Celebrating 46 Years! Issue 26 Volume 48
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Remembering George
Seattle Gay News S E AT T L E ’ S L G B T Q N E W S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T W E E K LY
“Portrait of the Activist as a Young Man” – Rudolph George Bakan, age 18, circa 1959/60 – Portrait by Virginia Newman – Photo by Renee Raketty
Remembering George Bakan by Gaysha Starr Olympia 29 The Empress of Good Fortune & the First Asian Pacific Islander Empress of Seattle 1999-2000 Special to the SGN How symbolic for me to pay my respects to George Bakan, the publisher of Seattle Gay News, on the 93rd birthday of my father, Primo Matencio and the day of the final funeral for George Floyd. George, to all of us in Washington state’s LGBTQIA community, was our father. Even if you didn’t know him, you benefited from his lifelong commitment to activism. Whenever I would introduce him on stage or acknowledge him from the audience, I would credit him as “The Grandpapa of Capitol Hill” and the crowd would cheer. When I first started doing drag, I met
George in the spring of 1993 through his photographer Anya. I was photographed for the first time in the paper with my drag mother Hiram Starr, and I was wearing a Carmen Miranda outfit for a Gloria Estefan number. Thank god that issue is somewhere buried deep in the SGN archives. Every Friday, the drag queens would grab an SGN to see whose photo and name in bold print would appear, because back then we didn’t have Facebook or Instagram, just the SGN. I came to the office with Anya and told George I would like to write for the paper and that I had experience writing in my high school paper. Slowly, he gave me unpaid assignments, and when Anya moved on, I started to write about drag events and our queens. George believed in and loved drag queens so much that he featured us regularly in the paper, donated ad space for
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George Bakan: Rescuer of lost souls by Michael McNamara Special to the SGN George Bakan and I met at Spag’s. Guess I caught his eye straddling the pool table to make a shot. I did have a fine ass back in the day. He chatted me up, we flirted a bit, and a he took me to his Capitol Hill apartment. He was leaving his real estate career and life in the Tri-Cities. I was leaving the Navy after they caught me smoking weed. It was 1982, I was 22, homeless and kind of drifting. So our first night together was just two tricks on a one-night stand. I needed a place to stay and George needed to get laid. We went our way for a couple of days, but I had to go back for seconds. He wasn’t home, so I sat on the hood of his light blue 1950s era Rambler station wagon, with fins. It was totally crammed with stuff! He sees
me sitting on his car and says, with his huge smile, “Hey, look who showed up!” That smile melted my heart. “This guy really likes me,” I thought. So we hooked up and began a conversation. More than anything else our relationship was an intense, on-going, passionate conversation that lasted 20 years. George was always the smartest person in the room. Even when that room was filled with Senators and Governors and Chiefs of Police. In 2005 George took me to the inauguration of Gov. Christine Gregoire. He was not dressed for the occasion. It was a grand evening strolling from table to table. Slurping oysters on the halfshell, me drinking the wine, George ever the teetotaler was not. Every two minutes someone would see George, start gushing, say “Hey, George!”, and come over for big hugs. Like they were
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2 Seattle Gay News
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Celebrating 46 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
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Celebrating 46 Years!
Remembering George
Seattle Gay News F O U N D E D 1974 MEMBER
2018
1707 23rd Avenue Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 324-4297 sgn2@sgn.org sgn.org
Deadlines Classifieds | Thursday at Noon Calendar | Tuesday at 6pm Display Ads Space Reservation | Monday at 5pm Ad Copy (non-camera ready) | Tuesday at 5pm Ad Copy (camera-ready) | Wednesday at 5pm Letters to the Editor | Tuesday at 5pm Obituaries | Call the SGN office All others | Tuesday at 5pm
Editor in Chief George Bakan Copy Editor Rick McKinnon (since Dec 2013) Advertising George Bakan • Maggie Bloodstone MK Scott National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Staff Writers Mike Andrew • Sara Michelle Fetters Miryam Gordon • Albert Rodriguez Contributing Writers Rev. Barbara Allen • Ron Anders Madelyn Arnold • Alice Bloch Maggie Bloodstone • Beau Burriola Sharon Cumberland • Jessica Davis Tina Gianoulis • Anthony Greer Milton W. Hamlin • Nevin Jefferson Richard Kennedy • Shaun Knittel Liz Meyer • Jason A. Miller Jesse Monteagudo David Nguyen aka Teriyaki Temple Rod Parke • Don Paulson Jerry Peerson • Tim Peter • Jessica Price Scott Rice • Leslie Robinson MK Scott • Mark Segal • Gaysha Starr Sarah Toce • Paul Torres • Janice Van Cleve Ed Walsh • James Whitely Scott Wittet • Rex Wockner Cartoonist Ken Campbell Calendar Editor Rick McKinnon Classifieds Rick McKinnon Photographers Nate Gowdy • Joseph P. Herron MK Scott • James Whitely Production Mike Pham Website Designer Barry Thorsness / Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published by Frogs and Ink, Inc. © 2018. Frogs and Ink, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reprints by permission. Publication of names, photographs, or likeness 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 ad. Credit will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles • Scott Roger Alpert Cookie Andrews-Hunt James Leland Moore Randy Peters • Lee Richeson Shaun Shelton • Jim Tully James Arnold
Vaughn Frick who drew "The Swamp" worked for the Seattle Gay News from 1978 through the early 1990's in several capacities, most notoriously as cartoonist. Vaughn was also co-chair for the 1987 Seattle's GLBTQ parade. Today Vaughn lives in Portland, Oregon, where for Pride month he was named a "Queer Hero for 2020" by the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific N.W. for his cartoons and graphics which were used to help defeat a statewide anti-GLBTQ measure. This strip is dedicated to the life and work of George Bakan, best editor ever.
Obituary IN MEMORIAM
Randall Jess Spohn May 3, 1972 - June 7, 2020 Born May 3rd, 1972 to Ronald J. Spohn, SR, and JoAnnMunk in Yakima, Washington. Randy went to join his parents, nephews Steven Gummersall, John Jess Call, niece Jesse Danyell Gummersail, and his beloveds Anastasia and Scarlett Renee (Puff Puff) on June 7th, 2020. Randall is survived by 5 siblings: Caroline Broadbent – Randy never lived one day at a time. It was more like one adventure at a time. Glennda Robledo – Randy was a kindhearted man who was loved by all. Not only was he my baby brother, he was one of my best friends. I love him so much and I wish I got the chance to say goodbye. Lucinda Krieger – Randy led his life to the fullest without complaint. Ronald and Lori Spohn – Randy Jess, you always had a fun spirit, from playing in dryers in your pink hair, to your infectious spirit and smile that will live on in our memories. Gone too soon, love and miss you. Sabrina and Gene Gummersall – Randy, you won the fight we always had, about who’s sister Caroline was. We know we can’t fill your shoes, but we will do our best. Love and miss you always, and lots of loving and loved nieces and nephews. In his early twenties Randy met his life long friend Teresa (Johnny) Preece and moved to Boise, Idaho. He later moved to Seattle, Washington where he worked at the Seattle Gay News and met and married Bob Scofield. In 2001 they moved to Palm Springs, California to open an antique
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Photo courtesy of the family of Randall Spohn
store. Then they later divorced. Randy then met Michael Mickiewica and worked at the Camp for as long as he could. Randell returned to his childhood state of Nevada where he spent precious moments and cre-
ated wonderful memories with his family and friends. God bless you bubba we love and miss you!
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HAPPY PRIDE! Visit us online www.sgn.org
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Remembering George
Remembering not only an editor, but a friend by James Stansberry Special to the SGN I think we can all agree that these are weird times, and having no Pride celebrations that bring the community together when so much is happening feels even weirder. So the news that George Bakan – owner and editor-in-chief of Seattle Gay News and a personal friend for many years after I retired from the paper in the mid-2000s – has died makes this year even stranger. And a bit sadder, too. I met George shortly after moving to Seattle in 1987, having moved here from Chicago. I came with a recommendation from my editor at Outlines, which was still only a small Gay newspaper in Chicago at the time (it’s since grown to become a magazine on newsstands next to the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times). So much was going on in Seattle at the time, including new laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights and legislation regarding HIV/AIDS transmission. I was just past my first Saturn Return and learning who I was, getting into the leather community, and eventually coming out as Trans before I left the paper. And George helped me like a Gay mother hen to find myself and my writing voice, even letting me do a column called Lipstick and Lust, a sexy, saucy, and spicy column that let me indulge fantasy and flirtation, and he eventually let me run a serial story that ran for almost two years. We – George and I and the SGN staff at that time – went through many changes, including losing some of our friends to HIV/ AIDS, seeing the neighborhood around Broadway become more expensive, more corporate, and less Queer. George and I had many discussions and debates on issues of the day, and shared much of our views on life when It got late into the evening before I went home.
George Bakan in Palm Springs in 2018 – Photo courtesy of MK Scott
I’m not sure there’s room in three newspapers to say how much George meant to me, and how grateful I am for all the opportunities knowing him gave me. From meeting movie directors, actors, and musicians and seeing my first drag show at Julia’s On Broadway during our annual Christmas get-together to being able to meet and greet the community during Pride from our SGN
Remembering George Bakan by Geov Parrish Special to the SGN I am still processing the news late last night of the passing of George Bakan, the longtime publisher of Seattle Gay News. He deserves to be considered in the pantheon of great local civil rights leaders like Bob Santos and Roberto Maestas, and I don’t want his death to get buried in all the other news going on right now. It’s Pride Month, and George was doing Pride before it was a thing. George was of the generation, pre-Stonewall, for whom being a Gay man was truly dangerous. Almost everyone was closeted in a way that’s unimaginable today, with elaborate rituals so people could find each other – most notoriously the handkerchief system that would tell potential dates whether you were a top or a bottom so that it didn’t require verbal discussion. George never forgot that era and where he came from. I met a lot of men from that era as a young, effeminate-looking, very closeted (and athletic) twink who did occasional sex work 40 years ago. Many of my dates were products of that secretive culture. And I was very, very lucky to never have contracted AIDS, which was the devastating pandemic of our generation. For many of us, including George, it shaped our worldview. Far, far too many healthy young men died. I first met George before I moved to Seattle. I was living in Washington, DC, in 1987, and was on the paid staff of the Gay/ Lesbian March on Washington that year. I was in charge of coordinating housing for all the people who came in from out of
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town. The march drew 750,000 people, so it was a huge logistical job, and George was one of the regional co-chairs of the Pacific Northwest contingent. He and I were also two of the only voices advocating for the inclusion of bisexuals and trans people – very much a minority opinion then. The big issue in 1987, of course, was AIDS and the Reagan administration’s complete disinterest in addressing an epidemic that then had a 100-percent mortality rate. George was a force locally in getting services and help for the young men stricken with AIDS. By 1993, for the next big national march, he’d helped succeed in getting bisexuals officially included – though not thoroughly enough to prevent Kate Clinton from making jokes on stage about “sleeping with the enemy.” I was in Seattle by then, and over the years, George occasionally published pieces of mine. We weren’t close. We were more like colleagues, with a mutual understanding of what we’d each lived through. And still, he kept at it. SGN wasn’t perfect. Under his leadership, the paper was always pretty male-centric. But all the way through the marriage equality battles and this generation’s corporatized version of Pride, he never forgot what he’d lived through. In recent years, he became an advocate for senior housing for Gay elders, and that project is now underway on Capitol Hill. It will be a fitting memorial for him. George’s historical perspective and his activist voice will be missed terribly. Rest in Peace, George.
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community booth, all of this was due to knowing George and becoming his friend. I will miss him, and I will miss seeing him in his van when I’d go by the Safeway on 23rd, and he’d talk about how the neighborhood had changed. I’m sure he’s somewhere out there still being fabulous, hopefully watching a heavenly drag show with lots of hot guys in tiny G-strings, his
blue eyes sparkling the way they did when he was happy. And I say: Well met, good friend. Travel well, have many adventures in the beyond, and if it’s Goddess’ will, may we meet again in other bodies and remember each other and renew our friendship all over again. I will and do miss you here.
A tribute to George Bakan from Julie Shaffer I read in last week’s SGN [June 12, 2020] about George’s passing. I ran into him a couple evening before the stay-athome order was in place. He could hardly walk to his van in the Capitol Hill Goodwill parking lot. I had to get help. I waited and talked with him for a while. He wanted me to call him after the stay-at-home to discuss the AIDS Wall project. My hope is that it happens for not only George. He wanted it to happen for others. I appreciated having the opportunity working for the SGN when I moved to Seattle in August 1999. I wrote this tribute in honor of George on my social media. George was not grumpy with me. He was a cuddly Santa bear. When I first moved to Seattle, I needed some freelance work to sustain my living situation. I contacted the Seattle Times, Seattle PI and numerous other publications. I was turned down and doors closed. I noticed the SGN sign. I walked in. I was not paid much. The assignments were payment in and of themselves. I interviewed Melissa Etheridge when she was the ambassador for the Human Rights Commission and I reviewed her “Yes I Am” concert tour. Nell Carter was amazing. I interviewed too many other names to mention. George introduced me to Seattle bookstore owner, Barbara Bailey of Bailey/Coy Books. Barbara set up an in-person inter-
view with Annie Leibowitz in regards to her book, Women. She did the same for an interview with Susan Sontag for her last book before her death. I attended the home games of the newly formed Seattle Storm. I sat behind former Purdue coach and the first coach and general manager of the Seattle Storm Lin Dunn. That was a treat to report on basketball. This blossomed into another part-time venture. A California entertainment agency had me review, create PR and marketing for female comics. What a great introduction to Seattle after doors continued to close. The last door I walked through allowed me to see the City from an unimaginable vantage point. I like thrift store shopping and so did George. We became reacquainted a few years ago while seeking treasures. Unknowingly to George, he was my treasure. He wanted me involved in his newest idea of an AIDS memorial wall. I would interview individuals about their experiences during the AIDS epidemic. He also wanted me to speak at the ceremony. George, you will certainly live on through me. The memories will last me a lifetime. Thank you, Julie Shaffer
Celebrating 46 Years!
George Bakan – Photos by Nate Gowdy
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our shows and fundraisers, and even gave weekly columns over several decades to Boy Mike, Mark Finley, and myself. Each of us had our own point of view and voice, but George believed strongly that all drag queens were part of the community. In reflection, I probably drove his editors crazy turning in my column late or on drag time. One of my biggest regrets in my writing will probably be turning down offers to write for the paper, even as of last week. [i.e., the first week of June.] The adjective “generous” would be one of many positive words to describe George
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old dear friends. These are people like Christine Gregoire, Gary Locke, and Laurie Jinkins. It was a showing of the love and respect George had cultivated with the powerful of Washington state. On our way back to Seattle he did give me a hard time about spending $20 on a belt to keep my pants up. George was tenacious. One of the issues he was most tenacious about was the Seattle Police Department’s continual harassment of gay and bi men. He never waivered on this issue. Every few months we’d be at a table downtown, talking with the police about leaving the gay and bi men alone. During the heights of the AIDS epidemic the Mayor, Chief of Police, and our lone lesbian city council member wanted to clamp down on all the “unsafe sex” going on in Volunteer Park. (George was not a parkette; I was. He was known to go to the bathhouse on occasion.) George said “No!” to these government officials, and in great detail
as he gladly gave the pages of his paper to help fight causes such as HIV/AIDS awareness, equal rights for our community, marriage equality, helping elect out members of our community into office, championing small businesses on Capitol Hill, and up to last weekend, condemning police brutality. On a social note. George would often invite a colorful mix of guests to the events he had press passes for, with nothing expected in return. He just wanted to make sure that everyone had a great time. I have freely shared about my drag mothers: Hiram Starr, Coco Vaughn, Kahlua Ice, and Cicely of Portland, OR. But I have rarely credited my drag fathers: Adam, Toby Noon, and Steve Tracy. Without hesitation, I would call George my grandfather. And my fellow
SGN staff: Shaun Knittel, Nate Gowdy, and Dru Dinero, as my brothers. George also took great care of staff members past and present, including Rick McKinnon, Maggie Bloodstone, and M.K. Scott. All who have worked with George at the paper or on committees know that George was direct and sharp, but fair and always considered the best interests of everyone. I am in debt to him and the SGN, as they were my media sponsor for my campaign for Empress of Seattle in 1999, running my ads and content during the campaign for four weeks and through my reign with my Emperor, Mitchell Christie-BOXX, and our court. Because of his coverage over the years, people also knew about the Imperial Court of Seattle and other nonprofits and their pur-
poses. I would still blush when George would comment on my Facebook posts or feature me in the paper without my knowledge. I know that I would not have the outlet to write and express myself without George and Seattle Gay News. I would not have the ability to help with community activism and fundraising or my secondary career as a drag queen writer without his support for 27 years. He was the one who directed me toward working with GLSEN and PFLAG. We would randomly chat, and he would say, “You know, Gaysha, this organization could use your help…” George helped all of us have a voice to tell our stories. Now it is our turn to tell his and to honor his life and legacy. Rest in Peace, Grandpapa George.
laid out exactly why they shouldn’t. With the mouthpiece of the Seattle Gay News people listened when he had something to say. From this situation or one very similar arose a Task Force, which included leaders of the LGBTQ+ community and Seattle Police officers, came together. We had weekly meetings to productively deal with issues as they came up. George never missed a meeting. George cared about everyone he ever met. He cared about everyone he never met. George cared about me. After an argument, around Thanksgiving in 1988, in the middle of the worst snowstorm Seattle had seen in decades, I left George. For the next five years I would be homeless. Hitchhiking around the country, addicted and depressed. In October of 1990 I learned I was HIV+ while trying to sell my blood plasma in Eugene, Oregon. Learning this exacerbated my poor mental health and addictions. I drifted for three more years until I found out there was another National March being planned. So I made my way to D.C., volunteered at
the national office, and waited. Knowing George and my other bestest friend, Rev. Gwen Hall, would be there. Our reunion somewhere on the Capitol Mall was big – big George hugs and tears. We picked up our conversation almost at the same point we left off five years earlier. When he found out I was positive, homeless and with no plans for the future he says, “Well, you can come back with me.” I heard his sainted Mother in those words. We spent the next day doing National March events. It was fun. George was a lot of fun. When it’s over George digs in his bag and comes up with one of his legally scammed airline tickets and brought me back to Seattle. We picked up where we had left off, I moved into his home and went back to work at the SGN. But I was a horrible boyfriend. George bore the brunt of my poor physical and mental health, as well as the addictions I wouldn’t put down. In 1997 or 1998 the crappy life I had been living finally caught up with me. I was living in a Northwest AIDS Foundation subsidized apartment. I wasn’t paying my bills. I was still injecting
drugs. And I wasn’t taking my meds properly, if at all. Our relationship was in deterioration. Inevitably I came down with pneumocystis. I remember laying on the floor deathly ill. Both the vomit and diarrhea were the same green slime. The shakes and chills from the fever and heroin withdrawals racked me to the bone. With a temperature of 104 degrees the visions/fever dreams were so traumatic they still haunt me. In a brief moment of consciousness I knew I had to do something. I called George. The only person that cared about me. He came immediately and took me to Dr. Peter Shalit’s office. They put me in Swedish Hospital right away. After a two week stay, which I have very little memory of, Dr Shalit tells George and I that if I had not gone to the hospital when I did, I would have died. George Bakan saved my life. He was the rescuer of lost souls. More than anything George loved to laugh and dance to old rock n roll. I wish I coulda been a kid at his high school in the late ‘50s, where he organized the sock hops and spun the tunes. Love you, George.
