Issue 39 Volume 38
Celebrating 37 Years!
FRIDAY September 24, 2010 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
CANDIDATE FORUM p. 8 ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER p. 25
SLOTH p. 26
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Nearly one in eight urban Gay and Bi men have HIV, and almost half don’t know it. Among HIVpositive Gay and Bi men under 30, nearly two-thirds are unaware of their HIV status. Those were the astonishing conclusions of a new CDC study re-
leased September 23. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studied 8,153 men who have sex with men in 21 U.S. cities participating in the 2008 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS). NHBS monitors HIV testing, risk behaviors, and access to presee CDC page 21
On September 21, Senate Republicans blocked legislation that would have repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), the law banning Gays from serving openly in the military. The 56-43 partisan vote was a defeat for Senate Democrats and Gay rights advocates, who saw the bill as their best chance before November’s elections to overturn DADT. The Dems fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance the legislation. It also would have authorized $726 billion in defense spending, including a pay raise for troops. “It is outrageous that a handful of U.S. Senators has thwarted the will of 75% of the American people by blocking the repeal of DADT,” said Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), an openly Lesbian legislator. “President Obama, Defense Secretary Gates, the House of Representatives, and the court of public opinion have already determined that
Lauren Victoria Burke/WDCPIX.COM
CDC: 12% of urban DADT blocked in the Senate “It is shameful that bigotry and partisan ... politics have Gay & Bi men have subverted fairness, justice, and good government ...” HIV – 2/3 unaware
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
barring Lesbians and Gays from serving openly in the U.S. Armed Forces is not only discriminatory against this group of patriotic Americans, but it threatens our national security by depriving us of the skilled specialists we need to fight terrorism. It is shameful that
bigotry and partisan, election-year politics have subverted fairness, justice, and good government in the Senate.” Congressman Jared Polis (DColo.), an openly Gay legislator, see dadt page 20
SGN Interview Youth Suicide Prevention
34th District presents You Are Not Alone legislative candidate Joe Fitzgibbon by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
courtesy joe fitzgibbon
Joe Fitzgibbon
When state Senator Joe McDermott (D-34) decided to run for Dow Constantine’s former County Council seat, he set off a political chain reaction. Rep. Sharon Nelson (D-34) announced she would run for Mc-
far behind. Less than a week before Fitzgibbon spoke with SGN, the state’s chief economist predicted another $1.4 billion shortfall in state revenue and a $520 million budget deficit. see fitzgibbon page 20
shaun Knittel
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Dermott’s senate seat, and her legislative assistant Joe Fitzgibbon is running for Nelson’s state House seat. The 34th Legislative District includes West Seattle, Burien, White Center, and Vashon and Maury Islands. Because of Washington’s top-two primary law, Fitzgibbon is running for the seat against fellow Democrat Mike Heavey. Fitzgibbon came out of the primary some 500 votes ahead of Heavey, with two other challengers trailing
Suicide, the third-largest cause of death among teens, is a serious problem for LGBT youth. It is estimated that 30-40% of LGBT teens will attempt suicide at least once – and many of them will succeed. On September 21, the Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP) presented the premiere of You Are Not Alone, a YSPP video spotlighting the lives of three local LGBTQ youth focused on the risks for suicide, self-harm, and depression, and how to intervene with a suicidal youth. The program was held at Richard Hugo House and hosted by local drag queen Aleksa Manila. The event featured a silent auction and a $25 suggested donation, with all funds benefiting YSPP OUTloud Program, which works to reduce the rates of suicide among LGBTQ youth in Washington state. In addition to the screening, music was provided by Satellite By Night, and there was a special performance of Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone” sung by local Michael impersonator Ryan. The 11-minute You Are Not Alone followed the experiences of three different LGBTQ teens:
(l to r) Heather Carter, Senator Ed Murray, and Aleksa Manila
Blue, Megan, and Trynket. No real ipated in other ways were David, names were used so as to protect Violetta, Patrick, Ryan, Ximena, the youth from being otherwise see YSPP page 17 identified. Other youth who partic-
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Deadlines Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the SGN office All others - Tuesday 5pm
Christine O’Donnell, teenage witch Newscom
Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Shaun Knittel Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, James Whitely, Tim Peter Contributing Writers Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers Nick Ardizzone, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by JT&A, Inc. © 2010, JT&A, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.
Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
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Seattle Gay News
Christine O’Donnell
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Republican U.S. Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell admitted she “dabbled into witchcraft” when she was in high school, in a 1999 episode of Bill Maher’s Politically Incorrect. Maher re-aired the tape on his new show, Real Time, on September 17. O’Donnell was a guest on several segments of Politically Incorrect and Maher has promised to re-air all the tapes of his interviews with her. At the time, O’Donnell was running an anti-masturbation group called SALT (Savior’s Alliance for Lifting the Truth). Now she is running for the U.S. Senate from Delaware. With the support of Sarah Palin, Glen Beck, and the Tea Party Express, she beat moderate Republican Mike Castle in the primary on September 14, and now faces Democrat Chris Coons in November. Recent polling shows her trailing Coons by 10-15 points, and her claims that she practiced witchcraft as a high school student are not likely to help her. “I dabbled into witchcraft. I never joined a
September 24, 2010
coven,” she told Maher on the show. “One of my first dates with a witch was on a satanic altar, and I didn’t know it. I mean, there’s little blood there and stuff like that,” she said. “We went to a movie and then had a little midnight picnic on a satanic altar.” After Maher re-aired the interview with O’Donnell, she abruptly cancelled scheduled appearances on the CBS Sunday Show and Fox News Sunday. She then tried to make light of the situation. “How many of you didn’t hang out with questionable folks?” she asked reporters. Republican strategist Karl Rove, who had been critical of O’Donnell during the primary campaign, went on Fox News Sunday to demand she explain herself. “In southern Delaware, where there are a lot of church-going people,” Rove said, “they’re probably going to want to know what was that all about. … My view is she can’t simply ignore it.” In other past TV appearances which are now coming to light, O’Donnell freely indulged in anti-Gay rhetoric. In a 1997 C-SPAN appearance, recently
unearthed by Talking Points Memo, she objected to people with HIV/AIDS being called “victims” because, she said, the disease was the result of their own actions. In a 2000 appearance on Fox News, she exclaimed at the New York City Pride Parade, “They’re getting away with nudity! They’re getting away with lasciviousness! They’re getting away with perversion!” Even more serious issues surfaced on September 20, however. The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a pair of complaints with the Federal Election Commission alleging that O’Donnell used more than $20,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses. “Christine O’Donnell is clearly a criminal, and like any crook, she should be prosecuted,” CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan said in her media release. “Ms. O’Donnell has spent years embezzling money from her campaign to cover her personal expenses. Republicans and Democrats don’t agree on much these days, but both sides should agree on one point: Thieves belong in jail, not the United States Senate.” CREW is requesting that the U.S. Attorney’s office in Delaware open a criminal investigation and is asking the Federal Election Commission to audit O’Donnell’s campaign expenses. The group says its complaints are based on affidavits from former O’Donnell aide David Keegan, stating that O’Donnell, who has run for U.S. Senate three times, used campaign funds to pay for her rent, meals, and gas. In addition to misappropriation of campaign funds, CREW charges that O’Donnell lied about the expenditures, and is guilty of tax evasion for not reporting the money as income. O’Donnell denied any wrongdoing, “I am confident that we have been ethical,” O’Donnell said. “We have not, I personally have not, misused the campaign funds. We have our FEC lawyer, a great attorney, answering those charges if it ever goes anywhere.” Her attorney, Cleta Mitchell called CREW’s allegations “outlandish” and accused the group of being a “left-wing front group” funded by financier George Soros. Sloan answered that CREW’s scrutiny had nothing to do with partisan politics. She noted that her organization had called for Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) to resign after allegations of ethics violations. “We’re about right and wrong and not about black or white, Republican or Democrat,” she said. “And it is flat-out wrong for a candidate for the U.S. Senate to be stealing her campaign funds and be using them for personal use.”
