Celebrating 41 Years! Issue 23 Volume 43
FRIDAY June 5, 2015 FREE!
25¢ in bookstores & newsstands
SEC 1 pg 8
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
For Caitlyn Jenner there Pride Flag raised at were no Fifty Shades of City Hall Grey
Photo courtesy of Shaun Knittel
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Caitlyn Jenner – www.x17online.com
by Mac S. McGregor and Pamela Madsen Special to the SGN There is no universal handbook for com-
ing out as a Transgender person because every Trans person and their situation is different. And frankly, it’s head-shakingly shocking and infuriating to witness the lack see Caitlyn jenner page 18
On May 31, at 11 a.m. the Seattle LGBT Commission and the Seattle Office for Civil Rights hosted the third annual Seattle Pride Raise the Flag Ceremony at City Hall. The event has become known as the kickoff to LGBTQ Pride Month in Seattle. The proclamation was read by openly Gay Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. The band
Lavender Lucy played for the crowd and Keynote Speaker, Mary Yu, Supreme Court Justice spoke of coming together as a community to show visibility. Then members of the community joined the mayor at the flagpole to hoist the LGBTQ Pride Flag. Officer James Ritter, SPD LGBTQ Community Liaison Officer, was on hand to answer questions about the community partnership safety program SAFE PLACE. see pride flag page 22
Presidential Proclamation SGN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: – LGBT Pride Month, 2015 Dylan Orr, new director
of Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2015 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION
racy’s reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. Through struggle and setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society. But we are also reminded From the moment our Nation first came that we are not truly equal until every pertogether to declare the fundamental truth son is afforded the same rights and oppor- by Mike Andrew that all men are created equal, courageous SGN Staff Writer and dedicated patriots have fought to refine see proclamation page 9 our founding promise and broaden democ-
Dylan Orr – www.king5.com
When Dylan Orr takes up his new duties with the City of Seattle, he will be the first see dylan orr page 5
2 Seattle Gay News
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Celebrating 41 Years!
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Seattle Gay News 3
Bringing our youth home emails for help. The Attic Youth Center focuses on programs for youth while Mazzoni Center can offer assistance with trauma and medical needs. Both are now working on this one case. But there lies the issue: This was only by Mark Segal one of many cases. And here’s the catch: Philadelphia Gay News This youth, when back in the area, will be homeless, since their parents have disowned them. Last week, my phone rang and the voice Help might be on the way. Sister Mary on the other end very apprehensively said Scullion (my favorite nun in the entire their name and then, “I’m the one who world) of Project HOME – the organizahas been in a ‘conversion-therapy’ camp.” tion that works to provide housing and Then, they began to cry. Here’s how this other services to saga began: disadvantaged A f r iend groups – is in called me saying the early stages she had a relative of talks with whose friend felt The Attic and their child wasn’t Mazzoni to creacting in coordiate a housing nation with their program specifgender. Hoping ically for LGBT to “correct” their youth. child, the parAs I ents began looksaid when we ing for resources were buildand discovered ing the John a “camp” that C. Anderson practices “conApartments, an version therapy” affordable LGout West. So, BT-friendly livthey escorted ing facility for their child to seniors, many t he a ir por t, Conversion-therapy camp is more like “prison” – eburnietoday.mondoblog.org seniors in our put the child on a community have plane to be met at the airport on the other side by a “camp” resources our community luckily has to- been left behind or forgotten. While we are building a community, it is important for employee. All this so the child would not day. escape. The child was now in a part of the The first thing to do is listen: Allow the us to not leave anyone behind, especially country and place they had no knowledge person to get out what he or she needs to those endangered. This is a project that we of, without knowing anyone, and without express. Then, assure him or her that there welcome. any money – virtually taken prisoner. is a community of which they can be a part Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the naPrison is a place where all of your ac- that accepts and cherishes them. Then, tivities and time are restricted and you the hard point: putting their lives back on tion’s most-award-winning commentator in live within the rules of the guards. This track, from the derailment caused by their LGBT media. You can follow him on Facehad all of those traits but added something parents and conversion-therapy camp book at www.facebook.com/MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https://twitter.com/Philthat no state prison is allowed to do these therapists. days – mental and physical torture. Our The community in Philadelphia has two aGayNews. LGBT youth in conversion therapy are be- nonprofits that sprang into action after my ing treated worse than people convicted of murder, burglary or violent crimes. Not knowing what the next round of torture would be, the child escaped and called home to a friend in suburban Philadelphia pleading for help. That call somehow arrived at my desk. I’m not new to any of this, and neither is almost anyone at this newspaper. We’ve gotten these calls for almost 40 years now since PGN has been in existence and, for me, it’s been a 45-year battle fighting for LGBT youth. We in Gay Youth New York in 1969-71 dealt with this issue without the
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Celebrating 41 Years!
Japanese American Citizens League Seattle presents
Family: An API LGBTQ Gathering
Free conference welcomes Queer Asian/Pacific Islander youth and their families Everyone is invited to the free all-day conference Family: An API LGBTQ Gathering geared toward LGBTQ Asian Pacific Islander youth, their families and allies, on June 13, 2015, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at North Seattle College (9600 College Way N.). The event is sponsored by the Japanese American Citizens League, Pride Foundation, as well as local community organizations such as PFLAG, Tadaima, API Chaya, Asian Counseling and Referral Services and more. Paul Tashima, President of the Seattle JACL chapter, said he hopes “Family” will spark dialog and lead to support for those most vulnerable in the Asian Pacific Islander community and beyond. “Over the last year, we’ve mourned casualties of the silence created within the Asian Pacific Islander community around LGBTQ issues,” Tashima said. “Although isolation, bullying, and shame have always been problems for LGBTQ communities, cultural expectations within communities of color often magnify these issues by avoiding discussion altogether, which only makes it harder for individuals to reach out for support.” The event is free, but requires registration either online at apifamilyevent.com or on the day of the event beginning at 9:30 a.m. at North Seattle College. Workshops offered for both LGBTQ youth/adults, as well as allies, will include: Trans 101, Social Media/Cyberbullying, Healthy Relationships, Religion, Multiracial LGBTQ Issues, Immigration, and sessions that provide more information on PFLAG and how students can start their own Gay-Straight Alliances (or reinvigorate current ones). Keynote speakers will include nationally-renown educator and LGBTQ activist,
Marsha Aizumi and her son Aiden Aizumi. The two authored a book, Two Spirits, One Heart about Aiden’s transition from once coming out as a Lesbian, and ultimately, transitioning to male. Two Spirits, One Heart chronicles Marsha’s personal journey from fear, uncertainty, and sadness to eventual unconditional love, acceptance, and support of her child who struggled to reconcile his gender identity. Other featured speakers and performers include drag queen Miss Saigon Brown; Leo Segovia of the Ingersoll Gender Center which supports Tr a n s g e n d e r people in Seattle; Stephanie Nitahara, Regional Director of the Pacific Southwest District of JACL National; Ryan Kenji Kuramitsu, a seminarian and activist who works with groups such as the Gay Christian Network; Robert Shimabukuro, a longtime Asian American activist; and Kiyomi Fujikawa from API Chaya, a Seattle-
based organization that seeks to end domestic violence. The Seattle Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, which is leading the effort behind “Family,” ultimately hopes to build an Asian Pacific Islander chapter of PFLAG (formerly known as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) in conjunction with PFLAG Seattle to provide further services to youth and families. “Family” is made possible by generous support from AT&T, the Pride Foundation, and a National JACL Legacy grant. “JACL National is proud to support ‘Family,’” said Priscilla Ouchida, Executive Director of the national Japanese American Citizens League in Washington, D.C. “As one of the first nonLGBTQ organizations in the nation to support same-sex marriage, events like ‘Family,’ with their messages of acceptance and
community, are a chance for supporters and members of the Nikkei (people of Japanese ancestry) LGBTQ community to listen, learn, and be inspired to greater action.”
dylan orr
folks I need to work with to enforce the [minimum wage] ordinance. The priority is to build trust, and hopefully people will see me as someone committed to seeing that the law works.”
ployer just being ignorant of the law – but it’s a really fine line. “If people have been shorted, I want them to know the City will make sure they get their wages back.”
What if I think my boss is shortchanging me? Orr urged any employees who think their boss is not complying with City labor ordinances to contact the Office of Labor Standards at the City’s Civil Rights office, 206-684-4500. The office’s web page is at seattle.gov/civilrights/labor-standards Just don’t expect to get your back pay immediately. There will be an intake interview, Orr says, and then the case may be assigned to one of the agency’s staff investigators for fact-finding. “We’ll be getting out compliance information to employers,” Orr added. “They should have postings up about the new [minimum wage] law. We’ll also be doing community outreach to inform people of their rights. “And we’ll give some grants to community organizations, for them to help with outreach and enforcement.” Orr says his office will pay particular attention to industries that typically employ low-wage workers, and especially “racial and ethnic minorities, or workers who occupy multiple marginalized identity categories.” “Some businesses may want more time to get up to speed, some may want more ‘outs,’ but I feel really strongly about these ordinances,” Orr said. “There’s a difference between egregious violations and an em-
An unexpected happening For Orr, the appointment by Murray – who he did not know at all before being selected – parallels his entry into the Obama administration. “It was an unexpected happening,” he says of his appointment by President Obama. “I came in [to the Obama administration] by an unusual route, not as a political appointee. I was one of the lucky folks. It was an honor and an adventure. It changed my life.” Orr served in the Labor Department for over five years, including two years as chief of staff for the Office of Disability Employment Policy. He believes the experience will help him run the Office of Labor Standards in Seattle. “I actually did a lot of regulatory work,” he tells SGN. “We were working off a historic new law – Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. The problem was balancing the needs of people with disabilities and the needs of business – not to ask too much [of the businesses], but to achieve what we needed to achieve. “It taught me how to work with all the interests, and that’s what this [Seattle] job is going to require.” Orr graduated from Seattle’s Garfield High School, where he went by the name Lily. He remembers the time with some uneasiness.
