Issue 42 Volume 39
Celebrating 38 Years!
FRIDAY October 21, 2011 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
MAJOR SEX STUDY p. 7
SEAMEC RATINGS p. 8
GAY HISTORY p. 17
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Janice Langbehn, GSBA October business luncheon local Lesbian activist, supports LGBT suicide prevention honored by White House Chris Geidner
Janice Langbehn receives the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Obama on October 20, 2011.
tal activist.” In 2007, Langbehn, her partner of 18 years Lisa Pond, and their Lesbian activist Janice Lang- three children were about to depart behn was honored by the White from Miami on a family cruise House with the Presidential Citi- when Pond suddenly collapsed. zens Medal on Oct. 20. Langbehn, who lives in Lacey, see langbehn page 21 modestly calls herself an “accidenby Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) is known for many things since they burst onto the Seattle business chamber scene some 30 years ago. Part referral program, part Gay travel resource, and so much more, the GSBA is widely known throughout the Puget Sound region. Their mission is simple: combine business development, social action, and leadership to expand economic opportunities for the LGBT community and those who support equality for all. On Oct. 19 at the Hilton Seattle downtown, the GSBA took their mission one step further. Now, they are working with State Rep. Marko Liias (D-21), Youth Suicide Prevention Program’s OUTLoud leader Heather Carter, and the Safe Schools Coalition’s Beth Reis to save lives. Not just any lives – but the lives of LGBT youth who are at a greater risk than their straight see GSBA page 19
Marsha Botzer in Beijing: ACLU separationActivist reports on China pay case advances shaun knittel/seattle gay news
Seattle activist Marsha Botzer spent 15 days in China last month, working with Chinese LGBT activists. Recently she sat down with SGN to talk about her experiences. “I met some amazing young activists – all of them under 30,” she said. “Since China is China they’re going to guide the world.” Although the numbers are hard to document, China, the world’s most populous country, certainly has an enormous LGBT community. “Oh, millions!” Botzer exclaimed. “The largest LGBT population in the world! That’s why it’s going to make a difference.” Then she laughed, “So many people – I’ll never complain about Seattle traffic again!” Botzer traveled to China as part of an exchange program sponsored by the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center. “The Chinese asked for delegations from the U.S.,” Botzer
Hamburg/AP
Marsha Botzer
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Members of the military discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” at a news conference in April 2010
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
On Oct. 18, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims denied the government’s motion to dismiss an ACLU class action lawsuit challenging the Defense Department’s discriminatory military separation pay policy for involuntarily discharged Gay service members. In other words, Gay veterans see botzer page 20 will have their day in court.
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We may be a few months out from the New Year, but it’s safe to say that the demise of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will be marked as a highlight of 2011 for the LGBT community. “The end of that discriminatory statute and its demeaning implications to the men and women who serve our country is something see ACLU page 21
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Celebrating 38 Years!
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Come out, come out, wherever you are by David Webb Special to the SGN There’s probably never before been a safer or more critical time in American culture and politics for LGBT people to come out and acknowledge their identities. This week when Dan Kloeffler, an ABC News co-anchor on the World News Now show, acknowledged he is Gay during an interview with Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto, he likely caused a lot of people to realize we might just pop up anywhere – even on TV at 3 a.m. The television personality’s off-handed quip that he might drop his rule against dating actors in favor of Quinto, who recently came out in a New York Magazine interview, might serve as a good example for members of our community who have thus far opened the closet door only a little bit. The journalist’s declaration hopefully will inspire LGBT people who are tired of listening to Republican presidential candidates backed by evangelical stooges condemn us and threaten to roll back our hard-won human-rights gains. If there were ever a moment for us to stand up against the likes of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who was introduced recently at a campaign event by First Baptist Church of Dallas senior pastor Robert Jeffress, it is now. The thought of Jeffress - who has made a pastoral career out of trampling on the rights of LGBT people - having the ear of the next U.S. president ought to be enough to scare
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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anyone into action. If Jeffress would dare publicly to condemn the Mormon faith of Perry’s Republican political rival Mitt Romney in a weaselly attack before reporters after the event, what retributions against our community might he demand in exchange for helping deliver the evangelical vote to Perry in a presidential election? We’re talking about an obsessed man who goes on TV to rail against anyone who doesn’t follow his religious philosophy, declaring that merely being a good person is not enough. Anyone who doesn’t want to burn in Hell must believe as Jeffress does, according to his sermons. A friend of Perry’s who has known him for more than a half-century told me recently that the governor is more enlightened and tolerant than the LGBT community perceives him to be, but I don’t buy that – especially after he failed to condemn Jeffress’ outrageous remarks. The message doesn’t get much better over in the camp of Herman Cain, who has vowed to reinstate the anti-Gay discriminatory policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the U.S. armed services if he is elected. There are other Republican candidates such as Rick Santorum and Michele Bachmann vying for the party’s presidential nomination who are just as scary, but they appear to be trailing so significantly in the polls that they aren’t a threat, at least for now. Veteran LGBT activists have long known and shared their wisdom with us about the need for people to come out and stand united against hypocrisy and bigotry, and much has been accomplished as a result. There is strength in numbers, and to quote one of my favorite Gay activists, William Waybourn of Washington D.C., “if everyone who is Gay came out at once, the discrimination and bullying would stop immediately.” That obviously won’t happen, but it does present a strong argument for a massive, non-threatening demonstration that is the David Webb is a veteran journalist who philosophy of National Coming Out Day. This year’s event has already passed, but has covered LGBT issues for the mainstream there is nothing to stop us from declaring and alternative media for three decades. E2012 a National Coming Out Year in light of mail him at davidwaynewebb@yahoo.com.
Anyone who doesn’t want to burn in Hell must believe as Jeffress does, according to his sermons.
In Loving Memory Of
October 21, 2011
the importance of the national election. Bullying is something everyone needs to remember and condemn, and it’s what Kloeffler said was on his mind when he came out on national television in the early morning television broadcast. He was referring to a Gay teenager, 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer of Buffalo, N.Y., who had valiantly fought intolerance and violent antiGay discrimination to the point of posting a YouTube video for the It Gets Better Project, only to finally succumb to suicide when he lost the will to endure more intolerance from his peers. Although Kloeffler was likely confident he would suffer no repercussions at work or in his personal life by his admission, it was still a courageous move, apparently undertaken in an effort to help others in less comfortable situations. Too many people who could make a difference sit by idly and silently when opportunities arise to speak out against intolerance and discrimination, and Kloeffler acknowledged he had been one of those people for quite some time. When it comes to anti-Gay discrimination and bullying or any other class of prejudice, situations just don’t get any better without concerted resistance on the part of the oppressed. I know this because I have in the past tried to reason with evangelical Christians, including a close associate of Jeffress’, whom I have known most of my life. Their reaction to my pleas for compassion as regards the plight of young LGBT people who are victims of anti-Gay bullying and other issues involving discrimination was something along the lines of “they deserve what they get.” A typical response during the conversations was a flabbergasting, “We are so far apart on this,” which was based solely on what I consider to be misguided religious beliefs. What I learned from trying to reason with the opponents of our quest for equal rights is that it was destined from the start to be a fruitless endeavor, and that our only hope in attracting allies is to appeal to the compassion of open-minded individuals who believe in fairness. Even if that wasn’t Kloeffler’s conscious objective in speaking out on the broadcast, I think his words probably reached a lot of people who are realizing our sheer numbers necessitate them giving more thought to our mission. Maybe it’s a good time for others to follow Kloeffler’s lead and see what kind of difference they might be able to make in spreading tolerance and fairness in their communities.
Celebrating 38 Years!
