Celebrating 41 Years! Issue 23 Volume 42
FRIDAY June 6, 2014 FREE!
25¢ in bookstores & newsstands
Seattle Gay News
Double homicide
SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Seattle Police are investigating the double homicide of 27-yearold Ahmed Said and 23-year-old Dwone Anderson-Young, Sunday morning, at 29th Ave. S. and S. King St. Both of the victims were Gay and the two men had been seen earlier in the evening on Capitol Hill near R Place and Hot Mama’s. A vigil was held in the neighborhood at 29th Ave. S. and S. King St, at 7 p.m. Thursday by Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) with both families of the men. At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said no motives have been determined, but that police are working hard on the case. “This is a tragedy that has touched three communities,” Murray said. “It’s important that we come together as we try to figure out the motives that might be behind this crime.” The mayor was, of course, referring to Said’s Somali background, Anderson-Young as an African-American, and the LGBTQ community. On June 1, SPD responded to reports of gunfire at 2:22 a.m. and see Homicide page 6
Feds say Medicare must cover Mayor signs sex reassignment surgery minimum wage bill, State Insurance Commissioner prepares to follow suit
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Obama administration ended a 33-year ban on Medicare funding sex reassignment surgery on May 31, when the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Departmental Appeals Board (DAB) ruled that excluding such surgery from coverage is “no longer reasonable.”
Kara Klotz, spokesperson for Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, told SGN that the Commissioner was preparing to bring statewide insurance coverage into line with the federal ruling. “We are evaluating what our options are as far as notifying insurance carriers that they should cover [sex reassignment surgery],” Klotz said. “The Commissioner believes it is
Mayor’s Office
reuters
President Obama
an equality issue and a consumer issue we have to deal with.” The Commissioner’s office will issue a public statement “soon,” Klotz said, “hopefully this month.” The Washington State Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) is also considering how to add coverage for the full range of transition-related services to healthcare plans offered to government workers by 2016. The three insurance plans offered to public employees – the state-run Uniform Medical Plan, and the private Group Health and Kaiser Permanente – all cover mental healthcare related to gender identity issues. The two private plans also cover hormone therapy, but all of them exclude surgery. The City of Seattle and King County already offer a full range of transition-related treatments to their employees, as do several private employers. Oregon’s Department of Consumer and Business Services ruled last year that transition-related medical services cannot be
but it’s not a done deal yet
Ed Murray signs minimum wage bill
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Mayor Ed Murray signed Seattle’s new $15 per hour minimum wage ordinance into law June 4 in a ceremony at Cal Anderson Park, but the measure is already being challenged by a lawsuit and an initiative campaign sponsored by business groups. “We have taken a great step forward in the challenge of addressing income inequality and rebuilding the middle class,” Murray said at the signing ceremony. “And it’s a see TRans page 7 step we recommend to other cit-
ies around the country who seek to take action as we have.” The new ordinance will benefit some 100,000 minimum wage workers in Seattle, and is expected to pump an estimated $3 billion into the local economy. The City Council passed the bill on June 3 in a form more or less matching the recommendations of Murray’s Income Inequality Advisory Committee (IIAC). The $15 per hour minimum will be phased in over three years for businesses with more see wage page 6
2 Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
La Femme
Magnifiq ue
at neighbours
2014 All Photos: Nate Gowdy SGN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 6, 2014
Seattle Gay News 3
Pennsylvania marriage equality Gov. Corbett, the inside story, and the thank-yous by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News I’d like to believe that we are a community that gives appreciation where it is just. And we need to recognize and give thanks to those involved in last week’s major change in Pennsylvania’s marriage-equality fight. First and foremost, to Judge John Jones, who wrote one of the strongest opinions on marriage equality I’ve ever read. If you have not read it, you should (http://coop.pamd. uscourts.gov/13-1861.pdf). Next, Governor Tom Corbett, who decided to allow it to stand, thus saving us from what might have been years of litigation. This is a thank-you for doing the right thing – and doing so even after the Archbishop of Philadelphia and the chairman of the state Republican Party advised him to appeal that very day. It was a gutsy move. But the thank-yous do not end there. The American Civil Liberties Union was brilliant as usual, and Mark Aronchick, you and
your partners are community treasures. But that ultimate decision on whether this would be a contentious fight through the courts or finally settled came down to the governor, and here, there are some other players who need to be thanked. As I mentioned in this column a few months ago, several of us met with Corbett at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg to discuss LGBT issues. One of the points the governor made at that meeting was about his LGBT staffers. What he didn’t mention, but what I know as someone who has dealt closely with the governor’s office over the last four years to create the John C. Anderson LGBT-friendly senior affordable apartments, was that not only does he have LGBT staffers, but many of the other staffers might be considered allies. And if I were a betting man, I’d bet that Corbett’s family was in our corner as well. So when the governor finally received the opinion from his legal staff, his decision was one that he had been considering for months. He did this by discussions with family, friends and staff.
We can agree to disagree with the governor on many issues, but here he made the right and honorable decision. He did so by getting to know us. And that in a big way is about his LGBT staffers coming out and speaking openly with him over the last few months. Part of this victory is the power of being out. It has always been a belief of mine that our community has to just show ourselves to the general public. When we do that, they see we are no threat, that we want the same things that they desire out of life: good health, decent income and someone to share our lives with. Oh, and here’s a fun fact: We should also give a nod to virulently anti-Gay former Senator Rick Santorum – for endorsing Jones for the bench. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com. Courtesy of the Philadelphia Gay News – http://epgn.com ABC NEWS
Governor Corbett
4 Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
Out & Equal launches 2nd annual Northwest Regional Summit in Seattle, June 13
Features leading edge programming on LGBT diversity with renowned speakers, workshops and entertainment! Executives, human resources and diversity professionals, employee resource groups and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people and allies representing the vibrant businesses of the Pacific Northwest will gather in Seattle on June 13th to develop new ways to advance workplace equality. The 2014 Summit will focus on “re:shaping the Conversation.” With marriage equality in the State of Washington, the end of DOMA, and more and more state’s granting marriage equality, we are at a time in history like never before. Organizations must evolve to keep pace with changes affecting LGBT employees. Understanding how these changes impact their organizations is fundamental in maximizing employee engagement, attracting top talent, and realizing higher performance. We invite 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. Current keynote speakers are: Edward Murray, Mayor of Seattle, Rossann Williams, SVP and President of Starbucks
Canada and Charlene Strong, Washington State Human Rights Commissioner and subject of the award-winning documentary for my wife. We have also sourced several workshops with corporations, non-profits and leaders from around the world. Some key workshop presenters include Christie Smith, Managing Principal for Inclusion at Deloitte, Megan Rapinoe, Olympic Gold Medalist and member of Seattle Reign FC, Laura Harvey, Head Coach of Seattle Reign FC, and Kent Ferguson, U.S. Olympic Diver and NCAA Champion, to name a few. The Summit is an excellent opportunity for LGBT professionals, human resources and diversity and inclusion professionals, and employee resource group (ERG) leaders representing both LGBT and non-LGBT groups to: · Obtain tools, information and best practices to impact their organizations · Recharge their ERG’s leadership and organizational influence · Invest in their professional development · Connect with other companies, ERGs and community organizations dedicated to advancing workplace equality This year’s Summit is presented by corporate and non-profit sponsors from across the region
that champion diverse and inclusive workforces. “re:shaping the Conversation,” the 2nd Annual Out & Equal Northwest Regional Summit, will be held on Friday, June 13, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Renaissance Seattle (515 Madison St.). Please visit our website at www.outandequalseattle.org for speaker information, registration, and to see our workshop lineup. Out & Equal Seattle received the 2013 Outie Award for Regional Affiliate of the Year in recognition of achievements in demonstrating Out & Equal’s mission through exceptional programming and sound organizational practices.
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is committed to ending employment discrimination for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender employees. We believe that people should be judged by the work they do, not by their sexual orientation or gender identity. Every day, we work to protect and empower employees to be productive and successful – so they can support themselves, their families, and contribute to achieving a world free of discrimination for everyone. Courtesy of Out & Equal Seattle
GSBA awards $330,000 to LGBTQ and allied scholars Record-breaking amount of scholarships awarded by local businesses GSBA
Microsoft Corporate Vice President Frank Holland presents check for $40,000
Over 400 business leaders in attendance at the GSBA Scholarship Fund Dinner demonstrated their commitment to invest in the next generation of leaders by awarding over $330,000 in scholarships to LGBTQ and allied students in Washington state. The GSBA Scholarship Fund awards educational scholarships to undergraduate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and allied students, who exhibit leadership potential, demonstrate strong academic abilities and are actively involved in school and community organizations. Scholars reflect a diverse group of students, from rural and urban areas, pursu-
ing a wide range of professions and who have plans to positively impact their community. GSBA is committed to positioning today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders. GSBA’s Scholarship Fund supports the community through providing financial support, role-modeling and hope to outstanding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and allied students, many who have no traditional means of support. “I’m crying, they are happy tears, but I am also so full of thanks,” GSBA scholar, Alejandra Silva Hernandez said. “I really can’t imagine where I would be right now or who I would be, but I know all of your support has allowed me to be someone that I love being.”
