Celebrating 37 Years!
Issue 40 Volume 38
FRIDAY October 1, 2010 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
BARRY IN AFRICA p. 16
BOYLESQUE p. 25
CHRISTIAN CHAVEZ p. 25
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Court rules in favor LGBTQ students harassed, intimidated, “bullied to death” of Major Witt Shaun Knittel Witt: “I can’t wait to rejoin my unit.” by SGN Associate Editor TED S. WARREN/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Billy Lucas, Seth Walsh, Asher Brown, and Tyler Clementi may not have had much in common. None of the teens knew each other, nor did they live in the same state or attend the same school. But what these four boys did share was that they all faced violence from their peers simply by being perceived as LGBTQ, and each of them reportedly committed suicide rather than endure the daily violence of antiLGBTQ harassment, bullying, and hate. In the words of young Asher Brown’s family, the boys were “bullied to death.” Homophobia is killing our youth, and there seems to be no end in sight. In early September, 15-year-old Billy Lucas of Greensburg, Indiana, committed suicide by hanging in an act that stemmed from daily bullying about his perceived sexual orientation. Seth Walsh, 13, of Tehachapi, California, passed away on September 28 after he attempted to hang himself on September 19. Walsh tried to hang see bullying page 18
2010 Seattle AIDS Walk a tremendous success
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
(Clockwise from top left) Billy Lucas, Seth Walsh, Tyler Clementi, and Asher Brown
King County budget: Bad news, but it could be worse
“I have balanced this budget, as the law requires,” Constantine told the County Council. “Though this budget is balanced, it is an imperfect budget. It is an unpleasant budget. It makes reductions in critical services that I do not want to make, but which must be made in order for the budget to be in balance. “I gave agencies a starting point of 12 percent reductions across the board. We asked that three percent be created through Dow Constantine efficiencies. Three perby Mike Andrew cent in efficiencies is equivalent to about $20 million dollars in costs. SGN Staff Writer “The budget I propose today reKing County Executive Dow bases our expenses at a new, lower Constantine unveiled his proposed level, with both efficiencies and 2011 county budget on September significant service reductions.” Constantine blamed a weak 27. The new budget presents a bleak picture of across-the-board reducsee aids walk page 20 tions in county staff and services. see budget page 20
proud to Be Different
We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store.
Official photo
Jon Polka
Participants hit the streets for the 2010 Seattle AIDS Walk
On September 25, an estimated 4,500 supporters gathered at Seattle’s Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill to support Lifelong AIDS Alliance and the 24th annual Seattle AIDS Walk & 5K Run. The Walk is Lifelong’s largest annual event in support of their mission to care for people affected by HIV/AIDS. As of press time, the rough projected estimate of raised funds is $445,000. Lifelong will not have a final number for several weeks. “All of us at Lifelong wish to express our deep gratitude to the walkers, runners, volunteers, and sponsors for their part in making the 2010 Seattle AIDS Walk a success,” Amanda Madorno, interim executive director for Lifelong, told SGN. “Proceeds from the walk directly impact our programs, and with this generosity and support, Lifelong will continue to serve the over 4,000 clients annually who depend on us.” Madorno went on to say that planning is already underway for the 25th anniversary Seattle AIDS Walk & Run in 2011.
file photos
natory military policy barring Gays and Lesbians from serving openly in the armed forces, was dealt a loss when U.S. Federal District Court Judge Ronald Leighton ruled in favor of Major Margaret Witt. Witt, a decorated U.S. Air Force flight nurse who had been dismissed on grounds of homosexual conduct, fought to keep her career intact. After six days of trial in Tacoma, Washington, the Court found that Major Margaret Witt Major Witt’s sexby Shaun Knittel ual orientation does not negatively impact unit morale or cohesion, SGN Associate Editor and Judge Leighton ordered the On September 24, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), the discrimisee WITT page 20
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2010
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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Transgender boy stripped of homecoming crown
tors took away the homecoming king’s throne and crown from the rightful winner because he was Transgender. The controversy has drawn nationwide press attention as the school district barred Transgender senior Oakleigh Reed from being crowned homecoming king, despite his being elected to that position by the student body. The controversy has sparked a backlash in the student body that’s playing out not only within the school, but on Facebook and in the offices of the ACLU. Students of Mona Shores High have started a Facebook page titled, “Oak is My King.” After winning the student vote, school administrators reOakleigh Marshall portedly told Reed on September 20, that he could not serve. Homecomby James Whitely ing took place on the weekend of September SGN Staff Writer 24-26. News reports about the controversy began spreading on September 26. Outraged students of Norton Shores, MinReed, who is 17, was born as Oakleigh nesota’s Mona Shores High School have Marie, but now goes as Oakleigh Marshall claimed that the high school’s administra- – “Oak” for short. Oakleigh Marshall
Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, James Whitely,
Jim Schmidt 1963-2010
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.
Our Jim left the planet for greener pastures while (literally) in the arms of his partner on Sunday, September 19. Jim had a long struggle with type 1 diabetes, which he fought valiantly to the end. Jim was known to be quick with a joke or pun and was a joy to be with. Most caregivers labeled him “a real trooper.” He is survived by his twin brother John Schmidt, sister Dian Sbardellati, “mother in law” Mumsie Howe, and partner Brian Semple. Jim and Brian were together for 10 years. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the fight against juvenile diabetes. Special thanks to Spanky, Wendy and Martha, and a host of others. Thanks to all the caregivers at Virginia Mason and (in earlier days) Bailey-Boushay House.
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
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“It’s the senior class that votes for their representative,” Reed told his local NBC station. “What they did was take away the voice of the senior class.” NBC reported that Reed, who is an honor student, mounted a one-day campaign for homecoming king on the social networking site Facebook. “I just said, ‘Vote for me for homecoming king.’ … I don’t see … any reasons why someone who’s different shouldn’t be on court. I thought, ‘Hey, why not put myself out there?’ I have just as much qualifications as anyone else in the school.” The senior class voted overwhelmingly for Reed. But on Monday, September 20, Reed was taken to the principal’s office and told that he couldn’t be king. “They told me that they took me off because they had to invalidate all of my votes because I’m enrolled at Mona Shores as a female,” said Reed. Assistant superintendent Todd Geerlings told local press that the ballot was simple: “Vote for a boy for king and a girl for queen.” Reed said his gender struggle has been life-long. After years of counseling, he plans a sex change operation when he turns 18. According to Reed, up until now, the school district has been fairly accommodating by letting him wear a male band uniform and allowing him to wear the male graduation robe at the end of the year. “[The teachers] call me Oak,” said Reed. “And they say, ‘he,’ ‘him,’ ‘his.’” The ACLU is reported to be investigating the case.
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Celebrating 37 Years!
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Celebrating 37 Years!
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Celebrating 37 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
HEART BREAKS OPEN INTERVIEWS SOUGHT WITH HIV-POSITIVE INDIVIDUALS The creative team behind the upcoming film Heart Breaks Open is curating an anthology about coming to terms with being HIV-positive. They are looking for anyone who is HIV-positive and willing to be interviewed. Interviews will be recorded over the phone, then transcribed and edited for the anthology. Participants have the choice to remain anonymous. Please help by telling your story. To participate or for more information, call (206) 925-3163 or e-mail heart@dualpowerproductions.com. STRAWBERRY THEATRE WORKSHOP PRESENTS BREAKING THE CODE Running Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at Erickson Theatre Off Broadway (1524 Harvard Ave.) through October 9, Strawberry Theatre Workshop presents Hugh Whitemore’s Breaking the Code, a story of espionage and betrayal about Alan Turing, a British mathematical genius and Gay man, considered the father of the modern digital computer, who is credited with cracking the German Enigma code during World War II. Tickets through September 25: $10, September 30-October 9: $30 general, $15 student, $15 for Thursday performances. For tickets, call 800-838-3006. For more information, visit www.strawshop.org. SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING On Saturday, October 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Miller Community Center MultiPurpose Room (330 19th Ave. E.), Dunshee House will be hosting a free self-defense training in cooperation with the Fight the Fear campaign and the Seattle Police Department. Space is limited, please RSVP at (206) 322-2437 or via e-mail at jake@dunsheehouse.org.
SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS’ WE ARE FAMILY CONCERT AND “PERFECT IN PURPLE” HOMECOMING CELEBRATION On Sunday, October 3 at 3 p.m. at McIntyre Hall (2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA), Seattle Women’s Chorus kicks off its eighth season with a benefit concert on behalf of Skagit PFLAG and its local youth programs, showcasing the full range of family connections. We Are Family features segments of Rosie O’Donnell’s HBO documentary film A Family Is a Family Is a Family, complemented by a delightful collection of choral music, performed by one of the finest women’s choral ensembles anywhere Songs include Broadway selections by Sondheim and Rodgers & Hammerstein, original compositions, ballads by Holly Near, classic pieces like “Everything Possible,” and well-known pop numbers like “We Are Family.” With or without your own family in tow, it’ll be a great time. Tickets available by calling (360) 416-7727 ex2 or toll free (866) 624-6897 ex2, or online at www.mcintyrehall.org. The benefit concert is immediately followed by “Perfect in Purple,” the second annual Homecoming/Coming Home Celebration at Skagit Valley College Cafeteria and Media Lounge (2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA). Entertainment by Mount Vernon High School grad and Grammy-nominee Chris Riffle on acoustic guitar. Dance music provided by DJ “Mike in the Morning” Yeoman of KAPS 660AM. Light supper and beverages provided. No-host bar. $5 suggested donation.
GSBA PRIME TIME EAST On Tuesday, October 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Grand Cru Mixologie Lounge (108th Ave. NE #100), the Greater Seattle Business Association is holding their 2010 Prime Time East. This is your chance to meet other GSBA members, nonmembers, and guests for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The Grand Cru will serve cocktails as well SOJOURNER TRUTH MINISTRIES as fabulous wine and have a full happy hour HOLDS BLESSING menu. OF THE ANIMALS For more information, call (206) 363On Saturday, October 2, from noon to 1 9188 or visit www.thegsba.org. p.m. at the El Centro De La Raza Building (2524 16th Ave.), Sojourner Truth MinisFREEDOM SOCIALIST tries Christian United Church will hold their DISCUSSION SERIES: Blessing of the Animals Day. Pastor David MARXIST ECONOMICS 101 will be blessing the animals, knowing many On Wednesdays from October 6 through are like family members to their owners. November 17 from 7-9 p.m. at the Old FireWe look forward to blessing your favorite house (402 15th Ave. E.), the Freedom Sopet! Cookies, drinks and pet treats will be cialist Discussion Series will hold Marxist served. Economics 101. This discussion series uses For more information, visit www.sojourn- Karl Marx’s Wage-Labor and Capital to deertruthministries.org. termine what makes wages and profits rise or fall. $10 for entire series or $2 per sesSEATTLE CENTER FESTÁL: sion. CROATIAFEST 2010 For more information contact Megan at On Sunday, October 3 from noon to 8 p.m. 206-240-6463 or FSPseattle@mindspring. at Center House (Seattle Center, 305 Har- com. rison St.), Seattle Center Festál: Croatiafest 2010 celebrates the vitality and distinctiveCITY OF SEATTLE ness of the Croatia homeland, provides a LGBTQ EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION glimpse inside one of the last undiscovered CELEBRATES treasures of Europe and honors an integral NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY part of the Croatian culture: sport. The fesOn Thursday, October 7, from 10:30 a.m.tival this year highlight the local and na- 12:30 p.m., the City of Seattle LGBTQ Emtional Croatian athletes of past and present, ployee Association and the Seattle Office from soccer and football to basketball and of Civil Rights celebrates National Combaseball. It also presents acclaimed dance ing Out Day (officially celebrated on Octoensembles and musicians, visiting artists, ber 11) at Seattle City Hall, Bertha Landes Croatian foods, a multi-media cultural ex- Meeting Room, 5th Ave. & Cherry St., with hibit in Harrison St. Gallery, tourism infor- a program of community speakers and enmation and lecture room discussions – in- tertainment. The public is invited to attend. cluding travel to Croatia , historical displays that showcase Croatia ‘s rich past, cooking GSA REGIONAL CONFERENCE demonstrations and wine tasting. AND SOCIAL JUSTICE TRAINING For more information, visit www.seattleOn Friday, October 8 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. center.com. at Quality Inn & Suites (7001 N.E. Highway 99, Vancouver, WA), the GSA will hold their Regional Conference and Social Training. This summit is sponsored by GLSEN Washington, GLSEN Oregon, and the Pride Foundation. Educate yourself on new and interesting ideas that can help you
Visit us online www.sgn.org
work with your school, community, or those you come in contact with. GSA leaders, students, teachers, and advisors are all invited. This event overlaps with an educator session workshop on social justice training, where participants will share ideas and resources for implementing the principles of social justice in the workplace and classroom. For more information about the events or to register, visit www.glsenwa.org or e-mail mail@glsenwa.org. GLSEN’S CONFERENCE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF COLOR Register by October 8 at www.glsen. org/washington for GLSEN Washington’s High School Students of Color Organizing Conference on October 30. During the oneday conference, you will learn to build community organizing skills, explore connection between communities of color and the safe schools movement, network with LGBT and allied youth of color from Seattle and Tacoma, develop healthy partnerships with adult allies, and plan to make your school safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. MEN IN DANCE AGAINST THE GRAIN From Friday, October 8 to Sunday, October 17, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Broadway Performance Hall (1625 Broadway Ave.), Men in Dance present the 8th Festival of Against the Grain. Against the Grain is a festival that showcases a diverse group of talented choreographers and male dancers from Seattle and beyond. It was originally conceived in 1994 by a small but dedicated group of male dancers and choreographers seeking a vehicle that would highlight their specialty and uniqueness. Approximately one in 10 dancers in our North American culture is male. As the minority in this profession, men have sometimes struggled to find their voice. This festival allows them the camaraderie and the opportunity to celebrate their art with pride while serving as a diversified role model for the male dancers of tomorrow. This powerful showcase features the best and brightest of Seattle choreographers, both male and female. They represent a broad cross-section of dance, from the world of classical ballet, to the most current contemporary techniques and ideas. For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets. com. SEATTLE CENTER FESTÁL: USTAV SOUTH ASIAN PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL On Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Seattle Center Pavilion (Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.), join Seattle Center Festál: Utsav South Asian Performing Arts Festival. Presented in Seattle since 2004, this festival of music and dance of India provides an inspiring introduction for communities that are not familiar with this culture. It also serves as an outlet for the diasporic community of East Indian heritage in the region to honor the cultural traditions during this time of the year. Utsav 2010 showcases four types of pure Indian classical dances, folk dances from the states of Punjab, Maharashtra and Assam along with modern Bollywood dances. In addition, Utsav features Carnatic (South Indian) and Hindustani (North Indian) vocal recitals accompanied by instruments. The 22 Festál cultural celebrations highlight the common forms of tradition and expression among ethnic communities in the Pacific Northwest, while underscoring their unique creative contributions, customs, foods and ideals. For more information, visit www.seattlecenter.com. NARAL’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY LIBERTY BALL AUCTION AND MASQUERADE On Saturday, October 9 from 5-10 p.m. at Bell Harbor International Conference Center (2211 Alaskan Way), join NARAL ProChoice Washington’s 30th Pearl Anniversary Liberty Ball Auction. Join us for hors d’oeuvres, three silent auctions, dinner, and a live auction. Proceeds will defend every woman’s right to choose. Tickets are $125.
