Issue 47 Volume 39
Celebrating 38 Years!
FRIDAY November 25, 2011 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
Featured in our Spectacular Holiday Travel & Gift guide! SEE Section 3!
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Hotel workers win Washington United for new contract with Marriage rides wave of LGBT protections enthusiasm across state
courtesy chaostimessix
they had reached a tentative agreement with the management of the Westin Hotel on a new contract for Westin employees. UNITE HERE Local 8 community organizer Jasmine Marwaha announced the agreement in an email to the union’s supporters. “Effective immediately,” Marwaha wrote, “UNITE HERE Local 8 has reached a tentative agreement with the Westin Seattle that includes a guarantee from the owner, Host Hotels, that Westin The Westin Hotel, Seattle workers will retain by Mike Andrew their jobs in the event of the hotel’s SGN Staff Writer sale. The hotel workers union announced on November 22 that
see westin page 21
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Washington United for Marriage, the coalition of organizations, congregations, unions, and businesses working together to secure civil marriage for loving, committed Gay and Lesbian couples in Washington state, held several community meetings throughout the state in recent days and heard one common chorus: LGBT Washingtonians want civil marriage in 2012. The push for full marriage equality is here. The time has come, and with it is a dedicated organizing campaign that makes a complex issue as simple as possible. We must win in the legislature and at the ballot. If Referendum 71 taught us – and our opponents – anything, it is that we are ready for a fight. We are committed to this whatever it takes. And we intend to win this thing. see wA UNITED page 20
Danny Vega – Seattle Gay No death penalty man beaten into coma for Chen
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Early last week, well-known Filipino hairdresser Danny Vega, 58, was beaten into a coma. Vega, an openly Gay man who has been running a successful shop in south Seattle for 30 years, is now on life support. Police are looking for members of the community to
come forward with any information about the attack. According to police, it was about 7:45 p.m. on November 15 when the Rainier Valley man was attacked and robbed in the 4200 block of South Othello Street near Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Vega, who was able to tell family members few details before slipping into a coma, said three teens
LEVI PULKKINEN
courtesy king5.com
Danny Vega
attacked him and that he lost consciousness during the attack. The teens also took his cell phone and housekeys. “He said that they just kept beating him and that he was unconscious for 30 to 45 minutes,” Vega’s niece, Melanie, told King 5 News. After the beating, Vega told his family, he woke up and walked home, where he called police. Seattle Fire Department responded and treated the victim before transporting him to Harborview Medical Center with lifethreatening injuries. The family is taking turns praying at Vega’s bedside, hoping for a miracle. “Whoever saw this happen please, please call 911, because it’s so hurtful. Just please call if you seen what happened,” said Melanie. Vega’s family believes he was beaten because he is openly Gay. Police say that due to lack of evidence, they are not investigating the assault and robbery as a hate crime. Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Homicide and Assault unit at (206) 233-5000. Anonymous calls are welcome. An account has been set up for Vega at Wells Fargo Bank.
Louis Chen is seen during his arraignment in King County Superior Court on August 29, 2011.
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Louis Chen, the First Hill physician who police say killed his partner Eric Cooper and their 2-yearold son Cooper Chen earlier this year, will not face the death penalty. King County Prosecutor Dan
Satterberg announced November 21 that he would seek a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of release if Chen is convicted. Chen has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder in the first degree for the deaths of Eric see chen page 21
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Seattle Gay News
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Celebrating 38 Years!
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courtesy janice van cleve
george bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun knittel, Miryam gordon, Anthony Greer
Activist Van Cleve says proposed LGBT center should focus on seniors
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Nick Ardizzone, Nate gowdy, joseph p. herron, Shaun knittel 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. © 2011, 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.
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Seattle Gay News
Seattle activist Janice Van Cleve
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor You could spend hours debating the number of uses for the proposed LGBT civic center that may or may not be housed at the Broadway SoundTransit Light Rail station. If the project is going to succeed, it will need solid funding and the backing of the LGBT community. As with any project of this magnitude it will take the cooperation of the young and the old to pull this thing off – after all, experience is worth its weight in gold. So when Seattle Gay News began to report on the progress being made by Louise Chernin, executive director of GSBA, and a team of volunteers who want to see this civic center open its doors in a few years, community members began to step forward and pledge their support and service. Janice Van Cleve is one of those people. Van Cleve, a community activist who is a former board member and funder of the city’s previous LGBT community center, says that the need for a physical space for the community to call our own still exists. “The [old] LGBT community center was supposed to be just that – a real brick-andmortar center where the community could gather for inter-organizational decision-
November 25, 2011
making meetings, where small organizations could establish a home base, where LGBT people could find help and referrals, where LGBT art could be featured, where LGBT organizations could hold their annual meetings or parties and keep the rental money in the community, and where visitors and newcomers could start their search for community in Seattle,” she told Seattle Gay News. “A very big part of the LGBT center was to be the starting point for an LGBT senior center with facilities for seniors.” There is a lot of attention directed toward LGBT youth, she said, citing the Orion Center, Queer Youth Space, Lambert House, and the “It Gets Better Project.” While Van Cleve says she supports those organizations because the “bullying and suicides are tragic” and “resources need to be devoted to youth,” she asks the question: “But who is doing anything for LGBT seniors, LGBT families, or helping incubate emerging LGBT groups?” In order for a new center to thrive, Van Cleve believes we’ve got to look toward the past at mistakes that had been made to avoid them in the future endeavor. “The public did support the [old] LGBT community center,” she said. “Donors like myself gave lots of money to build it. The city chipped in a size-
able amount of cash and support and invested a lot of political capital to make it happen. Many volunteers from the community hammered and nailed, cleaned, and painted the place. A lot of heart and soul and dollars went into the LGBT center from the community.” “What happened was that the second executive director took the center off-mission,” Van Cleve said. “She led the board into a series of flawed decisions to devote all the center’s resources into a pride parade on Broadway. We donors called her, warned her, and warned the board to no effect. So we withdrew our support and the center fell.” She says the big job in creating another LGBT center will be to earn the trust of the community again. “Once lost, trust is hard to recover,” said Van Cleve. “The key to rebuilding trust and support for the new center will be a clear vision and mission statement and a strong board of directors who represent the community and who run the place with a firm hand.” Van Cleve says that, in her opinion, in order for the proposed plan to become a reality, organizers must first “be very clear about its vision and mission and then stick to it.” “Deliver results that clearly demonstrate that the center is doing what it was designed to do,” she continued. “Deliver results that clearly demonstrate to donors that they are getting their money’s worth. Don’t simply be a landlord for small organizations. Develop programs that engage the creative juices of the LGBT community – like arts, music, poetry slams. Deliver programs that are new, exciting, different, and not in competition with other offerings in the community.” Van Cleve then pointed out some examples. “Julia’s does regular drag shows. Neighbours does dances and hosts the Imperial Court. ERW provides political leadership. GSBA provides business connections. But nobody is helping senior LGBT people figure out their Medicare or how the new health care plan affects them. Nobody is a clearing house for LGBT couples figuring out what benefits they can access in this state for their families. There is no place for the LGBT community to discuss their reactions to SoundTransit, the City Parks Department, or the police on our own turf. There is no place for our community to safely talk about our failings, like the demise of Verbena or the Lesbian Resource Center. There is no place for our community to safely discuss conflicts on neutral ground that belongs to us.” Van Cleve hopes that, with the right leadership and mission statement, the proposed LGBT community center could be that place.
Celebrating 38 Years!
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer By a 7-1 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block release of the names of voters who signed the Referendum 71 petition to put Washington’s domestic partnership law up for a vote. The court did not give a reason for its November 21 ruling denying an injunction to block release of the names. In an earlier decision, the court ruled 8-1 that signatures on initiative petitions should be a matter of public record. According to a statement by David Ammons, spokesperson for Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed, Justice Samuel Alito was the only vote in favor of blocking release of the names. Justice Elena Kagan
did not take part in the decision. The request to issue an injunction blocking publication of the names was brought by Protect Marriage Washington, the coalition of right-wing groups and evangelical churches that sponsored the Referendum 71 petition drive. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is responsible for motions arising from the Ninth Circuit, referred the request to the full court, which did not support the motion. “This means we can once again release these public records,” said Katie Blinn, codirector of state elections in the secretary of state’s office. Reed had supported publication of the names, arguing that the state’s Public Records Act made the petitions – and therefore the names and other information the peti-
Glenn Allen Carlson 1964-2011
Glenn passed away unexpectedly on 11/3/11 surrounded by the love of family and friends. Glenn was a licensed Radiologic Technologist and enjoyed his work with the public. He loved to cook and watched every cooking show available. He loved baseball and attended a Mariners game on his birthday and stated it was one of the greatest days of his life.