Visit us online www.sgn.org
The GSBA Scholarship Fund started in 1990 because of the great financial need of Lesbian and Gay students with no other means of support. These students, because of their sexual orientation, were often discriminated against in school, experienced bullying by their peers and may have lost family support. Some were even thrown out of their homes because of their sexual orientation. As a marginalized group, these students may not have received financial aid from more traditional sources. “I cannot put into words how grateful I feel for this scholarship. We are right in the middle of choosing a college and this money has opened up doors that were not previously possible,” GSBA Scholar Miles French said. “I’m still in a state of shock. Thank you so much for making this possible.” Over the years, the GSBA Scholarship Fund has expanded its reach and its mission. Scholarships are now available to students of any age who are Washington state residents. They may be LGBT themselves or come from families with Gay or Lesbian parents, or straight, allied students who are committed to working for civil rights in the LGBT community. In addition, scholarships have been extended to graduate school students if they have received funding from GSBA during their undergraduate education. “One of the top challenges businesses in Washington state face, is finding employees with the right skill sets to remain competitive,” GSBA President & CEO Louise Chernin said. “I am proud that GSBA’s member businesses have stepped up to meet that challenge by providing access, financial support and encouragement to a diverse
group of talented students through the GSBA Scholarship Fund.” For the third year in a row GSBA has awarded the Microsoft STEM Scholarship. Dozens of Microsoft employees volunteered their time to interview scholarship applications this year, and at the dinner, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Frank Holland presented the GSBA Scholarship Fund with a check for $40,000. To date, the GSBA Scholarship Fund has awarded over 400 scholarships totaling $1.9 million dollars. GSBA scholarship awards range from $3,000 to $13,000. They provide significant support to students who often have little support from other sources. In addition to financial support, having the acceptance and encouragement from business and professional leaders provides LGBTQ and allied youth role models and the kind of validation important to all youngsters on the road to adulthood. About the Greater Seattle Business Association Established in 1981, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) is the largest LGBT and allied chamber of commerce in North America, with over 1,100 members. GSBA is widely known throughout the Puget Sound region for its work on business development, connecting community through business, advocacy on both civil rights and business and promoting LGBT tourism through its Travel Gay Seattle initiative. GSBA invests in the next generation of leaders by sponsoring a Scholarship Fund, which has given out over $1.9 million in scholarships.
June 6, 2014
Seattle Gay News 5
Courtesy of the Greater Seattle Business Association
homicide
continued from cover found the men in the Central District street, in the area of S. King St. and 29th Ave. S. Witnesses reported seeing a black or silver vehicle fleeing the area. Fire Department medics pronounced the two men dead at the scene. The two victims had no identification on them. Currently, Seattle Police are asking for help from the public to apprehend a second suspect in the double homicide case: Ali Muhammed Brown is a black male, 5’9”, 190 pounds, with brown eyes. Brown is 30-years-old and believed to be a transient, who has previously frequented the South King County area. If you see Brown or know where police can find him, please call 911 or the SPD Homicide Tip Line at (206) 233-5000 immediately, and use extreme caution as detectives believe he is armed and dangerous. Matalepuna Malu, a convicted felon with connections to an Everett-area gang involved with the illegal prescription drug trade, turned himself into Seattle Police Sunday night after his image was spread by media across the region. The 26-year-old is currently held on $1 million bail. Police say Malu told a family member he “shot a man in the face” following an altercation. Malu later told police he was not involved. Malu has a long history of criminal activity. Everett police investigated Malu for his alleged involvement in the murder of a 22-year-old man in Everett in August 2010. He was charged with first-degree murder, but was never prosecuted.
Wage
continued from cover
According to Western Washington U.S. District Court records, Malu is currently under federal supervision. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm in 2011. Malu is linked to a gang distributing OxyContin in the Everett area, U.S. District Attorney Jenny Durkan said in 2011 news release. “He continued to live a life marked by drug abuse, drug trafficking, violence and illegal weapons possession. Barely six months later he violently assaulted his girlfriend, which was merely the latest in a string of violent incidents over the course of his life. When officers responded, they found drugs, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, and the gun that belonged to that empty gun box found in his room six months earlier,” federal prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo. In addition, Malu is being investigation to determine if he violated his federal supervision due to an alleged assault case in August in Snohomish County. Malu denies he violated the supervision, court records show. He is currently facing a harassment charge in Snohomish County and posted $10,000 bail in November. It’s unknown if it’s related to the assault case. The victims, however, have no criminal record. Anderson-Young worked as a developer according to his website. Police say “Detectives continue to investigate the case and Malu remains in custody at the King County Jail for a federal warrant and an assault investigation,” the SPD statement reads. Malu has not yet been charged in the homicides. SPD officials told the media Wednesday
that a vehicle belonging to one of the victim’s revealed that there was at least one additional suspect in the case. According to SPD officials, detectives recovered Said’s vehicle after it was found parked on a South Seattle street earlier this week. Tuesday afternoon, police located the abandoned Mitsubishi Galant on Wabash Ave. S. and S. Cloverdale St. “Officers quickly realized the car belonged to one of the young men killed in the shooting at 29th Ave. S. and S. King St.,” SPD officials told the media. “Police had been working to locate the victim’s car.” Officers had the car towed to the SPD Evidence facility, where Crime Scene Investigators processed the vehicle. Detectives are investigating how the car ended up in South Seattle. Due to the fact that one of the men was African American, the other was East African, Somali, and both of them were Gay, investigators are looking into the possibility that the killings may have been motivated by hate. “I don’t want to guess what the motive is because we don’t know. Obviously, they’re investigating all angles, including the possibility that it was a hate crime,” Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said. Another possibility is that this may have been a carjacking; police say they just don’t know. Interim Seattle Police Chief Harry Bailey credits neighbors with helping his investigators make the arrest, saying, “When people come out and want to get involved, it helps us make arrests much quicker.” Whenever anyone’s life is taken in cold-blooded murder – it’s a tragedy. But it somehow seems worse when the trag-
edy occurs and those involved are lawabiding citizens with no police record. Dwone Anderson-Young had recently moved in with his mother, three doors down from where he was killed. Mayor Murray met with the parents of both Dwone Anderson-Young and Ahmed Said after the murders. He stressed that the parents of the young men wanted the public to know that the young men were not involved in criminal activity. “These were not young men who have any record. Dwone, the AfricanAmerican young man, was a graduate of the University of Washington,” he said. In an effort to make residents feel safer (there have been a string of murders in the neighborhood within weeks, and in some cases, days of each other) Mayor Murray directed the city to improve safety and lighting along 29th Ave. S. The Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle City Light inspected the 500 block of 29th Ave. S. early this week and developed a plan to trim back overgrown vegetation on the street. Some trees interfering with lighting on the street are on private property, but SDOT and SCL will assess the situation and attempt to resolve the public/private property issue and improve public safety in the area. On the heels of the double homicide, more than a hundred neighbors crowded into a monthly South Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting Wednesday. “I think people have had it and it’s not getting any better, and it won’t get any better because city policies are causing our problems here,” South Seattle Crime Prevention Council President Pat Murakami said.
ing winners and losers among Seattle businesses, this policy flies in the face of all legal precedent and defies common sense.” Asked about the suit at the signing ceremony, Murray acknowledged that franchise owners have legitimate financial worries, “but their issues are with their franchisers, not with the City. I’m sorry lawyers are going to take even more money out of their pockets.” Ironically, the local movement for a $15 wage was kicked off by a May 30, 2013 strike of workers from the very fast food franchises whose owners are now suing to prevent the City from implementing the new minimum wage law.
pid. Those of us on the IIAC who worked tirelessly for months to produce a plan that works for labor and business are deeply disappointed to see others pursuing plans that would weaken the gains for our community. We certainly don’t expect them to succeed. “We call on Forward Seattle to release a list of the businesses who support their initiative. That way Seattle consumers will know which establishments not to patronize.” At a June 5 press conference Rolf said he thought the Forward Seattle Initiative was “not likely to succeed.” Rolf, whose union was the driving force behind the successful $15 per hour initiative in SeaTac last year, promised that “com-
pared to what we’re prepared to do in Seattle, all the resources and energy we put into the SeaTac initiative will look like a picnic!” 15Now, the group associated with City Council member Kshama Sawant, has also filed an initiative for a $15 an hour wage without the phase-in period for big business and without the complicated rules for tips and healthcare benefits in the Mayor’s plan. They were reportedly ready to drop their initiative after the City Council passed Murray’s proposal, but Rolf said he “would not blame them at all” if they continued to collect signatures while Forward Seattle was doing so.