Amtrak blocks SGN and other LGBT newspapers on WiFi Soft-Launch by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Students pledge to be allies against anti-LGBT bullying
courtesy glsen
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) announced Monday the beginning of GLSEN’s Ally Week, with more than 2,000 middle and high schools
in all 50 states and nine countries taking a pledge to oppose anti-LGBT bullying. Students founded Ally Week in 2005 as an opportunity for Gay-Straight Alliances and similar student clubs to recognize and encourage people to be allies against anti-LG-
courtesy train web
There are many reasons to take an Amtrak train in place of other modes of travel. Perhaps you have a fear of flying. Maybe you enjoy a scenic route while moving from point A to point B. Or, in some cases, it is economically practical. In any case, given today’s digital age when everyone is “connected” it would be safe to assume that ticket-holders will almost always have a laptop in tow. Much to the surprise of a writer for the blog Maryland Juice, Seattle Gay News and other LGBT newspapers were blocked – as pornographic – during the soft launch of Amtrak’s expanded WiFi services this week. “Amazingly, Maryland Juice is on an Amtrak train right now and was trying to verify that Seattle Gay News was not a porn site (it is not), and I stumbled across the following amazing development,” wrote the Maryland Juice blogger known as David in an Oct. 17 blog post. “Amtrak appears to be blocking LGBT news sites from its WiFi connections. … The sgn.org site contains offensive articles, like this recent headline: ‘Youth suicide prevention funds on WA state’s chopping block.’” When David tried to access www.sgn. org the following message popped up: “The website you are attempting to access has been blocked by an automatic content filter.” A Maryland Juice Facebook reader also noted, “I repeatedly got the same message when I tried to access The Guardian U.K.
last month.” The Guardian is a mainstream liberal British newspaper. Reports began to come in of a seniors’ community website, Transgender news articles, and pro-LGBT political groups being blocked. In almost all instances, these websites had been labeled as pornographic – including the Leisure World seniors’ events calendar. I called Amtrak ready for a fight. Instead, I got total cooperation as the company thanked me (and others) for bringing the problem to their attention. The websites were unblocked within 24 hours. The blocking of LGBT and other websites was a misunderstanding, say Amtrak officials. Christina Leeds, a spokesperson for Amtrak, told SGN, “We have a content filter that scans websites for inappropriate content. We are not sure why LGBT news and websites were deemed ‘inappropriate’ but we can assure you that the problem has been fixed.” In fact, because this was a soft launch of the expanded WiFi service, Leeds says Amtrak anticipated finding some problems and the company’s leadership was standing by to fix them quickly before the system is updated on all trains. “We have a system in place … [if] anything is incorrectly blocked you can submit a form that we will review and act accordingly,” Leeds said. “This is a soft launch. A trial. There was a problem. We found it and fixed it.” The company is LGBT-inclusive, Amtrak officials told SGN, and “diversity is not just
a corporate buzzword, it’s a priority.” “Often companies limit their diversity focus to traditional aspects, such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion. At Amtrak, we believe diversity is much more than this,” said officials. “As a critical link to our philosophy, Amtrak instills an understanding that valuing diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives can strengthen the service we provide.” Amtrak officials say they promote a work environment that encourages employee input, teamwork, and development, while endorsing the skills, experience, and talent of all employees. “Doing so is vital as it ensures all employees are given the opportunity to fully participate in the work effort using their unique sets of skills, experiences,
and perspectives. This ultimately translates to improved productivity, job satisfaction, safety, and enhanced customer service.” “The idea is to no longer separate diversity as an independent notion, but to live and breathe it as an intricate part of Amtrak’s core business philosophy,” Leeds told SGN. In addition to diversity in the workplace, Amtrak provides LGBT travelers with Gayspecific information on their Ride With Pride website (www.amtrakridewithpride. com). The site lists top Gay-friendly travel destinations, information on Pride events, and LGBT top news headlines, as well as a ticketing and reservations portal. This story has a good ending. Amtrak did the right thing. Now, if only some other corporations would learn from their example.
BT bullying and harassment in their schools and local communities. “Ally Week is important because it seeks to identify, celebrate, and support a vital group within the LGBT community that fulfills a unique purpose in the quest for safe and more inclusive schools,” said Carly Friends, a 13-year-old student from Sahuarita, Ariz. “Every day, allies offer a muchneeded support system to LGBT youth. They speak up for people who, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, do not feel safe doing so themselves. And as a straight ally myself, I cannot stress enough how important this week of action is.” Students participate in Ally Week from Oct. 17 to 21 in a variety of ways, including taking the Ally Week pledge by signing a pledge card in their school or online at www.allyweek.org. Signers of the Ally Week pledge agree: to not use anti-LGBT language or slurs; to intervene in situations where students are being harassed; to support efforts to end bullying and harassment; and to encourage others to be allies. While Ally Week is a student-focused event, students have invited their principals, counselors, teachers, and other school staff to participate. In partnership with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), GLSEN encouraged Ally Week participants to take part in Spirit Day on Oct. 20 as a part of the weeklong event. Spirit Day encourages individuals to take a stand against antiLGBT bullying and show support for LGBT youth. Spirit Day participants are encouraged to wear purple. According to the GLSEN 2009 National School Climate Survey, nearly nine out of 10 LGBT students experience harassment at school each year because of their sexual orientation and nearly two-thirds because of their gender expression. Findings also
revealed that 61.1% felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation and 39.9% because of how they expressed their gender. “Sadly, we know that anti-LGBT bullying has severe consequences on a student’s chance to excel in school,” GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said. “Allies play a significant role in creating safe learning environments for LGBT students. GLSEN’s Ally Week invites people to shape a culture where all students feel safe, valued, and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.” GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, 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. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN’s research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org
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by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Log Cabin Republicans, the GOP’s largest LGBT group, announced it would decommission its Dallas chapter because of its “leadership’s established record of countering official positions long held by the Log Cabin Republicans such as our support for employment non-discrimination.” Dallas chapter president Robert Schlein defended discrimination against African Americans during a national radio interview that went off the rails. Schlein regularly writes controversial op-eds for the Dallas Voice newspaper, and one of his columns got him an invitation to appear on Michelangelo Signorile’s radio show in September. During a discussion of anti-discrimination laws – which Schlein opposes, even for LGBT workers – Schlein let himself be drawn off topic. “Texas is a right-to-work state. So as an employer, which I am, I can fire anybody at will,” Schlein asserted. “You cannot fire somebody for being African-American,” Signorile objected. “Well, I wouldn’t tell them,” Schlein said. “You wouldn’t tell them, but you’d do it anyway?” Signorile asked. “I’d find a reason if I wanted to fire them,” Schlein said, defending discrimination against black people while trying to prove an antidiscrimination law would make no difference to LGBT people. Unlike its Gay Republican rival GO-
courteay dallas voice
Log Cabin Republicans expel Dallas chapter over racist remarks
Proud, Log Cabin has always supported anti-discrimination legislation. “When the leadership of one of our chapters chooses to undermine the credibility, effectiveness, and mission of Log Cabin Republicans through their actions, we are forced to enact corrective measures for the good of the greater organization,” Log Cabin Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper said in an email statement to The Advocate. “It is unfortunate that the former leadership of Log Cabin Republicans of Dallas, particularly its president Rob Schlein, have engaged in a consistent pattern of behavior that detracts from the mission of our organization. After all due consideration and efforts at reconciliation, the Board of Directors have decided to begin anew, ensuring that our mission of fighting for freedom can be at its strongest in Dallas and across the country.” Cooper says Log Cabin is “re-chartering” the Dallas chapter, which means it will eventually reemerge with a new board and new officers. “After all due consideration and efforts at reconciliation, the [LCR national] board of Robert Schlein directors have decided to begin anew, ensuring that our mission of fighting for freedom Cabin, who claim to be more conservative. Old Party dinner will go on,” he added. “We are looking forward to putting on a “I think it is sad, a real shame, that the two can be at its strongest in Dallas and across the country,” Cooper said in a statement on groups that represent Gay conservatives great event with [GOProud co-founders] can’t work together just because they at- Chris Barron and Jimmy LaSalvia as our Oct. 12. Meanwhile, Schlein claims he is being tack the issues from different perspectives,” guest speakers.” The Voice reports that Schlein plans to pushed out for inviting the leaders of GO- Schlein told the Dallas Voice. Proud to speak at an upcoming event. GO- “We will continue to work on behalf of launch his own group, which he plans to call Proud is run by former members of Log Gay conservatives in Dallas, and the Grand Metroplex Republicans.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Quebec provincial government will spend $7 million over the next five years on programs aimed at fighting bullying and discrimination against Gays and Lesbians. Quebec Justice Minister Jean-Marc Fournier says the money will be shared among agencies working to protect the rights of LGBT Quebecois. The campaign will focus on “demystifying” LGBT people within the heterosexual community and ensuring they are treated fairly at school, at work, and in society at large. Robert Laramée of Fondation Émergence, Quebec’s largest LGBT organization, hailed the initiative which he said will help non-profit groups work on behalf of LGBT people, young and old, throughout the province.
