SGN May 14, 2021

Seattle Gay News

HHS BARS HEALTH DISCRIMINATION AGAINST TRANS PEOPLE

Counseling Service taps Victor Loo as new executive director

by Paige McGlauflin

SGN Contributing Writer

Seattle Counseling Service announced last week that Victor Loo has been chosen as its new executive director following Ann McGettigan’s retirement in April. McGettigan led SCS, the country’s oldest behavioral health agency serving LGBTQ+ individuals, for 22 years. Loo most recently served as director of

practice innovation and interim director of recovery services for the Asian Counseling and Referral Service. He will continue to serve as a volunteer consultant for ACRS through June. In addition to his expansive work history in behavioral health, he is a certified personal fitness trainer, an androgynous model, and serves on the boards of several other behavioral health and LGBTQ organizations.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Federal law protects Transgender people against discrimination in health care, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said on May 10.

In affirming that laws against “sex” discrimination apply to Trans people, HHS reverses the Trump-era policy holding that “sex” refers only to biological sex determined at birth.

The policy shift brings HHS into line with last year’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision which established that federal laws against sex discrimination on the job also protect Gay and Transgender people.

Pride in small businesses How the recession is impacting the LGBTQ business community

by Lindsey Anderson SGN Contributing Writer

With Pride Month only weeks away, store shelves once again are becoming much more colorful. Products from Doritos to Listerine have begun marketing to LGBTQ consumers in hopes that a rainbow-colored bag of chips or bottle of mouthwash will reflect the same pride and struggles that have come to define the resilient LGBTQ

community. However, this marketing comes at a difficult time as we move into another “unprecedented” year.

As a result of our nearly 14 months of quarantine, the government reports that overall, industries are facing a negative 5 percent unemployment rate, and lowwage workers have been hit even harder with a negative 9 percent rate. With lower

Local News Keeping the flame of justice burning

The spirit of last summer’s demonstrations lives on at a Renton church

by Josephine Baird

SGN Contributing Writer

Last Tuesday afternoon a group of individuals gathered outside of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Renton to demonstrate their support for racial justice. This particular day was sunny, beautiful, 69 degrees, and the good weather was appreciated by all in attendance.

But weather isn’t a determining factor for this group. Every Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m., and every first Sunday of the month from noon to 1, there have been demonstrators at St. Luke’s come rain, sleet, snow or shine, since July 7 of last year.

Mary Butler, who has been a member of Saint Luke’s for four years, had the idea after watching the video of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police. Butler, who worked has worked as a hospice chaplin, said, “I’ve never seen anything like the murder of George Floyd. I know that if he weren’t Black, it wouldn’t have happened.” After she watched the video, she was enraged and knew she needed to take action. She told her husband, “I’m going to paint a sign and demonstrate.”

“We have to wake up and work for justice,” she said.

Butler, who has been demonstrating for social justice for years for many different causes and in many different settings, thought, “Why not demonstrate in front of the church?” She shared her idea with St. Luke’s rector, the Rev. Kevin Pearson, who heartily agreed. The group has been diligently demonstrating ever since. Lately, in response to an uptick in anti-Asian hate crimes, they have also included the message and movement of Stop Asian Hate.

Another church member, Julie, has been coming out to the demonstrations for the last ten months. She said, “I’ve been inspired that a bunch of people from different backgrounds can come together for the same cause.” Demonstration attendance varies week to week, but a small, loyal group shows up most of the time, including Julie.

St. Luke’s, with an average Sunday attendance of around 80 people and a couple hundred members in total, has been meeting virtually since the coronavirus pandemic. Ever

Photos by Josephine Baird

since the racial unrest that occurred in the summer of 2020, Pearson has worked hard to create opportunities for education and conversation on the topics of racial justice and white supremacy for his congregation.

One notable example of such educational opportunities is St. Luke’s book club. Among the first books they studied was How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. Since then, they have continued to read and educate themselves. Another great resource that Pearson has enjoyed using is a ten-part “film-based dialogue series on race and faith” called Sacred Ground,

which was created and distributed by the Episcopal Church.

Racial reckoning

The Episcopal Church at large has worked hard to rectify what Pearson refers to as a “long history of white supremacy in the south … and in the north.” But St. Luke’s, he says, has “social justice in its DNA.” It is part of St. Luke’s history and mission to be loving and inclusive to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Just take a look at the outside of the church where you can find a large banner, the width of the build-

“In a world where many religious institutions try to stay “neutral” or say they want to stay out of politics, Saint Luke’s has taken another approach –to confront racism and white supremacy straight on.”

ing, hung in the front that says, “Black Lives Matter.” And if you glance up, a Pride flag can be seen tossing in the wind.

Since the demonstrations at the church began, Butler and Reverend Pearson have seen real change in the congregation and those attending. Before, many members believed that they didn’t hold any biases, or were what some call “color blind.” Since then, through education efforts and tough conversations, many have come to see the role that systematic racism holds in our society. Butler said, “It has been quite a beautiful path we’ve been on.”

In a world where many religious institutions try to stay “neutral” or say they want to stay out of politics, Saint Luke’s has taken another approach – to confront racism and white supremacy straight on. As Pearson put it, “I didn’t ask anyone for permission, because this is just who we are. We are not in a position in this community to not say or do anything.”

He has found that in a religious community, people want to try and believe that they are good people, so addressing issues of bias and racism can be difficult and lead to shame. “As a religious community, we seem to not want to own racism as something personal.”

But he has learned that the system has been flawed from the beginning. “That is the water we drink – it doesn’t matter if you’re a ‘good’ person. You are still drinking the water.”

To learn more about Saint Luke’s, go to www.stlukesrenton.org. To take part in the ongoing demonstrations, just go to 99 Wells Ave. S., in Renton any Tuesday afternoon from 2 to 3, or first Sunday from noon to 1. Feel free to bring a sign, or just drive by and honk your support. The St. Luke’s demonstrators will be there – and have no plans of stopping.

Protesters clash outside law enforcement appreciation dinner in Bellevue

SPD officers invited to attend dinner sponsored by foe of LGBTQIA equality

by Renee Raketty SGN Contributing Writer

The Hyatt Regency Bellevue was the site of protests on Monday as the LGBTQIA community and their allies joined forces with groups opposed to police brutality outside the hotel. Franklin Graham of the Billy Graham Evangelical Association and longtime foe of LGBTQIA equality, addressed members of local law enforcement inside during an “appreciation dinner.”

On Bellevue Way and NE 8th Street, a group of 30 people held signs and rainbow flags to show their support of the LGBTQIA community. However, they faced hostility from conservative counterprotesters. One person tore down signs with LGBTQIA-positive messages and another told a member of the Capitol Hill Pride organization: “Get out of my way. My dog doesn’t like homos!”

Conservative organizations, such as Turning Point USA, and local conservative personalities including Katie Daviscourt and Tim Eyman also joined the counter protesters to support Graham and the police. Two individuals were seen flashing white power symbols, and one chanted, “Back the Yellow” -- a rallying cry of Proud Boys, according to Malcontent News

The dinner caused controversy in Seattle when a lieutenant in the Seattle Police Department’s Wellness Unit approved an email sent to all SPD employees inviting them to the dinner in Bellevue. An officer who opposed the email went to the press and the story caught the attention of Seattle City Council President M. Lorena González, who is running for mayor.

“There is no legitimate reason why the Seattle Police Department should be promoting an anti-LGBTQ, far-right group, and this incident just shows the importance of the next mayor in choosing a police chief who can reform the department’s culture,” González said in a statement in the Seattle

Times. “Actions like these undermine trust between SPD and Seattle’s LGBTQ community, which is tenuous at best.”

SPD Chief of Police Adrian Diaz responded by rescinding the email but did provide assistance to the Bellevue Police Department through a mutual aid agreement, including officers and equipment to manage public safety during the dinner. In an email to employees, he had written that the “Department fully supports the equity and just treatment of all people” and “did not sponsor this event and is not connected in any way to its hosts.”

“This email is meant to rescind the invitation sent through department email because the event’s hosts do not share the inclusive values of the SPD,” said Diaz.

The Charlotte Observer published a video interview of Franklin Graham in 2004, according to NBC, where he applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “gay propaganda law,” which he believed protected that nation’s children. He also stated that the LGBTQIA community was “recruiting children” into their “cause.” He also said that Obama administration had a “gay and lesbian agenda” it was pushing upon Americans.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s law enforcement appreciation dinners are part of its National Law Enforcement Ministry. In addition to the dinner in Bellevue, a dinner was held in the Vancouver-Portland area May 5-6, and another is scheduled for Asheville, North Carolina, October 25-28.

Unlike the SPD, King County Sheriff deputies would be unable to attend the dinner. Policy prevents King County Sheriff employees from accepting any gratuities.

“We can’t accept a cup of coffee or anything of value. We can’t take a discounted sandwich, so we certainly can’t take a free dinner from Franklin Graham,” Sgt. Tim Meyer told the Seattle Times

Local News

VICTOR LOO

continued from cover

“It’s a very exciting time to join SCS, because I see a lot of opportunities for myself and for the agency to continue to grow, expand, and enhance our services. And on a personal level, I try challenging myself,” Loo told the SGN. “The pandemic has multiple impacts on the economy, LGBTQIA, BIPOC communities, so there’s a huge disparity issue. And I just think that in times of crisis it presents opportunities, and there will be different things that I can do together with SCS as we try with care and hope.”

