SGN March 15, 2019 - Arts & Travel - Section 1

Celebrating 45 Years!

Issue 11 Volume 47

Chad Michaels (as Cher) in Seattle Men’s Chorus’ “Believe” SEC 2 PG 1

Sheathed fulfills sci-fi fantasy on stage!

SEC 2 PG 1

Seattle Gay News

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CITY OF SEATTLE RESOLUTION SUPPORTS PASSAGE OF MEDICARE FOR ALL ACT OF 2019

House Democrats introduce LGBT Equality Act

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., attends a rally with Democrats in the Capitol to introduce the “Equality Act,” which will amend existing civil rights legislation to bar discrimination based on gender identification and sexual orientation on March 13, 2019.

– Photo by Tom Williams / CQ Roll Call via AP Images

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Photo courtesy of the Office of Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan

see MEDICARE page 5

The Equality Act was formally reintroduced by Democratic Party leaders in the US House and Senate on March 13.

The measure amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in education, employment,

see EQUALITY ACT page 11

Congressional Equality Act introduced LGBT Equality Caucus in Congress at highest membership ever All are Democrats

Photo courtesy of LGBT Equality Caucus

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus has reached its highest membership ever – 155 lawmakers – just as Democrats have regained control of the House of Representatives and reintroduced the Equality Act.

All members are Democrats. In the previous session of Congress, the group had two Republican members, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Carlos Curbelo, who attempted to forge bipartisan support for LGBTQ civil rights laws. Ros-Lehtinen retired at the 2018 election, while Curbelo was defeated by his Democratic challenger.

see CAUCUS page 12

Photo by J. Scott Applewhite

Today [on March 13] Lambda Legal praised Representatives David Cicilline (D-RI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) as well as Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) for introducing H.R. 5, the Equality Act, in the 116th Congress.

This bipartisan legislation will update existing federal nondiscrimination laws,

including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act, to confirm that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is unlawful discrimination based on sex.

The bill agrees with the many court decisions which have concluded that discrimination against LGBT people in employment,

see LAMBDA LEGAL page 11

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Celebrating 45 Years!

Seattle Gay News F O U N D ED 1974 MEMBER

2018

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JESSE’S JOURNAL

Voyage on Atlantis

by Jesse Monteagudo SGN Contributing Writer Atlantis Events (atlantisevents.com) was founded by Rich Campbell in 1991.

Since then, Atlantis (“The Way We Play”) has “grown into the worldʼs largest gay and lesbian specialty vacation company, bringing together over 300,000 from our community and beyond for great times around the world. We create a gay vacation environment and experience so unexpectedly special, in so many ways, that you have to try it to fully understand why our guests often call it “the best vacation they’ve ever had.” Atlantisʼs success was confirmed in 2007 when it bought out its main competitor, RSVP. “Each Atlantis cruise or resort offers a carefree experience based around friendship, camaraderie, relaxation, indulgence, adventure and pure uninhibited fun. Beautiful locations, fantastic entertainment and legendary parties set the stage for the magic that happens when a diverse group comes together and everyone is free to be themselves.”

Though Atlantis offers its guests a vast variety of vacation events, from Mediterranean cruises to Club Med-style resorts, its most popular product is its “Legendary Caribbean Cruise,” which sails from Miami in late January or February. Held in some of the largest ocean liners, these floating circuit parties bring together some of the worldʼs most beautiful, muscular and affluent gay men. Cruise ship entertainers combine with some of the most famous gay performers, from drag acts like Dixie Longate and Miss Richfield 1981 to “surprise” guest stars like Olivia NewtonJohn or Charo. Some of the worldʼs best DJʼs spin the disks in Atlantisʼs seemingly endless dance parties, which run from early afternoon tea dances to late-late discos and beyond.

Since most of the dances are theme parties, guests are encouraged to dress in appropriate costume, which they do while leaving exposed as much skin as is legally allowed.

One drag entertainer described the typical Atlantis costume as being “a harness and a jock strap” which is true to a large extent.

Though alcohol consumption is high even for a sea cruise, Atlantis organizers frown upon illegal drug use, perhaps in reaction to a series of drug overdoses that rocked previous Caribbean cruises.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Photo courtesy of Atlantis Events

Atlantisʼs 2019 Caribbean Cruise was my first one, and it lived up to my expectations.

From February 3 to 10 Royal Caribbeanʼs majestic Allure of the Seas housed 5500 men (and a few women) from 68 countries; including some of the planetʼs most spectacular specimens of manhood. Even those of us who were not so favored by our DNA, the gym, or steroids had a fabulous time. Though our ship of dreams took us to Nassau, Cozumel, Roatan and Costa Maya, most of our adventures took place on board. And while my costumes were nowhere near the spectacular outfits worn by some of my fellow sailors, I managed my way around such events as the Champions T-Dance, the Classic Disco T-Dance, the White Party and the “Out to Sea” evening party. (Though I drew the line at the “after hours” party.) The food was good, the entertainment – which included singer Marty Thomas, the acrobatic troupe Air-Otic and “surprise guest” Andy Bell of Erasure – was great, and cocktails flowed like water. If there is anything to complain about this cruise is that most people (myself included) mostly socialized with friends or acquaintances.

