SGN May 15, 2020

Celebrating 46 Years!

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Seattle Gay News S E AT T L E ’ S L G B T Q N E W S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T W E E K LY

Seattle City Council Gay City founder passes tenant protections John Leonard recalls AIDS epidemic

(l-r) Ben Barr, Gay City Volunteer Coordinator, John Leonard, Gay City founder and Executive Director, and Gay City volunteer Michael Protevi at the 1995 Seattle Pride March.

– Photo courtesy of John Leonard

Photo by Ted S. Warren / AP

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Seattle City Council passed two new tenant protection ordinances at its May 12 meeting.

The first ordinance, cosponsored by Tammy Morales and Kshama Sawant, pro-

hibits landlords from using a rental applicant’s eviction history during the period of COVID-19 lockdown to deny the individual a rental.

The legislation’s supporters said that evictions due to loss of income during the

see TENANT page 4

by John Clay Leonard via Facebook Twenty-five years ago this month, at the height of a different pandemic, Gay City was born. I founded the Seattle nonprofit with a band of young AIDS activists at a time when there was no treatment for the

fatal disease. Infections were skyrocketing as people wearied of strict health guidelines, growing complacent and hopeless.

Government resources were misallocated and community-based efforts had grown tired, safe and irrelevant.

see GAY CITY page 5

LGBT and homelessness Aimee Stephens, Sexual minority adults twice as likely plaintiff in Trans rights as the general population to have experienced homelessness case, dies at 59

Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2020) – A new study from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law finds that an estimated 17% of sexual minority adults in the US report having experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, compared to 6% of the general population. The majority (71%) experienced homelessness for the

first time as an adult, compared to 20% who experienced it before age 18.

In addition, a significantly higher proportion of transgender people reported homelessness in the past year compared to both sexual minority and cisgender straight

see HOMELESS page 7

Aimee Stephens – Photo by Paul Sancya / AP

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Aimee Stephens, the plaintiff in a landmark Trans rights case now pending before the US Supreme Court, died May 12. She was 59.

According to her ACLU attorneys, she

died from complications of chronic kidney disease. She’d undergone dialysis treatments for many years and began at-home hospice care in April. Her wife, Donna Stephens, and her daughter, Elizabeth, were at her bedside when she died.

see STEPHENS page 9

2 Seattle Gay News

May 15, 2020

Celebrating 46 Years!

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Why we must elect Joe Biden

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In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles • Scott Roger Alpert Cookie Andrews-Hunt James Leland Moore Randy Peters • Lee Richeson Shaun Shelton • Jim Tully James Arnold

Photo by Paul Sancya / AP

by Alphonso David HRC President Almost five years ago, as dusk hit our nation’s capital on a warm Friday summer night, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people gathered among both loved ones and strangers to celebrate a historic moment for our community: the Supreme Court decision legalizing marriage equality for same-sex couples nationwide. Alongside parents and friends, partners and allies, we watched what was unthinkable just a few years earlier come to fruition.

We saw allies emerge at every level of government. We saw LGBTQ equality change their minds and become our partners. We saw the White House – the symbol of American leadership – light up in the colors of the rainbow.

While significant work remained in the fight for equality, it was a moment of almost unparalleled hope for our community and a profound step in our country’s march toward a more equal and perfect union.

But today, that evening can feel almost a world away.

In the years since the Obama-Biden administration left office, we have witnessed cruel attacks on the rights and dignity of LGBTQ people, especially our transgender siblings, by the current occupant of the White House. Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and their cabal of antiequality extremists have targeted LGBTQ

Visit us online www.sgn.org

workers, loving same-sex couples, transgender troops, LGBTQ kids, and LGBTQ people seeking health care. Their attacks on women, people of color, people living with disabilities, and immigrants have particularly harmed those of us who live at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. And in the age of coronavirus, a pandemic made worse by this administration’s willful negligence and notorious ineptitude, those in our community are disproportionately struggling to make ends meet, get the care they need, or isolate with an unaccepting family that makes them much more vulnerable.

