entered the apartment to investigate a false crime report. The deputy claimed he saw the pair engaged in a sex act rather than the disturbance that was reported, and he arrested them on deviant sex charges. Despite the horror of being humiliated, arrested, taken out of the apartment virtually

Wallingford’s Changes bar battles neighbor over noise complaints by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The popular Wallingford neighborhood Gay bar, Changes (often referred to as the “Gay Cheers”), has come under attack for noise complaints, prompting the bar staff to create a petition to defend the business against the continued barrage of SPD visits where officers ask them to keep it down. “A dart’s toss from the University of Washington and the only Gay bar in Wallingford, Changes Bar and Grill has been gathering friends together for 22 years,” reads a statement on the business’s website, www.changesinwallingford.com. “Opening January 31, 1989, we have outlasted many of our competitors. Just a few quick minutes from downtown, Changes opened a Gay bar in the heart of Wallingford with the intent to celebrate diversity and community. This neighborhood Gay bar treats everyone like a regular, even if it’s your first time there.” Robert, who requested that his last name not appear in print, has worked as a bartender at Changes for 11 years and says the bar has done whatever it could to accommodate the noise complaint. Nothing has worked, he said – except the petition.

Robert told Seattle Gay News the problems began when a woman bought a condo several months ago from an owner who failed to inform her that a bar was located right next door. When I first heard about this neighborhood struggle, the first thing I thought (and I assume many of you surmised this, as well) was, “Well, yeah. You bought a condo next to bar. There is going to be some noise associated with that.” But according to Robert, the bar, at first, respected the woman’s wishes. Although Changes is famous for many things, the back patio area is very popular with regulars. The woman’s condo is located next to the patio. In addition, Changes hosts three nights of karaoke, by Black Nail Productions, that, according to Robert, was another point of contention with their new neighbor as far as noise is concerned. I should tell you that I have been to Changes many times. Not only have I enjoyed each visit (the bar staff and clientele are among the friendliest you will find in the city), I remember seeing a note the bar management posted on the door leading to the patio. The message told bar patrons to be

undressed, and jailed, the case had a relatively quick initial disposition. Lawrence and Garner paid fines of $125 and court costs of $141.25 for the Class C misdemeanors while pleading no contest. Robert R. Eubanks, the also now-deceased boyfriend of Lawrence who in a fit of jealously called 911 with the false crime report, spent two weeks in jail as punishment for his part in the fiasco. It was there the story could have taken a much different turn than it did, but Lawrence and Garner ultimately decided on a course of action that the arresting law enforcement authorities probably never dreamed might occur. The two Gay men resisted the oppression by following the advice of Lambda Legal Defense Fund attorneys who wanted to wage a legal battle against the antiquated, discriminatory law, which was rarely enforced. At that point Lawrence and Garner became to the LGBT community what Rosa Parks represented to the nation’s AfricanAmerican community in 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama, when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. Her civil disobedience against the city regulation sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which became a major symbolic force in propelling the civil rights movement forward. The success of the Lawrence case had a similar impact on the nation’s LGBT community, and the gains have been monumental during the past eight years. Although Parks was active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as secretary at the time, she was just a seamstress in a local department store. She lost her job over the incident and eventually moved to Detroit to find similar work. It would be years before Parks was honored for her bravery and became known as the “first lady of the civil rights movement” and the “mother of the freedom movement.” Parks lived another 50 years and received many honors during that time. The parallel between Lawrence (a white man), Garner (a black man), and Parks is their insignificant socio-economic status and ordinariness at the times they made de-

cisions that would have such far-reaching effects upon their communities. Lawrence, who was 68 when he died on November 20, 2011, was a medical technologist until his retirement in 2009. His death from a heart condition apparently went unnoticed for at least a month by the media, legal advocates, and the LGBT community, until his Houston lawyer Mitchell Katine reportedly tried to invite him to a commemorative event for the court ruling. Garner, who was 39 when he died September 11, 2006, of meningitis, was unemployed at the time of the arrest in 1998. He had worked at a number of different types of jobs, and he had a criminal record that included two convictions for assault in 1995 and 2000. Both Lawrence and Garner were “quiet, passive” men who preferred to avoid public scrutiny, according to their attorney. Lawrence reportedly was intimidated because he was still closeted to so many, but his outrage over being taken to jail in his underwear motivated him to push forward as one of the faces of the legal challenge. The pair, who had been occasional sex partners but never lovers, lived out their lives separately. Lawrence lived with a partner at the time of his death, and Garner was being cared for by his brother when he died. Eubanks, who introduced Lawrence and Garner to each other and put everything in motion by making the false 911 call, was beaten to death in 2000. The case was never solved. It probably was more by design on the part of Lawrence and Garner that their contributions to the LGBT rights movement have largely gone uncelebrated during the past eight years, but it might be a good time to pay them more respect. After all, they could just as easily have just paid the fines and walked back into the obscurity of their lives rather than stepping into the glare of public scrutiny and the pages of history. If that had happened we might still be where we were when they were first arrested.

respectful of the neighbor when talking outside on the patio, and that the patio would be off-limits after 10 p.m. Also, according to Robert, the bar has added extra insulation to prevent karaoke noise pollution from reaching the neighbor. Still, she remained unsatisfied. Nothing they did seemed to please the woman. Robert also told SGN it is important to note that Changes is not the only bar sharing the neighbor’s immediate area. He said there are three other bars and restaurants near the condo, and that some of them feature live music. The police visits have been cordial, he said. In fact, he alleges that the woman has also called the police about issues unrelated to noise, including requesting the police remove a shopping cart left in front of the building that houses her condo. The petition came about as a counterattack to a petition the woman was allegedly circulating around the neighborhood, asking people to sign it in support of minimizing any noise that escapes Changes. Though the woman’s petition did not gather many signatures, Changes staff still felt it was prudent to start a counter-petition of their own. The petition reads: “For the last 22 years, Changes has been a much-loved fixture in

Wallingford and in the Seattle Gay community. Recently, new elements in the neighborhood have decided we don’t belong here anymore. These complaints come from a single new homeowner in the area who has filed a number of noise complaints against us. Changes serves hundreds of people a week with affordable drinks and good times, and but also supports local sports teams in the neighborhood and the Wallingford economy. To keep Changes alive and kicking, please sign this online petition so we can be open another 22 years.” To be clear, Changes is not in danger of being closed down. Their business is alive and well, and, according to Robert, since Changes began to promote their own petition, the calls to SPD over noise complaints have ceased. Hundreds of people have already signed the petition. Robert says he does not think that their neighbor is homophobic. Instead, he said, the woman is probably angry over the fact that she was not told in advance that she was buying a condo located next to a bar. The situation, it would seem, just got out of hand, but has begun to calm itself. With over 20 years of service to the Gay community, Changes is one of the longestrunning Gay bars in Seattle.

David Webb is a veteran journalist who has reported on LGBT issues for three decades. Contact him at davidwaynewebb@ hotmail.com.

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January 6, 2012

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Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.

Heartwarming messages of love from parents, family, and friends of LGBT people close friend of Michael’s, contacted him because her son was coming out of the closet and she wasn’t sure how to best deal with it,” wrote Wallace in an op-ed published on In searching for a way to give the Huffington Post. “She asked Miback to the LGBT commuchael if she could speak with nity, Patrick Wallace and his mother, Sharon, with Michael Volpatt crethe hope that she’d ultiated aNoteToMyKid. mately learn how to be com, a grassroots there for her son durmovement that ing his coming out gives everyone – process.” parents, family, and Always willing to friends – the opporlend a helping hand, tunity to express unWallace said Volpatt conditional love for sent an email to his the LGBT people in mom telling her about their lives. Rosey’s situation and asked According to Wallace, the if she’d let Rosey call her. nonprofit’s purpose is to remind Volpatt’s mom replied to the people that there is a lot of love out there, email: to bring family and friends closer together, and to give parents and others who may not If Rosey calls I will tell her this: know how to broach the subject of sexuality If her son has 1/16th the caring, loving, an opportunity to learn from example. creative, and intelligent qualities that my “The site was inspired when Rosey, a son Michael has, she is one “lucky” mom. by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

The nonprofit’s purpose is ... to give parents and others who may not know how to broach the subject of sexuality an opportunity to learn from example.

