Issue 42 Volume 41
Celebrating 40 Years!
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Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Oregon couples sue for right to marry Case could overturn Measure 36 before voters repeal it Alicia J. Rose Photography
A lawsuit filed on behalf of same-sex couple Janine Nelson (l) and Deanna Geiger and another couple says that Oregon’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Oregon became the 20th state to see its ban on same-sex marriage challenged in court when one Lesbian and one Gay couple filed suit in federal court on October 15. The couples seek to have Oregon’s 2004 Measure 36 overturned. Deanna Geiger and Janine Nelson wish to be married in their home state, and Robert Deuhmig and William Griesar, who married in Canada, want the state to recognize their rights as legal spouses. Measure 36, passed by a vote of 57% to 43%, amended the Oregon state constitution to bar Gay and Lesbian marriages after Multnomah and Benton County officials began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. While Measure 36 was upheld by Oregon state courts, notably by the Oregon Supreme Court in 2009, attorneys for the couples argue that Measure 36 is a federal question because it violates the U.S. Constitution. “We would like a federal dis-
trict judge in Oregon to find that there is no rational, legitimate, or compelling governmental interest that would allow Oregon’s antiGay constitutional amendment to stand,” attorney Lake Perriguey said. “It will not withstand constitutional scrutiny.” REPEAL MEASURE IN WORKS While the lawsuit is not connected with the repeal campaign launched against Measure 36 by Oregon United for Marriage, the group says it has spoken with the couples’ attorneys and supports their goal. “We share the same goal as the plaintiffs in this case – to make marriage legal for all loving and committed couples in Oregon,” Oregon United spokesperson Amy Ruiz said. “No one should be denied the freedom to marry the person they love.” The group is currently gathering signatures to put repeal of the amendment on the ballot next year. see oregon page 8
Steinbrueck endorses Murray SGN exclusive interview: Support for neighborhoods and living-wage jobs cited as reasons for former councilmember’s choice
“Welcome to Cloud City Coffee, the heart of the 46th District, and my regular coffee shop for the past eleven and a half years!” Peter Steinbrueck beamed as he stood next to Ed Murray at an October 17 campaign event. Steinbrueck, a former City Council member and the thirdplace finisher in the August mayoral primary, hosted Murray and some 50 supporters at the northend coffee shop, where he endorsed his former rival. Steinbrueck has been attending Murray’s campaign events for several weeks, telling reporters he was “doing his due diligence” before deciding whom to endorse in the race for mayor of Seattle. MOM KNOWS BEST It was his mother, he told the crowd, who gave him the final push to endorse Murray. He called her recently to discuss potential endorsements, he said, and asked her what he should do about the mayor’s race. “That’s easy!” she told him. “Endorse Ed! What are you wait-
Peter Steinbrueck
Openly Gay lawmaker sets his cap for the State Senate marko liias via twitter
AIA washington Council
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
State Rep. Marko Liias
Representative Marko Liias
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Marko Liias has his eye on the Washington State Senate. The openly Gay representative from the 21st Legislative District, which includes neighborhoods see steinbrueck page 5 in Edmonds, Everett, Lynnwood,
and Mukilteo, has, since January 2008, focused on policies to advance a strong economy based on good-paying jobs, a safe and quality education system, and a balanced transportation system that serves the whole community. see liias page 6
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Von Steuben: The Gay father of the U.S. military An LGBT History Month Special
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers Mike Andrew, Miryam Gordon, Anthony Greer, Shaun Knittel, Albert Rodriguez, James Whitely Contributing Writers
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Rev. Barbara Allen, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Scott Wittet, Nevin Jefferson, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Rex Wockner
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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
Baron Friedrich William von Steuben (1780) by Charles Wilson Peale
by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News After years of studying almost everything available on Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, the material suggesting that von Steuben was Gay is so overwhelming that the only thing that can be asked of anyone who doubts it is, “Prove to me he wasn’t.” There literally is not room in this newspaper to list all the facts that point to a practice of homosexuality on the part of von Steuben. On the other hand, there is only one thing historians can point to that suggests von Steuben was heterosexual, and it comes from the first biography on the baron, The
October 18, 2013
Life of Frederick William von Steuben, by Friedrich Kapp, published in 1859. Toward the end of the 700-plus-page bio, Kapp writes, “Steuben was never married. It seems, however, that he met with a disappointment in early life. While preparing to remove to his farm, the accidental fall of a portrait of a most beautiful young woman, from his cabinet, which was picked up by his companion and shown to him, with the request to be told from whom it was taken, produced a most obvious emotion of strong tenderness, and the pathetic exclamation, ‘O, she was a matchless woman!’ He never afterwards alluded to the subject.” This flimsy story is one of the few items in the
book with no attribution. It has since been attributed to a host of the baron’s acquaintances. But most interesting of all is that each time von Steuben encountered the charge of being “homosexual,” he never denied it or defended himself – he just moved on. There are few historians today who would doubt that von Steuben was Gay. That is the notion this writer has argued for the past two years, and no accredited historian has refuted its main theme – that without von Steuben, there would be no United States and that, in today’s terms, von Steuben would be considered a Gay man. This update contains new historical material to add to the growing list of details about him. We now can say with some confidence that Baron von Steuben was the first case of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” TIMELY APPEARANCE To appreciate the contributions von Steuben (1730-94) made to the American Revolution, consider this: Before his arrival in Valley Forge in 1778, the colonies were on the path to defeat. Without his leadership, our United States might still be British colonies. Before von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge, the Revolutionary Army was a loosely organized, ragtag band with little military training, discipline, or organization. Gen. George Washington and the Continental Congress knew that without help from additional seasoned military experts, the colonies would clearly lose. Since Washington himself was the best the colonies had, they looked to Europe for someone who could train the troops. To that end, Washington wrote the colonies’ representatives in Paris, among them Benjamin Franklin, to see what he could come up with. Franklin, a renowned inventor, was treated as a celebrity in the French court. This would be pivotal in achieving his two major objectives in France: winning financial support for the American Revolution and finding military leaders who could bring a semblance of order to the Revolutionary Army. Franklin learned of a “brilliant Prussian” military genius, Lt. Gen. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, who had a string of successes across Germanic Europe. But there was one problem: He’d been asked to depart many of those states and countries because of his “affections for members of his own sex,” according to biographer Paul Lockhart’s The Drillmaster of Valley Forge see von steuben page 20
Celebrating 40 Years!
Local news
UPDATE: Grocery strike? Will there be a grocery workers’ strike? Here’s what to do, if there is. by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer As SGN went to press Thursday afternoon, grocery workers were still bargaining with the Big Three grocery chains – Safeway, Albertson’s, and Kroger (QFC and Fred Meyer) – in a last-ditch effort to avert
posals remains very large.” 72-HOUR NOTICE PROMISED The unions involved in the bargaining – UFCW 21 and 367, and Teamsters 38 – have agreed to give 72 hours’ notice if a strike will occur. The unions and their supporters will hold a “Protecting Our Community 72
“The gap between employer and union proposals remains very large.” a strike. “It is still uncertain whether a strike can be avoided,” according to UFCW 21, one of the unions representing 30,000 grocery workers affected. “Safeway, Fred Meyer, QFC, and Albertson’s continue to propose major changes to health care coverage, which would result in benefit cuts and/or substantial cost increases for workers. “The employers are also proposing no cost-of-living increase for the entire term of the contract and are actually advocating the reduction of wages in several ways, including a significant decrease in holiday pay and cutting wages of our lowest paid workers. The gap between employer and union pro-
Hour Vigil” at Westlake Park, downtown at 4th Avenue and Pine Street. “A giant clock will be there to count down to the end of the 72 hours,” UFCW 21 says. “We will count down every hour, day and night, until a tentative agreement is reached or a strike is called.” The unions also promise periodic actions – including actions at 48 hours and 24 hours before a strike – to dramatize that the grocery bargaining is not only about the specifics of a union contract, but also about the quality of life for everyone. The website www.standwithourcheckers. com has been set up to provide updates on the situation. The site also features a list of alternative unionized grocery stores, in case workers have to strike the Big Three.