An ambitious agenda

In his first few months at SCS, Loo plans to expand services for BIPOC and LGBTQIA individuals, seek funding from the $437 million in flexible funds that was given to King County from the American Rescue Plan, and expand telemedicine services after in-person services can fully resume.

“A caveat is usually anyone in my kind of role, who steps in as executive director or president or CEO, you usually have this 90-day thing that you just take your time and sit down. I was pretty transparent to the board, and to the staff that I met yesterday, that as much as I would love to sit down for 90 days and take my time to adapt, I don’t think I will have the luxury to do that,” Loo said. “But I would implement very carefully, rapidly, but be nimble, adaptive, and flexible, because I think it would be very irresponsible of me if I waited for 90 days to implement any changes.”

SMALL BIZ

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rates of employment we are seeing a staggering drop in money circulating through the economy, which means more families struggling to provide basic necessities for themselves and their children. An April survey by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that 11 percent of households with children reported not eating at some point in the last seven days due to an inability to pay for food. One in nine Americans are going hungry as the country spirals into another economic recession.

Small businesses are some of the hardest-hit victims of this new recession. According to a White House fact sheet, small businesses account for 44 percent of U.S. GDP, create two-thirds of all net new jobs, and employ nearly half of America’s workers. In a statement released from the White House briefing room on February 22 of this year, the Biden administration vowed to improve upon the Paycheck Protection Program to get more emergency loans out to small businesses that are struggling in the pandemic. However, on May 5, the Small Business Administration announced that the PPP has run out of money for most borrowers, and no new applications are being accepted.

Tough times for LGBTQ business

These financial struggles have been impacting many small business owners, but for LGBTQ folks, this new challenge is just another cog in the machine. With its 2018 ruling in Master Cake Shop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court decision which had held Master Cake Shop accountable for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation when the owner, Jack Phillips, had refused service to a Gay couple. Master Cake Shop effectively turned the high court’s previous ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized and legitimized same-sex marriage, into mere opinion. In a concurring statement, Justice Samuel Alito wrote, “The First Amendment gives individuals the right to disagree about the correctness of Obergefell and the morality

“ The pandemic has multiple impacts on the economy, LGBTQIA, BIPOC communities, so there’s a huge disparity issue. And I just think that in times of crisis it presents opportunities, and there will be different things that I can do together with SCS as we try with care and hope.”

— VICTOR

LOO

Economic and social impacts of the pandemic have caused an increased strain on mental health for LGBTQ BIPOC, a community that is historically underserved by mental health professionals. In a recent survey by the Human Rights Campaign, 29 percent of LGBTQ adults of color reported being diagnosed with a depressive disorder by a provider compared to 39 percent of all LGBTQ adults sampled, despite the two groups having similar rates of mental health challenges.

SCS reported serving an average of 1,000 clients per month during the pandemic, a number that will likely not shrink anytime soon.

“With the pandemic we ... had really seen increased individuals with overdose

issues, increased alcohol use disorder, increased opiate use disorder,” Loo said. “Beyond that, increased suicidal ideation, especially for youth, increased depression, and those are all normal reactions for somebody to react to something that you cannot prepare for, and then it continues to be significantly affecting the BIPOC and LGBTQ individuals, especially the Black Transgender community.”

SCS recently relocated from its historic Capitol Hill location to the fourth floor of the Sixth and Lenora building downtown, a move that Loo believes will increase SCS’s accessibility to the greater King County LGBTQ+ community as in-person services grow in the coming months.

of same-sex marriage … [t]he fact that [the social acceptance of homosexuality] may be embraced and advocated by increasing numbers of people is all the more reason to protect the First Amendment rights of those who wish to voice a different view.”

Alito, who dissented in the Obergefell ruling, thus asserts a First Amendment right to discriminate that stands in stark contrast with federal anti-discrimination laws.

The fact of the matter is no federal law yet exists to protect LGBTQ patrons and business owners from discrimination. As a result, prominent religious groups and figureheads have been successful in actively boycotting LGBTQ-run businesses. In June 2015, famed evangelical Christian personality Franklin Graham called for a national boycott of Wells Fargo after the company aired a commercial featuring a Lesbian couple. Since then, conservative Christian groups have targeted seemingly everything LGBTQ-friendly, from the Hallmark Channel to Home Depot. Targeted boycotts aimed at major corporations can cause a little financial sting, but targeted

boycotts of small businesses can be fatal. Many LGBTQ small businesses depend on revenue generated during Pride month to stay alive. The U. S. Department of Commerce has reported that LGBTQ patrons provide $917 billion in spending each year; however, much of this is directed towards corporate businesses and products. These corporations that pander to LGBTQ folks during the month of June are the same ones that can survive targeted boycotts, and far too many of them do little or nothing to advocate for the LGBTQ community.

Federally, the U.S. has done much more to protect the rights of anti-LGBTQ small businesses than they have to protect the rights of LGBTQ business owners and patrons. While LGBTQ acceptance and a pro forma sort of allyship have become common and even commercialized in the corporate world, the practice of slapping a rainbow flag on a well-known product is actually detrimental to the LGBTQ community, as it directs funds away from small businesses and local economies and into the pockets of major corporations. Small

businesses are fundamental to communities. LGBTQ-run businesses provide an income and community for struggling young people and families.

Vote with your dollars

So, if you are a member of the LGBTQ community, or one of its allies, who happens to be lucky enough to have the money to spend this June on rainbow merchandise and glittery products, it might be worth your time to invest in some local small LGBTQ-run businesses. In a time when harmful discriminatory practices persist against LGBTQ business owners and patrons, and when small businesses are facing a new, unprecedented, crisis, local LGBTQ businesses could use all the help they can get. The Greater Seattle Business Association (www.thegsba.org) offers a wide selection of local LGBTQ-friendly businesses that would love to see you and have your support – not only this Pride month, but all year long.

Arts & Entertainment

Queens to the rescue!

Drag Race trailblazer GottMik previews the latest edition of ‘Drive ’N Drag’

by MK Scott SGN Contributing Writer

DRIVE ’N DRAG SAVES 2021 Westfield Southcenter, Tukwila May 14 through 16, 7 & 9:30 p.m.

Fun is finally returning to the Seattle area! The latest, much-anticipated “Drive ’N Drag” event debuts this weekend at the Southcenter Mall parking lot.

Joining the cast of the all-new “Drive ’N Drag Saves 2021” will be GottMik and Rosé, two finalists from Season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, along with the luminous Asia O’Hara, the incredible she-hulk Kameron Michaels, the dazzling Naomi Smalls, the winged warrior Plastique, the seductive villain Violet Chachki and, playing the role of “The Super Thot,” Vanessa Vanjie.

“Drive ’N Drag” launched in July 2020 in response to the pandemic and has played to capacity crowds in multiple cities across the U.S.A. More than 200,000 people have had the opportunity to experience a live drag show featuring their favorite RuPaul’s stars from the safety of their vehicles. In the show’s new springtime edition, “Drive ’N Drag Saves 2021,” audience members can finally ditch their cars if they wish and enjoy the show from socially distanced, eightfoot-square party patios! These VIP Patios are much closer to the stage and the queens, allowing for a true outdoor concert vibe. (Note: Patio tickets were extremely limited at press time.)

To tell you the truth, having interviewed various RDR alums over the years, I really

had no desire to do another one, until it was ruVealed that GottMik had been added to the mix. GottMik was the most talkedabout cast member all last season for being the first Trans man to compete. As I was preparing I learned her mentor is Season 12 fave Gigi Gorgeous.

So, I sent her some questions via email, and here’s what I got back earlier this week. (Responses were lightly edited for clarity.)

MK Scott: Welcome to Seattle! As the first Trans man on RuPaul’s Drag Race, how has that experience changed you?

GottMik: Thank you so much, I’m so excited to be in Seattle!! Being the first Trans man on Drag Race has truly opened my eyes to how important visibility is. Being your most authentic self is so powerful for not only you but for so many people out there trying to discover themselves.

MKS: I bet it was an even more wonderful experience ending up in the Top Three.

GM: Ending up in the top three truly was mind-blowing. I don’t think people understand how I grew up being told that I wasn’t allowed to do this, and then to be standing next to RuPaul in the finale just proved that the box society tries to force on us doesn’t exist.

MKS: Did you have a favorite challenge or moment that meant something to you?

GM: Winning Snatch Game was definitely crazy. Watching Drag Race for years and always looking forward to the Snatch Game, I never pictured myself winning. So that was definitely one of the first major pinch-me moments I had on the show.

MKS: Tell me about the “Drive ’N Drag” show.

GM: “Drive ’N Drag” is the most fun I have ever had. (Ask me if I feel the same way after 50 more shows with these bitches though!) Everyone from the queens to the dancers to the production has been so welcoming. We truly are like a crazy little traveling circus of a family and I’m so honored to be here doing what I love with some of the most talented queens in the world.

MKS: Tell me about Gigi Gorgeous. What has her friendship meant to you?

GM: Gigi Gorgeous is the most magical angel of life I have ever met. Without her presence in my life I don’t think I’d be

“Being the first Trans man on Drag Race has truly opened my eyes to how important visibility is. Being your most authentic self is so powerful for not only you but for so many people out there trying to discover themselves.”

