SGN Jun 7, 2019 - Part 1

Seattle Gay News

State Supreme Court reaffirms ruling against Richland florist

She violated anti-discrimination law, Justices say

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

The Washington State Supreme Court has unanimously reaffirmed its previous decision against a Richland florist who refused to provide flowers to a same-sex wedding.

Barbershop

Baronelle Stutzman violated state antidiscrimination laws by turning away a Gay couple looking for wedding flowers in 2013, the court said.

Washington’s high court had already see FLORIST page 7

sued for rejecting HIV+ client, must

pay $75K

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

A Los Angeles barbershop must pay $75,000 in damages to a former client who was turned away after the business owner discovered he was HIV-positive.

Nikko Briteramos was a regular client of Kings of Kuts barbershop in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, but when he went in for a haircut in October 2017, he was unexpectedly turned away.

see BARBERSHOP page 8

Washington Supreme Court unanimously upholds decision protecting rights of gay and

lesbian couples

OLYMPIA (June 6, 2019) – The Washington State Supreme Court today upheld its previous decision in Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s lawsuit against a Richland florist. The court again found that Arlene’s Flowers violated Washington’s Consumer Protection Act and the Washington Law see VICTORY page 7

Rep. Jayapal’s statement on passage of HR 6, the American Dream and Promise Act

WASHINGTON, DC (June 4, 2019)Today, the US House of Representatives passed HR 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, historic legislation to provide a roadmap to citizenship for DREAMers as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders.

“I am immensely proud of today’s historic vote to pass the American Dream and Promise Act out of the US House of Representatives, 18 years after the introduction of the original DREAM Act. As one of only 14 immigrants see HR 6 page 8

Pride Calendar

Compiled by SGN Staff

HAPPY LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH FROM SEATTLE GAY NEWS!

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Exhibit Opening: “In and Out: Being LGBTQ on Vashon Island”

6-9pm (opening reception). Vashon Heritage Museum (10105 SW Bank Rd, Vashon). Interactive, collaborative exhibit and series of programs that examine and celebrate the long, quiet history of LGBTQ+ people on Vashon-Maury Island, which has the largest per-capita LGBTQ population in Washington State. Curated by Ellen Kritzman and Stephen Silha. Exhibit on display thru March 2020. Info: https://vashonheritagemuseum.org/exhibition/lgbtq-vashon. (Watch this site for news of special events tied to the exhibit.)

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Exhibit Opening: “Queer Clay” at Pottery Northwest

6-8pm (opening reception). Pottery Northwest (226 1st Ave N). What makes a “home” becomes increasingly convoluted post-adolescence, particularly for Queer folx: if you’re Queer, “homemaking” often means forging a family from scratch. This exhibition brings together artists working in the Pacific Northwest to address themes of home and belonging. These artists represent a geographical range from Seattle and Portland all the way to Montana and Alaska, and they include a mix of ceramic artists and artists from other disciplines who were willing to take on clay. Exhibit on display thru June 28. Info: https:// potterynw.org/portfolio-item/june-2019queer-clay/.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

GenPRIDE Inaugural Fundraiser

6-9pm. The Sanctuary at Admiral (2656 42nd Ave SW). Join GenPRIDE (Generations Aging With Pride) in celebrating the generations of our community from Stonewall to Marriage Equality and beyond. Aleksa Manila and other fabulous entertainers will make it a night to remember! Dinner included. Tickets ($50 single, $25 senior) and more info at https://gapseattle. org or call (206) 393-3400.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Trans Health Fair

10am-3pm. MLK F.A.M.E. Community Center (3201 E Republican St). Meet Medical Providers who know Trans issues! Meet

agencies staffed by and for Trans People! Do you know if your medical exam is appropriate? Answer questions like these: What if I face homelessness? How do I change my name? Why should I care about HIV? How do I access health care with no insurance?

Speakers include: Queerdoc.com’s Dr. Crystal Beal; Gender Justice League; Lambda Legal; Tribalmed.com’s Janna Cuneo, ARNP. “A resiliency space.” Advocate for your health! Sponsored by Lifelong.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Panel Discussion: “There Goes the Gayborhood” 10:30am-12 noon. Seattle Central Library Microsoft Auditorium (1000 4th Ave, 1st

floor). Join Historic Seattle and Vanishing Seattle for a discussion on the history of LGBTQIA spaces and the changing nature of our city. In the face of rapid redevelopment, how do we save the places that anchor Seattle’s LGBTQIA communities but may lack the architectural significance typically required for landmarking? A panel of preservationists, small business owners and activists will discuss important community places and the challenges we face in making preservation more inclusive. Panelists include Rich Freitas, Kevin McKenna, Sylvia O’Stayformore, Jeff Henness, Steve Bennett, and Martha Manning. Free. Info/ RSVP: https://historicseattle.org/event/theregoes-the-gayborhood-panel-discussion/.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Volunteer Park Pride Festival

12 noon-7pm. Volunteer Park (1247 15th Ave E). The Volunteer Park Pride Festival is a chance for family and friends to come together in one of Seattle’s iconic parks and celebrate Queer arts, music, performance and culture. Features beer garden, live music, food trucks, craft fair & informational booths. Free, all ages. Music lineup includes Thunderpussy, J GRGRY, Whitney Monge, Sassyblack, Left At London, Betty Wetter, Marco Collins and DJ KIRK. More info at www.seattlepride.org/festival.

GLAAD issues statement on the death of Johana Medina

I wish I had better news to flag at the start of Pride Month, but it appears another trans woman has died while in custody of ICE officials. Johana Medina is now the third transgender person (that the public is aware of) to have died while trying to seek asylum in the United States.

On Monday, June 3, upon hearing this terrible news, GLAAD issued the following statement:

“Johana Medina, a trans asylum seeker from El Salvador, has died while in the

OBITUARY

custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Roxsána Hernández Rodriguez, another trans woman seeking asylum, also died in ICE custody just over a year ago. This country shouldn’t be imprisoning trans people, children, and other vulnerable people fleeing violence and persecution in their countries and seeking help. Are the White House and President Trump going to remain silent on this?”