Murray criticized his opponent for failing jobs base. laughed. to adhere to the established planning proWhen asked if he expected to hire Stein“I don’t have the job myself, yet. I don’t continued from cover cess. brueck for his new administration, Murray have a job to offer,” he said. “Seattle ‘process’ is sometimes a chaling for?” Apart from his mother’s influence, Stein- lenge,” he noted, “but lack of process is an brueck said he and Murray had been talking even bigger problem.” over the main issues in the race for several REVITALIZING INDUSTRY weeks, and found they had general agreeSteinbrueck also spoke about developing ment on where they wanted the city to go. “During the primary election forums, I of- what he called the city’s “maritime industriten found myself listening to Peter and say- al cluster,” based in the area south of downTHANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT tor could make such a statement shows just ing to myself, ‘I like what he has to say,’” town, around the seaport and adjoining rail Words can’t describe how much I and how out of touch he, and those who believe yards. Murray agreed. millions more thank you for standing firm in what he stated, are with the history of this “This is where living-wage jobs are against the blackmail being waged by the country as well as the ongoing suffering for Steinbrueck, who introduced the issue of gender equity into the mayoral campaign found, and where they can be grown,” he Tea Party. This country has for far too long millions who are affected by unemploythis year, said he was “overwhelmed, just emphasized. allowed those who profess to know what ment, gun violence, pit bulls killing people, Murray promised to convene a “blue-rib- is good for the country make decisions auto accidents, dying for lack of proper stunned” by Murray’s successful “Winning bon Mayor’s Maritime and Industrial Coun- – which in fact are made to ensure they health care, living on the street for lack of With Women” campaign event. Seattle came in dead last in a survey of cil,” including shipping and manufacturing maintain a powerful grip on the politics and housing, mental illness going untreated, low major cities for pay equity between men and interests, “engaging them in a new initiative economics of the country. As a result, for wages, denial of basic human rights such as women, Steinbrueck noted, and Murray has to preserve and grow these critically impor- decades the country’s resources have been voting, etc. promised to take immediate action to cor- tant economic sectors.” wasted supporting dictators overseas and I say, hang in there, Mr. President. It is On the controversial issue of a new sports getting involved in wars. while allowing our time this country faced reality and lived rect such gender disparities. arena in SoDo, Murray said he thought the own citizens to suffer from neglect. up to the promising words set forth in the city could have “both industrial growth and A SHARED AGENDA As an African American, I was appalled Constitution in regard to this country being Murray’s campaign also used the event a new arena,” but that freight mobility – the by a Fox News guest [Dr. Ben Carson] stat- governed for the welfare and happiness of to issue new position papers on “Neigh- ability to move goods from the port to their ing that the Affordable Care Act (“Obam- all its citizens. Each day this country fails borhoods” and “Industrial Growth,” which destination quickly and cheaply – was the acare”) is the worst thing since slavery. I to treat all its citizens fairly is a tragedy for Murray said had been written with signifi- key to a sound local economy. am 72 years old and believe me, there have millions. Murray also said he would “revive the been a lot of things that are much worse than cant input from Steinbrueck. Holding up a thick binder containing the biotech industry in South Lake Union,” in taking steps to ensure every American has George Whitaker Seattle Comprehensive Plan, Steinbrueck hopes of creating an additional middle-class access to health care. The fact that a docBellevue charged that the city plan has “languished” under the McGinn administration. “I have only respect for Mayor McGinn, for his passion and conviction,” Steinbrueck said, “but his administration left many of us disappointed.” $ Long an advocate of neighborhood-based planning, Steinbrueck said, “Ed underany size pizza stands that neighborhoods are what makes 700 East Pine St., Seattle this city great.” In his campaign paper, MurHOMEMADE ray promises to “reinvigorate neighborhood HAND TOSSED planning” and “support neighborhood commercial districts” with transit options and FREE DELIVERY • 206-322-6444 Not valid for delivery. new capital projects.
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liias
continued from cover And now, he tells Seattle Gay News, he will bring those values to the Senate if elected. “Unfortunately, our State Senate has become dominated by the same extremist, Tea Party politics that we have seen lately in D.C.,” Rep. Liias told SGN. “In fact, our state government came within days of shutting down in July, for many of the same reasons that we have seen in the last couple weeks in D.C.” “Our government can only function when both sides are willing to communicate, negotiate, and compromise,” he said. “But, when the Tea Party views compromise as defeat and negotiation as weakness, our ba-
sic democratic process breaks down.” SHAME OF THE SHUTDOWN “At the end of the day, there are real people who depend on our ability to make government work for them,” Liias reasoned. “We have a million school kids who depend on our public schools. We have hundreds of thousands of seniors and disabled who depend on in-home care. When extremists in the Tea Party shut the government down because they aren’t willing to compromise, these kids and these seniors are the ones who pay the price. I have demonstrated an ability to sit down, have the tough conversations, and reach a compromise. That’s what I will do in the State Senate.” It is no secret that Liias is Gay. He is open about it and has thrown support be-
hind Washington’s marriage equality bill and more. But with equality comes an even playing field, and while Liias doesn’t discount what being Gay means in his personal life, he doesn’t see the need to run for the Senate as a “Gay candidate.” Instead, he says he is running as a representation of what it means to be a diverse candidate – meaning there are many introspections in his personal and professional life that aid him when making tough decisions. “Over the last six years, I have demon-
I have shown that you can be principled, tough, and still deliver results.” ‘NEW GENERATION’ On his campaign website, the lawmaker says, “I am proud to represent a new generation of Democrats, and a new generation of political leaders – socially progressive, supportive of small business, and unafraid to stand up to special interests.” His campaign slogan is simple: “A Voice for the Middle Class.”
“We have a million school kids who depend on our public schools. We have hundreds of thousands of seniors and disabled who depend on in-home care. When extremists in the Tea Party shut the government down because they aren’t willing to compromise, these kids and these seniors are the ones who pay the price.” strated that my own personal story has made me a strong, effective voice for the middle class,” he told SGN. “As a Gay person, I have personally experienced what it’s like to be denied basic opportunities, like the right to marry the person I love. That’s why I worked so hard to pass marriage equality, and it’s why I work hard every day to make sure other families have the same opportunities I have had. “Our community is stronger because we are diverse, and I look forward to bringing our diverse voices to the State Senate,” said Liias. “For the past six years, I have built a strong, progressive record of results,” he said. “From education to transportation,
Liias told SGN that when he says he will stand up for the middle class, “I really mean it.” “I grew up in a middle-class family, I was the first to graduate from college, and I helped start a small business,” he said. “I know that our economy only works when we grow it from the middle out, when we create more opportunity, and when we give everyone a chance to succeed.” “Those are the values that I will bring to the State Senate, and that’s why I need help building a strong, people-powered campaign to help me get there,” he concluded. For information about Rep. Liias and how to get involved in his campaign, visit http:// markoforsenate.com.
