Issue 29 Volume 37
Celebrating 36 Years!
FRIDAY July 17, 2009 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
fort worth update p. 4
decline to sign p. 8
elephant man p. 27
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Bill Clinton backs US Senate passage expected same-sex marriage Monday on Matthew Shepard courtesy lefteyeonthenews.com
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Hate Crimes Act by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Former President Bill Clinton
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer “Yeah.” That was former president Bill Clinton’s answer when asked after a speech at the Campus Progress National Conference for progressive students if he supported Gay marriage July 8. “I personally support people do-
ing what they want to do,” Clinton continued. “I think it’s wrong for someone to stop someone else from doing that [same-sex marriage].” The former president is undoubtedly the highest-profile Democrat to answer in the affirmasee clinton page 19
The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act cleared a key hurdle in the US Senate Thursday night. By a margin of 63-28, the Senate voted for cloture, meaning the measure may be brought up for a final vote. That vote is expected next week, perhaps as early as Monday. All Senate Democrats present voted for cloture. They were joined by five Republicans - Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Lugar (R-IN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and George Voinovich (R-OH). Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), the original sponsor of the bill, and Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) are ill and did not vote. An amendment offered by Sen.
Memorial to Matthew Shepard at site of his death in Laramie, Wyoming
Sam Brownback (R-KS) stating that the hate crimes bill does not violate the First Amendment was passed. This was regarded as a minor concession to Republicans who have argued that hate crimes legislation unconstitutionally punishes speech. An amendment proposed by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) to "prevent duplication nin the federal government" failed. In a political maneuver worthy of Lyndon Johnson’s tenure as Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Har-
ry Reid (D-NV) attached the hate crimes bill as an amendment to the Defense Department authorization bill on Monday. The defense bill came to the Senate floor Thursday, with the hate crimes provisions were being debated all day and into the night. The legislation had previously been passed by the US House of Representatives on April 29 by a margin of 249-175. Sen. Edward see hate crimes page 4
afp/getty images
Rev. Gene Robinson
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer With a vote expected to upset world Anglican leaders, the Episcopalians declared Gays and Lesbians eligible for “any ordained ministry” on July 14. The Episcopal General Convention, meeting in Anaheim, California, gave final approval to the measure during a legislative assembly, which takes place once
every three years. In the debates, delegates said they worried about the reaction of other Angelicans, but felt a duty to vote in favor of the measure. The resolution says, “God has called and may call” Gays in committed relationships to “any ordained ministry” in the church. The 77 million-member communion is the third-largest grouping of churches worldwide, behind Roman Catholic and Orthodox
Christian churches. Episcopalians caused an uproar in 2003 when they consecrated the first openly Gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. Since then, the Anglican spiritual leader Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has struggled to prevent a permanent Anglican split. The most recent incident happened last month when breakaway Episcopal conservatives and other like-minded traditionalists formed a rival national province to the Episcopal Church called the Anglican Church in North America. The new body consists of four seceding Episcopal dioceses and is supported by several overseas Anglican leaders who have broken ties with the Episcopal Church. Integrity, an Episcopal Gay advocacy group, said in a statement that the declaration “effectively ends” the temporary prohibition on Gay bishops. For decades, the Episcopalians and Anglicans have debated how to interpret the Bible on homosexuality. Liberals look to the Bible’s social justice teachings on tolerance, while traditionalists believe scripture bans Gay relationships.
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
file photo
American Episcopalians vote Massachusetts full ordination to GLBT clergy sues on DOMA
Massachusetts is suing the U.S. government over the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The commonwealth announced July 8 that it is seeking federal benefits for its legally married Gay and Lesbian couples, which the 1996 DOMA status forbids. Massachusetts was the first state to recognize equal marriage rights for samesex couples, granting HRC President Joe Solmonese licenses starting in a few. The commonwealth argues May 2004. Although thousands of same-sex couples that although same-sex couples in have married in Massachusetts Massachusetts pay equal federal and are fully equal under the com- taxes, the state can only receive monwealth’s laws, they are denied funding for such programs as such essentials as equal Social Medicaid and veterans cemeteries Security benefits for surviving spouses, joint tax filing, and equal family and medical leave, to name see doma page 19
I n F I n I t I o F tA c o m A At F I F e
4902 Pacific Hwy E. Fife, WA 98424
All new infiniti G37 sedAn *** available with intelligent All-wheel drive * also available with 0.9% financing
Shane Compton 888-651-5880
www.infinitioftacoma.com * 0.9 % APR on credit approval through IFS.
2
Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News
3
Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973
1605 12th Ave., Ste. 31 Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 324-4297 Fax: (206) 322-7188
MEMBER
e-mail: sgn2@sgn.org internet: www.sgn.org
2008
Deadlines Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the SgN office All others - Tuesday 5pm
Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Tom Flint (retired) Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Rajket Dirzhud-Rashid, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, Tim Peter Contributing Writers
Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner
Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers Nick Ardizzone, Joseph P. Herron, Rajket Dirzhud-Rashid National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by JT&A, Inc. © 2008, JT&A, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.
Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
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
4
Seattle Gay News
Fort Worth protests against bar raid continue by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Seven Queer LiberAction (QL) demonstrators were removed from a contentious Fort Worth City Council meeting Tuesday, as Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief apologized for city police participation in a June 28 raid on a Gay bar. Meanwhile agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) shut down a second Gay bar in Dallas. The Dallas Eagle was closed by TABC agents on July 10. In an attempt to quiet chanting demonstrators in the City Council chambers, Moncrief said “Listen, if you want an apology from your mayor, I am sorry for what happened in Fort Worth. I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry.” Police nevertheless had to intervene, and eventually ejected seven demonstrators, including QL founder Blake Wilkinson who repeatedly demanded that discussion of the raid be moved to the top of the Council’s agenda. On Wednesday, the mayor’s office backed off any seeming acknowledgment of wrongdoing by city police. “The mayor and council are always sorry if anyone is hurt ever in our city,” Fort Worth city spokesperson Bill Begley said. “The mayor has asked for a thorough investigation of what happened in the Rainbow
hate crimeS continued from cover
Kennedy and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced the companion bill on the Senate side with 30 co-sponsors, but its future was in doubt because Senate rules require 60 Senators to agree to bring measures to a vote. Reid’s maneuver was intended to sidestep the expected filibuster by Republicans and conservative Democrats by attaching the bill to other legislation which all sides want to bring to a vote. Asked by SGN for comment, Washington Senator Maria Cantwell said, “As a cosponsor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, I have long felt that any crime against the GLBT community must be prevented and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This amendment will give state and local governments the support of federal authorities, and will send a message that these heinous crimes won’t be tolerated.”
July 17, 2009
Lounge to the point that he’s asked for the US attorney to get involved ... but the apology is that anyone is ever hurt in any incident.” Also at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Fort Worth Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead announced the appointment of a special police liaison with the local LGBT community. Officer Sara Straten, an openly Lesbian 17-year veteran of the force, volunteered for the role. Attorney Jon Nelson, co-founder of Fairness Fort Worth, a new LGBT organization formed in the wake of the Rainbow Lounge raid, told the City Council “I believe that this Police Department does a good job and that those who wear the uniform try to serve and protect us, but that belief does not create an assumption that everything was OK at the Rainbow Lounge.” Several bar patrons also testified at the Council meeting, including Sarah Bryant, a straight woman who was at the bar with her boyfriend at the time of the raid. “That was the first time I was ever afraid of the police,” she said. “After that, I was overwhelmed with disappointment and I guess a little bit disturbed. ... We just need your help to move on.” TABC agents, who have been blamed by Fort Worth police for most of the violence at the raid, closed the Dallas Eagle for permit violations. In contrast to their reported Washington’s senior Senator Patty Murray said in her speech on the floor, “This is a common-sense, bipartisan bill that would stand up for the victims of hate crimes and their families. I’m glad that it is being offered as an amendment and that we will have a chance to act on it this week.” “We cannot stand idly by while Americans are subjected to discrimination, violence and even death simply because of who they are,” Sen. Murray concluded. “Passage of this amendment would be another major victory for equal rights in our country. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.” In his remarks introducing the amendment on Wednesday, Sen. Reid paid tribute to Sen. Kennedy, who has long been a champion of federal protections for the LGBT community, but who is now at home battling brain cancer. “Senator Kennedy has for many years so courageously fought for the legislation Sen. Leahy and I offered as an amendment today to the Defense Authorization bill,” Reid said. “Senator Kennedy has correctly called
behavior at the Rainbow Lounge, their conduct at the Eagle was – by all accounts – restrained and professional. While Fort Worth police have announced they will no longer participate in joint operations with TABC, the state agents were accompanied by Dallas police at the Eagle raid. Police arrived at the Eagle without the paddy wagons and zip cuffs they brought to the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth. Seven citations for “sale of beer without a license” were issued to Eagle owners and staff, but there were no arrests. The owners of the Eagle issued a media release Monday saying that the TABC raid on their bar was a result of their own failure to change the address on their liquor permit in time for the opening of their new location. They also suggested that an unnamed competitor in the Gay bar industry had tipped off the TABC. Chad Gibson, the Rainbow Lounge patron who sustained severe brain injuries as a result of his arrest by TABC agents, has been released from the hospital and is recovering. He is expected to miss four to six weeks of work, and he may suffer episodic headaches for the next two years, according to doctors. QL has been holding weekly protest rallies on the steps of the Tarrant County Court House, and they plan to continue. Fairness Fort Worth has arranged to have lawyers available to assist and advise witnesses on a pro bono basis. They have also brokered two meetings among representatives of all the ongoing investigations of the Rainbow Lounge raid. see FORT WORTH page 17
hate crimes a form of domestic terrorism, and it is our obligation to protect Americans from such terror.” “The hate crimes bill will help bring justice to those who intentionally choose their victims based on race, color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity or disability,” Reid continued. “Hate crimes are rampant and their numbers are rising. The Department of Justice estimates that hundreds happen every day.” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who took the seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, is reportedly considering attaching an 18-month moratorium on “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” to the upcoming Defense Department appropriations bill. Contacted by SGN, her office said, “She is investigating the possibility. She’s looking to see if she has the votes.” Sen. Reid has stated he would support such a move if Sen. Gillibrand initiates it.
Celebrating 36 Years!