It has nothing to do with whether he is “Gay” or “straight,” but what kind of person he is, how he treats others, and how he feels about himself. I feel great about telling others that you are Gay, and using it to explain the goodness that you put forth in life, and the strength you have shown while growing up in a world that can be judgmental, prejudiced, and mean to those “THEY” perceive as different. Everyone is different, and thank heavens for that!!! Everyone should be treated the same if they are good people. It’s the goodness in people that makes them special. So, I could go on and on down my memory lane of “Life with Mikey” and show extreme happiness and pride that you are my son. Love, Mom “Michael originally posted the note on Facebook, and I called him immediately after I read it one morning before work,” Wallace explained. “I told him we’ve got to create a site where parents, family members, and friends can share these kinds of stories. The impact could be huge. He enthusiastically agreed, and shortly thereafter aNoteToMyKid.com was born.” Wallace and Volpatt hope that the unconditional love shared on the site will help instill the confidence needed for LGBT people to live positive and productive lives. “We also hope the stories featured on aNoteToMyKid.com will offer a glimmer of hope for those in the LGBT community who feel that their parents, family, and friends may not accept them for who they are,” concluded Wallace. “The more than 60 notes and photo posts from all over the U.S. and as far away as the Czech Republic, Canada, England, and Scotland demonstrate how some family members initially found it difficult to accept their child’s sexuality but in the end made the conscious decision to love their children unconditionally.”

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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January 6, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign: “These men who have pledged to amend the constitution to ban marriage for Gay couples, keep the failed ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, and oppose basic workplace protections for LGBT people, are not fit to

courtesy human rights campaign

or who he is as a candidate (pandering and mean). It is simply the gasping statement of a thankfully dying breed of Americans – those who fear, loathe, or hate anyone different from themselves, who mistrust or reject the idea that government can and should be a force for good, and who detest even the slightest exposure to information or ideas that challenge their world view.”

Richard Socarides, White House special assistant to President Clinton: “What the results say to me is that the far right has taken over the Republican Party. The most anti-Gay candidate, Rick Santorum, emerges with the only real momentum out of Iowa. Mitt Romney, still the likely nominee, remains completely unacceptable to any Gay person who’s paying attention. Ron Paul is no better. While President Obama has not demonstrated the kind of emotional connection to our issues that we hoped for, on the merits he has delivered for us and now it is crucially important that we deliver for him. In doing so, we can build Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese on the important gains we lead. Their showings in Iowa last night only have made and save ourselves from the tofurther draw a distinction between their tally unacceptable alternatives.” plans to turn back the clock on equality and President Obama’s demonstrated commitJerame Davis, executive ment to making the lives of LGBT people director of National better. Stonewall Democrats: “The anti-LGBT positions shared by “The Iowa caucuses paint a sad and desthese candidates will not serve them well perate picture of today’s Republican Party. in a general election. By a strong majority, Mitt Romney has been running for president Americans support equal treatment under for five years and yet 75% of Iowa Repubthe law which neither Romney or Santorum licans would like anyone but Romney to do. Governor Romney may have tried to be their standard bearer. Last night, Iowa seem like a moderate candidate on LGBT scraped the bottom of the barrel and came issues when in Massachusetts, but it’s clear up with Rick Santorum – a dyed-in-thethrough the campaign he’s run for President wool culture warrior hell-bent on imposthat he is no friend to LGBT Americans. ing his warped moral values on the rest of Further, Senator Santorum is only exem- the nation – as their anti-Romney. Of all the plary in that no other candidate has made clowns in the car, they picked the most viruopposing basic rights for LGBT Americans lently homophobic and least qualified of the such a guiding principle of his or her public lot.” life.” rex wockner

Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights: “In the repellent race to the bottom (no pun intended) it should be no surprise that Santorum did so well in the Iowa caucuses. Mitt Romney is in a major stall, and in a field of class clowns Rick Santorum stands out as particularly cartoonish. The two pieces of good news are this: first, Romney’s chilly relationship with voters is not likely to thaw anytime soon, meaning that that the disarray and fumbling will continue for many months to come, to the great benefit of President Obama; second, Santorum won with just over 30K votes, which is about one third of the crowd at the San Francisco Folsom Street Fair. Santorum’s win is not a referendum on who he is as a man (inhumane and ignorant),

getty images

LGBT activists react to Iowa Republican caucuses

Troy Price, executive director of One Iowa, the state’s LGBT advocacy group: “This extremely close outcome shows that in spite of the millions of dollars and constant campaigning on the backs of loving, committed Gay and Lesbian couples in Iowa, the attempt by social conservatives to dominate the caucuses simply didn’t work. Rather, this tie between Santorum and Romney shows the deep divisions that exist between social conservatives who want to harm loving and committed couples, and fiscal conservatives who prioritize job creation and smaller government. The debate over LGBT equality will continue in Iowa, and One Iowa and its allies will do everything possible to protect our rights and freedoms.”

Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans R. Clarke Cooper

David Mixner, human rights activist: “In The Sound of Music, the nuns sing about the nun who doesn’t quite fit into the convent [in the song] ‘How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?’ Well, the Republicans can be singing a similar tune today about Mitt Romney after the Iowa caucuses. The establishment favorite once again proves that after six years of campaigning he couldn’t break 25%. In fact he received a few less votes than he did four years ago in Iowa. “The spin that this year was a more competitive race is nonsense. After all four years ago there was Huckabee, Thompson, McCain, and Paul on the ballot. Hardly a less competitive race compared to this year’s crop of candidates. In fact last night, 75% of Iowa voters signaled they rather have someone else than Romney who is a very well known character to the voters.” Andrew Sullivan, blogger: “[Santorum] does not believe that you have the right to adult, consensual sex in your own bedroom, if the government decides it’s bad for society as a whole. That includes masturbation and contraception on exactly the same grounds as homosexual acts. All of them are sodomy and subject to government regulation. Santorum can say he is just referring to the role of the courts, not backing substantive legislation to criminalize private adult consensual sex. But it’s clear he believes that such sex is a serious threat to civilization, and only prudential grounds should restrain the government’s decision to enforce that morality. … Santorum’s slogan is ‘Faith, Family, Freedom.’

But it is more accurately described as ‘Faith, Family, and Freedom That Doesn’t Violate the Tenets of Faith and Family as Defined by Santorum.’” Fred Karger, openly Gay GOP presidential candidate: “After a long, long night, it appears to be a tie between Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in Iowa. That said, it really is a huge loss for Romney. He and his campaign stupidly declared victory last week, only raising expectations. The fact that Gay-hater Rick Santorum nearly beat the Romney machine is pretty amazing. The reported $1 million that one of Santorum’s backers – I’m guessing the National Organization for Marriage – paid Bob Vander Plaats’ Family Leader organization for its endorsement must have helped. Santorum is also NOM’s handpicked candidate for president. Scary.” R. Clarke Cooper, executive director, Log Cabin Republicans: “While there’s no definitive winner in Iowa tonight, a long-term victory over Barack Obama will require a candidate who can unite and expand the Republican ranks. Of the candidates who participated in the Iowa caucuses, Romney was one of the best on issues affecting LGBT Americans. By contrast, Santorum rose by appealing to a uniquely socially conservative electorate. The divisive social issue politics that helped Santorum’s campaign in Iowa will only hurt him in New Hampshire and beyond. We suggest all candidates reject Santorum’s politics and focus on the issues that matter most to Americans: jobs and the economy.”

Executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Kate Kendell

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NEWS

Andrea Laube

INTERNATIONAL by Scott Wittet SGN Contributing Writer

AUSTRALIA: ANTI-GAY STREET PREACHERS TARGET CITY TRAINS In Adelaide, Australia’s controversial street preachers are taking their hate messages aboard city trains. Transit staff reported that two male preachers were “abusing” passengers with slogans such as “homosexuals are sinners and women are all sinners” while a third recorded the incident on a mobile phone. They want police to fine them for their behavior so they can challenge free speech laws in court. A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport said police had been called to remove preachers from trains on the Noarlunga line in two separate incidents on December 21. “Preaching on public transport is of concern to the Department, as it would be likely to cause discomfort for customers on board and in prescribed areas such as stations,” the spokeswoman said.

sage aboard city trains over the past two weeks. Corneloup said no fines had been imposed as yet, but he was eager for police to issue a ticket so they could challenge the law in court. He denied that the preachers were hassling commuters and noted that trains are “a really good environment for preaching. You have got a captive audience and it is much easier to get your message across. You are able to preach in a lower voice.” LESBIAN COUPLE MARRIES IN ANGOLA A Lesbian couple was married in Angola’s capital Luanda over the weekend – the second recorded Gay marriage in the southern African country. The couple, known only as São Paulo and Mario, decided to marry following a fiveyear engagement. They plan to honeymoon in Brazil. A street preacher in Adelaide, Australia

ry, says that while he respects the right of the LGBT EuroGames organizers to do whatever they and their “like-minded people” want, “I disassociate myself from both [the Gay] lifestyle, as well as from the event.” Despite the lack of love from the mayor, the EuroGames will take place in Budapest from June 27 to July 1, with about 4,000 athletes from across Europe expected to participate. Gábor Demszky, former mayor of Budapest, said that he supports the event. Openly Gay Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit, to whom Tarlós made his comments in a letter, noted that the games are not only a sporting event but also are important for

promoting acceptance of LGBT people. NEW ZEALAND LEADER SUPPORTS GAY MARRIAGE David Shearer, the newly-elected Labour party leader in New Zealand, says marriage equality has his support “in principle” but he would have to see the details of the legislation first before endorsing any particular bill. Civil unions have been legal in New Zealand since 2005. Shearer also believes that updating laws which prohibit Gay couples from adopting is “long overdue.” Labour currently is the opposition party, and the government, dominated by the more Andrea Laube

Angola

The spokeswoman said fines could be issued by either police or Passenger Service Assistants. Members of Street Church Adelaide have polarized the local community in recent years with vocal Friday-night protests in which they shout slogans at passing shoppers such as “you are all sinners and will be killed by God.” The preachers came to blows with drinkers last week. Preacher spokesman Caleb Corneloup said the group had been taking their mes-

Homosexuality is illegal in Angola and since Angolan legislation does not allow same-sex marriage, the union will not carry legal weight and there will be no marriage certificate. However, Luanda’s Gay community keeps a book to “record” all its members’ marriages. BUDAPEST MAYOR OPPOSES GAY OLYMPICS István Tarlós, mayor of Budapest, Hunga-

István Tarlós, mayor of Budapest, Hungary

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Celebrating 39 Years!

Gadfium

New Zealand Labour Party leader David Shearer

conservative National Party, has said that marriage and adoption equality is “not a priority.” Shearer’s deputy, member of Parliament Grant Robertson, is openly Gay and part of the four-MP Rainbow Caucus within Labour. GAY UGANDAN ASYLUM SEEKER FREED FROM U.S. DETENTION A Gay Ugandan asylum seeker has been freed from detention in California after a campaign by his friends. Joseph Bukombe had been held at an Otay Mesa, San Diego, detention facility for nearly two years. He needed $10,000 bail. It was raised through a campaign to “get him home for Christmas.” Friends are now raising money to fight for his asylum claim. “It’s like a dream come true,” Bukombe said. Eight years ago, Bukombe arrived in San Diego from Uganda and came out as a Gay man. Afterwards he was afraid to go back to his country. He recalls that a few years ago a mob beat one of his friends to death in Uganda. Hector Martinez, a friend of a friend, started a campaign supporting Bukombe.

“Thanks to all the donors who contributed to bail for Joseph Bukombe who was released last night,” the Rev. Canon Albert Ogle wrote in an email to friends and supporters on Christmas Eve. “He enjoyed his first meal with friends in San Diego at a Kenyan restaurant and wanted to express his deep appreciation to everyone who helped to secure his release,” Ogle wrote. However, Bukombe still faces deportation hearings. “It’s clear I will die,” said Bukombe of being returned to Uganda. “I’m scared for the future, but at least I have hope.” U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement told a San Diego television station that “the courts have held that [Bukombe] has failed to establish a legal basis to remain in the United States. ICE is now in the process of seeking to carry out the deportation order handed down by the immigration court.” Bukombe plans to hire an attorney and reapply for asylum. Supporters also are pushing a congressional bill that could allow him to stay. They are hopeful because of the Obama administration’s new policy toward LGBT immigrants who face persecution or the threat of death in their homeland.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Jamaica has the unenviable reputation of being the anti-Gay bastion of the Caribbean. That may change if its new prime minster, Portia Simpson-Miller, has her way. Simpson-Miller – know as Sister P to her supporters – was elected in a landslide in elections on December 29. During a televised debate on December 20 between Simpson-Miller and incumbent Prime Minister Andrew Holness, whose Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) was voted out of office, Simpson-Miller said she believes in protecting the human rights of LGBT Jamaicans. “No one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation,” Simpson-Miller said. “Government should provide the protection and I think we should have a look at the buggery [sodomy] law and that members of Parliament should be given an opportunity to vote with their conscience on consultation with their constituents. “But for me, I do not support the position of the former prime minister [Bruce Golding, who said he would not appoint a Gay person in his Cabinet] because people should be appointed to positions based on their ability and to lead.” In spite of polls showing a close race, preliminary election returns showed that Simpson-Miller’s People’s National Party (PNP) had won 41 seats out of 63 for a commanding majority in Parliament. Colin Robinson, president of the Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO), called Simpson-Miller’s victory a lesson for all “Caribbean cowardly politicians.” “What the win says is that you do not lose an election by being supportive of the rights and the humanity of Gay people,” Robinson said. “Similarly the JLP candidate, who was most outrageous [by] using homophobia as a campaign tool, lost his seat. So the other message is ‘bun batty man’ [“burn the Gays”] and beating the Bible on the backs

of Gay people will not win you elections.” Robinson said the election proves that supporting LGBT rights is not a political liability. “The only reason that the politician has now to oppose full equality concerning Gay people is their own prejudice,” he said. Lynette Vassell, a member of the Women’s Resource and Outreach Centre in Jamaica, told the Trinidad Express that the JLP’s attempt to use Simpson-Miller’s pro-Gay statements against her backfired on the ruling party. “It backfired because the issues on people’s minds were more concrete and practical,” Vassell said. “I and a lot of right-thinking Jamaicans support the stance she took during the debate because what she is saying is that we need to open up a conversation around a matter that is very touchy in our context. “What she has said is that she is going to open the debate around the repeal of the Buggery Act and she is going to encourage parliamentarians to deal with it on an individual basis after consulting with their constituents. “Of course we recognize that if a man had said it, it would have been a damaging and dangerous thing [politically] and I am glad that she is the one who very sincerely made the response.” Simpson-Miller, now 66, was first elected to Parliament in 1976 and became Jamaica’s first woman prime minister in 2006-07. The PNP is a democratic socialist party founded by Norman Manley and led for many years by his son, Michael Manley. It dominated Jamaican politics from 1989 through 2007, and seems poised to do so again with a huge majority in Parliament. Simpson-Miller became party leader in 2006. “I am humbled as I stand before you and I wish to thank the Jamaican people for their love, for their support and for giving the People’s National Party and the leader of the party her own mandate,” SimpsonMiller said to supporters as the results were counted. Simpson-Miller’s plate is already full. In

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New Jamaican prime minister supports LGBT rights

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller

addition to reforming Jamaica’s anti-Gay sodomy laws – a leftover of British colonialism – she will have to cope with a 12% unemployment rate and a massive debt, about 130% of Jamaica’s GDP.

