Issue 45 Volume 37
Celebrating 36 Years!
FRIDAY November 6, 2009 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
tour de life p. 4
art wolfe p. 25
earshot jazz p. 29
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
REFERENDUM 71 APPROVED Washingtonians vote to keep equality a state value james whitely
both said that because Referendum November 3. “By forcing the ref71 made the ballot, Washingto- erendum, Protect Marriage Washnians now have a greater under- ington, the Family Policy Institute, This week, Washington voters standing of the challenges faced and the National Organization for approved ReferMarriage have endum 71, uplikely done holding a state quite a lot to adlaw that provides vance the cause important legal of full equality protections and for Lesbian and grants the same Gay families rights and responin Washington sibilities of marState.” riage to same-sex Voters across and senior regthe state, she istered domestic said, listened partners as marto the personal ried couples. stories of Gay On election and Lesbian night, Referenfamilies, and dum 71 was toutthe challenges ed as too close they face. “It to call. As SGN was profoundgoes to press, the ly wrong for Associated Press someone to try Crowds cheered as the results of Tuesday’s election came in has declared victo eliminate the tory for the Approve Referendum by Gay and Lesbian families and rights of others,” she added. 71 Campaign, making Washington the legal protections they lack. “Based on returns so far, they State the first state in the nation to “Were it not for the referendum, are sending a resounding message: support domestic partnership by the law would have just quietly we want to see all families treated popular vote. gone into effect in July,” Levinson equally under the law,” Levinson Approve Referendum 71 Cam- told a crowd of supporters gathered said. “We believe the end result of paign Manager Josh Friedes, and at the Approve Referendum 71 Campaign Chair Anne Levinson Campaign party on Capitol Hill on see r-71 page 8
shaun knittel
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
Approve Referendum 71 Campaign Chair Anne Levinson (l) and Pete-e embrace upon hearing the election results
Hope turned to grief as news of the passing of Maine’s Question 1 was announced
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer As Washington voters were approving Referendum 71 on Tuesday, voters in Maine were passing Question 1, which repealed that state’s same-sex marriage law. With almost all votes now counted, Question 1 has passed by a margin of 52.81% to 47.19%. “Tonight, hundreds of thousands of Maine voters stood for equality, but in the end, it wasn’t enough,” said Jesse Connolly, campaign
manager for No on 1/Protect Maine Equality. “We’re in this for the long haul,” Connolly continued. “For next week, and next month, and next year – until all Maine families are treated equally. Because in the end, this has always been about love and family, and that will always be something worth fighting for.” In contrast, PR man Frank Schubert, whose firm Schubert Flint see maine page 17
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez testified in favor of ENDA before the US Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on Thursday, November 5. This was first hearing on S 1584, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, in the Senate this year, and the first Senate hearing the measure legislation since 2002. It was also the first time any official of any administration has testified in the Senate on ENDA, and the first congressional testimony by Perez in his current position as head of the US Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division – the nation’s top civil rights law enforcement official. ENDA would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, adding to existing federal protections for “race, color, religion, sex or national origin.” Perez told the Senate Committee his department “regularly” receives complaints about sexual
baltimore sun
Andres Duque
Setback in Maine Obama administration Voters repeal marriage equality testifies in favor of ENDA
Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez, head of the US Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division
orientation and gender identity discrimination. ”It is painfully disappointing to have to tell these working men and women that, in the United States of America in 2009, they may well be without redress because our federal employment anti-discrimination laws either exclude them or fail clearly to protect them,” he said.
proud to Be Different
We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store.
“We cannot in good conscience stand by and watch unjustifiable discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals occur in the workplace without redress,” Perez continued. “We have come too far in our struggle for ‘equal justice under see enda page 19
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Finders Keepers Upcoming Events October 17, 2009 to Memorial Day 2010, over 2000 hand blown glass floats will be hidden on the beach for you to find and keep!
Oct 31-Nov 1: Glass Galore Art Fair & Sale Nov 14: Seafood & Chowder Cook-off Nov 14: Restoration Pow Wow Nov 19-22: Native American Arts Festival Nov 27-28: Comedy On the Coast Dec 3: Civil War Games & Festivities Dec 26-Jan 1: Whale Watch Week Dec 30-Jan 23: Seniors of the Sahara at Theatre West
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Seattle Gay News
November 6, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Saturday November 21, 2009
Naval Reserve Center, South Lake Union, Seattle 860 Terry Ave North · Seattle, WA 98109
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Deadlines Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the sgn office All others - Tuesday 5pm
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Tour De Life: After the battle by Beau Burriola SGN European Correspondent “It’s time we return to more civil discourse in this country.” -Larry Stickney, Reject 71 Campaign Manager (not even trying to be ironic) Seriously, did Larry Stickney, manager for the campaign to rip rights away from Washington’s Gay families, really just recommend that now, after the destruction his campaign wrought, we should return to a more civil discourse? Where was the civil discourse when his campaign was spreading lies and paranoia? The day after Election Day is always exhausting. You feel like your emotions can’t
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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.
take anymore. This is especially true when the ballot topic is as emotional as Referendum 71, only the latest in a string of ridiculous and unprecedented referendums around the country where Gay people have to prove to non-Gay people that we are worthy of being treated equally, but only if they approve. With emasculated judiciaries unwilling or unable to stand up for the rights of Gay folks, the battle now rages all over the country, becoming increasingly bitter and angry. With each one of these referendums, the tone and tenor of the conversation has reached a new low, the kind that is only reserved for the worst and most practiced of enemies. Reading through forums on the Seattle Times, you’d think that any regard
for human dignity were completely obliterated by the anonymity that internet posting provides. People can be really awful when they don’t have to show their name. They become emboldened to be even more horrible the next time. Since California’s infamous Prop 8, both sides of the equality debate now have developed playbooks and talking points, battle plans and foot soldier manuals for how to really bring the fight. We are all steadily becoming professionals in the art of this war. And the first casualty in this war is human dignity. “If it doesn’t come through tonight, then we’re ready to start another fight.” –Ken Hutcherson, Antioch Bible Church on Election Night While the battle for Washington families won a narrow victory, the defeat in Maine is a stinging setback. We were reminded that people like Ken Hutcherson, who continue to use their pulpits to divide and belittle, will continue to try to convince others of their divine superiority. We’re reminded that even when we think that most of our neighbors would agree we should be treated equally, there are so many who don’t. We are reminded just how unfair that is. For most of us in the coming months, the debate will undoubtedly die down a little bit, only to flare up again when the next battle over a referendum or proposition – here or elsewhere – takes place. The same arguments will be regurgitated, and the same old soul-sucking tactics on both sides will again bring out the worst in us. And we’ll all be better at the fight. Maybe one day, when the war for equality is all over, decades down the road, we can try to forget how awful the fight was, how bruising and hurtful, and how wrong it was to ever have had to convince other people we were worthy enough. Maybe then we can return to “civil discourse” with those on the other side. Maybe then we can all forgive a little. But until then, it’s more likely that we’ll all grow more angry, bitter and hardened. At the cost of our collective dignity, we’re still going to slog through the next exhausting fight because we’re all convinced we have no other choice. “All across the state, they want us – they want their neighbors, they want their friends, they want their co-workers – to be treated equally under the law, and that is what these numbers tonight reflect.” – Anne Levinson, chair of the Approve 71 Campaign
In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
Beau Burriola is a writer and student in Brussels. http://www.beaubrent.com 4
Seattle Gay News
November 6, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
file photo
SGN Exclusive Interview
Sherry Wolf speaks on the National March by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer Sherry Wolf, valued collaborator of Cleve Jones and one of the leading organizers and speakers of the National Equality March in Washington D.C., is coming to Seattle to continue her speaking tour for her recent book, Sexuality and Socialism, and to speak at the International Socialist Organization’s (ISO) 5th Annual Northwest Socialist Conference November 7-8. Wolf has been a leader in the good fight for more than 25 years. Since she was a teenager, she has seen herself as a “post-Stonewall, pre-Twitter” LGBT rights activist. Starting out as an anti-racist and anti-apartheid activist and gaining a stronger political base during her college years, in recent years she has become a leading – if not the leading – Socialist LGBT rights activist in the United States. However, on July 4, 2009, Independence Day, Wolf was offered the opportunity to step up her passion for activism more so than ever before when she received a call from Cleve Jones, who was spearheading the planning for the National March on Washington D.C. and wanted her help. “When I heard about the [National] March, I thought this was the right political call and the right political tone,” Wolf told SGN. Wolf and the ISO, which she is a leading member of, decided to centralize their efforts. The ISO made the National March on Washington their priority for the fall of 2009. From the release of Wolf’s book last June, right around the 40th anniversary of
Stonewall, to the grassroots organizing on campuses and neighborhoods all around the country, including here in Seattle, each chapter of the ISO made it their mission to create as much energy and excitement for the National Equality March as possible. “It made perfect sense to organize the speaking tour on the book around the National March,” said Wolf. The SGN wanted to take the opportunity to ask the well-rounded and passionate activist some basic questions about radicalism and socialism. James Whitely: What does it mean to be a radical socialist LGBT activist versus an LGBT activist with no personal politics? Wolf: I see that the problems in our society are structural and the solution is collective. Workers make all the wealth, and ought to control that wealth and decide how society is organized. The way we’re going to win LGBT liberation is in the wider context of other struggles – immigrant rights, etc. I have always rejected a separatist “Gay-only” struggle. When we win – and we will – we are still going to have to fight the homophobia that capitalism generates. … We need not only to fight for reforms, but for a society that is fair – economically, socially and politically. Whitely: Is it more important to be radical than simply support organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and American Civil Liberties Union? Wolf: It’s not about opposing [them]; we will work with anyone that wants to work in a grassroots fashion. We need to not be tied to the Democratic Party or to corpo-
Sherry Wolf
rate strategy, so they [organizations that use those strategies] need to be confronted, rather than collaborated with. Whitely: Do you think there is a strong outpouring of youth in the movement? Do you think they are working together effectively with older activists? Wolf: It’s indisputable that there is a generational explosion among young people that have come up in an era that is more culturally open. But the divide that exists – that the March exposed – is not a generational divide, but a political divide. The March was organized by mostly younger people. The March, and explosion of interest in the march was an expression of defiance and of anti-corporate strategy. It showed that there is a political questioning about the motives of the Democratic Party and whether they are capable of delivering the goods without pressure from below.