THANK-YOU FROM THE DYKE MARCH We recently read your article about the 2009 Dyke March. Given the lack of coverage of this event by mainstream media, we appreciate your space devoted to both the article and the color pictures accompanying it, and we are glad your reporter found the event fun. We would also like to provide a complete list of speakers and performers for readers who are interested in finding out more about the people in this year’s lineup. Sarah Luthens, the woman who spoke about marriage discrimination, was not a plaintiff in Washington’s Gay marriage case, but was the Lambda Legal campaign coordinator for the marriage campaign and is a founder of LGBTQ Allyship. She and her partner are planning to be, but have not yet been, married in Iowa. Allena Gabosch is on the Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities. Our keynote speaker, Luzviminda “Lulu” Carpenter, from Pinay sa Seattle, spoke about her group’s work organizing Queer Filipina women here and abroad. Other speakers providing information about community organizing within the LGBT com-
My special thanks to Julia's On Broadway, the Seattle Gay News, Bob Bruneau, Kenny Coulter, Doug Titus and Chuck Chestnut of Ethyl Car Club for providing the fabulous Spyder Corvaire convertible, Francina Noordhoek, my partner of eight years Steve MacFarlane, Wes Green and Jo Bryant, my dear friend Joe Farmer, Mariah Ybarra, Mary Ann Goto, my make-up mentor Aleksa Manila and my dear beautiful French maid volunteers Christelle, Roy, Carlos and Ming. Most of all, thank you, Seattle for all your support for allowing me to do what I love to do without any artistic compromise. Until the next cabaret! Humbly,
munity and our various multiple identities included Quita St. John from the GLBT Bar Association Foundation of Washington (QLaw Foundation), Tamara Turner from Radical Women, Lisa Cohen from the Pacific Northwest Lesbian Archives, and Kristin Tucker of the Northwest Network. Our performers included Universal Women, 7 Star Kung Fu, the Giant Ass Drum Corps from Spokane, and Mel Watson as our headliner. As a point of clarification, the Dykes on Arnaldo, Drag Chanteuse Bikes are not generally part of the Seattle Dyke March. ELUSIVE HAPPINESS The Dyke March is run by an ad hoc volunteer committee that forms at the beginning Growing older isn’t necessarily all that of each year. Women interested in assisting with the organization of the 2010 Dyke it’s cracked up to be with the body rapidly March are encouraged to contact us through disintegrating, friends passing, and the Gay world changing dramatically. our website, www.seattledykemarch.com. New faces, personal crises, and health isSincerely, sues still prevail, but too many people chasing discolored rainbows in their lives. The Organizers of the Dyke March Happiness is so elusive. Yet a few Gay MANY THANKS FROM ARNALDO men do succeed as well as women willing to demonstrate their tenacity in surviving AS What a phenomenal Pride Week! A great TIMES GO BY. pride parade, two sold-out shows at Julia's Buzz Flowers Callaway On Broadway, and a great SGN review.
QLAW announces monthly GLBT legal clinic by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer The GLBT Bar Association of Washington Foundation – known as QLAW – announced July 10 they will open a monthly legal clinic addressing the legal needs of GLBT individuals and couples this month. In addition to the Legal Clinic, QLAW Foundation offers public education, summer legal internship grants, and support for at-risk youth. The clinic is free of charge, with volun-
teer attorneys meeting with individuals for 30-minute consultations to provide legal advice and information. Services will be offered on the third Thursday of each month from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Equal Rights Washington in Seattle. Legal Clinic officials say individuals can make an appointment to discuss various legal topics, including family law, debt and bankruptcy, divorce and dissolution, employment discrimination, and Transgender legal issues. Services are available to all
Metropolitan Community Churches support Gay clergy
The international movement of Metropol- MCC members to gather for worship and itan Community Churches (MCC) today af- community. firmed its support of its sister denomination Courtesy of Metropolitan Community in Christ, the Episcopal Church in America, in lifting the de facto moratorium on the or- Churches dination of Lesbian and Gay clergy candidates and the election of openly Lesbian and Gay bishops. Metropolitan Community Churches, the world’s largest and oldest Christian denomination with an affirming ministry to LGBT people, has enjoyed a long and mutual relationship with the Episcopal Church in America. In MCC’s founding years, when other communities of faith often turned MCC congregations away, it was often local Episcopal churches that provided a place for
Visit us online www.sgn.org
individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. “The Foundation is excited to provide this additional legal service for members of the GLBT community in King County,” said Jill Mullins, chair of the committee spearheading the GLBT Legal Clinic. The GLBT Legal Clinic is supported by the King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinic Program, which organizes free clinics on various legal issues throughout King County. The clinic also benefits from Equal Rights Washington, the state’s equal rights advocates, and QLAW Foundation. The Legal Clinic is not a drop-in center. To make an appointment, call (206) 2357235 on Tuesdays between 12 to 3 p.m. Visit www.q-law.org/legalclinic for more information.
Travel light Link light rail starts July 18th. Link light rail is a smoother, quieter, greener way to commute, shop, dine or explore your way from Tukwila to Westlake Center with 10 stops in between. Visit soundtransit.org for details.
Be a part of Camp Ten Trees! Camp Ten Trees offers a loving and engaging residential summer camp program for LGBTQA youth (ages 13-17) and for children/ youth of LGBT and/or non-traditional families. Camper spots are still available, and volunteer staffers are still needed, for this summer’s camp sessions. Visit www. camptentrees.org today to register for camp, apply to volunteer, or learn more about Camp Ten Trees. 2009 Camp Ten Trees Sessions: August 16-22 – LGBTQA Youth (ages 13-17) August 23-29 – Children and Youth (ages 8-17) from LGBT and/or non-traditional families
www.camptentrees.org info@camptentrees.org 206-288-9568
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News
5
NATIONAL file photos
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer for all of us.” A proposed voter referendum to repeal the new D.C. law was rejected in court on the grounds that denying legal equality to same-sex couples would violate the district’s Human Rights Act.
Chad Gibson goes home Chad Gibson has been released from the hospital but still is in danger from a blood clot on his brain that reportedly could break loose and kill him. Gibson allegedly was beat up by cops durAttorneys David Boies (l) and Ted Olson ing a June 28 raid of the D.C. recognizes Rainbow Lounge in Fort Gay marriages Worth, Tex. Witnesses say officers slammed from elsewhere his head into a wall, then into the floor. Two The District of Columbia began recogniz- other patrons also were injured in the raid ing same-sex marriages from elsewhere on – one has broken ribs and one has a broken July 7. thumb. Gay couples can marry in Massachusetts, June 28 was the 40th anniversary of the Connecticut, Iowa, Belgium, Canada, the Stonewall Riots that kickstarted the modern Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain Gay-rights movement. and Sweden. They also will be able to marThe violent raid – purported to be merely ry in the next two to five months in Maine, one of the state’s routine checks of bars to New Hampshire and Vermont. be sure no one is too drunk – brought heavy “To have our legal marriages recognized condemnation from Gay leaders, newspaper and defended as a matter of human rights in columnists, bloggers, politicians and othour nation’s capital sets a new threshold for ers. It also received extensive national news other jurisdictions,” said Rea Carey, execu- coverage. tive director of the National Gay and LesBoth the Fort Worth Police Department bian Task Force. and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commis“For myself and for the other countless sion, which joined in the raid, have launched same-sex married couples residing in the internal investigations of the incident. The District of Columbia, this marks a new day results of the city police’s investigation will
6
Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
be reviewed by federal authorities, Mayor Mike Moncrief has promised. Apart from the raid itself, the most controversial aspect of the incident has been Police Chief Jeff Halstead’s assertions that Gibson groped one of the officers and that other patrons made what the Police Department called “sexually explicit movements” toward uniformed officers – claims that bar patrons and Gay leaders have called preposterous and “lies.” “You’re touched and advanced in certain ways by people inside the bar, that’s offensive,” Halstead said shortly after the raid. “I’m happy with the restraint used when they were contacted like that.” After facing ridicule for those improbable assertions, Halstead has since adopted a more conciliatory tone, telling Gay people at a public meeting: “We’ve got to work together. Be patient, and you will see that this is just not lip service. I will meet with you wherever you want to meet. I will go to your restaurants, your house, we can eat barbecue, whatever you want to do. But we’ve got to talk.” Gibson, for his part, wants the raiding officers to be prosecuted and the city to halt its “cover-up.” “You used excessive force and that’s why I got hurt,” Gibson told WFAA-TV. “They have blamed it on me, that I was drunk, [that] I fell and hit my head, I groped the officer, I did this, I did that. You know what? No. Accept responsibility.” In an interview with KTVT, Gibson added: “I was rubbed into the concrete. ... I’m just appalled that they took it to the level that they did. ... They need to accept responsibility for what they did.” Group behind federal marriage suit rejects intervention by old-guard Gay rights legal groups The American Foundation for Equal Rights, the group challenging Proposition 8 in federal court with superstar attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, is strongly opposing an attempt by the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights to intervene in the case. In a scathing July 8 letter to the groups, AFER Board Chair Chad Griffin wrote: “Given our willingness to collaborate with you, and your efforts to undercut this case, we were surprised and disappointed when we became aware of your desire to intervene. You have unrelentingly and unequivocally acted to undermine this case even before it was filed. ... [W]e will vigorously oppose any motion to intervene. In public and private, you have made it unmistakably clear that you strongly disagree with our legal strategy to challenge Prop. 8 as a violation of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution. Your strident criticism of our suit has been constant.” Besides being teed off about that, Griffin also said the groups’ proposed intervention will slow the case down. “Your intervention would create a complex, multi-party proceeding that would inevitably be hampered by procedural inefficiencies that are directly at odds with our goal – and the goal of Chief Judge Walker – of securing an expeditious, efficient, and inexpensive resolution to the district court proceedings. As a result of your intervention, we could be mired in procedurally convoluted pre-trial maneuvering for years – while Gay and Lesbian individuals in California continue to suffer the daily indignity of being denied their federal constitutional right to marry the person of their choosing. ... Delaying equal marriage rights in California serves none of our interests.” In a press release, the three legal groups – which have a history of fighting for samesex marriage only on the state level – said they want to intervene on behalf of the Our Family Coalition, Lavender Seniors of the East Bay, and Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in order “to illustrate for the court the diverse needs of their members and the ... LGBT community generally to provide the full factual record Judge Walker said will help the appellate courts as they decide whether LGBT people in California have the same basic rights as the
Golden State’s heterosexual population.” But for Griffin, it seemed to be a matter of too little too late. In his letter he quoted hostile and snarky public remarks from leaders of the three groups, who have called the Olson/Boies suit “a temptation we should resist,” “an attempt to short-circuit the process” and “risky and premature.” He also quoted Matt Coles, director of the ACLU’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & AIDS Project, as telling The New York Times: “Federal court. Wow. Never thought of that.” Griffin said the groups’ hostility came despite multiple attempts by AFER to bring the groups into the case earlier in the project. The groups have opposed the Olson/Boies suit – and, in reality, still do – because they fear the U.S. Supreme Court is not ready to let same-sex couples marry. AFER disagrees, saying that the U.S. Supreme Court has already said, in the Colorado Amendment 2 case in 1996, that governments cannot deprive a single class of citizens of constitutional rights for no purpose other than animus and moral disapproval. In that ruling, the court said Amendment 2, via which Colorado voters banned Colorado governments from enacting Gay rights laws, was unconstitutional because it “seems inexplicable by anything but animus toward the class that it affects; it lacks a rational relationship to legitimate state interests.” AFER, Olson and Boies say Prop 8 does exactly the same thing. They also have cited other U.S. Supreme Court precedents to bolster their case, including Lawrence v. Texas, the 2003 case in which the court struck down all remaining state bans on Gay sex, and Loving v. Virginia, the 1967 case that banished all remaining state laws against interracial marriage. Should Prop 8 be struck down, the ruling also could extend to 30 other states that, like California, have amended their constitutions to ban same-sex marriage. Six states have legalized same-sex marriage. In the end, the Olson/Boies case could be both risky and legally sound. One key question is whether the U.S. Supreme Court would be willing to issue a ruling consistent with the Amendment 2 case if that meant effectively legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Or, if the court opted for a narrower ruling, whether it even would be willing to set the precedent of re-legalizing same-sex marriage only in California. Meanwhile, in related groundbreaking news, Massachusetts sued the federal government July 8 over the Defense of Marriage Act, under which the federal government refuses to recognize married Gay couples as married and treat them as such. The state said the federal law interferes with states’ right to define marriage, is overreaching and discriminatory, denies married Gay couples myriad federal benefits and equal treatment, requires the state to violate its citizens’ constitutional rights in matters such as Medicaid eligibility determinations, and “codified an animus towards Gay and Lesbian people.” “In enacting DOMA, Congress overstepped its authority,” the suit says. The National Center for Lesbian Rights and other national gay rights groups applauded the move. “The lawsuit filed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts challenging the federal DOMA is an important landmark in the struggle to end the long history of invidious government discrimination against (LGBT) people,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “We applaud the Massachusetts Attorney General for her leadership in standing up for the rights of same-sex couples and their families. This case recognizes that for far too long, same-sex couples who are legally married under state law have been denied the protections that are provided under federal law to other families in Massachusetts. The harms to these families in being denied more than 1,000 federal rights, protections, benefits, and obligations are tangible and extremely well-documented. There is no constitutional justification for discrimination against these families by their own national government. We applaud the actions of the state, and urge swift action to bring down DOMA.” With assistance from Bill Kelley
Celebrating 36 Years!