Elaine Thompson / AP
U.S. Supreme Court refuses to block release of Ref. 71 names
We enjoyed evenings with him watching and yelling at whatever sports event was showing. We will miss this time together. He is survived by his parents Terry and Judy, brother Darin, and close friend Ken. We will miss him but will find comfort in knowing he is now resting in peace in the heavens and there is a new star twinkling in the evening skies named Glenn.
In 2009, Ref. 71 asked voters to approve or reject granting registered domestic partners additional state rights previously given only to married couples. It was approved with 53 percent of the vote.
tions contained – public information. Sponsors of the petition drive contended they might be targeted for harassment if their names were published. In 2009, Protect Marriage Washington successfully blocked public release of the petitions. Subsequent appeals went against them, however. After ruling that the names may be published, the Supreme Court sent the case back to U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle in Tacoma. Settle then ruled that sponsors of the antiGay measure had not shown that they have been harassed – or would face harassment
– if names on the R 71 petitions were released. Several plaintiffs seeking to block release of the names – including the Rev. Ken Hutcherson, Faith and Freedom Network leader Gary Randall, and State Sen. Val Stevens – are well-known public figures and longtime opponents of LGBT rights. Protect Marriage Washington had asked that release of names be blocked until the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals hears an appeal of Judge Settle’s ruling. Settle, the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court have now rejected the group’s request.
Come meet Tim and Matt and join the family.
Go 1605 12th Avenue at Pine, Seattle (In liquor store parking garage.) Seattle Storm!
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by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Brandon McInerney, 17, pleaded guilty November 21 to the murder of 15-year-old Larry King three years ago in a fit of homophobic rage at an Oxnard, California, junior high school. The guilty plea to second-degree murder will send McInerney to prison for 21 years. The case drew national attention due to not only the brutality of the murder, but the ages of the boys involved. McInerney shot King to death when he was 14 years old because he was offended by King’s dress and how the victim interacted with him. Greg King, Larry’s father, said that although he is not completely satisfied with the plea deal, he understands why prosecutors agreed to it. “I don’t think that 21-year sentence is justice for my son, but I understand the reality that was facing the D.A. of trying to convict a defendant who was 14 … when he committed the murder,” he said. A mistrial was declared in September when several jurors couldn’t reach a unanimous decision on the degree of guilt. The panel took a series of votes. In the final series, seven jurors favored a charge of voluntary manslaughter, and five supported either
courtesy ventura county star
California teen pleads to Larry King murder first-degree or second-degree murder. The trial had been moved from Ventura County to Los Angeles because of pretrial publicity. Prosecutors say they agreed to the plea deal because of uncertainty about what might result from a second trial. The murder conviction will be stayed, and the deal calls for McInerney to be given the harshest sentence under California law for voluntary manslaughter (11 years) and use of a firearm (10 years). McInerney is ineligible for time served or good behavior because he pleaded guilty to murder. After serving nearly four years since King’s slaying, McInerney will be released just shy of his 39th birthday. Prosecutors had previously offered a plea deal that would have sent McInerney to prison for 25 years to life, but his attorneys rejected it. Eliza Byard, executive director of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, said in a statement the plea agreement ends a tragic chapter. “Ventura County, along with communities and school districts everywhere, must come together to promote a culture of respect and nurture the true potential found in every individual regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression,” Byard said.
Brandon McInerney
Prop 8 cases consolidated by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Moving to speed up its coming hearings on Prop 8 – California’s ban on same-sex marriage – the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals joined two of its pending cases. The court announced on November 21 that it would join the appeal of U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional with a separate challenge to Walker’s impartiality. In a brief order, a three-judge panel consolidated cases that both carry the case title Perry, et al., v. Brown, et al. Both challenge Walker’s August 2010 ruling striking down the ballot measure adopted by the state’s voters in 2008. One of the appeals is a plea to overturn the Walker decision on the merits, saying that Walker decided the case wrongly. The other is also an attempt to overturn Walker’s ruling, but with the argument that he should have disqualified himself from ruling on the case – and that, as a result, his ruling must be vacated – because he was not an impartial judge. The second challenge is based on two facts and a theory. The facts are that Judge Walker is Gay, and that he has been in a long-term relationship with a partner of the same sex. The theory is that he would likely be interested in marrying his partner, and thus
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would benefit from his own ruling against the marriage ban. The judge who succeeded Walker on the case, Chief Judge James Ware of San Francisco, has rejected the claim of partiality. Prop 8 was an amendment to California’s state constitution that limited marriage to opposite-sex couples, thus overturning a state Supreme Court ruling that found a constitutional right for Gay and Lesbian couples to marry. Both challenges to Walker’s ruling are being brought by the sponsors and promoters of Proposition 8. They were granted standing to appeal by the California Supreme Court in a ruling on November 17. The Ninth Circuit had asked the state court to decide who may appeal court decisions under state law before it would agree to proceed with the appeals hearings. Since that issue is now settled, the Ninth Circuit is now acting to expedite its hearings on the appeals. Both Prop 8 backers, and the same-sex couples who challenged Prop 8 in Walker’s court, had said that they were in favor of consolidating the two cases, so long as it did not result in a delay in the Circuit Court’s review. The submission of written briefs has been completed in both cases, and the Ninth Circuit three-judge panel has held a hearing on the constitutional question. It is thought by some legal experts that a separate hearing on the issue of Judge Walker’s impartiality is unlikely. The panel has asked both sides to submit new legal briefs on the question of whether the Prop 8 backers have a legal right to continue with their appeals. These must be submitted by December 2. The Ninth Circuit has also scheduled a hearing for December 8 in a third Prop 8 case, involving a challenge by Prop 8 backers to a separate ruling by Judge Ware ordering the videotapes of the original Prop 8 trial to be released. Media organizations are asking for the release, as are the two same-sex couples who filed the lawsuit.
Celebrating 38 Years!
