Issue 27 Volume 38
Celebrating 37 Years!
FRIDAY July 2, 2010 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
Seattle Pride Roundup
See Section 3 for all the fun and photos of this year’s Pride festivities!
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Seattle’s Dyke March Local AIDS housing project has 25 year tradition gets major HOPWA grant
by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer
James Whitely
The Seattle Dyke March saw record attendance this Pride weekend, bringing out a crowd of nearly 3,000. After two hours of entertainment and speakers,
where they were met with tremendous cheer from Capitol Hill Pride by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
United States Supreme James Whitely
the march set out from the south plaza of Seattle Central Community College, heading up E. Pine St., and going north on 12th Ave. They then headed west down E. Mercer St. and back to Broadway,
Festival patrons. Hundreds joined in on the route as the Spokane Giant-Ass Drum Corps led the march with their awesome bucket beat. The Seattle Dyke March is an annual tradition. The theme of this year’s Dyke March was “Connectsee dyke march page 20
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on June 29 that a Seattle housing project for people living with HIV/AIDS would receive $714,766 in HOPWA funds. HOPWA, the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS program, grants funding to states, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations for projects that help people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. It is the only federal program dedicated to housing that population. Seattle’s Housing Resource Group received the HOPWA grant for Kenyon House, a project they run jointly with Sound Mental Health and Bailey-Boushay House. “[Kenyon House] is 18 units of permanent housing plus services,” said Sarah Lewontin, executive director of Housing Resources Group. areas, meant to provide permanent Group projects, Kenyon House is Housing Resources Group man- affordable housing for low-income dedicated solely to housing people ages 28 properties, most of them people. in the downtown and Capitol Hill Unlike other Housing Resources see hud page 20
Grocery workers negotiating Take Gays or leave public money, new contract Gay shop steward interviews with SGN Supremes say file photo
nick ardizzone
ployees. Aguve is a shop steward at the QFC in the Harvard Market on Capitol Hill. He is also on the bargaining team for his store. His union – United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 21 – is in its third month of contract negotiations with Kroger Foods, the corporate owners of QFC and Fred Meyer. Both of the other “Big 3” grocery chains – Safeway and Albertson’s – are also bargaining new contracts with UFCW 21. Besides the Big 3, PCC, Madison Market, Metropolitan Market, and other smaller grocery stores will have new contracts when negotiations are completed. In all, some 20,000 workers will be affected, according to UFCW 21’s Communications Director Tom Geiger. When Aguve was finally able to talk with SGN, he explained that he was filling in for a sick co-worker. QFC’s Broadway and E. Pike St. location “I’m in one of the luckier deby Mike Andrew called in to work at the last min- partments – the bakery,” he says. “My department is on a set schedSGN Staff Writer ute. Unintentionally, he illustrated ule. My days off are basically the QFC bakery worker Kyle Aguve one of his union’s biggest comhad to cancel his appointment to plaints – the lack of a predictable see grocery page 17 be interviewed by SGN. He’d been work schedule for grocery em-
United States Supreme Court
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court said that a college club may not receive public funding if it excludes Gays from membership. In Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, the court rejected an appeal from the Christian Legal Society, which sued to get funding and
official recognition from the University of California’s Hastings College of Law. The CLS requires that members sign a statement of faith which forbids “unrepentant participation in or advocacy of a sexually immoral lifestyle,” including being Gay or Lesbian. Hastings College has a nondiscrimination policy which includes sexual orientation, and an open membership policy for student groups that want school
funding. It therefore denied recognition and funding to CLS in 2004. CLS then sued the school, claiming its members’ 1st Amendment rights of association, free speech and free exercise of religion were violated by the non-discrimination policy.
see public money page 21
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Seattle Gay News
July 2, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
July 2, 2010
Seattle Gay News
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Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973
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2010
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, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, James Whitely, 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, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely 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. © 2010, 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.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: Truth & sense go AWOL by Leslie Robinson SGN Contributing Writer The things they say. Politicians and advocates opposed to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) have provided a chain of ignorant remarks and fantastical claims. I suppose when fear is your main motivator, your lips come out swinging. In May, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), chatted on American Family Association (AFA) radio about DADT. “You have women, men, then you’d have a third group to deal with,” he said. A third group? What, Smurfs? Inhofe continued, “A military guy – I happen to be Army, and Army and Marines always feel that when we’re out there, we’re not doing it for the flag or for the country; we’re doing it for the guy in the next foxhole. And that would dramatically change that.” Apparently every straight soldier would forget his training and duty, emerge from his foxhole and announce to the enemy, “Stop shooting! There’s a faggot next to me so
I’ve decided to just go home.” A couple of weeks later, AFA radio treated listeners to a history lesson. Host Bryan Fischer, as part of his discourse on DADT, declared that Hitler was “an active homosexual” who recruited Gays to be Storm Troopers. “Hitler discovered that he could not get straight soldiers to be savage and brutal and vicious enough to carry out his orders, but that homosexual soldiers basically had no limits,” said Fischer. If he twisted history any farther he would decapitate it. The truth is that several leaders of the SA, the Nazi Party’s paramilitary, were Gay. That Hitler was Gay is unlikely. That Fischer chose to trot out a crazy picture of Gay soldiers as vicious animals during the national DADT debate suggests he’s desperate and delusional, his head full of Brownshirts doing a Bavarian folkdance. That’s what the American Family Association offered to the debate. Not to be outdone, fellow social conservative group the Family Research Council stepped up to the fantasy plate at the same time. Senior Fellow for
Policy Studies Peter Sprigg released what he said was the first study of “homosexual assault” in the military. According to the TPM website, Sprigg told reporters that Gays in the service “are three times more likely to commit sexual assaults” than straights. His facts are about as trustworthy as BP’s. Should DADT be repealed, said Sprigg, the situation would become more dire. “The number of homosexuals would grow, the threat of discharge for homosexual behavior would be eliminated, and protected class status for homosexuals would make victims hesitant to report assaults and make commanders hesitant to punish them for fear of appearing homophobic.” And Liza Minnelli would join the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Returning to politicians, consider Al Krieger, the mayor of Yuma, Ariz., who supports DADT and whose remarks at a Memorial Day ceremony in a cemetery included, “I cannot believe that a bunch of lacy-drawered, limp-wristed people could do what those men have done in the past.” What will it take for a person like Krieger to grasp that some of “those men” were Gay? That some of them are now? He’s as ignorant as a head of cabbage. Krieger proved that again when he defended himself to TV station KYMA, saying, “We need solid strong men, not pacifists, to fight those battles.” Finally, in June, Rep. Ike Skelton (DMo.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said he thinks DADT should stay, in part because Congressional debate could force families to discuss homosexuality. “What do mommies and daddies say to their 7-year-old child?” Skelton asked media members. They say sometimes girls fall in love with girls, and boys fall in love with boys, you great big coward. Cue the irony – the congressman wants a policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Leslie Robinson lives in Seattle. E-mail her at lesarobinson@gmail.com, and check out other columns at www.generalgayety. com.