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by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Drew Reisinger, the register of deeds in Buncombe County, North Carolina, issued marriage licenses to 10 same-sex couples on October 16. Reisinger, who had previously announced he would issue the licenses, said he was withholding his signature on the documents pending a ruling by North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper. Reisinger says he believes his state’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, and if Cooper agrees, he will sign the licenses and the couples can get married. “I will let each couple know that it is my hope to grant them a license, but I need to seek the North Carolina Attorney General’s approval,” Reisinger said. “I have concerns about whether we are violating people’s civil rights based on this summer’s Supreme Court decision.” Cooper made headlines on October 14 when he revealed he supports marriage equality, but he added that in his official capacity he felt bound to defend state law in court. North Carolina voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in 2012. Cooper is named as a defendant and is the state’s lead designated attorney in a lawsuit
drewfordeeds.com
NC official issues samesex marriage licenses
filed by several same-sex couples that was recently expanded to challenge the constitutionality of the amendment in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June decision striking down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act. Reisinger recalled a protest two years ago when a same-sex couple was arrested in his office after asking for a marriage license and being refused. The arrests followed a downtown rally that drew about 300 people, where same-sex couples were blessed by supportive clergy. Now he felt it was time to take action, he said, but he added that he would abide by the attorney general’s ruling. “If the attorney general says he will not Drew Reisinger, Buncombe County Register of Deeds allow me to issue marriage licenses, then I will respect the law of the land. But if he ister in the United Church of Christ, called Reisinger were Brenda Clark and Carol Mcgrants me permission to issue these mar- Reisinger’s action “another step forward in Crory, who have been together for 25 years. riage licenses, I will be excited to be the first the path to full equality for LGBT people.” Reisinger congratulated them and then told in the South to make that happen,” he said. Before the 10 couples applied to Reising- them he would have to ask the attorney gener for marriage licenses, Beach-Ferrara and eral for permission before signing their liTEST CASE 100 supporters gathered in an Asheville, cense. The Campaign for Southern Equality, an North Carolina, church to encourage them. “I think it’s pretty clear that there is a conLGBT rights organization, had been shopBeach-Ferrara said they will keep press- tradiction between state law and federal law, ping around for a county official who would ing the issue. She called the state’s ban on and we want some clarification,” Reisinger be willing to issue marriage licenses for same-sex marriage “morally wrong.” said. same-sex couples as part of its “We Do” “You can only deal with this for so long. It McCrory praised Reisinger for his courcampaign. wears on your soul. It wears on your spirit, age in accepting their marriage license reThe Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, the and it’s wrong,” she said. quest. “I’m very proud of you,” she said. campaign’s executive director and a minThe first couple to apply for a license from
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No equality in Michigan – yet Judge will hear challenge to state marriage/adoption ban next February
AP Photo / Paul Sancya
April DeBoer, second from left, sits with her daughter Ryanne, 3, left, and Jayne Rowse, fourth from left, and her sons Jacob, 3, middle, and Nolan, 4, right
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A federal judge in Michigan says a challenge to that state’s ban on same-sex marriage will go to trial on February 25 next year. Equality supporters had hoped that Judge Bernard Friedman would rule in favor of plaintiffs at a summary judgment hearing on October 16, but after hearing initial arguments the judge said he was not convinced
by either side. “I’m in the middle,” Freidman said. “I have to decide this as a matter of law. I intend to do so.” Plaintiffs in the case are April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, who brought suit challenging Michigan’s ban on adoption by same-sex couples in January 2012. Rowse has two preschool-aged boys. DeBoer has a 3-yearold girl. They later amended that suit to include a challenge to a 2004 constitutional amend-
‘Sleep well my love’ Read the beautifully tragic love letter from a Gay soldier in World War II
This amazing letter was written by Gay soldier Brian Keith to another soldier named Dave after falling in love with him overseas in 1943. Keith recalls the time the two shared while stationed together in North Africa. He writes about their chance encounter during World War II, waking up in his arms and the tears that flowed when they separated, and expresses regret that Dave never made it home after the war. The letter was reprinted in September of 1961 by
ONE Magazine and the original is reportedly preserved in the Library of Congress. Dear Dave, This is in memory of an anniversary – the anniversary of October 27th, 1943, when I first heard you singing in North Africa. That song brings memories of the happiest times I’ve ever known. Memories of a GI show troop – curtains made from barrage balloons – spotlights made from cocoa cans – rehearsals that ran late into the evenings –
ment barring same-sex marriage. The plaintiffs argue that the ban unlawfully violates their right under the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution to get married and adopt each others’ children. They also argue the state has no rational basis for denying them the right to get married and adopt. “We don’t see ourselves as poster women for anything,” DeBoer said to cheers as they arrived at the October 16 hearing. “If anything, we’re poster women for our children and the rights of children like ours in Michigan.” In December 2012, DeBoer and Rowse were successful in the adoption portion of their suit, and their attorneys said they hoped for a quick resolution of the marriage issue. CHANGE IS OVERDUE “We’re cautiously optimistic that a ruling will come,” Dana Nessel, one of four lawyers representing the plaintiffs, said before the hearing. “When you have waited this long for some semblance of equality, you kind of want it right now. You don’t want to wait any longer.” Nessel said that Michigan’s Gay and Lesbian community has suffered from discrimination long enough. A ruling favoring her clients could trigger long-overdue changes for LGBT Michiganders. “It’s very critical that we have a federal court step in and say, no, you cannot use your laws to discriminate against what has historically been an unpopular segment of society,” she said. Another attorney for the plaintiffs, Carole Stanyar, said the U.S. Supreme Court provided guidance for the court in its rulings on Prop 8 and DOMA. She said the will of the people in voting for the constitutional amendment should not be disregarded, but precedent allows for scrutiny of laws that may be unconstitutional. “These marriage bans ... are hurting the most vulnerable members of our society,” and a handsome boy with a wonderful tenor voice. Opening night at a theatre in Canastel – perhaps a bit too much muscatel, and someone who understood. Exciting days playing in the beautiful and stately Municipal Opera House in Oran – a misunderstanding – an understanding in the wings just before opening chorus. Drinks at “Coq d’Or” – dinner at the “Auberge” – a ring and promise given. The show 1st Armoured – muscatel, scotch, wine – someone who had to be carried from the truck and put to bed in his tent. A night of pouring rain and two very soaked GIs beneath a solitary tree on an African plain. A borrowed French convertible – a warm sulphur spring, the cool Mediterranean, and a picnic of “rations” and hot Cokes. Two lieutenants who were smart enough to know the score, but not smart enough to realize that we wanted to be alone. A screwball piano player – competition – miserable days and lonely nights. The cold, windy night we crawled through the window of a GI theatre and fell asleep on a cot backstage, locked in each other’s arms – the shock when we awoke and realized that miraculously we hadn’t been discovered. A fast drive to a cliff above the sea – pictures taken, and a stop amid the purple grapes and cool leaves of a vineyard. The happiness when told we were going home – and the misery when we learned that we would not be going together. Fond goodbyes on a secluded beach beneath the starstudded velvet of an African night, and the tears that would not be stopped as I stood atop the sea-wall and watched your convoy disappear over the horizon. We vowed we’d be together again “back home,” but fate knew better – you never got there. And so, Dave, I hope that where ever you are these memories are as precious to you as they are to me. Goodnight, sleep well my love. Brian Keith
Stanyar said. As soon as the court grants her power, Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown, a defendant in the case, will issue licenses to samesex couples, her lawyer told the judge. Angela Minicuci, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Community Health, said officials will revise the marriage license application form in case the ban on Gay and Lesbian marriages is lifted, but have not completed the work. “We notified local clerks that we will provide guidance on next steps if and when a ruling is available but we do not have a new application prepared at this time,” Minicuci said. STATE DEFENDS LAW The state of Michigan has vowed a vigorous fight to uphold the 2004 voter-approved constitutional amendment, arguing it has “legitimate state interests” in defining marriage. “Michigan supports natural procreation and recognizes that children benefit from being raised by parents of each sex, who can then serve as role models of the sexes both individually and together in matrimony,” the state argued in court documents. Kristin Heyse, representing Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office, said the state’s position is not an attack on the Gay community. Instead, the question is who gets to decide state law – the people or the court, she said. Gary Glenn, who leads the anti-Gay American Family Association of Michigan, said it would be a mistake for a judge to extinguish a law on the books for nearly a decade. “One Detroit lawyer in a black robe doesn’t have the legitimate constitutional or moral authority to overturn the will of millions of Michigan voters,” Glenn said. Judge Friedman, who is a senior judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, was appointed to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Original by Brian Keith, found on HyperVocal. Image courtesy ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries.
oregon
continued from cover “I believe that securing equal access to marriage in Oregon through a popularity contest or through a federal decision will advance marriage equality nationwide,” Perriguey said. “There’s nothing guaranteeing a vote will come out in our favor, and there’s no guarantee that a legal opinion will come out in our favor. But we’re very optimistic.” Plaintiffs Geiger and Nelson said they filed the suit because they thought it might bring a quicker result than waiting for the repeal initiative to come on the ballot. “We are trying to go this route to see if perhaps we can get it sooner, but either way we’re very supportive of any route,” Geiger said. LONGTIME PARTNERS The couple have been together for more than 31 years, and were among the first in line to obtain marriage licenses during the brief period when Multnomah County was issuing them to Gay couples. They said they have faced discrimination throughout their relationship, which began when they met working at a camp together. They even avoided having children, they said, because they felt the stigma would have been too great. Other states where anti-Gay marriage laws are being challenged in court include Arkansas, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Seattle Gay News
October 18, 2013
Celebrating 40 Years!