Courtesy of GLAAD

PFLAG co-founder and Seattle Counseling Service counselor

Arleen Nelson dies at 92

IN

Arleen Francis Bruce Nelson

October 1926 – April 23, 2019

Arleen Nelson was born in Loma Linda in October 1926. She died at Swedish Hospital April 23, 2019 at age 92. Her parents were Delbert and Sarah Bruce. She is survived by daughter Dr. Heidi Nelson, son Gregory Nelson, grandchildren Andrew Nelson and Sarah Nelson, and daughter-in-law Heidi Lynn Nelson, and many nephews and nieces. Her beloved sister Thelma Jo Landon preceded her in death. Her body will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery next to those of her sons, Mark Nelson and Scott Nelson. Arleen grew up in San Bernardino, CA and later graduated from UCLA. She married A. Gordon Nelson with whom she raised their four children in Malibu, Northridge, CA, and later in Chelan, WA. Mid-life, she divorced Gordon, and went back to school, obtaining

her MSW from the University of Washington. Residing on Mercer Island, she went into private practice as a therapist, and later joined Seattle Counseling Service. She was involved locally and nationally in the founding of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

After she retired from SCS, she continued to work for them on a contract part-time basis until two years ago. She served on the Board of Directors for SCS. At Bayview Retirement Community, where she lived the past six years with a beloved view, she served on the Ethics Committee, and as a Resident Council President and Trustee.

A memorial service will be held at Prospect Congregational UCC Church, 1919 E Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98122 at 10am on Saturday, June 29, 2019. All are welcome. Street parking only. Arrive early.

Courtesy of The Co-op Funeral Home of People’s Memorial

Pride Calendar

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Youth Pride Skate

5:30-9:30pm. Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17 Ave S). A benefit for Lambert House. Sponsored by Southgate Roller Rink, Girl Scout Troop #44284, and Southside Revolution Coed Jr. Roller Derby. Hosted by DJ McLovin. $10 at door with free skate rental and 21+ bar. Info: www. facebook.com/events/463435874473650/.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Blue Moon Pride Show

& Benefit for Pizza Klatch

9pm. Blue Moon Tavern (712 NE 45th St). Live music from local Queer artists Creature Hole, Seaside Tryst, and After Party. Proceeds benefit Olympia’s Pizza Klatch. $10 cover, 21+. Info: www.facebook.com/events/534043733795341.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Kitsap Pride Picnic

12:30-4pm. Pilgrim Firs Conference Center (3318 SW Lake Flora Rd, Port Orchard). Annual family-friendly event on beautiful Lake Flora. Pilgrim Firs provides lunch including a vegetarian option. Bring your own beverages, lawn chairs and

umbrellas. Music, a children’s craft project, lawn games, volleyball, and you can enjoy walks in the woods including trails around the lake and a contemplative labyrinth. This event is by donation, everyone is welcome. Picnic will be held indoors in case of rain. Info: www.facebook.com/ events/2061263750839458/

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

UW Lavender Graduation

6-9pm. Intellectual House (4249 Whitman Court NE). A special ceremony for LGBTQ graduating students hosted by Aleksa Manila and featuring local Trans/ Queer poet, educator and youth advocate J Mase III. (Check him out at https://jmaseiii. com/.) Sponsored by the UW’s Q Center. All are welcome to attend, but participation requires pre-registration at www.eventbrite.com/e/lavender-graduation-2019-tickets-61912892127/amp.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

GSBA Pride Business Luncheon: “Stonewall Forward” 11am (expo), 12 noon (luncheon program). Embassy Suites by Hilton (255 S King St). Join GSBA in recognizing 50 years since the Stonewall Uprising with LGBTQ activists discussing the early years of the movement, its successes, challenges and the work still to be done. Sally Clark of the University of Washington will moderate a panel consisting of Judge Anne Levinson (ret.), Monserrat Padilla (Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network), State Rep. Laurie Jinkins, Thatcher Bailey (Seattle Parks Foundation), and Marsha Botzer, a founding member of Equality Washington. This event features a Small Business Expo, showcasing businesses in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. The GSBA’s 2019-20 annual guide will also be revealed.

Tickets $70 members; $80 nonmembers. Visit www.thegsba.org or call (206) 363-9188.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

Capitol Hill Art Walk –Queer Edition

5-9pm. Various locations. Seattle PrideFest cosponsors this month’s event with Capitol Hill Art Walk. Just like the regular monthly art walk, but more Queer! An easy, gentle June stroll through some of the best art the Queer community has to offer. Map of participating venues available for download a week before the event. For details, visit www.facebook.com/ events/532255640619560/.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Seattle Frontrunners Annual Run/ Walk with Pride 4K/10K 9am. Seward Park (5900 Lake Washington Blvd S). This year’s beneficiary is Seattle Area Support Groups (SASG). Registration fee $35 adult, $20 student/ youth for both 4K and 10K events. Register at www.raceentry.com/races/run-walkwith-pride/2019/register. Info at www. runwalkwithpride.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Tukwila Pride Street Fair

10am-8pm. East Marginal Way S from S 128th to S 130th Street. Help make history by being a part of Tukwila’s firstever Pride event! Featuring a huge lineup of entertainers including Athena, Lala Amish, Kristie Champagne, Africa Violeta, Sage Rose, and many other musicians, drag performers and DJs, plus food trucks, beer garden and much more. Children’s activities include reading by “Grandmother Fish” author Jonathan Tweet. Free, hosted by PFLAG, Friendz Café, and NB Garden and Lawn Care. Info: www.tukwilapride.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Reign FC Pride Match

7pm. Cheney Stadium, 2502 S Tyler St, Tacoma. Celebrate Pride with the Reign FC

of the National Women’s Soccer League as they take on the Washington (DC) Spirit. Tickets $17-$30 at www1.ticketmaster.com/reign-fc-vs-washington-spirit/ event/0F00565BF1EF7F2D or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

PBS presents “The Lavender Scare” 9-10pm. KCTS-TV. In 1953, President Eisenhower declared Gay men and Lesbians to be a threat to national security and therefore unfit for government service. In doing so, he triggered the longest “witch hunt” in American history. Over the next four decades, tens of thousands of government workers lost their jobs and careers solely over their sexual orientation. But this injustice had an unintended effect: it helped ignite the LGBT rights movement. This new documentary is narrated by Glenn Close and Frank Kameny (the man who dared to fight back). For a complete schedule listing other LGBT-themed programming during June, visit https://kcts.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 –

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Northwest Film Forum presents “Queens” 6pm (VIP pre-show wine & cupcake tasting), 8pm (screening). Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave). Drawing inspiration from the strategic drama of chess, Simone Pin Productions presents a sexy, thought-provoking burlesque centering two opulent, opposed queens. Gaze upon the staggering beauty of rooks, knights, and two primal Queens facing off on the chessboard! Powerful female figures, love, and the battles experienced by women of color all take center stage in this stimulating burlesque. The Queen’s Court features Adra Boo, Caela Bailey, TAQUEET$!, Elise, Shay Simone and Annya Pin, with choreography by Shay Simone that fuses burlesque and technical dance to scintillating effect. Tickets: $40 general, $50 VIP see PRIDE CALENDAR page 15

VICTORY: WA Supreme Court again rules in favor of gay couple in discrimination case

SEATTLE (June 6, 2019) – Today the Washington Supreme Court reaffirmed its February 2017 ruling that a Richland florist violated the state’s anti-discrimination and consumer protection laws when she refused to sell flowers to a gay couple for their wedding.