In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
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Seattle Gay News
July 2, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
Gay City announces Count Me OUT survey by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
While I, of course, hope that the lawsuit against California ‘s Prop 8 is successful, I am troubled by some of the discussion attributed to “our side” in your article of June 18 [Federal Prop 8 case wraps, 6/18/10]. “Strict scrutiny” as a heightened standard for examining a statute’s constitutionality can’t require an “immutability factor,” since it is used regarding religious discrimination and there is nothing immutable about one’s beliefs. I certainly hope that the attorneys are not claiming that Queerness is immutable, since investigations I did a number of
years ago (published in SGN, among other places) clearly shows that there is little if any solid research providing evidence that Gayness is genetic, etc. A history of discrimination (which the other side was even willing to stipulate to!) should be sufficient to justify strict scrutiny of a statute perpetuating such discrimination, if we truly live in a society committed to equal rights and justice. Anti-discrimination activities are justifiable on historical, not biological, realities. Phil Bereano
FIRST EVER: Seattle Sounders make appearance at Elite steve nick
This month, Gay City Health Project, announced a new opportunity for you to stand up and be counted as the proud LGBTQ person that you are. Count Me OUT is a new LGBTQ health survey. According to Gay City officials, the data collected will be used to address the health inequities that may face our community. I took the survey, which is confidential, in less than three minutes. The survey is quick, easy to navigate, and asks questions that range from mental health to tobacco use. To take the survey, visit Gay City Health Project online at www.gaycity.org. “The idea for this survey came out of our current contract to address smoking-related health disparities among LGBT folks in King and Pierce County,” Fred Swanson, executive director for Gay City, told SGN. “Much of the information that demonstrates high smoking and tobacco use among Queers comes from the state Behavioral Risk Factors Survey (BRFS), but the number of LGBT people in the survey is quite low. BRFS looks at all sorts of information
– behaviors related to smoking, physical activity, weight, eating, etc. – and the data is used to make policy and other recommendations for addressing health issues in communities across Washington.” In particular, Swanson told SGN, there is no information on Transgender individuals, and “very little on LGBT people of color.” “Our goal with Count Me OUT is to provide supplemental data to the state, so that our needs can be understood and counted when policy and funding decisions are made,” he said. “Now more than ever, as state budgets continue to shrink and programs are cut, we need to help the state focus their efforts where they are needed most.” Without the data, Swanson says the LGBT community – in particular LGBT people of color and Transgender folks – will “continue to be overlooked.” Gay City Health Project is a multicultural Gay men’s health organization and the leading provider of HIV and STD testing in King County. The organization promotes Gay and Bisexual men’s health and HIV transmission prevention by building community, fostering communication, and nurturing self-esteem.
A HISTORY OF DISCRIMINATION
Kelly John Mclain 1956-2010 by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer
We will miss you. There will be a gathering on 7/10/10 at Traveler’s (501 E. Pine St.) at 11 a.m. to commemorate Mr. Kelly John Mclain.
Robert Thomas “Robin” Evans II 1951 - 2010
The Elite staff with the Seattle Sounders
For the first time ever, the Seattle Sounders FC, a Major League Soccer team, participated in a soccer-themed fundraiser event at a Gay bar on June 23. The “Sounders FC Autograph Party,” held at the Elite, drew Gay and straight soccer fans from all over Seattle. Sounders FC players Taylor Graham (DF) and Roger Levesque (FW) signed autographs and posed for pictures from 6-9 p.m. at the Wednesday-night soccer party. “As an employee of the Elite, a Sounders fan and a member of the TEAM Seattle board, I worked with the Sounders players to set this event up,” said Steve Nick, primary organizer of the event. A soccer player himself, Nick holds a gold medal from last year’s Outgames. TEAM Seattle is a locally based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to financially assisting LGBT athletes in getting to national and international tournaments. “There are organizations like them all over the states,” Nick told SGN. The event featured a raffle with Sounders FC prizes, like tickets to games, Sounders gear autographed by the entire team, and other Sounders merchandise. “The Elite has a really big soccer following, and there is a really big Gay and Lesbian following for the Sounders. I thought that it would be really great way to introduce the Sounders to their Gay community and vice
versa,” said Nick. Over 200 soccer fans showed up for the event, raising about $350 for TEAM Seattle. “I don’t think a lot of people realized how big the Gay following is,” Nick told SGN, “especially with the overall soccer fan base in Seattle – adult soccer is huge, youth soccer is huge.” Nick is pleased that he and the Elite could be a part of such an important coming together. “Knowing they were so open to doing something in the Gay community … it was really, really cool,” said Nick. “I think it also really solidifies the Elite as a soccer bar. … We want to make the Elite the home of Gay Sounders fans on Capitol Hill.” The Elite hopes this won’t be the last time the Seattle Sounders make an appearance on Capitol Hill. A true lover of the game, Nick will be playing on the TEAM at the Gay Games in Cologne in early August. Right now, however, he’s happy to just be watching the World Cup. “I think it’s going to be Brazil or Argentina.” Nick told SGN. Team Seattle exists to facilitate, provide, and promote opportunities for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community and their friends in all sports and at all levels of ability. For more information on TEAM Seattle, visit: www.teamseattle.org.
Hot Robert Thomas “Robin” Evans II died in his Seattle home on June 22, 2010. The Seattle Gay News will publish a full obituary at a later date. A memorial service will take place in August in the Finlen Hotel in the Butte area of Montana. Donations are requested for Lifelong AIDS Support Services (1017 E. Union St., Seattle, WA 98122), www.lifelongaidsalliance.org; or Butte AIDS Support Services (Box 382, Butte, MT 59703).
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INTERNATIONAL
NEWS
Euro Court refuses to legalize same-sex marriage In a case from Austria, the European Court of Human Rights refused June 24 to effectively force 40 member nations of the Council of Europe to legalize same-sex marriage. The other seven member nations already allow same-sex marriage. Plaintiffs Horst Michael Schalk and Johann Franz Kopf had argued that Austria violated their rights to marry, to be free from discrimination, and to privacy and family life, as guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. But the court decided not to “rush to substitute its own judgment in the place of that of national authorities.” The ILGA-Europe board co-chair, Martin K.I. Christensen, said the group was “disappointed” with the ruling but that “Europe as a whole is gradually moving towards full equality for same-sex families.” He said the court also “made various important statements [in its ruling] which will eventually serve to advance legal rights for same-sex families.” Homosexual Initiative Vienna, or HOSI Wien, said Austrian activists had not expected to win the case flat-out because the time is not quite ripe. “That would have been completely unrealistic to expect since it would have been a precedent with indirect consequences for all member states of the Council of Europe,” the group said. “If the court had found a violation in Schalk vs. Austria, citizens of ... Russia, Italy, Poland or Ukraine would also have been able to successfully challenge the ban on same-sex marriage in their countries.” Still, the group had expected a more Gayfriendly ruling on the matters of nondiscrimination and respect for privacy and family life, which got a 3-4 vote from the court. “It is once again quite obvious that the court is not running in the forefront of social and societal developments,” said HOSI’s Kurt Krickler. “The LGBT movement therefore should not rely on international human rights courts in advancing legal progress for LGBT people; it is rather at the political level that we have to continue to struggle for social change and equality.” “We would have expected that the court would have found at least a violation of the right to respect of private and family life guaranteed by Article 8 – in conjunction with Article 14: nondiscrimination – of the convention at the time when Schalk and his partner had filed the application as there was no alternative option for them to have their partnership legally recognized,” Krickler said. “Austria only introduced registered partnership for same-sex couples as of 1 January 2010.” Gay marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Mexico City, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. (ILGA-Europe’s long-form name is European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.) Belarusian activists file UN complaint Two gay activists in Belarus filed a complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Secretariat in Geneva June 20, charging that Belarusian authorities breached their right to freedom of assembly last December. Sergey Androsenko, chief organizer of Minsk Gay Pride, and Sergey Praded, editor of the Belarusian magazine Gay: Good As You, were arrested December 16 while picketing the Iranian Embassy in Minsk to protest Iran’s treatment of Gay people. They were fined, the fine was upheld by an appeals court, and the Supreme Court refused to hear a further appeal. “We know that the [UN] decision we will get is not binding, but we know that a decision in our favor would be disturbing for the Belarusian government – and in any case we do not have any other option,” Androsenko said. Belarus is not a member of the Council of Europe, so the activists cannot appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, which is where other cases have ended up when Gays’ legal rights have been trampled in Eastern Europe. Iran punishes Gay sex with the death penalty, although in nearly all the cases that have been publicized, the teens and men who were hanged were accused of additional crimes as well, such as homosexual rape. In 2008, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denied that people are executed solely for having Gay sex. “Homosexuals are not even known who they are to be hanged,” he told the Democracy Now! radio program. “So, we don’t have executions of homosexuals. Of course, we consider it an abhorrent act, but it is not punished through capital punishment.” A year earlier, speaking in New York City, Ahmadinejad had claimed that “we in Iran don’t have homo-play [hamjensbaz] like you have in your country.” “In our country ... absolutely such a thing does not exist as a phenomenon,” he said. “I don’t know who told you otherwise.” Six other nations have the death penalty for Gay sex – Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen and, in some regions, Nigeria and Somalia. 5,000 march in Lisbon About 5,000 people marched in the 11th Gay pride parade in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 19. Portugal recently legalized same-sex marriage but blocked married Gay couples from adopting, which became one focus of the march.
