Celebrating 43 Years! Issue 42 Volume 45
FRIDAY October 20, 2017 FREE!
25¢ in bookstores & newsstands
Seattle Opera’s The Barber of Seville is delightful SEC 2 PG 1
Seattle Women’s Chorus’s Fired Up! concert SEC 2 PG 1
Seattle Gay News
Attorney General Bob Ferguson Judge bars I-27 from ballot Measure sought to ban safe consumption spaces endorses Jenny Durkan “Jenny Durkan will deliver on our progressive values”
Attorney General Bob Ferguson – Photo courtesy of State of Washington
Attorney General Bob Ferguson has endorsed former U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan as the candidate who has the experience to deliver on the urgent challenges facing Seattle including housing and homelessness. In a new web ad, Attorney General Ferguson focuses on Durkan’s record as U.S. Attorney, including holding powerful interests and polluters accountable, taking on the opioid crisis, and removing illegal guns from the
streets. In addition, Attorney General Ferguson highlights that Durkan would be the “partner we need to protect Seattle and our state from President Trump and his administration,” focusing on her work at SeaTac airport to protect passengers. Durkan has previously launched three web ads including “Very Jenny,” “More Housing Now” and “Seattle Promise.”
see FERGUSON page 4
New study says 40% of LGBT employees report workplace bullying More than half confronted the bully
Photo courtesy of Reuters / Brendan McDermid
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Forty percent of LGBT employees in the United States reported that they encountered bullying in their workplaces, a new study by CareerBuilder says. Fifty-three percent confronted the bully,
but only 20% said the behavior stopped afterwards. Fewer than than one-third of LGBT workers said they reported bullying to human resources. Most of those bullied said the guilty party was a single person, but 13% reported
see BULLY page 16
Photo courtesy of AP / Mel Evans
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A King County Superior Court Judge has barred I-27 from the ballot, meaning there will be no challenge to the county’s plans to open supervised safe consumption spaces for people with substance abuse issues. In her October 16 ruling, Judge Veronica Alicea-Galván wrote that I-27 is “inval-
id, null, and void because it extends beyond the scope of the local initiative power” and cannot appear on the February 2018 ballot. I-27 would have outlawed supervised consumption spaces, which are public health facilities where people who use drugs can do so in a medically supervised environment while gaining access to treatment.
see I-27 page 4
Over 100 women sign on to Seattle Times response letter in support of Teresa Mosqueda for City Council
Photo courtesy of Teresa Mosqueda
Signers include Seattle mayoral candidates Jenny Durkan and Cary Moon, US Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and dozens of current and former elected officials Over 100 women signed on to a letter in support of Teresa Mosqueda in response to The Seattle Times endorsement in the Posi-
tion 8 [City Council] race on Monday. The piece, which cites her opponent’s “experience” and “reasonable perspective” in making their endorsement, was met with anger, frustration, and disappointment from women across Seattle who have too often
see MOSQUEDA page 4
Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1974 MEMBER
2017
1707 23rd Avenue Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 324-4297 sgn2@sgn.org sgn.org
Deadlines Classifieds | Thursday at Noon Calendar | Tuesday at 6pm Display Ads Space Reservation | Monday at 5pm Ad Copy (non-camera ready) | Tuesday at 5pm Ad Copy (camera-ready) | Wednesday at 5pm Letters to the Editor | Tuesday at 5pm Obituaries | Call the SGN office All others | Tuesday at 5pm
Editor in Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Shaun Knittel Travel Editor George Bakan Copy Editor Rick McKinnon (since Dec 2013) Advertising George Bakan • Maggie Bloodstone MK Scott National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Staff Writers Mike Andrew • Sara Michelle Fetters Miryam Gordon • Shaun Knittel Albert Rodriguez Contributing Writers Rev. Barbara Allen • Ron Anders Eric Andrews-Katz • Madelyn Arnold Alice Bloch • Maggie Bloodstone Beau Burriola • Sharon Cumberland Jessica Davis • Tina Gianoulis Anthony Greer • Milton W. Hamlin Nevin Jefferson • Richard Kennedy Liz Meyer • Jason A. Miller Jesse Monteagudo David Nguyen aka Teriyaki Temple Rod Parke • Don Paulson Jerry Peerson • Jessica Price Scott Rice • Leslie Robinson MK Scott • Gaysha Starr Paul Torres • Janice Van Cleve Ed Walsh • James Whitely Scott Wittet • Rex Wockner Calendar Editors Mike Andrew • Rick McKinnon Classifieds Rick McKinnon Photographers Nate Gowdy • Joseph P. Herron Shaun Knittel • James Whitely Production Mike Pham Website Designer Barry Thorsness / Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published by Frogs and Ink, Inc. © 2017. Frogs and Ink, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reprints by permission. Publication of names, photographs, or likeness 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 ad. Credit will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
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
Mark Segal, meet Ben Franklin
Top of my profession with Ben Franklin and my peers in LGBT media
by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News When you set out to change the world, you never expect to actually see the results of those years of struggle, or to win praise. And if you are lucky enough to, it comes as an overwhelmingly emotional surprise that takes days to come to terms with ... and fully accept or appreciate. Last month I was informed by the Pennsylvania News-Media Association that at its annual convention this year [November 1-3], it would award me its Ben Franklin Award, one of the highest publishing honors one could receive. This is even more surprising since I had to fight many years to gain membership in the organization simply because I was gay. That battle went on until The Philadelphia Inquirer demanded our membership. Later, PNA asked me to join its board of directors, but almost 30-some years later to receive the organization’s highest honor is making me look back and ask, Do I actually deserve it? And then there was this … the letter that notified me and set out the reasons for my selection. “This year’s selection committee emphasized your remarkable achievements and contributions to PGN, the LGBT community and the news-media industry in Pennsylvania and beyond in unanimously selecting you for this award. From the founding of Philadelphia Gay News in 1975, to your crashing “The CBS News” with Walter Cronkite, to your hunger strike and sit-in at Philadelphia City Council, your groundbreaking memoir, And Then I Danced and, of course, your leadership and extensive news coverage on issues of concern to the LGBT community, you have been an inspirational leader in your community and far beyond.”
Visit us online www.sgn.org
Benjamin Franklin, portrait by David Martin, 1767. – Photo courtesy of The White House Historical Association
You can imagine how emotional those words struck me, but not for the award itself. What got me is the embrace the organization took of the work to change media, including even PNA itself. That is what the struggle for equality is all about, and having an organization that was antigay appreciate that shows how far we as a community and we as LGBT journalists have come. My second thought was what that acceptance was about: respect for LGBT media. With this award, PNA is embracing LGBT media as its peers, and in a way that still has me very emotional even as I write this. Then I think of Sally Fields when she accepted her Academy Award. She jumped to the stage and said, “They like me, they really like me.”
Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. His recently published memoir, And Then I Danced, is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or at your favorite bookseller.
