SNN THIS MONTH SPOKANE – A new campus organization headed by Bryce Hughes offers Gonzaga University students a convenient, onestop-shopping Bryce Hughes source for information on gay studies, organizations and events. SPOKANE – The projectionist is set to “roll-’em” for the 6th annual Gay/Lesbian Film Festival weekend at Riverpoint early this month. Page 16.
– Quest Director Ryan Oelrich and members of his youth group for gay and bisexual men will join with Odyssey Youth Group as special Ryan Oelrich guests of PFLAG this month. Page 5. SPOKANE
Jerry Davis
SPOKANE – It’s a Beautiful Thing what Jerry Davis and fellow board members at CenterStage have created for the local gay community. Page 17.
SPOKANE – Music director Dan Keberle will lead the Spokane Jazz Orchestra in Duke Ellington’s captivating Nutcracker Suite the first Saturday in Dan Keberle December. Page 16. COEUR D’ALENE and WALLA WALLA – Staff members and volun-
teers at AIDS agencies in North Idaho and Southwest Washington are finalizing plans to commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. Page 8. SANTA BARBARA – Gay men and women are now allowed to serve openly in California’s state militia. Page 11. LOS ANGELES – Jasmyne
Cannick sees internalized homophobia and more in a man who claims to represent black gay Republicans. Page 2. NEW YORK – What may come as a surprise to many, gay male escorts are leaders in safer-sex education. Page 10. NOVA SCOTIA – With Nova Scotia
legalizing marriage for gays, 82 percent of Canadians now live in jurisdictions with equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. Page 12.
Vol. XIII, No. 11
Serving the Gay and Lesbian Community of the Inland Northwest
Gay pols rate local, state races
November 2004
Equality rings true
Spokane, Seattle groups endorse candidates The two gay political rating groups in Washington state recently announced their endorsements of candidates for public office. While they share the same interest – to support office-seekers who favor gay issues – they approach candidate canvassing and evaluations quite differently. Spokane’s Outside the Lines, dormant for the past four years, reconstituted itself this fall and polled local candidates by questionnaire. Candidates were asked whether they supported domestic partner benefits for government employees, the Federal Marriage Amendment, the state or federal Defense of Marriage acts, comprehensive sex education in public schools, and basic nondiscrimination policies for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered individuals. Outside the Lines did not furnish completed questionnaires, nor copies, to Stonewall News Northwest, nor did it make public how each of the candidates responded to the questions. Don Barbieri and Timm Ormsby did not return questionnaires but gained Out-
staff photo
Individuals, couples and clusters of gay men and women were joined by others in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples at a rally outside the Spokane Arena Oct. 10. The rally countered a Mayday for Marriage prayerin event sponsored by some area churches and quasi-religious organizations. In the foreground above, among the nearly 100 demonstrators along Howard Street leading to the Arena entrance, were, from left, Shilo Reed, Brandon Fletcher, Matthew Johnson and Kirk Duval. More photos on page 7.
side the Lines’ endorsement nonetheless. The Seattle Metropolitan Elections Committee for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered (SEAMEC) is in its 28th year as a civic organization that rates political and judicial offices in a complex grading system
Spain OKs marriage for same-sex couples Equal benefits program to take effect next year MADRID – The Spanish government has approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, which will make it the third country in Europe to condone marriage for gay couples. The plan, pending parliamentary approval, would take effect in 2005, but has been fiercely opposed by Spain’s Roman Catholic Church, whose influence remains high, if declining. The legislation authorized in October recognizes “all rights for homosexuals,” including the right to adopt, qualifying for a pension, administer-
that includes, whenever possible, face-to-face interviews. The groups’ recommendations follow, first the local races, then the statewide offices. Outside the Lines recommends voting for the following: ■ Don Barbieri, D, Representative, 5th Congressional District. Continued on page 14
INSIDE
ing an estate, asking for a loan and authorizing surgery for a partner, said cabinet spokeswoman Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega. “Spain,” de la Vega said, “is in the forefront of Europe and of the world in the struggle against centuries of discrimination.” Some 14 articles of the civil code will be altered. “Man and woman” and “father and mother” will be replaced by “partners” or “parents.” A statement issued by Roman Catholic Church following Spain’s announcement decried the move, saying, “Society cannot remain indiffer-
Arts & Entertainment .......... 16
Continued on page 12
Tell Trinity ............................ 19
Business Directory ............. 13 Classifieds ........................... 25 Garden Clippings ................ 22 International News .............. 12 Ken Lovering ....................... 23 National News ..................... 10 Political News ...................... 14 Regional News ...................... 8 Resource Directory ............. 26 Reviews & Previews ........... 20 Spokane News ...................... 4 Voices ..................................... 2