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www.prochoicewashington.org. On the day of the auction we’ll have volunteer shifts starting as early as 9 a.m. and as late as 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help with everything from set-up and cleanup to registration and data entry. For a full list of auction volunteer descriptions contact Eleazar Juarez-Diaz at (206) 624-1990 or eleazarjuarez-diaz@prochoicewashington.org. OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNITY WALK TO SUPPORT SUICIDE PREVENTION On Sunday, October 10, registration at 7:30 a.m., opening ceremonies at 8:45 a.m., walk from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at Green Lake. The Seattle Out of the Darkness Walk is one of nearly 220 Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held this fall nationwide through December. The walks are expected to unite more than 60,000 walkers nationally and raise nearly $4 million for suicide prevention efforts. The SGN endorses and is a media sponsor for this event. www.outofthedarkness.org; www.afsp.org. NORTHWEST NETWORK DOCUMENTARY SCREENING On Sunday, October 10 beginning at 3 p.m. at Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave.), celebrate all The Northwest Network has done for the last 23 years with a screening of their new documentary. After the documentary, stay to laugh your way through a fun-filled screening of the Gay ‘90s (1990s, that is) classic But I’m a Cheerleader. Enjoy popcorn, candy, and soda while you watch, all for a suggested donation of $20 to aid our work to strengthen communities and support LGBTQ survivors of abuse. For more information, visit www.nwnetwork.org. GAY FATHERS ASSOCIATION COMING OUT DAY On Monday, October 11, from 6-10 p.m. at the Issaquah Brew House (35 West Sunset Way, Issaquah), the Gay Fathers Association of Seattle and their friends are celebrating National Coming Out Day. Coming out is still one of the most important things we can do to make our communities aware of inequalities and promote understanding. All are welcome. SEATTLE LESBIAN & GAY FILM FESTIVAL OCTOBER 15-24 www.threedollarbillcinema.org SEATTLE RED DRESS PARTY The 3rd Annual Seattle Red Dress Party will be held on Saturday, October 16, from 8 p.m.-2 a.m., at Fremont Studios, 155 N. 35th St. Gaysha Starr hosts, with DJ Brian Gorr and special performance by Shokra. Tickets are $40-advance; $50-at the door; VIP $80-advance; $100 at the door (limited quantity available). Must be 21+ to attend. Proceeds benefit local non-profits that care for people living with HIV and AIDS. Red dress required; attitude optional. www.seattleredressparty.org RAINBOW CITY BAND PRESENTS AN EVENING OF DISNEY MUSIC On Saturday, October 16 at 8 p.m. at the Edmonds Center for the Arts (410 5th Ave. N., Edmonds), join Rainbow City Band for an evening of princes, Dalmatians, beauties, and beasts, as we celebrate 80 years of Disney music. You’ll be a kid at heart once again as you hear the 75-piece concert band perform “When You Wish upon a Star,” and leave you breathless with the sweeping melodies of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” The band will also explore the Disney of today with a suite of music from the movie Enchanted, and you can discover your inner superhero with the music of The Incredibles (cape and matching boots optional). The evening gets more magical when RCB’s own Purple Passion Swing Band takes to the stage with several toe-tapping numbers to make your heart sing. Tickets $25, $10 for children under 12. For more information or tickets, visit ec4arts.org.
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World misses target date for universal access to HIV meds
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN’s AIDS program (UNAIDS), and UNICEF on September 28 indicates that the worldwide struggle against HIV/AIDS is making progress, but more slowly than was once hoped. World leaders had pledged to achieve universal access to HIV medication by the end of 2010. That target will not be met. While the report says there have been “hard-won gains,” it also makes clear that much work remains to be done. The report says only a third of people worldwide who need life-saving HIV drugs are actually getting treatment. It warns that poorer countries must “substantially ramp up” what they spend on HIV/AIDS. Most countries need to look seriously into increasing their domestic spending on HIV/ AIDS, the report says. An estimated 5.25 million people in developing counties are receiving vital antiretroviral drugs to slow down the virus that causes AIDS. That number has grown by 1.2 million in the past year, but experts believe that 14.6
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million people need treatment. The overall estimate has grown because new WHO guidelines say that treatment should start at an earlier stage of the disease. The news is not entirely grim, however. The report’s authors say that “Millions of people are alive today as a result of investments in HIV over the past few years. “Yet this evidence becomes available at a time when the global economic crisis has put the sustainability of many HIV programs at risk. “After years of considerable increases in international assistance, funding remained essentially flat over the current period.” The director of the WHO HIV/AIDS department, Dr. Gottfried Hirnschall, said, “Some countries – such as Rwanda – have shown that universal access to treatment can be achieved. “Zimbabwe has increased access by 50% in the past year – despite being heavily compromised, politically and economically. “And South Africa has had an incredible catch-up phase, despite being a late starter. “But given those success stories, we need to sustain the momentum – and be smarter in making the case,” Dr. Hirnschall concluded. The report also noted advances in treatment of pregnant women and children. The report found that just over half of pregnant women who tested positive for HIV were assessed for drug treatment, up from 34% the previous year. “We are particularly encouraged by increased access to treatment for both pregnant women and children living with the virus, as well as ongoing expansion of programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), which accounts for
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more than 90% of new infections in children,” said Dr. Nicholas Hellmann, executive vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. “In the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, the global health community is together reaching more than half of pregnant women (53%) in need of PMTCT services with antiretroviral drugs. “The fact that only 15% of women had access to PMTCT drugs just five years ago shows the clear results of global commitments to scale-up this prevention method, which has been proven to dramatically reduce new infant HIV infections. “The report also shows a dramatic increase in the number of children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), with a 29% increase from the previous year,” Hellmann concluded. In many countries, children still lag far behind adults in access to treatment, however. According to the new report, less than a third of children in need of treatment are receiving it, and only a small fraction of HIV-exposed infants are being tested soon after birth. Another bright spot in HIV/AIDS news is the most recent reporting from Africa, where HIV/AIDS was estimated to affect up to one-third of the population of some countries. Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are leading a global decline in new HIV infections, a UNAIDS report released earlier in September revealed. UNAIDS said 22 countries in the world’s worst affected region had seen a drop in new cases of more than 25%.
The fall was because of greater awareness and better use of preventative measures, it said. But UNAIDS also noted that cases of HIV were increasing in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and among Gay men in developed countries. Michel Sidibe, UNAIDS executive director, said the world was making “real progress” towards achieving the sixth Millennium Development Goal (MDG6) of halting and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015. “For the first time, change is happening at the heart of the epidemic. In places where HIV was stealing away dreams, we now have hope,” he said. UNAIDS recommends that countries most affected by the virus should allocate between 0.5% and 3% of their government revenue to tackling the problem. Dr. Hirnschall warned that “Most of the countries that need to do this aren’t yet reaching the 0.5% mark. “They have to chip in their own resources and look seriously into increasing their domestic spending, to better complement external funding.” By the first week in October, wealthier countries are expected to announce how much money they will contribute to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Dr. Hirnschall said, “There have been promising signals from some countries, who’ve already made pledges. “It’s clear things won’t be easy, though. We have to be strategic in explaining what’s needed, and how investment can help other health and development outcomes.”
