Celebrating 42 Years! Issue 46 Volume 44
Seattle Opera presents a Transgender story at Washington Hall
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Brief Fling
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SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
DISASTER!
SILVER LINING:
What a Trump presidency Washington state votes for means for the LGBT community progress
Photo courtesy of washingtonstarnews.com
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer “Fasten your seat belts,” as Bette Davis said, “it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
While it may take months or years for the full effects of a Trump presidency to be felt by the LGBT community, the prospects look grim. see DISASTER page 14
(l) Patty Murray, Pramila Jayapal & Hilary Franz – Photos courtesy of emilyslist.org, Tyrone Turner & nwprogressive.org
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Although national election results were grim, voters in Washington state bucked
the trend, passing landmark ballot initiatives and electing progressive candidates. I-1433, which will raise the state minimum wage to $13.50 by 2020 and establish see SILVER LINING page 5
Pullman man’s car tagged Reactions to the with anti-Gay graffiti election
John Kraus’s car after being vandalized – Photo courtesy of nwcn.com
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor A man in Pullman, Washington, says somebody wrote hate speech all over his car Wednesday night, after discovering the vandalism when he woke up Thurs-
day morning. John Kraus said he woke up at 8:30 a.m. to a call from police. They told Kraus that a passerby had called them and told them about his car being vandalsee PULLMAN page 7
Senator Bernie Sanders – Photo courtesy of usnewz.com
Newly elected congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: “Like many of you, I woke up this morning feeling shocked and then fearful of what lies ahead for America. But this is not the time to sit down in the face of set backs,” said Jayapal in a statement.
“To the people of the 7th Congressional District and progressive voters across the country, I ask that we stand together – not just for our progressive ideals but to stop the disastrous rollback of decades of mainsee REACTIONS page 13
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paid sick and safe days, is passing by more than 300,000 votes, rolling up an almost 3-to-1 margin in King County. I-1491, to prevent people judged mentally ill from acquiring guns, is passing by 900,000 votes, again with a huge margin – more than 4 to 1 – in King County. I-1501, protecting seniors and their caregivers from identity theft and other invasions of privacy, is also passing by 900,000 votes. I-735 is passing by a 2-to-1 margin statewide and almost 3-to-1 in King County. The measure instructs the state’s congressional delegation to offer a constitutional amendment stating that corporate political donations are not protected by the First Amendment. It was intended to undo the US Supreme Court decision in Citizens United. I-732, the carbon tax initiative that was criticized by many environmental, labor, and community groups, is some 25,000 votes ahead in King County but is losing by 400,000 votes statewide. Federal offices Western Washington voters carried the state and its 12 electoral votes for Clinton, giving her a 400,000-vote margin of victory. King County, accounted for some 340,000 of those votes, with Clinton winning here by an almost 4-to-1 margin. Veteran US Sen. Patty Murray cruised to the easiest victory of her career, leading former state GOP boss Chris Vance by nearly 500,000 votes. Murray leads by 330,000 votes in King County, an almost 3-to-1 margin. In the 7th Congressional District, where longtime Rep. Jim McDermott is retiring, state Sen. and human rights activist Pramila Jayapal won a decisive victory over state Rep. Brady Walkinshaw. Jayapal is leading by more than 34,000 votes, or
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13.5 percentage points. During the campaign, Jayapal emphasized her long record of activism and her willingness to stand up to the Republican congressional leadership, while Walkinshaw touted his ability to get along with his Republican colleagues in the state legislature. In the state’s other congressional districts, all the incumbents won re-election, leaving the balance of forces at six Democrats to four Republicans. Openly Gay state Rep. Jim Moeller lost his bid to unseat Republican incumbent Jaime Herrera Beutler in the 3rd District. State offices Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee easily won re-election against former Seattle Port Commissioner Bill Bryant. Inslee is now some 250,000 votes ahead of Bryant, with a better than 2-to-1 lead in King County. Current state Sen. Cyrus Habib (D-48) is on track to win the lieutenant governor spot being vacated by retiring incumbent Brad Owen. Habib will be the state’s first Iranian-American statewide official. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is heading for re-election by a better than 2-to-1 margin statewide, and more than 4-to-1 in King County. Lesbian Tina Podlodowski, a former Seattle City Councilmember, is losing her bid to unseat Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman, in spite of accusations of mismanagement that have dogged Wyman’s administration. Podlodowski leads by some 130,000 votes in King County, her home base, but trails statewide by 170,000. For Lands Commissioner, Democrat and environmental activist Hillary Franz is well ahead of Republican and timber industry friend Steve McLaughlin. Franz leads by more than 200,000 votes. In a very tight race, current state Rep. Chris Reykdal (D-22) is leading Erin Jones for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Reykdal leads by about 36,000 votes, or two percentage points. Jones reportedly is
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affiliated with anti-LGBT religious groups and had made equivocal statements about her commitment to protect Transgender students in public schools. All three state Supreme Court justices up for re-election – Chief Justice Barbara Madsen, Mary Yu, and Charlie Wiggins – survived challenges funded by charter schools backers and anti-tax activists and will serve for another six-year term. The legislature In Capitol Hill’s 43rd Legislative District, Lesbian housing activist Nicole Macri is easily beating Gay attorney Daniel Shih for the House seat Brady Walkinshaw gave up to run for Congress. Macri is currently ahead by 16,000 votes, or 30 percentage points. The other 43rd District rep, Speaker Frank Chopp, is unopposed, and 43rd District Sen. Jamie Pedersen does not have to run this year. He will be up for reelection in 2018. Democrats managed to capture one Republican state Senate seat – the 41st District seat now held by Steve Litzow. Democrat Lisa Wellman leads Litzow by about 4,000 votes or eight percentage points. While that is an improvement, it is not enough to flip the Senate back to Democratic control, and it means that the status quo of a politically divided state legislature will continue for two more years. Observers predict another contentious legislative session in 2017, as lawmakers struggle to comply with a court order to fully fund public schools.