“I’ve always been very involved in my community,” he recalls, “so I was on the basketball team, in band, in the orchestra. I identified as Gay at the time, and I was trying to be out. “It was a hard time. There were moments when I didn’t feel supported. I had friends – other kids trying to be out, or some not out – and some of them attempted suicide.” After high school, Orr graduated from Smith College, a small liberal arts school in Massachusetts, and the University of Washington Law School.
continued from cover director of the City’s new Office of Labor Standards, the agency that will oversee enforcement of the minimum wage ordinance and other City labor laws. Orr returns to Seattle, his hometown, after five years in the Obama administration’s Labor Department, where he was the first openly Transgender presidential appointee in U.S. history. “It feels really good to be home,” Orr told SGN. “My roots are here, my community is here, my family is here. It’s just good to be back.” Orr’s appointment was not without controversy, more for the way in which he was chosen than for anything to do with him personally. Mayor Ed Murray picked a committee of business, labor, and non-profit representatives to select a director for the new enforcement office – an approach that has become standard operating procedure for the mayor. Remarkably, the diverse members of the committee reached consensus on a list of four potential nominees, but Murray ignored their recommendations and appointed Orr instead, leaving committee members to wonder publicly why the mayor had wasted their time. Orr, however, was philosophical about the controversy. “For me, it’s just going to be about moving forward,” he said. “I can’t worry about what happened before I got here. “Because it was controversial, my priority will be to build relationships with the
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June 5, 2015
About “Family” “Family: An API LGBTQ Gathering” is a free all-day conference for LGBTQ youth in the Asian and Pacific Islander community. The event stemmed from the Seattle chapter of the Japanese American Citizens’ League desire to start an Asian American/Pacific Islander focused PFLAG (formerly known as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) chapter in Seattle to provide cultural relevant support for both youth, as well as friends and allies. Led by Seattle JACL, “Family” is the result of collaborative efforts and planning by groups such as Seattle PFLAG, API Chaya, Tadaima Radical Japanese Organizing in addition to support from a National JACL Legacy Grant, AT&T and The Pride Foundation. About the JACL The Japanese American Citizens League, the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization, was founded in the 1920s to address issues of discrimination targeted specifically at persons of Japanese ancestry residing in the United States. The Seattle Chapter JACL has been unafraid to tackle difficult and, often, controversial issues related to the wartime experience of our community and other civil rights issues. While the JACL’s founding mission was focused on protecting the civil rights of Americans of Japanese ancestry, today we are committed to protecting the rights of all segments of the Asian Pacific American community. www.jaclseattle.org
Caitlyn Jenner Orr also took some time to reflect on Caitlyn Jenner’s very public coming out. “She’s in the headlines, and that’s been good, it means visibility” he says. “But she’s a very important person, she’s typically attractive as a woman, she’s white – so she can’t represent all the Trans community. “It’s a time when people still have negative feelings about the [Trans] community. Even though she got headlines, we can’t just say ‘OK, we’re good’ and move on. It’s not all done just because we’re in the news a lot.” Orr added that he was “excited about the challenge” of being a Trans man in a very public position. “Meeting someone [who is Trans] and knowing someone makes a big difference. I’m going to focus on the work [of the Office of Labor Standards], and I hope people will know me as someone who is committed to making the laws work.”
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Celebrating 41 Years!
Compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer FRIDAY, JUNE 5 The Seattle University LGBTQ Network Q-BBQ An LGBTQ BBQ for SU students, staff, faculty, administrators and alumni. The Second Annual Lavender Alumni Award will be presented at the Q-BBQ. 4:30-6:30 p.m. at SU International Student Center (901 12th Ave.) PAVL 160 – http:// heyevent.com/event/nmyys7mu2yjeea/ qbbq; https://www.facebook.com/ events/550069918465297/; Contact SAcruzj3@seattleu.edu SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Drag Queen Story Time & PhinneyWood’s Pride Rainbow Hop The Seattle Public Library will celebrate PhinneyWood’s third annual Pride Rainbow Hop with a special family story time presented by Sparkle Leigh from 10:3011 a.m. at the Greenwood Branch (8016 Greenwood Ave. N.). Drag performer Sparkle Leigh will read stories, lead dances, and make rainbow-themed bookmarks. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m, the Phinney Neighborhood Association Business Group will host the Pride Rainbow Hop. Participating businesses and nonprofits in PhinneyWood promote the value of diversity by hosting events and activities and handing out goodies that focus on diversity and fun. From face painting to rainbow sidewalk art, the Pride Rainbow Hop honors everyone in our community, whether you’re LGBTQ or straight. http://www.phinneycenter.org/ pride/index.html SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Spectrum FREE concert Spectrum, Diverse Harmony’s small a cappella ensemble, will perform a free concert on Saturday, June 6, at 7 p.m., at Seattle First Baptist Church (1111 Harvard Ave. at E. Union St.). www.diverseharmony.org SUNDAY, JUNE 7 Capitol Hill Clean Sweep Join us in Cal Anderson Park at the Shelter House (11th Ave. & E. Olive St.) and help us clean up Capitol Hill for Pride month! 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. A very popular community event! We feed you breakfast and lunch, and you help clean the streets of Capitol Hill, and we’ll give you a t-shirt. We’ll also have DJ L.A. Kendall, DJ Skiddle, and DJ Tony Burns on hand to play some inspiring music to get you in the mood for cleaning those streets! All cleaning supplies provided. REGISTER TODAY (FREE) – h t t p : / / w w w. s t r a n g e r t i c k e t s . c o m / events/24880608/clean-sweep-presentedby-capitol-hill-chamber-of-commerceand-pridefest Presented by Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce and Seattle PrideFest. www.caphillchamber.org; www.seattlepridefest.org. TUESDAY, JUNE 9 UW Lavender Graduation Lavender Graduation is open to any student eligible, at any level (undergrad or graduate/professional) for a graduation in the 2014-2015 (including fall 2015) academic year. The Q Center and QSC host Lavender Graduation as a time for the UW LGBT, queer, trans*, two-spirit, same gender loving, and allied communities to come together and celebrate our multiple identities, our accomplishments, and sheer AWESOMENESS. You do not have to be graduating or be of a certain sexual or gender identity/orientation/expression to participate in and/or attend the
Lavender Graduation year-end communities celebration. UW Tower (4333 Brooklyn Ave. N.E.), Mezzanine Level Lounge, 6-8:30 p.m. (Graduates please arrive NO LATER THAN 5:15 p.m.) For questions or information, please contact Jaimee Marsh at jaimeem@uw.edu or 206-897-1430 or visit https://www.polisci.washington.edu/ news/2015/05/20/3-weeks-until-lavendergraduation WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 Bearing Witness – A Queer Youth of Color Performing Arts Showcase Features performances by local Queer Youth of Color sharing their stories and exploring their art, creating space and opening a door for celebration and awareness in the community. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (104 14th Ave. S. at E. Yesler Way). FREE. For more info, visit www.seattle.gov/parks/LGBTQ or contact Randy at 206-684-0775. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 POZ Seattle Pride BBQ Meet us on the back patio for their first Summer Grillin’ event. Please bring out the rainbows, triangles, flags! Wear bright, colorful shirts, shorts, socks, boas, hats, etc. … to show off your pride. 6-8 p.m. $5 suggested donation – no one turned away for lack of funds. Social gathering of POZ and POZ-friendly people meets 2nd Wednesday each month at The Cuff Complex (1533 13th Ave.). www.pozseattle.org. THURSDAY, JUNE 11 Multi-Media Art & Literature LGBTQ Pride Celebration In conjunction with Pride Month Capitol Hill Art Walk, Gay City Health Project and Ingersoll Gender Center present this special LGBTQ Pride Celebration at the Ingersoll Trans* Space and Gay City Arts (517 E. Pike St.) from 6-9 p.m. Poetry and prose readings begin at 7:30 p.m. (MC’d by Jaimee Garbacik) with poets CA Conrad, Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore and Sarah Galvin. Art work will be on display from the talented members and colleagues of: Entre Hermanos, Seattle Counseling Service, Gender Diversity, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – The Abbey of St. Joan, U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle – the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance Seattle, Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea), Lambert House, LGBTQ Allyship, The Northwest Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse, Lion’s Main Art Collective, the City of Seattle LGBT Commission, P.O.W.! (Proud, Out and Wonderful!), Q-Law Foundation GLBT Legal Clinic, Ingersoll Gender Center, Equal Rights Washington, Out in Front and Seattle PFLAG. The FREE celebration will provide an excellent opportunity to network with members of local LGBTQ organizations and an opportunity for participating organizations to increase their visibility within the larger community. THURSDAY, JUNE 11 Queer Vision 20/20 – Now, Voyager (1942) Three Dollar Bill Cinema and Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.) celebrate Queer cinema and their 20th anniversaries with a special series this month. Happy Hour at 7 p.m., screening at 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $11 general, $8 youth & senior, $6 member. www.threedollarbillcinema. org THURSDAY, JUNE 11 The Seattle Boylesque Festival Teaser Party A prelude to the main event on Friday, June 12 at The Triple Door, the festival kicks