Celebrating 37 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
September 24, 2010
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Celebrating 37 Years!
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Celebrating 37 Years!
NORTHWEST
NEWS
compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
HEART BREAKS OPEN INTERVIEWS SOUGHT WITH HIV-POSITIVE INDIVIDUALS The creative team behind the upcoming film Heart Breaks Open is curating an anthology about coming to terms with being HIV-positive. They are looking for anyone who is HIV-positive and willing to be interviewed. Interviews will be recorded over the phone, then transcribed and edited for the anthology. Participants have the choice to remain anonymous. Please help by telling your story. To participate or for more information, call (206) 925-3163 or e-mail heart@dualpowerproductions.com.
events, or more information, visit www.fremontoktoberfest.com. ANNUAL SEATTLE AIDS WALK AND 5K RUN On Saturday, September 25, the 24th Annual Seattle AIDS walk and 5K Run will take place. Lifelong offers many programs and care services, including: The Chicken Soup Brigade, Lifelong’s Food Program, provides nutritious meals and a grocery program that feeds people in our community The meals are specifically tailored to meet the medical and cultural needs of each client. The Mental Health Access Project (MHAP) helps break down the financial barriers our clients face in accessing mental health care. The Evergreen Health Insurance Program provides assistance to those who are having difficulties paying their insurance premiums. Lifelong is now caring for more people than ever before and our need for funds has never been greater. The Seattle AIDS Walk & 5K Run offers our biggest and best opportunity to fill our funding gap. The funds we raise make it possible for Lifelong to continue our mission of feeding those in need, preventing new infections and caring for those affected by HIV and AIDS. For more information, to donate or volunteer, visit www.llaa.org.
STRAWBERRY THEATRE WORKSHOP PRESENTS BREAKING THE CODE Running Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at Erickson Theatre Off Broadway (1524 Harvard Ave.) through October 9, Strawberry Theatre Workshop presents Hugh Whitemore’s Breaking the Code, a story of espionage and betrayal about Alan Turing, a British mathematical genius and Gay man, considered the father of the modern digital computer, who is credited with cracking the German Enigma code during World War II. Tickets through September 25: $10, SepSEATTLE CENTER FESTÁL: tember 30-October 9: $30 general, $15 stuITALIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL dent, $15 for Thursday performances. Seattle Center Festal’s Italian Culture FesFor tickets, call 800-838-3006. For more tival will be held on Saturday, September information, visit www.strawshop.org. 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Center SAINT DEMETRIOS House, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center GREEK FESTIVAL Pavilion (Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.) Saint Demetrios Greek Festival will be Admission is free. held on Friday, September 24 from noon to For more information, visit www.seattle9 p.m., Saturday, September 25 from 10:30 center.com. a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, September 26 from noon to 7 p.m. at St. Demetrios Hall MR. & MISS GAY ASIAN/ and Cultural Center (2100 Boyer Ave. E.), PACIFIC ISLANDER PAGEANT Come and enjoy what has become a SeatOn Saturday, September 25, door at 5:30 tle tradition, now in its 50th year. Wonder- p.m., pageant at 7 p.m., at Neighbours ful authentic Greek food awaits you, along Nightclub, 1509 Broadway (entrance in alwith Greek folk dancing by award-winning ley between Broadway and Harvard Ave. dancers. Learn about St. Demetrios Church off E. Pike St.), and Gaysha Starr present and the faith with church tours, shop for bar- the Mr. & Miss Gay Asian/Pacific Islander gains on Greek items, and visit the Greek Pageant with $500 cash prize to both Mr. deli to stock up on pastry and Greek delica- & Miss API 2010. Competition categories: cies. Admission is free. National Costume, Swimsuit, Talent, ForFor more information, visit www.seat- mal Wear, Q&A. With special performances tlegreekfestival.com. by Massive Monkees, Smokee as Cher, Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse and Shanghai Pearl. MANY VOICES/ONE SONG Tickets: $12 presale at www.brownpaperCONCERT TO BENEFIT tickets.com/event/126535 or $15 at the door. MULTIFAITH WORKS For advertising, contestant, and sponsorship On Friday, September 24 at 7:30 p.m. at information, please contact gayshastarr@ St. Mark’s Cathedral (1245 10th Ave. E.), gmail.com or teriyakitemple@aol.com. the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia sponsors Many Voices One Song, a musical benefit DIVERSE HARMONY for Multifaith Works. Featured performPRESENTS ers include Japanese American drumming BEST FRIENDS FOREVER group Seattle Kokon Taiko, Seattle Men’s ENCORE PERFORMANCES Chorus ensemble Captain Smartypants, On Saturday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. Northwest-based community gospel choir and Sunday, September 26 at 2 p.m. at Rob-A-Live Productions, and the Flentrop Broadway Performance Hall (1625 BroadOrgan. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the way), Diverse Harmony – the nation’s first door, and can be purchased at www.multi- Gay/straight alliance youth chorus founded faith.org/tickets or www.brownpapertickets. in 2002 – presents Best Friends Forever. com/event/122873. In BFF, it’s senior year, and the choir of For more information, call (206) 324- Longmont High is preparing for a very im1520. portant choral competition in another state. As the choir struggles to come up with the FREMONT OKTOBERFEST money to go on the trip, drama ensues as On September 24, 25, and 26, at locations the control freak queen of the choir and the around the Fremont neighborhood, join seemingly shallow but talented new girl vie Fremont Oktoberfest’s fall kick-off celebra- for the attentions of a sweet, unwitting Gay tion. Voted by USA Today and Orbitz.com boy. Tickets $15, free for those under 21. as one of the top places to toast Oktoberfest, For more information, visit www.diversethis three-day event has an activity for kids harmony.org. and adults of all ages, and it’s all for a good cause! The Fremont Chamber of Commerce FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY is the beneficiary of Fremont Oktoberfest. A BIRTHDAY PARTY CELEBRATION portion of the proceeds goes toward funding FOR SEATTLE FSP ORGANIZER local schools, art groups, community events CHRIS SMITH – YOU’RE INVITED! and promoting Fremont as the “Center of On Saturday, September 25, you are corthe Universe.” Come run, drink, and play at dially invited to a birthday affair for Chris Fremont Oktoberfest! Smith, suave socialist and free speech agiFor tickets, locations, a full schedule of tator, Gay rights warrior and urbane Seattle
Visit us online www.sgn.org
FSP organizer. At 7:30 p.m., enjoy the Strawberry Theatre Workshop’s production of Breaking the Code, a drama about British mathematical genius Alan Turing, a Gay man who broke the Nazi Enigma code during World War II, as well as archaic social norms. Presented at the Erickson Theatre, 1524 Harvard Ave. (between E. Pike & E. Pine Sts.) Tickets: $18.00. To reserve, call Su at 206-953-5601 or email sudocekal@comcast.net. At 9:30 p.m. enjoy the after-party in the theatre lobby, including roasts and toasts, no host bar, and delectable hors d’oeuvres. $7.00 donation. In lieu of gifts Chris prefers donations to Seattle FSP, his favorite charity! If you are unable to attend the birthday celebration, but would like to make a donation to the Seattle FSP in Chris’ honor, please send a check payable to “FSP” to 5018 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118 - please put “Chris’ Birthday” in the memo line.