One complaint directed at all-gay cruises by those who have never been on one is that they are too expensive. Indeed, a stateroom on an Atlantis cruise tends to cost twice as much as one on a mainstream cruise. Eric Poole, of Brand G Vacation, gives us some “legitimate reasons” for this discrepancy.

First, “when a tour company books, theyʼre personally guaranteeing that charter. So, they have to pony up the difference if for some reason that cruise doesnʼt sell out.”

Second, “bringing on high-quality entertainers for a gay cruise adds significantly to the total cost. Gay audiences are generally less than excited by the cruise lineʼs typical fare.” (Though I enjoyed the shipʼs production of Mamma Mia.) Finally, LGBT tour companies like Brand g (or Atlantis) “offer MANY additional inclusions to their trips that are not a part of the bargain with most other tour companies, straight OR gay. They strive to make your experience as all-inclusive as possible – so the upfront price you pay is pretty much all you end up spending.”

As one who once complained about the cost I must say that the Atlantis Caribbean Cruise was worth the extra money; money that I plan to spend when I go again next year.

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Seattle Gay News 3

Manafort judge ignored the content of his “criminal character”

by Larry Gossett King County Councilmember District 2 Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Gossett released this statement in response to the 47-month sentence former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort received after his conviction on charges of tax evasion and bank fraud: “Judge T.S. Ellis III has no problem laying down hard sentences to criminals, as long as they’re a certain type of criminal. He gave former congressman William Jefferson of Louisiana 13 years for bribery.

Jefferson didn’t help steal an election, but he was a Black man.

“It’s ironic that Paul Manafort will be serving less time than many brothers whose only crime was stealing a six-pack of beer instead of an election. We still have a long way to go when a man like Manafort is judged by the content of his criminal character instead of the color of his White skin. It’s long past time for White judges to start considering the content of Black defendant’s character instead of judging them solely by the color of their skin.

“Racial disproportionality in sentencing is a common occurrence for far too many people of color in our criminal justice system. I want the same people who are outraged by Manafort’s sentence to work with me to solve the issue of racial disproportionality on a local level.”

Paul Manafort – Photo by Alex Wong / Getty Images

Cascade Flag Football receives sponsorship from Seattle Seahawks Kicks off 2019 season on March 23 [On Monday, March 11] Cascade Flag Football Association (CFA), Seattle’s premiere flag football league for the LGBTQIA+ community, announced a new sponsor – the Seattle Seahawks. The sponsorship begins with the 2019 season and includes a financial contribution on behalf of the Seahawks in addition to other benefits that will further enhance the experience of CFA players, game officials, and fans.

“We embrace the opportunity to support causes and organizations who encourage and celebrate a love of the game and foster a positive environment for people to connect with others in our community,” said Jeff Richards, Seahawks VP of Marketing and Community Engagement. “We are proud to support the CFA and their commitment to an inclusive flag football league within the Seattle community.”

Image courtesy of Cascade Flag Football Association

“This is an exciting time for Cascade Flag Football. In addition to furthering our mission to make the sport accessible to a more diverse audience, we are actively working to expand our impact in the greater sports community. With the support of the Seahawks, we hope to not only further improve our mission, but increase what we are able to do within the greater community,” Brian Hawker, CFA Commissioner.

This partnership continues a recent trend of sponsorships with professional NFL teams and their local programs.

Specifically, the Minnesota Vikings sponsorship of the Minnesota Gay Flag Football League (MNGFFL) and the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots sponsorship of the last two national Gay Bowl tournaments, hosted in their respective cities.

Founded in 2016, the CFA formally

brought LGBTQIA+ and ally flag football to the Seattle area. Since its founding, the organization has more than doubled in size, moved from playing in Seattle’s suburbs to playing in the heart of Seattle’s gay scene in Capitol Hill, built two national travelling teams, and entered into a partnership with the Master in Sports Business Leadership program at Seattle University.

Registration for its spring 2019 season is now open, with first games beginning March 23. Games will be played on Saturdays at the Bobby Morris Playfield in Cal Anderson Park. Prospective players and individuals wanting more information about CFA can visit www.cascadeflagfootball.org.

GSBA celebrates International Women’s Day [Friday, March 8] Happy International Women’s Day!

HISTORY This day emerged from the activities of the labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe. The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the U.S. in 1909 in honor of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against horrendous working conditions. In 1910 the Socialist International meeting in Copenhagen established a Women’s Day to honor women’s rights and to gain support for universal suffrage for women. It was first celebrated in 1911 in several European countries where more than one million women and men rallied for the right to vote, to hold public office, women’s right to work, to vocational training, and for an end to discrimination on the job.

Less than a week after the first International Women’s Day, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire killed 146, mostly young immigrant women, in New York City. That incident inspired many changes in industrial working conditions, and the memory of those who died has been often invoked

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Louise Chernin, GSBA President & CEO

as part of International Women’s Days from that point on. In 1975, recognized as International Women’s Year, the United Nations General Assembly began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day. By 2014, it was celebrated in more than 100 countries, and had been made an official holiday in more than 25.

TODAY Since those early years, International Women’s Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing

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international women’s movement, which has been strengthened by four global United Nations women’s conferences, has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political and economic arenas. I would like to think we have made great progress since the first International Women’s Day was celebrated.