At the conference, which will be held this year at the University of Washington, Wolf will be speaking on the November 7 LGBT Equality Panel in Sieg Hall, Room 134 at 7:00 p.m. On November 8, at 10:30 a.m., in Thomson Hall, Wolf will be speaking about her book, Sexuality and Socialism, as well as answering questions about it. Single conference sessions are $5 each, and the entire conference – a weekend full of political theory and debate that’s well worth the cost – is a sliding scale payment of $2050. The extra money, if you wish to donate, goes directly to funding other events just like the Northwest Socialist Conference. You can register at the conference, or pre-register online. To see the full list of the weekend’s events, ranging from Marxist economics to the history of Seattle working class struggle, or to pre-register, visit www. nwsocialistconference.org or www.seattleiso.org.
Kiss-in provides visibility Police seek car involved for new UW LGBT group in fatal police shooting James whitely
Participants in the November 4 Kiss In
by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer Newly formed University of Washington student group Students Organizing for LGBT Equality (SOLE) staged a kiss-in on November 4 at the University of Washington’s Red Square. The event, which was a moderate success, served as a celebration of the early lead for the Approve R-71 Campaign, as well as a way to provide muchneeded visibility for the new group. SOLE offered free Hershey’s Kisses candies as well as kisses on the cheek from lipstick-clad SOLE members to any and all passersby. SOLE was formed only a few weeks ago, as a product of Seattle OUTprotest
Weekend. Students Mario Lemata and Emily Juhre were looking for a University of Washington student group with political aims similar to Seattle OUTprotest, the organization that put on the recent weekend of events here in Seattle. Not finding anything, they decided to create their own. Modeled after Seattle OUTprotest, and with the help of other interested students and students groups such as the University of Washington International Socialist Organization, SOLE seems to be off to a strong start. SOLE meets Wednesdays in the UW School of Social Work, room B14, at 5:30 p.m. For more information, e-mail isouw@ uw.edu.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer The Seattle Police Department are looking for a vehicle that officers suspect may have been involved in the shooting death of field training officer Timothy Brenton and the wounding of student officer Britt Sweeney on October 31 in Seattle’s Leschi neighborhood. Detectives believe the killer watched a traffic stop conducted by Brenton and Sweeney before pulling up alongside the patrol car and opening fire. Brenton, 39, was killed instantly. Sweeney, after being grazed by several bullets, was able to return fire. Brenton was a nine-year veteran of the department and is survived by a wife, an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son. Sweeney is recovering at home and is said to be working with investigators. Police are looking for a white or light beige 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210 coupe in connection with the shooting. Detectives have made no arrests and so far have not identified any suspects. Investigators believe the car initially fled in reverse to elude being recorded on the front-end camera attached to Brenton’s patrol car. However, an image of a similar vehicle was recorded from a police car near the homicide scene. It is one of several leads police are checking, according to police spokesman Sean Whitcomb. Seattle Police Interim Chief John Diaz said on October 2 the homicide “was a hit on law enforcement.” Diaz said investigators pulled every incar video camera from all the vehicles that worked in the Central District/Leschi area, as well as checking all the video surveillance from surrounding businesses. “We’re going to do everything in our power to find this person,” he said. “Every
November 6, 2009
local and state agency is helping.” Investigators are hoping for additional information and are asking the public to continue providing tips. The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter has been increased to $105,000. Anyone with information regarding the fatal shooting is urged to call 911 or the police homicide unit at 206-684-5550, or the tipline at 206-233-5000. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text message to CRIMES (274637). Be sure to include “TIP486” in your message to ensure proper routing.
Seattle Gay News
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and fostering acceptance of differences – and that Malta has seen progress in GLBT acceptance. He also said love is the most important thing there is and that it can’t be “graded” based on sexual orientation. It was the first time a head of state met with ILGA-Europe members during one of the group’s annual conferences. Kenya to count its Gays Kenya, which bans Gay sex under penalty of 14 years in prison, is planning to count its Gay population as part of its efforts against HIV. Officials don’t expect the numbers to be accurate, but figure the results could help with projects such as condom distribution, safe-sex education and HIV testing. Reports said Gay men will be expected to identify each other to government officials.
The president of Malta, George Abela (center), met with ILGA-Europe members Oct. 27 as the group prepared to open its 13th annual conference in the island nation.
INTERNATIONAL
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
Portugal to legalize same-sex marriage Sources close to Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates, who is forming a new government following September elections, said October 23 that legalizing same-sex marriage will be one of the new team’s first actions. “The measure is part of the official program of the party and according to government sources, the move will be done as soon as [formation of] the government is complete,” writes correspondent João Paulo from PortugalGay.pt. Sócrates’ Socialist Party captured 97 of Parliament’s 230 seats. With 31 additional votes from members of the Left Bloc and the Communist Party, both of which support Gay marriage, Sócrates should be able to pass the bill easily. Portugal has had a “de facto unions” law for opposite- and same-sex couples since 2001 that grants limited rights to couples who have lived together for at least two years.
The anti-Gay Defense of Marriage Act, passed during Bill Clinton’s presidency, prevents the U.S. government from recognizing same-sex spouses for any reason. President Obama has said repeatedly that he supports DOMA’s repeal and the extension to same-sex couples of every right and obligation of marriage – but he has taken no concrete steps to achieve his stated goals. Coco and Oliveira have said they may sue the federal government over DOMA in hopes of being reunited.