— GOTTMIK

where I am today. She taught me how to be vulnerable and open about my life and transition and she was there standing by my side every step of the way and will continue to do so forever.

MKS: What is next for you?

GM: The amount of artistry that I’m planning on doing in the near future is just unexplainable, really. I have such a hunger to make my mark on this world – I want to do everything from tours and music to philanthropy and panels and public speaking about my journey. The fact that I possess the power to help people by just talking about what I’ve been through is so amazing to me and I’m so honored to be able to do what I do.

* * *

As always, the live production will feature festive décor, concert style stage and lighting, Jumbotron screens, and sound pumped out from the stage and through every car via FM transmitters. Food and beverages are available from gourmet food trucks, and limited-edition merchandise featuring your favorite queens will be available too!

“Drive ’N Drag Saves 2021” tickets are available now at https://vossevents.com/ drive-n-drag/. Prices start at $75 per car for two people.

Arts & Entertainment

A balm for the (socially isolated) soul Soprano Karen Vuong gives virtual recital at Seattle Opera

by Carter Hemion

SGN Contributing Writer

Seattle Opera premiered “Karen Vuong in Recital” on May 7. The event, available online through May 28, features soprano Vuong accompanied by pianist David McDade performing art music including works by Debussy, Strauss, and Puccini.

Vuong’s performance is shaped around themes of healing and reuniting with loved ones. Recorded in February, her six selections express much-needed sentiments as we look toward the future after more than a year in quarantine. These pieces, dating from the Romantic to the contemporary era and originating in four countries, showcase her measured power as a vocalist.

“The Red Dress” by Ricky Ian Gordon (1995) Vuong’s rendition of “The Red Dress” brings a dream of a red gown to the stage with hopeful energy. Her gentle soprano voice paired with Dorothy Parker’s poignant lyricism tells a familiar narrative of longing and growing up.

“Chanson Triste” by Henri Duparc (1868)

In “Chanson Triste,” Vuong’s voice is full of love. Her phrasing brings vivid imagery to the lyrical content and suggests healing through love with its somber yet hopeful narrative.

“Apparition” by Claude Debussy (1884) Vuong’s performance of “Apparition” is particularly moving and displays her vocal control in new ways. She sings in a lower soprano range with a balanced tone, giving controlled impressions of Debussy’s sweeping piece. I was especially impressed with how her dynamic control looks and sounds effortless.

“Cäcilie” and “Morgen!” from Op. 27 by Richard Strauss (1894) Here, Vuong shifts away from impressionism and into German Romantic opera. “Cäcilie” employs a melancholic longing. Its tender dream of “burning kisses” paired with her stage presence begs to be listened to. Next, “Morgen!” offers hope of reuniting lovers with a slow lied. In a widely performed piece that relies heavily on vocals, sometimes even isolated from piano mel-

ody, Vuong’s rhythmic control and care are ever-present in her phrasing, which had me holding my breath for each new line especially as it came to a soft close.

“Animal Passion” by Jake Heggie (1997)

In “Animal Passion,” Vuong’s entire demeanor changes. This piece is full of challenging intervals and syncopated rhythms, which she pushes forward with an unrestrained nature. Her dynamics throughout precipitate a sensuality that matches the passionate lyrics about meeting a lover. With her powerful tone, she clearly does “mean business” as the lyrics suggest.

“Che Tua Madre” by Giacomo Puccini (1904)

With the classic aria “Che Tua Madre,” Vuong sings new life into Madame Butterfly more than a century after its debut. Her encore returns to a steadfast expression with strong tone as she delivers the title character’s aria. This piece is particularly notable because its Italian composer draws from traditional Japanese motifs. Vuong’s dynamic phrasing and tone quality make it a performance to remember.

To watch this recital, visit Seattle Opera’s website (www.seattleopera.org), Facebook page, or YouTube channel.

Film Spiral a gruesomely familiar ‘Jigsaw’ puzzle

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN Staff Writer

SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW

Theaters

Like a combination of a grimy 1990s police procedural and the long-running series of horror films from which it is spun off that helped bring the term “torture porn” into the cinematic lexicon, Spiral: From the Book of Saw is a mixed bag of gruesomely bloody tricks. Featuring a strong lead performance from producer and star Chris Rock and solid direction from series veteran Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, III, and IV ), the film still never breaks free of its source material, steadfastly refusing to be its own thing.

All of which makes for a peculiar, if still intriguing, viewing experience. Spiral comes close to being a test case of attempting to enjoy a motion picture for what it is and not getting too angry about it not being what you hoped it was going to be. It follows in the footsteps of 2004’s Saw (and its seven sequels of varying quality) with unwavering perseverance, offering little that is unexpected and even fewer moments that could be construed as anything resembling a surprise.

But there is a noticeably intense urgency to Bousman’s return to the franchise. More importantly, there is a tactile grittiness which adds a veneer of authenticity that somewhat mitigates the more fantastical and cartoonish elements inherent to the series. While we’re still talking about a mysteri-

ous killer who creates outlandishly ghoulish traps for their victims to try to escape from before meeting almost certain – and excruciatingly painful – death, there is still an aura of truthful sincerity lurking at the center of this new story that’s moderately laudable.

Veteran Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Rock) and his new rookie partner

Detective William Schenk (Max Ming-

hella) are after a deranged assassin targeting allegedly crooked cops. This psychopath with an agenda is utilizing the M.O. of infamous “Jigsaw” killer John Kramer, making their intended victims play life-ordeath games that are almost impossible to win. With the body count rising it becomes apparent this copycat wants Zeke to pay particular attention to what it is they are

doing, the detective wondering if he should turn to his celebrated father, retired police chief Marcus Banks (Samuel L. Jackson), for advice before things get truly ugly.

Screenwriters Josh Stolberg and Pete Goldfinger give Zeke a solid backstory that would fit right at home in a random episode

see SPIRAL page

HELP SAVE LGBTQ

HISTORY!

Volunteers are being sought to help create eight sets of Seattle Gay News (SGN) issues dating from its founding in the late 1970’s to the 2015.

The sets will be sent to the Seattle Public Library and other libraries and LGBTQ collections around the US to be available to the public.

Creation of the sets is underway and involves taping and setting up archival boxes and then identifying and placing the issues in chronological order into boxes. The copies will be organized into complete runs with one copy of each issue in each set.

The work will take place this month and possibly in June, two days a week from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fifth Avenue. Collection assembly will occur in a large conference room and the vault that holds records for the Seattle Municipal Archives.

Volunteers need to be able to lift boxes up to 40 pounds, stand on a cement floor, or able to accurately input data into Google Sheets and be willing to follow COVID-19 protocols which involve having your temperature taken as you enter the building and wearing a mask at all times.

Gay serial killer at large: A mere two months before the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace, his killer, Andrew Cunanan, was on the run after allegedly murdering four people in three different cities (Minneapolis, Chicago, and Pennsville, N.J.). As reported by Corri Planck of the San Diego Gay and Lesbian Times, “An arrest warrant was issued in a Minnesota county for the second-degree murder of victim number two, David Madson.” According to a New York Times article published May 14, Cunanan appears from past photos to have “a hard, almost stern expression with a hint of dark stubble. And in another, he is clean-cut and wearing glasses. He is also

Drag March blues: Before there was the Trans Pride March, there was an attempt to organize a “Drag March.” Reader Trinda from Tacoma had issues with this effort, writing in a letter to the editor: “About this proposed first annual ‘Drag March’ – what the hell does drag have to do with actual transgender issues? Being born in the wrong gender has nothing in common with a preference for female attire. This whole do-dah sounds like a good way to keep the ‘good

Savage(d): Another letter to the editor targets sex-advice columnist/provocateur Dan Savage regarding a comment he made about I-677. This initiative would have protected LGBTs in the workplace, but Savage was against it. “Dan Savage decries the lack of empirical evidence of discrimination in 1997, but out of the other side of his mouth asserts there was much more discrimination 25 years ago against gay and lesbian people. Pardon me, Mr. Savage, but where is your empirical evidence about the level of discrimination 25 years ago? I find Savage’s display incredible chutzpah considering he works for a gay-friendly employer. I’d suggest Salvage [sic] come down from his Ivory Tower and try getting himself a nonjournalistic job outside of Seattle and see

In A&E news:

SIFF ’97: SGN contributor Paula Nechak previewed LGBT fare at the 23rd annual Seattle International Film Festival. That year SIFF opened with the Matthew

smiling and looks very much like a man who could charm his way into someone’s heart and wallet,” which is exactly what his mother, Mary Ann Cunanan, told the Chicago Sun-Times what he did for a living. Mrs. Cunanan said her son was a ‘high-class homosexual prostitute.’”

UPDATE: On the morning of July 15, 1997, Cunanan murdered the 50-year-old Versace on the front steps of Casa Casuarina, Versace’s mansion in Miami Beach. Days later, Cunanan shot and killed himself, leaving no suicide note. Police were unable to find a motive, but the three-month killing spree was finally over.

folk’ believing that being transgender is just like a ‘lifestyle choice.’ Won’t a march with non-gender-dysphoric-disorder publicity hounds just make the general public a lot more sympathetic toward the real transgenders? Most transgenders would just as soon avoid the attention, and just become their actual selves. I fail to see where a ‘Drag March’ would help any transgender trying to assimilate. I think it’s a dumb idea.”

how he does in most of Washington [where] if you don’t have acceptable mannerisms and speech you are out of luck. The legislative tactics of [State Reps.] Cal Anderson and Ed Murray have failed, not because of an ineptness but because of the culture of the majority membership in the legislature. State legislators aren’t going to do anything that threatens male heterosexual privilege.”