The ACLU of Washington represents Curt Freed and Robert Ingersoll in their lawsuit (Ingersoll v. Arlene’s Flowers) seeking to vindicate their right to access goods and services at businesses open to the public. The case was remanded to the Washington State Supreme Court by the US Supreme Court for reconsideration in light of the ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop. In that case, the

US Supreme Court underscored the validity of laws prohibiting discrimination but ruled that anti-religious bias on the part of a body reviewing the case is impermissible.

“We are thrilled that the Court has reaffirmed its ruling in our favor. Discrimination hurts, especially while planning what should be one of the happiest times of your life,” said Freed and Ingersoll. “We hope that this ruling will prevent what happened to us from happening to others.”

In its review of this case, the court analyzed its own record as well as that of the Benton County Superior Court, which originally heard the case in 2013, for any

sign of intolerance toward the plaintiff. In its opinion, the court found that “After careful review on remand, we are confident that the courts resolved this dispute with tolerance, and we therefore find no reason to change our original judgment in light of Masterpiece Cakeshop. We again affirm the trial court’s rulings.”

“We are pleased that the Washington State Supreme Court recognized that the Masterpiece decision does not give people a license to use religion to discriminate,” said Michele Storms, executive director of the ACLU of Washington. “Religion is a fundamental right, but businesses open to the public

must be open to all.”

Representing Ingersoll and Freed for the ACLU are ACLU-WA Legal Director Emily Chiang and Staff Attorney Lisa Nowlin; ACLU LGBT and HIV Project Staff Attorney Elizabeth Gill; and cooperating attorneys Amit Ranade and Jake Ewart of Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson P.S.

For case documents and more information, visit: https://www.aclu-wa.org/cases/ ingersoll-v-arlenes-flowers-0.

Courtesy of the ACLU of Washington

Lambda Legal celebrates key victory reaffirming LGBT rights in flower shop discrimination case

SEATTLE (June 6, 2019) –The Washington Supreme Court today unanimously reaffirmed its February 2017 ruling that a Richland, Wash., florist had violated the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) when she refused to sell flowers to a same-sex couple for their wedding. The US Supreme Court last year vacated that 2017 ruling and ordered the case sent back to the Washington court for reconsideration in light of its narrow ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Human Rights Commission finding in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to sell a wedding cake to a same-sex couple. Jennifer C. Pizer, Director of Law and Policy for Lambda Legal, issued the following statement:

“The Washington Supreme Court today again confirmed a simple principle: our precious freedoms of religion and speech do not give businesses a license to discriminate against LGBT people. As important, the court also did a careful review and rejected the assertion that there was anti-religious bias in the state courts’ consideration of the lawsuit. The florist in this action – Arlene’s Flowers,

VICTORY

continued from cover

Against Discrimination (WLAD) by refusing to serve a same-sex couple seeking to buy wedding flowers in 2013.

“Washington state law protects same-sex couples from discrimination based on their sexual orientation, the same way it protects Washingtonians from discrimination based on their religion, veteran or military status, disability, race, and other protected classes,” Ferguson said. “I will continue to uphold these laws and fight to protect Washingtonians from discrimination.”

Under Washington law, a business need not provide a particular service, but if it chooses to do so for couples of the opposite sex, it must provide that service equally to

FLORIST

continued from cover

ruled against Stutzman in 2017 but was ordered to review its findings by the US Supreme Court.

In a similar case involving a Colorado baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, the US Supreme Court found that Colorado acted with a bias against the baker’s religious beliefs, and it ordered the Washington court to review its findings to be sure no similar bias existed in the Pasco case.

On June 6, Washington’s Supreme Court simply reiterated its 2017 findings: Stutzman violated the state law against discrimination

Inc. v. Washington – had no plausible basis for claiming there was hostility to her religious beliefs among those deciding her case.

“Lawyers for Arlene’s Flowers’ owner, Baronelle Stutzman, had pressed a series of extreme arguments to justify Stutzman’s request for a license to discriminate against same-sex couples. The Washington Supreme Court today reaffirmed its thorough, forceful rejection of every one of these arguments.

“We are thrilled that the court has so clearly and emphatically rebuffed this florist’s attorneys’ attempts to justify discrimination and congratulate the ACLU and Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson on this important victory.”

From today’s ruling:

“Stutzman contends that there is no reason to enforce the WLAD when, as she puts it, ‘[N]o access problem exists.’ We emphatically reject this argument. We agree with Ingersoll and Freed that ‘[this case] is no more about access to flowers than civil rights cases in the 1960s were about access to sandwiches.’ As every other court to address the

same-sex couples.

Despite multiple inaccurate statements from the lawyers for Barronelle Stutzman, the owner of Arlene’s Flowers, that Attorney General Ferguson aimed to bankrupt her, Ferguson sought and received only $1 in attorney’s fees.

The Washington State Supreme Court reached the same conclusion in its 2017 ruling on the case, writing at that time: “The State of Washington bars discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation. Discrimination based on same-sex marriage constitutes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. We therefore hold that the conduct for which Stutzman was cited and fined in this case – refusing her commercially marketed wedding floral services to [Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed] because theirs would

on account of sexual orientation.

“Washington state law protects samesex couples from discrimination based on their sexual orientation, the same way it protects Washingtonians from discrimination based on their religion, veteran or military status, disability, race, and other protected classes,” Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a statement.

“I will continue to uphold these laws and fight to protect Washingtonians from discrimination.”