October 20, 2017
Seattle Gay News 3
FERGUSON continued from cover
WATCH: “Jenny Delivers” at https:// w w w.yo u t u b e. c o m / w a t c h? v = r wN 6K4_I_E&feature=youtu.be Transcript of “Jenny Delivers” Attorney General Bob Ferguson: Hi, my name is Bob Ferguson. Today I’m proud to announce my endorsement for our next mayor of the great city of Seattle, Jenny Durkan. As United States Attorney, Jenny held financial interest and other powerful interests who weren’t playing by the rules accountable. Jenny’s worked hard to protect our environment by taking on dangerous polluters. She’s protected our community by taking on the opioid crisis. And she’s worked hard to remove illegal guns from our streets. Jenny will be the partner we need to protect Seattle and our state from President Trump and his administration. While my office was working hard to file the brief to take on the Trump administration and challenge the Muslim ban, Jenny was down at SeaTac airport seeking court orders to protect travelers. As mayor, Jenny will deliver on our progressive values. From immediately addressing our housing crisis to helping our homeless neighbors move into shelters, join me in supporting Jenny Durkan as the next mayor of Seattle. We need Jenny now.
Bob Ferguson endorses Jenny Durkan for Seattle Mayor in a new web ad. – Photo courtesy of Youtube
Courtesy of Jenny Durkan for Mayor
I-27
continued from cover A lawsuit challenging the initiative was filed in August by Protect Public Health, an organization made up of public health experts and family members of people who have died as a result of drug overdoses. Protect Public Health supports evidencebased public health policies, including supervised consumption spaces. Knoll Lowney, the attorney for Protect Public Health who argued the case before Judge Alicea-Galván, said that the judge made the correct legal decision. “State law is clear that public health decisions need to be made by public health authorities in consultation with experts, as the county’s supervised consumption space policy was. Those sorts of complex health
decisions are beyond the scope of the local initiative power,” Lowney said. Protect Public Health leaders also hailed the judge’s ruling that public health policy is not subject to veto by a citizen initiative. “This is a major victory for public health and will allow us to take the steps we need to implement an effective harm reduction approach to help those suffering from addiction to get the help that they need,” said Dr. Bob Wood, the former director of the HIV/AIDS Program at Public HealthSeattle & King County. “If I-27 was allowed to go to the ballot, other critically important and effective public health policies would also have been put at risk, including needle exchange programs, or even vaccination requirements.” According to public health advocates,
the evidence supporting the effectiveness of supervised consumption spaces is overwhelming. “Around 100 supervised consumption spaces currently operate in Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, and multiple studies show that these sites save lives and can help to connect people struggling with substance abuse to the services they need,” said Michael Ninburg, executive director of the Hepatitis Education Project and another member of Protect Public Health. “These programs are proven to reduce the risk of fatal overdose and prevent transmission of HIV and hepatitis C, as well as to reduce outdoor drug use in neighborhoods. Our current approach to the opioid crisis isn’t working. We need to do more, and opening two supervised consumption spaces in King County will allow us to do so.”
The opening of two pilot supervised consumption space sites was recommended by the King County Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force in 2016 as part of a comprehensive public health response to the region’s opiate epidemic, and those recommendations were adopted by the Board of Health. In 2016, there were 332 overdoses in King County, 70% of which involved opiates. The task force also recommended expanded prevention programing and treatment services. I-27 is in direct conflict with the task force’s evidence-based recommendations on supervised consumption space sites.
MOSQUEDA continued from cover
Photo courtesy of Teresa Mosqueda
4 Seattle Gay News
October 20, 2017
had their “professional experience, accomplishments, and credentials questioned, minimized and too often underrated.” The letter, which came together as a response to an outpouring of support to the Mosqueda campaign, calls out that, “Women should get credit for the work we do, and for our hard-won experience. We must stop making excuses or standing by while others overstate their resumes at the expense of women whose qualifications, experience, and track record are indisputable.” “I was prepared for the Times to push back on my platform – because as a progressive leader I am pushing for real solutions to our housing crisis, more investments in our health care, and overdue protections for workers and the most vulnerable among us,” Mosqueda said. “What I wasn’t prepared for is the language they used to dismiss my experience, minimize my accomplishments, and disparage my collaborative approach which has led to progressive, positive policy changes over
the years. We can disagree on policy and vision for the city, but we can’t let this false narrative about inexperience and a lack of objectivity to go unchecked.” Mosqueda has earned the endorsement from more than 200 progressive organizations and diverse community leaders across Seattle. She won the primary election with almost one-third of the vote in an eight-way election. Mosqueda is a first-time candidate whose work includes encouraging others to run for political office. Courtesy of People for Teresa Mosqueda
Celebrating 43 Years!
An Open Letter to the People of Seattle Our Experience & Leadership Matters October 19, 2017 As women, we know what it’s like to have our professional experience, accomplishments, and credentials questioned, minimized and too often underrated. We were disappointed to read The Seattle Times Editorial Board endorsement in the Seattle City Council Position 8 race. Teresa Mosqueda is a proven leader in our community – a forceful champion of a more just and equitable society. She helped lead the successful statewide effort to expand access to affordable health care by expanding coverage for all children in Washington. She helped make sure the Affordable Care Act worked for all our neighbors, workers and families when she served on the Exchange Board for four years as the consumer and patient advocate. Teresa is a fighter for women and working people – helping to lead the coalition and write the statewide initiative that raised wages and provided paid sick leave for workers. She has fought to protect the rights of immigrants and refugees, and to guarantee reproductive justice for women. She is running for office and working full time, and continues to show an unwavering commitment to show up for causes beyond her campaign. That’s the kind of leadership our city needs. Women should get credit for the work we do, and for our hard-won experience. We must stop making excuses or standing by while others overstate their resumes at the expense of women whose qualifications, experience, and track record are indisputable. The Seattle Times Editorial Board lauds the “experience” of Teresa’s opponent, yet Teresa spent years helping craft the minimum wage and sick leave policy and leading the state-wide initiative that