– Steven Kendall

UPDATE: Despite strong support in Seattle, the organizing work of Hands Off Washington and an endorsement from then-Gov. Gary Locke, I-677 failed. Savage continues to try to sway voters, with mixed results (anyone remember the Monorail Project?).

Broderick/Meg Ryan rom-com Addicted to Love and closed with the Oscar-nominated Judi Dench vehicle Mrs. Brown. Among the memorable LGBT-themed films that year were The Watermelon Woman, The Delta, Alive and Kicking, and Never Met

Compiled by MK Scott SGN Contributing Writer This week in SGN history: 24 years ago

Over 47 years, the Seattle Gay News has covered thousands of stories that still resonate today. This week we look back at Volume 25, Issue 20, published May 16, 1997.

Schoolbook uproar: Controversy was brewing between the Seattle School Board and then-Seattle City Councilmember Tina Podlodowski and youth advocates over the board’s review of books “allegedly promoting the homosexual lifestyle.” The school board endured a firestorm of criti-

Pride drama: It seems so long ago when Pride was on Capitol Hill and not downtown, and this little drama seems dull compared to the problems the event has faced in the last decade. SGN staff writer Matt Nagle reported, “To dispel rumors and doubts stemming from the Freedom Day Committee’s ups and downs over the past three months, the FDC formally proposed and voted to organize Seattle’s Pride Parade/March this year in the traditional fashion of years past. Second, the rally will as usual be held at the Volunteer Park Amphitheater, and third, food and merchandise vendors and informational tables from local organizations will once again fill the east side of the park, even though the community got a late start this year which lessened its ability to conduct extensive fundraising.

Signorile’s Life Outside: SGN contributor Chris Thomas reviewed journalist Michelangelo Signorile’s Lambda Literary Award-nominated book Life Outside: The Signorile Report on Sex, Drugs, Muscles and the Passages of Life. In a painfully timely twist, Signorile defines the subculture of Gay male circuit parties and body worship as a cult – one that exhibits classic cult properties and requires classic cult deprogramming. In a tell-all visit to a circuit party in Palm Springs, Thomas writes, Signorile exposes the “rabid drug

Picasso

The lavender tube: On the heels of Ellen’s famous coming-out episode, SGN contributor Maggie Bloodstone examined Lesbian and Gay television characters of the 1950s through the ’70s, including Eve

cism during the past week after questioning the legitimacy of a project to place children’s books portraying families with Gay and Lesbian members into school libraries. School board president Linda Harris said she intends to apologize to Podlodowski on behalf of the board to resolve the crisis.

“Today, FDC has approximately $3,000 on hand and in pledges. At last week’s meeting Jim Detwiler, owner of the Timberline, donated $800 and the Seattle Gay News donated $200, pledging an additional $800. Seattle City Councilmember Tina Podlodowski, the Metropolitan Community Church, and several other organizations have made pledges and donations totaling $800.”

UPDATE: The Freedom Day Committee (now Seattle Out & Proud, or SOAP) moved the Pride parade in 2006 from Broadway on Capitol Hill to Downtown’s Fourth Ave. and the Festival to Seattle Center. Both events became too big and were split by 2007, with the PrideFest being organized by One Degree Events and the parade still organized by SOAP. Entry into the parade was free in 1997, but those days are long gone.

use, unprotected sex, and a veritable bathhouse atmosphere that he says surrounds many of these events, which are widely publicized even in the legitimate gay media.” Thomas later highlights a Signorile quote: “Just as much of heterosexual America objectifies women who endlessly pursue fashion beauty trends in a futile attempt to keep up with the Joneses, much of gay male America enforces a code of physical perfection which, thanks to computer-enhanced pornography, has become virtually unattainable.”

Arden (Our Miss Brooks), Gale Gordon (The Lucy Show), Paul Lynde (Bewitched ), Charles Nelson Reilly (Match Game), and of course Alan Sues and Lily Tomlin (Laugh-In).

Frustrating Wrath of Man a violently ambitious misfire Film

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN Staff Writer

WRATH OF MAN

Theaters

Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man has a lot going for it. The film reteams the director with star Jason Statham for the first time in 15 years, and the actor responds by giving his best, most broodingly intense performance in ages. It offers up punchy, wellchoreographed and superbly shot action sequences, including a brutal barnburner of one right at the end. Best of all, there’s a corker of a supporting performance from Jeffrey Donovan that took me by surprise, and I’ll likely be thinking about it for the rest of 2021.

As terrific as all that might be, I did not like Wrath of Man. After a lovely opening third, things quickly become pointlessly convoluted. Ritchie and his four fellow writers suddenly slip into reverse and overexplain just about everything that’s happened throughout the first 30 or so minutes of the film. The same sequence of events is showcased multiple times to introduce new characters and also to solidify a backstory for the main character, a man who did not need his narrative foundation reinforced.

This has catastrophic consequences. Not only are these new individuals – save one big exception portrayed by the aforementioned Donovan – not worth following around, but by turning the focus over to them the other supporting players get lost in the wash. When the opposing forces ultimately clash near the end, I found little reason to care about what was happening, making the cutthroat viciousness of it all meaningless as far as the broader canvas was concerned.

Armored car protection agency Fortico Securities has a new employee. Dubbed “H” (Statham) by his self-deprecating superior Bullet (Holt McCallany), it quickly becomes apparent this man of few words is more than he appears to be. Not even a week on the job and he single-handedly

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of the original “Law & Order” or “Homicide: Life on the Street.” Over a decade prior he had to report his partner to Internal Affairs. Ever since, Zeke’s been a pariah in the department, the detective labeled as nothing more than a rat unworthy of support or friendship from his fellow officers.

Rock brings a wearily withered gravitas to his performance that’s wonderful. The actor’s trademark comedic timing is utilized to terrific effect. Many of Zeke’s most pointed barbs purposefully ricochet off of their intended targets and slam right back onto the detective almost as if the man’s own self-hatred trumps the disgust he feels towards many of the other officers he works with every day. Rock digs in with a determinedly surly authority that only grows as events progress, making the moments where he lets down his guard and displays a bit of vulnerability more potently effective than they otherwise would have been.

As great as that might be, figuring out who the Jigsaw copycat is doesn’t take a lot of effort. Their identity is pretty obvious, and as far as ah-ha! moments are concerned the one involving this particular individual is a definite letdown. Also, other than Rock none of the other actors, including Jackson, make much of an impression, making it difficult to care when any of them get ensnared

There’s a corker of a supporting performance from Jeffrey Donovan that took me by surprise, and I’ll likely be thinking about it for the rest of 2021.

stops a robbery, coldly and efficiently dispatching the thieves with lethal precision.

That’s the reason H has come to Fortico: not because he needed a job, but instead to solve a murder mystery. His son was gunned down during a robbery, and it’s clear that the only way the killers could

in one of this wannabe’s traps and is forced to try and dismember or cripple themselves to survive.

Still, Bousman handles all of the carnage with confidence, and I couldn’t help but positively respond to the cold, bleakly austere mood the filmmaker and cinematographer Jordan Oram strike. Composer Charlie Clouser provides a crackerjack score, waiting until just the right moment to unleash his memorable theme music from the original series.

As for the blood, guts and gore, while they’re a bit tamped down from the other Saw entries, that does not mean things don’t get suitably nasty. The creativity fueling all of the explosively vile butchery (there’s a nasty bit involving a person’s fingers that icked me out something fierce) is readily apparent, and I liked that Bousman kept CGI enhancement of the impressive practical makeup effects to a noticeable minimum.

This is still a Saw film. For all the talk that Spiral was going to take things in a new direction, even with A-list stars like Rock and Jackson on hand for the ride this film still follows a template so similar to the original series it ends up being less of a spin-off or a reboot than a random ninth entry in the franchise. For fans, this will likely be more than enough to satisfy. For everyone else? This game will not be for you. I suggest playing something else.

have pulled off their assault was if they had someone on the inside passing them information. He’s going to figure out who this person is and, in turn, have them lead him to the guy who pulled the trigger and ended his boy’s life, this father’s thirst for vengeance not easily quenched.

Ritchie drops us into this world at the point H is going through his final interviews with Fortico head honcho Terry (Eddie Marsan). From there it’s a brief montage of the undercover wannabe security guard going through training, doing just enough to pass but nowhere near enough to arouse anyone’s suspicions that he’s overqualified for the job.

These introductory moments are handled beautifully. Each of H’s fellow Fortico guards gets their moment to make an impression, most notably Josh Hartnett (so underutilized I have no idea why he took the role) and Niamh Algar. We learn how the armored car service works, most notably the particulars inside the stationhouse where the money is kept before it can be delivered to a local bank.

It’s extremely well done. By the time H initially explodes into violence the reactions from his fellow guards and the response he gets from his superiors all feel wholly genuine. I liked pretty much everything that transpired throughout this opening passage, and I was understandably curious to see how Ritchie was going to bring in the grieving, vengeance-seeking father plot elements ominously lurking underneath the surface.

