Issue 27 Volume 40
Celebrating 39 Years!
CUBA KISS-IN p. 7
HOME HIV TEST p. 17
FREEDOM FANTASIA p. 21
Seattle Gay News
FRIDAY July 6, 2012 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands
SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Vigil for Texas Obama administration asks shooting victims Supreme Court to review DOMA inspires community The federal Department of Justice has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review two DOMA cases, Golinski v. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Massachusetts v. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “[T]he Solicitor General today filed in the Supreme Court of the United States a petition for the issuance of a writ of certiorari before judgment with respect to the pending appeals in [Golinski v. OPM],” the DOJ said in a letter to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which currently has jurisdiction in the Golinski case. “At the same time, the Solicitor General also filed a petition for writ of certiorari to the First Circuit in Massachusetts v. HHS, which, like this case, presents the question of the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA]. We also note, for the Court’s information, that the Bipartisan Legal Advisory
see VIGIL page 17
see DOMA page 16
NATE GOWDY / SEATTLE GAY NEWS
Park in Capitol Hill to hold a vigil in memory of Mollie Olgin, who was shot to death in Texas on June 23, and in support of her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, who survived the attack. Chapa remains hospitalized, but has regained consciousness and is communicating. Money donated at the vigil will go to help pay Chapa’s medical bills. “I woke up after a weekend full of celebrating Pride in Seattle to a call for action from Cleve Jones of San Francisco,” said Karolina Longoria, the vigil’s primary organizer. “The call was to
by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer On June 29, approximately 250 people gathered at Cal Anderson
ASSOCIATED PRESS
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Gay rights advocates march by the White House Oct. 11, 2009.
Patty Murray tops list Approve R-74 center opens on Capitol Hill of pro-Gay senators FILE PHOTO
Democrat Patty Murray of Washington state has tied for first place on a list of pro-LGBT U.S. senators prepared by ThnkProgress.org. “Any time you’re recognized for going out and fighting for your constituents it’s nice,” Murray said in a statement to SGN. “But the truth is, in this case, my efforts are built upon the struggles and tireless advocacy of men and women in the LGBT community who have dedicated much of their lives to this cause. They are the ones who deserve the credit and they are the people who I will continue to rely on because, as we all know, there is much more work ahead.” Tying Murray for the top spot were Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Sen. John Kerry (DMass.). The three senators have each sponsored or co-sponsored at least 13 of the 16 explicitly proLGBT bills introduced since the start of 2011. As part of the Senate’s Demosee MURRAY page 5
NATE GOWDY / SEATTLE GAY NEWS
Washington Senator Patty Murray
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
The Approve R-74 Action Center is now open.
visibility “Action Center” on East Pike Street in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. On July 3, Washington United The center is housed in the new for Marriage, the coalition work- space of Gay City Health Project ing to defend Washington’s bipar- and Kaladi Brothers Coffee. tisan marriage law by approving Referendum 74, opened a highsee CENTER page 5 by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer
e t o v o t R e t s i g e R
www.myvote.wa.gov
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Seattle Gay News
July 6, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
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Microsoft bigwigs donate $200k for marriage equality Washington United for Marriage welcomes ongoing corporate support by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor On June 29, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer and co-founder Bill Gates each donated $100,000 to Washington United for Marriage, the campaign supporting the state’s new marriage equality law, which faces a referendum vote in November. Washington United reported the contributions to the state Public Disclosure Commission on Monday afternoon. Altogether, the group has raised just under $1.9 million. In February, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. The law was to go into effect on June 7 but was put on hold last month when opponents gathered a record number of signatures to refer it to voters. Washingtonians in favor of marriage equality must vote to Approve Referendum 74 in order to keep the law unscathed. Opponents of marriage equality, organized under the campaign Preserve Marriage Washington and supported by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), have raised just over $130,000, according to filings with the PDC. Zach Silk, campaign manager for Washington United for Marriage, said Monday that the Microsoft officials’ donations will
“make a tremendous difference.” “It is important for us to have the broad support from business leaders and companies themselves,” he said. Andy Grow, a Washington United spokesperson, said the contributions from Gates and Ballmer – as well as other recent gifts from business leaders – demonstrate that the freedom to marry is good for business and the right thing for Washington. To date, more than 7,000 Washingtonians have invested in the campaign, said Grow. The growing list of Washington United for Marriage corporate supporters includes Microsoft, Alcoa, Amazon, Expedia, Google, Group Health, Nike, Starbucks, and Vulcan. Grow said that in addition to major corporate sponsorship, hundreds of small businesses have endorsed the campaign. “These are leaders in their industries who understand that the freedom to marry has tremendous business benefits,” said Silk. “Keeping marriage for same-sex couples on the books would put Washington businesses in the strongest, most competitive position to attract, recruit, and retain the best and brightest employees – and to keep high-caliber talent in the state.” Washington United for Marriage’s most current PDC records are viewable at http:// tinyurl.com/87jsz4a.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates (l) and CEO Steve Ballmer
SCS launches female-identified addiction recovery group by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Donna Dover, a mental health and addiction services therapist at Seattle Counseling Service (SCS), has started a new support group for female-identified people in recovery from addiction. Groups for women in recovery are limited in society as a whole, and groups for LBTQ women are even less available, says Dover. “Many of the support groups in our community are dominated by male-identified individuals,” she explained. “Most of the discussion is therefore focused on issues common to that population.” According to Dover, there are very specific differences in the things that lead women to use, become addicted, seek help, and find support for their ongoing journey of recovery. “Many LBTQ women have often expressed discomfort with 12-step meetings, and are looking for alternative formats where they can feel comfortable and receive the support they need,” she said. “This new group at SCS will provide a
King County, and the surrounding region. SCS’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. For more information, visit www. seattlecounseling.org.
space that addresses all of these issues.” Dover said she works at SCS because “I have always wanted to work in an agency that provides co-occurring services to a diverse group of clients.” “I like that SCS has a robust intern program that provides training and supervision to students, which allows the agency to provide counseling to low-income community members,” she said, adding, “I also appreciate that SCS provides a safe space for LGBTQ clients who might not have been able to get services elsewhere.” Dover said she became a therapist because she loves “hearing people’s stories, learning about their unique life journeys, and watching them surpass obstacles and accomplish amazing things in their lives.” The group meets Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. If you are a female-identified person in recovery and are interested in attending this support group, contact Dover at (206) 3231768. This group will also accept drop-ins. Seattle Counseling Service (1216 Pine St., Suite 300) has been serving the LGBT community since 1969. SCS provides comprehensive mental health and addiction services to the LGBT population of Seattle,
Come meet Tim and Matt and join the family.