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Remembering George
Tributes and eulogies for R. George Bakan (via Facebook) Rest in Power, brother. I only knew you via Facebook, but you had a tremendous influence on me. – Abe Campbell I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend and sparring partner, George Bakan. An icon in Seattle Queer history, he sued to keep me on the phone for an hour to give me an earful about the work we were doing at Equal Rights Washington and what we should be doing differently. But he also hired me, a struggling young freelance designer, at market rates to help produce the SGN Pride Guide four years in a row. Every time we ran into each other thereafter, he never failed to spot me in the crowd to shout, “Adam!” with that gigantic voice and a huge smile and, well, proceed to talk my ear off for an hour about everything everyone should be doing differently. An activist in the truest sense, he never gave up on a good fight. And whatever you thought about his approach, he knew what he was after and he showed up to do the work to get it. This community owes him everything. George, you magnificent loudmouthed bastard, Rest in Power, my friend. I am unequivocally better for having known you. – Adam Kuglin Very sad to hear of the passing of George Bakan. He was a wonderful man whom I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with over many years. He always had an idea or opinion on anything I was working on, and will be very much missed in Seattle’s LGBT community. – Adam McRoberts Just found out a friend died. I’d actually had a dream about George and about writing for the paper again last weekend. I’d had a lot of those dreams, and now I know why. – Adrian Vetter So many affordable flights to actions in other places. – Aimx Trujillo I’ve been thinking all day about conversations I had with George Bakan, especially in the early 2000s. Generative as well as argumentative – with laughter and frustration, connection and divergence, and all the things – something I appreciated (and told him so) about George’s way was how he brought blunt honesty to those conversations and was ready to receive the same. Thanks, George Bakan, for all your efforts. I hope you truly enjoyed the ride. – Airen Lydick RIP to my former boss and friend, George Bakan. He gave me my first job as a paid writer, and though the pay was minimal, the opportunity it provided was immense. That job opened so many doors for me, and I’m forever grateful. Throughout my 16+ years writing for the SGN, while not always in agreement of my views and opinions and writing topics, he was supportive and trusted me to get the job done. RIP, George Bakan. I refuse to be sad. Instead, I’m going to celebrate knowing you, working for you, and thinking about the many times you talked my ear off about the strangest things at the office. – Albert Rodriguez Rest in Power, George Bakan. Please send some love to the staff at Seattle Gay News… Rick, Maggie, Nate, Dru, MK,, Gaysha, Mark, past and present. Those virtual hugs can reach far and wide. Thanks, Egan Orion for the chat and walk down memory lane tonight about GB. Lots of laughs with always a touch of activism, just like ol’ George would’ve loved it. – Aleksa Manila A true icon and legend. You are missed, George Bakan! – Alessandra Hunt A good friend of mine and many others at Bemis Arts. So sad to see him go. – Alex Hupp
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Indeed, a good man. – Alex Pava George was one of the first people I met when I moved to Seattle ten years ago. Truly a pioneer for the community. – Alex Shockey You will be missed, George, and may you RIP. – Alex Tayor-Taconetti I’m very sad to hear the news of the passing of George Bakan. He was found at his desk at Seattle Gay News, which speaks volumes of how this man dedicated every moment of his life to making Seattle’s Queer community a better place. I first met George in 2011 when DonnaTella and I decided to throw our hats into the ring for Mr. & Miss Gay Seattle. Every event we hosted, every fundraiser, every opportunity to speak for the cause, was covered by SGN. Our success in fundraising and as titleholders was, in the largest part, due to George believing in us. I was standing next to George when Governor Chris Gregoire signed marriage equality into law in 2012 – he’d gotten a caravan of us together to drive to Olympia for the bill signing. And it was George who steered DonnaTella and I to the core of our Mr. & Miss platform that year: registering as many voters as we could, knowing we were going to have to fight for marriage equality. George was sitting in my car and told me, “If they will fill out the registration, I will pay for every stamp! Give them no reason not to register!” We registered over 700 first-time voters that year. Courts across the state and country took up the challenge themselves, and it started with George. I’ll never forget being out with him and Rick on election night – we won! George was a mentor, a friend, and a fierce advocate – and I mean fierce! Any level of pessimism that we might fail was met with a swift temper: “We will not be able to win if we don’t fight with everything we have, and you can’t fight with that attitude!” When George was on your team, failure was never on the table. Rest in Pride, George! Rest in Pride! – Alexander Manila My heart hurts. I adored George. Hard to believe he’s gone. – Allena Gabosch I first met George Bakan in the 1990s. We were both advocating and collecting signatures for WHIP (Washington Hemp Initiative Project), an initiative whose goal was legalizing medical, industrial, and recreational cannabis. Whether you knew him or not, Seattle has just lost one of the strongest voices in our community. George has been vocal about various social issues personally and through his work at Seattle Gay News. My love goes out to all who knew him – what a loss! My thanks to George for dedicating his life to making the world a better place – what a human! – Allison Bigelow I was one of the designated George-handlers at Washington United for Marriage. He’d often call and tell me what we were doing wrong and what we should be doing instead. Other staff would see me on the phone for long spans – barely getting a word in edgewise – and mouth, “Who are you talking to?” I’d mouth back, “George.” They’d nod, “Ahh, gotcha,” because everyone understood that fielding calls from George was a necessary element of the campaign. We always signed off as friends. – Andy Grow I liked George a lot. – Ann Paris George was an amazing guy with an encyclopedic memory of all the LGBTQ struggles and wins here in the Pacific Northwest. He knew the stories and the people and their work because he was there shoulder to shoulder fighting alongside them. Rest in Peace, George Bakan. – Anna Schlecht
June 26, 2020
This is so sad! He will be sorely missed. – Ardith Arrington Such sad news. We have lost a community treasure and a true icon. George, thank you for making the world a better place for all of us. – Arnaldo Inocentes My condolences. I’ve had opportunities to work with George over the years, and he was great at telling stories and debating politics. He was a great friend to the friendless, a passionate journalist, and a large part of what made Seattle great. I will miss him. – Barbara Sehr George was one of the first people I met when I moved to Seattle to work on the Hands Off Washington campaign. He was very generous, kind, and passionate about positive change. I’ll never forget all the good times that our crew spent in the mid-90s on the corners of 11th and Pine fighting the power! God bless. – Barbara Wilson His smile will never be forgotten. His memory will last forever. – Barbie Roberts Thank you for your voice and your heart. I will miss you and your voice for the truth and justice so much. – Bartja Wachtel I will never forget all those many years ago when I went in to his small office at the Seattle Gay News to place an ad. He told me that I was better than the ad I was about to place, which helped me make a better decision and become an actual massage therapist legitimately. Eventually, I became a sports injury therapist, and often reminded him that his kind but stern words resonated with me and sunk in. He was amazing, and I will never forget him. – Bartley Deen Saddened and shocked to learn about the death of George Bakan. George saw and nurtured in me qualities I didn’t know I had and helped me find my voice. He set me on a path that flung me across the world, where I am still today. He wasn’t just an editor, an activist, or newsman. He was a visionary, a leader, and one of those rare people in my life who changed my path forever. RIP, George. This week’s edition isn’t your problem now. – Beau Burriola When I came to Seattle from San Francisco, the only people who would hire me were from my own community. One of those very important people was George Bakan. I dropped my resume off at Seattle Gay News’ office on 12th Avenue, and the next day I got a call. George took me out for lunch right around the corner on Pike Street, and he thought I had potential. He gave me an opportunity to do something. He gave a lot of people a lot of hope, and more importantly, a reason to speak out as an LGBTQ person. I remember sitting down with him in the office in Seattle during the time of the Iraq War in 2003, and he was furious. He said, “This will turn into a tinderbox.” And he was right, and I loved him for that. I loved that he urged me to go protest, which brought me onto the front lines with Jim McDermott protesting the Iraq War. I loved that he made waves, was LOUD, and at times, made you feel uncomfortable for all the right reasons. A friend told me that George’s passing is like witnessing the last of the genuine, Gay prestige of Seattle. We have much to learn from this beautiful man. We still have so much to do. Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for helping us when no one else would. Rest in Peace, my friend. Your energy will be sincerely missed. – Bellial Darshan
I would say that through the SGN, George had the longest and strongest influence of any leader for the community in Seattle history, and he was never going to walk away from that work. He had a warm heart with a feisty attitude, and it’s no surprise that when he passed, he was still working at his desk. For decades, he not only battled the multiple acts of oppression against equal rights, but also his own heart issues, which led him to make changes that added many years to his life. – Bill Wilford Damn. RIP, Legend. – Blaker Sterling George was a force. The A gays in the 80s weren’t quite sure how to deal with him, but he won everyone over with his huge heart. Que Descanse en Paz. – Bob Bruneau George was a good guy, dedicated to our community and supportive of equal rights. We will all miss him. – Bob G. Blackburn George was a hero when we had few of them. A really good man. – Brad Tenary Just found out that you got your wings, and I don’t even have words. People like you are so very rare in life, but those who know you know how devastating your loss is to this world. I pray that in heaven you have found a world of peace where you no longer have to fight so hard for your rights and the rights of others. Blessings and farewell till we meet again. – Brandia Taamu George was a great activist and a good friend and supporter of the Trans community in Seattle. I have so many memories of him since I was a baby Queer back in the day. I will miss him, and I’m sure he will be missed and memorialized by many. – Breanna Anderson I only met George Bakan a handful of times, and each time, he was a pain in the ass. As a fellow pain in the ass, I appreciated that. Game respects game, after all. Rest in Power. What you built stands strong. – Brian Davis George literally wrote the pages of Seattle’s LGBTQ history. He was a royal pain and an amazing soul, a sweetheart, and a curmudgeon. A legend who got $+!# done. He stood for us before we could stand. RIP, George Bakan. – Brian M. Westbrook I’m sad to learn of the death of my mentor, George Bakan. For a while at the turn of the century, I wrote for the Seattle Gay News, which he kept afloat as other LGBT newspapers from coast to coast folded. George was a true mover and shaker in the LGBT rights movement in Washington. He supported Gay marriage when I thought fighting for LGBT protections in the workplace was more realistic. Yes, he was controversial and could be a pain in the ass, but I and the LGBT community of Washington – and indeed, the nation – owe him a depth of gratitude. – Bruce Amsbary Every time I asked George for help with a Gay City event, he said yes. Every time. We lost a wonderful elder. – Bruce Maeder I loved and admired him greatly – he’s a hero. I’m so glad the paper will continue. – Candice Gordon What a gift George was to our whole community. – Carina del Rosario George has forever changed this community!! – Carissa Rudd
Sorry to hear this! George was a good man. May he Rest in Peace. – Bill Landeaux
Celebrating 46 Years!
Grand Marshall George Bakan in the Seattle Pride Parade in 2010 – Photo by Nate Gowdy
Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 26, 2020
Seattle Gay News 11
Remembering George 2020 is really pissing me off right now. George was one of a kind. He was so devoted to this community and a pain in the ass at times, but that was just him, and we loved him for it. He pushed us (and pushed, and pushed), but he alway had one focus in mind, and that was keeping our community together. I owe this man a lot. This Pride is for him. – Carl Medeiros It’s very much like him to go in his chair at work. He leaves a great big hole in the community. – Carmen Beaudry I enjoyed George’s company so much, especially after 37th District meetings over drinks with Jan Bianchi plotting the future. He was a master of irony and a softy at heart. RIP. – Carol I. Proud George was a wonderful person and hero in Seattle’s LGBTQ community for many years. I have good memories of him. He loved socializing with people in the deaf LGBTQ community. I love you and will never forget about you. – Casey Galichan Kinney George was always there for the community. He was a major supporter of Lambert House when I was on the board and also marriage freedom when even the community was divided. Rest in Peace, George, after a life well justified. – Cat Jeter Rest in Power, George Bakan. Such a powerhouse in the LGBTQ community in Seattle for decades. You will be missed. – Catherine Crusher My Facebook newsfeed is filled with you, George Bakan! You were one of the greatest men I’ve ever known, supporting me every step of the way. You made such an impact on so many within our community, going above and beyond the call of duty. I don’t know how we move forward after a huge hit like this, but one thing is for sure, we will be doing it to honor you and all you did for us in the LGBTQ community. You, sir, will be missed so much, that’s for sure. – Ceasar Hart I was lucky to briefly meet him and hear his stories when I was active on the hill. Such a charming and inspiring guy. – ChaCha Montenegro RIP, George Bakan. – Chad Shue I just heard that George Bakan, longtime LGBT activist and a decades-long Seattle leader of the LGBT community, has passed. He was a friend and a fearless advocate for Trans people before it was cool. He was the brother I always wanted, and the world is smaller without him. Rest in Power, my friend George. – Charles A. Susat
My heart is shattered. The passing of George Bakan is devastating. One of our most important historians in the LGBTQIA+ community is no longer with us. You will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. I am not certain of his religious beliefs, but I would like to say that may George Bakan rest peacefully in God’s arms now. Love and Light be with you all. – Christine Heib No wonder it’s raining this morning. Be at peace, George. You leave big shoes to fill. – Christopher A. Sorensen Aaahhhhgg, George made it possible for so many to BE. George literally knew every one by name. You will be missed. – Christopher J. Miller
Farewell, George Bakan. What you’ve meant to the LGBTQ community in the Seattle area can’t really be measured or expressed fully. – Dave Kaplan
It’s so sad to lose him. – Devin Glaser George Bakan has left us. He was an amazing man and community advocate. You will be missed, sir. – DonnaTella Howe Very sorry to hear the news. George was a founding member of the Freedom Day Committee that organized the “Lesbian Gay Pride Parade March” annually for many years. He was also a founding member of United Front Against Fascism. – Doreen McGrath
RIP, George Bakan, and love and comfort to all of us who were inspired and informed by his life’s work. – David Ammons
RIP, George Bakan. – Cindy MichaelBaccetti
Rest in Peace, dear man. A pillar in our community, you strengthened us all. – David Capocci
I met George in 1981. He was one of the pillars of the LGBTQ+ community in the Tri-Cities. I had the pleasure of working with him until he moved to Seattle. He has been one of the great hearts in our community. – Dorie Flatt
Rest in Peace, George. Thank you for all your service and voice in our community. – David D. Bair
My condolences to your friends and family, George. Thank you for everything. – Dustin Curtis
You’ve done a lot for us, George Bakan!!! Thank you!! You will be missed!!! – David Fields
When I was at Washington United for Marriage, George used to call down to the office each day and either Sheila Stickel, Andy Grow, or I fielded these calls. George would always have new ideas for the campaign. Sometimes we’d do them. Other times, he would have these ideas about how we should show Eastern Washington voters ads of drag queens to show them they should vote for marriage, and we’d have to agree to disagree. Even when we disagreed about approach and tactics, he always appreciated being heard and never failed to make me laugh. He was an institution and a trailblazer, and for that all of us in the LGBTQ community can be grateful. – Dustin Lambro
RIP, George. Seattle will miss you, but your legend lives on! – CJ Ringler He began a legacy of information, affirmation, and inspiration. He will be sorely missed. Rest well, George Bakan. You’ve served your friends and community well. Thank you! – Coco Vaughn I had just spoken with George over the phone last week. He reached out to me after he heard of my campaign, and said that he was going to do everything to help raise awareness through SGN and around the area. I am at a loss for words, but extremely grateful for our brief interaction, and to hear the stories of his life. A tragic loss of a major trailblazer in our community. – Colton Shane Myers George Bakan will be greatly missed. He was a compassionate leader who led with love and a commitment to reduce barriers and open the doors to opportunity for youth. He mentored us all, encouraging and challenging us along the way. George guided me to lead with my heart and to continue to do the good work by closing opportunity gaps and dismantling the injustice of stereotypes and stigma. He challenged us all to be better versions of ourselves. George’s work lives on in all of us and in the impacts he made along the way: the everlasting gifts of change, progress, and love. – Corina Pfeil
I was very sad to hear that George passed. He was a good friend. – Crystal Ainardi
12 Seattle Gay News
Oh no. But also, his passing is the Georgeest I could possibly imagine. – Denise Dskn
OMG!!! He will be missed. Rest in Peace, George. Sending prayers to family and friends. – Chuck Hold
Thank you, George, for all you did for the LGBTQ community and beyond. – Cherie Schumacher
RIP, my sweet, sweet Uncle George Bakan. My heart is very heavy learning of your passing, but I know you have been reunited with your parents and one of your sisters. You changed a lot of people’s lives. I love and miss you lots, but till we see each other again, Rest in Peace. – Christina Fairchild
It’s been reported that George Bakan was found dead at his SGN desk yesterday morning. I’m still in shock. – Dave Horn
A tragic loss for the LGBTQ community. Over the years, I really appreciated all the support the SGN and George gave us with Whistler Pride. He will be missed and will forever live in our hearts. Rest in Peace, George. – Dean Nelson
Thinking of my friend George Bakan. Thank you for your friendship and kindness. Thank you for your mentorship and activism. Rest in Power! – Christopher Peguero
George was a great guy. – Corrigan Gommenginger
George changed me. What a loss. A champion but also a great force for change. On my arc to becoming today’s me, he was instrumental. – Christi Keith
ship, support, leadership, and fortitude!!!! – Dee Ireland Lewis
I first met George about ten years ago when I started volunteering as a parade organizer. I only knew him as a run-into-you friend, but I ran into him at many events over the years. What a marvelous man and a good friend. Rest in Paradise. – Dave MacKenzie
George was very kind and helpful to a brand new mayor of Seattle. Thank you for your service to our community, George. We will remember you. – Charles Royer
I remember George contacting me to interview me about being an Obama delegate back in 2008. Always a quiet guy in the room who managed to get the story. He was at the helm of a paper I always tried to get my hands on as often as I could. He will be missed. – Chris Porter
Just learned of the passing of George Bakan. Still in a bit of shock, tears forming and retreating. He was a major force in Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community for as long as I have been a resident over 20 years. He was also very vested in the local GLSEN chapter, always helping us out as best he could. It probably also helped that we were across the hall from the SGN. RIP, George. – Dave Hildebrand
RIP, George! – Craig R. J. Darling
A giant among humans. The definition of humanitarian. George Bakan, born eastern Washington, [born in White Center, grew up in rural Bellevue, moved to Eastern Washington for his senior year in high school] formed himself and the rest of Queer Washington in Seattle. He was 78 years old. – Curt Pavola George was a great man. He will be missed. – Dale Mescoe George, thank you for being there for me and so many! Thank you for being my number one, and thank you for your work on medical cannabis! You worked hard on many issues! I love and miss you!! – Dale Rogers So sad to learn of this today. RIP, George. – Daniel Arita Sad news. – Daniel James Cole
June 26, 2020
Such a huge loss. – David Haack I had known George since 1982. I shall miss him. – David J. Baird To a civil and LGBTQ radical, RIP, George Bakan!! – David Johansson So sorry to hear of George’s passing and of Seattle and humanity’s loss. Our era of humanity, the pre-information age, the predistraction age, the pioneers of activism and advocacy age … all of it is coming to an end. And while the only real factor in the ending is time and age, the horrors of the world are magnifying the reality and making it all the more painful for all of us – life sucks in so many ways right now. All we can do is love who and what we can, uplift who and what we can, and above all, revel and celebrate the lives and spirits that were and that are; those whom we have been inspired by, continue to be inspired by. George lives on through you and through everyone who knew, appreciated, and loved him. – David Phillips Just learned that George Bakan, Publisher of Seattle Gay News, passed yesterday. HE was more than that. HE was a passionate advocate for civil, human, and LGBT rights. If there was a cause for justice, you would find George working. Rest well, my happy advocate. – David Strong George was quite the man. I loved listening to his stories from “back in the day.” – David Weeks May George Bakan Rest in Peace. – Debbie Carlsen I knew him, too. I’m so sorry to hear he is gone. – Debbie Johnson Aldrich Dammit, this is so sad. I never got a chance to meet him, but would see him at events and when the Ingersoll Gender Center moved to their new location. I’m heartbroken. – Debra Grace Peri I love you, George Bakan. You were truly a great pillar, foundation, and soul of this beloved community. We go back to at least 1997, and you will most assuredly be missed. Thank you for your friend-
George chronicled our community and movement for more than three decades. He was a hero, and deserves to be recognized as such. Thank you, George. Sometimes we don’t know what we got till it’s gone. – D.W. Hamilton The death of George Bakan is a huge loss to Seattle’s LGBTQ community. A pioneer over several generations for the rights of so many, he was the Seattle Gay News. He was also a friend of over 30 years who was generous with his time and advice. George, we will miss you! – Ed Murray Seattle has lost a hero and a very important figure in our community. Thank you and RIP, George Bakan. – Edgar Gil George was a fearless spokesperson and scribe with a great sense of humor. He wielded sarcasm and wit to create awareness, and he challenged the establishment to address inequalities. – Edna Shim I learned tonight that my friend George Bakan was found dead, ever faithfully at his desk at the SGN. We had a long chat just two days ago on Saturday, where he went on at length about LGBTQ leaders needing to put together a letter condemning police brutality and what remedies we want the city to enact (George, we’re working on it as we speak). He was also adamant that we do voter registration over the next few months to get Trump out. Even in our long chat on Saturday, he was relentless and full of the vim and vigor that characterized him as a man. It’s hard to believe that his giant of Seattle’s LGBTQ community is gone. Since 1983, he’s been at the helm of the Seattle Gay News, advocating for the community.
