Issue 39 Volume 41
Celebrating 40 Years!
FRIDAY September 27, 2013 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands
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Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Rosehedge/Multifaith Works closing after 25 years Agency says current residents can stay until new housing is found by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Rosehedge/Multifaith Works, one of Seattle’s oldest HIV/AIDS service agencies, has announced it will cease operations by the end of this year. Rosehedge House and Multi-
friendly care to patients dying of AIDS in the early days of the epidemic before medical advances made the disease manageable for most patients. As HIV/AIDS transitioned into a chronic illness, Rosehedge/ Multifaith Works continued to provide stable housing, 24-hour
“But for people to manage their disease ... they need to have stability in their lives. I don’t think that issue is going to go away. The issue of homelessness is not going away.
crystal eve photography
faith Works both began in 1988, with Rosehedge providing housing for people with HIV/AIDS and Multifaith Works running the Care Teams and Shanti emotional support services. Multifaith Works developed its own housing program in 1995, and the two groups merged in 2011. Both agencies were founded to provide compassionate, LGBT-
health care, and support services for patients who would otherwise be homeless and without regular medical care. “It’s amazing we have made so much progress we’re looking at HIV/AIDS as a chronic illness,” Rosehedge/Multifaith Works executive director Lauren Simonds see rosehedge page 4
First openly Gay federal New hope for NJ equality appeals judge confirmed marriage Democrats say they have the votes Senate approves Todd M. Hughes, but blocks William Thomas
The U.S. Senate has unanimously confirmed President Obama’s appointment of openly Gay Justice Department attorney Todd M. Hughes to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Hughes, who was nominated for the post on February 7, is the
reverse the governor’s decision. When the marriage bill passed, the Senate was three votes short of the needed two-thirds and the Assembly was 12 votes shy. Democratic leaders say they are now confident they can succeed. Two Republican Assembly members said recently that they would go against Christie’s wishes and vote for the marriage bill when it comes up. They also suggested there may be additional Republican votes for New Jersey Assembly member the override. Declan O’Scanlon Republican Assemby Mike Andrew bly member Declan O’Scanlon SGN Staff Writer said the governor does not have a lock on Republican votes. New Jersey Democrats say they “The narrative that the goverwill try to override Gov. Chris nor strong-arms Republicans in Christie’s veto of a 2012 marriage the legislature is false,” he said. “I equality bill after statewide elec- think you’ll see some other folks tions in November. They have un- vote for it, but I don’t know exacttil January 2013 to assemble the two-thirds majority necessary to see new jersey page 6 Asbury Park Press
by Michael Andrew SGN Staff Writer
to override Gov. Christie’s veto
courtesy Huffington Post
main justice
Judge Todd M. Hughes
County. Hughes was described as a “problem solver” by Office of Management and Budget General Counsel Geovette Washington, who has known him since law school. He “can do very complicated constitutional issues,” she said, but he is also a pragmatist. “I have always been amazed by how intelligent he is, but also how practical he is,” she said, adding that Hughes is well-prepared for the Federal Circuit because he’s appeared before it so many times. “He’s dug in and done the hard work on those issues.” Washington said she and Hughes bonded by attending Duke University basketball games. He has always been out, she added, but “I Judge William Thomas wouldn’t call him an activist. It’s first openly Gay judge to serve at part of who he is.” the federal appellate level. He was HIGHLY QUALIFIED confirmed by a 98-to-0 vote SepAccording to background intember 24. Meanwhile, Sen. Marco Rubio formation furnished by the White (R-FL) blocked the nomination House, Hughes is currently deputy of a Gay African American judge director of the Commercial Litigato a federal district court in the tion Branch of the Civil Division Southern District of Florida. Judge at DOJ, a position he has held William Thomas currently serves as a circuit judge in Miami-Dade see judges page 6
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Seattle Gay News
September 27, 2013
Celebrating 40 Years!
Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973
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Local news
Dignity/Seattle celebrates 40 years Dignity/Seattle, the local chapter of DignityUSA, marks its 40th anniversary of service and ministry to Seattle’s LGBT Catholics and the progressive Catholic community. All members, former members, supporters, and friends from all faith communities are invited to a celebration dinner on Saturday, October 19, at 6 p.m. at China Harbor Restaurant (2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle). The cost is $40 per person and “business casual” attire is appropriate. The guest speaker will be Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA’s executive director, from Boston. RSVP by October 15 by mailing a check for $40 to Dignity/Seattle, PO Box 20325, Seattle, WA 98102. On another note, Seattle will host DignityUSA’s next biennial convention in July 2015 at the Renaissance Hotel downtown. Planning and preparations are in full swing. If you are interested in becoming involved or attending, e-mail dignity.seattle@gmail. com or call (206) 659-5519. For more information on both these events, visit www.dignityseattle.org. – Leo N. Egashira, Dignity/ Seattle
Rev. Barbara Allen, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Scott Wittet, Nevin Jefferson, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Rex Wockner
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Murray endorses $15 minimum wage
McGinn says change should be at state level the news tribune
attle” Murray released at the press confer- ray was endorsed by two prominent African ence. American leaders, Rep. Eric Pettigrew (D37) and former Rep. Dawn Mason. Mason MAINTAINING DIVERSITY represented the 37th Legislative District for “Economic opportunity should be the two terms until her unsuccessful bid for the promise of Seattle,” Murray said in a pre- state Senate in 1998. pared statement. “Good jobs, equity, fair “I’ve had a chance to work closely with wages, worker protections, affordable hous- Ed Murray on many issues of importance to ing, and a livable city for the diversity of the people of my district, and I know what people who should be able to call Seattle makes him tick,” Pettigrew said. home – these are the values I have fought “Ed is the right choice to be our next for all my career.” mayor. He has demonstrated many times “I grew up in a large Irish Catholic fami- his staunch progressive commitment to the ly,” Murray noted, “and today we would not cause of social justice and to opening the be able to live in this city,” because of high door of economic opportunity to all, and his
“I grew up in a large Irish Catholic family, and today we would not be able to live in this city,” because of high housing costs and lagging wages. housing costs and lagging wages. Murray reiterated previous pledges to close the wage gap between men and women and to “ensure that economic opportunity reaches people of color, including immigrant and refugee communities.” Failing to raise wages and provide training for less skilled workers “will make Seattle a lot whiter,” Murray said, because people of color will not earn enough to keep pace with rising housing costs and will be forced to move to suburbs like Kent and Auburn. “The city core will become less economically, ethnically, and racially diverse, and that’s just unacceptable,” Murray insisted. TWO MORE ENDORSEMENTS The day before his press conference, Mur-
rosehedge continued from cover
Seattle mayoral candidate Ed Murray
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
term process. The fact that change is coming is good enough news for me.”