James Parkes was set upon by a gang of 20 youths and suffered multiple skull fractures and a broken cheekbone and eye socket. He was hospitalized in critical condition before being released October 30 to recuperate at home. Government threatens Citing language used by the bashers, poto close Turkish Gay group lice have deemed the assault a homophobic The Black Pink Triangle Association in hate crime. Izmir, Turkey, has become the latest Turkish Twelve of the alleged assailants, some GLBT organization to face a closure threat of whom are as young as 13, have been ar- from the government. rested. The Izmir governor’s office filed suit against the group, calling it illegal, immoral Brazilian man barred and anti-family. A hearing is scheduled for from living in U.S. February 19, 2010. with American husband The association plans to fight back. The Obama administration let the clock “The prosecutor’s demand for closure of run out October 23 on helping a Brazilian our association is clearly a violation of civil man who wants to return to Massachusetts rights,” the group said in a statement. “Esto live with his U.S. husband. tablishing an organization is a constitutional Tim Coco and Brazilian Genésio Oliveira right and they want to take that right from married in Massachusetts in 2005 and own a us.” home together in a Boston suburb. Oliveira Previous governmental attempts to abolish was sent home in August 2007 after losing GLBT organizations in Ankara and Istanbul an asylum case based on anti-Gay persecu- failed after lengthy court proceedings. tion he said he experienced in Brazil. He Gay cop Gay-bashed later also lost a case in which he sought to Maltese president in Liverpool, England return to the U.S. based on his marriage to meets with ILGA-Europe A 22-year-old off-duty trainee police of- Coco. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder The president of Malta, George Abela, met ficer was seriously Gay-bashed outside the had until Oct. 23 to overrule that decision on with the executive board and staff members Gay bar Superstar Boudoir in Liverpool, humanitarian grounds. He had been urged to of the European Region of the International England, on October 25. do so by U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (aka ILGA-Europe) October 27 as the group prepared to open its 13th annual conference in the island nation. During the meeting at the presidential palace, Abela said that information and education are important in tackling discrimination
Argentina considers legalizing Gay marriage Argentina’s Congress has begun debate on legalization of same-sex marriage. The bill is expected to survive a committee vote and advance to the full Chamber of Deputies. If passed there, it would move to the Senate. Several Argentine cities, including Buenos Aires, and one province have local civilunion laws that grant some of the rights and obligations of marriage. U.N. Human Rights Committee blasts Russia’s treatment of Gays The U.N. Human Rights Committee blasted Russia’s treatment of Gay people October 29, saying they face “systematic discrimination” by the government. “The Committee is concerned about acts of violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender persons, including reports of harassment by the police and incidents of people being assaulted or killed on account of their sexual orientation,” it wrote in its periodic review of the nation. “The Committee notes with concern the systematic discrimination against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation in the State party [Russia], including hate speech and manifestations of intolerance and prejudice by public officials, religious leaders and in the media. The Committee is also concerned about discrimination in employment, health care, education and other fields, as well as the infringement of the right to freedom of assembly and association and notes the absence of legislation that specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.” The committee urged Russia to pass a national law banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, launch a “sensitization campaign aimed at the general public ... to combat discrimination against LGBT persons,” provide “appropriate training to law enforcement officials,” and “take all necessary measures to guarantee the exercise in practice of the right to peaceful association and assembly for the LGBT community.” For the past four years, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has banned Gay pride events and sent riot police to violently arrest small groups of activists who ignored the bans. He has called Gay parades “satanic” and “weapons of mass destruction.” A group of combined lawsuits over the bans should see a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights sometime in 2010. With assistance from Bill Kelley
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Seattle Gay News
November 6, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
SEATTLE OUT & PROUD CO-HOSTS SAM REMIX On Friday, November 6, from 6 p.m. - midnight, join Seattle Out and Proud (SOaP), organizers of Seattle’s annual Pride Parade, at the Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave. at University St., for a great line-up of music, performances and special guests. As a “Friend of SOaP,” you’ll get the $5 SAM member rate. To get the discounted rate, please mention SOaP when purchasing tickets. The first 100 guests at Remix on the night of the event get in free at the door. This is an 18+ ages event. www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Holocaust-era composers: Czech composer Pavel Haas, and the less-known murdered Hungarian composers Sándor Vándor and László Weiner. Tickets are $36 and can be purchased by phone at 206-365-7770; by fax at 206-985-6924; online at www.musicofremembrance.org and at the door. TOASTING EQUALITY – AN EQUAL RIGHTS WASHINGTON COMMUNITY BREAKFAST On Tuesday, November 10, at 7:30 a.m., at the Seattle Hilton, 1301 Sixth Ave., Equal Rights Washington (ERW), will host “Toasting Equality: A Chat About the Future of LGBT Equality in Washington, with a side of hash browns.” The breakfast will be attended by community leaders from ERW and Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST) who led the Approve Ref. 71 Campaign to victory, as well as several surprise speakers, to discuss what led the community to Referendum 71, the outcome of the vote, and where it will lead us in the continuing fight for marriage equality. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at www.equalrightswashington.org or by calling 206-3242570. This event is close to being sold out.
NEW CITY THEATER PRESENTS CLIT NOTES BY HOLLY HUGHES New City Theater, 1404 18th Ave. at E. Union St., presents Clit Notes by Holly Hughes, performed by Jessica Robinson. Writes Hughes, “The first time I was in love with another woman? Actually, she was a woman; I was just thirteen. In fact, this little anecdote might have a happier ending if there’d been some sort of Gay youth organization in my hometown. Some sort of North American Woman-Girl Love Association. But, nooooo! The men, they get everything GOVERNOR’S AIDS COUNCIL good. The Lesbian chicken, who worries SEEKS PUBLIC VIEWS ON about them, huh?” The play will be perPOTENTIAL CHANGES IN formed Fridays or Saturdays, October 30, DELIVERY OF HIV SERVICES November 6, 7, 14 and 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets: The Governor’s Advisory Council on $10 at brownpapertickets.com, 1-800-838- HIV/AIDS (GACHA) is seeking the pub3006, and at the door. lic’s views on potential changes to the statewide delivery of HIV services. For more WASHINGTON WOMEN than 20 years, those services have been coIN THE TRADES 3RD ANNUAL ordinated through six regional AIDS offices, DREAM BIG DINNER or AIDSNETS. Facing another tight-budget WITH THE LAURA LOVE BAND year, state lawmakers are expected in JanuOn Saturday, November 7, Washington ary to consider eliminating the AIDSNETS Women in the Trades is delighted to pres- to reduce costs to the state. Under one proent Laura Love with a full band, playing a posal, the state Department of Health would dance show for the first time in Seattle since be responsible for delivery of services by Ballard Seafood Fest 2004! contracting directly with local agencies and Showtime is 9:30 p.m. at the Lake City community-based groups, bypassing reElks Club, 14540 Bothell Way NE, an in- gional administrators. credible cool, hep-cat hall that screams Si“All of us in the HIV community undernatra, martinis and bouffant hair. stand the need to spend our diminishing Dinner and show doors at 6 p.m. Dinner funds most efficiently,” said GACHA Chairand show tickets at $60/single; $500 table man David Lee, “but we need to ensure that of 8. www.wawomenintrades.com. Show- any new system still gives voice to all reONLY doors at 9 p.m. Show-ONLY tickets: gions of the state, and to all the diverse com$20/adv; $30/door. www.brownpapertick- munities affected by the continuing HIV ets.com or www.wawomenintrades.com. epidemic. What works well in the densely populated Puget Sound corridor may not be SKI BUDDIES the approach needed in more rural areas of MONTHLY POTLUCK the state. Whatever we do, our goals remain On Sunday, November 8, from 6-9 p.m., the same; to stop the spread of HIV and projoin Ski Buddies for their second monthly vide life-saving care for those who need it.” potluck and general membership gatherThe GACHA public forum on the fuing at All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 ture delivery of HIV services takes place Broadway E., at E. Republican St., as they on Tuesday, November 10, from 9:30 a.m. kick off the new 2009/2010 ski season! to 12:30 p.m., at the SeaTac Holiday Inn, Meet friends, new and old, and maybe win 17338 International Boulevard, SeaTac. The a prize while enjoying great food! Sign-ups council’s regular business meeting begins at continue for this season’s fantastic trip line- 1:15 p.m. up. Soft drinks will be provided; alcohol is For those unable to attend the forum, GABYOB. Free parking is available nearby in CHA is requesting comments be emailed to: the lot at E. Aloha and 11th Ave. E. (SW cor- gacha@doh.wa.gov by Friday, November 6. ner), reserved exclusively for the club’s use More information is available at GACHA’s during the time of the potluck. Future pot- website: www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/HIV_AIDS/ lucks will be held Dec. 13, Jan. 10 and Feb. GACHA. 21. www.skibuddies.org. “SMASH THE CHURCH, MUSIC OF REMEMBRANCE SMASH THE STATE: CONCERT FEATURES WORK THE EARLY YEARS COMMEMORATING OF GAY LIBERATION” ACTS OF JEWISH HEROISM Starting Tuesday, November 3, at 6:30 DURING THE HOLOCAUST p.m., Radical Women and the Freedom SoOn Monday, November 9, Music of Re- cialist Party hosts a free seven-week discusmembrance presents their fall concert, sion series on a new anthology, Smash the “Cantillations,” commemorating the 71st Church, Smash the State: The Early Years anniversary of Kristallnacht. The concert of Gay Liberation, at Kaladi Brothers Cofwill be held at the Illsley Ball Nordstrom fee, 511 E. Pike St. These essays by dykes, Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & drag queens, Transsexuals, and Queers of Union St., at 7:30 p.m. The program fea- color, who built the radical movement of tures two contemporary works: acclaimed sexual minorities in the 1960s and ‘70s, proAmerican composer Paul Schoenfield’s in- vide often overlooked insights into modern spiring Sparks of Glory, and Cantillations queer history and useful lessons for today’s by Israeli-born Ofer Ben-Amots. It also Generation Q activists. For more informahighlights Yiddish art songs by Lazar Wein- tion, 206-722-2453 or www.socialism.com/ er, and chamber music by three murdered seattle. Wheelchair accessible.