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“There is still an enormous amount of work to be done,” Laramée said. Organizations will have until Dec. 1 to apply for funding from the Bureau de lutte contre l’homophobie (Bureau to Fight Against Homophobia), the government said. In 2008, the Quebec government assigned responsibility for fighting homophobia to the Ministry of Justice. “The aim of the government, working with many different partners, is to ensure full recognition of the rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders, and Transsexuals in Quebec society,” the Ministry of Justice says on its website. In 1977, Quebec became the first Canadian province – and the first jurisdiction in the world larger than a municipality – to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. In March 2004, Quebec became the third Canadian province to recognize same-sex marriage via court decision, more than a year before the Canadian federal government passed the Marriage Act legalizing it for the whole country. In 2006, the Quebec Human Rights Commission ruled that sex discrimination includes discrimination against Transgender people. In March 2007, the commission released a report written jointly with LGBT organizations that made recommendations on ways to take into account the realities and rights of sexual minority members. The Quebec Policy Against Homophobia, along with the Government Action Plan
October 21, 2011
ccgq
Quebec commits $7M to fight anti-Gay bullying
Robert Laramée of Fondation Émergence
Against Homophobia 2011-2016, constituted the government’s response to the concerns expressed. Quebec’s Government Action Plan Against Homophobia 2011-2016 was released on May 20, 2011, as a joint undertak-
ing by 11 provincial departments. The plan presents 60 measures designed to provide active social, community, and professional support for individuals in the LGBT community, and to increase knowledge about sexual diversity.
Celebrating 38 Years!
SLDN to challenge DOMA by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor With “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” officially over, the largest group representing Gay troops is looking toward securing marriage equality. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) announced this week it plans to file a lawsuit in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as it relates to Gay and Lesbian service members. Since 1996, federal agencies and the military have been barred from recognizing the legal marriages of Gay couples because of DOMA, which defines marriage solely as a union between one man and one woman. SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis says his group will argue that DOMA vio-
lates Gay military couples’ Fifth Amendment right to due process. Last month, the Pentagon issued a memo stating that chaplains may officiate at weddings of Gay couples in states where samesex marriage is legal. But DOMA makes Gay couples ineligible for the same benefits as their straight counterparts. Benefits such as housing allowances and health-care coverage are denied to the spouses of Gay service members. “There is a huge disparity between Gay and straight service members who are providing equal service, taking equal risks, making equal sacrifices,” Sarvis said. “This inequity should not and cannot stand.” A bill that would repeal DOMA is expected to clear a Senate panel next month, but the issue is a non-starter in the Republicancontrolled House.
New study finds Gay and Bisexual men have 1308 sexual repertoires rt69
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor A new study by researchers at George Mason University and Indiana University found the sexual repertoire of Gay men surprisingly diverse, suggesting that a broader, less diseasefocused perspective might be warranted by public health and medical practitioners in addressing the sexual health of Gay and Bisexual men. The study, published online ahead of print in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, tapped the largest sample of its kind in the United States to examine the sexual behaviors of Gay and Bisexual men. In collaboration with the OLB Research Institute at Online Buddies, Inc., researchers were able to in-
clude feedback from nearly 25,000 men. While Gay study participants reported 1,308 unique combinations of behaviors, the most commonly reported behavior was kissing a partner on the mouth. From a public health standpoint, say the researchers, this study provides professionals with data on the behavior of men having sex with men (MSM) that was missing from the sexual health discussion. “Due to the disproportionate impact of HIV among MSM, the majority of research on Gay and Bisexual men’s sexual behavior is situated within the context of disease. This emphasis has resulted in a body of literature about Gay and Bisexual men that is risk-focused, with limited understanding of the diversity and complexity of these
From a public health standpoint ... this study provides professionals with data on the behavior of men having sex with men that was missing from the sexual health discussion.
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men’s sexual lives,” said co-author Michael Reece, director of IU’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion. “In order to provide clinicians and public health professionals with the necessary tools to promote sexuality in a positive and healthy manner, a more nuanced understanding of an individual sexual experience was needed.” Lead author Joshua G. Rosenberger, professor in the Department of Global and Community Health in the College of Health and Human Services at GMU, said the study
is the one of the first to explore sexual behavior at the event level among a national sample of Gay and Bisexually identified men. “As such, this study was focused primarily on a single sexual event - the most recent - and therefore these data are able to provide a level of detail about MSM sexual behavior that has not previously been documented,” he said. Consistent with other recent studies that have examined similar issues among heterosexual men and women, the study findings demonstrate that Gay and Bisexual men have very diverse sexual repertoires. The data revealed some interesting information on the types of sexual behavior that MSM reported, including that less than 40% of men engaged in anal intercourse during their most recent sexual event. “Of all sexual behaviors that men reported occurring during their last sexual event, those involving the anus were the least common,” Rosenberger said. “There is certainly a misguided belief that ‘Gay sex equals anal sex,’ which is simply untrue much of the time.” Additional key findings include: • More than 40% of the study’s participants reported that their most recent sexual partner was someone they were dating, their boyfriend, or their spouse/partner. In comparison, an earlier study of predominantly heterosexual participants found that rate to be just over half. • There is immense variability in the sexual repertoires of Gay and Bisexual men, with more than 1,300 combinations of activities during their most recent sexual events. • Evaluations of the most recent sexual event with a male partner were mostly positive, with ratings of both pleasure and arousal being highest among older men. • Nearly half of participants who engaged in anal intercourse during their most recent sexual event indicated a condom was used. • About 82% of men report that they had an orgasm during their most recent sexual event, and men were significantly more likely to report orgasm if their sexual partner was a relationship partner.
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cants are not required to have 501(c)(3) taxexempt status. Funded organizations each receive $1,200 to support direct project expenses, including artist fees, marketing and promotional fees, compiled by Rick McKinnon venue and equipment rentals or other proSGN Staff Writer duction-related expenses. Funds may not be used for fundraising or organizational adBORN THIS WAY KAFE On Sunday, October 23, from 2-3 p.m., ministrative expenses. The deadline to apFOR URBAN QUEER TEENS the Henry Art Museum, University of Wash- ply is Wednesday, October 26. Link to the AT CAL ANDERSON PARK ington (15th Ave. NE and NE Campus Park- online application at www.seattle.gov/arts. On Fridays, 5-9 p.m., at Cal Anderson way.), presents a lecture by Roger Copeland Shelterhouse (1635 11th Ave., one block on the role these three artists (along with MERCE CUNNINGHAM north of E. Pine St.), Seattle Parks & Rec- John Cage) played, collectively, in 20th DANCE COMPANY reation hosts Born This Way Kafe, a wel- Century art. Tickets: $5 general; FREE for LEGACY TOUR coming place where LGBTQ youth, friends students and museum members. 