But that’s where things fall to pieces. While I respect that the filmmaker is going for a hardcore, Get Carter-like energy, unfortunately he ends up inadvertently channeling the risible 2000 Sylvester Stallone remake more than he does the 1971 classic which helped make Michael Caine an international star. Things get so convoluted that if

you told me the cast and crew were making up new plot elements as shooting went along I’d be tempted to believe it.

It’s a big empty jumble of too many characters, most of whom have far too little screen time to do anything noteworthy. The real villains are underserved by the way they are introduced. As to their reasons for embarking on a clandestine part-time livelihood of robbing armored cars, that’s almost deserving of an additional hour of screen time for it all to sink in and resonate. It’s unfortunate that the least interesting member of this crew (portrayed by Scott Eastwood) is the one given the most time in the spotlight, his character a bland wet noodle of an adversary who’s as forgettable as he is underdeveloped.

Pity, because Statham is giving it his all. His energy level reuniting with Ritchie is off the charts, and had I been invested in what was going on it’s likely I’d consider H to be one of the actor’s signature characters. Statham brings a vindictive urgency to his performance I was drawn to, an aura of wraithlike menace so palpable it dripped off the screen like disquieting perspiration. Donovan is even better. Once he is introduced, the veteran character actor and former “Burn Notice” star comes extremely close to taking over the entire motion picture. While the characters presented alongside him are all one-dimensional caricatures, Donovan elevates his moments with a determined stoicism that’s incredible. I loved him in this, and I only wish the film had made better use of the actor, especially right at the end.

Ritchie is a vexing and uneven director. From the highs of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. to the lows of Swept Away, Revolver, and RocknRolla to the perplexing in-betweens of Aladdin, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, and The Gentlemen, it’s impossible to know what you’re going to get when you sit down to watch one of his endeavors. Wrath of Man is another ambitious head-scratcher from the filmmaker, and whether that’s a compliment or an indictable offense I leave up to you to decide.

Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQAllyship. org, allyship@yahoo.com, (206) 279-8169. American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us

Another Gay Social Club! - www.meetup.com/AnotherGay-Social-Club/ Bellingham/Whatcom County - www.theslowlane. com/guide.html

BiNet Seattle is a mixed gender, social group for Bisexuals, their partners & other Bi-friendly folks - www. binetseattle.org.

Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org Capitol Hill Alano Club - www.chacseattle.org

Cascade Rainbow Community Center (Mount Vernon) - (360) 840-8499 and on Facebook. Central Washington University GALA Hotline: (509) 963-1994.

Channel Q 103.3 FM - LGBTQ+ Talk Radio NetworkNews and information, pop culture and music. radio.com COLAGE unites people with LGBTQ parents and caregivers into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities - www.colage.org

DIFFA/Northwest (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). (206) 763-8885; www.diffanorthwest. org

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, (206) 461-3222 (24 hour line); King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line for information, support, & medical & legal assistance: 1-888-99-VOICE; Northwest Networksupport & advocacy for Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse & Dating Violence, (206) 568-7777 (voice), 517-9670 (tty), www.nwnetwork.org; Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: Teresa, (253) 798-4166; Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities - offers on-going support groups for men: 323-1768; Seattle Police Dept Domestic Violence Unit, (206) 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025. In an emergency call 911 Report domestic violence and sexual assault. Equal Rights Washington - (206) 324-2570; www. equalrightswashington.org

Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org

Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freelyspeaking.org

Gay City promotes wellness in LGBTQ communities by providing health services, connecting people to resources, fostering arts, and building community. Gay City Health Project’s Wellness Center provides anonymous & confidential HIV/STD testing. 517 E Pike St. More info or to schedule an appointment, (206) 860-6969. www.gaycity.org

Gay & Lesbian National Hotline (GLNH): 1-888-THEGLNH (1-888-843-4564). Non-profit, peer-counseling, information & local resources telephone hotline for GLBT people across the country.

Generations Aging With Pride empowers elder LGBTQ adults to live with pride and dignity by promoting, connecting, and developing innovative programs and services that enhance belonging and support, eliminate discrimination, and honor the lives of older members of our community - (206) 393-3400; info@gapseattle.org; gapseattle.org

GLSEN/WA - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network - (206) 330-2099; www.glsenwa.org

Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) - (206) 363-9188; www.thegsba.org

HIV/AIDS Program, Seattle/King County Dept of Public Health, provides confidential/anonymous information about & testing for HIV/AIDS. (206) 205-7837. For a comprehensive list of HIV/AIDS service organizations see the GSBA Guide or visit www.thegsba.org or call Lifelong AIDS Alliance, (206) 328-8979.

Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & the Olympic & Rainier Empire - www.facebook.com/ISCSORE; www. imperialcourtofseattle.com

Lambert House - (206) 322-2515; www.lamberthouse. org

LGBT Library - 517 E Pike St. Open Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. A wide range of fiction and non-fiction for the LGBT community and allies can be borrowed free of charge.

LGBT MS Connection - (425) 785-8593; lgbtmsconnections@comcast.net. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Lifelong AIDS Alliance - (206) 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org Lion’s Main Art Collective - www.lionsmain.org

MEN: Gay City: (206) 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: (206) 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Northwest Bears: www. nwbears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians. net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.com; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: www.raincityjacks. org; Seattle Gay Couples: www. seattlegaycouples.org; Seattle Men in Leather: www.seattlemeninleather. org; Seattle Prime Timers: Gay & Bi men 40 & over, www. seattle primetimers.org; Tacoma Older LGBT: www. tacomaolderlgbt.org. (See also listings under Bisexual, Parenthood, People of Color, Transgender.)

MUSIC: Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; Rainbow City Band: 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; rainbowcityband@onebox.com; www.rainbowcity band. com; Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus: (206) 388-1408, (206) 323-0750. www.seattlechoruses.org.

Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project - gayhistnw@aol.com

community resources

Northwest Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf - www. nwrad.org

Olympia/Thurston County - www.RainbowCenterOly. org

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates/Seattle Regional Affiliate supports the work of LGBT employees and the growing number of ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) making a difference within local companies, including Alaska Airlines, Amazon.com, Amgen, AT&T, Bank of America, Deloitte, Macy’s, Microsoft, Russell Investments, Safeco Insurance, Starbucks Coffee, Xerox. www.outandequal.org/affiliates/seattle

Out & Proud Grays Harbor Coalition - http://outandproudgh.org

PARENTHOOD: Families Like Ours provides a gateway for LGBT families interested in adoption & provides a network of safe placement agencies, training, support & resources: (206) 441-7602, www.familieslikeours. org; Family Works offers support, information & activities for LGBT families: (206) 694-6727, www.familyworksseattle. org; Gay Fathers’ Association of Seattle offers support groups & social activities: www.gfas. org; Proud & Loud Families - Northwest, www.meetup.com/proudand-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@aol.com; Queer Parent Networking Dinners: (206) 568-7777, qpnd@nwnetwork.org, www.nwnetwork.org; Rainbow Families of Puget Sound: www.rainbowfamiliesps.org PFLAG is the national organization for parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ people united for equality with chapters in Seattle, Bellevue/Eastside, the Puget Sound region and across Washington state. PFLAG Seattle: (206) 325-7724, info@pflagseattle.org, and www.pflagseattle.org; PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside: (425) 483-6642, info@bellevue-pflag.org, http://community. pflag.org/PFLAGBellevue; PFLAG Pacific Northwest: www.pnwpflag.org; PFLAG Washington State Council: www.pflagwsc.org.

Peer Seattle (formerly Seattle Area Support Groups) is a non-profit organization that builds community and cultivates powerful, healthy lives by providing emotional support and personal development services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, the Queer communities, and those who love them. Our work is done in a spirit of safety, trust, inclusiveness, and celebration of individual differences. (206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org

PEOPLE OF COLOR: AARTH (African American Reach & Teach Health Ministry), (206) 850-2070, www.aarth.org; Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, (206) 467-9976; Center for MultiCultural Health, (206) 461-6910, www.multiculturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, (206) 322-7700, www.entrehermanos.org; Ile LaiLai, (206) 781-3565, iya@ilelailai.org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), (206) 923-8313, macctseattle@yahoo.com, www.macctsea.org; Northwest Two Spirit Society, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/nw2spiritsociety/, Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, (206) 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; QBASS - Queer Black Alliance of the South Sound, (253) 256-1846, weareqbass@gmail. com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, (206) 322-7061, (206) 255-8951; Somos Seattle, somosseattle.org; Trikone-Northwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www.trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-685-0164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle, www.utopiaseattlewa.org; VietQ Greater Seattle, vietqorganization@gmail.com

Pierce County AIDS Foundation - (253) 383-2565; www.piercecountyaids.org

Pride Foundation - (206) 323-3318; www.pridefoundation. org

Pride Lives - www.facebook.com/PrideLives/ Pride Radio 93.3 HD2

Project NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. (206) 323-1768. www.crystalneon.org

Public Health-Seattle & King County Online Comprehensive Health Information for Sexual Minorities: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/ glbt.aspx

Q Law: The GLBT Bar Association of WA - (206) 682-6711; www.q-law.org

Q Law GLBT Legal Clinic - (206) 235-7235. Queer Geek! - queergeekseattle.org

Rainbow Center - Resource Center for Tacoma/Pierce County LGBTIQA community. Through education, advocacy and celebration, the Rainbow Center expands resources, and safe space for the LGBTQIA community.