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A special message from our LGBTQ community leaders November 9, 2016 Despair, sadness, and shock are what so many of us are feeling this morning. How did our country, even with all its faults, elect a new leader that has campaigned with such total disregard for so many that make up the fabric of our nation? For so many of us who represent the breadth of differences that strengthen the country – our LGBTQ families and friends; the differently-abled; racial, ethnic, and religious minorities; and all women – today is a hard day. We need to acknowledge the profound kick in the gut we all feel and then, as we have always done, we will continue with more fervor than ever, persevere in our work to challenge discrimination and promote equality for all. In Washington State we still have a lot going for us. We have an amazing network
PULLMAN
continued from cover ized. The police took a report from the caller but wanted to let him know about what happened. At the time, Kraus told police he was not aware of what happened and that the last time he saw his car, it did not have anything written on it. Kraus posted about what was written on his car on Facebook.
of organizations that provide us with care and safety. We have elected leaders on the city, state and federal levels who will fight harder than ever for all of us. Yesterday we re-elected and elected decent, principled people to represent us and we successfully passed important initiatives such as increasing the state’s minimum wage, a new gun safety measure, and a comprehensive regional mass transit system. Seattle’s LGBT executive directors meet regularly to ensure that in challenging times we know who to turn to, and in joyous times how to come together to celebrate. This morning’s meeting left us compelled to reaffirm our commitment to each of you and our community as a whole. Whatever your needs, we will be there for you. Whether you turn to film, music or the arts to heal and enrich your life. Whether you are searching for health care or strug-
gling with mental health or addiction challenges. Whether you need safety from sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Whether you are looking to support underfunded nonprofits or are building a vibrant and economically healthy community as an entrepreneur. Your community stands ready to support you as we all continue our journey to be your voice for equality and to safeguard your civil rights as LGBTQ people. If you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed or scared or sad, remember to reach out to talk with a friend, co-worker, or family member to share your feelings. If you need help, call Seattle Counseling Service’s 24-Hour Crisis Line at 1-866-4274747 for emotional support and care. We are family, we always have been, and we are stronger together.
According to his Facebook post, he believes this had to do with Donald Trump being elected. Kraus wrote, “This is what Donald Trump’s America looks like…I have no fear in the face of hate! And to the coward who did this, history will not remember you kindly.” Police said there wasn’t anything that proves that the vandalism was politically motivated. Officials said there was nothing written in the report that led them to that conclusion. Kraus says he believes that the rheto-
ric used by President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign has made it acceptable to treat minorities as second-class citizens. While he says he does not know who did this, he believes the person obviously knows him. At the end of the day, Kraus got another call from a Pullman police officer saying there was a group of about 10 people at his car who wanted to help clean it off, and they wanted to know if it was OK. He told the officer it was fine, and all the graffiti was removed. Kraus said an officer then escorted him to the police
For equality, Danni Askini, Gender Justice League Connie Burk, The NW Network Louise Chernin, GSBA (Greater Seattle Business Association) Gary Davis, Companis Barbara Ebert, Lifelong Ann McGettigan, Seattle Counseling Service Jason Plourde, Three Dollar Bill Cinema Luis Fernando Ramirez, Entre Hermanos Steve Smith, Seattle Men’s Chorus/ Seattle Women’s Chorus Fred Swanson, Gay City: Seattle’s LGBTQ Center Josh Wallace, SASG (Seattle Area Support Groups and Community Center)
department, where an officer helped wax off some spots that were not coming off. Additionally, Kraus said one of his professors at Washington State University saw the damage that had been done to his car and helped rally people together to help clean it. “It was a bad start to the day, but it keeps getting better and better,” Kraus said.
Despite big wins, there were lots of tears at the Washington State Democrats’ Election Night party at the Westin Seattle by MK Scott SGN Contributing Writer I was excited to represent the Seattle Gay News at Washington’s biggest Election Night party presented by the Washington State Democrats at the Westin Seattle Hotel this past Tuesday evening. Mingling with thousands of attendees, spread out from the Westin lobby to the fourth level Grand Ballroom, I managed to catch up with King County Executive Dow Constantine, who was thrilled that his Sound Transit Prop 1 was destined for a win. Dow was also hoping for a Hillary win (no surprise!) and a Democratic majority in the State Senate (didn’t happen), and specifically in the 41st district for State Senator candidate Lisa Wellman (she won), When I asked what he thought of this election season, he replied, “Exhausting.” I also caught up with Erin Jones, candidate for State Superintendent in Public Instruction, who, when asked what her hopes were if she won against challenger, Chris Reykdal, replied, “To focus on diversity and to unite the children of the state of Washington.” I also caught up with retiring Congressman Jim McDermott, after he spoke to the crowd, and at almost 80, said, “It is time to do something else.” Later, McDermott was
Photo courtesy of Elaine Thompson - newstribune.com
spotted congratulating his successor at Pramila Jayapal’s victory party at Optimism Brewing Company in Capitol Hill. The atmosphere at the Westin dimin-
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ished each time Trump won a state. I witnessed several instances of people fearful of the future and weeping at the possibility of a Trump presidency. Not even the local
wins of Governor Jay Inslee and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray were enough to fully energize the emotional crowd.
