Issue 23 Volume 38
Celebrating 37 Years!
PRIDE CALENDAR p. 5
self-defense p. 16
SHIRLEY MACLAINE p. 25
Seattle Gay News
FRIDAY June 4, 2010 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
cherie cullen
retary Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to troops on two different days and at two different locations – a stark contrast to the policy their boss, President Obama, has supported. Obama, the commander in chief of the U.S. military, fully supports a repeal of the 1993 law that disallows Gays and Lesbians from serving openly in the armed forces. On May 28, just one Defense Secretary Robert Gates day after the House of by Shaun Knittel Representatives voted to end the SGN Staff Writer DADT law, Gates said in a message to servicemembers that any The nation’s top uniformed mili- change in policy would first be tary officer and highest-ranking preceded by a thorough Defense civilian told troops that a possible Department review and would re“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) quire final approval by him. repeal is not imminent. The comments were not made in a joint statement; instead, Defense Secsee DADT page 18
When the House voted to pass legislation last week that could begin to unravel the Gay military ban, there was cause to celebrate. Headlines across the country told the tale of jubilation. However, as historic as the vote for repeal may be, the cold, hard truth is that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), the 13-year-old law requiring Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals to keep mum about their sexual orientation, is alive and well. The estimated 70,000 Gays and Lesbians currently serving in the armed forces are still required to “shut up” or “get out.” To date, over 14,000 have been booted out because they were “caught” being Gay or Lesbian. The “compromise” between the Obama administration and Congress, with Pentagon top brass having their say as well, has got many Gay and Lesbian servicemembers – active duty and force-retired see sailor page 20
zambiawatchdog.com
Steven Monjeza (l) and Tiwonge Chimbalanga
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Steven Monjeza and his Transgender partner, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, recently convicted and sentenced to 14 years’ hard labor under Malawi’s anti-Gay laws, were pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika on May 30.
They were released from custody the same day. Mutharika announced his decision shortly after meeting with U.N. Secretary General Ban Kimoon. “The secretary general told the president rather strongly that the current controversy was having a negative effect on Malawi’s repu-
tation and obscuring the progress it had made in other spheres,” said a member of the United Nations delegation speaking on condition of anonymity to the Associated Press. Ban also addressed Malawi’s parliament, telling the legislators that their president had made a “courageous decision” to grant the pardon. “It is unfortunate that laws that criminalize people on the basis of their sexual orientation should still exist in some countries,” Ban said. “This outdated penal code should be reformed wherever it may exist.” Legislators sat in stony silence while foreign diplomats in the gallery above cheered and applauded. Even as he was pardoning the couple, Mutharika said that he would uphold his country’s antiGay laws. “In all aspects of reasoning, in all aspects of human understanding, these two Gay boys were wrong – totally wrong,” he said. “However, now that they have been sentenced, I as the president of this country have the powers to pronounce on them and theresee malawi page 18
Reyes Lozoya (l) and his husband in the photo that triggered his discharge from the Navy under DADT
Col. Grethe Cammermeyer named to Pentagon panel file photo
Malawi couple pardoned, may seek asylum abroad
courtesy reyes lozoya
Gates and Mullen IT STARTED WITH A KISS – say DADT repeal Kirkland sailor’s nightmare not imminent
Retired Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer from Washington state
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer On June 2, Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Clifford Stanley announced the appointment of retired Reserve Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). Cammermeyer, an out Lesbian, served 31 years in the military prior to retirement as Washington
state chief nurse. Cammermeyer burst onto the national spotlight in 1989 when she challenged her discharge under the military’s anti-Gay regulation and exclusion. In 1995, a made-for-television movie adapted from the autobiography Serving in Silence was aired. Cammermeyer continues to be an active advocate for LGBT equality and a recognizable name in the see cammermeyer page 18
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Celebrating 37 Years!
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Deadlines Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the SGN office All others - Tuesday 5pm
Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Tom Flint (retired) Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, James Whitely, Tim Peter Contributing Writers Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers Nick Ardizzone, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by JT&A, Inc. © 2010, JT&A, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.
Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
Anti-Gay bigotry a trick to deceive the naïve by Wayne Besen SGN Contributing Writer
a relatively respectable record on LGBT issues. However, in his bid for the U.S. Senate, Kirk veered to the right, which included It was once a speculative cliché to say that posing as a homophobe. Now that he has rabidly anti-Gay individuals were actually been exposed as a fraud, one wonders if the closeted, self-loathing homosexuals. But Teabaggers will still consider him their cup of tea. thanks to an avalanche of Those Another maxim that hypocrites, the notion appears to be accurate is quickly becoming who have genuine is the one that says, a truism. Last month, the na- family values never utter the “Those who have tion alternately cackwords “family values.” genuine family values never utter the words ‘famled and cringed when virily values.’” ulently homophobic “researcher” Seriously, how bored with your spouse, George Rekers was photographed at Miami International Airport with an attractive hus- dissatisfied with your life, and spiritually tler he met on RentBoy.com. The good doc- empty do you have to be to unctuously pator, who had testified in court against LGBT rade your family as a prop on the public people adopting children, said he only hired stage? The most recent lowlife squirming under the young escort to “lift his luggage.” Before the laughter over the Rekers ruck- the family values banner is Rep. Mark Soudus subsided, another anti-Gay phony was er (R-Ind.) who announced that he would reunmasked for his baloney. Activist Mike sign from Congress because he had an affair Rogers outed Congressman Mark Kirk, (R- with a woman on his staff. He follows in the Ill.) after the closet case voted against the footsteps of Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), Sen. repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Accord- Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and Gov. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.). When will voters finally wise ing to Rogers: “Kirk voted against repealing Don’t Ask, up to these religious racketeers who sell a Don’t Tell, despite his being a closeted Gay morality mirage? Just as Gay-obsessed anti-Gay activists are man in the military. As a commander in the Navy Reserves, Kirk has voted to keep a often Gay, and holier-than-thou politicians policy that, if he were investigated under it, are likely to be having sex with everyone but their spouses, one should also be leery he would be tossed.” Prior to his unconscionable vote, Kirk had of nations prone to attacking their LGBT
In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
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citizens. While these countries pose as beacons of the biblical banner, their professions of piousness often mask moral mayhem. It seems that almost every anti-Gay nation is an authoritarian cesspool of corruption. Jamaica, for example, has been called one of the most homophobic lands on earth. The island’s prime minister, Bruce Golding, said he would not have an openly Gay person in his cabinet. Yet, it appears he, and nearly every other politician in Jamaica, is in cahoots with local mafia dons who deal in death and drugs. A story in Tuesday’s New York Times discusses this unseemly “arrangement”: In fact, money has flowed into those communities for decades, thanks to an arrangement in Jamaica in which politicians and dons share power. Through extortion and the drug trade, the dons provide security, and by steering contracts and other pork to the neighborhoods, the politicians count on the continued loyalty of voters. Where are all the outspoken fundamentalists who ferociously condemn Gays and make a big show about Jamaica’s values? We keep hearing how this island is a pristine “Christian nation,” but where are the Christians when you need them to stand up to endemic corruption? It seems these self-righteous cowards attack defenseless sexual minorities, while turning a blind eye to the most sordid transgressions of scripture. While the epidemics of murder and theft genuinely affect their families – Gay people do not. Yet the misled masses in Jamaica choose to focus on a non-issue like homosexuality, while disregarding factors that have kept their children mired in poverty and pain. Jamaica is not alone in using LGBT people as scapegoats to distract the public from naked political power grabs. Zimbabwe’s brutal dictator, Robert Mugabe, practically wrote the playbook on using Gays as political pawns when he once said they were worse than pigs and dogs. Uganda ‘s president Yoweri Musevini has clung to power for 24 years and uses Gay people to sidetrack citizens who might otherwise be upset that he has squelched democratic reform. In Northern Ireland, anti-Gay conservative parliament member, and the 58-year-old wife of the prime minister, Iris Robinson, had an affair with a 19-year-old male lover. While being Gay is normal and natural, homophobia is not. It is often a sickness or a deliberate distraction designed to deceive the naïve. And, nations with leaders that are homophobic often scream “perversion” as a smoke and mirrors diversion. It is time people woke up and realized that when someone is rabidly anti-Gay, they usually want you to look the other way.
Celebrating 37 Years!
PRIDE EVENTS U.S. FALLS BEHIND THE REST OF THE WORLD IN GAY RECOGNITION I regularly read in the LGBT press and in communications from various LGBT organizations that same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Mexico City, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. (reference: Sixty Percent Of Iowa Gay Marriages Between Non-Iowans by Rex Wockner, SGN, May 28, 2010.) Placing U.S. states on the same list as the countries mentioned above while leaving about 30 other countries off the list whose federal governments recognize same-sex unions, partnerships, registrations, etc. is misleading, and the press ought to get it right. The truth is that countries like the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Sweden, Denmark, and a bunch of other countries belong on the same list as Canada and Belgium; whereas, our few U.S. states with so called same-sex marriage do not belong in their company. To explain, same-sex civil unions in the U.K., for example, are recognized by the British Government, and same-sex partners there have the same rights with respect to
taxes, pensions, public and private benefits, inheritance, immigration, housing, hospital visitation, etc. as “traditional” heterosexuals marriages. Same-sex marriages in Iowa are not recognized by our U.S. Federal Government. Iowa same-sex marriages aren’t even recognized in Iowa when it comes to federal taxes, social security, and immigration. The same is, of course, true of same-sex marriages in Massachusetts and the rest of the list of U.S. states that sanction same-sex marriage. We shouldn’t diminish the progress we have made in this country, but we also shouldn’t imply that our progress compares with the progress made by a growing list of countries that have torn down the barriers of discrimination. The list of countries whose federal governments recognize same-sex marriage-like contractual relationships is significantly larger than the LGBT press reports, and this list does not include a single square foot of the U.S. The reality is that the U.S. is way behind and falling farther behind the rest of the industrialized world every day. The LGBT community as well as the larger American community needs to know this. Thank you for your consideration, Craig Norton
Voices Rising performance a “sheer privilege” courtesy voices rising
a black family touched by sickle cell anemia, the legacy of child abuse, and the dreams of black masculine women born in the fire of the 1980s, hip-hop, and the aftermath of the Black Panther Party. The featured artists of the May 29 show, Avery Young and Mami Watu, closed the show with their gospel, funk, and jazz style and decades of collective experience. Voices Rising strives to create a safe and nurturing community for LGBTQ artists of color and in so doing empower them to strengthen the whole LGBTQ people of color community as they raise awareness of the community and its issues within the community and beyond. Webber founded Voices Rising in July of 2007 as a program designed to promote and nurture the arts and culture of LGBTQ people of color, and to build community across cultures. Webber said she saw a real need for an arts project that would promote LGBTQ artists of color. “I saw many incredible artists who deserved and needed support,” Storme told SGN. “LGBTQ artists of color are often marginalized – [Voices Rising] is a place where we are celebrated.” Webber says her goal with Voices Rising is the same as those of the artists she nurtures: to “present fabulous, fierce shows where we celebrate together.” “I think [the show] was absolutely exemplary and I think it was the kind of art that was very inspirational because it is so outstandingly done. It’s just a great pleasure and joy to me,” Webber told SGN. The next Voices Rising is scheduled for June 26, at the Richard Hugo House. For more information, visit www.voicesrisingseattle.org.