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off with its Teaser Party (doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.) at Re-bar (1104 Howell St.) hosted by Seattle’s own Ernie Von Schmaltz. The party features over a dozen local and national performers and is sure to titillate. Performers include Al Lykya (Seattle), Ron Dez Vous (Los Angeles), Beau Creep (Canada), Bobby Barnaby (San Francisco), Man Johnson (Seattle), Jesus La Pinga (Seattle), Matt Knife (NYC), Billy Scream (Seattle), Mike Monaco (Massachusetts), Bolt Action (Seattle), Mustang Monroe (Colorado), Tré Da Marc (Minneapolis), Willy LaQueue (Chicago) and more. Tickets: $15 advance; $20 at the door. www.brownpapertickets. com/event/1413600 (See Friday, June 12 for the main event.) FRIDAY, JUNE 12 Out & Equal Northwest Regional Summit Drawing participants from San Francisco to Vancouver, BC the Northwest Regional Summit will bring together hundreds of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) professionals and straight allies to share innovative strategies to enhance workplace inclusion, visibility, and diversity. Attendees will participate in workshops and hear from business leaders who pioneered welcoming workplaces for diverse professionals. 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Renaissance Seattle Hotel (515 Madison St.). Registration: $195 – http://www.outandequalseattle.org/ FRIDAY, JUNE 12 Seattle U Lavender Graduation The Office of Multicultural Affairs is honored to celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBTQ and ally community at Seattle U. All LGBTQ+ undergraduate, graduate, and law students, as well as faculty, staff and alumni, are encouraged to attend this memorable event from 2-4 p.m., in Casey Commons (5th Floor of Casey Building). Appetizers and refreshments will be served. Pre-registration requested to accommodate space, food and resources: 206-296-6374; SA-heltonb@seattleu.edu. FRIDAY, JUNE 12 The Seattle Boylesque Festival Main Event Hosted by RuPaul Drag Race favorite BenDeLaCreme, the festival features two performances at The Triple Door (216 Union St.) this evening featuring a stellar line up of international, national and local superstars, including Mr. Gorgeous (NYC), Waxie Moon (Seattle), Lou Henry Hoover (Seattle), Tito Bonito (Los Angeles), Russell Bruner (Portland), Eddie Van Glam (Seattle), Mod Carousel (Seattle), Serge Violland (France), The Luminous Pariah (Seattle), Jonny Porkpie (NYC), Trojan Original (Seattle), Paris Original (Seattle), Gilbert De Moccos (Japan), and more. Door at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. (17+); door at 10 p.m., show at 10:30 p.m. (21+). Tickets: $25 advance general admission; $40 advance VIP; $5 more at the door. www.thetripledoor. com. (See Thursday, June 11 for Teaser Party.) SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Family: An Asian/Pacific Islander LGBTQ Gathering Everyone is invited to this free all-day conference geared toward LGBTQ Asian/ Pacific Islander youth, their families and allies from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at North Seattle College (9600 College Way N.) Registration at http://apifamilyevent.com or at the door. Workshops offered for both LGBTQ youth/adults, as well as allies, will include Trans 101, Social Media/Cyberbullying, Healthy Relationships, Religion, Multiracial LGBTQ Issues, Immigration, and ses-
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sions that provide more information about PFLAG and how students can start their own Gay-Straight Alliances (or reinvigorate existing ones). Sponsored by the Japanese American Citizens League, Pride Foundation, as well as PFLAG, Tadima, API Chaya, Asian Counseling and Referral Services and more. SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Seattle Pride Picnic Join us for the 6th Annual Seattle Pride Picnic! The Seattle Pride Picnic is a chance for family and friends to come together in one of Seattle’s iconic parks and celebrate our amazing community. All the fun begins at 11 a.m. at Volunteer Park (14th Ave. & E. Prospect St.) in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. $1 picnic meal includes hot dog, delicious side dishes, refreshments and dessert. All proceeds benefit YouthCare. www. seattlepride.org SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Portland Pride Festival Tom McCall Waterfront Park (S.W. Naito Pkwy. and Pine St.), from noon-6 p.m. www.pridenw.org. (Also Sunday following the Pride Parade.) SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Spokane Pride Parade and Rainbow Festival www.outspokane.com SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Lifelong’s Gayest Gay Bingo EVER Are you ready for the Gayest Gay Bingo EVER? Timed perfectly to celebrate Seattle Pride, Lifelong’s titillating bingo event promises an evening where glitz, glamour and gaiety abound! Packed with a plethora of fabulous special guests, mind-blowing prizes and rainbow-radiant décor (from top to bottom), this event delivers an experience you’ll never forget! Plus proceeds benefit Lifelong, a community health organization that provides food, housing and health services to people living with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. Get ready for a HOT, HOT, HOT evening! Fabulous, cheeky, wildly popular – Lifelong created this event over 20 years ago and it sparked the craze across the nation! Gay Bingo is a community fundraiser that has become a beloved Seattle institution. This 21 and over shindig is unbridled fun, complete with ridiculous musical numbers, hilarious drag queen antics, chances to win wonderful prizes, and much more! From 5-10 p.m. at Fremont Studio (155 N. 35th St.). Tickets: $50 general admission; $69 Queen for a Day. www.llaa.org SUNDAY, JUNE 14 South Park Gay Pride Picnic The picnic returns with many familiar faces such as DJ Luis V from Neighbours nightclub’s Noche Latina, the South Park Arts Council will feature a kids art table, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be sparkly as ever! The inaugural Queen of the River amateur drag contest at 2:30 p.m. will feature drag queens, drag kings, allgender drag, everyone welcome. $50 cash 1st place prize; $25 cash 2nd & 3rd place prizes. Winners chosen by crowd applause. The event will be held from 1-4 p.m., at Duwamish Waterway Park (7900 10th Ave. S. at S. Elmgrove St.) on the river and there will be free beef hot dogs and Field Roast veggie dogs for the first 200 people, along with chips and bottled water. Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket to sit on. You are welcome to bring your own picsee events page 8
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continued from page 7 nic lunch. For more info, contact Randy at gaypridesouthpark@hotmail.com SUNDAY, JUNE 14 Portland Pride Parade & Festival Parade steps off from W. Burnside St. and N.W. Park Ave. at 11 a.m. Festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park (S.W. Naito Pkwy. and Pine St.) from noon-6 p.m. www. pridenw.org. MONDAY, JUNE 15 ACLU Community Forum – Where Freedom Stands: The State of Civil Liberties at the Supreme Court A public conversation on the Freedom to Marry, Government Surveillance, the Hobby Lobby Decision, Voting Rights, the Criminal Justice System, and much more. 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave. at Seneca St. $5. RSVP: ACLU-WA. org/freedom. MONDAY, JUNE 15 PBS Independent Lens Limited Partnership Limited Partnership chronicles the 40year love story between Filipino-American Richard Adams and his Australian husband, Tony Sullivan. In 1975, thanks to a courageous county clerk in Boulder, Colorado, Richard and Tony were one of the first same-sex couples to be legally married in the world. Richard immediately filed for a green card for Tony based on their marriage. Richard received a denial letter from the Immigration and Naturalization Services stating, “You have failed to establish that a bona fide marital relationship can exist between two faggots.” Outraged at the tone, tenor, and politics of the letter, and to prevent Tony’s impending deportation, the couple decided to sue the U.S. government, initiating the first federal lawsuit seeking equal treatment for a same-sex marriage in U.S. history. A film by Thomas G. Miller, Limited Partnership premieres on Independent Len, Monday, June 15, 10 p.m.-11 p.m. on PBS. During a lifetime filled with health issues, money woes, and legal challenges, Richard and Tony never wavered in their love, lost their senses of humor, or gave up their quest for justice. Their personal trajectory parallels the history of the LGBT marriage and immigration equality movements, from their 1971 meeting at an L.A. Gay bar call “The Closet,” to the 1975 signing of the marriage license in Colorado, through the era of AIDS, to the historic U.S. Supreme Court rulings on Gay marriage in June 2013. A poignant love story, Limited Partnership celebrates Richard and Tony’s long path as they redefined traditional concepts of “spouse” and “family.” WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 GSBA Luncheon – Travel & Tourism Are LGBT specific cruises, resorts and tours still sought after vacations for the LGBT community? With changing laws and an evolving world, are members of the LGBT community shifting their vacation choices to mainstream cruises and resort areas? How has the marketing of and messaging around these types of vacations changed to reach new audiences? GSBA and Visit Seattle are pleased to welcome Judy Dlugacz, President & Founder of Olivia Travel, to discuss the state of the current LGBT specific travel movement and how her company has not only stayed relevant over the decades, but also successful with innovative products, partnerships and a deep understanding of the consumer. Arrive early to meet our hospitality and tourism members at the showcase and be one of the first to get your hands on the 2015-2016 GSBA Guide & Directory. Marriott Waterfront, 2100 Alaskan Way. Time: 11 a.m. - registration and showcase opens; program begins at noon. Cost: $45 members; $50 nonmembers; walk-ins $5 more at the door. www.thegsba.org or 206-3639188.