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July 6, 2012
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Now is the time to make history
mitted as same-sex marriages. Marriage is a language universally understood, both for its weight and its joy, by our non-LGBTQ Four months from now, Washingtonians friends, family, and neighbors. will have the chance to stand up for full Whether an initiative to repeal a marriage equality and make history by defending marriage equality at the ballot box in November. It can be a victory that resonates for generations to come and pushes the entire nation over the tipping point toward a culture – and legal reality – in which LGBTQ people are truly equal. We are the state to do it. This is the definition of the future. We know that our community has concerns that go beyond marriage equality. We see this every day through Pride Foundation’s LGBTQ grants and scholarship programs. Those most vulnerable in our community, especially LGBTQ youth and elders, Transgender people, and those living in rural areas or remote towns, still need access to basic support and services in the areas of employment, education, housing, and health care. We as a community cannot stop until everyone can live freely, safely, and with full dignity and protection. While our lives should never be put up for a vote, the effort to defend marriage law like ours succeeds or fails matters to all equality is about erasing one injustice fac- of us. When Prop 8 passed in California four ing our LGBTQ community. It is also about years ago, we saw an immediate – I am talkhelping to create a culture in which our lives ing the very next day – increase in harassare fully recognized. The truth of the matter ment and discrimination toward LGBTQ is that marriage carries a cultural weight and people across the state. Of the many stories currency that domestic partnerships, civil shared with me, one friend was vividly haunions, and the like do not – even if those rassed on the bus to work for being a “dyke” relationships are just as loving and com- the morning after Prop 8 passed. Some peoby Kris Hermanns Special to the SGN
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
ple took its passage as a license to think of and treat LGBTQ folks as less than human, even in situations having nothing to do with marriage. We saw an increase in LGBTQ youths’ rejection from their families, and their safety and stability in general was left on tenuous ground. The freedom to marry will undoubtedly strengthen our community in ways that will benefit our ongoing journey toward full equality – even knowing that not all same-sex couples will choose to marry. As organizations and as individuals, we have this unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships and to reach out to new allies, who may be just beginning to learn about LGBTQ issues. Much like us, our opponents are not solely focused on marriage. They know that if they can win at the ballot box on this one issue, they can then turn to rolling back all the other protections we have won and advances we have made in the LGBTQ community over the past several decades. In fact, they are already doing this – we’ve seen it happen in various other places across the country, and we must do everything we can to stop them in their tracks here and now. This is a game-changing moment. We may never have the chance again in the Northwest to so directly define, lead, and spotlight the pathway to full equal rights. We must amaze ourselves with our own generosity and rise to this moment – one that will define the future of the movement for full LGBTQ equality. Approving Referendum 74 here in Washington State will honor the legacy of all of those who worked so hard to get us to this point, and will set the stage for moving forward on our journey toward full equality across this region and this country. Pride Foundation joined the Washington United for Marriage Coalition because we believe in equality for our community. We are coming together because the freedom to marry elevates our work now and for decades to come. Whether it’s sharing your personal stories, or supporting the Washington United for Marriage campaign in telling our community’s stories, the success of this campaign hinges on our collective ability to share why marriage matters to us: because the love we experience as LGBTQ people is as real and valid as any other. Now is the time to give, to get active, and to make history. Kris Hermanns is the executive director of Pride Foundation, the Northwest’s donorsupported community foundation serving the LGBTQ community.
July 6, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
NATE GOWDY / SEATTLE GAY NEWS
The Pink and Black strike back No arrests in protest of Pride weekend ‘dance party’ bust by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer More than 100 protesters took to the streets of Capitol Hill on the evening of Friday, June 29, to protest the Seattle Police Department’s (SPD) recent handling of the Pride weekend “Queer street dance party,” where officers arrested six people and deployed pepper spray. Many of the same people at the Pride weekend event were in attendance. The group marched through the Hill and danced in the streets for about 90 minutes. Police followed the demonstration closely but did not order the marchers off the street. Minutes after the march set out from Seattle Central Community College (SCCC), a contingent of about 10 officers on bicycles began following participants as they turned off Broadway onto East Union Street. As the demonstrators passed Purr Cocktail Lounge on their way back toward Cal Anderson Park, they chanted, “Out of the bars and into the streets!” The group intended to protest in front of the SPD East Precinct, which patrols Capitol Hill and part of the Central District. However, the SPD had set up a barricade on East Pine Street between 11th and 12th avenues. Officers, some mounted and others in riot gear, stood by as the protesters danced in front of the barricade, mocking the officers and flipping them off.
The group then returned to Broadway, marching to the north end and then back down, chanting, “How do you spell homophobe? SPD! How do you spell racist? SPD! How do you spell Transphobe? SPD!” The group returned to SCCC where they held a speakout and asked attendees to share their stories of intimidation or unjust attack by police. As the demonstration neared its end, four self-styled “superheroes” made an appearance. Approximately 30 protesters ran across East Pine Street to confront them. The masked vigilantes stayed silent but kept their hands on their pepper spray canisters as protesters shouted “Fascists!” throughout the high-tension moment. The “superheroes” retreated to the police bicycle contingent, which had formed a line to protect them. Just before the demonstration, some of the protesters were at a nearby vigil for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, the Texas shooting victims. While it was clear that some were there to mourn with the rest of Seattle’s LGBT community, as the vigil came to a close one demonstrator picked up a megaphone and expressed her displeasure at not being allowed to speak at the event. In her mind, it was important to connect the crime to class struggle, but the organizers of the vigil didn’t want to put forth any kind of political message.
MURRAY
CENTER
cratic leadership team and chair of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Murray played a key role in repealing the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rule. In April she met with local Gay and Lesbian veterans to discuss ongoing problems in dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs after repeal of DADT. Akaka, a four-term senator who will retire at the end of 2012, authored the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2012, to improve tracking of health data for LGBT people and other minority groups. Kerry, now in his fifth term, is prime sponsor of the Reconnecting Youth to Prevent Homelessness Act of 2011, to help at-risk LGBT youth, and the HOME Act of 2011, which protects LGBT citizens from housing discrimination. Eight other Senators – seven Democrats and one independent – signed on to at least 10 pro-LGBT proposals, putting them just behind Murray, Akaka, and Kerry. They are Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Daniel Inouye (DHawaii), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Frank Lautenberg (DN.J.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). In all, 61 senators have signed on to at least one pro-LGBT bill – every member of the Democratic caucus and eight Republicans. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) were the most pro-equality Republicans, co-sponsoring three bills each. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) may be the most anti-Gay senator, since he is the only one who has proposed a bill explicitly hostile to LGBT rights. He sponsored a continuing resolution that condemned the Obama administration for declining to defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act in court.
“We’re excited to get a storefront right in the heart of Seattle,” said Zach Silk, Washington United for Marriage campaign manager. “People have been clamoring for us to be on Capitol Hill where voters can get the facts, volunteers can get to work, and those looking to wear their support of marriage for every loving couple can buy a T-shirt or a bumper sticker.” Maggie Thompson, the campaign’s regional field director for western King County, said one of the reasons she’s so excited about the opening of the Action Center is that it’s in an area that is “very dense with our supporter base.” From the Action Center the campaign plans to train supporters on how to share their stories about why marriage matters and why voting to Approve Referendum 74 is critical for all Washington families. It will also conduct phone banks to reach voters and supporters, and sell merchandise such as T-shirts, tank tops, bags, stickers, signs, buttons, and stickers, all supporting the campaign. Additionally, the center can serve as a home base for canvassing on and around Capitol Hill. The Action Center will also serve as a gathering space for volunteers and campaign supporters – in other words, it will be a community center, in a place that’s already a community center itself – Gay City Health Project. “[Gay City has] been doing a lot of work in the community for some time – they’re a landmark on Capitol Hill,” Thompson told SGN. “It’s already sort of a community place in general, and the fact that we can build a campaign community out of an existing community is fantastic for us.” Thompson said the vast community support has laid the groundwork for this campaign. Washington United for Marriage is hoping that the opening of the Action Cen-
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Anarchists march on Broadway.
“The majority of [demonstrations], especially the spontaneous ones, are non-permitted [but] we almost always allow them to proceed,” Seattle Police Detective Mark Jamieson told SGN. “Our concern is for public safety. Oftentimes we’ll give them an escort.” Apart from setting up the barricade outside the East Precinct, the SPD at no time tried to stop or hinder the march. Notably, however, they did set up a line outside of the Chase Bank branch on Broadway, which many demonstrators remarked was a clear example of the duty of police to protect capital. The branch has been a frequent target of vandalism, with many seeing Chase as a particularly egregious example of financial predation. Since the events of May Day, activists
say, the SPD as well as Seattle’s FBI field office appear to have been stepping up efforts to identify and undermine local anarchist groups. While perhaps understandable in regard to the SPD’s mission to protect and serve, some of their tactics raise important free-speech and discrimination issues. While Seattle anarchists have at times committed crimes, it must be remembered that anarchism in itself is a political ideology, not a crime. At a time when the SPD is under perhaps more scrutiny than any other major city police department, it appears to have handled the latest demonstration well and thus avoided further public backlash. No one was arrested, the officers remained behind the barricade at the East Precinct, and none of them tried to stop the march.
ter will encourage further community support, leading to victory in November. According to Thompson, one of the most important things the Action Center will do is phone banking. UFCW 21, a local union, will continue to house most of the local phone-bank volunteers in SoDo, but the center at Gay City offers a place for those on the Hill to stay on the Hill. “For people who live and work in this area, it’s difficult to get to our SoDo phone banks by 5:30,” Thompson told SGN. “We’re hoping that [it’s] really going to get volunteers coming.” Washington United for Marriage has data that shows that two-thirds of people who have had a conversation about marriage equality support it, which is why the campaign is stepping up its phone-banking efforts. “If [people] care about marriage equality, this is the best thing they can do,” said
Thompson. “We have so many volunteers who are doing this for their children or their partners, or for themselves.” One common reservation about phone banking is not knowing who you might end up dealing with over the phone, but according to Thompson, volunteers at the Capitol Hill Action Center will be speaking with their neighbors. Volunteers in Spokane call Spokane residents; those in eastern King County call eastern King County; and so on. “We actually have community members talking to their neighbors about marriage equality,” Thompson told SGN. The Capitol Hill Action Center is located at 517 E. Pike St. Phone banking will start July 9 and will run Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. All are encouraged to sign up or just drop in as time permits.