Storme Webber
by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer Voices Rising May 29 Southside Commons Columbia City Voices Rising, the ongoing series of performances by LGBTQ performers of color, held its most recent show on May 29 at the Southside Commons (3518 S. Edmunds St.) in Columbia City. According to Tamika Jackson, a fan of Voices Rising, the production “brought together the hope and honesty of youth, strength of butch experience … and a critical analysis of culture and the foundational anchoring that can only be found at these events.” Performers included Mami Watu and Avery Young, emcee Chad Goller-Sojourner, Malkia Cyril, Mikeya Jackson Harper, and Storme Webber, the founder and organizer of Voices Rising. According to Jackson, all the performers were absolute showstoppers. “Emceed by Seattle native artist Chad Goller-Sojourner, I again was reminded that ‘church’ can be experienced anywhere, due to his giving of the opening poetry prayer and closing show benediction,” said Jackson. “I had never had the sheer privilege of hearing her [Mikeya Jackson-Harper’s] art. Young Mikeya’s reading had me on the edge of my seat. The strength of 10 lifetimes shines through in her work,” she said. Malkia Amain Cyril of New York City used song-inspired poetry to tell the story of
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CALENDAR
Johnny Crash, Mai Li, Marina Wiesenbach, Marita Isabel, Sebastian Velour, Mr. D., and hostess Diva le Deviant. Presented by the Producer’s Collective. Tickets are $12 in advance, prices increase at the door. For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets. com.
compiled by Rick McKinnon and Nick Ardizzone
UNCORKED GAY WINE TASTING AND LAUNCH PARTY FOR GAY CITY VOLUME 3 2010 SOAP PRIDE IDOL On Friday, June 11, at 5:30 p.m., join Every Sunday from now until June 20, hosts Roy Schaefer and Randy Shields on join Seattle Out and Proud (SOaP) at the the Garden Terrace at Continental Place 2010 Pride Idol competition at R Place (619 (2125 First Ave., 5th floor) for Uncorked, E. Pine St.). Doors open at 7 p.m., shows the 5th annual Gay City wine tasting extravstart at 8 p.m. This year, Pride Idol offers aganza, featuring the wines of Winebow. all of the undiscovered talent in the LGBT This year highlights the wines of Italy, accommunity an opportunity to shine in com- companied by fine comestibles. This event petition for cash and fabulous prizes! The also marks the debut of Gay City Volume 3: Wildcard Round will be held on June 13 Re-Pulped. Enjoy selections from the third and the Finals will be held on June 20. Win- collection of fiction, poetry, comic art, and ners will ride in the official Pride Idol Float photography, and meet some of the writers in the Seattle Pride® Parade. and artists. Tickets are $35 in advance and For more information, visit idol.seattle- $40 at the door. pride.org. For more information, visit www.gaycity. org. POZSEATTLE PRIDE SOCIAL On Wednesday, June 9, from 6-8 p.m. at The Cuff (13th Ave. and Pine St.), join the POZSeattle Pride Social. This month’s theme is “Pride.” Meet up on the outside patio for grilled burgers and dogs (we will have veggie fare, too) and all the fixings, socializing, catching up with old friends, making new ones, and a whole lot of fun. This event is free (except for the cost of beverages), and is for all HIV-positive men and their friends, regardless of age, shape, size, or color. Please spread the word about us! For more information, visit www.pozseattle.com. THE 9TH ANNUAL LAVENDER GRADUATION On Thursday, June 10, at 6 p.m. at the Don James Center (Husky Stadium, Mountlake Ave. and NE Pacific Place), come be a part of the 9th annual Lavender Graduation. This year’s ceremony features a keynote address by Dr. Shirley Yee (Women Studies) and a surprise student speaker, as well as the musical stylings of Team Gina. The Q Center and the GBLTC continue their tradition of honoring one ally, student, staff member, faculty member, and alum with the Q Visionary Awards. In addition, student artists will be displaying their many talents. Every year this proves to be an awesome, emotional, and ultimately raucous event. For more information, call (206) 8971430. SECOND ANNUAL QUEER TV SHOW WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF THE ‘80s On Thursday, June 10 at 9 p.m. at Julia’s on Broadway (300 Broadway E.), Diva le Deviant will host The Second Annual Queer TV Show: We Are All Children of the ‘80s. Be prepared to see the most entertaining, campiest, ridiculously ‘80s show of the year, featuring performances by Team Gina, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Aleksa Manila, Pidgeon Von Tramp, Ms. Luscious Ladypop, Vivian Rose, Randy Andy, Renten, Jayla D. Foxx, Miss Cherry Tart, David Coppa Feel,
UNDERWEAR FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER On Saturday, June 12, at 9:30 p.m. at R Place (619 E. Pine St.), the Seattle Frontrunners will present an underwear fashion show fundraiser. RUN AND WALK WITH PRIDE On Sunday, June 13, at 10 a.m. at Seward Park (5895 Lake Washington Blvd. S), the Seattle Frontrunners will host Run and Walk With Pride. With over 300 members, Seattle Frontrunners is one of the largest running & walking clubs in the northwest, and welcome all abilities. To register or donate, visit www.seattlefrontrunners.org/register. SEATTLE OUT AND PROUD’S SEATTLE PRIDE FAMILY PICNIC On Sunday, June 13, the Seattle Pride Family Picnic will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volunteer Park (14th Ave. and E. Prospect St.) at the amphitheater lawn. Sponsored by Seattle Out and Proud (SOaP), producers of the annual Seattle Pride® Parade, the picsee Pride events page 16
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INTERNATIONAL
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
Alex R.
A skinhead being arrested by the police at Bratislava’s first Gay pride
Skinheads attack Slovak pride At least 80 skinheads attacked the rally that preceded the first Gay pride parade in Bratislava, Slovakia, on May 22. The assaults injured two people and forced the relocation of the festivities. Member of the European Parliament Ulrike Lunacek reportedly dodged “stones” that were thrown at her as she addressed the rally. The attackers also threw smoke bombs and eggs at the approximately 1,000 celebrants. Police arrested eight people. Local reports said some were connected to the neo-Nazi group Slovenska Pospolitost. Pride organizers and some media faulted the police for failure to secure the parade events and route. Lukas Fila, deputy editor of the daily newspaper Sme, said, “Slovakia has experienced a day of shame.” Lunacek, co-president of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights, commented, “It has been an important victory that Bratislava Pride did take place – even though we did not march through the city center, but with hundreds of rainbow flags across the Danube bridge to the other shore.” “Radicals take up public space only when allowed,” Lunacek said. “The government’s duty is to work against nationalistic, racist, and homophobic hate speech and violence.” LGBT people also gathered for a pride festival in Bucharest, Romania, on May 22. It was the city’s sixth pride celebration. Member of the European Parliament Michael Cashman addressed the 350 celebrants. Anti-Gay protesters were “kept at bay by a strong police presence,” the LGBT Inter-
group reported.
has released the fourth edition of its massive “State Sponsored Homophobia” report. The most significant change in the new edition: One-sixth of the world’s Gays and Lesbians were emancipated when India’s Delhi High Court legalized Gay sex last July. “Compared to last year’s report, where we listed the 77 countries prosecuting people on ground of their sexual orientation, this year you will find ‘only’ 76 in the same list, including the infamous five which put people to death for their sexual orientation: Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen (plus some parts of Nigeria and Somalia),” wrote ILGA Co-Secretary General Gloria Careaga-Perez. “One country less compared to the 2009 list may seem little progress, until one realizes that it hosts onesixth of the human population, as the country in question is India.” ILGA said the 76 nations criminalize “consensual sexual acts between persons of the same sex in private over the age of consent.” They are: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, São Tomé and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, Gay sex is illegal in the Cook Islands (a self-governing democracy in free association with New Zealand), the Gaza Strip in Palestine, and Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey. “Naming and shaming homophobic countries is essential but it is also important to recognize countries where progress is being made,” said ILGA Co-Secretary General Renato Sabbadini. “For this year we are happy to see the federal district of Mexico City and Argentina joining the community of states and local authorities recognizing equal marriage rights to same-sex couples –
Group: Sweden is Europe’s Gay-friendliest country ILGA-Europe – the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – has named Sweden as Europe’s most pro-Gay country. The new edition of the group’s “Rainbow Europe Country Index” says Sweden is the only European nation that passes all the group’s tests in areas such as anti-discrimination protections, recognition of same-sex partnerships and parenting, hate-crime and hate-speech laws, and equal age-of-consent laws. The index will not start tracking Transgender issues until next year. “Our congratulations to [Sweden] for making sure its legislation and practices are fully inclusive and respectful of human rights of LGB people,” said ILGA-Europe board chair Martin K.I. Christensen. “Sadly, despite advances in many parts of Europe, we still experience human rights violations of LGB people in Europe. This year Russia and Ukraine are on the bottom on our index.” Other poorly ranked countries include Armenia, Belarus, Cyprus, Latvia, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland and Turkey. Rounding out the top five highest-ranked Seventy-eight percent were Belgium, Netherlands, Norway and support letting military Spain. Gays come out To view the entire report, visit tinyurl. Seventy-eight percent of Americans com/ilgaeuci. support letting Gays serve in the military openly, as opposed to their staying closeted ILGA: Seventy-six countries as required by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban Gay sex, policy. 7 have death penalty CNN and Opinion Research Corporation ILGA – the International Lesbian, Gay, polled 1,023 Americans by telephone May Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – 21-23 and released the results May 25.