The LGBTQ community, and millions more across our country, cannot afford four more years of Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Our safety, economic security, health, and lives are quite literally on the line. Now more than ever, we need a proequality president – and in Joe Biden we have that leader.

Where Donald Trump has sought to roll back our community’s historic progress under the Obama-Biden administration, Joe Biden will not only protect it, he will expand and build on it. Where Donald Trump and his administration oppose the bipartisan Equality Act and its lifesaving nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people, Joe Biden is a vocal champion and has called the bill a top priority for his first hundred days. Where Donald Trump and Mike Pence have appointed anti-LGBTQ extremists to the federal bench and admin-

istration positions, Joe Biden’s cabinet and court appointments will be filled with compassionate leaders who understand that our nation’s diversity is our greatest strength.

And where Donald Trump governs from a place of heartlessness and self-interest, Joe Biden will lead with the empathy and compassion that he’s exemplified through both personal tragedy and public service.

The LGBTQ community knows Joe Biden. We know that he will be a president who stands up for all of us. And we at the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization, are proud to stand with Joe in this fight and ready to mobilize our more than three million members and supporters to work day and night to ensure that he is the next president of the United States.

We can once again have a president that honors our diversity and stands up for all of us, but only if we work for it, fight for it, and vote for it. And when we do, I know that soon enough we will gather together – safely – to celebrate another major step in our fight for equality when President Joe Biden signs the Equality Act into law.

It is within our power to feel the same hope and promise that so many of us felt on that Friday night in June of 2015. It takes electing Joe Biden as president this November to get there.

May 15, 2020

Seattle Gay News 3

Alphonso David is president of the Human Rights Campaign. Follow him on Twitter @alphonsodavid.

DURKAN DIGEST:

Permanently opening neighborhood streets to help families get outside

Photo courtesy of City of Seattle

SEATTLE (May 9, 2020) – We are in a marathon and not a sprint with COVID-19.

Until we have a vaccine and treatment, we will continue to be in our fight against the spread of the virus. Responding to this pandemic has changed the way our communities live, work, and play, and it will mean a new normal for some time. For the coming weeks and month to comes, we will need to continue practicing good hygiene, smart physical distancing and limiting our contacts – even as we reopen our businesses and other activities.

Early on in this pandemic, we made critical decisions to limit activities and businesses, and the governor put in place the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. I know it feels like we’ve been working from home and primarily staying put for months.

In addition to our 6,400 acres of parks, we recognized the need to give families more access to outdoor spaces in their neighborhoods. Working with the Seattle Department of Transportation, we began opening Stay Healthy Streets in neighborhoods across the city to give neighbors the opportunity to get outside and maintain good social distance without crowding our largest regional parks like Alki and Green Lake.

As we assess how to make the changes that have kept us safe and healthy sustainable for the long term, we must ensure that Seattle is rebuilding better than before. That is why this week, we decided to make at least 20 miles of Stay Healthy Streets permanent

[https://bit.ly/2WseaOV] and accelerate the construction of bike infrastructure this year.

Stay Healthy Streets are an important option for families in our neighborhoods to get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy the nice weather. Over the long term, I’m certain that these streets will become treasured assets in our neighborhoods. Not only do they provide an effective option for travel to essential services like grocery stores and small businesses open for pickup, they also provide more room for people to recreate or exercise outdoors safely.

The weather this weekend is beautiful – this is the kind of weather we wait for year-round. I know that on days like these, it is more difficult than ever to not gather with friends and families. But we are still in the middle of this pandemic, with more than 500 new cases in King County over the last week.

If you must go outside, please remember to act with our community and health care workers in mind. That means no BBQs, bonfires, parties, or gatherings at parks. We will have social distancing ambassadors out this weekend to encourage people at our city’s parks to keep it moving, and we will be closing many of our largest parks at 8:00 pm this weekend. Please remember that by continuing to practice good social distancing, you are protecting our region’s most vulnerable.

We will get through this – if we work together.

TENANT

able to pay back rent in installments.

Up to one month or less of rent must be paid back in three installments; more than one month and up to two months of rent must be paid back in five installments; and more than two months of rent must be paid back in six installments.