State Senator and Seattle mayoral candidate Ed Murray endorsed the idea of a $15 per hour minimum wage at a press conference in his Capitol Hill headquarters on September 24. The wage hike should be “phased in,” Murray said, and should apply to “fast-food chains and big-box retail stores that can sustain that wage level.” Small businesses, he said, should be exempt. Sitting next to Murray at the presser was Aaron Larson, a fast-food worker and activist in the rolling strikes and pickets that have dramatized the discontent of workers at such chains as McDonald’s and Subway. “It’s nice to see Ed Murray showing initiative and support for fast food workers,” Larson said. Asked if Murray’s plan to phase in pay raises would bring change quickly enough for fast-food activists, Larson answered, “I agree that change is not instant, it’s a long-
SEEKS BUSINESS BUY-IN Murray added he believed he could negotiate with business leaders to achieve agreement on a city ordinance raising the minimum wage. “I can do what we did for marriage,” he said, referring to his successful strategy for bringing marriage equality to Washington state. “It’s an incremental approach. I can bring business along. What I hear from businesses is that they too understand the need to do something about wages.” His rival, incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn, has flip-flopped on the minimum wage issue, Murray charged. “Sometimes he sounds like he’s for it, but he’s on record opposing it,” he said. McGinn has stated that minimum wage legislation should come at the state level, not by municipal ordinance. The wage proposal was part of a six-page “Economic Opportunity Agenda for Se-
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told SGN. “But for people to manage their disease – to be able to be medically compliant – they need to have stability in their lives. I don’t think that issue is going to go away. The issue of homelessness is not going away. “There are still many people who are not hooked into services. They can’t get HIV meds because they have no permanent residence.” FUNDING SHORTFALL Rosehedge/Multifaith Works offered exactly the kind of stability HIV patients need, Simonds says, but the agency was unable to find funding sources to allow them to continue. “Part of what happens when society think of a disease as a chronic illness is that funding priorities shift,” she said. “Despite our very best efforts over the past few years to raise enough money to support the unique model of housing and care we provide to people with HIV/AIDS, revenues have fallen short. “Since the beginning of 2013, government support has been cut by more than $600,000 and foundation and corporate support has been cut in half,” Simonds explained. “Many funders no longer see HIV/ AIDS as the pressing concern it once was.” In a statement released September 24, the group said that under the circumstances, there was no other option but to close. “Our Board of Directors examined every possible solution to allow us to continue our long history of service to people living with HIV/AIDS,” concluded board president Paul Binder. “Ultimately, our most realistic and responsible course was to decide that we must close the agency and find new homes and services for our residents.”
cooperative, coalition-building approach to governance is what we need in our next mayor. He has my enthusiastic endorsement.” “When Sen. Murray and I served together in the legislature, we both came under attack as we fought alongside each other to build a more just and equal society,” said Mason, a staunch ally of the LGBT community during her time in Olympia. “Allowing injustice to any keeps the doors open for injustice to all people.” “Ed has been a constant help in sending to Seattle investments that span all parts of Seattle and reach all of Seattle’s residents,” continued Mason. “His vision goes well beyond programs for some and business development for others.” According to Simonds, there are currently 32 residents, “eighteen in our adult family homes, and the rest in transitional housing.” Asked if they have places to go when the agency closes, Simonds said with a sigh, “No. There are no places. We’re working with our community partners, with other agencies, and with DSHS [the state Department of Social and Health Services] to find places, and until then we’ll continue to provide housing and services for them.” Rosehedge/Multifaith Works will continue to raise money to support the residents until they are placed in other housing, Simonds said, “so people should not be surprised to see us asking for their support.” The agency will participate in the December 4 World AIDS Day breakfast along with Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Gay City Health Project, and other HIV/AIDS service agencies. “SHIFT Recovery Network will move to SASG [Seattle Area Support Groups] by the end of October,” Simonds added. SHIFT is a collaborative effort involving Rosehedge/ Multifaith Works and SASG in peer counseling for recovery from substance abuse. VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED The agency will also need volunteers to help physically move residents to other facilities. “They don’t have a lot of things,” Simonds said, “but they do have things, so we will have to help them get their things to their new homes.” Long-time member Vince Larkin said he felt “honored to have walked with so many men and women whose memories continue to live within us. “We learned lessons about how a community can respond in crisis, that when we reach out to support another we experience ourselves supported. We are so proud of the work Rosehedge/Multifaith Works has done in the Seattle community and beyond.”
Celebrating 40 Years!
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September 27, 2013
Seattle Gay News
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Food fight escalates
Grocery workers vote to authorize strike by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
SHOPPERS HAVE OPTIONS If the union negotiating committee de-
‘Celebrate Bisexuality Day’ observed
partner, so it is difficult for a monogamous person to make their Bisexual identity visible to acquaintances. If we are silent, people will almost inevitably misread us. If we speak up, people may think we are providing too much information.” For Bisexuals, coming out can be a daily endeavor. This might be part of why, statistically, far more Bisexuals appear to stay closeted than their Lesbian and Gay counterparts. According to a PEW Research by James Whitely Center study surveying LGBT Americans, SGN Staff Writer while 77% of Gay men and 71% of Lesbian women surveyed were out to friends and Monday, September 23, marked the 15th family, only 28% of Bisexuals were. annual “Celebrate Bisexuality Day,” an annual observance to recognize the Bisexual THE FLAG community as well as its history of triumphs Believing the rainbow flag was not suffiand tragedies. cient, Michael Page designed the tri-colored Celebrate Bisexuality Day originated in Bisexual Pride flag in 1998 to give the Bi1999 at a meeting of the International Lesbi- sexual community its own symbol. an and Gay Association. Since then, it’s be“Based on my own personal experience, come recognized nationwide, as well as in the vast majority of Bi people I have spoJapan, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, ken with feel no connection to the rainbow Germany, Sweden, and other countries. flag, the pink triangle, the black triangle, the lambda symbol, or the double-edged INVISIBILITY hatchet,” said Page. “It is my belief that Bi “Most people will look at a couple and de- people need their own flags and symbols to cide they are straight or Gay based on the rally around.” combination of apparent genders – we fly Page explained the meaning of the pink, under most people’s radar. As a result, many blue, and purple Bisexual Pride flag. Pink people are isolated and the stereotypes re- represents same-sex attraction, while blue main unchallenged,” said Wendy Curry, represents heterosexual attraction. The president of BiNet USA, the oldest national blended purple in between them represents Bisexual support network in the United attraction anywhere along the gender specStates. trum, and is also meant to speak to the invisFor Bisexuals who are single or in mo- ibility of Bisexuals in the Gay/Lesbian and nogamous relationships, their Bisexuality is straight communities. “invisible” to others unless it’s verbalized. For resources on issues pertaining to Bi“Because of binary thinking, and Bi- sexuality or to learn more, visit the Bisexual sexuals’ categorization by others as hetero- Resource Center online at www.biresource. sexual or homosexual depending upon the net. The Bisexual Resource Center is the perceived sex of their partner, Bisexuality oldest U.S. national Bisexual organization tends to be invisible except as a point of that publishes resources for the Bisexual conflict,” said Bi activist Robyn Ochs. “We community and raises awareness about Bitend to assume that a person’s sexual orien- sexuality in the LGBT and straight commutation corresponds to the sex of their current nities.
bob b. brown
By an overwhelming 98% majority, local grocery workers have voted to authorize a strike against the Big Three grocery chains – Safeway, Albertson’s, and Kroger, which owns both QFC and Fred Meyer. “It was a very resounding vote to reject the employers’ proposals and authorize a strike,” said Tom Geiger, spokesperson for United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 21, one of the unions representing grocery employees in Western Washington. “The ball is now in the employers’ court,” Geiger told SGN. “The negotiating committee is empowered to call a strike when they see the time is right, and they have all the authority and discretion to do that. “They’ll decide when to pull that lever, who to pull it on, and how.” Some 30,000 grocery workers represented by UFCW Locals 21 and 367, and Teamsters Local 38, are affected by the contract negotiations, which have dragged on for months.