an example of genuine inclusiveness, which will set the standard for many to follow.” ILGA is a 33-year-old network of 700 LGBT and supportive organizations from 110 nations. It identifies as the only international, nongovernmental, community-based association focused on fighting discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity as a global issue. To see the full report and maps as well as details on Gay equality around the world, visit tinyurl.com/ilga-ssh. Gays stage public action in Kazakhstan Seven Gay men staged a “flashmob” in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on May 17 in conjunction with IDAHO, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. They gathered near the KazakhTelecom building and handed out flyers and released rainbow balloons into the sky. A report from the participants said other Gay people watched the action unfold “from afar.” Police arrest, beat Transgenders in Ankara Five Transgender people were arrested and beaten by police in Ankara, Turkey, on May 17, the Pink Life Association and other rights groups reported. Pink Life said the incident happened near the post office on Baglar Street around 11 p.m. when police used their cars to block passage of a car carrying the Transgender people. Police allegedly pepper-sprayed 25 bystanders who objected to the unfolding incident, then took Buse Kilickaya, Derya (Selay) Tunc, Turkan, Eser and Yesim into custody, beating and kicking them in the process. “The arrestees were then forcibly brought to the Esat police station sustaining visible injuries, including bloody mouths and noses,” reported the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights. “[The Intergroup] strongly condemns the attacks, and will further seek to include mentions of these breaches of human rights by authorities in accession talks between the European Union and Turkey.” The Transgenders were released from custody the following day. With assistance from Bill Kelley
NATIONAL
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer “Support is widespread, even among Republicans,” said CNN polling director Keating Holland. “Nearly six in 10 Republicans favor allowing openly Gay individuals to serve in the military.” The poll found that women support letting military Gays come out at a higher level, 85 percent, than men do, 71 percent. The margin of error was 3 percent. With assistance from Bill Kelley
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Seattle Gay News
June 4, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
THIRD ANNUAL FORBIDDEN FASHION SHOW On Friday, June 4, at 9:30 p.m. in the Spanish Ballroom at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel (411 University St.), join Eduardo Khawam and Project Runway’s Nick Verreos for the third annual Forbidden Fashion Show, featuring the hottest international and national men’s underwear and swimwear brands, women’s swimwear, lingerie, and accessories. Dress to impress. Cocktail reception begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $35, priority seating $50, celebrity circle $50 at www.brownpapertickets.com. ENTRE HERMANOS’ LATINO PAGEANT 2010 On Saturday, June 5, Entre Hermanos will host their 2010 Latino Pageant at 6 p.m. at Seattle University’s Campion Ballroom (914 E. Jefferson St.). This annual pageant is the signature event of Entre Hermanos and brings together the Latino LGBT community and friends in a wonderful celebration. The pageant culminates with the selection of Mr. Gay Latino, Miss Gay Latina, and Mr. Lesbian Latina, who then go on to represent and create visibility and a positive image of Entre Hermanos. The pageant brings adults together to socialize, meet new people, and find a space where sexual diversity is valued. There will be dinner and a no-host bar. General tickets are $30, with special tickets $35 and preferred tickets $50. www.brownpapertickets.com/99957. For more information, call (206) 3227700 visit www.entrehermanos.org.
ticipating in the Seattle Pride Parade that day. The church encourages attendance of the Interfaith Pride worship service on Saturday, June 26, at 2 p.m., at All Pilgrims Church (500 Broadway E.). On Sunday, July 4, the church will relocate to the Chapel of University Temple United Methodist Church (1415 N.E. 43rd St.), with worship service at 11 a.m. SEATTLE JAPANESE GARDEN CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY On Sunday, June 6, at 11 a.m. the Seattle Japanese Garden will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the Washington Park Arboretum (1075 Lake Washington Blvd.). The formal celebrations are open to members of the public, who will receive complementary admittance to the garden to enjoy its beauty and displays of history, culture, and traditional entertainment from noon until 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.seattle. gov/parks.
PRIDE IDOL CONTEST AT R-PLACE Seattle Out and Proud (SOaP), producers of the annual Seattle Pride Parade, in association with Esurance, presents Pride Idol 2010, Seattle’s talent search contest to find the best vocalists in the area. The Pride Idol contest runs every Sunday through June 20. The contest will be held at R-Place (619 E. Pine St.), door at 7 p.m., contest at 8 p.m. Winners will be awarded cash and additional prizes and get to ride on the official Seattle Pride Idol float in the Seattle Pride FORBIDDEN FASHION SHOW Parade on Sunday, June 27. For more inforAFTERPARTY mation, visit www.seattlepride.org, call the On Saturday, June 5, from 9:30 p.m. to 2 Pride office at 206-322-9561 or email info@ a.m., join the models and talent behind the seattlepride.org. June 4 Forbidden Fashion Show for an exclusive afterparty at the Little Red Studio MEMORIES OF LENNY (400 Dexter Ave. N.) featuring drinks, dancBY MARTIN CHARNIN ing, and hot entertainment. Special appearFREE AT THE ance by Project Runway’s Nick Verreos. PARAMOUNT THEATRE On Monday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m., Seattle EMERALD CITY Theatre Group and Showtunes presents SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION’S West Side Story Stories – Memories of LenSPRING SEASON ny by Martin Charnin (one of the original Visit www.emeraldcitysoftball.org for in- West Side Story Jets) at the Paramount Theformation about the Emerald City Softball atre (911 Pine St.). The free event includes Association’s Open League for Gay and Martin Charnin’s personal reminiscences non-Gay men and women. Sundays through of Leonard Bernstein, and features a neverJune 20. before-heard reading of a 1987 conversation Visit www.eteamz.com/womensecsa for recorded at the Dramatist Guild in New York information about the Emerald City Soft- between Bernstein, Sondheim, Lawrence, ball Association’s Women’s League for Gay and Robbins, with Seattle actors portraying and non-Gay women only. Sundays through the four giants. Bernstein songs performed June 20. by a Showtunes cast member will round out the event. SHIFTING ARTS SPECTACULAR For more information, visit www.seatFUNDRAISING BRUNCH tlecelebratesbernstein.org. On Sunday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dunshee House (303 17th Ave.), join POZSEATTLE PRIDE SOCIAL SHIFT for the SHIFTing Arts Spectacular On Wednesday, June 9, from 6-8 p.m. at fundraising brunch. Take some time to ex- The Cuff (13th Ave. and Pine St.), join the press yourself creatively through art. Create POZSeattle Pride Social. This month’s a recovery project and enjoy some pancakes. theme is “Pride.” Meet up on the outside Art supplies will be provided, but feel free patio for grilled burgers and dogs (we will to bring along magazines or other materials. have veggie fare, too) and all the fixings, soCome whether you’re creative or not. cializing, catching up with old friends, makSHIFT is a peer recovery network sup- ing new ones, and a whole lot of fun. This porting dynamic recovery paths by uniting event is free (except for the cost of beverour LGBTQ community to experience free- ages), and is for all HIV-positive men and dom through empowerment. Learn more their friends, regardless of age, shape, size, about SHIFT at www.shiftrecovery.org. For or color. Please spread the word about us! more information, contact chris@gaycity. www.pozseattle.com. org. GAY SKATE PARTY AT MCC SEATTLE BECOMES BELLEVUE SKATE KING EMERALD CITY MCC SEATTLE – NEW MONTHLY DATE NEW WORSHIP TIME IN JUNE, On Wednesday, June 9, from 7-10 p.m., NEW LOCATION IN JULY enjoy an evening of roller-skating at BelleMetropolitan Community Church Seattle vue Skate King (2301 140th Ave. NE, Belhas renamed their church the Emerald City levue) at this monthly (2nd Wednesdays) Metropolitan Church Seattle, and starting LGBTQ community social event for friends Sunday, June 6, will be holding worship ser- and family. Cost is $10 at the door; $7 under vices at 11 a.m. The church will continue to 18 (a portion of proceeds benefit Dunshee meet in the Chapel of Temple de Hirsch Si- House). Regular skate rentals: FREE. Inline nai (1441 16th Ave.) throughout the month skate rentals: $4 or bring your own skates. of June, except, there will be no ervice on For more information and directions, call Sunday, June 27, as the church will be par- 425-458-4707. www.GaySkateSeattle.com;
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info@gayskateseattle.com. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dunshee House (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). The club is pleased to announce the following title to be discussed in their ongoing reading and discussion series: June – Maurice by E. M. Forster, an intense book about an ordinary college guy. Forster wanted to write a novel in which Gayness actually made a man better, and to tell a story in which the Gay hero didn’t end up swinging at the end of a rope. Though some critics at first dismissed the work as “minor Forster,” Wendy Moffat now calls the work “his one honest novel.” All GLBTQ folks in the community are welcome to participate in this free book club. For more information, email nickdimartin@earthlink.net or contact Dunshee House at 206-322-2437.
Two powerhouse speakers will show you how. Bill Tilden is the president of Alaska Airlines. He helms a variety of divisions for the airline including marketing and operations. David Paisley is an expert in LGBT consumer marketing for Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI) where he is the senior projects director. Washington State Senator Ed Murray will also be in attendance and will be making a special announcement. $32 for members and students, $37 for nonmembers. For more information, visit www.thegsba. org/events. 5TH AVENUE THEATRE – “A NIGHT AT THE 5TH” GALA CELEBRATION On Saturday, June 19, at 6 p.m. at the 5th Avenue Theatre (1308 5th Ave.), join the celebration at “A Night at the 5th.” This eighth annual Gala puts the spotlight on the 5th’s supporters and patrons with an evening that includes three acts of sophisticated fun. “Act One” is a cocktail reception in the theatre’s lobby, accompanied by catered appetizers and a silent auction of exclusive goods and services from the region’s best shops, wineries and businesses. “Act Two” features a live auction that includes such one-of-a-kind gifts as a cameo appearance in one of next season’s shows or even a special song composed just for you! The auction is accompanied by live performances by an all-star cast of 5th Avenue performers. Finally in “Act Three” join fellow patrons onstage for a champagne dessert, and feel what it’s like to be in the star’s spotlight for a night. For tickets or more information, visit www.5thavenue.org/support/anightatthe5th.aspx.