January 6, 2012

She has also promised to make Jamaica a republic. Legally Jamaica remains a selfgoverning state under the British Crown, with Queen Elizabeth represented locally by a governor-general.

Seattle Gay News

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NORTHWEST

NEWS

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

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.” “NORDIC LIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL” JANUARY 6-8 The Nordic Heritage Museum announces the third annual Nordic Lights Film Festival on January 6-8, at the new SIFF Cinema Center in Seattle Center’s Northwest Rooms, located north of Key Arena on the Seattle Center grounds. This cutting edge cinematic festival offers an immersion into the world of hot Nordic films during the chilly winter film season, focusing on contemporary, award-winning films from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Tickets: $10-general; $5-noon matinees; discounts for students and affiliate members; $50-general weekend pass, $40for affiliate members. All ticketing will be through SIFF. For more information about the films and to buy tickets, visit www.SIFF. net. Or call 206-633-7151 for show time and program information, 206-324-9996 for tickets. For complete information about the Nordic Lights Film Festival, visit www.nordicmuseum.org. GAY CITY HOSTS “OUT TO QUIT” OPEN HOUSE FOR TOBACCO CESSATION Are you thinking about reducing or stopping your tobacco use? On Tuesday, January 10, at 6:30 p.m., at Gay City Health Project (511 E. Pike St.), come to Gay City’s Open House to learn more about their “Out to Quit” series, an effective program for quitting or reducing tobacco use. For more information, call 206-388-1710 or email lark@gaycity.org. GSBA PRIME TIME MIXER On Wednesday, January 11, from 5:307:30 p.m., at South Lake Union Discovery Center (101 Westlake Ave. N.), join GSBA and South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce members for an evening mixer to really mix-it-up, network, have a blast, bite and beverage while checking out The Discovery Center in South Lake Union. South Lake Union is emerging as a hightech, bio-medical, retail and residential hot spot in the Seattle area. The Discovery Center highlights the emerging Seattle neighborhood and educational exhibits about the area’s history. GSBA Prime Time Mixers are designed to bring together the best and brightest business professionals in the Greater Seattle area, giving them a fun and relaxing environment to network, socialize and build business relationships. Cost: $10-members, $15-nonmembers, $10-students. To RSVP: 206-363-9188; www.thegsba.org. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB – FINISTERE The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Seattle Area Support Groups Community Center (formerly Dunshee House) (303 17th Ave. E. & E. Thomas St.)

January’s selection is Fritz Peters’ pioneering Gay novel of 1951, Finistere - a classic from the era of Gore Vidal’s The City and the Pillar. All GLBTQ folks are welcome to participate in this FREE book club. For more information, email nickdimartin@earthlink. net, visit http://faculty.washington.edu/ switter/SGLBookClub/ or contact SASG at 206-322-2437. POZ SEATTLE JANUARY PORN EXCHANGE SOCIAL On Wednesday, January 11, from 6-8 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (13th Ave. & E. Pine St.), POZSeattle hosts their annual New Year’s “Clean-Out-Your-Drawer-BecauseYou-Got-New-Porn-For-Christmas-PornExchange!” Social. To participate in the Porn Exchange, simply bring in any magazines, books, DVDs, and yes, even VHS tapes, you want to swap and trade. Meet up in the downstairs bar for food, socializing, to catch-up with old friends, to make new ones, and a whole lot of fun. The event is FREE as always (except for the cost of beverages from the bar), but donations are gladly accepted, and is for all HIV-Positive men and their friends, regardless of age, shape, size, or color. POZSeattle is a social organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-positive guys that is committed to planning and promoting fun, social activities. For questions or more information about this event, to plan your own social event, or to be added to our event promotions email list, email info@ pozseattle.org or visit www.pozseattle.org. COLLECTIVE BRIGHTNESS: LGBTIQ POETS ON FAITH, RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY On Wednesday, January 11, at 6:30 p.m., at Gay City Health Project (511 E. Pike St.), join Gay City for the Seattle launch of Collective Brightness: LGBTIQ Poets on Faith, Religion & Spirituality, the first-ever anthology featuring LGBTIQ poets from around the world writing about and from various faith, religion and spiritual traditions, including Judaism, Islam, Two-Spirit, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and others. Hear from editor Kevin Simmonds, and local contributors Jeremy Halinen and Crystal Ibarra. FREE. www.gaycity.org. SISTERS ORGANIZE FOR SURVIVAL MEETING On Thursday, January 12, at 7 p.m., at New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), Sisters Organize for Survival host public meeting. For more information, call 206722-6057; www.sistersorganizeforsurvival. org. Wheelchair accessible. GROUND ZERO CENTER FOR NONVIOLENT ACTION PRESENTS OCCUPYING TRIDENT “OCCUPY TRIDENT: The billions spent on nuclear weapons are needed to house, feed, and care for each other – not threaten the world with annihilation” is the theme as Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action honors Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with a vigil and nonviolent direct action on Saturday, January 14, at Bangor, WA. The day begins at 9 a.m. with a discussion on the connection between the struggle against Trident and the Occupy Movement, nonviolence training and action planning. A vigil and nonviolent direct action will begin at 2 p.m. at the gates of the Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, home of the U.S. Navy’s West Coast Trident nuclear submarine fleet as well as its nuclear weapons storage depot, the Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific

(SWFPAC). Participants should bring warm, waterproof clothing, a sack lunch or food to share, and a strong, nonviolent spirit. On Monday, January 16, people are welcome to join members of Ground Zero Center who will occupy the streets with an inflatable, full-scale Trident D-5 missile in Seattle’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day March. If you will be attending and can help carry the missile, please email to rodney.burnelle@ gmail.com or call 425-485-7830. Join us as we honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by Occupying Trident and working for the abolition of nuclear weapons. For over 34 years, Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action has engaged in education, training in nonviolence, communitybuilding, resistance against Trident and action toward a world without nuclear weapons. For more information on the January 14 event, visit www.gzcenter.org or contact Alice Zillah at 360-357-7705. 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 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 commitments. The film series continues monthly. For more information on SAGE Olympia and the film series, call 360-602-1204 or visit www.sageolympia.org. SAGE Olympia’s mission is to promote the wellness of GLBT elders in the Thurston County area with a range of referrals, services and other activities. MLK DAY – 30TH ANNIVERSARY – “RECAPTURING MLK JR.’S REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT!” On Monday, January 16, workshops 9:3011 a.m., rally 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., march 12:30 p.m., at Garfield High School (23rd Ave. & E. Jefferson St.), join the MLK Celebration Committee for a day of action in memory and celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. 206-786-2763, 206-296-1002, www.mlkseattle.org. “HOW THE WELFARE SYSTEM CRIMINALIZES POOR WOMEN” On Thursday, July 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 vegetarian option, available at 6:30 p.m. for an $8 donation. Hosted by Radical Women. For more information, rides or childcare, call 206-722-6057 or 206-722-2453. Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. www. RadicalWomen.org. VELOCITY DANCE CENTER’S “THE BRIDGE PROJECT” & SEATTLE DANCE PROJECT’S “PROJECT 5” On January 20-22, at 8 p.m., at Velocity Dance Center’s Founders Theater (1621 12th Ave.), “The Bridge Project” features four new works by four emerging artists. Tickets: $15-general, $12-student/senior. www.velocitydancecenter.org.