Celebrating 46 Years!
He was proud that he’d gotten more ads than he thought he would get during COVID for the special Pride edition. Even during a pandemic, George – through the sheer force of his will – could make things happen. I would often pick up the phone and get his take on things. We argued sometimes, and other times, we agreed. Sometimes, he was a pain in the ass, and he almost always talked longer than you had time for. But I always picked up the phone when he called. He was a treasure to the community, and his life mattered. Miss you already, George. You gave me a list of things to do in our last call, and I’ll make sure we follow through on them. – Egan Orion I first started volunteering for Ingersoll Gender Center’s Board in 2007. In 2008, I got a call from a man whose loud stream of consciousness over the phone initially upset me a bit. Was he yelling at me? “Honey,” a dear friend told me later, “That’s just George. He thinks you can make a difference in this town, so you get a piece of his mind.” One thing he alway had: A vision for our community, whether he was holding court on the patio at SGN, or just chilling out in his van, or at the Safeway on Madison. I think he just liked to see the world go by, people doing their thing and all the younger generations going about their business. You always had a kind word, friend, and three powerful ideas you were eager to share. I’ll miss you, George. – Elayne Wylie A great leader. He will be missed. – Emma Moreno We learn from our elders: the men and women who led the charge so many years ago. In the Seattle Gay News, you created a beacon in the Emerald City that shined a light on the greatness and troubles the LGBTQ community experienced the world over. I consider you one of my mentors in life, and am so saddened to see that you have passed. We ran into each other a few months ago at Virginia Mason, and it was so great to see you. We may have disagreed on things while I led Seattle Pride; however, I always cherished the challenge to my own ideas and changed many. As you move into the great beyond, I will remember you suggesting Nate Gowdy to be a photographer for Pride, and hiring him was one of my best choices. Goodbye, friend. As I think about Pride, I cherish the memories, laughs, and ideas we had! George, thank you for being you. Rest in Power! – Eric Bennett A truly great man. – Eric H. Chappelle Such a sweet person who did amazing things for our community. – Fernando Garibay-Mena I sent George this message less than two weeks ago. Now, he belongs to the ages. He was a Russian bear. We struggled constantly each week at the paper to get paid by him – to get that check. Sometimes days would go by with no word. Sometimes he would gripe and holler, “I could write that stuff you come up with!” Things like Telly Belly, the nation’s first weekly LGBTQ TV column. (I knew Ellen DeGeneres was Lesbian even before my second editor did.) When I spent a month in Paris, France, and learned how similar the struggle was with AIDS in Paris and Seattle, I hand wrote a long article and sent it via post from over by the Louvre. But George didn’t okay it. He discarded it because my first line was “My boyfriend and I have broken up, and now I must get over it.” He later said, “Who cares that you broke up with someone?” But I was trying to put a face on the reporter overseas. It was another of his large contradictions. I wrote an unprecedented series of very short stories, “Portrait Miniatures, Dysfunctional Lives,” via fiction addressing the society-driven truth that many LGBTQ people were messed up due to homophobia. These were jewels of revelation and sometimes [full of] great sadness. … Each story’s protagonist’s name began with a different letter of the alphabet. By the letter S, George had
had enough of it and terminated the series. He did so because of a Blanche DuBois kind of gauzing of life’s troubles. It was here that his feminine side would come out, and he pretended to weave across the room with silk scarves. As much as I sometimes tried, I don’t think he understood me at all, but he would sometimes encourage me like the best father a boy could hope for, and that was the best part of him. As a descendant of the Mattachine Society generation, George was fiercely active in politics and Gay rights and Seattle Gay News, the third-oldest Gay newspaper in America. He aided untold populations of LGBTQ youth and old folks alike. The newspaper was often very important, and that is absolutely to his credit. George could camp out anywhere for a protest or vigil or march. Some of the headier experiences for me were attending an OutWrite conference in San Francisco during the great controversy of Patrick Easton Ellis’ novel American Psycho. (A fellow writer– Dennis Cooper, I think – was one of the guest speakers who failed to disclose that his own novel Frisk was a Gayer version of Ellis’ tale.) The March of Washington for gay rights was my chance to see the vast and tragic AIDS Memorial Quilt on the Mall. I also immediately discovered that Blacks in our nation’s capital were second-class citizens. We were incensed that mainstream media discounted our numbers, like the time we all convened at the mall after the march to listen to the long line of celebrity and political speakers. The media were reporting and using overhead imagery to show our numbers were lower than we said, ignoring the fact that there were still thousands and thousands of people engaged with the march. George served to reinforce my need to expose wrongdoing and hypocrisy, which I do to this day on my own now. He loved to take credit for all we did at the paper, and that’s fair since he was the Publisher and/or Editor, positions he shared previously with the late Jim Arnold. He lived above the old location of the SGN on Pike Street, and we had a Thanksgiving there one year where I remember he made creamed onions, a dish you bake in the oven. It was delicious. His apartment was crammed to the gills with all kinds of things. He was a packrat. It all burned down one night, and we had to find new digs for the paper. He has a daughter. She was precious to him, but lived far away. His legacy is his activism and embracing of all peoples in the community, and his sense of urgency so often lacking these days. I know so many of you will miss him. He certainly stayed on much longer than most could have. I think it perfectly camp that he was discovered at his desk! May he rest in peace. – Frederic Kahler RIP, George. – Gabi Clayton George was a selfless and relentless supporter of the LGBT community, and so encouraging to me personally. I grew up a Gay man reading the SGN. – Gabriel J. Ferguson I saw a flyer that encouraged me to look him up, so I did. The friend of his who put them up should know the flyers were effective, and I definitely won’t forget his story. He seems like an amazing guy, and those who knew him were very lucky. – Galaxy Marshall Thank you, George, for raising us up and reminding us to keep at it. RIP. – Gary Davis It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing of Seattle Gay News Publisher and advocate George Bakan. George and his SGN team have long been friends of GayWhistler.com and Whistler’s Gay Ski Week from the early days of conception. George was a mentor, a guardian of LGBTQ history, knowledge, and opinions. George helped to open doors and loved seeing Queer businesses thrive. A huge loss for Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, and for America. He will be missed, but will remain in our hearts. Rest in Peace, George. Your fight is over. – GayWhistler.com
Visit us online www.sgn.org
George was truly a beacon of light in our community. He will be missed. So much love. – Genessa Krasnow A Seattle legend has passed away. George Bakan was a force to be reckoned with in Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. He was the head of Seattle Gay News, the country’s third-oldest LGBTQ+ publication. I’ll never forget him taking my arm at R Place and leaning in to say, “I’m watching you. You’ve been doing a lot for this community;” “Keep it up;” or, “I’ll let you know.” He was a true elder. Rest in Fabulousness, George. – George Froehle I am so terribly sad today hearing about the passing of my friend and colleague in action, George Bakan. He leaves an immense legacy of activism for the LGBTQ community as the decades-long Editor and Publisher of the Seattle Gay News. I will fondly remember him, and I hope that young LGBTQ folks will appreciate his life in time, too. With any movement of people working together to effect change, you stand on the shoulders of those people who took the charge before you. For me, one of those people was most certainly George Bakan. I met George nearly 30 years ago in the early 1990s when I was a young upstart in his twenties who had just come out of the closet. I knew nothing of being Gay, just the inescapable knowledge that I felt different. It was the height of people dying during the AIDS crisis, and discrimination and fear were rampant. I was afraid and felt disconnected. All I could do was become a sponge for information. This was back in the day before cell phones and the Internet. I was too much of a wallflower at the time to go into the Gay bars. There was, of course, 28 Barbary Lane, a pre-Internet dialup bulletin board system with chatrooms to meet people from a safe distance. Or one could also peruse the Gay & Lesbian section of Bailey Coy Bookstore, where I was too shy to exchange glances. I would have to get my education by picking up the latest copy of the SGN. I would hide in the pages of The Stranger, which I’d also pick up in order to conceal my affiliation until I was able to pick one up proudly. My struggle to be self-actualized at the beginning of coming out is not uncommon, but this was a very specific time in our history. George’s voice, along with that of his writing staff, was my first glimpse into our LGBTQ community – before we even called it by this acronym. There were so many unknowns I needed to filter. It was through reading the SGN that I connected to other voices, finding hope in efforts being made. At that time, even though I tried so hard to keep it to myself, there were rumors at work that I was Gay. I was outed by a coworker who knew, and we were both promptly fired for being Gay. I had no recourse and became very angry by the injustice. I had to speak out and advocate for myself and for the community I was just becoming a part of. Through the SGN, I learned of a community meeting of a group called Citizens for Fairness, which eventually became the Hands Off Washington campaign to fight against discriminatory laws, anti-gay initiatives, and work toward gaining our civil rights. That is where I first met George in person, as well as so many amazing community activists and leaders in Seattle still doing the work – some also who are no longer with us, including Bill Dubay, Don Moreland, and others. I felt connected, and we had a shared purpose. George was always very gracious to me with his big smile and teddy bear hugs. I looked at him and saw a gentle giant, while most saw him as a lion because he could roar, and roar, and roar. George was unabashed and unrelenting in his pursuits for social justice. While I have been just one person in a sea of fighters happy in the background working on nuance and collaboration, George was old school with a megaphone, a pen, and a quick wit. He knew how to hold court and shout to the rafters if that was what was needed. The SGN was his tour de force, and they are synonymous with one another. An institution for sure – that was George. Anyone’s ear that was bent by George knew it was not a quick conversation. He could chat, and I was a grateful listener, appreciating his wealth of knowledge about our history
June 26, 2020
and the LGBTQ rights movement in Seattle. Including the Dorian Society and the places we gathered that no longer exist. I have lived in Bellevue for 24 years now, and George always enjoyed that fact, as somehow seeing me would remind him of his youth growing up in Bellevue. He would then begin another story or two about his adventures. Whenever we got to talking at a community event, it always seemed like the chairs were being put away or the lights were being dimmed before the conversation ended. George has been a fixture in our community, and I imagine he was connected or active in some way with just about every organization or LGBT campaign, big or small. The list is very long: GSBA, Gay City, Lifelong, Pride Foundation, Equal Rights Washington, Seattle Counseling Service, Social Outreach Seattle, and so on. He lent his office to SEAMEC candidate interviews. He was keen to dive deep into issues that affected the most vulnerable in our community. He helped me with constant engagement for Seattle LGBTQ Community Development when we were rallying support for a new community center. I can laugh now and say that no organization went unscathed by his righteous demand for us to do more or better. He could certainly invoke an eye roll at open mics at community meetings, but he didn’t care because the imperative impact to the community mattered most. While George could be brash and sometimes cantankerous, he was equally generous, making time for people and valuing his obligation as a journalistic voice for our community. Be rest assured that to engage with George, you had better have your arguments in order because he had seen it and would scrutinize it. That was his way of pushing us to do more and to be better. He was a visionary willing to do the hard work of lifting. His opinions were valued and carried weight and depth. He was there through so many of our community challenges, disappointments, setbacks, and successes building the stories of who we were and have become. From no rights, to some civil rights, to incremental steps, to marriage equality, bathroom bills, and a new host of challenges, George was there with his pulse on the story. I honestly cannot think of a rally, city council meeting, legislative lobby day, Pride parade, major community event, fundraiser, or gatherings I have attended where I didn’t see George. The last time I saw him was at a GSBA event. He did not look well, and we sat outside away from the crowd and had a wonderful chat about making sure our community history is retained. We promised to grab a drink together sometime soon to catch up more. We didn’t get a chance to have that drink, but I am certainly lifting my glass to you now, George. In the truest sense, you were a leader and valued elder in our community. I have faith that your legacy will be carried forward as you pass the torch. You are loved dearly by so many. May you Rest in Power and Peace. – George Pieper George was truly a Seattle icon. Because of him and his hard work in our LGBT community, now we can brag and enjoy the freedoms that we have now. He was a hero who fought so hard for us and for the future generations of the LGBT community. Let’s not forget the real heroes before us and their legacy. Until next time, George. Happy Pride Month, y’all! – Geraldo Campos We lost a hero in the LGBTQ+ community. – Gil Price What a trailblazer and dedicated fighter George Bakan was. He was someone who really understood coalition and united work!! Rest in Power. – Gina Petry No! Really? I love George! RIP. – Giovina Albrecht George was active in Gay/Queer community till the end. HE attended community meetings for the Capitol Hill Transit-Oriented Development and AIDS Memorial Pathway. He has left a long legacy to remember.– Grace H. Kim George will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, buddy. – Gregg Link Wyatt
Seattle Gay News 13
Remembering George I am saddened to learn of the passing of George Bakan. His was an important voice in a time of profound change in how the civil rights of the LGBT community were defined and respected in Seattle and beyond. You will be missed, my friend. – Gregory Nickels I’ve only met him before and seen him a few times over the years. I couldn’t remember his name all the time, but a “Oh, hey you, what’s up?” and a hug was awesome. Last time I saw him, I showed him my facial hair. “So, how does it feel?” He asked. “Now I’m a REAL boy,” I replied. He smiled and said, “Good. You look better now. Less stress.” Just those short interactions over the years made me feel as if I was in the presence of a strong soul and champion of the people. I will miss seeing him around the town, and the lights are now a little dimmer here. And now I need to find my Kleenex. – Grey Wolfe Losing George Bakan leaves a huge hole in our LGBTQ community. George, Publisher of the Seattle Gay News, was a friend, GSBA member, and fierce longtime LGBTQ activist. George began his career with the SGN in the early 1980s, when LGBTQ Seattleites depended on each week’s edition of the newspaper to not only tie them to their community, but to stay informed about the HIV/AIDS epidemic. George printed every scrap of news on research, prevention, and resources to help fight the disease. As the death toll mounted, George filled the pages with the names of our community members who were lost, publishing obituaries for free. He helped see our community through some of its darkest days. He continued to fight for LGBTQ equality for decades, also leaving his mark on the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and marriage equality movements. George was a powerhouse. He was never afraid to speak truth to power. He was blunt, and told you how it was – whether you wanted to hear it or not. He was known for his ongoing calls to every LGBTQ nonprofit, and GSBA was right up there receiving our daily one or more George Bakan calls to hold us accountable, go on about community news, challenge us on what we didn’t do or should do, and other times, just for conversation. As we approach our 40th anniversary next year, we find it amazing that we can look back on every year throughout our history as an organization, and George was there. He never missed an event. He loved the GSBA Public Policy Task Force, was proud of our community having an LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, and cared deeply about the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund. After the last EQUALUX - TASTE of GSBA in November, we picked up the phone to hear George say it was “one of the most powerful events” he’d ever attended, and he went as far as contacting the Mayor’s Office and having the day declared as “EQUALUX Day in Seattle.” Of course, the Mayor’s Office was also familiar with George’s calls and understood that life would be easier if they did what he asked. That was George: opinionated, irreverent, knowledgeable, incorrigible, and loved. His activist mold was one of a kind, and his legacy within Seattle’s LGBTQ history is indelible. We were so lucky to call him a member and friend. Rest in Power, George. We’ll miss you. – GSBA Hard to imagine Seattle without George Bakan. – Helen Gilbert How sad. We have advertised with SGN for many years. Such an amazing newspaper, and the staff has been there for years! Condolences to Maggie, Rick, and the crew. – Henry and Debbie Bischofberger
know that I’m still alive. He was a great man to talk to at events in the community. George also encouraged Shaun and I to talk about The Trevor Project. Although Shaun left us months ago, I had this funny thought that maybe George left us during Pride month to help Shaun create a new publication called the HGN (Heaven Gay News) so that when we all make that journey, we will have something to read on the way there. – Howard Russell I have such great memories of George in joint work with Radical Women and the Freedom Socialist Party. In the mid-1980s, he was part of the Ad Hoc Committee for Fair Employment and Open Housing, a coalition which brought together the Queer community, people of color, feminists, radicals, and people with disabilities in a united fight to preserve strong laws against discrimination. As we still say today, “Stop the stall at City Hall!” – Helen Gilbert A Seattle legend is in heaven. RIP, George Bakan. You’re going to be missed. Thank you for being such a sweet man. – Israel Ragunton Wow. RIP, George. Another George is gone. Nice to have met you. – Isaac Payne Because I’m pretty sure there’s no chance he could get in trouble for this “story” from the early ’90s anymore, I’m going to tell it. When I was involved in Queer Nation and ACT Up, we occasionally had the opportunity to do actions in other states – including, if I remember correctly, our trip to DC for the March on Washington. George somehow obtained a large quantity of plane tickets that we could all use to travel to these locations to represent Seattle. Mind you, we were scraggly Queer activists and didn’t have funds for travel, so it was awesome that George funded our travel. But the thing is that the tickets were always in somebody else’s name! He would have us in the SGN’s offices with his hand full of tickets and would dole them out, saying, “You’re Sally Smith, you’re John Doe, you’re Freddy McFredderson.” This was pre-9/11, so nobody checked IDs, there was no TSA as we know it, and it always worked. We just walked up to the gate, gave them the ticket, and got on the plane. For their protection, I won’t name my co-conspirators. Thanks for your part in my activist history, George. – Indigo Blue George kept Seattle Gay News going and going with Gay news!!! He leaves a big void behind. – Ingrid Berkhout Thank you, George Bakan, for your lifelong commitment to social justice. You were always a beacon of hope for LGBTQIA+ people. You will be missed dearly. – Jack Mozie We have just lost what’s left of the core of our community. – Jack Strubbe George, people may forget what you said. They may forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made us feel. I’ll miss you until we meet again. Rest in Pride. – Jackie Warren Rest in Peace with unicorns and rainbows, George. – Jacque Larrainzar I just learned that Seattle LGBT activist and icon George Bakan died yesterday. He was a force of nature. A great big heart and soul that was generous and kind and loud and funny. It was an honor to be taken under his wing. Rest well, beloved friend. See you on the next goaround. – Jaime Rodriguez A true hero. – James Holm
When I first moved to Seattle, I was blessed to meet two activists in our community. George and I met at R Place when I first started. He followed me for many years as I tried to get the crown as LaFemme Magnifique. When the icon, The Lady Chablis from Savannah, GA, passed away, George immediately had Shaun Knittel write an article to let everyone