House will be hosting a free self-defense training in cooperation with the Fight the Fear campaign and the Seattle Police Department. Space is limited, please RSVP at (206) 322-2437 or via e-mail at jake@dunsheehouse.org. SOJOURNER TRUTH MINISTRIES HOLDS BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS On Saturday, October 2, from noon to 1 p.m. at the El Centro De La Raza Building (2524 16th Ave.), Sojourner Truth Ministries Christian United Church will hold their Blessing of the Animals Day. Pastor David will be blessing the animals, knowing many are like family members to their owners. We look forward to blessing your favorite pet! Cookies, drinks and pet treats will be served. For more information, visit www.sojournertruthministries.org.
SEATTLE CENTER FESTÁL: CROATIAFEST 2010 On Sunday, October 3 from noon to 8 p.m. at Center House (Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.), Seattle Center Festál: Croatiafest 2010 celebrates the vitality and distinctiveness of the Croatia homeland, provides a glimpse inside one of the last undiscovered treasures of Europe and honors an integral part of the Croatian culture: sport. The festival this year highlight the local and national Croatian athletes of past and present, from soccer and football to basketball and baseball. It also presents acclaimed dance ensembles and musicians, visiting artists, Croatian foods, a multi-media cultural exhibit in Harrison St. Gallery, tourism information and lecture room discussions – including travel to Croatia , historical displays THE ELITE HOSTS that showcase Croatia ‘s rich past, cooking FREE ASL LESSONS demonstrations and wine tasting. FOR BEGINNERS For more information, visit www.seattleHave you ever wanted to learn basic American Sign Language? If so, you can center.com. get some beginning ASL instruction at the SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS’ Elite (1520 E. Olive Way). The FREE lesWE ARE FAMILY CONCERT sons will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in AND “PERFECT IN PURPLE” the loft. HOMECOMING CELEBRATION On Sunday, October 3 at 3 p.m. at McInSEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE tyre Hall (2501 E. College Way, Mount VerThe Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club non, WA), Seattle Women’s Chorus kicks meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dun- off its eighth season with a benefit concert shee House (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas on behalf of Skagit PFLAG and its local St.). All GLBTQ folks in the community are youth programs, showcasing the full range welcome to participate in this FREE book of family connections. We Are Family feaclub. The book for September will be Por- tures segments of Rosie O’Donnell’s HBO trait of the Addict as a Young Man by Bill documentary film A Family Is a Family Is a Clegg. Get ready to learn the real ferocity Family, complemented by a delightful colof addiction, as a very human young man lection of choral music, performed by one tells you about his battle. It’s harrowing and of the finest women’s choral ensembles anygorgeously written, and by the time you fin- where. Songs include Broadway selections ish it, you realize it’s also a work of art. For by Sondheim and Rodgers & Hammerstein, more information, e-mail nickdimartin@ original compositions, ballads by Holly earthlink.net or contact Dunshee House at Near, classic pieces like “Everything Possible,” and well-known pop numbers like 206-322-2437. “We Are Family.” With or without your own family in tow, it’ll be a great time. Tickets TASTE THIS PRESENTS available by calling (360) 416-7727 ex2 or SWELL: SO THE STORY GOES On Thursday, September 30 at 8 p.m. at toll free (866) 624-6897 ex2, or online at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center (4272 Fre- www.mcintyrehall.org. The benefit concert is immediately folmont Ave. N.), Taste This presents Swell: So the Story Goes. With numerous books, lowed by “Perfect in Purple,” the second CDs, performance, and video works to their annual Homecoming/Coming Home Celindividual credit, “cultural agitator and fab ebration at Skagit Valley College Cafeteria femme (NOW)” Anna Camilleri, “natural- and Media Lounge (2405 E. College Way, born storyteller (Globe and Mail)” Ivan E. Mount Vernon, WA). Entertainment by Coyote, and “musical genius (Xtra)” Lyn- Mount Vernon High School grad and Gramdell Montgomery recently started talking my-nominee Chris Riffle on acoustic guitar. about resurrecting the magical collaboration Dance music provided by DJ “Mike in the that the performance troupe Taste This was. Morning” Yeoman of KAPS 660AM. Light A lot has changed since Taste This exploded supper and beverages provided. No-host onto the cultural scene, but the issues that bar. $5 suggested donation. the early collective inhabited continue to be relevant – questions of gender, sexuality, deGLSEN’S CONFERENCE FOR sire, culture, class, rural versus city life, and HIGH SCHOOL kinship. Home stories. Queer tales. True, STUDENTS OF COLOR except when they’re not. Stories that swell Register by October 8 at www.glsen. and implode the spaces between cultural org/washington for GLSEN Washington’s institutions and Queer landscapes; between High School Students of Color Organizing female and male; between tightly produced Conference on October 30. During the oneperformance and kitchen table talk. Tickets day conference, you will learn to build com$12, $15 at the door. munity organizing skills, explore connection For more information, visit www.ivan- between communities of color and the safe ecoyote.com. schools movement, network with LGBT and allied youth of color from Seattle and SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING Tacoma, develop healthy partnerships with On Saturday, October 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 adult allies, and plan to make your school p.m. at the Miller Community Center Multi- safer for all students, regardless of sexual Purpose Room (330 19th Ave. E.), Dunshee orientation or gender identity/expression. GSBA’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WITH PRIDE On Tuesday, September 28, from 5:307:30 p.m. at Chloe Apartments (1408 E. Union St.), the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) will hold their Young Professionals with Pride event. This event is dedicated to providing Seattle’s LGBT and allied young professionals 21-39 years of age with unique and valuable opportunities to enhance personal and professional development through social, educational, and philanthropic activities. Attendees must be 21 years or older. Cost is $10 for members and students, $15 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit www.thegsba.org or call (206) 363-9188.
September 24, 2010
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GSBA & ERW host 2010 candidate forum shaun knittel
State Representative Marko Liias (D-21)
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor On September 22, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) held their annual LGBT Candidate Forum at the Grand Hyatt. The annual event is the only LGBT candidate forum in the Pacific Northwest. Attendees got the chance to meet with the candidates and hear firsthand how they would respond to issues of concern to the Gay community.