This law will apply to shortfalls in rent during the coronavirus lockdown and for six months afterwards.

At its previous May 4 meeting, the City Council voted to extend the eviction moratorium an additional six months past its June 4 expiration date. The extension was introduced by City Council President Lorena Gonzalez.

The moratorium was initially proposed

by Gov. Jay Inslee and approved for Seattle by the council and Mayor Jenny Durkan.

While the council extended the eviction moratorium, it refused to readopt the carveout for landlords owning four or fewer rental units. The moratorium now applies to all landlords within Seattle city limits.

continued from cover coronavirus crisis might unfairly haunt renters for years to come. Landlords often use eviction history as a determining factor in deciding whether to rent to applicants.

Even if the individual challenges the eviction under the state eviction moratorium or the city’s law entitling tenants to use COVID-19 as a legal defense in eviction proceedings, the legal record of the eviction case would remain and could unfairly tarnish an individual’s rental history.

The law now forbids landlords from even considering evictions during the COVID-19 lockdown, and for six months after the emergency orders are lifted.

The second new law allows tenants who fall behind in their rent due to loss of income resulting from the COVID-19 lockdown to negotiate a payment plan with their landlords. Tenants will not be able to get away without paying rent, but they will be

4 Seattle Gay News

May 15, 2020

Moratorium on Residential, Nonprofit, and Small-Business Evictions Extended until June 4 Mayor Jenny A. Durkan signed an executive order to extend the moratorium on residential, nonprofit, and small-business evictions in the city of Seattle until June 4, 2020. The extension follows Proclamation 20-19.1 issued by the governor, which extends the statewide ban to June 4, 2020.

The mayor first announced the moratorium on residential evictions on March 14, 2020, to keep Seattle families from losing their homes as a result of impacts from the pandemic. While the moratorium is in place in Seattle, property owners may not issue notices of termination or otherwise initiate an eviction action with the courts unless there is an imminent threat to the health and safety of the community. The order also prohibits late fees, and, when paired with Gov. Inslee’s April 16 proclamation, increases to rent and security deposits are prohibited through June 4.

Tenants who receive any eviction notice during the moratorium should contact the Renting in Seattle hotline at 206-684-5700 or go online to submit a complaint [https:// cosaccela.seattle.gov/Portal/Default.aspx].

Council Passes Mayor Durkan’s Legislation to Deploy Millions in Federal Resources in Fight Against COVID-19 On Monday, the City Council passed [the mayor’s] legislation to accept and appropriate funds from the recently passed federal CARES Act to directly support the City’s response to COVID-19. Millions in new federal funds will be directed toward food assistance, rent relief, investments in shelter and services for those experiencing homelessness, and additional funding for the Small Business Stabilization Fund.

Specifically, the new federal funds toward these COVID-19 priorities include the following: • $1.4 million for the Small Business Stabilization Fund • $5 million for the expansion of food delivery programs for older adults • $2.8 million for rental assistance programs for households at risk of eviction or homelessness and programs that serve lowincome persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS City Launches Anti-Bias Campaign Condemning Violence or Harassment Against Asian-Americans Seattle is experiencing one of the most consequential events in our city’s history: the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community

has been resilient and dedicated. We are looking out for one another and working together to flatten the curve and protect our most vulnerable communities and those on the frontlines of this pandemic.

But at stressful times such as this one, fear and anxiety can lead to acts of hate and xenophobia. The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a surge of anti-immigrant sentiment, racism, and xenophobia directed at communities of color and immigrants and refugees in our city. Our community members have reported property damage, vandalism, physical and verbal threats, and other forms of hate. These hateful acts drive us apart when we should be coming together to support one another.

We’re in this together, and we have to look out for each other. Watch Mayor Durkan’s video condemning violence or harassment against anyone, including our Asian and AsianAmerican residents [https://youtu.be/EX6c8t7Q2xM].