206-543OCTOBER 27 & 29 and allies (ages 13-19) can gather, be them- 2280; www.henryart.org. On Thursday, October 27, at 7:30 p.m., selves, and have fun. Meets every Friday. and Saturday, October 29, at 8 p.m., at the For more information and to help make it Paramount Theatre (911 Pine St.), Seattle IN THE LIFE TV – happen, contact Randy at Seattle Parks, 206Theatre Group presents the Merce Cunning20TH ANNIVERSARY 883-6110 txt/phone, email randy.wiger@seham Dance Company Legacy Tour. Set to SEASON PREMIERE attle.gov or google “SeattleParksCOD.” On Sunday, October 23, at midnight, on disband after this tour, the Merce CunningKCTS-TV, Channel 9, In The Life marks ham Dance Company has helped cement JET CITY HOOPS – twenty years on public television celebrat- the legacy of the iconic post-modern choSEATTLE’S CO-ED GLBTQ ing and documenting the faces, voices and reographer since its founding in 1953. The BASKETBALL LEAGUE stories of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Centralia native’s legendary dancing and Whether you’ve got game or just want Transgender community. This season pre- choreography is matched by collaborations to try something new and make some new mier opens with analysis of New York’s with composers, most notably John Cage, friends get involved with Jet City Hoops’ vote for marriage equality and closes with and visual artists such as Jasper Johns, Andy winter session for some fun times. A skills a look back at twenty years of covering the Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg. clinic will be held on Monday, October 24. culture wars. Presented by Seattle Theatre Group in All skills levels welcome. conjunction with On The Boards, Spectrum Register online through Sunday, October Dance Theater, Cornish College of the Arts, RADICAL WOMEN – 30, for the winter season games that will Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Art WEEKLY FEMINIST be held on Sundays, November 6-DecemMuseum, this will be Seattle’s final opporREADING CIRCLE ber 18 at Miller Community Center (330 Radical Women hosts a weekly roundta- tunity to see Cunningham’s choreography 19th Ave. E., just north of E. Thomas St.). ble discussion of Frederick Engels’ classic performed by the company he personally Jet City Hoops offers both recreational and work, Origin of the Family, Private Prop- trained. Each evening features a different competitive divisions. Visit jetcityhoops.org erty and the State, on the persistent problem program of Cunningham’s work. www.stgfor complete information. of women’s inequality and how it can be presents.org overcome. The reading circle meets Mon“BURLYCON” – “NEW QUEER ON THE BLOCK: day through December 12,, 7:30-9:30 p.m., THE BURLESQUE CONVENTION AN AVANT-GARDE at 3314 Wallingford Ave. N. #4, Seattle. $2 OCTOBER 20-23 STANDUP COMEDY SHOW” suggested donation per session. Everyone www.burlycon.org On Thursday, October 27, from 9 p.m.welcome. For more info, call 206-722-6057 2 a.m,, at Re-bar (1114 Howell St.). Brian or email RWseattle@mindspring.com. EARSHOT JAZZ FESTIVAL Peterson will perform a 30-minute standup THRU NOV. 6 routine, Ramona the Band will perform an SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN www.earshot.org hour set, followed by dancing with local BOOK CLUB – THE LADIES The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club Seattle DJs LA Kendall and Tony Burns. HEINEKEN CITYARTS FEST2011 meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Seattle Hosted by Mark “Mom” Finley. $5 cover to OCTOBER 20-22 Area Support Groups Community Center help pay for the space and some of the artwww.CityArtsFest.com (formerly Dunshee House) (303 17th Ave. ists involved. 21+ w/ID. E. & E. Thomas St.). Women members have THREE DOLLAR BILL CINEMA – HALLOWEEN! been requesting a book about women, so SEATTLE OCTOBER 28-31 the October selection is an elegant novel LESBIAN & GAY FILM FESTIVAL See all of the print advertisements in this based on the very real, non-fiction, love of OCTOBER 14-23 two women in the 1770s. Doris Grumbach’s week’s SGN for a comprehensive overview www.threedollarbillcinema.org The Ladies is her telling of the true story of of Halloween party options in Seattle for Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby who your enjoyment. The SGN Community CalNATIONAL DAY OF PROTEST became known as the Ladies of Llangollen, endar also lists every Halloween party that TO STOP POLICE BRUTALITY two Irish women who defied convention is advertising with us: On Saturday, October 22, at 2 p.m., at way before their time, eloped and lived as a On Friday, Lambert House’s “Nightmare Westlake Plaza (4th Ave. & Pine St.), join married couple to be visited by the celebri- on Capitol Hill.” R Place’s “Sister Dawnna’s the National Day of Protest to Stop Police ties of the day. Nightmare,” Gay City’s “Bump! Heaven + Brutality. Wear black in memory of people All GLBTQ folks are welcome to partici- Hell,” Neighbours’s “Hillbilly Hell,” and murdered by law enforcement. Organized pate in this FREE book club. For more in- OutWest Bar’s “Halloween Extravaganza.” by the October 22 Coalition to Stop Police formation, email nickdimartin@earthlink. On Saturday, NARAL’s “Liberty Ball Brutality, Repression and the Criminaliza- net, visit http://faculty.washington.edu/ Auction & Masquerade,” Madison Pub’s tion of a Generation. 206-264-5527; oct- swittet/SGLBookClub/ or contact SASG at “Silver Screen Party,” Purr’s “Haunted 22seattle@hotmail.com, october22.org. Playboy Mansion,” Northwest Chocolate 206-322-2437. Festival’s “Masquerade Ball & Dessert SEATTLE CENTER FESTAL – Showcase,” Seattle Erotic Art Festival’s FUNDING AVAILABLE CROATIAFEST “Seduction Halloween,” the “Shake Your FOR SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOOD OCTOBER 23 Ghoul Thing” at Seattle Design Center, Bal& COMMUNITY ARTS EVENTS On Sunday, October 23, from noon-8pm, Festivals and events color the character tic Room’s “Ravage,” The Cuff’s “Horror at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall, join in of Seattle’s neighborhoods. Community Under the Big Top,” Neighbours’ “Freakfolkdance lessons and a dance party, learn groups presenting a neighborhood arts or show,” and OutWest Bar’s “Halloween Exthe art of Croatian cuisine and wine tasting cultural event in 2012 can apply for fund- travaganza.” and purchase your favorite ethnic crafts and ing through the Office of Arts & Cultural On Sunday, Teatro ZinZanni’s “Teatro products. Acclaimed dance ensembles and Affairs’ Neighborhood & Community Arts ZinZombie–A Macabre Ball,” Purr’s “Nuns musicians, intricate costumes, art exhibits, program. Go Bump in the Night XIII, Neighbour’s tourist information and historical displays The funding program helps Seattle’s “La Llorona,” OutWest Bar’s “Halloween showcase Croatia’s rich past and dynamic neighborhood art councils and community- Extravaganza.” present. CroatiaFest offers exploration and based groups produce annual festivals and On Monday, R Place and Lady Chablis’ insights into the culture of this southeast Eu- events that enhance the visibility of neigh- “VooDoo Halloween” costume party and ropean country at the crossroads of the Bal- borhoods, promote cultural participation, contest, Neighbours’ “Witches Ball,” and kans and Adriatic Sea. For a full schedule of celebrate diversity and build community OutWest Bar’s “Halloween Extravaganza.” events, visit www.croatiafest.org. This will be a Halloween weekend to rethrough arts and culture. Neighborhood arts councils and commu- member. Have fun, and remember, don’t “SHARED SENSIBILITIES: nity-based groups may seek support for a drink and drive. CUNNINGHAM, RAUSCHENBERG, recurring festival or event that has been in AND JOHNS” SEATTLE CENTER FESTAL – existence for at least one year, has a signifiDIA DE MUERTOS cant arts and cultural component, is open to OCTOBER 29-30 the public and takes place in Seattle. Appli-
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On Saturday, October 29, from noon-8 p.m., and Sunday, October 30, from noon-6 p.m., Taller Mexicano para la Cultura y las Artes presents Dia de Muertos or “Day of the Dead.” Enjoy a spectacular sand painting, community altars, music and dance performances, food, sugar skull painting and a community altar to remember our dearly departed with a special musical procession lit by candles on Saturday evening. MUSIC OF REMEMBRANCE – THE BOYS OF TERAZIN, A DOCUMENTARY On Sunday, October 30, at 2:30 p.m., at Plestcheeff Auditorium, Seattle Art Museum, Music of Remembrance presents the world premiere of acclaimed newsman and film producer John Sharify’s story of the boys of Terazin’s Home One, their secret magazine VEDEM, and the unlikely reunion of four survivors in Seattle, 65 years later, at a Music of Remembrance concert in their honor. With special guests, members of The Northwest Boychoir. Post-screen discussion with directory John Sharify and cinematographer Tim Griffis. Tickets: $18-advance, $25 at the door. 206-365-7770; www.musicofremembrance.org. “OMG! WHO ARTED?” – AN ART CONTEST FOR SISTERS’ “CONDOM SAVIOUR” PACKAGING Do you like to draw, or paint, or just sketch and doodle? Well, if you do, you may want to enter this art contest sponsored by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – The Abbey of St. Joan and Vermillion Art Gallery for a chance to have your art featured on the Sisters’ “Condom Saviour” packaging! All artistic skill levels are encouraged to participate. In the Sisters’ spirit of nonjudgment and fundraising, the winner will be determined by how much money a particular submission raises through direction donation and silent auction. Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned popularity contest, huh? From now through November 5, 2011, artists can register (with $10 donation) and pick up their submission packets at Vermillion (1508 11th Ave.). Submission packets will contain a list of rules, image requirements, a release form and a canvas. On Saturday, November 12, from 6-10 p.m., judging for the contest will be held at Vermillion. This is an all-ages contest and event. There is no cover charge; donations at the door will be gladly accepted. Artists under 18 will need a parent’s or legal guardian’s permission to enter. All proceeds from “OMG! Who Arted?” go to the Sisters’ “Play Fair!” program. In 1982 as San Francisco’s health scene had hit crisis levels, registered nursed Sister Florence Nightmare and Sister Roz erection joined with a team of Sisters and medical professionals to create “Play Fair!,” the first safer sex pamphlet to use plain sex-positive language, practical advice and humor to educate people on the responsibility of their sexual health. The Abbey of St. Joan continues the duty of teaching the message that everyone has a responsibility to themselves and their sex partners to stay safe and “Play Fair.” “Condom Saviours” and “Passion Packs” carry supplies and helpful information, all of which are free for the asking. “RED, WHITE & PROUD” – 2011/2012 MR. & MISS GAY SEATTLE PAGEANT On Saturday, November 5, door at 5 p.m., pageant at 6 p.m., at Neighbours (1509 Broadway, entrance in alley between Harvard Ave. and Broadway off E. Pike St.) join the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and Miss Gay Seattle XLVI Jetta Mae and Mr. Gay Seattle XXXV David, for an evening of fine drag entertainment and celebration. $10 suggested donation. www.imperialcourtofseattle.com.
