Issue 21 Volume 40
Celebrating 39 Years!
RED DRESS/$16K p. 6
PRIEST SENTENCED p. 8
ROCKER STUNS p. 34
Seattle Gay News
FRIDAY May 25, 2012 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands
SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
NAACP endorses NGLTF’s Rea Carey marriage equality SGN exclusive interview
courtesy national gay and lesbian task force
Executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Rea Carey
first year in office, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was still law, and marriage equality was still being reThe last time I spoke with Rea ferred to as “Gay marriage.” So Carey, executive director or the much has changed since our last National Gay and Lesbian Task conversation – most of it good. Force, was in late 2009. President Obama had yet to complete his see carey page 19 by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
‘A long time coming,’ Seattle NAACP president says by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer On May 19, the NAACP – the country’s oldest and largest civil rights organization – endorsed marriage equality in a strongly worded resolution that passed the group’s board by an overwhelming 62-2 vote. “We make this statement today because it is the legacy and responsibility of the NAACP to speak up on the civil rights issue of our times,” said NAACP President Ben Jealous during a press conference after the vote. “We are both proud of our history and challenged by it – challenged to never allow threats to equality for all people under the law to go uncontested.” Jealous also took the opportunity to explain the significance of see NAACP page 20
GSBA Scholar Marilyn Paleso’o
by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer
The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) and the Pride Foundation both presented their annual scholarship awards last weekend. Both organizations have been dedicated to empowering and financially backing the next generation of LGBTQ and allied leaders for two decades. “With 500 guests in the room on Friday night, you could hear a pin drop as our students stood up to share their stories of hopes, dreams, challenges, and accomplishments. If you meet the GSBA scholars, you will have no doubt that this is a group of students capable and ready to take on the complex issues of their time,” Louise Chernin, president and CEO of the GSBA, told SGN. “For us in the GSBA, we are so proud to be able to play a small part in making sure LGBTQA students have the support of their community, both financially and emotionally. It is an investment that will benefit us all.” “Pride Foundation’s Scholarship Program represents what is
rex wockner
james whitely / seattle gay news
Pride Foundation, GSBA Honoring award LGBT scholarships Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk Street is officially unveiled in San Diego
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
This was a big week for the late Gay icon Harvey Milk. On May 22, millions of people around the world celebrated Milk’s birthday. He would have been 82 this year. The Harvey Milk Foundation also celebrated the third annual Harvey Milk Day, marked with see scholarships page 20 events around the globe com-
memorating the legacy left by America’s first elected openly Gay official. In San Diego, new street signs were unveiled Tuesday transforming Blaine Avenue, a two-block roadway in the city’s Hillcrest neighborhood, into Harvey Milk Street. City officials believe the street, see milk page 21
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May 18 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. As the roughly 600 atKing County Executive Dow Constantine tendees prepared to donate to Constantine’s held his annual Filing Week Luncheon on reelection campaign, the county executive
At their May 4-5 convention, AFT Washington passed a resolution saying that the union “supports the full inclusion of all families including Lesbian and Gay couples and their families in the life of our state with equal respect, responsibility, and protection under the law,” and therefore “endorses and will participate in the Washington United for Marriage campaign.” “Because of AFT Washington’s deep commitment to human, civil, and women’s rights,” the resolution continues, the union “urges all voters to Approve Referendum 74 if it appears on the ballot this year in order to retain the Civil Marriage Equality Law.” The national AFT represents about 1.5 million members and is affiliated with the
AFL-CIO. Its president, Randi Weingarten, is an out Lesbian. At the WEA convention May 19-20, that union’s board of directors also recommended a yes vote on R-74. “WEA’s position on R-74 is consistent with the association’s support for equal civil rights and opposition to discrimination,” officials said. “At least two continuing resolutions approved by the WEA Representative Assembly oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation.” The WEA is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), a voluntary association that functions like a labor union in most states. With 3.2 million members, the NEA is the largest union in the United States, but is not affiliated with the AFLCIO. Both the AFT and the NEA have made substantial contributions to progressive causes and Democratic political candidates in the past.
Joe Mabel
Mike Andrew, Miryam Gordon, Anthony Greer, Shaun Knittel, Albert Rodriguez, James Whitely
Dow Constantine has $11,300 surprise for Approve Ref. 74 campaign
approached the podium and made a surprising request. In lieu of donating to his campaign, he asked that patrons give instead to Washington United for Marriage, which is spearheading the drive to Approve Referendum 74. “For a while now it has been clear that marriage equality and the campaign to Approve Referendum 74 would be a defining issue on the ballot this year and needed our strong and unified support,” Constantine told SGN. Donations at the event totaled $11,300. “We are very grateful for Dow’s support of Washington United for Marriage as we fight to uphold Washington’s marriage equality law,” Zach Silk, campaign manager for Washington United for Marriage, told SGN. “The county executive has long been a champion on issues of fairness and dignity for everyone. It was incredibly generous of him to have his supporters help us. He knows that winning approval of Referendum 74 in November is going to take all of us pulling together. We’ll be sure to put every dollar to good use.” Washington United for Marriage is still in need of financial support. To donate or to learn more, visit www.washingtonunitedformarriage.org. “This has long been a priority for me and I knew this was a real opportunity to lend a hand and raise the visibility of this critical campaign,” Constantine told SGN. “This is going to be a very expensive campaign,” Silk said. “Our opponents have pledged to spend over $7 million to roll back marriage equality. We need to match them dollar for dollar. And that means we need people to make an early investment in the campaign.”
Contributing Writers
Rev. Barbara Allen, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Scott Wittet, Nevin Jefferson, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Rex Wockner
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Nate Gowdy, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by Frogs and Ink, Inc. © 2012, Frogs and Ink, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.
Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer
Teachers give gold star to Approve Ref. 74 by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
The state’s two main teachers’ unions – the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Washington and the Washington Education Association (WEA) – have both recommended that their members vote to Approve Referendum 74, which would affirm the state’s new marriage equality law. AFT Washington represents some 5,500 community and technical college faculty and classified employees at K-12 public schools. The WEA represents more than 80,000 K-12 teachers, higher education faculty and staff, and support professionals.
Seattle Gay News
May 25, 2012
In Loving Memory Of
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King County Executive Dow Constantine
Celebrating 39 Years!
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nate gowdy / seattle gay news
Seattle’s Red Dress Party nets $16K to fund local HIV/AIDS organizations by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Deborah Cox performing at the 2012 Seattle Red Dress Party
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Dharun Ravi, the Rutgers University student convicted of illegally filming his Gay roommate on a webcam, received a big break Monday when a judge sentenced him to just 30 days behind bars. He could have received as much as 10
years. Ravi, who shared the webcam footage with friends, had also faced possible deportation to India. The judge said he would not recommend such action to federal authorities. The case sparked a national debate over cyber-bullying and Gay-bashing when Ravi’s 18-year-old roommate, apparently distraught in part over the gross invasion of his privacy, committed suicide. Ravi, now 20, was not charged with contributing to Tyler Clementi’s death. Superior Court Judge Glenn Berman, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said Ravi showed “colossal insensitivity” when he filmed Clementi’s encounter with a man in September 2010. “I heard this jury say ‘guilty’ 288 times – 24 questions, 12 jurors,” Berman said. “I haven’t heard you apologize once.” Berman said Ravi would never “expunge the conduct or the pain you caused.” The jury found Ravi guilty of invading privacy, on some charges of anti-Gay bias, and of trying to impede investigators by deleting or doctoring text messages and tweets that he’d sent. His lawyer had argued that Ravi was guilty only of a prank gone wrong when he filmed Clementi and then tweeted friends about what he’d seen, inviting them to watch his webcam video. Though prosecutors painted Ravi as a mean-spirited bully, Berman noted several
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The Seattle Red Dress Party (SRDP) Steering Committee announced this week that the 2012 party was the most successful one to date. “After receiving the final donations and sponsor funds we were able to distribute over $16,000 to our beneficiaries: Gay City Health Project, Rise n’ Shine, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, and Rosehedge/Multifaith Works,” said SRDP officials in a written statement to the media. A fifth group will benefit from next year’s event. “In our continued efforts to expand the diversity of our reach in the community, the SRDP Steering Committee is officially announcing that we have added BABES Network–YWCA as a 2013 beneficiary of the SRDP,” the press release noted. BABES Network–YWCA is a peer education and support program for women living with HIV – a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. It was started by a group of HIV-positive women in Seattle who
came together to share information, experiences, and support. Other changes are in the works, as well. “As the party has grown, so must our steering committee,” SRDP officials added. “Our team of four is adding two new committee members for this year’s planning. David Hammock will be joining us as designer and marketing lead, and Hilary Lee will be lending her fundraising talents as our sponsorship coordinator. We are thrilled to be working with such a talented and passionate team of people.” The committee is now in the early stages of planning for the fifth annual Red Dress Party, scheduled for February 16, 2013. “We are excited to once again host the party at the Fremont Studios for the third year in a row.” If you are interested in volunteering for the event, e-mail the SRDP Steering Committee at info@seattlereddressparty.org. “We are currently building a team of community members who are as passionate about supporting our community as we are,” said officials.