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SEATTLE LESBIAN & GAY FILM FESTIVAL OCTOBER 10-20 www.threedollarbillcinema.org
BIGGEST TUPPERWARE PARTY EVER! WITH LA TRINA BIDET AND SYLVIA O’STAYFORMORE On Friday, October 18, at 7 p.m., the West Seattle Senior Center (4217 SW Oregon St.), with hostesses La Trina Bidet and Sylvia O’Stayformore, hosts an outlandish Tupperware fundraising party which will feature a wide range of Tupperware products along with entertainment by the hostesses with the mostest. Up to 40% of all the proceeds will be donated to the Senior Center. Also introducing Nerium Skin Care Products. Bring your oldest Tupperware pieces for show and tell! Free tickets and free hors d’oeuvres. Presented by Trader Joe’s, Nerium Skin Care, and the non-profit organization, Gays for Good/Seattle. 206932-4044; www.scws.org. NW ART ALLIANCE – BEST OF THE NORTHWEST FALL 2013 PART 1 OCTOBER 18-20 On Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20, starting at 10 a.m., Best of the Northwest Fall 2013 returns to Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park (7400 Sand Point Way NE) for their 25th annual art and fine craft show featuring over 100 artists. Tickets: $5 online, $8 online for 2 people, $6 at the door. (NOTE: Your ticket is also good for Fall 2013 Part 2 which will be held November 8-10.) www.nwartalliance.com
On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays thru October 26, at 8 p.m.(with pay-what you-can industry night performance on Tuesday, October 22), at West of Lenin (203 N 34th St.), Theatre 22 launches their inaugural season with openly-Gay playwright Lanford Wilson’s celebrated play, “5th of July.” At a sprawling farmhouse in rural Missouri, Ken, a legless Vietnam veteran and his lover, Jed, welcome a disparate group of colorful old friends and family for an impromptu reunion. As they reminisce, revealing lost dreams and buried resentments; they expose the shattered hopes of their college days at Berkeley and the unhealed trauma of the Vietnam War. At once poignant and marvelously funny, “5th of July” is a compassionate portrait of a generation that is trying to transcend the disillusionment of the seventies, learn what can be salvaged from the past, and find the courage to begin anew. The play is sharp and funny and, in the final essence, deeply revealing of lost hopes and dreams and of the bitterness that must be fought back, if one is to perceive the good that life can offer. Tickets: $20-general; $12-student/military/senior (62+). www.brownpapertickets. com/event/395944; www.theatre22.org
ELLIOTT BAY BOOK CO – “UNIVERSAL HUNKS: A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF MUSCULAR MEN AROUND THE WORLD, 1895-1975” On Saturday, October 19, at 7 p.m., Elliott Bay Book Company (1521 10th Ave.) hosts the Seattle book launch of Seattle author David L. Chapman’s Universal Hunks: A Pictorial History of Muscular Men Around the World, 1895-1975. Joining David at the book launch will be three of SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS – “HALLOWS IN THE CATHEDRAL” Washington state’s own hunks – professionOn Fridays & Saturdays, October 18 al bodybuilders Benny Mobley, Michael & 19 and 25 & 26, at 8 p.m. (except Sat- Landon and Peter Cheah, who will give a urday October 26 at 2 p.m.), Seattle Wom- choreographed posing demonstration. en’s Chorus returns to St. Mark’s Cathedral DIGNITY/SEATTLE – (1245 10th Ave. E.) for a spine-tingling con40TH ANNIVERSARY cert featuring creepy classics and modern CELEBRATION day monster mashes. Envelop yourself in On Saturday, October 19, at 6 p.m., at the spooky atmosphere and enjoy this HalChina Harbor Restaurant (2040 Westlake lowrific treat perfect for the entire family. Tickets: $48, $38 & $28. 206-388-1400; Ave. N.), Dignity/Seattle (LGBT Catholics), the local chapter of Dignity/USA will www.flyinghouse.org. celebrate its 40th anniversary of service and ministry to Seattle’s progressive Catholic SEATTLE AUTO SHOW – community. All former members, supportCENTURYLINK FIELD ers and friends from all faith communities EVENT CENTER are invited to this celebration dinner. The OCTOBER 16-20 cost is $40 per person and “business casual” www.SeattleAutoShow.com attire is appropriate. The guest speaker is Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA’s ExLANGSTON HUGHES PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE – ecutive Director, from Boston. Please mail a check for $40 by October 15 “HELLO DARLINS” to: Dignity/Seattle, PO Box 20325, Seattle THRU OCTOBER 26 “Hello Darlins” honors comedian Jackie WA 98102. For further information, email “Moms” Mabley. Billed as “The Funniest dignity.seattle@gmail.com or call 206-659Woman in the World” Mabley was a pioneer 5519. www.dignityseattle.org. in her field and a black woman who pushed RAINBOW CITY BAND – the boundaries of taste, politics, and race. “A TRIBUTE TO HEROES” Her career spanned from the 1920s on the On Saturday, October 19, at 7 p.m., at Chitlin’ Circuit well into the 1970s, leaving behind a legacy of over 20 albums and Edmonds Center for the Arts (410 4th Ave. memorable appearances on many of the N., Edmonds), join Rainbow City Band as popular variety and talk shows of the day, they perform music honoring heroes in evincluding Ed Sullivan and The Smothers ery form they take. This concert will feature: “Today is the Gift” by Samuel Hazo, Brothers. Written by Seattle playwright Dan Ow- “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron ens, directed by Artistic Director, Jacque- Copland, “Soaring with John Williams” arline Moscou and starring Josephine Howell ranged by R.W. Smith, “Olympic Fanfare” as “Moms,” “Hello Darlins” will take you by John Williams, “The Symphonic Duke” on a journey fraught with challenging ma- arranged by Newson and more. Tickets: terial, raucous humor, and surprises about $20-general; $15-seniors and children 10 & under. www.rainbowcityband.com who this woman was. Performance dates: Thursdays-Sundays ELEKTROPOP – thru October 26, at 7 p.m., with Saturday/ “SIN CITY: Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., at Langston WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS...” Hughes Performing Art Institute (104 17th A BENEFIT FOR Ave. S.), Thursdays-Sundays thru OctoSOCIAL OUTREACH SEATTLE ber 26. Tickets: $20/$15-general; $10-stuOn Saturday, October 19, from 10 dent/senior. www.brownpapertickets.com/ p.m.-2 a.m., at Fred Wildlife Refuge (128 event/431678. Belmont Ave. E.), ElektroPOP presents a Vegas-themed night of drinking, dancing THEATRE 22 – and entertainment featuring Morgan Mc“5TH OF JULY” Michaels (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Mayhem THRU OCTOBER 26
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Miller (Los Angeles), and Robbie Turner (Seattle), with guest performances by Betty Rage, Kylie Koyote, and Jessica Paradisco. With games, raffles, prizes, and more! FREE admission - donations to SOSea encouraged. www.socialoutreachseattle.com LGBTQ ALLYSHIP – LGBTQ COMMUNITY TOWN HALL ON POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY On Monday, October 21, at 6 p.m., at South Side Commons (3518 S. Edmonds St.), LGBTQ Allyship hosts an “LGBTQ Community Town Hall on Police Accountability” in association with the Seattle Community Police Commission. www.lgbtqallyship.org OCTOBER 22 COALITION – 18TH ANNUAL PROTEST TO STOP POLICE BRUTALITY, REPRESSION & THE CRIMINALIZATION OF A GENERATION On Tuesday, October 22, at 5:30 p.m., at Seattle Central Community College (Broadway & E. Pine St.), join the October 22 Coalition/Seattle Affiliate for this national protest. For more information: 206-2645527; Oct22seattle@hotmail.com; www. october22.org. POZ SEATTLE – “SPOOKY HALLOWEEN” SOCIAL On Wednesday, October 23, from 6-8 p.m., at C.C. Attle’s (1701 E. Olive Way at Boylston Ave. E.), join POZSeattle for their 2nd monthly social event: “Spooky Halloween.” Come see C.C. Attle’s fantastic scary decor, meet new and old friends and sample the great Halloween-themed food prepared by CC’s kitchen crew. This event is for all HIV-Positive men and their friends, regardless of age, shape, size, or color, and is free (a voluntary donation of $3 is requested to help defray overhead expenses, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds), except for the cost of drinks at the bar. POZSeattle is a social organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-Positive guys that is committed to planning and promoting fun, social activities. www.pozseattle.org. JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE – “STRENGTHENING LESBIAN RELATIONSHIPS” On Wednesday, October 23, from 6:308:30 p.m., at JFS Capitol Hill Campus (1601 16th Ave.), Jewish Family Service presents a workshop on “Strengthening Lesbian Relationships.” Successful relationships require good communication and the ability to manage differences, disappointments and playfulness. Moreover, female gender roles, homophobia and expectations about intimacy and sex impact Lesbian relationships in unique ways. Join facilitator G. Dorsey Green, Ph.D., Lesbian psychologist and co-author of Lesbian Couples: A Guide to Creating Healthy Relationships, to explore how to build a healthier, stronger relationship with a woman you love. Space is limited. Advance registration encouraged. $20/person at the door; $15 in advance. Scholarships available; ask if interested. Contact Leonard Orlov, 206-8618784 or email familylife@jfsseattle.org. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB – ROUGH MUSIC The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday from 6-7:15 p.m., at Seattle Area Support Groups Community Center (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). In October, the club will discuss Rough Music by British author Patrick Gale. (November will be The Two Hotel Francforts, a new novel by David Leavitt.) All GLBTQ folks are welcome to participate in this FREE book club. For more information, visit http://faculty.washington. edu/swittet/SGLBookClub/.