Gay soldier booed at GOP debate speaks out by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Associated Press
Captain Stephen Hill (l) and his partner Joshua Snyder
It was a moment of complete shame. Just two days after the discriminatory policy banning openly Gay service known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed, Army Captain Stephen Hill – a Gay man – asked Republican candidates at a September 22 GOP debate if they would reinstate the ban if elected. He received boos from the audience. Hill was asking the question while stationed in Iraq. Not one of the Republicans jumped to his defense, and the audience cheered when candidate Rick Santorum said, “What we are doing is playing social experimentation with our military right now. That’s tragic. Leave it alone. Keep it to yourself whether you are heterosexual or homosexual.” “When the actual booing occurred, my gut dropped out, because my first inclination was [to wonder] ‘Did I do something wrong?’” said Hill. “But this is not about sex. A special privilege is not hiding pictures in my house, or God forbid, taking mortar fire again and not knowing if Josh will be recognized. I’m fighting every day to protect everyone’s rights as human beings, and it seems counterintuitive for me to be fighting for those rights and not have them.” Hill was referring to his husband of four and a half months, Joshua Snyder, who was back home in Columbus, Ohio. The LGBT, military, and – quite frankly – most of America was none too impressed with the actions of the candidates and the audience that participated in the disgraceful
act. President Barack Obama chided the Republican candidates for staying silent when several people booed the American soldier. Hill says the fact that he just outed himself on national television had barely registered when he absorbed the boos and Santorum’s answer followed by applause. He said the following morning, at breakfast, the segment was played on the chow hall television. His commanding officer told him she had no problem with what he did. “She said, ‘What the military’s most concerned with is that you are OK, because it’s a lot of pressure on you and we want to make sure if there is anything we can do to help,’” recalled Hill. Hill told the Associated Press what he remembers most was that a presidential candidate defined his marriage and military service in terms of sex. He holds that up against the times he hid Snyder’s photograph because Army buddies were coming over to play video games, introduced his husband as his roommate or brother, and the legal vows they exchanged at the grave of Air Force Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, who was discharged in 1975 after becoming the first Gay service member to challenge the U.S. military’s ban on Gay and Lesbian troops serving openly. According to the AP, Snyder and Hill last month joined other same-sex military couples in suing the government for the same benefits as straight military couples, which the Pentagon denies them on grounds that federal law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The congregation of a Baptist church in Raleigh, North Carolina, voted on November 20 to prohibit their pastor from marrying anyone until same-sex couples can marry under North Carolina law. A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage has been approved by the North Carolina legislature and may go before voters as early as May 2012. The congregation of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church said in a formal statement that current North Carolina law banning same-sex marriage, and the language of the proposed amendment, discriminate against same-sex couples “by denying them the rights and privileges enjoyed by heterosexual married couples.” “As people of faith, affirming the Christian teaching that before God all people are equal, we will no longer participate in this discrimination,” the church’s statement says. The vote on the statement was unanimous. According to the Raleigh News & Observer, some of the congregation wept as they stood to vote in favor of the “statement on marriage ceremonies.” Pastor Nancy Petty, a Lesbian, began the discussion on same-sex marriage this summer when she told her congregation that signing legal marriage certificates for opposite-sex couples while not doing the same for homosexual couples had become a bur-
john rottet
No one can marry until everyone can marry, NC Baptist church says
den on her conscience. The congregation held several meetings afterward, resulting in Sunday’s statement on marriage. It was written by church deacons and affirmed by the congregation. Petty said the decision was more than she expected after expressing her concerns this past summer. She has performed about 150 ceremonies in 20 years, she said, evenly split between same-sex and opposite-sex couples. “Their statement today on marriage equality continues their long-standing tradition of speaking out on behalf of God’s love, compassion, and justice in the world,” Petty said. “Their counter-witness to those who preach about a God whose love is exclusive and unwelcoming is nothing short of amazing grace.” Pullen Memorial Baptist Church has about 650 members and has long been known for taking an active role on social and political issues. The church was expelled from the Southern Baptist Convention in 1992 after a decision to bless same-sex marriages. Pullen is now a part of the more liberal American Baptist Churches USA denomination. Seattle’s First Baptist and University Baptist Churches are also affiliated with the Pastor Nancy Perry American Baptists. One of the deacons, Bernard Cochran, retired Meredith College professor. told the News & Observer that current laws biblical grounds” as slavery was. “This is the church, not just its minister, on same-sex marriage “deny justice” to Gay “Pullen rejects this sincere but misguided standing up to discrimination as a body,” he people and are rooted in the same “alleged understanding of the Bible,” said Cochran, a added.
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November 25, 2011
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New UW led national study – LGBT seniors face harder old age
getty images
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor A new study from the University of Washington’s School of Social Work released some startling news this week: LGBT seniors and baby boomers (a group whose numbers are expected to be more than 4 million by 2030) have greater rates of disability, depression, and loneliness compared with heterosexuals of similar ages. The study, “The Aging and Health Report: Disparities and Resilience among LGBT Older Adults,” surveyed 2,560 LGBT adults aged 50-95 across the United States, also highlighted the unique needs of this aging
group – including fear of discrimination, the lack of children to depend on as caregivers, and less social support and financial security with age, as older LGBT adults are less likely to be partnered or married. Karen I. Fredriksen-Goldsen, Ph.D., one of the study’s lead authors, reported, “Aging and health needs of LGBT older adults are rarely addressed in services, policies, or research, even though diversity is a defining feature of our global aging population.” “Although there have been tremendous gains in health during the last century, many historically disadvantaged groups within our aging population continue to experi-
ence higher levels of illness, disability, and premature death,” summarized FredriksenGoldsen. It is imperative to understand our diverse population of LGBT older adults in order to ensure a healthier aging population in the years to come, she said. “Health disparities must be eliminated to effectively respond to the aging crisis on the LGBT communities.” Some of the report’s key findings are: • Nearly one-half have a disability and nearly one-third report mental distress. • Most LGBT older adults engage in wellness activities (91%). • Almost two-thirds have been victimized three or more times. • Thirteen percent have been denied health care or received inferior care. • More than 20% do not disclose their sexual or gender identity to their physician. • About one-third do not have a will or durable power of attorney for health care. According to the study, needed services include senior housing, transportation, legal services, and social events. One of the respondents to the study, a 66-year-old Lesbian, reported, “Isolation, finding friend support, caregiving, and health are the biggest issues older Gay persons face. Who will be there for us, who will help care for us without judgment?” Another respondent, a 56-year-old Transgender woman, said, “I have had an overwhelmingly positive experience with my gender transition so far, but I would say that my primary concern about the future is with access to health care and potential discrimination as a senior Transgender person, especially if the need arises for emergency or long-term care.” The study found that, while family members related by blood or marriage plays a primary role in the support of older adults in the general population, most LGBT older adults care for one another. According to the study’s authors, experiences of discrimination are linked with poor health outcomes – such as depression – among both chronically ill LGBT older adults and their informal caregivers. Nearly four out of 10 LGBT older adult participants contemplated suicide at some point during their lives. In addition, they found that ra-
cial and ethnic minority LGBT older adults experience heightened and cumulative risks of aging and health disparities, as do LGBT older adults with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and those with a high school education or less. The study also found a link between LGBT older adults and HIV. “In our project, we found that nine percent of LGBT older adult participants overall are living with HIV, yet more than one in five Bisexual older men and nearly one in seven Gay older men have HIV,” read the report. “These statistics are especially alarming given that by 2015, it is projected that half of the more than 1.1 million Americans living with HIV will be age 50 or older.” As far as services are concerned, the report’s authors say it is important to note that while services and programs assisting older adults are readily available in many communities, they are most often geared toward the general population and fail to take into account the unique circumstances facing LGBT older adults – such as fear of discrimination and, often, the lack of children to help them. Most existing aging services, public policies, and research initiatives that are intended to support older adults in times of need are inaccessible to LGBT older adults and their loved ones. “Same-sex partners do not have access to federal family leave benefits, equivalent Medicaid spend-downs, Social Security benefits, bereavement leave, or automatic inheritance of jointly owned real estate and personal property,” said the report. “The term ‘LGBT’ is often used in research, yet the findings from this project illuminate that LGBT older adults are in fact distinct groups, often with unique needs and experiences,” summarized the report. “We must address the mounting needs of our increasingly older and diverse society. LGBT older adult participants in ‘Caring and Aging with Pride’ represent the past and the future, as they create a legacy for generations to come.” Perhaps one of the participants, a 63-yearold Gay man, captured the crux of what this study was after: “The LGBT community has stepped up in the past to address coming out, AIDS, and civil rights. The next wave has to be aging.”
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor A new Williams Institute study has found there are an estimated 28,500 binational same-sex couples in the United States in which one partner is a U.S. citizen and one is not, and nearly 11,500 same-sex couples in which neither partner is a U.S. citizen. “None of these 40,000 couples are eligible to use the immigration preferences available to different-sex spouses,” said Gary Gates, a Williams Institute distinguished scholar and the study’s co-author. Under U.S. immigration policy, a citizen may obtain permanent residence for their non-citizen, different-sex spouse, and expedited citizenship for a resident, different-sex spouse. Permanent residents may also petition for permanent resident status for their different-sex spouses. However, these options are not extended to same-sex couples, even if they are married or are in civil unions or registered domestic partnerships. The study uses data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) to provide a demographic profile of the 79,200 same-sex couples in the U.S. in
which at least one partner is either not a U.S. citizen or is a naturalized citizen. The report breaks this population into three groups and finds there are an estimated 28,574 binational same-sex couples, 11,442 dual noncitizen same-sex couples, and 39,176 dual citizen same-sex couples with at least one naturalized partner. “Our findings show that same-sex binational couples are present in all parts of the country and represent a diverse group of individuals from around the world,” Gates said. Among the 28,000 binational couples, more than 7,100 live in California, which is more than any other state. The countries most represented among these couples are Mexico (25%), Canada (8%), and the United Kingdom (6%). Among noncitizens in binational couples, 45% are Latino/Latina, 36% are white, and 14% are Asian/Pacific Islander. Among citizens in binational couples, 54% are white, 33% are Latino/Latina, and 7% are Asian/ Pacific Islander. African-Americans comprise 3% of both groups. For the full report, visit williamsinstitute. law.ucla.edu. The Williams Institute for Sexual Ori-
courtesy stop the deportations
40,000 same-sex couples affected by U.S. immigration laws
Josh Vandiver and his husband Henry Velandi received a last-minute reprieve in the government’s attempt to deport Vandiver.