Dharun Ravi during his sentencing in New Brunswick, N.J.
times that the young immigrant was not accused of causing Clementi’s death. In a speech before sentencing on Monday, Ravi’s mother recalled how they had arrived in the United States with just two suitcases and “a lot of hopes.” Her son, she said, had been a dedicated student who “doesn’t have any ... or harbor hatred in his heart to anybody.” “What my son Dharun is going through, there is no word for me to explain. The smile and the bright eyes are gone from his face,” she said. Addressing Clementi’s family, she said,
“It is so sad he chose to end his life early. My heart goes out to his family.” When the unexpected sentence was passed, Ravi appeared not to react immediately, looking as stunned and near tears as he had throughout the hearing. In addition to the jail term, Ravi was sentenced to three years’ probation, 300 hours of community service, and court costs. He also was ordered to contribute $10,000 to a community organization assisting bias crime victims. Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said he plans to appeal the sentence.
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Seattle Gay News
May 25, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Jenna Talackova, the Transgender Canadian woman who hoped to represent her country in the Miss Universe pageant, placed in the top 12 in the contest for Miss Universe Canada, but fell short of the crown. Talackova became a favorite among her fellow contestants, however, and was one of four women voted “Miss Congeniality.” She originally had been banned from the competition because she was not deemed “naturally born female,” as the Miss Universe rules require. Talackova replied that she is, in fact, a woman. She said she has identified as a woman since age 4, began hormone therapy at 14, and underwent gender reassignment surgery at 19. She is now 23. A Canadian citizen, Talackova has a passport, driver’s license, and birth certificate that all identify her as a woman. Talackova also engaged celebrity attorney Gloria Allred to sue the Miss Universe pageant. Donald Trump, who owns the Miss Universe brand, then intervened on her behalf.
According to Trump spokesperson Michael Cohen, the Miss Universe Organization decided that as long as Talackova is a woman under Canadian law, she is a woman for the purposes of the pageant. Allred said during the pageant that Talackova shouldn’t feel disappointed. “She’s still a winner as far as I’m concerned,” the attorney said during an intermission. “She won an ‘herstoric’ civil rights victory and that I think is frankly more important than anything, any victory she would win – even representing Miss Canada.” In a 2010 interview for Thailand’s Miss International Queen, a pageant for Trans women, Talackova said she believed she had a mission to advocate for other Trans people. “Because I’m a woman, and I feel like the universe, the Creator just put me in this position as an advocate,” she said. ” If it’s helping anybody else, my story and my actions, then I feel great about it.” Asked in the same interview whether she though of herself as Trans or as a woman, she answered, “I regard myself as a woman – with a history.”
Frederic J. Brown
Trans Miss Universe contestant voted Miss Congeniality
Jenna Talackova
Maryland court rules for divorce equality by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Maryland’s highest court has decided that same-sex couples married in another state may be divorced in Maryland, even though the state law permitting same-sex marriage has not yet taken effect. The unanimous 7-0 ruling by the Maryland Court of Appeals upholds the principle of reciprocity or comity, under which states agree to recognize legal actions taken by other states. “A valid out-of-state same-sex marriage should be treated by Maryland courts as worthy of divorce, according to the applicable statues, reported cases, and court rules of this state,” the court said in its 21-page ruling. Maryland passed a marriage equality law in February and Gov. Martin O’Malley signed it into law on March 1. It is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2013, unless voters repeal it in November. However, when one of a Lesbian couple filed for divorce in Prince George’s County two years ago, Judge A. Michael Chapdelaine refused to grant it, on the grounds that the marriage was “not valid” and “contrary to the public policy of Maryland.” The couple had been married in California during the brief period when same-sex marriages were legal there, before the passage of Prop 8. They subsequently separated and one moved to Maryland, where she filed for divorce. The divorce was not contested. The Maryland Court of Appeals disagreed with Judge Chapdelaine’s ruling, noting that in the past Maryland had accepted the validity of marriages that would not be legal under its own laws, including an uncleniece marriage from Rhode Island. Such a marriage, at the time, was a misdemeanor subject to a fine in Maryland. “Under the principles of the doctrine of comity applied in our State, Maryland
courts will withhold recognition of a valid foreign marriage only if that marriage is ‘repugnant’ to state public policy,” the high court wrote. “This threshold, a high bar, has not been met yet; e.g., no still viable decision by this Court has deemed a valid foreign marriage to be ‘repugnant,’ despite being void or punishable as a misdemeanor or more serious crime were it performed in Maryland. The present case will be treated no differently.” The principle of comity is standard legal practice in the United States, but when applied to same-sex couples, it has become controversial. Courts in Nebraska, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Texas have refused to grant divorces to same-sex couples on the grounds that doing so would implicitly recognize same-sex marriages. Responding to those cases, California and the District of Columbia recently passed laws allowing same-sex couples married in their jurisdictions to divorce there if their home state will not annul or dissolve their marriage. The governor of Rhode Island issued an executive order on May 14 recognizing the validity of same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, which presumably would provide a legal basis for that state’s courts to dissolve such marriages. If Washington’s newly passed Marriage Equality Act is not overturned by voters in November, then same-sex couples will be able to get divorced as well as married in this state. If the law does not survive the election, then the state’s existing domestic partnership laws will continue to apply – including recognition of same-sex marriages performed elsewhere as if they were in-state domestic partnerships. Absent new legislation, laws governing dissolution of domestic partnerships would then control dissolution of those relationships.
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by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A new poll released May 24 indicates that if Maryland’s new marriage equality law goes to the ballot in November, voters will approve it by a 20-point margin. But perhaps even more encouraging for advocates of equal marriage rights, the state’s African-American voters now support marriage equality by a 19-point margin – a shift of 36 points in just two months. Maryland’s legislature passed a marriage equality law in February and Gov. Martin O’Malley signed it on March 1, but it is being challenged by a petition campaign just as Washington’s new law is. If opponents of equal rights gather enough signatures, the measure will go on the November ballot. Public Policy Polling (PPP) surveyed 852 likely voters, including an oversample of 398 African Americans, on behalf of Marylanders for Marriage Equality between May 14 and May 21. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents said they were likely to vote to keep the
state’s new marriage law, compared to only 37% who said they would reject it. An identical PPP survey in March showed a much closer margin of victory for marriage equality. That poll found 52% in favor and 44% opposed. According to PPP Director Tom Jensen, “The movement over the last two months can be explained almost entirely by a major shift in opinion about same-sex marriage among black voters. “Previously, 56% [of blacks] said they would vote against the new law with only 39% planning to uphold it. Those numbers have now almost completely flipped, with 55% of African Americans planning to vote for the law and only 36% now opposed.” Jensen noted that the shift in attitudes toward same-sex marriage among AfricanAmerican voters in Maryland reflects a national trend. In an ABC/Washington Post poll conducted earlier this week, 59% of African Americans across the country expressed support for marriage equality. A PPP poll conducted last weekend in the
Gene Sweeney Jr.
Maryland poll finds African Americans support marriage equality
The Rev. Emmett Burns, a key figure in the Maryland repeal campaign, is now in the minority among African Americans on marriage equality.
critical swing state of Pennsylvania found a shift of 19 points in favor of same-sex marriage among African-American voters. President Obama announced his support for marriage equality on May 9, and the NAACP endorsed the idea on May 19. “While the media has been focused on what impact President Obama’s announcement will have on his own reelection prospects, the more important fallout may be
the impact his position is having on public opinion about same-sex marriage itself,” Jensen noted. “Maryland voters were already prepared to support marriage equality at the polls this fall even before President Obama’s announcement. But now it appears that passage will come by a much stronger margin.” African Americans make up about onethird of Maryland’s population.
Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, church officials knew that Fiala was a serial pedophile and did nothing to stop him. Documents obtained by the San Antonio Express-News revealed that complaints against Fiala began in 1988, only four years after he was ordained. He was transferred from parish to parish – in prison for trying to hire a hit man to kill a boy he had raped. the way the church tried to cover up priestly Fiala, now 53, will be eligi- misconduct in many such cases – and at one ble for parole in 2027. According to the victim, now 20, the events leading up the murder attempt began four years ago when he was 16. Then a priest, Fiala offered to drive the boy to his girlfriend’s house, a few hours away from the West Texas town where both the priest and by Mike Andrew the victim lived. SGN Staff Writer On the way, Fiala stopped at a motel where he forced the The U.S. Justice Department announced boy to have sex with him. on May 21 that it accepts the Equal EmployOn other occasions, Fiala as- ment Opportunity Commission’s April 20 saulted the boy in his car and ruling that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in the rectory of his church, the of 1964 covers gender identity discriminavictim testified. At one point, tion. he made the boy perform sex The ruling, which said discrimination acts at gunpoint. against Trans people is a type of sex disThe accuser recalled the at- crimination prohibited under Title VII, tacks in graphic detail for the could be the opening for a broad reassesscourt, including the first one he ment of how the federal government treats remembered. Trans people. “He turns off the light and The EEOC ruling arose from a complaint bad things start happening,” he filed by the Transgender Law Center on besaid. half of Mia Macy. Father John Fiala circa 1995 The victim testified he had Macy claimed she was denied employby Mike Andrew never told his family about the sexual as- ment by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tosaults because he was afraid Fiala would bacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) afSGN Staff Writer retaliate against them. ter the agency learned of her transition. “I felt like I was saving their lives,” the acJohn Fiala, a former Catholic priest, has ATF had initially responded to Macy’s been sentenced by a Texas court to 60 years cuser testified. claim by saying that her gender identity and After numerous rapes and assaults, Fiala “Transgender status” claims could not be attempted in 2010 to hire a Dallas hit man to argued under Title VII. Macy then appealed kill the victim. to the EEOC, which found that her claims The purported hit man was actually an un- were covered under Title VII. dercover Texas Department of Public Safety In a May 18 letter to Macy, ATF acknowlagent, however, and Fiala was arrested. edged, “In accordance with the [EEOC]’s After his arrest, authorities found photos decision dated April 20, 2012, we are proof young men, some of them possibly un- cessing your entire complaint under Title derage, on his computer. Reportedly, some VII.” of them were wearing only underwear and Under EEOC procedure for such comothers were naked. plaints, either side in the dispute has 30 days According to a separate civil suit filed by from the receipt of an EEOC decision to rethe victim against the archdioceses of San quest reconsideration. Antonio and Omaha, and the Society of Our That deadline would have fallen in the
point was suspended by the archdiocese of Omaha. He was later reinstated by the archdiocese of San Antonio. In addition to inappropriate conduct with parish boys, Fiala was also accused of mismanaging the financial affairs of his parishes. He was dismissed from his priestly duties in 2008, after additional complaints of “unbecoming behavior with minors.”
Ex-priest sentenced for trying to kill rape victim courtesy my san antonio
DOJ agrees Title VII protects Trans people week prior to May 21, and the EEOC ruling was not challenged. “This is a historic day for human rights in the United States,” said Masen Davis, TLC’s executive director, in a statement. “From the Deep South to my home state of Missouri, starting today Transgender and gender-nonconforming people now have legal recourse if they face discrimination on the job. We no longer have to be silent when we are fired or not hired simply for being who we are.” Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, said the EEOC must now be ready to implement its decision. “The EEOC needs to make sure all of their own people are trained,” she said. Keisling added that the EEOC may need to issue guidance, as it does in other situations, to clarify the effect of this ruling on private employers. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, which is in the Department of Labor, she says, “in theory, should be interpreting the existing federal contractor rules [that ban sex discrimination] to include Trans people,” a point made recently in a report by the Williams Institute at UCLA Law School. “We still need [the Employment Non-Discrimination Act],” Keisling cautioned. “We still need an executive order [to ban federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity]. We still need a hell of a lot of training.”
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Seattle Gay News
May 25, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
BORN THIS WAY KAFE FOR URBAN QUEER TEENS AT CAL ANDERSON PARK On Fridays, 5-9 p.m., at Cal Anderson Shelterhouse (1635 11th Ave., one block north of E. Pine St.), Seattle Parks & Recreation hosts Born This Way Kafe, a welcoming place where LGBTQ youth, friends and allies (ages 13-19) can gather, be themselves, and have fun. Meets every Friday. For more info and to help make it happen, contact Randy at Seattle Parks, 206-8836110 txt/phone, email randy.wiger@seattle. gov or Google “SeattleParksCOD.” BORDER RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB SUMMER RIDES MAY 18-21 and monthly through October www.borderriders.com SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL MAY 17-JUNE 10 www.siff.net TACOMA ART MUSEUM – “HIDE/SEEK: DIFFERENCE AND DESIRE IN AMERICAN PORTRAITURE” THROUGH JUNE 10 The Tacoma Art Museum (1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) presents the groundbreaking exhibit, “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture,” that debuted at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in 2010 and is the first major exhibition to address the question of how gender identity and sexual orientation have shaped the creation of modern American portraiture. “Hide/Seek” offers an unprecedented survey of nearly 150 years of American art and includes more than 100 works by masters, including Thomas Eakins, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keefe, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and more. The exhibit was co-curated by noted Gay historian, Jonathan Katz, and Smithsonian curator, David Ward. The exhibit will include special events and guest lectures. For more information on the exhibit and special events, call 253-272-4258 or visit www.tacomaartmuseum.org. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday). On the third Thursday of each month, the museum is open until 8 p.m., with free admission form 5-8 p.m. Admission: $10-adults, $8-students, military, seniors 65+, $25 family rate (2 adults and up to four children under 18), children 5 & under free. For bus riders, the museum is accessible from Seattle by Sound Transit bus routes #594 and $586. PHOTO CENTER NW – “AUTHOR AND SUBJECT: CONTEMPORARY QUEER PHOTOGRAPHY” Photo Center Northwest (900 12th Ave.) presents “Author and Subject: Contemporary Queer Photography.” The exhibit runs April 7-May 27 and highlights ten regional and national photographers and video artists who focus on identity, gender, sexuality, courage and the human form. The exhibit has been organized in response to “HIDE/ SEEK: Gender and Sexuality in American Portraiture” currently at the Tacoma Art Museum. The gallery is open MondayThursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and FridaySunday, 12 noon-8 p.m. FREE admission. www.pcnw.org. EMERALD CITY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION www.seattlegaysoftball.com PRIDE IDOL 2012 On Sundays through June 10, doors at 6 p.m. (with open community karaoke), contest at 8 p.m., at Neighbours Nightclub (1509 Broadway), join Seattle Out & Proud
and your hostess Gaysha Starr for Pride Idol 2012, Seattle’s annual LGBT Pride karaoke contest – weekly $100 cash prize; $1000 grand prize. No cover charge to watch. www.seattlepride.org. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB – ARE YOU MY MOTHER? The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday, at 6 p.m., at Seattle Area Support Groups Community Center (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). May selection is Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel (author of Fun Home). All GLBTQ folks are welcome to participate in this free book club. For more information email nickdimartin@earthlink.net, visit http://faculty.washington.edu/swittet/ SGLBookClub/ or contact SASG at 206322-2437; www.sasgcc.org. For discount on cost of books, email Nick. TRIANGLE RECREATION CAMP AT BENDER CREEK – THE MILITARY PARTY WEEKEND MAY 25-28 www.camptrc.org NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL MAY 25-28 www.nwfolklife.org GSBA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WITH PRIDE On Tuesday, May 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Lobby Bar (916 E. Pike St.), come out and toast the arrival of spring with an amazing group of LGBTQA young professionals, The GSBA’s Young Professionals with Pride group is geared toward the GSBA’s 21-39 age range members. Cost: $10 GSBA members, $15 non-members, $10 students. Pre-registration at www. thegsba.org; 206-363-9188. “CREATING AN ECODISTRICT” – CAPITOL HILL HOUSING COMMUNITY FORUM On Tuesday, May 29, doors at 5 p.m., presentation and panel discussion at 5:30 p.m., reception at 7 p.m., at Broadway Performance Hall (Broadway & E. Pine St.) you are invited to a presentation on Capitol Hill EcoDistrict research and a panel discussion featuring local and national urban sustainability leaders. Find out how you can become an active participant in the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict. This event is FREE and open to the public – RSVP required. To RSVP, go to www.capitolhillhousing.org, click on “In the Community” menu, scroll down to “Capitol Hill EcoDistrict,” etc.
