Celebrating 36 Years!
Issue 36 Volume 37
FRIDAY September 4, 2009 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
SOAP pays city p. 21
Late breaking Referendum 71 news p. 4
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Murray says no to Ref. 71 certified by Secretary write-in, yes to R-71 of State for November ballot by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
shaun knittel
Sen. Ed Murray (r) and his partner Michael Shiosaki
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Senator Ed Murray announced on Tuesday, September 1, that he would not run as a write-in candidate for mayor of Seattle. The announcement first came in the form of a four-paragraph statement e-mailed to reporters at 9:00 a.m. By Tuesday afternoon, what Murray’s media consultant called “the incredible response” to his announcement induced Murray to
call a face-to-face press conference at Cal Anderson Park. “I thought I could get away with a little press release on e-mail,” he grinned as he approached the gathered reporters. “I was looking at the challenge of getting 100,000 people to write in my name,” Murray explained, “and it just didn’t seem realistic.” “I’d love to be mayor,” Murray see ed murray page 19
On September 2, Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed certified Referendum 71 to the November 3 General Election statewide ballot. After weeks of signaturechecking, litigation, and speculation, it’s official: Voters will decide the fate of a newly adopted state law that gives registered same-sex domestic partners the same rights and responsibilities as married couples. BY THE NUMBERS To qualify for the ballot, Protect Marriage Washington had to have 120,577 valid signatures from registered Washington voters. On July 25, the organization turned in 137,881 signatures to the Secretary of State’s office on approximately 9,359 petition sheets. On September 2, the final day of checking, 122,007 signatures were accepted, 1,430 more than the minimum required, putting the overall error of rejected signatures at 11.51%, the third lowest in the past 20 years. State elections officials said the error rate on referendum signatures is historically 18%. The down-to-the-wire sig-
nature check and double-checks of R-71 petition signatures had been described as possibly the narrowest margin ever for a measure winning a ballot spot, according to Elections Director Nick Handy. In a brief ceremony at the State Elections Division headquarters near the Capitol, Secretary Reed signed paperwork certifying R-71 a November ballot spot. Reed thanked the crew of signaturecheckers, calling their month-long effort “a huge, huge job, particularly tough,” with intense daily scrutiny. The certification by Reed sets
in motion the printing of a voters’ pamphlet and county ballots that include R-71. By law, the voters’ pamphlet is required to carry every single word of the legislation, a total of 37 pages of text. APPROVE REFERENDUM 71 CAMPAIGN Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST), the organization leading the fight to maintain the state’s domestic partnership
see ref. 71 page 16
SGN Exclusive Interview National Equality March Rea Carey, Director, National to take place in October Gay & Lesbian Task Force courtesy L.A. Progressive
Rea Carey
by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is the nation’s first grassroots organization which advocates LGBT initiatives and legislation. The Task Force’s executive director, Rea Carey, is an important leader in the fight for equality for LGBT persons. Carey believes this is a pivotal and exciting time in the Gay movement’s history. Citing victories and losses as to why she thinks our community needs to continue to fight for equal rights, the 19-year veteran of LGBT advocacy spoke with SGN by Shaun Knittel about the state of the Gay move- SGN Staff Writer ment, the Obama administration, The October 10-11 National and the resilience of the TransgenEquality March on Washington, der community. D.C. is scheduled to take place in a Shaun Knittel: The National little over 30 days. As the date apGay and Lesbian Task Force re- proaches, support for the national cently won a victory by allowing march on Washington is building, Gay and Lesbian families to be with 140 prominent LGBT leaders and allies publicly endorsing see ngltf page 18 the event, which seeks equal pro-
tection in all matters governed by law in all 50 states. The list of supporters includes strategists, media figures, elected officials and community activists, to name a few. Gay activist and LGBT advocate Cleve Jones and the team organizing the event, Equality Across America, see the community’s struggle for equality as a civil see march page 17
Volunteers needed we need your help. Washington Families Standing Together is hosting phone banks out of the Equal Rights Washington Office in Seattle, every Monday thru Thursday. Many shifts are available, so please consider donating your time to make a difference in the lives of thousands of families across the state. Log on to: www.approve71.org for more details.
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September 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
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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
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BREAKING NEWS: Ref. 71 state & federal lawsuits by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer As SGN goes to press, new legal actions centered on Referendum 71 are unfolding in state and federal courts. On Thursday, September 3, Washington Families Standing Together refiled its suit seeking to block Referendum 71 from making the November ballot in a Thurston County Superior Court. King County Superior Court Judge Julie Spector ruled on Wednesday that the suit, which had originally come to her court, should be refiled in Thurston County. Spector declined to stop the Secretary of State from certifying the referendum – which he did the same day – but she also expressed serious concerns that the Secretary of State
had accepted signatures that were not in compliance with state law. Washington Families Standing Together Chair Anne Levinson told SGN Thursday, “We are not litigating for the sake of litigating. It’s important to a lot of people that the initiative process is conducted accurately and in compliance with the law.” The Washington Families suit alleges that the Secretary of State incorrectly accepted petitions that were not signed by the signature gatherer; that he accepted signatures of people not registered to vote at the time they signed; and that he accepted signatures that did not match voter signatures on the registration forms. About 35,000 signatures at are issue, far more than the 1,430 signature margin by which Referendum 71 qualified for the No-
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vember ballot. The filing says that Washington Families is “particularly troubled by these issues given that they arise in the context of an effort by [Protect Marriage Washington] and affiliated special interest groups to deny basic civil rights to citizens of Washington.” “These issues rose to a level of significant concern,” Levinson said. “We need to have those issues addressed so that we don’t miss a beat as the campaign goes forward.” In another Referendum 71 lawsuit, US District Court Judge Benjamin Settle granted Washington Families’ motion to intervene in a suit to make the names of petition signers public. Settle ruled that names could be released to Washington Families, but will otherwise remain sealed until his final decision in the case on September 10. The names had been sought by Gay blogger Brian Murphy, who wanted to post them on the WhoSigned.org site. Washington Families intervened on the basis “that there was a public policy interest in making the signatures available,” according to Levinson. Levinson hopes that access to the names will help prove her group’s contention that many signatures were wrongly accepted as valid by the Secretary of State’s office. They would thus be potential evidence in the parallel suit filed in Thurston County on Thursday. “The law has always been that signatures are subject to public disclosure,” Levinson told SGN Thursday. She added that she believes the Secretary of State acted on the basis of bad advice from the state Attorney General’s office.
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Judge denies restraining order in R-71 lawsuit by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer On September 2, King County Superior Court Judge Judy Spector denied Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST) a Temporary Restraining Order against Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed certifying Referendum 71 for the November 3 General Election. Spector said state law requires that any challenge to Reed’s decision be brought in Thurston County. Spector heard arguments August 31 in a court case challenging the state Election Division’s signature-checking of R-71 by WAFST, who said Reed accepted over 35,000 signatures without a full declaration on the petitions signed by the signaturegatherer, and whether it was valid to accept signatures of people who registered to vote at the same time they signed the petitions. Spector took the case under advisement and said she’d rule on the morning of September 2. Although Spector ultimately ruled against a Temporary Restraining Order, in her Wednesday-morning motion she noted several problems with the signatures turned in by Protect Marriage Washington. The problem, she said, is it’s unclear whether state law prevents the Secretary of State from accepting signature petitions that don’t meet legal requirements. She cited that tens of thousands of signatures may have been invalid because declarations on some petitions were left blank or rubber-stamped moments before they were turned in to the Secretary of State’s office July 25. The declarations were printed on the petition sheets in order to attest that voters signed knowingly and were not paid or wrongly induced to provide their signature. “On July 25, 2009, proponents of R-71 organized the boxes of petitions at the bottom of the Capitol stairs in Olympia. In doing so, they realized that many signature-gatherers had not filled out the declaration on the back
of the petition. In response to the missing signatures, Protect Marriage Washington members obtained a signature stamp from Lawrence Stickney, the campaign manager for Protect Marriage Washington, and stamped his name and signature on many of the petitions with blank declarations,” Spector wrote. “It is estimated that over 2,500 petitions lacked signature-gatherers’ signatures.” The Secretary of State’s office accepted those petitions under legal guidance from the State Attorney General, who noted that
“If those petitions had been correctly disqualified, the measure would not have had enough signatures to be certified.” state law merely requires a declaration be printed on the back of signature petitions; it doesn’t require the declarations to be signed. However, the judge questioned the logic of the Attorney General’s analysis. “This essentially renders the declaration requirement meaningless,” she wrote. Additionally, both WAFST and Protect Marriage Washington agree that many people were not registered voters when they signed the R-71 petitions. Protect Marriage Washington admits that signature-gatherers had people fill out registration cards at the same time they signed in support of R-71. Reed’s office said it was common practice to accept such signatures because it increased participation in the democratic process.
