SGN May 30, 2014 - Section 2

Seattle Gay News

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Issue 22, Volume 42, May 30, 2014

by Doug Hamilton SGN Contributing Writer THE LISBON TRAVIATA THEATRE22 RICHARD HUGO HOUSE June 6-28

Robert Falk

An evening out to the theatre is not just about the show, it is about the very special experience of the whole night. It is a spectacular excuse to dress for dinner, experience incredible live entertainment that can move you to laughter and tears, and walk away with some kind of transformation or new awareness to discuss over your nightcap.

Wading into June 2014’s swell of Pride activities we have the brave entry of Theatre 22’s production of The Lisbon Traviata by Tony Award winning Gay playwright Terrence McNally, opening June 6 at 8 p.m. and running Thursday through Saturday each week at 8 p.m. through June 28, with two matinees on Saturdays, June 21 and June 28 at 2:30 p.m. at Richard Hugo House (1634 11th Ave.) and a Monday, June 23 industry night performance at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $22-general admission; $14-senior/ student/military; $10 TPS members. www. brownpapertickets.com/event/575647. www. theatre22.org. (Thursdays and Monday, June 23, performances offer industry night $10 minimum pay-what-you-can tickets.)

For Theatre22 to launch a small LGBTQ theatre troop while gentrification eliminates much of Capitol Hill’s fringe theatre space is very brave, indeed. I spoke with Theatre22’s Artistic Director/Producer, Corey McDaniel, see Traviata page 6

Nate Gowdy SGN Staff Photographer

Joan Marcus

Stuart Ward and Dani de Waal from the ONCE Tour Company

modern day love story that is subtle in its unfolding and yet seduces the audience from the very beginning. by Dru Dinero The charm of the show is like the SGN Contributing Writer ONCE, THE MUSICAL music within it; it’s soft, powerful PARAMOUNT THEATRE and takes hold of the heart.

Through June 8 SASQUATCH! The storyline is a modern apMUSIC FESTIVAL Once is the Tony award winning proach to the classic tale. Boy meets THE GORGE musical that came to town without girl – in this case, literally, as the AMPHITHEATRE much fan fair; and that only goes to main characters are called “Guy” May 23-25 see ONCE page 6 continue it’s theme. It’s a beautiful

by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer

The Gorge Ampitheater

In the remote tan, yellow, and green desert that encompasses Quincy, WA, the mystery to me of the Sasquatch is no longer. For the past 12 years, residents around the Quincy area have reported sightings of the beast coming through their otherwise peaceful and quiet pastoral town. In reality, however, the beast

does not appear just as the classic depiction of a hairy hominid creature. Sasquatch! Music Festival is seen annually in Quincy on Memorial Day weekend at the picturesque Gorge Amphitheatre, and it comes in the way of thousands of modelsee Sasquatch page 4

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May 30, 2014

Celebrating 41 Years!

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May 30, 2014

Seattle Gay News 3

Sam Smith comes out, announces Seattle show Capitol

Sam Smith

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer Sam Smith, welcome to the family! The British singer-songwriter came out this week, ahead of the release of his debut recording In the Early Hour, which has already produced the hit single “Lay Me Down.” In an interview with Fader magazine, Smith revealed that his album “is about a guy that I fell in love with last year, and he didn’t love me back.” He further stated, “It’s all there now, and I can move on, and hopefully find a guy who can love me

Sasquatch continued from cover

like urban and suburban twenty-somethings wearing floral headdresses, pastel colored face-paint, high-waisted denim shorts, neoncolored tank tops, colorful costumes and wayfarers galore. Sasquatchers frolic and jive at all five stages, under massive, world-class sound systems and mesmerizing light shows, to the most famous creations of modern-day musicians who fuel and are the pulse of the monster of energy that is Sasquatch! Music Festival.

After hearing many of my fellow Seattleites vigorously testify about the great time they had at Sasquatch! the previous year, I

the way I love him.” The 22 year-old artist has included a Seattle stop on his upcoming North American tour, scheduled to perform September 25 at the Paramount Theatre.

Tickets, priced at $28.75, are available now at www.stgpresents.org.

$25 and $55, are available at www.SeattleMensChorus.org, or by calling 1-877-7844849 to purchase them over the phone. 125 SMC members will join a small group of Kansas City’s Heartland Men’s Chorus, and jointly will depart for Germany on June 18.

Guten tag! That’s the extent of my German, unfortunately. I spent two weeks there in 2009 and didn’t learn any other words, but I absolutely loved it! Germany happens to be where the Seattle Men’s Chorus is headed this summer, booked for a 12-day tour that includes a featured performance in Berlin, home of Europe’s largest Gay Pride celebration, and additional concerts in Leipzig, Dresden, and Krefeld, plus a special appearance at the Buchenwald concentration camp. But before embarking on their transatlantic journey, the chorus is presenting a hometown concert at The Paramount Theatre on June 14, titled “Falling in Love Again,” that includes a revived version of their 2011 production of “For a Look or a Touch.” The evening includes a free preshow panel conversation with representatives of the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center to prepare the audience for the emotional performance, which touches on the subject of Gay persecution during The Holocaust. Tickets for “Falling in Love Again,” priced between

I don’t think Beck has played in Seattle since 2008 when he packed Memorial Stadium as one of Bumbershoot’s headliners. He did perform at Sasquatch in 2012, but that was the closest he came here. So, his just announced appearance at Marymoor Park is a pretty big fucking deal. The indie rock pioneer has released one of this year’s most acclaimed albums, Morning Phase, and he’s added a date at Marymoor Park on his summer itinerary. Beck will perform August 20 at the Redmond outdoor venue with tickets on sale now through www.aeglive.com. I’m assuming he’ll introduce fans to material from the new record, but he’s very likely to do “Loser,” “Hell Yes,” “Where It’s At,” and more signature tunes from his catalog at the show.

felt that I would be doing myself a major disservice if I missed the next opportunity to attend such a hailed music festival and see for myself what all of the fuss was about. And so along with SGN photographer, Nate Gowdy, I packed up for a three-day camping trip and drove off into the desert to take part in one of the most artistically driven, pop-culture riddled events in the Pacific Northwest.

Sasquatch! does a seamless job of keeping the music flowing for the entire weekend, with different genres of music and stand-up comedians on every one of their stages starting at 1 p.m. and closing out the night at 1:30 a.m. With over 100 different acts, seeing every single one is virtually impossible, but

out of the acts that I did see, these are a few that were responsible for giving me what I am calling “Sasquatch! withdrawals”:

Nate Gowdy SGN Staff Photographer

Die Antwoord

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May 30, 2014

Finally, you know about the Lady GaGa postponement. As soon as a rescheduled date has been announced, we’ll post it on our Twitter music feed (@SGNMusic1).

Hang onto your tickets!

OUTKAST After twenty-years of being together, Atlanta’s crown jewel, Outkast emerged onto the main Sasquatch! stage on Friday night, in a LED-lit cube, to the screams and applause of a sea of Sasquatchers. Andre 3000 and Big Boi opened their set with their hitsong “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)” from their 2000 Stankonia album. While Big Boi rocked his classic down-South D-Boy look, the always flamboyant Andre 3000 came out wearing a white, Andy Warhol reminiscent wig, white shades, and a black jumpsuit with “Everything Is Temporary” written across the chest with a jumbo-sized red price tag attached at the hip that read “Sold Out” on one side and “For Sale” on the other.

Underneath the star-filled sky, Sasquatchers were hypnotized by Outkast’s masterful performance as the ATLiens served fans hits like “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson” on a deliciously nostalgic silver platter. Although the junior Sasquatchers seemed to jump right on board the Outkast train that many of us have been riding steadily for quite a while now, I find it worth mentioning that I heard a conversation that made me, a 24-year old, feel aged.

While in the pitch-dark standing room only port-a-john after the Outkast set, I overheard a baby Sasquatcher say to his peer, “Man! Outkast killed that shit!” The peer agreed. The baby Sasquatcher continued, “Do you know what the song was that they opened up with, though?” In a newly-deep post-high school tone, the peer answered, “Uh… I don’t know.

I think it’s probably from their new album.”

I immediately felt a knot in my stomach and hurried to finish in the bathroom. “Someone needs to teach these kids something worth knowing,” I thought as I walked away.

Celebrating 41 Years!

M.I.A. On Saturday, international star, M.I.A. came out onto the main Sasquatch! stage in a gold-on-gold outfit surrounded by back-up dancers and let us Sasquatchers have the most high-energy and visual set that was played on the main stage. M.I.A. has the leading ability to make her concert into an immediate party more so than just a concert. With this interactivity with the audience, security guards had to constantly handle the crowd to get away from the edges in the higher levels of the amphitheatre for their own safety. It seemed as if we Sasquatchers were so drawn to M.I.A.’s energy that we all were reaching to touch, at least, one of her fingertips when she came down from the stage and hung out with members of the audience in the front row behind the barricade. Accompanying her vibrant set were trippy psychedelic visuals playing on the screens behind the petite star. Political, revolutionary, and classic Indian cultural

images and themes were mixed with neon colors and TV static effects to fully overtake Sasquatchers’ senses and bring them into M.I.A.’s world. Killing Sasquatchers and her competition off with the gunshots in her, now legendary, “Paper Planes”, M.I.A. showed respect for an artist she clearly relates to and admires, Lorde. Mixing in Lorde’s hit “Royals” with “Paper Planes,” the pop-culture fans in the audience simply lost it, and with good reason.

It is a hot and sexy ménage à trois between M.I.A., Lorde, and the listener. In this case, the sound of the artists mixed with the sound of the audience singing back, became a mind-blowing sonic orgy.

THE NATIONAL Following M.I.A.’s set, indie rock band The National quietly strolled on stage. For the next two hours, this tight band proceeded to hit and soothe the souls of their fans with their folksy-bluesy and heart-wrenching sound. Prior to Sasquatch! I’d never heard of The National and, for some reason, I was looking for a reason not to like them, even before listening to one song. However, after I heard the first song, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Matt Berninger, The National’s lead singer. The lyrics, the sound, the stage presence, and the soul that this band brings are unparalleled to anything I have ever seen before. Fully intoxicated with song and perhaps a bit of Jameson, Matt Berninger rocked the spotlight and stage like a true fucking rock star. At one point during the performance, Berninger jumped into the crowd and was adored by his fans. At another, he began wrestling with one of the Sasquatch! stage banners, then growing with excitement, Berninger slammed the microphone onto the ground.

Usually I’d consider this entertaining at first, but would grow disillusioned after the first few antics. However, with Berninger you can tell that it is not an act. The man feels his music … and his whiskey. Constantly moving from what seemed like the anxiety of stage fright, the front man’s vulnerability was endearing, and brought us in even closer to him emotionally. Delicious pain, grief, love and more delicious pain is what was booming through the speakers that Saturday night when The National graced us with their performance. If you have never heard of this band, I suggest listening to their High Violet album. It’s been on repeat on my iTunes ever since I got home from The Gorge.

Nate Gowdy SGN Staff Photographer

Rocking out at Sasquatch

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Nate Gowdy SGN Staff Photographer

DIE ANTWOORD Immediately following Outkast’s outstanding set, South Africa’s politically incorrect internet sensation, Die Antwoord, who, according to their website, split with Interscope Records to become independent after some creative differences, took the Bigfoot stage and began their Sasquatch 2014 performance.

Die Antwoord’s strangely sexy and petite YoLandi Vi$$er, the prison-like tattooed Ninja and the ever-anonymous DJ Hi-Tek shocked Die Antwoord virgins by the opening song, “DJ Hi-Tek Rulez,” for its audio-sample usage of Mike Tyson’s infamous meltdown, where he called a member of the press a ‘faggot.’ For those of you who don’t know, DJ Hi-Tek is apparently Gay. In a video released by the rap-rave group, Ninja explains that DJ Hi-Tek is Gay and sought to use that audiosample in that track because as Ninja says, “Hi-Tek says the word ‘faggot’ doesn’t hold any power over him. Hi-Tek says ‘faggot’ all the time. He’s taken that word and made it his bitch.” Die hard Die Antwoord fans, however, didn’t just take “DJ Hi-Tek Rulez” in stride, but were on some craze to get the full effect of the South African’s group unapologetic attitude and “Zef” style. The faces of excitement and bewilderment among fans were definitely noticeable as Die Antwoord rocked the crowd on the chilly first night of Sasquatch.

Hit songs like “Rich Bitch” and “Fok Julle Naaiers” from both of their $O$ and Ten$ion albums were sung back as if the Bigfoot stage was the temple of Die Antwoord.

Big Freedia

EL CHUPACABRA STAGE-TENT One aspect of the festival that was the true highlight to me was the El Chupacabra stagetent that was set up to host the majority of the Electro music acts. The open-ended tent provided an intimate “club” feel that the other stages lacked. This year, Sasquatch showcased some of the biggest names in the Electro world. DJs/producers such as the Frenchsensation Yelle, hard-raver Boys Noize, and the dark, bathhouse sound of Gesaffelstein quenched the dance thirst of many Sasquatchers. While these acts were phenomenal and had me dancing like no one was watching, it was the Classixx that sent Nate Gowdy and I into another world. At one point Nate, who is not too keen on dancing, turned to me and said, “This is what I imagine the idea of “justice” sounds like.” I had to agree. Hundreds of gorgeous half-naked dancers peacefully grooving underneath a tent to the beautiful dream-like sound of Classixx sounds pretty damn just in my world. At this point, sexual tension was definitely in the air, with beautiful women atop the brawny shoulders of beautiful men; their pupils, as big as the pills that they took earlier, soaking in every bit of the colorful lights. It was sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll with a side of iOS’s Siri.

course, Big Freedia, a Transgender entertainer, freely took stages at Sasquatch.