Sponsors Tacoma Pride Festival. (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org

SEAMEC interviews, researches & rates candidates for public office on issues of concern to the LGBT community. www.voteseamec.org

Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center (SASG) i- SEE LISTING for Peer Seattle. Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network - BiSeattle.wixsite. com/SBWN and on Facebook.

Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities is a community mental health service for GLBT persons & their families providing comprehensive mental health services on a sliding scale. (206) 323-1768.

Seattle LGBTQ Commission - (206) 684-4503. www/ seattle.gov/lgbtq

Seattle Out & Proud - (206) 322-9561; www.seattlepride.org

Seattle Police Department Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council: kim.bogucki@seattle.gov

Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202) 328-3244; www.sldn.org

Sex Workers Outreach Project - https://seattle. swopusa.org

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan - (206) 860-3666; www.theabbey.org Snohomish Health District HIV/AIDS Program provides free confidential/anonymous HIV counseling & testing 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, until 7pm Tuesdays. (425) 339-5298.

South Sound Q Calendar - LGBTQ events in Tacoma, Olympia & Sound Puget Sound area; www.SouthSoundQCal.com Spokane/Inland Northwest - www.outspokane.com; www.stonewallnews.net

SPORTS & RECREATION: Bent Car Guys: www. bentcarguys.org; Border Riders Motorcycle Club: www.borderriders.com; Bottom Dwellers Scuba Club: www.bottomdwellers.org; Capitol Hill Cyclers: join their Facebook group or email capitolhillcycling@ groups.facebook.com or jordan.l.simonson@gmail.com; Cascade Flag Football: www.cascadeflagfootball.org; Cascade Flyers: www.cascadeflyers.org; Emerald City Mudhen Rugby: www.mudhenrugby.com; Emerald City Softball Association: www.emeraldcitysoftball. org, www.eteamz.com/womensecsa; Ethyl Forever Car Club: ethylforever@hotmail.com; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthebabes.com; Olympic Yacht Club: www.oycnw.org; OutVentures: outdoor education & recreation activities, www.outventures.org; Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo Association: www.pacificnwgra.org; Puddletown Squares: www.puddletownsquares.org; Rain City Soccer: www.raincitysoccer.org; Rain Country Dance Association: a country-western dance organization catering to the LGBTQ community but open to all, www.raincountrydance.org; Sea Dawgs: LGBT ice hockey - SkateSeaDawgs@gmail.com and on Facebook; Seattle Frontrunners: www.seattlefrontrunners.org; Seattle Gay Basketball Association: www. seattlegaybasketballassociation.com; Seattle Orca Swim Team: www.orcaswimteam.org; Seattle Otters Water Polo: www.otterpolo.com; Seattle Quake Rugby: www.quakerugby.com; Seattle Tennis Alliance: www. seattletennisalliance.org; Seattle Unified Bowling Association (SUBA): magee98106@aol.com, www. teamseattle.org/bowling.htm, www.theprideleague. com, Century 21 League; Seattle Volleyball Club: www.seattlevolleyballclub.com; Ski Buddies: www. skibuddies.org; Team Seattle Gay Sports Network is an umbrella organization for a wide range of local GLBT sports activities, (206) 367-4064, www.teamseattle.org (see website for comprehensive list of sports clubs); Triangle Recreation Camp at Bender Creek: recreational camping for GLBT folks. Must be 21; ID required. trc@ camptrc.org, www.camptrc.org, 1122 E Pike St #1069, Seattle 98122-3934. Strength Over Speed - www.strengthoverspeed.org Tacoma/Pierce County - Rainbow Center, 2215 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, a resource center for the LGBTIQA community of Pierce County, (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org

Three Dollar Bill Cinema - TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival; Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival; Outdoor Cinema at Cal Anderson Park. www. threedollarbillcinema.org

TRANSGENDER: Emerald City Social Club: (425) 827-9494; Gender Alliance of the South Sound: www. SouthSoundGender.com; Gender Diversity: www. genderdiversity.org; Gender Justice League: www.genderjusticeleague.org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey.com; Hermanos Trans Latino & Foreign-Born

Support Group: (206) 322-7700; Ingersoll Gender Center: (206) 329-6651, www.ingersollcenter.org; Lion’s Main Art Collective: www.lionsmain.org; The New BoyZ Club: www.olympiaftmgroup.webs.com; Olympia Trans Discussion Group: www.facebook.com/pages/ Olympia-Trans-Discussion-Group/262449878114; [trans] ACTION: Trans* & Gender Non-Conforming Sex Workers’ Support Group - a safe, peer-led space. mail@utopiaseattle.org; TRANSform Washington: transformwashington.com; Trans Resource & Referral Guide: kctransguide.org; Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network: Funding the collective liberation of Trans women of color – https://m.facebook.com/ TWOCSolidarityNW/; Washington Gender Alliance: (360) 445-2411, www.washington genderalliance.com

WOMEN: Aging Ballard Lesbian Exchange (A.B.L.E.): We are Lesbians 60 years (generally) and up, living (mostly) in the north half of Seattle. The purpose of the group is to connect, socialize and support each other. ruthemilyvogel@gmail.com; Aging Lesbians in South Seattle (ALISS) - Lesbian Group at the Southeast Seattle Senior Center. This is a gathering primarily for Lesbians but all are welcome to attend. Kate, (206) 722-0317; www.sessc.org; BABES: support groups for HIV+ women. (206) 720-5566, 1-888-292-1912; Coming Out Women Support Group of Tacoma: www. comingoutwomen.org; Festival of the Babes: www. festivalofthebabes.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Puget Sound Old Lesbian Organizing for Change: http:// psoloc.org, (253) 777-3357; Older Lesbians Organizing for Change/WA State Chapter: gloria@oloc.org, mary@oloc.org, www.oloc.org; Pacific Northwest Lesbian Archives: www.pnwlesbianarchives.org; RainshadowWomen: RainshadowWomen@aol. com; Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network: BiSeattle. wixsite.com/SBWN; Seattle Girls of Leather: www. sgol.org; Tacoma Lesbian Concern (TLC): www.tacomalesbianconcern.org; Tacoma Older LGBT: www. tacomaolderlgbt.org; Women of West Seattle (WOWS): a fun, member-driven social group for Lesbians, http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/womenofwestseattle; YWCA Women’s Health Outreach: providing low or no-cost mammograms for income eligible 40+ LBTQ individuals. Follow us at http://lbtqhealth-ywca.blogspot.com, twitter.com/ingridWHO or email lbthealth@ywcaworks. org, (206) 461-4493. (See also listings under Bisexual, Parenthood, People of Color, Transgender.)

YOUTH: B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group): Youth Eastside Services offers many programs for GLBT youth, including B-GLAD, (425) 747-4937; Coyote Central: www.coyotecentral.org; Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; GLSEN/Washington State (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) & Washington State GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Network: GLSEN works to create safe schools for LGBT students. WA GSA Network supports youth-led GSA’s to fight harassment & homophobia in Washington state schools. (206) 330-2099; www.glsenwa. org; www.wagsa.org. GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): a support group & HIV/STD prevention program for GLBTQ youth, 14-20, in Everett, (425) 263-2908, www. globeyouth.org; It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, 1818 15th Ave @ E Denny Way, with additional support groups organized in smaller towns throughout King County, (206) 322-2515, www. lamberthouse.org; Lifelong HEYO (Health Education Youth Outreach): for LGBTQ youth, ages 16-24: (206) 957-1665; www.llaa.org/HEYO; www.MatthewsPlace. com ; The Mockingbird Society: (206) 323-KIDS (5437), www.mockingbirdsociety.org; New Horizons: social services and shelter for homeless youth, 2708 3rd Ave (in Belltown), (206) 374-0866, http://namin.org; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 14-25, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter. org; OKAY! LGBTQ+ Outreach for Kent Area Youth: (253) 859-0699 ext 3034. OKAY! is an open support group for youth ages 13-19 who identify as LGBTQ+. A program of Kent Youth & Family Services; OUT There Adventures: www.outthereadventures.org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/ Puget Sound: (206) 325-7724, www.seattle-pflag.org; Pizza Klatch: weekly lunchtime support groups for LGBTQ youth in Thurston County, www.pizzaklatch. org; Prism: for LGBTQ youth, 14-21, in PuyallupCherise.Alexander@ multicare.org; www.facebook. com/PuyallupPrism; Proud Out Wonderful (POW!): for LGBTQ youth, 13-21, in South King County, (206) 326-9112, www.facebook.com/proudoutwonderful; Q Youth Resources: in Kitsap County - (360) 698-3335; www.kchaf.org; Roots Young Adult Shelter: 1415 NE 43rd St., (206) 632-1635; www.rootsinfo.org; Safe Schools Coalition: www.safeschoolscoalition.org; (206) 451-SAFE, (206) 451-7233 (non-emergency), 1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): (206) 860-9606, www.sypp.org; Street Youth Ministries (SYM): (206) 524-7301 ext 111; www. streetyouthministries.org; Teen Link: (206) 461-4922, 1-888-431-TEEN; The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor; www.thetrevorproject.org; True Colors - Connecting LGBTQ Teens: in Shoreline, (206) 362-7282 x 8018, lbagley@chs-nw.org; The Vera Project: fuels personal & community transformation through collaborative youthdriven engagement in music and art. (206) 956-8372; theveraproject.org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, (509) 396-5198, www.vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/ Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): (206) 522-8412; YouthCare/ Orion Center Young Adult Shelter: 1828 Yale Ave @ Stewart St. (206) 622-5555; Youth in Focus: (206) 723-1479; www.youthinfocus.org; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoud-GLBTQ): (206) 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273-TALK, www.yspp.org

No children here

How ‘adultification’ kills childhood, one Black girl at a time

by Janice Athill SGN Contributing Writer

Social norms. The unspoken law dictating acceptable and appropriate behavior. They place the expectations for your social group directly on your shoulders before you can realize what it would mean not to fit in that box, or that there is even a box to fit into. At ages as young as five, girls in our country are being judged and labeled “too grown” for things that would classify other children as immature, outspoken or even just cute.