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POZ SEATTLE TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY SOCIAL On Wednesday, November 11, from 6-8 p.m., POZSeattle hosts their first Traditional Thanksgiving Holiday Social at the Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave. at E. Pine St. Meet in the downstairs bar for a fully catered Thanksgiving meal generously provided by some of the wonderful POZSeattle volunteers and members. Enjoy turkey breast with dressing, homemade cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies, and holiday dessert. “Join us for dinner, socializing, catching up with old friends, making new ones and a whole lot of fun.” This event is free (except for the cost of beverages), and is for all HIV-Positive men and their friends, regardless of age, shape, size, or color. “Please spread the word about us! If you or your group or organization would like to sponsor one of our monthly socials by either donations or a meal or both, please contact us via the email below.” POZSeattle is a social organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-Positive guys that is committed to planning and promoting fun, social activities. Our primary social event is always held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. For questions or more information about this event, to plan your own social event, or to be added to the POZSeattle promotions email list, email info@pozseattle.org or visit www.pozseattle.org. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dunshee House, 303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St. The club is pleased to announce the following titles to be discussed in their ongoing reading and discussion series: November – The Gifts of the Body by Rebecca Brown; December – Death in Venice by Thomas Mann. All GLBTQ folks in the community are welcome to participate in this free book club. The reading list is chosen and the discussion facilitated by Nick DiMartino, published novelist and playwright, currently a book reviewer for ShelfAwareness.com, and a 30-year employee of University Book Store. For more information, email nickdimartin@earthlink.net or contact Dunshee House at 206-322-2437. LT. DANIEL CHOI TO SPEAK IN TACOMA ON HIS FIGHT AGAINST “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” In March, this year, Lt. Daniel Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran fluent in Arabic, announced that he was Gay on The Rachel Maddow Show. Less than one month later, the U.S. Army declared it would initiate discharge proceedings against him for violating “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Choi vowed to fight the discharge. Since then he has appeared on The Colbert Report, Anderson Cooper 360, ABC News, and elsewhere, seeking a change to the controversial Army policy. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, a day before Veterans Day, Lt. Daniel Choi will give a talk at University of Puget Sound titled “Truth and Consequences: One Man’s Fight to Openly Serve His Country.” The free lecture, starting at 7 p.m., is open to the public and will be held in Rasmussen Rotunda in Wheelock Student Center. Choi served for a decade under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a policy that requires Gay American soldiers to hide their sexual orientation and forces others to tolerate the deception. Choi helped form Knights Out, an organization of West Point alumni advocating for the rights of Gays and Lesbian to serve openly in the military. He says the Army policy is opposed to all he learned at West Point about honesty and integrity, and that it leads to feelings of isolation among soliders fighting in dangerous circumstances. Choi was born in Orange County, Calif. A first-generation American, his parents emigrated from Korea and founded a church. He resides in New York, and has become a full-time activist for the LGBT community. The event is sponsored by Diversity Theme Year and ASUPS Lectures. www. pugetsound.edu.
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BENT MENTOR SHOWCASE WITH LEAH LAKSHMI PIEPZNA-SAMARASHINHA On Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14, Bent hosts a showcase of LGBTIQ spoken word at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), 2700 24th Ave. E., doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/85356 and at the door. A writing workshop will also be held Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 1002 E. Seneca St. The showcase and writing workshop will feature Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, a Queer Sri Lankan writer, teacher and performer whose work explores the interconnection of systems of colonialism, abuse and violence. www.bentwriting.com. COMMUNITY TRIBUNAL TO SAVE THE BASIC HEALTH PLAN On Saturday, November 14, from 2-4 p.m., Sisters Organize for Survival, a campaign of Radical Women, will host a “Community Tribunal to Save the Basic Health Plan,” at the Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S. (one block east of Rainier Ave. S., between S. Alaska St. and S. Oregon St., across from the Rainier Playfield). Governor Gregoire and the Washington State Legislature have slashed $238 million from the budget for the Basic Health Plan. Rate hikes that go into effect on January 1 will force thousands to lose coverage. Take part in a people’s court. The charge: Governor Gregoire and the state Legislature have abandoned poor and working people. Hear from individuals and health care workers impacted by the budget cuts; come tell your story; join the campaign to preserve and expand Basic Health. 206-722-6057; www.RadicalWomen.org. “SOUTH PACIFIC” – THE 2009 TASTE OF GSBA On Saturday, November 14, from 5:30-10 p.m., join the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), the Greater Seattle LGBT Chamber of Commerce, at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 6th Ave., between Pike and Union Sts., for the most delicious event of the season – the 2009 TASTE of GSBA. Come sip the winning Pearl Vodka cocktail and TASTE delectable delights from 11 local restaurants and catering companies; bid on exclusive dinners by celebrity chefs, Tamara Murphy of Brasa and Jerry Traunfeld of Poppy; enjoy a 3-course gourmet dinner – all in support of the GSBA scholarship fund. Think swaying palms, tropical breezes, grass skirts and colorful shirts and you will be in the South Pacific theme. Advance tickets are $165-GSBA members; $180-nonmembers; $100-students; walk-ins are $20 more at the door. Dress is black tie with a tropical flair. 206-363-9188; www. thegsba.org. 2009 MR. MISS & MS. GAY SEATTLE PAGEANT On Saturday, November 14, door at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle presents the 2009 Mr., Miss & Ms. Gay Seattle Pageant, at Neighbours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway (entrance in alley between Harvard and Broadway off E. Pike St.) $20 requested donation. www. imperialcourtofseattle.com. SEATTLE MEN IN LEATHER PRESENTS BOOT & BUZZCUTS PLUS UNIFORM MUSTER On Saturday, November 14, from 8 p.m.midnight, Seattle Men in Leather presents “Boots & Buzzcuts plus Uniform Muster” at The Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave. at E. Pine St., with proceeds from Buzzcuts by Chez and James and Bootblacking by Kelley, Scout & Diamond Jack to benefit the Seattle Men in Leather charity for 2009, Lambert House, Seattle’s LGBT Youth Resource Center. www.seattlemeninleather.org. HARMONY HILL RETREAT CENTER WILL HOST FREE 3-DAY CANCER RETREAT FOR SEXUAL MINORITY WOMEN DECEMBER 4-6 www.harmonyhill.org.
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“We are a united community like I’ve so much exposure in the media that she has become sort of a household name – and a never seen before,” he said. “The volunteers continued from cover friend,” Friedes told SGN. “Her TV ads showed up, did the hard work, and made were particularly powerful because people things happen. This victory shows that if we remembered her story and how she turned work together and stand up united against this election will be a win – not just for the her tragedy into a vehicle for social good for bigoted forces, we will win! couples and families, but for all WashingtoThis election, he said, has “made me very all Washingtonians.” nians who believe in values of fairness and In fact, Strong’s experience was so com- hopeful for the future of Washington State equality.” pelling, Friedes says, he learned of people and the continued pursuit of equality for Friedes couldn’t agree more, telling SGN, who were opposed to the domestic partner- LGBT Washingtonians.” “We are up 52-48, and the margin is increasship law who later became ing.” A WINNING CAMPAIGN uncertain as to how they “We moved the ball down the According to Josh Friedes, there isn’t just would vote after hearing her court towards full equality durone way to win a campaign. In fact, he says story. ing this campaign,” said Friedes. “Charlene really got them one of the things they did right was to run a “We maximized opportunities to think about the issue,” he transparent campaign. to empower people to tell their “One of the biggest challenges for any said. “We may not have won stories – to reach out to their them this election, but their political campaign is while you want to be friends, family, and co-workers. minds are open to conversa- transparent and you want your supporters In building the broad coalition tion. Through her willingness and allies to know what you are doing, you we did, we brought groups to to tell her story, she’s helped don’t want your opponents to know,” Friethe table that, we hope, will conpeople realize the real harm des said. “That is a major communication tinue to work on a host of issues that could happen if the law challenge.” that are important to the LGBT Friedes acknowledges that during the was rejected.” community. Our bond with laAnother familiar face of signature gathering process by Protect Marbor, faith, and communities of the Approve Referendum 71 riage Washington, many in the LGBT comcolor are as strong as they have Campaign is Josh Castle, field munity were asking the question, “Where is ever been because we built a coordinator for the effort. our campaign?” very, very diverse coalition and “During that signature gathering process, Castle said his euphoria is invited them to participate in hard to describe with words. we built a massive coalition,” he said. “But the campaign and engaged their “I’m absolutely thrilled! we were a very quiet coalition. Being quiet membership to do the same.” Approve R-71 supporters wait in anticipation for election results The team of volunteers and during that time is not an unusual strategy.” He said they didn’t want to help the signaI put our lives on hold and THE ROAD TO VICTORY The price tag to approve Referendum 71 events. I should also mention Representa- worked tirelessly the last few months to reg- ture gatherers with any visibility. In a sense, was a hefty $2 million. In addition, count- tive Dave Upthegrove, who worked on a ister voters, sign up volunteers, fundraise, if the campaign didn’t talk about the proand remind people to vote. It’s wonderful cess, then people