I interviewed him last year– he was so generous with his time, and few people had his point of view on the Seattle scene. – James Peters
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Rest in Power, George. He was very kind to Rachel during the “No on 8” campaign. – Jane Cutter
RIP, George. – Janet Wainwright
Rest in Peace, George Bakan. Your dedicated efforts in many areas are remembered and appreciated. – Janice Tufte I wake up this morning to very sad news: George Bakan, longtime LGBTQ+ advocate, owner and Publisher of the Seattle Gay News, and amazing human rights advocate, has passed away. I didn’t know George as well as I should have, but all of us that are part of or supportive of the LGBTQ+ community have benefited from his hard work and determination. He is a hero to me, and with his publication, a life savior to many. The SGN is the third oldest Gay newspaper and has been around since 1977. I understand that George passed peacefully in his sleep at the newspaper working on an article about police brutality in Seattle. This is yet another heavy loss, and I can’t imagine how those closer to him and at the newspaper are feeling. Thank you, George, for your many years of service and giving. You are already missed and always will be. Rest peacefully, you’ve earned it. – Jason Kamb
years, he was always supportive of me and always there when I needed a dose of wisdom in my life as an openly Gay man. His passing is devastating on a personal level, especially given his unique role in helping to start the Tri-Cities LGBTQ movement in the mid-1970s through an activist group named Oasis. – Jeffrey Aaron Robinson RIP, Mr. Bakan. I will forever remember your words and mentorship during my times of planning Seattle Pride and post. – Jeffrey Campbell Memory ETERNAL. – Jeffrey Parris Just when we were wondering what else would happen to jolt us. Such a good man who did so much good! He more than earned his rest, but, “Darn, why now?” keeps repeating in my head. Maybe to make each of us stronger and more determined on our own? At any rate, he will be sorely missed, but I hope the loss will be softened by all the great memories. RIP, George. Thank you for being part of my life! – Jennifer Allison
Just hearing this. Such a big loss. He will be missed. – Jay Carmona
Rest in Peace, George. – Jennifer Jones Babuca
George was a much-respected voice of the LGBT community and a good advisor. – Jean Godden
George, I am going to miss seeing you at the Lifelong Thrift Store. I could count on seeing you there almost every time I visited in the past few years. You had always found something cool, and you had story to tell about your grandchildren or the loves of your life. You gave me a chance to be published in the 80s, and you told me you thought I was “politically astute.” Thanks for believing in me. Although we didn’t hang that much, I really love you, brother. I look forward to seeing you again. Please give my best to Cookie Hunt, because I know you’ll be seeing her. You were simply the best. – Jennifer Lee Hall
George Bakan has a special place in my heart. When my Gay son came out, he supported my journey into activism. He published many of the stories I told about my journey with PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). As I worked with Soulforce, founded by the Rev. Dr. Mel White, he shared our stories of arrest at church conferences across the United States. We will miss you, George. Thanks to the Seattle Gay News, I held the paper with title facing outward as I walked, and I will continue to work to preserve and expand Gay rights. – Jeaneane Hill One of our legendary Seattle activists passed away yesterday. George Bakan used to sit with me at the drag shows. He was always friendly and always like a brother. HE was immersed in the community from the beginning. He will definitely be missed! – Jeff Hobbs George was such a presence – one of a kind and one who would get an immediate response from me when he’d contact me. He was not shy, but always interesting. I last talked with him shortly before COVID struck. He wanted to talk about homelessness in the LGBTQ community. We miss him. – Jeanne Kohl-Welles Sad day. He was always very supportive of the LGBTQ+ students at Seattle Central College. – Jeff Keever George was a force. I recall a couple of good grillings from him about the LGBT community center effort. There’s a void in the community now. So sorry to hear the news of his passing. – Jeff Kinney Wow, sorry to hear of the passing of George Bakan, longtime Publisher of Seattle Gay News. We last spoke just two years ago, even though I had moved to California 12 years ago. It has been reported that he passed away at his desk at the SGN’s office. Although I ran into him at events throughout the city, it is at that desk that I remember him best, especially during my time at SEAMEC. He died doing what he loved. He wasn’t quiet about politics and Gay rights, but those who knew him know that he was also just as passionate about helping people, which he usually did quietly and behind the scenes with little or no fanfare. He was always looking for ways to help people and organizations out. He was really one-of-a-kind. Goodbye, friend. You will be missed. – Jeff Koertzen George Bakan was a personal hero of mine, a wonderful friend, and a mentor to me in college. He was one of the people who helped me find the strength to come out. Though we didn’t speak as much in recent
This past weekend, Seattle lost a true LGBTQ community icon. For over thirty years, George Bakan dedicated his life to amplifying LGBTQ voices as the head of Seattle Gay News. George’s life was dedicated to community, and it will be impossible not to feel this loss. George used his platform to raise up critical stories that impacted Seattle’s LGBTQ community, and he was an unrelenting advocate for civil rights, marriage equality, HIV/AIDS prevention, and affordable LGBTQ housing for seniors. George literally wrote our history in Seattle at the same time he was living it. He was an advocate in the truest sense, and was never afraid to give you his honest opinion – whether you asked for it or not. He could be brash, but you never doubted that underneath it all was an enormous heart filled with endless compassion for Seattle and the LGBTQ community. I am so grateful to George for everything he did throughout his life to pass on this history to the younger generation. He built community, and he worked tirelessly to make our entire city more just, fair, and equitable. Pride In Seattle won’t be the same without him. – Jenny Durkan One day, I called up George at Seattle Gay News to see if they had anyone doing book reviews or book notes. He said he didn’t have anyone regularly doing it, but loved the idea. He wanted to meet for lunch and to chat more. That lunch turned into being invited to numerous events at his request where I met many folks I’m still friends with today. He was always one for a hug and a compliment when you saw him out at one of the numerous events he made a point to attend. It has been awhile since I last saw him, and the news I’m learning today has me thinking about how much I owe to him for being the opposite of what I expected with the “Seattle Freeze.” After a lifetime of tireless work, I hope those of us who knew him can continue to work with the determination and diligence he did for so many causes. – Jeremy Behrens
Celebrating 46 Years!
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Celebrating 46 Years!
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Celebrating 46 Years!
Pride
Lesbian and Gay Black Lives, Mattering nun. There’s three black orders because the other orders would not admit black women. When I made up my mind that I was leaving it was very difficult because I tried those thirteen years to be the best nun I could be. So, I was released from my vows at that time. That was a difficult moment. All my life I had wanted to be religious and I felt that I was doing some good, so to sign those papers was giving up a large part of myself.
by Ruth Pettis Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project It is beyond imagining, in this dual crisis of pandemic and injustice, what is lost when any segment of our community is dismissed by those with power to spare or end life as not mattering. For many LGBT people of color, the multiplication of bigotries they experienced thrust them across the boundaries of race, gender, and religion. Here are some first-person recollections from gay and lesbian African-Americans in our area, from oral histories collected by the Northwest Lesbian and Gay History Museum Project between 1997 and 2002. At least two of the narrators are no longer alive. All have lived with purpose, in ways both inconspicuous and notable. All heeded the impulses of the heart, to make positive change or fix what is broken. Each of them touched so many other lives that their actions ended up linking us all. MARVIN STERLING (1940-1999) co-founded the United Ebony Council, a drag organization originally for AfricanAmerican gay men. He was also UEC’s first Emperor: King I Alexander DeDell. I was 24, 25 when I came out of the closet, to be with a lover, and have been out ever since. He was in the Air Force, and we met on a train coming from Portland to here. When I was growing up, what I learned? Really, just within the circle of the group you run with – fag jokes and what have you. It never affected me because I’d be in my macho-ness, “You’re not talking to me.” So I never really had a problem with being gay and public. If I’m dressed in drag or out of drag, I’m still the same person. It should not be an issue to begin with. We are way too intelligent of a race – the human race – to have to go through things on such a petty level. Things that matter none. As we make examples out of those things, we glorify it more. Anita Bryant was my “mentor” – that some of us gay people were missing the opportunity, and the point. Speaking against us she did more for us. We never could have bought the publicity that she brought forth – and kept us there for years. Gay Liberation Front was a big thing for the movement, an entity of bonding, representing gay people intermixing with the world. They were preaching, “Love thy brother, love thy neighbor.” Boy, there’d be some lovin’-our-neighbor! But they were a good influence for me, because it went past sex to communication. And I met people that have remained friends – it’s probably thirty years. What attracted you to drag? Mesmerizing. I worked the night shift as a loading dock foreman. I used to go to this little market at Second and Yesler and buy stuff for my lunch break, 2:30 in the morning. And I’d see all these men dressed like women, and it was captivating to me. I said to myself, “Now, I think I would like to try that.” So I met these two queens – they were breathtaking, head to toe. They could sew, do hair, do makeup. They created some wonderful things. We got to be good friends and they put me in drag one Halloween. That’s all it took. I was off to the races after that. It was very natural for me. I didn’t need too much schooling for mannerisms. It was pretty much from watching it and patterning yourself after different women. You picked up a name. I’m Dee Dee DeDell. She was pretty wild. She was a party girl, show girl. Worked the circuit, about 17 years. You get so involved with it. Every day you create something new, add to something old. It was a rich, joyful part of my life.
Robert Carter, 2001 – Photo by Marina Wiesenbach / Trine Multimedia
The United Ebony Council was an alternative for those who did not want to be a part of the Imperial Court. We remained close friends with our sister club. They respected and supported us. I’m the first king of the organization. My queen that reigned with me – Starlet – we both were founders. UEC pulled out a lot of Black people within our gay community that stay to themselves, don’t go to the bars. We were kind of – in-crowd, you know. But it was a good in-crowd, a fun, crazy in-crowd. It wasn’t a “I’m better than you” type of thing, or “I’m queen of the world, kiss my ring.” [laughs] It was just a good fun time. We as “illusionists” paint our faces into someone else, we escape into this someone else and bring them alive. That requires us to be extremely convincing. You’re painting an illusion – making your entrance, walkin’ the runway, showing ‘em what you got. Twenty-five years later you look back and think: God, I spent all my money on that? [laughs] Drinking like a fish for twenty years? Falling over barstools, flying in and out of cities like I’m a millionaire? But, that’s what was happening. Had a good time, met a lot of fabulous people, knew someone in every city. I could go anywhere and stay, long as I liked. What were your favorite destinations? Southern belt, for show life, gay life, and real people: Atlanta, Mississippi, Tennessee. These girls – when you’re sisters, you’re sisters from the heart. When they bring you to sisterhood they mean it from their heart. They’ll be there for you, no matter what. You can foul up so much information in your mind. What my mother always told me: you have to learn something new every day, because if not, then why were you here that day? You didn’t learn nothing; you didn’t bring nothing. It doesn’t matter on what level. Just: “Wow, I didn’t know that.” I like that a lot. It’s like Christmas to me.
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TASCEAIE JENNINGS – born in Los Angeles, 1946 – came to terms with her identity during her 13 years as a Catholic nun. As an adult, Tasceaie (pronounced “TahSHAY-uh”) began exploring her Native American heritage and Two-Spirit nature. After a teaching career she became an assistant director of Upward Bound, working with disadvantaged youth in the Everett/ Seattle areas, and later worked for the state’s Employment Security department. I went through Catholic School in Oklahoma and California and I was the only black among all those grammar school, high school kids. When I entered the convent – the sisters that taught me in grammar school, Ursuline Sisters – I was the only black there, too. Until I met my first lover I had no idea that I was a lesbian. Love to me is a pure expression of self and labels didn’t really make that much sense. It took several years, it wasn’t just a snap decision, but I decided that my comfort level was mostly with women. Homosexuality, gay, lesbian – those words were not used. Instead we were told about “particular friendships.” You were supposed to spread your friendships out and not have even a good friend. You were supposed to be equal friends with everyone. They never talked about physical anything, or dangers of putting your vows in conflict, or anything like that. [After forming a relationship with another black nun]: You take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and I was definitely not chaste after I met her. It seemed a natural thing for me. Being with her and being part of her life and her part of mine – that was definitely against that particular vow. I would much rather spend time with her than other people, and I saw the treatment that she got. The black nuns – they’re not treated well. She had a heart attack, a fullblown myocardial infarction, and nobody came to her hospital room, except for one
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*** I was in the third grade when we heard that we were Cherokee, from both our parents’ side. But there was no cultural introduction until I started at Antioch University. I was studying for my master’s in whole systems design, and there’s a large percent of people within that field that are very interested in the earth, in ecology. There were a lot of alternative lifestyles and people who’ve been shut down by the rest of the learning community. My first couple of days, sitting there in class, I have a white witch on this side and a Buddhist person on this side. And I’m going: But I’m Catholic. Give me a break here! I remember having to settle in and open myself, and say: Why are you afraid of this? I began to meet people and get a little freer with some concepts, so I’ve done mostly studies on my own. For me, it worked that way. I had a Native teacher who really challenged me on a lot of things and I owe her a lot. Her name is Smiley. She calls herself an old dyke – she’s a two-spirit woman. She’s suffered a lot, physically, and she’s a very strong woman. I got her to speak at my graduation. It was also nice that I graduated in the year of the indigenous people, 1993. Native teachers are very powerful because they’re tapped into the spirit world. They have to be extremely mindful of that, at all times. They have the ability to tap into things that have been, things that are going to come, and in that you get your challenges. Community for me has taken on different shapes. I stayed in religious life as a long as I did because I believed that it was a good spiritual path. It got so that I was able to know what I was supposed to do, and I felt pleased that I had the ability to tap in deep enough to walk the way I should. I’m of the opinion that an identity is a long-life process. At least I hope to God it is [laughs] because it’s taking me my life. ROBERT CARTER – born in Seattle, 1929 – a fourth-generation AfricanAmerican Seattleite and son of prizefighter “Wildcat Carter.” A “political nut all my life,” he worked for many years on Democratic Party campaigns and was assistant director of community relations for Governor Booth Gardner. He became Lambert House’s original manager in the early 1990s, initiating programs and raising funds. I was going to Wilberforce University in the 1940s. It was my first time I ever experienced out and out discrimination. My brother and I had a Pullman all the way to Dayton, Ohio. We get to Chicago, when they changed trains, and we were laid over an hour or so. Our next stop was Gary, Indiana. By the time we got there, in our car there were probably – including us – six or seven people. My brother says, “I’m going to see what’s in the next car.” So this car behind us is packed full of African-Americans. Some of them have to sit on the floor in the aisle. And there was a young girl there, probably fifteen or sixteen, pregnant. He says, “Come on into our car. We got plenty of room.” And she said, “Oh no, sir, I can’t do that.” Well Gary, Indiana – that was the cutoff point for people going into the South, and they segregated the cars. My brother and I, we’re booked through to Day-
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ton. They couldn’t put us in there. But blacks coming out of Gary – and sometimes out of Chicago – they’d go into a black car. We got to Dayton and this was on our mind. We have to pick up a school bus that’s coming every hour. We had about a fortyminute wait. So we went into this run-ofthe-mill depot cafe to get something to eat. We ordered stuff like – it wasn’t stew, but something like that, that was ready. We put some nickels into the jukebox and about that time she says, “Your food is ready.” Now, half the counter had stools. The back half had no stools. We sat down at the stool and she says, “Oh no, your food’s back there.” She had put our food on paper plates, and gave us these flat, wooden Dixie Cup type things you eat with, down where there were no stools. My brother was furious. “We’re not eating this shit, and we’re not paying for it.” So we walked outside and waited for the bus. That year, students were coming in from all over the world. I think we had about a hundred white students, and kids from Africa and wherever else. At their first assembly the students brought this up, about discrimination in Dayton. You’d go to the theater – blacks were on one side, whites on the other. You’d go into a drugstore – blacks on one side, whites on the other. The students decide to go en masse to the theater, to the stores. So they get 20-30 white students, 20-30 black students, go to the theater at the same time. All the white students sit on the black side; all the black students sit on the white side. They did the same thing in the stores. After about two, three weeks they integrated. *** In the 60s, in Oregon, we had just finished our finals and were celebrating, and we went to Springfield because the bars opened early. We went into this country place. I had four or five other friends with me, and I was the only black. We all sat at a table. Everybody ordered drinks and I ordered a martini. The waitress came back – brought everybody a drink but me. A guy says, “Where’s Bob’s drink?” and she kept moving around. Finally I went up to the bartender. I said, “I ordered a drink, too.” He says, quote, “We don’t serve niggers here.” I said, “Well, that’s not what I asked for; I asked for a martini.” And he didn’t think it was funny. He said, “You’re not getting service in here.” Of course, the guys are: “Let’s tear the place up!” I said, “No, let me take care of it.” I went back to the bartender and said, “You’re in violation of the law. I’m going to call the police.” He says, “Do you know any of the police here?” I says, “No.” “Well, I know them all.” I decided I’d take a chance anyway. The guy wouldn’t even let me use the phone. So across the street there’s a little cafe. Got on the phone and called the police department. They said, “We’ll be down in ten minutes.” The Chief and his deputy show up and ask me to walk back into the bar and order. He comes in and sits on one side of me, and the deputy sits on the other side. The bartender says, “What’ll you have?” “This gentleman was here before us.” “We’re not serving his kind in here.” “Did you tell him that earlier?” “Yep. We don’t serve niggers in here.” The Chief says, “Do you know who I am?” He says, “No.” “I’m the Chief of Police! You’re closed.” Oh, the guy nearly hit the floor. My friends are laughing, just busting a gut. Monday we went to court. The owner was there. We settled for the maximum without going before the judge – $500. But they had to put a sign there for two years: “We do not discriminate because of race, creed, color or national origin.” And everybody knows that they’ve been cited by the police. But that guy never went back to work there, I guess.
DAWN GRIFFIN – born in Brooklyn, 1964 – was the second woman to be chosen Queen of the United Ebony Council, reigning 1998-99. She was interviewed with a white friend, Greg Swales, in a breezy conversation that explored the changing role of women in drag culture, among other topics.