A kid I spoke to that was wearing a “Legalize Gay” shirt, told me that he felt very comfortable wearing the shirt in the environment that Sasquatch creates because everyone there was more open to the true characteristics of humanity. I could not agree more with him.

MAJOR LAZER Rightfully, closing out the wonder that is Sasquatch! was festival veteran, electro-pop act Major Lazer. Major Lazer’s style in everything is very unique. Taking influences from little known music genres and scenes such as New Orleans Bounce music and classic Salsa music, DJ/ultra-producer Diplo, Major Lazer’s mastermind, has been the production puppeteer behind massive hits such as M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” and Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now.” Performing on the chilly Sunday night, the lively and unified crowd looking to end the festival right, danced all night and got body temperatures up to where it felt warm outside. Shirtless dancers swayed, jumped, clapped, and howled to the tribal-like sound of Major Lazer.

Rocking the crowd to the sounds of Free The Universe and Guns Don’t Kill People …

Lazers Do albums, the Diplo crowd walked inside of a plastic bubble, held a booty-shaking contest, and even gifted two guys face dances from his dancers. Not lap dances, face dances. I’m sure you get the idea.

Bringing out the kid in all of us, the massive Major Lazer mascot, who looks like a future space mercenary, joined the party.

Around this moment, fireworks were lit off and the remaining group of Sasquatchers danced to the finish line of the festival underneath the colors of the fireworks and music bursting inside of them.

BIG FREEDIA Quickly becoming a favorite amongst dance enthusiasts, the New Orleans Bounce queen/emcee and open Transgender woman, Big Freedia, very expectedly directed a bevy of otherwise “chill” suburban kids to shake their asses until they couldn’t any more inside of the El Chupacabra tent. Wearing an American flag as a T-shirt, Big Freedia and her back-up dancers wildly let the New Orleans Bounce music flavor loose into The Gorge. Upon hearing Freedia’s booming voice, fast and looping raps, rhymes, and infectious beats, you can’t help but move. I wouldn’t be surprised if Zumba becomes an SASQUATCH WITHDRAWALS old exercise fad once the health clubs in the Today, I am left with Sasquatch withdrawmajor cities hear Big Freedia’s music. As the als. If I didn’t have the sunburns to prove old saying goes: once you dance to bounce, that I was there, it would seem as if it was you’ll drop an ounce… or 500. just a beautiful dream, a high that was too good to be true. So like a true addict, I’m FRIENDLINESS IN THE AIR now looking everywhere I can to get my One thing that stuck out to me about Sas- newly acquired fix and desire of music fesquatch! was that, although race diversity was tivals. The pasty complexion of my skin, somewhat limited and predominantly white as and the dull feeling of life that I had adopted far as the Sasquatchers were concerned, usual from too many days under the Seattle gray cultural identifying factors, such as race and sky, lit up and scorched under the sun, bass, sexual orientation played no limiting role in and melodies to give me a tan that not only the level of friendliness that was almost tangi- brought back color to my skin, but brought ble in The Gorge’s air. Many out acts, such as a new color to my soul. So like everybody Seattle’s Mary Lambert who is Lesbian, John else, I’m going to ask, “Yo, Sasquatch.

Grant, Bob Mould who are both Gay, and, of When is next year’s lineup announced?”

May 30, 2014

Seattle Gay News 5

Once

continued from cover

about only Once. It sets the bar for a fresh take on an old idea, and entertains, transforms and reminds us of the glory, of the pitfalls, and the limitations of love.

Once, the musical is based on the 2006 independent film by the same name. Expanding their celluloid success, the musical’s book is by Edna Walsh, with music/lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Making its first appearance on Broadway on February 28, 2012, the musical is still currently playing to packed houses. Nominated for eleven 2012 Tony Awards, the musical won 8 awards including Best Musical, Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Steve Kazee), Best Leading and Featured Actress in a musical (Cristin Milloti, Elizabeth A. Davis) and Best Choreography (Steve Hoggett) among others.

ONCE Tour Company

Robert Falk

Alex Garnett (l) and Kyle James Traver

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the stage is already busy with people, music and cocktails. “The Band” is already in motion, with music and singing going on at full tilt. It’s as if we have entered in the middle of a party! (The one drawback is that the start of the show is so subtle, many audience members didn’t know it was happening, and continued to stand, chat and walk the aisles until they finally noticed the dialogue.) The setting is an open-spaced bar serving beer, wine and bottles of water to those wandering about the stage.

Audience members (with proper ID, of course) are allowed to go on stage during the show and have drinks in this “Irish Pub.” The same goes at intermission. And, to fully enjoy the production in every sense, do yourself a favor – allow the time to go onstage, enjoy a drink, and take in the scenery from a different perspective.

This is the kind of love story that comes

Joan Marcus

and “Girl.” There’s an attraction, but a situation prevents them from getting too involved.

Instead they become deeply entwined through their music; he through his guitar and vocals, and she through piano. Guy is a Dublin resident singer/guitarist on the verge of walking away from his music when Girl hears his song and convinces him to pursue both the music and the girl (who now lives in New York) that inspired it. Within a short time their platonic relationship has gotten deeper, but that’s when the situations come into play, and what follows is a beautiful story not only of love, but of pure inspiration and the power of a Muse.

The cast of characters is relatively small with thirteen members, and that includes the musicians. Stuart Ward plays the role of Guy, a struggling singer/song writer with a powerful voice. The audience is easily drawn in and relates to his struggling career at music and love. Ward’s voice has a pleasant but raw edge to it, making it perfect for the combination of Irish-toned music and lamenting rockn-roll. Dani de Waal plays the role of Girl with a stoic innocence and commentary that develops into a woman of feeling. Her character is stiff at first and yet immediately endears the audience to her quirky, almost awkward, personality. Her voice is strong and easily understood despite the Czech accent used for the show. From the very beginning, the audience can sense the attraction between these two lead characters and the chemistry between them is palpable.

The Ensemble is more than supporting characters or actors. They consist of eleven extremely talented actors and musicians.

Since there is no band, all accompaniments come from the various actors (most playing string instruments, as can be expected with Irish music) and this is no easy task. Aside

from being intermingling characters throughout, they have to play instruments to interact with as much ease as if speaking straight dialogue. Instead of black-dressed stage hands changing the sets between scenes, these actors/musicians all pitch in and weave themselves in and out of the ongoing setting. They do it with such grace and rhythm that the audience is never once left with a feeling of questions as to what’s going on on-stage. All of them play minor characters with speaking parts, but it is the way they interact with their instruments that they all go above and beyond any natural acting talents. The entire cast is truly a joy to watch and behold as they celebrate the music they are playing.

One of the leading characters of this production – without hesitation – is the bar setting itself. When the auditorium doors open,

May 30, 2014

Traviata

continued from cover and Director/Producer, Gerald B. Browning (also Marketing, Design and Literary Manager, and for this production, Scenic Director) about their pre-opening night jitters, two weeks away from the first of their “Annual Summer Pride Series.”

We discussed the challenges of mounting a production at Richard Hugo House while the company is still technically homeless.

This is the troupe’s second production since forming in January 2013. They presented Lanford Wilson’s 5th of July last fall.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Wikepedia writes: “The Lisbon Traviata is a play by Terrence McNally initially written in 1985 and revised in 1989.

“It focuses on two of the playwright’s favorite subjects, Gay relationships and Maria Callas, and includes one of his most memorable characters, flamboyantly bitchy and viciously wicked opera queen Mendy.

Stephen, a depressed literary editor and opera fanatic, is on the verge of losing his doctor lover to a considerably younger Columbia University student.

“In Act I, Stephen takes temporary refuge at the apartment of fellow opera aficionado Mendy to dish about divas, listen to records, and avoid thinking about his rapidly unravelling eight-year relationship. In Act II, he returns home to confront his unfaithful partner.

“The play derives its title from an actual 1958 Callas production of La Traviata at Teatro Nacional de São Carlos in the Por-

tuguese capital. Two thousand copies of an unauthorized recording made by a cast member during a live performance, despite their amateur quality, quickly became collector’s items among the diva’s fans.

“Stephen recently has acquired one, which he neglected to bring with him, and Mendy is obsessed with his going home to retrieve it.”]

Doug Hamilton: Why Terrance McNally? Why The Lisbon Traviata? Why now?

Gerald Browning: If we are going to present literature for a Gay audience, we want to present some history with it as well.

Terrance McNally is one of the pioneers of Gay themed plays. His work has been around over 30 years. The Lisbon Traviata truly is a classic of Gay literature. It is not only about relationships and friendships, but also the ephemeral nature of art. It is a very meaty piece. It has a lot to it, but it is also hysterically funny. This play is very much a snapshot of 1980s Gay life in New York. It is interesting that you can look at it as a period piece, but at the same time it feels very contemporary.

Corey McDaniel: Times then were quite different than they are now. I grew up in West Texas, in a small town 160 miles from anything. There was one high school and 48 churches when I graduated. Population 11,000. I was fortunate enough to have a couple of teachers, my speech teacher and my drama teacher, who sent me off every summer to the bigger city of Austin to study in theater and dance. Each summer, they would give me a box of plays and videotapes they wanted me to read and watch.

Celebrating 41 Years!

ple out there, and contacts, who loan and give us things. So this set, I think, is going to be very beautiful.

Corey McDaniel: Just simply not having our own permanent space is difficult.

We are all working remotely. It is not very often that we are all together as a collective until we are in production. So we are very excited to be able to see each other on a daily basis. For theatre groups who have their own space, they have that center where people can just hang. It gives a home, a family. So that is a major goal for us, to solidify that place to be.

Gerald Browning: Definitely. We have rehearsals at one space. We have a shop that is being loaned to us for the build, where sets are built and painted. Meetings happen elsewhere. Props and furniture are housed somewhere else. It’s a big obstacle getting that all loaded-in and moved-in on one day.

Doug Hamilton: What’s keeping you awake at night?

Corey McDaniel: Surprisingly, this one is much, much easier for me, with one production under my belt as a producer. But, yeah, bills keep me awake at night. Will people show up? And, the way we communicate about this feels exposing. I was just writing our director notes, and realized that I had been professionally closeted all my life until living in Seattle. So to sit and actually write down my personal process and personal path on a piece of paper that is going to be seen by a thousand people? It can leave you very raw and vulnerable. Is that going to be accepted? Will “The Pride Series” be embraced? And, of course, ticket sales. But really, it’s more the big picture things that keep me awake. The

Robert Falk

Works mostly by ACT in San Francisco, Ballanchine, and tons of plays. Lanford Wilson, Terrance McNally, Greenberg.

It was my first and only exposure to the fact there were Gay men like me out in the world living fully normal lives. This show was one of those plays.

Gerald Browning: The thing I like about Terrance McNally plays, especially the Gay-centric ones, is that they are so universal. A straight audience is going to get just as much out of it as a Gay one. Everybody can identify because this is a play about friendships, and the pain we go through with relationships. So even though it is a play about opera, and it has Gay characters, you do not have to be a Gay opera aficionado to get it and have a great time. And, it is a damn good play! One character in particular, everyone will know. The actor is great. The role is written so well. It is a transformative show. It is a thought-provoking piece. Not only is it hysterically funny, but you will be moved, I think, to tears at a certain point, in some spots, because people will identify so much with what’s going on. Something to walk away with; not just, “Hey, let’s go see a Gay play.”

Doug Hamilton: What are some of the challenges in mounting a production like this?

Gerald Browning: (laughs) A lot. For example, with the sets for this show, it went through several iterations, because for the first one, I went “Dream World.”

What would I love to have? And it was just a dream, because it was too expensive. You know, we’re a small company.

So, I redesigned it, and I redesigned it again. But we are very lucky in that we have a lot of wonderfully generous peo-

smartest thing someone ever told me is that the theatre company never belongs to you.

It belongs to the people you work with, and what the community supports.

Gerald Browning: What keeps me awake more has to do with all the details. Rehearsals are going fantastic. We have a cast of four guys who are a great and wonderful cast [The cast consists of Daniel Christiansen (Stephen), Eric Mulholland (Mendy), Sean P. O’Bannon (Mike), and Kyle James Traver (Paul)].

It’s the other stuff. Since I’m the designer, I worry about the build. I’m painting the sets as well, arranging flowers. All these silly things. You’re like, “I don’t have time for this, but I’ll do it.” For instance, as the marketing designer, I put 80 hours in just to design the full-color

program. Because we want to have nice things when people come to the show.

Corey McDaniel: And that ties back to what’s difficult about a fringe company, all volunteer [the cast and director will be paid, but the managing staff will not be compensated for this production.], without a permanent space. It’s just the fact that there are hundreds and hundreds of elements that must fall into place. It takes a lot of other people to get them and bring them forth. But the final results, within the time frame and financial constraints?

Ultimately, there are only a couple of people who are fully responsible. Gerry and I are very meticulous. That’s one reason we work so well together. We see all those details months or years in advance. It’s a little bit obsessive, actually.