entation Law and Public Policy advances education programs and media to judges, law and public policy through rigorous, legislators, lawyers, other policy makers, independent research and scholarship, and and the public. disseminates its work through a variety of
Rich Full-Bodied Cafes Savory Homestyle Soups & Sandwiches 8
Seattle Gay News
November 25, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
“OUR FAMILIES, OUR CHILDREN” – BEAUTIFUL 2012 CALENDAR FEATURES LGBTQ PARENTED FAMILIES FROM THE SEATTLE AREA The Lesbian and Gay Child Care Task Force is excited to offer once again its beautiful calendar of LGBTQ parented families from the Seattle area. The task force has been producing the calendar for ten years with the mission of providing the visual reminder to children, teachers and families that families look different and that all families are welcome. Additionally, the calendar has been displayed in diverse work places and in colleges and universities with teacher preparation programs. The upcoming year is the tenth anniversary of the calendar. The task force revisited families from the “early years” and invited twelve (plus two more!) families to come back for another picture shoot. Each family picture has a small inset picture from the first time the family was in the calender. Many families have grown; others have changed their make-up, and the tragic loss of one dad illustrates that our families and our children experience life, death, and change just like other families. Proceeds from the calendar help the task force to produce the calendar for another year, onward to the twentieth year and beyond. An order form is online at www.safeschoolscoalition.org/ocof/OFOC_CalendarOrderForm2012.pdf or you can call Bill Sanders at 206-226-3352. Suggested donation is $15 which includes shipping and handling.
Radical Women hosts a weekly roundtable discussion of Frederick Engels’ classic work, Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State, on the persistent problem of women’s inequality and how it can be overcome. The reading circle meets Monday through December 12,, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at 3314 Wallingford Ave. N. #4, Seattle. $2 suggested donation per session. Everyone welcome. For more information, call 206722-6057 or email RWseattle@mindspring. com. “STRONGER TOGETHER” – SEATTLE’S EIGHTH ANNUAL WORLD AIDS DAY BREAKFAST WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER PAUL KAWATA On Thursday, December 1, from 7:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m., at Washington State Convention & Trade Center (8th Ave. & Pike St.), four of Seattle’s prominent community non-profits partner to bring you “Stronger Together,” Seattle’s eighth annual World AIDS Day Breakfast. Gay City Health Project, Rosehedge/Multifaith Works, Seattle Counseling Service, and Seattle Area Support Groups work to provide crucial HIV prevention, education, support and care in the Seattle area. Keynote Speaker will be Paul Kawata, Executive Director of the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC). Now an international HIV/AIDS advocate, Kawata began his professional career in 1983 in Seattle as a staff liaison in the Office of the Mayor. During his tenure, he developed relationships between the Mayor’s Office and official city commissions representing various LGBT, women’s, and minority constituency groups. These commissions initiated the first comprehensive HIV/AIDS policies adopted by a major U.S. city. The event will be emceed by actor, director and producer Amanda Bearse, best know for her role as wacky neighbor Marcy D’Arcy on Married ... with Children. She made big headlines in 1993 when she became the first prime-time actress to come out as a Lesbian while playing the Bundy’s neighbor. The breakfast is complimentary; however, a suggested donation/pledge of $150 is encouraged. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.strongertogetherseattle. com.
23RD ANNUAL SEATTLE LEATHER DADDY & DADDY’S BOY CONTEST On Saturday, November 26, door at 6 p.m., contest at 7 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (1533 13th Ave. at E. Pine St.), Seattle Men in Leather presents the 23rd Annual Seattle Leather Daddy and Daddy’s boy Contest. Contestants will be judged on their preliminary interview, Daddy or Daddy’s boy image, Northwest image, impromptu question, dress leather or uniform image & audience vote. Tickets: $8 at the door; $6 with toiletry donation for Seattle Girls of Leather’s drive for Salvation Army Women’s Shelter Program. The contest’s Meet & Greet will be held “PASSPORT TO on Friday, November 25, from 7-10 p.m., WASHINGTON WINE” at The Cuff Complex. The Victory Brunch EVENT TO BENEFIT will be held on Sunday, November 27, from LIFELONG AIDS ALLIANCE 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at C.C. Attle’s Bar & Grille On Thursday, December 1, from 5-7 p.m., (1701 E. Olive Way). Cost for brunch is at Hotel Monaco (1101 Fourth Ave.), join $10. Kimpton Seattle Hotels for their annual Red www.seattlemeninleather.org. Ribbon event to benefit Lifelong AIDS Alliance. The Hotel Monaco, Alexis Hotel and JET CITY HOOPS – Vintage Park, will host an exclusive wine SEATTLE’S CO-ED GLBTQ tasting event in the Paris Ballroom at Hotel BASKETBALL LEAGUE Monaco. Jet City Hoops winter season games will With passport in hand, guests will embark be held on Sundays, November 6-Decem- on a tour of Washington wine country minber 18, at Miller Community Center (330 gling with representatives from 21 premier 19th Ave. E., just north of E. Thomas St.). Washington wineries pouring their wines Recreational division games will be held 9 with perfectly paired bites from Kimpton a.m.-noon; competitive division games will Seattle Executive Chefs Walter Pisano and be held noon-4 p.m. Spectators welcome. Jason McClure. www.jetcityhoops.org. Incredible raffle prizes include two JetBlue Airways tickets, a stay at the NicholSEATTLE RAINBOW son Ranch Winery in Sonoma, VIP tickets CONTRA DANCE to Seattle Art Museum’s Gaugin exhibit, On Sunday, November 27, free lesson Amtrak tickets, and stays at Kimpton hotels at 3 p.m., dance from 3:30-6:30 p.m., at throughout the country. Washington Hall (153 14th Ave.), join SeCost for this event is $30, which includes attle Rainbow Contra Dance for an after- an etched keepsake wine glass, cocktails and noon dance featuring the Onlies cutting the small bites. RSVP to brandyn.hull@kimpgroove, with Mariah Pepper calling. These tonhotels.com or call 206-340-6678. All guys smoke it! $10 general admission. This proceeds benefit Lifelong AIDS Alliance. event is for LGBTQ folks and friends and all who want to dance. No experience or “30 YEARS OF AIDS partner necessary. All dances taught. 15 STORIES OF HOPE” – FREE SCREENING OF RADICAL WOMEN – STILL AROUND WEEKLY FEMINIST AT THE EGYPTIAN READING CIRCLE
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On Thursday, December 1, at 7 p.m., at the Egyptian Theater (805 E. Pine St.) join Public Health – Seattle & King County, Three Dollar Bill Cinema, and HIV 30 Take Action Seattle to commemorate World AIDS Day and 30 years of AIDS with a FREE showing of the film, Still Around, a feature length short film compilation that portrays 15 people living with HIV/AIDS from the San Francisco Bay Area. 16 well-known Bay Area filmmakers collaborated with 15 protagonists to create 15 pieces that run from verite doc to experimental film, dance video, spoken words piece to straight forward doc weaving a diverse slate of stories into one powerful video AIDS quilt of our times. Seating for the FREE showing will be on a first-come first-serve basis.
state and almost 11,000 residents are living with the virus today. According to the Washington State Department of Health, 696 people in Snohomish County are currently living with the virus. Established in 1959, the Snohomish Health District works for a safer and healthier community through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats. Call 425-339-5251 for information about Snohomish Health District’s HIV/AIDS education and outreach programs and services, or visit www.snohd. org.