Certainly, we have the vote, but then again, there is a movement to suppress voter’s rights. Women now are nearly 50% of the work force, but pay inequity still persists and, as we all know, job discrimination and sexual harassment at work still threaten the equal and equitable treatment of women in the workplace.

WHAT YOU CAN DO As employers, let’s commemorate both Women’s History Month and March 8 as International Women’s Day by looking at our own workplaces. Are there adequate remedies for reporting sexual harassment?

Do you incorporate training on what it means to have a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace? Does your staff, including upper management, reflect the diversity

of your community? Do you intentionally source from certified women-owned businesses? If not, why and how, as an employer, can you remedy inequities and bias in your workplace? As a community that understands what it means to not have a seat at the table, let’s make sure we are intentional in creating communities in which everyone has access and opportunity.

Some of the most successful businesses in Seattle are owned by GSBA members.

Use this month to learn about the many businesses owned by women, including our trans, nonbinary and women of color owned businesses, and make a commitment to do business together. As a member of GSBA, you have already made a commitment to join a chamber created to advance equality, equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Let’s put that membership to work by supporting each other.

For equality, Louise Chernin President & CEO

Celebrating 45 Years!

Photo courtesy of the Office of U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal

MEDICARE

continued from cover Following is the complete text of the City of Seattle’s recently adopted resolution: A RESOLUTION supporting the passage of the Medicare for All Act of 2019.

WHEREAS, the United States paid approximately $3,500,000,000,000 dollars in total healthcare spending in 2017, an increase of 3.9 percent over the previous year and, at nearly $11,000 per person, the highest healthcare per capita spending rate in the world; and WHEREAS, an estimated one quarter to one-third of healthcare spending is on administrative costs, including generating bills and collecting payments; and WHEREAS, despite spending nearly 19 percent of gross domestic product on healthcare, the United States has worse health outcomes compared with other developed countries, including a maternal mortality rate (26.4 deaths per 100,000 births) up to five times more than other developed countries; a higher infant mortality rate; a lower life expectancy (69 years) that has been getting lower for the last two years; and higher rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and preventable deaths; and WHEREAS, although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has resulted in dramatic increases in health insurance coverage since its passage in 2010, the 14 states not participating in ACA-authorized Medicaid expansion perpetuate non-coverage for low-income individuals; and WHEREAS, too many Americans are one medical crisis away from bankruptcy or are forced to choose between rent and life-saving medical treatments; and WHEREAS, annual spending on prescription drugs, a major cost driver of

healthcare, exceeds $350,000,000,000; and WHEREAS, Governor Jay Inslee is introducing legislation to provide a public health care option through Washington State’s health benefit exchange; and WHEREAS, in Washington State the uninsured population declined from 14 percent of the state’s population in 2013 to 6.1 percent in 2017, yet an estimated 446,106 individuals remain uninsured, including 118,818 individuals in King County; and WHEREAS, in King County as in the rest of the U.S., American Indians and Native Alaskans, Blacks, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics and Latinos are all significantly less likely than whites to have health insurance; and WHEREAS, Public Health SeattleKing County estimates that medical costs are a barrier to seeking medical care for one in seven King County adults; and WHEREAS, the number of uninsured people increased by nearly 700,000 people during the first year of the Trump Administration, the first increase of the uninsured since the passage of the ACA; and WHEREAS, the creation of a singlepayer universal Medicare program would cover all American residents, including the estimated 28 million individuals currently uninsured; WHEREAS, the City’s Federal Lobbying Agenda includes support of healthcare for all; WHEREAS, Representative Pramila Jayapal and 107 co-sponsors are advocating for the passage of the Medicare for All Act of 2019, which calls for the comprehensive and total transformation of the U.S. health care system to a single-payer model; WHEREAS, organizations such as Public Citizen, National Nurses United, Center for Popular Democracy, Business Initiative for Health Policy, National Union of Healthcare Workers, American Postal Workers Union, United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers, the American Federation of Teachers, Amalgamated

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Transit Union, American Medical Students Association, Service Employees International Union, and Physicians for a National Health Program, support passage of the Medicare for All Act of 2019; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT: Section 1. It is the duty of the federal government to pass the Medicare for All Act of 2019 to: A. Eliminate copays premiums, deductibles and other cost sharing that prevent residents from getting the healthcare services they need.

B. Ensure that every single resident of the United States has access to comprehensive, quality healthcare including all primary care, hospital and outpatient services, prescription drugs, dental, vision, audiology, women’s reproductive health services, maternity and newborn care, long-term services and supports, mental health and substance abuse treatment, laboratory and diagnostic services, ambulatory services, and more.

C. Ensure that patients have complete freedom to choose their doctors, hospitals, and other providers without worrying about whether a provider is “in-network.”

D. Ensure that long-term services and supports for persons with disabilities and seniors are fully covered and provided through home and community-based services unless the individual chooses otherwise.

E. Eliminate hundreds of billions of dollars in inefficient administrative waste.

F. Prevent healthcare corporations from overcharging for the costs of services and profiting off illness and injury.

G. Establish global budgets to contain exorbitant costs present in the system today and allow the public to know where our

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healthcare dollars are being spent.

H. Bring down the cost of prescription drugs by allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for lower prescription drug costs and to provide a compulsory license to a generic manufacturer if the company will not negotiate in good faith.