Dawn Griffin, from United Ebony Council, coronation ball program, 1998 – Photo courtesy of the narrator
Growing up in Brooklyn with a name like Dawn, being African-American – that’s cute. In the seventies, you had a lot of “Sheniquas” and folks like that. “Dawns” were blond-haired girls who played guitars under trees. [laughs]. It just didn’t make sense. We couldn’t make a nickname out of it. So it was a pretty name, but an odd name when you live in Brooklyn. At 16 I had a girlfriend; we’d been going out for a year. I was on the phone to her, and she was a very whiny girl. She was on to the “You don’t love me anymore,” you know. I was engrossed in the conversation, “Yes, Jennifer, you know I love you,” until I realized that my mother was staring at me. Oh, God! [laughs]. That phone call ended real quick! So I had to explain to my mother and none of the standard lies worked. She looked at us sideways every time a girl came over after that. *** The Ices, my drag family, are unique. We’re one of the few that has female queens. It’s a special thing when somebody asks you to be a member of their family. It’s like, if I could choose my family, I would choose you, which is really nice. My drag name is Aglassa Ice. Aglassa is what Lena Horne would be if she had a sandwich. My mom listened to Nancy Wilson and Lena Horne and those women were elegant. So I do Lena and whatever else I want to after that. Greg Swales: Most women used to run for the male titles – the king or prince. Now they’re doing whatever they want. The drag queen has always been the pretty, glamorous title, so why not? Dawn: Aglassa wants to be elegant and refined. Because I was always jeans and sneakers growing up. She’s the long-beaded gowns and the high-heel shoes and the purse that matches the shoes. She loves that glamour. Greg: You get that air of regality. Especially if you get your UEC crown on. She’s very statuesque. Dawn: Because if you move it falls off your head! *** I’ve been involved in Gay Pride parades, but reigning was very different. The parade float was the most wonderful team-building event I’ve ever seen the UEC do. We had organizers; we had people that were good at ideas; we had people that wanted to do pieces; we had people who could only stay
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see BLACK LIVES page 22
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Seattle Gay News 21
Pride
BLACK LIVES continued from page 21
a couple of hours, but they came. We had the person who I called the chief procurement officer, one of the guys that you give a list and say, “I need this.” We needed carpet rolls because we were doing Cleopatra’s entrance into Egypt. We got paint donated. They ran all over town. Everybody pulled together. It was raining and they all had to run and cover everything up the night before the parade. They’d never won a thing the entire organizational history; they wanted to at least get recognized. “Can we do this?” I said, “You can do anything you want. Have a blast. Wave at people.” They came in third in the float contest and they were on that high for weeks. Greg: It looked like Cleopatra’s barge – very regal, very grand. Dawn: They had me sitting up in the back. Harry Altman made me Cleopatra’s headdress with the eye of Horus, the eagle in the back, all black and gold glitter. I had leopard gloves. Greg: My leopard gloves. Dawn: Our Ms. Unity is permanently in a wheelchair. He was in the front, dressed as King Tut. Ivana Tinkle was his drag name. After the parade our host bar wanted us to come to see them, so even though everybody wanted to get out of costume they drove the entire float with us on it down Broadway, back to the bar. It was such a bizarre sight in the middle of Seattle. We were waving and hollering, and having a great time. When I told them I was proud of them, I had tears in my eyes. I was very proud of them, because it taught them that even though they were a smaller organization, they can do anything they set their minds to. It made them more brave, to go forward and say, “We can do this.” LARRY ANDERSON – born in Baltimore, 1947 – grew up poor and black, navigated street life in New York City, and eventually studied at the U.S. Naval Academy and Michigan State University. He came to Seattle in the early 70s and became active in radical politics, the Gay Community Center, and the Sexual Minority Prisoners’ Caucus, among many other issues.
Larry Anderson, Annapolis photo c. 1966 – Photo courtesy of the narrator
I went to the United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland. I have to tell you what it was like. You walk into this place, and there are hundreds of men from some of the best families. Many of
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them are telling these stories of their sexual conquests and you think, “Interesting, very interesting.” When you go to a service academy, in your first year you are scum. They treat you so bad! So here I am among the scum, and I started getting notes from these people – who are not scum! Upperclassmen. They’re saying, “Come to my room! I’d like to talk to you.” I don’t know what to do with this. What does this mean? Even though I was such a wonderful plebe – I polished my shoes and shined my buttons – there was something about me that wasn’t quite like the rest of the plebes. I remember being at a table once and an upperclassman said, “Look at your fingers!” and I went like this. [Just for the record, Larry is putting his hand out in front of him, as opposed to curling his fingers over his palm.] And this upperclassman said, “What are you doing!” I said, “I’m looking at my fingers, sir.” He said, “Men don’t look at their fingers like that.” So he summoned me to his room, and I thought he was going to teach me how to look at my fingers. But that’s not what he wanted to do. He was curious about sexual things. I’m saying, “Well, surely you know about these things. I’ve heard you tell these stories, and it’s all the same organ.” But I never met so many people who had gotten to be so old and had never had sex. It never even dawned on me that people could get to be that age and not have sex. That you were black, does that figure in the mix? Oh, it had to! I mean, there were only two of us that year! I don’t want to use the word “fascination.” I think it was just sexual energy exploding. I’ve always been very interested in the world around me. I didn’t ever think it was full of people just like me but I was blown away. You have no idea what it was like for me to suddenly realize that here are all these virgins. Who are these people? What planet did they grow up on? I found out that at least two other people were involved in having sexual interactions with upperclassmen. So, when these things happened at the Academy, they weren’t any different, really, from sexual things happening in any other setting. People get together and they have sex. But there were all these prohibitions against it, so that was a major concern. At the end of plebe year, one is ready to become an upperclassman, who then has to run next year’s plebes through these drills. At the evaluation, the Navy officers asked about my sense of the plebe experience. I said, “I really don’t understand what you’re doing! I don’t know why you want to make us parrot all these phrases. I don’t know why you call us names. But I really don’t understand the sexual repression that’s going on here. I’ve never been in a situation where so many people seemed to be taking such ridiculous risks to have sex.” “What are you talking about?” I said, “You don’t know that people are having sex here?” “Who’s having sex?” I said, “Oh no – we won’t go there! I’m also telling you that I see no reason to treat people like that, and I am not going to do it.” “You have to do it. You are in the upper percentile so you have to be part of training next year’s class. Or, you can resign your commission.” It’s one of those things where you go: Where do you want to be in life? What has value? Being at the Academy meant there was money going to my family, because I was a military person. They were in the midst of strikes so money was important. But I can honestly say that at no point, in looking back, have I ever thought, “You know, I really should have become an admiral.” Military indoctrination, forcing the human psyche into this mold, controlling responses – those things have a place in times of national crises. But I think it’s a
June 26, 2020
mistake to use those things to keep creating crises. So, I don’t think there was anything to gain by staying in the military. We’d all been going through competition for flight school; some of us had done parachute training. And I had qualified – I was going to the next level. So people couldn’t believe I was walking away from it. At that point in time I can’t even say that I knew why. I think it was because I had such visceral reaction to attacking and belittling a whole group of people, for no other reason than because that was my assignment. I could not fathom doing it. I just couldn’t. REV. GWEN HALL (1951-2007) – helped organize Pride marches, including the National March on Washington, and became known for her ministry to AIDS patients. In 1995 she founded the Sojourner Truth Unity Fellowship Church, the first local LGBT-friendly congregation that worshipped in the African-American style.
Rev. Gwen Hall, 2001 Photo by Marina Wiesenbach / Trine Multimedia
I was born in segregated America, 1951. When you grow up in a city like Chicago, it’s segregated, totally. There are pockets, little ethnic communities, and you don’t cross those lines. I think the first time I became aware of racism was on a trip we took to visit one of my mother’s relatives. We were somewhere between Illinois and Tennessee. I was eight or nine years old and they wouldn’t let me go to the bathroom. We pulled in and asked for gas and the man started to pump the gas. My mother asked him if I could go to the bathroom. He was either telling us he didn’t have one or sent us to a dinky one. There was some unpleasant verbiage. My uncle was outraged, and we didn’t buy gas there. Oh, but I remember the rage, and not going to the bathroom! [laughing] It was traumatic. I really had to go; I was a kid! I learned early that there was a difference between the God of my perception and the God that other people talked about. I wanted to be a minister. Of course, that was a time when, quote, “Women didn’t become ministers.” I was like, how can you have this all-powerful God who can do anything, and I can’t be a minister? That don’t fit. I had to be ten when I made that discovery. From then on, it was a battle – about my perception of God, based on what they told me in the early years, and what I saw the behaviors being, and my saying, “Wait a minute, that ain’t quite as it should be.” My dad says I’m a rebel. How did you get involved with the People of Color Against AIDS Network? Probably like many other people have. A sense that something had to be done, and doing it. I was approaching 40. My son had graduated high school, and I had begun to
assess my life, what I could do to be part of the solution. And I was watching many, many people die. One of the things that was very hard for me was seeing them die and knowing that the church was not loving or accepting them. It became very important for me to begin to use the Bible and other tools of the Christians to bring healing. I made a commitment, a personal commitment to do my part so that no one would ever die feeling that God didn’t love them. In 1994 the Unity Fellowship Church Movement were having their convocation in L.A. I was at Seattle U. in the ministry program, associated with the United Methodist Church. But when it came down to discuss with the higher-ups what I should say in my interviews, they said you got to lie about your identity to get through the process. I said, “I’ve been an out lesbian for all these years, telling people to come out. I cannot make such an important decision, and start in lying.” So I knew that I couldn’t remain in the Methodist Church. When I heard about Unity, I decided I was either going to be independent, starting my own church, or I was going to team up with these people because they were black and doing the work. I talked to them about the possibility and they decided it on the spot, and I said ok. I’d heard this phrase all of my life, in the church: feeling like I’d come home. I remember that first day going to the church in L.A. and watching and listening and my soul began to soar. Here was all those queer people of all colors and ages and abilities – all kinds of people – heterosexual, black, white, Latino people. I was blown away. I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted people to experience feeling like they were home. I named my congregation “Sojourner Truth Unity Fellowship Church.” I wanted a place where all genders, ethnic groups, abilities can feel loved. I think that we delude ourselves that diversification will happen by osmosis – it won’t. We aren’t any further along because we don’t put ourselves out. My hope was to create a spiritual, intentional community that will serve the needs of all. It is hard for people to reclaim the spiritual part of themselves, particularly if it’s been damaged or hurt. And many people have been damaged and hurt in the name of God. I always hope that the love of God shines through me in a way that people can see, and have hope. It takes work. There’s some times I invite people to church and it takes them two or three years to show up. It’s not that we call God when things are going well, anyway. It’s when we reach that nadir point in our lives. That’s when it’s important. So that’s what I try to be mindful of at all times and keep that door open. About the Northwest Lesbian and Gay History Museum Project The Northwest Lesbian and Gay History Museum Project began in 1994 in order to compile the history of the LGBT presence in this area. Recording oral histories has resulted in a book-length collection, Mosaic 1: Life Stories, published by NWLGHMP in 2002. Likewise, documenting LGBT sites led to a self-guided tour map, Claiming Space: Seattle’s Lesbian & Gay Historical Geography, compiled by Michael Brown and Larry Knopp, published in 2004. Both publications can be ordered via the Project’s website: lgbthistorynw.org. Transcripts of 77 of the oral history interviews are housed at University of Washington Special Collections. NWLGHMP continues to seek interviews with witnesses to the ever-evolving panorama of LGBTQA experience. We would especially like to hear more perspectives on lesbian-feminist activism, personal journeys of LGBT people of color as well as immigrants and others newly-arrived to this region, 1970s experiments in collective living and work-spaces, the community’s response to HIV/AIDS, the spread of welcoming religious congregations, and the experiences of parents, friends, and allies.
Celebrating 46 Years!
HAPPY PRIDE!
HAPPY PRIDE 2020
Jayne DeHaan, RE/MAX Metro Realty 206-963-3877 ladyj@jaynedehaan.com
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Seattle Gay News 23
Remembering George You were there to support me in drag the first time, you were there to support my husband in his first steps in publishing stories in the SGN about our deceased father with Alzheimer’s. Thanks for everything you have done for this community. You truly are a shining star and inspiration in my life. We love you, and you will forever be our friend, George Bakan! Cheers! – Jeremy M. Heller In 1990, just as I was coming out, I saw George at an LGBTQ meeting with guest speaker Cal Anderson. I didn’t know who he was until there was talk of a March on Washington, DC. In 1993, I worked with him putting up posters, selling March on Washington shirts. Because of George, I got to go. My friend worked on stories for the SGN, too. What a great man he was. Rest in Peace, George Bakan. – Jerold R. Snyder While on staff at the GSBA, I remember times that George would either pop into the office or call, and call, and call, and would not stop until we took action on this issue or that. His tenacity changed the lives of so many. Wherever he is, I’m certain he’s organizing a rally or speaking out – and giving others a hard time for not doing enough. You are a force of nature, my friend. – Jerome M. Bader George Bakan was the friendliest man ever. RIP. – Jerry Becker Sad to hear the news that George Bakan, a longtime leader of Seattle’s LGBTQ movement, has died. While living in Southwest Washington in the early 90s, I served with George, Laurie Jinkins (the current WA House Speaker), and others on the executive board of Citizens for Fairness / Hands Off Washington. In addition to owning and managing Seattle Gay News, George had a travel agency as a side business. Since I lived a few short miles from the Portland airport, I flew up and back to Seattle for our weeknight executive board meetings so I could be in the classroom teaching bright and early the next morning. George provided me with my plane tickets at no cost to me or the organization. It took awhile to get used to the facts that those tickets were never issued in my name (this was obviously pre-9/11). It was never an issue, but certainly added to my memories of George. – Jess Durfeeto I remember that whenever I saw George’s name on my caller ID, I knew what I would be doing for the next hour. And the all-caps emails! – Jesse Gilliam I’ve known George since I first moved to Seattle in the late 1990s. He always made me feel really welcome as a writer and friend. I already miss him. – Jessica Davis I am so sad to hear about the passing of George Bakan. You always lit the room with your smile and your kind words. Thank you for all that you have done and worked toward during your life. I know that without you, we wouldn’t be anywhere close to where we are now. Rest in Peace. – Jessica Paradisco I met George around 2010 after my son told me he was gay. Initially, I was devastated, but it was George and people like him in the community who made me realize my son was going to be okay. He is now 25, happily married, and a software engineer in Phoenix. – Jill Sawyer George was a big part of my life in the 80s. He was a Seattle icon and a good man. – Jim King Many years ago, George and I were at odds over something, so I invited him over to my home for breakfast on an Easter Sunday morning. We resolved our differences, and were good friends thereafter. So many stories. He and the Seattle Gay News were a transforming force in Seattle. He was a wonderful guy and a real revolutionary pioneer! RIP, my friend. – Jim Toevs
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RIP, George. – Jim Watkins
I’m sad that we have lost an icon in Seattle. George will be missed. When I first came to Seattle, George was kind enough to give me a handful of opportunities as a photographer and kept me under his wing for a time. He always, ALWAYS, supported every cause I brought his way. He was a man who made a big difference in the lives of so many. Rest in Power, George Bakan. – Jimmy Gonzalez Bless George’s memory and legacy. Rest in Peace and Honor, George. – Joan McBride My introduction to George Bakan was about a decade ago when I was Deputy Director of the Public Health HIV/STD Program, and we were trying to reinvigorate local HIV prevention in the era before PrEP. George openly welcomed my Dr. J column and me as the face of public health at the time. I give credit to this as the start of my work in community-based prevention. He always greeted me with joy, even after I left public health. Rest in Peace. – Joanne Stekler I grew up being demeaned and degraded on a daily basis by conservative talk radio. Gay people were never represented in our small town Iowa newspaper. In 2005, I saw a Gay newspaper for the first time, and it changed my life. I was visiting Seattle for my birthday weekend during Pride, and the moment I saw the Seattle Gay News, a light bulb went off in my head. I knew that I would have to move to Seattle from Iowa. And two years later, I did. George Bakan was a pillar of Seattle’s Gay community and his work never stopped. He attended every single community meeting, rally, benefit, celebration, funeral, festival, and march. He was not just in attendance, but he took in so much information and then reported it back to the rest of us. George’s tireless dedication helped pave the road to success for marriage quality in Washington state. I am proud to have known him, and grateful for the impact he has had on my life. – Joe Brokka Rest in Peace, George Bakan. Thank you for telling our story. – Joe Cowan George Bakan was a lion in Seattle. He was a mentor, a friend, and someone who kept me in check when I needed it. He believed in me before most others, giving me one of my first paid writing gigs. He coached me on how to effectively organize in Seattle by sharing precious history I wish I had recorded. He challenged me when he thought I was moving in the wrong direction or when he thought there was a bolder strategy. He could be, how should I say, direct. A few years ago, after having open-heart surgery for like the fourth time, [EDITOR’S NOTE: George had open heart surgery once] I neglected to invite him to a community organizing event because I thought he should be healing. He called me up and swore, “How dare you leave me out?” I explained how much I cared for him and wanted him to heal. He told me, “Who has time for that BS? Not me. I’m fine. I’m coming!” He did, and I was glad he did. Talk about a tough guy! But he had to be tough, given his lifetime of fighting for all of us, for telling our stories, for surviving the HIV epidemic, for keeping his newspaper alive, for pushing us all forward. I loved how fearless he was. He watched him give mayors, representatives, council members, reporters, and others a piece of his mind – for an hour at a time. But if they were ultimately in the good fight, he never stopped loving any of them. He just wanted to challenge everyone to keep moving further, to think bigger, to love bigger. His smile, his laugh, his hug, his genuine compassion was something I will always remember. The night we won the Approve 71 campaign was one of those moments where I could feel him take a breath, as I thought how significant that must have been for him – finally, we were taking a
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step closer to full equality. George was also a talent scout. He nurtured so many amazing writers, activists, politicians, and more. He was the kind of grandfather figure/father figure so many of us needed. He was incredibly generous. His laugh filled the room and the one next to it. He was fun. I guess we’re supposed to say goodbye when someone dies, but George’s legacy is everywhere I look. From symbolic moments like pushing for the rainbow crosswalks [which SGN Associate Editor Shaun Knittel took the lead on], to Seattle Gay News, to every writer, photographer, and designer he believed in, George lives on. His legacy is profound. I could honestly go on for days about George, and as I dig up photos of him, I will. But for now, I just want to say how much I loved him, and how much I will miss having him around. And I want to say thank you, my old friend, for making me a better man. – Joe Mirabella I haven’t seen George Bakan in some time. He was a fascinating, kind-to-his-friends, ardent-detractor-to-his-enemies man. He encouraged me when I wanted to instigate voter registration at Seattle Pride in 1994 and 1995. I have good memories of him. Miss you, George. – Joe Reilly Loved the man. – Joe Torres George was a force of nature, and a journalist and activist whose impact on Gay rights and Queer culture in Seattle was enormous. Rest in Power, George. – John Clay Leonard I never met George, but the SGN was a godsend to me when I was in college not out. I remember going out at night to the newsstand across the street from where I lived, making sure no one saw me so I could get a copy. Thank you, George, for helping me and so many others become ourselves! – John Clynch Thank you, George, for your years of help. Rest well. – John Fish George was a force. I was always in awe of the consistent production of SGN. When I went out into the hinterlands and small towns of the Northwest with stacks of Seattle Star Comics and Eat The Stat and whatever other zines and posters I accumulated, I would always take a few stacks of the SGN to leave a few here and there in Othello, Packwood, Roslyn, Forks, Dayton… Honor and Gratitude to George!! – John Foss Buddy, go in peace, and help others the way you did here. – John Haxby A mensch. – John Kock George was a wonderful spirit. – John Seesholtz As an advocate for our community, his voice will be missed. – Jonathan Bowman George was a force, and a very good man. – Jonathan H. Jones I don’t think there is a Gay person in Seattle who doesn’t know his name. Rest in Love, George. – Jonathan Schiegel George was very sociable and a great person. – Joe Anguiano George was so influencing during my life in Tacoma/Seattle. He said Tacoma has a lot to offer, and that I needed to tap into its opportunities. George was a big supporter of me. I will miss him terribly. – Joe Coan I only met George once, but I’ll never forget him. The universe is at a loss. – Joseph Cote Learned last night of the death of my friend George Bakan. I’ve known him a couple decades now, since I was a young activ-
ist. We advocated and organized together on marriage equality and other LGBTQ civil rights causes and campaigns. George is a longtime hero to the LGBTQ community and a legend who owned and ran the local journalistic powerhouse, Seattle Gay News. He was not the go along, get along type – he made his opinions known (that’s probably an understatement), pushed when things weren’t moving fast enough, and his persistence and tenaciousness was one of his great qualities that helped win many battles for equality. I will sorely miss him. We lost another LGBTQ community hero in Shaun Knittel right at the end of last year, who worked with George at SGN for a long time. Let’s make the two of them proud by redoubling our efforts to fight like hell for equity and justice with the same force and passion they did. – Josh Castle I was so sorry to hear of George Bakan’s passing. He was a great man, imbued with a drive for Gay rights and social justice, second to none. He was a maverick, an iconoclast, overbearing, and a sweetheart. His smile and his laugh could fill a room. He died at his desk demanding social justice. He and the paper he owned played an oversized role in making Seattle one of the world’s most Gay-friendly cities. That is no overstatement. George mentored many a young activist, and in word, photography, and organizing, his spirit will live on through them. He lived for justice and the fight for it. I do not believe in coincidences, even in death. I will take it as meaning that he could lay his head down for the final time secure in the belief that a new generation is rising that is committed to the values he preached for so long. George, you were heard. You paid a heavy price. Rest now. Others will carry your burden. – Joshua Friedes I did not know George on a super personal, intimate level as many people in Seattle’s LGBTQ community did. However, I did cross paths with him on numerous occasions at different fundraisers, events for marriage equality, civil rights marches, and even just simply evenings out for drinks. George was a sweet, kind soul the times I interacted with him, but he had a fire deep inside him that kept him forever marching against injustice and intolerance of any kind in our community. Seattle is forever indebted to him for his many years of not only fighting for equal rights, but for the many years as publisher of the SGN newspaper. Rest easy, George. A life well lived! – Joshua Morrison Just learned that George Bakan, Publisher and longtime Editor of Seattle Gay News, passed away at his desk while writing a letter to the City about police brutality on behalf of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ leadership. George was a passionate, fearless, speaktruth-to-power leader in our community. I have been frustrated by and relished in every conversation I’ve ever had with him, and I came out the better for each of those talks. He will be missed terribly. Thank you, friend, for your enduring work for equality. Rest in Power. – Judi O’Kelley May you find peace in your rest, George Bakan. – Julian Wheeler A fixture at every event, George was always there working for the LGBTQ community. He will be missed. Fair winds and following seas. – Julx Carey I am a 76-yr-old Trans activist from Stonewall. Thanks to this man for all he did. – Judy Bowenwiener Yesterday morning, I woke to a message from a dear friend asking me to call them as soon as I got the message. It was sent at 12:50am, and I woke at 8am. When I called Maggie Bloodstone, I found out that our community had lost one of the pillars, who has held it up for as long as I have been alive, had died. George Bakan, a true badger of a man with the tenacity of a shrew who was never afraid to stand up for what he believed
Celebrating 46 Years!