SEATTLE WORLD’S FAIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY SLIDE SHOW & BOOK PRESENTATION On Thursday, December 1, at 7 p.m., at Seattle Church of Christ (2555 8th Ave. W.), WORLD AIDS DAY co-authors Paula Becker and Alan J. Stein RE-COMMITMENT CEREMONY present a slide show and talk on The Future & OPEN HOUSE Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair IN TACOMA-PIERCE COUNTY After several years’ absence of a compre- and Its Legacy. FREE. For more informahensive HIV prevention program targeting tion, visit ww.qahistory.org or call 206-375Gay and Bisexual men in Tacoma-Pierce 0012. County, Tacoma’s Rainbow Center, TacoINGERSOLL GENDER CENTER ma-Pierce County Health Department, and PRESENTS Pierce County AIDS Foundation are excited “SNOWBALL 2011 – to announce a new coalition. This coalition THE SNOWBALL EFFECT” will be dedicated to re-committing their reOn Saturday, December 3, at 6:30 p.m., sources and services to the Gay and Bisexual men in Pierce County with the goal of at Seattle City Hall, Bertha Knight Landes Room (600 4th Ave.), join Ingersoll Gender reducing HIV infection. On Thursday, December 1, in honor of Center for a holiday celebration with caWorld AIDS Day, Rainbow Center (741 St. tered buffet dinner, awards ceremony, enterHelens, Tacoma), will offer HIV/STD test- tainment by Ramoli Brennet, and dancing. ing from 1-8 p.m., and host an Open House Tickets: $20. www.brownpapertickets.com/ from 3-6 p.m. Information will be available event/205644. “Every year Ingersoll Gender Center about Oasis, Tacoma’s LGBT youth resource center, and MPowerment, the multi- throws a big party to bring the commulevel HIV prevention program for Gay and nity back together to celebrate and review Bisexual men, at this event. At 4 p.m., lead- the year, to look forward and connect with ers from all three organizations will make a friends old and new. “This year ‘Snowball 2011 – The Snowpublic re-commitment to Gay and Bisexual men in Pierce County to halt the spread of ball Effect’ is all about the amazing momenHIV infection in Pierce County. For more tum building for justice and equality for our information, call 253-722-0706 or visit communities. While there is still so much to do, the velocity for change is undeniable www.PierceCountyAIDS.org and our community is on a roll. “Come join us for good food and friends; SNOHOMISH HEALTH DISTRICT stay for the entertainment, schmooze and WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT On Thursday, December 1, the public is celebration. We will be joined by many invited to a World AIDS Day event at the friends including our gracious host City Snohomish Health District (3020 Rucker Councilmember Sally Clark.” www.ingersollcenter.org Ave., Everett). The day commemorates those lost to AIDS, supports those living NON-PROFIT COMEDY with the disease, reinforces the need to comHOSTS BENEFIT bat stigma, discrimination and intolerance, FOR CAMP TEN TREES and underscores the need for routine HIV On Tuesday, December 6, at 8 p.m., at screening. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Snohomish Health Comedy Underground (109 S. Washington District will be offering FREE and low-cost St.), Non-Profit Comedy hosts a benefit for Camp Ten Trees. Tickets: $10. confidential Rapid HIV Testing. “After six years of supporting local nonFrom 10 a.m.-8:15 p.m., the District will host community health information tables, profit organizations, Non-Profit Comedy is and a “Facing AIDS” visual art display coming to a close, and their final show will from local youth organizations, Marysville- be a benefit for Camp Ten Trees. “We hope you’ll come out to support our Pilchuck High School, and other commucampers and to say “thank you” to the comnity agencies. From 6:30-7 p.m., the District will spon- ics of Non-Profit Comedy. Let’s pack the sor a candlelight walk to Everett’s HIV/ house that night and celebrate six years of laughter in support of local non-profits.” AIDS Memorial (3000 Rockefeller Ave.) Camp Ten Trees sponsors summer camp Walkers will return to the Health District atrium for an evening program that experiences for LGBT youth and children of begins with introductory remarks by Dr. LGBT parents. 206-288-9568; www.camptGary Goldbaum, Snohomish Health Dis- entrees.org; www.comedyunderground.com trict Director and Health Officer, and Teresa YWCA-LGBTQ HEALTH & Rugg, Snohomish County RESULTS Group SWEDISH BREAST CENTER Leader. Program speakers include Hayden MOBILE MAMMOGRAM M. Bixby, International Program CoordinaSCREENING tor for Cura Orphanage in Kenya; Michael On Saturday, December 10, from 9 a.m.-3 Gwaba, HIV/TB activist and ambassador for the “Here I Am Campaign” for the Glob- p.m., at the Wildrose (1021 E. Pike St.), the al Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, and YWCA-LBTQ Health and Swedish Breast a panel of community members living with Center will conduct a mobile mammogram HIV who will share their stories of how they screening for people age 40 and over who are un- or under-insured and income eligiare “Facing AIDS.” The evening program also features music ble. You will receive a pap test, breast exam, and light refreshments, and concludes with mammogram and blood pressure check. a candlelight vigil. The commemoration is Insurance is welcome and accepted. For an appointment, please call 206-461-4493 or FREE and open to the public. Local sponsors include Snohomish email lbthealth@ywcaworks.org. Check Health District, Evergreen AIDS Founda- out their blog at http://lbtqhealth-ywca. tion, Snohomish County Gay Men’s Task blogspot.com. Force, AIDS Project Snohomish County, RESULTS Educational Fund, and AIDS Outreach Project. Washington state diagnosed its first case of AIDS in 1982. Since then, over 18,270 cases have been reported in Washington
November 25, 2011
Seattle Gay News
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November 25, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
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Celebrating 38 Years!
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Dr. J Take action, Seattle by Dr. Joanne Stekler Special to the SGN Joanne Stekler, M.D., MPH, is Deputy Director of Community Services for the HIV/ STD Program at Public Health - Seattle & King County. She is also an internal medicine and infectious disease physician at Harborview Medical Center, and assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Washington. This article is part of a series focusing on HIV and other STD prevention and care topics for Gay/Bisexual men and Transgender individuals in Seattle & King County. I’m sitting here in front of my laptop, trying to figure out how to make HIV relevant in 2011. World AIDS Day is coming up on December 1. And this is the 30th anniversary of the year we first recognized the disease we now know as AIDS. Maybe you’ve seen the HIV@30 banners displayed on the red Sound Transit wall on Broadway? As I sit here wondering what to write, I’m also expecting a phone call from our intensive care unit to inform me that one of my patients has died. When I reflect on HIV in 2011, in Seattle and the rest of the world, I feel like I should tell you about him.
I met Caleb (not his real name) 10 years ago, five years after he was diagnosed with HIV. Once he got infected, Caleb did all the right things. He was diagnosed early in his disease. He started taking HIV meds. But he didn’t take them perfectly, and he developed drug resistance. He was on a complicated regimen of many pills a day when I met him. The HIV meds that Caleb started in the 1990s are ones we don’t use much anymore. They caused diarrhea, made the nerves tingle, and changed the shape of people’s bodies. They kept people alive but made them feel sick. In 2011, our medicines are better, have fewer side effects, and are often once-a-day. Even with budget crises and the threat of waiting lists, record numbers of HIV-positive people in Seattle, the United States, and around the world have access to HIV meds. But Caleb’s biggest problem wasn’t his HIV. It was the other diseases that went along with it. HIV increased the damage hepatitis C did to his liver. Maybe his HIV meds caused his diabetes and high blood pressure or maybe they just made those things worse. In the years since I met him, Caleb’s liver failed. His kidneys failed. He went on dialysis. He took a LOT of pills ev-
ery day. there is an angel who just got his wings. In 30 years, there’s one thing that hasn’t I’m pretty sure that you all have your changed: HIV causes people to age own Calebs. You have similar stofaster. And I’m not talking about ries about partners and friends premature wrinkles. Guys with and siblings and children and HIV get heart disease at a parents who are living with much earlier age than guys HIV or who died with it years without HIV. As they ago. HIV hasn’t gone away. get older, they are more But maybe you could do likely to get dementia something about that. compared to people who For World AIDS Day, aren’t HIV-infected. They Public Health is going to are also more likely to get have a free public showing of some cancers like lung The HIV Story Project’s Still cancer or anal cancer. It’s Around. It’s a compilation of 15 concerning because taking short films about thriving while HIV meds doesn’t make these living with HIV. Please join us at increased risks go away comthe Egyptian on December 1 as pletely. Living with HIV is we reflect on the last 30 years so much better than it was of HIV and AIDS and start to in the ’80s and ’90s, but make plans for the next 30. it’s still no picnic. We’ll start the program at Despite life’s 7 p.m. challenges, Caleb If you haven’t been worked harder than tested recently, ask for I do. He had a full an HIV test the next time job, went time you see a doctor. to school part Talk to your friends time, and and family. Ask did dialythem if they’ve sis three had an HIV test. days a Participate in reweek. He search to find a vacmanaged to cine or a cure for HIV. keep his mediOr support a local comcal problems unmunity-based organizader control. I tried tion. This can really make to get him to go on a difference. You can find disability, but he wanted to a list of these organizations keep working. He is … was … loved by ev- at “Who Does What” on the King County eryone. website (www.kingcounty.gov/health/hiv). Sigh. Somewhere, smiling down upon us, Take action, Seattle.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Spain’s marriage equality law is in danger of being repealed, after the right-wing Popular Party won a landslide victory in elections on November 20. The law was passed by the Socialist gov-
16 Seattle Gay News
ernment of Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in 2005. Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy was an outspoken critic of the law, even filing suit to have it declared unconstitutional. The outcome of that suit is still pending, but the 20,000 same-sex couples who have been married in Spain since 2005 now may lose their marriage rights. Zapatero has been prime minister since 2004, but Spain’s economic crisis, and the resulting 22% unemployment rate – twice the E.U. average – eroded support for his government. Even though Zapatero announced his intention to retire, and handed over leadership of the Socialist Party to Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, voters still punished his party for their economic difficulties. Rajoy’s Popular Party swept to a landslide victory, winning 186 seats in the 350-seat parliament, a gain of 17. Meanwhile, the Socialists lost 58 seats. It was their worst
November 25, 2011
REUTERS/Juan Medina
Rightists win Spanish election, marriage equality in jeopardy
Spain’s centre-right People’s Party (Partido Popular) leader Mariano Rajoy acknowledges supporters after claiming victory in Spain’s general elections in Madrid.