ROOSEVELT AND GARFIELD JAZZ BANDS On Wednesday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. at McCaw Hall (321 Mercer St.), two of the nation’s leading high school jazz bands (who happen to call Seattle home) will perform. Roosevelt and Garfield High School jazz bands again garnered the top prizes at the prestigious Essentially Ellington Festival. Garfield Jazz Band won first place, and Roosevelt received an honorable mention. You can hear both bands in concert as they perform the great jazz standards, including the renowned works of Duke Ellington. Please join us for an evening of outstanding music and celebration. The event is part of Seattle Center efforts to invite the community to activities on the campus that delight and inspire the human spirit. “Pay what you LIFE OF CAL ANDERSON can” – suggested donation $20 at the door to TO BE CELEBRATED benefit Garfield and Roosevelt High School IN PERFORMANCE AT Music Programs and Seattle Center FounCAL ANDERSON PARK dation. On Sunday, June 20, at 2 p.m. in Cal AnFor more information, visit www.seattle. derson Park, 1635 11th Ave., near the founcom. tain at the north end, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, Seattle Parks and FIGHT THE FEAR CAMPAIGN – Recreation and POWER of PLACE Youth FREE SELF-DEFENSE will present a short performance highlightWORKSHOPS FOR GAY MEN On Sunday, June 13, from 1-3 p.m., lo- ing the life of Cal Anderson to coincide with cation to be announced, Fight the Fear LGBTQ Pride month activities. Washington’s first openly Gay legislaCampaign, in partnership with the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Police tor, Cal Anderson was a decorated Vietnam Foundation, will offer a FREE class in ba- veteran who worked for inclusion, fairness, sic self-defense skills, including awareness, and participation in the democratic process de-escalation, boundary setting and fighting until his death from AIDS in 1995. He was techniques, and will also provide access to widely admired for his integrity, courage, resources for survivors of violence or abuse. and compassion. Presented in collaboration with the Cal To sign up for the workshop, you must register online at www.fightthefearcampaign. Anderson Park Alliance, the event is free org. Once you have registered, Fight the and open to the public. The event will be apFear Campaign officials will get in contact proximately 30 minutes in length and Parks officials will be in attendance. with you about the event’s location. For more information about the Cal Anderson event, e-mail randy.wiger@seattle. SEAMEC HAPPY HOUR gov. For more information about Seattle FUNDRAISER On Sunday, June 13 from 4-8 p.m. at Parks and Recreation, visit www.seattle. Changes in Wallingford (2103 N. 45th St.), gov/parks. join the Seattle Metropolitan Elections INSTRUCTORS NEEDED FOR Committee (SEAMEC) for a happy hour GAY CITY UNIVERSITY 2010 fundraiser. Enjoy menu and drink specials, Gay City hopes you’ll join them for the happy hour prices all day, plus raffles, gift baskets and silent auction. SEAMEC inter- 15th annual session of Gay City Universiviews, researches and rates candidates for ty on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Northwest School (1415 Summit Ave.). public office for the LGBT community. For more information, visit www.seamec. Gay City is seeking engaging individuals to teach informative and diverse classes to org. community members during our day-long event. This is an opportunity to teach a class GAY CITY UNIVERSITY to Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender men on NIGHT SCHOOL: the subject of your choice. No prior teach“PRIDE PREP RALLY” On Tuesday, June 15, at 7 p.m. at Gay City ing experience is necessary, just be passion(511 E. Pike St.), Gay City University will ate and knowledgeable about what you’re present Joanne Stekler, MD, MPH, who will teaching. Classes range in size from 10 to speak on emerging biomedical interventions 30 students, and are 75 minutes long, with for HIV, as well as new tests on the horizon. limited instructor spots. In addition to this Dr. Stekler is the deputy director for pub- day event, course proposals will also be lic health – Seattle/King County HIV/STD considered for Gay City University Night School, which happens a few times a month. Program. Courses can be accepted for both, and if you are chosen for GCU Night School, it is a GSBA BUSINESS LUNCHEON one-night event. TO FOCUS ON TRAVEL Proposals may be e-mailed (jordan@ On Wednesday, June 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel (1415 5th gaycity.org), snail-mailed (511 E. Pike St., Ave.), the GSBA will hold their monthly Seattle, 98122), faxed (206-860-0195) or Business Luncheon. How can Seattle lever- dropped off not later than 5 p.m. on Friage the estimated $84 billion LGBT travel day, July 2nd. industry for our region and businesses?
June 4, 2010
Seattle Gay News
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Mr. Leather title taken by disabled Transman
Suspect charged in Ballard hate crime
iml
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
As SGN goes to press, police spokesperson Renee Witt has confirmed that Daniel Woodward, 51, of Seattle, has been charged in an assault on a Transgender woman. The assault occurred at 3:50 p.m. on May 30, at 15th Avenue NW and NW Market Street in Ballard. Woodward allegedly approached the woman at a bus stop, yelled slurs at her, and punched her several times. She was taken to Ballard Swedish Hospital for examination after complaining of neck pains. Woodward was convicted of a previous hate crime in 2003. He was also convicted of an assault and a separate drug charge in 2004, and at least two other drug charges. In 2007, police caught him smoking crack under the Alaskan Way Viaduct. According to Witt, police are investigating the current assault as a hate crime both because of things Woodward is alleged to
have said at the scene and because of his previous record. Witt cautioned that the final decision whether to prosecute the assault under the state’s malicious harassment laws will be made by King County prosecutors. “We investigate it as a hate crime,” she said, “and then we send it to the prosecutor. They decide how to prosecute.” The suspect was arrested near NW 54th Street and 14th Avenue NW. According to the arresting officer, Woodward appeared to be drunk. “The suspect appeared intoxicated and had a strong odor of intoxicants,” Officer Trung Nguyen said in his incident report. “He would not respond to my questions of whether he understood his rights.” The suspect remains in custody at King County Jail. He is being held on $250,000 bail in the hate crime case, but he is also being held for violating terms of his probation in a previous felony conviction, and bail for that charge has been denied.
Peter Orlovsky, partner of Allen Ginsberg, dies
(clockwise from top left) Jack Andrew Duke, Lance Holman, Tim Starkey, and Tyler McCormick
Last weekend, Tyler McCormick took home the International Mr. Leather (IML) title, beating out 50 other contestants in the Chicago, Illinois competition. The second runner-up was Jack Andrew Duke (Mr. Texas Leather), and the first runner-up was Lance Holman (Mr. San Francisco Leather). The Mr. International Bootblack winner was Tim Starkey, of the Boston Ramrod. The announcement of McCormick, Mr. Rio Grande, New Mexico Leather as the winner triggered a veritable celebration onstage and in the audience for two reasons: McCormick uses a wheelchair and he is a female-to-male Transgender man. “When I first transitioned, I was told I
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Seattle Gay News
would never be accepted and that I would never be able to take my shirt off in public,” he said during the speaking round of the competition. “Standing here as a strong, confident leatherman is proof to the contrary.” Not only is he the 32nd man to hold the title, but he is the first man to do so from a wheelchair. “There’s a reason I go by ‘Leather Gimp,’” he said in a post-win interview. “You’re not going to offend me if you use words that are in your heart, but if you’re trying to be [politically correct], then lighten up a little.” The IML competition and celebration went on from May 27-31 and consisted of a wide variety of events, parties, competitions, and dinner celebrations. McCormick was announced as the winner on Sunday May 30.
June 4, 2010
photographer unknown
by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer
Peter Orlovsky (l) and Allen Ginsberg in an undated photograph
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Peter Orlovsky, lifelong partner of the late Beat icon Allen Ginsberg, died in Vermont on May 30. Orlovsky was 76, and had been battling lung cancer for several months. Orlovsky was born to poor Russian immigrants in the Lower East Side, and dropped out of high school in his senior year to support his family. He was drafted in 1953 and sent to the front in Korea, but transferred back to the States on orders from Army psychiatrists to work as a medic in San Francisco. Orlovsky met Ginsburg in San Francisco while working as a model for painter Robert La Vigne in 1954. He was 21, Ginsberg was 28. While their relationship was never monogamous, it lasted until Ginsberg died in 1997. In 1956 Ginsberg published his poem Howl, which became the signature work of the Beat movement. The next year, Howl became the subject of an obscenity trial when Ginsberg’s friend, poet and City Lights bookstore owner Lawrence Ferlinghetti, was prosecuted for publishing it. Prosecutors focused on one particular Gay-themed line of the poem, “who let themselves be fucked in the ass by saintly motorcyclists, and screamed with joy….” After the trial – in which Howl was ruled to be of “redeeming social importance,” and therefore not obscene – Ginsberg and Orlovsky moved to Paris.
There they stayed with William Burroughs, Gregory Corso, and other writers in a cheap boarding house that would become known as the Beat Hotel. Later Ginsberg, Orlovsky, and their Beat entourage traveled extensively in the Middle East, North Africa, India, and Europe. In the early 1960s, Ginsberg and Orlovsky traveled in India, studied meditation, and became fascinated with Indian religions. Returning to the US, they formed a cultural bridge between the Beat Generation and the hippies of the ‘60s. Encouraged by Ginsberg, Orlovsky began writing in 1957 in Paris. Ferlinghetti’s City Lights Books published a collection of Orlovsky’s poems in 1977. In 1979 he was awarded a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts. Orlovsky taught at the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University. The school was founded by Ginsberg and poet Anne Waldman in 1974. Waldman was a close friend of the couple, and was at Orlovsky’s bedside when he died. Describing the scene, she wrote: “By his side now, looking into his eyes told out love, I thanked him for his presence in our lives, his poetry his care and love for Allen, his work at Naropa. Ah, I thought a flash of recognition shivering through! slight movement of mouth, light coming in on his handsome face through the window now, and Judy singing om a hum vajra guru padma siddhi hum in crystal voice said ‘don’t be afraid.’”