was right and needed, passed peacefully, asleep, in his chair, at work, at Seattle Gay News. George is part of almost every story involving the formation of a group or a movement in the Seattle Queer community, and even his adversaries respected him. He was known for inspiring the best in others, and in often getting them to write for the paper for “free,” meaning he had a line of credit with every restaurant in town that would get you fed if you were hungry, and that was something he extended to anyone who he saw needed it. He would fiercely defend the community and often ask people the questions they didn’t realize they needed to ask. He was an activist, and he was a friend. He fought alongside Marsha Botzer to see the Trans community represented in Washington, DC, when we as a community marched but the rest of the nation wanted it to be the GLB March on Washington. Together, they made sure that the contingent for the Pacific Northwest was the GLBT contingent, filing and paying for separate permits to make that happen. He knew everyone, and he knew how to get things done in this community. He had adversarial relationships with some of the other leaders, because he spoke his mind and it wasn’t always to say the popular things. In fact, often it was to point out what he perceived as blind spots. He could be insufferable in that regard, but in reflection, you always could be glad he pointed out what you had missed. Our community was stronger with him in it. He saw talent and potential in so many people in our community. He saw the work of Nate Gowdy when he was freshly in Seattle from Indiana, and put him to work. Now Nate produces some of the most iconic photos of revelers and revolutions. He expanded the voices of Reverend Mother Superior Theresa Nervina and Mark Finley with columns in the SGN that ran for years. He stood for what was right. He stood for the underdog. He will be missed. It is fitting that he would pass in the middle of so much going on because he always liked to be at the center of everything. George Bakan was a friend. I will miss seeing you and miss hearing you bellow. You are one of the icons of Seattle, and we are lessened without your presence. – Justice Aaron McCartney George gave me a job and helped me out when I wasn’t at my personal best. He never judged, but he sure gave his opinion. I broke down in tears when I learned of his passing because he was a true friend during one of the roughest parts of my life. His temper was fiery, but he only got mad about the things we should all be mad about. I have to say that I’m glad he literally died doing what he loved: standing up for what we should all believe in! He was a brilliant political strategist, an incredible communicator, and an ardent advocate of anything he thought was just. I would say, “Rest in Peace,” but that would not be George. He was a man who – always and forever – championed the concerns of the disenfranchised, the marginalized, the unheard, the unseen, and the unknown. Our community has lost one of our greatest elders. I personally believe I know where he’s gone. And to George I now say, “Give ’em hell up there!” – Justin Craig
George, it’s hard to believe you took off during all this. You and Cookie look out for us all, okay? Rest in Power, good friend. – Kate Tossey
He was a powerful force. – Laura Mansfield
George Bakan, you always made me feel beautiful. Thank you for your many years of support. Sweet dreams. Aloha, mmmuah! – Katrina Duall
That was an era to remember. Who didn’t rush to get the latest version of the SGN on Friday? Always so generous and supportive, I will miss George. – Leah Schulz
George was larger than life, and his leadership and dedication cleared the path when it felt hopeless. I was honored to be involved in efforts with him, and the SGN was there as a voice for rural areas as well. He has left a legacy. PFLAG Skagit’s condolences to his family and friends. Blessed be his memory. – Kathy Reim
RIP, brother. You truly helped a lot of people. – Lee Newgent
RIP, dear one, you will be missed. – Kay Zimmerman The community as a whole will feel this for some time. – Kelle-Irene Marie Phillips Rest in Paradise, George Bakan. You were a true hero in our community. Thanks for leading the way, and give Shaun Knittel a huge hug for me. You will truly be missed. – Kelsey Ward Robinson Godspeed, dear friend. – Ken Cameron So grateful for George. He took the time to pull me aside and help inform my allyship journey. He didn’t need to, but he did. Beautiful man. Rest in Power, George Bakan. – Kevin Douglas Hockley George Bakan was a mover and shaker in Seattle’s LGBTQ scene. The very first “Gay” thing I did when I moved to Seattle was pick up a copy of Seattle Gay News. The newspaper is still, mysteriously around, as full of coverage as ever. Perhaps even thicker than it used to be. RIP, George! – Kevin Fansler We have lost a hero and an icon! I am so shocked and sad. I moved from Billings, MO, in 1989, and didn’t know a soul. Each week, the SGN made me feel like a part of the community before I had any friends and before I bartended at six Gay bars, It was the height of the AIDS epidemic, and as I developed some wonderful friendships during these early years, we all ran to get our copy of the SGN fo find out with dread who the next ones taken from us were. The SGN provided obits and photos. It was such an important service in those sad, sad days. I didn’t always agree with everything the SGN put out, but it was our paper! A little bit of what we were, where we were going, and who we are today died with George! RIP. Job well done! – Kirk Robertson Oh wow, RIP, George. – KJ Dugluv So sad to hear this news. Seattle has lost a great man today! Thank you for all the kind words you always had to say to me. Your love and support for our community was unmatched. Rest in Paradise, George Bakan. You will be missed. – Kristopher Zello
Oh dear, how sad. George became my friend during the Hands Off Washington campaign in 1995. I am very sorry to Hera this sad news. – Karen S. Cooper
George’s passing is very sad. A real loss. – Kshama Sawant
What a loss for my beloved Seattle community and all who knew George Bakan. I met this amazing man shortly before my 25th birthday when he offered to help me promote an event I was planning to raise money for Lifelong AIDS Alliance. His passion and dedication to helping the community, raising awareness, and fighting for justice are not only impressive, but the growth and success of Seattle’s Gay community can be attributed in many ways to actions of this great man. RIP, George. May your legacy continue! – Justin Mueller-Mireles
NOOOOOOO. – Larry Renshaw
Sad news. – Kari Derrick George Bakan, you always made me feel comfortable and accepted. – Karl Reyes
Goodbye, my friend. – Lamar Van Dyke
So sorry to hear about the passing of my friend, George Bakan, longtime Publisher of the Seattle Gay News. George was one of my early mentors and favorite people to organize and fight with. He knew what he thought and never resisted sharing. He was one of the few people I knew who had such strong beliefs yet was open to talking about them and changing them. He considered it. growth. Wow, those discussions could be vexing and frustrating and enlightening and funny. He was generous to a fault at the same that he was a businessman balancing on the edge. George’s death marks the end of an era for me. Luckily, my emotions are filled today with great memories of being “in the fight” with George. – Laurie Jinkins
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RIP, George. – Lawrence Cummings
It’s such a sad day for Seattle and the movement. Brother you represented us well, and we thank you for that! Rest in Power, George! – Lee Serrano I am writing to my GLBTQ friends who go back to the mid-90s. As you know, George Bakan died recently, and we are still in shock. George was the Editor of Seattle Gay News and a really smart guy. He was actually a Rhodes Scholar. [EDITOR’S NOTE: George was not a Rhodes Scholar.] If there was ever an event in our community that was fundraising for “you name it,” he was always there and involved by donating ad space in the paper or financially. When we started Hands Off Washington in the mid-90s, we were trying to combat the hatred that was infiltrating our state by a man named Lon Mabon. Mabon and his cronies of such “wonderful” organizations like Focus on the Family and others were behind him. They did not stand a chance against the powerful organization we started together with George Bakan and so many other brilliant minds on our board of directors. George was indeed featured in my 1998 documentary, “We’re Here to Stay,” about the history of Hands Off Washington and the politics of hate in Washington state. It premiered at the Paramount Theater in 1998, and was also in the Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s Seattle Queer Film Festival that same year. George was kind enough to accompany me whenever a college class would request to show my film and learn about our history. He never minded that I would ask. Thank you, dear George, and may you Rest in Peace. You have done enough, and you have done a great job. It’s our turn to keep the fire burning and to never give up! – Liz Latham Despite his idiosyncrasies, George knew our community better than most, and most of his ideas were spot on. He will be missed. – Lonnie Lusardo He was a strong voice when the community most needed him. RIP, George. – Lori Matsukawa George was an icon in this community who lived, ate, and breathed LGBTQ civil rights. He was cantankerous, difficult, passionate, unwavering, and always there to lead a battle, speak out, rant, challenge, and be in your face. I met George in 1983 at the Puget Sound Women’s Peace Camp. He was proud that Seattle had an LGBTQ business association, he never missed a meeting of the GSBA Public Policy Task Force, and he loved the GSBA Scholarship Fund. The LGBTQ community in Seattle and Washington state will not be the same without George. – Louise Chernin Shalom to family and all he touched on his journey of serving others and bringing the community voice to life. Well done and rest well, beloved. – Lynn Geiger So sad to hear about George Bakan’s death today. This is a huge loss for the Northwest’s LGBTQ+ community. As Editor of the Seattle Gay News, he promoted and supported many nonprofits, and shared so many great stories of our amazing community! I remember George always being around since before I officially came out in 1980. Such an impressive and committed man. You will be greatly missed! – Lynn Grotsky
June 26, 2020
Rest in Power, George Bakan, Publisher of Seattle Gay News, the third-longest consistently running Gay newspaper in the country. It’s taken a few days to write this: a tribute to a man with a huge heart and and the holder of a wealth of knowledge about Seattle’s – and the world’s – LGBTQ history. George was bigger than life. He stood up for the rights of the marginalized. When I was a new activist in Seattle, it was George who I always went back to for the backstory or the history of anything that was happening. He was the first person I called and then sat down with at Gaybucks on Capitol Hill to talk through my run for office. I will miss being able to sit down with him and talk through ways to make things better for all of us. You could always count on George for honesty and not to candy-coat anything. Ever the true journalist, he would tell more than one side of any story while still making clear where he stood. He was a father figure and mentor to so many of us. He always made folks feel included. I remember when I first got onto Seattle’s LGBTQ Commission and several younger commissioners would see George at events. They were kind of afraid of him because he was direct when he either wanted to make sure we were working on something. I told those young commissioners he was a big papa teddy bear who really cares and has been fighting this fight for so many years. I told them to learn from him as I did. George stood up for the Transgender community before most other LGBT folks would. He not only stood up for us. He would amplify our voices whenever possible, inviting us to write about our journeys and to share about our experiences. He also showed up, and was a truly caring activist. We have now lost both he and Shaun Knittel. Lookout after-world or heaven or whatever you want to call it – I’m sure those two will be stirring stuff up in that realm fighting for the good cause. I loved his stories, his candor, his laugh, his orneriness, his generosity, his fighting spirit. The thought of him not being here is hard. The best thing we can do to honor George is to keep fighting for the rights of the marginalized, giving voice to the stories and showing up as much as we can! – Mac S. McGregor I love you so much, George. You were one of the most important people in my life for the 16 years I’ve worked at the SGN, and now there’s a big George-shaped hole in my heart that I doubt can ever be properly filled. You encouraged my writing and my performing, and made me feel valued and appreciated. Even when you drove me crazy on a regular basis and when we we fought sometimes, we always got over it and kept going. You gave so many of us not only jobs but a sense of belonging and self-worth. I will never be able to feel that I did enough for you and the SGN, and I hope you knew what you did for me. There are LGBT kids coming out in the Seattle area who will never get to know you or know how much of what they’re able to do as Queer individuals is thanks to you and people like you, many of whom are gone as well. You made the journey possible for so many you’ll never meet. I’m so glad you were happy the last time I saw you last Friday. You were watching your granddaughter’s virtual high school graduation, gushing about how smart she is. You were also so enthused about people standing up and getting back into the streets again – people who will also never know how much you contributed to the history of activism and social justice in Seattle. I will be thinking of you every day for the rest of my life, and I just wish I would have had the chance to say goodbye to you, Saint George the Obstreperous, Stoker of the Activist Flame, Tender of Grass Roots, and Chronicler of Queerness. – Maggie Bloodstone RIP, George Bakan. Thanks for being you and for blazing trails for all of us. – Maggie Metcalfe
Seattle Gay News 25
Remembering George In the late 70s and early 80s prior to AIDS, George, me, Harvey Muggy, Don Moreland, Dennis O’Mahundro, Ed Estes, Ray Lewis, and others had big campaigns underway to register voters on Capitol Hill. Week after week we set up the card tables in front of Bailey/Coy Books and registered voters. Sometimes, we spent time at the Off Ramp (owned by Don and Harvey) to discuss our strategy. George was patiently documenting every week how the campaigns were progressing. First, Ray Lewis ran for the state legislature and then Harvey Muggy. George and I spoke frequently about documenting the history that he had so patiently recorded in the SGN. I hope someone will undertake the task. George was thorough and kind to all who passed through the struggles, especially the devastation of the AIDS epidemic. He was a precious soul, and he will be missed. RIP. – Maralyn Chase I’m still numb – like a punch through the heart. George Bakan, I am so happy to have been able to call you a friend, brother, and teacher. You always gave the best hugs. Your impact on Seattle and the entire Gay culture can never be praised highly enough. We were truly blessed to have you here with us. Thank you. Give Shaun Knittel and my baby girl, Sr. Karma Za Betch, hugs when you see them for me, K? Love you!! – Marcos Chavez III A very awesome and kind man. RIP, George Bakan. – Marcus LoRe Heartbreaking. George was dedicated, passionate, and a larger-than-life activist and personality. – Marcy Bloom Rest in Power, George. – Mardi Moore The world has lost a great civil rights activist. Rest in peace, George Bakan. – Maria LaFollette-Bruno I’ve just learned of the sudden passing of George Bakan, Publisher and forever icon of the Seattle Gay News. He was a champion and powerful voice of the LGBTQ community, and his death is a huge loss for the entire region. I valued his advice and collaboration when I worked in the arts and advocated for marriage equality, and always enjoyed seeing him at a variety of events and galas. I will remember him as a keen observer, a looming and quiet presence, and a patient listener. I suppose it’s fitting that’s Pride month – George lived Pride every day. I appreciate that the news cycle is demonstrations and pandemic 24/7 these days, but I hope my colleagues in local news will give George his due. RIP, George. – Maria Lamarca Anderson I met George Bakan in 1982 [EDITOR’S NOTE: This was actually in 1983] at the Pride march and rally at Volunteer Park. He was sitting beside another beloved sincepassed activist and SGN photographer, Cookie Hunt. The two of them, along with Rick McKinnon, were among the first Queer community people I met when I first moved here to Seattle from the Midwest. We later met up at the Pride Festival on the Hill. We would chat about class issues between Gay men and Lesbians – spirited conversations at times. The last time I saw George was at an Aging With Pride event last year. I feel fortunate that I met George when I did. He had such devotion to journalism. politics, and social justice. With Larry Kramer’s recent passing, it would be neat to keep their chutzpah alive and loud to carry forward into this generation. – Marla Nonken Sad to see you leave us, George Bakan, but I can only imagine that you are in a happy place somewhere over that rainbow. Every time I see George at our shows and events, I never pass the chance to go hug him. Always genuine and friendly, he reminded me of Santa Claus. Your love, support, and fight for us to have a voice will never be forgotten. You have been a hero for the community, and we will miss you.