Deborah Brandt, former morning show host at KUOW, was the event’s emcee. The 2010 GSBA Candidate Forum was co-sponsored by Equal Rights Washington (ERW) and QLaw, the LGBT bar association of Washington state. This year’s featured races include some of the most contested and important races for the LGBT community. The rules were simple: Each candidate got two minutes to open, one minute to close, and 90 seconds to
answer a question – vetted and prepared by the GSBA Public Policy Task Force – with no rebuttals allowed. Throughout the two-hour forum, marriage equality emerged as the main theme, with the state’s budget falling closely behind. GSBA Executive Director Louise Chernin read the opening announcements and reminded the audience to “get out the vote.” Speaking in agreement with Chernin, ERW Executive Director Josh Friedes asked that everyone at the forum dedicate time to phone bank at the ERW office to help get LGBT-friendly candidates elected. Richard Sanders and Charlie Wiggins, running for State Supreme Court Position 6, were the first two candidates to answer questions. The two judges were asked a series of questions that focused on LGBT equality. Judge Wiggins said, “We must demand and accept impartiality. It’s what we have to have in a judge.” Running for State Representative Legislative District 34 (West Seattle) Position 2 were Joe Fitzgibbon (D) and Mike Heavey (D). For these two candidates, transportation and marriage equality were the points of focus. Heavey, a former Human Rights Campaign volunteer, declared, “The civil rights movement of our time is the Gay rights movement.” State Senator Randy Gordon (D-41), representing Legislative District 41 (Bellevue, Mercer Island, Newcastle, west Issaquah, and northeast Renton), spoke at length about budget issues and equality. “Equal rights for our citizens means just that: equality for everyone,” he said. Sen. Gordon’s opponent, Steve Litzow (R), was a no-show. Competing for State Senator Legislative District 45 (Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City and Laurelhurst) were Andy Hill (R) and Senator Eric Oemig (D-45). Hill was a no-show. Sen. Oemig (who used to belong to the GOP) promised to help small businesses and families. “My job is to stand up for equality,” he said. “Equality in business and equality for individuals.” State Representative Marko Liias (D21) is campaigning against Elizabeth Scott (R) to keep his 21st Legislative District (Snohomish County) seat. Scott was another GOP no-show. Sen. Liias, an openly Gay legislator, said that if elected again, he would “Cut state spending, invest in education, and put people back to work.” Suzane DelBene (D) is running against
GOP incumbent Dave Reichert for U.S. Representative Congressional District 8 (east King and Pierce County). Congressman Reichert did not participate in the forum. DelBene said, “There is a need for real business experience in Congress.” DelBene also said she is pro-LGBT equality. In addition to meeting and listening to the candidates, the GSBA Candidate Forum also served as an opportunity for the Gay chamber of commerce to issue their 2010 GSBA Voter’s Guide. The GSBA, as a matter of policy, does not endorse candidates for elected office. They do, however, endorse initiative and referendum campaigns. The GSBA urged members to vote “Yes” on Initiative 1098, a measure that would create a “high-earner” income tax to be paid by single Washingtonians with an adjusted gross income over $200,000 and couples (including domestic partners) with a joint combined income over $400,000. The GSBA also recommends that voters approve Referendum 52, Engrossed House Bill No. 2561 that authorizes the issuing of bonds and finances construction and repair projects to increase energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings, and continue sales tax on bottled water which otherwise expires in 2013. The GSBA urged members to vote “No” on Initiative 1053, a Tim Eyman-sponsored initiative that seeks to impose supermajority requirement on lawmakers whereby two thirds of the legislature must vote to approve any measure that would increase taxes or fees; Initiative 1082, a measure that would allow private insurers to offer a replacement program to employers that would eliminate the employee-paid portion of medical benefit premiums; and Initiative 1107, a measure that would remove the new, or temporary, taxation of luxury items. In their 2010-2011 Legislative Agenda guide, the GSBA pledges to support and fight for LGBT civil rights, equitable taxation, healthcare, economic prosperity, education, immigration reform, public safety, and infrastructure. The GSBA, created in 1981, seeks to combine business development, leadership, and social action to expand economic opportunities for the LGBT community and those who support equality for all. The GSBA is the largest business chamber of its kind in the United States, and the second largest business chamber in Washington state.
Lynch, Matthew Mitcham, Jamie Nabozny, Cynthia Nixon, Catherine Opie, Sunil Babu Pant, Annise Parker, John A. Perez, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jalal al-Din Rumi, David
Sedaris, Matthew Shepard, Johanna Siguroardottir, Pyotr Ilyich Tchalkovsky, Rufus Wainwright, Mel White, and Emanuel Xavier.
High school and college GSAs celebrate Oct. as LGBT History Month by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Equality Forum announced this week that high school, college, and university GSAs are back to school and working on LGBT History Month 2010 celebrations. In collaboration with GLSEN and the GSA Network, Equality Forum – a national and international LGBT civil rights organizations with an education focus – mailed out more than 5,000 LGBT History Month celebration kits to high schools and colleges, workplace groups, community centers, and regional, state and national organizations. The kits include posters, icon lists, and ideas for creating exhibits and awareness for LGBT History Month. Equality Forum and GLSEN are sponsoring an LGBT History Month Exhibit Contest for high school GSAs. Beginning October 1, an LGBT icon is presented daily, with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images, and other resources at www.equalityforum.com. The 124 icons with resources from 2006 to 2009 are archived on the site. “Equality Forum encourages high schools, colleges, workplace groups, community centers, and organizations to celebrate LGBT History Month, a powerful civil rights message about our community’s 8
Seattle Gay News
extraordinary national and international achievements,” stated Malcolm Lazin, executive director of Equality Forum. “We are the only minority community deprived of its history in schools, at home, or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month teaches our heritage, provides role models, and builds community.” In 2006, Equality Forum launched LGBT History Month along with 20 organizations who proudly display an LGBT History Month link on their websites. In 2009, over 650 nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit corporations had an LGBT History Month link, making LGBT History Month the largest collaborative project worldwide for our community. “LGBT issues are often forgotten or sidelined in the media and our education system,” said Amit Taneja, associate director of the LGBT Resource Center at Syracuse University. “Having this month-long celebration helps us recognize the many accomplishments of LGBT individuals and their contributions to society.” This year’s LGBT Icons are Eric Alva, George Washington Carver, George Eastman, Sharon Farmer, Leslie Feinberg, Tom Ford, E. Lynn Harris, David Huebner, Kevin Jennings, Mara Keisling, Kiyoshi Kuromiya, Sharon J. Lubinski, Jane Lynch, Patsy
September 24, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
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September 24, 2010
Seattle Gay News
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Celebrating 37 Years!
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September 24, 2010
Seattle Gay News 11
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Seattle Gay News 15
by Barry Thorsness SGN African Correspondent We made it to Maputo Mozambique! Getting here was some of the more frustrating traveling I have done. Maputo is a ninehour bus ride from Joburg – it seems simple enough. Our reality was far different. Our first challenge was to decide how we were going to get our visa for the country. Many African countries bordering South Africa raised prices for the World Cup, and Mozambique was no exception. The cost of a visa went from around $25 to around $75. You can obtain a visa at the border, but the lines are long and the bus may just leave you at the border. We seriously considered traveling from Joburg to Swaziland, where a visa for Mozambique was still $15, and seeing some of Swaziland at the same time. And the border crossing between Swaziland and Mozambique was not very busy – no chance of being left behind. We also had to deal with the fallout from the protests about food and electricity prices in Maputo last week, where the police shot and killed around eight protesters and hundreds were injured. The buses even stopped going to Mozambique. We were on one the first buses on Tuesday to make the trip. Mozambique is one of the poorer countries in the world, and the physical infrastructure is in ruins. Sidewalks have holes in them as big as small wells. Most buildings are in poor condition. Somehow, it manages to have one of the most advanced biometric visa programs in the world. Our Accommodations We arrived in Maputo and took a taxi to our accommodation at The Base Backpackers. We checked in and found ourselves in a little room in the basement. We went to have a shower, but not only was the water unheated, we had to try three different showers to find one with enough water to work – hardly a good feeling. We had truly been spoiled traveling in Mpumalanga with Sharon. The sun sets early in Maputo, so it was dark when we finally walked out the door to go up to the main street, map in hand,
All photos by Barry Thorsness
Barry and Louis’ African adventure continues to look for a place for dinner. After Johannesburg, you find yourself wary of walking around an unknown city after dark, but the people at the Base Backpackers had said it was quite safe. We got money at the ATM and spent an hour wandering up and down one of the main uptown streets looking for a place to eat. Considering Mozambique is such a poor country, we were amazed that a fairly simple dinner – even just a pizza – could easily cost $10 to $15 each. We ended up at Mimmo’s. It was great, with a very mixed clientele and moderate prices.