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October 21, 2011
Seattle Gay News
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If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to there is help: o National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) o National LGBT Help Line run by Trevor Project
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1-866-4 CRISIS (427-4747)
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October 21, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
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Seattle Gay News 11
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October 21, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
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October 21, 2011
Seattle Gay News 13
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October 21, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
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October 21, 2011
Seattle Gay News 15
Catholic bishop indicted in child porn scandal Courtesy Archdiocese of Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri
Bishop Robert Finn
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Bishop Robert Finn of the Roman Catholic Church’s Kansas City-St. Joseph (Mo.) diocese is the first bishop in the U.S. indicted in the church’s ongoing child-abuse scandal.
Finn and his diocese were named in an indictment filed Oct. 14. He is charged with misdemeanor failure to report child abuse. The charge against Finn carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. The diocese faces a fine of up to $5,000.
Finn is the highest-ranking Catholic official in the U.S. to face criminal prosecution for charges related to child abuse. “This is a significant charge,” said Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker at a press conference Oct. 14. “To my knowledge, a charge like this has not been leveled before.” The charges stemmed from the long-simmering controversy surrounding the Rev. Shawn Ratigan, who is facing child pornography charges in Missouri and federal courts. Baker emphasized that the pursuit of the case was the result of a grand jury investigation. “I’ve done my best to make sure that this was a fair process,” she said. “This has nothing - nothing - to do with the Catholic faith. This is about the facts of the case, nothing more. This is about protecting children.” Baker said the grand jury issued a sealed indictment Oct. 6, but Finn was out of the country and did not return until Oct. 14. Finn and lawyers representing the diocese appeared in court shortly before the prosecutor’s press conference and entered their pleas, Baker said. According to the indictment, Finn and the diocese had reasonable cause to believe that Ratigan abused a child as early as Dec. 16, 2010, when hundreds of pornographic photos of children were discovered on Ratigan’s laptop. The abuse was not reported until May 11, 2011, the indictment alleges, when an official of the diocese – not Bishop Finn – reported Ratigan to the police. Photos on Ratigan’s computer included images of a girl’s naked genital area and upskirt pictures focusing on the child’s crotch. The discovery was not the first time Ratigan came to the attention of diocesan authorities, however. In May 2010, the principal of a Catholic school complained to the diocese about what she described as Ratigan’s inappropriate actions around children. Other than counseling Ratigan to moderate his conduct, however,
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer It just gets worse for the Roman Catholic Church. Still in turmoil from ongoing allegations of child abuse by Catholic priests and coverups by their bishops, the church was rocked by a new scandal on Oct. 16, when the BBC broke the news that some 300,000 Spanish babies were stolen from their parents and sold for adoption over a period of five decades. According to a new BBC documentary, the children were trafficked by a secret network of doctors, nurses, priests, and nuns in a widespread practice that began during the Franco dictatorship and continued until the early 1990s. The cases may account for up to 15 percent of all the adoptions that took place in Spain between 1960 and 1989.
16 Seattle Gay News
The scandal came to light after two men, Antonio Barroso and Juan Luis Moreno, discovered they had been stolen as babies. The man Moreno always thought was his father confessed on his deathbed to having bought Moreno as a baby from a priest in Zaragoza in northern Spain. He told his son he had been accompanied on the trip by Barroso’s parents, who bought Antonio at the same time for 200,000 pesetas – a huge sum at the time. “That was the price of an apartment back then,” Barroso said. “My parents paid it in installments over the course of 10 years because they did not have enough money.” Subsequent DNA tests proved that the couple who brought up Barroso were not his biological parents, and the nun who sold him has admitted to doing so. When the pair made their case public, mothers all over the country began to come forward with their own experiences of being told their babies had died, but never believing it. These initial reports led Manoli Pagador to begin searching for her own son. The BBC documentary, This World: Spain’s Stolen Babies, follows her efforts to discover if he is Randy Ryder, a stolen baby who was brought up in Texas and is now age 40. The system of stealing babies reportedly began by taking children away from working-class families deemed politically hostile to the fascist regime of Generalissimo Francisco Franco, which began in 1939. The system continued after the dictator’s
October 21, 2011
courtesy BBC
Catholic Church steals 300,000 Spanish babies
his church supervisors took no action. After the discovery of the laptop photos, the diocese relieved Ratigan of his duties as a pastor and sent him to live at a mission house in Independence. While there, according to a federal indictment, he attempted to take pornographic photos of a 12-year-old girl. Ratigan was charged in Clay County, Mo., in May with three counts of possession of child pornography. Federal grand jurors later indicted him on 13 counts of production, attempted production, and possession of child porn. After Ratigan’s arrest, Finn publicly apologized for his handling of the case. According to the indictment against Finn, removing Ratigan from his pastoral duties indicated that the bishop suspected Ratigan might be guilty of child abuse. Missouri state law includes clergy among those who are required to report child abuse when they suspect it. The grand jury did not charge Monsignor Robert Murphy, the diocese’s vicar general and second-in-command, who handled much of the diocese’s response to the Ratigan case as it developed in the winter and the spring. “For a bishop to be indicted is absolutely extraordinary,” said the Rev. Thomas J. Reese, senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University. “This is a first. And in terms of the Catholic Church, this is an extraordinary move, which is going to signal that the times have changed. Neither people nor government are going to put up with any kind of activity that looks like a cover-up.” In a statement, the diocese said its lawyers entered not-guilty pleas for both the bishop and the diocese. “Bishop Finn denies any criminal wrongdoing and has cooperated at all stages with law enforcement, the grand jury, the prosecutor’s office, and the Graves Commission,” said his attorney, Gerald Handley. “We will continue our efforts to resolve this matter.”
Randy Ryder as a baby being cradled in a Malaga hospital by the woman who bought him
death in 1975 by removing babies born to poor or single mothers and selling them into devout Catholic middle-class families. It was not until 1987 that the Spanish government began to regulate adoptions. “The situation is incredibly sad for thousands of people,” BBC reporter Katya Adler said. “There are men and women across Spain
whose lives have been turned upside-down by discovering the people they thought were their parents actually bought them for cash. “There are also many mothers who have maintained for years that their babies did not die – and were labeled ‘hysterical’ – but are now discovering that their child has probably been alive and brought up by somebody else all this time.”
Celebrating 38 Years!