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 Imperial Court of Seattle’s 2nd Annual Mr., Ms. and Miss Teen Pride Pageant Door at 7:30 p.m., pageant from 8:3010:30 p.m., at Neighbours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway; entrance in alley between Broadway and Harvard Ave. off E. Pike St. Hosted by the biggest supporters in the Gay youth community Drew and Jessica Paradisco. Theme: Taste the Rainbow. Pageant contestants: ages 18-20 only. Categories: Theme Wear, Talent, and Formal Wear. $7 to watch the pageant; $10 to compete in the pageant. Alcoholic drinks for 21+ served on the upper level. For more information about the event or competing in the event, contact Aaron-Kayden Bradshow at Akbradshaw12@gmail.com. THURSDAY, JUNE 18 SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Seattle Pride Comedy Series – Gena Yashere (6/18-6/20) and Heather McDonald (6/19-6/20 only) Seattle Pride and Comedy Live Seattle present Gena Yashere from “Live at the Apollo” and “Mock The Week.” Originally from the UK, Gena broke into the American comedy scene with her appearances on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” where she made it to the final 10. She has been seen in feature films such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Mr. In Between, as well as on TV shows such as “The Tonight Show,” TBS’ “Are We There Yet,” E!’s “Chelsea Lately,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” ABC’s “Comics Unleashed.” Gina has a one hour Comedy Special on Showtime, “Skinny B*tch” and recently released her DVD “Laughing to America.” Heather McDonald (6/19-6/20 only) is a comedian, actress, story producer, and best-selling author best known for her roundtable appearances on E!’s top rated show “Chelsea Lately.” Shows on Thursday: 7:30 p.m., Friday: 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m., Saturday: 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. Parlor Live Comedy Club (Seattle) (1522 6th Ave. at Pine St.). Two item minimum purchase. 21+ (18+ Thursday.) Tickets: $20/$30. 206602-1441. www.parlorlive.com. THURSDAY, JUNE 18 Divas Take the Hill 2015 – a Benefit for Seattle’s Homeless Youth At 7 p.m., 12th Avenue Arts (1620 12th Ave.) In advance of Seattle PrideFest 2015, Team Diva Real Estate and partners host their 5th annual Divas Take the Hill party. This year’s celebration continues its goal of supporting local nonprofits and small businesses by raising funds for PSKS (Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets), a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) serving homeless and at-risk youth and young adults. Performers include: Donna Tella Howe, Miss Kitty Baby Burlesque, Sylvia O’Stayformore, Deja Nouveau, and more! General admission: $15 advance, $20 at the door; VIP admission: $25; Student: $10. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1597130 More information: http://teamdivarealestate.com/savethe-date-divas-take-the-hill-6-18-2015/; www.PSKS.org THURSDAY, JUNE 18 “Rainbow City Orchestra Uncorked” At 7 p.m. at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center (4272 Fremont Ave. N.). Like last year’s hit concert, the orchestra will be pairing music with wines, offering audience members a chance to learn a little about the music and the wine while enjoying the company of friends and a few nibbles to complement the wine. This year’s event will feature jazz classics. Purple Passion Jazz Combo will open the event as guests arrive and are seated, and Rainbow City Orchestra will present its music pairings for the wines as they are poured. New this year is a VIP option with preferred seating, a special dessert, and surprise perks. Tickets: $30 advance tickets; $50 VIP, or a limited number of no drinker tickets at $10. Details at www. rainbowcityband.com THURSDAY, JUNE 18 Queer Vision 20/20 – Black Lizard (1968) Three Dollar Bill Cinema and Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.) celebrate Queer cinema and their 20th anniversa-
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ries with a special series this month. Happy Hour at 7 p.m., screening at 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $11 general, $8 youth & senior, $6 member. www.threedollarbillcinema. org FRIDAY, JUNE 19 2015 Pride Shabbat Service Preneg 5 p.m.; service 6 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m. Temple de Hirsch Sinai (1511 E. Pike St.). After the service stay for Shabbat dinner. An ASL interpreter will be available for the evening. Pride Shabbat is an opportunity that provides a way for our community to come together and share joyous and meaningful prayer in an inclusive environment that welcomes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Jews, their friends and families. Last year there was a fabulous turn out of more than 300 participants at the Pride Shabbat service. Pride Shabbat has the endorsement of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and other groups including Congregation Tikvah Chadashah and Kolenu. Its attendance grew when it was a project of Bashert: the LGBT initiative of the Jewish Federation. It has been a celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and questioning Jews, friends, allies and families. 2015 is the seventh year that Pride Shabbat has been endorsed by the full membership of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. We’ve come a long way! It is inspiring to pray for liberation and freedom together. Pride Shabbat 2008 marked a step forward in the embracing of all LGBTQ Jews of our community. In the past rejection by congregations and exclusion from full participation in Jewish life were common and were part of the founding of CTC. Since 2008 Pride Shabbat has demonstrated that the majority of congregations today in our community are welcoming and inclusive. Please register in advance by June 14 – http://www.jconnectseattle.org/events/pride-shabbat-2015/ FRIDAY, JUNE 19 Seattle Women’s Pride The second annual Seattle Women’s Pride is THE Pride party for Lesbians (and their friends) in Seattle! From 6-10 p.m. at Q Nightclub (1426 Broadway). Headlining the event is none other than Bravo’s Julie Goldman (“The Mindy Project,” “The People’s Couch,” “Faking It,” “Big Gay Sketch Show”). DJ Wildfire of Hot Flash Inferno fame will provide music. Tickets for Seattle Women’s Pride at www.strangertickets. com/events/23535956. Reservations highly encouraged. The $20 price point guarantees entry and a raffle ticket for one of the many prizes that will be given away during the evening. The $35 price point guarantees everything above as well as a Meet and Greet with Goldman post-show. A discount to groups of 10 or more is available and interested parties should contact info@ theseattlelesbian.com to reserve. Sponsored by The Seattle Lesbian – http://theseattlelesbian.com/ – www.facebook.com/ events/1583515175268500/ FRIDAY, JUNE 19 Seattle Pride Comedy Series – Gena Yashere and Heather McDonald (See Thursday listing for details.) SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Habitat for Humanity’s PRIDE BUILD Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County is hosting Pride Build on June 20, bringing together members and friends of the LGBTQ community to sponsor a day of building at La Fortuna, a development of 41 townhomes in the Benson Heights neighborhood in Renton. For more information and to sign-up contact Lauren PetersenGreen at lauren.petersengreen@habitatskc. org or call at (206) 855-3997. www.habitatskc.org/pridebuild SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Capital City Pride Festival Olympia’s Pride Festival starts at 11 a.m. in Sylvester Park at Legion & Capital Way. Regional entertainers, food, arts & crafts, booths. www.capitalcitypride.net (Capital City Pride Parade on Sunday, June 21 at 1 p.m.)
SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Mid-Columbia Pride 2015 – “Can’t Stop the Beat” Parade at 11 a.m. followed by Celebration in John Dam Plaza, Richland WA. www. midcolumbiapride.com SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Pride ASIA Founded in 2012, Pride ASIA’s mission is to celebrate, empower and nurture the multi-cultural diversity of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Ally communities through the Asian-Pacific Islander American lens. Hosted by Aleksa Manila. Noon-4 p.m. at Hing Hay Park (423 Maynard Ave. S.) in Seattle’s Chinatown/ International District. FREE all ages event. www.prideasia.org SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Seattle Pride Comedy Series – Gena Yashere and Heather McDonald (See Thursday listing for details.) SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Mr., Miss & Ms. Fireball Contest C.C. Attle’s (1701 E. Olive Way) hosts this liquor title contest at 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle. www.imperialcourtofseattle.com and on Facebook. SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Seattle Men’s Chorus – “Queen” “We Will Rock You.” “Bohemian Rhapsody.” “Another One Bites the Dust.” Get ready to experience the full spectrum of songs from this legendary band, produced with the flair of Seattle Men’s Chorus. From chart-toppers and anthems, to the greatest Queen songs you’ve never heard, this masterpiece of a concert will take you on a wild ride through rock and pop history. Introducing Frederick Hagreen as Freddie Mercury. McCaw Hall (321 Mercer St.) 8 p.m. Tickets: $28, $44, $53, $68, $78. www. seattlemenschorus.org SUNDAY, JUNE 21 Seattle Frontrunners 2015 Run & Walk with Pride Run and Walk With Pride is an annual community event open to all. Meets Sunday, June 21 in Seward Park (5895 Lake Washington Blvd. S.) for a fun 4K run, 10K run, or 4K walk. Registration at 8 a.m. Event starts at 9 a.m. www.rwwp.org; http:// www.seattlefrontrunners.org/ SUNDAY, JUNE 21 Capital City Pride Parade & Festival Olympia’s Pride Parade starts at noon at the State Capitol Building / Festival in the Park starts at 1 pm in Sylvester Park at Legion & Capitol Way. Regional entertainers, food, arts & crafts, booths. www.capitalcitypride.net (Capital City Pride Festival also on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m.) SUNDAY, JUNE 21 Seattle Men’s Chorus – “Queen” “We Will Rock You.” “Bohemian Rhapsody.” “Another One Bites the Dust.” Get ready to experience the full spectrum of songs from this legendary band, produced with the flair of Seattle Men’s Chorus. From chart-toppers and anthems, to the greatest Queen songs you’ve never heard, this masterpiece of a concert will take you on a wild ride through rock and pop history. Introducing Frederick Hagreen as Freddie Mercury. McCaw Hall (321 Mercer St.) 2 p.m. Tickets: $28, $44, $53, $68, $78. www. seattlemenschorus.org MONDAY, JUNE 22 SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Queer Rock Camp – Seattle 2015 Campers ages 12-21. www.queerrockcamp.org TUESDAY, JUNE 23 Pride Mindfulness Gathering Join us in a spirit of mindful celebration and presence. A gathering of LGBT community members with interest in mindfulness practice. Offering a talk and meditation to share reflections within Eastern philosophy and spiritual practices. Held see events page 16
Celebrating 41 Years!