Western comedy A Million Ways fires too many blanks

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST Now playing Albert Stark (Seth MacFarlane) is a sheep farmer barely squeaking by in the Arizona frontier town of Old Stump. After fast-talking his way out of a main street

gunfight, his longtime girlfriend Louise (Amanda Seyfried) unceremoniously breaks up with him for being a coward, taking up with the local mustachery merchant Foy (Neil Patrick Harris) instead.

Things are looking down, and with so many ways to get killed in the Old West, dying from a broken heart is as good a way as any to get yourself laid six feet beneath the cold, hard ground.

Universal Pictures

Neil Patrick Harris in A Million Ways to Die in the West

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Everything changes when Anna (Charlize Theron) gallops into town. Beautiful, smart and handy with a six-gun, for whatever reason she’s taken with Albert, and wants to see him discover the confident and decisive person lurking within. She even convinces him to enter into a gunfight with the flippant Foy, certain that with her expert tutelage he’ll be able to hold his own and show everyone just what kind of man he truly is.

But Anna has a secret, a truth she’s afraid to admit to anyone, just on the off chance the knowledge will get them killed. See, she’s the wife of notorious outlaw and gunslinger, Clinch Leatherwood (Liam Neeson), and no amount of training and practice will ever make a guy, like the goodhearted Albert, ready to stand face-to-face with the bloodthirsty likes of him.

Directed and co-written by MacFarlane, A Million Ways to Die in the West isn’t so much this generation’s attempt to recall the glory days of Mel Brooks’ immortal Blazing Saddles as it is an homage to the riches of Hollywood’s Western tradition.

The Ted filmmaker’s second theatrical effort has more in common with 1945’s Gary Cooper classic Along Came Jones than it does with that talking teddy bear comedy or with his still popular animated television series “Family Guy,” the film a story-driven sagebrush saga sprinkled with outlandish comedic bits instead of a laugh-filled, anything-goes free-for-all.

All of which is well and good, especially early on, MacFarlane developing his characters and the world they inhabit

nicely. There are deft bits of inspiration pulled from the works of Howard Hawks, John Ford, John Sturges and Anthony Mann, the glory days of John Wayne, James Stewart and the aforementioned Cooper, along with so many others hinted at throughout. Stark is a sublime everyman, and even though his worldly point of view is admittedly far too contemporary in nature, the way he looks at things and reacts to what’s occurring fits in nicely with the late 19th century frontier domain MacFarlane has constructed.

Problem is, the movie just isn’t very funny. Sure there are chuckles here and there, some of the left field unexpected stuff particularly so at times, but overall as a comedy the movie just doesn’t have much in the way of heat, little that keeps momentum percolating. And, it’s horribly paced, MacFarlane losing his way on numerous occasions, allowing scenes to go on for an almost interminable length, forcing the mind to wander in directions it otherwise shouldn’t be going in. The climactic section, when Clinch learns of Albert’s existence and Anna’s affection for him, takes forever to play out, ultimately culminating with a humdrum lackadaisical flourish that’s as forgettable as it is benign.

It does not help that MacFarlane often loses sight of just what type of story it is he’s trying to tell. He spends so much time building the unbreakable friendship between Albert and Edward (Giovanni Ribisi), the town’s sexually clueless shoe

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Universal Pictures

Charlize Theron (l) & Seth Macfarlane in A Million Ways to Die in the West

Million Ways continued from page 7

repairman (who happens to be married to the town’s most popular whore, Ruth (Sarah Silverman)), to only forget about the it for long portions of the narrative.

As for Louise and Foy, they’re barely interesting, almost an invisible part of the proceedings, MacFarlane wasting both Seyfried and especially Harris, doing little of note with either of them, save a sequence of extreme flatulence (a notable node to Blazing Saddles) that’s more disgusting than it is hysterical.

His ace in the hole, however, is Theron.

She’s a sparkling gem in a sea of triviality, bringing life and heart to a film that barely flirts with either property. The Oscar-winning actress is fully invested, finding depth and shadings within Anna, all of which make her an almost perfect Western heroine. She finds humor in the simplest things, beauty at the oddest of moments, painting a three-dimensional portrait easy to relate to and even simpler to get excited about.

More than this, though, I truly do appreciate MacFarlane’s obvious affinity and passion for the Western genre. He uses his locations splendidly, allowing cinematographer Michael Barrett’s (About Last Night) camera to mine for every detail and revel in every rock formation and canyon.

Joel McNeely’s (Holes) rollicking score is a flawless mixture of themes and ideas from notable classics ranging from How the West Was Won, to The Magnificent Seven, to Silverado, every note adding just the right gradation to whatever is taking place upon the screen.

Make no mistake, however; none of these positives add up to near enough, A Million Ways to Die in the West a misbegotten, unfocused attempt at Western comedy that never gels like it potentially could have. I appreciate MacFarlane’s attempts to broaden his horizons, to step outside his comfort zone, if only just a tiny bit; but unfortunately, that isn’t enough to make his latest a success. It misses the mark, shooting way too many blanks, hitting the target so infrequently, it’s almost as if the film itself isn’t even trying.

Although Angelina Jolie is perfect, the reimagined Maleficent lacks magic

May 30, 2014

Angelina Jolie

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer

feels have been done to her.

From that point, Maleficent sits and watches Aurora grow up into a loving, free-spirited and entirely selfless teenage girl (played by Elle Fanning), quickly coming to the realization her horrifying curse was made in terribly short-sighted haste. Problem is, all this stuff, while pretty to look at, while well-intentioned, isn’t particularly interesting, everything happening with a perfunctory blasé specificity that’s more specious and dull than it is anything else. And while the main conclusion things build towards is laudable in its female-empowered, emotionally-driven tenacity (think Frozen), these moments of forgiveness and reconciliation are immediately demeaned by the fiery, action-driven pyrotechnics that immediate come right after them.

I feel like I see how Maleficent could

have worked. While I can’t say I needed or wanted Disney’s greatest screen villain to be reinterpreted, giving her a backstory in order to “explain” her evil ways hardly a necessity, I do admit to being taken in by what it is Stromberg and Woolverton initially set out to do. Had they embraced their ideas completely, had they followed through on them all the way until the end, and not felt compelled to engage in carnage and chaos, potentially there could have been something worthwhile to be talking about. But the movie refuses to do that, doesn’t allow for its ideas of forgiveness, reconciliation, selflessness and love to come out in ways that could ultimately matter. It ultimately lacks magic, and even with eyes clouded by my adoration of Disney’s 1959 animated marvel, this is one fault I would have found impossible to miss no matter what.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

8 Seattle Gay News

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

MALEFICENT Now playing Let me get this out of the way right upfront: Disney’s 1959 version of Sleeping Beauty is my all-time favorite animated film. I adore it beyond measure, find it a sweeping testament to love, sacrifice and courage that sweeps me off my feet, and holds me in spellbound awe each and every viewing. It is, to my mind, perfection, and it is the bell standard to which I hold every single animated motion picture that any studio (not just Disney) releases for my cinematic consumption.

So it goes without saying, the bar Maleficent, a live action reinterpretation of my fairy tale favorite, had to vault over for me to give it a pass was going to be fairly high. Fairly or unfairly, and some would understandably lean towards thinking the latter, my judgment of the film was going to be – is going to be – clouded by my unabashed adoration of the animated classic, and for that I feel contentedly unapologetic in the absolute extreme.

All the same, I feel quite strongly that my assessment of the finished film isn’t as clouded or as biased as it potentially

could have been. The simple truth is that as beautiful as Maleficent is to look at, and considering it is directed by Academy Award-winning visual effects maestro Robert Stromberg (Avatar, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World) this is hardly a surprise, it is unfortunately an emotionally flat effort that feels cribbed together from a variety of superior sources.

Its characters are noticeably nondescript, the motivations driving them not particularly interesting, everything building to a loud, obnoxiously energetic conclusion that undercuts the narrative’s own themes at seemingly every single turn.

There is an exception to all of this, and thankfully it is a big one. Angelina Jolie, perfect casting in theory, even better in actual execution, inhabits the visage of Disney’s most timeless and popular screen villain with remarkable authority.

She gives her shadings and complexities that are consistently intriguing, doing so much with just the raise of an eyebrow and the subtle beginnings of a smile, watching her come to life is oftentimes an outright joy. She reinvigorates a cold, lifeless heart with rousing authenticity, reinterpreting the character in ways that feel earthy, genuine and delicate, while also not shirking from the devastatingly visceral power and ferocity lurking inside.

Other than that? Sadly, Stromberg’s film is a major missed opportunity on almost all fronts. Creating a world where two kingdoms sit side-by-side – one human, filled with power-mad hellions eager to increase their domain’s wealth and power; the other magical, inhabited by innocent, child-like fairies, sprites and various other creatures who only want to live in peace – Linda Woolverton’s (Alice in Wonderland, The Lion King) script posits Maleficent to be nothing more than a powerful being undone by her love for a human, and who only wants to see her land remain free from his species’ touch. She puts her curse on the infant Princess Aurora, not because she’s evil, but because she’s heartbroken, wanting to get back at the newly installed King Stefan (Sharlto Copley) for the unforgivable wrongs she

Angelina Jolie and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt in Maleficent

Celebrating 41 Years!

SIFF Film Synopses & Recommendations

this Bruce Labruce production. Solid performances, with good character development, yet this films pace is at times so slow it could lull the [EDITOR’S NOTE: Films listed with- audience to boredom or sleep. It really needed out dates have already been screened.] to move quicker and create a greater sense of the emotional bonding of the characters.

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS Italy IGNASI M. Rating: EXCELLENT Spain Genre: Romance Rating: AVERAGE A young woman falls in love with a macho Genre: Bio-Documentary heterosexist motorbike mechanic eventually Ignasi Millet is a renowned museum expert marrying him. Her best friend is a Gay man and art restoration specialist; he is also the father who she goes into business with, turning an of two boys, has AIDS and takes lots of medicaabandoned building into a thriving bar and res- tions. His parents are both accomplished artists. taurant. After having two children, she learns He fell in love with a woman in a wheelchair and she has cancer and that her husband has been they had their two children; then he came out as cheating on her for some time. Then the film Gay. His ex-wife is Bisexual; one of his sons is goes back in time to fill in the blanks, including a Jesus freak. He talks, often quite fast, all the how and why she and her closest friend came way through film, which includes interviews to be friends, as well as her love affair with her with his parents, children, ex-wife, friends, and husband, and how it actually happened. This medical providers, which is marginally interestfilm has very high quality production values ing and funny at times. The film uses some creand strong performances and character devel- ative production techniques to build an underopment, so the audience forms an emotional standing of this flamboyant character; however connection to the characters. Let’s hope this it is a relief when it finally ends. one comes back to screen here again soon.

LILTING FIFI HOWLS FROM HAPPINESS United Kingdom Iran-USA-Italy Rating: OUTSTANDING! Rating: EXCELLENT Genre: Family Drama Genre: Bio-Documentary FRI MAY 30 | 7:00 PM | HARVARD EXIT This is a fascinating profile of Gay Iranian SAT MAY 31 | 2:00 PM | EGYPTIAN artist, Bahman Mohasses, who was one of Warning: To avoid spoiling the plot of this the most respected artists during the time of absolutely amazing and extraordinary work the Shah. Completely disappeared and be- of film art, major points have been intentionlieved deceased, he was found living in Italy. ally omitted from this review. A Chinese man The film consists of actual interviews with and his English lover interact with his aging this remarkable Gay artist, he expounds in mother, who doesn’t speak English and who depth on his philosophy of art, culture, and dislikes her son’s “friend,” without knowhis own works, many of which he himself ing they are Gay. She is temporarily placed saw destroyed. His perceptions of contempo- in a senior home until her son can move her rary Gay life are a reflection of a long bygone in with them after he can get the courage to era, and his recognition and acceptance of reveal he’s Gay. The boyfriend hires an inhis own mortality are simply realistic. terpreter to develop an understanding with her, to improve their relationship, as well as THE FOXY MERKINS to assist her with her prospective male friend, USA with whom their Chinese-English language Rating: BOMB barrier is an obstacle. We learn that someGenre: Comedy-Farce times relationships are best unspoken. This An unattractive overweight young woman film constitutes modern Gay cinema of the goes to NYC to become a Lesbian prostitute. highest caliber. The character development She befriends another Lesbian prostitute who is so realistic and phenomenal that when the attempts to show her the ways of the trade. audience realizes the underlying plot though They sleep under plastic tarps in the bath- transitional scenes, the emotional attachment room at the NYC Port Terminal. The Lesbian to the characters is complete! Beautiful, realprostitute hangout for soliciting business is in istic, and so profound, this is certainly among front of the Talbot’s clothing store. She has the most outstanding films in SIFF this year, strange encounters with many women, in- as well as in Gay cinema. Don’t miss out on cluding one with a police fetish, and a strange seeing this wonderful movie! merkin salesman in a cemetery. While quite funny at times, one of the most hilarious moMAY IN THE SUMMER ments being an encounter with two women Qatar/Lebanon/USA/Jordan in town for an accounting convention, this Rating: GOOD film, nonetheless, just falls flat and seems Genre: Family Drama completely without any real character develThree sisters meet up in Qatar with their diopment or a clear plot direction. We can do vorced Mom and Dad for the upcoming marmuch better than this production. riage of one of the daughters to a professor of Arab ancestry who teaches in the U.S. Dad has GERONTOPHILIA remarried and we learn that the very religious Canada mother is having an affair with her former husRating: AVERAGE band. Oh, and one of the daughters, who is a LesGenre: Coming of Age & Aging bian, finally comes out to her sisters. EntertainA young man working in a nursing home ing with good production values as well as strong falls in love with an eighty year old patient in performances and good character development.

by Herb Krohn SGN A&E Writer

Visit us online www.sgn.org

SALVATION ARMY Morocco/France Rating: POOR Genre: Coming of Age/Coming Out

relationships, some of which are working well and others are on the verge of falling apart. This is a modern contemporary tale, which will appeal to younger audiences, and likely bore older and more maA young Moroccan Gay teenaged boy is ture or experienced people. used by various older men for sexual exploitation, his mother is abused by his father, and Other upcoming SIFF Films of LGBT the entire family worships his older brother. Interest: Then we skip to 10 years later when he has learned how to manipulate his way out of his GAY-LA FILM PRESENTATION: home country and into a scholarship in SwitHELICOPTER MOM zerland through an older Swiss man.