To Ensure Appropriate Response Times During Bridge Closure, City Announces Additional Medic One Unit and Ladder Truck for West Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and Seattle Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins today announced that the Seattle Fire Department will dedicate two additional units to serve the residents of West Seattle. A medic unit (Medic 26) staffed with two paramedics will be located at Station 26, and a ladder truck (Ladder 13) staffed with four firefighterEMTs will be located at Station 37. Beginning in June, these units will be in service for responding to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

West Seattle is currently served by six fire stations that include the following units: a battalion chief, six fire engines, a ladder truck, and a medic unit. The addition of a medic unit will provide two paramedics who have received specialized training for responding to incidents that are classified as Advanced Life Support, such as heart attacks, strokes, major trauma, assaults, and more. Ladder trucks are a vital resource for fire responses, as they carry equipment for conducting search and rescue [and] ventilating structures, and have a ladder pipe that can be used to apply water at a high angle. The new medic unit and ladder truck are coming from the SFD’s reserve apparatus located at the city’s fire garage. The department will continue to have other apparatus on reserve to support scheduled maintenance and for any unforeseen mechanical issues.

Courtesy of Mayor Jenny Durkan

Celebrating 46 Years!

"Welcome to Gay City" manifesto, 1995, – Photo courtesy of John Leonard

GAY CITY

continued from cover

Sign in front of Gay City office, Boylston Avenue, Capitol Hill – Photo courtesy of John Leonard

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Gay City started as a series of public forums that brought together hundreds of gay men to vent, learn and share ideas for reversing the tide of HIV. The forums were large and diverse, hilarious and heartbreaking, sexy, hip and controversial: the first one was called “Why Are Fags Still Fucking Without Condoms?” We had struck a nerve and stumbled on a new way to fight AIDS. Rather than lecturing people to use a condom every time, we focused instead on the underlying causes of unsafe sex: hopelessness, homophobia and isolation. Gay City was radically experimental: creating dozens of programs to bring together gay men to promote self-esteem and build a sense of community. There were support groups and coffee klatches and theater productions. Programs for young gays, old gays, Black gays, Asian gays, spiritual gays, leather gays, bookish gays.

May 15, 2020

We launched a queer film festival and a gay summer camp. And something amazing happened. Guys became better at talking to each other about sex, they felt better about themselves and more connected to each other. Safe sex rates rose and new infections fell. Funding came pouring in from the CDC, the Gates Foundation and Elton John. The “Gay City model” was replicated in more than 80 cities around the world, including San Francisco.

Though I stepped down as Executive Director years ago, I take great pride that Gay City remains a leader in LGBTQ health and culture 25 years on. Today, as the world is consumed by a new and very different pandemic, my thoughts return to those early days of AIDS with all the fear, ignorance and official ineptitude. But also to the creativity, solidarity and compassion it unleashed. And I wonder: what will come of this plague?

Courtesy of John Clay Leonard

Seattle Gay News 5

State Rep. Frank Chopp files for re-election with support of frontline workers

State Rep. Frank Chopp – Photo courtesy of Elect Frank Chopp

SEATTLE (May 11, 2020) – Today, State Rep. Frank Chopp filed for re-election as a candidate for state representative in the 43rd LD. Chopp – who represents the 43rd in the Legislature and previously served as speaker of the House – cited the need for strong and experienced leadership to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a bold and progressive vision to make long term investments in our communities, summarized in his ambitious FivePoint Agenda.

“The legislative session ahead will be one of the most challenging for our state in decades. I’ve represented this district during previous recessions, and I will bring

my experience and deep knowledge of our district’s needs to push for real investments that drive economic recovery, protect needed services against cuts, and implement my progressive Five-Point Agenda,” said Chopp. “I’m proud to be endorsed by the organizations who represent the health care and essential workers on the frontline of this pandemic. Their trust and support is critical as we work together to address the negative health and economic effects of this crisis.”

Chopp has won early endorsements from unions representing health care and other frontline workers, including SEIU 775, SEIU 1199NW, and SEIU 925. He

has also earned support from his seatmates Sen. Jamie Pedersen and Rep. Nicole Macri, Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, countless community leaders, and organizations and labor unions, including the Retired Public Employees Council, IBEW 48, the Sheet Metal Workers, and more.