October is Gay History Month Col. George Middleton: Black Revolutionary War hero During the time of the American Revolution, George Middleton (1735-1815) was recognized as a great fighter for liberty and independence, and a respected leader among the community of blacks living in Boston. Local politicians, neighbors, and other contemporaries viewed him as a central figure in promoting and garnering freedom while advancing America’s cause. Throughout his life, Middleton possessed an unconventional style of leadership, a commanding voice, and an encompassing presence that motivated the allegiance of those connected to him. Middleton stands out in Boston and queer histories because of his relationship with Caribbean friend Louis Glapion and the home he built and shared with him. According to the History Project’s Improper Bostonians: Lesbian and Gay History from the Puritans to Playland, Middleton and Glapion maintained a peculiar relationship. As bachelors, they “built the oldest standing house on Beacon Hill” and “lived together until 1792, when Glapion married and the house they shared was divided in two.” In 1781, Middleton married Elsey Marsh. According to the 1790 census record, Middleton was head of household for a family of three. While there exists no concrete proof that Middleton and Glapion had a romantic relationship, it was common at the time for Gays and Lesbians to marry individuals of the opposite sex and have children while maintaining separate same-sex relationships. At his time of death, Middleton left his possessions to his “true friend Trimstom Babcock.” Life was probably interesting on Beacon Hill. Middleton and Glapion lived in a home together. Glapion, who was from the French West Indies, ran a hair salon out of the house and maintained the business throughout his years (his wife later ran the business from 1813 to 1832 at the Middleton House). The home probably served as a place for community organizing and other social gatherings for the early abolitionist movement. Lydia Maria Child, one of their white neighbors, recalls the house being “thronged with company.” Middleton’s home is a featured stop on the Boston African-American National Historic Site tour.
courtesy archives info
by Kevin Trimell Jones Special to the SGN Courtesy of the National Gay History Project
to establish the organization. In 1808, Mid- The sounds of battle approached; clubs and dleton and Hall published an anti-slavery brickbats were flying in [all] directions. statement that read, in part: “Freedom is At this crisis, Col. Middleton opened his desirable, if not, would men sacrifice their door, armed with a loaded musket and, in a time, their property, and finally their lives in loud voice, shrieked death to the first white the pursuit of this?” Middleton would serve who should approach. Hundreds of human as the third Grand Master of the Prince being[s], white and black, were pouring Hall’s African Lodge of Freemasons after down the street. Col. Middleton’s voice the death of Hall and a successor in 1809. could be heard above every other, urging Today, the Prince Hall masons maintain an his party to turn and resist to the last. His enduring legacy in many African-American appearance was terrific, his musket was levFor the most part, Middleton was well- communities across the United States. eled, ready to sacrifice the first white man liked and well-received by most of his While Middleton was a respected orga- that came within its range. The colored parneighbors. Child’s father, who ty, shamed by his reproaches, had a “natural compassion for and fired by his example, ralthe ignorant and the oppressed,” lied and made a short show always greeted Middleton. He of resistance.” enjoyed listening to Middleton Middleton lived a life play the violin and would often dedicated to service to others visit the Middleton home to see and the fight for civil rights. Middleton’s “power in subduing Though questions still surmettlesome colts.” Despite this round his sexual orientarecognition and respect from her tion, it is clear Middleton father, Child stated that Middlemaintained close relationton was “not a very good speciships and associations with men of the colored man,” and men and helped establish a had questionable morals as well, standard for service, manbeing “passionate, intemperate, hood, community building, and profane” - perhaps attributes and action. Given his stature that would later help Middleton as a leader and his selfless advance his causes. contributions to the entire During the American RevoluBoston community during tion, Middleton used his leaderthe American Revolution, he ship abilities to command the stands out as a heroic figure Bucks of America, an all-black for racial and Queer commuregiment of volunteers assigned nities. to protect Boston from sabotage and guard the property of local Kevin Trimell Jones is merchants. While the unit and founder and lead curator for Middleton’s rank are unrecorded the Black LGBT Archivists in official military records, these Society of Philadelphia. He men and their contributions is a behavior researcher at stand out. In fact, Massachusetts University of PennsylvaGov. John Hancock and his son nia, has served as a trainer presented the unit and its colofor the Gay Men’s Health nel with a flag of distinction to Leadership Academy, and Middleton’s home still stands on Boston’s Beacon Hill acknowledge their efforts. The is a founder of the Black ensign was a painted silk, and innizer, he was not afraid to promote radical Gay Men’s Leadership Council. He holds a cluded the initials J.H. and G.W. (likely for means to advance the call for freedom. As bachelor of arts degree from the University John Hancock and George Washington), a a black man living in Boston, he was all-too of Michigan, and graduate degrees from the pine tree, a deer, and a scroll. Despite not be- familiar with the oppressive system and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and ing citizens or equal under the law to white ways that blacks were mistreated and sys- the University of Pennsylvania. Bostonians, the Bucks’ commitment to the tematically disadvantaged. His revolutionprinciple of liberty helped paved the way for ary spirit was aroused during a local cela new nation. ebration of the abolition of the slave trade. Middleton’s commitment to America’s Child, Middleton’s neighbor, describes an liberty also shaped his life of service to oth- explosive episode between black and white er blacks in Boston. He was instrumental in Bostonians, and Middleton’s actions: establishing the Boston African Benevolent “It became a frolic with the white boys Society in 1796, which provided important to deride them on this day, and finally … social services, including grants and job to drive them … from the Common. The placement, for its members. As a noted lead- colored people became greatly incensed by er among Boston’s blacks, he delivered a pe- this mockery of their festival, and rumor tition signed by black Bostonians to create reached us … that they were determined to a school, and served as one of the school’s resist the whites, and were going armed with early instructors. He was also a leading this intention … Soon, terrified children and member of Prince Hall’s African Lodge of women ran down Belknap Street, pursued Freemasons, and worked closely with Hall by white boys, who enjoyed their fright.
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October 21, 2011
Seattle Gay News 17
From Seattle to Bogota: Local women join international peace gathering Courtesy Ruta Pacifica de las Mujeres
In August 2011, in the city of Bogota, Ruta Pacifica Mujeres de Negro hosted the 15th conference of Women in Black, a gathering of almost 200 women activists from around the world. Among them were three members of Seattle’s own queer activist community, Luzviminda U. (Lulu) Carpenter, Laura Pedrosa, and Martha Zuniga. Lesbians have always had a strong visible presence within the international Women in Black movement, and conferences have always included Lesbian workshops. Even though the Bogota conference was their first WIB gathering, Lulu, Laura, and Martha helped organize a powerful Lesbian workshop, and Lulu gave a presentation about violence against Lesbians worldwide. The Saturday night event at POCAAN,
UFCW 21 endorses marriage equality
from Pride At Work Special to the SGN
by Tina Gianoulis Special to the SGN This Saturday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., three Seattle activists will share their experiences at the recent 15th international gathering of Women in Black in Bogota, Colombia. The event, at the POCAAN office, 1609 19th Ave. S., one block south of Madison, will be a celebration of the power of women as a force for social change. The Women in Black network got its start in 1988, when Palestinian and Israeli women stood in vigil together to oppose the occupation of Palestine. The strong feminist and
nonviolent principles of the group echoed those of women’s peace movements around the world, and soon there were Women in Black groups in many countries, standing together to demand peace and justice. Ruta Pacifica de las Mujeres, a group of Colombian women who oppose violence, is one of the many organizations that make common cause with Women in Black. Founded during the mid-1990s, Ruta Pacifica has become known for uniting diverse women in dramatic peaceful demonstrations protesting violence, especially against women.
co-sponsored by Mujeres Diversas, Dyke Community Activists, Green Bodies, Puget Sound Old Lesbians Organizing for Change, and Seattle Women in Black, will give Seattleites a chance to be part of this exciting international network. Along with personal stories and a video of the conference, created by Martha, the evening will include musical and spoken-word entertainment, a Mexican feast, a tempting silent auction, and a dance party. Requested donation is $15-$25; no one will be turned away for lack of money. Proceeds will be used to pay transportation costs to the conference with any extra funds donated to women’s groups in Colombia. POCAAN is a wheelchair-accessible venue, and organizers request no strong fragrances be worn.
The executive board of United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 21, has voted to endorse marriage equality. UFCW 21 is the largest private-sector union in Washington, with more than 38,000 members working in grocery store, retail, health care, meat processing, and other industry jobs. The union “has a long tradition of supporting equality and this is just the latest demonstration of that principle,” said UFCW 21 Communications Director Tom Geiger. UFCW 21 was a major coalition partner in the Approve Referendum 71 campaign, which saved Washington state’s domestic partnership law from repeal, dedicating paid staff time and its state-of-the-art phonebanking system to the campaign. It has also
fought for and won same-sex domestic partner rights for members in its collective bargaining agreements. “In the 2012 legislative session, it is expected that a marriage equality piece of legislation will be introduced,” Geiger continued. “That legislation will have the strong support of UFCW 21. “Domestic partnerships were a giant step forward and provided working families with important protections. However, only marriage can provide Gay and Lesbian couples and their children legal rights that provide essential protections such as Social Security, spousal, and survivor benefits.” In 2006, some 25 labor unions and the Martin Luther King County Labor Council signed on to amicus briefs supporting marriage equality in the Andersen v. King County case.