The 2013 report Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood, published by the Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality, states that “Black girls are viewed as more adult than their white peers at almost all stages of childhood, beginning most significantly at the age of five, peaking during the ages of 10 to 14, and continuing during the ages of 15 to 19.” Views like these leave us to wonder what exactly is the standard for children’s behavior, and who is the childhood model truly intended to reflect?

The study’s participants were 74 percent white and 62 percent female with 69 percent of them holding a degree beyond a high school diploma. The results primarily show adults expect Black girls to be further along developmentally during mid-childhood and early adolescence than their white peers – and to need less nurturing, protection, support, and comforting. They are also expected to know more about sex and to be less expectant of male protection than white girls. This occurrence of reduced or removed consideration of childhood as a determining

factor in Black youths’ behavior is referred to as “adultification.” The adultification bias placed on young Black girls robs them of their childhood. It is a culmination of labels like “Sapphire,” “Jezebel,” and “Mammy” that hypersexualize them and link young girls with “unfeminine” and aggressive behavior, against an expectation of self-sacrifice.

Childhood is a social construct most refuse to admit is influenced by race and is something most people seem to agree on as a stage of innocence – until Black children are the subjects. In the 2017 follow-up research conducted by Georgetown Law, teachers are recorded describing Black girls as very mature socially but not academically, one even saying, “They think they are adults too, and they try to act like they should have control sometimes.”

These are the types of statements made when a Black girl’s journey for independence is viewed as a threat or challenge to someone else’s authority.

Nationally, Black girls suffer the consequences of the harsh judgments that accompany these biases. They are five times as likely to be suspended and account for 28 percent of school referrals to law enforcement and 37 percent of in-school arrests. These biases are what lead law enforcement officers, trained in de-escalating serious and deadly situations, to shoot and kill young Black girls.

Fatal consequences

Ma’Khia Bryant was a 16-year-old child involved in a fight when Officer Reardon arrived on the scene.

His bodycam footage shows Reardon’s first instinct in the commotion between these girls is to draw his weapon. Bryant is seen holding a knife but there is a moment when the officer is close enough to grab her by the arms. The problem is his hands are already full. Were his hands free he could have grabbed and disarmed the child.

However, the officer’s inability to recognize the aggressor in front of him as a child with a weapon put the girl on the other end of Bryant’s knife in a dangerous situation. Reardon’s adultification bias created the predicament that rendered him unable to save the lives of both these girls and made him feel it was justifiable for deadly force. He fires four shots at Bryant as she lunges at the girl in front of her, killing Bryant almost instantly.

“The results of our research suggest that Black girls bear the brunt of a double bind: viewed as more adult than their white peers, they may be more likely to be disciplined for their actions, and yet they are also more vulnerable to the discretionary authority of teachers and law enforcement than their adult counterparts,” the study’s authors conclude. “Only by recognizing the phenomenon of adultification can we overcome the perception that innocence, like freedom, is a privilege.”

For more information about adultification bias and how you can help counter it, visit www.law.georgetown.edu/povertyinequality-center.

Search for the Soul of Seattle: Just a nice day

by A.V. Eichenbaum SGN Associate Editor

A warm 65 degrees near Cal Anderson. Nobody ever talks about how beautiful Seattle is this time of year. Don’t tell the outsiders that every day is nearly perfect for meandering, hands in pockets, trying to fight writers’ block.

If anyone bothers you while you’re staring deep into the middle distance, just tell them you’re a writer. I’ve had two panhandlers apologize today alone. One offered me a dollar.

I’ve been spending a lot of time this spring wondering if it hurts a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly.

I mean, it must, right?

Their entire body dissolves and reconstructs itself. The process is absolutely gruesome.

And with Mother’s Day just passed, I’ve been thinking about other gradual changes in my life, like how I used to have to practice my smile in the mirror as a kid. My folks told me I “wasn’t doing it right” in family photos. I didn’t smile much growing up.

Lost in thought on a beautiful day in Cal Anderson. It wasn’t so long ago this area grabbed the nation’s attention as the CHOP when the East Precinct fell. Wasn’t so long ago there was tear gas and pepper spray in the eyes and clothes of the protestors gathered here. They were fighting against inequality and injustice just under a year

ago. And what do we have to show for it?

Some dead hashtags and some more heavy-duty police uniforms.

How much more dissolving and pain has to happen before we start to build something beautiful? What is the metamorphic cycle of a city?

I had Nicorette for breakfast, in case you were wondering.

I’m doing great, thanks.

Even through the murk of my own mood, it’s impossible to miss the laughter in the air. People playing fetch with their dogs. Kids on the basketball court. The joy is infectious, and I find myself smiling under my face mask. The real one. Not that anyone can see.

Maybe the city’s already rebuilding

itself here. There’s enough fresh construction to make that argument. But, more than that, the scars left by the protests are nearly invisible – on the surface, at least. Butterflies retain their memories from when they were caterpillars. Memories of cars on fire and medics being hit with tear gas canisters still live on the back of my eyelids. I know it’s the same for a lot of people, especially around here.

But it’s a nice day. If you hadn’t been there, you’d never know the difference. Maybe everything around me is already on its way to the next stage in the cycle. I’m not there yet, but it’s days like these that remind me of the warmth hidden beneath Seattle’s infamous Freeze, and that helps.

There’s a group of kids nearby playing some sort of game where they yell, “WAKE UP!” at the top of their lungs several times. It’s incredibly off-putting, and several people – myself included – have decided it’s a good time to leave. My train of thought leads me to that old Taoist parable, also a meditation on change. Specifically, I’m reminded of the philosopher Chuang Tzu’s ending thought: Now I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly, dreaming I am a man.

I take this as a sign to start getting more sleep and to get over myself.

National News

National news highlights

by Daniel Lindsley SGN Contributing Writer

Atlanta

MSN reported on May 6 that authorities in Atlanta have warned that Grindr is being used to target gay and bisexual men for robbery. Eight men have been robbed after being lured into remote locations using the app, with the suspect taking items ranging from wallets to vehicles. The robberies reportedly seemed like “normal dates” at first, and have mostly taken place in northwest Atlanta. Police believe one suspect is responsible.

Philadelphia Philadelphia Gay News reported on May 3 that a federal judge appointed by the Trump Administration has denied an HIV-positive gay man anonymity in a case over wrongful termination. The man claims he was fired from his job in the U.S. Postal Service due to his sexuality and HIV-positive status, and his motion for anonymity cites numerous, recent cases of violence against LGBT people, such as the Pulse Nightclub massacre and a number of assaults in and near Philadelphia. Despite the man in question being granted anonymity in lower courts so far, Third Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas denied the request, saying “The applicant has adduced no specific facts suggesting that he in particular faces an unusual risk of harm or discrimination.

continued from cover

In defiance of that ruling, the Trump administration tried to narrow the legal protections against health care discrimination by issuing rules that narrowly defined “sex” in biological terms. A federal judge later blocked those rules from taking effect.

The HHS action means that the HHS Office for Civil Rights will again investigate complaints of sex discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Hospitals, clinics and other medical providers can face government sanctions for violations of the law.

“Fear of discrimination can lead individuals to forgo care, which can have serious negative health consequences,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Everyone — including LGBTQ people — should be able to access health care, free from discrimination or interference, period.”

Obama rule restored

The Biden administration action essentially restores the policy established during the Obama years. The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, included a prohibition on sex discrimination in health care but did not include the term “gender identity.”

The Obama administration interpreted the law as applying to Gay and Trans people as well, relying on a broad understanding of the word “sex.”

Under the Obama-era rule, a hospital

could be required to perform gender-confirmation procedures if the facility provided similar kinds of treatment for other medical conditions.

More than 1.5 million Americans identify as Transgender, according to the Williams Institute, a think tank focusing on LGBT policy at the UCLA School of Law.

Major medical groups such as the American Medical Association, along with human rights organizations, have supported health care protections for Gay and Transgender people.

One of President Joe Biden’s first steps after taking office was a Jan. 20 executive order on combating discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. The new president directed every executive branch agency to examine what it could do to combat such discrimination.

“Everyone — including LGBTQ people — should be able to access health care, free from discrimination or interference, period.”

— XAVIER BECCERRA

Biden quickly followed that up with another order reversing a Trump-era Pentagon policy that barred Trans people from serving in the military.