Come meet Tim and Matt and join the family.
Go 1605 12th Avenue at Pine, Seattle (In liquor store parking garage.) Seattle Storm! 206-838-6027 or 206-898-4306
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July 6, 2012
Seattle Gay News
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by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor A bill has been introduced in Congress that would provide full military benefits to the same-sex spouses and children of Lesbian and Gay military servicemembers. On June 28, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D– Wash.), the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2012. It would require the U.S. Defense and Veterans Affairs departments to recognize the legal marriages of LGB servicemembers. The act would change the definition of “spouse” in four sections of the United States Code. Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, praised the lawmaker’s action, saying, “Our nation’s senior military leaders and com-
manders on the ground are increasingly uncomfortable with administering two classes of recognition, support, and benefits for our nation’s servicemembers.” He added, “There cannot be two classes of servicemembers, and this legislation addresses that effectively.” The official repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in September 2011 made it necessary to update several policies to be more inclusive of openly Gay servicemembers, but the continued existence of the federal Defense of Marriage Act has had a negative impact on this process. Currently, benefits are denied to the same-sex spouses of Gay and Lesbian servicemembers, creating a separate-but-not-equal atmosphere for them and their families. Smith represents Washington’s 9th District, which includes Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rep. Smith introduces bill for equal military spouse benefits
Representative Adam Smith
State Department launches Swedish man acquitted text donation campaign of rape because victim for global LGBT rights was Transgender commitment to ensuring LGBT people worldwide are able to exercise their human rights with dignity. “The mGive Foundation has partnered Americans now have an easy way to help foster LGBT civil rights worldwide, with the U.S. State Department on text dothanks to a new initiative by the U.S. State nation campaigns in the past with tremenDepartment. Text donations to the mGive dous success,” said Jim Thompson, the International Response Equality Fund will department’s deputy special representative help to further programs and initiatives for global partnerships. “We look forward aimed at advancing human rights and fos- to partnering with them again on this initiatering equality for LGBT persons around tive.” “The mGive Foundation creates evthe world. To donate $10 to the fund, simply eryday philanthropists,” said Jenifer Snytext the word PRIDE to 80000. U.S Secretary of State Hillary Rodham der, the organization’s executive director. Clinton launched the fund last December on “Nearly 100% of adult Americans have a Human Rights Day in Geneva, Switzerland, cell phone. Giving to those in need, like vicaffirming that “human rights are Gay rights tims of human rights violations, is only four Örebro District Court clicks away.” and Gay rights are human rights.” For more information on the fund, visit by Mike Andrew While providing tangible assistance to LGBT groups around the world, the fund www.state.gov/globalequality, or #globale- SGN Staff Writer Despite these facts, the court ruled that the also underscores the State Department’s quality on Twitter. defendant intended to rape a woman, and A judge in Orebro, Sweden, has acquitted since the victim was, according to the judge, a man of rape charges because the victim actually a man, the defendant’s intentioned was a Transgender woman. crime was impossible to commit. Judge Dan Sjöstedt threw out the charge The defendant was therefore convicted against the 61-year-old defendant, saying only of assault, and was sentenced to four the case against him was “invalid” because years in prison and 15,000 krona ($2,161) in the victim was not actually female. damages to the victim. “We believe that he wanted to rape this Judge Sjöstedt referred the case to Swewoman in particular. But as she turned out den’s Court of Appeals. to be a man, the crime never was actually “There are different theories about how committed,” said Sjöstedt. this should be handled, and so we’re look“The intended crime never had the possi- ing forward to seeing the verdict from the bility of being fulfilled,” he added. Court of Appeals,” he said, adding that he According to Nerikes Allehanda news- would appeal the decision if he were either paper, the victim had been undergoing hor- the prosecutor or the defense attorney. mone therapy to help her transition to her In spite of its reputation as a socially procorrect gender. The defendant believed his gressive country, Sweden is not regarded as victim was a woman and always referred to welcoming to Transgender people. her in court with feminine pronouns. Swedes can legally change their gender $ After following the Trans woman for only if they are citizens over 18 and either some time, the defendant assaulted her in unmarried, divorced, sterilized, or have any size pizza a “brutally violent” manner, tearing off her lived at least two years with the gender idenpants and grabbing her crotch. tity they wish to adopt. 700 East Pine St., Seattle The attempted rape occurred in front of Since 2002, the Swedish constitution has HOMEMADE the residence of the victim’s former boybanned discrimination on the basis of sexual HAND TOSSED friend, and he rushed to her assistance. orientation, but discrimination against Trans police arrived, they arrested the at- people is banned only by a statute, passed FREE DELIVERY • 206-322-6444 When Not valid for delivery. tacker. in 2008. by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
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July 6, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer LGBT activists in Havana staged a kiss-in June 28 in advance of Cuba’s second annual Pride march, and charged the Cuban government with failing to comply with their international treaty obligations on human rights. The “Kiss-In for Diversity and Equality” at the Ramon Fonst sports arena was organized by Project Rainbow, an “anti-capitalist and independent LGBT group,” to mark the Stonewall uprising. The group was founded last year by Yasmin Portales Machado, who has described herself on her blog as “a mother, a feminist, and a critical Marxist.” “With this public and affectionate action we invite you to make the LGBT community in Cuba visible,” the group said in a statement. “We are part of the nation.” Fifty people signed a petition calling for civil rights and delivered it to Cuba’s legislative body, the National Assembly of People’s Power, said Ignacio Estrada, a Gay activist and anti-Castro dissident. “Our document calls on the Cuban government to fully comply with international agreements it has signed on human rights, especially those that apply to LGBT rights,” Estrada said after delivering the petition. The petition also calls on lawmakers to launch an investigation of the Military Units to Aid Production (UMAP), labor camps created by Fidel Castro during the 1960s, and it demands that the government officials responsible for the camps be put on trial. Critics of the Castro government say the camps were used to imprison innocent
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Havana ‘kiss-in’ takes an anti-Castro turn LGBT people as well as the regime’s political opponents. Activists also demanded that authorities stop applying the law on so-called “precriminal dangerousness” to LGBT Cubans, and instead investigate the complaints of LGBT Cubans who are beaten or fired from their jobs because of their sexual orientation, Estrada said. Estrada also said that the National Center for Sex Education (Cenesex), the LGBT rights organization headed by Mariela Castro – President Raul Castro’s daughter and Fidel’s niece – would not be involved in the Pride march. Instead, three independent LGBT groups would sponsor the march, Estrada said: the Cuban League Against AIDS, the Open Door Foundation, and LGBT Observatory. Estrada married Transgender activist Wendy Iriepa last year after her sex reassignment surgery. At the time, Iriepa claimed that Mariela Castro fired her from her job at Cenesex for associating with a dissident. Fidel Castro publicly apologized for his government’s mistreatment of LGBT Cubans in an interview published August 30, 2010. “Those were moments of great injustice,” Castro told the Mexican newspaper La Jornada. “Great injustice!” He added, “If any person was responsible, it’s me!” Reports on the July 1 Pride march were not immediately available. The parade was to start at the old Capitol Building (once the seat of the Cuban government), move down Paseo del Prado, and end at the Malecon, a seaside esplanade. PARTI SOCIALISTE/MATHIEU DELMESTRE
French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault
Visit us online www.sgn.org
LGBT activists in Cuba Staged a kiss-in on June 28.