her opponent was hired for a period to work on. Teresa not only has the real experience and applied skills to be an effective, inspiring Councilmember, she has the temperament to deliver while being deliberative and fair. At a time when our nation – and our city – are too often defined by what divides us, Teresa knows that to make real progress we must find common ground, build coalitions, and unite around shared values. A proven progressive, Teresa knows how to bring people together and get things done. Teresa respects people, she listens, and she is unafraid to speak her mind to create the changes our communities need. We need more people with these skills in City Hall. That’s why Teresa has earned our support, and the support of more than 200 progressive organizations and diverse community leaders across Seattle. We hope you will join us in making sure our experience is honored and our voices heard. We hope you will also join us in voting for Teresa Mosqueda for Seattle City Council, Position 8. Sincerely, 1. Abigail Doerr, Political Director Transportation for Washington* 2. Aiko Shaffer, community leader 3. Alex Alston, Policy Director Washington Bikes* 4. Alissa Haslam, Director WinWin* 5. Annie Wise, Logistics Director for MLK Central Labor Council* 6. April Sims, Field Mobilization Director for the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO 7. Behnaz Nelson, Executive Director of Professional and Technical Employees Local 17* 8. Berit Eriksson, Sailor’s Union of the Pacific* 9. Binah Palmer, APACE Board Member and staff at SEIU 925* 10. Brenda Wiest, Legislative Director Teamsters 117* 11. Carin Chase, President of the Washington State Federation of Democratic
Photo courtesy of Teresa Mosqueda
Women* 12. Cariño Barragán Talancón, Community Organizer at Casa Latina* 13. Cary Moon, Seattle Mayoral Candidate* 14. Charlene Strong, former Seattle City Council Candidate, small business owner* 15. Cindy Domingo, Chief of Staff to Council Member Gossett* 16. Dannielle Askini, Gender Justice League Founder* 17. Dawn Gearhart, Community Organizer for Teamsters 117* 18. Dawn Gearhart, Community Organizer with Teamsters 117 19. Debbie Carlsen, Executive Director of LGBTQ Allyship* 20. Debora Juarez, Seattle City Councilmember District 5* 21. Diane Sosne, President SEIU Healthcare 1199NW* 22. Doris Koo, Principle Consultant Yesler Community Collaborative* 23. Eileen Cody, State Representative 34th Legislative District 24. Elaine Rose, CEO of Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii* 25. Elena Perez, worker advocate 26. Emily Van Bronkhorst, Executive Vice President SEIU Healthcare 1199NW* 27. Erin Haick, Political Director SEIU 925; Co-Chair NARAL Pro-Choice Washington PAC* 28. Erin House, housing advocate 29. Estela Ortega, Executive Director of El Centro De La Raza* 30. Faye Guenther, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW 21* 31. Gabriela Quintana, President of Latino PAC of Washington* 32. Gael Tarleton, State Representative 36th Legislative District 33. Hannah Lidman, advocate for women and children 34. Heather Villanueva, Communications/Organizers SEIU 775* 35. Hilary Stern, Founding Director of Casa Latina* 36. Janet Chung, gender justice advocate 37. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Councilmember 38. Jenny Durkan, Seattle Mayoral Candidate* 39. Jessica Juarez Scruggs, author and staff at National People’s Action* 40. Jessyn Farrell, former State Representative 46th Legislative District 41. Kamaria Hightower, Communications Director MLK Central Labor Council* 42. Karen Deal, Executive Director of the Washington State Democratic Party* 43. Karen Hart, President of SEIU 925* 44. Karen Keiser, State Senator 33rd Legislative District
Visit us online www.sgn.org
45. Karen Strickland, President AFT Washington* 46. Katie Garrow, Political Director MLK Central Labor Council* 47. Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, MomsRising* 48. Kristina Logsdon, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Rod Dembowski; APACE Board member* 49. Lauren Berkowitz, Burien City Councilmember* 50. Lauren Craig, housing advocate 51. Lily M. Wilson-Codega, Political Director Teamsters Joint Council 28* 52. Lisa Bogardus, Assistant Executive Secretary Seattle Building Trades* 53. Lisa Wellman, State Senator 41st Legislative District 54. Liz Berry, Executive Director Washington State Association for Justice* 55. Lorena González, Seattle City Councilmember Position 9 56. Lynne Dodson, Secretary Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO* 57. Maggie Humphries, National Women’s Political Caucus of WA* 58. Maha Jahshan, community advocate 59. Maiko Winkler-Chin, Executive Director Seattle Chinatown International Dist PDA* 60. Makini Howell, Owner of Plum Bistro Restaurants* 61. Maralyn Chase, State Senator 32nd Legislative District 62. Marcie Maxwell, Former State Representative 41st Legislative District 63. Maria Barrientos, Founder of Barrientos RYAN* 64. Marilyn Watkins, Economic Opportunity Institute* 65. Marissa Chavez, Latino Political Action Committee Board Member* 66. Marsha Botzer, Founder of Ingersoll Gender Center* 67. Misha Werschkul, Executive Director Budget and Policy Center* 68. Misty Shock Rule, APACE Board Member* 69. Nicole Grant, Executive Secretary Treasurer MLK County Labor Council* 70. Nicole Keenan, Director Fair Work Center* 71. Nicole Macri, State Representative 43rd Legislative District 72. Nina Martinez, Chair Latino Civic Alliance* 73. Noel Frame, State Representative 36th Legislative District 74. Pamela Crone, women and worker’s right advocate 75. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenny, former State Representative 46th Legislative District 76. Pramila Jayapal, US Representative 7th Congressional District
77. Rebecca Saldaña, State Senator 37th Legislative District 78. Renée Hopkins, CEO Alliance for Gun Responsibility* 79. Sally Bagshaw, Seattle City Councilmember District 7 80. Sally Clark, former Seattle City Council Member 81. Samantha Grad, Political Organizer UFCW 21* 82. Sarah Cherin, Community and Political Allies Director UFCW 21* 83. Sejal Parikh, Executive Director Working Washington* 84. Shaine Truscott, Deputy Director for SEIU 775* 85. Shefali Ranganathan, Executive Director Transportation for Washington* 86. Simone Boe, Political Coordinator Washington Education Association* 87. Sterling Harders, Vice President SEIU 775* 88. Sudha Nandagopal, Environmental Justice Advocate and OneAmerica Votes Board Member* 89. Sue Taoka, community development advocate 90. Summer Stinson, President, Washington’s Paramount Duty* 91. Susan A. Palmer, Secretary-Treasurer District Lodge 751, IAM&AW* 92. Susan Crane, Executive Director SkillUp Washington* 93. Sutapa Basu, PhD, Director Women’s Center UW* 94. Tammy Morales, community leader and economic justice advocate 95. Tania María Rosario, economic and social justice organizer 96. Terri Mast, National Secretary-Treasurer, Inlandboatmen’s Union* 97. Theresa Purtell, IAFF27; Washington State Council of Firefighters Representative* 98. Tiffany Hankins, Executive Director NARAL Pro-Choice Washington* 99. Tina Podlodowski, Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party* 100. Toshiko Hasegawa, civil rights & police reform advocate 101. Tricia Schroeder, Executive Vice President SEIU 925* 102. Velma Veloria, former State Representative, Equity in Education Coalition* 103. Venus Velázquez, community member
October 20, 2017
Seattle Gay News 5
* Organization names listed for identification purposes only.