#LIVING Dance Competition June 7 promotes LGBTQ and Allied dance crews to raise money for local social justice nonprofit SOSea by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
#LIVING DANCE COMPETITION FRED WILDLIFE REFUGE June 7 Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) and +Ultra Entertainment will present the second #LIVING Dance Competition featuring four dance crews competing for $1,000 prize, June 7, 7 p.m. doors, 8-10 p.m. show, at Fred Wildlife Refuge (127 Boylston Ave. E.) for a night that promises to be a big winner for anyone watching the rise of local dance culture. Last summer I got together with local dancer/choreographer Grant Cabebe (+Ultra Entertainment) to discuss producing a dance show or competition that featured local LGBTQ and Allied dancers. Cabebe, who is locally known for teaching dance classes in Northgate at the Eastlake Dance Studio and competing in SOSea’s annual male underwear model competition Battle of the Bulge loved the idea and we began to hash out details of what became known as #LIVING (as in I am “living to dance.”). The idea is we approach dance crews that have a certain level of skill and reputation and ask them to compete for a cash prize and bring out the biggest crowd possible to raise money for SOSea. On the surface this might seem like a very easy thing to accomplish. Dancers are usually sexy and dancing is fun and people seem to like it. However, locally, if you take a snapshot of the club scene, dancers are rarely celebrated. Most of the attention is given to drag queens even over deejays, let alone dance acts. The chal-
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tunities – that when one of us experiences discrimination, it affects all of us – and that our journey is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law. Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work. In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT
lenge is we have to literally build a scene where local nightclubs will hire dance acts and feature them throughout the night or singers and drag performers feature dancers as well. And then there’s the fact that many people like dance or presumably like dance but don’t pay a ticket price (as a donation) to see dance crews perform. Whatever the challenge, Cabebe and SOSea gladly accepted and we are happy that we did because the first #LIVING proved to be a success and we are now just days away from the second event – which has nearly doubled in size! The first-ever #LIVING Dance Competition was held at Neighbours Nightclub last October and saw over 100 donors come out and cheer on Mynd Kuntrol, KUT’N’UP and 3rd Shift Dance Company compete for $500. Drag entertainer and accomplished dancer Amora Dior Black hosted the competition and a panel of celebrity guest judges decided who was #LIVING to dance. Video footage from the event can be found on the Social Outreach Seattle Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VVjAGDlg9Ms. This Sunday promises to be another great show but even bigger than before. Kitty Kitty Bang Bang is scheduled to be the hostess for the evening. Judges include Daniel Cruz (Michael Jackson, Prince, Ashanti, N*Sync), Isaac Atafua Tualaulelei (ADBC Heavy Impact, Glee, Tuxedo), Anna Matuszewski (Lead Choreographer for Mackelmore), Josh Hazmat Ulep (Director of Hypersquad Dance Co, The Ellen Show). Jaquan Price (La Saveona Hunt) (Miss Gay Pride Seattle 2014, RPlace Thirsty Thursday Host).
The dance crews competing for the prize and to say they were #LIVING to dance are Konichiwaack, Kontagious Movement, Twisted Elegance, PG Boys. PG Boys, ran by the “T-Twins” Terrence and Tenoa Spencer, feature men from The Connection PAC. They are known for their smooth and sensual choreography and their knack to work a crowd. The talent on PG Boys carried them to feature performances at showcases all along the West Coast such as The Main Event in BC, Collaboration Socal, and more. Their members teach throughout WA State and often receive recognition at conventions such as Monsters of Hip-Hop. Twisted Elegance is another established group from the NW originally founded by Jaret Hughes and LA member/founder Joey Cooper. Twisted Elegance has built up its name over the years with their work showcased at Seattle KUBE 93’s Summer Jam, the Seattle fine arts scene through 4Culture, and performances/teaching abroad in China. Co-directed by Ron Smith, the Seattle group continues to train and perform with top talent in Seattle. Known to dance to tailored tracks that feature breakdowns rivaling those of the ‘90s and early ‘00s, Twisted Elegance always brings energy and precision to the stage. Kontagious Movement (or KM) describes themselves as more than a dance group, but a band of brothers. Founded by professional dancer Yoshi Wright, now residing in LA, KM members all grew up with a love for funk and dance. This passion and brotherhood flows into their performances, known to be athletic, fun, and theatrical. KM took 1st Place at World of Dance Seat-
tle in 2010 and participates in local shows in the area and along the West Coast. They often collaborate with local groups to put on workshops to give back to the community. Konichiwaack is a group of individuals joined together by the love of glitter, disco, Waacking and cats. Assembled by Co-Directors Amie Hasegawa and Rina Pellerin, Konichiwaack was created to bring the freestyle dance of waacking to the stage with choreographic timing, unison and precision. Their pieces use a wide range of music and honor past eras with a profound connection to the Disco era in particular. They each have respect for roots and foundations of the original style, they hope to share the love and knowledge of waacking culture with their community – while wearing cute outfits to boot! Guest performances by +Ultra, ELOH, La Saveonna Hunt, and last year’s winners Mynd Kuntrol. Sponsors include Seattle Gay News (www.sgn.org), Fred WildlifeRefuge (www. fredwildliferefuge.com/), ZAO Films, Friday Night Hip Hop (www.fridaynighthiphop.com/), and Westlake Dance Center (www.westlakedance.com/). The money that is raised by #LIVING Dance Competition will go directly to the Social Outreach Seattle program FROM THE HEART which works to help LGBTQ homeless youth/adults by providing outreach, food and hygiene products, and more. To donate directly to the program or Social Outreach Seattle go to www.SocialOutreachSeattle.com and clicking the DONATE tab; follow the prompts to a safe and secure donation today!
Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities – especially transgender and gender nonconforming individuals – and are taking steps to address them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and mental health experts have created resources to support family communication and involvement. For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock the opportu-
nities all LGBT individuals deserve and the resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender women. We continue to extend family and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing protections and support for LGBT persons around the world. All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected against discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect
our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
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Visit us online www.sgn.org
BARACK OBAMA Courtesy of The White House – Office of the Press Secretary
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Celebrating 41 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
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continued from page 8 in the Tateuchi Room at the Seattle Japanese Garden within the Washington Park Arboretum (1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E.) Optional garden tour at 6 p.m. ($6 fee). Dharma talk at 7 p.m. (admission fee not required). Tea social at 8 p.m. RSVP to info@dharmabuddies.org. Hosted by Lotus Sisters and Dharma Buddies, Seattle area meditation groups. TUESDAY, JUNE 23 SATURDAY, JUNE 27 PrideFest Film Festival Tuesday 6/23 Pride 7 p.m. $3 at Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave.) with free after party @ 9 p.m. at 95 Slide (722 E. Pike St.); Wednesday 6/24 Edie & Thea, Case Against 8 6:30 p.m. $3 at Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.); Thursday 6/25 Tranvisible with Bamby Q&A 6:30 p.m. $3 at Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.); Thursday 6/25 Born in Flames 8 p.m. $11 at Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.); Friday 6/26 Paris is Burning midnight $12 at SIFF Egyptian Theatre (805 E. Pine St.); Saturday 6/27 Lazer Gayzer Light Show 6:30 p.m. $10 at Pacific Science Center (Seattle Center); Saturday 6/27 Hairspray midnight $12 at SIFF Egyptian Theatre (805 E. Pine St.); Sunday 6/28 Lazer Gayzer Light Show 6:30 p.m. $10 at Pacific Science Center (Seattle Center). www.PrideFest. org/filmfest. TUESDAY, JUNE 23 Out & In: A Pride Comedy Showcase with James Adomian – hosted by Nick Sahoyah; featuring Elicia Sanchez James Adomian is a daredevil dancing queen – but don’t you know deep down he’s just a kitten! James was a finalist on the 2010 season of “Last Comic Standing,” and his many insane characters appear as celebrated guests all over the podcast-osphere. He is a staple on “Comedy Bang! Bang!” and guest stars on the new season of “Children’s Hospital.” Catch James live performing standup and characters across the globe at festivals, comedy clubs, Gay bars, rooftop parties and radical political events. His debut standup comedy album, Low Hangin Fruit, was released in 2012 via Earwolf to rave reviews – so don’t be the last one to hear it. Set phasers to chill! The Neptune Theatre (1303 NE 45th St.). Doors at 7 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advance general admission; $16.50 day of show (not including fees). 1-877-784-4849; www.stgpresents.org. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 PrideFest Film Festival Edie & Thea, Case Against 8 6:30 p.m. $3 at Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 All the Letters in the Rainbow: LGBTQI Writers Pride Month Showcase Readings by Sarah Galvin, Matthew Schnirman, Anastacia Tolbert, and Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore. David Schmader emcees. Books by the writers will be on sale. Richard Hugo House (1634 11th Ave.) at 7 p.m. FREE, all ages. www.hugohouse.org. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 The Totally Gay Sing Along! We celebrate Pride with a brand new Sing Along that features divas, camp classics, new tunes, hunks, foot stompers, rump shakers and every video is certified TOTALLY GAY! Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave.) at 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 advance; $14 at the door. www.centralcinema.com THURSDAY, JUNE 25 PrideFest Film Festival Tranvisible with Bamby Q&A 6:30 p.m. $3 at Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.) THURSDAY, JUNE 25 Seattle Storm Pride Kickoff Game against Minnesota Lynx 7 p.m. at Seattle Center’s Key Arena (1st Ave. N. & Harrison St.). Tickets at www. wnba.com/storm/tickets/