6 Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
Mayor’s Office
than 500 employees, and over seven for smaller businesses. Small businesses will be able to count tips and employer-paid healthcare benefits as part of the wage increases during the phase-in period, but that system gets phased out as the $15 base wage gets phased in. After the $15 threshold is reached, the minimum wage will be pegged to the CPI (Consumer Price Index) so that wages go up automatically as prices rise. As a final concession to businesses, the City Council added provisions to pay some workers subminimum “training wages,” and pushed back the start date of Business group files initiative the ordinance from the proposed January While the City figures out how to deal 1 to April 1, 2015. with the IFA suit, another business group filed an initiative to replace the Mayor’s plan Franchise owners sue with what they call “an alternative way to inFranchise businesses, like McDonald’s crease the minimum wage.” and Subway, will be considered “big busiForward Seattle, a group claiming to nesses,” will have to increase wages to $15 represent “local independent businesses” within three years, and will not be able to announced its initiative campaign June count tips as part of wage increases. 5. The pro-business plan only increases Even before Murray signed the bill, the wages to $12.50, however, and is phased International Franchise Association (IFA) in over five years. It does not include said it would file a lawsuit to overturn Seat- cost-of-living increases. tle’s “unfair and discriminatory” ordinance. IIAC co-chair David Rolf, President of IFA CEO Steve Caldeira said the plan SEIU (Service Employees International would impact 600 franchisees in Seattle, Union) 775NW, said the initiative violated with 1,700 locations and 19,000 workers. agreements between business and labor rep“These hundreds of franchise small resentatives on the IIAC. business owners are being punished sim“Despite widespread agreement among ply because they chose to operate as fran- the Seattle business and labor community chisees,” he charged. not to pursue competing ballot initiatives, “Decades of legal precedent have held and overwhelming public support for the that franchise businesses are independent- ordinance just passed by the City Council ly-owned businesses and are not operated and signed by the Mayor, a fringe group of by the brand’s corporate headquarters. The right-wing ideologues in the business comCity Council’s action today is unfair, dis- munity today showed that they will stop at criminatory and a deliberate attempt to nothing to prevent workers from earning a achieve a political agenda at the expense of living wage,” Rolf said in a statement. small franchise business owners. By pick“This is selfish, short-sighted, and stu-
Mayor Murray addresses crowd after City Council’s vote to raise minimum wage
Celebrating 41 Years!
Review Denied!
SCOTUS turns down NOM attempt to stop Oregon marriages by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The U.S. Supreme Court rejected NOM’s attempt to stop Gay and Lesbian couples from marrying in Oregon in a curt one-sentence order on June 4. On May 27, NOM appealed to Justice Anthony Kennedy, who supervises federal courts in Oregon, to stay the ruling of U.S. District Judge Michael McShane striking down Oregon’s ban on same-sex marriage. The next day, Kennedy asked the parties to the Oregon case to submit briefs explaining their positions, but did not stay McShane’s ruling. Kennedy then referred NOM’s petition to the full Supreme Court, which denied NOM’s request for a stay. “The application for a stay presented to Justice Kennedy and by him referred to the Court is denied,” the court’s order said. Gay and Lesbian couples have been entitled to marry in Oregon since McShane ruled on May 19, and the effect of the Supreme Court’s order is that they may continue to do so. NOM still has an appeal pending with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals asking them to
reverse McShane’s decision that they may not intervene to defend Oregon’s former marriage law, which barred same-sex marriage. NOM argued that since Oregon state officials refused to defend the law, NOM should be allowed to do so. McShane ruled that the anti-Gay group lacked standing when they failed to produce a single Oregon citizen who claimed to be harmed by same-sex marriage. In a previous case from Utah, the Supreme Court did stay a district judge’s ruling allowing same-sex marriage, but in that case state officials – who unquestionably have standing – were actively pursuing an appeal. In the Oregon case, the question was whether NOM was likely to succeed in its bid to intervene in the first place. That question is still before the Ninth Circuit, but the Supreme Court’s June 4 order seems to indicate the justices believe NOM will fail. The ACLU, which filed a brief opposing NOM’s request for a stay, applauded the Supreme Court’s decision. are now part of marriage in America today,” “With marriages continuing in Oregon, said James Esseks, director of the ACLU Leswe have 44 percent of the country living in bian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. a freedom-to-marry state: same-sex couples “Across the country, more and more
Idaho Governor asks for trans full Ninth Circuit review of marriage ruling
continued from cover excluded from insurance plans offered in the state. California, Colorado, Vermont, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia have similar policies. The Affordable Care Act also prohibits insurance discrimination against Transgender people.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Idaho Governor Butch Otter filed a motion on June 2 to have his state’s marriage equality case heard by the full Ninth Circuit Court rather than a three-judge panel, as would normally be the case. In the usual course of appeals, a case would be heard by a three-judge panel of the Circuit Court, but if a party to the suit is not satisfied with the panel’s ruling, they have the right to ask for what is called an en banc review – a decision by the full Circuit Court. By asking to dispense with the panel and go directly to en banc review, Otter is hoping to stream line the process. Since the Ninth Circuit has 29 judges, an en banc hearing would include Chief Judge Alex Kozinski and 10 other judges chosen at random. Otter’s attorneys said an en banc review would be more authoritative and convincing than a decision by a three-judge panel. “Because the marriage issue is so passionately contested and so divisive among the citizenry, the perception of the legitimacy of this court’s resolution of it must be of paramount concern,” the attorneys argued in their motion. “A decision by an 11-judge panel stands far higher and stronger than does a decision by a three-judge panel, just as a decision by a threejudge panel stands far higher and stronger than does a decision by a single judge.” Federal Magistrate Judge Candy Dale struck down Idaho’s ban on same-sex marriages on May 13, but the Ninth Circuit stayed her ruling on May 20 at the request of state officials who said they would appeal Dale’s decision.
In their ruling staying Judge Dale’s decision, the Ninth Circuit also ordered an expedited review of the case. September 8 has been set for the appeal hearing. In granting the stay, Appellate Judge Andrew Hurwitz wrote that he believed Idaho’s marriage ban would not survive Ninth Circuit review, but the court felt that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision granting a stay in a similar Utah case established a precedent that had to be followed. Otter has also asked the Ninth Circuit to clarify what they meant by “heightened scrutiny” in a previous ruling involving a Gay juror excluded from hearing a civil suit between two pharmaceutical companies. In the SmithKline ruling in March, the Ninth Circuit said that since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in USA v. Windsor – where the high court struck down DOMA – differential treatment of LGBT persons must be examined with heightened scrutiny, and not just rational basis review. In other words, said the Circuit Court, to treat LGBT people differently from straight people you must show more than a simple rationale, you must show a compelling state interest that cannot be satisfied in any other way. This obviously would apply to state marriage laws, and is the reason Judge Hurwitz would doubt that the Ninth Circuit could uphold Idaho’s discriminatory one manone woman law.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
Medically necessary procedures Medicare considered sex reassignment surgery “experimental” and refused to cover it for fear of “serious complications” under the terms of policy guidelines formulated in 1981. DAB found that the old concerns were unfounded, however. “Even assuming the [National Coverage Determination]’s exclusion of coverage at the time the [policy] was adopted was reasonable, that coverage exclusion is no longer reasonable,” reads the ruling. “This record includes expert medical testimony and studies published in the years after publication of the [policy].” “Denying Medicare coverage of all transsexual surgery as a treatment for transsexualism is not valid under the ‘reasonableness standard’ the Board applies,” the DAB ruling continues. Under the new policy, Medicare will not automatically cover sex reassignment surgery and related care, but will no longer be prevented from doing so when claims are made, as HHS spokesperson Aaron Albright explained in a statement. “The national policy barring Medicare from covering gender transition surgery has been invalidated by HHS’s Departmental Appeals Board,” he said. “As with all such determinations, CMS will carry out this independent board’s ruling through Medicare Administrative Contractors, who manage Medicare claims payment systems. These contractors may cover this care case-by-case or under a local coverage determination based on clinical evidence to determine medical appropriateness.”
June 6, 2014
Americans are embracing the truth that their friends, family, and neighbors in samesex couples deserve the protection and dignity that only comes with marriage.” In the 33 years since Medicare was barred from covering sex reassignment surgery, medical opinion has changed decisively. Such treatment is no longer labeled “experimental,” but is now considered “medically necessary.” The American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of Social Workers, the American Public Health Association, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist have all endorsed the full range of transition-related health services. Science and fairness are winning Leading LGBT and human rights organizations applauded the HHS decision. “This decision removes a threshold barrier to coverage for medical care for transgender people under Medicare,” the ACLU, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights said in a joint statement. “It is consistent with the consensus of the medical and scientific community that access to gender transition-related care is medically necessary for many people with gender dysphoria.” “Today’s ruling represents the medical community’s clear understanding that gender dysphoria is a serious medical condition, and the government should not stand in the way when doctors recommend treatment,” National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) Executive Director Mara Keisling said in a May 31 statement. “This ruling comes from an independent panel who’ve studied the science on transgender healthcare. Today, this panel ruled that Medicare cannot flat-out exclude medicallysupported treatments for transgender people.” Keisling added, “Science and fairness are winning over outdated biases. NCTE will continue to advocate for access to medically necessary care for all transgender people.”
Seattle Gay News 7
Gay Prom in Hawai’i draws over 300 for memorable kiki Hawai’i GSA
by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer Everyone remembers their Prom night. And everything leading up to it – choosing the dress, coordinating tie and corsage colors, deciding where to go for dinner, picking up the suit from the drycleaner, the obligatory home photos taken by a teary-eyed mother. Memories that never quite fade away.