Celebrating 37 Years!
Marriage Equality campaign debuts in Ireland by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
interwoven into Ireland’s family fabric and the government must move to recognize this fact.” Ireland does not currently recognize sameThe Irish organization Marriage Equality announced on June 1 that it is launching a sex relationships, but a Civil Partnership Bill national poster campaign to give “visibility is being considered by the Irish parliament. The bill would guarantee some to Gay and Lesbian families living The rights to both same-sex and in Ireland.” opposite-sex couples Titled “We Are FamGovernment’s Civil but would stop subily,” the campaign short of will distribute Partnership Bill ... continues stantially equal rights with posters depicting actual Lesbian to deny the existence of same- married couples. The bill is exand Gay couples and their children. sex families and ignores their pected to be passed and enacted into law The posters will be children entirely. no later than October this carried on busses in Dubyear. lin, and sent to libraries, family The 2006 Irish census revealed 121,000 resource centers, and community informaunmarried couples, up from 77,000 in 2002. tion centers nation-wide. According to Marriage Equality, “the This included 2,090 in same-sex relationgroundbreaking campaign shatters the si- ships, up from 1,300. Marriage Equality board member Orla lence and myths surrounding these families and calls on the Government to recognize Howard emphasized that the ultimate soluand protect same-sex couples and their chil- tion for LGBT families is marriage equality. “Equal marriage rights for same-sex coudren.” Marriage Equality Director Moninne ples will lead to the recognition and protecGriffith said in a statement, “We Are Family tion of Lesbian and Gay families,” she said. is a pioneering campaign with simple mes- “The Government’s Civil Partnership Bill, sages, that Lesbian and Gay families are on the other hand, continues to deny the like any other, their children are the same as existence of same-sex families and ignores other Irish children, and that these families their children entirely. This leaves these deserve to be recognized and protected by families legally vulnerable in matters such Irish laws. Until Lesbian and Gay families as inheritance, access, maintenance, and are equal in law, they will continue to expe- so on. The simple solution is for the Irish Government to make this issue a priority for rience discrimination and stigma.” She continued, “Some people in Ireland their Programme for Government.” While Ireland is a member of the Europemight not know a Lesbian or Gay family, and so We Are Family is an introduction of an Union, its social legislation lags behind sorts to the wonderful diversity of Irish fam- the European standard. Sexual acts between adults of the same sex ily life. What is often forgotten, too, is that apart from the immediate Lesbian or Gay were legalized in 1993 after the European family unit, these families are also sons and Court of Human Rights ruled that Ireland’s daughters, brothers and sisters, aunts and existing anti-Gay laws contravened the Euuncles, nieces and nephews, even grand- ropean Convention on Human Rights. Sex reassignment is not recognized, almothers and grandfathers. They are already
Moscow Pride Parade defies authorities, evades police rex wockner
Nikolai Alekseev
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
As in the five previous years, Moscow’s homophobic mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, banned LGBT activists defied authorities to hold the parade. In previous years, riot police atan unauthorized Pride Parade in Moscow tacked and dispersed the marchers. on May 29. This year, however, innovative tactics al-
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though one Irish Trans woman won the right to have her birth certificate altered. In October 2007, Dr. Lydia Foy won her suit in Ireland’s High Court to get a new birth certificate recording her as being born female. Divorce was legalized in 1995. Abortion is illegal, except to save the life of the mother. This law is also being challenged before the European Court of Human Rights. Eighty-seven percent of Ireland’s popula-
tion identifies as Roman Catholic, and the Church has used its political influence to resist liberalization of social laws. The Church has recently lost much of its public standing as revelations about ongoing physical and sexual abuse of children in its care have become public, however. On March 20, Pope Benedict XVI formally apologized to Irish sex abuse victims. Three Irish bishops have resigned in the scandal.
lowed the parade to go on without the harassment, beatings, and arrests that marred the previous Pride events. “LGBT activists from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Minsk staged today the first-ever successful Gay pride in Moscow, despite the [government] ban,” said Pride organizer Nikolai Alekseev. “Though the march was short, it happened. All the Russian media reported that for the first time in five years, the Gay parade took place in Moscow without [participants] being arrested by the police and assaulted by protesters.” Alekseev credited Pride organizers’ security precautions for their success. “Our military planning was why there were no arrests. We had to organize these parades under strict secrecy, we turned away anyone we didn’t know,” he said, claiming the authorities were attempting to infiltrate the organizers. About 25 activists assembled without advance notice on The Arbat, a pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes that is one of Moscow’s main tourist venues. They marched for about 10 minutes, holding banners and shouting slogans such as “No discrimination on the grounds of orientation.” Some observers waved and laughed, and there were no signs of hostility. Police did not intervene to disperse the march, but when the demonstrators saw a line of riot police blocking the street ahead of them, they scattered. A few hours later, a smaller group assembled in northwestern Moscow, again without advance notice. They unfurled a 20-meter long rainbow
flag and chanted “Russia without homophobes!” and “Equal rights, no compromise!” Among this group were several international activists, including British Gay activist Peter Tatchell. Tatchell suffered permanent brain damage when he was beaten by Moscow police at the 2007 Pride march. “Today it’s like the Soviet era in Russia,” Tatchell told Associated Press Television News. “Those who seek to hold a peaceful protest are being hunted by the police and the FSB security, like we were some kind of criminals or terrorists,” Alekseev had applied for an official permit to hold the 2010 Pride Parade on May 17. The application was made to the mayor’s office as required by law, but once again Luzhkov announced he would ban Pride. He had previously described the Pride Parade as “satanic happenings,” and said he would not permit it to take place in Moscow under any circumstances. Pride organizers said they would appeal the mayor’s decision to the District Court, but they also began to plan for the un-permitted guerilla march, which they pulled off. Alekseev did not rule out future legal action, noting a pending case before the European Court of Human Rights. “We are ready to take all bans to the European Court of Human Rights, which this year is due to rule on the complaints lodged over the bans on the first three Moscow Gay Prides – in 2006, 2007, 2008,” he said. As a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights, Russia would presumably be bound by the court’s decision.
Today it’s like the Soviet era in Russia.
June 4, 2010
Seattle Gay News
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June 4, 2010
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Seattle Gay News 15
JUNE 13 – Self-defense workshop for Gay men by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer Fight the Fear Campaign self-defense workshop June 13, 1-3 PM Location TBA Fight the Fear Campaign officials have announced a free self-defense workshop for Gay men on June 13 from 1-3 p.m. to be held in Seattle’s Central District. The community event is a collaborative effort in partnership with the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Police Foundation. “We have been teaching classes since the beginning of this year in a variety of different communities,” Seattle Police Department Community Outreach-LGBTQ Detective Kim Bogucki told SGN. “The June 13 event is outreach for pre-Pride events and will be our second for the LGBTQ community.” Fight the Fear Campaign, a quest for confidence through strength, is a communityoriented violence prevention initiative. The organization provides free self-defense training and violence prevention education for women and underserved and at-risk populations. Fight the Fear Campaign officials say that self-defense training should be easily accessible to everyone because “the skills and confidence that it builds are a proven deterrent to violence.” The classes provided by the organization are basic self-defense skills, including
awareness, de-escalation, boundary setting and fighting techniques, and will also provide access to resources for survivors of violence or abuse. Officials say their goal in 2010 is to provide a number of classes at Seattle-area women’s shelters, senior centers, community centers, homeless centers, and other gathering places. “The June 13 event is one in a series of free self-defense workshops offered by Fight the Fear Campaign,” Melinda Johnson, executive director for Fight the Fear Campaign told SGN. “We are hoping to directly serve the needs of the LGBTQ community with these two workshops.” Johnson says the two workshops will cover basic self-defense concepts and skills. “We will practice physical self-defense skills so participants should be prepared to work hard,” she said. The lead instructor for the workshop will be Sifu Michelle McVadon, chief instructor at Seven Star Women’s Kung Fu. According to Johnson, the first workshop is geared toward the particular threat that Gay men might face, while the second workshop will address building a safety plan for couples and is open to all genders and orientations. To sign up for the June 13 workshop, you must register online at the organization’s website, www.fightthefearcampaign.org. Once you have registered, Fight the Fear Campaign officials will get in contact with you about the event’s location.
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pride events continued from page 5
nic welcomes the LGBT community and allied families. Enjoy live entertainment and a $1 buffet catered by Whole Foods and Popchips. In addition to an Esurance photo booth, kids between 7 and 11 years old will enjoy a soap box car installation. Proceeds will be donated to Food LifeLine. For more information about the Seattle Pride® Parade or the Family Picnic, visit www.seattlepride.org.
variety show not to be missed, and a cause not to be ignored. Tickets are $15 and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/112038.
QUEERS TAKE OVER JOESEPPI’S IN TACOMA On Monday, June 14, between 4 and 8 p.m. at Joeseppi’s Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma), join friends of the Rainbow Center for a “Queer takeover.” Dine with friends, and a percentage of your dinner bill will go directly to the Rainbow Center. By coming for a scrumptious meal at Joe Sortini’s treasure of a restaurant, you will be helping the Rainbow Center achieve their mission to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. To make a reservation, call (253) 7615555.