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing Stutzman said they will appeal once again to the US Supreme Court to take her case.

question has concluded, public accommodations laws do not simply guarantee access to goods or services. Instead, they serve a broader societal purpose: eradicating barriers to the equal treatment of all citizens in the commercial marketplace. Were we to carve out a patchwork of exceptions for ostensibly justified discrimination, that purpose would be fatally undermined.”

Arlene’s Flowers v. Washington began as a lawsuit filed by a gay couple – Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed – against Arlene’s Flowers after the owner, Baronelle Stutzman, refused to create floral arrangements for their wedding. The State of Washington followed with its own lawsuit against the business, charging it with violating the Washington Consumer Protection Act. And Stutzman filed her own lawsuit against Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The cases were consolidated into Arlene’s Flowers v. Washington

Lambda Legal submitted a friend-ofthe-court brief to the Washington Supreme Court in the original case, in 2017, along with

be a same-sex wedding – constitutes sexual orientation discrimination under the [Washington Law Against Discrimination].”

The defendants appealed the decision to the United States Supreme Court.

On June 4, 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, issuing a narrow ruling in favor of a bakery in Colorado that refused to provide a wedding cake to a samesex couple. In that case, the high court found that the civil rights commission’s handling of the case had “some elements of a clear and impermissible hostility” toward the religious beliefs of the business owner.

Following that ruling, the US Supreme Court issued a “grant, vacate, remand” order in this case. This means the court expresses no view about whether the ruling is correct but formally vacates the lower court ruling and sends the case back to the lower court for a second look in light of the recent decision. The lower court then reevaluates the case in light of the new ruling and determines whether that new ruling impacts the case. This is a common procedural step when cases involving similar issues are pending before the court.

Case background

On March 1, 2013, Robert Ingersoll spoke with Arlene’s proprietor Barronelle Stutzman about purchasing flowers for his upcoming wedding to Curt Freed. Stutzman refused, based on her personal objection to marriage equality.

On March 28, the Attorney General’s Office sent a letter to Stutzman asking her to comply with Washington law, which

co-counsel Dan Shih and Lindsey Godfrey Eccles of the Susman Godfrey LLP law firm. Disability Rights Washington, El Centro de la Raza, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, PFLAG Seattle, Pride Foundation, QLaw Association of Washington, South Asian Bar Association of Washington, and Washington Women Lawyers joined the brief.

Read the court’s decision here: https:// www.lambdalegal.org/in-court/legal-docs/ arlene_wa_20190606_opinion.

Read Lambda Legal’s friend-of-the-court brief here: http://www.lambdalegal.org/ in-court/legal-docs/arlene_wa_20160208_ amicus.

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education, and policy work.

Courtesy of Lambda Legal

prohibits businesses from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation.

Had Stutzman agreed to no longer discriminate, the letter stated, the Attorney General’s Office would not have filed suit, and Stutzman would not have paid any costs, fees, or penalties.

Stutzman refused. On April 9, 2013, the Attorney General’s Office filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Arlene’s Flowers and Stutzman for refusing to serve the couple.

Ingersoll and Freed filed their own lawsuit against the defendants on April 18, which the trial court consolidated with the state’s case on July 24.

On Feb. 18, 2015, Benton County Superior Court Judge Alex Ekstrom granted the state’s motion for summary judgment, ruling the defendants had violated the Consumer Protection Act.

Judge Ekstrom awarded the state a $1,000 penalty under the Consumer Protection Act – and the $1 in costs and fees the state requested – on March 27, 2015. The appeal to the Washington State Supreme Court followed.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson presented oral arguments before the Supreme Court on November 15, 2016.

The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington, with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards, and commissions. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Courtesy of the Office of Attorney General Bob Ferguson

Rep. Jayapal presides over House of Representatives for historic debate on HR 6, the American Dream and Promise Act

WASHINGTON, DC (June 4, 2019)

– Earlier today, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) became the first South Asian–American woman to preside over the US House of Representatives. Rep. Jayapal was invited to serve as speaker pro tempore, meaning “temporary speaker,” by Speaker Pelosi, who may delegate a member of the House to preside over the chamber in her stead. Rep. Jayapal presided over floor debate of the rule to consider HR 6, the American Dream and Promise Act. As vice chair of the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration Subcommittee, co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, and chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus’s Immigration Task Force, Rep. Jayapal has played a key role in helping craft and pass the most progressive version of this bill.

“I am honored to be the first South Asian–American woman to have the honor of presiding over the US House of Representatives,” said Jayapal. “As one of only 14 immigrants currently serving in Congress and as a lifelong advocate for immigra-

BARBERSHOP

continued from cover

Shop owner Ramsy Milton refused to cut Briteramos’s hair or to allow any of his employees to do so, after being informed by one of the barbers that the client was HIVpositive.

Briteramos and Lambda Legal attorneys filed suit against the barbershop and its owner, charging them with violating the Americans With Disabilities Act and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act by discriminating against him based on his HIV status.

US District Court Judge Andre Birotte Jr. entered summary judgment in Briteramos’s favor on June 4, after Milton failed to respond to the lawsuit. In addition to $75,000 in actual and punitive damages, the plaintiff was awarded attorney’s fees of $4,600 and court costs of $574.60.

tion reform, I am particularly proud to have served as speaker pro tempore during today’s historic debate on the American Dream and Promise Act. Moments like these are powerful reminders of the solemn obligation of this office and the promise of the American dream.”

Courtesy of Rep. Pramila Jayapal

HR 6

continued from cover

currently serving in Congress and as a lifelong advocate for immigration reform, I was honored to preside over one of the critical debates for its passage,” stated Rep. Jayapal.

“Today’s victory is the result of years of organizing in the streets and the halls of Congress, and I want to thank DREAMers, their parents, their families and friends, and everyone who has put in their blood, sweat, and tears to get us to this moment.

“This is a first step, not a last. We must stop criminalizing immigrants at every

turn even as we willingly accept their labor and contributions. We cannot let the xenophobia and racism of this president and his administration permeate our country. We must pass humane, just, and comprehensive immigration reform that provides a roadmap to citizenship, strengthens familybased immigration, and protects workers’ rights on the job.

“At the heart of this bill are people who are American in every single way but on paper: people who are integral parts of our communities and our families. This is a community of strivers who have contributed and will continue to contribute to America in our most fundamental tradi-

“This ruling is a terrific affirmation for our client, and it is a clear and forceful rebuke of intentional discrimination against people living with HIV,” Anthony Pinggera, the Lambda Legal law fellow leading the case, said in the press release.