But this school-year-ending dance is rooted in straight tradition: boy asks girl, girl wears a pretty gown, boy sports tuxedo, and a varsity team jock is crowned prom king, while a popular cheerleader gets the tiara. It’s an event that leaves many Gay teens feeling out of place. But for high school students in the Aloha state, the opportunity to celebrate this momentous occasion amongst peers with similar backgrounds is now a dream come true. Now
in its third year, the GSA Hawai’i Gay Prom brought LGBTQ couples and dates, along with many straight allies, to party the night away under one roof on May 31. Over 300 kids attended the dance at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel on the island of Oahu, which took on this year’s theme of “A Kiki in Wonderland.” “We had, I would say, over 30 different schools represented in one night,” said Kaulana Chang, GSA Hawai’i Coordinator, reached at his office in Honolulu. “And as small as our island is, it’s rare that these kids get to meet each other, who are part of the LGBTQ community, and also their straight allies.” Besides the obvious, a prom intended for Gay youth, the event stuck to the formalities of a regular prom. “I would say the biggest difference is that you’re able to meet each other,” explained Chang. “We all have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, but to be able to meet someone face to face and talk to them, who are going through the same things you are as a Gay youth, Lesbian youth, or Transgender – that’s the big difference, to bring these kids together from all these schools.” The Gay Prom faced no opposition this year, in fact Chang noted that several businesses stepped up to sponsor the gala or donate items, such as prizes (i.e. gift certificates) that were given away. “Every single year, the Sheraton (Waikiki) has been our main sponsor,” stated Chang, who confirmed that the hotel has already given notice of its interest to host 2015’s festivi-
ties. Aside from holding last weekend’s prom inside the Kauai Ballroom, the hotel also opened its doors to the LGBT community on December 2, 2013 when Hawai’i began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. (Six couples were wed in the Sheraton’s Leahi Club Lounge, and additional couples could register for licenses on computer stations, provided by the hotel, and tie the knot right then and there. The Sheraton also hosts Phoenix, an LGBT social gathering happening monthly at RumFire Waikiki restaurant-lounge.) At the Gay Prom, a DJ from one of Honolulu’s radio stations and 247danceforce, featuring local talent Mark Kanemura, who has performed with Lady GaGa and appeared on “So You Think You Can Dance,” entertained attendees, as did members of the drag community, who dressed up as various characters from Alice in Wonderland. Food and snacks were offered during the event, and guests could purchase soft drinks and juices from beverage stations in the ballroom. Many straight allies, some associated with the state’s Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) chapter, supported their fellow Gay students by joining them at the dance, along with a few proud parents. “We had one father who drove his daughter from the other side of the island, Chang said. “He waited in his car the entire time.” Anyone that might consider going to Oahu next year for the fourth GSA Hawai’i Prom can get more information at www.gsahawaii.org.
Maine Commission rules unanimously against NOM; imposes record fines and disclosure of donors Commission Chair says NOM makes “a mockery” of Maine’s election laws the same disclosure rules that we and many other groups have abided by for years in Maine and across the country.” Over the past four years, following a complaint by Fred Karger, the commission conducted the most detailed investigation of NOM’s activities to date. The investigation included deposing NOM’s head Brian Brown and subpoenaing documents, both of which were critical to uncovering the grand scheme to violate state disclosure requirements. The investigation was significantly delayed by a series of lawsuits initiated by NOM intended to stonewall the investigation. NOM appealed unsuccessfully all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in its effort to evade Maine’s public disclosure law. The final report found that NOM raised more than $2 million from donors to fund its Maine marriage campaign but deliberately failed to disclose these donors in accordance with state law. The report also concluded that Brown and others repeatedly deceived the commission during the course of its investigation. Maine voters approved marriage equality in a second referendum in 2012.
8 Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
thinkprogress.org
On Wednesday, May 28, the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices voted unanimously to impose record civil penalties against the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) totaling $50,250 and directed NOM to file disclosure reports with the Commission after a fouryear investigation exposed “a significant violation of law” by the national anti-LGBT organization. The penalties are reportedly the largest ever imposed for a campaign finance violation in Maine history. The bipartisan five member commission approved a staff report issued last week that concluded that NOM intentionally violated Maine law by failing to register or report its activities despite playing a central role in co-managing and funding a $3 million marriage referendum campaign in 2009. “We thought where there was smoke there was fire. There was,” said Commission Chair Walter McKee, who at the open meeting told NOM that to accept its explanation for its fundraising activities would be to “accept a mockery of Maine’s election laws.” “The National Organization for Marriage has for seven years engaged in a secret, coordinated scheme funded by a few wealthy anonymous donors intended solely to demean LGBT Americans,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Today, Maine has lifted the veil on NOM’s illegal political activities and exposed its efforts to funnel secret money into its radical national campaign against equality. We commend Maine’s regulators for requiring NOM to play by
Brian Brown
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. Courtesy of the Human Rights Campaign
Celebrating 41 Years!
Compiled by Doug Hamilton SGN Contributing Writer and by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer ATTN: LGBT MILITARY VETERANS (OR ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY!) You are cordially invited to join Veterans for Human Rights for this year’s Color Guard for the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday morning, June 29 at 4th Ave. & Union St. Parade steps off promptly at 11 a.m. www.vfhr.org. ONGOING (thru JULY 6) Revealing Queer MOHAI (Museum of History & Industry) proudly presents Revealing Queer, a landmark exhibit exploring how the Puget Sound LGBTQ community has grown, changed, become more visible, and worked towards equality. Informed throughout by the lived experiences of this incredibly diverse population, the exhibit traces its history from an emerging underground group in the years before the Stonewall Riots of 1969, to the large and politically active community that helped make marriage equality law in Washington State in 2012. MOHAI (860 Terry Ave.) Tickets: $14-adults; $12 students/seniors/military. First Thursday is FREE. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m. www.mohai.org FRIDAY, JUNE 6 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.) More info at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/qbbq-lgbtq-barbecue-with-oma-registration11509702831?aff=es2&rank=25 FRIDAY, JUNE 6 A Rare Screening of The Celluloid Closet What That’s Entertainment did for movie musicals, The Celluloid Closet does for Hollywood homosexuality, as this exuberant, eye-opening movie serves up a dazzling hundred-year history of the role of Gay men and Lesbians on the silver screen. Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Curtis, Harvey Fierstein and Gore Vidal are just a few of the many actors, writers and commentators who provide funny and insightful anecdotes. Based on Vito Russo’s groundbreaking book on the history of the GLBT community’s portrayal in the movies. One showing only at 7 p.m., Gay City’s Calamus Auditorium (517 E. Pike St.) Admission is free. All attendees are invited to a discussion of the film after the screening. FRIDAY, JUNE 6 - SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata by Terrence McNally Theatre22’s First Annual Summer Pride Series production runs Thursdays through Saturdays, with industry night performance Monday, June 23, at 8 p.m. and two matinees Saturdays June 21 & June 28 at 2:30 p.m., at Richard Hugo House (1634 11th Ave.). Tickets $22 general; $14 student/senior/military; $10 TPS, with $10 minimum pay-what-