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A Church for All God’s People – since 1972 www.mccseattle.org Sunday Worship 11:00 am 1415 NE 43rd St. on U-District (206) 325-2421
18 Seattle Gay News
October 21, 2011
Celebrating 38 Years!
GSBA
continued from cover counterparts of dying by suicide. GSBA Executive Director Louise Chernin reminded attendees at the GSBA Business Luncheon about the positive work her organization already does with youth and young adults. She cited programs such as the Scholarship Fund, which has given out over $1 million in scholarships to LGBT students, and the Young Professionals with Pride mixers that allow profession-bound young adults to network and be mentored by business leaders in the community. “Still,” said Chernin, eliciting cheers and applause from attendees, “We’ve got to find more ways to find out how we can make it better now for the at-risk youth in our community.” Asking people to reflect on their own experiences with bullying, Chernin asked attendees at each table to introduce themselves to each other and talk about the topic. The stories were different, yet the same: Bullying has affected us all. And yet, LGBT youth are not receiving the help they need. Kids are still taking their own lives. Money is still being stripped from Washington state youth suicide prevention programs, and the time – everyone has agreed – has come for us, the leaders of the community, to do something. Action and money speak louder than words. YSPP IN NEED OF FUNDING Last week I alerted the community that the Youth Suicide Prevention Program, the state’s only such program (which houses an LGBT component, OUTLoud) is in danger of losing what little money the state provides them with. Over the past few years, funding for YSPP has been cut from $500,000 to just $116,000. Now, our state government is proposing to eliminate all financial support for the program Seattle Gay News, the GSBA, and other
LGBT groups are not at all thrilled by this news. Here is what we know: • An average of two youth between the ages of 10 and 24 kill themselves each week in Washington State. • In a recent state survey, more than one in every 10 high school students reported having attempted suicide; nearly one in four (20% to 25%) had seriously considered it. • Over 30% of LGBTQ youth report at least one suicide attempt within the last year. • Over 50% of Transgender youth will have had at least one suicide attempt by their 20th birthday. • Youth suicides outnumber youth homicides. Those statistics paint a chilling reality that LGBTQ youth are in need. Heather Carter and YSPP are here to help. And yet, the state is proposing to tie their hands behind their backs and ask them to somehow, magically, go about saving the lives of LGBTQ youth without any financial support. In a disappointing show of a lack of leadership, Gov. Chris Gregoire released a statement through her Communications Officer Scott Whiteaker, which reads, “Governor Gregoire strongly believes in the state’s work and partnerships with community groups to prevent youth suicide. The recession has left the Legislature no good options for where to cut state services, and Governor Gregoire will continue to work with legislators and community groups on efforts to prevent youth suicide.” Vicki Wagner, executive director for YSPP, isn’t buying it. It is time for the Governor to show some leadership on this issue, she says. Wagner is asking people to con-
tact Gregoire and state legislators to demand that they help save young lives in our community by not cutting the funds for suicide prevention. “Let them know that these deaths are preventable. That 80% of youths who die by suicide just want their pain to end,” she said. “Let them know that because of YSPP, youth, parents, educators, peers, counselors, and others in the community know the warning signs, know what to say and what to do when a young person is at risk of dying by suicide.” According to Heather Carter, YSPP and OUTLoud have found an ally in State Sen. Ed Murray (D-43). “I personally fought this year to continue state funding for the Youth Suicide Prevention Program,” Sen. Murray told SGN. “It has taken on the tragedy of youth suicide by educating youth, parents, and teachers about the issue, and that can save lives. I will champion the program again when legislators meet in November to address a new shortfall in our budget.” Still, he said, problems remain. “In the worst financial crisis of a generation, however, we are running out of options. We sought new revenues to support services, but the public voted to repeal them in last year’s election. Given the cuts we’ve already made, more program eliminations will inevitably mean vulnerable people, like our youth, will suffer. Today we must all speak up for the things we value and for budget solutions that will serve the entire state.”
Over 50% of Transgender youth will have had at least one suicide attempt by their 20th birthday.
ANTI-BULLYING PREVENTION IS SUICIDE PREVENTION Rep. Marko Liias, who serves on the board
at YSPP, knows a thing or two about how Washingtonians feel about LGBT-bullying: We don’t like it. This year, Liias saw legislation he spearheaded to help prevent school bullying and youth suicide signed into law. The new law creates an ongoing group to look at ways for schools to prevent harassment, as well as including mental health and suicide prevention in classroom activities. “When I talk with students, parents, and community members, it is clear that we need to take another step to engage more partners in tackling school bullying,” said. “Bullying is a difficult problem, but it’s an area where hard work and creative thinking could save many kids from a really difficult time in their lives.” Liias’ legislation creates a workgroup led by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Office of Education Ombudsman to evaluate bullying issues through 2016. The group will work with community members to develop prevention actions and produce a biennial report for the Legislature. Linked with harassment and bullying, youth suicide is also addressed in the new law. Mental health and suicide prevention will now be included in expected student knowledge standards around the state through the health and fitness standards. Pilot programs will also be developed to implement suicide prevention efforts. “If we can create some openings with students who are struggling, then we can begin to prevent these needless tragedies,” Liias said. “Being a young person today is challenging and overwhelming. As a community we need to find better ways to support our youth and ensure they are able to pursue happiness.” The law took effect July 22. But there is more work to be done, says
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at www.yspp.org. To donate to the Safe Schools Coalition, an international publiccontinued page 19 private partnership in support of LGBT youth that is working to help schools become safe places for children regardless of Liias. “So what can you do? Support YSPP gender identity or sexual orientation, go to and the Safe Schools Coalition,” he told www.safeschoolscoalition.org. GSBA Business Luncheon attendees. “They need funding and they need your support. COMMUNITY SUPPORT You can also support the bipartisan federal Seattle Gay News, alongside local drag enanti-bullying laws that have been intro- tertainers Aleksa Manila and Lady Chablis, duced in the Senate.” has partnered with YSPP and OUTLoud on a To make a donation to YSPP, visit them number of projects aimed at raising $60,000
GSBA
Odyssey or Creating Change.” Although Botzer did visit tourist sites like Beijing’s Forbidden City, the palace complex of China’s former emperors, she was meeting with Chinese LGBT activists “all day long, and most nights.” “We met with our counterparts in their homes, in cafes, and in the center they created [in Beijing],” she said. The Beijing center opened in 2008, Botzer said, the result of a project begun in 1998, the year same-sex relations were decriminalized in China. Botzer says her Chinese colleagues face many of the same issues the LGBT movement in the U.S. once tackled. “How do you organize? They have no models for that. How do you talk about different sexual orientation and gender identity? How do you reach out to people? How do you distribute safe sex information, condoms?” While the Chinese are just now grappling with these problems, their approach is thoughtful and businesslike, Botzer said. “It’s pretty mature organizing,” she observed. “When you want to start a group, you write a formal proposal. … When I finally met up with Trans folks, I became friends with one young activist. When she decided to become an activist, her first move was to write a paper on what Trans folks need and how to do outreach to them. “They know what to do, and they’re doing it,” Botzer continued, “education, being open, creating newsletters and archives, using the internet too – but it’s different there, you’re not able to put up the same resources.” Botzer observed that while some issues continued from cover her Chinese colleagues face are similar to those encountered by LGBT folks in the U.S., others are very different. “Of course, they ask ‘What are the opexplained, “people with expertise in some area, and I went representing Trans people.” pressions? What are the limitations of the According to Botzer, her delegation en- system?’ but equally powerful are the exjoyed complete freedom of access to the lo- pectations of family. “They have freedoms we don’t have. cal LGBT community. “I never saw anyone watching us, never There’s no religious right, for example – saw overt control,” Botzer told SGN. “I although U.S. religious organizations have could walk out of my hotel and get in a taxi come to China. “But the family expectations – ‘matrimoand go wherever – cheap taxis, too!” “The government position is not anti- nial procreation’ – the layers of family, and Gay,” she explained, “but they also don’t what all that means is different, and very want a public display of organizing. You complex.” The pressure of family expectations that couldn’t have a big conference like Gender every Chinese boy or girl will someday marry and have children can be almost unbearable, Botzer says. “I was at a meeting with Beijing PFLAG and we talked about coming out, and one young man just started to cry – ‘I can’t, I can’t, I have to get married …’ If you come out, you have a problem with your family, you have a problem at work – a lot of different things. “You could almost feel the weight of all that on these folks. You could see when people wanted to practice their English – they could say in English things they couldn’t say in Chinese. “People were amazed we were able to for the organization. The local LGBT community is nothing if not supportive, and a number of youth suicide prevention fundraisers have been scheduled – inside and outside the Capitol Hill bars – proving that, yes, the immediate community cares. One such campaign/fundraiser is the “Let’s Talk” campaign, aimed at reaching the at-risk 18-to-24-year-olds in our community. Posters with suicide prevention phone numbers and messages of hope are being posted in bars, restaurants and businesses on the Hill. Soon, OUTLoud’s Heather Carter will begin training community leaders, bartenders, local entertainers, and others, on the signs of suicide and what to do when you suspect that someone may be suicidal. The committee believes that we can and will take care of our own. A clear message needs to be sent, not only to our youth, but to young adults as well, that there is no room for discrimination within the Seattle LGBT community and that if you need to talk, someone will be there to talk with you. At the end of the Business Luncheon, Chernin challenged GSBA members to get involved and vowed to include YSPP and Safe Schools Coalition information on the GSBA website. If you are suicidal and are in need of immediate help, call 1-800-273-TALK (the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), or, for LGBT-specific help, 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (The Trevor Project).