On January 20-21 at 8 p.m. (with paywhat-you-will dress rehearsal on January 19 at 8 p.m.), and January 22 at 2 p.m., and on January 27-28 at 8 p.m., and January 29 at 2 p.m., at ACT Theater (7th Ave. & Union St.), the critically acclaimed Seattle Dance Project launches its fifth season with “Project 5,” a collection of new works and returning favorites – including Brahms Afoot, a new, multidisciplinary collaboration with The Inverse Opera, a group that explores the unique storytelling aspects of the classically trained voice; and a world premiere by choreographer and former Hubbard Street Dance Chicago member Jason Ohlberg. The piece is a mixture of music, movement and spoken word, incorporating audio from dancer interviews into the score. To round out the program, Seattle Dance Project brings back a number of audience favorites from past seasons, including “Planes in the Air,” by Molissa Fenly, Edwaard Liang’s “To Converse Too,” and Kent Stowell’s “B6.” Tickets: $25-general; $20-student/senior. www.seattledanceproject.org. LAMBERT HOUSE FORMING NEW SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBT YOUTH 10-14 Lambert House is forming a new group for 10-14 year old LGBT youth. This group will focus on developing friendships, community building, sense of self (and self-worth), confidence and age-appropriate information important for LGBT adolescents. Youth will meet monthly to discuss gender and sexuality in a developmentally appropriate context for their age, play games, and get to know one another. Dates: January 21, February 11, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9. The group will be led by a counselor, social worker and teacher. Additionally, a family therapist will host a Q & A discussion for parents. To register, please email: 1014@lamberthouse.org. There is a $50 registration fee. Waivers available for those who qualify. MUSIC OF REMEMBRANCE’S SPARKS OF GLORY SERIES – “BETWEEN TWO WORLDS” On Saturday, January 28, at 2 p.m., at Good Shepherd Center (4649 Sunnyside Ave. N.), Music of Remembrance presents a FREE concert showcasing the avant garde art music of early-20th-century Russian composer Joel Engel. Artistic Director Mina Miller discusses how Engel’s Dybbuk Suite was influenced by folk legends and melodies, transmitted across generations by Hassidic Jews from the Pale of Settlement. Plus: Shostakovich’s controversial song cycle “From Jewish Folk Poetry.” Guest vocalists: soprano Megan Chenovick, mezzo soprano Kathryn Weld, tenor Ross Hauck. 2012 GSBA & PRIDE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS GSBA and Pride Foundation would like to encourage students of any age or sexual orientation from Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Washington, who are persuing any post-secondary education (including community college, public or private colleges and universities, trade apprenticeships, or certificate programs) to consider applying for their scholarships. Deadline for application is January 31. For more information, visit www.pridefoundation. org/pride-foundation-scholarships-applyonline-today1 SAFE SCHOOLS COALITION – LOCAL AND NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS www.safeschoolscoalition.org WINTER PRIDE WHISTLER, BC FEBRUARY 5-12 www.gaywhistler.com

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January 6, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

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Celebrating 39 Years!

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Celebrating 39 Years!

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Gay mathematician Alan Turing will be honored with a commemorative stamp to be issued in February, the British government announced January 2. This year marks the centenary of his birth. Turing played a key role in the team that cracked the German Enigma code during World War II, and he went on to help create the world’s first computer. Among information Turing’s group was able to provide was advance warning of German air raids during the Battle of Britain, and operational details of German forces in North Africa and Sicily. Although Winston Churchill later said the intelligence gleaned from cracking Enigma won the war for the Allies, and Turing was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire), he did not live long to enjoy his fame. In 1952, he was convicted of “gross indecency,” the legal term for Gay sex at a time when same-sex relations were still illegal in Britain. He was sentenced to chemical castration. Two years later, Turing killed himself by taking cyanide. According to contemporary accounts, Turing was discovered dead in his bed, with a half-eaten apple next to him. American bi-

ographer David Leavitt has suggested that Turing was re-enacting a scene from the 1937 Disney film Snow White, his favorite fairy tale. In 2009, then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued a formal – if belated – apology to Turing on behalf of the British government, describing his treatment as “horrifying” and “utterly unfair.” Brown said the country owed him a huge debt. Turing is also the subject of an online petition calling for a posthumous pardon to quash his gross indecency conviction. To mark the 100th anniversary of Turing’s birth, the Turing Centenary Advisory Committee is coordinating the Alan Turing Year, a year-long program of events around the world honoring Turing’s life and achievements. Pink Triangle Trust Secretary George Broadhead described the honor of a commemorative stamp as “richly deserved.” Pink Triangle Trust is an LGBT Humanist organization based in the U.K. Broadhead went on to note, “It is well known that Turing was Gay, but perhaps not so well known that he was a staunch atheist. There are many other famous Gay atheists past and present … but Turing is probably the most notable since his breaking of the Enigma code went such a long way in savcourtesy express tribune

Pakistani Trans activist Shahana Abbas Shani announced she will run as a independent candidate to address problems faced by the Pakistani Trans community.

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Brits honor Alan Turing with commemorative stamp

Alan Turing

ing the U.K. from defeat in the last war.” Until he was 18, Turing followed the Church of England, like most middle-class public school boys. Then his first love interest, Christopher Morcom, died from bovine tuberculosis contracted from drinking raw

milk. Turing’s religious faith was shattered, and he became a lifelong atheist. Turing is one of 10 people chosen for the Royal Mail’s Britons of Distinction stamp series.

Pakistani Trans activist runs for office by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Pakistani Trans activist Shahana Abbas Shani announced on December 30 that she will run as a independent candidate for the Punjab provincial assembly, the equivalent of a state legislative seat in the U.S. Shani is president of the so-called “Shemale [hijra] Association.” She told the Express Tribune newspaper that she made the decision to run because she wants to address problems faced by the Pakistani Trans community. Although Trans people have won legal recognition, their needs have been ignored by Pakistani society, she said. “There is no other way for us to be heard and now when the Supreme Court of Pakistan has allowed us to have an identity card, we will fight for our rights,” Shani said. In 2009, Pakistan’s Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling recognizing Trans people as a “third gender,” and in November 2011 the court ordered that Trans people should be registered as voters, but activists charge that government officials have not followed through with practical measures to put these rulings into effect. The term hijra is used throughout South Asia to describe men who present female or ambiguous gender characteristics. In Pakistan, hijra is often translated into English as “third gender” or “she-male.” Bindiya Rana, of Gender Interactive Al-

liance, told the Tribune Express that no hijra ID cards have been given out, in spite of the court order to do so. As a result, many Transgender Pakistanis have no identification documents at all, which caused severe problems for them during the recent devastating flooding, particularly in Sindh province. According to Rana, this occurs because “a lot of Transgenders get separated from their parents from a very young age and are unable to get their parents’ ID cards and other supporting documents which are required to get an ID.” Shani’s electoral platform includes a demand that the Punjab assembly establish a number of reserved seats for Trans people. Under Pakistan’s constitution, women and ethnic minorities already have seats reserved for them in provincial assemblies. “We [hijras] are also citizens of Pakistan,” Shani said, and deserve the same rights as other citizens. Shani promised to fight for all those people who have been deprived of their rights and had faced discrimination. Earlier, the She-male Association joined the protest in Multan against the November 26 NATO attack which resulted in the deaths of Pakistani soldiers. Protesters burned Barack Obama in effigy and chanted slogans against the U.S. “We will fight at our country’s borders if the forces need us,” Shani said.

January 6, 2012

Seattle Gay News 13

L.A. AIDS activists collect signatures to get condom measure on ballot by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer AIDS activists in Los Angeles began circulating petitions on January 3 for a countywide initiative that would require porn performers to wear condoms during filming. To qualify the measure for the November 2012 election, supporters need to gather more than 200,000 signatures by June 5. The launch of a new initiative comes less than a month after a similar measure – scheduled for the Los Angeles city ballot in June – was blocked by a legal challenge. The proposed ballot measure would “require producers of adult films to obtain a public health permit from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and pay a permit fee” to fund enforcement. The measure is modeled on health permit requirements for tattoo shops, massage parlors, and bathhouses. The county could also conduct random spot checks of film sites, similar to the county’s surprise inspections of restaurants and food carts. The county would be authorized to revoke permits of film producers violating the ordinance, and violations could result in civil fines or misdemeanor charges. “The county has a primary responsibility of protecting the public health,” AIDS Healthcare Foundation President Michael Weinstein told the L.A. Times. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation also backed the original city-wide initiative. It says that the L.A.-based porn industry does not take sufficient health and safety precautions to protect its performers.