LGBT HISTORY MONTH
Lyon, Martin paved the way for lesbians
Del Martin (left) and Phyllis Lyon are married by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom on June 16, 2008. – Photo by Associated Press
by Alex Madison Bay Area Reporter In a time when President Donald Trump has directed a ban on transgender individuals from serving in the military, his administration has rescinded protections for trans students in public schools and the advancement of LGBTQ national historic landmarks are in question, the stories of those who fought for equal rights in an earlier era seem to be more important than ever before. One such story is that of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who ushered in the modern lesbian movement and made history by becoming the first same-sex couple married in San Francisco – twice. Their accomplishments as activists and the love they shared have become a symbol of perseverance, strength and hope for the LGBTQ community. “If you got stuff you want to change, you have to get out and work on it,” said 93-year-old Lyon. “You can’t just sit around and say, ‘I wish this or that was different.’ You have to fight for it.” Lyon is still a beacon of strength, wit and charm as she reminisced about her younger years. Although Martin died
6 Seattle Gay News
in 2008 at age 87, Lyon still lives in the couple’s one-bedroom home nestled in the hills of Noe Valley, which they shared for more than 50 years. “I can’t be out galloping around like I used to, getting stuff done,” said Lyon as she sat in her living room during a recent interview with the Bay Area Reporter. Decades ago, the room served as a gathering place for lesbians during a time of social conformity, when the lesbian community only had a handful of bars in the Castro district in which to meet and socialize. “Oh, gosh, we used to have dance parties here all the time,” Lyon recalled, smiling. Although Lyon said she has not considered submitting her home to become a national or local landmark after she passes, one step inside the cozy abode reveals the couple’s history-making life, seen through countless pictures, knickknacks and newspaper clippings. Kendra Mon, Martin’s only child from her first marriage, remembers spending summers at the couple’s home when she was a student at UC Berkeley. Over the years, Mon has come to understand the important role her mother and Lyon played
October 20, 2017
in the lesbian community, something she didn’t quite grasp as a young adult. “Lesbians would call the house from all over the world,” said Mon, a retired mother of two who lives in Petaluma, Calif. “A lot of their friends were scared at that time. Mom gave them a place where they could feel safe.” Wedding bells When former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered city officials to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in February 2004, the “Winter of Love” was unleashed, as images of happy gay and lesbian couples lined up outside City Hall were beamed into living rooms across the country, and around the world. But that day, Feb. 12, started off with a quieter ceremony inside a City Hall office, where Newsom married Lyon and Martin, as LGBT community leaders and others looked on. Ultimately, the California Supreme Court ruled several months later that those 2004 marriages were invalid because Newsom had exceeded his authority. Lyon and Martin – and the thousands of others – would have to wait four more years, when the same court in May 2008 overturned
Proposition 22, a same-sex marriage ban, and said that denying marriage rights to same-sex couples violated the state Constitution. Wedding bells began ringing in the Golden State in June. (The same-sex nuptials were halted in November of that year, after state voters passed the Proposition 8 marriage ban. After years of legal wrangling, the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2013 tossed out Prop 8 on a technicality and same-sex marriages resumed in California.) Martin and Lyon were the first samesex couple to be married in the city in 2004 and 2008. Framed, yellowed San Francisco Chronicle articles of the couple’s historic weddings grace the walls of Lyon’s well-lit living room. The headlines read, “Wedding Bells to Ring in a New Era” and “The Wait is Over.” “We got it started for everybody else,” Lyon said of her 2004 wedding. “We didn’t get married just for us. We knew it was important to a lot of other people.” Although their first marriage was ended after 181 days, it didn’t stop the couple from continuing their fight. Martin and Lyon exchanged vows again on June 16, 2008. Martin died Aug. 27, just 74 days after again making history.
Celebrating 43 Years!
Phyllis Lyon (right) prepares to cut their wedding cake as Del Martin looks on after the couple was married by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom on June 16, 2008. – Photo by Jane Philomen Cleland
The matching pink and blue suits the couple wore are now in the permanent collection in the archives of the GLBT Historical Society. A longtime friend of both women, Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, personally asked Lyon and Martin to be the first samesex couple to wed in 2004. “I called the house and Phyllis answered the phone. I told her I needed them to do one more thing for the movement,” Kendell said, recalling it to be a humorous conversation, after Lyon put her on hold to ask Martin. They said yes a few minutes later. Kendell attended both marriage ceremonies, an emotional experience for her. “I burst into tears, as did other staffers,” she said. “You knew you were a part of something historically very important standing there.” For someone who grew up in a time where lesbianism was seen as “immoral, sick and illegal,” Lyon said she never believed she would live long enough to marry her “sweety-puss” and the love of her life, as she called Martin, let alone see same-sex marriage legalized nationally. But sure enough, in a landmark decision on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples could marry in all 50 states. “I think we’ve made tremendous progress,” said Lyon, laughing about how she is still amazed that people don’t fall over dead when she tells them she is a lesbian. The incredible accomplishments of Lyon and Martin no doubt played a role in the progress of the LGBTQ community in San Francisco and beyond. When Martin died, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) famously said, “We would never have marriage equality in California if it weren’t for Del and Phyllis.” Earlier days Martin began working as an activist after receiving her degree in journalism from UC Berkeley. While working at a newspaper in Seattle, Martin met Lyon in 1950 and the two began working on behalf of lesbians in their community, health-care access, advocacy on behalf of battered women and issues facing elderly Americans. Together more than 50 years, the couple founded the Daughters of Bilitis in 1955, the first social and political organization for lesbians in the United States. In 1956, they started a newsletter called The Ladder, which grew into a publication about lesbian politics and culture and became a lifeline for hundreds of women isolated and silenced by the restrictions of the era. Martin also became an activist for the feminist movement in 1963 when she was the first out lesbian to serve on the board of directors of the National Organization for Women. The women were pioneers, tireless activists and together a symbol of what it means to fight for equality and love in the LGBTQ community. Their many contributions over the past five decades are credited with shaping the modern LGBT movement. In 2005, Lyon and Martin were inducted into the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association’s LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. “No, we are not back in the 1950s, but we are facing some of the most threatening and dangerous times, certainly in my lifetime,” Kendell said of the Trump administration’s lack of support of the LGBTQ community. “Phyllis and Del are examples of how you live during difficult times. I look to them as an inspiration, a north star of how you show up, you fight and be present.” Lyon plans to donate some of the items in her home to the Smithsonian Institute after she is gone, but, as Kendell said, the memory and legacy of Martin and Lyon live on through their writings, perseverance and love for one another. Alex Madison is a freelance reporter for the Bay Area Reporter. Courtesy of Philadelphia Gay News
Phyllis Lyon stands in the living room of her Noe Valley home in San Francisco. – Photo by Alex Madison
Visit us online www.sgn.org
October 20, 2017
Seattle Gay News 7
Former Second Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, was keynote speaker at Hopelink’s Annual Luncheon which raised $1.19 million for social services
by MK Scott SGN Contributing Writer On Monday, October 16, Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of former Vice President Joe Biden, was the keynote speaker at the 22nd annual Hopelink Reaching Out Luncheon at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Hopelink is the largest social services agency in east and north King County, serving 64,000 people every year. The luncheon, which was free to attend, was full to capacity with 1800 attendees, all present to make generous donations to Hopelink. Dr. Biden talked about the challenge of tough times, and the role each of us can play in helping each other, and in building a stronger community. “None of us needs to fix the whole world,” she said, “but we can make a difference – one good turn after another.” During Dr. Biden’s speech she talked about balancing her life as a wife, mother, being Second Lady and still keeping her professorship at Northern Virginia Community College; adding to that, was
her son, Beau’s losing battle with cancer in 2015. Biden said, “Sometimes our strength comes from within us. Sometimes it can’t. That’s where community and groups like Hopelink come in.” The luncheon raised a record $1.19 million to support Hopelink services. Today, Hopelink provides a full array of critical social services through a number of different programs, including housing, transportation, case management, financial assistance, employment programs, energy assistance, adult education and literacy training, a vast referral network and six food banks. Hopelink Centers are located in Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline and Sno-Valley/Carnation. For more information about Hopelink, visit their website, hopelink.org. Photos courtesy of MK Scott
Stella Steps Out 2017 to benefit BABES Network-YWCA Ready for a night of dinner, drinks, dancing, and a LIVE auction to support BABES Network-YWCA? Join us on Thursday, October 26 at 6pm for Stella Steps Out 2017 at the Georgetown Ballroom (5623 Airport Way S). Visit ywcaworks.org/stella Enjoy a lively evening hosted by Sister Glo Euro’N Wei and featuring our 2017 Stella Honoree, Julie Lewis. Uplift the work of BABES Network-YWCA, a unique program that provides critical peer support to women facing HIV and their families. Julie is a 33-year HIV survivor and the founder of the 30/30 Project (3030project. org), an organization dedicated to improving access to comprehensive healthcare in communities impacted with HIV/AIDS by
8 Seattle Gay News
October 20, 2017
building 30 medical facilities worldwide. All event proceeds will go directly to support BABES Network-YWCA and fund services that empower more than 200 women living with HIV each year. Tickets are $150. Get your tickets today: ywcaworks.org/stella Courtesy of BABES Network-YWCA
Celebrating 43 Years!