Learn more at FrankChopp.com, and follow Rep. Chopp’s new social media accounts on Twitter (@ChoppRep), Instagram (@ElectFrankChopp), and Facebook (@ElectFrankChopp).

Courtesy of Rep. Frank Chopp

AHF demands Gilead price remdesivir at $1.00 per dose

Photo courtesy of Gilead Sciences via Reuters

WASHINGTON (May 12, 2020) – The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today demanded that remdesivir, the newly approved drug for treating COVID-19, be priced at no more than one US dollar per dose. The AHF further demanded that Gilead Sciences also disclose all its public research and development costs and all public investments in connection with the development of remdesivir.

The AHF’s dollar-per-dose demand is based on a University of Liverpool research study, “Minimum costs to manufacture new treatments for COVID-19,” which allows for recovery of the cost of manufacturing plus a reasonable profit.

On May 1, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved emergency use authorization of remdesivir, which has shown to reduce recovery time for people infected with COVID-19.

“The US taxpayer paid for the research

for this drug. Medicaid and Medicare are very likely going to pay for the prescriptions for this drug in the United States,” said AHF President Michael Weinstein. “This massive expenditure of public resources requires full disclosure of how extensive the taxpayer is subsidizing drug companies.”

“We further demand that Gilead not enforce or claim any exclusive rights on patents for remdesivir; that it make available to the public all data, samples, and information for the generic production of remdesivir; and that it improve transparency to show its manufacturing capacity and existing supply to allow for proper governance of the allocation of the drug according to medical needs,” added Weinstein. “Given Gilead’s abysmal record of making lifesaving treatments available for HIV and hepatitis C, also financed at taxpayer expense, this pandemic profiteering enterprise can’t be trusted to look out for

6 Seattle Gay News

May 15, 2020

the public’s interest.”

In a related article published last week titled “The US government contributed research to a Gilead remdesivir patent – but didn’t get credit,” STAT News reporter Ed Silverman explored the role the federal government played in discovering remdesivir and its use in treating coronaviruses “… specifically …in fighting Ebola and other coronaviruses.” While government scientists and “high-risk security labs run by the federal government” were involved in the research, Gilead alone sought a US patent for a using the compound for any number of coronavirus infections.

The STAT article pointed out that “… while it remains unclear the extent to which federal funds contributed to the R&D, the patent is of particular interest because it is tangible evidence that government work yielded something of potential financial value to the company. Yet government

employees are not listed as inventors, which one expert suggested should be corrected, especially in an era when federally financed research might be leveraged to collect royalties or, arguably, lower the price of medicines.”

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/ or services to over 1.4 million people in 45 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific region, and Eastern Europe.

To learn more about the AHF, please visit www.aidshealth.org or www.facebook. com/aidshealth, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @aidshealthcare.

Courtesy of the AHF

Celebrating 46 Years!

44 Washington state legislators urge state’s congressional delegation to support the Paycheck Guarantee Act as a direct way to end America’s devastating mass unemployment crisis

Photo by Paul Sancya / AP

SEATTLE (May 12, 2020) – Following news that the national unemployment rate had hit its highest level since the Great Depression as more than 20.5 million jobs were lost in one month alone, 44 state legislators from across Washington wrote to the state’s congressional delegation urging them to support the Paycheck Guarantee Act, a proposal by US Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA07), co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The legislation would end mass layoffs by getting millions of workers off of unemployment and back on payroll while keeping them connected to the health care, and preventing employers of all sizes from being forced to close permanently.

“We urge support of the Paycheck Guarantee Act to allow workers to stay on their employer’s payrolls while uplifting small businesses that are otherwise facing permanent closure,” said the letter authored by 44 legislators representing Washington families across the state. “The Paycheck Guarantee Act demonstrates a commitment to our workers and small businesses alike, and would ensure that our economy is ready to open as soon as it is safe and healthy to do so…As state legislators in Washington, we urge your support of this necessary act.”