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THURSDAY, JUNE 25 Queer Vision 20/20 – Born in Flames (1983) Three Dollar Bill Cinema and Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.) celebrate Queer cinema and their 20th anniversaries with a special series this month. Happy Hour at 7 p.m., screening at 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $11 general, $8 youth & senior, $6 member. www.threedollarbillcinema. org
for youth 22 years old and younger; $20 general admission. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1659051. Diverse Harmony is the nation’s first queer-straight alliance youth chorus. Based in Seattle, Washington, the 58-member chorus presents music that opens the hearts and minds of communities and provides a safe environment for youth of diverse backgrounds to share their love of music and be accepted for who they are. www.diverseharmony.org
THURSDAY, JUNE 25 Gender Blender: The Annual Fierce, Weird and Queer Drag Party and Benefit All night party at Neumos (925 E. Pike St.), 9 p.m. Featuring Miss Fame, Ginger Minj and Violet Chachki. Hosted by BenDeLaCreme. With performances by Amoania, Sheila Dubaii, Artstar, Cherry Surbete, Cucci Binaca and The Markos Sisters. DJs Shelrawka and Rob Winter. Tickets: $35 general admission, $70 VIP. Tickets and info at www.neumos.com or www. narkmagazine.com/tickets. Proceeds benefit Gay City Health Project. Part of the Nark Magazine Pride Festival weekend.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26 - SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Georgia Ragsdale in Follow You Everywhere – A Memoir: Growing Up and Coming Out in Texas Comedian Georgia Ragsdale explores her Texas roots in a quirky, poignant childhood to coming-of-age theatrical memoir. Set in suburban Houston in the 1960s and 1970s, short slide shows using family photos prove she is not making this up as she travels though a world of unusual characters and events. Illuminated with to-thepoint stories and movement pieces set to the sound track of the times, the cast includes Seattle dance and actor talents: Lodi McClellan, Lisa Ravenholt, Jack Lush and Eric Pitzenbarger. Georgia Ragsdale, comedian, director and playwright brings her story to life with humor and grace. A simple story, elegantly and economically told in an intimate, theatrical setting – from the heart, direct, truthful and compelling. Tickets: $30 general; $10 students and seniors. Friday-Sunday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinee at 2:30 p.m. at 12th Avenue Arts Main Stage (1620 12th Ave.) www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1332092 Georgia Ragsdale, creator of Seattle favorite Boxiana: The Women’s Flyweight Championship of the World, has since toured nationally as a stand-up comedian for 14 years, including numerous comedic film and television roles. This memoir is her first piece after a nine-year hiatus. She is the former recipient of numerous grants including an NEA Individual Artist Grant.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25 GENDER*FIERCE: Youthopolis Edition Queer Youth Variety Show & Awards Ceremony PLUS C85.5 Young Pride Kick-Off Dance Party! Join HEYO and C89.5 for their second annual GENDER*FIERCE Queer Youth Variety Show, Awards Ceremony, and Dance Party! Kick off Seattle Pride right as they recognize the hard work Queer young people are doing in our community with their Youthopolis awards ceremony that will feature some amazing Queer youth performances. C89.5’s Young Pride KickOff Dance Party will take place after and feature amazing C89.5 DJs including performances by Team HeartBreak and Oscillator X! 7 p.m.-12 midnight at 12th Avenue Arts Main Stage (1620 12th Ave.) Don’t miss out! Brought to you by #EndAIDSWA. www.facebook.com/LifelongHEYO; michaelb@llaa.org. FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Trans* Pride Annual celebration of the Seattle-area Transgender community. Assemble at the courtyard north of Seattle Central College (1701 Broadway) at 5 p.m.; march to nearby Cal Anderson Park at 6 p.m.; festivities at Cal Anderson Park from 6:45-10 p.m. Trans* Pride Seattle is proud to curate a diverse and powerful group of speakers and performers from around the United States. A few speakers from select local organizations will also be taking the stage to discuss their work and the services and opportunities they offer. In addition, there will be an information and resource fair with a wide variety of community groups and organizations doing outreach. There will also be food trucks and our beloved community out in full force! Organized by Gender Justice League in association with local organizations who support the Seattle-area Trans* and gender non-conforming community. Details at www.transprideseattle.org. FRIDAY, JUNE 26 GLSEN 5th Annual Youth Pride Dance A night for LGBTQ Youth, Friends & Allies up to 21 years. Music, food and fun! Hosted by Donna Tella Howe, Face painting by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Creative, beach theme dress encouraged. 7-11 p.m. Belltown Community Center (415 Bell St.) Pre-registration required: Facebook. com/GLSENWA . FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Diverse Harmony – “Turn Back the Dial” Diverse Harmony celebrates PRIDE on June 26 and June 27 with their “Turn Back the Dial” concert. The concert will be a mix of the throwbacks from the ‘70s and ‘80s and will focus on the day in the life of a student. The concerts will be held at the Broadway Performance Hall (1625 Broadway at E. Pine St.) at 7:30 p.m. on both nights and will end in time to celebrate PRIDE with your family and friends. Tickets are FREE
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FRIDAY, JUNE 26 PrideFest Film Festival Paris is Burning midnight $12 at SIFF Egyptian Theatre (805 E. Pine St.) SATURDAY, JUNE 27 2015 SVC Pride Quads Grass Tournament Seattle Volleyball Club is hosting its 6th Annual Quads Pride Grass tournament to celebrate Seattle Pride 2015. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at Judkins Park (2150 S. Norman St.). Cost: $25/player. In the spirit of Pride a BBQ lunch will be available for purchase. For complete information, visit https://www. facebook.com/events/456208574536279/ SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Dignity/Seattle 27th Annual Pride Pancake Breakfast 9 a.m.-noon at Central Lutheran Chuch Social Hall (1710 11th Ave.) across from Cal Anderson Park. $7 donation. Raffle prizes. Proceeds go to CareTeams, a program of Samaritan Center; Plymouth Healing Communities; Dignity/Seattle SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Capitol Hill Pride Festival March & Rally “Never Forget” 1969 Stonewall civic march from Seattle Central College (1701 Broadway) to Main Stage at Broadway & E. Harrison St. steps off at 10 a.m. Celebrate Pride in Seattle’s Gayborhood at this annual street fair on Broadway E. from E. John St. to E. Roy St, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Live local music, food, and more than 100 booths featuring nonprofits, artists, and commercial vendors. Six blocks on Broadway – featuring Revisit Steppenwolf 8-10 p.m. on Main Stage. www.capitolhillpridefestival.info. SATURDAY, JUNE 27 17th Annual Rainbow Health Fair From 12 noon-4 p.m. at All Pilgrims Church (500 Broadway E. at E. Republican St.) Seattle/King & Snohomish County YWCA Women’s Health Outreach presents the 17th Annual Rainbow Health Fair. Creating a safe space where people of all genders and sexualities are served by LBTQfriendly health providers and treated with
respect. Free mammograms for uninsured people 40+. Free pap tests for all. Insurance welcome. To make an appointment, call 206-461-4493. For more information and volunteer opportunities: jen.boi.peters@ gmail.com. Visit us at ywcaworks.org. SATURDAY, JUNE 27 PrideFest Family Day Cal Anderson Park (11th Ave & E. Howell St.). SPD Picnic: noon-1 p.m., free hot dogs; 1-3 p.m., free popcorn and ice cream, K-9 unit, horses, more. Family & Kids: 1-4 p.m. with drag queen storytime, the NOTITS, talented dancing kids, bounce houses. All Ages/Teens: 4-7 p.m. with Massive Monkees dance workshop & performances, Diverse Harmony, more!. Adult Fun Time (11th Ave. just north of E. Pine St. next to Cal Anderson Park): 1-8 p.m., food trucks, live performances, DJs, beer garden, drag queens. Prom Dress (Quake) Rugby in Bobby Morris Playfield. www.seattlepridefest.org/family/. SATURDAY, JUNE 27 PRIDE 2015 Interfaith Celebration Service Many faiths join together to celebrate PRIDE: the spirit of Love and the Acceptance of all people. This year there will be participants from the Buddhist, Christian, Sufi, Muslim and Jewish faith communities. Come just as you are to sing, pray, chant, and made Sacred Community. 2 p.m. at All Pilgrims Church (500 Broadway E. at E. Republican St.). SATURDAY, JUNE 27 2015 Pride Cruise / Seattle Pride Boat Party on the Islander Yacht Hang on to your jock strap (or someone elses...), the epic daytime boat party returns! Join us on The Islander Champagne Cruises for an afternoon out on the water, cruising all around Seattle and dancing in the sunshine. We welcome very special guest DJs Won Love (aka Riz Rollins and Rob Green) and James Cerne (LAX), love and woofs all around boys. Hosted by NARK (Kevin Kauer) & co-hostess Sheila Dubaii. 