October 18, 2013
CENTRAL CINEMA – WAXIE MOON IN “FALLEN JEWEL” – BENEFIT SCREENING FOR SEATTLE COUNSELING SERVICE On Thursday, October 24, at 8 p.m., at Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave. off E. Union St.), join pre-show host Aleksa Manila, with film star Waxie Moon and director Wes Hurley in attendance, for a screening of “Fallen Jewel,” a gender bending look at life, love and all that other stuff, while also being one of the biggest shout outs to Seattle ever committed to celluloid. Tickets: $20 – with proceeds to benefit Seattle Counseling Service. This is an 18+ show. BORDER RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB – WEEKEND RUN TO SILVER FALLS OCTOBER 25-27 www.borderriders.com RADICAL WOMEN BENEFIT – “HALLOWEEN HAUNTING FOR WITCHES AND HELLRAISERS” On Saturday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m., at 1903 NE 82nd St., join Radical Women for a festive benefit party for feminists and other seditious souls with $7 scream-worthy snack plates. For more info or rides, call 206-722-6057; www.radicalwomen.org. LAMBERT HOUSE HALLOWEEN DANCE FOR YOUTH, AGES 14-22 On Saturday, October 26, from 8 p.m.12 midnight, at All Pilgrims Church (500 Broadway E.), all LGBTQ youth and allies, ages 14-22, are invited to the Lambert House Halloween Dance with DJs, dancing, refreshments and a costume contest with prizes! Suggested donation: $5-$15. No drugs, no alcohol, and no hate. Lambert House is a center of LGBTQ youth that empowers youth through the development of leadership, social and life skills. Lambert House is a safe place for Queer youth ages 22 and under that sponsors fun activities, support groups, planning meetings, dances, and other events. www. lamberthouse.org. METROPOLITAN OPERA – NORTHWEST REGIONAL AUDITIONS On Sunday, October 27, at 10 a.m., at Benaroya Hall, Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall (3rd Ave. & Union St.), the best cultural bargain in town comes again to Seattle as it has since 1955 – the Metropolitan Opera National Council district auditions for Western Washington and Alaska. See and hear live on stage the opera stars of the future and the cream of the arias. Tickets: $15-general, $10-student/senior. Cash or check only. Audience members can come and go between each singer’s short set. 425678-8774; www.metoperanw.com. FRIENDS OF THE CONSERVATORY PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST & “HAUNTED CONSERVATORY” HALLOWEEN NIGHT OPEN HOUSE On Monday, October 28, from 7 a.m.6 p.m., the Volunteer Park Conservatory (14th Ave. E. & E. Galer St.) welcomes your best carved pumpkins for their Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest. Drop off your carved pumpkin with your name and phone number or email address on a piece of paper inside so they can contact you if you win a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place award. The cream of the crop will be selected by the Conservatory staff and will be displayed in the Conservatory for the Haunted Conservatory Halloween Open House on Thursday, October 31, from 5-8 p.m. FREE admission. Those not selected for display will be placed in the Spooky Pumpkin Graveyard outside. Please do not include candles or lights, they will take care of that. All materials submitted become property of the Conservatory. Sorry, they cannot return pumpkins or decorations. www.volunteerparkconservatory.org.
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international news
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Chinese government has floated a plan to bar HIV-positive people from using public baths, but it has drawn criticism from AIDS activists and the general public. The proposal would require public bathing facilities to post signs prohibiting use by “people with sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and infectious skin diseases.” China’s State Council, or cabinet, ordered the plan posted online for a public comment period, and it drew criticism from several quarters. “There is no evidence that people can be infected with HIV in public bathhouses,” Wu Hao, of the Beijing Research Centre on Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, was quoted as saying by the Beijing Morning News. “Apparently, the rule to bar HIV patients from entering public bathhouses is way over the top,” he added. SPREADING FEAR The paper also quoted an unnamed AIDS activist as being extremely disappointed with the draft proposal. “Banning HIV patients from using public bathhouses and spas will only exacerbate
people’s misunderstanding, discrimination, and fear of HIV/AIDS, and will not help reduce the transmission of the disease,” the activist said. The proposal has also been condemned by UNAIDS, the United Nations agency that monitors the global AIDS epidemic and coordinates international response. According to AFP, Dr. Hedia Belhadj, the China country coordinator for UNAIDS, said the agency was concerned by the proposal and called for it to be scrapped. She said there is no risk of transmission of HIV in a spa or bathhouse setting. “UNAIDS recommends that restrictions preventing people living with HIV from accessing bath houses, spas, and other similar facilities be removed from the final draft of this policy,” Belhadj told AFP. The proposal also drew strong criticism from users of Weibo, China’s Twitter equivalent. One user said any decision about HIV patients using public baths must be based on scientific facts about the ways HIV was transmitted. “In reality, many public bathhouses have already implemented the ban. The practice is discriminatory and must be stopped, and must not be institutionalized. “HIV patients are already very vulnera-
Mirror Evening News
China may ban HIV+ people from public baths
Beijingers chat at a hotspring pool in a modern bathhouse.
ble. They should be protected and respected. lic bathing facilities for people whose resiWe must not further harm them with dis- dences lack individual bathrooms. crimination,” the Weibo user said. According to Chinese government figures released in 2012, China has 430,000 NOT LIKE GAY BATHS HIV-positive residents, but the United NaUnlike what are called “bathhouses” in the tions has said that the real number could be U.S., Chinese bathhouses are actually pub- 620,000 to 940,000.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it has broken up “a network of homosexuals and devil-worshippers” in the city of Kermanshah, near the Iran-Iraq border. The Guard, a paramilitary group closely tied to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claims to have raided a birthday party being held in a public hall and arrested a number of people, including some Iraqis. According to the Guard’s website, the arrestees had been under surveillance for some time. The partygoers were dancing when the raid commenced. While the Guard did not say how many
Johannes Eisele / AFP / Getty Images
Iran arrests 17 Gays and ‘devil-worshippers’ people had been arrested altogether, foreign news reports put the number at 17 or more. Eight were said to be married to each other. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the raid took place on the night of October 8, targeting a party of about 80 people, including both straight and Gay Iranians. At least 17 people who had tattoos or were wearing makeup or rainbow bracelets were blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, according to a local source. Partygoers were filmed by the Guard and had their mobile phones confiscated. While the Iranian government has sometimes labeled Gay people as “satanic,” the so-called “devil-worshippers” may have been Yazidis, members of a pre-Islamic reWoman on a Gay pride march in Berlin protest at Iran’s treatment of Gay people.
ligion whose principal figure is sometimes called Shaytan – the name used for the devil in the Quran. Almost all Yazidis are ethnically Kurdish, and Kermanshah is in the Kurdish area of Iran. Kurds also live in the adjoining section of Iraq.
GAYS STILL RISK DEATH Until recently, Gay sex was punishable by death in Iran, but a 2012 amendment to the penal code altered the penalty. Under the new penal code, tops will receive 100 lashes if the sex was consensual and they were unmarried, but bottoms will still be executed regardless of their marital status. Punishment for Lesbian sex is 100 lashes for all involved, but the death penalty can be imposed for the fourth offense. Since the new penal code has gone into effect, the government and the police have more or less ignored Gay people, but the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij religious militia have been actively tracking down
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Gays and punishing them. Official treatment of Gay people is said to vary dramatically depending on where they are arrested and by whom. Those arrested in provincial cities like in Kermanshah would usually be at greater risk, as would Yazidi Gays. While Yazidis are considered infidels, simply being a member of that sect is not in itself a crime. However, members of minority religions are often charged with other offenses, the most serious being “waging war against God” which can bring the death penalty. The same charge was also applied to a Gay couple arrested and sentenced to death in 2008. In September 2007, Iran’s former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad famously denied that Gay people even existed in the Islamic republic. “In Iran we don’t have homosexuals like in your country,” he told a jeering audience at Columbia University during a UN visit.
Celebrating 40 Years!