I. Preserve the ability for veterans to receive their healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

J. Preserve the ability for American Indians and Native Alaskans to receive their health benefits and services through the Indian Health Service.

Section 2. The Office of Intergovernmental Relations is requested to send a copy of this resolution to the City’s congressional delegation.

Section 3. All Seattle residents and Americans nationwide are encouraged to contact their congressional representatives at (202) 858-1717 to ask their representative to support the Medicare for All Act of 2019.

Adopted by the City Council the 13th day of March, 2019, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this 13th day of March, 2019.

President Bruce Harrell of the City Council.

The Mayor concurred the 14th day of March, 2019.

Jenny A. Durkan, Mayor Filed by me, this 14th day of March, 2019 Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk (Seal) Courtesy of the Office of the Seattle City Council

Seattle Gay News 5

FASHION

SORE TODAY. STRONG TOMORROW. STYLE FOREVER.

Sweating in style: Black and white hues accentuated by wild prints and clean cutouts All styles available @ Nordstrom Downtown Seattle – Style Editor: Reshma Allu – Photographs by Nate Gowdy

Namastey in Shorts On Tony: Zella Crewneck T-Shirt ($39). Charge Shorts ($68).On Dave: tasc Performace Athlete Shorts ($68) and tasc Performace Tank ($44), both Charge.

Spring Wellness On Tony: Nike ThemaSphere Max Running Jacket ($195).

Zella Crewneck T-Shirt ($39). Charge Shorts ($68).

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Sizzling in Stripes On Alex: Sports Bra ($72) and Stripe Waistband Leggings ($118), both Alo. Nike Running Shoes ($190).

On Neha: Techfit Racerback Bra and Track Jacket ($75), both Adidas. Alo Biker Shorts ($56).

Celebrating 45 Years!

Leather Community celebrates 37 years!

Washington State Mr, Leather, 2018, Micro – Photo by Malixe Photo

The Washington State Leather Community will be celebrating the 37th Anniversary of the Washington State Mr./Ms. Leather, Bootblack contest, along with the 27th Anniversary of the Washington State Leather Pride Week. The contest will be held on March 23 at The Cuff Complex (1533 13th Ave.). Doors will open at 6pm and the contest will begin at 7pm. A $10 dollar donation will be requested at the door. Washington State Leather Pride Week will be held March 15 - 24 this year with many events, at seveal locations, around the state of Washington.

It was 37 years ago at the J & L Saloon, that the first Washington State Contest was held. It was 1983, and several men competed for the title of Washington State Mr. Leatherman. (The contest/title name would later be changed to Washington State Mr. Leather.). That evening Mark Sauer was the first winner, for what has become an annual celebration of Leather Pride across the state. Each year following, several men would vie for the honor to represent the Leather Community around the xtate and then follow-up representing the organization and community at various

national leather competitions.

In 1989 Vik Stump, a local women’s leather leader began the first Washington State Ms. Leather competition. The competition was held at Club S. That year Lauren Burch became the first Washington State Ms. Leather.

In 2000, the title of Washington State Ms. Leather was sold to the Washington State Mr. Leather Organization, finally bring both titles under the same parent organization. The organization adopted using the M in WSMLO for mutual recognition of both titles.

In 2014, with the ending of the Northwest Bootblack competition, WSMLO began the title of Washington State Bootblack and the competition for this title is now merged into the Washington State Mr./ Ms. Leather Contest.

WASHINGTON STATE MR/MS LEATHER & BOOTBLACK CONTEST Micro, Washington State Mr. Leather 2018, will end his very successful year of fundraising, extensive travel and community service next weekend (March 22-24). The year-end

Visit us online www.sgn.org

celebration will begin with a Meet and Greet with all guests of this year’s contest on Friday, March 22, at 8pm at the Cuff Complex. Additionally, they will all speak about their year as leaders in the Washington State Leather Community at the contest.

We have a distinguished Panel of judges who will choose the new Wpshington State Mr. & Ms. Leather and Bootblack 2019.

The following members of the leather community, both locally and nationally, are the selected judges. They include, Head Judge WSMLO Board Member Ronda VanderMeer; Princess of the Cuff, Carla, Washington State Ms. Leather 2017; Travis, Washington State Mr. Leather 2017; Beau, Washington State Bootblack 2015; Vince “Leathercop” Edd, Washington State Mr. Leather 1997; Nightcat, Seattle Daddy 2018; Aleska Manila, Olympia XXXV; and John “Acere” Bernardo, Seattle Men In Leather.

We are thrilled to have as our Emcees WSMLO Board Members Toby Noon, President and Dr. Danger, Vice President.

On Sunday Morning, March 24, a Victory Brunch will be held for the newly selected Washington State Mr. & Ms.

Leather and Bootblack 2019, as well as the bestowing of the Leather Emerald and Community Service Awards. Brunch (time & location TBD) with the award presentation beginning at noon. In addition, several other organizations and groups will be presenting their annual awards at this event, including the Seattle Men in Leather, Generic Leather Productions of Washington, Seattle Girls of Leather, Seattle Women in Leather, Sea-Pah, to name a few.

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Seattle Gay News 7

LEATHER PRIDE WEEK The kick off Washington State Leather Pride Week will be on Saturday, March 16, when the Seattle Men in Leather will be holding their annual Meeting, Dinner and Elections. (www.seattlemeninleather.org).