INTERNATIONAL
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer ScotsGay photo
Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, took part in London's Gay pride parade July 4
One million join prime minister’s wife at London Pride One million people and Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, took part in London’s Gay pride parade July 4. Mrs. Brown carried a red, white and pink Union Jack flag. Members of the military marched in uniform, as did firefighters and a contingent from British Airways. Prior to the march, Mr. Brown met with organizers at his residence and said the United Kingdom has made “massive strides” in the march toward Gay equality. Marriage is almost the last thing on the agenda for British GLBTs. An existing civilpartnership law grants registered same-sex couples all the rights of marriage. Noted Gay activist Peter Tatchell carried a sign in the parade that read: “Gordon & Sarah can marry, Gays can’t. End the ban on Gay marriage.” He wore a T-shirt that said “Homo Liberté, Egalité, Sexualité.”
Plaça de la Universitat and ended at Plaça d’Espanya. Helsinki sees biggest Pride yet Some 4,000 people marched in Helsinki, Finland, June 28 – the city’s biggest Pride parade to date. Organizers gave an award to bisexual author Sofi Oksanen for her activism on behalf of GLBT people in the neighboring Baltic nations (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) and Russia. Oksanen is the nation’s most popular contemporary author. Her 2008 novel Purge has sold more copies than any other book in recent memory.
is currently 16 for heterosexuality and Lesbianism but 18 for male homosexuality. “The obligation to equalize does not and will not go away,” said Felix Alvarez of Equality Rights Group GGR. “It continues to be an international-law obligation, and I am confident change will come about in time.” Alvarez called on British and European governments and nongovernmental organizations to pressure Gibraltar’s government to end the discrimination. Gibraltar is a self-governing British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. It has a population of 28,875. Mongolian Gay group seeks help with registration The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Centre in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, is seeking help from activists abroad in getting the organization registered with the government. The Legal Entities Registration Agency has stonewalled the process, saying that it does not accept English words that have been transliterated into Cyrillic and that the center’s name is “not moral” and is unacceptable to the public. “The name ... has a meaning that conflicts with Mongolian customs and traditions and has the potential to set the wrong example for youth and adolescents,” said an official rejection letter. For its part, the center says: “We are adamant about registering our NGO as the ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Centre.’ ... It is how we define ourselves, these are internationally accepted terminologies, and it is important that the public come to understand just what these terms mean. The LERA’s assertion that they will not accept transliterated names is false as there are numerous NGOs registered and operating in Mongolia that have transliterated names.” The group requests that foreign activists complain to the Mongolian Ministry of Justice and the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia.
Slovenia considers same-sex marriage and adoption Slovenia is preparing to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption, Interior Minister Katarina Kresal said recently. The nation already has a registered-partnership law for same-sex couples. Kresal said there is agreement in the government that gay couples cannot be treated differently, and that “definitely means marriage and adoptions.” Formerly part of communist Yugoslavia, Slovenia joined the European Union in 2004. Singapore has no plans to follow India in legalizing Gay sex The recent court-ordered legalization of Gay sex in India, the world’s second-mostpopulous nation, is unlikely to stir a similar advance in Singapore, Law Minister K. Shanmugam said July 6. Both nations’ Gay-sex bans are part of a penal code imposed during British colonialism. Shanmugam suggested that Singaporeans do not accept homosexuality but even as he said the ban won’t be repealed, he also said it will not be enforced. “We have the law,” he said. “We say it won’t be enforced. Is it totally clear? We, sometimes in these things, have to accept a bit of messiness. And the way the society is going, we don’t think it’s fair for us to prosecute people who say that they are homosexual.” “It’s not for the government to say we are going to force something against the wishes of the people,” Shanmugam added. “We won’t change the law, but how that is interpreted is up to the courts. It is not our position to tell the courts what to do.” So, in summary: Gay sex is illegal, but no one will be arrested for having Gay sex, but the government won’t repeal the ban, but the courts are free to strike it down if they want, and maybe they should. Do Ask, Do Tell, Don’t Repeal, Do Sue. With assistance from Bill Kelley
10,000 attend Santiago Pride About 10,000 people attended the ninth Gay pride celebration in Santiago, Chile, June 27. The variety show featured live music, dance acts, comedians and drag performances. One million at Madrid Pride, Organizers called on the Senate to pass a 35,000 at Barcelona Pride pending bill that would ban discrimination A million people turned out for Madrid’s based on sexual orientation. Gay pride parade July 4. Chile legalized Gay sex only 11 years ago With same-sex marriage already legal and and set the age of consent for Gay sex at 18, little left to fight for, organizers put forth the four years higher than for heterosexual sex. theme of greater freedom for GLBT young people in schools. Gibraltar to keep In Barcelona, about 35,000 people unequal age of consent marched June 28. It was the city’s first largeGibraltar’s Parliament has rejected a scale pride parade. The procession began at move to equalize the age of consent at 16. It
Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News
7
nick ardizzone
Faith and Freedom Network actively seeking signatures by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
and are asking volunteer signature gatherers to make plans to get more signatures over the weekend. The group is asking for their Washington Families Standing Togeth- members to make the conscious decision er, along with Equal Rights Washington to promote marriage between one man and (ERW), say the Faith and Freedom Political one woman above all other legal unions beAction Committee is actively gathering the cause of its “inherent value to children and 120,577 signatures needed to put a domestic society.” partnership bill before voters in November. Currently, same-sex couples do not have The opposition has until July 25 to col- the right to marriage in Washington State. lect the signatures in hopes of repealing the It is not uncommon for people to get same-sex domestic partnership legislation mixed up on whether or not they should sign that passed and signed into law by Gov. a petition due to the petition’s language. Chris Gregoire last May. Armed with that knowledge, Equal Rights On Monday, the final week for signature Washington formed the Decline to Sign gathering begins. campaign, reminding people not to sign any The Faith and Freedom website currently petitions regarding Referendum 71. reports more than 8,000 signatures are being “We have started hearing reports of the collected daily. They say, “Thousands more possibility of paid signature gatherers and are being gathered for hand pick-up.” They misleading methods of gathering signado, however, admit, “we are not there yet,” tures,” cautioned Josh Friedes, Campaign
Mike Webb murder trial ends in 20-year sentence by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer King County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ramsdell sentenced Scott White to 20 years behind bars for the April 2007 slaying of openly Gay radio talk-show host Mike Webb. The July 10 sentencing came as a shock to the courtroom packed with Webb’s friends and family because Prosecutor Dan Satterberg asked for a 12-year sentence for second-degree murder in exchange for White’s guilty plea, a request that upset Webb’s brother and sister. “I’m grateful for the judge’s common sense in the case,” said Wayne Webb, the murdered radio host’s brother. Wayne Webb told Judge Ramsdell, “Nobody deserves to die like that. Mike surely didn’t deserve to die at all, let alone at the
hands of an axe murderer.” Marion Bogni, Webb’s sister, asked the judge to give White “the most time you possibly can.” White’s defense attorney asked for a 10year term. Before he was sentenced, White read from a prepared statement apologizing for the murder and saying, “The person that did this evil deed is not who I want to be.” Judge Ramsdell called White “cunning, callous and calculating” for killing the Seattle radio talk-show host with an axe and then hiding the remains. Throughout the trial, the reason for the murder was heavily debated, specifically the mental illness 30-year-old White supposedly suffers from. White’s attorney said he was defending himself against unwanted sexual attacks from Webb, while Webb’s
p. 206-244-4111 f. 206-244-4110
motorcycle
“This is a classic case of buyer beware – always read before you sign.” If people encounter fraudulent signature gatherers, they are urged to contact Washington Families Standing Together at info@ wafft.org or (206) 324-2570. “Working together, we are confident that we can preserve the domestic partnership law and protect Washington’s families,” Friedes said.