wouldn’t go out and look less hours, stretched out over a tremendous- few forums with us.” And Friedes added that without “their to see our efforts pay off big time, and we for petitions to sign. ly short six-week campaign, were devoted “We did have a fair degree of success with to visibility, making phone calls, knocking incredible leadership in the legislature, we may soon be celebrating a historic victory!” that,” he adds, “they on doors, and waving signs. Efforts, Friedes wouldn’t have had a law to defend turned in the smallto begin with.” says, made all the difference. est number of verified The campaign manager said, “As of Election Day 2009, we had already signatures to every made 270,000 phone calls from phone banks “There are a lot of straight legisqualify for the balorganized throughout the state,” he told latures, in addition to our LGBT lot.” SGN. “In the final two weekends leading up legislative delegation, that helped Friedes said, lookto November 3, we knocked on over 15,000 with this effort. We shouldn’t foring back, one major get we have a lot of straight allies. doors in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane.” bump in the road One of the most exciting and effective Many of them sent out e-mails to early on was “when tools for the campaign, according to Friedes, their e-mail lists and made sure the Boston-based was the usage of the social network Face- that their local democratic organiorganization Know book, primarily managed by Joe Mirabella, zations endorsed the campaign.” Thy Neighbor said who reports the membership of the camthey would post the A VISIBLE CAMPAIGN paign’s page has exceeded 40,000 people. names of the people The Approve Referendum 71 Friedes said over 1,000 letters to the ediwho signed petitions tor were written from the campaign’s web- Campaign seemed to have no online.” shortage of volunteers. From site “letter to the editor” tool. “That created a very “Thousands of people wrote to newspaper LGBT and Capitol Hill pub negative backlash and editors to tell their personal stories in or- crawls, sign waving, voter regisgave our opponents der to ensure Referendum 71 would be ap- tration, tabling, and TV ads, the a boost,” he said, “ I proved,” he said. “A newspaper in Tacoma campaign had tremendous support think it’s worth ponsaid that for every one ‘reject’ letter, they from a community who wasn’t dering the question of, would receive 10 letters from the ‘approve’ about to sit by and watch imporSenator Ed Murray (r) and partner Michael Shiosaki had that not happened, tant protections for LGBT couples side.” Castle told SGN. “Our hard work ensured would the measure have qualified at all?” In addition to electronic campaign mate- and some seniors, be taken away. Despite the campaign’s rocky start, noThe most recognizable and visible “face” the protection of all Washington State famirial, Friedes says the Approve Referendum 71 Campaign was able to “get out well over for the campaign was Charlene Strong, who lies and brought significant relief to those body can argue that during the past six lost her partner, Kate Fleming, after a tragic who simply want the right to visit their sick weeks, the LGBT community saw a win250,000 pieces of literature to voters.” partner is the hospital, or the ning campaign being waged from all cor“We saw amazing activsecurity that comes with pen- ners of the state. ism from churches and synaOne of the things the campaign says they sion benefits.” gogues throughout the state Castle said the smiles and are most proud of is how they introduced during the final weeks of the warmth the volunteers re- many Washingtonians to the fact that Gay campaign,” he told SGN. “Toceived wherever they went and Lesbian couples grow old together, gether, the community built which helped them to address issues that was amazing. a broad coalition of over 280 “In particular, I remember face all senior citizens in Washington State. non-profit allies, labor unions walking into the Crescent, Issues, Friedes says, that go far beyond doand associations, 150 mema bar on Capitol Hill, during mestic partnership and marriage. bers of clergy, and 50 con“One of the things we are particularly one of our bar crawls. The gregations and faith organiowner of the bar saw our ‘Ap- pleased with is that technology has changed zations, small businesses and prove Ref. 71’ buttons and the way we do campaigning,” explained large employers such as Nike, the clipboards. He ran up to Friedes. “The people that got our mail and Starbucks, Google, Microsoft, me and insisted on a speech,” phone calls were people [who] we believed and Group Health, and newssaid Castle. “That gave me needed to be reminded to vote, or needed a papers across the state, such the opportunity to speak to little more information about the domestic as the Seattle Gay News, that a few hundred people about partnership law.” spoke eloquently in support He said if the campaign believed people voting to approve the referenof Referendum 71.” dum. We asked for donations, on their contact lists were perfect voters – Perhaps the most signifiand as soon as I pointed out meaning they voted in almost every election cant, and certainly symbolic Campaign Chair Anne Levinson and Campaign Manager Josh Friedes the other volunteers, people or they believed they would vote to approve fact from the Approve Referendum 71 Campaign was that the median flooding incident in Seattle in 2006. Strong rushed over to them in waves and graciously Referendum 71 – the “only touches they were likely to get from us would be an econtribution from the more than 5,300 con- was nearly barred from seeing Fleming in donated to the campaign.” He said that throughout all of the organiz- mail asking them to volunteer.” her last moments of life. Her heart-wrenchtributions was $71. Only in the final days of the campaign did ing testimony about the hospital ordeal ing and tabling efforts, he was surprised at they contact frequent voters, he said. “We helped prompt Washington State to pass the the eagerness from youth. A STRONG LGBT DELEGATION “This campaign has motivated young were very strategic in the use of our resourcThere’s no question that Washington State domestic partnership protections. Throughout the campaign, Strong agreed people, many of whom voted for the first es.” is blessed with an incredibly strong LGBT Referendum 71 was approved and the prolegislative delegation which worked closely to numerous public speaking engagements time November 3,” he told SGN. The Approve Referendum 71 Campaign tections of over 12,000 registered domestic with the campaign responsible for advocat- and recorded the most-viewed TV advertisement for the Approve Referendum 71 has galvanized the LGBT community like partners are intact. Maine did not fare as well ing the approval of Referendum 71. never before, Castle said. People who previ- as Washington on November 3 – however, a “Senator Ed Murray was a very, very Campaign. “Charlene Strong has been a very power- ously had no interest in voting or being in- major shift has taken place; Washingtonians strong fundraising force for our campaign,” Friedes said. “In addition, Murray did a re- ful advocate through the passage of the en- volved were calling the campaign and ask- proved that the LGBT community can win at the ballot box. corded call to remind voters to mail in their tire domestic partnership system. She had ing how they could help.
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ballots.” Representative Jamie Pedersen, serving the 43rd District, “frequently rallied our base and participated in our initial Seattle organizing meeting,” said Friedes. “Representative Jim Moeller was on the campaign coordinating committee making sure we remained connected to Vancouver,” he said. “Senator Joe McDermott made numerous speeches at fundraisers and other
shaun knittel
james whitely
shaun Knittel
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Seattle Gay News
November 6, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Bea Arthur’s generosity Electoral success lives on in $300,000 donation in Houston, Detroit, by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
Former Golden Girls actress Bea Arthur included a $300,000 donation to New York’s Ali Forney Center, an organization supporting homeless LGBT youth, in her will. Arthur died of natural causes in April. Her act of generosity left the center’s executive director, Carl Siciliano, overwhelmed. Siciliano said he knew of Arthur’s plan to include the center in her will, but maintains Arthur never told him a dollar amount. “The last year and a half, since the economic crisis started, it’s been really hard to keep this program going,” he said. “A lot of the foundation and corporate money that we used to get has dried up, and we’ve been growing.” According to Siciliano, Ali Forney Center has around 125 kids a night “waiting to get into our housing.” Siciliano said he’d been struggling to keep the doors open. The shelter assists more than 1,000 people each year. The center, he said, provides shelter for those who had to leave home “for being who they are.” The center also operates two drop-in centers offering food, clothing, medical and mental health treatment, HIV testing, treatment and prevention services, and vocational and educational assistance. When Siciliano received the $300,000 check last Tuesday, he immediately started to cry. The donation, he says, could not have come at a better time. “For months, I’ve been really sweating to make payroll, and we’re usually a month or two behind on rent, and there have been times when I was afraid that I wasn’t going
to hold it together,” Siciliano said. “That kind of terror of trying to keep this thing going has come to an end, for now, with this extraordinary generosity.” In 2005, Arthur agreed to do a benefit to help ease the center’s growing pains. Back then, Ali Forney Center was a small, grassroots organization and was only able to shelter 12 kids at a time. Siciliano said Arthur flew to New York to reprise her one-woman show, Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends, ultimately raising more than $40,000 for the organization as well as making a personal, sizable donation. At the time of the show, Arthur told Siciliano she hadn’t realized what a serious issue it was, that so many thousands of Gay kids were on the streets. Her generosity and relationship with the center did not stop there. During press interviews, Arthur continued to raise the issue of LGBT homeless youth. “I’m very, very involved in charities involving youth,” Bea Arthur said in a 2005 Next Magazine interview. “These kids at the Ali Forney Center are literally dumped by their families because of the fact that they are LGBT – this organization really is saving lives.” According to Siciliano, part of the $300,000 will go toward buying a house that 12 youth can reside in. The house, he says, will be named after Arthur. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude that Bea saw that LGBT youth deserve as much love and support as any other young person, and that she placed so much value in the work we do to protect them, and to help them rebuild their lives,” Siciliano said.