On Sunday, March 17, WSMLO will be hosting our 2nd annual Leather Community Barbecue at The Cuff. For more information on the events taking place for Washington State Leather Pride Week, and for more contest information, check out the WSMLO website at: www.WSMLO.org.

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Celebrating 45 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

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Seattle Gay News 9

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Celebrating 45 Years!

Millions of LGBT people would gain civil rights protections under the Equality Act New estimates on the number of LGBT people who would gain protections from discrimination in employment, education, public accommodations, housing and credit if Congress enacts the Equality Act [On March 13,] bipartisan members of Congress [introduced] the Equality Act, federal legislation that would expressly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, education, public accommodations, housing, credit and other settings. There are an estimated 13 million people ages 13 and older who identify as LGBT in the U.S. “The Equality Act would make crystal clear that discrimination against LGBT people is prohibited under federal law and would help to remedy the widespread harassment and discrimination that

EQUALITY ACT continued from cover

housing, credit, federal jury service, public accommodations, and the use of federal funds.

Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) will be the prime sponsors of the bill in their respective chambers of Congress, with more than 230 representatives and 46 senators expected to co-sponsor the measure.

LAMBDA LEGAL continued from cover

housing, education, and credit violates the federal sex discrimination bans.

It will add protection against sex, sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination to the federal laws covering public accommodations and federally funded programs.

“Lambda Legal is so proud to support the Equality Act because it provides clear, comprehensive, and explicit protections in federal law,” said Richard Burns, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Lambda Legal.

“With the reintroduction of this bipartisan legislation, equality is on the horizon. Still, we must continue to defend our hard-won civil rights from almost daily attacks in our courts as well. Lambda Legal’s litigation has led an increasing number of courts and agencies across the country to recognize that LGBT people are protected under existing

LGBT people experience at work, school, and when trying to get basic services and goods,” said Jocelyn Samuels, Executive Director of the Williams Institute.

The Equality Act would provide federal civil rights protections to all LGBT people in the country but would be especially beneficial to those living in places without state-level protections. According to new analyses by the Williams Institute: • Employment: There are approximately 8.1 million LGBT workers, ages 16 and older, in the U.S. An estimated 4.1 million of them live in states without statutes prohibiting sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in employment.

• Education: There are over 3.5 million LGBT students, ages 15 and older, in the U.S. An estimated 2.1 million of them

live in states without statutory protections against sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination at school.

• Public Accommodations: There are approximately 13 million LGBT people, ages 13 and older, in the U.S. An estimated 6.9 million of them live in states without statutes prohibiting sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in public accommodations.

• Housing: There are approximately 11 million LGBT adults, ages 18 and older, in the U.S. An estimated 5.6 million of them live in states without statutes prohibiting sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in housing. Credit: An estimated 8 million LGBT adults live in states without statutes prohibiting sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in credit.

LGBT people would also gain protections under the Equality Act from sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in jury service and federally funded programs.

Read the full analysis, including national and state-level estimates online at https:// williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/ uploads/Equality-Act-March-2019.pdf The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, a think tank on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy, is dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research with real-world relevance.

The bill also has 161 corporate sponsors, including Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Twitter, according to CNBC. The bill was previously introduced in 2015 and 2017 but never made it out of committee in the Republican-controlled Congress. The bill is expected to easily pass the new Democratic-controlled House but still faces hurdles in the Republicancontrolled Senate.

Jerame Davis, executive director of Pride at Work, called the measure “a landmark bill” that would “strengthen protec-

tions for all people.” Pride at Work is a LGBTQ labor organization affiliated with the AFL-CIO and a longtime backer of the Equality Act. “From bakers who refuse to bake cakes for a same-sex wedding to employers who refuse to hire a transgender person, the more visible our community has become, the more we’ve become targets for discrimination,” Davis said in a statement. “Today’s reintroduction of the Equality Act is an important step toward combatting the ongoing discrimination our community faces.”

Federal legislation protecting sexual orientation and gender identity would help overcome the differential in civil rights between LGBTQ Americans who live in states like Washington, where state laws protect them, and those in the states that do not protect LGBTQ rights.

Federal laws would also allow Justice Department attorneys to intervene on behalf of LGBTQ rights in legal proceedings.

sex discrimination laws. This bill is a belt and suspenders that ensures these protections reach every member of our community nationally. Today’s bill takes a giant step forward towards that goal. Together, we can ensure everyone – workers and employers; patients and health care providers; customers and business owners – understands that LGBT Americans and their families deserve to be treated fairly regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

LGBT people across the country remain vulnerable to discrimination on a daily basis and too often have little recourse. The current patchwork of protections for LGBT people across the country is confusing and inadequate.

The Equality Act will make clear that federal law comprehensively prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It also updates the public accommodations law to add protections from discrimination in public places and services on the basis of sex, race,

color, national origin, and religion where those protections are not already in existing law, such as for retail stores, transportation services like airports, taxis and bus stations, and service providers like accountants.

It also includes protections for those who associate with others who are targets of unlawful discrimination (for example, children of LGBT people). Additionally, it will prohibit discrimination against LGBT people and women in programs that receive federal funding.