you-can industry night tickets on Thursdays volunteers. Entertainment will be provided and Monday, June 23. www.theatre22.org or and every volunteer will receive a T-shirt to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/575647. commemorate the event. All cleaning supplies provided. You just need to show up! www. SATURDAY, JUNE 7 caphillchamber.org; www.eventbrite.com/e/ Word Play: capitol-hill-clean-sweep-tickets-11246210719 A Spoken Word Poetry Festival Join Gay City for the third annual Word Play SUNDAY, JUNE 8 festival, a one-day spoken word festival from 9 South Park Gay Pride Picnic a.m. to 9 p.m., at Calamus Auditorium at Gay From 1-4 p.m., at Duwamish Waterway City (517 E. Pike St.) including two workshops, Park (7900 10th Ave. S. at S. Elmgrove St.) on a performance, and an artists reception. Word the river, there will be free hot dogs and vegPlay is a collaborative effort to explore recov- gie dogs for the first 200 people. Performers ery from a Queer perspective. The workshop include local South Park Queer/Punk/Rock/ leaders will share their expertise and encour- Blues/Surf band “Gnarlene and the Frisky age participants to explore their own recovery Pigs” who will play songs from their new alexperiences through spoken word. Seven po- bum, Party on Uranus, followed by the sultry ets from different recovery backgrounds will Latin styles of Alma y Azucar, from bossa take the mic to speak truth about bottoming nova to salsa to tango. The last hour will feaout, getting back up and moving on. Consi, ture DJ Luis V from the popular Noche Latina Dorothy Frances Kent, Kristina Armenakis, at Neighbours playing for several performOkanomode, Stephanie Van Streefkerk, Tara ers: Isabella and Jennifer will dazzle us with Hardy, and That SeattleGuy will perform at 7 their passion and drag attire, Chucho will p.m., followed by an artists’ reception. FREE. mesmerize us with his belly dance moves, Complete details and poet biographies at and White Center native Sarey Savy will have www.gaycity.org/wordplay. us on our feet with his original pop/dance songs. South Park Arts Council will have SATURDAY, JUNE 7 a kid-friendly arts and crafts table, and the SEAMEC South Park Branch library will feature books Volunteer Interviewer Orientation on LGBTQ issues in English and Spanish. We Join the crew who will be interviewing are partnering again with Entre Hermanos, this election cycle’s crop of candidates to a 501(c)(3) non-profit, that has been such a find out just how LGBT-friendly they are. At great supporter of the picnic, and our sponthe Capitol Hill Branch of the Seattle Pub- sors include: Entre Hermano, Burdick Brewlic Library 425 Harvard Ave E, Seattle, from ing, Central Co-op/Madison Market, City 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Open to Public). For of Seattle Arts and Culture, ForSalby’s, Jeff more info email seamec2014@gmail.com or Hayes/Drummer-Boy.org, Little Rae’s Bakery, leave message at 206-666-8058 RT Brokerage, the Rose Street Garden Club, and Seattle Gay News. www.facebook.com/ SATURDAY, JUNE 7 events/280392392121121 or email Randy at Lambert House’s Pink Prom gaypridesouthpark@hotmail.com The youth-originated alternative prom for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, GenderSUNDAY, JUNE 8 Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Questioning, CrossSeattle Pride Idol – Finale Dressing, and Allied youth from Seattle, King After 10 weeks of competition the finalists County, the Greater Northwest, the world, compete for the title of 2014 Seattle Pride our galaxy, the universe, and other places – Idol! Come watch Seattle’s hottest singers for youth, ages 13 through 22. Festive dress take the stage at Neighbours Nightclub and encouraged; formal wear welcome and not sing their hearts out! Doors 7 p.m., contest required. Dates welcome and definitely not re- 8 p.m. Neighbours Nightclub (1509 Broadquired. Lambert House will provide soft drinks way). Big prizes for contestants and lots of and hearty snacks. Come dance and hang out audience giveaways! FREE admission. 21+. with your same-sex friends, other-sex friends, www.seattlepride.org no-sex friends, any-sex friends, and all-gender friends in a safe environment. No Drugs, No SUNDAY, JUNE 8 Alcohol, No Hate. 8 p.m. to midnight. $5 to Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata $20 free-will donation. Location: All Pilgrim’s (See June 6 for details.) Church, 500 Broadway E. in Seattle. MONDAY, JUNE 9 SATURDAY, JUNE 7 Lambda Legal Presents Just Gender Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata Lambda Legal is pleased to partner with (See June 6 for details.) Buddha Dog Productions and Kino Lorber EDU to present the Seattle screening of SUNDAY, JUNE 8 the documentary feature, Just Gender, narSeattle Gay Day of Service – rated by Tony and Emmy-award winning Capitol Hill Clean Sweep actress Bebe Neuwirth at the Varsity TheWant to help your community and have fun atre (4329 University Way NE), 6:30-9 p.m. at the same time? This year, PrideFest’s Gay Space is limited. RSVPs to this FREE comDay of Service and Capitol Hill Chamber of munity film event at www.facebook.com/ Commerce’s Clean Sweep join together for events/721730741212572 a big clean-up of Capitol Hill streets. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Cal Anderson Park Shelter TUESDAY, JUNE 10 House (11th Ave. and E. Olive St.) Breakfast Lavender Graduation: and coffee provided by Starbucks and lunch Be Your Own Queen! by local Capitol Hill eateries will be served to The University of Washington Q Center
Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 6, 2014
hosts the UW’s annual LGBTQ-friendly Lavender graduation ceremony for all students eligible to graduate during the 201314 academic year (including fall 2014). Keynote speech & performance by Aleska Manila. All welcome. UW Tower (4333 Brooklyn Ave. N.E.), Mezzanine Level Lounge, 6-8:30 p.m. (Ceremony participants are asked to arrive by 5:15 p.m.) For more information, visit http://depts.washington.edu/ qcenter/wordpress/lavender-graduation/ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 POZ Seattle Pride BBQ Monthly Social 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. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 “Pay It No Mind: The Life and Times of Marsha P. Johnson” You are invited to the Seattle premiere screening of a feature length documentary (1 hour) about this revolutionary transactivist of Color, Stonewall instigator, and founder of Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries (STAR) at 7 p.m. in the Grand Hall at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (104 17th Ave. S. at E. Yesler Way). A community talk follows the film. FREE. Reserve your seat at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/680021. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 “The Films of Rock Hudson” Seattle Art Museum honors Pride Month and actor Rock Hudson, iconic Hollywood leading man, whose public announcement of his AIDS diagnosis and death in 1985 galvanized support for people with HIV/AIDS. SAM will show: Written on the Wind on Wednesday, June 11 and All that Heaven Allows on Friday, June 13 at Plestcheeff Auditorium (1300 1st Ave., enter the museum at 1st Ave. & University St for closest access to the auditorium) – screenings at 7:30 p.m. Series tickets may be purchased online, at the ticketing desk at any of SAM’s three sites, or over the phone with a credit card by calling the SAM box office at 206-654-3121. A limited number of single-film tickets may be available on a firstcome, first-served basis the day of the show, at 7:25 p.m., at the auditorium entrance for $8 (cash/check only). www.seattleartmuseum.org THURSDAY, JUNE 12 Portraits of Pride 2014 In celebration of Pride, Gay City Arts is hosting the annual Portraits of Pride exhibit showcasing self-portraits from LGBTQ and allied artists: Amy C. Abadilla, Cody Blomberg, Andrew Caldwell, Dale Davis, McCade Dolan, Scott Dunn, Stephen Eaker, Juan Franco, Elise Koncsek, Nan Leiter, Mario Lemafa, Lector Morales, GHrego Rachko, Brian Reindel, Matt Wenci and more… see Pride Events page 16
Seattle Gay News 9
10
Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 6, 2014
Seattle Gay News 11
12
Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 6, 2014
Seattle Gay News 13
14
Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
MoSS Alley MotorS, Inc. SpecialiStS in VolVo, Honda, toyota and Subaru
932 12th ave. Seattle, Wa 98122 (206).325--.3992 www.mossalley.com Seattle’s most progressive auto shop!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 6, 2014
Seattle Gay News 15
Afghanistan. She has faced harsh government retaliation and is now fighting to receive adequate health care as a Trans woman in military prison. Come to this meeting to strategize on what can be done to building the movement to free Chelsea Manning and advance Transgender rights. 7:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. for $8.50 donation. New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.) 206722-6057, RWseattle@mindspring.com. Everyone welcome. Call in advance to arrange childcare. Wheelchair accessible. THURSDAY, JUNE 19 Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata (See June 6 for details.) FRIDAY, JUNE 20 Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata (See June 6 for details.)
Continued from page 9 from June 12-July 7. Artists reception June 12 from 6-9 p.m. at Calamus Auditorium at Gay City (517 E. Pike St.) www.gaycity.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 FRIDAY, JUNE 20 Portland Pride Festival PBS/Independent Lens Presents Tom McCall Waterfront Park (S.W. NaiThe New Black THURSDAY, JUNE 12 to Pkwy. and Pine St.), beginning at noon. KCTS-TV, Channel 9, at 9 p.m., broadThree Dollar Bill Cinema – Salome www.pridenw.org. (Also Sunday following casts The New Black, a groundbreaking (1922) (See article in this week’s SGN, the Pride Parade.) documentary about the conversation on Section 2 for details.) same-sex marriage in the African AmeriSATURDAY, JUNE 14 can community during Maryland’s fight for THURSDAY, JUNE 12 Spokane Pride Parade & Rainbow Festival marriage equality in 2012. The New Black Trans*Parency All Ages Dance Party www.outspokane.com takes viewers into the pews and onto the 7-11 p.m. at The Vera Project (Seattle Center streets and provides a seat at the kitchen north of Key Arena in the Northwest Rooms SATURDAY JUNE 14 table as it tells the story of the historic fight near SIFF offices). House styles of Kid Amiga Seattle Men’s Chorus – to win marriage equality in Maryland and will kick us off, followed by the talented Miss “Falling in Love Again – Deutschland” charts the evolution of this divisive issue Shelrawka for a night of dancing! This is a funFor one night only at The Paramount The- within the black community. draising party for Gender Justice League, atre (911 Pine St.), Seattle Men’s Chorus presand the 2014 Trans Pride!! http://seattle.gay- ents Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s For a Look SATURDAY, JUNE 21 cities.com/events/357529-trans-parency or a Touch, a powerful story about the relaPride ASIA tively untouched and unknown subject of Gay Founded in 2012, Pride ASIA’s mission THURSDAY, JUNE 12 persecution during the Holocaust, an original is to celebrate, empower and nurture the Divas Take the Hill – work commissioned by Seattle’s Music of Re- multi-cultural diversity of the Lesbian, Ride the Soul Train all night long! membrance. Act II will feature a few selections Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Ally A benefit for the Inspire Youth Proj- of American Jazz and other music of celebra- communities through the Asian-Pacific ect to support at-risk youth, specifically tion to help put you in the spirit of Pride. Islander American lens. Hosted by Aleksa those affected by HIV/AIDS. Put on your 8 p.m. Tickets: $25, $35, $45, $55. www. Manila. Noon-4 p.m. at Hing Hay Park bell-bottom pants and prepare for the Pride seattlemenschorus.org (423 Maynard Ave. S.) in Seattle’s ChinaKickoff event of the season with drinks, town/International District. FREE all ages dancing, and drag queens galore! 