WORLD PREMIERE USA A STREET IN PALERMO Genre: Comedy Italy WED JUN 4 | 7:00 PM | EGYPTIAN Rating: AVERAGE Followed by Gay-La Party at Q Nightclub Comedy Drama Sponsored in part by Three Dollar Bill Two women face off as the drivers of Cinema, Greater Seattle Business Associa two cars that come face to face in a narrow tion, The Stranger, Poquitos, Q Nightclub street where there is not room enough to Regular screening without the party: pass. One is a widowed woman who lost her THU JUN 5 | 4:00 PM | EGYPTIAN daughter and lives to take care of her grandson, she takes care of the stray dogs in the BOYS cemetery when she makes her regular visit Netherlands to her daughters grave. The other driver is Genre: Coming of Age a lesbian traveling with her girlfriend who MON JUN 2 | 9:30 PM | EGYPTIAN is going to the wedding of a friend, their reTUE JUN 3 | 4:00 PM | EGYPTIAN lationship is on the verge of collapse. The two central characters engage in a stubborn THE CIRCLE battle to out wait the other to see which is Switzerland the most persistent and stubborn woman.

Genre: Documentary Narrative Meanwhile the grandmothers son in law TUE JUN 3 | 9:30 PM | and relatives decide to create a betting pool HARVARD EXIT of the locals as to which woman will win SUN JUN 8 | 12:00 PM | the test of stubbornness.

SIFF CINEMA UPTOWN TO BE TAKEI USA Rating: EXCELLENT Genre: Bio-Documentary FRI JUN 6 | 7:00 PM | EGYPTIAN SAT JUN 7 | 4:00 PM | SIFF UPTOWN A great biographical profile of actor George Takei, whose most famous role as Sulu, in the original “Star Trek” series, is only one small role in this remarkable man’s life as an actor and recent Gay rights activist. As a child he was interred in the Japanese camps with his family, and he went on to become an icon for modern Asian American actors, even though he once had to play stereotypical characters to earn his living. He faced having to choose to live in the closet to maintain his profession, until finally he could no longer reconcile it when California Proposition 8 passed. This well-made production is a perfect example of expert documentary filmmaking, conveying to the audience who this brave and famous person really is and what influenced his life and success.

X/Y USA Rating: Below Average Genre: Drama SUN JUN 1 | 6:30 PM | Pacific Place MON JUN 2 | 4:15 PM | Pacific Place Six twenty-somethings experience the complexities of modern relationships in New York City, which includes some same-sex sexual exploration. They are all in differing phases of their respective

May 30, 2014

FUTURO BEACH Brazil/Germany Genre: Romance FRI JUN 6 | 9:30 PM | SIFF CINEMA UPTOWN SAT JUN 7 | 11:00 AM | EGYPTIAN ME, MYSELF AND MUM NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE Belgium/France/Spain Genre: Coming Out & Gender Identity THU MAY 22 | 9:30 PM | LINCOLN SQUARE THU MAY 29 | 7:00 PM | EGYPTIAN SUN JUN 1 | 1:30 PM | SIFF CINEMA UPTOWN PIERROT LUNAIRE Germany/Canada Genre: Experimental SAT MAY 24 | 10:00 PM | SIFF CINEMA UPTOWN THU MAY 29 | 10:00 PM | SIFF CINEMA UPTOWN THE WAY HE LOOKS Brazil Genre: Coming of Age FRI MAY 30 | 9:30 PM | HARVARD EXIT WED JUN 4 | 4:00 PM | EGYPTIAN YVES SAINT LAURENT France Genre: Biopic Drama FRI MAY 30 | 8:30 PM | KIRKLAND PC SAT MAY 31 | 6:30 PM | PACIFIC PLACE

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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Just plane cool: Boeing Factory Tour is fascinating and educational Eva Air

Eva Air

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer I’ve always loved being on a plane, but now my obsession has spilled over to the aircraft itself. I not only want to fly, I want to know as much as I can about what I’m flying on. I want to know which airlines go where, or what differs between a Boeing 787 and an Airbus A-380, and everything in between.

There’s a name for people like me. We’re called “AV Geeks,” short for “Aviation Geeks.”

The Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Factory Tour in Everett provide a great opportunity for airline nerds and the general public to learn more about aircraft, and most importantly, to see them being constructed.

Located 35 minutes from downtown Seattle, this attraction is open year-round from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Tours begin and finish at The Future of Flight Aviation Center, where visitors can explore the dynamics of flight and experience the very newest innovations in aviation. You can stand next to a four storey-high tail of a 747, stare directly into an enormous 777 engine, design your own airplane, or try piloting a flight on the “Innovator,” a state-of-the-art flight simulator offered for an added fee. The Strato Deck is an outdoor

rooftop terrace that gives you an unobstructed view of the runways at Paine Field Airport and the entire Boeing manufacturing facility, which employs an estimated 40,000 people.

But the real treat is a shuttle-ride away: the Boeing Factory Tour. The building itself is remarkable: the largest manufacturing plant (by volume) in the world at 472,000,000 cubic feet, or 13,385,378 cubic meters with a ceiling height of 33 meters.

It’s so big that Disneyland can fit entirely inside it, as can the Vatican City, Pentagon, and Buckingham Palace. This is where the 747, 777 and 787 aircraft are made. (Another part of the compound, not open to the public, assembles the 767.) Visitors are escorted to a fourth level balcony that overlooks the assembly line. On one side you’ll see the early and middle stages of the 777, and on the other side you’ll spot sealed and/ or painted 787s nearing completion.

It takes 47 days, from start to finish, for a 777 to roll out of production, while the assembly time for a 747 is 107 days. Planes are put together from about 50,000 components and the process begins with the belly. Visitors are likely to see a 777 in this beginning stage at the Boeing plant. A special machine is able to flip the belly to the bottom once it’s done, and then the rest of the aircraft can be formed around it. What’s fascinating is that the assembly line actually moves at an extremely low speed (a millimeter of a second,

if memory serves me correct), although it’s impossible to notice this with the human eye.

Although visitors aren’t permitted on the ground floor, they are provided with excellent vantage points from the balcony. After the tour, you’re whisked back to The Future of Flight Aviation Center and can shop at the Boeing Store for souvenirs, from t-shirts and children’s toys to purses and collector airplane models.

Currently, there is no transportation service between downtown Seattle and the Boeing plant in Everett, so visitors should plan on driving to and from the city. However, there are a few tour operators that will do pickups from downtown, such as www. toursofseattle.com. Admission, priced between $16 and $20 (depending on peak and off-peak season, reserved or walk-up) can be purchased on day of tour, or in advance at www.futureofflight.org. I recommend you check out this website before planning your excursion, as it has details and a fact sheet pertaining to the tours.

Not just for AV geeks, anyone who’s even remotely interested in aircraft would enjoy this nearby attraction. Especially for Seattle area residents, the plant is truly something to be proud of and show off – this is where many of those airplanes flying above our heads, the ones taking us on vacation to Hawaii or an extended holiday to Europe, are produced. It’s a perfect escape for out of town relatives, friends and kids of all ages.

SOAP Fest 2014 includes a Yussef El Guindi one-act

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SANDBOX ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL WEST OF LENIN June 4-8 First, there was Sandbox Artists Collective (www.thesandboxac.org) where a bunch of theater “professionals” got together to create work and support each other. Then they expanded into a radio show: Sandbox Radio (www.sandboxradio.org) and after that they decided to create a play festival, Sandbox One Act Play Festival (www.Soapfest.org), which this year has performances June 4-8 at West of Lenin.

Who knows? Is Sandbox Coffee next?

SOAP Fest includes four new plays by four local playwrights: Yussef El Guindi, Brendan Healey, K. Brian Neel and Juliet Waller Pruzan. I spoke with Yussef El Guindi about his participation in the Collective and life in general as a playwright in Seattle.

Seattle Gay News

on toast and toast.” Someone should feed this man! Invite him to dinner!

Yussef says that he really found his métier after he became a U.S. citizen in 1996. He realized that what he wanted to write about was the immigrant experience. “When I became a citizen, I felt like I was part of an immigrant tradition here. This country has a tradition of people like me who become Americans and part of the fabric of the country. It was a very visceral light bulb moment. Suddenly I understood my subject matter. That rounded the circle for me.”

He was born and lived in Egypt (where much of his family still is) until age three and then lived in London through his teen years. He always wanted to be an actor and applied to several conservatories in the U.S. for a Masters and the “back up plan” was to Carnegie-Mellon for playwriting. “I came to audition and all six acting schools rejected me and Carnegie-Mellon accepted me for playwriting! I had no idea what I was going to do. I had no intention of being a playwright!”

He obviously managed to figure it out and began successfully submitting his work and

gaining productions. The position (teaching) at Duke was a good way to get a Green Card and become a permanent resident.

Yussef writes every day and says he writes slowly, working on at least two pieces at a time. “For me, I have to squeezing toothpaste out of a tube when it’s exhausted, the last remnants. Just a little bit more and a little bit more. I’m methodical. I can end up, if I push too hard, misguided. I think (writers’) blocks are good. I don’t outline. I discover the play as I go along. Blocks are a way for me to stop and think about it. I’ve learned to appreciate moments when I’m blocked, and not panic.”

He has written short stories and a few short films. He says he used to write “massive plays about heavy subjects,” and was able to “reboot” to writing 10-minute pieces that he submitted to fringe organization in Seattle, and credits that with part of his success.

What motivates him to keep going? He says, simply, “When you have G. Val saying your words … as a playwright, it’s why I do this!”

For more information, go to soapfest.brownpapertickets.com or call 800-838-3006.

Ann-Margaret / Johnson / Sassafras Photos

Yussef says that he was approached and invited to become a member of the Collective.

“Then I got an email about SOAP Fest. Did I want to submit something, it’s blind submission (no playwright names attached to the considerations), and my piece was selected. They like to pick people from the Collective (to create the work), and Anita Montgomery is part of the Collective. She liked The Tyrant and wanted to direct it. It will be fully staged. I asked if we could cast G. Valmont Thomas. It’s an extended monologue, about 30 minutes long.

“I have been attending rehearsal. It’s a new play, so I’m listening very carefully to how it’s unfolding. I’m making cuts. I’m moving thing along, making adjustments. The actor might point something out that is tricky to articulate so I might adjust that. There’s a play on the page and then you hear it and sometimes it’s a great feeling. G. Val is such a great actor that I feel bolstered for my instincts in the character.

“The Tyrant is a Middle Eastern leader who has been deposed by his people and handed over to Americans (a la Noriega or if Hussein was

brought here) and he has been given the opportunity to explain himself to an American audience. I had already finished a draft of it and it was around the time for me to send it to see where I could hear it. And this was just the thing.”

Yussef is continuing to gain recognition around the country for his fresh insight into the American immigrant experience, winning the Steinberg/ATCA New Play award in 2012 for his play Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World.

That play was part of the Icicle Creek New Play Festival in 2010 and went on to become a main stage production at ACT Theatre in 2011.

Yussef came to Seattle in 1994 after a sojourn as Playwright in Residence at Duke University in North Carolina for seven years.

He says – only a little tongue in cheek, “I’m here because it’s a good art and theater town and the rent’s good. If the rent keeps going up till I feel like I’m living in the Outer Boroughs or Brooklyn, then I might as well live in the Outer Boroughs or Brooklyn.”

His original reason for moving here was, “a good theater town that is not New York, and has a good bus system – I don’t drive. That left Chicago, Minneapolis and Seattle. Chicago and Minneapolis are cold. I did not want to live in a city where you might die, if you don’t have the right clothing outside. Seattle is temperate.”

At first, rents were affordable. “I used to pay $645/month for a wonderful apartment on Queen Anne and in 11 years it went up to (a still affordable) $720/month. Then I found this place on Capitol Hill for $795 in 2005 and now it’s $1145. For Capitol Hill, $1145 is now average, so people might not think that is that expensive, but yes it is.” After all, even though his national recognition is skyrocketing, that doesn’t mean income all of a sudden skyrockets with it.