Steinbrueck Yardsign.pdf
1
8/15/17
2:07 PM
Peter Steinbrueck: Paid for by Peter for Port • 1000 Second Ave., Suite 2950, Seattle, WA 98104
Always standing up for our rights Peter is supported by: Neil Powers
Marsha Botzer
Sally Clark
Jill Killian
Sarah Luthens
Janice Van Cleve
Tom Rasmussen
George Bakan
4
2017 SEMEC
OVERALL CANDIDATE RATING
Exceeds Expections
Paid for by Peter for Port • 1000 Second Ave., Suite 2950, Seattle, WA 98104
Visit us online www.sgn.org
October 20, 2017
Seattle Gay News 9
greencleaningseattle.com
206.307.2270
4615 Aurora Ave N 98103 Licensed, bonded, insured & 100% local. Servicing the Seattle metro area.
10
% OFF
ALL PREORDERS Kiosks located in Glass and Goods or access from anywhere at Ike's.com *all regular priced items $10 and up
10 Seattle Gay News
October 20, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!
Paid for by Elect Eden Mack
Let us give you more to smile about! Thank you to
for your endorsement!
- Highly Rated, All Digital, Patient-Focused Care for all your Dental Needs - Cosmetic Dentistry - Invisalign - Teeth Whitening - General Dentistry - Preventive & Restorative Care - Sedation - No Interest Patient Financing - Free Validated Parking - Preferred Provider for most major dental plans
ASK US ABOUT OUR GSBA
NEW PATIENT SPECIAL! Mark Waind, DDS PS 720 Olive Way, Suite 822 | Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 467-8300
MarkWaindDDS@gmail.com | www.MarkWaindDDS.com
Visit us online www.sgn.org
October 20, 2017
Seattle Gay News 11
12 Seattle Gay News
October 20, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!
Connect and engage with Generations Aging with Pride leadership and supporters on Capitol Hill Oct. 23 Generations Aging with Pride, Seattle’s newest resource for all things LGBTQ aging, is hosting a community conversation at Miller Community Center (330 19th Ave. E. at E. Harrison St) on Monday, October 23 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Board members and the new outreach coordinator, Liz Illg, will be on hand to answer questions about the group’s plans for the future. Generations Aging with Pride, affectionately known as GAP, is committed to promoting, connecting and developing innovative programs and services that enhance belonging and support, eliminate discrimination, and honor the LGBTQ elders in Seattle with funding and support from the City of Seattle. Illg, who joined the organization less than a month ago, is eager to meet and greet community members who share LGBTQ aging concerns. “We’re not getting any younger,” she said recently, “and we need to use our knowledge and skills to make sure our community institutions do right by their LGBTQ elders.” As a veteran of the early Lesbian Resource Center days and as co-founder of the Lesbian Cancer Project
in the early ’90s, Illg is no stranger to advocacy and community organizing. The board of Generations Aging with Pride, reflecting the diversity and history of service to Seattle’s LGBT community, will be present at the event. The board is led by co-chairs Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen and Ruben Rivera-Jackman, and other members include Patricia Throop, Paulette de Coriolis, Marsha Botzer, Jessica Coifman, Leo Egashira, Jeff Howard, Debbie Jae, Pat McIntyre, Rita Smith, Maureen Linehan and Tiffany Kopec. The Miller Community Center is located on the east side of Capitol Hill at 330 19th Ave. E. at E Harrison St (a block north of E. Thomas St, and a block and a half south of Country Doctor Community Clinic in Seattle and is handicap accessible. Transit: #8 and #12 stop one block south at E. Thomas St. The #10 and #48 are within a few blocks walking distance or one can transfer from those routes to the #8 at 15th Ave. & E. John St and 22nd Ave. & E. John St. respectively. (The #43 route also stops at 19th Ave. & E. Thomas St but doesn’t run throughout the day so check the bus scheduled.)
Photo courtesy of GAP Seattle
People interested in LGBTQ aging issues are invited to join in the conversation. Please RSVP at info@gapseattle.org. If you would like more information, please
contact Liz Illg, Outreach Coordinator at (206) 495-8312 or email at info@gapseattle.org .
2017 Northwest Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale The Northwest Orchid Society presents its 2017 Fall Orchid Show & Sale on Saturday, Nov. 4 (9am to 5pm) and Nov. 5 (10am to 4pm). Admission is FREE. Hosted by Swanson’s Nursery (9701 15th Ave. NW), this regional show features breathtaking orchid displays by orchid societies from throughout the Pacific Northwest with orchid vendors in attendance. Superior orchid specimens will be competing for coveted awards issued by accredited judges
from the American Orchid Society. Our show program includes free seminars by experts on various subjects pertaining to orchid cultivation. Members of the public are encouraged to bring orchids from home for a free repotting service and/ or advice for struggling orchids. Knowledgeable volunteers from the Northwest Orchid Society will be available to answer questions for show attendees. Several vendors, both local and visit-
ing from out of state, will have a fine selection of orchids available for purchase. The plants for sale range from excellent quality beginner level plants for the home to rare collectable specimens. A complete list of vendors and the seminar schedule will be posted on the society’s website: www.nwos.org and on the Northwest Orchid Society Facebook page. The NWOS is a regional non-profit organization focusing on orchid educa-
tion and conservation, with members throughout the Puget Sound area. It meets the second Monday of every month at 7pm from September through June at the Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41st St., Seattle, near University Village). Membership is $30/year. Meetings are free and open to the general public. Courtesy of the Northwest Orchid Society
Dia de los Muertos Annual Gala to be held Nov. 11 by Entre Hermanos Special to the SGN
Gala Dia de los Muertos – 11 de noviembre
We are happy to announce our annual gala that will be held on November 11th starting at 6pm at ACT Theatre (700 Union St). There will be a great SHOW, incredible FOOD, and UNLIMITED DRINKS!!! Our Dia de los Muertos Annual Gala is our biggest fundraising event of the year. We will be honored to have you attend this incredible event! We will have live entertainment, leaders of the community speaking on behalf of the work that is being done, and most importantly, together, we will be able to expand upon the services that Entre Hermanos has for the community. OPEN BAR! Alcohol is included with the purchase of your admission ticket. Come and enjoy the event with us! This year, we will also be auctioning off Disneyland tickets, a 2-night stay at The Lodges on Vashon, various art pieces, a Starbucks gift basket, and much more! Tickets are $135 and are available in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/3041674 Thank you for your interest in attending our Dia de los Muertos Gala!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
Estamos contentos de anunciar nuestra gala anual! Se llevara a cabo el 11 de noviembre en el ACT Theatre (700 Union St.). Habrá un gran show, comida exquisita, y bebidas ilimitadas! El evento de recaudación de fondos mas importante del año! Un evento increíble donde contaremos con un espectáculo único, lideres comunitarios quienes darán testimonio del trabajo realizado y lo mas extraordinario es que juntos podemos lograre el proveer mas y mejores servicios a nuestra comunidad BARRA LIBRE! Si, las bebidas están incluidas Asiste y disfruta con nosotros esta mágica noche. Este año también estaremos subastando boletos a Disneylandia, una estadía de dos noches en The Lodges on Vashon, varias piezas de arte, una canasta de regalo de Starbucks, entre muchos más! Entradas: $135 – www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3041674 Muchas gracias! Courtesy of Entre Hermanos