family believes the murder was premeditated. Initially, prosecutors charged White with first-degree murder, but on June 4 of this year the charge was reduced to second-degree murder when a mental-health expert for the state expressed doubt over White’s ability to plan the crime according to Senior Prosecutor Don Raz. Julie Lawry, White’s defense attorney, said he suffered from schizoaffective disorder, which causes intense mood swings and symptoms similar to schizophrenia. According to court documents, White and Webb met in 2006 at a treatment group for drug and alcohol addicts. Shortly thereafter, Webb invited White to move into his house. Fifty-one-year-old Webb had worked as an on-air personality at KIRO-AM until he was fired after being convicted for filing a false insurance claim. White’s lawyers said the two men began to use drugs together. White told his lawyers that Webb repeatedly tried to force him into a sexual relationship. Lawry said White claimed he attacked Webb with an axe because he felt pressured into sex. Judge Ramsdell argued there was no credible evidence to show that Webb supplied
White with drugs or tried to pressure him into sex. “The facts of this murder are indisputably horrific and gruesome,” Ramsdell said. “In my mind, Mr. White is not some poor, unfortunate victim of circumstance. He’s a master manipulator who will do whatever it takes to attain his own ends.” After White murdered Webb sometime between April 13 and April 15, 2007, he hid the body in a basement crawlspace. He pawned items from the home for cash, took Webb’s debit card, and posed as Webb by text-messaging his friends and family, saying that he was out of town. Police say White left the house and lived at Queen Anne Park. The judge said he was struck by the steps White took after the murder, like making a to-do list to cover his tracks. He said the worst was White masquerading as Webb. Ramsdell said he found no credible evidence that Webb was abusing illegal or prescription drugs, but added that White’s behavior after the murder, having consensual sexual relationships to get cash and drugs, “undermines the credibility of the defendant.” Ramsdell said Webb’s killing was one of the most brutal murders he’s seen in his 13 years as a Superior Court judge.
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
20+ years experience
The producers of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical announced July 13 they are canceling the show’s October 11 performance so the entire cast can join the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. The cast and producers made the evening announcement at a rally in Los Angeles and were joined by National Equality March organizer and LGBT icon Cleve Jones, Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk) and other prominent equality advocates. The entire company of HAIR had traveled from New York to California to appear on the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien when they staged the spirited rally. “The Public Theater has always aspired to make theater that matters, that speaks to the great social issues of our time,” said artistic director of The Public Theater and producer of HAIR, Oskar Eustis. “HAIR has never been just a show; its message of change and hope and inclusion is one we try to live, not just preach.” He said this is the moment we need to recognize the right of all citizens, Gay and straight to have their love and their unions acknowledged by the state.
10840 Myers Way S, Seattle, WA 98168 southendmotorcycle.com
8
Manager, Washington Families Standing Together. “We urge everybody to remind their friends and families to decline to sign Referendum 71 petitions, and make sure that any petition they sign is not a Referendum 71 petition. We have heard a few reports of people claiming that Referendum 71 is either a pro-Gay marriage referendum, or a ban on Gay marriage – neither of which, of course, is accurate. “
Cast of HAIR to join march on Washington
jim’s southend Servicing all brands, MMI & Factory trained techs
Josh Friedes, Campaign Manager, Washington Families Standing Together
Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
“We are proud to join with Cleve Jones and the National Equality March in support of Gay marriage,” said Eustis. “Peace now! Equality now! Justice forever!” In May, civil rights activist David Mixner called for a national march on Washington and asked prominent LGBT community leaders to execute and organize it. Days later in Fresno, CA, at a Prop. 8 protest rally, Cleve Jones stepped up to the podium and announced his commitment to Mixner’s plea. Jones’ new organization, Equality Across America, was born, along with its first mission: the National Equality March. Between now and October, Equality Across America plan to develop grassroots leadership in all 435 congressional districts to ensure that the message is heard loud and clear by elected officials. Cleve Jones told SGN last month that the National March on Washington this October will be a protest under the banner of equal rights for LGBT people. The first March on Washington was in October 1979. Now, exactly 30 years later, a new generation of LGBT equality activists will continue the fight. Jones said the movement will not quit until LGBT people are granted equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.
Celebrating 36 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
EAST PIKE ST. SUMMER SALE & FOOD DRIVE The weekend of July 17-19, bring nonperishable food items for Northwest Harvest to the following businesses on Capitol Hill’s E. Pike St. – B-Bam! (Friday only), City Home Store, 8 Limbs Yoga Centers & Boutique, Emerson Salon, Feed Bag, Kaladi Brothers Coffee, Lavender & Vine (in Fiori Floral Design), Retail Therapy, Rosebud Restaurant & Bar, Stitches, Throwbacks Northwest, Toys in Babeland, Triple Crown, Verdis Clothier – and receive discounts and special offers from these businesses. www. babeland.com/summersale. THREE DOLLAR BILL PRESENTS “UNDER THE STARS, THE EIGHTIES STRIKE BACK!” OUTDOOR CINEMA IN CAL ANDERSON PARK This summer Three Dollar Bill Outdoor Cinema presents a slate of three fun and campy films from 1980, the premiere year of the decade that made sexual power plays, alien encounters and shameless success all the rage. The films are Friday, July 17 – Little Darlings; Friday, July 31 – Flash Gordon; Friday, August 21 – 9 to 5. The FREE screenings will be shown at sunset (around 8:30-9 p.m.) at the southeast corner of Cal Anderson Park, near the park’s shelter house off 11th Ave. & E. Olive St. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase on-site with proceeds benefiting Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s non-profit efforts to produce and promote Queer-friendly film events in the Pacific Northwest. Three Dollar Bill Cinema produces the annual Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. www.threedollarbillcinema.org. PRIDE AROUND WASHINGTON STATE Kitsap Pride (Bremerton) – Saturday, July 18, noon-5 p.m. at Evergreen Rotary Park. http://kitsappride.org. Mid-Columbia “Coming Home with PRIDE” Parade and Festival (Pasco) – On Saturday, July 18, starting at 11 a.m., enjoy the Women’s Softball Expo at Memorial Park, 1520 W. Shoshone. A Woman 4 Woman Social will be held at Out & About, 327 W. Lewis St. starting at 4 p.m. From 9 p.m.2 a.m., Out & About will host the Miss Gay Columbia Basin Pageant 2009. On Sunday, July 19, the parade steps off from Out & About at 10 a.m., and travels via Clark St. to Memorial Park. www.vistayouthcenter. org. The festival at Memorial Park follows from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The weekend celebration continues with The Pink Party at Out & About from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. GLSEN WA HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL “SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER” FUNDRAISER AT C.C. ATTLE’S On Saturday, July 18, at C.C. Attle’s, 15th Ave. E. & E. Madison St., from 7-9 p.m., the Washington State Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN WA) will host their second annual “School’s Out for the Summer” fundraising event. The event will feature a raffle with many prizes. Jello shots will also be sold. “We hope to raise money in order to continue our work of supporting and encouraging Gay/Straight Student Alliances (GSAs) in state-wide high schools and work to end harassment and bullying incidents of GLBT youth in Washington State.” All members of the LGBTQ community and allies (who are at least 21 years of age) are welcome.
around the world, on Saturday, July 18, for a knock out celebration at The Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave. at E. Pike St. The final event of the 2009 International SPI Conclave hosted by Seattle’s SPI, The Abbey of St. Joan, kicks off at 8:00 p.m. to award thousands of dollars in grants to some fantastic and deserving charities (the same money that YOU helped donate!). Then stay for an awesome dance party at 10:00 p.m. with DJ Chi Chi LaRue. Yes, THAT Chi Chi LaRue! Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from every nook and cranny will be promulgating their buns off before they have to catch the morning flight, so you’d better bring a camera. www.theabbey.org. REEL GRRLS PRESENTS REEL QUEER FOR LGBTQ TEENS A video production and media literacy training course for LGBTQ teens (ages 1319) of all genders will be held starting July 20. Learn to use professional camera and editing equipment to make your voice heard in a safe environment for Queer and questioning youth and mentors. Make a video in four days with Queer and questioning youth media makers. Explore issues of gender, sexuality, and representation in the media, then learn the tools to make your own media in response to these issues. Classes will be held on July 20, 22, 27 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Reel Grrls New Media Lab, 1409 21st Ave., in Seattle. Cost is FREE thank to generous support from the Pride Foundation. For more information and to register, contact reid@reelgrrls.org or rq@ reelgrrls.org. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dunshee House, 303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St. The club is pleased to announce the following titles to be discussed in their ongoing reading and discussion series: July – Queer by William S. Burroughs; August – A Fairly Honourable Defeat by Iris Murdoch; September – The Thief’s Journal by Jean Genet; October – Wild Dogs by Helen Humphreys; November – The Gifts of the Body by Rebecca Brown; December – Death in Venice by Thomas Mann. All GLBTQ folks in the community are welcome to participate in this free book club. The reading list is chosen and the discussion facilitated by Nick DiMartino, published novelist and playwright, currently a book reviewer for ShelfAwareness.com, and a 30-year employee of University Book Store. For more information, email nickdimartin@earthlink.net or contact Dunshee House at 206-322-2437. SEATTLE COUNSELING SERVICES FOR SEXUAL MINORITIES HOSTS “PICNIC IN THE PARK” FOR THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY On Thursday, July 23, from 5-9 p.m., join staff, friends, board members and both former and present clients for a fun evening at Cal Anderson Park, 11th Ave. & E. Olive St. “Join us for food, fun and games to celebrate our community and its health.” For more information, call 206-323-1768 or visit www. seattlecounseling.org.