Marriage equality by 2013, French leader says by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault says Gay and Lesbian couples will get equal marriage and adoption rights as of 2013. Ayrault made the promise as part of a major speech to Parliament on July 3 outlining his government’s goals for its five-year term. “In the first half of 2013, the right to marriage and adoption will be open to all couples, without discrimination,” Ayrault told Parliament. “Our society is evolving; lifestyles and mentalities are changing. The government will respond to that.” The PM’s pledge confirms campaign promises by newly elected French President Francois Hollande, who appointed Ayrault. Hollande’s Socialist Party won a sweeping victory in parliamentary elections in June, and he should have no problem enacting his legislative agenda. Ayrault’s speech came only days after Paris held its annual Pride parade, which was even more festive this year because of Hollande’s promise to legalize marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples. In a symbolic gesture, French Minister for Families Dominique Bertinotti turned out to see the Pride parade step off. While France is nominally Catholic, only 4.5% of the population identify as “practicing” Catholics, according to a survey conducted by European pollsters Ifop. Six and a half percent identify as Gay. A survey taken earlier this year showed 63% of French people are in favor of same-
July 6, 2012
sex marriage, while 56% believe same-sex couples should be able to adopt. France currently allows “civil solidarity pacts” (PACs), which are equivalent to limited domestic partnership agreements, but do not include the right to adopt children. Pres. Hollande himself was involved in a 30-year unmarried relationship with Segolene Royal, who was the Socialist candidate for president in 2007. The two have since separated, and Hollande is now in a relationship with Valerie Trierweiler. In Europe, same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. Besides France, the governments of Britain and Scotland have also announced they intend to enact marriage equality bills. European countries allowing adoption by same-sex couples include Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.
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Auf Wiedersehen, ‘little hero’ by Leslie Robinson SGN Contributing Writer I’m appalled that I’d never heard of Gad Beck. Not only was he an important figure in LGBT history, he was a hoot. Until his recent death, just shy of his 89th birthday, Beck was the last known Gay Jewish survivor of the Holocaust. Also a resistance fighter, Beck’s experiences during World War II were such that he quipped, “Only Steven Spielberg can film my life – forgive me, forgive me.” He’s forgiven. Because he’s right. Consider his attempt to rescue his Jewish boyfriend. According to Wikipedia, Beck donned a Hitler Youth uniform and entered a deportation center to free Manfred Lewin, thereby setting a ridiculously high bar for standing by your man. Beck asked the commanding officer to release Lewin for use in a construction project, and he must’ve been convincing, because the officer agreed. When they got outside, though, Lewin said, “Gad, I can’t go with you. My family needs me. If I abandon them now, I could never be free.” The two parted, not saying goodbye. “In those seconds, watching him go, I grew up,”
recalled Beck. If you’re weepy already, don’t read the next sentence. Lewin and his whole family perished at Auschwitz. Beck’s father was Jewish, and his mother converted to Judaism. Under the Nazi racial laws, Beck was a half-breed, and he and his father landed in a holding compound on the Rosenstrasse in Berlin. He was released after the non-Jewish wives of inmates protested in the street. They set a pretty high bar, too. Beck learned from those women. He said, reported The Jerusalem Post, “The Rosenstrasse event made one thing absolutely clear to me: I won’t wait until we get deported.” He joined a resistance youth group and helped Jews in Berlin survive. Beck noted that “as a homosexual, I was able to turn to my trusted non-Jewish, homosexual acquaintances to help supply food and hiding places.” It helps to have friends in homo places. A Jewish spy working for the Gestapo betrayed Beck shortly before the war ended, and he was held at a Jewish transit camp. After the war, he assisted Jews emigrating to Palestine, and he himself lived in Israel from 1947 until 1979, when he returned to
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
“FEMMETASIA!” – A NIGHT OF QUEER FEMME CABARET On Friday and Saturday, July 6 and 7, door at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., at Theatre Off Jackson (409 7th Ave. S.), enjoy an evening of Queer Femme Cabaret with Cattitude, Amber Flame, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Lily Divine, Ginger Snapz, Pidgeon Von Tramp and more! Tickets: $10-advance; $15 at the door. www.bpt.me/e/251300.
cussions will be taken into consideration and may be incorporated into the final work, before it’s published in September. All GLBTQ folks are welcome to participate in this free book club. For more information email nickdimartin@earthlink.net, visit http://faculty.washington.edu/swittet/ SGLBookClub/ or contact SASG at 206322-2437; www.sasgcc.org. For discount on cost of books, email Nick.
NATE GOWDY AROUND TOWN Celebrated SGN photographer Nate Gowdy is displaying and selling his photographs around town at four locations this summer! His work can be seen at Poco Wine Room (1408 E. Pine St.) thru mid-July, at Adobe’s Fremont Campus (801 N. 34th St., near the Fremont Bridge) thru July, The Grill on Broadway (314 Broadway E.) thru August, and Frame Central (901 E. Pike St.) in the storefront window during June and the upstairs gallery in August. His work “Elderly Drag Queen” was recently selected to be published in the leading juried photography annual in North America. For inquiries regarding his event and wedding photo services, Nate can be reached at nate.gowdy@ gmail.com or 206-992-5857.
SISTAH SINEMA – CELEBRATING AUDRE LORDE On Saturday, July 14, 8 p.m., at Chao Bistro (1200 E. Pike St.), Sistah Sinema presents “Audre Lorde: The Berlin Years, 1984 to 1992,” followed by a reading from powerful poet, Imami Sims. Tickets: $10 advance; $15 at the door, if available. www. sistahsinema.com.
SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB – MARS VERSUS MAPLE SCHOOL The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday (except no meeting on July 4), from 6-7:15 p.m., at Seattle Area Support Groups Community Center (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). July selection is Mars Versus Maple School, by Nick DiMartino, SGL Book Club facilitator. The advance printing of his new autobiographical novel about a pudgy eleven-year-old bookworm who doesn’t know what the word “homosexual” means as he grows up in Seattle, 1957, will be available for $9.00 exclusively at the University Book Store. Contact Nick to reserve your copy. Your feedback from the July dis8
Seattle Gay News
BORDER RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB SUMMER CAMPING The Border Riders Motorcycle Club is the largest and one of the oldest Gay motorcycle clubs in North America. Founded in 1969, BRMC currently has over 70 members primarily from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. The club provides social and educational opportunities for our members and guests interested in recreational motorcycle touring. Our diverse, international membership is composed of both seasoned riders and beginners, and we come from all walks of life and professions. Border Riders hosts a short monthly Meet and Greet gathering on the Wednesday before the third weekend of each month at 7 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (1533 13th Ave.). The next Meet and Greet will be held on Wednesday, July 18. From May through October, BRMC hosts monthly weekend camping trips – May 1821, June 15-17, July 20-22, August 24-26, September 21-23, and October 19-21. For more information, visit www.borderriders.com.
July 6, 2012
Gad Beck
Germany. I don’t know why he returned. But at his death he was survived by Julius Laufer, his partner of 35 years, which means the two men got together in 1977 – two years before Beck went back to Europe. It would be gratifying to think he returned to Germany for love, especially since he left it for the opposite reason. But if he returned just because he missed the beer, that’s OK too. As the director of the Jewish Adult Education Center in Berlin, Beck organized gatherings of Gay singles at the center. “He was open, sweet, and would speak with everybody,” said the editor of Berlin’s Jewish magazine, who also recalled Beck’s fondness for waving the Israeli flag at Berlin’s GENDER ODYSSEY 2012 CONFERENCE AUGUST 2-5 www.genderodyssey.org FESTIVAL OF THE BABES SOCCER TOURNAMENT
annual Pride parade. He sounds like the kind of guy you’d want to have at a party (assuming he could keep the flag-waving to a minimum). Beck’s heart-centeredness combined with a notable wit. On a German talk show, he said, “The Americans in New York called me a great hero. I said no ... I’m really a little hero.” Of his life as a homosexual Jew, Beck averred, “God doesn’t punish for a life of love.” He wasn’t the first to say that, and he won’t be the last, but it’s tough to imagine the line suiting anyone better. Leslie Robinson lives in Seattle. Email her at lesarobinson@gmail.com, and indulge in her blog at www.generalgayety.com.
IN SEATTLE LABOR DAY WEEKEND Festival of the Babes is a soccer tournament for Lesbians, and those willing to be mistaken for one! Register a team of up to 15 ladies, register as a single player or get into all the events for FREE by volunteering. http://festivalofthebabes.com.