HANNAH FREE AND JAMIE AND JESSIE IN OLYMPIA On Thursday, May 31, at 6 p.m., at the Capitol Theater (206 5th Ave. SE, Olympia), SAGE Olympia, the Cal Anderson Lecture Series at The Evergreen State College, Capital City Pride and Olympia Film Society are presenting two FREE films and a talk by filmmaker Wendy Jo Carlton. Hannah Free, directed by Wendy Jo Carlton, makes the case quietly and persuasively for the advantages of legal marriage over “domestic,” “civil,” or any other kind of union, neatly detailing the nightmare scenario that haunts many domestic partners. The film stars the great Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey) and Kelli Stickland, Hannah Free has been a free-spirited rebel all her life who still rails against authority even as she is entering her golden years. Her lifelong partner, Rachel, has lapsed into a coma after suffering a stroke and must now live in a nursing home. It is suddenly enormously difficult for Hannah to even see Rachel, let alone participate in her care. Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together is an irresistible romantic comedy about friendship and love. Jamie and Jessie have known each other for years and are best friends. Featuring whimsical musical numbers and a smart sensibility, Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together is like a cool indie musical that wears its heart on its sleeve. Roger Ebert of The Chicago Sun Times calls it “a sweet and appealing musical comedy.” “TOMFOOLERY – A DRAG KING SPECTACULAR!” On Thursday, May 31, doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., at Re-bar (1114 Howell St.), Randy Andy Productions presents “Tomfoolery – A Drag King Spectacular!” with MC Daddy Le Deviant and Randy Andy, Neon & Leon Beige, Frankie Moon with Smokestack Lightning, Lily Divine & Co., Mr. Licker, Cinnamon Swirl, Al & Will Lykya. Tickets: $12-advance, $15 at the door. www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/244994 JOFFREY: MAVERICKS OF AMERICAN DANCE AT NORTHWEST FILM FORUM JUNE 1-7 Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.) presents the new feature length documentary, Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance, from Friday, June 1-Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The 2012 film chronicles the legendary Joffrey Ballet, founded by Seattle native Robert Joffrey, from its humble beginnings touring the country in a borrowed station wagon to becoming one of the world’s most exciting and prominent ballet companies. Narrated by Tony and Emmy award winner Mandy Patinkin, the documentary takes a look at this groundbreaking American cultural treasure. Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance is the first film to tell the story of how the Joffrey Ballet revolutionized American ballet by daringly combining modern dance with traditional ballet at a time when it was not routinely accepted. The Company broke other barriers, too, by accepting and cultivating a diverse group of talented dancers regardless of race and body type, by resurrecting nearly lost early 20th Century masterpieces, and by commissioning daring new works by cutting edge choreographers. Tickets: $10.
LGBTQ ALLYSHIP’S 2012 QUEERLY CLASSED DISCUSSION SERIES – “LIMITED ACCESS: WHO HAS AND DOESN’T HAVE HEALTHCARE IN THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY” On Wednesday, May 30, from 6:30 p.m.SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL 8:30 p.m., at Southside Commons (3518 S. DANCE FESTIVAL – Edmunds St.), join LGBTQ Allyship for a “BEYOND THE THRESHOLD” panel discussion on healthcare in the LGJUNE 1-10 BTQ community. Featuring Natalie Kelly, www.seattleidf.org organizer for UNITE HERE Local 8; Sara Jaye Sanford, health educator in the LGCONCERT UNDER THE COLUMNS BTQ community; Kathleen Prezbindowski, Every Friday, from June 1 to September 7, retired professor and project director for PATHS Wellness Program for Older Adults; noon-2 p.m. and 4-8:30 p.m., at Pike St. and and Jack Johnson, AIDS activist and educa- Boren Ave., the public is invited to FREE concerts by local musicians at the Columns. tor in the LGBTQ community. Queerly Classed is open to all ages. ReBARTENDER AUCTION freshments will be served. Southside ComAT PURR mons is wheelchair accessible and is on bus TO BENEFIT RISE N’ SHINE routes 7 and 9. www.LGBTQAllyship.org. On Wednesday, June 6, bidding begins at 8 p.m., Purr Cocktail Lounge (1518 11th Ave.) presents their 5th Annual Bartender Auction to benefit Rise N’ Shine with guest host Glamazonia. Bid on a date with your
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favorite bartender and support the programs of Rise N’ Shine. www.risenshine.org. DIVERSE HARMONY – “HUMAN NATURE” On Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, at 7:30 p.m., at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (104 17th Ave. S.), Diverse Harmony, Seattle’s LGBT Youth Chorus, celebrates their 10th anniversary and the beautiful surroundings of the Pacific Northwest with a concert dedicated to nature and the many experiences that we all have with our surroundings. “Human Nature” celebrates the awe and inspiring elements that allow us to interpret our own emotional experiences. “From your own ‘Corner of the Sky,’ we hope you can see past the ‘Fire and Rain’ and enjoy our ‘Moments in the Woods.’” Tickets: $12-advance, $15at the door; FREE for youth ages 22 and younger. www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/247045 www.diverseharmony.org SISTAH SINEMA CELEBRATES THE LIFE AND WORK OF AUDRE LORDE Sistah Sinema presents a two-part series honoring and celebrating the life and work of Audre Lorde with the screening of Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde on Saturday, June 9, and Audre Lorde – The Berlin Years 1984 to 1992 on Saturday, July 7. Doors at 8 p.m., shows at 9 p.m., at Chao Bistro (1200 E. Pike St.). Tickets $10 advance (recommended) and $15 at the door (if available). www.sistahsinema.com. CALL FOR ART – “PORTRAITS OF PRIDE 2012” JUNE 23-JULY 22 What does our creative community look like? How do you see yourself when you close your eyes? From June 23-July 22, Gay City (517 E. Pike St., at Belmont) hosts “Portraits of Pride 2012” and you are invited to be a part of it. Whether you prefer to express yourself in photographic detail or to abstract your personality in visual form, this show will bring together the many faces of the LGBTQ community in celebration of LGBTQ Pride! Pacific Northwest LGBTQ artists (18 years of age and older) are invited to submit self-portraits to be included in this upcoming exhibit. All forms of art are welcome. If you are interested in participating in the show, please send the following items as attachments to codyblomberg@gmail.com: Bio or artist statement, including phone number, email and mailing address; 1 to 3 jpeg images of the work to be included in the exhibition, with title and dimensions; if the work is not yet complete, please send images of past work and a timeline for completion. Deadline for emailed application is Sunday, June 10. Deadline for art delivery is Wednesday, June 20. If a work is purchased during the show, Gay City requests a 30% commission donation in support of their Project BuildOUT. Gay City will host a “Portraits of Pride 2012” Artists’ Reception as part of their larger Project BuildOUT Open(ing) House Brunch on Saturday, June 23, from 11 a.m.2 p.m. Gay City is in the midst of Project BuildOUT, creating a new 8,500 sq ft home to be occupied this coming June. This new space will embody the growth that Gay City has experienced in recent years, growth that is also reflected in their newly revised mission to “promote wellness in LGBT communities by providing health services, connecting people to resources, fostering arts and building community.” Gay City’s new space will include a 750 sq ft multi-purpose performance space that will provide an organizing center for LGBT artists and Queer Arts in Seattle. This new space will exponentially increase Gay City’s capacity for collaborating with LGBT artists across a wide range of disciplines, including theatre, film, spoken word, music, visual arts, workshops and community meetings. “Portraits of Pride 2012” will be the first installation in the new arts space.”