Gay girlfriend by Jennifer Vanasco SGN Contributing Writer No one can tell my girlfriend is Gay. An example: About two years ago, Jenny and a Gay male friend went to San Francisco in June. They were excited to celebrate Pride. But first they were hungry, so they approached a short Gay guy wearing leather. “Anyplace around here we can get Mexican food?” Jenny asked. The man looked them up and down and then said with a condescending sigh, “The Mexican neighborhood is a few blocks over. This is the Castro. If you really want to stay in the neighborhood, there will be long waits, because there’s a thing happening called Gay Pride.” Jenny and her friend stared at him in disbelief. “I am a Lesbian standing with a Gay guy in the Castro,” Jenny said to me later. “And even then, no one knows I’m Gay.” I think this is funny, because to me Jenny is obviously Gay. Sure, she keeps her curly hair long. She wears makeup. But she tends to gesture like a boy, she talks low in her throat and her nails are short. In these postL Word glamour Lesbian days, those should be all the cues another Gay person needs. But no. Not even Gay people can tell that Jenny is Gay, and it makes her sad. “How can you be part of a community if no one can see you?” she asks. Humans are tribal animals, and if you’re Gay, the LGBT community is your tribe. We want other Gay people to recognize us, because it makes us feel less alone. It makes us feel like part of something. “Also, being Gay is more fun,” Jenny says. Back in the early ‘90s era of identity politics, recognition was easy. We wore rainbow rings around our necks, pink and black triangles in our ears, shirts with slogans like “No one knows I’m a Lesbian” on our torsos. When we came out, Lesbians automati-
cally cut their hair and stopped wearing makeup completely. But as the movement has gotten older, Lesbians – and Gay men, too – have stopped conforming to a narrow (if highly recognizable) stereotype and instead have found ways to be both Gay and deeply ourselves. We now know that if we like the feeling of long hair against our shoulders, if we like the way our eyes look when rimmed with mascara, if we like the swish of skirts against our knees or the brisk click of heels, then that’s OK. We can be butch all the time, sometimes or never. Whatever we choose to wear, we’re still Lesbians. But while society has gradually grown more accustomed to the idea that Gay people can be flamboyant or perfectly ordinary, we in the Gay community don’t always recognize our more subtle brothers and sisters on the street. We assume heterosexuality. Even in our own neighborhoods and our own shops. Yesterday, Jenny walked into a cafe. “Feminist Salads” was chalked on the menu board. Ani DiFranco growled over the sound system. And the woman behind the counter, pierced and short-haired, was so clearly Lesbian she could have been wearing a name-tag. “I kept joking with her and talking to her, wanting her to know I was Gay without actually saying, ‘Hey, I’m Gay!’ or ‘Hey, I have a girlfriend at home!’” Jenny told me later. “I looked at her and felt a sense of connection – and I wanted her to have that sense of connection, too. But of course she didn’t.” So Jenny left, feeling more isolated than if the barista had been straight, because the woman didn’t see her. Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning, syndicated columnist with long hair and curves. Follow her at Twitter.com/JenniferVanasco; e-mail her at Jennifer.Vanasco@ gmail.com.
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Kalamazoo by Mike Andrew SGN Staff writer
While the LGBT community cheered the apparent victory of Referendum 71 in Washington and mourned the passage of Question 1 in Maine, electoral results from other parts of the country offered additional cause for celebration. In Houston, openly Lesbian City Controller Annise Parker ran first in a field of five candidates for mayor. She will face former City Attorney Gene Locke in a runoff election on December 12. In Detroit, openly Gay TV news anchor Charles Pugh was the top vote-getter for City Council, and will become Council president. In Kalamazoo, Michigan, voters approved a city anti-discrimination ordinance protecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender residents by a margin of almost two to one. Parker surprised observers with her strong showing with Houston voters. She had consistently run third in pre-election polling. She was first elected controller – the second most powerful city official – in 2003, and was reelected in 2005 and 2007. Previously, Parker had served on the Houston City Council since 1997. While the Houston mayor’s office is officially non-partisan, Parker received early endorsement from Annie’s List, one of the largest Texas PACs and a financial resource for Democratic women running for elective office in the state. She was also endorsed by the Victory Fund. Parker shared the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle newspaper with Locke, who will be her opponent in the December runoff. “The same thing that makes Annise a role model for the LGBT community makes her a role model for people throughout the city. She’s looking to do the right thing for all Houstonians,” said Parker spokesperson Jerri Brooks. Parker’s opponent, Gene Locke, is African American. He served as Houston City Attorney from 1995 to1998, and is now in private practice. Like Parker, he is a Democrat. Parker has been with her partner Kathy Hubbard since 1990. They have two children. Charles Pugh, who will become Detroit City Council president in January, came out in dramatic fashion, announcing his sexuality on air at Fox 2 News in 2004. Pugh, who is African American, will be the first openly Gay person to hold elected office in Detroit. While not denying the historic nature of his victory, Pugh believes his sexuality was not a major issue in the campaign. “For those people who thought it would be an issue, they were shortsighted,” he said. “They did not see that Detroiters already knew my sexuality and were willing to accept it and say, ‘You know what? You’re welcome here. We love you. Now let’s get to work to fix our collective problems.’” This was Pugh’s first run for public office, and he will be joined by five other new council members out of a nine-member council. “It sends a message Detroiters have been thirsty and hungry for new leadership for a long time,” Pugh told reporters. “Usually you might get one new person, maybe two. But it is hard beating an incumbent. And it is different to have more than half of the city council be new people. I don’t know that that’s ever happened before.” Pugh was raised by his grandmother after his mother’s murder in 1974 when he was 3, and his father’s suicide four years later. Despite such devastating tragedy, Pugh went on to graduate from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism on an academic scholarship. Kalamazoo became the 16th city in Mich-
November 6, 2009
igan to adopt a Gay rights ordinance that affords protection from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. The new measure added sexual orientation and gender identity to Kalamazoo’s list of protected groups, meaning that Gay, Lesbian, Bisexuals and Transgender residents not currently covered by state or federal law would be included in the city statute. “There’s a lot of people who will wake up and breathe easier tomorrow knowing they won’t be fired or kicked out of their homes for being Gay, Lesbian or Transgender,” said Jon Hoadley, campaign manager for One Kalamazoo, the pro-ordinance campaign committee. “It was astounding the overwhelming support that we had. Kalamazoo said this is what it wants.” The Kalamazoo ordinance passed 7,671 to 4,731. The road to Tuesday’s ballot proposition began nearly two years ago when the local Gay advocacy group Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality presented city officials with draft changes designed to expand an existing, local anti-discrimination statute. Previously, the city ordinance banned discrimination against all the groups already protected by state and federal legislation.
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photos by james whitely and shaun knittel
! y r o t c i V Victory party election night november 3, 2009
10 Seattle Gay News
November 6, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer This year, our community’s Halloween was one to remember. With parties almost everywhere, queens, freaks, and punks were wandering Broadway until the sun came up. On Friday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan put on their annual Halloween party, “Sister Dawwna’s Nightmare,” at R-Place. Our Sisters, in addition to their usual getup, all dressed in costume, as well. From Victorian dresses to bloody messes, the Sisters did it right – as always. The party, which was for the Sister’s grant fund, raised $6,000. Bump, the benefit party for Gay City, featured a light show as well as a “Kinky Circus,” but unfortunately was on the expensive side this year with a $45 ticket price. The party had approximately 800 attendees, and raised $34,000, which will go to benefit the Seattle Men’s and Women’s Chorus
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travel fund as well as Gay City. Caliente and Gallerias on Friday and Saturday, respectively, were total hits. The epicenters of Latino LGBT nightlife on Capitol Hill, these parties were raging all night as the tequila fueled the fire. On Saturday, the Halloween party at the Cuff had a line extending nearly all the way down the street towards the Elysian, the likes of which I hadn’t seen since OZ. The dance floor was packed with colorful and sexy costumes all night. Hosted by drag sensation Shannel, the Saturday party at Julia’s on Broadway had four live bands all playing their sets in costume, as well as a costume party and contest. Shannel was disturbing and theatrically horrifying, and will most likely haunt the dreams of the weaker-willed partygoers until Christmas. Additional parties were held at Purr Cocktail Lounge, Madison Pub, and Neighbour’s Nightclub.
November 6, 2009
Seattle Gay News 11
12 Seattle Gay News
November 6, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
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Seattle Gay News 15
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer On October 28, Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who made two Gay slurs within a 24-hour period directed at Chiefs coach, Todd Haley, was issued a one-game suspension – a decision Johnson’s agent said he would appeal. Peter Schaffer said the suspension and other lost revenue would amount to a nearly $600,000 loss for the former two-time Pro Bowl player. Johnson first used the Gay slur “fag” on his Twitter account in an exchange with one of his followers on October 25. Johnson repeated the slur on October 26 in the locker room when he thought reporters weren’t listening. Johnson issued an apology last Tuesday, nearly one year after apologizing to the team and its fans and ownership for two incidents in Kansas City nightspots in which the NFL running back plead guilty for disturbing the peace. The apology, however, seemed to fall on deaf ears. Coach Haley and first-year general manager Scott Piolo have repeatedly said they are trying to build a new culture and attitude for the franchise, and said Johnson’s
disloyalty would not be tolerated. In a three-sentence news release issued October 28, team management said Johnson was “suspended for conduct detrimental to the club.” The Chiefs said Johnson would be suspended until Monday, November 9. In 2007, Johnson signed a five-year contract extension that guaranteed him nearly $19 million, but could be worth as much as $45 million. Currently, he needs just 75 rushing yards to break the team’s career record. According to NFL stats, Johnson was one of the best running backs in 2005 and ’06, but he has struggled this year. Johnson wrote the Gay slur on his Twitter account several hours after the Chiefs lost to the San Diego Chargers 37-7, one of the team’s worst losses ever. Because of Johnson’s latest problems, his future with the Chiefs after November 9 still seems uncertain. Schaffer, who’s currently working on the appeal for Johnson, said he didn’t realize the Gay slur used by his client in the team’s locker room was unacceptable. “We know the n-word is unacceptable, that’s not disputable – but fag? I’m learning that there’s a segment of our society that finds it offensive and that it should not
file photo
Larry Johnson still in hot water over Gay slur
Larry Johnson
be used. I didn’t realize that, but I do know now.” He said he is working on both an appeal of Johnson’s suspension and a settlement with the Kansas City Chiefs. Former NFL player Esera Tuaolo, who revealed he is Gay after he retired from the football league, said Johnson’s remarks show there is little tolerance for Gay people inside NFL locker rooms. Meanwhile, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has responded to Schaffer’s comments. “Anti-Gay slurs feed a climate of intoler-
ance and are often the last word that Gay people, and Gay youth in particular, hear before they are assaulted or bullied,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios in a statement released October 30. “Peter Schaffer’s comment is another indication that there is a lot of work to be done – in the NFL and in America – to raise awareness about the impact of these ugly slurs.” The common use of this word in sports, Barrios said, creates a hostile and silencing environment not only for LGBT athletes and coaches, but for members of our community in the stands.