PRIDE EVENTS
CALENDAR VICTORIA PRIDE On Sunday, July 8, Victoria’s annual Pride Parade steps off from Pandora St. and Government St. in downtown Victoria at noon, traveling down Government St. to Belleville St., down Belleville St. past the Legislature, to Menzies St., Kingston St., and Oswego St. to MacDonald Park (Oswego and Simcoe Sts.) for the Pride Festival which starts at 1 p.m. www.victoriapridesociety.org. TACOMA PRIDE FESTIVAL From Friday, July 13, to Saturday, July 21, celebrate nine whole days of Pride in Tacoma. The highlight is the annual Out in the Park event, Saturday, July 14, from noon to 6 p.m. on Broadway (between 9th and 11th) in the city’s historic downtown theater district. Other events include three days of LGBT films at the Grand Cinema and a staged reading of Lanford Wilson’s Fifth of July at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. www.tacomapride.org; www.rainbowcntr.org. VANCOUVER (WA) PRIDE SATURDAY IN THE PARK On Saturday, July 14, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Vancouver, WA hosts their 18th annual LGBT Pride event, “Saturday in the Park.” This year’s theme is “Gateway to Equality,” celebrating the passage of Washington’s marriage equality law. This family-friendly event takes place at Esther Short Park (610 Esther St.) downtown and features music and cultural performances, community groups, games, and other ac-
tivities for all ages. The day will begin with “Lyle’s Miles,” a 5K run/walk fundraiser for the Cascade AIDS Project. Details at www. gayvancouverwa.org. BELLINGHAM PRIDE From Wednesday, July 11, to Sunday, July 15, B Proud hosts a series of Pride events in Bellingham, including film screenings, parties, dances, a drag show, and more. The parade begins at noon on Sunday, July 15, at noon at Bellingham High School (2020 Cornwall Ave.), ending at Depot Market Square (Railroad Ave. between E. Chestnut and E. Maple Sts.), followed by the Pride Festival at the Bellingham Farmers Market at Depot Market Square. www.bhampride. org. KITSAP PRIDE IN BREMERTON On Sunday, July 22, Kitsap Pride holds their annual celebration at Evergreen Park (1400 Park Ave., Bremerton) beginning at noon. This year’s theme is “Pride Links Us Together.” www.kitsappride.org. VANCOUVER (BC) PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL On Sunday, August 5, the Vancouver Pride Society hosts Vancouver, BC’s annual Pride Parade and Festival. The Parade steps off on Robson St. at 11 a.m. and travels west to Denman St., follows Denman St. to Beach Ave., and continues on Beach Ave. to Sunset Beach for the Pride Festival which continues until 6 p.m. www.vancouverpride.ca.
Celebrating 39 Years!
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July 6, 2012
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Celebrating 39 Years!
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer For the first time ever, the federal Food and Drug Administration has approved over-the-counter sales of an at-home HIV test. A Canadian study published in January demonstrated that the test, made by OraSure Technologies, is accurate, and a committee of independent experts assembled by the FDA approved the test in May. The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test provides results in 20 to 40 minutes from an oral fluid sample taken by swabbing the upper and lower gums inside the mouth. OraSure said the test – already approved for use by clinicians – will be available starting in October at more than 30,000 retailers and online. The price will be set closer to the launch date, the company said. “The test has the potential to identify large numbers of previously undiagnosed HIV infections, especially if used by those unlikely to use standard screening methods,” the FDA said in a statement. “Knowing your status is an important factor in the effort to prevent the spread of HIV,” said Dr. Karen Midthun, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “The availability of a home-use HIV test kit provides another option for individuals to get tested so that they can seek medical care, if appropriate.” Some 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, but one in five
ORA SURE TECHNOLOGIES
FDA approves OraQuick in-home HIV test
are not aware of it, according to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 50,000 people are newly infected with HIV each year, often from people who may not know they have the virus, the FDA said. Fred Swanson, executive director of Gay City Health Project, which provides free HIV testing, said he welcomed the FDA’s decision. “We applaud increased access to HIV testing, and hope that a home testing option will help more people know their HIV status,” Swanson said. “As is the case with home pregnancy testing, we anticipate that many people who can afford a home test kit will follow up with professional support and confirmatory testing, or help with access to care. Gay City stands ready to provide this support and The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test care, free of charge, to our community.” Swanson added that he is concerned about ery 12 test results would be a false negative. in its statement. the cost of the new test kits and whether they False negatives are of particular concern “Similarly, a negative test result does not will be accessible to low-income people. because they could lead HIV-positive indi- mean that an individual is definitely not “We do have some concern about the af- viduals to take fewer precautions and par- infected with HIV, particularly when exfordability of this option, though it is not ticipate more often in unprotected sex. posure may have been within the previous clear what the cost will be,” Swanson said. The test accurately gave a negative result three months.” “As we know from our clients, 65% of for those without HIV in 99.98% of cases, “We set out with a clear purpose – to drawhom are low-income, many individuals meaning there would be only one false posi- matically impact the number of people getat increased risk for HIV are already strug- tive result out of every 5,000 tests. ting tested for HIV nationwide,” OraSure gling to make ends meet. This is one reason “A positive result with this test does not chief executive Douglas Michels said in a our testing is provided free of cost.” mean that an individual is definitely infect- statement. Clinical trials for the test showed it was ed with HIV, but rather that additional test“Today’s FDA approval of OraQuick accurate 92% of the time in diagnosing peo- ing should be done in a medical setting to brings us much closer to accomplishing that ple who had HIV – meaning one out of ev- confirm the test result,” the FDA cautioned goal.”
New ‘Quad’ HIV med safe and effective, study says COURTESY INPHARM
The Quad is the first multi-pill to include an integrase inhibitor, a type of antiretroviral drug designed to block the action of the viral enzyme integrase, the agent that inserts the viral genome into the DNA of the host cell. Since integration is a vital step in retroviral replication, blocking it can halt further spread of the virus. Integrase inhibitors were initially developed for treatment of HIV infection, but they could be applied to other retroviruses. Since integrase inhibitors target a distinct step in the retroviral life cycle, they may be taken in combination with other types of HIV drugs to minimize adaptation by the virus. The FDA first approved an integrase inhibitor as an HIV therapy in 2007. Like other multi-drug pills, the Quad also includes a protease inhibitor, which prevents viral replication by inhibiting the enzyme used to disassemble the protein molecules used to construct new viruses. Researchers compared the new medication with a triple-drug pill that relied on pro-
tease inhibitors, and found the Quad “noninferior” to the triple medication in overall outcome, and somewhat better tolerated by patients in the study. Their desired result was an HIV RNA concentration of 50 copies/mL or less after 48 weeks of treatment. The research was funded by Gilead Sciences, manufacturer of the triple pill Truvada.
July 6, 2012
Seattle Gay News 13
Gilead’s four-in-one HIV drug
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A new four-in-one HIV pill, or Quad, has been proven safe and effective, according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal. The new medication is designed to be taken once daily and may become an “important new treatment option,” the study says. Researchers hoped that combining four HIV meds into a single tablet will make it easier for patients to stick to their medication, improving their treatment outcome. “Patient adherence to medication is vital, especially for patients with HIV, where
missed doses can quickly lead to the virus becoming resistant to medication,” said Paul Sax, clinical director at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. Sax led research comparing the effect of the Quad with the current best treatment in 700 patients. He said the new pill was equally as safe and effective, although he found a higher level of kidney problems among those taking it. “Our results provide an additional highly potent, well-tolerated treatment option and highlight the simplicity of treatment resulting from combining several antiretrovirals in a single pill,” he said.
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NEWS
by Scott Wittet SGN Contributing Writer
14 Seattle Gay News
July 6, 2012
KWEKUBO
INTERNATIONAL LAOS HOLDS FIRST GAY PRIDE EVENT AFP reports that the Southeast Asian nation of Laos recently held its first-ever Pride event in what supporters hope is a sign of softening social values in the small Communist country. Although homosexuality is legal in Laos, it is frowned upon by many in the socially conservative nation of around 6 million people, and event organizers decided against holding a parade. Instead, around 100 LGBT people gathered on a U.S. embassy sports field in the capital city of Vientiane to watch entertainment and sip beers provided by the capital’s handful of Gay-friendly bars. Organized by the embassy and local activists, the June 25 “Proud to Be Us!” event also drew a senior government health representative, the U.S. embassy said – a positive sign in one of the world’s few remaining Communist countries. “I think everyone involved realized that this event was just a first step, so there was no big agenda or set of specific issues we wanted to focus on,” Mike Pryor, the U.S. embassy’s deputy public affairs officer, told AFP from Vientiane. “The goal was to spread the message that LGBT people are valued and loved, and regardless of sexual orientation everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and be allowed to contribute fully to society,” he said.