HOLIDAY PAY AT ISSUE The unions charge that the Big Three are proposing “very significant pay cuts and benefit reductions.” For example, the employers want to take away time-and-a-half pay for employees who work on holidays, and substitute only $1 per hour extra pay. Employers are also proposing to take away all health insurance for employees who work less than 30 hours per week and, the unions charge, are systematically reducing hours for many workers below the 30hour threshold. “There has been literally no significant resolution of these issues,” Geiger said. “Everything that was on the table is still on the table. And it’s all bad.” Geiger told SGN that in strike vote meetings at several Puget Sound locations “there was palpable anger at the level of disrespect” revealed in the employers’ proposals. “Unless things change drastically, there will be a lot of pressure [from UFCW members] for a strike,” Geiger said. “And there’s not a huge amount of time left.”
cides to call a strike, they must give employers 72 hours notice. Then the work stoppage can begin. Since only stores belonging to the Big Three will be affected, shoppers who wish
to shop union will still be able to do so at many other places. A complete list of local stores where employees are represented by UFCW 21 is available at http://www. ufcw21.org/know/shop-union#grocery.
new jersey
judges
continued from cover
continued from cover
ly how many at this point. We’re some time since 2007. He also has served as an adjunct lecturer in law with the Cleveland-Marshall away from that vote actually happening.” College of Law and as an instructor for Duke University’s writing program. MUTUAL RESPECT Hughes received his A.B. from Harvard O’Scanlon said Christie had been aware of his position, but that other Republicans College in 1989 and completed a joint dehad not known that he supported equal mar- gree program with Duke University, earning riage. He denied that Christie pressured him both his J.D. with honors and his M.A. in English in 1992. on the marriage issue, however. In the case of Judge Thomas, Rubio said “I have never had untoward pressure put on me, contrary to the reputation of this he had withdrawn support for the nominagovernor, to change a position,” he said. tion because he disapproved of Thomas’s “On Gay marriage, he has his position and I handling of two criminal cases. Senate prohave mine. We respect each other. I have not tocol says that both senators from a nomigotten a call from anybody in the adminis- nee’s state must support the nomination, so Thomas is now blocked from the federal tration on this.” The second Republican Assembly mem- bench unless Rubio can be persuaded to ber, Holly Schepisi, said the Supreme Court change his mind. ruling in June that struck down DOMA The other senator from Florida, Democrat had convinced her of the need for marriage Bill Nelson, is a strong supporter of Thomas’s nomination. equality in New Jersey. “I strongly support the governor. I probRACIAL DISPARITY ably agree with him 90 percent of the time. The Congressional Black Caucus has There’s no human being in the world I’m going to agree with 100 percent of the time. been critical of Republicans in Congress This is one of the times where we have dif- who are holding up judicial nominations, including for a number of African American ferent views,” Schepisi said. Democrats did not say why they planned judges. The group said that out of 787 fedto wait till after the November elections to eral judgeships, only 95 are held by Blacks. “That is a slender reed for Senator Rubio attempt to override the governor’s veto, but they may prefer that marriage equality not to hang this on,” said Rep. Alcee Hastings become an issue at the ballot box. Christie is (D-FL), referring to Rubio’s issues with the up for re-election this year and is currently two court cases. “Decisions in this country polling well ahead of his Democratic rival. need to be made by females and Latinos and All of the state’s Assembly seats and half Asians and Blacks.” “As much as I would like to think that polthe Senate seats are also up for election. Christie has said he prefers that the mar- itics has nothing to do with this, it looks as riage issue go before New Jersey voters in a if it does,” said Yolanda Strader, president of Miami’s largest association for Black referendum. lawyers, who called Judge Thomas one of the hardest-working on the bench. “It would COURT RULING AWAITED Same-sex couples are also challenging the be unfair to prevent a well-qualified judicial state’s ban on equal marriage in court. New nominee from proceeding with the nominaJersey Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson tion process because he is an openly Gay has said she might rule on the case as early Black male.” Strader said the group has started an inas this month, but no decision had been anformation campaign on social media and is nounced as SGN went to press. The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled considering an online petition to help move in 2006 that the state must treat same-sex the nomination forward. Six of the seven openly Gay district court couples the same as married opposite-sex spouses, prompting the legislature to pass judges now serving were appointed by Presa civil union law that was then signed by ident Obama. The seventh, Deborah Batts, in New York’s Southern District, achieved Democratic Gov. John Corzine. senior status in April 2012.
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September 27, 2013
Celebrating 40 Years!
national news
President Bush attends same-sex wedding Former first couple George H.W. and Barbara Bush attended and witnessed the wedding of two friends in a same-sex ceremony in Maine last weekend, reports Abby Phillip of ABC News.
“As Nancy Sosa, our officiant, said, ‘God did not make a love that is wrong.’ If we can make a difference in the world with our wedding and marriage, we are thrilled,” she added.
Bonnie Clement and Helen Thorgalsen, co-owners of the HB Provisions general store in Kennebunk, hosted the former president at their nuptials, where he served as an official witness. Thorgalsen posted a photo of Bush signing the marriage license on Facebook over the weekend. The elder President Bush, unlike his son George W. Bush, has not declared his position on marriage equality. “They were private citizens attending a private ceremony for two friends,” said Bush spokesman Jim McGrath. Same-sex marriage in Maine was legalized by voters in November 2012 and took effect the following month.
Georgia officials reject newlyweds’ name change request
susan biddle
Bonnie Clement and Helen Thorgalsen, co-owners of the HB Provisions general store in Kennebunk, hosted the former president at their nuptials, where he served as an official witness. “This has been a wonderful wedding experience for us and we were honored to have President and Mrs. Bush not only in attendance but also happy to sign our license,” said Thorgalsen, who currently is with Clement on their honeymoon in London.
(l-r) George H.W. Bush, Bonnie Clement, Helen Thorgalsen, and Barbara Bush
Shak and I can change our passports, Social Security ID cards, and credit cards, and even file joint tax returns. It just doesn’t make sense that we can do all these things,
but we can’t have the same last name on our driver’s licenses!” Check out the petition at http://www. change.org/DMVdiscrimination.
Shakira McCollum-Tucker via Instagram
Shakira Tucker (l) and Danielle McCollum
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Even in post-DOMA America, LGBT couples are still fighting to have their relationships recognized. One such couple, Danielle McCollum and Shakira Tucker, got married in Massachusetts this summer. Upon returning home to Atlanta, the two women wanted to share their last names and start their new life as a family. Shakira was able to change her name on her driver’s license using their marriage certificate from Massachusetts with no issue. But when Danielle went to the same
Department of Driver Services office and showed the same marriage certificate, she was turned away. After facing rejection from her home state, Danielle launched a campaign on Change.org asking the Georgia DDS to let married same-sex couples change their last names on driver’s licenses. “There are thousands of married samesex couples like me and Shak living in states where our marriages are illegal – and we must keep working until all same-sex couples have equal rights and protections,” said Danielle. “Because the Supreme Court overruled the Defense of Marriage Act,
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GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT – GHOSTS IN GASLIGHT, MONSTERS IN STEAM On Friday, September 27, from 7-8:30 p.m., Gay City (517 E. Pike St.), will host the Gay City Anthologies Vol. 5 Ghosts in Gaslight, Monsters in Steam Launch Party. In this anthology, two dozen top-notch writers, poets and artists extend their creative claws and bare their fearsome fangs to thrill readers with this exciting new collection of LGBT inspired monster tales, ghost stories, steampunk adventures and gaslight thrillers. www.gaycity.org. GAY CITY ARTS – “FURRYSEXYMANBOYS” Gay City Arts (517 E. Pike St.) presents “FurrySexyManBoys,” an exhibition of work by Jesse Dyer thru October 7. Mixing comic books, raunchy armpits, with a bit of drag queen, Jesse Dyer boldly approaches his graphic and often humorous drawings of men. He is next in line with UK’s Mike Bliss, Tom of Finland, and comic legend, Patrick Fillion. www.gaycity.org. NORTHWEST FILM FORUM – “LOCAL SIGHTINGS” FILM FESTIVAL SEPT. 27-OCT. 3 www.nwfilmforum.org. SKETCHFEST 2013 THRU SEPTEMBER 28 www.sketchfest.org
SEATTLE ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION – “WORLD/CITY: EXPLORING THE ARCHITECTURE OF GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS” THRU OCTOBER 13 Seattle Architecture Foundation (1201 2nd Ave. at Seneca St.) presents “World/ City: Exploring the Architecture of Global Relationships,” Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., through Sunday, October 13. Experience architecture models, 2D renderings, digital imagery and visual art which represents how local design and architecture are linked to global issues and contexts. Architecture and design professionals are creating and producing on an international stage. Inspiration, ideas, and strategies are dispersed and exchanged instantaneously, facilitated in part by our always connected digital technologies and an economy increasingly driven by global emerging markets. Seattle Architecture Foundation’s 16th Annual Exhibit, “World/City,” explores the global cross pollination of design, international projects, the built environment’s role in world-wide environmental stewardship, and design’s role in promoting well-being in increasingly dense and diverse urban centers. www.seattlearchitecture.org. LIFELONG AIDS ALLIANCE – SEATTLE AIDS WALK AND 5K RUN On Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m.-12 noon, at Volunteer Park (14th Ave. E. & E. Prospect St.), join Lifelong AIDS Alliance to benefit HIV/AIDS prevention and care. www.SeattleAIDSwalk.org.