VOICES OF YOUTH: POETRY FROM THE EDGE AT MAGNUSON PARK On Thursday, July 23, YouthCare and Mosaic Multicultural Foundation present Voices of Youth, a special evening in which THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL underserved and homeless youth express INDULGENCE, their experiences of living in these troubled THE ABBEY OF ST. JOAN, times. PRESENT THE SISTERS’ In Voices of Youth, young people work toANNIVERSARY GRANTS PARTY gether for a week to craft an artful expresWITH GUEST DJ CHI CHI LARUE Calling all good witches, bad witches sion of their inner dreams and outer conand every munchkin in between! Join not cerns. The local community is invited to only your favorite Abbey, but Sisters from witness, to discuss, and to bless the aspira-
Visit us online www.sgn.org
tions and efforts of its disadvantaged young people. In this approach, youth are not simply “the problem,” rather their lives are a reflection of serious issues troubling the culture at large. When viewed this way, youth can be seen as valuable agents of change who play a necessary part in cultural education, healing, and transformation. Voices of Youth inspires and empowers local youth, fosters ongoing cross-generational dialogues, and leads to the development of unique local forms of mentoring. Amidst changing times and all-too-common violence, all are invited to witness the expression of youth and hear the voice of the soul seeking to make community again. This FREE performance will be held at the Magnuson Auditorium (Building 47) at the Sand Point Naval Base (aka Magnuson Park), 7400 Sand Point Way NE at 7 p.m. Join author, mythologist, and storyteller Michael Meade and local mentors in this evening that celebrates youth and community. FORECLOSURE PREVENTION WORKSHOP On Friday, July 24, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle hosts a FREE foreclosure prevention workshop at Cleveland High School, 5511 15th Ave. S. Get answers to the question “What are my options to keep or save my home?” from government agencies, lenders and non-profit agencies. Discuss refinancing or modifying your loan, learn about foreclosure prevention programs, understand foreclosure process (avoid scams). For an immediate referral to a mortgage counselor, call Washington Information Network by dialing 211. Bring copies of: photo ID, social security number, closing documents, last 2 years of W-2s and tax returns, last 2 months of pay stubs, last 2 bank statements, monthly mortgage payment statements or notices, layoff notice from employer (if applicable), medical letter from doctor (if applicable). For more information and to register, call the Urban League at 800368-1455. MEN OF ALL COLORS & CULTURES TOGETHER TO HOST JULY POTLUCK BBQ On Saturday, July 25, Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT) will be hosting their July Potluck BBQ at Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW starting at 1 p.m. For additional location information and directions and suggestions on what to bring to the potluck, call 206-923-8313 or email macctseattle@yahoo.com. Q-SQUARED BOOK GROUP FOR GAY, BI & TRANS MEN Come spend an hour with a group of men who love Gay literature. On Saturday, July 25, the group will meet at the Seattle Public Library, Capitol Hill Branch, Harvard Ave. E., & E. Republican St., at 1 p.m., to discuss The Scarecrow’s Bible by Martin Hyatt. For more information on Q-Squared's monthly book group, visit www.qsquared.org and click on “Ongoing Programs.” IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE PRESENTS KING & QUEEN OF THE SEAS PAGEANT On Saturday, July 25, the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and the Olympic & Rainier Empire presents “Ride the Showboat” – the 34th annual King & Queen of the Seas Pageant – at Neighbours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway (entrance in alley between Broadway & Harvard), doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. $7 donation at the door. www.imperialcourtofseattle.org. SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS On Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m., Seattle Shakespeare Company presents their outdoor production of The Taming of the Shrew at the Seattle Center. Later that day at 6 p.m. they present their outdoor production of Richard III at the Seattle Center. Shakespeare in the Parks will be presented at locations in Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Redmond, Mercer Island, Sammamish, SeaTac, Federal Way, and Bonney Lake from July 9 through August 2. FREE.
July 17, 2009
For complete information, visit www.seattleshakespeare.org and select “Wooden O” from the menu at the top of the home page. Also this summer GreenStage will present King John and Comedy of Errors at eleven outdoor locations in the Seattle area. FREE. Visit www.greenstage.org for complete schedule. OUT FOR SUSTAINABILITY LOOKS AT HEALTHY HOMES On Sunday, July 26, from 5-7 p.m., at The Sylvie, 311 14th Ave. E., join DB2, OUT for Sustainability, and healthy home experts from the American Lung Association and Master Builders for healthy home tips, plus tours of a LEED-Platinum home, refreshments and socializing. Please RSVP to event@DB2seattle.com. VANCOUVER, BC PRIDE Vancouver, BC Dyke March and Festival – Saturday, August 1. Watch for more details. www.vancouverdykemarch.com. Vancouver, BC Pride Parade & Sunset Beach Festival – Sunday, August 2. Pride Parade begins at noon from Robson and Thurlow and heads west down the hill to Denman, then follows Denman to Pacific and Beach, ending at the Sunset Beach Festival which begins at 11 a.m. www.vancouverpride.ca. EMERALD CITY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION FALL BALL LEAGUE Emerald City Softball Association is sponsoring Fallball ’09, an ECSA Open Division softball league for men and women of all skill levels. Play dates will be August 9 and 23, September 13, 20 and 27, and October 4. For complete details, visit www. emeraldcitysoftball.org. SEATTLE HOSTS NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LGBTQ ASIAN AMERICANS, SOUTH ASIANS & PACIFIC ISLANDERS Seattle will be host to a national conference for LGBTQ Asian American, South Asians and Pacific Islander on the weekend of August 14-16 at the University of Washington. Titled “Transgress, Transform, Transcend,” the conference will showcase the diversity of the LGBTQ Asian Pacific Islander experience and will expand the capacity and ability of LGBT Asian Pacific Islander activists and communities to organize. Conference organizers have lined up four keynote speakers and over 50 workshops, panel discussions, caucuses, and cultural performances, which will address a wide array of topics and issues. The event’s many programs will provide attendees opportunities to network and to expand their knowledge and skills in advocacy and community building. Registration fee is $100, with a reduced rate of $75 for presenters and people with limited income. Some scholarships are available to assist attendees pay for the cost of conference registration. Registration is available online at www.nqapia. org/nc-2009.html. Q-SQUARED HOSTS LABOR DAY WEEKEND CAMP (COME AND MEET PEOPLE) FOR GAY, BI & TRANS MEN This coming Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 4-7), Q-Squared, a Seattle-based non-profit organization, is hosting its annual CAMP (Come And Meet People) getaway at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington State. Celebrating its 14th year, CAMP provides camp-goers a unique opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with fellow GBT men in a healthy, fun-filled environment. Like traditional summer camps, the weekend event will offer a wide variety of fun-filled activities, including campfire sing-alongs, hiking trips, a talent show, a dance, and a variety of workshops and outdoor games. CAMPers will have the choice of staying in a modern cabin or roughing it in their own tent. Early registration is available until June 28. After June 28 the cost for the weekend will be $175. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register, visit www.qcamp.org.
Seattle Gay News
9
10 Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
When it comes to understanding hiV
new ’09 elantra
$9.99
OIL CHANGE (any Hyundai, limit one per customer, expires Sept. 30 2009)
eVerYBodY Qualifies! guaranteed! proudlY serVing the glBt communitY since 2004
MOMS knOwS beSt
Sales contact David Yama davidyama@carpros.com 206-817-4459
Proud to be your community Pharmacy We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store. Call us at 206.568.2486
Big
and
R oger ev e n ts . c o m
p r e s e n t s
GLOBAL PRIDE PRID E V A N C O U V E R
F R I D A Y AFTERHOURS
B C
C A N A D A
F E A T U R EMAIN EVENT SA F UT E NR HDO UAR SY
CITIES NATIONS G LO BA L UNITED benefitting:
7. 31 . 0 9
D J D AV I D K N A P P DJ JOE KING
8 .0 1.0 9
DJ BRETT HENRICHSEN DJ NICK BERTOSSI & MATTHEW RUSH
8 .0 2 .0 9
CHUS & CEBALLOS MILES FABER & CIRCUIT MOM
8.03 .09 D J P A U L O DJ SONNY T
benefitting:
tickets available at:
L i t t l e S i s t e r ’s ( 1 2 3 8 D a v i e S t . ) , P r i a p e ( 1 1 4 8 D a v i e S t . ) a n d P r i a p e . c o m / b i g r o g e r
W W W . B I G R O G E R E V E N T S . C O M Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News 11
Ticket giveaway july 25th at
12 Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
TulCasSeaGayNws 7-09.ai
1
7/1/09
3:18 PM
Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News 13
price reductions up to $117,000 plus a 3-2-1 buydown! Live at Brix and play in Seattle’s most entertaining neighborhood - the place where fine art, gourmet cuisine and funky furniture shops live side-byside. This is Capitol Hill living at its very best. Sleek, modern flats and sophisticated, northwest inspired lofts on Capitol Hill. Homes priced from the high 200k’s to the mid $600k’s. Visit today to tour the 8 professionally staged model homes.
HOMES FROM $270,000 payments as low as $826/mo* with the 3-2-1 Buydown!
MOVE-IN NOW! brixcondos.com Presentation Center 536 Broadway E, 206.262.9416 Open Daily 11am-6pm *All rates, numbers and calculations are approximate and subject to change without notice. This information is provided solely for the use of Real Estate professionals and is not an effort to extend credit.
14 Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News 15
robforport.com
SGN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Port Commission candidate Rob Holland
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Rob Holland is African American, Gay, and was born into a working class family in Bremerton. He doesn’t fit the profile of a Port of Seattle Commissioner. “At least not the ones we’ve had so far!” he exclaims. “You know, the Port is going on 100 years old. It’s time to re-envision what the port will mean in the next 100 years.” Holland is making his first run for public office as a candidate for the Port Commission, which supervises operations of both the seaport and SeaTac Airport. “Everybody says I bit off a big chunk, running a countywide campaign,” he says, “but it’s exciting. It’s an opportunity to talk to people all over the county, in the smaller towns as well as Seattle.” Holland has deep roots on the Puget Sound waterfront. His grandfather worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and his father was a member of the Inland Boatman’s Union (IBU), working on Seattle’s ferry system. “I had models of ships as a child,” he recalls. “I always enjoyed all things maritime.” The waterfront also came to assume special importance to Holland as he was coming out. “The waterfront always symbolized one thing to me,” he says. “The waterfront was full of everybody, every kind of person, just doing what they needed to do. Going to sea was one of those things, breaking away from social and psychological constraints.” Holland also has roots in Seattle’s political community. His great uncle was near-
legendary City Council member Sam Smith. “He was my Politics 101,” Holland says. “I think we can make history!” Holland grins when asked what changes he’d bring to port management. For him, the key is his “Green Jobs” program. “Look,” he says, “our manufacturing base has dwindled. The building trades especially have seen their memberships drop. It’s all about retooling the way we work, creating jobs that are difficult to ship overseas.” “Reduce air emissions,” Holland says, ticking off the key points in his program. “We can retrofit our short-haul trucks to run on low sulfur diesel, biodiesel, or natural gas. We have a strong commitment already from the Port CEO [Tay Yoshitani]. We have to retrain workers – especially in the building trades – to build green. We can reduce energy costs for port tenants by 40%. Will that attract new tenants? Yeah, it will!” While voters are often barely conscious of the Port Commission, Holland insists the Port is central to the region’s wellbeing. “We have 50,000 direct port jobs in King County,” he says. “That’s longshore, crane operators, building trades, even international lawyers. Port related jobs for the whole region are upwards of 200,000.” “Those are living-wage jobs,” Holland continues. “The average port job pays $44,000. That’s way above national average.” Holland acknowledges the impact of the recession. “It’s global,” he says. “Airport business is down 7-9%, and we might be seeing an uptick in that, but the seaport is off 20%. There’s not much a port commis-
Bill seeks to end the ban on syringe exchange programs by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer The ban on the use of federal funds for syringe exchange programs may be lifted. The removal of the ban is being championed by Rep. David R. Obey (D-WI) and was introduced last week in the Labor, Health and Human Services FY 2010 Appropriations bill. Obey is the chairman of the Labor, Health and Humans Appropriations committee.