Burns continues, “The Equality Act is essential because, while the legal landscape is evolving rapidly, LGBT Americans continue to face appalling, unjust discrimination in many aspects of their everyday lives. We know this from the thousands of calls Lambda Legal’s Help Desk gets each year from all corners of our country. Specifically, we know that workplace discrimination is one of the most frequent problems that LGBT people face. Workplace equality has been a top priority for

Lambda Legal since our founding more than 40 years ago, and remains one today.

We thank Senators Merkley, Baldwin, and Booker as well as Representatives Cicilline and Fitzpatrick for their leadership, and we urge all members of Congress to act swiftly to pass this bill into law to ensure full equality for the LGBT community.”

Courtesy of The Williams Institute

Lambda Legal provides resources for people who experience anti-LGBT discrimination. Check out Lambda Legal’s Know Your Rights Workplace resource page: http://www.lambdalegal.org/knowyour-rights/workplace If you feel you have experienced discrimination, please contact Lambda Legal’s Help Desk at lambdalegal.org/help Courtesy of Lambda Legal

ACLU applauds introduction of Equality Act to close gaps in federal nondiscrimination protections WASHINGTON, DC (March 13, 2019) – Nearly 300 members of Congress from both chambers introduced the Equality Act today, legislation that would explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the nation’s federal civil rights laws.

The Equality Act would provide comprehensive sex discrimination protections, including from discrimination by businesses and federally funded programs.

The Equality Act also clarifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) cannot be used in civil rights contexts, prohibiting religious liberty – which is a core American value – from being used as

a license to discriminate. If passed, it would be the first law to ensure that LGBTQ people are covered by consistent, explicit, and nationwide nondiscrimination protections in employment, housing, and access to public spaces and services.

The bill would also close significant gaps in our federal civil rights laws by ensuring that all businesses, including retail establishments and transportation providers, are covered under laws that bar discrimination by businesses open to the public – making it, for the first time under federal law, illegal to discriminate against individuals for “shopping while black” or “flying while brown.”

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Ronald Newman, national political director at the American Civil Liberties Union, had the following response: “For too long, the constitutional principle of ‘equality under the law’ has been an elusive promise for many individuals across the country. Nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ Americans report having experienced discrimination in their everyday lives. People of color are improperly suspected of wrongdoing in public spaces and when accessing publicly available services. And for people who live at the intersections of multiple targeted identities – particularly queer and transgender people of color – discrimination is a persistent and painful daily reality.

“This is why we need the Equality Act: to ensure [that] LGBTQ people are explicitly covered by existing civil rights laws, and to strengthen protections for all people, including women, religious minorities, and people of color. No one should be prohibited from fully participating in public life due to their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or race. The ACLU looks forward to working with Congress to give everyone a chance to support themselves, provide for their family, and live their lives free from harassment and discrimination.”

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Courtesy of the ACLU

Majorities in all states and all demographics support LGBT nondiscrimination laws, new survey says

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A solid majority of all Americans – across al demographic groups and in all states – now support laws protecting the LGBT community from discrimination, a poll by the Public Religion Research Institute says.

Majorities of Democrats (79%), independents (70%), and Republicans (56%) say they favor laws that would shield LGBT people from various kinds of discrimination.

The poll is not all good news, however.

While support among Democrats and independents has remained relatively constant, Republican support for these measures has fallen five percentage points over the past few years, down from 61% in 2015.

Majorities of liberals (81%), moderates (76%), and conservatives (55%) all favor nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people. Ideological differences are more pronounced among Democrats and independents than among Republicans.

The biggest intra-party divide is among Democrats. Self-identified “liberal” Democrats (87%) are likelier than moderate (76%) and conservative (61%) Democrats to favor nondiscrimination laws protecting LGBT people.

Liberal (79%) and moderate (78%) independents are also likelier than conservative independents (58%) to support nondiscrimination protections.

Oddly, self-identified moderate Republicans (69%) are likelier than self-identified liberal Republicans (59%) or conservative Republicans (53%) to favor laws protecting LGBT people from discrimination.

Conservative Democrats (61%) are about as likely as liberal Republicans (59%) to favor nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people.

CAUCUS

continued from cover The group will be co-chaired by all eight of the out LGBT members who now sit in the House of Representatives – Reps.

David Cicilline, Angie Craig, Sharice Davids, Katie Hill, Sean Patrick Maloney, Chris Pappas, Mark Pocan, and Mark Takano.

For the first time, a majority of all House Democrats have joined the group, with 18 vice chairs and 129 general members signing on to jointly work towards LGBTQ equality.

Co-chair Sharice Davids told reporters that with more members than ever before,

States (darker shade) that lack explicit protections against employment and housing discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity. – Image courtesy of the Williams Insititute

Support by religious affiliation Majorities of all religious groups favor state laws that protect LGBT people from discrimination in jobs, housing, and public accommodations.

Solid majorities of all major religious groups in the US support laws protecting LGBT people from discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and the workplace.

More than three-quarters of Americans who identify with New Age religions (86%), Jews (80%), Hindus (79%), religiously unaffiliated Americans (78%), and Buddhists (75%) support these protections.

Even among religions that are not doctrinally tolerant of the LGBT community, support for nondiscrimination laws is strong.

Majorities of Mormons (70%), Hispanic Catholics (72%), white mainline Protestants (71%), white Catholics (71%), other non-white Catholics (68%), and Americans

who identify with other religions (67%) favor LGBT nondiscrimination protections.