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY, JUNE 14 event. www.prideasia.org doors; 8 p.m. performances. Velocity Dance Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata Center (1621 12th Ave.). www.facebook. (See June 6 for details.) SATURDAY, JUNE 21 com/events/140556506114758/ Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata SUNDAY, JUNE 15 (See June 6 for details.) THURSDAY, JUNE 12 Portland Pride Parade & Festival Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata Parade steps off from Burnside St. and SATURDAY, JUNE 21 (See June 6 for details.) N.W. Park Ave. at 11 a.m. Festival at Tom McCapital City Pride Festival Call Waterfront Park (S.W. Naito Pkwy. and Olympia’s Pride Festival starts at 11 a.m. FRIDAY, JUNE 13 Pine St.) begins at noon. www.pridenw.org. in Sylvester Park at Legion & Capital Way. Out & Equal Regional entertainers, food, arts & crafts, Northwest Regional Summit booths. www.capitalcitypride.net Drawing participants from San Francisco WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 to Vancouver, BC the Northwest Regional GSBA Luncheon – Travel & Tourism SUNDAY, JUNE 22 Summit will bring together hundreds of LesIn partnership with Visit Seattle, this Seattle Frontrunners 2014 bian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) month’s luncheon will focus on travel and Run & Walk with Pride professionals and straight allies to share in- tourism. In addition to a dynamic pair of Run and Walk With Pride is an annual novative strategies to enhance workplace expert speakers on LGBT travel, the lun- community event open to all, presented by inclusion, visibility, and diversity. Attendees cheon will present a unique opportunity Seattle Frontrunners, an LGBT running will participate in workshops and hear from for members and guests to interact with Se- club. Join us on Sunday, June 22 in Seward business leaders who pioneered welcoming attle’s tourism industry with a pre-luncheon Park (5895 Lake Washington Blvd. S.) for workplaces for diverse professionals. 8 a.m.- showcase. The luncheon will be held from a fun 4K run, 10K run, or 4K walk. Event 5:30 p.m. Renaissance Seattle Hotel (515 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Sheraton Seattle Hotel starts at 9 a.m. www.rwwp.org; seattleMadison St.). www.eventbrite.com/e/2014- (1400 6th Ave.). Speakers for the luncheon frontrunners-3zjf.squarespace.com out-and-equal-northwest-regional-summit- are Merryn Johns, Editor in Chief, Curve registration-11241968029?aff=eivtefrnd Magazine and Ed Salvato, Editor in Chief, SUNDAY, JUNE 22 Man About World. The luncheon is sponSeattle Storm Pride Kickoff Game FRIDAY, JUNE 13 sored by Holland America Lines. Registraagainst the Washington Mystics “The Films of Rock Hudson” tion: $40 members, $40 nonmembers, walkThe first 3,000 fans in attendance will re(See June 11 for details.) ins $5 more at the door. www.thegsba.org or ceive a free T-shirt. The Seattle Storm has 206-363-9188. invited Greater Seattle Business AssociaFRIDAY, JUNE 13 tion (GSBA) Scholars to attend the game in Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata THURSDAY, JUNE 19 recognition of their achievements. 6 p.m. (See June 6 for details.) Three Dollar Bill Cinema – at Key Arena (Seattle Center, 1st Ave. N. & Myra Breckinridge (1970) Harrison St.). Tickets at www.wnba.com/ SATURDAY, JUNE 14 (See article in this week’s SGN, storm/tickets/ Seattle Pride Picnic Section 2 for details.) Join us for The 5th Annual Seattle Pride SUNDAY, JUNE 22 Picnic! The Seattle Pride Picnic is a chance THURSDAY, JUNE 19 Capital City Pride Parade & Festival for family and friends to come together in Chelsea Manning: Anti-War Olympia’s Pride Parade starts at noon at one of Seattle’s iconic parks and celebrate Activist & Trans Freedom Fighter the State Capitol Building / Festival in the our amazing community. All the fun begins Brave whistleblower Chelsea Manning Park starts at 1 pm in Sylvester Park at Leat 11 a.m. at Volunteer Park (14th Ave. & E. was sentenced to 35 years in prison for ex- gion & Capitol Way. Regional entertainers, Prospect St.) in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neigh- posing war crimes that showed the true food, arts & crafts, booths. www.capitalciborhood. www.seattlepride.org human cost of U.S. militarism in Iraq and typride.net
16
Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
MONDAY, JUNE 23 Admiral Theater – The Nance (See article in this week’s SGN, Section 2 for details.) TUESDAY, JUNE 24 Pride Mindfulness Gathering Japanese Garden tour at the Washington Park Arboretum (1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E.) ($6 entrance fee) at 6 p.m. Free talk and meditation at 7 p.m. to explore the great breadth of “presence” within the LGBT community. Discussion will share Eastern and non-dualist philosophical and spiritual traditions. Followed by a tea social. RSVP required at info@dharmabuddies.org. Held at the Tateuchi Room at the Japanese Garden. Join the spirit mindful celebrating your spirit. A gathering of LGBT mindfulness communities to share our spirit, our reflection, and our presence. Hosted by Lotus Sisters and Dharma Buddies, Seattle area meditation groups. TUESDAY, JUNE 24 Celebrating Queer Bodies with Drs. Linda Bacon & Lucy Aphramor Meet Drs. Linda Bacon and Lucy Aphramor, Queer activists and thought leaders in the Health at EverySize/Body Respect movement, as they help opal: Food & Body Wisdom (1100 NE 45th St., Ste 600) celebrate Seattle Pride. Bacon & Aphramor give you a rare behind the scenes look at their personal journeys and political path to affirming diverse embodiment. Expect a combo of story telling and performance poetry, where narrative, the erotic and memory collide and coalesce. This is a unique opportunity to join with other advocates and thought-leaders in a vibrant discussion of where we’re at, and where next, in advancing body respect for all in the LGBTQ community. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Food and drink provided. TUESDAY, JUNE 24 Admiral Theater – The Nance (See article in this week’s SGN, Section 2 for details.) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 Admiral Theater – The Nance (See article in this week’s SGN, Section 2 for details.) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 Write With Pride Celebrate Pride at this creative writing workshop. 7 p.m. at the Calamus Auditorium at Gay City (517 E. Pike St.). www.gaycity.org THURSDAY, JUNE 26 Three Dollar Bill Cinema – Flash Gordon (1980) (See article in this week’s SGN, Section 2 for details.) THURSDAY, JUNE 26 Admiral Theater – The Nance (See article in this week’s SGN, Section 2 for details.) THURSDAY, JUNE 26 Rainbow City Band Summer Concert Come out for an evening of music with our own Rainbow City Orchestra under the direction of Jerilynn Harris-Kilgore. 7 p.m. at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center (4272 Fremont Ave. N.). FREE (donations accepted). Details at www.rainbowcityband.com THURSDAY, JUNE 26 SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Parlor Live Comedy Club (Seattle) Presents Pride Tour! With Chuck Roy & Cameron Esposito Chuck Roy, better known as “Bear,” established himself as the warm-up performer for “The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn.” He has made guest-starring appearances on shows such as “Will & Grace” and “3rd Rock From The Sun” and was a semi-finalist on
Celebrating 41 Years!
NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Cameron Esposito is a regular on “Chelsea Lately” on E! and has appeared on “The Tonight Show” as well as clubs and festivals across the country, including TBS’ “Just for Laughs Chicago” and “SXSW.” Watch these two at Parlor Live Comedy Club (Seattle) (1522 6th Ave. at Pine St.) just in time for the Gay Pride weekend! Two item minimum purchase. 21+ (18+ Thursday.) Tickets: $20/$30. 206-6021441. www.parlorlive.com. Thursday: 7:30 p.m., Friday: 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m., Saturday: 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 26 Gender Blender: A Queer Revolt and Benefit All night party at Neighbours Nightclub (1509 Broadway), 8 p.m.-4 a.m. with Ben DeLaCreme, Le1f, Josyln Fox, New York & MORE! Ticket sales benefit Gay City Health Project and the Gender Justice League. Sponsored by Nark Magazine. www.narkmagazine.com
Holotta Tymes, Turleen TailSpin, Sasha Stephane and Ginger Snap, in a night of performances you won’t want to miss! $5.00 cover at The Unicorn/Narwhal (1118 E. Pike St.) Doors at 8 p.m., show at 10 p.m., 21+. www. facebook.com/events/1438624926386524 SATURDAY, JUNE 28 2014 SVC Pride Quads Grass Tournament Seattle Volleyball Club is hosting its 5th Annual Quads Pride Grass tournament to celebrate Seattle Pride 2014. Proceeds of this annual event will benefit Kraken VC, a youth volleyball program based on Capitol Hill. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at Judkins Park (2150 S. Norman St.).