BAT N’ ROUGE THE DYKES VS DRAG QUEENS On Saturday, June 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Bobby Morris Playfield in Cal Anderson Park (11th Ave. and E. Howell St.), The Capitol Hill Alano Club presents The Dykes vs Drag Queens at Bat N’ Rouge’s pride kickoff game. Bat N’ Rouge is a fundraising event to benefit Capitol Hill Alano Club, which has an ongoing mission of drug and alcohol recovery. CHAC is a nonprofit organization now in its 27th year of service in the Seattle LGBT community. RADICAL WOMEN SCREEN For more information, visit www.chacseLATINO BEGINNINGS On Thursday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m. at attle.org. New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave S.), LIFE OF CAL ANDERSON Radical Women will screen a special Pride TO BE CELEBRATED showing of Latino Beginnings. This moving IN PERFORMANCE AT documentary follows three young Latina/o CAL ANDERSON PARK Queers as they confront and overcome barOn Sunday, June 20, at 2 p.m. in Cal Anriers to acceptance in their communities. Profiled are: Jesse, an openly Gay college derson Park, 1635 11th Ave., near the founstudent in New Mexico; Marisol, an ex-sol- tain at the north end, the Langston Hughes dier worried about coming out to her mother Performing Arts Center, Seattle Parks and in Los Angeles; and Gustavo, a performer in Recreation and POWER of PLACE Youth the Miami drag scene. The 45-minute film, will present a short performance highlightreleased in 2005, explores a number of is- ing the life of Cal Anderson to coincide with sues associated with being Gay, being Lati- LGBTQ Pride month activities. Washington’s first openly Gay legislano, and being unashamed of being different. Add your views and experiences in discus- tor, Cal Anderson was a decorated Vietnam sion! A $2 donation is requested for movie. veteran who worked for inclusion, fairness, Supper, with vegan option, is served at 6:30 and participation in the democratic process until his death from AIDS in 1995. He was p.m. for a $7.50 donation. For more information, visit www.radical- widely admired for his integrity, courage, and compassion. women.org/seattle.html. Presented in collaboration with the Cal Anderson Park Alliance, the event is free GLITTORUS! A FUNDRAISER FOR and open to the public. The event will be apLAMBERT HOUSE On Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June proximately 30 minutes in length and Parks 19 at 8 p.m., Glittorus! will be staged at officials will be in attendance. For more information about the Cal AnThe Rendezvous/Jewel Box Theatre (2322 2nd Avenue). Experience two amazing derson event, e-mail randy.wiger@seattle. nights of a spectacular mix of burlesque, gov. For more information about Seattle boylesque, cabaret, comedy, and bellydanc- Parks and Recreation, visit www.seattle. ing, all to benefit Lambert House. This a gov/parks.
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June 4, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
QUEER TEEN ENSEMBLE THEATRE On the evenings of June 24, 25, and 26, Washington Ensemble Theatre presents Queer Teen Ensemble, led by co-artistic director Jessica Hatlo. The performances will be the end result of the Ensemble’s model for ensemble-generated new works, where students collaboratively produce a piece of theatre based on their own experiences surrounding identity, love, and Queerness. The month-long intensive began with directed free-writing that was eventually shared with the group and was later used to generate something new. This phase continued until there was a sense of cohesion, and texts were then molded into a working script. Watch for more details regarding performance time and ticket price or visit www. washingtonensemble.org. FEED YOUR PRIDE AT PRIDEFEAST On Thursday, June 24, at participating restaurants, join One Degree Events in celebrating the third annual PrideFeast benefit. Get your Pride weekend started early by helping to raise funds for LGBT health and wellness nonprofits. For details and a list of participating restaurants, visit www.pridefeast.org. RALLY: A SHIFT PRIDE BBQ On Friday, June 25, from 6-9 p.m., join Gay City to kick off the Pride weekend with food, fun, and friends at Multifaith Works (123 16th Ave.). Surprise guest appearances. This event is free. SHIFT is a peer recovery network supporting dynamic recovery paths by uniting our LGBTQ community to experience freedom through empowerment. Learn more about SHIFT at www.shiftrecovery.org. for more information, contact chris@gaycity.org. PROM DRESS RUGBY EXHIBITION MATCH On Friday, June 25, from 7-10 p.m., come see the first annual Prom Dress Rugby Exhibition Match at the Bobby Morris Playfield in Cal Anderson Park (11th Ave. and E. Howell St.). Seattle Quake RFC – wearing dresses – will take on the Seattle RFC Women’s team, The Breakers. This event is similar in style to the annual Dykes vs. Drag Queens softball game. Tickets will be sold for admission to the sideline (for $5) and players will work the crowd to sell penalties, conversions, scrums, line-outs, meters, and tries. Proceeds from the event will be split with Lambert House, the center for LGBT youth that encourages empowerment through the development of leadership, social and life skills. www.quakerugby.org. PRIDE SHABBAT AT TEMPLE DE HIRSCH On Friday, June 25, Temple De Hirsch Sinai (1511 E. Pike St.) will host Seattle’s 2010 Pride Shabbat. Pre-service appetizers will be at 7 p.m., and the service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Organized by Bashert, the
LGBT Initiative of the Jewish Federation of Seattle and other community sponsors, including Temple Beth Am, Kolenu, Congregation Tikvah Chadashah, Jewish Family Service, Bet Aleph Meditative Synagogue, Anti-Defamation League, NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse, and Temple De Hirsch Sinai, this is shaping up to be one of the most successful Pride Shabbats yet. www.jewishseattle.org/ news-events/events/pride-shabbat-2010. SEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS AND SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS PRESENT GLITTER AND BE GAY On Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 at 8 p.m., Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus join forces for the first time ever in an extravaganza called Glitter and Be Gay at McCaw Hall (321 Mercer St.). The concert is a tribute to two great American composers: Leonard Bernstein, a prodigy renowned for his energy and talents as both a confuctor and composer, and Stephen Sondheim, the undisputed master of the modern Broadway musical. The concert will feature music from Bernstein and Sondheim’s collaborations, as well as their individual careers. Expect to be transported to musical heaven when artistic director Dennis Coleman pulls out all the stops and more than 400 voices take the stage to perform music from such Broadway classics as West Side Story, Sunday in the Park with George, Wonderful Town, Sweeney Todd, Candide, and A Little Night Music. Glitter and Be Gay is destined to be a show to remember for decades to come, and the perfect ending to the Seattle Men’s Chorus’ 30th anniversary season. For details and ticket information, visit www.flyinghouse.org/smc/gabg or call the box office at (206) 388-1400.
nity pride. The festival is open to everyone – LGBT or straight – from any background. The five-block festival will feature four public stages, a Kids’ Zone, Faerie Circle stage, and over 200 booths and vendors. Attractions include live entertainment, music, singing, face/body painting, and a Doggie Drag Costume Contest. For the festival’s second year, attendance is expected to be 7,000-10,000. For a full list of entertainment, performers, vendors, and participants, visit capitolhillpridefestival.net. SEATTLE DYKE MARCH AND RALLY On Saturday, June 26, from 5-7 p.m. at Seattle Central Community College Plaza (Broadway Ave. E. and E. Pine St.), join the Seattle Dyke March Rally: “Connecting to the International Community – Dyke, Lesbian, Bi, Trans, and Queer.” Performers confirmed to date: Emcee Lamar Van Dyke, singer Alicia Healy, Spokane’s Giant Ass Drum Corps, Seattle’s Queer Tango Dancers, 7 Star Women’s Kung Fu, and more. At 7 p.m., the Seattle Dyke March steps off to circle Capitol Hill. T-shirts are now availINTERFAITH PRIDE able for $15. If you order now, there is a $5 WORSHIP SERVICE charge for delivery. E-mail marcy@seattleOn Saturday, June 26, at 2 p.m., an Interdykemarch.com for details. faith Pride worship service will be held at For more information, visit www.seattle- All Pilgrims Church (500 Broadway E.). dykemarch.com. Presentations will be made by members of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim commuDIGNITY/SEATTLE HOLDS 22ND nities, with more faiths being added. PRIDE PANCAKE BREAKFAST For more information, visit www.mccseOn Saturday, June 26, from 8 a.m. to attle.org. noon, Dignity/Seattle will hold its 22nd annual Pride Pancake Breakfast at Central LIBERATE: A SHIFT PRIDE PARTY Lutheran Church Social Hall (1710 11th On Saturday, June 26, from 9 p.m. to 12:30 Ave.). $7 donation. Proceeds go to Multi- a.m. at the West Hall in Century Ballroom faith Works, Bailey-Boushay House, and (915 E. Pine St.), join Gay City for Liberate: Dignity/Seattle. Raffle prizes will be drawn. A Pride Party. Dance your ass off – sober! A recycling dropoff will be provided for cell SHIFT brings you their annual substancephones and empty ink cartridges. Dignity/ free Pride Party, with DJ Joe King. SHIFT is Seattle has been a faith community of Gay, a peer recovery network supporting dynamLesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Catho- ic recovery paths by uniting our LGBTQ lics and their families and friends in Seattle community to experience freedom through since 1973. empowerment. Learn more about SHIFT at For more information, visit www.dignity- www.shiftrecovery.org. for more informaseattle.org. tion, contact chris@gaycity.org.