“This is the end of Nikko’s case, but our work to raise necessary awareness in black communities around the country to the ongoing issues surrounding HIV discrimination continues through our partnership with the Black AIDS Institute on the ‘Cut the Stigma’ campaign.”

“This judgment is proof that what happened to me in that barbershop and what happens to people living with HIV who experience discrimination just trying to do basic things in life, like go the dentist or get a haircut, is simply not acceptable,” Briteramos said in a statement.

tions as a nation,” Jayapal concluded. The American Dream and Promise Act would: provide a roadmap to citizenship for DREAMers who meet certain conditions, including completing higher education, serving in the military, or holding a job; and create a roadmap to citizenship for TPS and DED holders. For full text of the bill, [go to https:// www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/ house-bill/6/].

Courtesy of Rep. Pramila Jayapal

His case prompted Lambda Legal and the Black AIDS Institute to launch a public education campaign called “Cut the Stigma,” hoping to dispel misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted and reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with the virus are subjected to.

The fact that Briteramos experienced discrimination at a barbershop is important, the two organizations pointed out, because barbershops are important gathering spaces for the African-American community.

“It was the last place from which he expected to be cast out and ostracized as ‘the other,’” the lawsuit notes.

“Nikko’s experience highlights how black people living with HIV are confronted with discrimination every day, but this judgment puts businesses on notice that discrimination will not be tolerated,” added Black AIDS Institute CEO Raniyah Copeland.

“Freedom for black people means that ALL black people deserve to live without fear of discrimination.”

One million new STIs every day, WHO says

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

More than one million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur every single day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated. That means more than 376 million new cases annually of four infections – chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis.

Compared with its last global analysis in 2012, WHO warns that there has been “no substantive decline” in the rates of new or existing infections.

Its analysis suggests that one in 25

people globally has at least one of these four STIs, with some experiencing multiple infections at the same time.

WHO called the numbers a “wake-up call” that highlights the lack of progress in stopping the spread of STIs.

WHO regularly evaluates global estimates of the four common sexually transmitted infections taken from published research and reports from health workers in countries around the world.

The figures suggest that among people aged 15-49 in 2016 there were:

156 million new cases of trichomoniasis

127 million new cases of chlamydia

87 million new cases of gonorrhea

6.3 million new cases of syphilis

Trichomoniasis is caused by infection by a parasite during sex. Chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are bacterial infections.

Bacterial STIs can be treated and cured with widely available medications, but doctors are particularly concerned about the rise in drug-resistant STIs.

Syphilis treatment has been made more difficult because of a shortage in the specific kind of penicillin needed, and there has been an increase in cases of so-called “super-gonorrhea,” which is almost impossible to treat.

Dr. Tim Jinks, head of Wellcome’s drugresistant infection program, warned that “untreatable cases of gonorrhea are harbingers of a wider crisis, where common infections are harder and harder to treat.

“We urgently need to reduce the spread of these infections and invest in new antibiotics and treatments to replace those that no longer work.”

Safer sex practices, particularly condom use, and better access to testing are both crucial to controlling STIs, WHO added.

KarmaScentsCandles.com

Tukwila Pride Committee kicks off first LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 15

“Queers

Enjoy a full day of Pride celebration from 10am through 8pm featuring live bands, DJs and drag performance on the entertainment stage along with vendors, community information booths and a beer garden at the Tukwila Pride Street Fair, 12930 East Marginal Way S., Tukwila, WA 98168. For complete details and schedule of events, visit https://www.tukwilapride.org/ or phone (425) 954-7694. Enjoy the local LGBTQ+ Pride festivities in Tukwila!

WELCOME!

On behalf of the Tukwila Pride Committee, I invite you to a celebration of community, culture, and pride as we honor prides past while establishing a brand new tradition of pride here in one of America’s

most diverse cities.

I am honored to help bring Tukwila this pride event because as someone who grew up in a rural town in SW Washington in the ’70s & ’80s, a time and place where being openly LGBTQ+ was a dangerous proposition.

I know what social isolation, fear, and homophobia in society is; remedied only by education, visibility, and inclusion.

Pride events have been held in Seattle since 1974, but change has been slow to reach smaller communities. Advocates say that only now, after federal court victories legalizing same-sex marriage and affirming other LGBTQ+ civil rights, have lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people been able to live openly without fear of discrimination in many small towns.

Almost 50 years after New York’s Stonewall Riots kicked off the modern queer rights movement, American cities are still jumping on board the ever-expanding, ever-moreinclusive tent the world knows as PRIDE! With Tukwila being such a culturally diverse city, the time has come to bring all the corners together to forge a new future of unity and that is what we will do with Tukwila Pride.

In contrast to large metropolitan pride events, Tukwila Pride will be local; local bands, drag performers, businesses, and people. There will be food trucks, Friendz Cafe, a beer garden, and vendors of all varieties. Join us for a special afternoon.

fired up against the far-right”on June 20

FSP and Radical Women host panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion

Queer activists in the Pacific Northwest have a proud history of standing with other communities against fascism and the farright which continues today. On Thursday, June 20 Freedom Socialist Party and Radical Women host a panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and the work of local activists in the Northwest. Hear from panelists on how to build effective coalitions and united fronts against the far-right and fascists. Speakers include: George Bakan, editor of Seattle Gay News and co-founder of United Front Against Fascism; Su Docekal, socialist feminist leader of many battles including for abortion clinic defense and against racist and anti-gay ballot initiatives; and Brendan Foreau, founding member of Community and Labor Against Fascism who was inspired into activism by the immigrant rights movement. An open discussion will follow panel. The event will be held at New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood conveniently served by the #7 Metro bus route. The panel discussion begins at 7pm. A fresh summer salad buffet will be served starting at 6pm. Dinner donation is $8.00-$12.00. Door donation is $2.00-$5.00. For more information or to arrange childcare, call 206-722-2453.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Mexico City drops gender-specific school uniforms

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum announced a new dress code for government-run schools in her city – and students will no longer be required to wear genderspecific uniforms.

“Boys can wear skirts if they want and girls can wear trousers if they want,” Mayor Sheinbaum said in a June 4 press conference at a primary school in the center of the city.

The change in policy will create “a condition of equality, of equity,” she added.