“As the unemployment rate continues to rise throughout the country, I’ve heard from workers and small businesses across

Washington who tell me they need an urgent solution that matches the scale of this devastating and unprecedented crisis,” said Rep. Jayapal. “As our state senators and state representatives from communities throughout Washington make clear in their letter, the Paycheck Guarantee Act is the quickest, most direct way to stop mass unemployment, keep money in workers’ pockets, and ensure that businesses of all sizes aren’t forced to shutter permanently.”

“Workers and businesses need direct assistance immediately,” said state Sen. Joe Nguyen, who led the Washington legislators’ letter to Congress. “We are working at the state level to overcome this emergency, but federal assistance like the Paycheck Guarantee Act would allow residents of our communities to keep their incomes while better preparing Washington to move forward as quickly as possible.”

The state legislators delivered their letter just days after the national unemployment rate hit nearly 15%, a record level not seen since the Great Depression. This follows reports of more than 33 million people filing for unemployment in seven weeks and 20.5 million jobs being lost in April alone. Jayapal’s Paycheck Guarantee Act creates a streamlined program to provide a three-month federal guarantee for worker salaries of up to $90,000 to ensure

HOMELESS

they experienced homelessness at some point in their lifetimes.

• Of those respondents who experienced homelessness, 71% experienced homelessness as adults, 20% did so before they turned 18, and 9% experienced it as adults and as youth.

continued from cover people. And among LGB people, AfricanAmericans had particularly high rates of recent experiences of homelessness.

This study is the first to provide estimates of the percentage of sexual and gender minority adults experiencing homelessness compared to cisgender straight adults using nationally representative data collected from the Generations Study and the US Transgender Population Health Survey (TransPop). Questions about lifetime experiences with homelessness were not included in TransPop, so only recent experiences are included for transgender people.

“It is important to note that the data on housing instability and homelessness were collected prior to the pandemic,” said lead author Bianca D.M. Wilson, senior scholar of public policy at the Williams Institute.

“The multitiered economic and health effects of COVID-19 will likely make the problem worse for LGBT people and could increase their vulnerability to the virus.”

Key findings Lifetime experiences of homelessness: • 17% of sexual minority adults reported

Recent experiences of homelessness: • 8% of transgender adults experienced homelessness in the past year, compared to 3% of cisgender and genderqueer sexual minority adults and 1% of cisgender straight adults.

• African-American (6%) sexual minority adults had significantly higher rates of recent housing instability, compared to Latinx (3%) and white (2%) sexual minority adults.

Read the brief [at https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/lgbt-homelessness-us/].

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.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Courtesy of the Williams Institute

that employers of all sizes keep workers on the payroll and continue to provide employer-sponsored benefits, including health care. Additionally, it gets businesses critical resources and helps covers operating expenses, like rent, so they aren’t forced to close. It does all of this while covering more people for a longer period of time and for less money than the United States has already spent on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). It’s estimated that the Paycheck Guarantee Act would benefit more than 36 million workers.

Proven to be highly successful in other parts of the world – from European countries like Germany to Asian countries like Singapore and South Korea – the plan is endorsed not only by more than 50 members of Congress from across the ideological spectrum but also Nobel Prize–winning economists, business owners, labor leaders, and national groups across America and across Washington state. The mayors of Edmonds and Shoreline have also endorsed the proposal in addition to the Burien City Council.

Other groups supporting the plan include Americans for Financial Reform; the American Federation of Teachers; AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka; the Asian Counseling and Referral Service; the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of Washington; the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO; CAIR Washington; the Center for American Progress; the Center for Economic Policy Research; the Center for Popular Democracy/ CDP Action; Climate Justice Alliance; Color of Change; Community Change Action; the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition; the Economic Policy Institute; the GSBA: Washington’s LGBTQ Chamber; Indivisible; the International Association of Machinists; the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Community Health Services; the Main Street Alliance; MoveOn; the National Domestic Workers Alliance; the National Education Association; the Pacific Northwest Ballet; People’s Action; the Seattle Aquarium; the Seattle Children’s Theatre; SEIU; the Sierra Club; UAW Western States; UNITE HERE; the Woodland Park Zoo; 350 Seattle; and other organizations.