M. KARUNAKARAN
the previous week’s activities had meant to them. Rounds of excited applause greeted the speakers. But in the courtyard outside, men from the local neighborhood were converging, having caught word of what they call “a gathering of fags.” Their numbers grew and around midnight, they burst into the room. Inside, the party atmosphere vanished. Some people ran behind the podium, looking for an emergency exit. Others hid under tables. Some people escaped, others did not. Some were caught and beaten by the gang of Gay bashers. Some guests at the gathering were robbed of money, mobile phones, jewelry, and identification papers. Some were stripped naked and forced to return home without clothes. “Nearly two-dozen people who came to the party were nearly beaten to death,” said Yannick N., an organizer of the event. “The abusers themselves said they wanted to do away with [us].” None of the organizers called the police because, they said, they know from experience that the police would have arrested the victims of the beatings rather than the attackers. The gathering had been organized to proIreland’s deputy prime minister Eamon Gilmore vide a forum where young LGBT artists could “pass along a positive message to the said, “Our parents might not accept them, community.” The event was supposed to but for us, it does not matter at all.” GAY MONGOLIANS include the announcement of winners of a Right next to Dev’s group was a 74-yearSEE HINTS OF PROGRESS competition for best new work in poetry and old man with a board reading “In support of On a Friday night in June, the only Gay my Gay son.” bar in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, is a dark build“Nothing is difficult when you love and ing in a sea of dark buildings. Its shades are understand your children,” he said. drawn, its door shut tightly. But inside, the Carrying banners that read “Straight is 100% Bar is flush with joie de vivre. just a line” and “Narrow-mindedness is a Tall Mongolian men in designer shirts disease, homosexuality is not,” the crowd stand with their arms around one another, marched along Chennai’s beachfront. blowing clouds of cigarette smoke. A rainThe LGBT community has been looking bow flag is displayed behind the bar. for ways to help people understand their Mongolia, a traditionally pastoral country issues better. Shailaja, a participant in the of 2.7 million people sandwiched between rally, asked, “When schools impart sex ed- Russia and China, is a tough place to be ucation, shouldn’t they also teach children Gay. Homosexuality was considered taboo about sexuality and gender? Adolescents from the 1920s until 1990, when the country who are attracted to the same sex should not was under Soviet rule. Before 2002, it was wonder what is wrong with them.” technically illegal, reports the U.K. newspaL. Ramakrishnan of the NGO Orinam per The Guardian. said, “Having this visibility is to correct But over the past few years, a small group the notion that homosexuality is a Western of human rights activists in Ulan Bator have influence. We are from every section of the braved ostracism, intimidation, and viosociety and we want our rights!” lence to forge an LGBT community. In 2009 Jennifer McIntyre, U.S. consul general in they established Mongolia’s first Gay rights Chennai, and many other members of the organization, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, consulate also participated. and Transgender Centre. They also have engineered a high-profile media campaign on Activists from Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore participate in the ACTIVIST PLANS RETIREMENT Mongolian TV and pushed for anti-discrimRainbow Pride March in Chennai, India. HOME FOR TRANS PEOPLE ination legislation in Parliament. Although they are rarely victims of vio- song on the theme “Challenging homophoIN INDONESIA Mongolia’s recent discovery of vast lence, Gay and Transgendered people in bia in and through education.” Yulianus Rettoblaut, chair of the Indone- mineral deposits has sent its economy into Yannick N. was philosophical about the sian Transgender Forum, is seeking funds overdrive. Expensive bars and restaurants Laos face widespread discrimination and have difficulty finding work in government attack. “Just when we were talking about for a waria (Transgender) nursing home in have blossomed among the capital city’s or other high-status sectors, leaving many in how to combat homophobia through educa- her country. Soviet-era apartment blocks and narrow, tion, we were reminded how indispensable poorly paid jobs or the sex industry. “We have to do [the project] bit by bit be- rubble-strewn alleyways. But an influx of The U.S. wants LGBT rights to be rec- it is that we find ways to change the deeply cause currently no one is eager to support foreign capital has also stirred a rise in ultraognized as basic human rights, Pryor said, distorted perception of [LGBT] people in us financially,” Yulianus said in a recent in- nationalist, neo-Nazi groups who believe in adding that the issue is high on Secretary of Cameroonian society,” he said. terview with The Jakarta Post. “I hope that using violence to keep foreign influence at Other, earlier activities of IDAHO week eventually people can see how important bay. Their shadow lies over the city in the State Hillary Clinton’s agenda. Laos is a land-locked, mountainous in Yaoundé had proceeded without major this is for our aging friends.” swastikas graffitied on the walls of tenement nation where a bloody civil war ended incident. Traditionally, elderly people in Indonesia buildings and in the gangs of bald, leatherin 1975, bringing to power a Commuare cared for by their families, but the rela- clad men who prowl the streets at night. CHENNAI RAINBOW PRIDE nist regime that has kept strict control tives of waria often reject or lose contact Many Gay Mongolians live in fear of ATTRACTS DIVERSE CROWD over the country despite taking some with them. these groups. In 2009, an ultra-nationalist The Indian city of Chennai’s fourth annual steps toward economic liberalization. Yulianus currently cares for three war- gang beat and raped three Transgender Rainbow Pride March drew a colorful mix ia: 67-year-old Yoti, 67-year-old Sri, and women on the city’s outskirts. LGBT Centre of activists and community members, with 71-year-old Iwan. LGBT MEETING IN CAMEROON staff members have suffered death threats quite a few joining in from other Indian citATTACKED Until the new home is built, Yulianus, also and attempted abductions. ILGA reports that a homophobic attack ies as well, according to The Hindu news- known as Mami Yuli, focuses on training Although Ulan Bator’s LGBT commuoccurred May 19 during a gathering to mark paper. waria to support themselves in old age. nity is growing quickly, activists say that “The city [Chennai] is not like it used to be the end of this year’s International Day “We have successfully trained around 40 the country’s legacy of Soviet intolerance Against Homophobia in the Cameroonian – it is slowly coming to accept people with aged Transgenders who currently live in- has been hard to shake. “The majority of the alternative sexual preferences. You just need dependently. Most of them are beauticians, public believes that being Gay is just imitatcapital of Yaoundé. Around 11 p.m., representatives of sev- to use the right words at the right time,” said tailors, and cooks,” said Yulianus. “But, of ing cool foreigners,” said Otgonbaatar Tseeral LGBT organizations were marching Dev, a physics teacher. Among his support- course, we will try to accommodate those dendemberel, the centre’s current executive one by one to the podium to discuss what ers were some of his students, one of whom like Iwan, who can barely walk anymore.” director.
Celebrating 39 Years!
Tsedendemberel, 32, said that in the Mongolian countryside – a seemingly endless expanse of grassland and desert where almost 40% of the population live in feltlined tents – young men were under intense pressure to marry and have children by age 25. Many Gay Mongolian men fear their parents will view their homosexuality as a betrayal.
PARTNERS OF GAY KNIGHTS AND DAMES MAY GET TITLES The partners of Gay knights and dames in the U.K. could also be given titles under a new proposal to be discussed in Parliament. Gay Star News reports that currently only the female spouses of male peers or knights receive that honor (male spouses of dames do not). But Conservative Member of Parliament Oliver Colvile wants to bring more equality to the system. If the proposals become law it would affect many famous couples, including Sir Elton John and David Furnish. Other high profile knights and dames who may be affected by the reforms are Sir Ian McKellan, Prince Charles’s former private secretary Marc Bolland, and Dame Angela Mason, activist and former director of LGBT rights group Stonewall. “The current system is uneven and rather outdated,” said Colvile. “If you are made a peer or a knight, your wife automatically gets the title of lady, but if you are Gay or are a woman and become a dame, your partner gets nothing. “In a lot of marriages, the other half ends up playing a very significant role in their career. I think we have got to make sure it’s recognized in the same way for men and women, and in civil partnerships.”