“This bill deletes the prohibition on the use of funds for needle exchange programs. Scientific studies have documented that needle exchange programs, when implemented as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy, are an effective public health intervention for reducing AIDS/HIV infections and do not promote drug use,” Obey said. “The judgment we make is that it is time to lift this ban and let state and local jurisdictions determine if they want to pursue this approach.”
Rob Holland
sioner can do about that.” Holland does believe that Port must be able to compete aggressively for international business in a tough economy. “We still have a large number of boxes that are discretionary,” he says. “These containers can go anywhere. We have to invest in our infrastructure, maintain the terminals, the cranes, to be able to attract the business.” “Movability of goods is a big issue,” Holland continues. “We have a large truck system here – ‘drayage’ is the word in the business – we have to enable the trucks to move from the piers to the warehouses in south King County.” Asked to weigh in on the competing plans for viaduct replacement, Holland chuckles. “Well, it’s unfortunate people are not connected to the waterfront. It’s such an imSyringe exchange programs are said to be cost-effective, prevent disease, and serve as a bridge to health care services for hardto-reach populations, protect communities and law enforcement officials, and provide a gateway to substance abuse for treatment for injection drug users. There are about 18,000 intravenous drug users living in King County according to the Public Health – Seattle & King County website. Without a vaccine or a cure for HIV/ AIDS, prevention is the only tool we have to control the spread of the disease, the website reads. Public Health safely disposes of all contaminated syringes turned into the exchange. Public Health says this reduces the number of discarded syringes on city sidewalks and at bus stops, in yards, parks and playgrounds. The longer a syringe remains in circulation, the more opportunities there are for that syringe to pass on a blood-borne disease. “Chairman Obey is right,” said Ronald Johnson, Deputy Executive Director of AIDS Action Council, an organization that strives to end the HIV epidemic by advancing public policies that prevent new infections, provide care for people living with HIV, and support the search for a cure. “The number of individuals who have become HIV-positive through injection drug use has been drastically reduced by syringe exchange programs operating with private, state and local funding. We look forward to expanding the reach with the federal resources.”
Versatile Painting Company
Interiors Exteriors
Faux finishes Murals
Over 22 years experience 206-755-5723 Visit our website at web.mac.com/tedobey 16 Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
portant piece of the city. [The viaduct] really cuts people off from that. The tunnel seems to be where everyone wants to go. It took a long time to get there, so we need to be committed to it.” “The main thing is to move goods quickly. Not to leave choke points,” he explains. “One thing is access to Ballard. We have a lot of ‘mom and pops’ there that actually move a lot of merchandise. And access south of Spokane Street. Those are the important pieces from the point of view of merchandise.” How would Holland like to leave the Port at the end of his term? “I’d like to see the Port be more transparent,” he says. “I want people say ‘I really like what the Port is doing.’ This could be a ‘turn the page moment.’ We need the Port to be that.” “I want to see the Port reducing our environmental footprint,” he continues. “We have a million square feet of port property. We employ thousands, tens of thousands, and we can retrain them to do that kind of work. Green work.” Holland’s commitment to both a clean environment and economic development is reflected in his endorsement list. He has been endorsed by the Martin Luther King County Labor Council, the Building Trades Council of construction unions, and the Sierra Club. He has the support of every Democratic District organization that has endorsed so far. He is also endorsed by Sally Clark, Tom Rasmussen, and four other City Council members, and by State Sen Ed Murray and State Rep Dave Upthegrove. Since 1989, Congress has prevented the use of federal funds for syringe exchange programs (SEPs), using the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill and other legal provisions as a means for carrying out the prohibition. The removal of the ban would give communities the freedom to use their federal funds for HIV prevention strategies that best fit their local needs, including syringe exchange programs. According to Seattle & King County Public Health, HIV infection among injection drug users has been shown to increase 6% per year on average in cities that do not have needle exchange. In contrast, HIV declined 6% per year among injection drug users in cities that have exchange programs. In King County, the rate of HIV injection among injection drug users has remained low and stable for the past 16 years, with only 3% of the local injection drug users infected. Currently, the needle exchange program is funded by disease prevention funds provided by Washington State, King County and the City of Seattle. Community-based agencies that provide needle exchange in King County may also receive private donations and grants from private foundations. King County spends $1.1 million a year on the needle exchange program. In contrast, the lifetime medical cost to treat one person who has HIV is estimated to be $385,000. Public Health says by preventing infections in just three people per year, the needle exchange program more than pays for itself. By preventing HIV infections in just 1% of injection drug users in King County, the program saves $70 million in HIV-related medical costs. “We call on the House Appropriations Committee to keep this important change intact,” Johnson said. “Local jurisdictions know how to best work in their communities.” Seattle’s program began operating in 1989. Currently Public Health operates programs in six areas of King County. Community-based agencies operate two additional programs.
Celebrating 36 Years!
Rise ‘n Shine benefits from Northwest Bears’ Spring Thaw
On June 25, 2009, Jim Fotter, on behalf of Northwest Bears, presented $6,390 to Terry March, program director of Rise ‘n Shine. The money was raised primarily during Northwest Bears’ 15th Annual Spring Thaw weekend, held this year during April 16-19, through activities such as the Beard, Belly and Buns contest whereby contestants solicited dollar votes, the one with the most money being the “winner.” Money was also raised by the silent auction of items contributed by local businesses and by various members of Northwest Bears. Additional money was raised by some bar activities, such as Jell-o shots and the club-operated coat check service at The Cuff Complex. Rise ‘n Shine is an organization which provides emotional support programs, stability, advocacy, and AIDS education for
children and teens affected by HIV and AIDS. This includes children and teens who have been orphaned by the disease, children and teens who live with a parent or other close family member with HIV or AIDS, and those who are infected themselves. The funds raised by Northwest Bears will help to send some Rise ‘n Shine children to their annual two-week summer camp, where they can be with others similarly affected, and where they can give each other support. Jim Fotter was the co-chairman of the 15th Annual Spring Thaw and is also a volunteer mentor to a Rise ‘n Shine child. Mentors provide the children with one of their most stable relationships and their interactions are very valuable especially during these major life situations and transitions.
fort worth continued from page 4
Both the Fort Worth Police Department and TABC have launched internal affairs investigations of the Rainbow Lounge raid. Fort Worth police have also begun a second investigation which is being handled by their major cases squad. Mayor Moncrief has asked the US Attorney for north Texas to review the police inquiries. City Council member Kathleen Hicks, who represents the district where Rainbow Lounge is located, and openly Gay City Council member Joel Burns have also called for an independent investigation.
Northwest Bears have also sponsored a needy Rise ‘n Shine family at Christmas time, as well as raising money by participating in the Rise ‘n Shine’s “Big Jail Bail Out.” Northwest Bears thanks the LGBT community and the business community for their support.
Counseling Services Artemis Counseling Services
SPECIALTIES LGBT Issues Couples Counseling Depression Anger Management Domestic Violence Grief and Loss HIV/AIDS
∙ overcoming abuse ∙ addiction recovery ∙ building healthy relationships ∙ sexual orientation ∙ gender identity
Gary Sarozek, MA, LMHC
affirming alternative spiritual paths
1370 Stewart Street 206-619-4187 (Across from REI)
Seattle WA, 98109
Deb Dettman LICSW (206)276-5335
gsarozek@comcast.net www.garysarozek.com
Capitol Hill location with free parking.
Sliding fee available.
www.sgn.org Corner of Melrose Ave in Capitol Hill
Religion & Spirituality “OPEN & AFFIRMING”
Rev. David Strong Pastor
www.PlymouthChurchSeattle.org
SOJOURNER TRUTH MINISTRIES
Walk the Labyrinth: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday Worship 12:00pm
1st Friday & saturday of each month Jazz Worship service: at noon on Wednesdays sunday services: 8:45 am & 11:00 am Plymouth congregational church, Ucc downtown at 6th & University 206-622-4865
P.O. Box 19734 Seattle, WA 98109 Phone: 206.621.8960
Come worship with us!
2524 16th Ave. South A209 Seattle, Washington 98144 Phone 206-478-6718 www.sojournertruthministries.org
A Church for All God’s People – since 1972 www.mccseattle.org Sunday Worship 12:30 pm 1441-16th Ave on Capitol Hill (206) 325-2421
Trinity Episcopal Church An Open and Affirming Congregation - Come join us! Sundays 8:00 and 10:30 - Wednesdays & Thursdays 5:30
Eighth Avenue & James Street, Seattle www.trinityseattle.org
Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News 17
rajkhet dirzhud-rashid
Money issues and my slave’s birthday by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid SGN A&E Writer Ah, my dears, life’s been interesting – good and interesting and a bit wacky. Must be these retrograde planets we’re all under these days. First of all, the money is very funny, with my little monthly stipend being on hold ‘cause this one’s money manager either lost her mind or is a total beotch. Either way, we’ll be glad when that situation is fixed so me and sweet one/slave can go shopping for fall duds. Then there’s my ongoing attempt to take care of a little female plumbing issue, and running up against the stone wall of the Western medical system at UW Women’s clinic (must be ‘cause I complained about the last visit, with a doc who would have
been comfortable in Hester Prynne’s world), but trust me, this one is going to keep trying, ‘cause pain is only good when I’m dishing it out to my slave, honey. And speaking of slavey, my love baby and toy, me and that one celebrated his birthday early by taking a ferry ride to and from Bremerton, with that one in the cutest drag outfit. No one bothered us Trans chillun, but there were a few long looks and even a guard at the dock flirting with my baby. Honey, if someone looks that tasty, does it really matter what equipment’s under the hood? No siree, Bob! We also did the zombie thang in Fremont the day before the 4th of July, with that one in Trans hotness again, and, babies, it was yummy all the way with all of those creative folks in zombie getup doing the dance from “the gloved one’s” “Thriller” video and breaking that pre-existing record as easily as crossing a street at midnight. Loved watching and laughing to Shaun of The Dead, too, which if you’ve never seen, honey, rent it and get happy about zombies with the rest of us. Oh, and you folks who seem to never have read a graphic novel, globules are the way it looks in the book, and the maker of Blood: The Last Vampire obviously knew that and stayed true to the novel, so shut yo’ piehole and maybe find yo’sef’ a girl to hang with, ‘sted’a taking punches at really
Versatile Painting Company
Interiors Exteriors
Store Closing Sale! Huge Discounts!