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How did this happen? by Janice Van Cleve Special to the SGN How did this happen? How did this misogynous, racist, ignorant, narcissist buffoon defeat the most experienced presidential candidate ever to campaign for the highest office in the United States? She had way more money, way more credibility, way more intelligence, and way more polls predicting an easy win. Pennsylvania was in her bag. Arizona was in play. Florida’s huge Black and Hispanic population leaned her way. She had the President out campaigning for her. She had a large and wellorganized ground game. I expected, as many did, to see the results of election night roll like a blue wave across the East Coast and wriggle through
the urban centers of the Midwest before finally splashing in a victorious crescendo on the Pacific Coast. Sure, Trump got South Carolina and probably would get other Southern States, but that was a given. Then I saw Pennsylvania was too close to call. Then Florida went red. Illinois stayed blue, but Wisconsin? I expected places like the Dakotas and Nebraska to go for Trump and Colorado stood by Hillary. But as the results kept coming in a growing dread began to knot my stomach. This wasn’t happening. Not all the votes have been counted. Surely it will all turn around by morning. It didn’t. The unbelievable happened. Donald Trump won. Donald Trump will appoint one and maybe as many as four Supreme Court judges. Even worse, Republicans control both the US House and US
Senate. Futures on the Dow plunged 900 points in panic before the NYSE regained its composure. European and Asian markets trembled. Putin was pleased. Kim Jung Un plans a nuclear test to celebrate. How did it happen? Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, just like Al Gore did, but she was not able to claim the strategic electoral college votes. There was no viable third party candidate to blame this time for taking away votes from her. The FBI fumbling with her emails at the last minute had little effect because many early votes had already been cast. Nor was there any brilliant strategy on the part of her opponent. USA Today reports that voter turnout across the country was actually up 4.7%, which on a macro level should favor Democrats. However the devil is always in the
details. White rural turnout was way up and they voted for Trump. Non-white inner city voter turnout was down which cut into the Democratic base. Hillary did not win the high percentages among Blacks and women that Obama did in 2012. This morning I watched Hillary Clinton’s farewell address. I was sad but I was reassured. She was very open and honest about the pain of this loss and the surprise that it happened. Yet she did so with the professionalism, courage, and composure that she has shown in every tough situation that she has faced. She still makes me proud.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum presents “Stolen Legacy: Nazi Theft and the Quest for Justice” at Temple De Hirsch Sinai Dina Gold, author of Stolen Legacy: Nazi Theft and the Quest for Justice at Krausenstrasse 17/18, Berlin, and Suzanne Brown-Fleming, author of Nazi Persecution and Postwar Repercussions, discuss the ongoing challenges of restitution and the museum’s resources The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum presents “Stolen Legacy: Nazi Theft and the Quest for Justice” on Monday, Nov. 14, at 7pm at Temple De Hirsch Sinai (1441 16th Avenue) in Seattle. The program is co-presented with the Holocaust Center for Humanity and Temple De Hirsch Sinai. How can we seek justice for Holocaust victims whose property was seized and their lives torn apart? Former BBC investigative journalist and author Dina Gold describes the Nazi theft of her family’s business in Berlin, her extensive battle to reclaim it, and the Museum resources that help build restitution cases. In her new book, Stolen Legacy: Nazi Theft and the Quest for Justice at Krausenstrasse 17/18, Berlin, Gold describes the Nazi seizure of her family’s stately six-story building and her extensive battle to reclaim it and rebuild their legacy. The property served as the headquarters of the H. Wolff fur company, one of the most successful international businesses in Germany. The Nazis forced the sale of the building on Krausenstrasse 17/18, and after World War II, it fell in the Soviet sector of Berlin, two blocks from Checkpoint Charlie, and beyond legal reach. It is estimated that less than 20 percent of the value of Jewish assets stolen by the Nazis and their collaborators has been restored. At least $115 billion to $175 billion remains unreturned despite numerous clear and explicit international agreements and country promises made during World War II and immediately thereafter. The presenters will discuss the ongoing challenges of restitution and the Museum’s resources that individuals like Gold have used to research the fate of family members and that others have used to build legal cases, including the Holocaust Survivors and Victims Database and the International Tracing Service archive. Speakers include: • Suzanne Brown-Fleming, author of Nazi Persecution and Postwar Repercussions and Director, Visiting Scholar Programs, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. • Dina Gold, author of Stolen Legacy:
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The back of the H. Wolff fur company headquarters in 1910, the year the building was constructed – Photo courtesy of Blätter für Architektur und Kunsthandwerk