State Republican Party endorses bigoted Ref. 71 by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer At a meeting of their State Committee on August 29, the Washington State Republican Party endorsed rejection of Referendum 71, a vote which would nullify SB 5688, and deny domestic partnership rights to samesex couples. On Monday, August 31, state Republican Chair Luke Esser issued the following statement on behalf of his party: “The Washington State Republican Party is urging voters to reject Referendum 71 at the ballot in November. Supporters of the ‘everything but marriage’ bill have made it clear that their bill is just the latest installment of an effort to mandate Gay marriage in our state. The choice is clear for those who do not support Gay marriage. Now that R-71 has qualified for the ballot, the voters will have the final say. Over the next two months it’s important for voters to educate themselves on this measure and make sure their voice is heard at the ballot box.” Contacted by SGN on Wednesday for clarification, State Republican Party Communications Director Patrick Bell declined to say whether he thought that same-sex couples had a right to form relationships with benefits guaranteed by law. “You should refer to the Party’s program,” Bell said. The State Republican Party platform says, in part “Government’s responsibility is to uphold and respect traditional institutions, such as marriage between one man and one woman, protect the elderly and children from the harmful elements of society, and
defend the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.” Asked if he wished to elaborate on the platform statement, Bell replied, “No, I don’t think so.” King County Republican Chair Lori Sotelo did not return repeated calls from SGN for a comment on the State Party’s action. Ken Nielsen, president of the Washington State Log Cabin Republicans, an LGBT Republican group, told SGN, “Log Cabin Washington disagrees with the Washington State Republican Party’s urging of a ‘No’ vote on R-71. Log Cabin Washington urges all voters to vote ‘Yes’ on R-71 in November.” “Being out and active in the state Republican Party and discussing R-71 and how it benefits all Washingtonians is how Log Cabin Washington will challenge [the party’s] position,” Nielsen added. King County Executive candidate Susan Hutchinson let it be known through her campaign manager Jordan McCarren that she will vote to approve Referendum 71. The county executive position is now a
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Spector also disagreed with that analysis, saying, “The court notes the plain language of the Washington State Constitution and the Revised Code of Washington requires voters to be registered before signing. While it may be common practice for individuals to register simultaneously with signing referendum petitions, and it may even be good policy, that does not mean that the practice is in accordance with Washington law.” The judge went on to cite a number of State Supreme Court cases, outside of Washington, in which courts “decided resoundingly against the Secretary of State’s position.” Spector also noted that some people were apparently lied to by signature-gatherers, saying, “It is unclear whether a signaturegatherer can swear that an individual signer has signed a petition ‘knowingly’ when the signature-gatherer has allegedly misrepresented the contents of the petition.” Washington Families Standing Together said September 2 they would immediately pursue their efforts in Thurston County Superior Court. “Judge Spector issued a very strong affirmation of the deficiencies in the signatures and petitions accepted by the Secretary of State,” said Anne Levinson, WAFST chair, adding, “If those petitions had been correctly disqualified, the measure would not have had enough signatures to be certified.” WAFST has five days to file suit in Thurston County Superior Court. State Elections Director Nick Handy says the state and county elections offices need to know by September 10 whether R-71 is on the ballot because, by law, ballots have to be in the mail for military and overseas voters by October 3. On September 2, Secretary of State Sam Reed certified R-71 to the November statewide ballot, saying Protect Marriage Washington exceeded the minimum requirement of 120,577 valid signatures by 1,430. Unless WAFST is successful in Thurston County Superior Court, voters will be asked to approve or disapprove Senate Bill 5688, which grants registered same-sex domestic partners the same rights and responsibilities as married couples in Washington State. The bill would have taken effect July 26, but is now on hold pending the outcome of the November 3 General Election. non-partisan office, and Hutchinson has declined to discuss her party affiliation, but she has been known to contribute money exclusively to Republican candidates. McCarren previously worked on Mike Huckabee’s presidential campaign. Polling data from 2008, newly analyzed by the Washington Poll affiliated with the University of Washington, showed that Republicans generally did not agree with the official position taken by their party. A full 53.1% of Republicans in the sample approved of full domestic partnership rights, and another 15.6% agreed with more limited domestic partnerships. Only 31.3% of the Republicans sampled wanted to deny same-sex couples any rights whatsoever. People of all political affiliations who voted for Republican presidential candidate John McCain in 2008 were more traditionalist than even the self-identified Republicans, however. Only 38.8% of the McCain voters supported full domestic partnership rights and 42.1% opposed any rights at all. As might be expected, Democrats heavily supported domestic partnerships – 85.7% of Democrats in the sample agreed with full domestic partnership rights, with only 5.4% opposing any rights at all. By contrast with the McCain voters, 88.4% of Obama voters supported full domestic partnership rights, with only 5% opposed to any rights for same-sex couples. The poll has a margin of error of 4%.
September 4, 2009
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Crowded town hall meeting for healthcare by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid SGN A&E Writer
rajkhet dirzhud-rashid
Protestors at Town Hall meeting
Speaking to a crowd of 900 to 950 people of various ages, races, gender expressions, and economic status, Congressman Jim McDermott tried to put some minds to rest by attempting to explain President Obama’s healthcare plan ideas in ways the average person could understand. Unfortunately, along with those who came to the town hall meeting (held on the UW Campus at Meany Hall last Tuesday) to listen and be supportive of McDermott’s efforts, there were also those who disagreed, sometimes loudly, with what they believe is another attempt by the government to control their lives. Undaunted by the numerous disruptions and yells of “lies” from some very vocal members of the capacity audience, McDermott continued to try and explain the complicated workings of the proposed plan now being debated in the White House by members of Congress. “If I had my druthers, we’d have a single-payer health plan, but at this point the Obama administration doesn’t think it’s politically feasible,” said McDermott. This statement drew both cheers and a standing ovation, as well as more jeers from the highly vocal dissenters in the audience. The dissent at one point became so heated that it seemed more than a couple of audience members might come to blows, as shouts of “shhh” turned to shouts of “free speech means I can say what I want and you have to listen,” and “shut up and let him [McDermott] speak.”
Gay marriage takes effect Sept. 1 in Vermont by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer
Vermont’s Gay marriage law took effect at exactly midnight on September 1. Vermont became the fourth state to allow Gay marriages on April 7, when the state House and state Senate voted 100-49 and 23-5, respectively, to override a veto by Gov. Jim Douglas. Same-sex couples and Gay advocates marked the day with celebrations, wedding receptions, and fundraisers. Equality Vermont, the organization who led the fight for same-sex marriage in the state, told members, “September 1 should also be a day to celebrate the LGBT community and our supporters who helped accomplish marriage equality.” Four months ago, Gov. Douglas said he would oppose any bill granting Gay marriage, saying, “Vermont’s civil union law has extended the same rights, responsibilities and benefits of marriage to same-sex couples. I believe our civil unions law serves Vermont well, and I would support congressional action to extend benefits at the federal level to states that recognize same-sex unions. But like President Obama and other leaders on both sides of the aisle, I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.” Vermont is the state credited for creating the term “civil union.” The battle for marriage equality in Ver-
mont caught public interest particularly because it became the first state to legalize same-sex marriages without a court order. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa allowed Gay marriages only after bitter and costly court battles. Currently, a total of six states allow samesex marriages, four of which adopted their status in the past five months. The District of Columbia now recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states and countries. Other battles for marriage equality, civil unions, and domestic partnership continue across the nation. Massachusetts, the first state to legalize same-sex marriages, sued the federal government in July over the constitutionality of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In California, there is a push to repeal the ban on same-sex marriages through a referendum on next year’s ballot after the California Supreme Court ruled that Proposition 8 was not unconstitutional. In Washington State, Referendum 71 has been certified to appear on the November 3 ballot to ask voters to “approve” or “disapprove” recent Washington state legislative action granting the same rights and responsibilities of marriage to registered same-sex domestic partners. What many Gay advocates consider the main battleground in the marriage equality fight is Maine, where a coalition of far right organizations seek to take away the right for Gays and Lesbians to marry.
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McDermott, showing a bit of weariness at this point, continued his presentation, showing pie charts with numbers to indicate figures of insured and uninsured and other charts discussing how the proposed plan would affect those on Medicare, Medicaid and those who already have healthcare through employers. “We hope to, in 2012, close the so-called ‘donut hole’ in Medicare for seniors, and though some people ask why we’re rushing this, in actuality, we’re taking until 2013 to implement some of these new plans into the existing healthcare system, and especially into Medicare,” said McDermott. This statement drew more jeers and the two University of Washington policemen made themselves more conspicuous to the crowd, which calmed things down, but only temporarily. After the speech, McDermott read questions from the audience, which had been put on cards that were written before the town hall meeting started. He started with a question on how the plan would affect small businesses. Many were leaving at this point, particularly some of those who were in disagreement with McDermott’s speech, but most of the audience stayed. The whole presentation did not have the ardor or chaotic element that has colored many of the recent town hall meetings, particularly the last one held by Congressman Jay Inslee at Quest Field several weeks ago. More town hall meetings on healthcare are planned, as well as more large protest rallies around the area.