Catembe
bique. The Lonely Planet Guide says, “Mozambique tends to be more tolerant than some of its neighbors, although Gay sexual relationships are for the most part taboo. The country’s small Gay scene, centered in Maputo, has traditionally been quite discreet, but things are starting to open up. From an official viewpoint, male homosexuality is illegal in Mozambique, although this statute is rarely enforced and Gay travelers should anticipate no particular difficulties.” Our conversation with Danilo seemed to reinforce what Lonely Planet was saying. Lambda was founded in 2006 as an advocacy group for LGBT people in Mozambique. They have never been raided (unlike LGBT organizations in many other African
to start groups in the other provinces. In five years, I would like to be discussing civil unions and have our first Gay Pride.” Louis asked Danilo if he ever thought about moving to some other part of the world where he could live openly and not have to do all this hard work and often have sleepless nights. He looked at Louis and said that he loved living in Mozambique, it was his home, and he has never thought about leaving. We ended our conversation, chatting about getting together with him and his partner of two years and explore some of the Gayfriendly venues in Maputo. We left with a feeling of great admiration for this former IT administrator, his character, his organi-
Danilo De Silva
Gay Activists in Mozambique First thing on Wednesday morning, I called Danilo De Silva who runs the advocacy group Lambda here in Maputo. The Lambda offices are in a house in a residential area of Maputo. Except for seeing a number of Gay boys hanging around in the yard area, you would not notice that it was any different than a regular house. Then you walk in the door and see the orderly desks, computer monitors, and all the people working away. It felt almost corporate in its efficiency. We sat down with Danilo to learn more about Lambda and being LGBT in MozamThe boys at Lambda
Maputo
16 Seattle Gay News
September 24, 2010
countries), but then again, they have never been allowed to register as a legal entity in Mozambique. Danilo told us that they felt it best to not force things and they were making progress with their education for HIV/ AIDS, counseling for LGBT people, and making their presence known in government policymaking. I asked Danilo what he would like to say to LGBT people living in the United States. This is a condensed version of our conversation: “I would like to congratulate you on the election of Mr. Obama and his promoting of LGBT rights in the world. We would like to also thank Hillary Clinton and the administration, which now has openly Gay people serving in it. Please keep pushing for equality, as this has a huge effect on us in Mozambique, as well as the rest of the world.” I asked Danilo what was possible and what he would like to see happen over the next few years in Mozambique. “In one year, I would like to see Lambda be registered. It has been pending for three years. In two years, we can be an established, powerful, and key front face in the community. We have been successful in using our model
zational ability, and his huge dedication to LGBT people in Mozambique. Around Maputo On Thursday, Louis and I spent the day wandering around Maputo, taking great care not to stumble on the missing concrete on the sidewalks or fall into one of the holes that are so prominent everywhere. I can best describe Maputo as a cross between Africa, Havana, and a smaller, more rural city in Argentina. It’s comfortable to walk around, but in crowded areas you can feel the pickpockets (often younger cute boys) unbuttoning the pockets on your pants, and you must be constantly vigilant. The people – like most everywhere we travel – are very friendly and helpful. We took a ferry ride across the harbor to Catembe to get a good view of the city. Today is the day the SGN website goes up, this time from the Lambda office in Maputo. Tonight we are off to a big art gathering to meet and see the artists in Mozambique. Next, we’ll head north to the incredible beaches of Mozambique at Tofo and enjoy the crystal-clear, blue-green waters of the Indian Ocean.
Celebrating 37 Years!
YSPP
continued from cover and Antasia. YSPP project intern Jaden Euster wrote the script with help from Kaitlin Krhounek and Red Monroe, who both narrated the film. “We conducted an exhaustive outreach effort for the youth in the video through organizations I partner with,” Heather Carter, OUTLoud coordinator, told SGN. “Youth that responded were then interviewed in person. From those interviews, we narrowed the group to three youth’s stories and a handful of additional youth to support the video.” The video can be viewed online at http:// vimeo.com/10297324. After the video was screened, State Senator Ed Murray (D-43) moderated a youth panel consisting of Ximena, Narvaja, Kaitlin Krhounek, Jaden Euster, Stephanie Taylor, and Red Monroe. Sen. Murray asked a series of questions, but it was his last question that seemed to resonate with the youth and the audience: “What more should be done?” The youth all agreed that LGBTQ bullying is not a Gay community problem; it is everyone’s problem. They recommended that more teachers and counselors should be trained to be LGBTQ-friendly, schools should focus on some LGBTQ issues and showcase LGBTQ role models, and that if the situation is safe, LGBTQ youth should be encouraged to come out of the closest. Carter says she has learned a lot from the youth. “They remind me that it isn’t all bad,” she said. “Part of the reason that I am doing this work is because I remember all too well my own teen years. I remember the fear of people discovering who I really was, of hiding the most important parts of me, and of being bullied, and those memories help fuel me through this work.” Carter says that she believes that, in general, LGBTQ youth suicide prevention is
not viewed as importantly as it should be. “These youth have many positive stories to tell, and [give] great advice – not only for youth, but for adults too,” she said. “I learn something new from them every time they do a panel or presentation. They are the only ones who can teach us what it’s like to be an LGBTQ youth today. They are the ones we should be listening to.” Carter said that the important work that YSPP OUTLoud and the youth are doing is saving lives. “We provide training throughout King County and beyond for free,” she told SGN. “We provide much-needed education about LGBTQ youth and the issues they face. People need to know this information, but they must also celebrate these youth because many of them are survivors and are resilient and will triumph. They aren’t just numbers on a page.” Events like the screening of You Are Not Alone “bring people together in a community of acceptance and support,” said Carter. “I could feel that support and understanding at the event. It was very powerful. It was one of the most potent events I’ve been a part of in a very long time.” Carter admitted that the organization is low on funds. “We need money so we can keep doing the work I’m doing,” Carter said. “The money donated to OUTLoud goes directly to support paying a salary and the expenses associated with running the program. General donations to YSPP keep the program running and work toward lowering the rate of youth suicide in Washington state. Honestly, we’re in financial trouble right now due to state budget cuts.” If YSPP OUTLoud were to cease operation and training, the state would lose out, says Carter. Currently the organization provides public education and training that focus on LGBTQ youth suicide, depression, and self-harm, bullying, and bias-based harassment. The three major training segments the group offers are: • “You Are Not Alone” peer to peer training.
• “LGBTQ Youth Suicide: The Facts.” Training provided for youth serving organizations, schools, etc. The training educates adults about the risk and protective factors for this group of youth, intervention, and how to increase support for LGBTQ youth, thereby reducing their risk. • “Bullying Prevention = Suicide Prevention.” A three-part curriculum that focuses on what schools can do, what families can do, and what community partners can do to reduce the rates of bullying and how to properly intervene when bullying occurs. It also educates about the links between bullying and bias-based harassment and negative mental outcomes, including depression and suicide. If you are interested in learning more about YSPP or would like to make a dona-
tion, visit the organization online at www. YSPP.org. If you are an LGBTQ teen and in need of immediate help, call 1-800-273TALK or 1-866-4-U-TREVOR.