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INTERNATIONAL Valentin Ilyushin
NEWS
by Scott Wittet SGN Contributing Writer
wondered, “How can you promote such a thing in the streets where there are children? It should not be allowed.” Gvianishvili said, “They can do what they like, but we’re not going away. We’re here, we’re out, and we’re proud.” Same-sex sexual activity has only been legal in the deeply religious country since 2000, but homosexuality has remained a taboo topic. An event in 2006 aimed at spreading tolerance was cancelled as a result of rumors that it was actually a Gay pride parade. On a European International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA-Europe) list ranking 49 countries on Gay people’s legal rights, Georgia came in near the bottom, along with Russia, Turkey, and Armenia.
expressed outside work. “Expressing a view on a mainstream issue in a social setting should not be the basis for depriving someone of their livelihood,” he said. “Australian employees should not be looking over their shoulders every time they disagree with their employers.” HIGH RATE OF HIV FOUND AMONG ASIAN TRANS WOMEN A new report on the rights and HIV vulnerability of Transgender people has found that in some parts of Asia, nearly half of all Trans women are HIV-positive. The report blames the alarmingly high prevalence rates on “stigma and prejudice,” according to Gay Star News. The United Nations Development Programme report is called “Lost in Transition: Transgender People, Rights, and HIV Vulnerability in the Asia-Pacific Region.” In Delhi, India, according to the report, 49% of Trans women are HIV-positive. The rate is 37% in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and 22% to 34% in Jakarta, Indonesia. The report found the rate of HIV infection for Trans women exceeded that for men who have sex with men, “sometimes substantially so.” There is evidence these figures are rising. One study found a 9% increase in HIV prevalence among Transgender women in Jakarta from 2003 to 2007. The report attributes the high prevalence of HIV in Transgender women in Asia to a “stigma sickness slope,” whereby individuals are bullied and marginalized at school, causing them to drop out. They are again discriminated against when seeking emcourtesy press tv
NEW FRENCH PM PROMISES EQUAL MARRIAGE RIGHTS France’s new prime minister says he will implement incoming president François Hollande’s pledge to equalize marriage laws for Gay and straight couples. The new policy will also allow Gay couples to adopt children for the first time. A communiqué issued this week by Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault’s office said: “The Government is determined to challenge prejudice and to put an end to discrimination and violence. It will implement the commitment of the President of the Republic to the right to marriage and adoption for Gay couples.” In France both Gay and straight couples A bus carrying Gay activists is attacked in St. Petersburg, Russia. currently can enter into a Civil Solidarity ISRAELI PARLIAMENT NIXES the scheduled march would “provoke a neg- Pact (PACS), but only straight couples can CIVIL MARRIAGE BILL ative reaction in society,” arguing that the marry. The Israeli Knesset has rejected legisla- public would see it as a “provocation, caustion that would provide civil marriage for ing moral harm to children and teenagers.” citizens who cannot be wed through reliIncumbent mayor Sergei Sobyanin and gious institutions, including same-sex cou- his long-serving predecessor Yury Luzhkov ples. both have spoken out against Gay rights ralThe bill also would have affected inter- lies, with Luzhkov denouncing them as “Safaith couples, such as Muslim-Jewish part- tanic.” nerships. A few days before the Moscow ban was Currently only a small set of religious in- announced, dozens gathered in a city center stitutions, such as the Chief Rabbinate, are park in St. Petersburg to mark the Internasanctioned to authorize marriage in Israel. tional Day Against Homophobia and TransAs a result, LGBT and mixed-faith couples phobia (IDAHO). They chanted slogans and cannot be legally wed or have an equivalent gave out balloons, despite threats from a of civil marriage in the country. larger crowd of anti-Gay protesters behind Israelis, both Gay and straight, can marry a police cordon. abroad and have the state recognize their Eventually, an unidentified man struggled foreign marriage. But often, according to past the police and sprayed mace into the human-rights attorney Irit Rosenblum, it is face of an IDAHO participant. difficult in practice for such people to get As police then forced organizers to shut equal treatment despite being recognized on down the event, participants were escortpaper as married. ed onto buses, only to be attacked again a “Hundreds of thousands of Israelis cannot few blocks away by a large group of thugs realize their right to be married in their own dressed in soccer fan or neo-Nazi insignia, country, and must be wed abroad, which is some with shaved heads. very expensive, all because of blatant reliAfter throwing several smoke grenades at gious coercion,” said bill sponsor Nitzan the buses, the assailants broke the windows Horowitz of the liberal Meretz party. with rocks and clubs and climbed inside, The Jerusalem Post reported that after punching and kicking the activists. Horowitz presented the bill, Justice MinisThe drivers managed to get away after ter Yaakov Neeman said, “You did not bring police officers intervened to stop the homoyour bill to the Ministerial Committee for phobes, who went on to vent their anger on Legislation, so the government’s official a nearby busload of migrant workers. stance is to oppose it.” Malawi President Joyce Banda Israeli officials often describe their counORTHODOX PRIESTS ATTACK Though affording many legal protections, ployment, do not get support from the legal try as a beacon and safe haven for LGBT GAY PARADE IN GEORGIA rights in the Middle East. But in fact, most Gay Star News reports that a mob of Or- a PACS does not give couples the right to system or police, and end up relying on sex work to live or to get their surgery. LGBT legal advances in Israel have resulted thodox Christians shut down a rare attempt joint adoption or artificial insemination. The report laments that there is very litfrom court challenges – Israeli governments to combat homophobia in the Eastern EuroAUSSIE TEACHER FIRED FOR tle research on Transgender men and HIV have seldom proactively legislated LGBT pean nation of Georgia. SUPPORTING GAY MARRIAGE prevalence. But it speculates that “it is likely rights. Around 20 participants last week joined a A Seventh Day Adventist Church school Trans men also do sex work, providing serAccording to a report by the Refugee march through the country’s capital, Tbilisi, Rights Clinic of Tel Aviv University, pub- waving rainbow flags and placards. The in Melbourne, Australia, has fired a lan- vices as female or male sex workers.” The report puts the number of Trans peolished in 2008, Israel refuses to consider re- march was meant to celebrate IDAHO and guage teacher, Keith Paulusse, because he expressed support for marriage equality on ple in the Asia Pacific region at 9 million to quests for asylum by LGBT people fleeing to be a day for education and tolerance. 9.5 million, based on an informed assumppersecution, including LGBT Palestinians. But before they reached the Georgian par- Facebook. Church elder Johnny Wong defended the tion that they make up 0.3% of the populaliament, the marchers were attacked by a MOSCOW AGAIN BANS group of Orthodox priests and their support- termination by saying the church believes tion. PRIDE PARADE; ST. PETERSBURG ers, who shouted abuse, threw punches, and marriage is solely between a man and a woman. KENYAN CLERGY OPPOSE CALL RALLY ATTACKED smashed signs. The firing follows last year’s dismissal TO LEGALIZE HOMOSEXUALITY Moscow has refused to sanction a Gay One of the parade’s organizers, Natia GviOn May 3 the Kenya National Compride event for the seventh consecutive anishvili, told the Associated Foreign Press: of a clergyman, the Rev. Matt Glover, from year, while neo-Nazis attacked IDAHO ral- “This shows that Tbilisi has a long way to Melbourne’s Lilydale Baptist Church, also mission on Human Rights called for the government to decriminalize homosexually participants in St. Petersburg, reports Gay go to become a modern European city. We for supporting marriage equality. Australian Marriage Equality campaign ity and prostitution in that country. Now Star News. expected a negative reaction but did not exdirector Rodney Croome called it “un- Kenya’s Weekend Star newspaper reports According to the GayRussia group, the pect to be attacked.” Moscow official in charge of security said A priest, who declined to give his name, Australian” to fire staff because of views that some members of the clergy and some
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The UK Guardian newspaper reports that elsewhere in the speech, Banda said her government wanted to normalize relations with “our traditional development partners who were uncomfortable with our bad laws.” She is referring to countries like the United States and the UK, both of which have linked human rights progress to foreign aid. However, repealing the law requires a parliamentary vote and, although Banda’s party commands a majority, it is unclear how much support the move would have in the socially conservative nation. Malawi was widely condemned for the conviction and 14-year prison sentences given in 2010 to two men who were arrested after celebrating their engagement and were charged with unnatural acts and gross indecency. The president at the time, Bingu wa Mutharika, pardoned the couple on “humanitarian grounds only,” while claiming they had “committed a crime against our culture, against our religion, and against our laws.” Mutharika died from a heart attack in April. Banda, who was vice president, stepped in to serve out his term, which ends in 2014. She has hit the ground running with a cabinet reshuffle, the firing of the police chief, and sweeping reforms to break from Mutharika’s autocratic rule. Gift Trapence, executive director of the Centre for the Development of People, says Banda has previously demonstrated her liberal attitudes on the issue of Gay rights. “When she was vice president she was invited to address a group of religious leaders and she spoke in favor of including LGBT communities in HIV interventions.” Trapence said Banda’s stand offers hope on a continent where homosexuality is criminalized in 37 countries. “It has come at the right time as the African Union is coming to attend a summit in Malawi. This sends a good message to the African heads of state who will attend.”