Glen McGear Memorial A Celebration of Life will be held for Glen McGear on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 4:00 at the Multifaith Works offices 115 16th Ave, Seattle.
Missing Ed Ruby There are many things to share about Ed and Seattle, but I just want to focus on what happened with Ed and me. On the third of September, I was deeply saddened to learn from a friend in Seattle that Ed Ruby had died. He was a most important part of my drag life as well as before and after my years of drag in Seattle. We go back to the Mouseketeer Club at Spags and further. There are so many things about Ed, and, of course, Chico, that bring a smile and a tear to my heart. Ed was always there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on or laugh on, and he never said no when asked to do something. Many times I went to his apartment near the Elite in jeans and left there dressed to the nines for yet another drag function. He had a neighbor across the way that lived for me coming to the apartment to get into drag so he could watch from his apartment (I did not learn this till later). When I stepped down as Crown Princess of the Evergreen Empire, I discovered that Larry’s and my most beloved stuffed animal, Mr. Pibb, had been stolen during the ball. Four years later, at Seattle’s Coronation at the Mountaineer’s Club, just before the crowning ceremony which made me the 15th Empress of Seattle, Ed Ruby proudly returned Mr. Pibb to Larry and I (in a brown paper bag, I might add). Ed happened upon Mr. Pibb at someone’s apartment that he knew and stole him back for us. That’s just the way Ed was. “If it’s yours, keep it. If it’s not, let’s get it back to whom it belongs.” I share the loss Seattle feels in the death of Ed, and will always hold him in my heart as someone I was always proud to stand beside. My dear Ed, Mr. Pibb, Just Plain Ruth, and I miss you. Her Imperial Sovereign Majesty of the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and the Olympic and Rainier Empire, Olympia XV Miss Winnie Thurzdae
INTERNATIONAL
London mayor Boris Johnson
Embassies support Budapest pride Thirteen embassies in Hungary issued a statement August 28 in support of Budapest’s 14th Gay pride events. Culminating with a September 5 parade, the weeklong festivities include music, parties, an “antifascist demonstration,” workshops, an open-mic night, a picnic and a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Károly Kertbeny, “who invented the term ‘homosexuality,’” pride organizers said. The press release expressing “support for and solidarity with” the events was signed by the embassies of Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“Human rights – including justice, equality, humanity, respect and freedom of expression – and the rule of law are the foundations upon which democratic states are built,” the embassies said. “Today, many individuals face discrimination, both systemic and overt, based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Our governments seek to combat such discrimination by promoting the human rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We urge all governments to ensure that neither sexual orientation nor gender identity form the basis for criminal penalties.” Last year, right-wing extremists attacked the parade’s 1,500 marchers and fought with police afterward. Hundreds of counterdemonstrators threw rocks, eggs, bottles, firecrackers, feces, acid, paint and Molotov cocktails at the participants and the cops. They also set a police van on fire and damaged media trucks. Around 45 of the attackers were arrested. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to subdue them. Some 25 people were injured, including several of the 2,100 police officers protecting the event. A post-parade concert was canceled. The European Parliament’s Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights denounced the violence and the fact that it wasn’t prevented. “I am deeply disappointed and concerned of Hungary’s inability to deal with extremists,” said Intergroup President Michael Cashman. stonewall
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
NATIONAL
NEWS
Lutherans welcome noncelibate Gay pastors The U.S.’ largest Lutheran denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, lifted a ban on noncelibate Gay clergy August 21. The decision follows a recent similar move by the Episcopal Church. ELCA gay and lesbian pastors now will be allowed to have sex in the confines of a “lifelong, monogamous ... relationship,” church leaders decided at their Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis. About 4.6 million Americans belong to the ELCA.
Harvey Milk to be inducted into Calif. Hall of Fame Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and first lady Maria Shriver will induct the late Gay activist Harvey Milk into the California Hall of Fame on December 1. The honor follows Milk’s receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama on August 12. Schwarzenegger’s move is surprising given that he vetoed a bill last year to make Milk’s birthday a “day of special significance” in California schools, saying in his veto message that Milk mostly was relevant only in San Francisco. “I respect the author’s intent to designate May 22nd as ‘Harvey Milk Day’ and a day of special significance for California public schools and educational institutions to honor Harvey Milk as an important community leader and public official in the city and county of San Francisco,” Schwarzenegger
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer wrote last year. “However, I believe his contributions should continue to be recognized at the local level by those who were most impacted by his contributions.” State Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, reintroduced the Harvey Milk Day bill this year. It has passed the Senate and awaits action in the Assembly before again landing on Schwarzenegger’s desk. Milk settled in San Francisco’s Castro district in 1972 and opened a camera store. He went on to pioneer a populist Gay rights movement in the city and, in 1977, was elected to the Board of Supervisors, becoming the fourth openly Gay American elected to public office. He and Mayor George Moscone were shot to death inside City Hall on November 27, 1978, by then recently resigned city Supervisor Dan White, who was angry that Moscone wouldn’t let him un-resign and that Milk had lobbied Moscone not to reappoint White. White’s lenient sentence for the killings (seven years and eight months with parole) led to the famed White Night Riots in San Francisco on May 21, 1979. Others being inducted into the California Hall of Fame this year include TV star Carol Burnett, former Intel CEO Andrew Grove, former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Hiram Johnson, industrialist Henry J. Kaiser, philanthropist and activist Joan Kroc, filmmaker George Lucas, author Danielle Steel, bodybuilder Joe Weider and Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager.
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With assistance from Bill Kelley
Intergroup Vice President Sirpa Pietikäin“Imagine how an issue like a homosexen added, “Police forces again, like last year, ual couple who play soccer would be adfailed to protect citizens exercising their dressed,” Lippi said. “Even if from a cultural fundamental rights to peaceful assembly.” point of view a good part of the people were in support, able to understand and accept Some people are Gay. the situation, the topic would be exploited Get over it! in such a way that it would end up having a Britain’s leading GLBT lobby group, negative connotation.” Stonewall, has launched a back-to-school Not that Lippi need worry, apparently. He ad campaign with the theme “Some people also has said there are no Gay professional are Gay. Get over it!” soccer players in Italy – “or at least in 40 The ads are running on 500 billboards and years of my career I have never met any.” 20 train-station advertising screens in England, Scotland and Wales. 530,000 turn out The theme was chosen by a group of 150 for Vancouver pride students and originally appeared on posters, Vancouver’s August 2 Gay pride parade stickers and postcards that were distributed brought 530,000 people to the streets of the in thousands of secondary schools. West End, Xtra! West reported. The campaign has been endorsed by Prime The city’s 31st march included 150 conMinister Gordon Brown and London Mayor tingents and took place in what the paper Boris Johnson. called “record-breaking heat.” Mayor Gregor Robertson wore a rainbow UK Foreign Office to fund T-shirt and danced on a city float that porforeign Gay-rights cases trayed the Vancouver skyline in pink. Police The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office officers, firefighters and school-board memwill help pay for Gay-rights legal challenges bers also took part. in repressive nations such as Jamaica, Nigeria, Egypt, Iraq and Iran. Uruguay OKs Gay adoption Gay Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Uruguay’s Chamber of Deputies voted State Chris Bryant said British missions also 40-13 on August 27 to let Gay couples adopt will focus on Gay legal issues in Ghana, Co- children. Forty-six other lawmakers were lombia, Uzbekistan and other nations. not present for the vote. Bryant recently congratulated the British The measure received unanimous support ambassador to Poland for hoisting a rainbow from the ruling Broad Front party and one flag at the embassy, praised the ambassador vote from the conservative National Party. to Bulgaria for supporting Gay pride events, The bill now is before the Chamber of and thanked the ambassador to Romania for Senators, where it is expected to pass. Presimarching in the pride parade. dent Tabaré Vázquez supports it. The Roman Catholic Church has fought Italian national soccer against the measure, suggesting it violates coach disses the Gays natural law and human rights. The coach of Italy’s national soccer team, “This is mot a matter of religion, of phiMarcello Lippi, said August 26 that an losophy or of sociology,” Montevideo Archopenly Gay couple would not be welcome bishop Nicolás Cotugno said in a statement. on the team. “To accept the adoption of children by ho“Two members of the blue selection at the mosexual couples is to go against human namoment could not ever have a relationship ture itself, and consequently is to go against in the light of day,” Lippi told the Webcast the fundamental rights of the human being KlausCondicio. “It’s not a cultural issue but as a person.” [a matter] of interests with which a relationship of this kind would come into conflict.” With assistance from Bill Kelley