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September 24, 2010
Seattle Gay News 17
Hans Zeiger, Alex Hays, and the Mainstream Republicans file photo
Hans Zeiger
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer I’m writing this story in the first person because it’s about me. More precisely, it’s about a conversation I had with a news source – Alex Hays, executive director of Mainstream Republicans. I spoke with Hays for a story I was doing about Hans Zeiger, Republican legislative candidate in the 25th District. On September 2, the political blog HorsesAss broke the story that Zeiger wrote some outrageously anti-Gay articles for right-wing blogs WorldNetDaily and Intellectual Conservative. When I read the HorsesAss story, I followed the links to Zeiger’s articles, and they were every bit as bad as HorsesAss said they were. After reading them, I had an irresistible impulse to know more about this guy, so I went to his campaign website. To my surprise, I found he’d been endorsed by Mainstream Republicans – an organization that claims political inspiration from the moderate live-and-let-live Republican politics of former governor Dan Evans. They didn’t seem like the kind of crowd to endorse a right-wing fanatic. “There’s a story there,” I thought to myself, so I called and e-mailed Mainstream
Republicans for an explanation of their endorsement. Within a couple of hours, Hays called me back. HorsesAss was wrong, he said. In fact, they were “intellectually dishonest” to take five- or six-year-old blog posts out of context and use them to defame Zeiger. Zeiger has grown and matured since he wrote those blog posts, Hays told me. He is a changed man, a centrist Republican now. Later that day, I spoke with Hans Zeiger himself, and he told me the same thing. I’ve already written that part of the story, and you can read it for yourself here: www. sgn.org/sgnnews38_37/page3.cfm. The new part of the story is about Hays. On Friday, September 17, David Goldstein of HorsesAss e-mailed me and asked me whether Hays had disclosed to me that he is a paid consultant for Zeiger’s campaign. Goldstein thoughtfully attached a copy of a PDC form showing that Zeiger had paid AB Hays LLC for professional consulting services. According to the PDC, Zeiger paid Hays a total of $6,000 in three separate payments in August. Immediately I checked my notes. Here’s what Hays told me about his relationship with Zeiger: that he was a personal friend, and that he’d given Zeiger advice on
the campaign. Not a word about being paid. So I e-mailed Hays and asked him four questions: • Will you confirm that you are a paid consultant to Hans Zeiger’s campaign? • Have you been paid as a consultant to any other 2010 candidates? • Did your professional relationship with Hans Zeiger influence Mainstream Republicans’ endorsement of him? • What is the process Mainstream Republicans uses to determine endorsements? HAYS’ RESPONSE This is what Hays answered: “In the interview I did with you I noted that I was an advisor to Hans and his campaign and a personal friend. “From your e-mail it appears you do not have the same recollection I do – do I understand this correctly? “In terms of your other questions: “I advise several clients this year, both Democrats and Republicans. My legislative candidates are Shawn Bunney, JT Wilcox and Hans Zeiger. “All my legislative candidates are now endorsed by MRW [Mainstream Republicans of Washington], and in the case of Shawn and Hans, endorsed prior to me entering a consulting relationship for this election. I also advised the board of MRW before taking JT’s contract as a courtesy and stated I would not take the contract if the board objected. “Hans was endorsed by MRW in 2009 – over six months before I became his advisor. “Mainstream’s endorsement process involves a vote of the board and a review by a candidate screening committee. We endorse only those who request our endorsement.” The precise relationship between Hays and Zeiger – and how Hays chose to characterize it in my conversation with him – is important for many reasons. First, it’s important because readers are entitled to discount the words of paid consultants. After all, if you’re being paid to get some guy elected, you have to say nice things about him, right? It’s also important if you’re counting on Mainstream Republicans to tell you whether a certain Republican candidate is a “batshit crazy” extremist – as HorsesAss described Zeiger – or someone you could live with. If Mainstream Republicans’ spokesperson is taking money to get a candidate elected, how can you count on him to give you a fair evaluation of that candidate? Even if the candidate was endorsed before Hays took them on as a client, there might still be the suspicion of a quid pro quo – something like “get me endorsed and I’ll hire you as a consultant.” Finally, it’s important because I wouldn’t be much of a reporter if I knew that Hays was getting paid by Zeiger and I failed to write it. “WE HAVE … A DISAGREEMENT ON WHAT WAS MEANT”
After a couple of e-mails back and forth, this is what Hays wrote to me: “I think we have an agreement on what was said, but a disagreement on what was meant. “When I told you I was advisor to the campaign I believed I was disclosing exactly what my role was.” But we don’t have agreement on what was said. I think there’s a big difference between being a personal friend who gives advice to a candidate and being an “advisor.” That’s a much more formal relationship. There’s an even bigger difference in being a paid consultant. I’ve had several personal friends run for office. I’ve given every one of them advice on their campaigns – some of it solicited, some of it not. I’ve also worked for two campaigns. Both candidates were friends of mine, and I would have helped them even if I wasn’t getting paid. But I was getting paid, and both the candidates and I were clear why I was getting paid – I was supposed to make them look good to voters. When I worked for those campaigns, sometimes I talked to the media. When I did, I always talked to them as a spokesperson for the campaign. After all, that’s what I was getting paid to do. I never talked to the media claiming to represent my union, my political party, or any other organization I belonged to. I never even claimed to represent myself, not even as a “personal friend,” although I was – because that would have been misleading. I’m not attributing bad motives to Alex Hays. I’m just saying that a personal friend who gives advice to the candidate is different from a paid political consultant. For the record, while Hays says his clients include Democrats, all the names he gave me – Bunney, Wilcox, and Zeiger – are Republicans. Bunney made one payment of $750 to AB Hays LLC on July 28. He is running for the state House in the 31st District. Wilcox – running for the state House in the 2nd District – paid AB Hays LLC a total of $17,492.37. Also for the record, Hays worked as a campaign consultant for anti-Gay Washington Supreme Court Justice Jim Johnson. When I saw that, I realized why Hays only gave me the names of his “legislative candidates.” According to the PDC, Johnson paid AB Hays LLC $5,442.96. He also paid Hays himself $5,329. Heather Straub, Vice President of AB Hays LLC, worked as Johnson’s campaign director from February through June of this year. Johnson paid her $4,264. Some of these payments were reimbursements for stamps and other campaign expenses, but most were fees for political services. Johnson defeated Tacoma attorney Stan Rumbaugh to win reelection in the August primary.
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www.sgn.org 18 Seattle Gay News
September 24, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
Lesbian dean marries, is forced to resign courtesy all voices
a “tremendous person, who did the work of two and probably got half a person’s pay for it.” Michael Bixler, a parent whose child is a sophomore at the school, said he is “really quite sad about it.” “It really gives me pause,” Bixler told The Republican. “What does it mean to be true to who we are … to treat someone who has given admirable service so disrespectfully?” Judd claims that she will not pursue legal action against the dioceses out of respect for the time she has spent at Cathedral High and because of her admiration for the school and for the Sisters of St. Joseph, who guide the school. “They [the sisters] molded me into what I
am today, my beliefs in Catholic education,” said Judd. “They embraced me, never asked me any questions.” Judd added that while an employee of the diocese can be Gay, individuals are not allowed to “practice homosexuality” – which marrying a same-sex partner represents – under diocese doctrine. She did clarify, however, that she is keeping open the possibility of legal action against the person or persons who shared information with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield that triggered the initial pressure from the diocese for her to resign. Judd has declined to be more specific, but said that a photograph relating to her wedding was apparently provided to the diocese.