15,000 LIGHT UP FOR SINGAPORE’S ‘PINK DOT’ The annual Pink Dot Pride festival, held after dark June 30 in Singapore, has been hailed as a great success, with more than 15,000 people gathering to show support for the LGBT community. Gay sex is still illegal in Singapore, yet the festival saw a 600% increase over the 2,500 people who came together at the first Pink Dot in 2009. The Pink Dot was formed by pink lights from cellophane-covered flashlights and cell phones, as the crowd sang along to Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors.” “This is a beautiful, glowing Pink Dot but we need to go a step further beyond tonight and take this glow with us when we leave,” said one of the event’s ambassadors, actor Lim Yu Beng. Search YouTube for “pinkdot 2012” to see a video celebrating the event.
PARISIANS CELEBRATE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE PLEDGE Organizers say a record 700,000 people took part in Paris’ Gay pride event this year. The celebration was energized by the newly elected French Socialist government’s pledge to swiftly legalize marriage and adoption by same-sex couples, they said. “This is a special parade because it is the first time we have a government, a president, and a parliament who are in favor of progress,” said Nicolas Gougain, spokesperson for Gay rights group Inter-LGBT, to the French daily Le Figaro. A day before the march, Dominique Bertinotti, the new minister for families, told the daily Le Parisien, “In one year, sameGAY CRUISE DIVERTED sex couples will be able to marry and adopt. FROM CASABLANCA They will have the same rights and the same A Gay cruise has been diverted from Mo- responsibilities as any other married couroccan city of Casablanca with organizers ple.”
COURTESY PINKDOT.SG
IRISH LEADER SAYS TIME HAS COME FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Ireland’s deputy prime minister, Eamon Gilmore, has publicly backed marriage equality, calling it the “civil rights issue of this generation.” He said the government would discuss the issue during Constitutional Convention talks later this year, reports Gay Star News. Speaking in Dublin, Gilmore also congratulated organizers of the city’s Pride celebrations, which saw 30,000 take part in the main parade on June 30. Ireland’s Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) has welcomed Gilmore’s support for Gay marriage, saying his views are in step with public opinion. “The huge popular enthusiasm and support for civil partnerships across the country, and the polls showing 73% public support, demonstrate that Ireland is ready to move to civil marriage for Lesbian and Gay couples,” said Kieran Rose, GLEN chair. Rose added that all of Ireland’s political parties are now behind LGBT equality.
saying they were turned away from the port. The cruise would reportedly have been the first of its kind to visit Morocco, where homosexuality is illegal. But 2,100 Gay holidaymakers aboard the cruise liner Nieuw Amsterdam were told the planned stop in western Morocco had unexpectedly been cancelled. Holland America Line and RSVP Vacations diverted the ship from the African port on July 1. According to Reuters, passengers on the ship received a letter saying, “Our port agent in Casablanca has advised us that authorities in Morocco have – despite previous confirmations – now denied our scheduled visit.” However, Moroccan Tourism Minister Lahcen Haddad later told Reuters, “We don’t ban cruise ships here and we never ask our visitors about their sexual preferences.” He insisted additionally that the ship was free to return if the organizers so wished. In Morocco homosexuality is punishable by six months to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 120 to 1200 dirhams (about $14 to $140).
Over 15,000 people gathered in Hong Lim Park in Singapore for the forth annual Pink Dot Pride Festival.
This was confirmed in a statement released by Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault’s office the same day, although an exact date for this change was not given. The Pride parade made its way from Montparnasse to the iconic Place de la Bastille, passing through the Parisian Gayborhood, Le Marais. Speaking with Gay Star News, activist Sandrine Ageorges-Skinner said, “It was very festive due to the government’s announcement – it was really dynamic and diverse. So many people of different ages and origins participated, it was really a true celebration of diversity and tolerance. It really gave us a lot of energy.”
EUROGAMES IN BUDAPEST OFF TO A GOOD START Each year, the EuroGames gather LGBT athletes and their friends from across the continent. More than 2,000 participants from 34 European countries are taking part in this year’s games, which are being held for the first time in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, according to PinkNews. Normally, local governments support the games as good tourist draws and income generators. But the Budapest Assembly and
the Mayor of Budapest declined to give the games any support or endorsement this year. But support did come from the European Parliament, with members of the LGBT Intergroup, Ulrike Lunacek and Kinga Göncz, speaking at the opening ceremony. Lunacek noted, “The atmosphere at the grand opening of the EuroGames in Budapest was very good. “This event is a huge success for the organizers, considering the city has denied them any support. I am confident that the Games will contribute to more openness in Hungary,” she added. She also thanked European Union ambassadors for expressing their support. Göncz, a former foreign affairs minister of Hungary, added, “The EuroGames is a competition for admirable and accomplished sportspeople. It provides an opportunity for members of the LGBT community as well as their friends to compete together in a friendly atmosphere and, by so doing, they demonstrate that there is no place among them for exclusion or for prejudice against those who are different. “We Hungarians can all be proud that such a major event first takes place in our country, out of all former Eastern Bloc states.”
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Federal judge denies House group’s motion to stop DOMA case by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Federal District Judge Vanessa Bryant has denied a motion by the so-called Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) to stay proceedings in Pedersen v. OPM, a suit challenging the constitutionality of DOMA. Despite its name, BLAG is highly partisan. It was created by Republican House Speaker John Boehner to defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in court after the Obama administration determined the law was unconstitutional. In her July 5 ruling, Judge Bryant cited the potential harm to the plaintiffs in the case if the proceedings were halted. “The Court finds that the harm which would befall the Plaintiffs if a stay were to be entered is significant,” Bryant wrote. “Entering a stay in this matter would essentially deny the Plaintiffs the right to advocate for their own interests, asking them instead to ‘stand aside while a litigant in another [case] settles the rule of law that will define the rights of both [parties].’” GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) filed Pedersen on behalf of five same-sex couples and a widower from Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire – all states in which same-sex marriage is legal. The plaintiffs include federal and state employees and retirees, and a widower, all of them taxpayers. Two of the plaintiff
couples are the parents of children under the age of 18. GLAD’s suit alleges that they have been denied legal protections for which they are currently eligible and for which they have applied, solely because of DOMA Section 3, which defines marriage exclusively as a heterosexual union. The suit argues that Section 3 of DOMA should be found unconstitutional based on the equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment because it prevents the federal government from affording legally married same-sex couples the same benefits as opposite-sex married couples. Pedersen was one of the cases cited by U.S. Attorney general Eric Holder in his February 23, 2011, memo stating that the Obama administration had concluded DOMA was unconstitutional and would no longer defend it. Joanne Pedersen, the lead plaintiff, married her partner, Anne Meitzen, on the 10th anniversary of their relationship. The wedding was performed in Connecticut in 2008, soon after that state enacted a marriage equality law. Together the couple cared for Pedersen’s elderly parents until their deaths. Pedersen held a civilian position with the U.S. Department of the Navy for 30 years, the last 12 of them as a special security officer for the Office of Naval Intelligence. After undergoing breast cancer treatment, she decided to retire when she first became eligible at age 55. Meitzen is a regional supervisor at a nonprofit agency that provides care management services and home care assistance for elders and disabled adults. Pedersen’s military colleagues treated her like any other spouse, she says, and the two attended Navy Day balls, picnics, and professional conferences together. Meitzen also has chronic medical conditions – hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthmatic bronchitis – that cause her breathing difficulties and severe fatigue. In 2008, she missed four months of work with recur-
rent bouts of pneumonia. She missed about three weeks in the first half of 2009. Even after she recovered, she worked from home for two months. She manages her conditions daily with a nebulizer and prescription medications, but the stress of full-time work aggravated her illness and she took early retirement at age 62. As a federal retiree, Pedersen is prevented by DOMA from covering Meitzen on her health insurance plan as married heterosexual federal employees and retirees are able to do. As a result, Meitzen currently pays $590 a month out of pocket for health insurance – nearly one-third of her monthly Social Security income. Because of the financial burden, Meitzen is contemplating returning to part-time work. “We did not decide to get married out of the blue,” Pedersen said in a statement released by GLAD. “We thought about it. We’ve been together – it’s going on 12 years. And I worked in federal service for over 30 years. Why shouldn’t I be able to provide for Anne just like all of my other married colleagues?”