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Seattle Gay News
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hearing you. The interior of the Odyssey is very spacious. It comfortably fits seven, and there are storage bins and whatnot everywhere. The fit and finish of the interior details is also very high-end. The use of materials is on the same level of an Acura. Okay, for an MSRP of $41,075, what do you get? The 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring with Nav conveniently has all the goodies you could want in a single pricing structure. Here are some of my favorites:
2009 Honda Odyssey Touring by J.T. Hills SGN Contributing Writer
troduced for the 2005, and received a major update for the 2008 model year. For 2009, the Odyssey remains primarily unchanged. Top Featured upgrades include a standard power • Roomy liftgate on EX-L and the optional naviga• Handling tion system is now equipped with Bluetooth • Reliability hands free connectivity. The Odyssey also features Honda’s latest version of Variable Bottom Cylinder Management (VCM) that selec• Road noise tively deactivates either two or three of the • Firm ride engine’s six cylinders during cruising and deceleration for improved fuel economy. The Odyssey, Honda’s minivan, first in- After spending a week with the 2009 Honda troduced in 1995, was originally built on the Odyssey Touring with Nav, I’ve assimilatAccord platform. The second-generation ed, corrugated, encapsulated, conjugated, Odyssey debuted in 1999. Built on a whole and insinuated my own observations, and new platform, it is the largest Honda ever here they are: built. The third-generation Odyssey was in-
The 2009 Honda Odyssey Minivan the newest accessory for Gay baby boomers Up until the last couple of years, the only Gays that I knew who drove minivans had them because they showed dogs. Then came the Gay-by boom. So now there’re all these dads and dads and moms and moms trading in their Miatas and Wranglers for something a little more kid-friendly. So I don’t have kids, and the only way that I could think of to properly test the Honda Odyssey minivan was to take a little road trip to the San Juan Islands with a friend of mine, who was quite horrified that we were taking a minivan. Once you get beyond the soccer mom cache of the Odyssey, it’s actually a great road trip car. There’s plenty of room for your luggage, coolers, and cases of wine from winery touring. It’s also great when waiting in the ferry line, because after a long weekend you can recline the seats all the way back, pop in a movie, and veg out. Out on the highway, the 244-hp 3.5-liter V6 is more than adequate. The Odyssey with Variable Cylinder Management gets surprisingly great gas mileage for a vehicle its size: 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Honda also handles pretty well – it’s far more fun to drive than its competitors. It does have a bit of a harsh ride, though, which is more noticeable in city driving. It also has a lot of road noise, which could have the advantage of drowning out the sounds of small children, but tends to make the Bluetooth connectivity a bit useless because the person on the other end of the phone has a hard time
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8
Seattle Gay News
September 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
The Queer Ally Coalition sponsors weekly Community Organizing Meetings on Tuesdays, at 7:30 p.m., at Cascade People’s Center, 309 Pontius Ave. N. The Queer Ally Coalition is a grassroots democratic alliance compiled by Rick McKinnon of LGBT people and allies committed to the SGN Staff Writer fight for Queer rights, culture, and liberation. REGISTER TO VOTE Any questions, call 206-612-6139 or of transgender and gender variant issues. If you live in King County and are not For more information, visit www.gen- email queerallycoalition@gmail.com or registered to vote or need to change your derodyssey.org. visit www.queerallycoalition.org. voter registration because you have moved, visit the King County Office of Records POZSEATTLE HOSTS GENDER ODYSSEY 2009 and Elections website at www.kingcounty. MONTHLY POZ SOCIAL BBQ SOCIAL FOR THE gov/elections or phone their office at 206On Wednesday, September 9, from 6-8 GLBT COMMUNITY & ALLIES 296-8683. There is extensive information On Sunday, September 6, at 6 p.m., join p.m., join POZSeattle at The Cuff Complex, about voter registration on their outgoing Gender Odyssey conference participants 13th Ave. & E. Pine St. on the back patio voice mail if you reach their office after at a community BBQ, at Central Lutheran for BBQ, socializing, to catch-up with old hours. Church, 1710 11th Ave., 1 block north of friends, to make new ones, and a whole lot If you live outside of King County, visit E. Pine St. across from Cal Anderson Park. of fun. This event is FREE (except for the the Washington Secretary of State’s website Free with conference badge or $10 sug- cost of beverages) and is for all HIV-Posiat www.secstate.wa.gov and scroll down gested donation without. Vegan options, tive men and their friends, regardless of age, to the “Register to Vote” link in the home alcohol-free, no host beverage service. Ev- shape, size, or color. page’s “Most Requested Info” category eryone welcome! POZSeattle is a social organization run or call the Elections Division at 360-902for and by Seattle-area HIV-positive guys 4180. that is committed to planning and promotQUEER ALLY COALITION The deadline for mail-in registration ing fun, social activities. For questions or HOSTS BIWEEKLY is 30 days before the November 3 General more information about this event, to plan LGBT HISTORY STUDY GROUP Election. Mail-in registrations must be As part of their ongoing efforts to educate your own social event, or to be added to our postmarked no later than Saturday, Oc- the LGBT and allied community about the event promotions email list, email info@ tober 3 to meet the deadline. If you miss the history of the LGBT struggle in this country, pozseattle.org or visit us on the web at www. 30-day mail-in registration deadline, you the Queer Ally Coalition is hosting a series pozseattle.org. can still register in person 15 days before of study groups around the book, Gay Powthe November 3 General Election at the er: An American Revolution by David EisenSEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN King County Elections office in Renton. bach. The group will meet Sundays, August BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE Contact the Secretary of State’s Elections 9 and 23 and September 6 at 7 p.m., at KaThe Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club Division for 15-day in-person registration ladi Brothers, 511 E. Pike St. The group will meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dunlocations in other counties. adopt the following format: 10 minute sum- shee House, 303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St. The club is pleased to announce the folmary, 10 questions, then discussion. NW LEATHER SIR/BOY AND The explosion of Gay visibility follow- lowing titles to be discussed in their ongoCOMMUNITY BOOT BLACK ing the street rebellion at the Stonewall Inn ing reading and discussion series: SeptemCONTEST in 1969 brought tens of thousands of Les- ber – The Thief’s Journal by Jean Genet; On Friday, September 4, an informal bians and Gay men out of the closets and October – Wild Dogs by Helen Humphreys; Meet-and-Greet will be held at the Cuff into headline news around the world for the November – The Gifts of the Body by ReComplex, 1533 13th Ave. at E. Pine St., first time. Never before had so many Gay becca Brown; December – Death in Venice to meet the contestants for the Northwest people at one time stepped into the spotlight by Thomas Mann. All GLBTQ folks in the LeatherSir/Leatherboy & Community of mainstream American politics, culture, community are welcome to participate in Bookblack Contest starting at 9 p.m. The and entertainment. More than any city, New this free book club. The reading list is choCommunity Bootblack Contest will also York became the center of the new “Gay sen and the discussion facilitated by Nick be held at the Cuff on Friday, September 4, Power” movement, and served as the focal DiMartino, published novelist and playstarting at 8 p.m. point for Gay protest and politics for the wright, currently a book reviewer for ShelOn Saturday, September 5, the Cuff will next decade. fAwareness.com, and a 30-year employee of host the Northwest LeatherSir/Leatherboy Gay Power chronicles the tumultuous University Book Store. For more informaContest, doors at 6 p.m., contest at 7 p.m. first wave of the modern Gay rights move- tion, email nickdimartin@earthlink.net or Contestants will compete in the categories ment. From the first ever Gay student group contact Dunshee House at 206-322-2437. of: Interview, Leather Image and Speech, launched at Columbia University in 1965 to Physique and Fantasy GAY CITY HOSTS the Gay Liberation Front, the Gay Activist The Victory Brunch will be held at Lydia’s Alliance, and the vanguard organizations “QUEERITUALITY” Dungeon on Sunday, September 6, at noon. that emerged from the Stonewall Riots, the READING & DISCUSSION GROUP The Northwest LeatherSir/Leatherboy & author draws on archival material and firstOn Wednesday, September 9, from 6:30Community Bootblack Contest is produced hand accounts from individuals who built 8:30 p.m., at Kaladi Brothers Coffee, 511 E. by Generic Leather Productions of Wash- the movement. Unlike their predecessors, Pike St., join Gay City’s monthly reading ington. www.glpw.org. this new generation of Lesbians and Gay and discussion group about Gay/Bi men’s men spoke as a community, established po- spirituality. Men of all faith traditions (or GENDER SPECTRUM litical clout with elected officials, appeared none) are welcome! To learn more, contact GENDER ODYSSEY CONFERENCE openly in the media, demanded equal rights peter@gaycity.org. LABOR DAY WEEKEND with heterosexuals, and pioneered protest 2009 will be Gender Odyssey’s 7th con- tactics. “BLITZ” – ference. The conference takes place each CAPITOL HILL’S This book presents a complex portrait of year in Seattle over Labor Day Weekend. the birth of the modern Gay rights move2ND THURSDAY ART WALK This year’s conference will be held Septem- ment. For more information on the study On Thursday, September 10, from 5-8 ber 5-7. The conference