Previous guidelines stated that “just as the skirt is the basic garment of a girl’s daily school uniform, so trousers are for boys.”

Sheinbaum said that that kind of think-

ing “had passed into history” and that the new measure would come into effect “immediately.”

Later she tweeted about the policy change.

“A city of rights brings equality to all spheres. With the secretary of the [school district] we announce the neutral school uniform in the city. The skirt will not be exclusive for the girls and the trousers for the boys. Simple actions to promote equal rights.”

Mexican Transgender activists said the new dress code would help children who had been forced to wear a uniform they may not have identified with.

National Education Minister Esteban Moctezuma backed the mayor’s move and said he was sure many other states

would follow suit. Unlike the United States, schools in Mexico are run by state governments. As the capital of the country, Mexico City forms its own state, governed by the mayor and city council.

It is not the first time Mexico City led the rest of the country in protecting LGBT rights. In 2010, it became the first area in Mexico to issue marriage licenses to samesex couples. Since then, more than a dozen other states have legalized it.

Last month, newly elected President Andrés Manuel López Obrador – popularly known as Amlo, from his initials – said he would push for same-sex marriage to be made legal across the country.

Like Amlo, Sheinbaum is a member of the leftist Movimiento Regeneración Nacio-

nal (MORENA) movement. MORENA describes itself as a democratic left-wing party that supports ethnic, religious, cultural, and sexual diversity; respect for human rights; and care for the environment.

In coalition with other leftist groups, it won the Mexican presidency and control of both houses of Mexico’s congress in the 2018 national elections.

Sheinbaum was elected mayor in 2018, after serving as mayor of Tlalpan, one of Mexico City’s districts. Amlo was mayor of Mexico City from 2000 to 2005, with Sheinbaum as his environmental secretary.

Pride Calendar

(includes reserved seating, wine, cupcake, signed poster, meet-and-greet with cast), at https://nwfilmforum.org/events/simonepin-productions-queens/.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

Radical Women/Freedom Socialist LGBTQ Pride Forum

7pm. New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave S). Panel discussion focused on the fight against the far right (it didn’t start with Trump). Featuring SGN publisher George Bakan and other local leaders in the struggle. Watch for details at www.radicalwomen.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Pride Shabbat 2019

5:30pm (pre-Oneg with appetizers), 6:30pm (Service), 7:30 (dessert Oneg). Temple De Hirsch Sinai, 1441 16th Ave. Pride Shabbat 2019 is a celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Jews, friends, families and allies of all ages. Free, ADA accessible, ASL interpreted, dietary laws observed. Co-sponsored by Temple De Hirsch Sinai and the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Preregistration encouraged at www.jewishinseattle.org/investments-in-jewish-life/popup-events/pride-shabbat-2019/.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 –

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Seattle Men’s Chorus: “Summer of ’69”

8pm (Fri), 2pm (Sat). Benaroya Hall (3rd Ave & University St). Let SMC transport you back to that vibrant year of culture-defining music. Featuring hits by Marvin Gaye, Three Dog Night, Sly & the Family Stone, the Fifth Dimension and many others. Plus: the premiere of “Quiet No More,” an inspiring new musical theater work that tells the stories of the Stonewall riots and the birth of the struggle to live life out loud. Info and tickets: www.seattlechoruses.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Seattle Women’s Pride 2019

6-10pm. The Riveter (1517 12th Ave). This year’s theme: “The Year of the Woman.” Awards presentation (8pm) honorees include Greta Cammermeyer, Mitzi Johanknecht, and Kim Bogucki. Comedy show (9pm) features Monisa Brown, Val Nigro and Tambre Massman. Also food, non-host bar, silent auction, raffle, VIP lounge. Come as you are! Tickets $40 general, $55 VIP (plus fees). Sponsored by The Seattle Lesbian. Info: www. seattlewomenspride.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Pride All-Gender Swim at Rainier Beach Pool

6-8pm. Rainier Beach Pool (8825 Rainier Ave S). Amenities include water slide, diving board, sauna, leisure pool, hot tub and 25-yard lap pool. (Access stairs and ADA lift available for leisure pool, lap pool and hot tub.) All welcome – changing rooms will be gender-neutral with five family/private changing rooms available. Special rate of $2 (children under one year free with adult). Info: www.seattle.gov/ parks/find/pools/rainier-beach-pool.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Houselpuff at Blue Moon 8pm. Blue Moon Tavern (712 NE 45th St). A Harry Potter themed dance party, featuring the talents of DJ Eff, Kid Amiga, Kzar, Shitbox, and Flintlock3r. $5 cover, 21+. Info: www.facebook.com/ events/3397409100052121/.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

Capital City Pride Parade and Festival (Olympia) Parade at noon. Festival 1-5pm. Heritage Park (5th Ave SE & Water St SE – SW corner – Olympia) www.capitalcitypride. net; www.facebook.com/capcitypride.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 –

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Northwest Film Forum presents “Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community” 5 & 8pm 6/23; 3pm 6/24-25; 8:30pm 6/26-28. Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave). Newly restored print of classic 1984 documentary of the LGBT movement in the decades before the 1969 Stonewall riots. Narrated by iconic author Rita Mae Brown and featuring groundbreaking interviews with Ann Bannon, Martin Duberman, Allen Ginsberg, Barbara Gittings, Harry Hay, Mabel Hampton, Dr. Evelyn Hooker, Frank Kameny, Audre Lorde, Richard Bruce Nugent, Jose Sarria, and many more. Tickets and info at https://nwfilmforum.org/.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27 –SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Introvert Pride Festival

5-10pm. Copious Love Productions, 2220 NW Market St. We’re here, we’re Queer, we’re quiet. Cuddle up with a good book, listen to some amazing music geared toward inner calm and personal productivity, and celebrate Pride in a new way. Bring some friends and chill out with other cool introverts. Free. Info: www.copious.art.