Human Rights Campaign seeks to expose NOM by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The HRC (Human Rights Campaign) announced on September 28 that it was launching “The NOM Project” to monitor “the ongoing political work and propaganda of NOM [National Organization for Marriage] as it attempts to influence elections and legislative campaigns across the country.” According to the HRC’s media release, the centerpiece of their new campaign will be “a live, interactive website which reveals NOM’s deep anti-Gay affiliations, its long connections to the Mormon and Catholic churches and its quest to keep voters in the dark about its financing.” The website – NOMexposed.org – will be run in collaboration with the Courage Campaign. NOM was founded in 2007 and gained national attention when it intervened in the unsuccessful campaign to amend the Massachusetts constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The next year, NOM actively supported the successful Prop 8 in California, and in 2009 it led the successful drive to pass Proposition 1 in Maine. NOM has filed suit to be able to conceal its list of Proposition 1 donors, in violation of Maine’s public disclosure laws. NOM was also active in the Referendum 71 campaign. According to the NOMexposed website: “NOM donated $10,000 to Referendum 71. “The same day that NOM filed its lawsuit in Maine, a group called the Family PAC, a front group for the Family Policy Institute of Washington, filed a lawsuit against Washington’s campaign finance rules. Family PAC noted that it had “substantial contributions” it wanted to accept for the campaign but could not due to the restrictions. “That case is ongoing. “The Family Policy Institute of Washington donated 98% of the Vote Reject on R-71 funds.” NOMexposed has similar state-by-state breakdowns for 24 states and the District of Columbia. The site also features a “Rogues Gallery”
of 16 prominent leaders and supporters of NOM, with bios for each one. “NOM and its leaders project a message of tolerance yet NOM Exposed shows that behind the well-trained talking points is an anti-Gay animus and moneyed connections that it is loath to reveal,” explained Joe Solmonese, HRC president, in a media release. “This website is not static.” Solmonese explained. “Working with the Courage Campaign, we will be watching the campaign trail and documenting NOM’s political buys and bedfellows. We will connect the dots for voters.” Courage Campaign founder Rick Jacobs said in the joint media release, “With a majority of Americans and a growing number of conservatives now standing up for equality, NOM Exposed takes this important work a step further by bringing to light the nefarious connections, shadowy finances, and dubious ethics at the heart of NOM’s brand of political extremism.” Courage Campaign is a California-based human rights organization. Their most recent project has been the “NOM Tour Tracker” which documented the largely unsuccessful NOM bus tour through the Midwest. In addition to the state-by-state archive of information and dossiers on NOM leaders, NOMexposed features a blog where the latest NOM activities can be tracked. According to the HRC/Courage Campaign press release, national LGBT leaders will contribute guest posts to the blog with their own research and experiences with NOM. Freedom to Marry, which organized the Summer For Marriage bus tour in response to the NOM tour, posted the inaugural guest on September 28. “The people we most need to connect with are not the hard-core opponents behind NOM, but, rather the reachable-but-not-yetreached in our own circles, those who do not share NOM’s political agenda or prejudice, but still have doubts and discomfort they need help rising above,” the Freedom to Marry post said. “Person to person, group to group, we need to talk to them about our lives, why marriage matters, and the values of fairness and justice we share that ultimately lead to support for the freedom to marry.”
Celebrating 37 Years!
HRC holds 2010 Seattle Gala by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor On September 25, 620 community members attended the 25th annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Seattle Gala: AsOne. Chris Boone and Kevin Moser, dinner program co-chairs and members of the HRC Board of Governors, told SGN that they do not yet have the exact amount for the total funds raised. HRC Seattle officials say that the national dinner programs raise money to support and elect fairminded officials and lobby Congress to support pro-LGBT legislation. “The HRC Gala in Seattle means community,” Boone told SGN. “It means bringing people together to celebrate the past year and to look forward to the future.” In the past, HRC has endorsed and contributed to countless candidates. “HRC was the second-largest donor to Washington Families Standing Together in order to approve Referendum 71,” said Boone. “We also had a full-time HRC staff member working with Washington Families Standing Together and organized countless phone banking sessions to Approve Referendum 71.” HRC Seattle officials say that 2010 is a vital year for LGBT equality. “Given the powerful political, corporate, and individual relationships HRC has built over the years, it is uniquely positioned to influence hundreds of national, regional, and local efforts,” the organization posted on the official HRC Gala website. “Workplace equality, marriage equality, repealing DADT, and other pro-LGBT federal and state legislation all rest in our involvement.” “Beyond making an impact on our future,
the dinner is a fun and energizing event,” said HRC officials. “The silent auction has wonderful items to bid on, including travel, artwork, and one-of-a-kind experiences. The people at your table and throughout the event are great company. And you table mates walk away from the evening knowing they’ve made an impact on LGBT equality.” The 2010 HRC Seattle Gala guest speaker was Johnny Weir, who was also presented with the Visibility Award. Weir is a three-time U.S. champion and two-time Olympian for figure skating. Weir is openly Gay and is known around the globe as the “people’s skater,” and continues to win the hearts of new fans with every appearance. Janice Langbehn was this year’s Equality Award Recipient for her work and activism surround LGBT equality after her partner Lisa fell ill and passed away and Janice and her children were not allowed to be by her side. Since 2007, Janice has spoken out to groups large and small to change policies at hospitals so that no other family has to face the homophobia they did. “Thank you to our donors, volunteers, attendees, and our partners,” said Boone. “Kevin and I spend a lot of time working on this dinner and our partners are very patient and allow us to be away from them a lot for this.” The local Seattle volunteer committee of the HRC works each and every day to bring the mission of HRC to the LGBT community here. Through various community events, participation in Pride, town halls, and partnering with other organizations, HRC Seattle is working hard to play a part in the fight for equality. For more information, visit them online at www.seattle.hrc.org.
“The HRC Gala in Seattle means community. It means bringing people together to celebrate the past year and to look forward to the future.”
Claim Your Rights campaign launched by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National has come together with the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to launch a joint project: the Claim Your Rights campaign. According to PFLAG and GLSEN, the Claim Your Rights campaign is “a historic effort to empower students and their allies to report incidences of bullying, harassment, or discrimination to the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Education Department.” The campaign was created alongside the release of GLSEN’s 2009 National School Climate Survey. The 2009 survey found that nine out of 10 LGBT students reported being harassed in school in the past year for their sexual orientation or for how masculine or feminine they were in appearance or behavior. “With fewer than one in five LGBT students saying their school specifically protects students from anti-LGBT bullying and harassment, it comes as no surprise that nearly two-thirds of LGBT students who experience harassment do not report the incident to school staff,” said GLSEN’s executive director, Eliza Byard, in a press release. “The Claim Your Rights campaign provides students a safe way to report bullying and
harassment.” The Claim Your Rights campaign’s website includes a basic toolkit and instructions on how to submit a report online. It can be found on both PFLAG and GLSEN’s websites. “When students and teachers, parents, and allies make reports of bullying, harassment, or discrimination directly to the Education Department, they are building a record that will confirm what we know through research and personal narratives alike: bullying and harassment is widespread, pervasive, destructive, and must be addressed,” said Jody Huckaby, PFLAG National’s executive director. You can check out the website directly at www.pflag.org/claimyourrights. PFLAG National is the nation’s foremost family-based organization committed to the civil rights of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender people. Founded in 1973 by mothers and fathers, PFLAG has 200,000 members and supporters in more than 300 chapters throughout the United States. GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
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October 1, 2010
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Celebrating 37 Years!
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Celebrating 37 Years!