will feature more group, call 206-612-6139 or email queeral- p.m., come sample art offerings on a walk than 75 workshops and facilitated discus- lycoalition@gmail.com or visit www.queer- through the neighborhood. “Blitz” features sions, exclusive programming for people of allycoalition.org. a dynamic range of visual and performing color, teens and partners, gender spectrum arts in venues throughout the neighborhood education and trainings, health screenings, including galleries, coffee shops, private SEATTLE VOLLEYBALL CLUB health care provider seminar, social events, studios, and street corners. This month’s HOSTS SKILLS CLINIC FOR entertainment, receptions and BBQ. venues include: Grey Gallery, Vermillion, FALL 2009 LEAGUE SEASON Gender Odyssey is an international conOn Tuesday, September 8, from 7-9 p.m., The Copper Vine, Toys in Babeland, Office ference focused on the thoughtful explora- the Seattle Volleyball Club will host a Skills Nomads, Whimsy Home Decor. Produced tion of gender. We strive to create an em- Clinic at Rainier Community Center, 4600 by the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce. powering environment where people of all 38th Ave.S., for new players and returning For information and maps: www.blitzcapigenders can share their experiences and Division 3 & 4 players who have not yet tolhill.com. learn from the experiences of others. found a team. SVC will be instructing on Through dialogue, peer-led presentations, core volleyball skills and all participants JON GINOLI and sharing skills and expertise, we work to should come ready to play. Team Captains TO READ & PERFORM create broader and evolving language, so- will be on-site to assist with drills and will AT BAILEY/COY BOOKS cial support, and life pathways that support also be looking for additional players to On Thursday, September 10, at 7 p.m., Jon all gender identities. By doing so, we hope round out their League Rosters. Ginoli, a member of the legendary Queer to strengthen ourselves and develop comThe Fall 2009 League Season will run Punk group Pansy Division, will be reading munities that celebrate all experiences of from Monday, September 21 to Monday, from his new book, Deflowered: My Life in gender at any age. December 7. (The Winter 2010 League Sea- the Pansy Division, at Bailey/Coy Books, Gender Odyssey is open to all. We em- son will run from Monday, January 25 to 414 Broadway Ave. E. Jon will also play an brace the presence and participation of Monday, March 31.) Seattle Volleyball Club acoustic solo set at the event. FREE. traditionally gendered and gender variant is an organization for Gay volleyball players people: Transmen, Transwomen, Gender- and their friends. For complete details, visit PUDDLETOWN SQUARES Queers, Intersex people, our families, part- www.seattlevolleyball.com. BEGINS NEW ners, and allies. It is a place for us and those MAINSTREAM LEVEL CLASS we love to gather together, share our lives, Puddletown Squares, Seattle’s LGBT QUEER ALLY COALITION and learn from one another. It is also a great square dancing club, has just started a new SPONSORS WEEKLY place for those who serve this community to MainStream level class. The first class was COMMUNITY ORGANIZING expand their knowledge and understanding Thursday, September 3, but there’s still MEETINGS
NORTHWEST
NEWS
Visit us online www.sgn.org
September 4, 2009
time to join this new series as they will be reviewing everything they introduced in the first class on Thursday, September 10. The MainStream lessons will run for 20 weeks (September to early February) from 7-9:30 p.m. each week, which gives plenty of time to review the previous week’s calls, learn a few new ones and get plenty of practice! Classes will be held on Beacon Hill at The Garden House, 2336 15th Ave. S., and is easily accessible by car, bus (#36, #38 & #60) and light rail (3 blocks northwest of the McClellan Street Station). Cost is $130 for 50 hours of lessons. (Plus, beginning lessons include several “perks” which amount to more than an additional $100 value!) You can even enjoy the next two weeks FREE, before committing to the series. And to make joining easier, arrangements can be made to make weekly or monthly payments, if needed. If you’re planning to join the class, please email them at puddletownsqmc@yahoo.com. For complete information about Puddletown Squares and the MainStream level lessons, visit www.iagsdc.org/puddletown. If you have any other questions, please contact them via email. Puddletown Squares has been a part of Seattle’s LGBT community for over 26 years. GAY CITY UNIVERSITY IS BACK IN SESSION On Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., join other Gay, Bi and Trans guys for a day of learning and fun at Gay City University 2009. This year’s edition brings brand new offerings, plus some returning favorites. Choose from a wide variety of fascinating classes on sexuality, health, relationships, history, culture, finances and more! The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will graciously serve as your cafeteria ladies, and GCU even has a Head Mistress ... so be on your best behavior! GCU is only $25 and includes lunch! Scholarships are available to those in need. So sharpen your pencils, get out your backpacks, and choose your best back-to-school outfit, because Gay City University is back in session! If this is your first time attending Gay City University, bring a friend and experience the day together. For a complete schedule of class offerings and to register, visit www.gaycity. org. 18TH ANNUAL PIERCE COUNTY AIDS WALK On Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m.1 p.m., the Pierce County AIDS Foundation sponsors the 18th annual Pierce County AIDS Walk, a 2.5 mile walk starting and ending at the University of Washington’s Tacoma Campus, 1900 Commerce St. For more information, visit www.piercecountyaids.org. 23RD & UNION NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN SWEEP On Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m.1 p.m., join your neighbors to help cleanup the 23rd & Union neighborhood. A free BBQ will be held for participants after the clean-up! Sponsored by the Seattle Neighborhood Group and the East Precinct Crime Prevention Coalition. CAPTAIN SMARTYPANTS WITH BOBBI KOTULA & WAXIE MOON On Saturday, September 12, at 8 p.m., the Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, presents Captain Smartypants, the Seattle Men’s Chorus’ comic musical ensemble, in “Air Smarty” with guest stars Bobbi Kotula and Waxie Moon. For more information and tickets, call 425893-9900 or visit www.kpcenter.org. EMERALD CITY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION FALL BALL LEAGUE Emerald City Softball Association is sponsoring Fallball ’09, an ECSA Open Division softball league for men and women of all skill levels. Remaining play dates will be September 13, 20 and 27, and October 4. For complete details, visit www.emeraldcitysoftball.org.
Seattle Gay News
9
by Mona Smith, GSBA Board President Special to the SGN When the Referendum 71 “Decline to Sign” campaign started, I called GSBA member Anne Levinson, chair of Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST), and Campaign Director Josh Friedes to see how GSBA could assist. I also extended my personal offer to help. Referendum 71 seeks to roll back the third installment of the 2009 domestic partnership legislation. While not marriage, the legislation provides to LGBT families and senior registered domestic partners all of the rights and responsibilities of married spouses in Washington state. The 2009 legislation included pension and death benefits to partners of first responders and other civil servants, as well as the elimination of home studies in second parent adoptions. This is a major step in our fight for full civil rights, including marriage. Referendum 71 asks voters whether they want to retain the 2009 Domestic Partnership Bill passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Chris Gregoire. A “Yes” vote retains the law; a vote of “No” repeals the law. I received a call from Anne in late July taking me up on my offer to help. She asked if I would assume a leadership role in recruiting observers for the signature verification process in Olympia on behalf of WAFST. In order for Referendum 71 to get on the November ballot, the petitioners must have 120,577 valid signatures from registered voters from the almost 138,000 signatures submitted. As we go to press, the Elections Division in the Secretary of State’s office is in the process of verifying the submitted signatures. This is only the fourth time in 19 years that the Secretary of State is conducting a full review of each and every signature. The target date for concluding signature verification is
10 Seattle Gay News
September 4, 2009
the end of August. Each side is allowed to have observers present to monitor the verification procedure. From my viewpoint, being an observer has opened my eyes to what really goes on in the referendum and initiative process. Being part of this process has made me better understand and appreciate our democratic system. Beyond the task at hand, what is really significant is the collaboration of GSBA members and partners, working together for equality for all. I am proud to be a GSBA member. At the time I am writing this column, we do not know whether Referendum 71 will be on the ballot. I urge each of you to vote in the upcoming election and if it is on the ballot to get involved by contacting Washington Families Standing Together (206-324-2570 or www.approvereferendum71.org). All through August, I have been in Olympia almost every day observing the signature verification. I have not been alone. GSBA members have answered the call and generously donated their time in the fight for equality. I want to give big shout-outs to GSBA board members Jonathan “Mac” Macaranas, Jonathan Bowman, Kristine Messick and Leah Schulz, who have gone over and above the call of duty in Olympia. More shout-outs and thanks go to GSBA members Jeff Maxwell, Alene “Andie” Anderson, Matt Bockus, Don Moreland, Steven McGregor, Jennifer FitzSullivan, Shad Reinstein, and Elizabeth Berns who have given and continue to give so much of their time. Thanks also to our GSBA partners Equal Rights Washington (ERW), QLaw and PFLAG – their members have stood shoulder to shoulder with us. I am grateful and indebted to Anne Levinson, Josh Friedes and Legal Voice for giving more time to this effort than any could have imagined. This article reprinted with permission from the GSBA Facebook Page.