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
knowledgement that it is important to have all sorts of people represented in government,” Lambda Legal spokesman Jason Perez Howe said. Durkan, 51, has been named to the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, where she will head a subcommittee on cybercrimes and intellectual property. In mid-May, President Obama officially appointed Durkan as U.S. Attorney for the Western Washington District of Washington. The White House press release said Durkan “is a noted civil and criminal litigator in private practice.” Then, in late September, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Durkan to be U.S. attorney in Seattle, responsible for prosecuting criminal and civil cases and defending federal agencies in court.
First openly Gay U.S. attorney begins work in Washington
Jenny Durkan, the new top federal prosecutor in Seattle, began work last month as the nation’s first openly Gay U.S. attorney. “I don’t think I can fully appreciate how important it is to many people to have someone in a role like this who is Gay,” said Durkan. “The more people who are able to see people in situations where pretty soon [being Gay will be] an inevitable characteristic, the better it is for the entire community.” Lambda Legal, a national organization that promotes equal rights for LGBT people, says it knows of no other openly Gay U.S. attorneys in the nation’s 93 judicial districts. “We see it really sort of a respectful ac-
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November 6, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Gay rights activists say her appointment shows a growing acceptance in the U.S. as well as the attitude of the Obama administration. Last month, Obama nominated an openly Gay police sergeant to be the U.S. marshal in Minneapolis; she would be the first openly Gay U.S. marshal. Durkan has been around politics and government her entire life. Her father is the late Martin Durkan, a powerful state senator and lobbyist who twice ran for governor as a Democrat. Durkan was a top aide to Governor Mike Lowry and has handled legal work for Governor Chris Gregoire, specifically, representing Gregoire in the legal challenge to the 2004 election. She’s also worked abroad, in 2002 Durkan traveled to Morocco to train female candidates for parliament. Durkan has said she hopes to be judged on her performance as U.S. attorney – not her sexual orientation. “In this region, I don’t think it’s very remarkable that you have someone who is Gay in a position of authority, because it’s woven throughout our culture,” Durkan said. “In other parts of the country it might be, but I think a generation from now it will be a footnote.”
maine
continued from cover Public Affairs also ran the Prop 8 campaign in California, told supporters “The institution of marriage has been preserved in Maine and across this nation.” The result confirmed the most recent polling, which had showed the measure passing by a narrow margin. Most earlier polls taken in September showed Maine voters rejecting Question 1 and retaining the civil marriage law. Maine’s civil marriage bill was passed by its House of Representatives on May 5 this year. It passed the Maine Senate and was
signed by Gov. John Baldacci the next day. The bill defined marriage as “the legally recognized union of two people” rather than “the union of one man and one woman joined in traditional monogamous marriage,” a definition put in place by the Legislature in 1997. Baldacci, a Roman Catholic, had initially expressed reservations about supporting the bill, but in the end he signed it, saying, “times have changed.” The law would have gone into effect on September 14, but it was challenged by a petition drive organized by Stand For Marriage Maine. Under Maine’s “people’s veto” law, measures passed by the legislature may be put up for an up or down popular vote. Maine would have been the sixth state in the country to allow same-sex couples to marry. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Iowa already allow same-sex marriage, and New Hampshire’s new law will take effect in January. The campaign was notable for heavy spending by both sides, fueled by substantial out-of-state contributions. The two campaigns combined spent more than $7 million, with marriage equality supporters outspending opponents. Both sides said the vote will have national implications that will influence future same-sex marriage battles in other states. Stand For Marriage Maine was financed largely by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the Roman Catholic Church, and Focus on the Family. NOM provided 63% of the total raised by Stand For Marriage Maine – $1.6 million out of total cash contributions of $2,547,860.40. An additional $550,000, or 20% of the total cash, was provided by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, Maine, although more than half of that came from out-of-state dioceses. James Dobson’s Focus on the Family contributed at least $100,000. NOM was also behind a Washington State lawsuit demanding the right to ignore cam-
paign finance restrictions and dump thou- it has been in every movement: our humansands of dollars of last-minute campaign ity and dignity is attacked and undermined contributions into the effort to reject Ref- and we stand tall, never give up, and never erendum 71. NOM’s Washington suit was lose faith. Today is a test, and we must be rejected by federal District Judge Ronald D. the measure of it.” Leighton on October 27. “[It] is important to see the bigger picture,” said Jeff Krehely of the Center for CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS American Progress. “In recent years, several LEFT DISHEARTENED states have adopted marriage equality laws, LGBT groups deplored the Maine results, while many others have taken steps toward while promising to continue to fight for full full equality by implementing civil unions equality. and domestic partnerships. Most important, Lambda Legal Marriage Project Director a clear majority of Americans – 76 % – supJennifer C. Pizer said, “Forcing any minor- port some form of relationship recognition ity to endure a barrage of lies and insults, for same-sex couples.” ending with a vote that denies them full citi- “It is only a matter of time before all couzenship, is cruel – it’s not the government ples are recognized and valued, and marour founders envisioned.” riage discrimination becomes a legal and “We are disappointed and disheartened social artifact,” Krehely concluded. by results in Maine, where we saw mar- Maine has a history of political eccenriage equality eliminated for loving and tricity. Both its senators, Susan Collins and committed couples,” said Jarrett Barrios, Olympia Snowe, are moderate Republicans. President of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Both its House members, Mike Michaud Against Defamation. “It’s wrong to take ba- and Chellie Pingree, are Democrats. sic rights and protections away from neighFor over a century, Maine voted solidly bors, friends and co-workers who just want Republican in presidential elections, but it the same opportunity to care for their loved went for Humphrey in 1968, Clinton in 1992 ones and families. It’s wrong, unfair and, and 1996, Gore in 2000, Kerry in 2004, and frankly, un-American.” Obama in 2008. “We are in a difficult moment. This is a Maine is 98% white and 37% Roman hard day,” said Kate Kendell of the National Catholic. Forty-five percent of Mainers are Center for Lesbian Rights. “But we can’t Protestant, almost all of them belonging to lose hope or stop believing in the rightness mainstream denominations. Seventeen perof our cause.” cent are non-religious. Kendell, who was one of the leaders of Washington, in contrast, is 88% white, Equality California fighting Prop 8 last year, 16% Roman Catholic, and 25% Evangelical added, “We have the privilege of living in Protestant. Twenty-five percent of Washingthe midst of our own civil rights movement. ton’s people claim no religious affiliation, The cost of that privilege is the same cost however.
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Seattle Gay News 17
AVER elects new national president by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer American Veterans For Equal Rights (AVER) elected Danny Ingram as the organization’s national president on October 18 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As president, Ingram will lead the largest national veteran service organization dedicated to serving the needs of LGBT vets, as well as advocate for a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), the law banning open service of Gay military personnel. Ingram, a former U.S. Army Sergeant, was among the first to be discharged in 1994 under the DADT law. “No American soldier should ever die on the battlefield because the medic who could have saved his or her life was kicked out of the military for loving the wrong person,” Ingram said in a speech following his installation as AVER president. John McNeill, a WWII veteran who served in General George S. Patton’s Third Army, swore Ingram into office. McNeill,
an AVER member, is a Purple Heart recipient, former Catholic Priest, and Prisoner of War captured in the Battle of the Bulge. He is also the author of The Church and the Homosexual. During the convention, AVER elected retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Julz Carey as vice president. She is the immediate past president of the AVER Puget Sound chapter. Additionally, retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Nick Jackman, who is current chapter president of AVER Puget Sound, was elected secretary and former U.S. Coast Guard member Mark LaFontaine was elected treasurer. Delegates representing AVER chapters from New York to Seattle were in attendance for the AVER convention that included workshops on post-traumatic stress disorder, VA benefits, and legislation aimed towards ending the DADT policy. Speakers at the convention included Arabic linguist and Army Lieutenant Dan Choi, who is in the process of being dismissed after appearing on the Rachael Maddow show proclaiming he was Gay. Choi has become
the poster-boy for a repeal of the DADT law, as he continues to speak out against the policy that may cost him his military career. At the recent LGBT National Equality March in Washington, D.C., Choi repeated, “I’m telling, I’m telling, I’m telling.” The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Nathaniel Frank whose new book Unfriendly Fire documents the political history of the DADT law. “It is the duty, the honor, and the right of every American to help defend our nation’s liberty,” Ingram said. “We are ready for the final battle to end this shameful and wasteful ban, which not only jeopardizes our national security and the safety of our soldiers by removing highly qualified individuals from the war against terror, but undermines the very mission of our armed forces to defend our American freedom, so that patriotic Americans who choose to volunteer may honorably and openly serve their country regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.” AVER is a non-profit, chapter-based association of active, reserve and veteran service members dedicated to full and equal rights and equitable treatment for all present and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. For information on the local AVER chapter, visit them online at www.averpugetsound.org. Additional information about AVER National can be found at www.aver. us/aver/.