The letter follows: To: The Honorable Patty Murray, US Senator; The Honorable Maria Cantwell, US Senator; The Honorable Suzan DelBene, US Representative, 1st District; The Honorable Rick Larsen, US Representative, 2nd District; The Honorable Jaime Herrera Beutler, US Representative, 3rd District; The Honorable Dan Newhouse, US Representative, 4th District; The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers, US Representative, 5th District; The Honorable Derek Kilmer, US Representative, 6th District; The Honorable Pramila Jayapal, US Representative, 7th District; The Honorable Kim Schrier, US Representative, 8th District; The Honorable Adam Smith, US Representative, 9th District; The Honorable Denny Heck, US Representative, 10th District RE: Support for the Paycheck Guarantee Act May 11, 2020 Dear members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation, We want to first thank you for fighting for our state at the federal level during these unprecedented times. Your advocacy for resources to Washington has shaped the state response considerably. At the same time,

May 15, 2020

thousands of Washingtonians have been affected by the economic impacts of COVID19 and are in need of further assistance.

As state legislators, we have heard from countless constituents who have lost their income and are struggling to maintain roofs over their heads along with enough food for their households. During a crisis like this, where stable housing is needed to prevent the further spread of disease, we must use our elected positions to elevate these voices and provide them with as much assistance as possible. While Washington’s Employment Security Department is facing this issue head on, we ask that you provide further assistance for workers who are struggling amidst business closures.

Maintaining business restrictions will protect our state from another spike in infections, but it should not mean that thousands of Washingtonians must struggle to get by.

We urge support of the Paycheck Guarantee Act, a proposal by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, to allow workers to stay on their employer’s payrolls while uplifting small businesses that are otherwise facing permanent closure. Direct payroll assistance at the federal level would ease the tremendous stress on our unemployment system and maintain existing employee-employer relationships, so that businesses are better positioned to reopen when the time comes.

The Paycheck Guarantee Act demonstrates a commitment to our workers and small businesses alike, and would ensure that our economy is ready to open as soon as it is safe and healthy to do so. Broad support throughout the United States, along with experiences in other countries, illustrate the positive and dramatic impact that a paycheck guarantee can make in restarting an economy.

We are living in uncertain times. Our workers and small businesses deserve consideration and protection in place of the steadily increasing stress that comes with struggling to get by. As state legislators in Washington, we urge your support of this necessary act.

Sincerely, Sen. Joe Nguyen, 34th LD; Rep. Mari Leavitt, 28th LD; Sen. Annette Cleveland, 49th LD; Rep. June Robinson, 38th LD; Rep. Nicole Macri, 43rd LD; Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, 34th LD; Rep. Strom Peterson, 21st LD; Rep. Frank Chopp, 43rd LD; Rep. Eileen Cody, 34th LD; Rep. Debra Lekanoff, 40th LD; Rep. Christine Kilduff, 28th LD; Sen. Andy Billig, 3rd LD; Rep. Alex Ramel, 40th LD; Rep. Vandana Slatter, 48th LD; Sen. Manka Dhingra, 45th LD; Sen. Patty Kuderer, 48th LD; Sen. Marko Liias, 21st LD; Rep. Gerry Pollet, 46th LD; Sen. Claire Wilson, 30th LD; Sen. Derek Stanford, 1st LD; Rep. Debra Entenman, 47th LD; Rep. Tana Senn, 41st LD; Sen. David Frockt, 46th LD; Sen. Liz Lovelett, 40th LD; Sen. Mona Das, 47th LD; Rep. Mia Gregerson, 33rd LD; Sen. Bob Hasegawa, 11th LD; Rep. Jared Mead, 44th LD; Rep. Christine Rolfes, 23rd LD; Rep. Jesse Johnson, 30th LD; Rep. Steve Bergquist, 11th LD; Rep. Steve Kirby, 29th LD; Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, 21st LD; Rep. Roger Goodman, 45th LD; Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, 37th LD; Rep. John Lovick, 44th LD; Rep. Mike Sells, 38th LD; Rep. Lauren Davis, 32nd LD; Rep. Drew Hansen, 23rd LD; Rep. Amy Walen, 48th LD; Rep. My-Linh Thai, 41st LD; Rep. Eric Pettigrew, 37th LD; Rep. Beth Doglio, 22nd LD; Rep. Zack Hudgins, 11th LD Courtesy of Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Seattle Gay News 7