Nazi Theft and the Quest for Justice at Krausenstrasse 17/18, Berlin. • Moderator: Dr. Edna Friedberg, Historian, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. “This is a poignant look at how families continue to struggle and face ongoing challenges to the Nazi regime more than 75 years after the war,” said Steven Klappholz, the Museum’s Western Regional Director. “The speakers have experienced firsthand the battle for justice and restitution on behalf of their loved ones, in a sense to restore their family’s dignity and pride of possession.” In the 23 years since it opened, the Museum has educated and inspired more than 40 million visitors, including more than 10 million children and nearly 100 heads of state. A permanent reminder on the National Mall in Washington of what can occur when the world fails to take action, the Museum inspires citizens and leaders alike to confront hate and indifference, end
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genocide and promote human dignity. The Museum’s work is having a significant impact – here in Washington state and around the world. Hundreds of Seattle area schoolteachers – and thousands more from all 50 states – are trained each year in how to make the Holocaust relevant and meaningful to young people. The Museum’s leadership programs are inspiring Washington judges, police and military officers to heed the lessons of the Holocaust and understand their roles as safeguards of democracy. The Museum brings together policymakers, diplomats and heads of state to focus on ending the continuing scourge of genocide. The “Stolen Legacy: Nazi Theft and the Quest for Justice” program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required at ushmm.org/events/stolen-legacy-seattle. For more information, contact the Museum’s Western Regional office at 310.556.3222 or email at western@ushmm.org. Following the program, Gold and Brown-Fleming will be signing copies of
their books, which will be available for sale. About the Campaign Through its national campaign “Never Again: What You Do Matters,” the Museum seeks to make critical investments to keep Holocaust memory alive as a relevant, transformative force in the 21st -century. The $540 million comprehensive goal includes building a stronger endowment, increased annual fund, and new collections, conservation and research center. Visit www.ushmm. org/campaign to learn more about how you can join us in this urgent effort. About the Museum A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors.
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The Mr. & Miss Gay Seattle Pageant by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor MR. & MISS GAY SEATTLE PAGEANT NEIGHBOURS NIGHTCLUB November 5 More than 50 years ago the title of Miss Gay Seattle began in the Golden Horseshoe (201 Second Avenue in Pioneer Square) and has become one of the oldest active drag titles in the United States. In keeping with its proud tradition, The Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and the Olympic and Rainier Empire (The Court of Seattle) held the Mr. & Miss Gay Seattle Pageant November 5, at Neighbours Nightclub (1509 Broadway). This year’s pageant celebrated the year of Miss Gay Seattle Jessica Paradisco and Mr. Gay Seattle Taylor Reign, and was hosted by Rose Empress 57 Vivica V. Valentine and Miss Gay Washington 2016-
2017, Drew Paradisco. Miss Gay Seattle III, Scotty was present to celebrate her 50th anniversary as Miss Gay Seattle. The pageant also celebrated the following anniversaries: 5 year Alexander Mentele and Donnatella Howe; 10 year Dynasty Cache and Re-
gina Starr; 15 Efren Chacon and Shaka Kwan; 20 Jimmy and Nefertiti; 25 Daniel and Kahlua Ice; 30 Keith Hughes and Morai St. Charles; 35 Randy and Jim Kopaniasz; 40 Mr. John Reed and Alice; 45 Sissy; 50 Kimberly Fields. Contestants competed in the following
categories: First Look, Formal Wear with Question, Performance, and the evening ended, of course, with the Crowning. Seattle Gay News would like to congratulate the newly crowned Mr. Gay Seattle Joe Torres & Miss Gay Seattle Londyn Bradshaw!
Title VII covers sexual orientation, federal judge rules by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A federal judge ruled on November 7 that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from discrimination based on their sexual orientation. Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, and religion but does not explicitly include protections for LGBT people. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – the federal agency charged with enforcing federal laws related to the workplace – has ruled that the protected characteristic of sex logically includes sexual orientation. In her ruling, US District Judge Cathy Bissoon explicitly endorsed the EEOC’s interpretation. “There is no more obvious form of sex stereotyping than making a determination that a person should conform to heterosex-
US District Judge Cathy Bissoon – Photo courtesy of apaba-pa.org
uality,” she wrote. “As the EEOC states, ‘[d]iscriminat-
REACTION
“These are our neighbors, and we will continue to support our neighbors,” Murray said. “We can’t allow ourselves to be divided and sorted out. That’s not America.”
stream progress in this country. This is not the fight we would have chosen, but we will fight it the way we have fought to protect our rights and freedoms in the past.”
Rep. Adam Smith: “President-elect Trump ran the most bitter, divisive, and negative presidential campaign in history. Now he claims he wants to change his tone. For the sake of our country, I hope he does. “From day one, I will do everything I can to hold President-elect Trump and his administration accountable. I would like to see his agenda create good jobs, increase equality and equity, and respect the rights of all Americans, particularly women, communities of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and immigrants. However, if he continues to divide us as a nation, I will fight him every step of the way.”