rennials), Foliage Gardens (ferns, ferns and more ferns), Madrona Nursery (perennials and native plants), and Tadpole Haven (lowland native plants). Plant purchases help support the Arboretum and are tax-free on the day of the sale. www.arboretumfoundation.org.
SEATTLE CENTER FESTAL – THE ITALIAN FESTIVAL On Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, September 29, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at Seattle Center Armory, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion, enjoy live performances, audio-visual arts, foods, hands-on activities, games and a lively marketplace exploring the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Italy and Italian-Americans in the Pacific Northwest. A “celebration of all things Italian,” The Italian Festival offers Sicilian puppet theatre, Italian films, a grape-stomping contest and bocce ball tournament to honor the “old country.” Highlights: Mbrascatu, a five-piece, Italian-inspired world-music group from Portland, leads an all-ages concert and dance on Saturday, at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, at 2 p.m., Burmer Music presents “Dante’s Inferno – The Ballet,” Dante Alighieri’s classic journey through the nine levels of Hell, in a sneak preview of this dramatic new ballet. The Italian Festival is produced in partnership with Festa Italiana. www.festaseattle.com. FREE. SEATTLE QUAKE RUGBY – “RUGBY IS A DRAG” On Saturday, September 28, doors at 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m., at Neighbours (1509 Broadway), join the Seattle Quake Rugby team and special guest hostess Gaysha Starr for Seattle Quake Rugby’s annual “Rugby is a Drag” fundraiser. Quake Ruggers will remove their cleats and scrum caps for high heels and wigs to raise money for Lifelong AIDS Alliance and Seattle Quake Rugby. $10 suggested donation. And bring your dollar bills to tip the performers. www. quakerugby.org. NORTHWEST AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM – “BEARING WITNESS FROM ANOTHER PLACE: JAMES BALDWIN IN TURKEY” THRU SEPTEMBER 29 The Northwest African American Museum (2300 S. Massachusetts St.), presents “Bearing Witness from Another Place: James Baldwin in Turkey” through Sunday, September 29. Baldwin, a self-described “witness” of the civil rights movement, found refuge in Turkey during the turbulent 1960s. This exhibit features Sedat Pakay’s piercingly candid photographs, which provide a private window into the life of a very public figure whose influence still resonates twenty-five years after his death. Museum hours are Wed. & Fri., 11 a.m.4:30 p.m., Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun., 12 noon-4 p.m. Admission: adults - $6; students/seniors - $4; children 5 and under - free; FREE admission first and second Thursdays. www.naamnw. org.
WASHINGTON PARK ARBORETUM – DECIBEL FESTIVAL FALL ABUNDANCE PLANT SALE THRU SEPTEMBER 29 On Saturday, September 28, from 10 Celebrating 10 years of electronic music a.m.-2 p.m., at the Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum (2300 Arbo- performance and visual art. www.dbfestiretum Dr. E.), shop for trees, shrubs, and val.com perennials, including many unusual species ARTS CRUSH and varieties! Featuring the Arboretum’s OCTOBER 1-31 Pat Calvert Greenhouse (15% off inventory) www.artscrush.org. and Plant Donations Nursery, plus these great local vendors: Botanica (unusual pe-
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MISS U.T.O.P.I.A. SEATTLE PAGEANT – “A POLYNESIAN ODYSSEY” On Saturday, October 5, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., at Highline Performing Arts Center (401 S. 152nd St., Burien), the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance (Seattle) presents the 4th annual Miss U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle beauty pageant, Seattle’s most anticipated pageant of the year. Sail away and feel the magic of Polynesia as reigning Miss U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle Marion Malena presents “A Polynesian Odyssey.” Hosts Lady of Polynesia Tiare Fidow and Songbird of the Islands Chase Silva will open the evening with a theatrical tribute to Polynesian culture. The pageant will feature SEATTLE VOLLEYBALL CLUB contestants competing in extravagant Island FALL 2013 SEASON fantasy costumes, tropical swimsuits, exwww.seattlevolleyball.com citing talents, glamourous evening gowns, closing with an on-stage contestant Q&A. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN The evening will also include show-stopBOOK CLUB – ping performances from some of Seattle’s ROUGH MUSIC The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club finest drag showgirl entertainers. Tickets: meets every Wednesday from 6-7:15 p.m., $10 advance; $20 at the door. http://missuat Seattle Area Support Groups Community topiasea.bpt.me; www.brownpapertickets. Center (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). com/event/446855; www.facebook.com/ utopiaseattle In October, the club will discuss Rough Music by British author Patrick NORTHWEST NETWORK – Gale. (November will be The Two Hotel “ROAD TRIP!” Francforts, a new novel by David Leavitt.) FOOD TRUCK BRUNCH All GLBTQ folks are welcome to parOn Sunday, October 6, from 11 a.m.-1 ticipate in this FREE book club. For more information, visit http://faculty.washington. p.m., at Repair Revolution in SODO (2437 6th Ave. S.), join Northwest Network in celedu/swittet/SGLBookClub/. ebrating their work “on the road!” Through webinars, traveling technical assistance, in“THE ENGENDERING PROJECT” On Friday/Saturday, October 4 and 5, ternational visitors and our local advocacy, at 8 p.m., at Velocity Dance Center (1621 we’re extending our reach locally, region12th Ave.), Joan Laage presents “The En- ally and nationally. Please join us for a day gendering Project: Casting Shadows.” Di- of celebrating the road trip! Truck food, tailrected by Joan Laage (Kogut Butoh), “The gate coffee and much, much more! FeaturEngendering Project” emerged out of in- ing Marination Station. $50 advance; $65 vestigating how gender fluidity and trans- at the door. Mark you calendars and join us formation have continued to shape the art- for our annual community party! 206-568ist’s work over the past two decades. Joan’s 7777; dawn@nwnetwork.org; www.nwnetcollaborators are Kaoru Okumura (video work.org. and photography) and an electric string trio MEN IN DANCE – MASTER CLASS directed by Jackie An with Doris Bartha On Sunday, October 6, from 1 p.m.and Emily Price. Tickets: $12/$15. www. 4 p.m., at the University of Washington brownpapertickets.com/event/459485. On Sunday, October 6, from 5-6:30 p.m., Dance Studios, Men in Dance presents a at Velocity Dance Center (1621 12th Ave.), dance workshop for boys and men (boys join director/performer Joan Laage (Kogut ages 8-18, and men of any range of dance Butoh), her project collaborators Kaoru experience). The boys will work with one Okumura and Jackie An, and invited guests teacher, while the men work with another Michelle Miller and Douglas Ridings for for an hour. Then for the second hour, they “The Engendering Project: Ever Between- will swap teachers for another dance exing,” a roundtable discussion hosted by Ve- perience. For the last hour, the groups will locity’s Tonya Lockyer focused on gender come together to put into practice the tools fluidity and transformation in the creative learned in each session and create a group performance. arts. Cost: donation. Cost is $25. (Group rate is $5 off for www.daipanbutoh.com groups of 5 or more.) $10 to observe. For more information, visit www.meninMUSIC OF REMEMBRANCE – SPARKS OF GLORY: dance.org. “VOICES OF THE HEART” On Saturday, October 5, at 2 p.m., at SEATTLE Seattle Art Museum, Pletscheeff AuditoLESBIAN & GAY rium (1st Ave. & University St.), Music of FILM FESTIVAL Remembrance presents a free community OCTOBER 10-20 concert featuring works by Laszlo Weiner, www.threedollarbillcinema.org Marc Lavry, Erwin Schulhoff and Osvaldo Golijob. MOR’s Artistic Director Mina PEOPLE’S MEMORIAL Miller introduces the concert with commenEND-OF-LIFE PLANNING tary that links the music with the museum’s WORKSHOP current exhibit “In a Silent Way,” a deeplyOn Saturday, October 12, from 1:30moving reflection on African-American 4:30 p.m., at Seattle First Baptist Church identities and histories. Miller examines (1111 Harvard Ave.), People’s Memorial how music, as well, can express struggles hosts a special program for the LGBTQ between continuity and assimilation during community to help you get your affairs in times of conflict and persecution. www.mu- order. This free workshop will include presicofremembrance.org. sentations on legal, financial, and final arrangement planning. Learn how to make sure your wishes are carried out at the end of your life. RSVP to 206-325-0489 or info@ peoplesmemorial.org. www.peoplesmemorial.org; www.funeralinformation.org. NORTHWEST NETWORK – RELATIONSHIP SKILLS CLASS On Wednesdays, Oct. 2-Nov. 13, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., the Northwest Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse presents their fall Relationship Skills Class. Get the skills you need for the relationships you want. Topics include: values & culture, accountability, naming and setting boundaries, strengthening support networks, and more! To register, call DeAnn at 206-5687777 or email deann@nwnetwork.org. Suggested donation: $90 – but no one turned away for lack of funds. www.nwnetwork. org.