Landmark decision Florida voids ban on Gay adoptions by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Former dean of Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, Christine Judd
by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer Christine Judd, a dean at Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, was forced to tender a resignation after marrying her partner last month. Although Gay marriage is legal in Massachusetts, it is not approved of or recognized by the church. Judd told the local paper in Springfield, The Republican, that she met with school officials and was given the choice of resigning or being fired from her position of dean of students and athletic director. The diocese claims that she violated the church’s code of conduct, referring to its employee handbook that states, in part: “Whenever, by public example, an employee engages in or espouses conduct, which contravenes the doctrine and teaching of the Church, such employee may, at the sole discretion of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield, be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.” Judd announced early September that she will take no legal action against the diocese. “I knew the risks every day of my life working at Cathedral,” Judd said. “I always had the understanding: One day, it would be time to leave Cathedral because of this.” “I chose to get married,” Judd went on to say. “I did my best to leave Cathedral in a proper manner before something like this happened. There is no reason to go after anybody.” Judd has been an employee at Cathedral High School for 12 years.
The diocese has been mostly silent throughout the affair, stating only that the diocese was thankful to Judd for her service and wished her well. Judd’s resignation has spurred an outcry from community members, the students, and alumnae of the school, as well as local LGBT organizations. “I think it’s just awful,” said Rachel Beery, a senior at Cathedral. “She was the biggest part of our school. She legit bled purple [the school’s color] for us. Everyone in the school is so upset about this.” T.J. Gentile, a junior, said Judd will “definitely be missed. … I don’t think things will be the same without her.” Judd’s colleagues from the athletic department shared their sentiments, as well. Joe Pantuosco, who retired last year after 32 years as a boys soccer coach, said Judd’s “primary concern each and every day was always, ‘Kids first.’” “I am a big advocate that she was one of the most positive people in that school,” Pantuosco said. “I was very surprised to hear the news; she was one of the key administrators in the school. She was young, enthusiastic, and just good for the school.” Dan Walsh, the school’s cross-country coach and a former athletic director, said Judd “put her heart and soul into Cathedral.” “She’d do anything for the kids. She’d be in early in the morning and then late at night to get the job done,” said Walsh. Tom Burke, a former basketball coach a graduate of the school himself, called Judd
Religion & Spirituality
Florida’s 3rd District Court of Appeals upheld a 2008 decision by a Miami-Dade County judge that the state’s ban on Gay adoption is unconstitutional. The appeals court announced its ruling on September 22. In a 28-page opinion, a three-judge panel of the court noted that Gay people are permitted to become foster parents or legal guardians in Florida, yet are the only group not allowed to adopt. “It is difficult to see any rational basis in utilizing homosexual persons as foster parents or guardians on a temporary or permanent basis, while imposing a blanket prohibition on those same persons,” wrote Judge Gerald Cope for the panel. “All other persons are eligible to be considered case-by-case to be adoptive parents,” Judge Cope noted. “Given a total ban on adoption by homosexual persons, one might expect that this reflected a legislative judgment that homosexual persons are, as a group, unfit to be parents. No one in this case has made, or even hinted at, any such argument,” Cope wrote. “To the contrary, the parties agree ‘that Gay people and heterosexuals make equally good parents.’” Florida’s law banning adoptions by LGBT people was first enacted in 1977 and is the only law of its kind in the nation, according to court records. Florida governor Charlie Crist – now running for the U.S. Senate as an independent – told Miami Herald reporters he thought the ruling was “great,” and said he would immediately cease enforcing the adoption ban. Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum – an unsuccessful Republican candidate for governor – supports the law, however, and is considered likely to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court, “We note that our ruling is unlikely to be
the last word,” the appeals panel said, referring to the probability that the state’s Supreme Court will hear the case. Crist said that he believes the Supreme Court will uphold the appeals court ruling. The case involved the adoption of two young brothers by Martin Gill and his partner. In 2008, the state Department of Children & Families appealed a court decision that allowed Gill to adopt the brothers. DCF argued that Gay households present additional risk factors which should preclude adoption. These factors, according to attorneys for the DCF, included more sexual activity by children of Gay parents and more incidents of teasing and bullying suffered by children from Gay households. The long wait for the decision has been agony, Gill said. He told AP reporters he worried “week after week that my kids might be taken away.” Gill told reporters that he tried to shield the boys, now 6 and 10 years old, by not discussing the case with them and putting blocks on their TV at home. If the state doesn’t appeal, Gill said he could hardly wait to tell them he and his partner are their “forever parents” and they can finally share the same last name. “I’m actually going to get their birth certificates with me listed as their father. That will be a thrilling thing for me.” Gill told reporters. “I think the birth certificates are going to have a prominent place in our house. That will be the written proof of all of this struggle.” The Gill family was represented by attorneys from the ACLU of Florida. “We’re thrilled for the Gill family and we’re thrilled for what this means for the advancement for human rights in the state of Florida,” said Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. “What this also shows is how easy it is to pass bad legislation and how many years and decades it takes to remove bad legislation from the books.”
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September 24, 2010
Seattle Gay News 19
DADT
continued from cover
agreed, saying, “America was dealt a double blow. I am disappointed to see that despite the concerted efforts of the administration and the House of Representatives, the Senate was unable to end this dishonorable law that requires members of our military to lie to their commanding officers. That Congress, who should be working hardest to support these brave men and women, failed is a sad state of affairs. A proposal to delay this vote for even another month is cold comfort to our Gay and Lesbian troops who are risking their lives every day. Ending DADT is no longer a question of if; it is a question of when. As Congress has failed to act, it is now up to the president to uphold his promise to end DADT by not appealing California Federal District Court Judge Virginia Phillips’ recent ruling.” On September 21 at 2:15 p.m., the Senate was expected to vote on cloture for the motion to proceed to debate the National Defense Authorization Act. Sixty votes were required to move forward. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) lobbied, unsuccessfully, to have moderate Republicans line with the Dems for a vote to break the Senator John McCain-led filibuster. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a national legal services and policy
organization dedicated to ending DADT, issued a statement on the U.S. Senate’s failure to break filibuster and repeal DADT. “The Senate vote was a flustering blow to repeal this horrible law,” said Army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis. “We lost because of the political maneuvering dictated by the mid-term elections. Let’s be clear: Opponents of repealing DADT did not have the votes to strike those provisions from the bill. Instead, they had the votes for delay. Time is the enemy here. We now have no choice but to look to the lame duck session, where we’ll have a slim shot. The Senate absolutely must schedule a vote in December when cooler heads and common sense are more likely to prevail once midterm elections are behind us. SLDN will continue to take this fight to the American people, the vast majority of whom support repeal of DADT.”