October 20, 2017
Seattle Gay News 13
LGBT HISTORY MONTH
Behind the lens: Photojournalist Kay Lahusen
Kay Lahusen and Barbara Gittings in 2005. – Photo courtesy of Kay Lahusen
by Tracy Baim Special to the SGN Kay Tobin Lahusen was the first photojournalist of the LGBTQ movement, a preand post-Stonewall activist who helped to document the earliest protests for homosexual rights. Lahusen, born Jan. 5, 1930, in Cincinnati, is perhaps best known as the life partner of activist Barbara Gittings, but she was an equal partner in their 46-year relationship, begun in 1961, and lasting until Gittings’ death in 2007. The women met in Rhode Island at a party for The Ladder, a national publication of the lesbian group Daughters of Bilitis (DOB). This was fitting, as they would later work on the publication together, from 1963 until the summer of 1966. A Lahusen photograph, under the name Kay Tobin, was the first photo of a real-life lesbian to appear on the cover of a homosexual publication, in September 1964. The first full-face portrait of a lesbian on the cover was in January 1966, of D.C. activist Lilli Vincenz. Lahusen spoke about her early life with Eric Marcus, for his book Making Gay History: The Half-Century Fight for Lesbian and Gay Equal Rights: “The summer after I graduated, in 1948, I met a girl who had gone to the same high school I had. We hadn’t met before. I fell in love with her … [A]fter a year together, I finally faced the fact that this was more than friendship. This was desire and sex and lust and love, just like straight people feel. I have to tell you, I had a breakdown over this revelation … This went on for two weeks … I finally brought it to a head within myself; I just decided that I was right and the world was wrong and that there couldn’t be anything wrong with this kind of love.” Lahusen moved to Boston to work for
14 Seattle Gay News
the Christian Science Monitor in the reference library, from 1956-61. She found out about The Ladder from a psychiatrist in New York City. “In doing my research at the Monitor, I found a book called Voyage From Lesbos: The Psychoanalysis of a Female Homosexual, written by a psychiatrist named Richard Robertiello,” Lahusen told Marcus. “In the book, Robertiello focused on a lesbian he had treated – and believed – cured. He was a well-known psychoanalyst at the time. So in 1961, I made an appointment with him in New York. I asked him a couple of questions about what made people gay, which I wasn’t really interested in. Then I came to the real question, ‘How do I meet others?’ So he said, ‘Oh, if that’s what you want, that’s easy.’ He reached over on his desk and pulled out this old copy of The Ladder and gave it to me. He said, ‘Here. This is published by the Daughters of Bilitis. They have an office here in New York. You can call them up. Here’s the phone number.’ Well, I almost fell off the chair. I said, ‘That’s enough,’ and even though I only spent 10 minutes with him, I wrote him my check for $20 for the full hour. I was lifted to the skies, but I was so thrown I couldn’t even think of contacting DOB that minute. I had to regroup.” Lahusen soon met Gittings, and quickly became immersed in the world of homosexual activism and publishing. “After a brief courtship, we settled into her efficiency apartment in Philadelphia. We’ve been together in the gay cause ever since,” Lahusen wrote in Vern Bullough’s book, Homosexuality: A History. “Although Kay’s name didn’t appear on the masthead, her vision, as much as mine, shaped the magazine for three and a half years,” Gittings told Troy Perry and Thomas Swicegood in their book Profiles in Gay & Lesbian Courage.
October 20, 2017
“Kay and I believed we could eventually reach tens of thousands of lesbians who had never heard about our movement, lesbians who didn’t necessarily want to join us but needed to see themselves in a better light, who needed to know that they were not alone, that something was being done to change things,” Gittings said. When Time magazine published an essay, “The Homosexual in America,” on Jan. 21, 1966, referring to homosexuality as “a pernicious sickness,” Lahusen responded in the April Ladder with “A Rebuke for TIME’s Pernicious Prejudice,” followed by “Letters TIME didn’t print,” criticizing the “crippling methodological flaws [in the Time article].” The first White House picket for homosexual rights happened April 17, 1965. That year proved to be a pivotal one nationally for gays protesting in the streets. The April 17 protest was against Fidel Castro’s plan to put Cuban homosexuals in labor camps, and it also aimed to call attention to the poor treatment of homosexuals by the U.S. government. There were 10 picketers that day, and 29 at activist Randy Wicker’s United Nations protest April 18. Another White House protest followed, on May 29, with about 13 people (signs included “We Don’t Dodge the Draft, the Draft Dodges Us”). On June 26, more than 20 protested in front of the U.S. Civil Service Commission over its ban on the employment of gays. The July-August 1965 edition of The Ladder covered the protests, as reported by Lahusen: “After all efforts to negotiate with the Commission had failed, the homosexuals decided to stage a public demonstration and call attention to the problem … All were conservatively dressed and presented dignified appearance.” On July 31, there were 16 picketers at
the Pentagon over military antigay bias. On Aug. 28, there were 14 reported at the State Department to protest employment bias and security-clearance issues. On Sept. 26, a total of 30 picketed at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral to protest discrimination against a pro-gay minister. And on Oct. 23 of that year, 45 people picketed at the White House. A press release for the Oct. 23 picket stated four targets of the event: exclusion of homosexuals from federal employment; the military ban on homosexuals; denial of security clearances to homosexuals; and the “continuing refusal, by the White House and other agencies of the Federal Government, to accord even the common courtesy and decency of replying to letters written on behalf of the homosexual community … ” Gittings was at nearly all of those protests, and Lahusen was there to document. “Kay’s grandfather died, and we came back [from Ohio] in time to take part in all the summer demonstrations that year,” Gittings told Marcus. “We were at the first protest at the White House and the first one at the Pentagon.” Also in 1965, on July 4, a series of annual protests began at Independence Hall in Philadelphia that would further shape Gittings’ role as a leader in the movement. These protests were, after all, in her adopted hometown, one that in later years would honor her with street dedications, awards and special tributes. Lahusen made sure these events were documented, and not forgotten. The West Coast leadership of DOB became concerned about the more activist direction of The Ladder, so Gittings and Lahusen were out by 1966. But by then, Gittings and Lahusen had climbed onto a larger platform, with Lahu-
Celebrating 43 Years!