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international news
Toward an LGBTfriendly China Asian group launches guide to foster inclusivity in business by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A new guide to help Chinese business people understand the needs of their LGBT employees has been launched by the Asian nonprofit Community Business. The guide will be available in a bilingual English and Simplified Chinese version. Titled “Creating Inclusive Workplaces for LGBT Employees in China,” the resource guide was created with participation from IBM and Goldman Sachs, two international corporations with a reputation for supporting their LGBT employees. The guide will be formally launched in Shanghai at an October 14 event hosted by the two companies. The new guide offers recommendations on how companies can create LGBT-inclusive workplaces, highlights international “best practices,” and provides the cultural and legal context of LGBT issues in China. FEW ARE OUT AT WORK Community Business said in a statement that diversity and inclusion in the workplace are a “new frontier” in China but “the search for harmony among differences” is not. “Leading companies in China are beginning to understand the benefits that an inclusive environment can bring to productivity, employee engagement, attraction and retention of the best talent, and, ultimately, business performance,” the Community Business statement said. According to the group, the subject of sexual orientation and gender identity has largely been overlooked in China. “Faced with immense pressure caused by traditional family values and notions of
filial piety, very few LGBT individuals are open about their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Community Business said, “whilst most people consider this topic too sensitive and private to discuss openly. For most companies in China, LGBT is simply not on their agenda.” CHANGING THE ATMOSPHERE But the group says the potential for improvement in China is immense. “As companies in China continue to operate and compete in a globalized and interconnected world, the need for companies to distinguish themselves as industry leaders means that there is an increasing need for driving innovation, diversity of thought, and better corporate governance,” Community Business CEO Fern Ngai said. “Creating a workplace that is free from bias [and] stigma, and where all employees, including LGBT employees, can bring their full selves to work, is good for creativity, innovation, and ultimately a company’s bottom line.” In preparing the guide, Community Business set up a group of experts on LGBT issues in China and enlisted the support of groups including the Aibai Culture and Education Center, the Beijing Gender Health Education Institute, the Beijing LGBT Center, the British Council, Common Language, the Health Governance Initiative, Nvai, PFLAG China, and UNAIDS. Community Business also talked with corporate executives to determine what issues mattered to their LGBT employees in China. “Through working with a vibrant group of local LGBT organizations and the enthu-
siasm shown by the corporate participants in our stakeholder engagement sessions in Beijing and Shanghai, we see the enormous potential for China to treat LGBT individuals with respect, openness, and equality,” Community Business senior program manager and co-author of the guide Amanda Yik said. CRITICAL FOR SUCCESS “In this process of change, companies have a critical role to play by creating an inclusive workplace for LGBT employees. This resource guide is designed to both educate companies about the Chinese context but also gives some clear recommendations on how they can go about doing that.” Goldman Sachs’ Director of Greater China Research and Diversity Champion for China Kelvin Koh said it was vital that Chinese businesses make the most of LGBT
employees by giving them the best environment to perform in. “There is a clear business case to be made for companies to be more inclusive and LGBT-friendly. Studies have shown that LGBT employees are more productive and more committed to their work in an inclusive environment,” Koh said, “We hope this guide will help companies learn from some of the best practices already in place. “It is crucial for China as a growing and emerging economy to fully explore the potential of its LGBT population and for companies to have inclusive policies that enable their employees to bring their whole selves to work. We firmly believe that creating an inclusive environment for people in all aspects of society is critical to the success of China.”
Not so ‘liberal’ after all? Pope Francis excommunicates Gay-friendly Australian priest
about in an almost medieval fashion. Reynolds was the target of a secret denunciation brought to the Congregation for the DocIn a move at odds with his image as a more trine of the Faith, the church’s watchdog open and liberal pope than his predecessor, commission once headed by former Pope Pope Francis has authorized the excommu- Benedict XVI when he was merely Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. nication of a pro-Gay Australian priest. “I am very surprised that this order has PERFORMED GAY WEDDINGS come under his watch – it seems so inconReynolds told NCR that he believes he sistent with everything else he has said and done,” Fr. Greg Reynolds told the National was excommunicated because of his supCatholic Reporter (NCR), an American port for Gay Catholics. He has officiated at mass weddings for Catholic journal. Excommunication is the most severe pen- Gay and Lesbian couples, an act which alty in the Roman Catholic Church, and it would be contrary to church doctrine. Reynmeans an individual can no longer partici- olds says the weddings were “unofficial,” pate in the sacraments or worship ceremo- and not intended to convey the church’s nies. For a priest to be excommunicated blessings. In 2010, Reynolds preached a sermon means that he loses all his priestly authority. Reynolds was informed of the excom- supporting the ordination of women, anmunication in an official letter from the other violation of church doctrine. He then Vatican. According to Reynolds, the let- founded a group called Inclusive Catholics ter accused him of heresy and claimed he for people who also support women’s ordihad violated the sacrament of the Eucharist nation and same-sex marriage. In 2011 he resigned as a priest in the Arch(holy communion), but gave no explanation of when or where he had committed these diocese of Melbourne but continued to administer sacraments and counsel Catholics. offenses. According to The Age, an Australian busi- According to Catholic teaching, the sacraness journal, the excommunication came ments he administered were valid because by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
September 27, 2013
Angela Wylie / The Age
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Father Greg Reynolds
he had not renounced his vows as a priest, but his actions were contrary to canon law. Excommunications usually are initiated by local Catholic officials, but they must be approved by the pope. The process takes a long time, and Reynolds’s excommunication was undoubtedly in the works before Francis took office, but in such a high-pro-
file case, the pontiff would surely make the final call. “I still love the church and am committed to it,” Reynolds told The Standard, an Australian newspaper, adding that he was trying “to help highlight some of [the church’s] failing and limitations.”