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Asked if he was certain he wanted to serve in the legislature under the circumstances, Fitzgibbon laughed. “That’s a good question,” he said. “You know, I’ve served as a legislative assistant for three years, and we’ve already dealt with deficits that big – and bigger.” “It’s not easy,” he continued, “but there’s a responsible way to deal with a deficit of this magnitude.” Fitzgibbon has worked as Nelson’s legislative assistant since 2007. He tells SGN that position gives him an understanding of the state budget process that his opponent lacks. “There are two sides to the problem: cuts and revenue,” Fitzgibbon says. “A lot has been cut already, and we have a responsibility to protect essential services and the safety net.” That leaves the revenue side. Fitzgibbon supports I-1098. The initiative would reform the state tax system by adding a state income tax for the wealthiest 1.2% of Washingtonians, eliminating the B&O tax for small businesses, and cutting property taxes by an estimated 20%. “I-1098 is tremendously important,” Fitzgibbon said. “Progressive tax reform. If it doesn’t pass, then you have to look at tax loopholes – the sales tax exemption for coal, for example, or tax loopholes for banks. We could look at increasing the hazardous substances tax, to make polluters clean up after themselves.” While working for Nelson, Fitzgibbon had his hands on many of the key measures the legislature passed in the last three years. Fitzgibbon ticks off a list of legislative accomplishments. “The broad categories I worked on? Budget and revenue bills … the 2009 payday
lending reform, so families don’t get stuck in the debt trap that payday lending can become … environmental and transport issues, to expand transit … smart land use around transit stations … getting rid of the gravel mine on Maury Island.” Fitzgibbon also had a hand in most of the pro-Gay legislation considered by the House. Nelson, his boss, has been a strong supporter of LGBT rights. “I worked on both domestic partnership bills,” he says, “both the 2008 expansion and then in 2009 the ‘everything but marriage’ bill. They were heavily supported by voters in our district, so it was easy for Rep. Nelson to work on them.” “In 2009, we included Trans people in the hate crimes law,” Fitzgibbon added. “Joe McDermott led that on the Senate side, and he’s from our same district. Rep. Nelson helped with it [on the House side], and I supported it in a staff capacity.” Asked if he could foresee the legislature repealing the state’s DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) in the near future, Fitzgibbon said he was optimistic. “I think we can have marriage equality within five years. I have every confidence I will be in the legislature, and I’d like to get it on the agenda as soon as possible. Everybody feels we’re behind the times with marriage equality.” Among other issues he thinks the legislature will have to tackle, Fitzgibbon cites the needs of LGBT seniors. “We’ll need to address the issue of older LGBT adults in long term care,” he says. “Providers may be homophobic, or maybe they’re not aware of the specific needs of LGBT clients. We’ll need to see that longterm care workers are trained for competency in those areas.” Fitzgibbon speaks with what appears to be unshakable confidence that he will win the election. “I think I’ll win because the voters are looking for someone who’s well prepared to take on the challenges that the state faces,” he says. “It helps to have strong support from labor and the progressive community,” he adds. “The more voters I talk to, the better I feel.” Asked if he detected any of the voter anger – or disillusionment – some commentators have observed, Fitzgibbon says he has. “Folks are discontented,” he says, “and rightfully so. They see a lack of progress towards a more fair economy.” “That’s why I’m confident. I’m young – I can bring a new energy. I can take a fresh look at what’s not working. I know it’s a big commitment – an economy that works for everyone.” Fitzgibbon is young, smart, and well-connected. In the private sector he could make far more money than he will as a legislator. When that is pointed out to him, he laughs. “I know I could make a lot more money … but my mom is a preschool teacher. My dad was a naval officer. I grew up with the expectation that I would serve the public.”
Legal Services www.sgn.org www.sgn.org 20 Seattle Gay News
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Celebrating 37 Years!
CDC
continued from cover vention services among at-risk populations in cities with high numbers of persons living with AIDS. The CDC study examined HIV prevalence and awareness of HIV status, broken down by demographic categories like age and race. While Gay and Bi men of all races and ethnicities were severely affected, African Americans were particularly impacted. While 19% of all the men studied were HIV-positive, 28% of African Americans in the study were HIV-positive, compared to 18% of Hispanics and 16% of white men. The study also found a strong link between socioeconomic status and HIV in the population being studied. HIV prevalence increased as education and income decreased, and awareness of HIV status was higher among men with greater education and income. These findings echo similar disparities found in recent NHBS research among heterosexuals. Low awareness of HIV status was cited as a major concern, particularly for younger men. The study also provided more insight into the populations of Gay and Bi men most in need of HIV testing and prevention services. Among all racial and ethnic groups, Af-
rican American men with HIV were least likely to be aware of their infection (59% unaware, as opposed to 46% for Hispanics, and 26% for white men). While young Gay and Bi men under age 30 had lower HIV prevalence than older men, they were far more likely to be unaware of their HIV infection. Among HIVpositive Gay and Bi men aged 18-29, nearly two-thirds (63%) were unaware of their status, as opposed to 37% for men age 30 and older. Among young Gay and Bi men, young men of color were less likely than whites to know they were HIV-positive. Among HIV-positive African American men under age 30, 71% were unaware of their status. Among HIV-positive Hispanic men under age 30, 63% were unaware. Among white men under age 30, only 40% were unaware of their HIV status. These conclusions are important because the CDC estimates that the majority of new HIV infections are transmitted by individuals who are unaware of their status. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, past studies show that once people learn they are HIVpositive, most take steps to protect their partners. CDC officials conclude that because undiagnosed HIV infection likely plays a major role in transmission, reaching younger Gay and Bi men with regular HIV testing is critical.
CDC officials added that low awareness of HIV status among young Gay and Bi men probably reflects several factors: they may have been infected more recently, may underestimate their personal risk, may have had fewer opportunities to get tested, or may believe that advances in HIV treatment minimize the threat of HIV. For young Gay and Bi men of color, discrimination and socioeconomic factors – such as poverty, homophobia, stigma, and limited health-care access – may be especially acute and pose particular challenges. “For young men who have sex with men – including young men of color who are least likely to know they may be infected – the future is truly on the line,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. “It is critical that we reach these young men early in their lives with HIV prevention and testing services and continue to make these vital services available as they become older,” Mermin added. CDC recommends that Gay and Bi men of all ages get tested for HIV at least annually, and more often – every three to six months – if they are at increased risk. Among those at increased risk would be men with multiple or anonymous sex partners, or those who use drugs during sex. The CDC also found that only 45% of HIV-positive Gay or Bi men who were unaware of their HIV status had been tested in the past year, underscoring the importance
of more frequent testing among those at highest risk. While HIV prevention for Gay and Bi men remains a top CDC priority, agency officials said that a renewed national commitment to HIV prevention is needed to reduce the toll of HIV on men who have sex with men and increase access to prevention. Their conclusions were echoed by others involved in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. “This alarming new data provides further evidence that prevention efforts for Gay men have not been adequate to meet the growing epidemic and should be dramatically scaled up,” said Carl Schmid of the nonprofit AIDS Institute. “The severity of the impact of HIV in the Gay community is nothing new. What has been missing is an appropriate response by our government, at the federal, state, and local levels, and the Gay community itself,” Schmid told Reuters reporters. The CDC study bolsters some of the key themes in the Pres. Obama’s National HIV/ AIDS Strategy for the United States. The recently released strategy document says that “the United States cannot reduce the number of HIV infections nationally without better addressing HIV among Gay and Bisexual men,” and men who have sex with men are listed among the priority populations for HIV prevention efforts. Obama’s strategy also sets targets for reducing the number of individuals living with
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