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Seattle Mayor Ed Murray: “Regardless of tonight’s national results, tomorrow Seattle will remain a city guided by the values of equality, inclusion, and openness. Tomorrow we will continue to support women, we will welcome as neighbors our Muslim brothers and sisters, and tomorrow Black Lives will still matter. Our City will remain strong because of our diversity, not in spite of it. “In Seattle, our results show a city ready to lead in building a more equitable and progressive future. “As we look forward, we will challenge our people to live up to our values, to ensure we build on the foundation that was laid tonight, and that we foster the equitable, inclusive world we envision.” Seattle will remain a “sanctuary city” for undocumented immigrants even if that means losing federal funding, Mayor Ed Murray promised a large crowd gathered inside City Hall on November 9.
Sen. Bernie Sanders: “If Donald Trump takes people’s anger and turns it against Muslims, Hispanics, African-Americans, and women, we will be his worst nightmare.” HRC CEO Chad Griffin: “This is a crucial moment for our nation and for the LGBTQ movement. The election of a man who stands opposed to
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ing against a person because of the sex of that person’s romantic partner necessarily involves stereotypes about ‘proper’ roles in sexual relationships – that men are and should only be sexually attracted to women, not men.’ “That someone can be subjected to a barrage of insults, humiliation, hostility, and/or changes to the terms and conditions of their employment, based upon nothing more than the aggressor’s view of what it means to be a man or a woman, is exactly the evil Title VII was designed to eradicate.” The case involved Dale Baxley, a Gay employee at Scott Medical Center near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who charged that he had been subjected to harassment by his supervisor because of his sexual orientation Baxley says his supervisor consistently referred to him as a “fag,” “faggot,” “fucking faggot,” and “queer.” His employer’s attorneys did not deny the charges but argued that Baxley had no
legal grounds for the lawsuit because there is no federal law outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation. The Obama administration has argued that federal laws protecting sex also apply to sexual orientation and gender identity, however, and the EEOC ruled against the employer in this case. Bissoon’s ruling upholds the EEOC’s view of the case. “This is an important win for LGBTQ equality,” HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow said. “Judge Bissoon’s decision affirms that discrimination against an individual based on their sexual orientation is fundamentally a form of discrimination based on sex – which is prohibited by federal law. “We congratulate the EEOC and the plaintiff on this victory.” Bissoon was appointed to the federal bench by President Obama in 2010 and was confirmed in 2011.
our most fundamental values has left us all stunned. There will be time to analyze the results of this election, but we cannot afford to dwell. We must meet these challenges head on. “Over the last 18 months, Donald Trump and Mike Pence have intentionally sowed fear and division for cynical political purposes. They now face a decision about whether they will also govern that way. We hope, for the sake of our nation and our diverse community – which includes women, people of color, those with disabilities, immigrants, and people of all faiths and traditions – they will choose a different path. “For our part, HRC will continue our fight for equality and justice for all with greater urgency and determination than ever before. We must. Lives literally depend on it… “The defeats we have suffered tonight demonstrate that our future victories will require us to dig deeper and work harder to continue bending the moral arc of the universe toward justice and equality. We must fight to protect our progress, and to limit the damage that Donald Trump has promised. “To every LGBTQ person across this nation feeling stunned and disheartened, and questioning if they have a place in our country today, I say this: You do. Don’t ever let anybody tell you otherwise. Be
bold, be strong, and continue to stand up for the principles that have always made America great. “At a time like this, we don’t slow down. We double down. Tomorrow, HRC will set to work once again, undeterred and focused on our mission to realize a world in which every single LGBTQ person is safe and equal and valued.”
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NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell: “By a slim margin, this nation has elected a demagogue who trafficked in bigotry, stoked racist hatred, and normalized misogyny. The election of Donald Trump as president threatens basic principles of human dignity and justice. Many of our most cherished values – inclusion, honoring difference, embracing equality, dismantling oppressive systems – are in jeopardy, but we will not be deterred. “This is the moment we are called to resist. We are about to be tested as never before, and speaking for myself, and NCLR, we will not stand down, sit idle, or be silent in the face of oppression, bullying, or threat. This election result is devastating for our nation and especially for the most vulnerable. But we will fight on and will never give up. We must be the ones we are waiting for. Together, we fight on and we fight back. We must harness our grief, fear, and outrage and serve justice.”