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by Barry Thorsness SGN African Correspondent Louis and I caught a coastal shuttle to Tofo early in the morning. The coast of Mozambique seldom gets very close to the actual ocean. We passed through many little towns, and as we pulled in for passengers, the hawkers surround the bus, selling everything from bread and Coca Cola to cell phones and dresses. We also passed by many small villages of the traditional African round thatched huts. Around Inhammine (not Inhambane), the bus came around a corner and over to the right was one of the most beautiful ocean scenes I have ever seen. A few minutes later, it was gone. I knew now that the stories I had heard about the beaches of Mozambique were true. The bus leaves the main highway before Inhambane and takes off down along a narrow highway. Everything is so green – thatched huts with forests of palm trees in the distance. There is lots of water, and even rice paddies. As we got closer to Tofo, the incredible blue-green waters were added to the most incredible scenery – and it was our first real encounter with mosquitoes. I started my antimalaria drugs. The bus dropped us off at Fatima’s (one of the bestknown backpackers in Tofo), and I tried to call Bamboozi to pick us up, without luck. We decided we had to walk the 2.3km up the sand road with all our stuff. It felt hot, but not too hot, and very humid. The kids would wave or come running out from their homes to greet and play with us. Some were even quite fluent in English and very warm and amusing. We arrived at Bamboozi and checked into our own little thatched hut. African layout and presentation is so unlike anywhere else in the world. Our cute little hut felt like it was on the edge of a parking lot, and the pool was a strange mass of concrete behind the lodge, mostly above-ground, without a deck. The wooden stairs and ramp up to the main lodge (overlooking the beach) felt like something from a mystery spot, but then there was the huge thatch of the bar and restaurant and the view of the water – one
of the more incredible beach views I have seen in the world. We spent the first evening walking down the beach, looking at the most incredible display of stars, amazed that we had finally arrived in a place where it was safe to walk down the beach at night. The next morning, Louis and I left Bamboozie to look for John’s Place. It had been highly recommended to us, but was too new to be in the guidebooks. We found both John (and his place) after asking a lot of people for directions. John is a most amazing and wonderful person. After an incredible walk on the beach,
eat in Maputo is the Black and White. It has very basic African food: fresh fish, prawns, and lobster, starting at around $3 a plate and so very good. We also attended a lecture at Casa Barry (yes, true!) by an ecological study about the sea life – specifically the manta rays – in the area. Humpback Whales and Swimming with the Sharks The next morning we were in the Diversity Dive Shop learning about our trip. Then we were off in a fast Zodiac type boat to see the humpback whales – and see them we did. They were leaping clear of the water in the most spectacular jumps, often in groups of two or three. We watched as they seemingly played, just slapping their fins on the water, and then disappeared, just to reappear farther along in the water. We had a good look at a huge sea turtle
ing about our travels in Africa from a Gay perspective. She gave us the names of two women and two men who seemingly live quite open LGBT lifestyles here in Tofo. Gill and Jenny Gill and Jenny own a wonderful deli 20 minutes off the highway from Tofo. Appropriately named Chilli’s Deli, they specialize in hot pepper sauces including the Mozambiquan peri peri sauce. Gill had come to Mozambique from Johannesburg about 17 years ago and her family and friends thought she was crazy (remember, the war was on). Gill was the “ultra” entrepreneur as so many white Africans are. Gill starting supplying beef from South Africa to the few remaining hotels and restaurants in Maputo. She would also open her trunk and sell her beef on the black market, watching that she didn’t get caught. Years later, she found herself to be
Louis and I walked into the Diversity Dive Shop to learn about their Water Safari. This area of Mozambique has an incredible amount of sea life, including huge manta rays, whale sharks (the largest fish in the world, which can be well over 45 feet long), dolphins, sea turtles, and the migrating humpback whales. We booked a safari for the next day to go snorkeling with the huge whale sharks and visit the amazing humpbacks. That evening, we met up with our young South African friend Matthew who we had spent time with in Maputo and went out to dinner. One of the most popular places to
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The African adventure continues
October 1, 2010
and a quick glimpse at a hammerhead shark, then it was time to find some whale sharks and go for a swim with them. It was amazing. I was looking all over, not seeing any sharks, and then I glanced at my left wrist as this huge shark glided by within six inches of me. It was all I could do not to touch him (we had been warned not to as they would then dive and disappear). I followed the shark, kicking as hard as I could to keep up. I only lost him when he went under the boat and I hesitated. We also saw dolphins a number of times, but they moved off too fast to be able to swim with them. It was an unbelievable safari, and even more so because it was something we had never even considered until we arrived in Tofo. Louis was truly exhausted. It had been a very exciting but emotionally challenging day with the sharks. LGBT people in Tofo? Our friend Janice (who was most recently from Calgary, Canada) at the Diversity Dive Shop had been most helpful with information about traveling in Tanzania where she had spent many months as a volunteer. I told her I wrote for the SGN and we were writ-
a well-known restaurant owner in Maputo. It was in this restaurant she met her partner, Jenny. Jenny is an amazing woman. Also from Johannesburg (actually from the very upscale Sandton), she worked for a packaging and marketing company and spent her working life traveling to her accounts all around Africa. The two of them ended up in Linga Linga, a very undeveloped but beautiful area not far from here in Tofo. After working to set up a tourist lodge in Linga Linga, they both moved to Tofo and established Chilli’s. I asked Gill why she liked living in Mozambique. She told me that she really liked living in a place where there are few LGBT people, and she wanted to get out of the Gay scene. I found her an incredible person who thrives on what most people would consider formidable challenges! We had a wonderful time with them both and got to meet two of their friends from Joburg, Richard and Ricky. I had far too much to drink and was glad it was only a very short walk back to John’s. Next, if all goes well, we will be on our way north, towards Mozambique Island, and then to Pemba.
Celebrating 37 Years!
British Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell honored by his hometown by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer British Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell was honored with a “Blue Plaque” at his home in south London on September 29. The plaque reads “Peter Tatchell. Born 1952. Campaigner for human rights, Gay freedom, and social justice. Lived Here. Voted by the people.” Blue Plaques are usually affixed to buildings associated with British historical figures, leading Tatchell to joke, “It is a great honor. I blushed. I want to express my extreme gratitude. I am gratified but a little embarrassed. You usually get a plaque when you’re dead, but I’m very much alive.” His family is very long-lived, Tatchell added, and he hopes to be “at it for another 30 years.” The award was organized by the Southwark Council and confirmed by popular vote. British actor Sir Ian McKellen spoke at the ceremony. He called Mr. Tatchell “my hero” and added, “As an actor, I admire the chutzpah and showbiz nature of Peter’s campaigning. It is absolutely sensational that there is a plaque here.” Following the murder of Gay actor Michael Boothe on April 30, 1990, Tatchell was one of 30 founding members of the direct action group OutRage! and has remained a
leading member. The group is known for its theatrical protest style. “We don’t have the energy, far-sightedness, and bravery of this individual. If we did, the world would be a better place. I couldn’t be a stronger supporter of him,” McKellen said. Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament Simon Hughes was also present at the ceremony. Hughes won his parliamentary seat in 1983 running against Tatchell, who was the Labor Party candidate. Hughes paid tribute to Tatchell’s 30 years of activism, citing his campaigns for human rights all over the world. “We are very grateful that you settled in Southwark,” Hughes told Tatchell. “I have lived in Southwark most of my life and I am very proud to be part of its long, illustrious history of distinguished authors, playwrights, scientists, inventors, and social reformers,” Tatchell replied. The plaque was also given a secular blessing by an out Gay Catholic priest, Fr. Bernard Lynch. In addition to his run for parliament in 1983, Tatchell ran as the Green Party candidate in the constituency of Oxford East in 2007. In December of 2009, Tatchell announced he would step down from his Green Party responsibilities due to the lingering affects of head injuries he sustained when he was
beaten by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s bodyguards. In 2001, Tatchell had attempted to perform a citizen’s arrest on Mugabe while the Zimbabwean president was in Brussels. Tatchell was also seriously injured in a scuffle with neo-Nazis at a Moscow Pride Parade in 2007. Tatchell’s in-your-face style has not met with universal approval, even within the human rights movement. He has been denounced as anti-Catholic for leading the protest against Pope Benedict XVI’s state visit to Britain; anti-Islamic because of his unceasing criticism of the Islamist regime in Iran; and as anti-Semitic because he challenged British Chief Rabbi Immanuel Jakobovits’ assertion that selective breeding might eventually eliminate homosexuality. Tatchell was also embroiled in an ugly feud with Human Rights Watch over how to characterize a young man executed in Iran in 2007 on charges of same-sex rape. The feud was settled publicly in June this year, with a complete apology from Human Rights Watch and a gracious acknowledgement by Tatchell. In addition to the Blue Plaque, Tatchell has received a number of other awards for his human rights work.