Celebrating 40 Years!
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Who are Al-Shabaab? Group behind Kenya mall massacre has a violent anti-Gay history
Nichole Sobecki / AFP / Getty Images
For years Minnesota has been the center of a federal investigation into the recruiting of fighters for Al-Shabaab. Authorities say about two dozen young men have left Minnesota since 2007 to join the group. According to a count by the New America Foundation, 22 residents of Minnesota have funded or fought alongside Al-Shabaab during the past four years. Three of them provided
29, 2011. Some of the young men who volunteered to fight in Somalia had grown up in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, where Somali-American family incomes averaged less than $15,000 a year, and the unemployment rate was 17%, making it one of the poorest places in the United States.
The Westgate Mall incident marks the deadliest terrorist attack in Kenya since the 1998 al-Qaida truck bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, which killed more than 200 people. Al-Shabaab as also found supporters in funds to Al-Shabaab, and 19 have been indicted for traveling to fight in Somalia or places as diverse as St. Louis, San Diego, and Maryland. have died in the war there. Minnesota’s Somali community is the THE SEATTLE CONNECTION largest in the U.S. The FBI reports that Al-Shabaab has recruited from Seattle, as well. AMERICAN JIHADISTS A former Seattle resident, 18-year-old Some 15 Americans have died fighting for Al-Shabaab, as many as four of them as sui- Omar Mohamud, is suspected as a fourth cide bombers in Somalia, and an American American suicide attacker in Somalia. On
Civilians being evacuated from Nairobi’s Westgate mall on September 21, 2013
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Many Americans had never heard of AlShabaab, the Somali terrorist group linked to Al-Qaida that went on a shooting spree in Nairobi, Kenya’s Westgate Mall on September 21. More than 70 people were killed, among them women and children, and nearly 200 injured during the attack by the militant group in and around the upscale mall. Carrying out a massacre such as this will get you known for sure. And so it went – AlShabaab and pictures and video of the carnage inside the Westgate Mall dominated news coverage from around the world for four days. Al-Shabaab is now a household name. The group posted a statement on its official Twitter feed shortly after the attacks, saying the deaths were retribution for Kenya sending soldiers to Somalia in 2011 to fight Islamic insurgents. Al-Shabaab said the battlefield would now be in Kenya – a threat that rang true on Saturday when the terrorist group open fired on civilians inside the busy shopping mall. The victims hailed from countries around the world, including England, Peru, Australia, and Canada. As many as 63 people are still unaccounted for. Only five American citizens were injured, U.S. officials said. Kenyan forces killed five terrorists, and 11 others are in custody over possible links to the attacks, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said, adding that six Kenyan security officers died in the four-day attack and rescue effort. It was not clear if all the attackers had been accounted for, or if some were able to slip out in the chaos. A senior Kenyan official said forces drove two attackers trying to escape by car back inside the mall, but it’s unclear if any others might have been able to elude authorities early in the crisis. U.S. CITIZENS INVOLVED? What is also unclear is whether or not Americans were involved in the attack. U.S. security and law enforcement personnel are pressing for access to the mall and the bodies of the terrorists so they can begin to determine if Americans were among the attackers. Kenyan authorities have said 10 to 15 attackers were believed to be involved. Al-Shabaab, whose name means “the youth” in Arabic, previously had said Americans were involved in the attack, but that
claim has not been verified by the U.S. State Department. One attacker was Dutch and another British, Kenya State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu told CNN on Wednesday. Kenyan authorities believe attackers of “a few other nationalities” were involved. The United States, Israel, Britain, Germany, and Canada are helping in the mall forensic investigation. The militants specifically targeted nonMuslims. A senior Kenyan government official said they took “very few” people captive – the attackers were primarily out for blood. “They were not interested in hostage-taking,” the official said. “They only wanted to kill.” DEADLIEST IN 15 YEARS The Westgate Mall incident marks the deadliest terrorist attack in Kenya since the 1998 al-Qaida truck bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, which killed more than 200 people. Reports that a white woman was among the terrorists who stormed the mall have prompted media speculation about Samantha Lewthwaite, a British citizen whose husband was one of the suicide bombers in the 2005 London terror attacks. Known as the “White Widow,” Lewthwaite has been wanted by international counterterrorism officials since authorities found bombmaking materials in her Mombasa, Kenya, apartment in 2011. She vanished shortly before a raid. On September 26, Interpol issued an arrest notice for the British woman. The notice, delivered at the request of Kenya, was approved because Kenyan officials have eyed Lewthwaite as one of the key players in the terrorist attack. Whether or not any Americans played a role in the massacre in Nairobi, there is a deadly history of American support for AlShabaab. An extremist Islamic terrorist force that grew out of the anarchy that crippled Somalia after warlords ousted a longtime dictator in 1991, Al-Shabaab is estimated to have several thousand fighters. Among them are a few hundred foreign militants from the Middle East with experience in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Others are young, raw recruits from Somali communities in the United States and Europe.
Ruben Shumpert, from Seattle, was killed in Somalia in 2008
citizen even took up a leadership role in the group. Shirwa Ahmed, a 26-year-old naturalized American citizen became the first American to conduct a suicide attack when he drove a truck loaded with explosives toward a government compound in Puntland, northern Somalia, blowing himself up and killing 20 other people on October 29, 2008. He is buried in a cemetery in Burnsville, a suburb of Minneapolis. Other American suicide attackers would follow. In early June 2011, Farah Mohamed Beledi, 27, of Minneapolis detonated a bomb, becoming one of two suicide attackers responsible for killing two African Union soldiers in Somalia, according to the FBI. The third American to conduct a suicide attack was Abdisalan Hussein Ali, a 22-year-old from Minneapolis who took part in a strike on African Union troops in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on October
September 17, 2009, two stolen U.N. vehicles loaded with bombs blew up at the Mogadishu airport, killing more than a dozen African Union peacekeepers. The FBI thinks Mohamud was one of the bombers. Al-Shabaab’s support network in Seattle reached beyond the Somali-American community. Ruben Shumpert, an African American convert to Islam from Seattle, was killed in Somalia in 2008. According to the FBI, Al-Shabaab had particular success recruiting Somali-Americans to its cause after the Ethiopian army invaded Somalia in 2006, which Al-Shabaab cast as Somalia being taken over by a “crusader” army. Ethiopia is a majority Christian nation. Over the weekend, Al-Shabaab issued a list of nine names it claimed were among the attackers who carried out its deadly assault on the Westgate Mall. Al-Shabaab al-
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see al-shabaab page 19
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health and medicine
End of an era?