The city-wide measure was blocked when Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich filed suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court in December. Trutanich’s suit claimed that “Los Angeles voters have no power to adopt the proposed measure,” because only the state – not the city – has the ability to make such rules. A voter-approved condom requirement could attract a porn industry lawsuit, Trutanich said, forcing “the needless and wasteful expenditure of public resources made in connection with a measure which the voters have no power to adopt.” Weinstein countered that it is the county government that has primary responsibility to protect public health, including the health of porn performers. Fire departments are responsible for overseeing pyrotechnics on film sets, and municipalities have banned smoking in restaurants to protect patron and employee health, he noted. Porn performers deserve the same occupational rights to health and safety protection as construction workers, who are required to wear harnesses when working on skyscrapers, Weinstein said. Weinstein charged that the county Board of Supervisors has “steadfastly refused” to take action against porn producers who don’t use condoms in filming, putting performers at risk of HIV and other diseases. “So we will take it to the voters,” Weinstein said of his new county-wide initiative. An April 2011 report criticized porn production companies for concealing HIV information from public health authorities.

“Limited cooperation from many adult film industry companies restricted this contact investigation. Rarely did industry legal counsel give information for investigation,” the report said. The report, written by Dr. Francisco Meza, a physician with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, came in the wake of an HIV scare that temporarily shut down the porn industry Meza’s report found that two male porn

actors were HIV-positive when they had sex with Derrick Burts, an adult film performer whose HIV-positive diagnosis in October 2010 caused a temporary shut down of the porn industry. Burts told authorities that he had sex with six men and 10 women in the two months before his HIV diagnosis, but officials were able to contact only five of them, and none wanted to cooperate with the investigation, the report said.

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British researchers report progress on hepatitis C vaccine

Kenya forced to recall 1 million HIV test kits by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Kenyan health officials have announced that they are recalling 1 million HIV test kits because they are not accurate. Dr. Shahnaz Sharif, Kenya’s director of Public Health and Sanitation, said on December 29 that the World Health Organization (WHO) had alerted Kenyan officials that half the test results from the suspect kits could be wrong. According to BBC News, the so-called Standard Diagnostic Bioline (SDB) tests are widely used by countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The recalled kits were manufactured in South Korea. “The discrepancy rate was about 50% and the WHO has asked all countries to put on hold use of Bioline [HIV tests],” he said. “About 50% of positives may have been reported as negative, and 50% of negatives as positive.” There is no reason for panic, Sharif asserted, because the recalled kits are only one of three methods used to diagnose HIV in the East African country. “People are really worried and asking if it

is going to affect them. The answer is no,” Sharif said. A “tie-breaker” test is normally conducted if there are conflicting results, he added. Like most sub-Saharan African countries, Kenya is trying to cope with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. More than 1 million Kenyans are reportedly HIVpositive. The international AIDS charity Avert says Kenya has increased HIV testing sharply in the past decade, following a government-backed campaign to create more awareness about the illness. In 2000, Kenya had only three voluntary testing and counseling sites, but the number had risen to nearly 1,000 by 2007, Avert says. In November 2009, the Kenyan government launched an intensive campaign to test one million people for HIV. Minister of Public Health Beth Mugo said that many Kenyans are dying because they simply do not know they are HIV-positive and therefore are not getting treatment. People living with HIV face a heavy social stigma, however, and even taking an HIV test can be seen as a sign of sexual promiscuity.

“About 50% of positives may have been reported as negative, and 50% of negatives as positive.”

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Researchers at Oxford University announced that they have seen “promising results” from early clinical testing of an experimental hepatitis C vaccine. In an article in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the researchers said they had tried a new approach to a vaccine. “This is very promising research’” said Charles Gore, chief executive of Britain’s Hepatitis C Trust. “There has been rapid development in drugs to treat hepatitis C, but vaccine development has lagged behind. Yet, if we only treat existing infections, we will always be behind the curve. “We badly need to improve prevention and this is an excellent step in that direction.” Hepatitis C spreads through blood-toblood contact, often through sharing needles. Unlike other varieties of the hepatitis virus, hepatitis C does not spontaneously clear, and often results in chronic liver disease. According to the CDC, approximately 75%–85% of people who become infected with hepatitis C virus develop chronic infection. While infection can be controlled with antiviral drugs, the Oxford researchers say a vaccine “would be a major step forward.” There are effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B. Designing a vaccine has been difficult, however, because the hepatitis C virus changes its appearance, making it hard to find something to target. Consequently, the researchers attempted

to target the inner workings of the virus, rather than the variable surface markings. Cold viruses were modified with genetic material from the hepatitis C virus in order to prime the immune system to attack the hepatitis C virus. “That’s where the engine of the virus is, where we may be able to successfully target many of the crucial pieces of machinery,” researcher Paul Klenerman said. The aim of the first phase of clinical trials was to determine whether the treatment was safe, and to help plan future trials. Forty-one healthy patients were given the vaccine. Scientists said it produced a “very strong” immune response which lasted for at least a year and had no major side effects. The next step will be to give the vaccine to people at risk of hepatitis C infection to see whether it protects against the virus. Klenerman said he and his team were excited by the results of initial testing, but he cautioned that much more work needs to be done before a vaccine is generally available. “The immune responses we’ve seen are exciting and we are beginning the next stage of trials. While we are hopeful, it could be a long road to any vaccine that protects people against hepatitis C,” he said. According to BBC News, some 500,000 people in the U.K. may be infected with hepatitis C. The CDC estimates that 3.2 million Americans live with chronic hepatitis C infections, with 17,000 new infections annually. The World Health Organization believes the global figure for chronic hepatitis C infection could be as high as 170 million people.

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continued from cover of the nearly 19,000 people registered as domestic partners in Washington, it is not enough. They want to get married, and they want to get married now. “My partner and I have been together 22 years, and our family is very similar to those of my friends and colleagues,” said Jennifer Cast, a longtime Washington resident who wishes to marry. “We work hard to create a productive and happy life for ourselves and our family. We cherish the good times and console each other during hard times. We share each other’s challenges, sorrows, triumphs, and joys, just like any other couple. We want our love and commitment to be valued and recognized equally in our state.” “When I tell people that Rudy and I have a domestic partnership, they really don’t understand what that means,” said John McCluskey, a longtime resident of Tacoma. “We’ve been together for 53 years and I couldn’t imagine spending my life with anyone else. The thought that people don’t understand that our family faces the same struggles and the same triumphs as any other family in our state is heartbreaking.” For many LGBT advocates in Washington state, the governor’s endorsement of Gay marriage is seen as a key piece in securing marriage equality in the Evergreen State in 2012. Gregoire’s announcement was met with loud applause from Gay rights groups present in her conference room. Washington United for Marriage, the

broad statewide coalition of organizations, congregations, unions, and business associations working to obtain civil marriage for Lesbian and Gay couples in Washington state in 2012, applauded Gregoire for her landmark comments and endorsement of marriage equality. “Governor Gregoire made crystal clear why marriage equality matters and why the legislature should pass it this year,” said Zach Silk, campaign manager for Washington United for Marriage. “She has shown tremendous leadership on this issue which affects so many of our friends, family, and neighbors.” Silk noted that during her remarks, Gregoire clearly made the case of why marriage matters and the impact of having separate classifications of relationship recognition for Lesbian and Gay couples. “Thousands of families in Washington state will be impacted by the legislation,” he said. “Currently, these couples may register for a domestic partnership which confers most of the rights and responsibilities of marriage, but does not recognize the love, commitment, and devotion to family that marriage conveys.” Silk is right; Gregoire’s speech was powerful. Speaking as not only an elected leader, but as a mother, wife, and member of the Catholic faith, her words were backed by what she called a journey in which she battled her own uncertainty on the issue. Gregoire says she was uncomfortable with the position she previously took, but that she “came to realize the religions can decide what they want to do, but it’s not OK

jonathan Bowman

marriage

Senator Ed Murray (l) and Representative Jamie Pedersen look on as Governor Gregoire announces her support for Gay marriage in Washington state.