(1977-2006). He often invited me to visit him at his condo in Cocoa Beach, which I finally did in 1984. Jack was the perfect host, though often distracted by the presence of a young man he was obviously fond of. When we had the time, Jack and I talked about every subject under the sun. I was impressed by Jack’s encyclopedic knowledge and his capacity to extensively quote poets and philosophers (Jack himself was a poet and a philosopher). Since then I made a point to visit Jack in Cocoa Beach once every few years, often accompanied by my life partner, Michael Greenspan. The last time Michael and I visited Jack was a few months before Anybody, which Jack wrote in 1972 with Jack’s death, and though Jack was obviously his first long-term partner, Lige Clarke, was sick at the time he kept us entertained with one of the books that informed my coming- his wit and wisdom. out process. By 1978, Nichols was already A PROLIFIC WRITER a legend: co-founder (with Frank Kameny) Jack’s career in journalism is as notable as of the Mattachine Society of Washington, his achievements as an activist. In the late D.C. (1961) and co-founder (with Richard ’60s, Jack and Lige wrote a “Homosexual Inman) of the Mattachine Society of Florida (1963). In 1965, Nichols, along with Dr. Citizen” column for Al Goldstein’s notoriKameny and Barbara Gittings, organized ous sex magazine Screw. From 1969 to 1973 the first “homophile” demonstrations in the partners also edited GAY, America’s first Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. During Gay weekly newspaper. (The Advocate has Jack’s last weekend on earth, Philadelphia’s never been more than a biweekly.) In 1997 Equality Forum held a national celebra- Jack became senior editor for GayToday. tion of the 40th anniversary of that event. com, an online magazine published by BadThough Nichols was unable to attend, he puppy. Always loyal to his friends, Jack invited me to contribute to GayToday. This was on the minds of all who were there. During the years that followed our first became a pleasurable task, mainly because it meeting, Jack and I established a rapport gave me a reason to communicate with Jack, assisted the fact that both of us contrib- by phone or by e-mail, on a regular basis. I uted to South Florida’s great Gay commu- also got to be on the same Web page as Paul nity newspaper, The Weekly News, aka twn Cain, Bob Kunst, James Sears, Rodger St-
Remembering Jack Nichols Mattachine of Florida’s co-founder lived a colorful and courageous life by Jesse Monteagudo SGN Contributing Writer I first met Jack Nichols (1938-2005) in 1978, around the time that he moved to Florida’s Space Coast after living for decades in Washington, D.C., and New York City. We were in a bar in Hollywood, Florida, when we were introduced by our mutual friend Mark Silber. The first thing I noticed about Nichols was that he was very tall (compared to me) and very friendly. We exchanged a few words and then moved on. Little did I know that it was to be the start of a friendship that lasted until death took him away from us. At the time we met, Jack did not know who I was, but I certainly knew who he was. In fact, Jack was one of my personal idols: a Gay pioneer who paved the way and who inspired me when I came out in 1973. I Have More Fun With You Than
Religion & Spirituality
reitmatter, George Weinberg, and Randy Wicker, among others. We were a disparate group of individuals, who had nothing in common with one another but our writing ability, our commitment to the cause, and our love for Jack Nichols. Through it all, Jack continued to write. His two books with Lige Clarke – I Have More Fun With You Than Anybody and Roommates Can’t Always Be Lovers (1974) – are sadly out of print, though dog-eared copies of his Men’s Liberation (1975) and Welcome to Fire Island (1976) may still be found in used bookstores. During the decades of our friendship Jack wrote The Gay Agenda: Talking Back to the Fundamentalists (1996) and The Tomcat Chronicles: Erotic Adventures of a Gay Liberation Pioneer (2004), the latter based on a column that he wrote for twn’s randy younger brother, Contax. In an age of assimilation and same-sex marriage Jack continued to celebrate his adventurous youth and the pleasures of unbridled sex. But he was always ahead of his time. To know Jack, as the song goes, was to love him. Those of us who were blessed with his friendship will remember his kindness, his loyalty, his bright wit, and his commitment to the cause of freedom for all humanity. In his lifetime, Jack enjoyed two great partnerships, with Lige and Logan Carter (best remembered as drag queen Roxanne Russell). Lige was murdered in Mexico in 1975, and Logan died of AIDSrelated complications in the late 1980s. For the rest of his life, Jack kept their memory alive. Now, he has joined them. It is up to us who remain behind to preserve Jack’s contributions and continue his cause.
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health and medicine Be the BEE Not-so-common commonsense safety tips by Mac McGregor Special to the SGN Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in an ongoing series on personal selfdefense. I can recite these in my sleep, I have been teaching self-defense and safety so long – yet even though people say, “Yeah, yeah, I know this stuff,” they still don’t follow these simple rules for safety. Remember Speech 101 class in college: Tell them what you are going to tell them, then tell them, then wrap it up by telling them again. Well, here ya go. • Don’t walk alone – walk with a friend or a dog (or a friend who resembles a dog). • Have your keys easily accessible. • Don’t walk with your cell phone out, in most instances – put it in your pocket. • LOOK AROUND – BE AWARE – pay attention to your surroundings. • Walk with confidence: shoulders back, head up, look at people. • Don’t walk close to doorways or bushes. • When you enter a building always locate each exit, and identify safe spaces. • Don’t wear a purse or bag strapped across your body. It gives a bad guy a handle to pull you around with. • Park near good lighting. • If another car is parked next to yours, check it out. • NEVER go to a more isolated area with anyone, no matter what they promise you if you do. It is a LIE. Fight for your life in the most public place possible! • USE YOUR VOICE! It is one of your best safety and self-defense assets. MAKE NOISE. • If someone wants your wallet, phone, purse, laptop – GIVE IT TO THEM. Those things are not worth your life – but throw the item one way and run like hell the other way! • TAKE BASIC SELF-DEFENSE before something happens to you or someone very close to you! • Read the book The Gift of Fear by Gavin
de Becker. • Let someone know where you are! This is not just for kids. Always let someone close to you know where you are – if anything happens that makes you feel uncomfortable, even more so! Make a call. • Make sure there is motion-activated lighting around your home. • Have deadbolt locks on all of your doors. • Have wide-angle peepholes in your doors. • This may sound geeky, but come on, it’s Seattle – Have a safety and self-defense buddy you can talk about this stuff with and call anytime you feel unsure. • Use the word NO, and when you do MEAN IT and stand by it! • Don’t walk/jog with headphones in both ears. Leave at least ear open for awareness! • Don’t let your friends go off alone with someone none of you know! NO matter what your friend says – DON’T DO IT! • If you feel someone is stalking you, DON’T ENGAGE at ALL! Any response is considered encouragement to them. It translates to attention. • If you or your friend are too intoxicated to walk or drive home safely, CALL A CAB or another friend to come get you! • Don’t hang out AT ALL with anyone who does not respect when you say NO. • Lock your car doors even when you are in the car. • Most importantly: LISTEN TO YOUR INTUITION – YOUR INNER VOICE – YOUR SIXTH SENSE. LISTEN. The most likely place to be attacked, according to FBI statistics, is in or around your own home. The second most likely place is in a parking lot. Eighty percent of attackers are someone you know at least causally – “stranger danger” is less then 20% of all attacks, assaults, rapes, or other violent crimes. These stats don’t lie – they give us valuable information but will never replace that intuition of yours. I can tell you when, where, how, and to what kind of person most violent crimes happen to, but that does not give every answer. Anytime you deal with humans there are many variables.
It’s better to find out together New HIV prevention program aimed at male couples by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Testing Together, a new HIV prevention program for Gay couples, was rolled out on October 17. Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, which developed the program, transferred management to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which will launch it in several major U.S. cities, including Seattle. Based on a similar program in Africa, Testing Together enables male couples to learn their HIV status together and develop a customized HIV prevention and care strategy, at no charge in most locations. In Seattle, couples’ testing will be available at Gay City Health Project. WHY IT’S NEEDED “Most HIV prevention programs focus on
18 Seattle Gay News
individuals or groups of Gay men when, in fact, most new HIV infections come from main partners in a relationship. Our Testing Together program is the first HIV testing service geared specifically toward meeting the needs of male couples,” said Dr. Patrick Sullivan, a professor at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. “We’re happy that our collaboration with CDC is bringing this program to more HIV organizations in major cities throughout the nation. Bringing this service to scale for male couples was made possible by the generous support of the M-A-C AIDS Fund,” Sullivan continued. In 2009, Sullivan and his colleagues at CDC conducted research that found between one-third and two-thirds of new HIV infections came from the primary partners in Gay couples. A follow-up study, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and con-
October 18, 2013
This keeps life interesting, on one hand, and makes it more complex on the other. My point is, there is no exact safety formula. HOW TO ‘BE THE BEE’ If you ever do have to deal with a physical confrontation then it is important to know that there are weaknesses in each and every body, no matter how big or strong they are. The top basic weak points on ANY body are: • Eyes • Nose • Throat • Ears • Collar bone • Crotch • Knees • Shin bones • Tops of feet • Fingers ducted by Emory University, found that a significant number of men in longer-term relationships were unaware of their partner’s HIV status. In fact, many partnered Gay men believed that they were less at risk for HIV and were therefore less likely to have gotten tested recently. NIH-supported research also showed that providing HIV testing for male couples was promising, but would require training for HIV counselors and testers.