Correspondent João Paulo from PortugalSeveral hundred people joined the parade Gay.pt said it’s “a ridiculous situation where down Avenida Revolución, the main drag of a homosexual person can adopt, but only the city center that once was a raucous, pulsbefore getting married.” ing tourist and nightlife district. The avenue has fallen on hard times from Euro Parliament a triple whammy that curtailed tourist crossurges more EU action ings from the U.S. First, increased boron Trans rights der security after 9/11 created hours-long The European Parliament said June 17 checkpoint lines to get back to the U.S. Then that gender-reassignment procedures must the U.S. started requiring that Americans rebe accessible through health-care plans, and turning from Mexican border zones have a insisted that future European Union gender- passport, which most Americans don’t have. equality initiatives address gender identity Additionally, Tijuana was hit with a violent and reassignment. crime wave in 2008. Although the security In a report evaluating the EU’s road map situation has improved since last year, the for equality between men and women, the impression persists in Southern California parliament also called on EU authorities to that it’s not safe to cross the border. include LGBT organizations in future work As a result, LGBT residents of Baja Calion gender equality. fornia celebrated Pride on their own for the The co-presidents of the parliament’s In- second year in a row, with minimal camaratergroup on LGBT Rights, Ulrike Lunacek derie from the other side of the fence. And and Michael Cashman, said the report “rep- celebrate they did. resents a true milestone for improving the The parade was around 10 times bigEU record on gender equality for all – in- ger than the first one 15 years ago, and this cluding Transgender citizens.” year’s first-ever festival saw LGBT TijuanIntergroup vice president Raül Romeva ans claim the streets of the downtown core i Rueda said the parliament demonstrated for 24 hours. that “the rights of Transgender people are of The free party, which ran from 10 a.m. to no less importance than other citizens.” 10 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, spanned “It sent a strong signal, and I trust the [Eu- three large blocks, stretching south, east and ropean] Commission will follow our lead southwest from the giant Tijuana arch. and start addressing discrimination based Three stages offered live music and artison gender identity more explicitly,” he said. tic performances. Booths sold art, food and tchotchkes, and provided organizational and LGBTs take over downtown HIV information. Tijuana for 2 days Co-sponsors of the festivities included The border city of Tijuana, Mexico, saw the city and state governments, the tourism its 15th Gay pride parade June 19 and, for committee, a merchants association and a the first time, the march was accompanied brewery. by a festival, which ran for two days on three intersecting streets in the center of With assistance from Bill Kelley downtown.
NATIONAL
NEWS
Constance McMillen goes to the White House Constance McMillen met President Barack Obama at the White House on June 22 at his annual pride-month gathering of Gay leaders and activists. McMillen made headlines this year when Mississippi’s Itawamba Agricultural High School canceled the prom rather than let her attend with her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo. Two private events were eventually held – a bigger one and a very small one. The American Civil Liberties Union alleges that parents and school officials diverted McMillen to a tiny “decoy” prom while her classmates attended a larger private prom 30 miles away. “The honor of being invited to join President Obama at the White House ceremony and the amazing support I’ve received has helped me come to terms with what happened over the prom,” McMillen said. “Unfortunately, I’ve heard from a lot of other kids who are having problems at their schools, too. I am grateful that President Obama recognizes the difficulties that LGBT youth still have, and I really hope the attention my case has generated will help encourage Congress to pass a federal law barring LGBT discrimination in schools so that no one else has to go through what I did.” On June 27, McMillen was a grand marshal of New York City’s Gay pride parade.
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer Huckabee cites Gay sex “ick factor” Possible presidential candidate Mike Huckabee told The New Yorker on June 28 that there’s an “ick factor” to Gay sex. “I do believe that God created male and female and intended for marriage to be the relationship of the two opposite sexes,” he said. “Male and female are biologically compatible to have a relationship. We can get into the ick factor, but the fact is two men in a relationship, two women in a relationship, biologically, that doesn’t work the same.” Huckabee also suggested that homosexuality is sinful. “I’ve had people who worked for me who are homosexuals,” he said. “And I don’t walk around thinking, Oh, I pity them so much. I accept them as who they are! It’s not like somehow their sin is so much worse than mine.” Eminem supports same-sex marriage Rapper Eminem thinks Gay couples should be able to get married. “I think if two people love each other, then what the hell?” he told The New York Times on June 14. “I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want. It’s the new tolerant me!” New York state bans anti-Gay bullying in schools The New York Senate passed the Dignity for All Students Act on June 22, prohibiting harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in public schools. The vote was 58-3. The measure already passed the state Assembly and is supported by Gov. David Paterson. “Enacting the clearest possible protections for students represents a great victory for New York’s students, parents and educators,” said Lambda Legal’s Hayley Gorenberg. With assistance from Bill Kelley
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Seattle Gay News
July 2, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
See page 10 of this week’s special Pride2010 FAMILY 4TH AT LAKE UNION Wrap-Up section for list of upcoming The 2010 Family 4th at Lake Union takes Pride Events around Washington state place from noon to 11 p.m at Gas Works and British Columbia. Park (2101 N. Northlake Way) on Sunday, July 4. This FREE event, produced for over UNDER U 4 MEN HOSTS 20 years by One Reel, is this year proudly UNDERWEAR/ART MASHUP supported entirely through the generosity of Local artist Chris Collins will have an ex- nearly 300 local businesses and individuals. hibit of work done in his signature bubbleThere will be lots of activities scheduled gum/baroque style at Under U 4 Men (700 at Gas Works Park. The fireworks display Broadway E.) through July 23. “Gods and begins around 10 p.m. and can be seen from Athletes” introduces the characters of clas- Gas Works Parks, South Lake Union, and at sical mythology – with a twist. Collins, who numerous vantage points surrounding and is known about town for his stylish commis- within sight of Lake Union. For more inforsioned portraits, recruited ripped personal mation, visit www.family4th.org. trainers and muscular college athletes to The following day Starbucks will coordipose for such subjects as Mars, Poseidon, nate the 5th of July Lake Union Clean-Up and Apollo. Collins is a New York native, with the support of Puget Soundkeeper Alliwhere he honed his style as a freelance ance to remove man-made debris from Lake paparazzo and painter of tiny watercolor Union and the surrounding land areas. For and gold leaf portraits of society children. more information and to sign-up, visit starA portion of any proceeds will be donated bucks.com/seattle and pugetsoundkeeper. to the artist’s favorite local non-profit, the org. Lifelong AIDS Alliance, which is committed to preventing the spread of HIV and to THE ELITE HOSTS providing practical support services and adFREE ASL LESSONS vocating for those whose lives are affected FOR BEGINNERS by HIV and AIDS. Have you ever wanted to learn basic Preview the artist’s work at www.the- American Sign Language? If so, you can NEWportrait.com. get some beginning ASL instruction at the Elite (1520 E. Olive Way). The FREE lesSTOP KISS sons will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in AT ODD DUCK STUDIO the loft. Through July 4, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., the Odd Duck SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN Studio (1214 10th Ave.) presents Stop Kiss BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE by Diana Son, a touching, honest, and often TO DISCUSS THE POETRY funny look at the development of friendship OF WALT WHITMAN and love between two women, and the ways The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club in which they cope with the aftermath of meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dunan act of violence committed against them. shee House (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas Tickets: $10-$12. www.brownpapertickets. St.). In July, the club will be discussing the com/event/114346 poetry of Walt Whitman. All GLBTQ folks in the community are welcome to participate TRIANGLE RECREATION CAMP in this FREE book club. For more informaBLACK FOREST tion, email nickdimartin@earthlink.net or LEATHER IN THE WOODS contact Dunshee House at 206-322-2437. FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND 2010 FUNDRAISING EVENT STRAWBERRY THEATRE Triangle Recreation Camp at Bender WORKSHOP PRESENTS Creek, celebrating 35 years of Gay campTHE LARAMIE PROJECT ing, will host their “Black Forest – Leather The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman in the Woods” weekend, from July 2 to July explores the reaction to the murder of Mat5. On Friday, July 2, at 9:30 p.m., there will thew Shepard – a Gay student who was torbe a Meet & Greet. On Saturday, July 3, at tured and murdered near Laramie, Wyoming 3 p.m., there will be a Canadian Heel Toss in 1998. The play draws on hundreds of inevent, with a Leather Party at 9:30 p.m. terviews conducted by the theatre company There will be a $25 Black Forest weekend (Tectonic Theater Project) with inhabitants events donation – regular camping fees and of the town, company members’ own jourrules apply. For more information, visit nal entries, and published news reports. www.camptrc.org. Triangle Recreation Performances will run July 8 to August Camp is open from mid-spring to early fall 7 at 8:30 p.m. at the Erickson Theatre Offfor regular camping. Broadway (1524 Harvard Ave. between E. Pine and E. Pike Sts.). Tickets: $30-general; CAL ANDERSON PARK ALLIANCE $100-group of 4; $15 half-price Thursdays 8TH ANNUAL CAPITOL HILL – in advance through www.brownpapertickINDEPENDENCE DAY ets.com; 1-800-838-3006. COMMUNITY PICNIC For more information, visit www.strawOn Saturday, July 3, from noon to 5 p.m., shop.org. join your Capitol Hill neighbors for a FREE all-ages community celebration. With four FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY eclectic live bands, free root beer float garNATIONAL CONVENTION den, urban family photo portraits, pie eatFrom Friday, July 9, to Monday, July 12, ing contest, pet/human look-alike contest, at Evergreen State College in Olympia, the and feel-good, all-ages interactive fun. Ev- Freedom Socialist Party will hold their Naeryone is invited: kids, hipsters, parents, tional Convention. With keynote speakers friends, lovers, drag queens and all Capitol from New York, Los Angeles, San FranHillsters. cisco, and Australia, plus organizers’ workPerformances will fill the Sunbowl Stage shops and small group discussions. Strategy all afternoon, among them the kids band the sessions will focus on rekindling a militant Not-Its, funk band Eldridge Gravy & the labor movement; justice for immigrants, Court Supreme, the Toucans and the Rag- Queers, and people of color; the effort to gedy Anns. The CAPA Root Beer Garden save public education from privatization; will be handing out root beer floats until Cuba today; and creating a socialist feminist the ice cream is gone. Skillet will be on the alternative to Wall Street and the Tea Party. scene with their great food. And FREE cot- Daily registration $20; students and strikers ton candy for everyone! PLUS, enjoy more $10. free activities, including Spin Art Bike, PaFor more information, call 206-985-4621 triotic Tie-Dye, the Cupcake Royale Cup- or visit www.socialism.com. cake Walk, and Hoola Hoop Contest. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event to celebrate our independence and our community.
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GREENSTAGE PRESENTS FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK GreenStage will perform Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and As You Like It at Seattle and King County parks from July 9 to August 14. All performances are FREE. Romeo and Juliet will be performed at Volunteer Park on Friday, July 9 at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 10 at 7 p.m., Thursday, August 12 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, August 14 at 7 p.m. As You Like It will be performed at Volunteer Park on Sunday, July 11 at 2 p.m., Friday, August 13 at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 14 at 2 p.m. For a complete schedule of performances, visit www.greenstage.org. SEATTLE SHAKESPEARE CO. PRESENTS FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK Seattle Shakespeare Co. and Wooden O perform Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Othello in Seattle and King County parks from July 8 to August 1. All performances are FREE. Othello will be performed at Volunteer Park on Saturday, July 10 at 2 p.m. and at Seattle Center on Sunday, August 1 at 6 p.m. Much Ado About Nothing will be performed at Volunteer Park on Sunday, July 11 at 7 p.m., and at Seattle Center on Sunday, August 1 at 2 p.m. For a complete schedule of performances, visit www.seattleshakespeare.org. 2010 BALLARD SEAFOODFEST On Saturday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the heart of downtown Ballard (22nd Ave. NW. and NW Market St.), the Ballard Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce SeafoodFest 2010, featuring a salmon BBQ and a variety of great food vendors, arts and crafts from the northwest, kids’ activities, a beer garden, and three stages of entertainment. For more information, visit www.seafoodfest.org. BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATION On Sunday, July 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. celebrate Bastille Day at Seattle Center. www.seattle-bastille.org.
and future – between our fathers and ourselves, to come to a better understanding of who we are as men and as Gay men. Facilitated by John Heller, Dennis McCarthy and Everett Considine. For more information, visit www.gaycity. org. SONGS TO OFFEND ALMOST EVERYONE! On Wednesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 15 at Julia’s on Broadway (300 Broadway E.), Sharon McNight will perform Songs to Offend Almost Everyone! McNight tackles the topics of society, sex, religion, sex, hypocrisy, sex and lust in song and commentary. The entire show is an updated “party” record from the 1950s made famous by artists like Belle Barth and Rusty Warren, only a little more risqué. Hey! It’s the 21st century. This show is definitely not for children, but it’s great fun for everyone else. The songs are by songwriters from pop to Broadway to country, including Randy Newman, Stephen Sondheim, Chet Atkins, Noel Coward, Kander & Ebb, Tom Lehrer, and many new songwriters with songs written especially for this show. Sharon McNight first rose to prominence in San Francisco’s cabaret scene during the 1980’s, winning five Cable Car Awards for Best Cabaret Artist in rapid succession. For ticket information, call 206-8601818. THREE DOLLAR BILL OUTDOOR CINEMA PRESENTS “BLONDE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN” SUMMER OUTDOOR MOVIES On Friday, July 16, Three Dollar Bill Cinema presents Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (featuring Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Russell) – the first of four fun and FREE movies shown at Cal Anderson Park, 11th Ave. & E. Olive St., this summer, under the stars! The Legend of Billie Jean will be shown of Friday, July 30, Desperately Seeking Susan will be shown on Friday, August 13, Candleshoe will be shown on Friday, August 27. All screenings start at dusk. To make your movie going experience complete, concessions will be sold at the screenings. For more information and to see trailers for the “Blonde But Not Forgotten” movie series, visit www.threedollarbillcinema.org. Three Dollar Bill Cinema sponsors the annual Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival in October.