2 p.m. boarding; 3-6 p.m cruise. The Islander Yacht, 1611 Fairview Ave. E. Tickets: $25. http://www.strangertickets. com/events/23937945/2015-pride-cruise. (Continue the party Saturday night at The Big Building – see NarkMagazine.com for more info.) SATURDAY, JUNE 27 - MATINEE Georgia Ragsdale in Follow You Everywhere – A Memoir: Growing Up and Coming Out in Texas (See Friday 6/26 listing at 7:30 p.m. for details.) SATURDAY, JUNE 27 2015 Seattle Dyke March The 2015 Seattle Dyke March is on Saturday, June 27. Rally from 5-7 p.m. at the Seattle Central College Plaza at Broadway and E. Pine St. The March steps off at 7 p.m. to go around Capitol Hill and back to the Plaza. We create space on our stage to highlight and honor the experiences, pleasures, activism and identities of queer women and dyke-identified people across the gender spectrum, a space that recharges us and allows us to survive and thrive. We welcome and encourage people of all genders and identities to join us in celebration at the rally and on our march. www.seattledykemarch.com/ SATURDAY, JUNE 27 PrideFest Film Festival Lazer Gayzer Light Show 6:30 p.m. $10 at Pacific Science Center (Seattle Center) SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Diverse Harmony – “Turn Back the Dial” Diverse Harmony celebrates PRIDE on June 26 and June 27 with their “Turn Back the Dial” concert. The concert will be a mix of the throwbacks from the ‘70s and ‘80s and will focus on the day in the life of a student. The concerts will be held at the Broadway Performance Hall (1625 Broadway at E. Pine St.) at 7:30 p.m. on both nights and see events page 18
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events
continued from page 16 will end in time to celebrate PRIDE with your family and friends. Tickets are FREE for youth 22 years old and younger; $20 general admission. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1659051. Diverse Harmony is the nation’s first queer-straight alliance youth chorus. Based in Seattle, Washington, the 58-member chorus presents music that opens the hearts and minds of communities and provides a safe environment for youth of diverse backgrounds to share their love of music and be accepted for who they are. www.diverseharmony.org SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Georgia Ragsdale in Follow You Everywhere – A Memoir: Growing Up and Coming Out in Texas (See Friday 6/26 listing at 7:30 p.m. for details.) SATURDAY, JUNE 27 PrideFest Film Festival Hairspray midnight $12 at SIFF Egyptian Theatre (805 E. Pine St.) SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Seattle Pride Brunch 9 a.m. Parlor Live Seattle (1522 6th Ave.) A fabulous meal to start the most fabulous day of the year! Join us for a morning of delicious food, great company, and general merriment before heading over to watch the Seattle Pride Parade. Tickets: $45; $65 includes VIP seating at Westlake Park. www.seattlepride.org/pride-parade/pridebrunch/ SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Seattle Pride Parade Starting at 11 a.m., the parade kicks off at 4th Avenue & Union St., and will proceed north down 4th Avenue to Denny Way. It will last approximately two and a half hours and will be held rain or shine. www.seattlepride.org/pride-parade/
SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Seattle PrideFest Seattle PrideFest 2015 “Share Your Love” will be more bedazzling than ever. Four stages, events over four days, dozens of artists, men’s and women’s parties, and over 130,000 attendees. www.seattlepridefest.org/ SUNDAY, JUNE 29 PrideFest Film Festival Lazer Gayzer Light Show 6:30 p.m. $10 at Pacific Science Center (Seattle Center). SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Georgia Ragsdale in Follow You Everywhere – A Memoir: Growing Up and Coming Out in Texas (See Friday 6/26 listing at 7:30 p.m. for details.) SUNDAY, JUNE 28 - SUNDAY, JULY 5 Victoria, BC Pride A week of events and activities culminating in the annual Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday, July 5. www.victoriapridesociety.org THURSDAY, JULY 2 A Night of Queer Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Speculative Fiction Gay City and Gay Romance Northwest are partnering together for a special Gay City Meet the Author event, which will boldly explore star systems and fantasy realms while spotlighting LGBTQ main characters and relationships. Join us at 7 p.m. at the Calamus Auditorium at Gay City (517 E. Pike St.) for an out-and-proud and out-of-this-world evening of readings by writers Astrid Amara, Matthew Buscemi, Kim Fielding, Laylah Hunter and Nisi Shawl. From Lambda Literary-nominated fantasies to powerful and thought-provoking science fiction stories, each author takes the reader on an exciting, imaginative journey. www.gaycity.org/arts
FRIDAY, JULY 10 SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 Wizzer Pizzer: Getting Over the Rainbow Theatre22 Summer Pride Series at 12th Avenue Arts presents Wizzer Pizzer: Getting Over the Rainbow by Amy Wheeler. Somewhere over the rainbow, Gays are checking themselves into Dr. Nora’s Reparative Therapy Clinic, where an exGay, ex-Lesbian couple teach them to be born again straight. Adrian, a drag queen (best known for his Judy Garland impersonation), checks himself in after losing the amateur drag contest. So does Jack (a rugged, straight guy who bears a striking resemblance to Adrian’s best girlfriend Kandi). When Jack finds love at the clinic with the poster girl for cured Lesbians, all Oz breaks loose. Wizzer Pizzer is a wild, outrageous, modern ride back out the Yellow Brick Road. Tickets: $25 general; $14 senior, military, student. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/907129 “In its world-premiere production at 7 Stages, Wizzer Pizzer revels in the comic possibilities of its timely subject, turns gender politics topsy-turvy and offers something sexy for every orientation.” –Atlanta’s Creative Loafing SATURDAY, JULY 11 Out in the Park – Tacoma’s annual LGBTQA Pride Celebration Noon-5 p.m., Broadway between 9th and 11th streets. Tacoma’s Official PRIDE celebration takes place as an outdoor street festival in downtown Tacoma at the Pierce Transit Park. Out in the Park is a family friendly festival that includes street side vendor booths and live performances by musical groups, drag acts, dignitaries and speakers on the Main Stage. A secondary stage features performances for both the young and the young at heart. www.rainbowcntr.org.
THURSDAY, JULY 2 SUNDAY, JULY 5 DignityUSA Convention in Seattle www.dignityusa.org
SATURDAY, JULY 11 Bellingham Pride Family Picnic Come enjoy a picnic at noon in Bloedel Donovan Park (2214 Electric Ave.) with the entire Bellingham Pride family (that includes you!). Donations gratefully accepted
of support given to Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner, for the manner in which she has chosen to navigate transition. Activists, educators and members of our community have shown a hard to ignore lack of compassion and understanding for what it might be like for a 65 year old Transgender person who was known as an Olympic Gold Medalist in a gendered sport, who lives in the public eye and under intense scrutiny to come out. And as an LGBTQ community there seems to be an extraordinary lack of a sense of history, and how that would impact a midlife or older person to come out. Much less in the world of sports which has one of the greatest gender divides outside of religious communities. Many Transgender people have had to wait to come out. And it can often take half a lifetime for circumstances to feel stable or safe enough to transition and come out. Caitlyn Jenner is not alone in transitioning and coming out after 50. Caitlyn is 65. The reasons for waiting are universal in the Transgender community - especially in the over 50 population. 1. Feeling stable in one’s career. It’s important to believe that you can transition your career along with your gender. Many people are frightened of losing their jobs or chances of promotion, and even the friendship of their colleagues. Caitlyn didn’t come out until after the Olympics, commercials, and a point in her career where she felt she could continue as her true self: a woman.
2. Believe it or not, some Transgender people wait until a parent, parents, grandparents, or other significant family members or mentors die before coming out. Many people who are over 50, come from an era where they don’t want to disappoint, hurt, embarrass or shame their elders. There is a recognition of the lack of acceptance they might face, and many hide in order not to hurt their families or even lose family ties. Caitlyn Jenner waited until her father died. 3. Some closeted Transgender people also marry and have children. Just like many people, they have a desire for family. For those over 50, it may not have seemed possible to marry or have babies if they were out as Transgender so they remained hidden. Caitlyn Jenner was not unusual in that desire. She was also not unusual in wanting to wait to tell her children that she was Transgender until they were young adults. There is a common fear that their kids won’t understand, could reject them, and even if their kids are open minded – that they could be mocked or even ostracized in school, church, and community for having a Transgender parent. Today, for younger Transgender people, they may be entering a more enlightened time, where they may feel the freedom to marry without hiding their true gender; and their children will grow up seeing their parents living their lives authentically. 4. For many over 50, their religious community is a central focus of their home, school and social life. Depending on where you live in the United States or the world; coming out as a Transgender individual
can set you apart from everything that you know. Very few religious communities are welcoming to Transgender individuals. Imagine what it must be like to have to choose between living your life authentically and your faith? Again here too, many worry about being ostracized from their community, families and friends when choosing to live in their true gender. It can take a half a lifetime to find the courage and have the resources to do that.