UN official predicts AIDS epidemic will be history by 2030 lagging behind. “If we do not succeed in controlling the epidemic among these groups, AIDS will A top UNAIDS official says the global stay with us,” Loures emphasized. AIDS epidemic could be over by 2030 because of international progress in fighting THE FIGHT MUST GO ON the disease. Bev Collins, health policy advisor at Doc“I think that 2030 is a viable target to say tors Without Borders, warned that while that we have reached the end of the epidem- there has been tremendous progress, health ic,” said Dr. Luiz Loures, a deputy execu- officials should not become complacent. tive director of UNAIDS, the UN agency “Huge leaps forward have been made leading the fight against HIV/AIDS. to make sure that millions of people “HIV will continue existing as a case here – especially in the developing or there but not at the epidemic level we world – can access lifesavhave today,” he told reporters on September ing HIV treatment at an 18. affordable price,” she According to a new UNAIDS report, the said. world is “closing in” on its Millennium De“But this is no velopment Goals to stop and reverse the time for comAIDS epidemic by 2015. p l a c e n c y. We need to INFECTION RATES FALLING According to the agency, the annual incidence of new infections has fallen 20% over by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
“I think that 2030 is a viable target to say that we have reached the end of the epidemic. HIV will continue existing as a case here or there but not at the epidemic level we have today.” the past decade, and in 25 countries, including 13 in sub-Saharan Africa where the epidemic was once considered out of control, it has fallen by 50%. The number of new HIV infections has fallen by a third since 2001 to 2.3 million. Among children, the drop was even steeper. In 2001 there were more than half a million new infections. By 2012 the figure had halved to just over a quarter of a million. Over the past two years, the number of people who have obtained treatment for HIV has increased by 60%. By the end of 2012 almost 10 million people in low and middle-income countries, including South Africa, Uganda, and India, were accessing antiretroviral therapy, according to the report. The improved access is being attributed to drugs being more affordable and available in communities, as well as more people coming forward for help. Two decades ago, the average annual cost of treatment per person with HIV was $19,000, while today it is $150, thanks to generic drugs.
keep on rolling out access to better treatment strategies, expanding access to accurate, costeffective testing and to care.”
EARLY TREATMENT WORKS People with HIV are also getting treatment earlier, which retards the disease’s development. Consequently, death rates fell from 2.3 million during the peak of the epidemic in 2005 to 1.6 million last year, says UNAIDS. “We can get to the end of the epidemic because we have treatments and ways to control the infection,” Loures, in Panama to discuss AIDS strategy with UN agencies in Latin America, said. “We are making progress, without a doubt.” “The challenge is now for the most vulnerable groups,” like Gay men, sex workers, and drug users who do not seek treatment for fear of being stigmatized or criminally prosecuted, Loures added. The report found that HIV services for these groups are still
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the body language project
Body language: What are we saying? Learn to send the right nonverbal signals to keep yourself safe by Mac McGregor Special to the SGN Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of articles on personal self-defense. In this installment of my series on safety and self-defense I am going to talk about the details of the messages we give off in nonverbal communication. Body language is the partly conscious, partly unconscious emission and interpretation of one’s feelings, emotions, and intentions through
or not this person is closed off to the situation, I would also look at their distance in relation to those they are talking with, as well as their posture and facial expressions. It is called context. Crossed arms, crossed legs, frowning, and clenched fists would definitely mark a person as defensive and hostile. Criminals and con artists of every type look for people who they qualify as easier targets. They want to choose someone they can intimidate and instill fear in and who
Criminals and con artists of every type look for people who they qualify as easier targets. They want to choose someone they can intimidate and instill fear in and who is not a con man’s daily work depends on this skill we are confident and grounded includes: to continue. • Making eye contact likely to cause a scene. body positioning, posture, facial and eye expressions, and positioning in relation to other bodies and objects. These interpretations and emissions may or may not match a person’s spoken words. Interpreting body language is a complicated science. It is believed that the human body is capable of producing 700,000 different movements. The hands and face send more body language signals then any other parts of the body. The general guideline in reading body language is to never make a judgment on one thing alone – look for other signs to give it validity. For instance, most people have heard that when a person stands with their arms folded it can mean they are closed off to the conversation or person they are talking with, but it can also mean simply that they are cold. If I wanted to verify whether
is not likely to cause a scene. How does a person say nonverbally that they could be easily intimidated, you may ask? They can signal a lack of confidence by these factors: • Not making eye contact with others • Head tipped lower • Shoulders forward and inward • Gestures that are very small and inward • Keeping more than average distance from those one is talking with • A stiffness in one’s body Observing how a person reacts when approached by others will give a great deal of information about the person’s level of confidence and how well they do or do not know the person approaching them. Good con men have learned to hone this skill of reading these nonverbal cues. This is a skill that would benefit us all in work, in our relationships, and in relation to our safety, but
Kiki with D Anarchy in the USA?
spiritual growth. So, I’m wondering what my next step should be. At what point should I just cut my losses and save myself the Dear D, One of my oldest and dearest friends and trouble? – Trying to Be a Saint, I have had a series of fallouts over the past but I’m No Angel couple of years, and every time we try to put Dear Trying, the past behind us and move forward like I admire your courage in askthe brothers we’ve always been, some small ing for advice. It is clear to me difference of opinion turns into chaos and that you are a good friend with an anarchy. He says that I don’t make time for him, even better heart. You value your that I’m bossy, self-centered, controlling, friendship enough to seek help. First, I am wondering if you have and an asshole, and if I engage in conversatalked to him about this situation and tion with anyone other than him when we’re out in public – even a simple “I’m good, explained to him how what he does makes you feel. Sometimes we feel that just how are you?” – it seems to piss him off. Alternatively, I’m starting to feel like I’ve because we have history with a person, that gone from being a friend to a nemesis. Try- person is meant to be in our lives forever. ing to talk to him is like playing hopscotch People are meant to be in our lives for a reason and/or a season. Life comes in seasons. on a floor full of bear traps. Currently, I am going through a transi- What it sounds like to me is that you are in tion and transformation into ministry. This a new season. When we change seasons we is causing problems in my spirit and with my have to make changes in our lives accordby D Smith SGN Contributing Writer
IT TAKES PRACTICE The ability to walk in the world and project confidence is much easier for those who are naturally extroverts, but it is literally a lifesaving skill for all. I suggest beginning by becoming keenly aware of your own body language. Begin paying attention to your natural reactions in everyday interactions with others. Ask, what does that say to others about me? If you have a best friend or partner you can talk about this with and give one another feedback, this can be a bonding exercise to go through together. For a week, decide that you and your chosen partner in this are going to pay close attention to one another’s body language and give one another feedback about what sense one got from the other’s nonverbal communication. It can be fun, make one feel vulnerable, create growth and bonding, and be very enlightening. Body language we all want to emit to say
• Head up • Shoulders high and back • Engaging with others and the world in general • Standing reasonably close to those one is talking with • A relaxed posture, appearing comfortable in one’s body In conclusion, it is of utmost importance to all of our safety that we become more aware of the messages we give off with our nonverbal communication. Each day you step outside your home, think of exuding confidence. You can also consciously look at the body language of others and see what you pick up from them to help you practice your awareness. Most people go through life unaware of their body language, yet body language affects not only our safety but our careers and our relationships. It is well worth taking the time to study nonverbal communication.