CAMP TEN TREES POTLUCK IN THE PARK 2 On Sunday, July 11, from noon to 2 p.m. in Edwin T. Pratt Park (20th and Yesler in Seattle Central District), Camp Ten Trees will hold their second Potluck in the Park. Bring a dish to share and a serving utensil, and Camp Ten Trees will provide plates, Q-SQUARED BOOK GROUP eating utensils, napkins, and drinks. On Saturday, July 17, at 1 p.m. at the For more information, contact Camp Ten Trees at www.camptentrees.org or (206) Capitol Hill Branch Library (425 Harvard Ave. E.), the Q-Squared Book Group will 288-9568. discuss the book My Queer War by James Lord. Larry Kramer stated, “My Queer War OUT TO QUIT is magnificent. It is beautifully written, it is FREE SMOKING CESSATION very wise, and it’s a great read. There has WORKSHOP SERIES never been anything quite like it and it deFOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY Gay City Health Project offers FREE serves to be come a classic.” Q-Squared smoking cessation services in a Queer- Book Group is open to men who are interfriendly environment. If you’re ready to quit ested in Gay literature and always welcomes or reduce your tobacco use, they are here to new members. For more information, visit www.qsquared.org. support you! OUT TO QUIT! is a six-week smoking FUNDRAISER FOR cessation workshop series for LGBT folks QUEER TEEN ENSEMBLE who want to make a plan and stick to it, THEATRE FEATURES learn skills to handle stress, and get support SCREENING OF WAXIE MOON from the Queer community. On Saturday, July 17, from 6-10 p.m., the Gay City has two OUT TO QUIT open houses coming up on Sunday, July 11 at 5 Washington Ensemble Theatre, sponsors of p.m., or Tuesday, July 13 at 7 p.m. The meet- the Queer Teen Ensemble Theatre (QTET), ings will be held at the Gay City offices, 511 will host a fundraiser at the Broadway PerE. Pike St. in the same building where Ka- formance Hall (1625 Broadway at E. Pine St.) to benefit the growth of Washington ladi Brothers Coffee is located. Come learn about the basics of the pro- Ensemble Theatre’s QTET program. The gram and how you can reduce your smoking evening will feature a reception with the or quit completely in a systematic way with Washington Theatre Ensemble, the QTET a proven and effective structure and the sup- team, and the producers of the hit documenport of other LGBT community members. tary Waxie Moon, along with a silent auction For more information, contact Lark@gay- and a screening of Waxie Moon. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance at 800city.org or call 206-388-1710. 838-3006, at www.brownpapertickets.com, or at the door. All auction sales and donaGAY CITY UNIVERSITY tions are tax deductible. www.washingtonNIGHT SCHOOL: ensemble.org. WHO’S YOUR DADDY? On Monday, July 12, from 6:30-9 p.m. at REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Gay City (511 E. Pike St.), Gay City UniFOR BOYZ IN THE WOODS versity Night School presents Who’s Your LABOR DAY WEEKEND CAMP Daddy? This interactive workshop will help www.Qcamp.org us explore the relationship – past, present,
July 2, 2010
Seattle Gay News
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US Supremes say Vatican must answer abuse charges The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal by the Roman Catholic Church claiming that the Vatican is immune from suits in U.S. courts. The court issued its ruling on June 28 without comment. Its decision leaves in place a previous U.S. Appeals Court decision that the church must answer charges of child abuse. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) said in a statement that “The Supreme Court’s decision gives hope to hundreds of thousands of clergy sex abuse victims across the globe who know lies remain under wraps at the Vatican and will only be unearthed through persistent action by secular justice officials and systems.” The Vatican claimed immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 that prevents foreign states from being sued in a U.S. court. The plaintiff in the suit at issue, identified only as John Doe, charged that he was sexually abused by Roman Catholic priest Father Andrew Ronan on several occasions in the mid-‘60s when Doe was 15 or 16 years old. He originally filed suit in 2002. According to court documents, Ronan molested a number of boys in the mid-1950s as a priest in Ireland and again in Chicago, before his transfer to a church in Portland, Oregon, where he allegedly abused the victim who filed the lawsuit. Ronan died in 1992. The appeals court ruled that Ronan was legally an employee of the Vatican, acting
david Snowden
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Rhode Island Governor vetoes Trans inclusion in hate crimes bill
within the scope of his employment under Oregon law, when he committed the alleged abuse. The Vatican would therefore be liable for his actions under one of several exceptions to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the appeal means that the Vatican must answer John Doe’s charges in a U.S. court. The plaintiff’s attorney says he plans to depose Pope Benedict XVI. “I won’t start with him; I’m going to work my way up. But this ruling gives me the ability to depose anybody within the organization who has knowledge about the events.” As long as the pope remains in the Vatican he is probably out of reach of U.S. law, but his ability to travel, especially to the U.S., could be compromised by the possibility that he would be served with a court order compelling his testimony in the case. A separate court case in Kentucky also claims that since U.S. bishops are employees of the Vatican, it must answer for their alleged cover-ups of child abuse by Catholic priests. The U.S. court decision is only the latest in a series of legal actions that have humiliated the Catholic hierarchy. On June 25, the Vatican lodged a formal protest with the Belgian ambassador over police raids on Catholic institutions in that country. The home of Cardinal Godfried Danneels, retired head of the Belgian Catholic Church, was raided by police, and even tombs of former cardinals were opened to check for evidence of child abuse that might have been concealed there.
Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Adam Kline Senator, 37th District
Margarita Prentice Senator, 11th District
Bob Hasegawa Representative, 11th District
Greetings from your state legislators of the 37th and 11th Districts. Stand up, stand out, stand proud
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Rhode Island’s Governor Don Carcieri has vetoed a bill that would have added protections for Transgender people to his state’s hate crimes laws. Carcieri announced his decision June 23, saying the new law was unnecessary because Rhode Island state law already prohibits crimes “motivated by racial, religious, sexual orientation, gender, or disability prejudice.” HB 7044/SB 2055 added gender identity or expression to Rhode Island’s hate crimes statute. It passed in May this year. The hate crimes bill was one of eight the governor vetoed. House Speaker Gordon D. Fox issued a statement shortly after Carcieri vetoed the measure. “I have just learned of the governor’s vetoes, which were sent late last night, and have begun to review the veto messages,” Fox said. “I made the House membership aware of the eight vetoes this morning. I look forward to discussing these bills further with House members and the Senate leadership. No decision has been made at this time about returning to address the vetoes.” Rhode Island’s constitution allows a three-fifths majority of both houses of the state legislature to override the governor’s veto. A previous Carcieri veto was overridden in January this year, on a bill that added domestic partners to the list of people authorized under state law to make funeral arrangements for each other. Observers consider it unlikely that lawmakers will take a similar approach this time because their session has already ended and they would need to convene a special override session. “If they do an override session we will push hard for this bill to be considered,” Susan Heroux of the activist group Queer Action said. “The governor of [Rhode Island] has once
again shown his disdain for LGBT Rhode Islanders, especially his utter lack of caring about Transgender people who face immense harassment and violence based on how they present their gender,” she said. “One wonders what the governor would do if one of his grandchildren turns out to be Gay or Transgender. Would he continue to not care about us?” Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) called on LGBT Rhode Islanders to urge their legislators to override Carcieri’s veto. “It’s a simple bill but critical for protecting Transgender citizens from violence and harassment – protection all Rhode Islanders deserve,” said GLAD Executive Director Lee Swislow in a statement. The Family Research Council praised Carcieri, however. “Given the challenges facing America, it’s troubling that any legislature would invest time and taxpayer monies to consider such a superfluous agenda-driven maneuver, much less pass it through both Houses,” said FRC president Tony Perkins. “In vetoing the measures, Gov. Carcieri rightly chose to tend to the serious business of governing Rhode Island and rejected those who seek to use government resources against anyone who would oppose their radical agenda.” The Roman Catholic Church also opposed the bill, calling it a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” measure intended to promote marriage equality. Carcieri has been at odds with Rhode Island’s LGBT community for a long time. He sparked widespread outrage after he spoke at a Massachusetts Family Institute fundraiser last October. Carcieri told the gathering he believed marriage was “not a civil right.” The governor’s term expires in January. Attorney General Patrick Lynch, one of the candidates who hopes to succeed him, is campaigning his record of fighting for LGBT civil rights and prosecuting hate crimes.
Celebrating 37 Years!
Assault at Washington Plan to save AIDS school to get state and Drug Assistance Program in county federal reviews by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer State and federal officials are looking into whether students’ civil rights were violated in the aftermath of an assault that left a 14-year-old freshman with a broken eye socket last November at Mount Si High School. Officials say the assault raised question about whether school officials adequately addressed bullying and harassment. The Community Relations Service of the U.S. Department of Justice will assess the school climate for LGBT and minority students. According to a Community Relations Service spokesperson, the office provides impartial mediation services to help local leaders resolve tension around race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, and disabilities. According to reports, The Equity and Civil Rights Office with the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) also will review the Snoqualmie Valley School District’s anti-discrimination policies for compliance with state and federal laws – including those that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. The victim, a 14-year-old student, told officials he was standing up for a friend who “had been taunted for seeming Gay.” The assault, which took place in a lockerroom, left the boy with persistent memory and concentration problems. In addition to a concussion, he missed two months of school and returned to class only after state education officials assured that adequate safety and education plans were in place.