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Celebrating 38 Years!
stand up and say ‘I am!’ In my case ‘I am Trans’ – I do all the time but they were like, ‘Wow!’” There is LGBT representation in the Chinese media, Botzer says, but outlets are tightly controlled. “There were some pictures of the Gay marriage [in January 2010] being shown around,” Botzer says. “There are glossy Gay images. There are some filmmakers – one I met had done a documentary about drag queens. It was shut down, so he had to find other avenues of distribution.” Although she met and befriended Chinese Trans activists, Transgender issues are not well known in China, Botzer tells SGN. “About Trans issues, there’s a general idea – so I’m told – that it’s an illness that can be cured by surgery. “The government outlawed hormones in the pharmacy – I’m told, but I can’t verify this – and people desire information about what hormones can do and what they can’t do. “I gave them the new WPATH Guidelines [on medical treatment for Transgender people],” Botzer added, “and they took all my Ingersoll [Gender Center] pamphlets. Very soon we’ll see what they can adapt for their particular needs.”
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Pond was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital where she slipped into a coma and subsequently died. Hospital staff refused to allow Langbehn access to her partner and would not give her information about Pond’s medical status. Despite the fact that Langbehn had friends in Lacey fax their domestic partnership registration to the hospital, she and the children were kept away from Pond for eight hours until a priest arrived to give her last rites. In June 2008, Lambda Legal filed suit against the hospital on behalf of Langbehn and the children. A federal district court rejected Lambda Legal’s lawsuit, ruling that Florida law did not require hospital visitation for same-sex partners. Langbehn continued to work with Lambda Legal and other LGBT organizations to change hospital visitation policies and keep her story alive.
In part because he was acquainted with Langbehn’s story, President Obama issued a presidential memo on April 15, 2010, directing Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius to draft new regulations on hospital visitation and other health-care issues affecting LGBT families. The same day, Obama called Langbehn from Air Force One to apologize for the treatment her family received and to brief her on his instructions to HHS. The new regulations for hospitals receiving federal Medicare or Medicaid funds went into effect this past January. On June 22, 2010, Langbehn and her three children met with Secretary Sebelius and attended a White House reception for LGBT activists. Before the reception, Obama met personally with Langbehn and the children and again offered his apology. When the Citizens Medal award was announced, Langbehn reacted with characteristic modesty. “It’s really hard to put into words. While I am being recognized for standing up for what I believe in, and for the harm done to my partner and our children, I would trade this medal and any accolades to have Lisa with me still,” she said. Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell met with Langbehn the day before the White House medal ceremony. “I was pleased to meet with Janice Langbehn today and congratulate her for receiving the second-highest civilian honor this nation has to offer,” Cantwell said. “This is a tremendous accomplishment and one that Janice truly deserves for her work advancing equal rights for all. Janice took a tragic injustice she suffered and transformed it into something for the greater good. For years she fought to right a wrong that had been done to her, her partner, and to countless other same-sex couples across this nation.” Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart also congratulated Langbehn. “We’re proud that Janice will receive the Presidential Citizens Medal from the White House in recognition of her tireless advocacy beginning in a Florida hospital more than three years ago,” Cathcart said. “Because Janice boldly told her story, President Obama heard about her and issued the directive last year that led to the new federal rules that will protect same-sex couples and their families across the country.” Langbehn was one of 13 recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal this year. The award was established in 1969 to
recognize American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens “This year’s recipients of the Citizens Medal come from different backgrounds, but they share a commitment to a cause greater than themselves,” said Obama. “They exemplify the best of what it means to be an American, and I am honored to be able to offer them a small token of our appreciation.”
ACLU
continued from cover to be celebrated,” said Joshua Block, staff attorney with the ACLU’s LGBT Project. “But even though DADT is gone, the legacy of unfair treatment of Gay and Lesbian veterans continues.” One of those legacies is the Defense Department’s separation pay policy for discharged service members. If you serve six years in the military and are then discharged involuntarily, Congress says you’re entitled to separation pay to help ease your transition to civilian life. But the DOD has an internal policy - not required by any statute - of cutting that separation pay in half if you’re discharged, even honorably, for “homosexuality.” “Let’s be clear: Many of those who were discharged under DADT were distinguished soldiers, airmen, or cadets and had an unblemished record,” said Block, adding, “They were service members in good standing, and there was nothing dishonorable about their discharge. Yet they are denied the same separation pay as other honorably discharged service members merely because they’re Gay or Lesbian.” “That’s what happened to our lead client in our class action lawsuit challenging this needless policy,” he continued. “Richard Collins was a decorated Air Force staff sergeant who served nine years before being kicked out under DADT. He was seen kissing his civilian boyfriend, in a car at a stoplight, when he was off duty, out of uniform, and 10 miles off base. After being discharged under DADT, Sgt. Collins discovered that his separation pay was cut in half.” The ACLU filed this lawsuit on behalf of Collins and 142 other service members about a year ago. They expected at the time that, once Congress passed the statute authorizing repeal of DADT, the government
would quickly settle the case and give these honorably discharged service members the separation pay they are entitled to. “Instead,” says Block, “The government has inexplicably dragged its feet every step of the way.” In May, the government asked the court to dismiss the case, without even defending the constitutionality of the policy. Instead the government argued that the courts could not provide any relief to service members whose separation pay was cut in half while DADT was still in effect. “It didn’t make sense to us, and, apparently, it didn’t make any sense to the court,” recalled Block. “Today, Judge Christine O.C. Miller of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims denied the government’s request and will allow these veterans to be heard.” The court’s decision means that these 142 service members will finally have their day in court. The government will have to explain to them and to the rest of the public how cutting their pay in half served important governmental interests. The government will have to make that explanation even though the Pentagon has already issued a detailed report making clear that discrimination against Gay and Lesbian service members is entirely unnecessary and doesn’t serve the interests of the military. “Good luck with that,” said Block. “The government’s conduct is all the more baffling because in other contexts, the Justice Department has worked hard to defend LGBT people from this sort of pointless discrimination,” he said. “Most dramatically, the Justice Department issued a thorough legal opinion explaining why discrimination based on sexual orientation must be treated as constitutionally suspect and has refused to defend the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act in federal court. But apparently, the relevant decisionmakers at the Pentagon haven’t gotten the memo, and continue to defend this outdated and irrational policy.” Block says this case is about more than money. “It’s about basic fairness. When you make a mistake, the right thing to do is to apologize and try to fix the problem. The government can’t undo all the harm that DADT inflicted on Mr. Collins and other honorably discharged veterans. But it can at least take the small step of giving these veterans the separation pay that was gratuitously taken away from them. In Richard Collins’ own words: ‘We gave all in serving this nation. The Pentagon should not give us half in return.”
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