In 2006, New Statesman readers voted him sixth on their list of “Heroes of our time.” He was named Campaigner of the Year in The Observer Ethical Awards for 2009. Also in 2009, Tatchell won the London Citizen of Sanctuary Award, the Shaheed Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti Award (for reporting on the Baluchistan national liberation struggle), and the Liberal Voice of the Year award. He also made the Evening Standard’s 1,000 Most Influential Londoners list for 2009. Earlier this year he made the Total Politics list of Top 50 Political Influencers.
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bullying
continued from cover
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson
dle school before that) – followed them in a car and yelled things I will not repeat related to sexual orientation,” recalled Gabi. “Bill and his friends ignored them and decided to walk through the high school campus, think-
rights and our right to be safe in our homes and on the streets.” “We thought he was going to make it,” said Gabi. “He seemed to handle things really well until after the rally, and then he crashed back into depression. He was suicidal again; it was too much. The assault sent him right back into the place he had fought so hard to get out of. He suddenly became depressed and suicidal, and we had to put him in the hospital again. While he was in the hospital he heard that a friend of his was Gay-bashed at school in a nearby town. After about 10 days, he came home. His doctors thought he had gotten past being suicidal. But Bill took a massive overdose on May 8, 1995. He was found unconscious on the kitchen floor and was rushed to the hospital, but they couldn’t save him.” Gabi says Bill didn’t leave a suicide note, but he had said to her before he was hospitalized after the rally that he was just tired of coping. “It was the constant knowledge that at any time he could be attacked again simply because of who he was, that at any time his friends could be attacked for the same reason, that despite the love of his family and friends, all he could see ahead was a lifetime of facing a world filled with hate and violence, going from one assault to another,” she said. “He was 17 years old – an age when kids are supposed to be excited about moving out into the world as adults. The only place he felt safe was at home. He saw no hope, so he chose to end his life.” Gabi turned sorrow into action and currently works with Safe Schools Coalition, an organization established in 1988 dedicated to helping schools become safe places, where every family can belong, where every educator can teach, and where every child can learn, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. “I know that if more of us had visibly worked to make schools and communities places they could thrive in, these children of ours – becoming adults in a world which they saw had no safe place for them – might have survived the horror and suffering that killed their spirits to have the good life we know can be possible,” she said. In response to the recent teen suicides, Safe Schools Coalition issued a statement saying that they grieve the death of these teens. “If people want to know what they can do in response to these deaths beyond expressing their condolences, find out what the schools in your area do in cases of bullying and harassment, how they are trained to deal with those situations, and what they can do to help. They can assist any support groups for LGBTQ youth in their area so that young people do not feel they are living in isolation.” courtesy gabi clayton
“HE SAW NO HOPE, SO HE CHOSE TO END HIS LIFE” “I’m angry. I’m reeling from the news,” said Gabi Clayton, who lost her son Bill to suicide after he was Gay bashed in Olympia, Washington, 15 years ago, about the news of the recent teen suicides. “Asher, Billy, and Seth – and how many more we don’t know about? – chose death rather than to live in the world we made.” “The news hits me raw – and this is not yet the kind of anger that fuels me daily now,” she continued. “That will come – at least I think it will as it always has since our beautiful son Bill committed suicide at 17 after a bashing based on his sexual orientation.” Bill came out his family when he was 14. Gabi recalls that Bill seemed afraid to tell them because he knew that other kids had
ing it would be safer because the gate was closed. The four guys drove off, but they parked the car nearby, but the next thing Bill and his friends knew, they came up on foot and surrounded them. Bill, Sam and Jenny
file photo
himself from a tree in his backyard and was found unconscious. The boy was rushed to the hospital and was placed on life support in critical condition, but succumbed to his injuries. Walsh identified as Gay and suffered constant hate-motivated bullying from peers. On September 23, Asher Brown, 13, of Houston, Texas, shot himself, which his parents believe came as a result of unchecked anti-Gay cruelty and harassment at his school. Tyler Clementi, 18, a student at Rutgers University in New Jersey, jumped from the George Washington Bridge on September 22. Police believe that Clementi committed suicide in response to his discovering that two fellow students broadcast footage of the teen having a sexual encounter with another man. Tragically, these suicides are evidence of a need to redouble efforts to make schools, campuses, and communities safe for LGBTQ youth – particularly when some LGBTQ youth may not feel able to ask for help at home. According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) – a coalition of 40 anti-violence organizations that monitor, respond to, and work to end hate, domestic and sexual violence, HIV-related violence, and other forms of violence affecting LGBTQ communities – school-based bullying and harassment are forms of hate violence and are reinforced by broader structural discrimination in society at large. NCAVP’s recent Hate Violence Report indicates anti-LGBTQ hate murders are at the second highest rate in a decade, and demonstrates the severity of the anti-LGBTQ sentiments that may have driven these youth to suicide.
told their parents and their parents had disowned them or reacted in ways that were frightening. When Bill did come out as Bisexual, he was assured that he was loved and accepted. Gabi described her son as a wonderful boy. Someone who made friends, even though he claimed to be shy, and a gifted student “who didn’t always get the best grades because he was always doing 20 things at the same time.” Bill was sexually assaulted the same year he came out. He kept the assault inside, and his parents didn’t learn of the incident until Bill had told his best friend that the memories of the assault made him suicidal. Although the attacker was eventually caught, and Bill was seeing a therapist, he suffered from post-traumatic stress. After staying in counseling for some time, his mental health improved tremendously. “On April 6, 1995, Sam and his girlfriend, Jenny, were walking with Bill near their high school to Jenny’s house to watch a video they had rented. Four guys – one of whom knew Bill and Sam because he was in the same high school (and had gone to their mid-
Gabi Clayton
tried to walk away – they didn’t want to fight at all.” The four boys then brutally assaulted Bill and Sam, kicking and beating them into unconsciousness. It was broad daylight during spring break. The boys were taken to the emergency room. Bill had abrasions and bruises and Sam had a broken nose. Their attackers were all under 18-years-old and the police treated it as a hate crime from the very beginning. According to Gabi, a lot of people in Olympia responded quickly and supported Bill and an antihate rally was held a few days after the assault. At the rally, Bill spoke from his heart, saying, “In all likelihood, my friends Sam and Jenny will never have to tolerate this – or never have to endure this type of hate crime or any other type in their lives – and I hope that’s true. But as an openly Bisexual person in Olympia, I’m probably – or may be – the victim of this sort of thing again. Hate crimes, especially those against Homosexuals and Bisexuals and Transgender people, are on the rise in this area. And that is why now, more than ever, we, the Gay community, need to come out and band together and fight for our civil
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Celebrating 37 Years!