Pride Calendar

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Trans Pride Seattle March

5pm (assembly), 6pm (march), 7pm (party). Assemble at Broadway & Thomas St, march south on Broadway to Pike, east on Pike to 11th, and north on 11th to Cal Anderson Park for Trans Pride celebration. For more info or to volunteer, visit www. transprideseattle.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Butt Dial at the W

6-8pm. Hotel W Seattle (1112 4th Ave). Mix and mingle with Mama Tits while jumping on the Butt Dial Express with live music on the W Stage. No cover charge. Happy Hour 4-8pm daily. Info: www.evensi.us/amp/love-loud-weekendhotel/310431783.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 –SUNDAY, JUNE 30

GLTA Seattle Classic

11am (Friday’s first match). UW Nordstrom Tennis Center (3833 Walla Walla Rd) indoor and outdoor courts. Annual open tournament sponsored by Seattle Tennis Alliance. Registration deadline: June 14 at 11:59pm. To register or for more information, visit www.seattletennisalliance.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 – SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Queer/Pride Festival 2019

6pm-12 midnight Fri; 2pm-12 midnight Sat; 2pm-10pm Sun. Queer/Bar (1518 11th Ave) and outdoors on 11th btwn Pike & Pine. Queer/Pride Festival is an annual three-day street festival during Seattle Pride Weekend in the heart of Capitol Hill. We are here to be

a safe, fun space for our LGBTQIA+ community so that we can honor our history and diversity, while celebrating our Queer culture together. Enjoy nightly performances on two stages of the hottest in drag and LGBTQIA+ talent from all over the country, dance your glitter off all day long with DJs and Go-Gos, and meet the stars at our Meet & Greet events! VIPs party in the ultra-exclusive VIP lounge with a private stage, premium bar, and drop-ins with “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” queens. Tickets: $30 (single-day pass); $75 (3-day pass); $199 (VIP Experience). Meet-andgreet packages also available ($50 addl). Info: www.strangertickets.com/events/92033887/ queerpride-festival-2019.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Wildrose Block Party

15,000 square feet outdoor beer garden with rotating schedule of DJs throughout the weekend at The Wildrose (1021 E Pike St). Games, photobooth, booty shaking contest. Watch for details at www.thewildrosebar.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Seattle Pride Quads

Grass Volleyball Tournament

8am-7pm. Judkins Park, 2150 S Norman St. Fundraiser for Kraken VC Scholarship Fund, which brings club volleyball to innercity youth. Tournament includes men’s and women’s divisions. Entry fee $120 for team of 4; $30 each additional player. Info and registration (deadline: June 22) at www. seattlepridequads.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

LGBTQ Youth Pride Dance: “Hollywood, Gays & Glam” 7-11pm. MoPOP, 325 5th Ave N. Featuring great music, lighting, media display, and youth drag performances. Co-sponsored by the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Lambert House. Ages 13-22. More info coming soon at www.lamberthouse.org. Volunteers are needed; email brandon@ lamberthouse.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

OutDancing: A Fundraiser for the Dyke March 8:30pm-1am. Century Ballroom (915 E Pine St, 2nd floor). Dance party featuring MC Koop and DJ Nudie. Tickets ($10 advance and day-of bef. 10pm; $15 aft. 10pm) at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/4250594.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Pride Pancake Breakfast 9am-12 noon. Central Lutheran Church Social Hall (1710 11th Ave). Fuel up for Capitol Hill’s Pride celebrations while helping support Samaritan Center’s CareTeams, Food Lifeline and the Dignity/Seattle Scholarship Fund. This event is a Seattle tradition now in its 31st year! Donation of $7 includes food and prize raffle. Dignity/ Seattle is a faith community of LGBTQ Catholics, families and friends that has been in existence since 1973. Info at http:// dignityseattle.org/node/198.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Capitol Hill Pride March & Rally 11am (Doggie Drag Costume Contest), 12 noon-1pm (parade). More info coming soon at www.capitolhillpridefestival.info.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

PrideFest Capitol Hill

12 noon-9pm. Broadway E from John St. to Roy St. The biggest festival day on Capitol Hill all year long! Return to the place where Pride was held for decades, now a five-block festival with food, vendors, five stages of entertainment, and the most diverse crowd you’ll see all year long. Best of all, it’s free. Info: www.seattlepridefest.org/schedule/2019/6/29/pridefest-capitol-hill

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 & SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Cuff Pride Street Party

4pm-3am (Sat), 12 noon-3am (Sun). The Cuff Complex, 1533 E 13th St. Details to come; watch for updates at www.cuffcomplex.com or call (206) 323-1525.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Seattle Dyke March 5pm (rally), 7pm (march). Seattle Central College Plaza, 1701 Broadway. March goes around Capitol Hill and back to the Plaza. People of all genders and identities are welcome to join in celebration at the rally and on the march. See the Seattle Dyke March Facebook page for more info.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Seattle Sounders Pride Match

7pm. Century Link Field (800 Occidental Ave). “We stand for Pride, we march for Pride, we play for Pride!” The Sounders host the Vancouver Whitecaps in the

annual Pride Match, with additional events centered around Pride and the celebration of equality. Tickets and more info at www. soundersfc.com/tickets/themematches.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Pride-lesque at the W

8-10pm. W Seattle (1112 4th Ave). Kick off the night with feathers and fierceness as W Seattle welcomes five of the city’s hottest burlesque dancers who will steal the scene with their shimmy and shake while you prefunk with your besties. Featured performers on the W Stage include Waxie Moon, J Von Stratton, Moscato Extatique, Ruby Mimosa and Faggedy Randy. No cover. Info: www.evensi.us/amp/love-loudweekend-hotel/310431783.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Mimosas with Mama Tits

Pride Brunch at the W 8am-2pm (Mama Tits performance 9am-11am). W Seattle (1112 4th Ave). Soak in the Pride celebration (and soak up that Hill hangover) with the brunch of all brunches in the W Seattle Living Room. W Seattle sits right on the parade route so you won’t miss a thing. Buffet brunch $29, full menu to come at www.evensi.us/amp/loveloud-weekend-hotel/310431783.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Seattle Pride Parade 2019

11am-4pm. Downtown Seattle, 4th Ave at Union St. The 45th annual Seattle Pride Parade includes more than 200 participating groups and 60,000 individuals marching in support of LGBTQ pride. This year the parade will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, which became a national movement and eventually led to marches around the country, including the first Seattle Pride march in 1974 – which has been held in late June ever since to commemorate the June 28th Stonewall Riots. The 2019 Grand Marshals include Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, drag performer/actor/singer/comedian Jinkx Monsoon, and four organizations – BaileyBoushay House, Camp Ten Trees, Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic, and U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle. The parade is a fun, communitywide celebration advancing awareness of LGBTQ issues and promoting mutual respect and equal human rights for all. Free, all ages. Updates and more info: www.seattlepride.org/parade.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

PrideFest Seattle

12 noon-8pm. Seattle Center. Seattle’s official Pride Festival celebrates 50 years since the start of the modern LGBTQ rights

movement, ignited by the Stonewall riots in New York City. Come one, come all, to this free celebration, to honor the events where Pride began. Music, food, information booths, and much more. Free admission. For updates see www.facebook.com/ events/386290931942076/.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Seattle Storm Pride Game

4pm. Alaska Airlines Arena (3870 Montlake Blvd NE). The Storm host the Phoenix Mercury with Section 9 ticket sales benefiting Equal Rights Washington. Tickets ($25) at https://actionnetwork.org/ ticketed_events/2019-seattle-storm-pridegame. (These specially priced tickets can only be purchased at this site.)