for the state to discriminate.” Just as LGBT people have been asked to tell their story, Gay marriage advocates have asked straight allies to do the same. Gregoire did just that, explaining that she had to work through her religious beliefs and listen to friends and family who had asked her to change her views. Following Gregoire’s lead, State Senator Kevin Ranker, a Democrat representing Orcas Island, applauded the governor and relayed his own personal story. “Growing up, I was taught that a family was not determined by the genders of the persons involved, but by the love and commitment that they shared. I was taught that every person is to be treated with respect and dignity,” Ranker said. “These are the values that I have carried with me throughout my life. These are the values that my wife and I have passed on to our daughter.” “The marriage equality legislation discussed today by the governor is a long overdue recognition of these core human rights. This legislation does not create new rights for Gay and Lesbian couples,” he pointed out. “Nor does it force our religious institutions to abide by new rules. This legislation simply recognizes that all families deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.” “As the son of a Gay man, I grew up with a strong value system nurtured by a father who provided me with a foundation to succeed and gave me unconditional love and support,” said Ranker. “This legislation will provide thousands of families like mine with the respect and dignity they deserve.” “For decades, our country has struggled with discrimination in many forms. While it takes time, education, and sacrifice to conquer injustices, those on the side of promot-

ing tolerance and equality have always prevailed,” he concluded. “This year, we have a chance to do something wonderful for thousands of Washingtonians. This year, we have the opportunity to stand up for equality for all.” The Human Rights Campaign said that, like Gregoire’s views on Gay marriage, times have changed. “From coast to coast, more and more Americans are coming to appreciate the values they share with committed Gay and Lesbian couples: the desire to love, honor, and protect the person they love,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, in regard to Gregoire and New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s strong support of marriage equality. “By voicing their strong support for marriage equality, Governors Gregoire and Cuomo propel this issue forward. They confirm what most Americans already believe: committed Gay and Lesbian couples deserve the ability to marry and establish families protected by law.” New York state passed same-sex marriage legislation last year, and on January 4, Governor Cuomo listed it as one of his top accomplishments for 2011 in his annual “State of the State” address. Governor Cuomo said that prior to the passage of this legislation, Gay and Lesbian New Yorkers were treated as “second-class citizens by the government.” “It’s notable that both governors are Catholics – a group that supports legal recognition of Gay and Lesbian couples by wide margins,” said Solmonese. “According to the Public Religion Research Institute, Catholics are more supportive of legal recognition of Gay couples than members of

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any other Christian tradition. On the issue of allowing Lesbian and Gay couples to get a civil marriage license at City Hall, 71% of American Catholics say they are in favor.” The church’s local authorities, however, are not as supportive. Greg Magnoni, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Seattle, said that the church would be “looking for the Legislature to uphold the current legal definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.” “The position of the Catholic Church is clear,” he said. On Monday, lawmakers return to the Capitol for the start of a 60-day legislative session. Democratic Senator Ed Murray and Representative Jamie Pedersen, both popular Gay lawmakers who have fought for Gay rights and domestic partnership laws in the state, said a bill would be introduced next week that would not contain a referendum clause, which would require the public to ultimately approve the measure if passed by the Legislature. “We need to take this vote, we need to take it this year, and we need to take it in the Legislature,” Murray said. “It’s time for the Legislature to catch up with the public.” While Murray has continually acknowledged that it would be a tough battle in the Senate, he said, “We’re a few votes short, but I think we can get there.” If the bill were passed, the opposition would then have time to gather signatures for a referendum seeking to overturn the measure. Pedersen warned that “we need to be prepared for the idea that we might have to fight it at the ballot.” Opponents of Gay marriage are already gearing up for a fight. “Marriage is about procreation,” State Senator Dan Swecker, a Republican representing Centralia, said. “Marriage is about producing and providing for the next generation. That’s only done between one man and one woman.” And it isn’t just Republicans who are against marriage equality. Senator Tim Sheldon, a Democrat representing Potlatch (who supported a ban on same-sex marriage more than a decade ago), said he still is opposed. “I’m not on board with it, and I don’t think my constituents are,” Sheldon told the Seattle Times. 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: 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 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.

Governor Chris Gregoire’s Marriage Equality Speech Governor Chris Gregoire gave the follow- of the state? If so, it has failed miserably, ing speech on January 4, 2012, in Olympia, with a divorce rate among heterosexual couples now at about 50%. Washington. Some argue that the state must deny a Today I stand before you as governor of marriage license based on religious beliefs. the state of Washington. And as a wife, a With a marriage license, couples marry in mother, a student of the law, and as a Wash- civil or religious ceremonies. In issuing the ingtonian with a lifelong commitment to license, the state should not involve itself in an applicant’s religion. The responsibility equality and freedom. Today, I’m announcing my support for a of the state is to license only. The right of a law that gives same-sex couples in our state church is to decide whom to marry, and the the right to receive a marriage license in Washington – the same right given heterosexual couples. It is time, it is the right thing to do, and I will introduce a bill to do it. Once again, the call for equality is sweeping through our nation – and this time it’s for our Gay and Lesbian citizens. Make no mistake, America has been here many times before. In our long, hard road for equality, history shows we have faltered, but we have always fought hard when it comes to protections against discrimination. We have made major strides towards equality for racial minorities, for women, for people with disabilities, for immigrants, for religious sects. We applaud the generations before us for their wisdom and courage to fight for equal- state will honor the religious freedom of all faiths. ity. The arguments used today to discriminate Now it’s our time, this generation’s call to end discrimination – discrimination against based on sexual orientation should remind all of us of the arguments used to discrimiour Gay and Lesbian citizens. nate in the past, and specifically the laws It is time for marriage equality. That means the state of Washington banning interracial marriage. It wasn’t until 1948 that the California Sushould not deny our citizens a marriage lipreme Court became the first in the nation to cense based on sexual orientation. For all couples, a marriage license is very declare such a law unconstitutional. And the important. It gives them the right to enter United States Supreme Court didn’t declare into a marriage contract in which their legal anti-miscegenation laws unconstitutional interests, and those of their children, if any, until 1967! While we have worked hard to confront are protected by well-established law. Why, then, does our state deny a marriage racial discrimination in our state, we have been on a journey to end discrimination license? Some argue that the state should deny a based on sexual orientation. Until 2006, Washington Lesbian, Gay, marriage license to same-sex couples based on the premise that marriage is for procre- Bisexual, and Transgender citizens were deation. Do we then deny a license to hetero- nied basic protections from discrimination. It was that year that I signed a law banning sexual couples who choose not to have children? To those who can’t have children or discrimination based on sexual orientation those who adopt? To those who have chil- in employment, housing, and other areas. A year later, I signed a law creating dodren through in-vitro fertilization? Some argue that same-sex marriage weak- mestic partnerships for same-sex couples, ens the institution of marriage. Is this a role along with a number of rights enjoyed by

married couples. And the year after that, I signed a law expanding those rights even more. Then, in 2009, voters approved Referendum 71, which expanded the domestic partnership rights of same-sex couples. It was a notable achievement in our long journey, but it still left same-sex couples with a different status. Some say domestic partnerships are the same as marriage. That’s a version of the discriminatory “separate but equal” argument of the past. For decades, that argument was used to keep African-Americans separate at schools, apartments, and drinking fountains. After all, the argument went, those separate places were just as good. But we all knew separate is not equal and finally the law caught up. While I understand the experiences of racial minorities and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Americans are not identical, laws that keep some Americans in a separate status are inherently unjust. It is now time for equality of our Gay and Lesbian citizens, and that means marriage. When someone asks me what marriage means, I don’t think about the legal protections of a marriage license. I think about love, commitment, responsibility, and partnership. Same-sex couples should not be denied the meaning of marriage. They have a right to be equal! Throughout our journey, an ever-growing number of Washingtonians have come to understand that equal rights for same-sex couples is not only a good thing, but the right thing to do! It’s time to give our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends, and the couple down the street the right to marry in our state. Now it’s time for all of us to stand up for equality in Washington. We have our champions like Senator Ed Murray and Representative Jamie Pedersen. I stand with them. I also stand with our younger Washingtonians. Is there a generation gap here? Is it time to listen to our young people? Poll after poll show that young Americans – by substantial margins – support same-sex marriage even as their parents or grandparents struggle with it. Why? Can it be that our children knew some kids on the playground who had two moms instead of a single mom, or two dads instead of a mom and dad? Can it be because they befriended children of same-sex families – friendships that endure today?