Faux finishes Murals
Over 22 years experience 206-755-5723 Visit our website at web.mac.com/tedobey
151 3rd Street, Downtown Kirkland Open daily 10-5:30, Sun 12-5
(425) 827-7443
Inflation Color-Full lip gloss in “Wink” and am loving it to death, honey. Also picked up another of Rimmel’s Color Rush trio eyeshadow palettes in “Maritime,” which makes this one’s eyes so glam it oughta be against the law. Pick up both at either Walgreens or Bartels, and big props always to the pharmacists at Bartels for helping me survive the budget crunch blues regarding the change in coverage of my meds. You guys rule the school! Finally, do also try Glamour Cell moisturizer. This one received a sample offer in the mail, ordered the stuff and was happily amazed at the results. Call their number at 1-888-425-0100 and check this product out. You’ll love your face, trust me, honey. So, that’s it for now, my loves, and if you’re not in love, baby, fall, fall, fall, even if it’s only with yourself, ‘cause it feels so good and the glow you get by being head-over-keister in love is better than any cosmetic you can buy. My wish is for all of you crazy folks to find this kind of joy sometime soon. Also, big yums to that new cutie working behind the counter at Molly Moon’s Ice Cream. Baby, you’re as luscious as the cone you made for me, and if I had my druthers, I’d be licking “salted licorice” off you until we both shattered the sound barrier. And to you nutty folks who never notice folks walking behind or around you on the street or in grocery stores, honey, the food’s not going anywhere, and wake the flip up and see people, ‘kay? Otherwise, my hand might have to meet your face in a not-so-good way, ya feel me? Okay, then. Also, a note to Mr. Jong Il, let our female journalists go, eh? Maybe Hillary should remind you why we fear Scorpio women (or I do, anyway). Drivers, drive less, and remember: pedestrians are part of the planet you live on, so slow down and wait a bit more, and, folks, please stop trashing innocent trees and lawns and bushes; earth don’t need no mo’ destruction, ‘kay? ‘Kay. Be tolerant, love more, laugh more, lighten up and hey, Republican knuckleheads, of course he didn’t get it done right the freak away, and you just remember one of yours made this mess, honey. Peace out, buhbye, kiss kiss.
Zombie hottie
fab films. ‘Nuff said on that. Oh, and yes, honies, it’s time for SHA, owner of my Digs, to do the whole “big brother” thang and crash my peace by doing their annual inspection again, but my darling slave cleaned so completely that this one is not worried. Nothing like dressing someone in “punk kitty-girl gear,” taking their clothes on your errands and getting them to focus on the cleaning to liven up an otherwise boring Tuesday. Try it sometime and see what happens, babies. This one is writing more on that in her other guise as columnist for The Seattle Sinner next month, so check that and the current column on the myth of sexless Asian men at seattlesinner13@yahoo.com. So, what else has this one been up to besides being crazy, mad, happy in love, and wishing everyone she knows could know such joy, and trying to cut through government red tape to free up my cash? Well, this one also tried another Sally Hansen Lip
Home Services Find out why , , AND users rate us so highly!
Major Credit Cards Accepted
(206) 784-0313 www.happyhauler.com
SCRUBBOYS CLEANERS Professional Housecleaning
• Licensed & Insured • Reasonable Rates
• Weekly Service, Move-Outs, or One-Time Only
Call now!
You can save up to 40% on your heat bill by installing a high efficiency heat pump and you may qualify for a $1500 FeDeRaL taX cReDit anD ManUFactUReR’s ReBate. Puget Sound Energy is currently offering up to $3950 rebate on electric to gas heating conversion.
(206) 354-4187
Heating & gas inc.
www.scrubboycleaners.com
We instaLL in FLOOR Heat, BOiLeRs, geOtHeRMaL sYsteMs, Heat PUMPs, FORceD aiR, anD gas PiPe. We seRVice aLL BRanDs. neW cOnstRUctiOn, ReMODeLs, eXisting HOMes
(425) 379-8934 6 months same as cash Oac
www.aireforceheating.net 18 Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
gARY D. TORgERSON CO.
Building Restoration Specialists expert residential painting and carpentry Comprehensive professional services essential to long term home preservation and renovation. Visit our web site for extensive displays of our services and expertise, including correction of peeling and blistering problems.
Phone: 206-781-0999 / www.TorgersonCompany.com #GARYDTC134CJ
Celebrating 36 Years!
clinton
doma
tive thus far. But, other than notoriety, his endorsement is powerful considering that in 1996 he signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which banned recognition of same-sex marriages at the federal level and gave individual states the right to refuse recognition to such marriages even if performed legally in other states. In a 2000 interview with The Advocate, Clinton said, “I think what happened in the Congress [concerning DOMA] was that a lot of people who didn’t want to be antiGay didn’t feel that they should be saying that as a matter of law, without regard to what various churches or religions or others thought, that the United States policy was that all unions that call themselves marriages are, as a matter of law, marriages. I don’t think we’re there yet. But I think that what we ought to do is to get the legal rights straightened out and let time take its course, and we’ll see what happens.” Nine years have passed, and with the LGBT community calling for President Obama and Congress to repeal DOMA and the recent decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold Prop. 8, the issue of Gay marriage is hotter than ever. Clinton’s public endorsement of Gay marriage may have come late to the game, but it will, no doubt, carry a great deal of weight. Clinton joins a list of high-profile political leaders including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT), former NY Senate leader Joe Bruno, Republican operatives Roger Stone and Steve Schmidt, and former Vice President Dick Cheney who have all, within the past few weeks, publicly endorsed the freedom to marry.
if it creates two, separate classes of married people: those who receive equal access and those who do not. The lawsuit alleges that DOMA denies “essential rights and protections” to Gay married couples and claims that DOMA violates state sovereignty over the legal definition of marriage. The lawsuit, which names the United States and the Secretaries and Departments of veterans affairs and Health and Human Services as defendants, marks the first time the state has challenged the federal government’s discriminatory treatment of its LGBT citizens. “The commonwealth has presented the court with stark facts of discrimination that should finally spell the end of DOMA,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Excluding our families from equal protections never had anything to do with promoting a legitimate interest, and has everything to do with discrimination.” Five states now legally marry same-sex couples, but these couples are denied federal protections and programs available to married straight couples. “DOMA was wrong, discriminatory, and mean-spirited when it was enacted in 1996, and today it stands between thousands of
continued from cover
continued from cover
married couples and the equal protections they deserve,” Solmonese said. “We applaud the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for stepping forward on behalf of these families and saying, in essence, ‘enough is
enough.’ Now it is time for the federal government to take affirmative steps to challenge and repeal this discriminatory law that causes real harm to loving, married couples and their children.”
Re fees t duced hr Sept ough . 30
jim’s southend Servicing all brands, MMI & Factory trained techs p. 206-244-4111 f. 206-244-4110
motorcycle 20+ years experience
10840 Myers Way S, Seattle, WA 98168 southendmotorcycle.com
Health Services
der + i v o r P y a G t = n e i t a P y Ga Healthy ip Relationsh
www.sgn.org
www.capitolhillmedical.com Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News 19
courtesy q syndicate
SpiderBaby: The Twin Cities’ favorite (Gay) wrestler by Dan Woog SGN Contributing Writer The results are in. The “Best Wrestler of 2009” – at least in the Twin Cities – is a Gay man. But the bigger news might be that “SpiderBaby’s” selection has caused no news frenzy at all. More interesting may be the fact that SpiderBaby – the nom de mat of Terrance Griep – made the transition from villain to fan favorite in just six years. And he did it partly because of – not in spite of – his sexuality. Griep’s route to wrestling began when he was 5. Then, at that young age, he did not understand the sport’s homoerotic subtext; he simply liked the characters, the simplicity of good-versus-evil and the action. At 5, Griep also had his first crush – though he recognizes it only in hindsight: “It was the drummer kid from the Partridge Family!” he laughs. “I wanted him to be my pal.” Griep’s first career was writing. His out-
lets ranged from Gay magazines like The Advocate to comic books. But when his income dried up in the economic downturn of 2001, he looked around Minnesota – where he had grown up – for new sources. A wrestling show needed a color commentator. Griep thought that might lead to an interesting writing market. But as he bartered his writing for training – he also wanted to learn how to fall without getting hurt – Griep realized he had “a talent for teeing off drunken fans.” He’d found his niche. Griep was already out to many in his life. But when someone Googled the new grappler, the word got, well, out in the wrestling world. No one said anything to his face, though a colleague alluded to his Advocate. com piece, “How Spider-Man Saved My Life.” (That story – about the important influence of a superhero who also dealt with the normal struggles of adolescence – foreshadowed Griep’s creation of his own SpiderBaby character.) Griep soon realized that – although he was a villain – he could use sexuality to his
Terrance Griep, aka SpiderBaby
advantage. “I actually sent a positive message,” he recalls. “You could boo me because I cheated on the mat, or was reprehensible. But you couldn’t boo me just because I was Gay.” In other words: Boo me for what I do, not who I am. Griep conveyed that nuanced message when a group of teenage boys chanted: “You are Gay” (clap-clap-clap). SpiderBaby went over to them and responded: “You say that like it’s bad!” (clap-clap-clap). The crowd turned on the youths; they soon shut up. In Wisconsin, Griep was surprised to hear his opponent call him a “fag.” “That gave the crowd permission to be hostile,” Griep says. “When I won, I waved my belt in front of their noses. They just stared straight ahead.” As SpiderBaby became known as a Gay wrestler, more and more audiences admired his “outness.” Today he is a hero. Pro wrestling straddles the line between sports and entertainment. It also is burdened with decades of stereotypes. “The cigar-smoking, beer-drinking white guy getting his thrills watching the bad man get beat up – that hasn’t been true for 25 years,” Griep claims. “Our audiences are the full age range, all income levels, every demographic. People understand it’s a catharsis. If the stereotypes were true, it wouldn’t be as popular as it is.” However, he adds, pro wrestling is not as advanced as other areas of society. Most Gay fans remain closeted, and the number of out wrestlers and promoters is tiny. Griep recalls fearing the reactions of fans and fellow wrestlers when they realized he
was “exchanging body fluids in the ring” with a Gay man. “Maybe people don’t feel welcome because there are not more of us,” he says. “Wrestling definitely does not have a Gay tradition.” Even his own Gay friends don’t fully understand the sport and how homosexuality fits into it. “They either find wrestling repugnant, or they think it’s some kind of stylized S&M,” Griep says. But enough people do love the sport to make it popular – and to lead City Pages, the Twin Cities’ alternative newspaper, to make “Best Wrestler” one of its 2009 categories. Crowds react to SpiderBaby because of how he wrestles, “not because he likes to kiss guys,” City Pages wrote. Griep appreciates the honor. But true to SpiderBaby’s character, he deflects it a bit. “I’ve been billing myself as the Most Formidable Wrestler in Sector 2814, which is Green Lantern’s jurisdiction,” he says. “So to be told I’m the best wrestler in two cities on one planet feels like something of a demotion, I guess. Still, he notes, “a generation ago, working a Gay gimmick was the surest way to get a wrestling crowd to boo. Now they’ve rounded the bend. God bless ‘em.” You can take that to the mat. Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer coach, Gay activist, and author of the “Jocks” series of books on Gay male athletes. Visit his website at www.danwoog. com. He can be reached care of this publication or at OutField@qsyndicate.com.