Author Irshad Manji
rights groups object to the recommendation, claiming that such a move would actually be “against human rights” and that that the recommendation is “culturally obnoxious and goes both against the spirit of the national constitution and the teachings of all the faith communities in Kenya.” “Kenya is a God-fearing state and to make such disgusting recommendations is a great abomination before God,” Kenyan Bishop Ogonyo Ngede said. Ngede petitioned the government not to allow such “acts of indecency to take place in the country”. Forum for Awareness and Community Empowerment director Haggai Kadiri added that Kenya has 42 tribes with different cultures and that adopting same-sex relations and prostitution is “alien” to all of them. He said the country should not bow to demands by “some foreign countries” to legalize such acts. “Homosexuality, Lesbianism, and prostitution will not make any positive development in the country but will only infringe on the rights of Kenyans,” Kadiri said. FILIPINO GAY PARTY RENEWS BID FOR CONGRESS The only LGBT political party in the world is trying once again to win seats in Filipino elections to be held a year from now. As Ang Ladlad (“Coming Out”) filed its petition for accreditation, party head Danton Remoto revealed he is negotiating with two or three larger parties to gain a place on their senatorial roster, according to Inquirer News. “I don’t want to run but people are asking me to do so,” said the professor and poet. Established in 2003, Ladlad fights for equal rights among all Filipinos, whether LGBT or not. It boasts a membership of 60,000 registered voters. The party’s platform includes support for an anti-discrimination bill; creating livelihood centers for poor LGBTs and persons with disabilities; support for LGBT-friendly businesses; establishing homes for older LGBTs; and creating information centers on legal, psychological, and HIV/AIDS issues. NEW MALAWI PRESIDENT VOWS TO LEGALIZE HOMOSEXUALITY Malawi President Joyce Banda, who came to power last month upon the death of her predecessor, proclaimed in her first state-ofthe-nation address last week that it was urgent that the country’s draconian “Indecency and Unnatural Acts” laws be repealed.
protection against discrimination. The 2012 event was seen as an opportunity for the contest to “move towards openness,” according to a hopeful statement by the International Lesbian and Gay Association. 106-YEAR-OLD TRANSGENDER WOMAN SPEAKS AT BURMA’S FIRST IDAHO At the first celebration of IDAHO (the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) in the Burmese capital Rangoon last week, a local youth helped a centenarian Transgender woman to the stage during a section of the program called “Paying Respect to Seniors.” “She was almost in tears,” one of the organizers of the event, Aung Myo Min, told Gay Star News. “She told the audience how pleased she is to see this event take place in Rangoon.” The program started with a speech by a well-known Burmese make-up artist, Ko Mar. He said that as a Gay man in Burma he has struggled for acceptance. He encouraged young LGBT people to maintain a strong sense of self-worth and to fight for equality. Then author Atta Kyaw spoke about homophobia in Burmese society, noting that the media typically present stereotypes of LGBT people that reinforce dangerous misconceptions. In movies, for example, Gay men usually are presented as flat, comic characters rather than as multi-dimensional individuals, Kyaw said. Burma has recently liberalized many of
its policies, including releasing Nobel laureate and political opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from nearly 15 years of house arrest. IDAHO events in Rangoon and other Burmese cities went smoothly, without interruption from authorities. LESBIAN MUSLIM AUTHOR DEFIES BOOK BAN A Canadian Muslim Lesbian has launched a new book on liberal Islam in Malaysia, where the majority of citizens are Muslim. According to PinkNews, the book, Allah, Liberty and Love, was introduced by its author, Irshad Manji, at a public event in the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, after two other venues pulled out. Her previous book, The Trouble with Islam Today, though critically acclaimed, has been banned by that country’s authorities. Afterward, Manji tweeted, “Fantastic event in KL! Great energy – except 4 cops who told latecomers that event is banned. Didn’t stop us. Congrats 2 all.” According to press reports, Jamil Khir Baharom, minister in charge of Islamic affairs, said that Home Ministry and Islamic officials would not allow the author to tour their country, because they feel that the book is offensive to Muslims. He added that Manji’s ideology and openness about her sexuality was anti-Islamic. Manji also had problems in Indonesia, where local police shut down several events after a group called the Islamic Defenders Front held violent protests condemning her views on Islam and her homosexuality.
EUROVISION WEBSITE HACKED DUE TO ‘PARADE OF HOMOSEXUALS’ A group is reportedly targeting websites related to the Eurovision Song Contest in Azerbaijan in protest of a “parade of homosexuals” it believes will take place at the event. The independent Esctoday.com website, which publishes news about the Eurovision Song Contest, was taken down by a denialof-service attack recently. In April, the official Eurovision website experienced a similar attack. According to Eurovision-interest site Esckaz.com, a group calling itself “The Devotees of Azerbaijan” took responsibility. It said: “Ignoring its people’s honor and morals, Azerbaijan’s ruling regime is trying to spread ungodly (sinful) thoughts, and plans to arrange a parade of the homosexuals before the eurovision sound contest 2012 [sic]. For that reason, The Devotees of Azerbaijan group wants to cyber-attack the websites supporting this unethical act.” Although homosexuality was decriminalized in 2001, LGBT people in the Muslim country still suffer oppression and harassment. They cannot marry and have no legal
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Seattle hosts LGBTQ addiction conference by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer On May 18, Seattle Counseling Service (SCS) and Gay City Health Project partnered with the Hazelden Foundation, a non-profit organization with seven facilities nationwide that treat chemical dependency, to host “LGBTQ and Addiction,” a one-day conference on addiction within the LGBTQ community, held at Seattle’s Renaissance Hotel. SCS and Gay City have a “long and illustrious relationship,” said Ann McGettigan, executive director of SCS, but this was the first time the two organizations had partnered with Hazelden to put on an event like this – a conference specifically designed for members of the health care profession to better understand addiction in the LGBTQ community. Attendees ranged in experience, in both their time in the profession as well as their knowledge of LGBTQ issues, but all had
one thing in common – a desire to better serve their LGBTQ clients. The conference opened with a panel of three people sharing their personal journeys of addiction and recovery. “Addiction was all around me,” said the first panelist, a Gay man, about his childhood. “It [then] gave me the opportunity to drown out all of the pain of the AIDS epidemic.” “It wasn’t until I was able to let go of my shame that I was able to stop drinking,” said the second panelist, a young Lesbian who, in addition to her meth use, spent time behind bars because of a car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. The third panelist spoke of the “glamorous” time, just before the grim realities of the AIDS epidemic set in, when drugs went hand-in-hand with going out to clubs. He then talked about how the nature of his addiction changed as he became withdrawn after the death of his partner due to AIDS.