Trump on trial President-elect faces fraud charges, possible ACLU actions by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Donald Trump will go on trial for fraud before his inauguration on January 20. Trump is facing both federal charges and a New York state action in connection with Trump University, which former students charge was a scam designed to bilk enrollees of thousands of dollars apiece. While US presidents are immune from prosecution for their official acts, they may be hauled into court to answer criminal or civil complaints arising from private conduct or business disputes. If they are found guilty, they are not automatically removed from office, but convictions might trigger impeachment proceedings. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said on November 9 that he will press ahead with his action against Trump in spite of the election results. “The Trump University litigation continues to move through the appellate process,” Schneiderman spokesperson Amy Spitalnick said in a statement. The case in New York is running in parallel to a federal case in California. The continued litigation of both means that for the first time in the modern era, a president will likely take the oath of office facing ongoing prosecution. Donald Trump failed to persuade a federal judge to postpone a Nov. 28 trial in which he’ll face former enrollees in his real-estate seminars who claim they were cheated. In the federal case, US District Judge Gonzalo Curiel said in September that the trial date of November 28 would go ahead as scheduled. Trump’s lawyer, Dan Petrocelli, had asked for a delay until January because he has another case going to trial at the same time. “Defense counsel had multiple opportunities to raise the issue with the court prior to August 26, 2016, but did not do so,” the
DISASTER
continued from cover With Republicans still controlling both houses of Congress and – starting January 20 – the White House, the Equality Act, adding sexual orientation and gender identity to US civil rights laws, seems dead in the water for the foreseeable future. Absent statutory protections, LGBT workers could at least count on President Obama’s 2014 executive order barring discrimination in companies that do business with the federal government. Once Obama is out of office, however, and Trump is in, he can cancel any and all executive orders protecting the LGBT community. The same goes for guidelines issued by executive departments – for example, the Department of Education’s decision that Title IX protects students’ gender identity under its clause forbidding sex discrimination. Once Trump is in office and installs his own Secretary of Education, all bets are off. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruling that Title VII’s prohibition against sex discrimination in the workplace protects LGBT employees is also at risk, because EEOC chairs and commissioners serve at the pleasure of the president. Trump can appoint EEOC officers who would rescind the previous interpretation of Title VII. Both the Title IX and Title VII interpretations are currently being litigated, with most federal courts so far favoring the Obama administration’s reading of the law. The US Supreme Court said in October that
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New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman – Photo by Frank Franklin II, AP, File
judge said. Curiel scheduled the Trump University trial for November 28 so the case could be decided after the presidential election but before a possible Trump inauguration. The Trump University case scheduled for trial is one of two class actions filed by former students who claim they were cheated into paying as much as $35,000 for realestate investment seminars. The students say they were lured by false promises that the seminars would be taught by instructors who were handpicked by Trump and that they would learn the billionaire’s investment secrets. Meanwhile, the ACLU warned Trump they will “see him in court” with its “full
firepower” if he tries to follow through on controversial campaign promises on mass deportations, torture, and other human rights violations “These proposals are not simply unAmerican and wrong-headed, they are unlawful and unconstitutional,” Anthony Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a statement Wednesday. “They violate the First, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. If you do not reverse course and instead endeavor to make these campaign promises a reality, you will have to contend with the full firepower of the ACLU at every step.” The ACLU specifically called out Trump’s promises to deport 11 million
undocumented immigrants, ban Muslims from entering the country, surveil Muslim communities, punish women for getting abortions, reauthorize waterboarding and other forms of torture, and change the country’s libel laws. If Trump pursues any of those policies, Romero said, the ACLU’s lawyers, activists, volunteers, and supporters “are ready to fight.” “One thing is certain: we will be eternally vigilant every single day of your presidency, and when you leave the Oval Office, we will do the same with your successor,” Romero said.
it would review a Title IX case in its current term, and the decision is expected sometime in June, after Trump becomes president. However, there is now one vacancy on the high court and the Republican-controlled Senate has no incentive to confirm President Obama’s appointee when they could wait till January and act on a Trump appointee. With
tember, and many are known to be hostile to both LGBT rights and reproductive choice, so it’s not out of the question that a Trump court would reverse Roe v. Wade or the marriage rulings. Even if that happens, same-sex spouses in Washington state are safe up to a point, because state law guarantees marriage equality
tive departments not to recognize same-sex spouses for tax, insurance, or pension purposes. That would force Lesbian and Gay couples to relitigate the validity of their marriages, with uncertain results. The Supreme Court has already adopted dangerously broad religious exclusions from federal law in the Hobby Lobby case. Conservative justices – including any additional ones Trump might appoint – could try to cripple same-sex marriage without actually reversing their previous marriage rulings by allowing public officials or private businesses to opt out of participation in same-sex marriages. For couples in big cities, where there are many bakers, printers, banquet halls, clergy, and judges, being sent away by one business or one official might be an inconvenience but not a serious obstacle. But for couples in small towns or rural areas, being denied the use of public accommodations or the services of local officials might be the equivalent of being denied the right to a wedding, period. Trump, by the way, has already promised to sign the Republican-backed First Amendment Defense Act, a proposal that would permit anti-LGBT discrimination on the grounds of religion. Trump has also promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, leaving millions of people without health insurance. Among those who would be especially hard-hit would be people with pre-existing conditions like HIV, who are guaranteed coverage under the ACA but who would find it next to impossible to buy insurance in an unregulated and unsubsidized private market.