electoral performance ever. Since coming to power in 2004, Zapatero enacted radical social reforms that previously would have been unthinkable in Spain – legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples, relaxing divorce laws, and liberalizing the abortion law. Now all those reforms are at risk. While Rajoy’s Popular Party glossed over controversial issues in its 100-point electoral platform, this was widely seen as a deliberate ploy to avoid scaring off centrist voters. Rajoy is known to be a devout Roman Catholic with close ties to the conservative Spanish Catholic hierarchy. His Socialist opponents have accused him of being far more extreme than he lets on. “If you said what you have in mind, not even your own supporters would vote for you,” his Socialist opponent, Perez Rubalcaba, teased during a televised election de-
bate. Gay and Lesbian couples are reportedly hurrying to marry ahead of any possible changes in Spain’s marriage laws. Already married couples are now worried that their marriages may be in jeopardy. Paco Garcia Flores, 60, a dog groomer from Madrid, married Andres, his partner of 25 years in the tiny town hall of Campillo de Ranas. He told the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph that he dreads the change in government. “It was a wonderful thing to be able to publicly celebrate our commitment and it angers me to think that hard-won right might be taken away, that we might be forced back in the closet,” Flores said. “The whole election is being fought on the economy but we shouldn’t just sacrifice all the good that has been achieved by the Socialists, those things that make me proud to be living in modern Spain.”
Celebrating 38 Years!
Baseball to add “sexual orientation” protection to union contract
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Major League Baseball announced November 22 that it was adding protections for Gay players to its collective bargaining agreement. Article XV, Section A of the expiring Basic Agreement, in effect from 2006-2011,
states, “The provisions of this Agreement shall be applied to all Players covered by this Agreement without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.” In the new agreement, the words “sexual orientation” will also appear in the nondiscrimination section. The National Football League added simi-
ball insiders told the Daily News. This year, the San Francisco Giants became the first pro sports team to make an “It Gets Better” video, on the urging of local Gay activist Sean Chapin. Several other pro baseball teams have since followed suit. “Still, there remains disagreement within locker rooms whether a MLB team is ready to accept an openly Gay teammate,” the Daily News notes. When New York legalized same-sex marriage, several New York Mets players privately told the Daily News they would be uncomfortable with an openly Gay teammate. Others said they would be comfortable. “Most of us are still Neanderthals,” one Met explained.
lar language to its union contract earlier this year. Baseball officials familiar with the process told the New York Daily News that the addition of “sexual orientation” is not necessarily related to the NFL. The provision was readily agreed to by both union and league negotiators, the base-
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UNAIDS says AIDS deaths down, people living with HIV/AIDS up by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer New figures released by UNAIDS – the United Nations HIV/AIDS agency – reveal that the number of AIDS-related deaths and the number of new HIV infections are down world-wide, while the number of people living with HIV is at record high levels. The new figures, covering the year 2010, were released on November 21 in advance of World AIDS Day, December 1. AIDS-related deaths peaked in 2005, and have now declined 21% from that peak level, UNAIDS said. The number of new HIV infections peaked in 1997, and have also declined 21%, according to the UNAIDS report. In raw numbers, some 2.2 million people died from AIDS related causes in 2005. By 2010, the number was down to 1.8 million. In 1997 there were 3.2 million new HIV infections. By 2010, the number was 2.7 million. UNAIDS says the decline in both numbers can be attributed to a major expansion in access to treatment. “We are on the verge of a significant breakthrough,” UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe said. “Even in a very difficult financial crisis, countries are delivering results in the AIDS response. We have seen a massive scale up
in access to HIV treatment which has had a dramatic effect on the lives of people everywhere.” UNAIDS estimates 700,000 deaths were averted last year because of better access to treatment. That has also helped cut new HIV infections, as people undergoing care are less likely to infect others. The UNAIDS report said the full preventive impact of treatment is likely to be seen in the next five years, as more countries improve treatment. Its report added that even though the AIDS epidemic is not over, “The end may be in sight if countries invest smartly.” “The number of new HIV infections is 3050% lower now than it would have been in the absence of universal access to treatment for eligible people living with HIV,” the UNAIDS report said. Caribbean nations saw new HIV infections decline by a third since 2001. The Dominican Republic and Jamaica specifically saw infections drop by more than 25%. The most impressive reduction, however, was in India, where the number of new HIV infections fell by a whopping 56%. The number of new HIV infections has dropped by more than 26% in sub-Saharan Africa and has been declining or holding steady in most parts of the world. In Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Oceania,
the Middle East, and North Africa, however, the number of new HIV infections continues to rise. According to UNAIDS and World Health Organization estimates, the number of HIVpositive people who accessed antiretroviral treatment in 2010 increased by 1.35 million over 2009, coming to a record 6.6 million people. “Close to half of all people who need treatment are currently accessing that treatment. So this comes to about 6.6 million people. Some of the same drugs are also used to reduce mother-to-child transmission. So that’s another area where we are seeing favorable trends,” UNAIDS chief epidemiologist Peter Ghys said. Sub-Saharan Africa has seen the most dramatic improvement in treatment rates, with a 20% rise in people undergoing treatment
between 2009 and 2010. About half of those eligible for treatment are now receiving it, UNAIDS says. Some countries have seen particularly striking improvements. In Namibia, for example, treatment access has reached 90% and condom use rose to 75%, resulting in a 60% drop in new infections by 2010. Several recent studies show that treatment can be up to 96% effective in preventing HIV transmission among partners. UNAIDS said that the increase in male circumcision and the increase in condom use have also contributed to the decline in new infections and AIDS-related deaths. Because of the increase in the number of HIV-positive people receiving treatment, the number of people living with HIV has reached a record 34 million, UNAIDS says.