As the panelists spoke, it became clear that their sexual orientations were linked to, although not necessarily the cause of, their addictions. As they fielded questions from the audience, all three stressed the importance of dealing with the underlying traumas and issues related to their addictions as the key to their recovery. After the opening panel, the conference offered multiple tracks. Attendees could get a crash course in LGBTQ history and learn cultural considerations of working with LGBTQ clients, or get an in-depth look at meth use, specifically in urban communities among Gay men. Attendees learned about Gay City and SCS, and the services they provide, such as the Needle and Sex Education Outreach Network (Project NEON). Another presentation addressed using technology, specifically the Internet, to better serve patients, discussing such topics as when it’s appropriate to host online AA or NA meetings. Hazelden has pioneered a program called “My Ongoing Recovery Experience,” where former patients can go online at any time and log in to see how long they’ve been sober, while getting custom-
ized information for where they are in their recovery process. The session also looked at how the Internet can perpetuate or feed an addiction, such as through Craigslist or Facebook. One important step for many in recovery in the age of Facebook is “cleaning,” or deleting friends, photos, and posts related to one’s addiction. Afternoon sessions offered insight into the “layered oppression” of LGBTQ patients who are also people of color, or undocumented, etc. On the panel was a longtime staff member at Gay City, Luis Viquez, who shared the story of his struggle to become a legal resident of the United States. Another session, facilitated by McGettigan and the deputy director of Gay City, Peter Jabin, stressed the importance of building healthy relationships while in recovery. Although some of the subject matter was quite heavy, the personal stories were touching and the event was overwhelmingly positive. Health care professionals from Tacoma to Bellingham who attended likely took back much with them to better serve LGBTQ clients in their communities.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
However, 31% had at least one seven- to 12-month gap in care. Alarmingly, 28% of the HIV-positive patients – more than one in four – did not access medical care for over a year. Women, white patients, older patients, men who had sex with men, and patients on Medicare – as opposed to those on private insurance – remained in care more consistently. Access to care was also greater among patients with low CD4 counts, indicating a more advanced stage of HIV disease. Researchers said they hoped their findings would help doctors improve care by revealing obstacles to adherence and indicating which patients might need help to follow through in seeing their doctors. “Clinicians need to know what barriers to screen for, so our findings help to better define groups of patients who may require extra help to stay on track,” said the study’s co-author, Dr. Kelly Gebo of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
More than one in four HIV patients don’t get regular care, study finds More than one in four HIV/AIDS patients in the United States do not get consistent medical care for their disease, a new study published in the journal AIDS reveals. The study is one of the first to estimate care retention in the U.S. According to the report’s lead author, retention is key to keeping HIVpositive patients healthy and to prevention of new infections. “Helping patients with HIV stay in care is a key way to reduce their chances of getting sick from their disease and prevent the spread of HIV in the community,” stated Dr. Baligh Yehia of the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers studied 17,425 HIV-positive adults at 12 U.S. clinics. Only 42% of patients had “no gap” in treatment – that is, no more than six months in between visits to a doctor.
“Helping patients with HIV stay in care is a key way to reduce their chances of getting sick from their disease and prevent the spread of HIV in the community.”
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Housing, transportation, and financial problems, substance abuse, and mental illness all hinder care retention, the study said, and patients who do not show symptoms of HIV/AIDS may believe they are not sick enough to need regular visits to a doctor. “It’s possible that as time goes by, some patients may become more regular users of care, while others may become complacent and skip appointments,” Yehia said. “We need to better pinpoint times when certain patients may be less likely to remain in treatment, and find ways to ensure their continued care.” This new study follows a recent CDC report that only 28% of HIV/AIDS patients show a suppressed viral load, indicating they have the disease under control. One obvious explanation for the CDC finding is that controlling HIV requires regular medical care. Of those who know they are HIV-positive, the CDC said, only half receive ongoing medical care. But as many as one in five HIV-positive individuals do not seek treatment because they are completely unaware they have the disease, according to the report.
carey
continued from cover Some of the Task Force’s successes during Carey’s tenure include being a key player in passage of the LGBT-inclusive federal hate-crimes prevention law; the defeat of multiple anti-LGBT ballot measures across the country; the creation and implementation of the New Beginning Initiative coalition, which secures federal administrative policy changes to improve the lives of LGBT people and their families; and the release of the largest-ever study on Transgender discrimination in the United States. Under her guidance, the Task Force has also launched its Online Academy, bolstering grassroots power by providing electronic access to its signature training programs; expanded its faith work through the Institute for Welcoming Resources, increasing the number of welcoming and affirming congregations to well over 4,000; and played a vital role in getting the U.S. Census Bureau to report married same-sex couples in the 2010 census. The Task Force also hosts the National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, which is the largest convening of LGBT activists and supporters in the country and serves as a driving force for strategy and organizing on LGBT issues.
There is no denying that Carey is one of the most prominent leaders in the U.S. LGBT rights movement. Through her leadership, she has advanced a vision of fairness and justice for LGBT people and their families that is broad, inclusive, and unabashedly progressive. Carey and the Task Force board of directors were in Seattle over the weekend for a meeting when she reached out to me to discuss the current role of the organization in the modern, ever-changing LGBT movement. “I love Seattle,” she told SGN. “I’m very familiar with the area. I started my career doing HIV prevention work in the 1990s and working with homeless youth. At that time, Seattle was doing a wonderful job at serving those LGBT youth in need.” She says Seattle is one of the “safer places” for LGBT people in America. “I am glad that so many LGBT Seattleites are active in politics and activism because they can bring that positive experience to the table. It’s important for people to know the things you all are doing right. This is a great city for LGBT residents and visitors alike.” Carey says she’s also observed that Seattle – and Washington state in general – is a very tech-savvy location. “This is great because social media is a great tool for telling our stories,” said Carey. “The mantra throughout the 1970s and ’80s was ‘you are not alone.’ Now, with the help of social media, we know we are not. That is a very powerful thing.” The Task Force has been a progressive voice for the LGBT community for four decades. Carey says the group’s leaders recently got together to take a look at their mission and the people they serve. “What we found is that a majority of people are not connected to an LGBT organization. So we’ve done our best to reach out to, and work with, organizations like the NAACP and the National Council of La Raza,” she said. “We are proud to partner with a number of organizations that are not LGBT, but are allies.” She pointed out that when President Obama recently came out for marriage equality, “a number of non-LGBT organi-
zations came forward with supportive messages for the president. That wouldn’t have been the case even five years ago. This represents a powerful shift in this country. By working together with allied communities, we are beginning to see the benefits to being a true partner for progressive change.” There is no doubt that Carey and the Task Force are in full support of marriage equality. But Carey cautions against making our fight for equality a one-issue movement. “We believe that the broad range of issues that affect the lives of LGBT people and our families have to be pushed to the forefront,” she said. “These issues include immigration reform, health care, and Social Security benefits.” Carey says the Task Force understands that core economic issues are among the day-to-day problems that LGBT persons and our families face. “We have a lot left to take care of. It is a big concern of ours that, as states across the country achieve marriage equality, we will see a significant drop-off in interest and support and mobilization on the broad range of issues facing LGBT people.” In particular, Carey says we’ve got to start doing a better job of taking care of our youth. “We are still seeing a high number of homeless youth who identify as LGBT. The truth is, when they come out as LGBT, it is better in some places in the U.S. while other places are still not a safe place to come out as a teenager.” Bullying is something Carey says she is watching very closely. “Young boys, whether or not they really are Gay, are bullied if they don’t fit society’s mold of what a boy should be.” “The bullying of young LGBT kids is particularly intense and violent,” she said. “It is an issue we will have to continually deal with as a community because every day, young people are constantly coming out.” But Carey also gives credit to our youth. “It is important to note the incredible resilience these LGBT teens have shown because the truth is, a large majority of youth who experience bullying do not become suicidal. So it is important to recognize and find help for those who do.”
“We believe that the broad range of issues that affect the lives of LGBT people and our families have to be pushed to the forefront.”