These points hurt no matter how much muscle mass a person has built up. The idea here is OUTSMARTING THEM, not outmuscling them! If you are wearing heels or dress shoes use them on the shin or top of the foot. I teach self-defense with the “Be the BEE” theory. Put the biggest, strongest guy in a small old-fashioned phone booth with five bees. Who do you think will win this battle? The little bees will. STING, STING, STING! You may not be as physically strong but just keep stinging to vital areas of the body until the bad guy wants to RUN from YOU! How many big, strong guys do you think will run from a few angry bees? ALL OF THEM. Just keep stinging until the attacker no longer wants to be anywhere around you or you see a clear opening to run like hell. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz – BE THE BEE! Chicago, San Diego, and Seattle – came from the M-A-C AIDS Fund. CHANGING BEHAVIOR “Even with the game-changing strides made in AIDS treatment as a means of preventing HIV, we cannot end the epidemic without equally powerful breakthroughs in HIV behavioral prevention for people heavily affected by HIV, like Gay and Bisexual men,” said Nancy Mahon, global executive
“We’re happy that our collaboration with CDC is bringing this program to more HIV organizations in major cities throughout the nation.” To date, more than 300 HIV counselors have been trained at 73 testing sites in 21 cities, and more than 450 Gay couples have learned their HIV status together. More than 8% of the men tested through this program were HIV-positive. At least 10% were previously undiagnosed cases in relationships where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is not. Funding for pilot Testing Together programs in five major cities – Atlanta, Boston,
director of the M-A-C AIDS Fund. “For this reason, the M-A-C AIDS Fund will continue to invest in innovative and effective initiatives like Emory’s Testing Together program, and we are so gratified that the CDC will be bringing this program to scale to reach more people nationwide.” The M-A-C AIDS Fund, associated with M-A-C Cosmetics, was established in 1994 to support people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Celebrating 40 Years!
Kiki with D And Dad makes three?
“traditional’’ adult landmarks such as settling down, getting married, and having children. As a result, there are more women successfully educated and employed than ever before. Although this is a great achievement in gender equality, it is creating a major disadvantage for single women looking to pursue monogamous heterosexual relationships. With successful, well-rounded, educated men becoming an increasingly rare commodity, they now hold the power in the dating world. This leads many women to compromise their standards a great deal just to secure a male partner who will most likely not measure up to them intellectually, professionally, or emotionally. I have been through this cycle personally
they had to find a spouse before they lost their market value at age 30. I’m not sure I can make a generalization about dating that applies to an entire 20-something gender without paying attention to other factors like race, geography, income, and education. But I will say this: Women have always had a tough time finding good men. That’s why there are countless sitcoms and punch lines about it. While I do know many smart, attractive, mature women in their 20s who tell me they can’t find a guy worthy of their attention, I also know (in my immediate circle) of a 36-year-old woman happily dating a 26-year-old man who’s sometimes more mature than she is, two 30-somethings who have been together for almost a decade, and
You can’t be a fake surrogate for your dad, and he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who wants to be baby-sat. and watched many of my friends continue to be let down or treated poorly, all by young men thinking they can do better without having to try hard. What is your advice for women of our generation who wish to find someone to date but do not wish to buy into the male sexual power plays that dominate the dating world? – Single Lady in the City by D Smith SGN Contributing Writer Dear D, I have been dating my current boyfriend for eight months. He is 28, and I am 26. He and I have basically lived together for the past few months, and we’ve decided to get our own apartment this summer. There is one catch. My dad lives in the area, and he is a widower – my mom passed away almost 10 years ago. Dad is a great guy. He’s like my best friend and gets along well with my boyfriend. Anyway, my dad suggested that my boyfriend and I move in with him instead of getting our own place, so we could save some money. I know this was a huge step for him. This might sound like a strange idea, but my dad works a lot, so he really isn’t home that much, his house is very big, and he isn’t overprotective. At first, I said “no way.” We don’t absolutely need to save money. But I’ve been thinking about it more lately, and I’m starting to believe that my dad wants us to move in because he is lonely. So I now really feel like I should move in with him – not because I feel obligated, but because he has always been great to me and I really don’t want him living all by himself. I explained this to my boyfriend and was a little surprised by how against this idea he was, especially since he is always so easygoing about everything. The reason he gave me was that it “would look weird’’ for him to be living with my dad. I don’t want to hurt my boyfriend, but at this point I feel like the most important thing is for me to be there for my dad. I am not thinking about ending things with my boyfriend, but I need to figure out a way to do what I feel like I need to do (be there for my dad) while continuing to have my boyfriend in my life. I don’t believe that living in our own apartment and seeing my dad on the weekends is enough. I know that even if I did live with my dad we wouldn’t see each other much during the week, but it would still be significantly more than otherwise, especially since I work most weekends. I also think that it would just make my dad feel better to know that someone else is living in the house. What would you suggest? – Good Son, Bad Boyfriend
Dear Good Son, I’m with your boyfriend. I don’t think you should move in with Dad. Not because it would “look weird’’ but because it wouldn’t be healthy for anyone involved. You can’t live with your dad forever, so you’d essentially be creating another temporary situation for him. It would be better for all three of you if you lived close to your dad, made lots of plans with him, encouraged him to do some social things outside the house, and then went home to your boyfriend to live the normal life of a young couple. You can’t be a fake surrogate for your dad, and he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who wants to be baby-sat. He works a lot, he’s a capable guy, and he needs to learn how to be independent. He might want to date. He might want to make friends his own age. He can’t do that if his kid is filling all of his emotional voids. This thing you’re feeling with your dad might have to do with some of your needs and insecurities, by the way. Maybe you feel overwhelmed because you’ve met the guy you might marry. Maybe you miss your mom and fear that coupling off will pull you from your roots. And that’s why you have to move in with your boyfriend – alone. Commit to spending a lot of time with Dad and being a good son but balance that by living the life of a 26-year-old in a good relationship. That’s all you can or should do. Let everybody (including yourself) evolve. Hope this helps. Remember, encourage yourself, and love those loving you! – D
Dear Single Lady, Even if these studies and stories accurately represent what’s going on in the world, I’m not convinced that women are at any more of a disadvantage than they used to be. Keep in mind that before this trend of female empowerment, single women had to partner up to ensure that they were supported financially – or because they believed
a 32-year-old woman who started dating someone nice after buying her own condo and installing sweet kitchen tile herself. Then there’s thousands of people, many of whom are ridiculously smart, cute, and witty men in their 20s, who are dying to find the One. We’re all supposed to be looking for partners who respect us and share some of our life goals. I’m not sure that’s any more or less difficult for women than it used to be. Finding a good match is a challenge for anyone – male or female, Gay or straight, 20s or 30s, independent or codependent, emasculated or … masculated (you know what I mean). We’re all in the same boat. Hope this helps. Remember, stay encouraged and love yourself. – D
Dear D, I am your typical 20-something post-college grad living in the city. I have had my share of hilarious-to-horrible dating stories and am currently seeing a really great guy who is very different from a lot of men my age I have met. Specifically, he is well-educated and career-driven, and he knows how to be chivalrous and treat me with respect. So why am I writing? I want to hear your input on a disturbing trend that has recently been in the news. Over the past several months I have read countless articles on the “male crisis’’ that is happening to 20-something guys. Men today are less likely to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and pursue employment after graduation. They are more likely to be living at home and are less interested in reaching
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von steuben continued from page 4
(2008). This became urgent in 1777 when von Steuben literally escaped imprisonment in what is now Germany and traveled to Paris. There, Franklin was interviewing candidates to assist Washington back in the colonies when his fellow Colonial representative Silas Deane brought von Steuben to his residence for an interview in June. SCANDALOUS RUMORS During the process, Franklin discovered von Steuben’s reputation for having “affections” with males and the issue became pressing, as members of the French clergy demanded the French court, as in other countries, take action against this “sodomite,” whom they also considered a pedophile. They had decided to make their effort a crusade and run him out of France. Lockhart’s biography tells of von Steuben’s being summoned from Paris for Karlsrube, at the court of the Margrave of Baden, for a military vacancy. But, Lockhart notes, “what he found waiting for him at Karlsrube was not an officer’s commis-
sioner but a rumor, a horrible, vicious rumor” that the Baron had “taken familiarities with young boys.” Those allegations were fueled by von Steuben’s close ties to Prince Henry and Frederick the Great, also “widely rumored to be homosexual.” Von Steuben returned to Paris, and Franklin faced a choice. He decided von Steuben’s expertise was more important to the colonies than his sexuality. While it can be debated how much a part Franklin played in the recruitment of von Steuben, one cannot doubt that one of the most informed people at the French court would know of the allegations against the baron. With that knowledge, and with von Steuben about to be jailed, Franklin, along with Deane, mutually signed a recommendation letter to Gen. Washington that could be called the nation’s first expression of a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The letter embellished von Steuben’s military expertise and titles and suggested he had been recommended by various princes and “other great personages.” Most surprisingly, it remarked that “his distinguished character and known abilities were attested to by two judges of military merit in this country.”