MORE LIKELY TO ATTEMPT SUICIDE Heather Carter, OUTLoud program coordinator and Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP) official, can’t say that she is shocked by the recent tragedies. “Unfortunately, this tragedy is all too familiar to me,” she said. “Hardly a day goes by that I don’t hear about a similar story. In most cases, not only is the school district not taking any responsibility, but they say that the parents never got in touch with them about the bullying and that they are unaware of any issues except those at home.” YSPP is an organization that aims to reduce youth suicide attempts and deaths in Washington state. Working toward that goal, YSPP builds public awareness, offers training, and supports communities taking action. Through her research, Heather and YSPP have found that bullying, cyberbullying, and victimization link to depression, loneliness, risk for suicide, self-harm, and child and adolescent psychopathology, with links to both the victim and the bully. In addition, YSPP found that anti-LGBT bias and harassment is a mediating factor for suicide, high-risk behaviors, and isolation. Heather says that suicidal screening efforts should include questions about victimization history. “Current bullying prevention programs are not working well,” she said. “They have modest outcomes only and do not influence behaviors.” “Training for school staff should include pre-professional and continuing education about effective bullying prevention activities,” said Heather. According to YSPP, each week in Washington state, an average of two young people die by suicide and another 17 suicide attempts result in hospitalization. What’s chilling is that Washington state actually ranks well for teen suicide prevention and awareness. Twenty states have laws that currently prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and currently only 12 states and the D.C. areas have policies that protect against both sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. YSPP says this matters because these laws apply to discrimination against children and staff in schools and strengthen the civil rights of students in public schools. Washington is a state with such protections. “But we’re finding that schools aren’t following a uniform process to address bullying and harassment in the schools,” said
Heather. “What we are doing isn’t working.” According to a 2008 YSPP “Update to Bullying” in Washington report, bullying hasn’t declined significantly since 2002. So, even in a state with those protections, students aren’t getting the support they need to combat bullying and harassment in schools. The report reads that LGBTQ students are more than five times as likely as their straight-identified peers to miss school due to feeling unsafe; 31.7% of LGBTQ students missed a class and 32.7% missed a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe, compared to only 5.5% and 4.5% of their peers; and LGBTQ youth from rejecting families are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide. “We know that bullying and suicide [and other negative mental outcomes] have very strong connections,” concluded Heather. “Youth truly are being bullied to death.”
“It is clear that many kids are being driven out of school due to harassment, intimidation, and bullying. The bottom line is that every child deserves a safe and respectful learning environment, and we should expect our schools to take this issue seriously.”
“WHEN A CHILD IS DRIVEN TO THE POINT OF SUICIDE, EVERYONE SHARES THE BLAME” Since 2002, school districts in Washington state have been required to take action to prevent and stop school-based harassment, intimidation and bullying. “This year, I was proud to sponsor a bill to give the law more force by requiring school districts to adopt an action plan for the specific steps they will take to address complaints,” said Washington State Representative Marko Liias (D-21). Rep. Liias is an openly Gay legislator. “The new law also requires each school district to designate a specific school official to implement the law.” Rep. Liias says that the definition of the law specifically mentions LGBTQ students. “I am very concerned about the number of children that drop out from school, and when I looked at the evidence, it is clear that many kids are being driven out of school due to harassment, intimidation, and bullying,” he said. “The bottom line is that every child deserves a safe and respectful learning environment, and we should expect our schools to take this issue seriously.” For LGBTQ teens, coming out is already an emotional experience, and we need to ensure that school is a safe place to be open and honest about their identity, he said. Rep. Liias says he believes there should be a federal LGBTQ inclusive anti-bullying law. “We are one of the few states that has taken serious action to address harassment
and bullying in schools, and we are at the forefront of protecting LGBTQ youth,” he said. “There are a lot of states that aren’t as progressive, and children in those states deserve the same protections as our students in Washington.” “When a child is driven to the point of suicide, everyone shares the blame,” said Rep. Liias. “We all have a responsibility to look out for one another, especially when a friend or classmate is struggling with depression or other emotional trauma. That is why I serve on the board of the YSPP; because we are teaching everyone that interacts with youth about the need to be vigilant and intervene to save a life. In the school setting, there are several award-winning curricula that train teachers and school personnel how to be proactive about creating respectful learning environments. There are solutions to this problem, but as a society, we haven’t made this issue enough of a priority.” Dr. Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson is in charge of the largest K-12 school system in Washington state. As superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, she is at the head of the education system that serves more than 45,000 students in 88 schools. Bullying is something she says she is all too familiar with, and something that Seattle Public Schools takes very seriously. “At Seattle Public Schools, our ultimate goal is to make sure the school environment is safe and welcoming so that students can learn. We have a school board-approved policy that prohibits harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and we have also created a number of prevention/intervention programs in our schools to help ensure a safe learning environment,” said Dr. Goodloe-Johnson. “We also have Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs), and school-based support groups for LGBTQ students and their straight allies.”
The superintendent says that there is a clear path in place for educators to follow when a student complains of bullying. “Schools are instructed to follow the same steps that they would take in response to any other form of harassment,” she said. “Typically, each school has a point person who has been identified to receive those types of complaints. That person will check in with the person who is being harassed – and depending on the severity, may have a direct conversation with the alleged perpetrator, and also with family members and others who may have more information. Based on the findings of those conversations, there may be a discussion about the potential next steps, including suspension or other discipline depending on the severity of the complaint or incident.” She said that when a student identifies as LGBTQ, “an administrator has to be cautious as to what is shared. They are careful about disclosure to avoid potential further repercussions for the student and his or her family.” In addition, Dr. Goodloe-Johnson says students have the right to file informal and formal complaints of harassment under the Seattle Public School District’s Anti-Harassment Procedure D49.01. Washington state – Seattle in particular – has not seen too many LGBTQ teen suicides. Dr. Goodloe-Johnson says that is due to the progressive attitude of the city. “The political climate in Seattle encourages respectful discussion of homosexuality and related issues, including Gay marriage, military service, and adoptions,” she said. “Seattle Public Schools are a reflection of that climate, and is committed to providing staff training, GSAs, and information about the range of services available to this population in our broader community.”
Americans now support same-sex marriage by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer Associated Press-National Constitution Center poll has found that a majority of Americans now think the federal government should recognize same-sex marriages. Asked, “Should the federal government give legal recognition to marriages between couples of the same sex, or not?” 52 percent of respondents said “yes,” 46 percent said “no” and 2 percent were unsure. The poll also asked, “Should couples of the same sex be entitled to the same government benefits as married couples of the opposite sex, or should the government distinguish between them?” Fifty-eight percent said benefits should be equalized, 38 percent said they should not
be, 3 percent were unsure, and 1 percent refused to answer the question. The poll, conducted August 11-16, quizzed 1,007 adults and has a margin of error of 4.5 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. “For the second time, a national poll shows that a majority of Americans support the freedom to marry, reflecting the growing momentum of the marriage movement,” said Freedom to Marry Executive Director Evan Wolfson. “Echoing the findings of last month’s CNN poll, the Associated Press poll shows that those who would deny liberty and equal protection to same-sex couples are now in the minority.” With assistance from Bill Kelley
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aids walk
continued from cover Margaret Larson, host of KING 5 television’s New Day Northwest, was the official emcee of the event. Larson welcomed notable guests including State Attorney General Rob McKenna, Senator Ed Murray, Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Congressman Jim McDermott, and Representative Zack Hudgins. Maurice James, president of the Lifelong AIDS Alliance Board of Directors, expressed his deep gratitude to Larson, honored guests, sponsors, and supporters for their generous outpouring of support. He also reminded attendees the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over and encouraged supporters to give generously, volunteer vigorously, and educate every day so that
Lifelong may continue doing the work the organization is committed to. The Walk & Run officially kicked off at 10 a.m. with over 340 runners leading the way. The walkers were lead by AIDS Student Peer Educators at Newport (ASPEN) a group of students from Newport High School in Bellevue, and the largest monetary fundraising team at the walk. After the walk, supporters returned to Volunteer Park for an afternoon of music, food, and massages. “It’s so important that we thank our supporters and the after party celebration provides us with an opportunity to do just that,” said David Emerson, acting director of Events and Volunteer Programs at Lifelong. He said that donations and pledges are still being counted with additional pledges and corporate matching gifts expected. In 2009, Lifelong’s staff and volunteers prepared and delivered over 189,000 nutritious meals, packed and distributed over 45,000 grocery bags with protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and assisted over 23,000 people who were not able to afford their health insurance premiums. Additionally, Lifelong’s education and prevention messaging reached over 233,000 individuals in high-risk populations. All of that work would not be made possible without the proceeds raised from the Seattle AIDS Walk & 5K Run. For more information about Lifelong AIDS Alliance, visit www.llaa.org. For more information on the Seattle AIDS Walk, visit www.SeattleAIDSWalk.org.