Yussef does rely mostly on his playwriting for his living, even though he notes, “When Tony Kushner, a top playwright in the country, says you can’t make a living as a playwright, then that means something. You can have moments where you live off your earnings from your productions, but then there is (only) the odd check here and there.” He adds, “I’m frugal. I don’t have a car, I don’t have lots of insurances. I don’t have a family. I just pay for rent and for spaghetti. And beans on toast and eggs

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer

(l to r) Yussef El Guindi, Juliet Waller Pruzan, K Brian Neel, and Brendan Healy

Celebrating 41 Years!

community calendar

Meetings Events Activities

FOR A CALENDAR LISTING: Send details to: SGN, Attn: Community Calendar, 1605 12th Ave, Ste 31, Seattle, WA 98122. SGN phone: 324-4297. Fax: 3227188. E-mail: sgn2@sgn.org. INCLUDE: Date, time, location, contact phone # for publication (if possible), brief description of event & sponsoring organization.

DEADLINE: Tuesday 5pm.

ACCESSIBILITY: Is your event accessible to LGBTQ people with disabilities? See Jean’s List webpage www. scn.org/activism/calendar/disabilities.html for Marla Nonken’s disabilities accommodations lists.

NOTE: Phone numbers accompanying listings are within area code (206) & locations of meetings/ events are in Seattle unless otherwise noted.

SATURDAY - May 31

Seattle Butoh Festival (5/30 & 5/31). www.daipanbutoh.com Seattle Erotic Art Festival (5/30-6/1). Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. www.seattleerotic.org Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 9am. Greenlake (outside Evans Pool). Every Saturday. GLBT running & walking club sponsors weekly runs, monthly potlucks, track & field activity, annual Run With Pride. 448-8518. www.seattlefrontrunners.org.

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 6pm-12 midnight. Call for location & details. Every Saturday. (253) 671-2838. www.oasisyouth center.org.

(Also meets Thursdays & Fridays 4-10pm.)

Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 6pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Saturday. Games also on Tuesdays & Thursdays. $4 fee includes coffee & snacks.

For more information visit www.rainbowbridge club.org or email rainbowbridgeclub@gmail.com Pride ASIA Rice Ball. Doors 6pm, Show 7pm. Neighbours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway. Hosted by Miss UTOPIA 2014 Atasha Manila with Pride Idol Chase Silva. Keynote Spekaer Ms Norma Timbang. Music by DJ Bish of JKPop Seattle. 21+ with valid ID. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. riceball2014.bpt.me Lez Stand Up (5/30-6/1). 8pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. The first coedy show ever that is Lesbian, feminist AND funny. Features some of the best Queer comics in the Pacific Northwest. Bring a diaper because yoiu just might pee your pants! Tickets $12. www.gaycity.org

SUNDAY - June 1

For information on GLBT-friendly Christian churches around the world visit www.gaychurch.org.

Seattle Erotic Art Festival (5/30-6/1). Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. www.seattleerotic.org Hiking Group. 8:45am. Uptown Espresso, 500 Westlake Ave N. Every Sunday year-round, rain or shine for moderate to strenuous day hikes. 323-8382. http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/TheSeattleGay HikingGroup/ Border Riders Motorcycle Club First Sunday Ride.

9am-rendezvous; 9:30am. Broadway Grill, 314 Broadway E. Meets 1st Sunday each month. BRMC provides a social & educational fraternity for individuals interested in recreational motorcycle touring. www.borderriders.com Gay Men’s Bowling in Everett. 10am. Evergreen Lanes, 5111 Claremont Way, Everett. Every Sunday.

Spectators welcome. Join us for lunch afterwards!

Sponsored by the Snohomish County Gay Men’s Task Force. For info email John at johndmarsh@mac.com Seattle Sunday Bowlers. 10am. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW (at SW Oregon St). Open bowl every Sunday for the GLBT community & friends. You don’t have to worry about how you bowl! $4.25 + $1 shoe rental. 329-1515.

Meditation for GBT Men. 11am-1pm. Cal Anderson House, 400 Broadway. Suitable for beginning & experienced meditators. Sponsored by Dharma Buddies.

Contact Forrest Rode, 920-6117, Mike Chin (509) 990-0007, or Doug Allison, doug.l.allison@gmail.com.

Women may wish to contact our sister meditation group via lotus.sisters@yahoo.com. www.dharma buddies.org Pride Flag Raising at Seattle City Hall. 11am. 600 4th Ave. Outside facing 4th Ave. With Mayor Ed Murray and guest speaker Col. Grethe Cammermeyer (Ret.) Just for Today. 12-1:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Sunday. Drop-in 12-step (Narcotics Anonymous) group open to anyone in recovery. 322-2437; www. sasgcc.org Paths to Recovery Al-Anon Family Group. 12-1:30pm.

Seattle University Student Center, 901 12th Ave, Room 122. Every Sunday. LGBTQ supported. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org Rain City Soccer Club - Ripple Effect. Every Sunday afternoon. Location varies. Ripple Effect soccer team plays a weekly recreational scrimmage game for Gay guys in Seattle. Perfect for guys looking for more relaxed play, who are just getting back into soccer, just learning the game and/or want to supplement their competitive play with a recreational team. To sign up visit www. raincitysoccer.org PFLAG/Kittitas County. 4-5:30pm. First United Methodist Church, 3rd & Ruby Sts, Ellensburg. Meets the first Sunday of every month. For information, (509) 925-7937.

Orca Swim Team Workout. Sun: 5-6:15pm; Mon/Weds/ Fri: 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. Every Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri. Pre-registration required. Orca Swim Team workouts are for both competitive & recreational swimmers. www.orcaswimteam.org Seattle Jazz Vespers. 6-8pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, Seneca St & Harvard Ave. 1st Sunday of every month (October-June). The historic Gothic sanctuary of Seattle First Baptist Church is offered to the best jazz groups in the city to perform 100 minutes of their own popular music. FREE. For info 325-6051, www.seattlefirstbaptist.org/sjv Shame to Grace Sunday SAA. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Sunday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women who share their experience, strength & hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction & help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency. Seattle SAA helpline 237-8828, SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191.

SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Lez Stand Up (5/30-6/1). 8pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. The first coedy show ever that is Lesbian, feminist AND funny. Features some of the best Queer comics in the Pacific Northwest. Bring a diaper because yoiu just might pee your pants! Tickets $12. www.gaycity.org Pride Idol Wild Card Competition. Contestant registration 6:30pm; Doors 7pm; Competition 8pm. Neighbours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway. Karaoke and original song competition. The 1st place winner each night wins $100, 2nd place $50, 3rd place $25. FREE registration. No cover. www.seattlepride.org; 322-9561.

Noche Latina - Latino Night. 10pm. Neighbours, 1509 Broadway. Every Sunday.

MONDAY - June 2

SOBER - On Meds. 1-2pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Monday. 12-step group open to anyone in recovery & living on a medicine regimen. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Strength Over Speed. 2-3:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12 step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. For information visit www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Gay Social Dinner Club of Snohomish County. Every Monday. An informal group of Gay men living in Snohomish County meet for dinner at Snohomish County restaurants. For information, location & to RSVP contact

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Ricardo at socialdinnerclub@ yahoo.com or phone (360) 722-1664.

Healing Words. 6:30-8pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Monday. Drop-in group open to all who are healing from trauma, addiction, or just the challenges of life in general. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

Pozitively Me! 6:30-8pm. Gay City Health Project, 517 E. Pike St. Every Monday. A group and conversation about HIV for Gay & Bi men newly diagnosed and for Gay & Bi men facing the challenges of living with HIV longterm. www.gaycity.org.

Freely Speaking Toastmasters. 7pm. FredLind Manor, 1802 17th Ave. Every Monday (except holidays & the last Mondays in August & December). Seattle’s only LGBT speaking club. www.Freely Speaking.org Orca Swim Team Workout. 7-8:15pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.)

Trans Youth Group. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. A chance for youth to talk with others about their experiences & concerns related to identifying as Transgender. www.lamberthouse.org Lambert House Art Night. 7:30-9:30pm. 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. Bring your ideas & let’s have some fun.

322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Unity Gay Men’s AA Group in Tacoma. 7:30pm. New Heart MCC, 759 S 45th St. Tacoma. Every Monday.

(253) 474-8897.

Washington Gender Alliance Support Group Meeting in Shoreline. 7:30pm. Center for Human Services, 17018 15th Ave NE, Shoreline. Meets every Monday. For information email info@washingtongender alliance.com Les Be Honest. 8-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Monday. Open women only AA group. 322-2437; www. sasgcc.org.

TUESDAY - June 3

Simply Positive. 2:30-4pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Tuesday. Drop-in support & social group for anyone HIV/AIDS positive. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org 10 Year Anninversary of Equal Rights Washington.

5:30-7:30pm. Bertha Knight Landes Room, Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave. (enter on 5th Ave.) Join us for hors d’oevres & champagne to look back on the victories we’ve won & look ahead to the next decade of victories to come. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. erwtenth.brownpapertickets.com Artful Expression. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Tuesday. This is an ongoing art group to visualize

May 30, 2014

May 31 thru June 8 the journey thru creative expression. 322-2437; www. sasgcc.org Gay Men’s Task Force of Snohomish County in Everett. 6-8pm. Snohomish Health District, 3020 Rucker Ave Ste 309A, Everett. Meets 1st Tuesday each month.

Open to all Gay & Bisexual men in Snohomish County.

David, (425) 339-5238.

LGBTQ Questioning & Allied Youth Drop-in Group in Renton. 6-8pm. Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), 1025 S 3rd St, Renton. Meets every Tuesday. Confidential. Snacks provided. Bring friends or come alone - anyone 12-18 is welcome. Questions? Call Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600 ext 155, or email sarahh@rays.org Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12 step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. For information visit www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Diverse Harmony. 6:30-9pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave. Every Tuesday. Diverse Harmony is the nation’s first Gay/Straight Alliance Youth Chorus. Youths ages 13-22 are welcome regardless of sexual orientation. www.diverseharmony.org Gay/Bi Prostate Cancer Group. 6:30-8pm. Gilda’s Club, 1400 Broadway. Meets 1st Tuesday each month.

For Gay & Bi men diagnosed with prostate cancer. A safe space for emotional support on issues of treatment, sexuality, relationships & topics specific to Gay/Bi men.

FREE. 709-1400, www.gildasclubseattle.org Olympic Yacht Club Meeting. 6:30pm. Northwest Yacht Brokers Association, 901 Fairview Ave N Ste A-190 (at Chandler’s Cove on South Lake Union). Meets 1st Tuesday each month. Monthly board meeting open to all OYC members & prospective members. 709-BOAT, www.oycnw.org Queer Young Females Group - For Female-Identified Youth, Ages 22 & Under. 6:30-7:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Tuesday. Topics range from family issues to school happenings to like/lust/love relationships. All Queer females welcome. Come discuss how smart. strong Queer women live their lives. 322-2515, www. lamberthouse.org Seattle Tennis Alliance Social Doubles. 6:30-8pm.

Meadowbrook Playfield, 10533 35th Ave NE (tennis courts at 32nd Ave NE). Every Tuesday & Thursday thru Sept. STA is Seattle’s premier Gay & Lesbian tennis club. $3 for members & first-time guests, $5 for returning guests. http://sta.clubexpress.com.

Cineoke! Doors 6:30pm, Show 7pm. Jewelbox Theater at the Rendezvous, 2322 2nd Ave. Meets 1st Tuesday each month. You’re the star of your favorite movie musical. Pick any scene to sing along to, while the film & lyrics are projected onto the screen. There are hundreds of songs to choose from, or you can bring your own special request on DVD. $8 cover. Sponsored by Three Dollar Bill Cinema. www.threedollarbill cinema.org Friends in Adoption Monthly Meeting. 7pm. Childhaven Community Center, 1345 22nd Ave NE, Auburn.

Meets 1st Tuesday each month (Sept-June) with presentations by guest speakers on adoption-related issues.

More info & to RSVP, call 264-5136; friendsinadoption@ yahoo.com.

Tuesday Night Sex Addicts Anonymous (GLBTQI).

7-8:30pm. All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E (enter at 509 10th Ave E; buzz in, Dickson room). Every Tuesday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women whose primary purpose is to stop addictive sexual behavior & help others recover from sexual addiction. Seattle SAA helpline 237-8828. SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191.

Over 40’s Group - For Lesbian Women 40 & Older.

7-8:30pm. University Congregational Church, 4515 16th Ave NE, Pilgrim Room. Every Tuesday. Open group for Lesbian women, 40 & older, in every stage of coming out or being out. Lots of social activities in addition to Tuesday meetings. 545-3521.

Rain City Jacks. 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at 7pm; 4th Sunday each month at1pm. West Queen Anne/ Interbay. Location & membership details provided upon request. RCJ is a traditional jack-off club. Friendly, sexpositive, non-profit and private. Membership required.

Adult men only. Enroll at the door. www.raincityjacks. org, email info@raincityjacks.org or call 1-888-809-5035.

Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Tuesday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.)

Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network. 7-8:30pm checkin and open rap or topic discussion. Rock Salt, 1232 Westlake Ave. Meets 1st Tuesday each month. Meet & mingle in an engaging, feminist, Bisexual-supportive environment. Pose your most burning questions & hear the most interesting responses from a diverse group of lively self-identified women, in a relaxing and laid back environment. www.sbwn.net.

Different Drummers. 7:15-8:30pm. Every Tuesday.

Hand drumming classes for Gay men. It’s easy, it’s fun & anyone can do it! Learn traditional African & AfroCaribbean rhythms & basic hand drumming techniques.