photos courtesy secretary of state’s website
A voice from the front lines at Olympia count
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
September 4, 2009
Seattle Gay News 11
12 Seattle Gay News
September 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
SerVice dePArtment OPen mOndAy tHru SAturdAy Sales contact David Yama davidyama@carpros.com 206-817-4459
Visit us online www.sgn.org
September 4, 2009
Seattle Gay News 13
14 Seattle Gay News
September 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
September 4, 2009
Seattle Gay News 15
Seattle’s Gender Odyssey conference launches
by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid SGN A&E Writer
Gender Odyssey Hyatt at Olive 8 September 5-7 When was the last time you had to answer the question “what are you?” or “what do you consider yourself?” or felt the need to let others know you wanted the gender question retired when it came to how they addressed you or someone you love? If this and other gender-Queer questioning is something you’ve been looking at lately, or for a long time, your event is here this weekend in the annual Gender Odyssey conference. This year’s event promises something for everyone, and though it’s being held at the Hyatt at Olive 8 in downtown Seattle instead of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, there will still be a number of interesting workshops and meet and greet events for gender-Queer folk. There will also be the annual meet and greet for Gender Odyssey attendees and guest at Kaladi Brothers Coffee at 511 E. Pike Street on Saturday evening, September 5. Last year’s event was great fun, with tons of treats to eat and much camaraderie, so do drop by. Another highlight this year is a one-man
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show called Transgressing Gender in the Bible, performed by international performance artist Peter Toscano, dealing with characters in the Bible and looking at their gender differences. And there are health screenings offered by Gay City and the YWCA for attendees to get checkups in a gender-variant atmosphere instead of the usual genderbinary environment of most hospitals and some clinics. For more information, visit www.genderodyssey.com
ref. 71
continued from cover law, is calling on Washington voters to approve R-71 in the first all mail-in ballot vote in the state’s history. Joining the fight for maintaining the current law are more than 50,000 people, over 150 organizations and 90 clergy and faithbased organizations across the state who have already taken a stand in support of domestic partnership. Josh Friedes, WAFST campaign manager, told SGN that Secretary Reed’s certification “was not unexpected.” He said the campaign has been preparing for the possibility of certification since the signature gathering began. He said, however, time is of essence. “This particular signature verification process was historically long,” Friedes said. “The time between certification and when ballots will be mailed makes this as the shortest campaign time in Washington State that we are aware of.” He said that immediately following the Secretary of State’s certification, “hundreds of people have made contributions to the campaign. Raising money to get the ‘Approve 71’ message across Washington State remains a primary concern.” According to Friedes, the money WAFST needs will go towards TV and other adver-
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agement and promise of action. On September 1, Mayor Greg Nickels released a statement saying, “The path to civil rights and equal justice is never direct or easy. It is a struggle, but one that we bear collectively. I am a passionate believer in equality and fairness, and I am convinced the voters of this state will affirm the rights of Gay and Lesbian families. Now is the time for renewed energy, optimism and confidence. The basic question we consider is simple: Should any committed couple willing to shoulder the responsibilities of a loving partnership also enjoy the same rights we all take for granted? The answer is an unqualified ‘Yes.’ There is much work to be done, and I will lend my voice, my hands and my heart to this important cause.” Seattle mayoral candidate Joe Mallahan expressed deep disappointment in Referendum 71 qualifying for the November ballot. “This is a sad day in Washington state history. We should be working together to protect the rights of citizens – all citizens – not working to overturn them. “This is about human dignity and civil rights that should be equal rights. It saddens me that making basic civil rights equal for all is still up for debate. It is preposterous to me that a small group of people can push a referendum to strip away rights from any group of people. “I am hopeful that this will only help unite Washingtonians and show those who organized this hateful campaign that they do not represent Washington state’s values. We will loudly proclaim we are a state that believes in equal rights for everyone. Seattle mayoral candidate Michael McGinn said he is in support of full marriage equality for LGBT persons. “I will vote for approval of Referendum 71 should it come to a vote as a step towards reaching full marriage equality,” McGinn told SGN. “Even with a referendum passage, there is still more work to be done. There is simply no reason to deny a set of citizens the benefits of marriage.” McGinn said that at its best, Seattle is open, progressive, and compassionate. “I would like to work with Seattle residents to live up to our ideals,” he said. “I am open to any and all suggestions from readers on how the mayor of Seattle can help make this happen.” The two candidates for King County executive, Dow Constantine and Susan Hutchison, both agree on the approval of R-71. Constantine told SGN, “I will continue to speak in favor of approving R-71 to guarantee equal rights for all, continue as I have Size:1X4 Cust:SAINT PAUL for well more than a decade to be a part of UMC Salesperson:KERI WASHINGTON POLITICIANS the coalition working to end discrimination WEIGH IN ON R-71 in Washington State, and contribute in any MURPHY Last Edited Upon hearing the news that R-71 was way I can to passage of Referendum 71 to By:SSCHULTZ Pub:ARTS Tag certified this week,Color a number of politicians keep the state law in place.” Line: Info: contacted the SGN with words of encourHe said, as a citizen, a state representative, a senator and county councilmember, he’s been a staunch and public ally in the civil rights struggle. “I fought alongside Ed Murray and other legislative leaders against DOMA and the continued attempts to deny benefits to samesex couples,” Constantine said. Jordan McCarren, Hutchison’s campaign manager, said Hutchison “does not wish to overturn the law” and will vote in November to keep it in place. Candidates for City Council have said they will vote to approve Referendum 71 as well. Sally Bagshaw said, “I will do everything I can to preserve and protect the rights obtained through our 2009 legislation.” Bagshaw said she supports full marriage rights for LGBT couples, and that she “support[s] the step along the way that the ‘everything but marriage’ bill represents.” “I am second to none in my support for full LGBT civil rights,” she said. Jessie Israel said, “I strongly support upholding domestic partnership rights. Furthermore, I believe we should be moving forward by fighting for full marriage equality.” She said strengthening domestic partnerships is a good start, but only marriage equality will grant same-sex couples the many federal benefits that are currently a part of state domestic partnership laws such as immigration, federal tax, social securities and others. 0001659521-01
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tisements, such as direct mail. He said WAFST has added new staff members to fill important roles and help ensure the campaign’s success. “We are pleased to announce Anna Solwe as our new finance director. She brings with her a track record of success as both a finance director and campaign staffer,” he said. “We’ve also hired a new field manager, Darcy Larsen, whose position has been generously funded by a matching grant from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. In addition, the Human Rights Campaign has sent a field organizer, Adrian Matanza, to work with us for the duration of the campaign.” WAFST will hold a series of organizing meetings across Washington State from September 9-20, according to Friedes. He said meetings will be held in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham, Vancouver, Spokane, Yakima, Olympia, the Tri-Cities, Everett, and Kitsap County. “The classes are opportunities for people to get engaged with the campaign and get an update on how to best tell their stories to friends and family in order to educate their communities about the importance of approving R-71,” Freides told SGN. “We are also going to open up distribution centers throughout the state where people can pick up printed materials that they can distribute for approving R-71.” He said the Seattle WAFST office has already begun a phone bank campaign, with calls going out five days a week. “We are proud that even before certification, thousands of calls were made to Washington voters,” Freides said, adding, “Phone banking will start next week in Tacoma, and soon after in Spokane.” Social networking is important, Freides said, so WAFST is working with the medium as well as event outreach. “A creative way to reach out to friends and family is for an individual to change their Facebook profile photo to the ‘Approve 71’ icon,” he told SGN. “I encourage people to frequently update their Facebook status bar with messages about approving R-71.” Most importantly, he said, “We need people to be ambassadors for the campaign all across Washington State at every event they go to.” He said people can go to the website and sign up to work events, adding, “People can print out ‘Vote to Approve R-71’ pledge forms, which are important so we can identify supporters and make sure they vote.” Ad#:0001659521-01 The campaign can be reached at (206) Date:08/07/09 Day:FRI 324-2570 or by e-mail at info@wafst.org.