sen documenting their efforts every step of the way. Gittings and Lahusen were not in New York City when the Stonewall riots occurred, but when they returned from vacation, they kept pace with the swift changes in the movement by joining protests and new organizations. “I don’t like violence but I was pretty elated to hear that GLBT people were standing up and fighting back in the midst of a police [raid] on a seedy, Mafia-run gay bar,” Lahusen said in a 2012 Philadelphia Gay News interview with Jen Colletta. “Gay people were largely outwitting the police. News of their bravery galvanized gay people in New York and across the country really. The riots were a flashpoint, Barbara used to say, in the gay-rights movement and inspired gay people to get further organized and step up their efforts to improve the lives of their minority … Early picketers inspired gay people to go a step further and fight back at Stonewall.” “When we came back into the city that September, I immediately started attending the meetings of a new organization called the Gay Liberation Front,” Lahusen told Marcus. “They were huge meetings. It was the best theater in town. This was the heyday of radical chic. These people were out there in million-dollar rags, each more far out than thou in terms of their leftist ideology. They were spouting stuff that I had never heard before. And here I was, the plain-Jane dinosaur out of the old gay movement.” Lahusen recalled that she and Gittings tried to turn a negative – being called “dinosaurs” by their own community – into positive public relations. The couple would often bring two stuffed dinosaurs to community meetings and events, and their
photo was taken with the props. Gittings, Lahusen and other Philadelphia activists turned their focus in 1970 to the first-anniversary commemoration of the Stonewall riots, with some 2,000 people attending the Christopher Street Liberation Day march in New York City. Lahusen was one of the original dozenor-so members of the Gay Activists Alliance, which was seen as a single-issue group. “We didn’t want somebody telling us we had to go out and picket for all these other causes,” she told Marcus. “We also wanted a structured group. GLF was always chaotic. The GLF people, of course, said they had no leaders. That was part of their thing. We didn’t want chaos. We wanted a structured group. So we decided on Robert’s Rules of Order. We decided to have officers, elections and all those standard things. GAA was almost totally political. Politics was everything. You had to have your meetings with the police, to put the squeeze on. Organize gays as a voting bloc. That was GAA’s big thing.” Lahusen also organized the Gay Women’s Alternative in the early 1970s in New York City. “[GAA] did all sorts of public protests,” Lahusen told Marcus. “We lay in wait for Mayor Lindsay to come out from the Metropolitan Museum and then stormed up the steps and got right in front of him and asked him embarrassing things. When the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations came out of some meeting and got in his big black limousine, I remember going crazy, rocking and beating on the limousine. He didn’t know what was going on. He had never been besieged by a bunch of homosexuals before.” Lahusen also wrote and took photos for New York’s GAY newspaper in the early
1970s. GAY was edited by Jack Nichols and his partner Lige Clarke. “We did plenty of things, and I covered it all for the GAY newspaper,” she told Marcus. “I was interviewing and writing news stories and taking pictures. I would confront politicians and say, ‘I’m with GAY newspaper. Where do you stand on … ?’ I would dutifully write down their answers. I would even tape their answers, so I would be dead-accurate. It was a very exciting time.” Gittings, Lahusen and Frank Kameny also took on the antigay policies and culture of the American Psychiatric Association together. In advance of their appearance on a 1972 APA Dallas conference panel that would become historic, Gittings and Kameny issued “Gay, Proud, and Healthy,” a statement regarding the psychiatric profession. Lahusen said of the panel: “This isn’t right. Here you have two psychiatrists pitted against two gays and what you really need is someone who is both.” The panel moderator, Dr. Kent Robinson, agreed to add a gay psychiatrist if the activists could find one. “Kay and I wrote letters and made phone calls around the country,” Gittings recalled years later in summarizing her work fighting the APA. “At last, John Fryer said yes, provided he could wear a wig and mask and use a voice-distorting microphone. Dr. H. Anonymous was born.” Lahusen’s photos of that panel provide critical documentation of the successful effort to change the APA. Also in 1972, Lahusen published the book “The Gay Crusaders.” The publisher insisted on having a male name with hers on the cover, so Randy Wicker agreed, but he said it was all Lahusen’s effort. Lahusen also joined Gittings in her fight to change the homophobia permeating the
American Library Association. The Task Force on Gay Liberation sponsored a kissing booth in the exhibit hall at the 1971 ALA conference in Dallas. Changing the approach of libraries was a critical move on the part of activists, as these were often the first places LGBT people could find information about their lives – for good or bad. Of those early protests, Lahusen told PGN’s Colletta: “Some participants were fearful, some were proud, others were simply marching in the belief that they had to come out if things were going to change. It’s been said that all social-change movements find they ultimately have to take to the streets. Think of the early suffragettes, for example. Of course, when you’re marching, you have no crystal ball to tell if you’re helping make changes but you hope so, even believe so. I certainly believed we were doing something historically significant, something to help lift GLBT people as a class in our society.” There is a bench that marks Gittings’ final resting place, in Washington’s Congressional Cemetery. “This is where we will be buried together, our ashes will be together in this bench,” Lahusen said. On the top it reads “GAY PIONEERS who spoke truth to power. GAY IS GOOD.” The front of the bench reads: “Partners in life. Married in our hearts.” This article is excerpted and adapted from Barbara Gittings: Gay Pioneer, a 2015 book by Tracy Baim. Courtesy of Philadelphia Gay News
PETS OF THE WEEK Adoption Center
Sunday – Wednesday | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday – Saturday | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. 13212 SE Eastgate Wy, Bellevue, WA 98005 (425) 649-7563 | adoption@seattlehumane.org
Is your life missing a furry friend? Now is the
perfect time to open your world to a pet in need. Coldwell Banker’s Homes for Dogs program
with Adopt-a-pet.com has helped place 20,000
dogs into homes across the country. Could your
place be the next happy ending for a pet in need? Make your house a home by visiting the shelter and bringing back the pet of your dreams.
Enzo
Jelly Bean
Enzo is a gorgeous and sensitive 4-year-old German Shepherd. He’s had a difficult time adjusting to the shelter and is anxious to find a loving home with someone who ‘gets’ him! Enzo really enjoys human companionship, but he doesn’t seem to be keen on other dogs. Enzo likes to chat, to play ball, and to curl up close to his favorite human. He will thrive in an experienced, attentive home, preferably with an adopter who’s already familiar with Shepherds. Given his stress level in the shelter, it may take some time for Enzo to settle into a new home environment, and your patience will be much appreciated! If you love Shepherds and enjoy helping to shape a ‘diamond in the ruff,’ then you are just the person Enzo has been waiting for. Please come in and get to know him today!
Adoption Specials: October 27-29 | National Cat Day – Weekend Celebration! Stop by Seattle Humane this weekend in honor of National Cat Day! The shelter has the purrfect match for you. Enjoy a fun and cozy weekend with some safe, indoor bonding time with your new feline friend. Kittens are available for $60 for the right families! The chillier months will be much warmer when you have a sweet, furry companion by your side.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
As with all of our dogs, Enzo has been neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and behavior-tested. He will go home with a certificate for an examination by a King County veterinarian and an identification tag. PLUS, most dog adoptions include 30 days of pet insurance from Trupanion and a training rebate when you complete a dog behavior course - a great way to start off on the right paw!
Meet Jelly Bean, a gorgeous 1-year-old girl with sleek black fur and bright amber eyes. She just loves curling up in a box and having her ears scratched. She has a delightful disposition and will happily lounge or play with you. This young gal has a sweet, curious personality and you’ll love getting to know her. Come meet Jelly Bean today at Seattle Humane - she just may be the affectionate friend you’re looking for! As with all of our cats, Jelly Bean has been spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. All of our cats have been tested for Feline Leukemia/FIV and go home with a certificate for an examination by a King County veterinarian and their very own identification tag and collar. PLUS, most cat adoptions include 30 days of pet insurance from Trupanion - a great way to start off on the right paw!