Experience connection, community & spirituality. Drums are provided. For info & location call Dennis at 363-4500 or www.outdrum.com Ageless. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Tuesday. Drop-in social, support & discussion group for maturing Gay & Bi men of all ages. 322-2437; www. sasgcc.org

Seattle Gay News 17

Here & Now Gay & Lesbian AA Meeting in Tacoma.

7:30pm. Christ Episcopal Church, 310 N “K” St, Tacoma.

Every Tuesday.

Spiritual Empowerment. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. A group for all LGBT & friends of any spiritual belief to explore how spiritual practice can enrich their life. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Bellingham. 7:30-9pm. St James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St., Bellingham. Every Tuesday. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com. (See Wednesday listing at 7:30pm for details.)

Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. GLBT & GLBT-friendly co-ed water polo team is open to all who want to play. Beginners & experienced players welcome. Check our website for up to the minute details, or call the Otter Hotline 414-8797. www.otterpolo.com.

community calendar

WEDNESDAY - June 4

Mature Friends Morning Exercise/Health & Fitness Get-Together. 10am. Ballard Odd Fellows Hall Bldg, 1706 NW Market St. Every Wednesday. An hour of health-related activities, followed by a walk around Greenlake & lunch at a local restaurant. MF is a social group for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www. maturefriends.org Women’s HIV+ Support Group in Tacoma. 1-3pm.

Pierce County AIDS Foundation, 3520 S Pine St, Tacoma - 3 blocks east of Tacoma Mall. Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month. (253) 383-2565.

True Colors: Connecting LGBTQ Teens in Shoreline.

4-5pm. Every Wednesday. Discussing your important issues, building a supportive community. For information, location & to REGISTER call Lindsay Bagley 362-7282 x 8018 or email lbagley@chs-nw.org GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): A Support Group & HIV/STD Prevention for Youth (14-20) in Everett. 6-8pm. CCA Building, 3331 Broadway - Bottom Floor, Everett. Every Wednesday.

Sponsored by PFLAG Everett chapter. (425) 263-2908. globeleaders@hotmail.com Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Wednesday. Discuss the best LGBT novels with other book-lovers in a safe, comfortable conversation. Come once or come every week.

Check our website for this month’s book. http://faculty. washington.edu/swittet/sglbookclub/ SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Southeast Lesbian Evening Group. 6pm. Southeast Seattle Senior Center, 4655 S Holly St. Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month. RSVP 722-0317, www. sessc.org Lotus Sisters with Arinna Weisman. 6:30pm. Columbia City Church of Hope, 3818 S Angeline St. Meets every Wednesday. Drop-in Buddhist meditation Sangha for LBTQ women. Lotus.sisters@yahoo.com; www. lotussisters.org.

Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 6:30pm. Volunteer Park (in front of Black Sun across for museum). Every Wednesday. (See Saturday at 9am.)

HIV/AIDS Support Group. 7-8:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Wednesday. Please arrive by 7:00pm.

FREE peer-facilitated emotional support group for HIV+ men who are newly diagnosed or newly dealing. 3222437; www.sasgcc.org Ingersoll All-Trans Drop-In Support Group. 7-9pm.

Seattle Counseling Services, 1216 Pine St, Suite 300.

All Transgender, Gender Variant, Gender Queer, Gender Questioning, allies, family & friends are welcome. This is a drop in group to get & give support, social interaction & information for the whole Gender community. www. ingersollcenter.org PFLAG/Renton Monthly Meeting. 7pm. St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Wells Ave S, Renton. Meets 1st Wednesday each month. PFLAG/Renton: 425-2354139. PFLAG/Puget Sound: 325-7724. www.seattlepflag.org.

Seattle Movie Bears Movie Night. Check website for details. Every Wednesday night. Gay & Bi men enjoy a movie at a local theater with opportunity to socialize before & after movies. More info: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/seattlemoviebears; or e-mail: seattlemoviebearssubscribe@yahoogroups.com Mature Friends Weekly Bridge Group. 7:30pm. Call for location. Every Wednesday. All levels welcome. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www.maturefriends.org Orca Swim Team Workout. 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.)

Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Everett. 7:30-9pm. Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Every Wednesday.

Trained peer facilitators lead a structured support meeting helping people deal with issues of gender identity & expression. All adults are welcomed, including those who are questioning, allies, or identify as FTM, MTF, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex, among others. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongender alliance.com.

Pride Skate Seattle. 9-11pm. Southgate Roller Rink, 9646 17th Ave SW. First Wednesday of every month. $7 admission includes skate rental. Must be 18+. After-party at Company, 9608 16th Ave SW, with drink specials & karaoke. www.southgaterollerrink.com

THURSDAY - June 5

Alcoholics Anonymous “Safe & Sober Group.”

12noon-1pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Open meeting of AA. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

BABES Women’s Support Group/Lunch Meeting.

12 noon-2pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. The BABES Network is a peer led agency; a sisterhood of

18

Seattle Gay News

ets: loveisthemessage.brownpapertickets.com First Fridays in Yakima. 7-9pm. 223 N 1st St, Yakima.

Meets 1st & 3rd Fridays. Social, support, education & advocacy group for the Yakima area GLBTQ community & their allies. All are welcomed & invited. (509) 576-0276. www.gayakima.com/1stfridays.html Lambert House Queer Movie Night. 7-9:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Friday. Lambert House is a nationally-recognized activities & resource center for GLBT & questioning youth, ages 14-22. 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Rain Country Dance Night. 7-11pm, lessons at 7:15pm.

The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. An evening of country-western dancing for the LGBTQ community. FREE. www.raincountrydance.org.

Destiny Gay AA Group in Tacoma. 7:30pm. New Heart MCC, 759 S 45th St, Tacoma. Every Friday.

(253) 474-8897.

Orca Swim Team Workout. 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.)

LGBT Friday Night Al-Anon Family Group. 7:45pm.

Seattle Counseling Service, Rainbow Room, 1216 Pine St at Melrose Ave. Every Friday. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org

SATURDAY - June 7

(See previous Saturday for ongoing activities.)

The Queen City Comes Out: A Walking Tour of Early Queer Pioneer Square. 10-11:30am. 2nd Ave & S Washington St. Tickets: MOHAI members $20, non-members $25.

Leavenworth Wine Walk. 12noon-6pm. Sample 60 wines from 20 participating wineries. For tickets visit www.cascadefarmlands.com Northwest Bears Potluck and Meet & Greet Beer Bust. 6pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave at E. Pine St. Meets 1st Saturday each month. Northwest Bears is a Gay men’s social and service organization providing a focal point within the Gay community for Bears and Bear admirers. www.nwbears.com.

Film Screening: “Love is the Message” (6/6 & 6/7).

7pm. Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave. This film

by Nicky Siane presents a snapshot of American dance music history, with a look at New York’s famed club The Gallery. All proceeds go to Gay City Health Project. Tickets loveisthemessage.brownpapertickets.com Black, White & Pink Prom 2014. 8pm-12midnight. All Pilgrims Church, 500 Broadway E. For LGBTQ youth & allies 14-22. Features DJ, dancing, raffle, photo booth & special performances. Come dressed in formal pink, black & white or just come as you are! No drugs, no alcohol, no hate. Suggested donation $5 at the door.

Sponsored by Lambert House. www.lamberthouse.org

SUNDAY - June 8

women facing HIV together. 720-5566 or 888-292-1912; www.babesnetwork.org.

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Thursday. (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Fridays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.)

Q Hour. 4:30-5:30pm. Orion Center, 1828 Yale Ave. 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month. A group for LGBTQ youth 13-21 & their allies. Sponsored by Youthcare.

FREE. 622-5555 x 212.

Seattle Human Rights Commission. 6-8pm. Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave. Meets 1st Thursday each month.

SHRC is made up of 15 citizen representatives who advise the Mayor, the City Council, & all City of Seattle Depts in matters regarding human rights. Meetings open to the public. 684-4540.

Shifting Gears. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Thursday. Drop-in support group (non 12-step) for anyone of any orientation or gender who desires recovery from drugs or alcohol. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group). 6:30-8pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. Sponsored by Youth Eastside Services, which offers many programs for GLBT youth.

(425) 747-4937.

Seattle Tennis Alliance Social Doubles. 6:30-8pm.

Lower Woodland Park Courts 5, 6, 7 & 8. Every Tuesday & Thursday. STA is Seattle’s premier Gay & Lesbian tennis club. $2 for members & first-time guests, $5 for returning guests. http://sta.clubexpress.com.

Boys’ Group - For Male-Identified Youth, Ages 1422. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Thursday. Youth take the opportunity to talk about issues that relate to their everyday lives, with the facilitation of a male volunteer. 322-2515 ext 16. www.lamberthouse.org Love with Pride: A Celebration of LGBT Romance Fiction. 7pm. University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, Kick off Pride Month with a special reading & signing of LGBTQ love stories by Northwest writers Jove Belle, Kade Boehme, Nick DiMartino & J Tullos Hennig. FREE. Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Thursday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.)

Seattle Prime Timers Coffee Reunion. 7pm. Starbucks, 1600 E. Olive Way. Meets 1st Thursday each month. www.seattleprimetimers.org

May 30, 2014

Buddhism & Recovery. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Thursday. A meditation/recovery group.

322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Emerald City Social Club. 7:30pm. Call for details & location - phone staffed most Tuesday evenings or leave message. Meets 1st Thursday each month. ECSC is a confidential crossdressing social & support organization for Transvestite & Transsexual individuals, primarily MTF, which offers confidential membership, private monthly meetings, frequent events on the town, & help in coming out. (425) 827-9494.

Gay Fathers Association of Seattle. 7:30-9pm. Group Health, 201 16th Ave E, Central Bldg, Lower Atrium.

Every Thursday. Support meetings for Gay fathers & Gay men who are currently or previously married. Safe, anonymous, non-judgmental environment of caring fathers & friends. You are not alone. For information, community events & “questioning” visit www.gfas.org or our message board at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/ gayfathersseattle Gay Male Sexuality & Relationships. 7:30-9pm.

SASG, 303 17th Ave. E. Every Thursday. A discussion group that is strictly focused on sexual topics and relationship issues related to being a Gay male. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. (See Tuesday listing at 8pm.)

FRIDAY - June 6

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Friday.

(253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Thursdays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.)

Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12-step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Film Screening: “The Celluloid Closet.” 7pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. Based on Vito Russo’s groundbreaking book on the history of the LGBT community’s portrayal in the movies, this exuberant, eyeopening movie serves up a dazzling hundred-year history of Gay men & Lesbians on the silver screen. FREE. Film Screening: “Love is the Message” (6/6 & 6/7).

7pm. Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave. This film

by Nicky Siane presents a snapshot of American dance music history, with a look at New York’s famed club The Gallery. All proceeds go to Gay City Health Project. Tick-

(See previous Sunday for ongoing activities.)

Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk. Register 8:15am, Race Starts 10am. Seward Park. $30 includes event T-shirt.

Furry5K.com Lotus Sisters. 11am-1:15pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Meets the 2nd Sunday of every month. Drop-in Buddhist meditation Sangha for LBTQ women. Lotus.sisters@ yahoo.com; www.sasgcc.org No Safeword Writers Group. 1-3pm. Meets 2nd Sunday each month. NSWG exists to provide mutual support for members’ efforts. Support is in the form of critique & commentary on each other’s work, information about publishing opportunities, & discussion of issues facing writers. For info & location, NSWG@ sexpositiveculture. org; www.nosafewordwriters group.org. (Also meets 4th Monday, 7-9pm.)

Pride Idol Final. 8pm. Neighbours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway. Karaoke and original song competition. No cover. www.seattlepride.org; 322-9561.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQ Allyship. org, allyship@yahoo.com, 279-8169.

American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us Bellingham/Whatcom County - www.theslowlane. com/guide.html BiNet Seattle is a mixed gender, social group for Bisexuals, their partners & other Bi-friendly folks - www. binetseattle.org. Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network - www.sbwn.net.

Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org Capitol Hill Alano Club - www.chacseattle.org Central Washington University GALA Hotline: (509) 963-1994.

DIFFA/Seattle (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). 763-8885; www.diffaseattle.org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, 461-3222 (24 hour line); King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line for information, support, & medical & legal assistance: 1-888-99-VOICE; Northwest Network - support & advocacy for Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse & Dating Violence, 568-7777 (voice), 517-9670 (tty), www.nwnetwork.org; Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: Teresa, (253) 798-4166; Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities - offers on-going support groups for men: 323-1768; Seattle Police Dept Domestic Violence Unit, 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025.

In an emergency call 911. Report domestic violence and sexual assault.

Celebrating 41 Years!

Equal Rights Washington - 324-2570; www.equa lrightswashington.org Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freely speaking.org Gay City organizes events & activities for Gay & Bi men & offers anonymous & confidential HIV/STD testing at the Center for LGBT Health, 517 E Pike St. More info or to schedule an appointment, 860-6969. www.gaycity.org Gay & Lesbian National Hotline (GLNH): 1-888-THEGLNH (1-888-843-4564). Non-profit, peer-counseling, information & local resources telephone hotline for GLBT people across the country.

GLSEN/WA - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network - 330-2099; www.glsenwa.org Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) - 3639188; www.thegsba.org HIV/AIDS Program, Seattle/King County Dept of Public Health, provides confidential/anonymous information about & testing for HIV/AIDS. 205-7837.

For a comprehensive list of HIV/AIDS service organizations see the GSBA Guide or visit www.thegsba. org or call Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979.

Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & the Olympic & Rainier Empire - www.facebook.com/ISCSORE; www. imperialcourtofseattle.com Lambert House - 322-2515; www.lamberthouse.org LGBT Library - 517 E Pike St. Open Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. A wide range of fiction and non-fiction for the LGBT community and allies can be borrowed free of charge.

LGBT MS Connection - 250-5002; LGBTMS Connection@gmail.com. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Lifelong AIDS Alliance - 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org MEN: Gay City: 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Northwest Bears: www.nw bears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians.net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.org; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: 888-809-5035, www.raincityjacks.org; Seattle Gay Couples: www. seattlegaycouples. org; Seattle Men in Leather: www.seattlemeninleather. org; Seattle Prime Timers: Gay & Bi men 40 & over, www.seattle primetimers.org.

MUSIC: Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; Rainbow City Band: 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; rainbowcityband@onebox.com; www.rainbowcity band.com; Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus: 388-1408, 323-0750. www.flyinghouse. org.

Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project - gayhistnw@aol.com Northwest Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf - www. nwrad.org Olympia/Thurston County: www.RainbowCenterOly. org Out & Equal Workplace Advocates/Seattle Regional Affiliate supports the work of LGBT employees and the growing number of ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) making a difference within local companies, including Alaska Airlines, Amazon.com, Amgen, AT&T, Bank of America, Deloitte, Macy’s, Microsoft, Russell Investments, Safeco Insurance, Starbucks Coffee, Xerox. www. outandequal.org/affiliates/seattle PARENTHOOD: Families Like Ours provides a gateway for LGBT families interested in adoption & provides a network of safe placement agencies, training, support & resources: 441-7602, www. familieslikeours. org; Family Works offers support, information & activities for LGBT families: 694-6727, www.familyworks seattle. org; Gay Fathers’ Association of Seattle offers support groups & social activities: www.gfas. org; Maybe Baby, https://groups. yahoo.com/group/maybebabyseattle; Proud & Loud Families - Northwest, www.meetup.com/proudand-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@aol.com; Queer Parent Networking Dinners: Deann, 5687777, deann@ nwnetwork.org; Rainbow Families of Puget Sound: www.rainbowfamiliesps.org Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/Washington State: 325-7724, www. seattle-pflag.org, with directory of PFLAG chapters in Washington State; www.pnwpflag.org; National PFLAG, www.pflag.org PEOPLE OF COLOR: Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, 4679976; Center for MultiCultural Health, 461-6910, www.multi-culturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, 322-7700, www.entrehermanos. org; Ile LaiLai, 781-3565, iya@ilelailai.org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), 923-8313, macctseattle@ yahoo.com, www. macctsea.org; Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; Seattle Two Spirit, SeattleTwo Spirit@hotmail.com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, 322-7061, 255-8951; TrikoneNorthwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www.trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-685-0164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle.

Pride Foundation - 323-3318; www.pridefoundation. org Project NEON is a program of Seattle Coun-

community calendar

seling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. 323-1768. www.crystalneon.org Public Health-Seattle & King County Online Comprehensive Health Information for Sexual Minorities: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/ health/personal/glbt.aspx Q Law: The GLBT Bar Association of WA - 682-6711; www.q-law.org Q Law GLBT Legal Clinic - 235-7235.

Resource & Referral Line can connect you to LGBTfriendly resources throughout Puget Sound and beyond.

Call 323-LGBT Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. At other times leave voice mail and your call will be returned. Or visit www.gaycity.org to view list of resources online or through Facebook.

Rosehedge/Multifaith Works - 324-1520; www. rosehedge.org Safe Schools Coalition - www.safeschools coalition. org; 451-SAFE (451-7233).

SEAMEC interviews, researches & rates candidates for public office on issues of concern to the LGBT community. 905-9941, www.seamec.org Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center (SASG) is a non-profit organization that builds community and cultivates powerful, healthy lives by providing emotional support and personal development services to those affected by HIV/ AIDS, the Queer communities, and those who love them. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities - 684-4503.

Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities is a community mental health service for GLBT persons & their families providing comprehensive mental health services on a sliding scale. 323-1768.

Seattle Out & Proud - 206-322-9561; www.seattle pride.org Seattle Police Department Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council: kim.bogucki@seattle.gov Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org Seattle Treatment Education Project (STEP) E-zine is an electronic resource distributed to people affected

by HIV/AIDS, case managers, front line workers & other health professionals. Now a part of Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979, www.thebody.com/step/steppage.html Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202)

Visit us online www.sgn.org

328-3244; www.sldn.org SHIFT: A Peer Recovery Network - www.shift recovery.org Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan - 860-3666; www.theabbey.org Snohomish Health District HIV/AIDS Program provides free confidential/anonymous HIV counseling & testing 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, until 7pm Tuesdays. (425) 339-5298.

Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) - www.facebook. com/socialoutreachseattle South Sound Q Calendar - LGBTQ events in Tacoma, Olympia & Sound Puget Sound area; www.South SoundQCal.com Spokane/Inland Northwest - www.outspokane.com; www.stonewallnews.net SPORTS & RECREATION: Bent Car Guys: www. bentcarguys.org; Border Riders Motorcycle Club: www.borderriders.com; Bottom Dwellers Scuba Club: www.bottomdwellers.org; Capitol Hill Cyclers: join their Facebook group or email ca p ito lh illcyclin g @ g ro u p s.facebook.com or jordan.l.simonson@gmail.com; Cascade Flyers: www.cascadeflyers.org; Different Spokes Bicycling Club: www.differentspokes.org; Emerald City Mudhen Rugby: www.mudhenrugby. com; Emerald City Softball Association: www. emeraldcitysoftball. org, www.eteamz.com/womensecsa; Ethyl Forever Car Club: http://Clubs.Hemmings.com/EthylForever CarClub/; Hiking Group: 323-8382; Jet City Hoops: www.jetcityhoops.org; Olympic Yacht Club: www.oycnw.org; OutVentures: outdoor education & recreation activities, www.outventures.org; Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo Association: www.pacificnw gra.org; Puddletown Squares: www.puddletown squares.org; Rain City Soccer: www.raincitysoccer. org; Rain Country Dance Association: a country-western dance organization catering to the LGBTQ community but open to all, www.raincountrydance.org; Sea Dawgs: LGBT ice hockey - SkateSeaDawgs@ gmail.com and on Facebook; Seattle Frontrunners: www.seattlefrontrunners.org; Seattle Orca Swim Team: www.orcaswimteam.org; Seattle Otters Water Polo: www.otterpolo.com; Seattle Quake Rugby: www.quakerugby.com; Seattle Tennis Alliance: www.seattletennisalliance.org; Seattle Unified Bowling Association (SUBA): magee98106@aol.com, www.teamseattle.org/

May 30, 2014

bowling.htm, www.theprideleague.com, Century 21 League; Seattle United Soccer League: www.seattleunitedsl.com; Seattle Volleyball Club: www. seattlevolleyballclub.com; Ski Buddies: www. skibuddies.org; Team Seattle Gay Sports Network is an umbrella organization for a wide range of local GLBT sports activities, 367-4064, www. teamseattle.org (see website for comprehensive list of sports clubs); Triangle Recreation Camp at Bender Creek: recreational camping for GLBT folks. Must be 21; ID required. trc@camptrc.org, www.camptrc.org, 1122 E Pike St #1069, Seattle 98122-3934.

Strength Over Speed - www.strengthoverspeed.org Tacoma/Pierce County - Rainbow Center, 2215 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, a resource center for the LGBTIQA community of Pierce County, (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org TRANSGENDER: Emerald City Social Club: (425) 827-9494; Gender Alliance of the South Sound: www.SouthSoundGender.com; Gender Justice League: www.genderjusticeleague. org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey. com; Hermanos Trans Latino & Foreign-Born Support Group: 322-7700; Ingersoll Gender Center: 329-6651, www.ingersoll center.org; The New BoyZ Club: www.olympiaftm group. webs.com; Olympia Trans Discussion Group: w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / p a g e s / O l y m p i a - Tr a n s Discussion-Group/262449878114; Washington Gender Alliance: (360) 445-2411, www.washington genderalliance.com WOMEN: BABES: support groups for HIV+ women.

720-5566, 1-888-292-1912; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthebabes.com; Lesbians Over 40: 722-0729; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Older Lesbians Organizing for Change/WA State Chapter: gloria@oloc.org, mary@oloc.org, www.oloc.org; Pacific Northwest Lesbian Archives: www. pnwlesbianarchives.org; RainshadowWomen: RainshadowWomen@aol.com; Seattle Girls of Leather: www.sgol.org; Tacoma Lesbian Concern (TLC): www.tacomalesbianconcern. org; WOWS: a fun, member-driven social group for Lesbians, http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/womenof westseattle; YWCA Women’s Health Outreach: providing low or no-cost mammograms for income eligible 40+ LBTQ individuals. Follow us at http://lbtqhealthywca.blogspot.com, twitter.com/ingridWHO or email lbthealth@ywcaworks.org, 461-4493.

Yakima: First Fridays - (509) 576-0276. www.gayakima.com/1stfridays.html YOUTH: B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group): Youth Eastside Services offers many programs for GLBT youth, including B-GLAD, (425) 7474937; Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; GLSEN/Washington State (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) & Washington State GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Network: GLSEN works to create safe schools for LGBT students. WA GSA Network supports youth-led GSA’s to fight harassment & homophobia in Washington state schools. 330-2099; www.glsenwa. org; www. wagsa.org. GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): a support group & HIV/ STD prevention program for GLBTQ youth, 14-20, in Everett, (425) 263-2908, www.globeyouth.org; Health Education Youth Outreach: for LGBTQ youth, ages 16-24 - Jessica Hatlo, 206-957-1665, jessicah@llaa.org; It Gets Better Project: www. itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, in Seattle, 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org; www.

MatthewsPlace. com; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 14-25, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcen ter.org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/ Puget Sound: 325-7724, www.seattle-pflag.org; Pizza Klatch: weekly lunchtime support groups for LGBTQ youth in Thurston County, www.pizzaklatch.org; Prism: for LGBTQ youth, 14-21, in Puyallup - Cherise.Alexander@ multicare.org; www.facebook.com/PuyallupPrism; Proud Out Wonderful (POW!): for LGBTQ youth, 13-21, in South King County, 206-326-9112, www.facebook. com/proudoutwonderful; Q Youth Resources: in Kitsap County - 360-698-3335; www.kchaf. org; Queer Youth Space: 206-495-9963; www. queeryouth space.org; Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS): LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth drop-in group, ages 12-18 - Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600, ext 155; sarahh@rays.org; Safe Schools Coalition: www.safeschoolscoalition. org; 451-SAFE (451-7233) (non-emergency), 1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): 860-9606, www.sypp.org; Teen Link: 461-4922, 1-888-431-TEEN; The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor; www.thetrevorproject. org; True Colors - Connecting LGBTQ Teens: in Shoreline, 362-7282 x 8018, lbagley@chs-nw. org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, 509396-5198, www.vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/ Orion Center: 622-5555; YouthCare/Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): 522-8412; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoud-GLBTQ): 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273-TALK, www.yspp.org

Seattle Gay News 19

Volunteer Park

• BACON MANSION

E. PROSPECT ST. • SHAFER MANSION E. ALOHA ST.

12TH AVE. E.

E. ROY ST.

16TH AVE. E.

15TH AVE. E.

13TH AVE. E.

• B&B ON BROADWAY E. ROY ST. • UNDER U 4 MEN

E. VALLEY ST. 14TH AVE. E.

11TH AVE. E.

FEDERAL AVE. E.

10TH AVE. E.

BROADWAY AVE. E.

E. WARD ST.

E. MERCER ST.

MALDEN AVE. E.

BROADWAY E.

• THE CANTERBURY E. REPUBLICAN ST. E. HARRISON ST.

• BROADWAY GRILL

• SIMPLY FRAMES & MINER GALLERY

10TH AVE. E.

E. DENNY WAY

Cal Anderson Park • NEUMOʼS

11TH AVE.

.

• CLUB Z BATHS

• THE STRANGER

NAGLE PL.

E. HOWELL ST.

• SUPERSTAR TATTOO

E AV

• UPS STORE

• HILL HOUSE

• LAMBERT HOUSE

BROADWAY

• NEIGHBOURS

HARVARD AVE. E.

Seattle Central Community College

• LINDAʼS • BILLʼS OFF BROADWAY

C.C. ATTLEʼS• TOMMY GUN• THE SOCIAL•

B&O ESPRESSO • BOYLSTON AVE.

BELMONT AVE.

E. JOHN ST.

• THE LOBBY • PLATINUM RECORDS

N PIK

GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT •

• AURIFICE • R PLACE • HONEY HOLE SANDWICHES • TOYS IN BABELAND

.

E AV RE T. ES

• BAUHAUS • BALTIC ROOM • SEATTLE EAGLE

BO

T.

ES

PIN

• GLOʼS

R

AY EW

IV OL

• TRAVELERS • THE FEED BAG

O IN

E

W

HO

.

ST

M

LL

SUMMIT AVE.

• REBAR

• STEAM WORKS

E ST

• THE CRESCENT

R

A W

T. TS

• GSBA

DENNY WAY

E. THOMAS ST.

• JULIAʼS

METRO CLOTHING CO. • STUDIO 229 • PANACHE • LAUGHING BUDDHA TATTOO •

BELLEVUE AVE.

• SEATTLE COUNSELING SERVICE FOR SEXUAL MINORITIES MELROSE AVE.