16 Seattle Gay News
September 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
march
continued from cover
rights issue. “The 14th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified on July 9, 1868, and granted citizenship to ‘all persons born or naturalized in the United States.’ In addition, it forbids states from denying any person ‘life, liberty or property, without due process of law’ or to ‘deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of its law,’” Equality Across America posted on their website, adding, “By directly mentioning the role of the states, the 14th Amendment greatly expanded the protection of civil rights to all Americans and is cited in more litigation than any other amendment.” According to Equality Across America spokesman Kip Williams, support for the march continues to grow with each passing day. “We’re actually seeing a lot of momentum nationally, although it’s not coming from the places you might expect,” Williams told SGN in an interview from his San Francisco
office. “The new grassroots movement is on fire across the country right now. Though many of us are outsiders or newcomers to the national LGBT movement, we are everywhere.” He said it will be interesting to see how many people show up for the march, but says ultimately, “This march isn’t about the numbers, it’s about stating a new demand for the movement and allowing a new generation of activists to emerge.” Williams said Equality Across America understands not everyone will be able to make it to D.C. for the march, but says there are a number of things a person can do locally to help the effort. “Several solidarity marches will happen across the country, such as the Seattle OUTProtest and a march across the Golden Gate Bridge,” he told SGN. “We hope folks can make it to the nearest solidarity march, and we’ll be posting all of these events to our website in September.” Another way you can show support, Williams said, is to mention your commitment to equality on social networks like Facebook or Twitter. Williams said Equality Across America has been following the Referendum 71 battle going on in Washington State and
said the organization has a message for SGN readers. “We encourage folks in Washington to work with the campaign to knock on doors and get out and vote,” he said. But, he added, “We also have our eyes on the national goal of equal protection in all matters governed by civil law, so we hope to see an inspiring grassroots turnout for the Seattle OUTProtest.” Equality Across America said in a statement, “On October 10-11, 2009, we will gather in Washington, D.C. from all across America to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. We’ve had a moment thrust upon us by the election of President Barack Obama and the spirit of hope and change, and also by the sense of entitlement in the new generation of grassroots organizing. This march is a vehicle to a larger goal. We want to work to bridge the gap between the national organizations and the grassroots community organizers. We will gather. We will strategize. We will march. And we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs to be done in every community across the nation. This is only the beginning.” Echoing the statement during a speech
in California, Cleve Jones said, “We will continue this fight in every state, in every county, every city and every town, but we are now determined to take this fight to the federal government, to our President Barack Obama, to the Congress and the Supreme Court of the United States.” For more information on the National Equality March and Equality Across America, visit them online at www.equalityacrossamerica.org. For information about the Seattle solidarity march, visit Seattle OUTProtest at www.seattleoutprotest.org.
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Seattle Gay News 17
ngltf
continued from cover counted in the 2010 Census. What was the Task Force’s role in this battle? Rea Carey: We led a significant victory in getting a key policy change in the Census. The national Census, conducted every 10 years, paints a picture of the country. It is an important and powerful tool. In the past, same-sex couples were rendered invisible. Marriage equality is now legal in this country – the Bush Administration, however, had its own policy. Because of DOMA, the US Government would change any same-sex couple that checked “married” to “unmarried.” It was an insult. By manually unmarrying us, it would record our kids as the children of a single parent. That was inaccurate, to say the least. We took issue because, under penalty of fine, we are asked to tell the truth. Then, to have the government tell us to lie is simply intolerable. This year, we met with officials and made our community’s case, resulting in this summer’s announcement by the Obama Administration saying the 2010 Census will count LGBT people. It is very important because the impact of the data will show that we exist, we have families, and we, too, are a part of the picture in this
country. When that happens, social change happens. Knittel: In May, Gay activist Cleve Jones called for a National March on Washington. In response, the National Equality March is set for October 11. Is the Task Force supportive of the event, and will you have a presence there? Carey: The Task Force has not issued a statement of endorsement or no endorsement. We are talking with event organizers to find out what they are doing. What I do know about the LGBT community is that there are many ways to engage and be active. Some members of the Task Force will come to the National Equality March, others will go to Maine and work on the marriage equality campaign happening there. When it comes to our rights, we just want people to make sure people take action [and] stay engaged. [On Sept. 3, the Task Force officially endorsed the National Equality March.] Knittel: How does the Task Force rate President Obama thus far? Carey: Well, we have found his administration to be uneven. There are things we’ve asked for and they’ve done, however, there are other things we know they can go further on. A year and a half before Obama was elected president, the Task Force headed up a coalition of organizations to identify doz-
Re fees t duced hr Sept ough . 30
ens of policies that can be changed through the executive branch, without Congress. We need to root out the systemic discrimination that has been allowed at the federal level. There is much more Obama could be doing, we know that. However, we have been pleased with the number of openly LGBT people in his administration. His administration is different because, during the Bush years, the LGBT community wasn’t even allowed one foot in the door – by and large we were left at the doorstep. Now, we are invited inside. Now, we have a president who will do things that both make us happy and make us angry. Knittel: Gay marriage is a big issue at the moment. Is marriage equality something we can win state by state, or is this a federal fight? Carey: We don’t see it as either/or. Any progress made when fighting social injustice has required both state and federal action. Here are a few things our community will have to do in order to achieve marriage equality across the country: Win in the states we can, overturn state constitutions where discrimination exists, and overturn DOMA. Right now, the big fight is in Maine. Since the day the legislation was passed for Gay marriage, we’ve been working to stop those who would deny us equality. We’ve sent funding and conducted grassroots training in Maine. Some of our organizing staff is in Maine working directly with the campaign. We are sending at least 40 leaders that we worked with and trained in California to work on the “No on 1” campaign. We are giving an initial gift of $25,000 to the campaign, as well. Knittel: You have a great deal of responsibility to the LGBT community as executive director of the Task Force. What are some of your major successes? Carey: Before I was director, I served as deputy director, so for many years I had worked to continue and expand on the Task Force’s long history of grassroots organizing. Just in the last year, we’ve established the Academy of Leadership and Action, which is becoming the premier training ground on how to run a campaign and build a volunteer base. I’m also proud of the Task Force’s work with faith-based groups and people of color. I’m really focused on keeping the organization on track during these tough economic times. We take very seriously the stewardship and trust the community puts in us. Knittel: For people who may not be familiar with your organization, what would you
like them to know about the Task Force? Carey: I would like them to know that the Task Force could be a home for them and the change they would like to create. We are an organization in the trenches in many fights across the country, as we have been for almost four decades now. Knittel: In your opinion, what is the current state of the Gay movement? Carey: The LGBT movement is an incredibly resilient, strong and energized movement right now. So much progress has been made, but there is still so much more to be done. You realize [that] 10 years ago, less than 1% of the population lived in a state that offered any protections for LGBT persons. Today, that figure is 37%. Who made that happen? Not any one group; it was all of us working together to make sure that we were talking to our friends and families and elected officials, as well as the public, to inspire change. When I look at the current state of the movement, having come out of a challenging year for us all, I see a community that’s taken our disappointment and anger and channeled it into moving forward. We have a community that is not ready to sit down, but ready to step up. Knittel: The Transgender community has become more vocal in their fight for equality. How is the Task Force helping with their struggle? Carey: We’ve been involved in work with, by, and for the Trans community for many, many years. It is a part of our values that we cannot leave members of the community behind. That includes our community’s Trans and Bisexual members. We’ve worked with over 32 states to help pass a local or state law for protections on gender identity. We’ve worked hard to make LGBT organizations fully Transgender inclusive. We are working hard to see the passage of a Trans-inclusive ENDA and other federal policies. Knittel: Do you have a message for LGBT Seattle? Carey: Seattle has long been a leader in LGBT organizing, and I thank you and Washington State for that. In the early days, Seattle was one of the hubs where people from across the country came to learn from what local groups in Seattle were doing. The citizens of Washington have come together again and again to fend off attacks. And now, you guys are going to do that again with R-71. Seattle and Washington have been leaders across the country for the LGBT movement, and I want to thank you for that. It is inspiring.
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Celebrating 36 Years!
Italian soccer coach makes controversial homophobic remark
by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer
Italian FIFA soccer coach Marcello Lippi said on August 26 that he would not select two players for his squad if they were openly involved in a homosexual relationship. He insisted that his statement was not rooted in homophobia, but rather concerns for team morale. “In the current climate, two national team players could never be involved in an open relationship.” Lippi told a web-TV station. “Imagine how a homosexual couple in football would be perceived. … Even if, socially, most people would support and understand such a situation, it would nonetheless become magnified and eventually would be viewed negatively,” said Lippi. Lippi, having led the Italian team to victory in the 2006 World Cup, is an icon in an already soccer-obsessed country, where games and the lives of its top players are analyzed in detail in the local media. Lippi went on to say that he would have no problem signing a Gay player, “but that person would find it hard to live as an openly Gay footballer.” Nonetheless, Italy’s foremost national Gay rights organization, Arcigay, responded August 26 that “such comments only increase prejudice against homosexuals and are particularly damaging coming from someone such as Lippi, who is held in such high esteem by the young.” Possibly even more outrageous, however, Lippi stated that in his 40 years in soccer, he has never met a homosexual, and that there are no Gay players. As Seattle is a city where soccer is important to the Gay community, the SGN asked Seattle Stonewall Football Club to comment. “One of our players is from Italy. … He’s moving back to Italy … and he doesn’t want to go back in the closet. If he is out and open with his sexuality, he won’t be able to be open in soccer. In a way, I can understand, only based on what my teammate has told me. I’m not saying that it’s right; it just
seems like standard practice”, Seattle Stonewall player Steve Nick told SGN. Nick went on to say, “It’s clear that Gays and Lesbians play sports. On that [nonprofessional] level, I think it’s asinine. On a professional level, I can understand why someone would not want to come out, because it’s not quite accepted 100%. If you’re paid to be there, you have to be as accepted as possible … because of loss of sponsorships, et cetera.” Obviously, not everyone can completely understand the complexities of being “out” in a foreign country – especially while being in the media spotlight – but it is logical to assume that Mr. Lippi, in 40 years of soccer, has encountered Gay players.