26 Seattle Gay News
Alofa atu mo oe. – Marion Malena
Rest in Power, George. – Marko Liias I have a very heavy heart this morning. A local icon, a true pillar of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community for decades, and a man who gave me a voice for over 15 years has left us. George Bakan, a truly singular man who was determined, frustrating, giving, always keeping things going, was the owner and Publisher of Seattle Gay News, one of the few remaining actual print LGBTQ+ newspapers in the entire world. George came into my life during my first Pride in Seattle. He helped put me in contact with the right people, as he was always want to do. He was happiest if he could get things done in our community. He knew everyone and was great at getting people together; and if it helped him and the SGN out in the bargain, so much the better. When I first started writing here in Seattle, I hopped around for a year with a few publications that didn’t last. Finally, George saw me one day and said, “Come write for me. You can have an entire page just for yourself, if you’ll take on some of the theatre reviews and will tackle the celebrity interviews, like I know only you can.” How could I say no? Because of George, my Yo Mom column became a citywide “must read” as much as Dan Savage in The Stranger. I wasn’t acting as much at the time, so it was great to stay involved with theatre in some manner. After hitting some home run interviews with, truth be told, old friends of mine (Sandra Bernhardt, Harvey Fierstein, and Lily Tomlin), press agents started contacting George to book interviews. He loved it! I worked for the SGN for over 15 years – for free! Another amazing person George brought me in contact with was a photographer he had just brought on who he had very high hopes for. Boy, was he right! I raise my glass to you, George! Keep the party going until we get there!! George Bakan, RIP. – Mark Finley
believe what an entertaining, news-filled paper it was. I had never seen such a representation of community on paper. It helped define my Seattle experience! I didn’t know this gentleman, but what a profound loss. – Max-Jayde Romero George Bakan was such a giant in the LGBT community. Publisher of the SGN, major activist in the community, a fixture at Pride events – I could go on! When I was a little baby activist on Capitol Hill, he graciously put up with me adding last-minute press releases and announcements for events, fundraisers, actions, and meetings in the paper. He even frequently printed my letters to the editor. Apparently, he was found at his desk at the SGN this morning. How fitting. I love you, George! – Meighan Flynn RIP, friend. – Micah Reynolds So sad to hear the news of the passing of George Bakan! Your work in and for our community here in Seattle will have an impact forever. Thank you for helping to document our LGBTQ community and for providing a platform for our voices for decades. Rest well, George. – Michael Allen Seattle lost an important figure today. One of the first friends I made when I moved to Seattle 28 years ago, George Bakan was Publisher of SGN, one of the last remaining local LGBT community newspapers in the world. – Michael Cornell George was always so willing to provide space in the SGN for all of our community drag, sports, politics, etc. He gave so much to our community. I hope that we will have others who work just as hard as he has over the decades. Seattle and the entire Pacific Northwest will definitely be missing a very strong community leader with his passing. – Michael Farris
George Bakan, the shining light and editor of Seattle Gay News, passed away at his desk writing a letter about police abuse – that was George using his last breath to make change. George was a pioneer in LGBT journalism, and when he spoke, his passion was clear to see. We wrote more than we spoke. To me, he was SGN2, and when I saw that in my inbox, it always brought a smile. SGN2, this truly breaks my heart. To all my sisters and brothers at Seattle Gay News, please know that you worked alongside a giant of our profession. – Mark Segal [Philadelphia Gay News]
George was a wonderful and generous community leader. He changed his viewpoint on some issues as he got older, and to his credit, he kept an open mind. He always had time to talk. Our Gay community owes so much to George. I can’t think of anyone who has done more for LGBT equality for decades, long before it became socially acceptable to be Gay. He will be missed! – Michael Hogan
George was a lion who stood for justice. He published my writing, and always gave his best critique – not that I always liked it, but I knew the place it came from. I hope his legacy is carried forth by a new generation of Queer communicators. – Mark Scanlon-Greene
I am incredibly sad to learn this morning of the news that George Bakan, owner and Publisher of the Seattle Gay News, passed away over the weekend. The SGN is the third oldest Gay newspaper and has been around since 1977, and George was reportedly hard at work right up to the very end, writing an article about police brutality in Seattle. I know time marches on, and if I’m getting older, then everyone else must be, too. But losing more and more of our community icons really hurts. George is another beautiful soul who I learned so much from about the history of our community and the history of Seattle, and who I fought many, many political battles with. Not always in the best of health the entire time I have known him, it didn’t seem to ever stop him. He knew how much he had survived, and he wasn’t going to be stopped from doing as much as he could for as many as he could with all the time he had been granted. He lit up when he smiled and laughed, but he could get serious when telling important stories. We fought against LGBTQ discrimination, organized for marriage equality, lobbied about blood donation policies, and more. And he was always happy to run a press release I sent to him. He mentored so many young Gays coming up around here, and he often looks like the grandpa in many a photo. I’m glad now that I chatted with him just a few weeks ago. It had to do with my City
Goodbye, George Bakan: Dreamer, Builder, Comrade, Friend! – Marsha Botzer Oh, this is heartbreaking! We loved George. Damn damn damn. – Mary Elizabeth Linford I just saw this news. George made this world a better place. Seattle is a little sadder tonight. – Mary Torcaso I got a couple of checks from SGN during my years in Seattle. Thank you, George Bakan. You’re part of my story, too. – Matthew Brackman George was my cousin, and it’s wonderful knowing about his support and strong advocacy for so many people. I’ll also admit that the curmudgeonly aspects of his personality run in the family. – Matthew Potter When I moved to Seattle from Dallas in 2001, I found my way to Capitol Hill (yes, at first I accidentally ended up in Queen Anne, lol), but finally found the Hill and happened to pick up an SGN, and it was epic! I couldn’t
June 26, 2020
Such a beautiful soul. May you Rest in Peace, George Bakan. – Michael Sullivan
work of all things, which felt like a strange mixing of worlds for me. I had sent out a press release, and noticing my name at the top, [he] gave me a call about how it had caught his attention. And, being George, he talked my ear off for much longer than I expected. But I learned a couple more stories, and I got off the phone with a big smile on my face. May your memory be a blessing, George. You helped change the world, making it a little better for the rest of us. – Michael Taylor-Judd Sorry to hear of George’s passing. – Michael Theisen I’m so happy to read everyone’s stories about my Uncle George, and I’m so glad he impacted everyone around him. – Michaela Hartelius-Gardner So sorry to hear this. George will be missed! Holding his powerful spirit in the light! – Mikala Woodward George was alway supportive of PFLAG, and published every ranting article I wrote and covered the events we helped organize. When we left Seattle, we were on the front page with a picture and article under the headline: “Mom and Dad Moving to Palm Springs.” He was a pillar of strength for many of us. – Mike Balasa Not enough can be said of George and what he did to inspire our community. He was such a great part of the fabric that wove our LGBTQ community. Rest in Peace. – Mike Dumoulin George will be missed. Heaven has gained another angel. – Mike Evans From one (former) LGBTQ publisher to another, Rest in Paradise, George. You were loved and admired. – Mike Schultz George was large and larger-than-life. He was argumentative, bombastic, opinionated, and often outraged, but always on the side of those who needed a man like him to fight on their side and be a champion of the voiceless. He didn’t just focus on LGBTQ issues; he was a voracious reader of politics and would opine on them all in any conversation. He didn’t suffer fools lightly, and you needed to be on your toes to step up with your voice as well. Our community has lost a leader. May the SGN remain a vital force to continue his legacy. – Miryam Gordon Yes, the rumors are true. My mentor and good friend, George Bakan, died in his office chair this past Sunday evening. I had just spoken to him this past Sunday afternoon, and he was in good spirits. I have known George for about 15 years. In 2016, he invited me to come and help at the SGN’s office, and four years later, I am still here. I needed a mentor at the time. He helped me, was always impressed with my creation of Unite magazine, and embraced collaboration. I escorted him to many events over the years, or would see him and he would have a hug for me. George was like a second father, and I will honor him the best way I know how, and that is through my love of community. – M.K. Scott He was legendary. Wherever you are, George, rest gently but give them hell! – Mona Smith George was committed to justice for all people. As a young leader, he pushed me to stay focused on those with the least. As an older leader, he supported my work and pushed me to push others. I valued our conversations, even when they were critiques. He will be greatly missed. – Monisha Harrell Ohhhh this makes me very sad. I felt so honored to be at the same table as George for many a meeting. A real loss for us all. – Monica K. Corsaro
Celebrating 46 Years!
A true hero is now beyond the rainbow. – Monica-Niki Fox Elenbaas Ohhhh my god … I am so sorry to hear this. – Moseeba Gal George Bakan never stopped the SGN listing for “SisTahs-2-SisTahs. For that, I am truly thankful. George, peace be with you. ASE! ASE! ASEOOOO! – NaaSira Adeeba George was – Nancy Nugent
a
very
nice
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Sad day for Seattle. – Natalie Reber George Bakan, longtime Publisher of Seattle Gay News, radically changed the course of my life when he took me on as the newspaper’s photographer at the start of 2011, despite the fact that I had zero experience with a camera and identify as straight. He not only kept me afloat financially and encouraged me in those first few years of my career, but he was family: truly a grandpa figure. He liked me from the beginning (and I think I really won him over the first time I came back with photos of attractive, shirtless men). His loyal staff was always quick to let me know that he perked up whenever I’d visit the office, always with a smile and a loud “Heyyyyyyyy, here he is, the boy wonder!” Greeting me. I only got into two yelling matches with him, both during a hard time for both of us. Most of us have our own George story. Privately, I’ve always mused to friends who don’t know him that he’s “grumpy Gay Santa.” It was always in your best interest not to cross him or to get him going too much (which was impossible), but at the same time, there was always that knowing twinkle in his eyes. Always. He was profoundly smart, and he knew history. I’ll miss our dinners catching up. He loved to share stories from back in the day, and my favorite was when he told of a raucous barn party out in the country where queens – in high heels, of course – made their entrance, each slipping in manure, which brought the roof down with laughter. He’d laugh just thinking about it. I’m fuzzy on the details, but he also loved to tell the one about visiting his ancestral town in Croatia, and of the reception the locals had given him, as he was the first of his name to return after Nazis had corralled the large family and burned them alive in their home years and years before. I didn’t expect I’d be writing about my patron saint tonight, but I don’t think any of us has expected anything that’s happened this year. It’s heartening to know he was happy in his final days, excited by the momentum of the protests and in their potential to effect lasting change. He lived the life of an activist in every sense of the word, merging it with community journalism to do good. Believe it or not, I was very shy before becoming a photographer for him. His embrace of my work made all the difference in my confidence (or lack thereof, at the time) in engaging Seattle’s Queer and gender-diverse communities. Through him, I found my voice, community, and support in ways I never, ever, ever, ever would’ve imagined for myself. I feel self-absorbed in relating about someone’s life by speaking about it through my own lens, but the fact is that I have no idea what my life would look like without George (or Rudolph George, as his license read) Bakan. Knowing the man radically changed me. My favorite image of him, a veteran, was from the night DADT was repealed on September 29th, 2011. I’d hopped onto the bar for an angle of the jubilant crowd in the room, only to realize the happiness on George’s face said it all. – Nate Gowdy RIP, George Bakan. Your contributions to the Gay community in Seattle will never be forgotten. – Neil Hopkins George Bakan is my dad’s cousin, leader in the Gay community in Seattle, a strident trident and aggressive activist, and as I’ve come to accept as a family trait, a gentle giant. I’m so saddened to hear of his passing, and lament that he and I didn’t get to know each other better. When we first moved to Seattle, he and I had pretty regular communication. He was thrilled that I was actively involved with the LGBTQ+ community in Seattle, and added me as a contributor to Seattle Gay News (though, to be totally fair, I’m not sure
I actually directly contributed anything). Our communication has dwindled as my life got busier here, and I am kicking myself for never taking him up on meeting up with him. He was brought up a Mormon (he baptized my dad) and supported me when it became clear that I was distancing myself from the church. It was a challenging time, and I’m so grateful for the support he offered. He was a leader and a legend. His larger than life presence will be missed among the activists and allies he empowered and gave a voice. He died at his desk, truly doing what he loved: writing a letter about police abuse. What an apt way for this man to spend his final moments: speaking out against the social injustices he spent a lifetime fighting against during a month that celebrates the people he lived to support. – Nerissa Millo Hobb George wrote me the sweetest notes. Peace to George and all who love him. – Nicole Francois
for all of us in our community. I will miss his sweet and cranky ways, and I will definitely miss that friendly twinkle in his eye. I know his story will live on. – Paul Torres I am brokenhearted to learn that a dear friend and voice of conscience has passed. RIP, George. – Pete Holmes Wow, he died in the saddle, so to speak. He was a tall figure in Seattle’s Gay history. God bless! – Peter Hiatt I’m very sad to hear about the death of fellow community leader George Bakan. He always had a smile and a compliment whenever I would see him out and about at events. I will truly miss his presence, and the community is a better place because he helped shape a better future for all of us. A good man taken too soon. – Philip Sternola George was one of a kind. May he Rest in Peace. – Phyllis Lavalle
I met George a few times. Very sweet man – a little wacky (in a good way) at times. RIP, George. – Nick Collins
George was a force for good in Seattle’s LGBTQ community, which will not be the same without him. – Que Areste Estavia
I only met him one time, but he was so nice to me. – Nick Lamphier
George was a class act and a tireless advocate for LGBTQ people in our state. He will be missed, and going forward, I urge all my activist friends to remember his legacy. Rest in Power, George, and thank you for everything you did so that people like me could have a seat at the table. – Rebecca Lane
George was a pillar of our community, and will be greatly missed by us all. – Olivier Santos Get a test from my boss this morning that we lost him. Big loss for the community. – Omar Santana I’m so sad to learn of the passing of a dear friend, George Bakan. There aren’t enough words to describe this Gay rights leader, affordable housing advocate, owner of Seattle Gay News, mentor, and friend. I learned so much from George, and will miss his sweet smile. – Patricia Throop To be forever remembered with respect. – Patrick Haggerty Such sad news. RIP, George Bakan. – Paul Corigliano RIP, George. – Paul Richmond George always had a great story to tell. Whether it was about his past activism, his family, or politics, his emotions came shining – and sometimes breaking – through. I loved accompanying him to many events throughout the years. The film festival events were always a joy. As the years went on, I observed a slight weariness in his gait, so I did not mind grabbing him a beverage or a few slices of pizza at an after-party event. It was then that I realized that I had a great appreciation for my friend and for what he has done for Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. What a heart-wrenching loss to no longer get to hear his stories. I really enjoyed writing for the Seattle Gay News. The SGN offered me opportunities above and beyond I thought I could have as a journalist. I had a true outlet to write. Yes, it was entertainment writing for the most part, but I believe this is a vital aspect of our community. I was proud to represent SGN when I covered a music festival, a concert, play, or interviewed local talent. The great giant soul of Mr. George Bakan was not just its Editorin-Chief, he was the Chief of Capitol Hill and the Chief for Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. My life journey is at a crossroads right now, and I cannot be in Seattle, the city I love, to be there one-on-one with friends to honor him. The last time I saw George was in September of last year. I was at the SGN’s office in a cluttered room with George at his desk. He quickly greeted me with his cheerful, “Hello, Paul!” And then just as quickly, went into a minutes-long conversation about that hot city council election and two certain candidates. He did not mince his words about his opinions about the candidates. This final conversation summed up everything that George stands for: sincere pleasantries, straight-to-the-point opinions, and a strong and steadfast intelligence. This is what held up the SGN this long, and what held me up as a writer seeking a place to write. He stood up
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So sad to lose George Bakan. What a loss. – Rachel Wilsey I’m devastated to hear of your passing, George Bakan. You changed my life and mentored me as I freelanced for SGN. Some of my best journalistic articles, including of President Obama’s visit to the UW, were published by you. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to social justice. May you always Rest in Peace, good sir. – Rahul K. Gairola George Bakan was one of our pioneers and one of the sweetest humans. I will always remember his kindness to me, especially when I first came out in 2009. Heaven is getting pretty crowded. My heart is with everyone who loved him. – Rasha Pecoraro Condolences to my Seattle 2S-LGBTQ family as they celebrate the life and legacy of the giant in Seattle’s Queer history!! – Raven E. Heavy Runner I will miss George. – Ray Neal Blessed be, George. – Raymond Vitale There are a few people I’ve known in my life who were so impactful in the work they did that it never occurred to me that they would die. George Bakan was one of those people. The seismicity of his work and presence on behalf of the Gay/Queer community cannot be overstated. I bought my first copy of Seattle Gay News in 1981 when I moved to the Pacific Northwest. George kept that publication going until it became the third-oldest Queer newspaper in the nation. He showed up at City Council meetings, demonstrations, conferences, and important gatherings to make sure he represented us. This irascible man moved mountains. May he Rest in Power. – Rebecca Lane Yesterday, I stood over George Bakan’s desk. I touched his chair. I could not think of a better end for my mentor and friend. He died doing the thing that meant the world to him in the place that came to be home to many, including myself. As a reporter for Seattle Gay News, he took a special interest in my work. The Arts and Entertainment section was/is the paper’s bread and butter, but George was most interested in telling the stories of the LGBT community and in chronicling its history. As Managing Editor, he allowed me to choose my own assignments, and together, we encouraged new talent to grow. He also gave me the freedom to shake things up every once in awhile. The man loomed large over my life those several years. While his temper is often
June 26, 2020
cited by some, he was mostly a gentle giant, and his intentions were always pure. He had ideas galore, and his mind was always working. What I will remember most are his stories. I could listen to hours and hours of his memories and reflections about the LGBT community – stuff you won’t find in any history books. However, he never spoke ill of anyone. He loved to feed people and was very generous with his time. I’m sure he bought me a couple hundred dollars in food and drinks while I was under his employ. He also had a pantry full of food that was free to anyone who needed it. It is hard to think of the Seattle Gay News without George at the helm of his beloved paper, but provisions have been made and his legacy will continue. I think there will be no greater tribute to him than to continue to share the journey of the region’s LGBT community for decades to come. – Renee Raketty George Bakan, you paved the way for so many of us. Every time my husband and I ran into you, no matter the mood or setting, it felt like running into a grandpa. I always enjoyed sharing Navy stories with you, and will never forget teaming with you in our efforts to destroy DADT a little over a decade ago. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. Thank you for the impact you’ve had on my life. – Reyes Soler-Lozoya George contributed A LOT to the community, and gave us a forum for all things social, political, and fun. – Rich Anaya George was a true force in the community. – Richard Conlin I’m saddened to hear of the loss of George Bakan, longtime Publisher of the Seattle Gay News, tireless activist, and quite a character who was also generous and big-hearted, and was always in the right place and for the right causes. We first spoke in the early 90s when he called me out of the blue to ask why Queer Nation wasn’t endorsing Pride (we were strict about that kind of thing). I had a hard time explaining that, but we maintained a friendly relationship ever since. I submitted a lot of articles about Queer Nation and Bigot Busters (and even Tel Aviv Pride) to the SGN, and he published them all, sometimes on the front page. And he was super generous with ad space as well (probably to the paper’s financial detriment), even printing the Bigot Busters hotline number as filler. He also provided office space to SEAMEC at a discount. He ran a side business of cheap airline tickets back then, too, but it got me to the NGLTF conference in LA in 1992 and the March on Washington in 1993. He also might have traded in computer parts, since the SGN’s office was (and is) a nightmare of old computers, not to mention goodness knows what else. In recent years, I did (and still do) copyediting for the SGN. It was (and is) hard to get paid sometimes (um, often), but he would also throw concert tickets and restaurant gift cards my way. And, of course, it goes without saying that for probably 50 years or more, his heart was always in the right place: on the side of Queer community and other minorities. He was a tireless activist – sometimes cranky, other times in good cheer, and always up for a conversation or debate. – Richard Isaac I always liked George. I did not know him well, but came to know him in the mid-1980s pertaining to my involvement with the Gay Games, Seattle’s Orca Swim Team, and the development of the LGBTQ sports movement in Seattle. George was always very receptive and helpful, even though I was “a jock.” He was good people, RIP, George Bakan. – Rick Peterson May you Rest in Peace, George. You surely lived a life that was bigger than most. Your unceasing activism changed Seattle and the Gay community in many ways. – Rob Killian George took a chance on me when I advertised in the SGN, and I am grateful for that. He has helped and inspired the Gay community in a multitude of ways, and will be sorely missed. – Rob Tripp