HAIR CONNECTION•

E. OLIVE ST. THE SGN GLSEN ONYX LEATHER • SEA-MEC

BATHS

CLUB Z - (men) 1117 Pike near Boren - 622-9958 HOT HOUSE SPA & SAUNA - (women) SW corner of Pike & 11th (stairs behind Wildrose) - 568-3240 STEAM WORKS - (men) 1520 Summit - 388-4818

RESTAURANTS & BARS

BALTIC ROOM - 1207 Pine St. - 625-4444 THE BOTTLENECK LOUNGE 2328 E. Madison St. - 323-1098

C.C. ATTLE’S BAR & GRILLE 1701 E. Olive Way - 726-0565 THE CANTERBURY - 534 15th Ave. E. - 322-3130 CHANGES IN WALLINGFORD 2103 N. 45th - 545-8363 THE CRESCENT - 1413 E. Olive Way - 720-8188 THE CUFF COMPLEX 1533 13th Ave. - 323-1525 DIESEL BAR - 1413 14th Ave. - 322-1080 DOUBLE HEADER - 407 2nd Ave. S. - 464-9918 GLO’S - 1621 E. Olive Way - 324-2577 JAZZ ALLEY - 2033 6th Ave. E. - 441-9729 JULIA’S - 300 Broadway Ave. E. - 860-1818 THE LOBBY - 916 E. Pike St. - 328-6703 MAE’S CAFE 6412 Phinney Ave. N. - 782-1222 MADISON PUB - 1315 E. Madison - 325-6537

• POCO WINE ROOM

• THE CUFF COMPLEX E. PINE ST. • PURR • THE CRYPT • POST OPTIONS • DOGHOUSE LEATHERS

•WILDROSE • HOT HOUSE

E. UNION ST.

SEATTLE

• THE GASLIGHT INN

RETAIL SHOPS

CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17 206 Broadway Ave. E. - 204-0126 THE CRYPT - 1516 11th Ave. 325-3882 DOGHOUSE LEATHERS 1312 E. Pike St. - 257-0231 EMERSON SALON - 909 E. Pike St. - 323-7437 METRO CLOTHING CO. 231 Broadway Ave E - 726-7978 ONYX LEATHER - 1605 12th Ave. #8 - 328-1965 PANACHE - 225 Broadway E. - 726-3300 STAN’S ADULT SUPERSTORE 9630 16th Ave. SW - 762-3299 TABOO VIDEO - 1012 1st Ave. - 622-SEXY TOYS IN BABELAND - 707 E. Pike St. - 328-2914 UNDER U 4 MEN 709 Broadway Ave. E. - 324-6446 WILD AT HEART 1111 NW Leary Way - 782-5538

BELLINGHAM

LOVER’S 193 Telegraph Road - (360) 752-1862 RUMORS CABARET 1119 Railroad - (306) 671-1849

BAR MYX - 1212 California St. - 425-610-4071 LOVER’S - 112 SE Everett - (425) 353-3607 LOVER’S - 3402 Broadway - (425) 252-8754

KENT

LOVER’S 25801 104th Ave. S.E. - (253) 852-1720 THE VOYEUR 604 Central Ave. S. - (253) 850-8428

E.

E. PIKE ST. • CHOP SUEY • MADISON PUB • DIESEL BAR • PONY

NEIGHBOURS - 1509 Broadway - 324-5358 OUT WEST - 5401California Ave. SW POCO WINE ROOM 1408 E. Pine St. - 322-9463 PONY - 1221 E. Madison St. - 324-2854 PURR - 1518 11th Ave. - 325-3112 R PLACE - 619 E. Pine - 322-8828 RE-BAR - 1114 Howell at Boren - 233-9873 SEATTLE EAGLE - 314 E. Pike - 621-7591 TOMMY GUN - 1703 E. Olive Way WILDROSE - 1021 E. Pike - 324-9210

EVERETT

ON

IS AD

ST.

M

E. UNION ST.

OLYMPIA

DARBY’S CAFE 211 5th Ave. S.E. - (360) 357-6229 DESIRE VIDEO 3126 Pacific Ave. - (360) 352-0820 LOVER’S 3959 Martin Way E. Suite D - (360) 456-7300 JAKES - 311 4th Ave. E. - (360) 956-3247 URBAN ONION 116 Legion Way - (360) 943-9242

PORT ANGELES MAPLE ROSE INN 112 Reservoir Rd - (800) 570-2007

SPOKANE

DEMPSEY’S BRASS RAIL 909 W 1st Ave. - (509) 747-5362

TACOMA

CASTLE SUPERSTORE 6015 Tacoma Mall Blvd. - (253) 471-0391 CLUB SILVERSTONE 739½ St. Helens Ave. - (253) 404-0273 THE FANTASY SHOP 2301 6th Ave. - (253) 272-6640 LOVER’S 7002 Tacoma Mall Blvd., #F - (253) 475-2271 THE MIX - 635 St. Helens Ave. - (253) 383-4327 RAINBOW CENTER 2215 Pacific Ave. - (253) 383-2318 SHAKABRAH JAVA CAFE 2618 6th Ave. - (253) 572-2787 TANDEM FOR GEAR, CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES 3019 6th Ave, Ste. B - (253) 301-3026

TUKWILA

LOVER’S 530 Southcenter Blvd. - (206) 248-5085

WENATCHEE

THE CELLAR CAFE 240 N. Mission St. - (509) 662-1722

LA CONNER

THE HERON INN & WATERGRASS DAY SPA 117 Maple Ave. - (877) 883-8899 info@theheron.com

20

Seattle Gay News

May 30, 2014

Celebrating 41 Years!

_______________________________

10 housemates

10 housemates

_______________________________

11 FOR LEASE

11 for lease

_______________________________ FABULOUS VIEW HOME in West Seattle. FOR LEASE or FOR SALE. 2 BR/2 BA. $2300/ mo. 4105 SW Cloverdale St. No pets. No smoking. (Please do not disturb current tenants.) House available June 1. For more information, call ONLY between noon-5pm. 206-605-9455. 24/3 _______________________________ 13 13 housing for sale

HOUSING FOR SALE

_______________________________ ENTERTAINER’S DELIGHT IN QUEEN ANNE Artistic Northwest home features: living room with Sound view, large library, chef’s kitchen, custom cabinets, Brazilian bluestone counters, custom pass-thru to the covered patio, hot tub, 2 gas fireplaces, luxury shower, many built-ins and more! $749,900.

Call to see. 509.336.9988. MLS# 634092. 24/3 _______________________________

REAL ESTATE real estate _______________________________ RELOCATING? FREE INFORMATION Nation’s Top Gay Realtors Offer FREE Relocation Kit + Free Buyers Representation. Buying, Selling, Relocating? No Cost / Obligation.

22/3 WWW.GAYREALESTATE.COM _______________________________

14 HELP WANTED

14 help wanted

_______________________________ ASSISTANT INNKEEPER Duties include cooking, cleaning, attending to Guest needs. Must have cooking experience and good Customer skills. Work would be Sunday & Monday 6AM-2PM. $13/hr to start. Send resume to innkeepers@sleepingbulldog. com. 21/3 _______________________________ LAMBERT HOUSE Seattle’s LGBTQ Youth Center has 3 paid internships to start immediately to start immediately (10 hours productive service pays $150) available to LGBTQ youth and allies, ages 13-22, to help publicize/produce this year’s Pride Weekend Slumber Party! (June 28-29.) Especially interested in interns that can use social media effectively. Youth will plan this Youth Pride event, including designing, choosing, and running activities (Karaoke?

Live music performance? Games?

Movie? Other? You decide.) on Saturday afternoon and evening and joining in the Lambert House Pride Parade contingent as we march down the middle of Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle on Pride Sunday, June 29. To apply for a paid internship, or if you just want to volunteers, stop by Lambert House (1818 15th Ave. at E. Denny Way in Seattle) any day between 5-6 p.m. or phone 4:306:30 p.m., and ask to speak with J.D., 322-2515 ext *819. Questions? Ask for J.D. 22/3 _______________________________ 17 17 volunteers wantedVOLUNTEERS

wANTED

_______________________________ VOLUNTEER WITH YOUTH Lambert House, Seattle’s LGBTQ Youth Center, seeks a few volunteers for our drop-in and meals programs. Requires one-year commitment to a weekly shift.

Information at http://lamberthouse.org/volunteers.html 22/3 _______________________________

19 COMPUTERS

19 computers

_______________________________ DETAILED BUSINESS & HOME COMPUTER SERVICES ALSO DO HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS Best Price - Uncommon Solutions - Superior Results. 38+ Years Experience. Broke, slow, or needs help, let me fix it. DATA Recovery, Internet, Networking, Hardware, and Software. Very PATIENT. Call Randy. 1-954-684-3829. Will travel. SGN/ _______________________________ 19 19 home & garden

HOME & GARDEN

20

20 health & HEALTH well being &

well-being

_______________________________ ENERGY/BODYWORK Therapeutic massage. 29 years experience. Relaxation, major/ minor injuries, chronic muscle pain. Small Queen Anne home office/studio. Massage table or massage chair. Convenient parking. (I’m a Gay-friendly straight male graphic artist, web author.)

First session 50% off = $45/1.5 hours (travel extra). By appointment only. References available.

Chris Pringer, Reiki Master, 206286-0899. If you get a voice message mentioning “extension #,” please hang up and call back again. Brochure, testimonials, etc. via chalicebridge.com/BMIBrochure.html. 44/21 _______________________________

21 21 licensed LICENSED massage MASSAGE non-sexual NON-SEXUAL _______________________________

RELAXATION and DEEP TISSUE massage on Capitol Hill. Last minute appointments welcome until 9pm. Jeff, LMP, 206-6500542. www.broadwaymassage. com. 22/3 _______________________________ EXCEPTIONAL BODYWORK Given by highly trained LMP. I specialize in injury treatment, acute, chronic, and repetitive stress motion. I have a studio on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Insurance accepted.

Matt Shafer, LMP, 206-235-7766.

26/12 _______________________________

GREAT MASSAGE given by highly-trained, clean-cut, handsome guy. I have a two private studios, one on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Call/text Matt, 206235-7766. In/out calls. 26/12 ________________________________ HANDSOME LATINO MASSEUR Excellent Full Body Rubdown.

Strong Hands, Awesome Relaxation!! North Seattle home studio. $55 for 1 hr & 15 min. (Inquire OutCalls). 206-992-8375. 23/3 _______________________________

NOW IN TUKWILA Professional and attractive therapist. Specializing in sensual & deep tissue. Laid back, friendly, clean and comfortable environment. Very affordable rates. 206244-6343. Marc. In/Out. 20/6 _______________________________

38 men

38 MEN

_______________________________ FREE & ANONYMOUS HIV & STD COUNSELING/TESTING Walk-In or by Appt GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT 517 E. Pike St. MON-FRI: 3pm-8pm SAT: 12:30pm-5pm More Info & to Schedule Appt 206-860-6969 _______________________________

RAIN CITY JACKS Seattle’s own JO Club, RCJ hosts three group jack-off events every month. Hot, friendly, safe fun!

Adult men only. 888-809-5035. info@raincityjacks.org; www. raincityjacks.org. 23/12 _______________________________ SEATTLE PRIME TIMERS A social organization for Gay and Bisexual Men over 40 and their admirers. www.seattleprimetimers.org; info@seattleprimetimers. org SGN/ _______________________________

JESSE H. JAMES L.M.P.

Massaging You is what I do Best.

Some insurance Billed Successfully.

Now Accepting Credit/Debit Cards

206-369-4598 MA00007881

_______________________________

PAMPER YOURSELF

Massage/bodywork/waxing performed by attractive Asian male.

By appointment only. Call “T” 425-451-3715. Student discounts available. 23/3 _______________________________

WEDDING VENUES

wedding venues

_______________________________ YOUR WEDDING IN THE COUNTRY From small intimate weddings at Altra Vista B&B to large weddings in Langes Ranch Park. On the Kitsap Peninsula near Keyport and Poulsbo. For more information, visit: altravista.us; langesranchpark.com. Email: host@altravista. us; juel@langesranchpark.com.

Phone: 360-779-4927 for both venues. 23/3 _______________________________

27 TRAVEL

27 travel

_______________________________ HUNG HOMO HOMESTAY offers first class accomodations (men only) for short or long stays in Victoria, British Columbia, CANADA. Suites or 1 bedroom apartment available. Check out the “Nasty Pig Playpen” for manly entertainment or join the Man2Man Sex Club 4 days per week. Sleep, Sex, Sightseeing ... What more can you ask for? A short ferry ride from Seattle. Inquiries: 778-265-4190 or check website and book online at www.hunghome.com. 23/3 _______________________________ 36 escorts

36 ESCORTS

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37 BODYWORK

37 bodywork

_______________________________ AMAZING BODYWORK! Deep tissue, erotic bodywork by handsome, hairy-chested, hung therapist. Reasonable rates. Photos, phone number and reviews at website: www.amazingbodywork. com. Robert. 23/6 ________________________________ DADDY BEAR Mature gentleman provides excellent bodywork. Sliding scale. Advance appointments available 12 noon-8pm. 206-328-5828. 22/6 ________________________________ EROTICALLY CHARGED nude full body rubdown from playful top, stimulating the senses. Get seduced. Incalls in Renton area.

Scott, 206 -355-4469. 23/3 ________________________________

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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