CAPITOL HILL SEATTLE PRIDE PARADE PRIDE FESTIVAL 2010 On Sunday, June 27, at 11 a.m., the SeOn Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 10 attle Pride Parade will begin at Westlake p.m., the second annual Capitol Hill Pride Park (400 Pine St.) and travel down 4th BEND-IT EXTRAVAGANZA Festival will be held on Broadway, between Ave. to PrideFest 2010 at the Seattle Center. SHOWCASES QUEER ARTISTS E. John and E. Roy Sts. This is a free, all-agsee pride events page 19 From Friday, June 25 to Sunday, June 27, es festival celebrating diversity and commuthe Queer activist collective Bend-It will showcase local Queer artists at the BendIt Extravaganza. Visit BendItBandits.org to get involved. As part of the 8th annual event, Queer zinesters will be given a table where they can pass out their zines for free. Everyone who contributes will receive free photocopies for work sent in by the June 11 deadline. For more information, contact Quinn at quinnwyatt@gmail.com or visit benditbandits.org or www.myspace.com/bend_it
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Seattle Gay News 17
“I think it is going to be hard to stay in Malawi would just stop talking about the Malawi,” she added. “I am afraid of what couple’s “satanic” wedding. continued from cover people might do to us. We probably need to “The story ends there,” Mutharika told reseek asylum in some other country. Is there porters. fore, I have decided that with effect from a place for us? I don’t know.” “I don’t want to hear anyone commenting today, they are pardoned and they will be on them. Nobody is authorized to comment released.” “Don’t come on the Gays. You will spoil things.” Minister of Gender and Children Patricia to our village….” While many supporters attended the couKaliati insisted that the president had not As if to validate Chimbalanga’s fears, ple’s trial, the public mood in Malawi is rebowed to international pressure in releasing Monjeza’s family members told reporters ported to be in favor of the heavy sentence, Monjeza and Chimbalanga, and the country who contacted them that she would not be and against the pardon. would not reconsider its anti-Gay law. welcome in their village. Mutharika said the couple’s wedding was “We have our own rules and laws which Village resident Kelvin Kaumira said the “satanic because they committed a crime we are following, and our own constitution. community was “fuming” over the couple’s against our culture, against our religion and Our constitution is not the same as your marriage. against our laws,” but added that he parconstitution,” she told BBC reporters. “People here are furious,” he said. “There doned them because “to err is human and to Kaliati added that the couple might face are so many beautiful women in this village forgive is divine.” future charges if they continued to live to- looking for a hand in marriage.” gether. Monjeza’s aunt Zione Monjeza said, “No“It doesn’t mean that now they are free body wants to see Tiwonge again in this vilpeople, they can keep doing whatever you lage. If he dares to come here, he must do so continued from cover keep doing,” she said. with police for his protection.” Monjeza’s uncle, Khuliwa Dennis MonUnder the proposed legislation, the repeal Couple reappears jeza, called his nephew “a notorious person. would be “deferred” and enter into force after four days He is unrepentant. He has been drinking “only after – I repeat – after the ongoing After four days during which even sup- since he was released on Saturday night.” Department of Defense high-level review porters could not verify their whereabouts, “We are all happy he has been released,” is completed,” Gates said on the Pentagon Monjeza and Chimbalanga reappeared for a his uncle added. “But we haven’t sat down television channel. brief press conference in the Malawian city with Steve to discuss the saga and determine He also said that if there were a change of Lilongwe. whether he has learnt a lesson. Prison in Ma- to the law, it would be carried out “without The couple expressed gratitude for their lawi is not a good place to be.” hurting unit cohesion, military readiness, release. “We want to warn his partner Tiwonge military effectiveness, and recruiting and “The president has demonstrated that he that he should never set his foot in this vil- retention.” is a caring father, a considerate and tolerant lage ... otherwise we shall deal with him,” Gates reassured troops, and DADT repeal president. We wish him good health in his the uncle warned. “Our name, history and opponents, that the current law, which reeveryday endeavors as he continues lead- culture cannot be spoiled with one child quires Gay military personnel to keep quiet ing the country to respecting human rights known as Steve.” about their sexual orientation or face disand to economic prosperity,” they said in a Tiwonge Chimbalanga was born biologi- missal, would remain in force and that milistatement. cally male, but has always identified and tary commanders are expected to enforce it. Calling their imprisonment “the most lived as a woman. The male pronouns used Echoing similar sentiment, Mullen told stressful period in our lives,” the couple to refer to her are those chosen by the speak- troops on May 30 that he would have prealso asked the media and public to respect ers. ferred that Congress had waited until the their privacy. When the Guardian newspaper ap- Pentagon completed its review before vot“So much has been said and written about proached Monjeza for an interview, he re- ing to repeal DADT. us, both positive and negative. We think this plied, “I can’t just talk to you. I am selling “Ideally, I would certainly have preferred is the time for us to be given an opportunity my story. Give me [460 British pounds],” he that legislation not be brought forward in to enjoy our freedom,” they said. said. terms of change until we are completed with Monjeza and Chimbalanga were being He then dropped his price to the equiva- that review,” Mullen said. held in separate prisons at the time of their lent of 276 pounds, adding, “I need money. According to Mullen, there is worry pardon, and on their release were sent to Good money. I have just come out of prison. among some in the military that the House their own villages. I need to survive.” vote short-circuited the process of consultChimbalanga told AFP news service in a Gift Trapence, director of the underground ing with troops and their families. phone interview that he was staying in Li- LGBT rights organization Center for the “It is really critical to understand the longwe to “have a breather,” while his part- Development of People (CEDEP), said the points of view of those it will affect the most ner would return to his village. group was trying to find jobs for Chimbal- as we look at the implementation challeng“I’ve been under so much emotional anga and Monjeza. CEDEP had provided at- es, should the law change,” said Mullen, stress that I need to find somewhere to rest,” torneys for the couple. who has said he favors lifting the ban. she told reporters. “I still want to marry SteColin Powell, the retired Army general ven. But I don’t know what he is thinking “Stop talking about it…” who opposed allowing Gays to serve openly any more. We’ve been through so much.” Mutharika said on June 3 that he hoped when he was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
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June 4, 2010
Staff when the law was enacted, said he now supports repeal and believes it will happen. “The president said we’re going to do it. It’s a decision,” Powell said. “And the Congress has to pass the law to allow that. And so let’s take the time to make the study, see what the implications are.” Before Obama can sign the plan into law, the full Senate still needs to vote on the proposal and then different versions of the bill
cammermeyer continued from cover
Gay rights movement. DACOWITS, established in 1951 during the Korean War, is an independent advisory committee that provides the department with advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the armed forces. DACOWITS members include prominent civilian women and men representing a distribution of demography, academia, industry, public service, and other professions. Selection is on the basis of experience in the military, or with woman-related workforce issues. According to the Defense Department, DACOWITS members are selected for a three-year term and are not compensated. Duties include visiting military installations each year, conducting a review and evaluation of current research on military women, and developing an annual report with recommendations on the issues to service leadership and the secretary of defense. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a national legal services and policy organization dedicated to ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), the military’s discriminatory policy on open Gay military service, applauded Cammermeyer’s appointment. “Colonel Cammermeyer’s appointment represents a step forward as we continue to push for Lesbians and Gays to serve openly in our armed forces,” said Zoe Dunning, cochair of the board of directors for SLDN. “At the time of her separation for the military, Cammermeyer served as chief nurse of the Washington state National Guard. Despite an exemplary military and civilian record, her sexual orientation was discovered during an interview for top-secret clearance. DADT strips the military of our best for simply being who they are – it’s not only discrimination, but it’s weakening our national security.” “The president and Under-Secretary of Defense Clifford Stanley chose wisely in appointing Colonel Cammermeyer,” said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director for SLDN. “She is an outstanding American and eminently qualified for this panel. Our country will benefit greatly from this appointment. For years, we have taken enormous pride in Cammermeyer being an active member of our Military Advisory Council; we are especially pleased to see that the White House and the Defense Department will also be benefiting from the vast expertise and rich experiences that Colonel Cammermeyer brings to this body.”
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Pride Festival promises “More pride. More to love.” The festivities begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Sylvester Park (at the corner of Capitol Way S. and Legion Way S.E.), with music, food, film screenings, and an 8 p.m. masquerade ball. Sunday’s parade starts at the State Capitol steps, then travels northbound on Capital Way to 5th Avenue, then winds back toward Sylvester Park via Washington St. For a full schedule of events and times, visit capitalcitypride.net.
Remember when Dorothy opens the door to Oz? Her whole world transforms from black and white to vibrant color. That’s kind of like the Seattle Pride Parade. This year, the Emerald City goes “Over The Rainbow” and over the top to support our LGBT community. Expect a dazzling spectacle of floats, outlandish costumes and dancing in the streets. The Parade, produced by Seattle BELLINGHAM PRIDE Out and Proud, is an exuberant, high-energy B PROUD celebration of diversity, From Wednesday, July 7, to Sunday, July community and unity. Visit www.seattlepride.org for more in- 11, Bellingham will hold the B Proud Pride festival in Bellingham, WA. Bellingham formation. Pride began 10 years ago under the direction of Whatcom PFLAG, as an event with SEATTLE PRIDEFEST 2010 On Sunday, June 27, the Pride parade will roughly a half-dozen tables in Fairhaven end at Seattle Center, and PrideFest 2010 Park on a Sunday afternoon in June. It has will begin. Tens of thousands of revelers been in its current location of Depot Marpack the Seattle Center to dance, drink, eat, ket Square (Home of the Bellingham Farmshop, and party. Every year the event gets ers Market) for four years, and this will be bigger (both in attendees, caliber of per- the third year in which the festival has had formers, and size of event footprint), and a parade. While most pride festivals tend every year this event gets better. Please join to take place in June (National Gay & Lesus in 2010 as we take up more of the Seattle bian Month), we recognize that we can ofCenter grounds with more vendors, bigger fer a festival during July when Bellingham stages, and better entertainment than ever weather is nicer and no other prides are genbefore! This year’s headlining star is singer erally taking place. This is our 10th AnniKimberley Locke, and comic Julie Gold- versary of pride and we strive to be a festival man will join the festivities at the largest everyone can be proud of. We offer events LGBTQ gathering in the Pacific Northwest. that cater to all aspects of our LGBTQQI2A community. We look forward to a fantastic New events are still being scheduled. For more information, visit seattlepridef- pride this year. If you have any questions, comments, est.org or e-mail info@seattlepridefest.org. concerns or would like to help, sponsor or be a vendor, visit www.bhampride.org. • PRIDE AROUND WASHINGTON STATE OUT IN THE PARK 2010 TACOMA/PIERCE COUNTY PRIDE On Saturday, July 10, from noon to 7 p.m. at Wright Park (6th Ave., between I and G Sts.), celebrate Tacoma Pride with Out in the Park 2010. The event will feature a food court with a new coffee drink vendor, kids’ corner with a free raffle for kids and a bounce house, assorted vendors/commuOUTSPOKANE On Saturday, June 12, from noon to 5:30 nity organizations and groups, as well as the p.m. at Wall Street (between Spokane Falls main stage with a mixed lineup of familiar Blvd. and Main St.) in Spokane, WA, Spo- faces as well as new and exciting performkane will hold their Pride festival, OutSpo- ers. Applications are still being taken for kane. 2010 brings many changes to Spo- vendor/participants as well as entertainers. kane’s Annual Pride Parade & Rainbow Out in Tacoma is still seeking an Asian-style Festival. This year’s theme is “Pride in food vendor for the food court. For more information and applications, Our Community.” Use this theme to guide your Pride parade expression in float design, signs, and parade dress! Let’s have lots of color and fabulousness! Be OUT and PROUD! For more information, visit www.outspokane.com.