Although the school district has not confirmed that OSPI has opened a new inquiry, they say they would comply with any requests for information or cooperation. According to The Seattle Times, state and federal officials learned that students and parents are worried about how Mount Si administrators responded to the incident and about the treatment of Gay students (and those perceived as Gay) at the school. The reason for the concern is easy to see; after the assault, school officials didn’t call the parents of the victim or his friend to notify them of the assault, they did not call 911 for almost an hour after the assault (despite the victim’s head injuries), and the principal, Randy Taylor, rejected the parents’ request that he make an announcement about the assault to the school. After administrators refused to address the issue of bullying and harassment on a school-wide basis, the mother of the boy who was taunted for being Gay withdrew her son from the high school and moved to another city, citing safety concerns. According to Taylor, the school did not see the beating as an assault; it was a fight between the boy and a 16-year-old student who did not know the victim or his friend. Still, the 16-year-old was charged with second-degree assault. He was expelled and finished the school year at an alternative high school in the district. On June 3, The Snoqualmie Valley School District concluded that administrators should have responded more efficiently, but found that their failings were not deliberate.
School officials didn’t call the parents of the victim or his friend to notify them of the assault, they did not call 911 for almost an hour after the assault.
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King County’s HIV/AIDS Planning Council announced plans for deep cuts in many services for people living with HIV/ AIDS in order to save core programs like the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). The Council made the results of its June 14 planning meeting public on June 23. The Council was created by King County Executive Tim Hill in 1992 in response to the requirements of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Emergency Resource Act. It advises Seattle-King County Public Health on how to spend Ryan White Act, Part A funds. This year’s plan distributes anticipated funding of $5.8 million for 2011-2012, but the expected funding falls far short of expected need. According to Planning Council Administrator Jesse Chipps, the Council faced hard choices to fund as many of its core programs as possible. “The Council had to make some b-i-i-i-g cuts,” Chipps said. “Oral health, for example – that’s a core service.” Oral health care took a 24% cut in its funding. According to Chipps, the June 14 Council meeting was emotional. “People were wellbehaved and civil and stuff, but there were a few tears.” In the end, the Council opted to focus on saving two essential programs – ADAP and Health Insurance – and cut funding in all other areas. Some $544,025 was cut from other programs to support ADAP and the insurance program. ADAP was another consequence of the Ryan White Act. Created in 1987, it helps low-income people with HIV/AIDS pay for life-saving medications. ADAP funding will be increased $237,603 for 2011-2012. In 11 states, ADAP programs have literally run out of money, and officials have been forced to introduce waiting lists for patients who otherwise would have received AIDS medication prescribed by their doctors. Attempts to pass emergency supplemental ADAP funding have stalled in Congress, but that has not affected King County’s program, Chipps says. “In our state ADAP is funded by the feds, but we actually get more from state funding. That amount has remained level or actually decreased. That’s where we took the hit,” Chipps explained. The health insurance program, which is also slated for a budget increase, helps eli-
gible people with HIV/AIDS to buy insurance. “Paying for Insurance for consumers is a) less expensive than covering their HIVrelated costs through ADAP and b) offers consumers a wider range of services,” the Council’s report notes. An additional $194,688 will be allocated to the insurance program in 2011-2012. Some available funds were also transferred from one budget item to others, in an attempt to make up funding for the most essential programs. Minority AIDS Initiative funds were moved into the health insurance program from the case management and ADAP categories, and additional base funds were moved into those categories to compensate. One program – Psychosocial Support – was de-funded altogether. According to the Council’s report, “There was significant under-performance by the vendor of this service,” and “The vendor of this service did not meet either of its benchmarks.” Chipps told SGN that psychological support was not a high-priority program. “The Council tries to focus on core services – docs, drugs, case management. We prioritize our services according to the priorities of the people we’re serving.” “We do a needs assessment every other year as we do the budget,” Chipps explained. “This time we looked at surveys of 10% of the people with HIV – and that’s heavily weighted toward people who are Ryan White eligible. We also ask questions of providers who may see people who won’t fill out the surveys. And we do focus groups. So it’s a really representative sample.” The findings help the Council allocate available funds by identifying which programs or services clients find especially helpful.
In our state ADAP is funded by the feds, but we actually get more from state funding. That amount has remained level or actually decreased. That’s where we took the hit.
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Adam lang
Prom Dress Rugby raises $1,500 for Lambert House
and referee. Scantly clad in a referee shirt and short skirt, Starr proved an excellent hostess, and the hottest drag queen on a bullOn Friday, June 25, the men of Quake horn, period. “It was a lot of fun,” laughed Starr. “I RFC (Rugby Football Club) met head to didn’t know much about rugby, so I head with the ladies of the Seattle RFC wish I’d done a little homeWomen’s team The Breakers at work.” Bobby Morris Playfield in For Starr, one of the bigCal Anderson Park. The gest highlights of the women – clad in tuxgame was that it was edos – and the men an all-ages event that – wearing their fawas representative vorite prom dresses of the whole com– charged down at munity. “It was one another as the a well-rounded match began. event,” added The game, the Starr. Starr alluded first annual “Prom to the fact that kids Dress Rugby” exhidon’t often get to bition match, served see drag queens host as a fundraiser that and perform. went to benefit the The winner of the Lambert House and game was the Quake, by Seattle Quake RFC. The five points. event was created in the tra“Our dual goals were to indition of the annual “Dykes vs. crease visibility in the community Drag Queens” softball game, brought out over 300 spectators, and raised $1,500 and raise money for Lambert House, and I feel that we were even more successful with for Lambert House. The whole affair was hosted by the fab- the first than the second. Both were beyond ulous Gaysha Starr (of the Legendary Lip my expectations for the inaugural year of Sync Contest), who served as the announcer this event,” said Willem Gates of the Quake team. The Seattle Quake Rugby Football Club is a nonprofit community-based amateur athletic organization. Their mission is to foster local, regional, national, and international participation and competition in the game of rugby union football, and to create an environment where members of the community can learn the laws and practice of rugby, thus improving their capabilities as players. The Quake is especially focused on providing opportunities for learning and playing competitive rugby to communities traditionally underrepresented in the sport, including Gay men and men of color. by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer
Our dual goals were to increase visibility in the community and raise money for Lambert House, and I feel that we were even more successful with the first than the second.
The men of Quake Rugby
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Celebrating 37 Years!