“Throughout our journey, an ever-growing number of Washingtonians have come to understand that equal rights for same-sex couples is not only a good thing, but the right thing to do!”

see speech page 18

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speech

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Can it be that today’s young Americans see sexual orientation discrimination as just as unacceptable as my generation saw racial discrimination? We must tell these children and their families that they are every bit as equal and important as all the other families in our state. Finally, I stand in the memory of Cal Anderson – the late state senator who so humbly and courageously fought for civil rights in decades past. Passage of the law would make Washington the seventh state in nearly as many years to grant same-sex couples the right to marry. The first state was Massachusetts, followed by Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. And by the way, same-sex marriage is legal in our nation’s capitol, throughout Canada, and here in Washington by the Suquamish Tribe! For many people, I know this is a very sensitive issue. I understand that. To those who fear it, I ask them to consider the fact that Massachusetts has permitted same-sex marriage since 2004 without the doomsayers’ predictions. In fact, the people of that state are raising their children, coping in this economy, and working to make a better world, just like Washingtonians. A special commission created by the state of New Jersey recently did a study about the potential impacts of same-sex marriage. It found that the economy of Massachusetts truly benefitted, and continues to benefit, from the change in the law. Among other findings, the study found that professional same-sex couples continue to move to Massachusetts, bringing their credentials, their children, and even extended families with them. Same-sex couples have strong families, and have been raising happy, healthy children for years – right alongside other couples and single parents. Our Gay and Lesbian families face the same hurdles as heterosexual families: making ends meet, finding time for career and

family, raising their children, and saving for college. And we are better for it! They and their kids join us in our churches, our schools, and supermarkets. And we are better for it! We need to ask ourselves, how would it feel to be a child of a Gay couple? How can we tell these children that their parents’ love is seen as unequal under the law, that their families are different? We must tell these children and their families that they are every bit as equal and important as all the other families in our state. As Washingtonians and Americans, we have serious problems to address – a faroff war, the Great Recession, more than 13 million people looking for work, worldwide economic competition. Loving, committed married couples of any sexual orientation can only help us. They can help us defend our Democracy, help our neighbors, and build strong communities. And they will. Fellow Washingtonians, throughout our history, we have fought discrimination. We have joined together to recognize equality for racial minorities, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, religious sects. Please answer the call to support equality again in our great state. It is the right thing to do, and it is time. Thank you.

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others may catch you by surprise. But there you stand, shoulder to shoulder, comfortable and cohesive among them, your collective individualism on parade even as you stand in place – unblemished youth at the elbow of battle-scarred senior; the utterly fabulous against the gently indistinguishable; the confident alongside the questioning; the jubilant beside the impassive. All around you, the intricate jigsaw of pride will unfold to you; our friends, our families, our allies. Twenty-year locals and first-time visitors; these are The Many Faces of Pride.” According to SO&P officials, this year’s theme is intended to promote and recognize the diversity within the LGBT community and, additionally, recognize the broad crosssection of the Puget Sound population. “The LGBT community finds itself a part of every social, economic, and political division – all ethnicities, races, sexes, ages, economic situations, political persuasions, and lifestyles,” SO&P officials pointed out. “Seattle Out and Proud encourages parade participants to embrace, promote, and demonstrate this uplifting theme in their prepa-

ration and planning for the event.” Adam Rosencrantz, SO&P president, says he is excited that the parade committee chose The Many Faces of Pride as their theme. “In a time where Washington state is about to become the seventh state to bring marriage equality to all of its citizens, it’s important that we show Seattle – and the world – that we aren’t just drag queens and leather, as we are so often depicted. The past year, we have witnessed the repeal of DADT, which has allowed our LGBT service members to no longer fear serving their country and being outed for who they really are. This year’s theme allows us to demonstrate that we are just like everyone else; we are the men and women driving your bus in the morning or the police officer who comes to your aid, or members of your closest family.” SO&P officials report that the development of the 2012 parade theme began several weeks ago as it was among the first agenda items for the parade committee. “This year’s search spanned a larger swath of the community than any previous year, and for the first time, included direct and active engagement of the community through social media and other community outlets throughout Seattle,” SO&P officials told the media. “Community solicitation of this year’s parade theme was encouraged and discussed, and over two dozen thoughtful, creative, and fantastic ideas were offered for consideration by the community.” Eric Bennett, SO&P secretary, said, “The LGBT community is all around you. … This year we will need all of the diverse groups in Seattle to band together to bring full marriage equality to the great state of Washington. I believe we can do it together.” The SO&P Parade Committee, an all-volunteer cross-section of the LGBT community and its advocates, said they “seriously considered every suggestion offered.” “Through spirited debate and thoughtful consideration, the committee chose a theme that both reflects and represents the LGBT community of Seattle and the greater Puget Sound area,” said Parade Committee officials. “In celebration of the many victories and positive change the LGBT community has realized, the committee held a preference for a positive, reflective concept for the parade – a concept that will translate to a pride season of celebration, uplifting joy and harmony with the entire Seattle community.” SO&P is a non-profit organization based in Seattle, focused on informing and educating the community on LGBT issues through community outreach and produced events. SO&P organizes, produces, and sponsors several events throughout the year, including Pride Idol (beginning April 1 at Neighbours Seattle), the Seattle Pride Picnic at Volunteer Park, and the annual Seattle Pride Parade. For more information, including how to become a volunteer with the organization, contact SO&P at info@seattlepride.org, or go to www.seattlepride.org.

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HIV have progressed to AIDS, the CDC said. “With 50,000 new HIV infections every year and a tough economic environment, the need to do more with existing resources is greater than ever,” said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. “This new approach to prevention funding is designed to focus on the places where needs are most urgent and on the programs that will have the most far-reaching impact. It will help us achieve the ambitious goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy with the efficiency and urgency the HIV epidemic demands.” The Washington Department of Health is slated to receive $3,484,980 under Category A of the new funding program. According to the CDC, health departments in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, eight U.S. territories, and eight cities will receive funding under Category A to conduct essential HIV prevention activities. For the first time, health departments are required to direct at least 75% of CDC funds in this category to four key areas: HIV testing, comprehensive prevention services for HIV-positive individuals and their partners, condom distribution, and efforts to align policies to optimize HIV prevention, care, and treatment – such as efforts to eliminate barriers to routine testing. Up to 25% of the funding in each region may be used for other activities, such as interventions for high-risk populations, social marketing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis for men who have sex with men. Washington will not receive funds under category B of the new program, which is slated for jurisdictions with high concentrations of African Americans and Latinos living with HIV. Under Category B, 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and eight cities will get additional funding to expand access to HIV testing services, primarily in health care settings, for these populations and others heavily affected by HIV. The CDC also said it would award an additional $20 million to health departments to implement innovative HIV prevention demonstration projects. This funding will be awarded by March 2012. “State and local health departments are the backbone of the nation’s HIV prevention efforts,” said Jonathan Mermin, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. “This latest round of funding will help them lead the nation to slow, and ultimately end, the HIV epidemic in the United States – a public health imperative that could finally be achieved.”

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