Earlier this spring, the Department of Housing and Urban Development withdrew a Trump policy that allowed taxpayerfunded homeless shelters to deny access to Trans people.

Teens: It’s time to take your shot FDA

authorizes Pfizer vaccine for youths 12 to 15

by Hannah Saunders SGN Contributing Writer

On the afternoon of May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine to include 12- to 15-year-olds under an emergency use authorization (EUA).

An EUA for the Pfizer vaccine was originally issued on December 11, 2020. It was intended to protect individuals ages 16 and above against becoming seriously ill from the virus. Since the start of the pandemic, about 1.5 million COVID-19 cases in youths aged 11 to 17 have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has shifted its focus towards getting younger populations vaccinated – and fast.

“Today’s actions allow for a younger population to be protected from COVID19, bringing us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy and to ending the pandemic,” stated Dr. Janet Woodcock, acting FDA commissioner, in an agency press release. “Parents and guardians can rest assured that the agency undertook a rigorous and thorough review of all available data, as we have with all of our COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorizations,” she added.

Essential for school reopening

Overall, COVID-19 cases among adolescents are milder compared to the adult population, but with in-person learning resuming nationwide, coronavirus cases have become more prominent in young folks than what they once were. The FDA’s justification for expanding the vaccine to youth stems from scientific evidence proving that it has more known benefits than risks. Such benefits include a decreased risk of hospitalization, death, and long- and short-term symptoms, in addition to making it more difficult to contract the virus in the first place. (The duration of protection that the vaccine provides is still unknown, however.)

burden caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

The Pfizer vaccinations for children will be performed in the same matter as they are for adults: two injected doses, three weeks apart. Common side effects of the Pfizer vaccine include fatigue, injection site pain, headache, muscle pain, fever, and chills. Those who receive a first vaccine will receive a card to bring to their second appointment, and are advised to take a picture of it on their phone in case it gets lost. Scientists are still uncertain as to whether a booster shot will be needed down the line, so it’s best to keep the card in a safe place even after the second shot.

The FDA has also updated its online fact sheets for health care providers, vaccine recipients, and caregivers. An update on the EUA plan for the 12-to-17 age group is expected at a virtual agency meeting June 10, which will be livestreamed on the FDA’s website as well as its YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Other vaccines coming soon

For months, Moderna has been working on vaccination trials in children, and on May 6, the biotechnology company provided updates on its Phase 2/3 TeenCOVE study, which stated that the Moderna vaccine “showed vaccine efficacy against COVID19 of 96 percent” in the 12-to-17 group. The company relayed that the participants had no serious side effects and “well tolerated” the vaccine. The TeenCOVE study is ongoing and includes participants across the United States. Johnson & Johnson has also been conducting vaccine trials in children and teens. More information on these trials is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

What about LGBTQ+ youth?

are reporting increased difficulties of isolation and loneliness in particular, according to the Trevor Project. The dramatic loss of in-person learning and attempting to adapt to virtual learning have resulted in the loss of support networks and safe spaces for American youth. The organization’s 2020 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health relayed that less than 50 percent of LGBTQ+ youth ages 12 to 24 live in LGBTQ+ affirming households, and 16 percent reported feeling unsafe in their homes since the start of the pandemic. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ youth have long had higher rates of homelessness, due to teens being kicked out and rejected for their sexual preferences and gender identities, as well as instances of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Youth.gov estimates that 20 to 40 percent of runaway and homeless youth identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. What is more worrisome?

Homelessness increases one’s risk of contracting the virus, due to less accessibility to hygiene facilities, less financial ability to afford face masks (and basic life necessities), and less ability to socially distance, particularly while staying at a shelter.

Getting adolescents vaccinated will not only be a turning point in coronavirus cases that continue to sweep the country, but it will also improve the quality of so many young LGBTQ+ lives. Once fully vaccinated, LGBTQ+ youth will have more opportunities to return to their beloved safe spaces they have so dearly missed. They will have more opportunities to engage (in person!) with their friends and support networks that they have gone so long without seeing. They will have more opportunities to get out of unaccepting households, to go out and appreciate the beauty of the world, even if only for a few hours at a time. If living in a shelter, LGBTQ+ youth may become less fearful of contracting coronavirus if they become vaccinated. Once vaccinated, LGBTQ+ youth will be able to regain a sense of confidence and freedom that has been long lost. HHS

“Having a vaccine authorized for a younger population is a critical step in continuing to lessen the immense public health

Among the young people hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic are LGBTQ+ youth. While anxiety and depression levels due to the pandemic have remained fairly high for everyone, LGBTQ+ youth

Religion German priests defy Vatican, bless same-sex couples

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Priests in around 100 Catholic churches in Germany are offering blessings to samesex couples starting on May 10.

The blessings have been organized under the slogan “Love Wins.”

The Love Wins movement emerged after the Vatican issued a statement in March –said to have been approved by Pope Francis – that priests may not bless same-sex couples because God “cannot bless sin.”

“Couples who take part should receive the blessing that God wants to give them –without any secrecy,” the Love Wins group wrote earlier.

Pope Francis has previously said he believes same-sex couples should be allowed to have “civil unions.” Last year, he told an Italian documentary that same-sex couples “have a right to be in a family.”

The document issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in March, however, said clearly that the Catholic Church does not have the power to bless same-sex unions.

The Vatican document was “not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite,” the Pope said at the time.

Love Wins described the church’s decision to deny same-sex couples blessings as “a slap in the face for people around the world.”

The movement has produced a map showing all the churches offering the blessings in the coming days.

Thousands of German priests and church employees have also signed a petition calling on the church to extend blessings to samesex couples, while some parishes have also displayed rainbow flags outside churches. In the Catholic Church, a blessing is given by a priest or other minister in the name of the church and priests are required to bless only those relationships that the church approves. Priests who give unauthorized blessings may be subject to church discipline.

The Catholic Church in Germany is more liberal than in many other countries and its increasingly vocal acceptance of Gay couples will be hard for the Vatican to ignore, said BBC reporter Damien McGuinness.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Germany since 2017 and the country has also banned so-called “Gay conversion therapy” for those under 18.

Lutherans elect Transgender bishop

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has elected its first Transgender bishop. The Rev. Megan Rohrer will serve as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod, based in Sacramento and comprising about 200 congregations in Northern California and Nevada.

Although it uses the word “evangelical” in its title for historical reasons, the ELCA is a mainline Protestant denomination, and is the largest Lutheran group in the United States. It is the only Lutheran body to recognize samesex marriages and ordain LGBTQ clergy.

Once installed in their new diocese, Rohrer will be the first Trans bishop in a major Christian denomination.

“I am humbled and honored, and aware that this call is bigger than me,” Rohrer said in a speech after the ballots were counted on May 8.

“My hope is that your grandkids will call you, and your kids will call you, and your friends will call you and ask you about your faith. And when they call, tell them how much you love Jesus and why Jesus’ faith in you meant why you could have faith in me.”

In the Lutheran Church, bishops are elected by the congregations of their synods, and serve six-year terms.

Rohrer currently serves as pastor at San Francisco’s Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and as a community chaplain coordinator for the city’s police department. They are well-known for their advocacy work with homeless and LGBTQ communities in the Bay Area and on a national level.

Long road to acceptance

In a 2014 interview, Rohrer told San Francisco’s KALW radio that when they

came out as Lesbian in their Lutheran college they were harassed by their peers.

“The people who were in my religion classes with me would sing hymns when I walked by, to try to get rid of my ‘Gay demons.’ And I would just sing harmony. I didn’t know what to do,” they said.

In a 2017 Cosmopolitan magazine profile, Rohrer spoke about how the abuse directed at them strengthened their resolve to pursue religious education “to vocalize what I knew in my gut was OK.”

After college, they began to identify as Transgender, and later found acceptance at a progressive Lutheran seminary in Berkeley, California.

International news highlights

by Daniel Lindsley SGN Contributing Writer

Australia

Reuters on May 6 brought forth the words of former Olympic weightlifter Tracey Lambrechs, who has concerns over the fairness of transgender athlete Lauren Hubbard competing in women’s competitions. Hubbard, who has been eligible to compete since 2015, is on the cusp of being approved for the Tokyo Olympic games, which would make her the first transgender athlete to compete at an Olympics. Lambrechs claims that female weightlifters who express worries about the fairness of such a development are told to “be quiet.” Australia’s weightlifting federation tried to block Hubbard from a competition in the past. New Zealand’s weightlifting coach Simon Kent, meanwhile, has asserted that Hubbard meets the current International Weightlifting Federation criteria, and that he would adhere to them.

In 2006, Rohrer was ordained as a priest through an “extraordinary candidacy process.” Their ordainment was officially recognized by the church in 2010 after the denomination changed its policy to welcome LGBTQ clergy.

Last year, Rohrer made a TV appearance on the fifth-season premiere of Queer Eye, in which they gave support to an openly Gay bishop in Philadelphia.

Rohrer told NPR, “I am honored and humbled by the Synod’s affirmation of my leadership skills. And, I am delighted that my election points to the unending love God has for Their fabulously diverse creation.”

United Kingdom BBC reported on May 5 that the Suffolk Pride festival will happen on July 23, with more limited events than previous years and no parade. Some of the events will be livestreamed as well as in-person. Related events will be taking place in Ipswich and Norwich, while Brighton Pride to the south has been cancelled for a second year.