please visit www.rainbowcntr.org or www. outintacoma.com. MID-COLUMBIA PRIDE 2010 On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 16-18, Mid-Columbia Pride 2010 will be held at Memorial Park (1520 W. Shoshone) in Pasco, WA. This year’s theme is “Cirque du Q.” The event expects 2,500+ visitors throughout weekend, with 55% coming from the Tri-Cities area and other attendees from Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Canada. For more information, visit www.midcolumbiapride.com. KITSAP PRIDE 2010 Planning is underway for the Kitsap Pride celebration, to be held on Saturday, July 17 in Bremerton’s Evergreen Park (1500 Park Ave.). This year’s theme is “One World, One Heart, One Pride,” and is the international theme adopted by Interpride. Vendor applications are available and have been coming in steadily. Volunteers are being recruited to help plan and more will be needed the day of the event. For more information, visit www.kitsappride.org. • PORTLAND AND BRITISH COLUMBIA PORTLAND PRIDE 2010 On Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20, Pride Northwest will hold Portland Pride 2010. The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Burnside St. and NW 13th Ave. The theme of this year’s festivities is “Power to the People!” For a full list of entertainers, vendors, and details, visit www.pridenw.org. VICTORIA, BC PRIDE 2010 From Sunday, June 27 to Sunday, July 4,
Victoria, BC will hold Victoria Pride 2010. A festival and parade will be held on July 4 at MacDonald Park in James Bay. For more information, visit www.victoriapridesociety.org. VANCOUVER, BC PRIDE 2010 On Sunday, August 1, Vancouver, BC will begin its Pride 2010 festivities. Spanning 20 blocks and attracting an audience of over 600,000 in 2009, the Pride Parade is Vancouver’s premier celebration of culture and diversity. The Vancouver Pride Society adopted a three-year theme of “Educate, Liberate, Celebrate,” focusing on one of the three elements each year. In 2010, we focus on Liberate, and what it means to be free. In parts of the world and even in our own country, Pride is still a movement to liberate. Pride is a vehicle to educate, liberate and celebrate and every summer, that’s what we do here in Vancouver. For more information, visit www.vancouverpride.ca.
OLYMPIA PRIDE FESTIVAL CAPITAL CITY PRIDE 2010 Olympia’s Capital City Pride 2010 will run from Saturday, June 12, to Sunday, June 13, when it culminates in a noon parade through downtown Olympia. The Olympia
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“How, exactly, Navy commanders found out about my sexuality is still somewhat of a continued from cover mystery,” he admits. Although Lozoya’s story is not too terribly different from others who’ve suffered the same fate under DADT, his story does – hopping mad. One such servicemember show just how bizarrely the policy is adminis former U.S. sailor Reyes Lozoya, 25, of istered. In the end, Lozoya alleges he was Kirkland, Washington. kicked out because of love – expressed in a picture where he and his lover (then boyA SAILOR WITH PRIDE friend, now husband) were embraced in a “I loved my time in the Navy. It built my passionate kiss. character to what it is today,” Lozoya told SGN. “I learned many valuable lessons DADT INVESTIGATION while I was a sailor, including leadership LEADS TO DISCHARGE skills, organizational management, time Four days after being promoted, Lozoya management, and philosophy. My proudest was sent to the command judge advocate days were when I was serving my country general (JAG officer) aboard his ship, the and enjoying my days in uniform.” aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. MinLozoya says he joined the Navy right out utes later, aboard ship in the middle of the of high school in light of the terrorist attacks ocean, the command JAG told him he would on 9/11. He joined at the bottom of the ranks be processed out of the Navy for violating and dreamed of working his way up. Dedi- DADT. cating himself to service, he eventually be“It was the most heartbreaking 10 seconds came a petty officer third class. of my life,” Lozoya told SGN. “It all hap“When it was finally my time,” he re- pened so fast that I didn’t even have time to called, “I scored in the top 99th percentile ask what happened.” of my advancement exam. I felt like I was Lozoya says that while he was on deon top of the world when the commanding ployment, the only way for him to keep in officer handed me my advancement certifi- touch with his partner was through e-mail cate.” exchanges. “Through e-mail, we were able For Lozoya, those proud days were num- to keep in constant contact and share everybered. In December of 2005, after the Navy thing we could,” he said. “I never deleted investigated him for “engaging in homo- my e-mails, but the fact remained that they sexual conduct,” Lozoya was stripped of his were love letters from another male and not rank, uniform, and the promise of being a consistent with the DADT policy.” career Navy man. Here is where it gets bizarre. According
sailor
to the Department of Defense, all e-mail aboard ship or on military intranets are subject to search at any time because it is considered official government property. Knowing this, Lozoya admits to creating multiple sub-folders to store the correspondence from his partner, to stay under the radar of constant monitoring by the ship’s network administrators. Lozoya says, “Everyone was doing it. It was nothing different than what the average heterosexual male sitting next to me was doing with his wife’s or girlfriend’s e-mails.” “As the months went by, my boyfriend and I would share our deepest thoughts. We would send each other pictures of ourselves, with friends and family, where we are and what we are doing, just so the humanity behind the letters remained,” he told SGN. “I kept everything hidden in my folders so that when I felt lonely, I had something to remind myself of what I was serving for.” During one of his short visits home, Lozoya and his partner took several touching pictures together. “I loved those pictures,” he said, “and just like the other pictures, I stored them in my sub-folder on the ship.” Tucked away and out of sight, the mementos were safe – or so Lozoya thought. Someone from the Internal Security Systems Management division on his ship had found the pictures, e-mails, and romantic love letters, and send them to the command JAG, ultimately leading to Lozoya being kicked out of the Navy for violating DADT. “My entire story – at least what I was able to type out before becoming consumed with emotion – is posted to my Facebook Group, ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: In my own words,’” Lozoya said. Currently, Lozoya has returned to school and is in a registered domestic partnership with his husband. “I am a registered domestic partner, but I do not like that term. It seems too ‘otherish’ and ‘separate but equal’ to me,” he said. “I call my partner my husband because that is the role he plays in
my life. We have been a couple for almost six years and have been registered with the state for two years. We met while I was in the Navy, and he was my supporter during my discharge.” Lozoya admits that while he was on active duty he was out to his peers, but says that that is not what led to his discharge from military service. “I never once pushed my agenda or beliefs on anyone, and had a large group of friends. My shipmates never seemed to be bothered by my sexuality. It was never a problem, not even for my roommate who had never known anyone that was Gay. Even the JAG told me that kicking people out for being Gay was something he hated about his role in the military.” A HUNGER STRIKE IN SOLIDARITY At 10:30 p.m. on the night of May 27, at a private home in northwest Washington D.C., army Lieutenant Dan Choi and Captain Jim Pietrangelo began a lengthy hunger strike. Choi, a West Point graduate, fluent Arabist and Iraq veteran who’s become the lead activist demanding that DADT be repealed, said they would fast in pursuit of equality and dignity. “We have three demands of President Barack Obama,” Choi said in a statement released on May 27. “We demand an end to the comprehensive working group study, which insults the dignity of all Americans; end DADT discharges forever; and replace all discriminatory regulations in the military with a comprehensive non-discrimination policy.” “When I first heard the hunger strike was being done by the brave soldiers, I felt a need to do the same and show my support of the cause,” Lozoya told SGN. “The feelings I had of being stripped of my uniform as a U.S. sailor were like being told I couldn’t eat anymore. I was hungry for my rights to serve this country and felt that echoing those feelings of emptiness when I was dismissed
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so that others could see and hear my sentiments were necessary and just. Though I couldn’t hold out as long as I would’ve liked [Lozoya fasted for four days], I know the passion I displayed while fasting in front of my friends and family was enough to inspire them to help push towards full equality in the armed forces.” “Dan Choi is an inspiration to me. If I had the means and resources to be out there standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him, I would be there without hesitation,” he admitted. “Some people might act fast to criticize what he is doing. Some might say he is taking things too far and pushing certain boundaries that weren’t meant to be pushed. When I reflect upon the injustice and indignities done to others who have suffered discrimination and how they responded with non-violent protest, I fail to see how the lieutenant is taking things too far.” As of press time, Choi and Pietrangelo
continue their hunger strike. A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Lozoya says he feels we are headed in the right direction to repeal DADT so that others won’t have to suffer the same trials and tribulations he did as a result of his discharge. Still, he agrees with Choi that the compromise between the administration and the Pentagon does not benefit the needs of the military. “I do not feel that this ‘compromise’ suits the needs of our women who are in the middle of two wars because it keeps them anxiously waiting,” he said. “Those moments of anxiety are detrimental to a human being’s morale.” Lozoya points to his own experience as an example, saying, “I remember when I was in my discharge process awaiting my separation from the Navy. For six months, I had to walk around on eggshells, not knowing
when or where my board would be held. Not knowing what I would face. Not knowing who I would face. Not knowing how I would walk out of there. I felt it was an intimidation tactic to get me to finally admit to being Gay. Those six months of anxiety hammered my spirit. Just imagine what that would be like for a marine or soldier on the front lines, carrying their assault rifles and watching out for the enemy … waiting to hear the future of their life.” Lozoya believes it is a Constitutional right for Americans to serve their country in the armed forces. “It is the Constitutional right of the Government to draft and conscript able-bodied persons into service to defend the country in times of war. It is not in the Constitution for the Government to dictate who is compatible to serve based on their sexual orientation,” he said. “I believe that Gays and Lesbians make up some of the most passionate Americans in the country.
When someone from our community chooses to protect this country, you better believe they are going to do it with style and grace, finesse and success, dignity and respect.” Lozoya says that the hetero-sexist and homophobic dilemma, which is being made to be the front of the issues in repealing DADT, has been overly polarized. “It is regrettable that in America in 2010, we are still faced with so much hatred towards groups of individuals, which causes laws to be put in place, segregating them from the superior heterosexual white males of our country … of whom I seldom saw serving as enlisted members of the armed forces.” “My mission when I was a sailor was to defend freedom and democracy and the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic,” Lozoya said. “DADT, as a written policy, remains an enemy of the State, and I will not quit until it is laid to rest.”
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