So do majorities of black Protestants (65%), other non-white Protestants (61%), Muslims (60%), Hispanic Protestants (60%), and Orthodox Christians (59%).

White evangelical Protestants (54%) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (53%) are least likely to support LGBT nondiscrimination protections, but even among these groups a majority supports measures protecting LGBT Americans.

the caucus has “a unique opportunity to enact real change on LGBT issues and further expand and protect the rights of the LGBT community in the US and around the world.”

Angie Craig added, “[We have] work left to do to end discrimination that still exists in housing and employment, and in particular stand with the transgender community.

“We now have the largest membership in our caucus history, and we will continue to work until every LGBTQ American has the rights and respect they deserve.”

Co-Chair Rep. Katie Hill said, “It’s not a coincidence that the 116th Congress is the youngest and most diverse in history – it’s a call to action.”

“Now more than ever our communities are demanding representation to ensure their voices are heard,” she added.

“As the first openly bisexual woman elected to Congress from the state of California, I am proud to further the fight to end discrimination and uplift our community.”

David Cicilline, prime sponsor of the Equality Act, noted that “fairness and equality are core American values. Unfortunately, as he has shown again and again, the president does not share these ideals.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever that members of Congress stand up for the rights of the LGBT community.

“As I prepare to re-introduce the Equality Act, I am delighted that so many of my House colleagues – the largest number on

Support by region and state Majorities of residents in all regions of the US and in all 50 states support nondiscrimination protections for LGBT Americans.

New Englanders express the most robust support for laws designed to protect LGBT people from discrimination. At least threequarters of the residents of New Hampshire

(81%), Vermont (77%), Connecticut (76%), Massachusetts (75%), and Rhode Island (73%) favor nondiscrimination protections for LGBT Americans.

States in the West also demonstrate high levels of support for nondiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals. More than seven in ten residents of several Western states – including Washington (75%), California (73%), New Mexico (73%), Colorado (72%), and Oregon (72%) – favor laws that would protect LGBT Americans from discrimination.

States with the lowest levels of support are primarily located in the South, where about six in ten residents of West Virginia (63%), Oklahoma (62%), Mississippi (59%), Kentucky (59%), Alabama (59%), South Carolina (58%), and Arkansas (56%) say LGBT people should be legally protected from discrimination.

record, in fact – are committed to fighting for full LGBT equality as members of this important caucus.”

The Equality Act would add federal discrimination protections for LGBT+ people by extending existing civil rights laws to cover discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Equality Act faces a rough ride in the Senate, however, where Republicans who have held up the bill’s passage for years continue to hold a majority.

It is currently legal to discriminate against LGBT+ people in 30 US states due to inadequate state-level protections, and efforts to pass US-wide LGBT+ civil rights laws have been stalled in Congress for decades.

Alliance for Justice: Hearing on Collins & Lee should not have happened WASHINGTON, DC, – After today’s [March 13] Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on two Ninth Circuit nominees from California, which was held over the objections of Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, AFJ Legal Director Daniel Goldberg released the following statement: “This hearing should not have happened.

Ranking Member Feinstein and Senator Harris have strongly objected to the nominations of both Kenneth Lee and Daniel Collins. Lee’s writings denigrating the struggle for racial justice, espousing harmful stereotypes about sexual violence,

12 Seattle Gay News

and expressing offensive views about the LGBTQ community should be disqualifying on their own. But Lee has also repeatedly failed to disclose his inflammatory writings, including to his home-state senators’ judicial selection committees and the Senate Judiciary Committee, raising serious questions regarding his judgment and integrity. It is disappointing Republicans have so debased the Senate’s advice and consent process that they ignored Senator Feinstein’s and Senator Harris’s calls for Lee’s nomination to be withdrawn. Lee’s fellow Ninth Circuit nominee, Daniel Collins, has fought to undermine civil liberties, weaken women’s

March 15, 2019

rights, and criticized important Supreme Court decisions necessary for a just criminal justice system. He has carved out a name for himself as a go-to lawyer for a host of entities accused of discrimination, egregious human rights violations, and endangering the health and safety of persons in the U.S. and abroad. The Ninth Circuit has continually challenged President Trump’s most egregious acts of overreach, and it is clear that Lee and Collins were nominated as part of his quest to reshape the Ninth Circuit to erode that court’s historic commitment to our Constitution and proper enforcement of our most critical legal protections.”

Alliance for Justice believes that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have their voices heard when government makes decisions that affect their lives. We are a national association of 130 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society.

Courtesy of Alliance for Justice

Celebrating 45 Years!

Key national LGBTQ military organizations respond to Trump administration’s implementation of ban on open Trans military service WASHINGTON, DC – [On Tuesday, March 12] the Trump-Pence administration took steps to implement its ban on open transgender military service. Implementation processes noted in the directive will officially go into effect in thirty days, just under three years after the current policy, allowing open transgender military service, was implemented. All four service chiefs and 41 retired Generals and Admirals have emphatically denounced the claims this Administration is using to justify the ban.