ing to the season we are in, to accommodate your friendship (the way you obviously do) these new changes in life. he will understand and make the necessary If you have not done so, please take the changes. Then offer to take some time apart to reassess things. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, and he might surprise you. If not, at least you have had enough time to get yourself together, love on yourself, and have peace of mind. When going through ministry we always try to be the better person and look at the brighter side of things. But when in the discernment process we must remember to protect the spiritual person just as much as the emotional one. Your emotions can play a critical part in corruption of your spirit. Again, I encourage you to talk to him and make him aware of what’s going on. Enlightenment is everything in situations like this. If you talk to him and explain everything and nothing changes, then you have to remember that self-preservation is the first law of nature. Your peace of mind has to come first. Sometimes we have to love people from a distance and let time heal all wounds. You have to love and take care of yourself before you can do anytime to talk to him and explain how you are thing for anyone else. feeling. Explain to him how his behavior Hope this helps. Stay positive and always is impacting you. Hopefully, if he values encourage yourself! – D
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al-shabaab continued from page 15
leged that three of the attackers were from the United States. The FBI is looking into whether these claims are true. What does remain true is that of all AlQaida’s affiliated groups, Al-Shabaab has over the past several years had the deepest links to the United States. ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE Like many hard-line Muslim extremist/ terrorist groups, Al-Shabaab does not view homosexuality in a positive light. In fact, the organization is responsible for deadly violence against Gay Somalis. Gay, Lesbian, and HIV-infected refugees from Somalia are facing persecution – and even the threat of death – should they return home. Refugees have been under pressure to leave accommodations in Kenya, where many also face racist discrimination, after claims the country is now significantly safer than when Al-Shabaab had control of Mogadishu. But many Gay Somalis say returning is not an option for them. “Warlords have made Somalia a death chamber for Gays and Lesbians,” Jamal, a Somali journalist, told Al-Jazeera in July. “It is against international law to force such groups back to Somalia, given the risks.” LGBTs can technically be imprisoned for
up to 14 years for same-sex conduct in Kenya, compared to three years under Somali federal law, but Al-Shabaab has enforced the death penalty against LGBTs in the areas it holds. “I have no doubt all Gays, Lesbians, HIV/ AIDS positive people and other minorities will be killed. It will be a massacre,” claimed Said Elmi, a 25-year-old taxi driver, who is fluent in kiSwahili, Kenya’s national language. He fled Bossaso, in northern Somalia, 10 years ago when a friend informed him and his partner that they were going to be arrested and prosecuted for imitating women and committing indecent acts. Elmi told Al-Jazeera that his sexual orientation was “not a secret.” DEATH BY STONING Cases such as Elmi’s are not isolated, but realities facing hundreds of refugees, doubly marginalized. Another of Elmi’s friends, a male sex worker in Nairobi’s Parklands area, said he would prefer to spend the rest of his life in a Kenyan jail than return to Somalia and the possible “death by stoning” that awaits him there. His fears aren’t unfounded. A Gay man was allegedly stoned to death as punishment for his homosexuality in Somalia on March 15. A militant official and a Somali resident confirmed Al-Shabaab fighters stoned a man for carrying out a sex act.
The resident, Yusuf Abdi, said the group buried a blindfolded man to his waist March 15, and threw stones at him until he died. A man who wished to remain unnamed told Al-Jazeera the story of his son, executed in public by Al-Shabaab for “acts of sodomy.” “My son was killed simply because he declined to join Al-Shabaab,” he said. “Nobody ever raised the matter [of his sexuality] ... or complained. He was picked up from my house [and] taken into custody.” He explained that he was summoned to watch the death sentence be carried out. “I did not attend. But all my neighbors witnessed his execution, carried out in an open space.” The father claimed he was never offered a chance to defend his son – never saw either the complainant or witnesses. Nor was he allowed to attend the case “hearing.” Islamic law is very clear: strict procedure must be observed in such serious cases. Complainants making accusations must be seen. The mental status of persons, including witnesses, juristic teams, and the offenders, must be deemed fit. Yet in Somalia, according to news reports, in less than an hour after being accused people are shot dead or stoned to death by Al-Shabaab.
dictator Siad Barre have declared the orientation “the most infamous crime.” Mrs. Fatuma, an HIV-positive single mother of three who left Nairobi in June, told Al-Jazeera, “I pray they don’t learn about my HIV-positive status. I know of a number of women who have been killed to prevent them from spreading the disease.” “I fled Dabaab camp four years ago to save my life,” said former health worker Haji. “I’m glad it was after the successful campaign to help stem the HIV prevalence – which had risen to an alarming number of more than 15,000 positive cases.” Haji said his work helped reduce cases of abortion, and saved the lives of many young girls as well as infants. But instead of praise, it earned him many enemies. “They vowed to kill me. They are in Somalia and are aware that I am alive,” said Haji, who managed to move his family to Europe and hoped soon to join them. “They will only be relieved when I am dead.” The simmering war of words between the Somali federal government and regional rebel leaders, alongside fatal clashes, has prompted many refugees to change their minds about returning to a country where peace has been elusive for more than two decades. In a particularly eerie warning from July of this year, Ali, a Somali refuOFFICIAL HOSTILITY gee in Isiolo, in northern Kenya, told AlLike everywhere else on Earth, homosex- Jazeera, “Al-Shabaab is back. They are reuality has been widely practiced for centu- grouping.” ries in Somalia. Despite this, armed gangs in the ascendency since the rise of former
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Bruises and cleats by Beau Burriola SGN Contributing Writer I remembered Nico’s warning. “He was very pretty before he played rugby, then he took that cleat to his cheek and he’s got a scar that wraps around his eye.” I was standing on the pitch with 30 guys I just met four weeks ago, watching the ball toss down the wing toward me. The noise was getting louder as the ball got closer. I won’t lie and say I loved the idea of charging into that mass, all bodies and limbs and elbows and cleats, but getting over that fear is part of why I started rugby to begin with. When the ball gets within a few feet of you and you’re a new rugby player, there is kind of a mix of determination and terror, but ultimately you throw yourself into it and try for some kind of result.
The first week of my rugby career gave me two bruises on my arm and a gash on my head. In the second practice, I took a hard tackle on my right butt cheek and got a good bruise along the right side of my butt. In the third practice, Francois stomped my right toe with his cleats and caused a red/black bruise that didn’t quite bleed openly, but made wearing my work shoes difficult. This practice, though, was all about tackling. “You go in like this and hook him with your arm, see,” a Scottish fellow called Denis was explaining to me. “Then you put your head around to his butt cheek and pull him over.” If you think about it, rugby is pretty Gay. “Hot,” Kobalt, Mike, and Jeremy all said when I told them I was trying rugby. This seems to be the general reaction you get at
first, this notion that somehow everyone will forget that you are 5-foot-7 and 130 pounds, and imagine instead that you are a huge burly machine of muscle and mass charging into the face of danger. “You have to keep your head down,” Sam, our coach, said. “If you go in with your head up, you can break your neck.” Practice is full of eye-opening statements like this – if you tackle wrong, you could break your arm or your wrist; if you fall wrong you could hurt your spine. If you twist your leg when you fall, you could destroy your knee. I decided to try the rugby team mostly because I wanted to meet the local Gay guys in a different kind of environment. The first practice really was just to see if I could handle it, but the team was so friendly and welcoming that I came back again. And again. And again. “A buddy of mine played rugby when he lived in Norway,” Paul told me, “and he hurt himself pretty bad. He walks kind of funny now.” The stories people have of rugby are enough to terrify anyone and in a place as cold as Brussels, the idea of training in the dark, wet cold every week through the winter is not very inviting. And yet all these guys keep coming back each week. “There are no kings on this team, there are no professionals,” coach Sam said. “There might be a few queens, but there are no kings!”
For me, I come back because each bruise is a little badge of honor. In my life, the times when I have really grown and learned have been those moments when I was not comfortable, when I had to test myself against precisely what I didn’t want to do so that I could feel a little more confident in what I could do. Each week at practice is a test of mettle and so far each week I am passing, if only just. If this works out, it could be just the discomfort I am looking for to grow. At the end of this fourth practice, a tackle slammed my right knee and did some damage to the ligament. I’m healing for a couple of weeks, but I’ve already decided that won’t stop me. I will ice it and rest and when I’ve healed a bit, I’m going right back again because these are just bruises and breaks and a little bit of discomfort. I don’t like charging into a tackle, but I can learn to bear it. Maybe one day I’ll learn to enjoy even that and then, after that, what could stop me? “Son, I’m now 80 years old,” my grandfather’s brother Pete said to me. “I have two bad knees, I use a hearing aid, I pee through a tube and wear glasses. But I have been married 57 years, I work every day and listen to the complaints every day and I still feel so lucky.” Beau Burriola is a Queer expat writer living in Brussels. beaubrent@gmail.com
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