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several members of the court old and ailing, Trump could also appoint several more justices before his term is up. Already-decided cases – USA v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges, for example – will remain in force, so marriage equality is safe for the time being. But nothing prevents justices from hearing new cases that might lead them to reconsider prior decisions, even though that would be unusual. Trump already announced a list of potential Supreme Court nominees in Sep-
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independent of any federal legal provisions. On the other hand, if Windsor is reversed, and the federal government reverts to refusing to recognize same-sex marriage, couples in this state will find themselves cut off from many benefits of marriage – Social Security and pension spousal benefits, for example. Even if the Supreme Court’s marriage decisions are not reversed, a Trump administration could try to obstruct many benefits of same-sex marriage by ordering execu-
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Ship of fools: What the new Trump cabinet will look like by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer For someone who ran against “Washington elites,” Donald Trump seems eager to fill his cabinet with a bevy of recycled Republican insiders. A leaked memo from Trump’s transition team obtained by BuzzFeed News reveals a list of 41 potential cabinet picks, all of them longtime GOP operatives, ranging from Rudy Giuliani to Newt Gingrich. According to BuzzFeed, “a source familiar with the list stressed it was not final, and it is unclear whether transition officials have narrowed it down or added more potential candidates for consideration by Trump.” Trump’s transition team, selected last spring, is headed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and – no surprise – Christie’s name appears as a candidate for several cabinet spots: Attorney General, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Homeland Security. Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and father of stop-and-frisk, is competing with Christie for the Attorney General post along with Sen. Jeff Sessions (RAla.), and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi reportedly took a bribe from the Trump Foundation to drop an investigation of Trump University. Longtime Clinton nemesis Newt Gingrich is also slated for a reward, either as Secretary of State or Secretary of Health and Human Services – a truly frightening prospect if you recall that, as Speaker (1995-1999), Gingrich announced that he intended to starve social services of federal funding. Ben Carson makes the cabinet list as well. Carson, who once stated he believed that the Pyramids were grain silos constructed by the biblical Joseph, is a potential Secretary of Education. He might also become Secretary of Health and Human Services or Surgeon General. Sarah Palin makes the list too, as a possible Sectary of the Interior – in charge of managing federal lands and oil reserves, na-
Some possibilities for Trump’s cabinet – Photo courtesy of bbc.co.uk
tional parks, and relations with Native tribes. Current RNC head Reince Priebus, who struggled to keep the peace between Trump and his detractors within the Republican Party, is suggested for White House Chief of Staff. The full list obtained by BuzzFeed is as follows: For Attorney General: Christie, Bondi, Sessions, and Giuliani For Secretary of Commerce: Christie, former Nucor CEO Dan DiMicco, businessman Lew Eisenberg, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. David Purdue (R-Ga.), and former Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.) For Secretary of Agriculture: Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives CEO Chuck Conner, Former Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Mill-
er, and former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue For Secretary of Education: Carson and Hoover Institution Fellow William Evers For Secretary of Energy: venture capitalist Robert Grady and businessman Harold Hamm For Secretary of Health and Human Services: Gingrich, Carson, Former New Jersey state Sen. Rich Bagger, and Florida Gov. Rick Scott For Secretary of Homeland Security: Christie and Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke (who once referred to former Attorney General Eric Holder as an “asshole”) For Secretary of the Interior: Palin, Grady, Hamm, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, oil company executive Forrest Lucas, and Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wy.) For Secretary of Defense: Sessions,
Talent, retired Gen. Mike Flynn, Bushera NSA staffer Stephen Hadley, and Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr. (R-Calif.) For Secretary of State: Gingrich, former UN Ambassador John Bolton, and Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) For Treasury Secretary: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), businessman and sometimes Trump partner Carl Icahn, and Trump campaign finance chief Steven Mnuchin For Chief of Staff: Priebus For Director of Office of Management and Budget: Sessions For Secretary of Labor: EEOC Commissioner Victoria Lipnic For Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla) For White House Counsel: Trump campaign lawyer Donald McGahn
Trans crisis line gets record number of calls on election night by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A San Francisco–based crisis line for Transgender people reports getting a record number of calls on election night, as it became clear that Donald Trump would win the presidency. “Calls started to come in around 10 p.m. on election night,” crisis line worker Greta Martela told Gay Star News. “I didn’t think it would happen because I didn’t believe that Trump would be elected.” She said that in the 24 hours immediately following the election they answered 192 calls alone, but there have been about 500 people looking for help. “There are plenty of reasons to be afraid,” Martela added. ‘ “My wife is an immigrant. If the Trump administration invalidates gay marriage, as they are explicitly saying they will, my wife could be facing deportation. “She’s also facing the same violence that anyone who looks like they are from the Middle East might be facing.” Martela works at Trans Lifeline, which describes itself as a “hotline staffed by transgender people for Transgender people.”
(l) Nina Chaubal & Greta Gustava Martela, co-founders of Trans Lifeline, the first U.S. suicide hotline dedicated to transgender people – Photo by Sadaf Syed for Al Jazeera America
“Our volunteers are all trans identified and educated in the range of difficulties transgender people experience,” the group says on their website. “Our volunteers are dedicated to improving the lives of transgender people.”
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According to Martela, Trans people are also asking for help using the hashtag #TransLegalHelp, as many believe it will be increasingly difficult to transition and get appropriate legal documents once Trump takes office.
Both Trump and Vice President–elect Mike Pence have supported transphobic bathroom laws and the so-called First Amendment Defense Act, which would legalize anti-LGBT discrimination on religious pretexts.
November 11, 2016
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Gay penguins celebrate 10th anniversary together guins stayed monogamous. The Gay penguin couple did not switch partners even for the sake of reproduction. The Humboldt penguin population has been in trouble for some time now, say officials. The population is harmed in two ways: by displacing the cold current of water running from the Antarctic to the equator along the west coast of South America with warmer, less food-rich water, and by severe storms that can wash out the nesting colonies.