The American Military Partner Association (AMPA), OutServe-SLDN, and SPARTA, the nation’s three key advocacy and support organizations for our LGBTQ military, veteran, and military family communities, issued the following responses:

“This is the start of an incredibly dark chapter in our nation’s history as the TrumpPence Administration moves to implement an unconscionable ban on our brave transgender service members and qualified recruits who want to serve,” said American Military Partner Association (AMPA) President Ashley Broadway-Mack. “This horrific policy is even more cruel than ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ because the Pentagon explicitly told these service members it was finally safe to come out – and now they are being targeted for discrimination. We emphatically condemn this unconscionable transgender military ban because it undermines military readiness, destroys unit cohesion, betrays our service members and is based on nothing more than blatant bigotry.”

“By taking steps to implement its ban on open and authentic military service, the Trump-Pence Administration has definitively affirmed that when it comes to our national security, they hold unsubstantiated and discriminatory claims as more important than effectively and efficiently completing the mission,” said OutServeSLDN Executive Director Andy Blevins.

“Our transgender siblings-in-arms and future warriors have proven time and again that they are committed, that they are ready, and that they are able to selflessly and effectively serve our nation. We will continue to fight until open and authentic military service is the law of the land – our service members deserve it and our country needs it.”

“We stand firmly with our members and the thousands of transgender troops serving bravely across the globe,” said SPARTA President Blake Dremann. “While the new policy may go into effect soon, it does not remove or lessen the contributions we continue to provide in the defense of our Nation. We look forward to a time when service members are judged solely on their capability to complete the mission. We will continue to work to make that a reality.”

Courtesy of American Military Partner Association

Congressman Adam Smith statement on Department of Defense implementation of the ban on Transgender military service WASHINGTON, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement about Department of Defense implementation of the ban on the service of

transgender people: “It would be prudent for Acting Secretary Shanahan to delay implementing the Mattis policy until the courts have made their final determinations. Any other course of action

not only undermines military readiness, but is also an insult to transgender individuals who have served and are still serving with distinction. Anyone who is qualified and willing should be allowed to serve their

country openly. Make no mistake, this is a discriminatory ban on transgender people, not a ban on a medical condition and we will continue to fight against this bigoted policy.”

New exhibit “Rise Up” at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. marks 50th anniversary of Stonewall Inn Riots On Friday, March 8, the Newseum opened a groundbreaking exhibit, “Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement,” which explores the modern gay rights movement and marks the 50th anniversary of a June 1969 raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village. The protests following the raid are considered to be the catalyst that inspired the modern gay liberation movement and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ civil rights.

The exhibit explores key moments of gay rights history, including the 1978 assassination of Harvey Milk, one of the country’s first openly gay elected officials, the AIDS crisis, Rep. Barney Frank’s public coming out in 1987, the efforts for hate crime legislation, the implementation and later repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the fight for marriage equality.

“Rise Up” also examines popular culture’s role in influencing and reflecting attitudes about the LGBTQ community through film, television, sports and music and explores how the gay rights movement harnessed the power of public protest and demonstration to change laws and shatter stereotypes.

A yearlong program series, launched in June 2018, focuses on historic and contemporary topics from “Rise Up” and features journalists, authors, politicians and other newsmakers who have led the fight for equality.

(See website for details.) The exhibit, which will travel nationally, includes educational resources for students and teachers.

This exhibit will be displayed at the Newseum through Dec. 31, 2019.

The Newseum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, DC. The Newseum is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Newseum will be closing in

Camera store owner Harvey Milk became California’s first openly gay elected official in 1977 when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

– Image courtesy of the Newseum

its current location on December 31, 2019.

Admission: Adults, 19-64: $24.95 + tax; Seniors, 65 & older: $19.95 + tax; Youth, 7-18: $14.95 + tax; Children, 6 & younger: Free. For more information, visit www. newseum.org or call (202) 292-1600.

About the Newseum The mission of the Newseum, located in Washington, D.C., is to increase public understanding of the importance of a free press and the First Amendment. Visitors experience the story of news, the role of a free press in major events in history, and how the core freedoms of the First Amendment – religion, speech, press, assembly and petition – apply to their lives.

Considered one of the most interactive museums in the world, the Newseum has seven levels with 15 galleries and 15 theaters. Exhibits include the 9/11 Gallery

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In 1954, the U.S. Post Office refused to distribute this issue of ONE, an early gay magazine, citing obscenity laws.

In 1958, the Supreme Court upheld the magazine’s First Amendment right to publish, a landmark victory for the movement.

– Image courtesy of the Newseum

Sponsored by Comcast, which displays the broadcast antennae from the top of the World Trade Center; the Berlin Wall Gallery, whose eight concrete sections are one of the largest displays of the original wall outside Germany; and the Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery, which features photographs from every Pulitzer Prize– winning entry dating back to 1942.

The Freedom Forum Institute is the education and outreach partner of the Newseum, including the First Amendment Center, the Religious Freedom Center, the Newseum’s education department and diversity and inclusion programs.

NewseumED (https://newseumed. org/) is a free online learning platform that reaches more than 11 million teachers and students around the world. Its unique approach to history, civics and media literacy helps students cultivate the skills needed

to make informed decisions in a divided and demanding world.

Featuring dramatic vistas of Washington, D.C., the Newseum has become one of the city’s most sought-after venues for conferences, weddings, movie premieres and special events. Two state-of-the-art television studios host programs of all kinds, which are broadcast around the world each week.

The Newseum is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations, including its principal funder, the Freedom Forum.

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Courtesy of the Newseum

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