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Remembering George Omgawd! I loved George! He included and posted our small Gay community center in Mount Vernon as a sponsor once in the SGN years back. He was a super great guy! Gonna be missed! – Ronnie Lidstrom RIP, my sweet uncle!!!!! – Rose Hightower So sorry to hear to hear that we’ve lost George. Prayers for him and all his family and friends. – Robert Lee Bushman George was a man who inspired so many. For a simple country boy, he had such a giving courage to reach for more. God blessed us all with George Bakan and his lifelong efforts to make the world better! – Robert Surreal George Bakan, thank you for everything you did for this community. You will be missed. – Roberto Garcia I raised a Pride flag for him today thinking of so many of us who worked closely with him. I just saw him not more than a couple of weeks ago. It’ll be hard to imagine Capitol Hill without George. – Rod Hearne I was looking at George’s Facebook profile Sunday night, thinking about him and checking out all the people he’s connected with. I found a few folks to whom I wanted to send friend requests. George loved his work, the SGN, and the community. He was a giant and one of the great co-conspirators of our movement. I’ll miss the opportunity to chat and argue now and then. – Roger L. Winters George was a force we should all aspire to be. – Roger Nyhus RIP, George. You were amazing and did amazing things for the LGBTQ community. Love and Light to you. – Roland Clark My thoughts and prayers go out to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community and to the family and friends of George Bakan. He was a pillar for equality and civil rights, and was a very passionate, colorful, eccentric, loud, and gentle man. George brought me in as a designer for Hands Off Washington in 1996 and shortly after, as a designer/writer for our beloved Seattle Gay News, which I was proud to be a part of for over a decade. He was definitely like a father figure to me, which I ultimately appreciated more than he knew. I find comfort knowing he passed on peacefully at the helm of the SGN during Pride Month. See you on the other side, George, and give a big bear hug to Faerie Terry Kennedy for me. – Ronnie Perkins This breaks my heart. George was such an amazing man. – Roxy Doll I’m so sad to learn of the death of a great Seattle friend and pioneer in the LGBTQ community. George Bakan was a truly great man, and I had the honor of knowing him. He was the Publisher of the Seattle Gay News, a wonderful publication that spread joy to Seattle’s Gay and straight communities. May you Rest in Peace, Friend! You’re in a better place now. – Ryan Hazy Mr. George Bakan, may you Rest in Peace. – Sahara Dior D
the news and while pages were still full of obituaries for young men felled by HIV. It felt crucial. Tom Flint and Cookie Hunt worked so hard. And as most things he was involved with, George didn’t make it easy; like Friday mornings, when staff lined up first thing at the bank or check cashing places to try to beat the check George wrote to the printer the night before, draining the SGN account before your own paycheck could be cashed. Later, George had my City Council office number on speed dial – sometimes with a question, sometimes with a long historical and political explanation of something that he felt needed to happen. George never stopped. He believed in his bones that Pride was a reason to celebrate AND march (wearing soooo many beads) because injustice persists. That he passed away this month and at his SGN desk is both odd and kind of perfect in that celebrating his complicated life and legacy becomes part of Pride. – Sally Clark I knew George, too. – Sandy Nelson OMG. Very sad. Truly the end of an era… – Sarah Luthens George Bakan is sitting in heaven looking at George Zander saying, “Ain’t that some shit,” while looking at those of us still kicking it. For the March on Washington in 93, he managed to leverage his airline contacts to get cheap seats to DC for about 30 folks. We sold “Queer Scout Cookies” to get there. Seattle and Washington state represented, and I was able to lay a panel on the AIDS Memorial Quilt for a friend who had died. George was an icon, and many either loved or hated him, but he was a champion for fairness and equality. Rest in Power, George. Thank you. – Sarah Scanlon George Bakan. I really have no words, but I am going to try. I wrote Shaun Knittel’s obituary for George and the SGN after his untimely passing – it was too close to me as a journalist, but I did my best to do his life and legacy justice as he would have done for me. Now, George has passed, and as much as I want to write something profound in dedication of his memory, I think I’m still in shock. George was always quick with a quip or history lesson – even when I was in the middle of deadline mode and really had no time to pick up the phone. “Call me,” and then he’d put his number. A few days later, I’d eventually call. I’d try texting first – nothing. Then I’d try messaging on Facebook. The response? “Call me,” and then he’d put his number. When I eventually picked the phone up and stopped staring at my computer, we’d talked for 45 minutes about whatever was on his mind. George was always supportive of my creation and production of The Seattle Lesbian. He always wanted us to collaborate and work together as a team – and we did. In between his musings and my questions, he’d ask me about my wife, Stephanie, and our daughter, Sophia. Always happy with a chuckle and some off-color remark about something, I sure will miss his humor and heart. A few weeks ago, we spoke about partnering on some new initiatives, and were going to chat after his surgery. To the staff at Seattle Gay News, I am here for you. Anything you need. George, I just have no words. – Sarah Toce
George Bakan would revel in the posts appearing over the past many hours since he died. He would hold court, and then he would likely – happily and sternly at the same time – lecture on a piece of advocacy history lost in the stories being told about him. George was my boss in the early 90s when working at the SGN felt like a critical calling: a way to somehow expose the dangers of the Lon Mabons and others flexing to drive LGBT people back into the shadows. George was often an unpredictable puzzle. He made it possible for me to go to the March of Washington as a freelancer by virtue of his travel agency side hustle pre9/11 (I can’t recall the name on the airline tickets, but it wasn’t mine). Then, I became Editor of SGN and joined the ragtag crew in the office – before the Internet became
I’ll always be grateful to George for figuring out a way to get cheap tickets (there was something slightly under the table about it) and paying for them to fly the entire Seattle Queer Nation contingent to Washington, DC, for the March on Washington. So generous! – Scott Plusquellec
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George was a force. He will be missed. – Scott Walden Seattle has lost a voice and a leader. George’s contributions to the LGBTQ community of Washington cannot be measured. He was one of the first people I met in Seattle when we moved here in ’07, and one of my first Facebook friends. You’ll be missed. Rest in Power, George. – Seán Kendig
We are saddened to hear of the passing of George Bakan. For over thirty years, George dedicated his life to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices as the head of Seattle Gay News. We were fortunate enough to recently work with him as one of our Census ethnic and minority media grantees. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family! – Seattle Department of Neighborhoods We have very sad news to report: Publisher of Seattle Gay News and LGBTQ activist George Bakan died yesterday. George has been reporting and editorializing and fighting for Gay civil rights for decades. A big, teary-eyed toast to a pioneer. Salud, Mr. Bakan. – Seattle Gay Scene Our hearts go out to George Bakan’s family, friends, and team at Seattle Gay News, for which he oversaw operations and served as its Editor-in-Chief since 1983. He was truly a force of nature, and he fought tirelessly for LGBTQIA+ rights. His passion was felt deeply by everyone who knew him. George was a prominent figure in our community – named as a Seattle Pride Parade grand marshal in 2009 – who will always be remembered for his work, for lengthy phone conversations, and for his passion. We are so thankful for everything that George fought for over the course of his life. George, you will be missed. – Seattle Pride This beautiful human… – Seth Sexton Taking a call from George meant setting aside a half hour of your day and often receiving an education in Seattle’s LGBTQ history. The last I saw him was at a Generations Aging with Pride event—he hadn’t changed a bit, holding forth with urgency as always. Rest in Power, George. – Shaun Vinyard I worked with George in 1998 on the NWAF (Northwest Access Fund) walk. He will be missed. – Sheila Hoffman I am terribly saddened by this news. I loved George. I counted on him, too. – Sheila Stickel My dear friend George Bakan died yesterday. George, your incredible contributions to the LGBTQ community and your tireless stand for human rights and equality for all people is acknowledged, and we will miss you. – Sophie Kat Yesterday in the early hours of the morning, our order lost a longtime supporter and advocate. The Publisher of Seattle Gay News, George Bakan, passed away in his sleep. He will always be known for giving a voice to the voiceless. Our order owes a deep debt of gratitude for giving us space, for encouraging our voice by giving our founder a weekly column, and for being there whenever we needed him. He will truly be missed, and our community is lessened by the loss of him. He was there for us when Angele Merici and Ambrosio de Membro Sancto tried to start an advocacy group for Queer elders opening the lunch room at the SGN for our meetings. He was there with a word of encouragement whenever our spirits were flagging. He was a dear friend to the order and to me personally, and he shall be missed. He fought valiantly for the things he knew in his heart to be right, and if he thought you were wrong, he would tell you. He also would tell you when he felt you were right. He was always one to push to get things done. – Sisters of the Mother House of Washington So sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was such a treasure and blessing. – Stella Brese My good friend George was one of the most influential leaders for LGBTQ rights in Seattle’s history, and he stood for the rights of all people including African Americans. George’s compassion extended to more than minority groups. He advocated for homeless people, and many other marginalized communities. He was a grassroots person,
always on the frontlines bringing leadership, resources, and inclusion to all the issues. His impact was huge, and his legacy will remain a part of our hearts and minds forever. – Sherry Harris George’s takeover of the SGN paper coincided with my moving to Seattle. He was a fixture of the community, and I’m so saddened to lose him. – Stephen Barrett George was an icon with a huge heart. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. – Stephen Schlott Back in my youth, I was quite the activist. Even though it was published in black and white, every time a pic with me appeared in the SGN, there was always a little red heart on my left pec. I don’t know what that little spot color treatment cost George, but it was so sweet. I will never forget that. I’m going to miss him. – Steve Crandall Seattle has lost a legacy in the decadeslong fight for LGBTQ equality. George was a pillar of our community with his stewardship of Seattle Gay News and his presence at just about every community event I’ve ever attended. His impact will not be forgotten. Rest in Power, George. – Steve Gunn I worked for the SGN for a little over a year in ad sales. While George and I didn’t always agree, I never once doubted his commitment to equal rights or the cause of humanity. – Steve Mansur George was a good man, and I cherished our relationship and time together. He did many great things for the community. I love him. – Steve Tracy OMG! George Bakan passed away? Knew that man for 40 years. Hope SGN survives. – Steven L. Kendall The stories I could tell about George and working at the SGN… – Steven Miller George was one of the go-to guys for me during the marriage equality campaign here in Washington state. His knowledge, experience, tenacity, and strong opinions he pushed and fought for earned my respect for sure. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in Seattle and Washington state’s LGBTQ community. George was a fixture. – Stu Hidalgo This is sad news. – Sue Evans George supported so many protests and causes. He is a hero, and I was lucky to work with him on marriage equality. RIP, George Bakan. You never gave up. – Stuart Wilber Rest in Power, Peace, and Pride, George Bakan. – Sue Hyde What a giant George was in our community. He contributed so much to us, I thought he was immortal. I’m proud to have been his compatriot, and his passing makes me think that Barbara Bailey is up there to meet him at the golden gates. Heaven is in for some mischief!! – Suzanne Thomas Goodbye, George Bakan. Thank you for the SGN and for your years of activism and service to the LGBTQ community. – Tamara Vining RIP, George. Those were the days. – Tara Morgan Mulvenon Oh, George. I had the pleasure of getting to write for him back in the day. Huge heart. – Taylor Meyer The world lost another great man: George Bakan, a pioneer in the LGBTQ community. This is a loss for our community. Rest in Peace! – Theresa Dipinto RIP, George Bakan. Thank you for a life well lived and for many battles fought. – Thomas Rantz
Celebrating 46 Years!
I met George online so many years ago on one of the early hemp.net mailing lists, and I rode with him up to Bellingham to a cannabis political event. We had a great conversation. He was a great guy and an amazing journalist. I was sad to hear of his passing, but not at all surprised to learn he was found at his desk. I was glad to you know, George Bakan. Rest in Love and Power, brother. – Tim Crowley
Thank you from George Bakan’s daughter
This really breaks my heart. George was a wonderful man, a tremendous supporter of Seattle for decades. Truly a huge loss for the community. RIP, dear George. – Tim Morse-Normington Thinking of George Bakan today after his death Sunday night. I’ve worked as a freelance reporter for Seattle Gay News off and on for the past 15 years. George was the Publisher and Editor dating back to the 1980s. He had a hand in almost everything the community did, from AIDS in the ‘80s, Pride, ending the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, same-sex unions and marriage in Washington, helping LGBTQ politicians across the state get elected, and so much more. I didn’t know him as well as many others who’ve shared memories this week, but we had some good times together. As a news reporter for SGN, I learned so much about the local LGBTQ community, making many new friends as a result. I will miss him greatly, and I know many others will, too. – Tim Peter
“I would like to thank the community for the extraordinary outpouring of love and support for my father and his legacy, the Seattle Gay News. My daughter, Julia, and I now have the great privilege and responsibility of maintaining his legacy and the historic mission of the paper to be the voice of the community. We are daily involved in the operation of the paper, and are in the process of substantially increasing distribution and enhancing every aspect of the paper’s operations, including its online presence, which will be significantly updated within the month. We remain open to the community’s suggestions for improvements, and express our gratitude for offers of volunteer support and encouragement. Please join us in celebrating the life of my father, George Bakan, and the Seattle Gay News by working with us to represent the voice and interests of the community. With Love and Appreciation, Angela Cragin, Daughter of George Bakan
George may have been the most influential advocate for LGBTQ rights in Seattle’s history. He spanned decades and generations in this community. – Tom Rasmussen What a sad day. RIP, George Bakan. – Timmy Gilmore I’m so sad to hear of the passing of George Bakan: my friend and the owner and Publisher of Seattle Gay News, the third oldest LGBTQ newspaper in the country. What to possibly say about George to adequately capture his sense of resolve, advocacy, irascibility, and commitment to advancing all things Queer. Generous to a fault with his time and resources, and never afraid to voice his opinion, engage in a fight with a friend, or change his mind when faced with something new or inconsistent. The phrase “Why not?” will always remind me of George. Every single King County LGBTQ politico for decades owes George a debt of gratitude for his efforts on their behalf to get a seat at the table. Of course, once you had that seat, George would always remind you of what you owed the community in return. One of a kind, a belly laugh I always appreciated, a fighting spirit we will all miss. Rest in Power, George. – Tina Podlodowski I want to pay tribute to a longtime friend, mentor, and confidant – longtime Editor of the Seattle Gay News, George Bakan. George and I worked in the same space on many groups and projects, including GSBA Public Policy Task Force, Approve 71/ Approve 74, SEAMEC, the AIDS Memorial Pathway, Fighting for the Majority, and a few more I know I’m missing. We first got to know one another when I worked for Equal Rights Washington. He would call me there and begin every call with “Pitchford!!!” And then would proceed to spend the next 45 minutes telling me about the way they used to do it back in the day and telling me how we should do it. One night, he invited me to drinks at Purr, where he told me everything, from his family’s history in Bellevue to the very start of the movement in Seattle. He was there for it all. George could be a curmudgeon and pain in the ass, but it was always with an eye to what he saw as the betterment of our community. And he was an old-school newsman who made sure information we needed got out there. They broke the mold when they made this talkative and opinionated, yet always caring and loving man. As we mourn you today, George, we also celebrate you and thank you. The world was truly a better place with you in it. – Thomas Pitchford George dedicated his life to Seattle’s LGBT community, and never stopped fighting for justice. – Tom Page
Photo by Nate Gowdy
Angela Cragin – Photo by Courtney O’Niel
George Bakan did many, many favors for our dear little Gay church, Emerald City Metropolitan Community Church. RIP, George. You are a real hero in my book – Tom Thompson
RIP, George Bakan, longtime Seattle LGBTQ activist and Publisher of Seattle Gay News. He was hard headed at times but in the end, his heart for the LGBTQ community was in the right place. – Ty Love
I only met George B. a couple times, but he struck me as a true character motivated by a passion for justice, equality, and community. He will be missed. – Tom Yetman
I’ve known George since the 80s. He was as political as you can imagine, with his heart in it for the little guy. This world will miss him enormously. – Tyler Preston
This news breaks my heart. In the late 80s and early 90s, George always supported everything I did. This is a huge loss for Seattle’s LGBTQ community. Rest Peacefully, George. – Toni James
For so many years during my career, we were the printers holding the press and waiting for that cashier’s check last century. It was a good one. Rest in Power, Mister Bakan. You made a difference. – Vickie Marie Stolsen
George was definitely dedicated to those most marginalized in communities – every community. I do hope that George’s writings are archived as much as possible so that future generations can begin to see the legacy he left for all of us. – Tony Radovich A legend lost. – Tom Connell My heart aches. Prayers to friends and family and to a community that needs support during this unfortunate time. I had the opportunity to know George – he was an amazing man and an icon to Seattle’s LGBTQ community. – Traci Konop Nichols Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. Sending love to all. – Trish Garcia Mulligan George was a Rebel. Rebels get movements for change started. They point wrongs in our society before other people see them. Without rebels, movements fizzle and die. Whether George was at the front of the ACT UP march demanding funding and compassion for HIV/AIDS treatment, or whether he was insisting that all people should have the same rights in the pages of the Seattle Gay News, he was a relentless activist for equality. Washington state had may firsts, and George was instrumental in many of those firsts. At parties while the rest of us were talking about our day, our kids, and life in general, George didn’t let up. He was working the crowd and agitating for change. I know a lot of activists. George was the most effective rebel I have ever met, which means he could be annoying as hell. But we enjoy rights today that trace back to his door. – Trent Steffen
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George will be sorely missed as a pillar to the community. – Vickie Pratt I remember George fondly from our Bigot Busters days. – Vicky Keinman So sorry to hear this sad news. Prayers. – Victor B. De Los Santos George Bakan: We first learned of each other when I arrived in Seattle and decided to stay to act in Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart. When that six-month gig ended in 1986, I started a theatre with Jayne Taini, and George gave us extensive coverage. Our second show as The Task by Caitlin Sullivan, a writer at SGN. Her play was about Peg, a single mom (let’s call her “bi-curious” to simplify), her BFF (a lesbian), and Peg’s 15-year-old son. George loved that TRIAD Ensemble Theatre (TET, like the TET offensive – he’d say, “Do a play about ‘Nam!”) did work about the homeless, religious wars, and AIDS – from Gay playwrights with Gay characters. George was always with us. When there was a political action involved George would buoy me up. I faltered once while addressing a crowd, saying, “I’m just a theatre director. I’m not a doctor, professor, or activist, and I bring so little to the table.” George called out, “You bring as much as anybody here, and we need what you bring more than ever!” I believe him. And we also did the Vietnam play in ’91: Mitch Hale’s Bao Chi, brilliantly directed by Jayne Taini. I left the theatre for the music world, and it loved me back more financially. Activism continued because “the work is never done.” I saw more of George in the last few years. His work with Nate Gowdy inspires me
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because Nate acknowledges George’s big influence on him. GSBA honored George a couple years back with a lifetime achievement award. It’s glorious to see generations stand up and applaud this mountainous warrior of a man. I look around at the world today, and I hear George reminding us not to suffer the setbacks, but to fight them. Thank you, George. “The work is never done.” – Victor Janusz We mourn with the community the loss of George Bakan, Editor-in-Chief of the Seattle Gay News. George was a pioneer of LGBTQ rights in Washington and a fierce advocate for his community. He worked tirelessly to preserve the history of our community in Washington. May he Rest in Power and may his memory inspire us to continue working with and for our community. – Washington State LGBTQ Commission A true warrior, yet a gentle giant. He will be sorely missed, but must always be remembered. – Wendy Kubas A big loss. – Wendy Reynolds George will sure be missed. Such a contributor for so many years. – Wendy Wartes George was a shepherd for us as we navigated the move of Pride to downtown/Seattle Center. This is a big loss. – Weston Sprigg George Bakan, Rest in Peace, my good man. You’ll forever be one who was extremely influential in Seattle’s decades of support for the LGBTQ community. – Will Swigart Yakima Pride mourns with the community the less of George Bakan, Editor-in-Chief of the Seattle Gay News. – Yakima Pride I had just spoken with George for the first time about two months ago. I cold-called him about a project I’m working on, and he couldn’t have been nicer or more encouraging. I’m sad to hear this news, and will make a point to read more about his life and work in the days ahead. – Zach Powers George, you was good people. You knew that power yields nothing without a demand, and were in the struggle. I remember the last time I saw you on a warm evening last summer on the street in Capitol Hill… – Zeke Smith
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