ed murray
“gone off the rails,” Murray called on the candidates to abandon their “selfish conversation” and focus on real issues. “Instead of having a small discussion about snow storms, we could have the big discussion about global warming,” Murray said at his afternoon presentation. “We could be talking about how the city reduces our carbon footprint, how we create ‘green jobs’….” “The fact that somebody seeking to be the civic leader of this city basically doesn’t vote very often, that’s a terrible message to send to the city and to young people in particular,” he said, referring to candidate Joe Mallahan. Mallahan failed to vote in 10 elections since 2000. Murray also criticized McGinn, who he says would be “destructive of city-state relations.” McGinn has based his campaign on opposition to plans Murray sponsored in the Legislature to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a tunnel. “I may endorse one of them in the end,” Murray said with a shrug, “but I doubt it.” Both the Mallahan and McGinn campaigns issued brief statements saying they respected Murray’s decision not to run. Statement by Senator Ed Murray:
“While I am deeply concerned for the future of our city and Michael and I are honored to have been approached by so many people and organizations we admire and respect, I am also a realist: write-in campaigns are extremely difficult, and time is short. Also, the recognition yesterday that Referendum 71 will appear on the fall ballot galvanized my decision. “I considered a write-in campaign because I was concerned that one candidate wanted to reopen a fight with the state when we need to work together. The other candidate who seeks to become our civic leader has failed to engage in civic activities including on the most basic level, voting, something Americans in the South have died for in our lifetime. “I considered running because I believe Seattle is greater than the selfish conversation in the mayor’s race. Missing are issues and leadership on social justice. Issues of poverty and civil rights. This campaign to date has been about one bridge and one neighborhood. Issues such as our schools, neighborhoods and diversity are missing from this debate. “I urge the candidates to broaden their messages and address the critical issues facing our city and look forward to working with one of them as our next mayor.”
continued from cover
continued as his partner, Michael Shiosaki, nodded in agreement, “but I wouldn’t want my legislation on domestic partnerships to be threatened by the race for mayor.” Murray was prime sponsor of SB 5688, the domestic partnership bill that Referendum 71 seeks to nullify, and he said in his e-mail statement that “the recognition yesterday that Referendum 71 will appear on the fall ballot galvanized my decision.” “There’s only so much money,” Murray explained. He had previously estimated that a serious campaign for Mayor would cost about $300,000 – money that would likely come from the same pool of donors that Washington Families Standing Together might tap for the Referendum 71 campaign. “We didn’t want [Referendum 71] on the ballot, but we need it to pass,” Murray said. “I’ll do whatever the campaign asks me to do.” While Murray will not run for mayor, he did not back away from his criticisms of the two candidates, Joe Mallahan and Mike McGinn. Saying that city politics appears to have
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Seattle Gay News 19
by Dan Woog SGN Contributing Writer
It’s a little-known, seldom-discussed side effect of Title IX: As women’s college sports have gained prominence, the number of female coaches has declined. Even less noticed – or mentioned – are the employment obstacles faced by Lesbian coaches. Two years ago, Amy Sandler decided to shine a light on that dark side of the athletic closet. At the time, she was teaching in the women’s studies department at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. A former softball player and assistant coach at the University of Maryland, she was working on a Ph.D. Attending a conference on Title IX and gender equity issues, she realized an important area of study was not athletes, but the women – and, increasingly, men – who coach them. The number of female intercollegiate athletes is at an all-time high. The number of female head coaches, conversely, is at a historic low. Sandler wondered if heterosexism played a role. Using a snowball sample – people she knew, and people those people knew – as well as the internet, Sandler identified 11 Lesbian Division I head coaches. Most were closeted. Eight – including two who were completely out – agreed to be interviewed.
courtesy Q Syndicate
The disappearing Lesbian coach
Six of the eight coaches believed that “sexism and homo-negativism” played a major role in the decline of female coaches. “I felt like I was living a double life,” one woman said. “At times I felt it would be better if I left coaching altogether.” Another closeted coach heard an administrator, evaluating a candidate for another position, say, “She’s not that kind” (meaning she was not Gay). The coach perceived that comment to mean that the college would not hire a female coach believed to be a Lesbian. Sandler heard stories of male coaches with significantly weaker credentials being hired instead of unmarried women. “The word got out,” she says. “Colleges are not hiring single women. So some qualified candidates stop applying. “Coaches know these things. But they can’t say or do anything, because they don’t want to out themselves,” Sandler continues. “So the stories never go beyond their colleagues. They never make the news.” And, Sandler admits, stories are only anecdotal evidence. “Heterosexism and homonegativity” are difficult to prove. When considering whether to apply for a higher or more prestigious position, Sandler Amy Sandler says, Lesbians – those who are out, as well tation. But, Sandler says, member instituas closeted – must consider how comfort- munity. That’s something few straight females – tions do not always follow the policy. One able they will feel mingling in a new comor most males – have to consider. college, for example, has ruled that only One coach, searching for an assistant, in- spouses of coaches can be included in reterviewed a Lesbian. Usually, that process cruiting endeavors. In the many states where would include help finding the candidate’s Gay marriage is illegal, Sandler says, such spouse a job. But the head coach felt uncom- an interpretation is inconsistent with NCAA fortable telling her athletic director about the standards. candidate’s female partner – her college was Sandler also addressed the NCAA’s certiin a state with no legal protection based on fication process for member institutions. A sexual orientation – so the woman did not self-study covers a school’s environment for receive the same opportunity others had. student-athletes of all sexual orientations. Another woman left her head coaching Sandler suggested a new section, assessing position for reasons unrelated to sexuality. the environment for “coaches and adminHer partner had a good job in the area, and istrators who do not identify as heterosexdid not want to move. Because the coach ual.” was not out, she felt her options with nearby Sandler notes that the two out coaches schools were limited. She left the coaching she studied had vastly different experiences profession altogether. than the closeted women. “They’ve norEarlier this year, Sandler presented her malized their Lesbian identities,” she says. findings at the Sport, Sexuality and Culture One – a very successful coach – is seen as a Conference held at Ithaca College. The re- role model by parents and students. Sandler action, she says, was positive and excited. hopes to study openly Gay female coaches She is gratified that people like Pat Grif- in greater depth. fin and major organizations back her work. But because many women do not feel The National Collegiate Athletic Associa- comfortable being out in the college sports tion gave her a graduate research grant – one world, Sandler will continue to address the of only four awarded this year. “That speaks problem of vanishing female coaches. volumes about the interest of the NCAA,” she says. “And they have discussed my sugDan Woog is a journalist, educator, socgestions for changing policy. That speaks cer coach, Gay activist, and author of the volumes, too.” “Jocks” series of books on Gay male athHer suggestions include a close re-exami- letes. Visit his website at www.danwoog. nation of the NCAA’s own anti-discrimina- com. He can be reached care of this publication policy. It already includes sexual orien- tion or at OutField@qsyndicate.com.
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20 Seattle Gay News
September 4, 2009
Celebrating 36 Years!
by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer Seattle Out and Proud (SOAP), the local non-profit organization that produces Seattle’s annual Pride Parade, presented their first check to Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels in the form of a giant novelty check presentation and media event at the Seattle Center House on August 31. The purpose of the event was, according to the Mayor’s office, “to recognize the good faith effort on behalf of SOAP and the City of Seattle to resolve the organization’s outstanding debt related to a two-day Pride festival held at Seattle Center in 2006.” The mayor accepted the check with a smile and gave a few brief comments, afterwards posing for pictures with Jon Mejia, a SOAP board member, and Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams. SOAP wanted to thank and acknowledge Mayor Nickels for his many years of dedicated service to the city and for being a longtime ally of the LGBT community. The recent settlement with the city called for SOAP to pay a total of $85,000 in annual installments, beginning this year, every September 1 until the debt was paid off. The agreement is that if SOAP pays on schedule, the city would waive all interest charges. This relieves SOAP of more than $40,000 in interest penalties. Seattle Center Communications Director Deborah Daoust told SGN, “We’re really pleased that SOAP and the City Law Department have reached a resolution. …
James Whitely
SOAP presents first check on City debt There was goodwill on both sides to reach a solution that works for everybody.” SOAP’s purpose is to “Coordinate and promote Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride events in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, which celebrate the present, envision the future, and honor the past.” More information about SOAP can be found on their website at www.seattlepride. org.
(l to r) Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams, Mayor Nickels, Jon Mejia and Adam Rosencrantz
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Celebrating 36 Years!
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