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 MOHAI Family Pride Day Celebrate your family pride at MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry, 860 Terry Ave. N.) with Seattle Pride! Check out the Revealing Queer exhibit along with all-day activities, including special performances by Seattle Pride Idol winners, bingo with Lunch Lady Mama, family THURSDAY, JUNE 26 portraits, make-your-own flair for the 40th Youth Pride Variety Show Annual Seattle Pride Parade, and more! 10 & Dance Party a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets: $14-adults; $12 stuProduced by Lifelong’s HEYO with collab- dents/seniors/military. www.mohai.org/ orative partner, C89.5 radio station, Seattle’s exhibits/item/2620-revealing-queer HOTTEST music! At Fred Wildlife Refuge (128 Belmont Ave. E.). www.facebook.com/ SATURDAY, JUNE 28 LifelongHEYO; michaelb@llaa.org. Capitol Hill Pride Festival Celebrate Pride in Seattle’s Gayborhood THURSDAY, JUNE 26 at this annual street fair on Broadway from Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata E. John St. to E. Roy St, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Live (See June 6 for details.) local music, food, and more than 100 booths featuring nonprofits, artists, and commercial FRIDAY, JUNE 27 vendors. www.capitolhillpridefestival.info. Trans Pride Annual celebration of the Seattle-area SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Transgender community. Assemble in front PrideFest Family Day of Seattle Central Community College Annual event sponsored by Seattle Pride(1701 Broadway) at 5 p.m.; march to nearby Fest, in Cal Anderson Park (11th Ave. & Cal Anderson Park at 6 p.m.; speakers and E. Howell St.), noon-5 p.m., Lots of childmusic 7-10 p.m., featuring a schedule of na- friendly activities including magic shows, tionally-renowned speakers from the Trans* bouncy houses, storytelling, free ice cream, community, a performance by The Nasty and a concert with Recess Monkey. www.seHabits, and an information & resource fair attlepridefest.org/family/. with organizations that serve and support Trans* and Gender Non-Conforming peoSATURDAY, JUNE 28 ple. Details at www.transprideseattle.org. Annual Interfaith PRIDE Celebration Service FRIDAY, JUNE 27 Many faiths join together to celebrate Open Seattle Pride Weekend PRIDE: the spirit of Love and the Accepwith the Storm tance of all people. Come just as you are to Seattle welcomes the reigning WNBA sing, pray, chant, and made Sacred ComChampions Minnesota Lynx to KeyArena munity. 1 p.m. at All Pilgrims Church (500 (Seattle Center, 1st Ave. N. & Harrison St.). Broadway E. at E. Republican St.). 7 p.m. The first 3,000 fans will receive Storm Rainbow beads and guest DJ Ricki Leigh SATURDAY, JUNE 28 will be in the bowl performing before and 16th Annual Rainbow Health Fair during the game. Tickets at www.wnba. From 1-5 p.m. at All Pilgrims Church com/storm/tickets/ (500 Broadway E. at E. Republican St.) Seattle/King & Snohomish County YWCA FRIDAY, JUNE 27 Women’s Health Outreach presents free GLSEN Youth Pride Dance mammograms for eligible people 40+ and A night for the 21 and younger crowd the free pap tests for all. Massage, nutrition, GLSEN Youth Pride Dance promises to be mammograms, safer sex. Insurance wela fun night! Music by DJ Puerto Roc, em- come. To schedule an appointment, call cee by Regine Dynasty and Nubian Pride, 206-461-4489. For more information and make-up table by the Sisters of Perpetual In- volunteer opportunities: lbtqhealth-ywca. dulgence. Crazy hat theme with hat-making blogspot.com. party the week before the dance! (TBA). Doors 7 p.m., music 8-11 p.m. Belltown SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Community Center (415 Bell St.) www.facePrideFest Cyndi/Cher book.com/events/1386942978213647 Welcome Party featuring Heklina 3-8 p.m. at the Seattle PrideFest MainFRIDAY, JUNE 27 stage (Seattle Center, International FounParlor Live Comedy Club (Seattle) tain). More info at www.facebook.com/ Presents Pride Tour! events/1453170404928167/ With Chuck Roy & Cameron Esposito (See June 26 for details.) SATURDAY, JUNE 28 2014 Seattle Dyke March FRIDAY, JUNE 27 Rally from 5-7 p.m. at the Seattle Central Theatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata Community College Plaza at Broadway and (See June 6 for details.) E. Pine St. The March steps off at 7 p.m. to go around Capitol Hill and back to the Plaza. FRIDAY, JUNE 27 www.seattledykemarch.com/ T-Shack Seattle Pride Edition San Francisco’s world famous party, TranSATURDAY, JUNE 28 nyShack, comes to Seattle! Join Hostess HekCHER Dressed to Kill Tour lina as she leads the all-star SF Cast, including Pre Function
Visit us online www.sgn.org
Benefiting Inspire Youth Project Come and pre func to benefit Inspire Youth Project (formally Rise ‘n Shine). Lots of fun and entertainment including an appearance by a CHER impersonator! Admission will include a ride on our CHER Shuttle to and from KeyArena so you don’t have to worry about fighting traffic and finding parking. 5-7:30 p.m. at R Place (619 E. Pine St.) on the 3rd Floor. More info at http://seattle.gaycities.com/ events/359421-cher-dressed-to-kill-tour-prefunction-benefiting-inspire-youth-project
plex (1533 13th Ave.). www.cuffcomplex.com. SUNDAY, JUNE 29 PrideFest Closing Concert: Steve Grand & Chely Wright Steve is a (quickly) rising singer-songwriter and Chely is a well-established country star. Both are out artists and we are thrilled to host them for our closing concert for Pride weekend at the Delta Stage at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre. 100% of proceeds to benefit marriage equality non-profits. ALL AGES SHOW. Doors: 7:30 p.m., Steve Grand: 7:45 p.m., Chely Wright: 8:30 p.m.. Pre-sale: SATURDAY, JUNE 28 $25, at the door: $30. www.brownpapertickMaxim’s Unity Ball: Tuxedos and Gowns ets.com/event/688293 Info and VIP at: www. Celebrate Pride at Maxim’s (5608 Rainier Ave. seattlepridefest.org/concert S.). Featuring BOYeurism with Isaiah Tillman 6 p.m. Tickets: $10-general; $25 VIP. http://www. SUNDAY, JUNE 29 - SUNDAY, JULY 6 brownpapertickets.com/event/660849 Victoria, BC Pride A week of events and activities culminating SATURDAY, JUNE 28 in the annual Pride Parade and Festival on Parlor Live Comedy Club (Seattle) Sunday, July 6. www.victoriapridesociety.org Presents Pride Tour! With Chuck Roy & Cameron Esposito SATURDAY, JULY 12 (See June 26 for details.) Out in the Park – Tacoma’s annual LGBTQA Pride Celebration SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Noon-5 p.m., Broadway between 9th and Cher: Dressed To Kill Tour 11th streets. Entertainment, food, fun, and ErMerGerd! It’s Cher & Cyndi Lauper! community at this family-friendly event. Watch ‘Nuff said. 8-11 p.m. at Key Arena (Seattle for more info at www.rainbowcntr.org or http:// Center, 1st Ave. N. & Harrison St.) Tick- tacomapride.org/out_in_the_park_2014 ets at: http://arena-wa.com/Tickets-Active. php?eventID=2185598&venueID=229 SATURDAY, JULY 12 Bellingham Pride Family Picnic SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Come enjoy a picnic at noon in Bloedel DonTheatre22 Presents The Lisbon Traviata ovan Park (2214 Electric Ave.) with the entire (See June 6 for details.) Bellingham Pride family (that includes you!). Donations gratefully accepted to cover the cost SATURDAY, JUNE 28 of food. www.bhampride.org/events.shtml 10th Annual “ALL WHITE” Affair Boat Cruise Party, SATURDAY, JULY 12 the “Masquerade Edition” Bellingham Annual ISCEE Enjoy a spectacular evening on the water as Pride Drag Show (21+) we take you across the globe with music, fun & Doors 6:30 p.m. Show at 7:30 p.m. Ruexcitement. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. on The Islander Yacht. mors Cabaret (1119 Railroad Ave.) $5 cover. http://seattle.gaycities.com/events/353648- Annual Rumor’s Pride Party to follow. www. 10th-annual-all-white-affair-boat-cruise-party bhampride.org/events.shtml SATURDAY, JUNE 28 SATURDAY, JULY 12 Seattle PrideFest Presents X Bellingham All Ages B-Proud Dance 9:00 pm at Neumo’s (925 E. Pike St.). DJ 8:00-11:00 p.m., Bloedel Donovan Park Brian Gorr + DJ Bret Law. Tickets at https:// Community Building (2214 Electric Ave.) $3.00 www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanc- admission, proceeds benefit Pride. All ages weleSearch.jsp?performance_id=1807900 come! www.bhampride.org/events.shtml SUNDAY, JUNE 29 Seattle Pride Brunch with George Takei A fabulous meal at Tom Douglas’ Palace Ballroom (2100 5th Ave.) at 8:30 a.m. to start the most fabulous day of the year! Join Celebrity Grand Marshal George Takei for a morning of delicious food, great company, and general merriment before heading over to watch the Seattle Pride Parade from VIP seating. Tickets: $57.50. www.seattlepride. org/pride-parade/pride-brunch/ SUNDAY, JUNE 29 Seattle Pride Parade George Takei will be the Celebrity Grand Marshall for the 40th Annual Pride Parade themed “Generations of Pride.” Recently appointed Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu will be a special guest of SO&P at the beginning of the 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 29 Seattle PrideFest Seattle PrideFest 2014 “United We Pride” 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/
SATURDAY, JULY 12 Bellingham Rumors Pride Celebration 10 p.m.-2 a.m. (close), Rumors Cabaret (1119 Railroad Ave.), (21+) cover. www. bhampride.org/events.shtml SUNDAY, JULY 13 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 13 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. $2 suggested donation. Pride Party to follow at Rumors Cabaret (1119 Railroad Ave.). www.bhampride.org/events.shtml SUNDAY, JULY 20 Kitsap Pride “Reflection of Pride” is this year’s theme for Kitsap Pride’s annual celebration, noon to 5 p.m., at Evergreen Park (1500 Park Ave.) in downtown Bremerton. www.kitsappride.org.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 Vancouver (B.C.) Pride Parade & Festival Parade begins at noon in Vancouver’s downtown/West End at Robson and Thurlow SUNDAY, JUNE 29 streets and proceeds via Denman to festival Cuff Street Party site at Sunset Beach. Sponsored by Vancouver Featuring DJ/performers at The Cuff Com- Pride Society. www.vancouverpride.ca.