A CONSPICUOUS OMISSION The judges of character whom Franklin referred to were two of the four involved in the plan to bring von Steuben to America, along with Franklin and Deane, and personal friends of the baron: Pierre Beaumarchais, author of the “Figaro” plays and an arms dealer who supplied arms for the ship von Steuben eventually sailed on, and Claude Louis, Comte de Saint-Germain, the minister of war under Louis XVI. What the letter didn’t mention, however, was that von Steuben was about to be arrested and appear before judges in France. Franklin, working with Deane, decided von Steuben’s “affections” were less important than what he, Washington and the colonies needed to win the war with England. We know that Deane learned of von Steuben’s indiscretions – and that the French clergy were investigating – from a letter he wrote to the Prince of Hechingen, which read in part: “It has come to me from different sources that M. de Steuben is accused of having taken familiarities with young boys, which the laws forbid and punish severely. I have even been informed that that is the reason why M. de Steuben was obliged to leave Hechingen and that the clergy of your country intend to prosecute him by law as soon as he may establish himself anywhere.” The proof of Franklin and Deane’s knowledge lies in the letter to Washington recommending von Steuben and their quick action to secure the baron from France. So in September 1777, von Steuben boarded a 24-gun ship, the Heureux – but, for this voyage, the ship’s name was changed to Le Flamand, and the baron’s name was entered onto the captain’s log as “Frank.” And he was on his way to the colonies.
lished European military precepts. • 1778-79: Writes “Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States,” which becomes a fundamental guide for the Continental Army and remains in active use through the War of 1812, published in more than 70 editions. • 1780-81: Senior military officer in charge of troop and supply mobilization in Virginia. • 1781-83: Continues to serve as Washington’s inspector general, and is active in improving discipline and streamlining administration in the Army. • Spring 1783: Assists in formulating plans for the post-war American military. LIFE AFTER THE WAR Washington rewarded von Steuben with a house at Valley Forge, which he shared with his aide-de-camps Capt. William North and Gen. Benjamin Walker. Walker lived with him through the remainder of his life, and von Steuben, who neither married nor denied any allegations of homosexuality, left his estate to North and Walker. There wasn’t much else to claim, as the baron was in debt at the time of his death, according to both Kapp and Lockhart. His last will and testament has been described as a love letter to Walker and has been purported to describe their “extraordinarily intense emotional relationship,” yet that line was not in the Kapp biography of 1859. Both North and Walker are featured on the statue of von Steuben in Lafayette Park across from the White House. Von Steuben and with whom he slept was long a matter of discussion – from Prussia to France to the United States, yet he never publicly denied homosexuality. The closest he came was to ask Washington to speak on behalf of his morals in a letter to Congress so he could get his pension. And why did he ask Washington? Since his arrival in Philadelphia to assist the Revolution, von Steuben had financial issues caused by a Continental Congress that often didn’t keep its funding promises, a challenge compounded by his own personality: Von Steuben at times could be cold and aloof, which was problematic when diplomacy was needed with an important member of Congress. He also had a tendency to live and spend extravagantly, especially on his uniforms, which were often emblazoned with epaulettes and medals of his own design.
THE RIGHT CHOICE Washington and Franklin’s trust in von Steuben was rewarded. He whipped the ragtag army of the colonies into a professional fighting force, able to take on the most powerful superpower of the time, England. Some of his accomplishments include instituting a “model company” for training, establishing sanitary standards and organization for the camp, and training soldiers in drills and tactics such as bayonet fighting and musket loading. According to the New York Public Library (“The Papers of Von Steuben”), his achievements included: • February 1778: Arrives at Valley Forge to serve under Washington, having inAN ENDURING MYSTERY formed Congress of his desire for paid serAdding to that were the constant rumors vice after an initial volunteer trial period, about his sexuality, which by 1790, reached with which request Washington concurs. one of the revolution’s first families, the Ad• March 1778: Begins tenure as inspector amses of Massachusetts. general, drilling troops according to estabCharles, the son of John and Abigail Ad-
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ams – the second president and first lady of the new union – was what today would be called the black sheep of the family. Early on, Abigail considered him “not at peace within himself.” His biggest problem was alcoholism but, as revealed in letters among the various members of the family, the Adamses had other concerns. As John Ferling wrote in the biography John Adams: A Life, “There are references to [Charles’] alleged proclivity for consorting with men whom his parents regarded as unsavory.” One of these men was von Steuben, whom, as Ferling writes, many at the time considered homosexual. Charles had become infatuated with and adored von Steuben. It is clear from the family letters that the Adamses were concerned about a relationship between Charles and the baron. Von Steuben’s sexuality was an open secret – one that he himself never challenged, other than to ask Washington to defend his moral character. UNDERWEAR PARTY The baron is a puzzle. At first, I really didn’t like him: The man himself was pompous, cold and theatrical, and his uniforms and title were stage props for an officer who didn’t even speak English when he got to Valley Forge. But I respect him for what he did to help Washington’s ragtag army to defeat the British, eventually leading to the creation of our country. His knowledge created the first sense of military discipline in the colonies. My appreciation for him came from his most recent biographer, Lockhart, whose book (mentioned above) offers a much more complete look
at von Steuben’s work than has previously appeared in print. There is one story in the book that could be considered rather scandalous in today’s terms: Von Steuben most likely threw the first underwear party in the United States military, at his house in Valley Forge. As Lockhart writes, “The Baron hosted a party exclusively for their lower-ranking friends. He insisted, though, that ‘none should be admitted that had on a whole pair of breeches,’ making light of the shortages that affected the junior officers as they did the enlisted men.”
be displeased with this farewell token of my sincere friendship and esteem for you. This is the last letter I shall ever write while I continue in the service of my country; the hour of my resignation is fixed at 12 this day, after which I shall become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomack, where I shall be glad to embrace you, and to testify the great esteem and consideration with which I am, etc. The original letter is on display in the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Senate.
and Utica, N.Y. (where he is buried). German Americans celebrate his birthday each year on September 17, hosting parades in New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago. It was von Steuben, a Gay man, who played a giant role in not only the creation of our military, but the idea of military academies, a standing army, and even veterans organizations. If George Washington was the father of our nation, then Baron von Steuben, a Gay man, was the father of our military.
HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the naThe nation that von Steuben helped found tion’s most-award-winning commentator in WASHINGTON’S LAST LETTER has memorialized him with numerous stat- LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@ Apart from this humorous anecdote, it’s ues, including those at Lafayette Square epgn.com. hard to question von Steuben’s importance near the White House and at Valley Forge – especially as Washington’s last official act as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army was to write a letter to the baron. Sent from Annapolis and dated December 23, 1783, Washington wrote: My dear Baron: Altho’ I have taken frequent opportunities, both in public and private, of acknowledging your great zeal, attention and abilities in performing the duties of your office; yet I wish to make use of this last moment of my public life, to signifie [sic] in the strongest terms my entire approbation of your conduct, and to express my sense of the obligations the public is under to you, for your faithful and meritorious services. I beg you will be convinced, my dear sir, that I should rejoice if it could ever be in my power to serve you more essentially than by expressions of regard and affection; but in the meantime, I am persuaded you will not
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