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Spec Script at Blue Moon 7:30pm. Blue Moon Tavern (712 NE 45th St). A reading of a TV show episode written by someone who has never actually seen the show! For tonight’s edition, the show is “Transparent” (Amazon) written by a Trans person and featuring an all-Trans cast of readers. Suggested donation $7, 21+. Info: www.facebook.com/SpecScriptShow/.

Donations fund a local youth center for LGBTQ teens and allies. Sponsored by Jefferson County Pride. Info: www.facebook.com/events/pope-marine-park/pridein-the-park-2019/373265339930572/.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Tacoma Pride

12 noon-6pm. Pacific Avenue between South 7th and 9th streets. Tacoma Pride is bursting with activities, fun, and engagement with the resilient and brave LGBTQ community from Tacoma and

Pride Calendar

the surrounding Pierce County area. Entertainment, booths from local organizations and businesses, food trucks and stalls, beer garden, youth dance tent, and much more! Free, family-friendly event hosted by the Rainbow Center (www.rainbowcntr.org). Visit www.facebook.com/ events/399061404026350/ for more info.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Gay Day at Wild Waves

11am-7pm. Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, Cascades Picnic Grove (36201 Enchanted Pkwy S, Federal Way). Party at Wild Waves with the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle! A specially reserved area will feature entertainment, food vendors, beer garden and more with proceeds benefiting local charities. Sponsored by the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and the Olympic and Rainier Empire (info: www.imperialcourtofseattle.org). All ages welcome; advance tickets strongly recommended (park will be open to general public, but only Gay Day ticketholders will be admitted to the party grounds). Don’t miss out – get yours at www.strangertickets.com/events/95327232/gay-day-at-wildwaves-2019.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Bellingham Pride Parade and Festival

12 noon (parade), 12 noon-6pm (festival). Parade assembles at corner of Halleck and Ohio streets and proceeds through

downtown to Pride Festival at Market Depot Square (1100 Railroad Ave). More info: www.bellinghampride.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Rainbow Health Fair

10am-5pm. Gay City (517 E Pike St). 21st annual event offering free health services for Trans women, Trans men, non-binary people, and Lesbian/Bi/Queer women, including massage, acupuncture, mammograms, HIV/STI testing, informedconsent clinic, reflexology and cuddle therapy. Gender-affirming hormone therapy also available (insurance or self-pay required). More info at www.facebook. com/events/759346554460032/.

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Kitsap Pride 2019 – “Stonewall 50” 11am-5pm. Evergreen Park (1500 Park Ave, Bremerton). Kitsap Pride is a festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Kitsap County. This year’s festival will feature two stages of entertainment including live music, a beer/cocktail garden, food vendors, 50 local exhibitors, Olympic College art project, and kids activities. Our location is beautiful Evergreen Park which has plenty of room for you to lay out a beach blanket and picnic on the grass. Visit http://kitsappride.org/kitsap-pride-2019/ for more info.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22

Everett AquaSox Pride Night 7:05pm. Funko Field (3900 Broadway, Everett). Join the AquaSox for a night of minor league baseball vs. the Spokane Indians. Special $30 Pride Night package includes AquaSox Pride T-shirt and upper box ticket (purchase before June 28 to assure your correct size). Enjoy $2.50 hot dogs, sodas, popcorn and 12-oz Coors Light. Tickets and info at www.milb.com/ everett/tickets/theme-nights/.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

Pacific Northwest Black Pride

PNW Black Pride celebrates, inspires and advances equality for all. TRANS -

FORMING | TRANSITIONING | TRANSCENDING. A weekend of special events. More details to come. For more information and to volunteer on the NW Black Pride Planning Committee, please contact Autry Bell at Autry@nwblackpride.com. Pacific Northwest Black Pride is a division of POCAAN of Seattle.

BEYOND THE SOUND

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

OutSpokane Pride Parade and Rainbow Festival 12 noon -1pm (parade); 12 noon-10pm (festival). W Spokane Falls Blvd & N Stevens St. (staging begins at 10:45am). This year’s theme: “To Thrive, Not Just Survive.” Since 1992, Spokane has seen the LGBTQ+ community come together to honor those brave individuals that fought back against the police raids in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York. We will continue the legacy of marching around downtown Spokane in memory of those who have fought for us to exist and to celebrate to beauty of our future! Parade will be followed by the Rainbow Festival at Riverfront Park, Lilac Meadows. A fireworks display caps the festivities at 10pm. Visit https://outspokane.org for updates.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 & SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Portland Pride Waterfront Festival 12 noon-8pm (Sat), 11:30am-6pm (Sun).

Tom McCall Waterfront Park (98 SW Naito Pkwy). Two-day event features music, comedy, community activists, food, beer garden, and much more. Watch for updated info at www.pridenw.org/portlandpride.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Portland Pride Parade

11am. North Park Blocks (NW Park Ave btwn W Burnside & NW Glisan St). Portland’s 25th annual Pride parade travels through Northwest Portland and along SW Naito Parkway to end at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, site of the Portland Pride Festival. Info and updates at www.pridenw. org/portlandpride.

SUNDAY, JULY 7

Victoria (BC) Pride Festival 2019 12 noon-6pm. MacDonald Park at James Bay (212 Niagara St). Multifaceted festival featuring two entertainment stages, beer garden, food court, vendor area, and youth pride/kids’ camp area. Free, all-ages event sponsored by the Victoria Pride Society and co-hosted by the GVNCS TwoSpirit Collective. Info: https://victoriapridesociety.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Vancouver (BC) Pride Parade and Festival 11am-6pm. This year’s theme: “50 Years and Still Fighting.” Sponsored by Vancouver Pride Society. Watch for updates at www.vancouverpride.ca.