Legal Services www.sgn.org
20 Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer “I know that many in this room don’t believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that. It’s not for me to tell you to be patient, any more than it was for others to counsel patience to African Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half-century ago. But I say this: We have made progress and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I’ve made, but by the promises that my administration keeps.” –Barack Obama addressing 300 GLBT leaders at the White House June 29 at a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. “As commander in chief, in a time of war, I do have a responsibility to see that this change [the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell] is administered in a practical way and a way that takes over the long term. That’s why I’ve asked the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a plan for how to thoroughly implement a repeal. I know that every day that passes without a resolution is a deep disappointment to those men and women who continue to be discharged under this policy – patriots who often possess critical language skills and years of training and who’ve served this country well. But what I hope is that these cases underscore the urgency of reversing this policy not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it is essential for our national security.” –Barack Obama addressing 300 GLBT leaders at the White House June 29 at a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
ple to deal with issues they may not be interested in. Life is unfair, and the masses don’t all live in L.A. They live in Wisconsin and Nebraska, and you’re on crack if you think the same rules apply there. My advice is still the same, ‘Shut the fuck up, just sing and let people say whatever they want.’ But I do wish him the best because he’s got all the talent in the world. If only the world was not homophobic, but it is. I would be the first one to vote for equal rights for Gay women and men, and get the church and the state to stop telling everybody how to lead their lives, but do I think he’s killed his career? Oh, in an instant. I hope I’m completely wrong. I hope he becomes the next Beatles and proves me wrong.” –Kiss bassist Gene Simmons to AOL TV, June 25. “I’m ... not interested in having any real publicity about who I am and what my private life is and things like that. I’m an actor and I don’t want to be a [fill-in-the-] blank actor. ... I don’t think it’s really newsworthy if the Gay guy from Ugly Betty is Gay or not.” –Actor Michael Urie to New York magazine, June 28. “Proposition 8 here deals with people’s freedom and you can’t say everyone is basically free and has the right to do what they want to do when you suddenly put up a bar and say, ‘I’m sorry, Gay people cannot get married if they want to.’ It’s not about Gay people – it could be about anybody. Who’s
next? What’s next?” right to marry the person of their choosing. –Former gossip queen Rona Barrett to ... Delaying equal marriage rights in CaliWindy City Times, June 24. fornia serves none of our interests.” –Chad Griffin, board chair of the Ameri“Given our willingness to collaborate can Foundation for Equal Rights, in a July with you, and your efforts to undercut this 8 letter demanding that the American Civil case, we were surprised and disappointed Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the when we became aware of your desire to National Center for Lesbian Rights cease intervene. You have unrelentingly and un- efforts to intervene in AFER’s federal sameequivocally acted to undermine this case sex marriage case seeking to overturn Calieven before it was filed. ... [W]e will vig- fornia’s Proposition 8. AFER and its clients orously oppose any motion to intervene. In are represented by superstar attorneys Ted public and private, you have made it unmis- Olson and David Boies. takably clear that you strongly disagree with our legal strategy to challenge Prop. 8 as a “We have the law. We say it won’t be enviolation of the Due Process and Equal Pro- forced. Is it totally clear? We, sometimes in tection Clauses of the United States Consti- these things, have to accept a bit of messitution. Your strident criticism of our suit has ness. And the way the society is going, we been constant.” don’t think it’s fair for us to prosecute peo–Chad Griffin, board chair of the Ameri- ple who say that they are homosexual. ... It’s can Foundation for Equal Rights, in a July not for the government to say we are going 8 letter demanding that the American Civil to force something against the wishes of the Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the people. We won’t change the law, but how National Center for Lesbian Rights cease that is interpreted is up to the courts. It is not efforts to intervene in AFER’s federal same- our position to tell the courts what to do.” sex marriage case seeking to overturn Cali–Singapore’s law minister, K. Shanfornia’s Proposition 8. AFER and its clients mugam, explaining July 6 that Gay sex is ilare represented by superstar attorneys Ted legal, but no one will be arrested for having Olson and David Boies. Gay sex, but the government won’t repeal the ban, but the courts are free to strike it “Your intervention would create a com- down if they want, and maybe they should. plex, multi-party proceeding that would inevitably be hampered by procedural inef“Now that you’ve up and quit as Amerficiencies that are directly at odds with our ica’s favorite hottie milf ditzball politico goal – and the goal of Chief Judge Walker moose-slashin’ anti-choice anti-feminist de– of securing an expeditious, efficient, and stroyer of linear grammar, we feel adrift and inexpensive resolution to the district court lost, a nation without its favorite squeaky proceedings. As a result of your interven- purple balloon.” tion, we could be mired in procedurally –San Francisco Chronicle columnist convoluted pre-trial maneuvering for years Mark Morford writing to Sarah Palin, July – while Gay and Lesbian individuals in Cal- 10. ifornia continue to suffer the daily indignity of being denied their federal constitutional With assistance from Bill Kelley
Real Estate
“The president is goddamned wrong on this [not ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell via executive order now].” –MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann, June 30. “If you had 20 Gay people together in a room and asked how many of them actually have reached out and either called, e-mailed or sent a letter to their member of Congress over the last two months, I would say the vast, vast majority of them will have done nothing. My suggestion is that people need to become strong activists, that we need to multiply by hundreds the number of activists we have in the Gay community. We need more voices, we need louder voices, and we need to tell politicians at every level we’re not willing to take their excuses anymore. ... I would encourage Gays and straights alike to put pressure on President Obama, on his administration, to call for action – immediate action on the laundry list of items that the Gay community deserves for true equality in this country.” –Openly Gay Steve Hildebrand, who was Barack Obama’s deputy national campaign director and recently spoke with the president one-on-one at the White House about Gay issues, to this column, July 5.
Specialized Services Kennedy Painting and Design interiors/exteriors/color consultations
“I do believe that in his heart he [Obama] will fight his tail off until we’ve achieved full equality in the Gay community. ... I’ve been around a lot of very important politicians in my lifetime and I think this guy is different and I do trust him to do what is right. I also believe that he knows how to get things done, and that he will make a significant difference in a positive way in the lives of Gay and Lesbian Americans.” –Openly Gay Steve Hildebrand, who was Barack Obama’s deputy national campaign director and recently spoke with the president one-on-one at the White House about Gay issues, to this column, July 5. “[American Idol’s Adam Lambert] killed his career because now the conversation is not about his talent but about his sexual preference. He’s done. You’re forcing peo-
Visit us online www.sgn.org
Richard Kennedy
206-683-9666 rkennedypainting@yahoo.com licensed bonded insured lic #kennedpd924bw
Major Credit Cards Accepted
(206) 784-0313 www.happyhauler.com
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News 21
22 Seattle Gay News
July 17, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
T h e PAC I F IC N O R T H W E S T ’ S LOCAL MOVING SPECIALISTS SERVING THE SEATTLE METRO AREA
Household or Small Office Moves • Full Service or Labor Only Packing Services • Temperature Controlled Storage • Document Storage
STORAGE SPECIAL - 2 MONTHS FREE* Call to reserve your date! www.expressmoversinc.com info@expressmoversinc.com
206-276-4599
GROCERY & GIFT MARKET
Seattle Chooses Express Movers: “Best of Western Washington”, King 5 Evening Magazine “Best Movers in Seattle”, Citysearch.com “Best Storage in Seattle”, Bizvotes.com. *WITH 4 MONTHS PAID STORAGE
To View Our Weekly Specials Visit Our Website at www.uwajimaya.com
-WUTC HG-61664
Prepare to play.
OPEN DAILY
Quality Asian Grocery & Gifts Since 1928
Seattle 206.624.6248 | Bellevue 425.747.9012 | Beaverton 503.643.4512
DENTIST SEEKING PATIENT TALENTED DENTIST IN SEARCH OF . . . Highly skilled, very sensitive dentist located in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle is looking for patients who would appreciate being pampered and respected. If you are looking for a dentist who will listen to you, never judge or put you down and will always be there for you then please respond. I love all aspects of general dentistry including cosmetic dentistry, periodontal teeth cleanings, implants (dental implants, of course) and SEDATION dentistry. I am one of only 1% of dentists qualified to administer "Sedation Dentistry" in the entire country. I am open to having you come in for a complete examination or we could just meet for a short chat to get to know each other a little better first if you prefer. Just give me a call at (206) 323-7877 or visit me on-line at seattlesbestsmiles.com. Who knows, it might just be the perfect fit.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 17, 2009
Seattle Gay News 23