witt
continued from cover
“Today we heard the hammer of justice strike for major Witt. We look forward to the day when all members of our military can serve our country without invidious discrimination. To discharge her simply because of her sexual orientation was entirely unfair to her and unwise for the military, which needs her significant skills,” said ACLU of Washington Executive Director Kathleen Taylor. ACLU of Washington Legal Director Sarah Dunne said, “The U.S. military integrated different races and women over the last 50 years. There is zero evidence to suggest that Gay and Lesbian soldiers can’t serve openly. The time for DADT has ended. America is in a different place, and so is the U.S. military.” According to Judge Leighton, the military provided no evidence that Major Witt’s sexual orientation or conduct caused a problem in the performance of her military duties – on the contrary, the ACLU had several of her military colleagues testify that her forced absence is what harmed her unit’s morale. In a previous military case, ACLU of Washington represented Army Sergeant Perry Watkins, who was dismissed in 1981 when then-President Ronald Reagan decided no homosexuals could serve in the military. In 1989, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that, as a matter of basic fairness, the Army could not discharge Watkins since the military had known he was Gay when they drafted him in 1968.
U.S. Air Force to reinstate her. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Washington attorneys have directly represented Major Witt since her case began in 2006. “I’m thrilled about the decision today. I appreciate the Court’s belief in the professionalism of the military,” Witt said upon hearing the judge’s ruling. “Many people forget that the U.S. military is the most diverse workforce in the world – we are extremely versed in adaptation. Thousands of men and women who are Gay and Lesbian honorably serve this country in our military. Wounded personnel never asked me about my sexual orientation; they were just glad to see me. I can’t wait to rejoin my unit.” From 1997 to 2003, Major Witt was in a committed relationship with another woman, a civilian. In the summer of 2004, Witt was notified that the Air Force had begun an investigation into an allegation that she had engaged in homosexual conduct. In November 2004, she was placed on unpaid leave and told she could no longer participate in any military duties, pending formal separation proceedings. In March 2006, the Air Force informed Major Witt that she was being administratively discharged on grounds of homosexual conduct. The following month, the ACLU filed papers for Major Witt challenging the discharge. According to ACLU Washington officials, continued from cover the first breakthrough in the case came in 2008 when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Air Force must prove economy, which significantly reduced the that discharging Major Witt is necessary for county’s two revenue sources – property purposes of military readiness. Although the taxes and a portion of the sales tax. ruling left in place the military’s DADT polGeneral-fund revenues are expected to icy, it sent the case back to trial court, say- fall $60 million short of the cost of continuing that before discharging a soldier under ing services at current levels. the policy, the military must prove that the 2011 will be the third straight year that individual’s conduct actually hurts morale general fund revenues have declined. Conand unit cohesion. This requirement is now sequently Constantine proposed to spend known as the “Witt Standard.” The lawsuit 2.3% less than 2010 and 5.6% less than has drawn national attention, so much so that 2009. at her confirmation hearings, then-Supreme Constantine proposed to lay off 200 counCourt nominee Elena Kagan discussed the ty employees and eliminate about 300 other significance of the “Witt Standard” estab- positions from the county’s 13,000 full-time lished by the case. employee workforce. Three-quarters of the reduction would come in jobs that support criminal-justice programs.
budget
Social service funding gone Social services will also be hard hit, however. “We had $20 million budgeted for social services a couple of years ago,” County Council Budget Committee chair Julia Patterson told SGN. “You know what the number is for this budget? The number is zero.” “Unfortunately, these [budget] shortfalls occur when people need us the most,” Patterson added.
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County Council member Larry Phillips, who has been budget chair twice in the past, also lamented the elimination of county funding for social services. “This is the first time the executive has proposed zeroing out social service funding,” he told SGN. “For the past couple of years, we went to our reserves to balance the budget, but those resources are exhausted.” Nothing is left in the county’s reserve fund, Phillips said, beyond what is absolutely necessary to handle emergencies and maintain credit ratings. HIV/AIDS services Services used by the most vulnerable members of the LGBT community will be impacted, but not as severely as they could be – largely because they are funded by diverse revenue streams. According to Frank Chaffee, manager of the Seattle/King County Public Health HIV Program, HIV/STD services “will be cut, but they won’t be zeroed out.” “[Our] budget is complicated,” Chaffee told SGN, “because we get funding from a lot of sources. Typically HIV funding is different from STD funding.” For example, Chaffee said, “HIV testing is funded almost exclusively by state and federal money. Chlamydia comes from another pot of money.” “Care services are virtually all federal money,” Chaffee explained. “Direct ser-
vices for people living with HIV. Since the early 1990s, it’s been federal money.” “In Public Health, we’re talking about epidemiology and prevention, Testing. Risk assessment. Not direct care,” Chaffee continued. “We’re also very reliant on outside grant revenue, and state or federal money.” According to Chaffee, about 10% of all HIV/STD funding comes from King County. “On the HIV side, it’s about 7% [from the county],” Chaffee explained. “On the STD side it’s more like 20%.” “The HIV side also includes federal grants from Ryan White [the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act] and some of that is contracted out to community agencies,” he continued. Diverse revenue streams mean that local HIV/STD programs are less vulnerable to county budget problems than other social service programs that rely more heavily on county money.
tions,” Patterson said. “We don’t have anything from staff yet. But I’m worried that it translates into teens and young adults getting sick – and then spreading disease.” According to Chaffee, the testing program is supported by “a mix of funding, but some funding will be lost in the proposed cuts.” Phillips was also concerned that the county’s HIV disease control officer will be eliminated in the new budget. “The position is vacant because of a retirement,” Phillips said, “but the proposal is to consolidate that and several other positions into a single disease control position.” According to Patterson, “the services will still be provided,” but she acknowledged that the same number of person-hours would no longer be available exclusively for HIV control work. Phillips also told SGN that an HIV perinatal care program would be terminated. “It’s a $350,000 federal grant that’s been awarded to another agency, and we can’t replace the funding,” he said.
Some HIV programs In danger Some local HIV programs might be in danger, however. Both Patterson and Phillips cited the HIV testing program for minors in the county’s juvenile detention facilities. County funding for the program will be cut off if the proposed budget is approved by the County Council. “I don’t know what are the full implica-
No good answers “There are no good answers,” Patterson told SGN. “The tax we rely on is the property tax, and that’s limited by initiative to a 1% increase per year. Well, inflation is at 2%. So the county is progressively defunded.” “We’ve asked staff to develop recommendations as to what we could do,” Patterson continued. “We want to keep HIV in
check, but there’s no money out there. Public health is seriously compromised in this budget.” “An ever-downward spiral, that’s what we’re in,” Phillips echoed, citing the cap on property tax increases that keep the growth of the county’s budget below the inflation rate. “The executive took an accurate and correct position,” he continued. “You can only assume the revenues that you have. It’s important to be candid with the voters.” The County Council has scheduled public hearings on the budget – with the schedule available on the county’s website. Council members will have an opportunity to amend the executive’s proposal, with final budget approval coming in November. While state and federal funds are not at risk for the moment, all the players spoke with dread about upcoming state and federal budget decisions. “We’re waiting to hear from the state sometime in October, probably late October,” Chaffee said. “From the Department of Health in Olympia. Then we’ll see what their cuts do.” Patterson was not optimistic about securing new funds from outside sources. “There’s a sense of anticipation how the state budget cuts will affect us,” she said. “There’s a lot that’s broken right now. D.C. is not functional. You can’t have a conversation about how to solve basic problems. It’s worse than I feared it was.”
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