grocery
continued from cover same. The checkers and grocery workers are the ones who get hit hardest.” “They make up a two-week schedule, but they post changes every week,” Aguve explains, “so you never get the same days off. They change on a weekly basis.” The result is that grocery workers find it almost impossible to schedule their lives outside of work. “We need a set schedule to be able to make doctor’s appointments and stuff,” Aguve says. “Some of our employees close at 9:00 p.m. and then work the next day at 6:00 a.m. One day you’re working day shift, the next day night shift. You have no life at all.” Short hours, low wages Another issue in the contract negotiations is that most grocery stores will not guarantee their workers a solid 40-hour workweek. According to Geiger, a mere 28 hours per week is normal in the industry. Aguve confirms Geiger’s statement. “Most of us [in the bakery] are at 35 hours,” he tells SGN, “but most of my store are at 25 to 28 hours.” “And there are a lot of split shifts,” he adds. “That’s one of the biggest problems. They’re deliberately doing split schedules.” Split shifts and an unpredictable schedule mean grocery workers find it hard – if not completely out of the question – to get and keep second jobs to supplement their short hours. This is a challenge for workers who are still on the low-income end of the economic scale. According to Geiger, one-third of all grocery workers earn $10 an hour or less. Medical coverage Aguve tells SGN that wages are not his biggest worry, however. “The biggest issue is the medical benefits,” he says. “They offered me a promotion to a manager position, but managers have a terrible medical package. That’s my reason for working here [in the bakery] at my age – the medical benefits.” In 2007 UFCW 21 fought for and won medical benefits for the same-sex domestic partners of its members at the same level as married spouses. The union also put its political weight behind the Approve Referendum 71 campaign to validate the state’s domestic partnership
law last year. UFCW 21 opened its stateof-the-art phone banking facility to Washington Families Standing Together, and assigned dedicated union staff time to the campaign. “The domestic partnership agreement really does help our community,” Aguve says. “If we lose that, it will have a huge impact on all of us on the Hill. If I couldn’t have my partner on my policy I guess he’d have to be on public assistance.” According to Geiger, the cost to employers of the union’s health plan has not increased at all in the last five years. The union is exploring ways of modifying its healthcare package to reduce costs but keep the same level of coverage, he says – for example, wellness plans and online health assessment services. Aguve insists that keeping the union’s medical coverage intact and reasonably priced is the “line in the sand” for this year’s negotiations. “How do you survive?” he asks. “How do you make it? I’d rather get no pay raise at all than give up medical.” Sick leave While UFCW grocery workers like their medical insurance, they are unhappy with their sick leave. Under the terms of their old contract, workers must be out sick for three consecutive days before they are eligible for paid sick leave. That can be hard to achieve with irregular and unpredictable scheduling. It can be even harder for workers making less than $10 an hour and working only 28 hours a week to give up three shifts in order to qualify for sick leave. The result, according to Geiger, is that workers often feel they are forced to work sick. A fair sick leave system, he says, is one of the key demands in negotiations. “The economy has been fairly good for us…” While employers contend that the recession has left them with very little room to make a deal with the union, Aguve says otherwise. “Actually the economy has been fairly good for us,” he tells SGN. “People stay in more. They cut out travel and eating out, but they spend more on luxury goods to enjoy at home – cakes, donuts, wine. You can buy a whole cake for what you’d spend on one slice if you go out.” “I think we’re doing all right, if anything we’re doing better,” he adds. “I’m amazed
at how busy it is in our store.” The numbers bear out Aguve’s impression. The major grocery chains regularly make the Fortune 500 list of America’s top corporations, often coming in at the top of the top – the Fortune 50. This year Kroger, the corporate owner of QFC and Fred Meyer, came in at No. 23. Supervalu, the corporate owner of Albertson’s, ranked 47, and Safeway placed 52. Rabidly anti-union Wal-Mart, UFCW’s long-time nemesis, ranked No.1. Bargaining Unlike some unions, whose contract negotiations are conducted by a small group of union officers and their attorneys, UFCW 21 has named 25 rank-and-file members to its bargaining team. Aguve is the backup for one of those rank-and-file members, he explains. While he does not normally attend bargaining sessions, he still has to be up on the issues and the progress of negotiations. “It’s a slow process,” he tells SGN. “I’ve been through three negotiations since I’ve been at this store, and they’re all different.” Aguve is by no means hostile to his employer. In fact, he commends QFC for being Gay-friendly. “One thing I want to say: As long as I’ve worked for QFC, they’ve been supportive of the Gay community,” he tells SGN. “I’ve never had a Gay issue as shop steward. There have been racial issues – a lot, in my store – but never a Gay issue.” “In my store they do provide safety equipment, gloves and that kind of thing,” he adds, referring to another union concern. “It’s not all ‘we take everything and we give you guys nothing.’”
ourselves, our families, our places of worship, and our communities. • “We have a right to an affordable health plan that helps us stay well and takes care of us when we are ill. • “We have a right to a dependable pension so we can retire with dignity. • “We have a right to paid sick days when we are sick so we can stay at home, get well and contribute to a healthy food supply. • “We have a right to protection against unjust firing or demotion, and unfair discipline. • “We have a right to decent and safe working conditions. This includes basic humane treatment including rest breaks and worker safety protections. • “We have a right to a voice in the workplace when we choose to have a union, without any interference by our employers. • “Grocery workers and our customers have a right to healthy food in the stores where we work and shop.” According to Geiger, more than 9000 union members have signed the Bill of Rights to date, and a number of labor and community organizations have endorsed it. Asked what grocery customers should do to show their support for union workers, Aguve says, “We need community support, to get the message across to the management. Come into the store and let them know, ‘as a Gay person, I support the workers.’”
Workers’ Bill of Rights The union has made huge strides in involving rank-and-file leaders, says Geiger. Besides its rank-and-file bargaining team members, it now has 400 stewards and an additional 900 “store leaders” following the progress of negotiations and reporting to their co-workers. Out of discussions among its activist members, the union has compiled a “Workers’ Bill of Rights” summarizing their demands: • “We have the right to fair pay so we can afford food, clothing, a place to live, and the other necessities we need to live our lives and support our families. • “We have a right to a life outside of work, including two dependable days a week for
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Seattle Gay News 17
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Wisconsin’s Supreme Court unanimously upheld the state’s constitutional ban on same sex marriage in a ruling announced June 30. By a vote of 7-0, the court ruled in McConkey v. Van Hollen that the 2006 referendum in which voters amended the state constitution to restrict marriage to one man and one woman was properly framed. Plaintiff William McConkey claimed that the referendum was illegal under Wisconsin law because it proposed more than one issue on a single ballot measure – banning both same-sex marriage and civil unions. The 2006 ballot measure consisted of two sentences, one prohibiting same-sex marriage, the other dealing with other legal arrangements like civil unions. “Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state,” the measure said. McConkey claimed that marriage and
civil unions were substantially different legal arrangements and therefore could not be prohibited by the same referendum. The court rejected his reasoning, however. Justice Michael Gableman said that both sentences “carry out the same general purpose of preserving the legal status of marriage in Wisconsin as between only one man and one woman.” The court’s ruling does not affect samesex domestic partnerships which became legal in Wisconsin in June 2009. Wisconsin Family Action sued to overturn the domestic partnership law in July 2009, but in November the Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected their suit in Appling v. Doyle. Domestic partnerships in Wisconsin provide same-sex couples some – but by no means all – the rights enjoyed by married couples. Wisconsin domestic partners have the right to inherit a partner’s estate in the absence of a will, hospital visitation, and the ability to access family medical leave to care for a sick partner. Same-sex domestic partners may jointly adopt children in Wisconsin and one partner may adopt the other’s children.
rex wockner
Wisconsin Supremes OK marriage ban
Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state
Kate Kendell
times. This explains my desire to schtoup George Clooney.” –National Center for Lesbian Rights Ex“I think if two people love each other, then ecutive Director Kate Kendell live-tweeting what the hell? I think that everyone should from the closing arguments of the federal have the chance to be equally miserable, if Prop 8 trial in San Francisco, June 16. they want.” “The plaintiffs’ witnesses were quite can–Rapper Eminem when asked by The New York Times on June 14: “You’ve been ac- did and unequivocal and uniform that sexual cused of writing Gay-bashing lyrics in the orientation does change. It does change over past. Would you like to see Gay marriage time. And it apparently changes especially in – in women.” approved in Michigan, where you live?” –Pro-Prop-8 lawyer Charles Cooper at “I do believe that God created male and the federal Prop 8 trial June 16 in San Franfemale and intended for marriage to be the cisco. relationship of the two opposite sexes. Male “’We’ve always done it that way,’ is the and female are biologically compatible to have a relationship. We can get into the ick ... corollary to ‘Because I say so.’ It’s not a factor, but the fact is two men in a relation- reason [to restrict marriage to a man and a ship, two women in a relationship, biologi- woman].” –Lawyer Ted Olson at the closing of the cally, that doesn’t work the same.” –Possible presidential candidate Mike federal Prop 8 trial, June 16 in San Francisco. Huckabee to The New Yorker, June 28. by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
“We are imposing great damage on them [same-sex couples] by the ... state of California saying they are different and they cannot have the happiness, they cannot have the privacy, they cannot have the liberty, they cannot have the intimate association in the context of a marriage that the rest of our citizens do. We have demonstrated “[Pro-Prop-8 lawyer Charles] Cooper during this trial that that causes grave and [says the] evidence showed Lesbians espe- permanent, irreparable and totally unnecescially change their sexual orientation many sary harm, because we are withholding from “Brilliant. Love him. Want him [lawyer Ted Olson] on our side on all the issues we care about.” –National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell live-tweeting from the closing arguments of the federal Prop 8 trial in San Francisco, June 16.