Introduce to children 14 years and older. Enzo will need to be the only dog in the home.
October 20, 2017
Seattle Gay News 15
GOP leaders abandon bipartisan health care deal Plan was brokered by Patty Murray and Lamar Alexander by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Only hours after US Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) announced a bipartisan deal on health care, Republican House leaders shot it down. Murray and Alexander had been negotiating for weeks on a fix to the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare) that would help hold down premium costs but also protect the public by keeping Obamacare’s mandate that essential health services would be covered. The bipartisan deal appeared to be dead when Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) floated an Obamacare repeal bill last month, but Murray and Alexander returned to their negotiations when Donald Trump signed
BULLY
continued from cover being bullied in a group setting. Bullying has a demonstrable negative effect on LGBT workers’ well-being. Nineteen percent of LGBT workers who experienced bullying said the incidents caused health problems, while 15% said they called in sick in order to escape bullying. More than 40% of LGBT Americans said they left a job because of harassment. Bullying against LGBT people takes many forms. Nearly two-thirds said they
an executive order ending federal subsidies meant to lower premiums for low-income Americans – an action widely understood as an attempt to sabotage the ACA. The Murray-Alexander compromise would have continued federal subsidies to help lower insurance costs for families and the ACA mandate for essential health benefits, but it would have allowed discount insurance plans to be sold across state lines – a concession to Republicans. The deal “reflect(ed) input from patients, governors, hospitals, insurers, and a majority of Senate members,” a statement from Murray’s office said. “This is an agreement that I am proud to support – not only because of these important steps to strengthen our health care system but because of the message it sends about the best way to get things done
in Congress,” Murray said in a floor speech unveiling the compromise legislation. Trump initially seemed to support the deal, but within hours he was walking away from it under pressure from House Republicans. “None of our guys voted for Obamacare. They’re not very interested in sustaining it,” Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, told the Washington Post. “Anything propping [Obamacare] up is only saving what Republicans promised to dismantle,” said Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), who leads the House Republican Study Committee, a group of more than 150 right-wing members of Congress. Republican Speaker Paul Ryan also indicated he had no interest in the deal.
“The Speaker does not see anything that changes his view that the Senate should keep its focus on repeal and replace of Obamacare,” spokesperson Doug Andres told the Reuters news agency. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who helped kill earlier ACA repeal plans, criticized Trump for “sending conflicting messages,” in an October 18 CNN interview. She added that she did not know if Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would schedule a vote on the compromise plan but that “if it comes to the floor, I think the votes are there.”
were falsely accused of mistakes. Other common complaints included being ignored by others, being held to different standards, being the subject of gossip, and being excluded from projects or meetings. According David Kilmnick, CEO of the LGBT Network, the number of LGBT workers with concerns about workplace bullying has grown since the 2016 election. The LGBT Network is a nonprofit that serves the Gay and Transgender community on Long Island and the borough of Queens, New York. The White House LGBT rights page – a fixture of the White House website when
President Obama was in office – disappeared immediately after Donald Trump was inaugurated in January. Trump then announced a ban on Transgender people serving in the military. “It has such a negative impact, not only to the LGBT person, which is a given. If you’re being bullied for who you are, it will impact how one feels safe in one’s workplace. But there are so many other people, non-LGBT folks, that don’t want to hear this,” Kilmnick said. A study conducted earlier this year by Out Now, an LGBT consulting firm based in the Netherlands, found that the share of
LGBT individuals in the US who were out to everyone at work dropped from 44% in 2010 to 38% in 2015. The US was the only place in the multicountry study where this metric declined. One possible explanation for that figure: nearly half of US LGBT workers reported having heard homophobic remarks in the workplace in the past year.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS Tillerson urged to raise registry of LGBT community in Tajikistan WASHINGTON, DC – [On Wednesday, October 18] Human Rights First today expressed alarm over reports that Tajikistani authorities have created a registry of gay and lesbian citizens and called on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to publicly raise concerns about this action. The organization notes that this registry could serve as a precursor to violence and discrimination against the LGBT community. These reports come amidst the ongoing crisis for LGBT communities in Azerbaijan and in Chechnya, where victims, mostly gay and bisexual men, have been detained, tortured,
and killed in custody. “Drawing up a registry of gay and lesbian Tajiks should trigger alarms throughout the region,” said Human Rights First’s Shawn Gaylord. “The State Department needs to act quickly and decisively to ensure that Tajikistan does not become the next Chechnya.” Creation of the registry was ostensibly done under the auspices of protecting the LGBT community and cracking down on the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in the Central Asian country. Last year Tajikistani authorities identified 319 gay
16 Seattle Gay News
October 20, 2017
men and 48 lesbians as part of two initiatives entitled “Morality” and “Purge,” ominously named projects the purposes of which have not been divulged by the Interior Ministry. Homosexuality was decriminalized in Tajikistan in 1998. Reports of the registry continue a troubling pattern of persecution of LGBT communities in the former Soviet Union. The escalation is part of a broader pattern of organized persecution of LGBT people in the region that dates back to legislation targeting the free speech and expression of LGBT people in Russia.
“Tajikistani authorities can dress this up any way they want, but they are fooling no one. This is not an effort to protect the LGBT community; it is the first step in a broader scheme to persecute them,” added Gaylord. “The State Department needs to say loudly and clearly that attacks on LGBT Tajiks will not be tolerated.” Courtesy of Human Rights First
Celebrating 43 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
October 20, 2017
Seattle Gay News 17
www.sgn.org www.sgn.org
Gary D. TorGerson Co. Expert Painting and Repairs Rot Repair: siding, doors, windows, porches and decks. Lead-Safe Certified
www.sgn.org
See photographs of our work at www.TorgersonCompany.com Email: info@torgersoncompany.com Contractor Registration #: GARYDTC134CJ Phone: 206-781-0999
18 Seattle Gay News
October 20, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!
MoSS Alley MotorS, Inc. SpecialiStS in VolVo, Honda, toyota and Subaru
932 12th ave. Seattle, Wa 98122 (206).325--.3992 www.mossalley.com Seattle’s most progressive auto shop!
Transcendental Meditation Program Transcendental Meditation®
50 Years of Helping People Realize Their Full Potential • Reduces Stress and Hypertension • Extends Lifespan and Reduces Aging • Unlocks Latent Brain Reserves • Increases Creativity
FREE Introductory Sessions
Seattle tmseattle@tm.org 206 523-8108 Eastside bellevue@tm.org 425 451-2290
Please call or e-mail to pre-register
www.tm.org
Visit us online www.sgn.org
October 20, 2017
Seattle Gay News 19
Purr Presents
MONSTERS BALL COSTUME CONTEST ENTRIES BEGIN AT 9PM JUDGING AT MIDNIGHT
$1000
CASH GRAND PRIZE
$500
SECOND PLACE
$250 THIRD PLACE
SATURDAY OCTOBER 28
2307 24TH AVE E | SEATTLE WA 98112 | PURRSEATTLE.COM