June 6, 2014
Seattle Gay News 17
Dear Kiki with D, I am still completely in love with my ex who lives overseas. It has been two years since we talked. Six months ago when I was traveling in the area, I sent him a text asking him to meet up. He saw my message, but never responded. It broke my heart, and I haven’t tried writing him again. Two years ago, our whole relationship ended suddenly over a terrible miscommunication. He was traveling, and I was 3,000 miles away and still in school. Although we were experts at finding time to talk, this particular week was busy, and he went an entire week without contacting me. I was younger, more insecure, and used to his reliability. Without any explanations, I was worried that he was angry with me. At the end of the week, he emailed me a “time to talk” message. When he wasn’t online, I started thinking the whole week was some sort of game he was playing. I worried that he was taking advantage of my time and attention and wrote him asking him to not call me at all. A few days later, he wrote me a very nasty letter saying that I betrayed him by breaking up with him so suddenly. Surprised, I wrote back saying that I simply needed some space to think. I was tired of waiting for him to contact me, and I was worried he was angry with me. I asked him not to call for a few days so that I wouldn’t spend the entire day on edge, waiting for some explanation from him. By no means did I intend on breaking up with him. Unfortunately, that’s the last I ever heard from him. We were so in love. I’m still wondering if I should have taken more of the blame. I’m still very much convinced that if he were just to look me in the face and realize what a big misunderstanding all of this was, we would be together forever. He was everything I ever wanted. What should I do? Write him and tell him that I love him still? Take the blame for the entire situation? Try to forget about him and continue on with my life? –Longing For My Soul Mate
Dear Longing For My Soul Mate, No more soul mate talk. If this guy was your soul mate, he’d be with you. At this point, he’s just an ex who lives far away. He’s not your destiny. You learned a lot from this breakup. Take a moment to look back on all that has happened. You now know that there’s no reason to jump to conclusions about your partner’s intentions, and that prolonged distance can ruin a relationship. You learned that you have to be clear about why you’re upset and that you shouldn’t ask for space unless you really want it. Be clear about your intentions and communication. Take those lessons to your next relationship, because that’s what you need – a new experience. It’s easy to inflate your ex’s qualities because he’s not around. You can focus on the good without admitting that there were problems while you were together. After two years, it’s possible that if you looked him in the face, you wouldn’t want him anymore. Rethink his importance and tell the people in your life that you’re looking to date. It’s time to try. You can’t live in the past, only the present, and remember you have a bright future to look forward to! Hope this helps. Remember be true to you, love yourself, encourage yourself and others.
–D
Legal Services MARTIN SJOLIE Over 20 Years Experience
Last Will, Power of Attorney & Health Care Directive (Living Will)
$500.00/Person or $750.00/Couple for complete, personalized services.
(206) 841–1373 www.sjolielaw.com
Auto accidents, DUI, Small business needs.
18
Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
Health and Personal Services
www.sgn.org
Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 6, 2014
Seattle Gay News 19
Religion & Spirituality www.sgn.org
HOME & SPECIALIZED SERVICES
Gary D. TorGerson Co. Expert Painting and Repairs Rot Repair: siding, doors, windows, porches and decks. Lead-Safe Certified
See photographs of our work at www.TorgersonCompany.com Email: info@torgersoncompany.com Contractor Registration #: GARYDTC134CJ Phone: 206-781-0999
20
Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
South Africa appoints Lesbian cabinet minister by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
plicit protections for LGBT people, and same-sex marriage has been legal there since 2006. President Jacob Zuma – who identifies as a “Zulu traditionalist” – has not endorsed same-sex marriage, but says he accepts that it is a legal institution. “We have a constitution that is very clear that we all respect, which I respect. It has a view on that one, that gay marriage is a constitutionally accepted thing in South
Africa. So no matter what my views would be,” Zuma said. In South Africa’s May 7 election, the country also elected its first Gay black member of parliament, Zakhele Mbhele, a member of the opposition Democratic Alliance. He was sworn in on Harvey Milk Day. On May 20, the South African National Blood Service announced it was lifting its ban on blood donations by Gay men. TheGuardian.com
Lynne Brown became South Africa’s first Lesbian cabinet minister May 26, and probably the first LGBT cabinet officer in Africa. Brown was appointed by South African President Jacob Zuma to the post of Minister of Public Enterprises. Like Zuma, she is a longtime member of the governing ANC (African National Congress) and has served on its National Executive Committee since 2007. When appointed, Brown was leader of the ANC in Western Cape Province, where she served as premier – the equivalent of governor – in 2008 and 2009. Before governing the Western Cape, she served as provincial Minister for Economic Development and Tourism. Eusebius McKaiser, South African broadcaster and political author, told The Guardian newspaper that Brown’s new high-profile position is a significant advance. “It is, sadly, probably newsworthy, I guess, insofar as the social impact of openly gay people in high-profile public leadership positions cannot be discounted in a country like South Africa, where levels of homophobia, including violence against black lesbian women, remain rife,” McKaiser said. “The symbolism matters also from an African perspective, too, given other countries around us are enacting and enforcing laws criminalizing same-sex sex and lifestyles.”
Steven Friedman, director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy, agreed. “I think it’s worth drawing attention to,” he said. “She’s not a gay rights campaigner – it’s not recognition in that sense – but the fact that under the most socially conservative president since 1994 there is the first openly gay minister in such a position is significant.” South Africa’s constitution includes ex-
Lynne Brown
Porn safety bill passes California committee, goes to assembly floor by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A bill designed to protect porn actors by requiring condom use for all film shoots has passed the California state Assembly Appropriations Committee and will head to the floor for debate. The vote was 9-3. In addition to the condom requirement, AB 1576 also requires that porn
production companies keep confidential employee health records indefinitely, use “plastic and other disposable materials” to clean sets, and provide all employees with a safety-training program. It does not “require condoms, barriers, or other personal protective equipment to be visible in the final product of an adult film.” Consequently, critics of the legislation say, state officials have no way to
Visit us online www.sgn.org
monitor compliance aside from sporadic checks on porn production studios. Similar laws have been enacted in Los Angeles City and LA County. The primary sponsor of the measure, Assemblyman Isadore Hall III, said he wanted to protect the health and safety of California’s workers, regardless of their occupation. “For too long, the adult film industry has thrived on a business model that exploits its workers and puts profit over workplace safety,” Hall said. The measure is strongly supported by the Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a longtime critic of the porn industry. As might be expected, the legislation was opposed by porn industry spokespeople, which slammed the measure as a “morality crusade” that would drive the billion-dollar industry underground and out of the state. “Make no mistake – we will fight it, and we will win,” said Diane Duke, the executive director of the Free Speech Coalition, the porn industry’s trade group. “We cannot allow politicians to treat adult performers as disposable, to disregard very real concerns in favor of a paternalistic bill that criminalizes adult film,” Duke said in a statement. The FSC said it collected signatures from nearly 500 porn performers who oppose the bill and sent a delegation to Sac-
ramento to present them ahead of the May 25 committee vote. Surprisingly, the bill was also opposed by mainstream LGBT organizations like the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club. “We are disappointed that proponents of this bill have worked to actively silence the viewpoints of sex workers from this process,” the group said in a statement. “If this legislation were truly aimed at creating a safer work environment, workers would have been brought to the table to discuss their safety needs and make suggestions about how to best address them. Proponents of AB 1576 have attempted to silence, shame and bully sex workers and in doing so have shown that their agenda clearly isn’t about the health of these workers, it’s about a moral campaign against their industry.” The Transgender Law Center also opposed the measure. “Transgender communities remain some of the most impacted by HIV and face remarkably high rates of discrimination in education and employment,” TLC said. “While Transgender Law Center appreciates the intentions behind AB 1576, we are concerned that harsh penalties will drive big production studios out of California and small studios underground. This would result in lost economic opportunities for many in the adult film industry, both in front of and behind the cameras, inadvertently causing more harms to performers that this bill intended to protect.”
June 6, 2014
Seattle Gay News 21
22
Seattle Gay News
June 6, 2014
Celebrating 41 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 6, 2014
Seattle Gay News 23