DOMA
continued from cover Group of the United States House of Representatives filed a petition for writ of certiorari in Massachusetts v. HHS on June 29, 2012.” A writ of certiorari is a document stating that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal. In both cases, federal courts found DOMA unconstitutional. The Supreme Court may review the cases if at least four of the nine justices vote to do so. The DOJ request was filed July 3. The House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group – formed by House Speaker John Boehner to defend DOMA in court – appealed the Massachusetts case to the Supreme Court on June 29. In their filing, DOJ attorneys repeated the administration’s conclusion that DOMA is unconstitutional and said they agree with appellate court rulings striking down the law, but added that they are seeking a Supreme Court ruling on DOMA because President Obama has instructed federal agencies to continue to enforce the law pending a final determination of its constitutionality. “Although the Executive Branch agrees with the district court’s determination in
[Golinski v. OPM] that Section 3 is unconstitutional, we respectfully seek this Court’s review so that the question may be authoritatively decided by this Court,” the DOJ filing said. “As explained above, to ensure that the Judiciary is the final arbiter of Section 3’s constitutionality, the President has instructed Executive departments and agencies to continue to enforce Section 3 until there is a definitive judicial ruling that Section 3 is unconstitutional.” In his filing, Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr., the DOJ’s top appellate litigator, argues that the two cases present a single legal question, one that only Supreme Court can ultimately answer. That question is “whether Section 3 of DOMA violates the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection of the law as applied to persons of the same sex who are legally married under the laws of their state,” Verrilli said. The BLAG filing seeking Supreme Court review in Massachusetts also asked the court to decide whether the First Circuit Court’s “invented” standard for equal protection review was proper. In Golinski, the DOJ is asking the Supreme Court to take the case before the Ninth Circuit Court even decides it. Federal Judge Jeffrey White found in February that DOMA violated Karen Golinski’s Fifth Amendment right to equal protection. The case is now under appeal to the Ninth Circuit. If the Supreme Court declines to take the Golinski appeal, the case would continue in the Ninth Circuit, and therefore DOJ also filed an appeal brief in that court on July 3. The other case, Massachusetts v. HHS, has already been decided by the First Circuit Court of Appeals, which found on May 31 that DOMA violates the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment and the reserved powers clause of the 10th Amendment. Other interested parties have 30 days from the date the Supreme Court petition in Golinski is received to file a response indicating whether the Supreme Court should take the case. Because the Massachusetts case was decided by the First Circuit jointly with Gill v. OPM – a suit brought by Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) – that group said it would submit a response to the DOJ and BLAG filings. “We are in this fight to strike down a blatantly discriminatory law that hurts our clients – widowers, married couples with kids, elderly people – and many others every
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day,” GLAD Civil Rights Project Director Mary L. Bonauto said in a July 4 statement. “To that end, we will add our voice and respond forcefully to BLAG’s attempt to justify DOMA’s discrimination.” Section 3 of DOMA, the part of the bill at issue in these cases, is the section that defines marriage as exclusively heterosexual. “In determining the meaning of any Act
of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States,” the section says, “the word ‘marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.”
Police release sketch of suspect in Texas shooting
couple went to the park to hang out before going to see a movie. Her family became concerned and contacted police when she failed to turn up for work the following morning. Police said they developed the sketch with help from witnesses. The alleged shooter was described as a skinny male in his 20s, weighing about 140 pounds. A large-caliber bullet casing was recovered at the scene, but no weapon was found. Witnesses told police they heard what could have been gunshots or firecrackers the night before the girls were found, but they did not report it at the time. Chapa has not been formally interviewed by police because of her medical condition. Texas Rangers – the state police – and the FBI are assisting Portland police in the investigation. Portland Police Chief Randy Wright told MSNBC News there is no evidence that the women were targeted because of their sexuality, but the investigation is ongoing.
VIGIL
continued from cover share the story of Mollie and Kristene and the tragedy that took place Friday night of Pride weekend in Portland, Texas. I often read stories about horrible crimes, but this story took me and my thoughts to a different place. I felt a deep connection to these young women. I don’t know why – maybe because I am Latina, a Lesbian or because my parents are from Texas, but for whatever the reason, I wanted to honor Mollie and Kristene and their love.” The vigil drew a diverse crowd from the full spectrum of the rainbow that makes up Seattle’s LGBT community, including representatives of Seattle Out & Proud, Seattle Counseling Service, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan, as well as the owners and managers of local Gay and Lesbian bars such as Neighbours see VIGIL page 18
Police have released this sketch of a possible suspect in the shooting of a Lesbian couple in Portland, Texas
Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, was shot in the neck and died at the scene. Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, was shot in the head but surPolice have released a sketch of a possible vived and is undergoing medical treatment. suspect in the shooting of a young Lesbian The victims were found June 23 in a remote couple in Portland, Texas, a suburb of Cor- park, in knee-high grass. Olgin’s father told news media that the pus Christi. by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
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VIGIL
continued from page 17 and Wildrose. “People have asked, ‘Why hold this vigil? Was this a hate crime?’ Well, I don’t know if this was a hate crime – I can, of course, make assumptions – but the vigil was not to bring attention to hate crimes, it was to honor Mollie and Kristene and their love. I wanted to honor Mollie’s life, and I wanted to support Kristene and her recovery. I did not need a motive to the crime to host a vigil. I did not need any reason more than two young women in love were attacked, one was killed, and one continues to fight. That is enough to bring anyone together,” said Longoria. Seattle was just one city among many throughout the country to honor the couple. Aleksa Manila, a local entertainer, spoke about the many resources we have here in Seattle dedicated to serving LGBT people. Attendees shouted out organizations that have played an important role in their lives, including Lambert House, POCAAN, and many others.
“Seattle is rich and gifted in various resources for our LGBTQIA communities,” said Manila. “We have a vast history that symbolizes our resilience as a community despite the sociopolitical challenges we have faced. We have organizations and agencies, groups and clubs that have been in existence to support our community’s needs from grief and loss, homelessness, suicide prevention, HIV prevention and intervention, domestic violence, legal issues, and so on. “More importantly,” she continued, “we as LGBTQIA individuals are each other’s resources – we hold a wealth of knowledge of love and support. We don’t have to Google-search these resources when the next person to us is a resource. At times, all we need is to recognize and realize we are each other’s brother and sister, friend and partner. You are the resource.” However, Shaun Knittel, associate editor of SGN and a co-organizer of the vigil, reminded attendees of an unfortunate truth – that anti-LGBT violence is on the rise. “On June 1, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs identified 30 murders motivated by bias against LGBT and
HIV-affected people in the U.S. last year,” he said. “That’s the largest number ever recorded by the coalition. The chilling number of people who were reported murdered [includes] data from anti-violence programs in just 16 states. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that there were more people murdered because they are LGBT but not reported. As we move forward with our quest for equality, it is concerning to me that we see an 11% increase in murder, when the general consensus is we should feel safer. “Young people are at a high risk for violence in general,” Knittel continued. “The report found people between the ages of 18 and 30 were nearly three times as likely to experience violence as those 30 and older. We saw evidence of this in Texas, where the victims were 18- and 19-year-old Lesbians. As a community, regardless of geographical location, we must never accept the murder of our people. It is the responsible, passionate, and human thing to come together as a community and condemn this crime and call for an end to violence toward those who live their lives as out LGBT persons. I am proud of the community for showing support and I was honored to be an organizer of
the event that did not highlight any one particular organization, business, political candidate, or message. It is important to note that when one of us is hurt all of us are hurt, and it is worthy to live a life where love replaces hate.” Other speakers included Mama Tits, Julian Gaspay (Mr. Gay Washington 201213), and Tracy Lievsay, who went to high school with Olgin and shared memories of her. There were also musical and vocal performances by Egan Orion, 2012 Pride Idol Chase Silva (who sang “Amazing Grace”), and Longoria, a former Pride Idol, who sang Melissa Etheridge’s “Meet Me in the Dark.” “With almost 250 people present we honored Mollie and Kristene,” Longoria told SGN. “We shared in prayer, music, speakers, and lighting of candles. It was a moment of deep gratitude for me to know I live in a place where I can extend a call to action to simply show up and members of my community will. They also felt a reason to be there, and though I do not know what their reason was, they came, they honored, and they created a moment that was greater than any one of us could have done alone.”
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