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November 25, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
Top 10 myths about HIV vaccine research Courtesy of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network December 1 is World AIDS Day, and in commemoration of the occasion, the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, headquartered at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, debunks the top 10 myths about HIV vaccine research.
in a study, and those volunteers are reminded that they may leave a study at any time without losing rights or benefits. The HVTN takes great care in making sure people understand the study fully before they decide whether or not to join. All HVTN research adheres to U.S. federal regulations on research, as well as the international standards
Myth No. 1: HIV vaccines can give people HIV. HIV vaccines do not contain HIV and therefore a person cannot get HIV from the HIV vaccine. Some vaccines, like those for typhoid or polio, may contain a weak form of the virus they are protecting against, but this is not the case for HIV vaccines. Scientists make HIV vaccines so that they look like the real virus, but they do not contain any HIV. Think of it as being like a photocopy: It might look similar, but it isn’t the original. In the past 25 years more than 30,000 volunteers have taken part in HIV vaccine studies worldwide, and no one has been infected with HIV by any for the countries in which it conducts reof the vaccines tested – because they do not search. contain HIV. Myth No. 4: A person must be HIV positive to be in an Myth No. 2: An HIV vaccine HIV vaccine study. already exists. Not so. While some research groups are There is no licensed vaccine against HIV or AIDS, but scientists are getting closer conducting studies of vaccines that might than ever before to developing an effective be used in people who are already infected vaccine against HIV. In 2009, a large-scale with HIV, the vaccines being tested by the vaccine study conducted in Thailand called HVTN are preventive vaccines. They must RV144 showed that a vaccine combination be tested on volunteers who are not infected could prevent about 32 percent of new in- with HIV. fections. Researchers are starting to underMyth No. 5: Vaccine stand why this vaccine combination worked researchers want study and how to improve upon it. participants to practice Researchers around the world continue to unsafe behaviors so they can search for an HIV vaccine that is even more see whether the vaccine effective. Leading this effort is the HIV really works. Vaccine Trials Network, the largest publicly Not true. The safety of study participants funded group of HIV vaccine researchers in the world. The HVTN is an international ef- is the No. 1 priority of HIV vaccine refort to find a safe and effective vaccine to searchers and study site staff. Trained counstop the spread of HIV. It is funded by the selors work with study participants to help them develop an individual plan on how U.S. National Institutes of Health. to keep from contracting HIV. Participants also are given supplies such as condoms and Myth No. 3: Joining an lubricant as well as instructions on how to HIV-vaccine study use them properly. HIV efficacy trials enroll is like being a guinea pig. Unlike guinea pigs, people can say yes thousands of participants over several years, or no to participating in research. All study and with even with the best counseling volunteers must go through a process called some participants will still become infected informed consent that ensures they under- through their risky behavior. Changing hustand all of the risks and benefits of being man behavior is never easy; after all, many
just not possible to find one people still smoke, even though it is widely that works. known that smoking is a major cause of lung The science of HIV-vaccine development cancer. An AIDS epidemic would not exist if prevention was as simple as counseling is challenging, but scientific understanding continues to improve all the time. In just the people to change their risky behavior. past two years there have been promising results from the RV144 study in Thailand as Myth No. 6: Now that there well as exciting laboratory work, such as the are pills that can prevent discovery of new broadly neutralizing antiHIV infection, an HIV vaccine bodies against HIV. HIV is a powerful opis no longer necessary. HIV-negative people who are at high risk ponent, but scientists are constantly learncan take antiretroviral medication daily to ing from one another and using advanced try to lower their chances of becoming in- technology to fight it. Science has come a fected if they are exposed to the virus. This long way in the 30 years since AIDS was type of therapy – called PrEP, short for Pre- discovered. In comparing preventive HIV Exposure Prophylaxis – has been shown to vaccine work to other vaccine development, be effective among those at high the time it has taken is not so surprising; the risk. However, it has not yet been polio vaccine took 47 years to develop. recommended for widespread Myth No. 9: Vaccines cause use. PrEP is unlikely to be an autism and just aren’t safe. option for everyone because the This is not true. Numerous studies in the pills are expensive and are not always covered by insurance, past decade have found this claim to be false. they may cause side effects, and The British doctor who originally published not everyone has access to them. the finding about vaccines and autism has Remembering to take a pill every since been found to have falsified his data. day is also challenging for some There is actually no link between childhood people. The most effective way vaccination and autism. It is true that vacto eliminate a disease is by us- cines often have side effects, but those are ing an effective vaccine. It was a typically temporary (like a sore arm, low vaccine that eliminated smallpox fever, muscle aches and pains) and go away and has almost eliminated polio. after a day or two. The value of protection to Most likely it will be an HIV vac- vaccinated individuals and to the public has cine that eliminates HIV from the made vaccines one of the top public health world. Vaccines are an effective, measures in history, second only to having a affordable, and practical option. clean water supply. Myth No. 7: An HIV vaccine is unnecessary because AIDS is easily treated and controlled, just like diabetes. While treatment for AIDS has dramatically improved over the last 30 years, it is no substitute for prevention. Current HIV medications are very expensive, and there are also many side effects. Sometimes people develop drug resistance and have to change the regimen of pills they take. Access to these drugs for the uninsured in the U.S. and those in the developing world is also very limited. Myth No. 8: The search for an HIV vaccine has been going on for a long time and it’s
Myth No. 10: People who aren’t at risk don’t need an HIV vaccine. A person currently may not be at risk for HIV, but life situations can change along with disease risk. Such a vaccine also may be important for one’s children or other family members and friends. By being knowledgeable about preventive HIV vaccine research, a person can be part of the solution by educating friends and family about the importance of such research and debunking the myths that surround it. Even if a person is not at risk, he or she can be part of the effort to find a vaccine that will hopefully save the lives of millions of people worldwide. To learn more or find out how to get involved in an HIV vaccine study, please visit www.hvtn.org.
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Josh Friedes, marriage equality director for Equal Rights Washington (ERW), told Seattle Gay News. “Many of our coalition members are ‘in-kinding’ staff, services, and technology to the coalition.” Very significantly, the Human Rights Campaign is contributing a field team, just as they did in the successful effort to pass a marriage bill through the New York legislature. “The field team is led by Adrian Matanza, who many know from his outstanding service to the Approve 71 campaign,” continued Friedes. “Rounding out the team are Molly Griffard, Joy Kang, Michael Martin, Maggie Thompson, and Halei Watkins. These are all individuals who were living in Washington when hired by HRC and these names will be familiar to many who are engaged in political organizing, social justice, and coalition building.” Washington State Representative Jamie Pedersen Washington United for Marriage’s professional lobbying team is particularly strong because it brings together the continued from cover lobbying power of ERW, Legal Voice, the ACLU of Washington, Planned Parenthood, COALITION BUILDING UFCW 21, SEIU, Faith in Action, the JewIn order to secure civil marriage for Wash- ish Federation, and many other organizaington citizens in 2012, we will need to rally tions with respected lobbyists in Olympia. behind a central campaign. That is where “Marriage matters to everyone, and it is Washington United for Marriage comes into important that our spokespeople and moveplay. Although the coalition is officially one ment represent the diversity of the people week old, it is already growing in size and who will benefit from marriage equality,” support. said Friedes. “It was very powerful at the “Washington United for Marriage is in Tacoma community meeting when Mayor the process of hiring a campaign manager,” Marilyn Strickland spoke about her support
WA UNITED
Six easy things you can do to help Washington United for Marriage today! 1. Volunteer. Washington United has phone banks running Monday-Thursday nights and will soon add weekend dates and other locations. Current phonebanks are held 5:30-9 p.m. at the ERW office. Volunteers are also needed to collect marriage equality postcards. It’s way fun! 2. Talk to your friends and family about why marriage matters and ask them to do the same thing; remind them their legislators will not know they support marriage equality unless they contact their legislators. Focus on friends and family outside of Seattle. The easiest way to contact legislators is via the Washington United website (www.washingtonunited.org). 3. Make a donation. Money matters. It’s that simple. 4. Ask organizations/congregations/unions you are engaged with to become part of the Washington United Coalition. Endorsement forms are on the website. We are happy to send a representative to meet with boards and make presentations. 5. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WashingtonUnited, follow us on Twitter at @WA4M, and talk about marriage equality at least three times a week using your social media. 6. Ask your clergy person to sign our Faith Leaders Statement. of marriage equality from the perspective of both a Korean American and African American. It is all our responsibility to make sure Washington United welcomes and engages all communities.” There is significant outreach underway being led by Washington United leaders, including Marcos Martinez from Entre Hermanos, Liezl Rebugio of the ACLU of Washington, and George Cheung and Kristina Logsdon from the Win/Win network. Over 30 organizations representing communities of color supported the Approve 71 campaign, and although this is only the second week of the Washington United campaign, outreach to these organizations has already started. “Among our early endorsers is Asian Pacific Americans for Civic Empowerment,” said Friedes. “We will soon be holding opportunities for couples to become comfortable speaking to the media and we will make sure that we work with couples who reflect the diversity of the Washington electorate.” “Generally, I think we have done a good job making sure the speakers at the meetings reflect the diversity of the communities where the meetings are being held. I think we missed the mark at our Seattle community meeting with respect to having speakers that reflected the diversity of the Seattle area.” “We did, however, do well with respect to gender, age, gender identity, and faith tradition,” concluded Friedes. LOBBYING WORKS Washington voters have heard over and over again that we need to lobby our politicians about the need for marriage equality in our state. But what about those of us who live in the 43rd District? Our elected leaders support marriage equality. What role do we play? “It is true that Speaker [Frank] Chopp,
Senator Ed Murray, and I all strongly support marriage equality – so you do not need to convince us,” Representative Jamie Pedersen told Seattle Gay News. “However, it is good for us to be able to say that we have heard from hundreds of constituents for whom marriage equality is a big issue. So whether you live in the 43rd or another district where your legislators are already supportive, it never hurts to say that marriage is an important issue for you and to thank your legislators for their support.” Pedersen, an openly Gay legislator representing Seattle who is in a domestic partnership and a father of four, says it is important to look toward future dates that will be significant in the fight for marriage equality. “Please mark your calendars now and make time to come to Equality Day in Olympia on February 16,” he said. “A great turnout that day will really help us.” More broadly, if you have friends who live in south Snohomish, east King, Pierce, or Kitsap counties, Pedersen asks that you “talk with them and encourage them to contact their legislators.” “Those are the districts whose legislators we need to be supportive if we are going to win marriage equality next session,” he said. For those of us living in the 43rd, Friedes says that we have a special role to play. “We must speak to our friends and family and ask them to speak to their legislators about why marriage matters,” he said. “But it’s a funny thing – the easiest way to make a request of a friend or family member is often to say, ‘I just contacted my legislator and I urge you to do the same thing.’ We do have to pattern best behavior.” “So when you get that ERW action alert, remember to take the action and then forward it to everyone you know,” requested Friedes. “This is how we will grow our base outside Seattle.”