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It’s just different to be over 50 and transitioning. We ask older activist and gender/ sex educators to be mentors and teachers to our younger Transgender and LGBTQ community. But what about you younger folks? Can you stand up and wholeheartedly support LGBTQ individuals who may have had a different life experience than you? Can you stop being so fucking politically correct and instead use compassion? Stop the criticism and Sunday Morning Quarterbacking about how Caitlyn or anyone could have done this better or differently than how they are doing it. Try to remember that Caitlyn and over 50 Transgender folk come from a world that didn’t use words like “Gender Fluid and Gender Queer” growing up. That implies that there is an understanding of a gender spectrum or a binary system. This wasn’t even a thought in the most liberal homes of those over 50. Hell, for most people we never even heard the word “Transgender” until the 1990s. Caitlyn Jenner grew up in a world where gender roles were much more clearly defined. It was pick a team: pink or blue – forget Fifty Shades of Grey.
to cover the cost of food. www.bhampride. org/events.shtml SATURDAY, JULY 11 Bellingham Annual ISCEE Pride Drag Show (21+) Doors 6:30 p.m. Show at 7:30 p.m. Rumors Cabaret (1119 Railroad Ave.) $5 cover. Annual Rumor’s Pride Celebration to follow. www.bhampride.org/events.shtml SATURDAY, JULY 11 Bellingham Rumors Pride Celebration (21+) 10 p.m.-2 a.m. (close), Rumors Cabaret (1119 Railroad Ave.), cover. www.bhampride.org/events.shtml SUNDAY, JULY 12 Bellingham Pride Parade Noon. Starts at Ohio & Cornwall, travels along Cornwall Ave., ends at Depot Market Square (1100 Railroad Ave.). More info at http://www.bhampride.org/events.shtml SUNDAY, JULY 12 Bellingham Pride Festival Until 4:00 p.m., Depot Market Square (1100 Railroad Ave.). Features various vendors, children’s activities, appearances by local and state dignitaries. Come join the fun! www.bhampride. org/events.shtml SATURDAY, JULY 18 Kitsap Pride Kitsap Pride’s annual celebration, noon to 5 p.m., at Evergreen Park (1500 Park Ave.) in downtown Bremerton. www.kitsappride. org. (Kitsap Pride moves from Sunday to Saturday this year. Information about time and location based on previous year’s events.) SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 Vancouver (B.C.) Pride Parade & Festival Parade begins at noon in Vancouver’s downtown/West End at Robson and Thurlow streets and proceeds via Denman to festival site at Sunset Beach. Sponsored by Vancouver Pride Society. www.vancouverpride.ca.
In many aspects for the younger Transgender community, they are growing up in a very different world. While many are still tragically taking their lives and feeling set apart from their families and communities, the world is changing in part due to people like Caitlyn Jenner who can command the public stage. Good for us to remember that there are no road maps and this new breed of public Transgender activists are paving the roads of acceptance and understanding with great courage. We are building the road maps now; and the best any of us can do is gather around each person who is transitioning and offer them compassion, support and acceptance. And please remember, it’s just different after 50. Mac Scotty McGregor The Gender Sensei “SOSea” Social Outreach Seattle – Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Outreach Director City of Seattle Commissioner on the LGBT Commission SPD – LGBTQ Advisory Council Board Member – Seattle Counseling Service VIP Director for Seattle Erotic Art Festival Shihan – Teacher of Teachers Personal Trainer & Life Coach Public Speaker, Activist, Author, Ordained Minister www.betruetoself.org @mckick - twitter The Gender Sensei on FB
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Kshama Sawant to host international guests at campaign rally by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer City Council member Kshama Sawant will host guest speakers from Ireland and Greece as well as local leaders in a mass campaign rally scheduled for June 6. The event will be at Town Hall, 1119 8th Avenue, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. Appearing with Sawant, who is running for reelection in City Council District 3, will be Ruth Coppinger, a member of Ireland’s parliament, and Christos Giovanopoulos, a member of Greece’s SYRIZA party. Coppinger will be among the Irish lawmakers who must pass enabling legislation to codify her country’s historic referendum vote for marriage equality. SYRIZA is now the governing party of Greece after winning the January 2015 election. It is a leftist party that has promised to pass marriage equality, but is currently preoccupied with defending its anti-austerity policies against Greece’s Western European
creditors. Also joining Sawant for the rally will be: • Pulitzer prize-winning author Chris Hedges, • 2012 Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein, • Washington State Senator Pramila Jayapal (D-37), • Labor leader David Rolf, Presdient of the giant SEIU Local 775NW, • NAACP leader Sheley Secrest, • Anti-racism community organizer Dustin Washington. All of them have endorsed her reelection campaign. The event will mark the beginning of the 60-day run-up to the August 4 primary election, in which Sawant is seeking to return to the City Council as a representative of the newly created District 3. District 3 includes Capitol Hill and the Central District, as well as wealthier neighborhoods like Madison Park and Montlake.
Sawant first won election to the Seattle City Council in 2013, surprising political insiders by beating long-time incumbent Richard Conlin. In her first term she championed a number of causes that have endeared her to local progressives and organized labor, including winning a $15 per hour minimum wage, securing wage increases for City workers, defeating the Seattle Housing Authority’s plan to raise rents by 400%, securing millions of additional dollars for human services, creating indigenous People’s Day, and passing a Council resolution opposing the TPP free trade treaty. Sawant and her City Council staff also helped to organize a forum on hate crimes targeting the LGBT community, attended by a standing-room-only crowd of 175 people. Sawant is opposed by Urban League CEO Pamela Banks, Planned Parenthood staffer Morgan Beach, retired reporter Leon
Carter, and former Equal Rights Washington Executive Director Rod Hearne. The top two vote-getters will go on to the general election in November.
Kshama Sawant – seattle.gov
Start antiretrovirals immediately after diagnosis, CDC says Agency halts study because benefits of early treatment already clear
Antiretroviral medication – groundup.org.za
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer HIV-positive patients should be given antiretrovirals as early as possible, the CDC said May 27. The agency also said it was halting the largest-ever clinical trial of early HIV treatment because the benefits were already so clear that no further study was necessary. James D. Neaton, a University of Minnesota biostatistician and the principal investigator of the study, made the announcement with CDC’s Dr. Anthony Fauci in a telephone news conference. Although the study had been scheduled to run another year, preliminary data showed that HIV-positive patients who got immediate treatment were 53% less likely
to die during the trial or develop a serious HIV-related illness than those who waited. Immediate treatment also prevents patients from passing the disease on. Several other studies have shown that people taking antiretroviral drugs regularly are more than 90% less likely to infect others, including spouses with whom they have regular unprotected sex. The START (Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment) trial enrolled its first patients in 2009 but was not publically announced till 2011. When it was stopped this month, it had followed 4,685 HIV-positive men and women in 35 countries. HIV-positive participants with counts over 500 were enrolled in the trial. Half were put on drugs immediately, and the other half were not given drugs until their
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counts reached 350 or they had an HIV-related event, such as a disease that normally becomes serious only in immune-suppressed patients. An independent safety monitoring board looked at preliminary data two months ago and found that 86 of those in the deferred-treatment group had died, developed AIDS, or suffered a serious nonAIDS event like heart, liver, or kidney disease, or cancer, while only 41 of those in the immediate treatment group had similar health issues. That 53 percent difference was large enough to recommend stopping the trial, the CDC decided. The research was designed to settle the dispute about when to begin treatment. At that time, CDC guidelines for American doctors called for starting therapy when a patient’s CD4 count fell below 500, while the World Health Organization recommended waiting until it was below 350. CD4s are white blood cells that act as the immune system’s sentinels and are the virus’s chief target. At a count below 200, a patient has what used to be termed “fullblown AIDS” and is at high risk of dying from other opportunistic infections like tuberculosis or Kaposi’s sarcoma, or various pneumonias. A normal CD4 count in a healthy person is 500 to 1,200. In other words, even as late as 2009, mainstream medical opinion was to prescribe antiretrovirals only after patients had suffered considerable deterioration of their immune systems. But many HIV researchers and activists argued, based on their own observations and smaller studies, that treatment should start immediately. The trial stopped by the CDC May 27 is the first major clinical trial to produce evidence that patients would
live longer and be healthier if they received the drugs immediately. “This is fantastic,” said Dr. Susan P. Buchbinder, director of HIV prevention research for the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Her department began recommending immediate treatment in 2010, and new infections in that city have dropped substantially since then. “The evidence for this has been building for quite some time, but now it’s clear that people should be offered treatment right away and told why it’s beneficial,” she said. New York City has also recommended immediate treatment since 2011, but has not yet achieved San Francisco’s level of success. “Most doctors in [New York City] are starting HIV medications quickly for newly diagnosed patients,” said Dr. Demetre C. Daskalakis, the city health department’s assistant commissioner for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. “With this study, we’ve answered the question definitively: Treat HIV – it’s good for both personal and public health. The release of data from such a powerful source should erase any doubt.” In the United States, many HIV patients reportedly hesitate to start taking drugs while they feel healthy because they have heard reports of harsh side effects. In fact, the earliest generation of antiretroviral drugs prescribed in the mid-1990s often caused side-effects, with patients reporting rashes, accumulation of belly fat, and loss of feeling in the fingers and feet. But modern antiretroviral regimens, many based on tenofovir, which was approved in 2001 but took some years to be widely used, have far fewer side effects.
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