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July 2, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
rex wockner
“No one who loves and nurtures a child day-in and day-out should be unable to care for that child when he or she falls ill. ... No one who intends to raise a child should be denied the opportunity to be present when that child is born simply because the state or an employer fails to recognize his or her relationship with the biological parent. ... The Labor Department’s action today sends a clear message to workers and employers alike: All families, including LGBT families, are protected by the FMLA.” –U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on June 22 as the Department of Labor “clarified the definition of ‘son and daughter’ under the Family and Medical Leave Act to ensure that an employee who assumes the role of caring for a child receives parental rights to family leave regardless of the legal or biological relationship.”
her official “LGBT Month” event, June 22. “I know that when you’re in the midst of a great movement of change it seems like it is glacial, but any fair assessment, from my perspective, having lived longer than at least more than 75 percent of you that I see in this room, is that it is extraordinary what has happened in such a short period of time.” –U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at her official “LGBT Month” event, June 22.
“Just as I was very proud to say the obvious more than 15 years ago in Beijing that human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights, well, let me say today that human rights are Gay rights and Gay rights are human rights, once and for all. ... We are elevating our human rights dialogues with other governments and conducting public diplomacy to protect the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans“Ten years ago, I was the first first lady gender persons.” ... to march in a Pride parade, and it was so –U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at much fun. And one or two of you marched her official “LGBT Month” event, June 22. with me and I am still grateful to you.” –U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at With assistance from Bill Kelley official photo
Ted Olson
them ... that right of marriage in the context of the intimate relationship. We are withholding that from them, hurting them, and we are doing no good.” –Lawyer Ted Olson at the closing of the federal Prop 8 trial, June 16 in San Francisco. “It seems fair to say that the trickle of events [from the Obama administration] has flowed into a slow but steady stream of smaller, yet meaningful, policy gains for LGBT Americans. But given that the ‘hope’ president came to the White House endowed with heavy Democratic majorities in Congress and a mandate to forge a fresh course for our country, what could have amounted to a watershed moment for LGBT equality has felt less like a waterfall than the drip from a leaky faucet. Sure, water is getting through, but not nearly enough to fortify or sustain a vilified minority that has been systematically burned by a swarm of homophobic laws that swept the nation as the vast majority of politicians either cheered or turned a convenient blind eye.” –Advocate reporter Kerry Eleveld in a June 14 commentary. “Plain and simple, on the big-ticket items – the ones that matter most like employment nondiscrimination and repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and the Defense of Marriage Act – leadership from the White House has been
scarce at worst and inconsistent at best.” –Advocate reporter Kerry Eleveld in a June 14 commentary. “I’m sensing relief now. I had not consciously decided to come out, but there’s no doubt looking back that I had become increasingly bold about attending Gay events, like pride festivals, and going to dance clubs and bars. Last year I attended Las Vegas Pride and San Diego Pride.” –Outed California state Sen. Roy Ashburn, R-Bakersfield, to the Los Angeles Times, June 12. “I just want people to know who I am and what’s in my heart. I kept that from people. I concealed it from everyone for almost all my life, so I’m [now] privileged to work with people from all aspects of life, including organizations devoted to advancing the rights of Gay and Lesbian and Transgendered individuals.” –Outed California state Sen. Roy Ashburn, R-Bakersfield, to the Los Angeles Times, June 12. “I don’t know that I’ve ever felt more optimistic about the future for myself. I don’t know what the future holds, but I think it’s going to be incredible.” –Outed California state Sen. Roy Ashburn, R-Bakersfield, to the Los Angeles Times, June 12.
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Seattle Gay News 19
dyke march continued from cover
ing to the International Community – Dyke, Lesbian, Bi, Trans, and Queer.” According to their website, the march and rally seeks to “create an atmosphere where we can learn about different aspects of our communities and become inspired to take action.” Performances included a demonstration from Seven-Star Women’s Kung Fu, a demonstration from Queer Seattle Tango, various musicians, and more. Speakers included Lillie Cridland of the Seattle LGBT Commission, Jacque Larrainzer, Nitika Raj of Trikone NW, and many others. The Seattle Dyke March, like many other marches nationally and internationally, happens the Saturday evening before the Sunday Pride Parade. This year, Dyke March organizers proved to the community that the tradition really does continue, and it’s only getting stronger.
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continued from cover living with HIV/AIDS and providing them with support services. Its 18 residents would otherwise be homeless. HUD estimates that fully 40% of clients assisted by HOPWA grants were homeless before getting assistance. “The HOPWA money is actually a renewal of a previous grant,” Lewontin explained. “We’ve been in operation three years. The initial award was to build the project and it also came with an award of money for services.”
“Without stable housing, people might not take their meds, they don’t eat right, they would not be successful,” she adds. “And without the support services we can’t guarantee they would be successful.” Sound Mental Health manages Kenyon House and Bailey-Boushay provides day services to the residents. “We do not provide services, we coordinate services,” Lewontin says. “We found the funding. We were the developers of the project. And we provide some of the technical requirements.” According to Lowentin, Housing Resources Group was able to find federal funding because of their extensive prior experience in managing low-income housing. “We were an organization with experience in setting up a project like this, and also experienced in coordinating service providers,” she said. “We feel fortunate that the federal government has continued its support in spite of the economic challenges.” Lowentin says that “only a small amount” of money will go toward administrative costs. “[A]lmost all the money will go directly to provide services for the clients,” she says. According to HUD, 90% of HOPWA funds are distributed to cities and states, based on the number of AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total amount of HOPWA funding has increased 8% for 2010, with a total of $335 million being distributed to house people living with HIV/AIDS. “Overall, these resources assist 58,367 households annually to promote stable housing and reduce risk of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges,” a HUD statement notes. “HUD formula grants are managed by 123 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources.”
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20 Seattle Gay News
July 2, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
public money continued from cover
The Supreme Court decision upheld a lower court ruling that Hastings acted properly. “In requiring CLS – in common with all other student organizations – to choose between welcoming all students and forgoing the benefits of official recognition, we hold, Hastings did not transgress constitutional limitations,” said Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who wrote the majority opinion. “CLS, it bears emphasis, seeks not parity with other organizations, but a preferential exemption from Hastings’ policy.” Ginsburg was joined by the court’s other “liberal” justices – Breyer, Sotomayor, and Stevens – and the court’s “swing vote,” Justice Anthony Kennedy.
In a concurring opinion, Stevens said that the Constitution “may protect CLS’s discriminatory practices off campus, [but] it does not require a public university to validate or support them.” “[O]ther groups may exclude or mistreat Jews, blacks and women,” Stevens added, “or those who do not share their contempt for Jews, blacks and women. A free society must tolerate such groups. It need not subsidize them, give them its official imprimatur, or grant them equal access to law school facilities.” In his concurring opinion, Kennedy said, “the era of loyalty oaths is behind us.” “A school quite properly may conclude that allowing an oath or belief-affirming requirement, or an outside conduct requirement, could be divisive for student relations and inconsistent with the basic concept that a view’s validity should be tested through free and open discussion,” Kennedy said.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote the dissent for the court’s “conservative” wing, saying the majority opinion was “a serious setback for freedom of expression in this country.” “Our proudest boast of our free speech jurisprudence is that we protect the freedom to express ‘the thought that we hate,’” Alito said, quoting a previous court decision. “Today’s decision rests on a very different principle: no freedom for expression that offends prevailing standards of political correctness in our country’s institutions of higher learning.” Ironically, the “come one, come all” open membership policy the CLS sought to overturn was first championed by right-wing students seeking to enter and disrupt Black Student Unions and other similar groups in the 1970s. LGBT and religious freedom advocates hailed the court’s decision. The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive di-
rector of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, called the decision a “huge step forward for fundamental fairness and equal treatment.” “Religious discrimination is wrong, and a public school should be able to take steps to eradicate it,” Lynn said. “Today’s court ruling makes it easier for colleges and universities to do that.” In a statement, Lambda Legal said, “The Court wisely rejected CLS’s attempt to obtain what the Court recognized as ‘preferential, not equal treatment’ under the school’s rules applicable to all other recognized clubs.” “Schools all across the country are working to create welcoming environments for all students,” the NGLTF said. “This ruling supports that important effort. No school group or organization should be given public money to discriminate against other students.”
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22 Seattle Gay News
July 2, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
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Seattle Gay News 23