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Celebrating 36 Years!
enda
continued from cover
the law’ to remain silent or stoic when our LGBT brothers and sisters are still being mistreated and ostracized for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with their skills or abilities and everything to do with myths, stereotypes, fear of the unknown, and prejudice.” S 1584, the Senate version of ENDA, was introduced in August by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The House of Representatives version was introduced in June by Rep Barney Frank (D-Mass.).
The House Education and Labor Committee held ENDA hearings in September. ENDA has not come up for a vote in the US Senate since 1996, when a version sponsored by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy was voted down 49-50. Senate rules require 60 Senators to agree to end debate on any measure before it can come up for a vote. A House version that failed to include Transgender workers passed in 2007, but it was not introduced on the Senate side because then-Pres. George W. Bush had promised to veto it should it pass. To date, 47 Senators have committed to vote Yes, and only one – Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) has announced he will vote No. Both Washington state’s Senators – Democrats Patty Murray and Maria
Cantwell – are committed to vote Yes. Christopher Anders, ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel said in a statement issued Thursday, “The testimony of the Obama administration’s top civil rights law enforcement official adds to the momentum that is building behind this bill, and there’s no reason ENDA can’t be on the president’s desk for signature during this Congress.” In his first speech to his employees in the Civil Rights Division, Perez promised on October 14 that he would act against antiGay discrimination if he got the legal authority to do so. A week later, passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Bill authorized him to investigate and assist in prosecuting acts of violence against
LGBT persons. ENDA would enable Perez to do the same in cases of workplace discrimination. Perez’s boss, US Attorney General Eric Holder supports passage of ENDA, and Pres. Obama has promised to sign it into law should it pass both houses of Congress.
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Seattle Gay News 19
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eliminates the travel ban effective just after the New Year. Congress and President Bush began this process last year, and they ought to be commended for it. We are finishing the job. It’s a step that will encourage people to get tested and get treatment, it’s a step that will keep families together, and it’s a step that will save lives.” –President Barack Obama, October 30. rex wockner
Barack Obama
“Twenty-two years ago, in a decision rooted in fear rather than fact, the United States instituted a travel ban on entry into the country for people living with HIV/AIDS. Now, we talk about reducing the stigma of this disease – yet we’ve treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic – yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people from HIV from entering our own country. If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it. And that’s why, on Monday, my administration will publish a final rule that
Steve Hildebrand
“To all the activists, all the organizers, all the people who helped make this day happen, thank you for your years of advocacy and activism, pushing and protesting that made this victory possible. You know, as a nation we’ve come far on the journey
–Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother, in response to President Barack Obama’s signing a GLBT hate-crimes law October 28. file photo
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
towards a more perfect union. And today, we’ve taken another step forward. ... No one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love. No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are. ... At root, this isn’t just about our laws; this is about who we are as a people. This is about whether we value one another – whether we embrace our differences, rather than allowing them to become a source of animus.” –President Barack Obama as he signed a GLBT-inclusive hate-crimes law October 28. “I just hope the community can appreciate the meaning and magnitude for this legislation – first federal LGBT rights law, as I understand it – and the start of more good things to come.” –Steve Hildebrand, Barack Obama’s deputy national campaign director and current unofficial Gay-issues adviser, in response to Obama’s signing a GLBT hate-crimes law October 28. “When Dennis and I started calling 10 years ago for federal action to prevent and properly prosecute hate crimes against Gay, Lesbian and Transgendered Americans, we never imagined it would take this long. The legislation went through so many versions and so many votes that we had to constantly keep our hopes in check to keep from getting discouraged. But with President Obama’s support and the continually growing bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate lining up behind the bill this year, it became clear that 2009 was the year it would finally happen. We are incredibly grateful to Congress and the president for taking this step forward on behalf of hate-crime victims and their families, especially given the continuing attacks on people simply for living their lives openly and honestly. But each of us can and must do much more to ensure true equality for all Americans.”
Judy Shepard
“Under the hate crimes rubric, Gays are asked to see themselves as sad, passive victims of hate, reaching out to government to protect them more than those just targeted for other reasons (having money, for example). ... Does anyone seriously believe that a hate-crimes federal law will actually prevent gay bashing? How exactly?” –Gay writer Andrew Sullivan in response to President Barack Obama’s signing a GLBT hate-crimes law October 28. “The women in American cable news look like a beauty pageant. I’m not very pretty. I sorta look like a dude, and I have short hair, and I wear boring gray jackets, and I have a big nose. No one’s gonna confuse me with a Fox News anchor. No one’s gonna call me
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the anything-Honey.” –Lesbian MSNBC host Rachel Maddow as quoted in New York’s Daily News, October 21.
–Openly Gay American Idol celebrity mean I’m necessarily sleeping with them.” –American Idol celebrity Adam Lambert Adam Lambert to Details magazine, November issue. to Details magazine, November issue.
andres duque
“Admit it – it feels really good to say ‘cunt’. There’s just something so strong about the word, with its biological directness and monosyllabic oomph. It has a blunt power that makes it perversely fun to toss off, even if you never want to blurt it in any serious setting that could get you yelled at.” –Village Voice columnist Michael Musto on his blog, October 28. “I shave about once a week now. It kind of started to come in just like peach fuzz. I always wanted to shave. It is a very natural process. For my birthday I got a lot of shaving stuff. Still not anywhere near what I will look like, but really for the first time I am feeling much more comfortable with how I look physically.” –Cher’s Transgender child Chaz (formerly Chastity) Bono to Entertainment Tonight, October 29.
Theodore Olson
“I don’t remember any point at which I came to the conclusion that Gay and Lesbian people should be permitted to have the same relationships as the rest of us. But it’s probably the way I was raised and the people I’ve been in contact with throughout my life. I grew up in the Bay Area (Mountain View), went to law school in Berkeley, practiced law in Southern California for 15 years. I’ve developed respect for people’s decisions in private sexual affairs. ... These are our friends and our neighbors and our colleagues. We need to treat them as equals.” –Famed conservative lawyer Theodore Olson, who is fighting Prop 8 in federal court, to the San Francisco Chronicle, October 18.
“Get your faggot ass out of here.” –Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson to reporters in the locker room October 26. He later apologized but was suspended from the team until November 9 anyhow. A day earlier, Johnson had called a fellow Twitter user a “fag” during a tweet argument.
reelmovienews.com
file photo
“I don’t want [my music] to be a political or social thing right away. Eventually I would love to mess with that, but it’s a tricky, tricky road. There’s a part of me that’s a businessperson and part of me that’s an artist, and the artist wants to push buttons and break boundaries, but the businessperson goes, ‘Well, that doesn’t really sell
“It’s never crossed my mind that it’d ever be possible for me [to get married]. That’s the scar that I and so many others bear – we believed ourselves to be second-rate citi-
“It’s [being a knighted Sir] actually more of an annoyance, that title. And I don’t think I’m a saint. It’s all nonsense really, but if you live in a society where there are civilian awards, it seems a little bit churlish to say ‘I Michael Musto don’t want it.’ I’m just trying to think of one albums.’ I don’t want to alienate a bunch of advantage and I don’t think there is one.” –Openly Gay actor Sir Ian McKellen to people who would otherwise be into what Details magazine, October 29. I do.”
Sir Ian McKellen
zens for so long, the idea of being able to say ‘This is my husband, these are my children’ was not an option. I remember Tom Stoppard saying to me when I came out, ‘I feel so sorry for you, because you’ll never have children.’ These days I would say, ‘Well, why not, Tom?’ But 20 years ago I accepted his judgment.” –Openly Gay actor Sir Ian McKellen to Details magazine, October 29. With assistance from Bill Kelley
“I think it’s weird that I’m having this effect on women. It’s flattering. I’ve never had underwear thrown at me before. Clearly there’s something significant about it, because there aren’t a lot of openly Gay men in the entertainment industry.” –American Idol celebrity Adam Lambert to Details magazine, November issue. “I am Gay, but I like kissing women sometimes. Women are pretty. It doesn’t
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Seattle Gay News 21
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Seattle Gay News 23