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Two same-sex penguins are celebrating their 10th anniversary together. Bremerhaven Zoo officials in Germany say that the affection Dotty and Zee, both male, show to each other has drawn the attention and admiration of many. According to accounts from the zookeepers at Bremerhaven, Dotty and Zee quickly took a liking to each other after they were first introduced 10 years ago. Every year since then, zookeepers say, the two would settle down and build a nest to attempt and start a family. At the time, however, zookeepers didn’t know they were both male. So after several failed efforts to produce offspring, tests were conducted to determine what was causing their reproductive problems. A simple DNA test administered by the zookeepers con-
To give them a chance at parenthood, Bremerhaven Zoo facilitated that Dotty and Zee adopting an egg in which the two penguins nursed until it hatched. Dotty and Zee – Photo courtesy of pinknews.co.uk
firmed the reason behind their infertility: Dotty and Zee were of the same gender. In an effort to encourage reproduction
and increase the Humboldt penguin population, Bremerhaven Zoo officials split the couple up. However, they say, the two pen-
Zoo officials say that more than 450 species of animals display Gay behavior.
Vatican denies God sent earthquakes to punish Italy for same-sex civil unions by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Vatican has denied the claim of a right-wing Catholic radio station that God sent the recent earthquakes to Italy as punishment for same-sex civil unions. Fr. John Cavalcoli – called by some Italian commentators a “modern Savonarola” – said on Radio Maria that the earthquakes, which killed hundreds of Italians, were divine retribution for the Italian parliament’s approval of same-sex civil unions in May. Savonarola was a 15th century Dominican monk who condemned both high church officials and civil authorities in his native Florence. He was eventually burned for heresy. While the Vatican did not threaten Fr. Cavalcoli with the stake, they were clearly not pleased by his comments. “They are offensive statements for be-
Father John Cavalcoli – Photo courtesy of isoladipatmos.com
lievers and scandalous for those who do not believe,” said Monsignor Angelo Becciu, deputy secretary of state, who is said to be
close to Pope Francis. Monsignor Becciu said Radio Maria, which has come under criticism in the past for anti-Semitic commentary, had to “moderate the tone of its language” and conform to the church’s message of mercy. Radio Maria, which broadcasts in English and Spanish as well as Italian, has suspended Fr. Cavalcoli, and his superiors have reportedly asked him never to discuss the issue again. The station is inspired by “Our Lady of Medjugorje,” the reported apparition of the Virgin Mary in a Croatian village in 1981. Unlike the 1917 “Lady of Fatima” apparitions, the Catholic Church has not officially sanctioned the Medjugorje reports, but it does not forbid Catholics from believing in them. Cavalcoli’s commentary provoked anger both from Italy’s LGBT community and also from victims of the earthquakes. One media anchor who lost his house
during the earthquake said, “It is unbelievable that such comments are heard, even though I lost all my belongings I still thank God for my family and pray every day. It is unthinkable for me to even think that God wanted to punish us. These ideas are derived from medieval times and should not be mentioned in 2016.” Catholic bishops from the zones hit by the quakes were reportedly furious at Cavalcoli and asked the Vatican to silence him. The civil unions law passed in May provides same-sex couples with many – but not all – of the rights of marriage. A provision in the legislation that would have granted nonbiological parents in same-sex civil unions some parental rights was struck from the legislation. As a compromise, however, a proposed requirement for “faithfulness” in civil unions was also struck from the bill.
HIV test in a USB stick their virus levels similarly to the way people with diabetes check their blood sugar levels. Standard treatment for HIV reduces virus levels to practically zero, but in some cases the antiretroviral medication stops working, often because the virus develops a resistance to the drugs. The new USB stick can detect a rise in HIV levels and flag a potential problem with a patient’s medications. “[Monitoring] viral load is crucial to the success of HIV treatment,” noted study lead author Graham Cooke in a statement. “At the moment, testing often requires costly and complex equipment that can take a couple of days to produce a result. We have taken the job done by this equipment, which is the size of a large photocopier, and shrunk it down to a USB chip.” The research team is now investigating the possibility of using the device to test for other viruses, as well, such as hepatitis.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer British scientists have developed a USB stick that can quickly and accurately measure the amount of HIV is in a patient’s blood. Published in the journal Scientific Reports, results show that the USB stick is highly accurate and can produce a reading in less than 30 minutes. Current tests to detect the amount of HIV in the blood can take as much as three days, requiring patients to send blood samples to a lab. In the latest research, the USB stick tested 991 blood samples with 95% accuracy, in only 21 minutes. The device was created by scientists at Imperial College London and tech firm DNA Electronics, and all it needs is a simple drop of blood to measure HIV-1 levels. When blood is placed onto a spot on the USB stick, the device senses the HIV1 virus through a change in acidity levels. A mobile phone chip in the USB stick converts this information into an electrical signal, and the stick then feeds the result to an app on a handheld device or computer. Patients can then read their own results anywhere they happen to be.
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Photo courtesy of Imperial College London slash DNA Electronics
The disposable test allows HIV patients to monitor their treatment and could help patients in remote regions of the world, where more standard HIV tests are inac-
November 11, 2016
cessible. Researchers warn that the technology is still in its early stages, but they hope it could allow patients to regularly monitor
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