Other vital issues, she says, are racial and economic justice. “Folks are worried about just having and keeping a job and don’t want to show up for work every day and be terrified that they will be unemployed if they reveal they are Gay.” Carey says it is important for the LGBT community to remain vigilant because “what we do know is that as we make progress on larger issues (e.g., DOMA, DADT) we see a spike in anti-LGBT rhetoric and violence.” According to Carey, the Task Force leadership is pleased to see a significant generational shift occurring. Young people are becoming more accepting of LGBT people and equality faster than most people thought they would. “We are making progress simply by younger people getting older and voting,” said Carey. At whatever cost, Carey believes we’ve got to re-elect President Barack Obama. “It is absolutely true that Obama has done more for LGBT families than all of the other presidents combined.” “He came into office at a time that was ripe for dozens and dozens of changes,” she said. “And he’s helped us make great progress. Unlike the previous administration, it feels like we are in a real relationship with this president. When George Bush was in office we were pushing for change and it just didn’t happen. Now it happens.” “We will continue to push him to make more changes that absolutely must happen,” said Carey. The relationship and history between the Task Force and the state of Washington goes back many years. “We’ve helped to fight off many [anti-LGBT] ballot measures, partnered with Equal Rights Washington during the fight to approve Referendum 71, and more,” said Carey. “Currently, our field organizers have been talking with the camsee carey page 19
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scholarships continued from cover
best about our LGBTQ community. Hundreds of generous donors and volunteers have contributed to the program to ensure LGBTQ and straight ally students have the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” Kris Hermanns, executive director of the Pride Foundation, told SGN. This year, the GSBA awarded $182,000 to 43 students. The Pride Foundation, which covers four other Northwestern states in addition to Washington, awarded a record $400,000 to their 94 scholars. The GSBA held its annual awards banquet May 18 at Seattle’s Waterfront Marriott Hotel. Keynote speaker Gautam Raghavan spoke at the event. Raghavan is an associate director in the White House Office of Public Engagement and serves as the Obama administration’s liaison to the LGBT community. “Gautam was charming, warm, delightful,
and inspiring,” Chernin told SGN. “Speaking of charming, our witty MC, JJ McKay, kept up just the right amount of delightful banter and used great skill in hosting this complicated event.” The Pride Foundation and its scholars from Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana met at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Seattle for a scholarship breakfast on the morning of May 19. “These scholars – nearly 100 of them, ranging from ages 16 to 60 – are our community’s future leaders, and in many cases are already doing extraordinary things for their local communities throughout the Northwest,” Hermanns told SGN. “We are supporting students at a critical moment in their lives, at a time when traditional family support networks aren’t always available and higher education is becoming more inaccessible,” said Hermanns. “In addition to addressing current LGBTQ needs, the Pride Foundation’s role is to also build a lasting philanthropic legacy to ensure that we achieve and maintain LGBTQ
equality. Our scholars are entrusted to continue this legacy for generations to come.” “GSBA’s Scholarship Fund allows us to connect with and encourage the future leaders of our community,” said Chernin. “Scholarship recipients have proven leadership skills and strong academic achievement, and have demonstrated a commitment to making a positive difference in the world and their community.” The GSBA Scholarship Fund started in 1990. To date, the fund has awarded more than 389 scholarships totaling over $1.4 million to Washington state undergraduate students. Its awards range from $3,000 to $10,000. The Pride Foundation awarded its first scholarship in 1993. To date, the foundation has awarded $2.7 million to more than 1,100 scholars. It is one of the largest LGBTQ scholarship programs in North America. For more information on these scholarships, visit the GSBA at www.thegsba.org and the Pride Foundation at www.pridefoundation.org.
NAACP
continued from cover the group’s endorsement. “This is the first time that we have made a full statement on marriage equality that goes beyond the circumstances of any one proposed law or any one state,” he said. “We feel it is important that everyone understand our commitment to equality under the Constitution and to marriage equality specifically.” “This is something that’s been a long time coming,” Seattle NAACP president James Bible told SGN. “And it’s a little late, frankly.” “It’s a human and civil rights issue, and if we ignore this issue we’re not acting in accord with our history and our principles,” Bible continued. “Civil rights and family values. Rights under the law. Everyone has a right to have a family and to raise children.” Zach Silk, campaign manager for Washington United for Marriage – the Approve Referendum 74 coalition – welcomed the NAACP action. “We are very pleased that the NAACP has taken this historic step to endorse marriage equality,” Silk told SGN. “The NAACP knows perhaps better than anyone else the value of fundamental human principles like the right to marry the person you love – regardless of race, or sexual orientation.”
In an emotional interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on May 23, Jealous revealed that his parents had to drive from their home in Baltimore to Washington, D.C., to get married, because interracial couples could not marry in Maryland. Bible’s own family history paralleled this experience, he told SGN. “In many states it would have been illegal for my grandmother and grandfather to get married. One was white – Swedish – and one black,” he said. “As it was, it led to a cross-burning on their lawn here in Seattle.” Jealous, who spoke out against North Carolina’s Amendment One to ban legal recognition of all same-sex relationships, said he hoped the NAACP’s endorsement of marriage equality would have a political impact. “I hope this will be a game-changer,” Jealous told the Associated Press in an interview. “There is a game being played right now to enshrine discrimination into state constitutions across the country, and if we can change that game and help ensure that our country’s more recent tradition of using federal and state constitutions to expand rights continues, we will be very proud of our work.” Silk also looked forward to “the national NAACP’s commitment to help uphold marriage equality on the ground in states like ours. “Their support will be important as we urge everyone who believes in a Washington that values freedom and equality to vote to Approve Referendum 74 in November,” he said. Asked if he believed the NAACP resolution would have an impact on the Referendum 74 campaign, Bible replied, “We’ve been working on it.” “It’s a delicate situation with some institutions in the community,” he explained. “We’ve had pushback previously – concerns from certain pastors – or from a certain pastor.” “But,” he continued, “some of our greatest leaders were Gay. Brother Outsider – have you ever seen that film?” he asked, referring to a biopic of Gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. “You can see what some of the dynamics were.” Asked what LGBT activists could do to help African-American leaders persuade their community that marriage is a civil right, Bible replied, “Be unapologetic. Continue to push for your legal and civil rights.” The hard part, Bible added, will be to have dialogue with people who are not yet con-
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Celebrating 39 Years!
vinced by President Obama or the NAACP. “If I had a son or daughter – I don’t, but if I did – I hope they would feel they were in a safe place, and that I would be there for them,” Bible said. “And I hope that people would be in a place where they could embrace their loved ones. “But that’s a tougher conversation – right? To have a conversation with those who are opposed [to marriage equality]. But it needs to continue.”
milk
continued from cover which contains a handful of houses and apartment complexes, is the first in the country to honor the slain Gay rights leader. While Milk mainly is associated with San Francisco, where he was a city supervisor, he was stationed in San Diego when he was in the Navy. “His contributions to the fight for equality and his advocacy for the under-represented continue to shape our community and our country,” said Todd Gloria, an openly Gay member of the San Diego City Council who represents the area. “Harvey Milk Street will long serve as a symbol of San Di-
ego’s respect for all and our celebration of diversity.” The street leads right to San Diego’s LGBT Community Center on Centre Street. Stuart Milk, a nephew of Harvey, attended the unveiling as did District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, a Lesbian who is running for mayor of San Diego. “Harvey Milk’s courageous fight for justice and equality for Californians continues to inspire and serves as a source of great pride and strength to the community,” Dumanis said. The front-runner in the San Diego mayoral race, Carl DeMaio, is one of two openly Gay members of the City Council. Earlier Tuesday, California Gov. Jerry Brown issued a proclamation in honor of Milk’s birthday. “His courage in facing a hostile public and his insistence on being treated the same as anyone else contributed greatly to the advancement of this cause,” Brown said. “Milk succeeded because he was not just a Gay leader but a champion for his district – a brilliant coalition builder and community organizer who brought the real concerns of ordinary people to City Hall.” In addition to having a street named after
him, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 9-2 in favor of a resolution putting the City on record supporting the christening of a U.S. Navy ship as the USS Harvey Milk. There was, however, division among supervisors over whether it was a fitting honor. Milk was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War. Supervisor Scott Wiener, who introduced the resolution, called it a “great honor” and said Milk was proud of his military service. “Harvey Milk’s family supports doing this,” Wiener said.
“historic. There’s no other way to say it. It would be powerful and inspiring for others fighting for marriage equality across the country.” Carey believes we are living in exciting times. “I’ve been working in the LGBT movement since the late 1980s and I’ve never seen so much in play. This is a wonderful time for the advancement of civil and human rights in this country. We can start to see the other side of the fence. We need to stick with it because we are not done yet. We have a lot of work ahead of us but we will continue to make progress.”
carey
continued from page 19 paign for marriage equality, Washington United for Marriage.” “What we do know is that early money matters,” she said. “This campaign needs money and an investment of time from volunteers in order to win.” If Washington becomes the first state to win marriage equality by popular vote, Carey says the outcome would be hailed as
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