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We also need to remember that our opponents will likely try to repeal a marriage bill, if passed, so now is the time to get everyone invested in the process. This means asking everyone in Seattle to be ready to support marriage equality. An easy way of doing this, said Friedes, “is asking them to start by contacting their legislators. It is the process of democracy.” Simply put: Lobbying works. Pedersen says that for anyone who is skeptical they need only look to their districts for examples. “There are several Republicans who represent districts, particularly in King County, that are strongly in favor of marriage equality. There are also several Republicans who believe strongly that treating same-sex couples and their families equally is the right thing to do.” “In many cases, this is because they have friends, family, constituents, and/or coworkers who have come out to them and shared their stories,” he explained. “There is no question that lobbying in this way does work.” Friedes agreed. “As we work to pass the marriage bill we must be neither cynical nor Pollyanna. That’s a tall order. I assure you that the stories told by constituents matter. This is why it’s so important to personally meet with your legislators and encourage others to do so if their legislators are not supportive.” “I’ve worked on the marriage equality issue for many years and one thing I have noticed is that most legislators have one or more stories to tell about the person or people who moved them to support marriage equality,” he said. “When the going gets tough, legislators need to be able to tell the story of their constituents. Most legislators really want to do right by their constituents. Legislators take the concept of public service seriously. Our stories and our lobbying help legislators understand why extending civil marriage to loving, committed Gay and Lesbian couples is good for their districts and all of Washington.” And the number of contacts matters, too. “It really helps when legislators know there is both broad and deep support for marriage equality in their districts,” reminded Friedes. “Legislators know that the marriage votes that will take place will be remembered by generations to come. On a matter of this great importance, at the end of the day, legislators will vote their conscience as much if not more than their party. Legislators will need to look their children and grandchildren in the eye and justify their
votes. This reality we have on our side.”
papa are married and to have the security and confidence that comes with that,” he WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL said. “We can win this if we put in the work Each and every one of us is an individual, over the next 12 months. Full equality is in and within our individuality, the unique sto- sight.” ry of our life journey is written. Washington United for Marriage officials and Seattle Gay News encourage you to tell that story, and tell it in as many ways as you possibly can. Talk to co-workers about marriage continued from cover equality; talk to friends and family about the love you and your partner share. Write it “The agreement also includes updated imdown on a Facebook or blog post. Use your Twitter account. Contact Seattle Gay News migrant rights and LGBT language, livable and share your story with our writing team wage and benefit increases, and workload so many can read about your committed re- reductions for housekeepers.” Successorship language that would enable lationship. But remember to do more than one of these acts: social media alone is not Westin workers to keep their jobs if the hotel enough; telling your friend (who already is sold was one of the main sticking points in knows your story) is not enough. It is time the negotiations. Updated nondiscrimination language profor you to ask your straight allies to tell their story to their friends and family about how tecting LGBT workers was also an issue. UNITE HERE’s 2007 Westin contract they, too, support same-sex civil marriage in our state. Your story – now more than ever was the first hotel contract in the country to explicitly protect Transgender workers – matters. “Stories are transformative and put a hu- from discrimination on the job. This year, man face on the issue of marriage equality,” the union asked for updated language that said Friedes. “Stories move people and leg- would expand protections for LGBT hotel islators in a way wonky arguments do not. employees. UNITE HERE credited community supAnd we have so many different stories, the totality of our stories help legislators and the port for the successful outcome of their nepublic understand why marriage is the only gotiations. “This is a victory for the workers as well way that our families can have the dignity as the Seattle community,” Marwaha wrote we deserve and the protections we need.” “Everybody needs to be telling their sto- on behalf of the union. “We could not have done this without you, ries and we need to remind our straight friends and family and clergy that they need and the continued pressure that the Westin to tell their stories,” he said. “These indi- faced had a major impact on the negotiaviduals have stories to tell about how they tions, in addition to giving great moral supbecame supporters of marriage equality, port for the workers to hold firm until a faabout how they want to see their friends and vorable settlement was reached.” While the contract must now be approved family be treated as equals, and about how marriage matters in their own lives and how by union members, there seems to be no furwrong it is to deny marriage to loving Gay ther obstacle to a final agreement. The settlement means that the union will and Lesbian couples.” Pedersen has told his own story in the not call for a boycott of the hotel. They had pages of Seattle Gay News on a number of previously asked for, and received, boyoccasions. He celebrated the birth of his cott authorization from their members and sons with our readers. He’s talked of the from the Martin Luther King County Labor love and commitment that he and his partner Council. This, in turn, means that Equal Rights Eric share. And now, given the importance of this moment in our movement’s history, Washington will be able to hold its Toasting as we go after full marriage equality for all Equality breakfast event at the Westin on Washingtonians, he has a simple – yet heart- December 9, without the hotel being under boycott. felt – message for our readers: The Seattle Hilton Hotel remains under “I love Eric and want to express to him and to everyone else the significance of the boycott, however, because management has commitment that we made to each other in not agreed to successorship language that our church wedding eight years ago. I also would protect jobs if the hotel were sold. Contract negotiations are ongoing at other want our kids to know that their daddy and
westin
venues represented by UNITE HERE Local 8 – the Edgewater, the Space Needle, the Washington Athletic Club, and the DoubleTree and Hilton in SeaTac. In all, Local 8 represents some 4,000 hotel and restaurant workers in western Washington.
chen
continued from cover and Cooper. “When the crime of Aggravated Murder in the First Degree is charged, Washington state’s capital punishment statute requires the prosecuting attorney to make a decision about whether or not the option of the death penalty should be presented to a future jury,” said Dan Donohoe, a spokesperson for the King County Prosecutor’s Office. “In making this decision, the prosecuting attorney must consider any and all relevant mitigating factors that would necessitate not seeking the death penalty.” Under the law, a capital case jury is asked the following question once they have rendered a verdict of guilty in the crime charged: “Having in mind the crime of which the defendant has been found guilty, are you convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that there are not sufficient mitigating circumstances to merit leniency?” In order to return an affirmative answer to the question posed by this subsection, the jury must so find unanimously, said Donohoe. “After careful consideration of this case, Satterberg decided that the case is not appropriate for the death penalty under the statute,” Donohoe continued. “The only other punishment for Aggravated Murder is life in prison without the possibility of release. We will pursue a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of release in this case.” Chen’s attorneys had previously said they were confident the death penalty wouldn’t be sought. “We do believe there’s a great deal of information that will be mitigating in this case,” defense attorney Todd Maybrown said in an August court hearing, adding that the defense team will “show there is no basis for a death penalty” against Chen. Chen is scheduled for a case setting hearing on December 8 at the King County Courthouse.
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