HRC demands action after the killing of Ahmaud Arbery WASHINGTON, DC (May 7, 2020) – Today, the Human ,Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, issued the following statement on the unconscionable killing of Ahmaud Arbery, calling for action to bring his killer to justice and prevent future biasbased crimes. Ahmaud, a Black man, was gunned down while going on a run in his neighborhood in Georgia.

“Ahmaud Arbery was gunned down for being a Black man, period,” said Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “Yet again, racism has led to the unjust death of a Black man in our coun-

try. This is unconscionable, and we cannot allow racism and our woefully inadequate criminal justice system to lead to another mother losing her son or another community in mourning. Ahmaud’s killers must be brought to justice, and an important piece of that is bringing Georgia into the 21st century by passing a hate crimes prevention law. Additionally, Attorney General Barr must investigate this incident, considering the egregious behavior of prosecutors in this case and that Georgia continues to lack a hate crimes law. We have to address the roots of racism and create a system that is oriented toward real justice for all.”

Georgia does not have a state hate

crimes prevention law, which means that if someone commits a bias-based crime, statewide authorities are unable to pursue additional charges or enhanced penalties for the perpetrator. The HRC has worked over many legislative cycles along with its partners to pass a hate crimes prevention law in Georgia and will continue pressing for this important law with renewed vigor in light of this horrible incident. In addition, Attorney General Bill Barr should investigate this incident, including under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, in order to bring Ahmaud’s killers to justice.

Ahmaud was killed by armed civilian

vigilantes while running near his home in southern Georgia. A former high school football player who enjoyed running and staying in shape, Ahmaud was killed doing what he loved, simply because of the color of his skin.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. The HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community.

Courtesy of the HRC

HRC condemns Puerto Rican legislature’s attempt to roll back LGBTQ rights WASHINGTON (May 13, 2020) – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, condemned the Puerto Rican legislature’s attempts to strip away rights, freedoms, and dignity from LGBTQ Puerto Ricans in a newly rewritten version of the Civil Code. The rewritten Code passed through the Puerto Rico Senate this week and will now be considered by the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. The HRC is calling on Gov. Wanda Vazquez to delay the civil code’s ratification process to allow for a level of civic participation that is responsive to the limitations presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic and to veto any eventual legislation that would threaten the rights and lives of LGBTQ people.

“Puerto Ricans deserve a fair, transparent ratification process of their civil code, not a rushed, backroom deal by the legislature,” said HRC President Alphonso David.

“We condemn anti-equality leaders’ furtive attempts to use this process as a way to target LGBTQ Puerto Ricans. The secrecy surrounding the codes and the legislative process is particularly troubling in the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic, which has critically hampered the ability

Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo / AP

for citizens to participate and make their voices heard. Gov. Wanda Vazquez must stand up for LGBTQ Puerto Ricans and for democracy by slowing down this process and allowing all to participate in shaping the future of the island.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

The HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of

society at home, at work. and in every community.

Courtesy of the HRC

HRC responds to HHS rule removing sexual orientation data collection from vital federal child welfare reporting system during global pandemic WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2020) – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, responded to the Trump-Pence administration’s latest actions to undermine the rights and welfare of LGBTQ people. The final rule from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would abandon data collection on the sexual orientation of youth in foster care and foster and adoptive parents and guardians in the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS).

The data from the AFCARS provides states, the Children’s Bureau, and foster care and adoption providers with valuable information to ensure safety and security to children in need of homes and families who will care for them.

“In the midst of a global pandemic, the Trump-Pence administration chose to target some of the most vulnerable youth in the foster care system,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy.

“LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in foster care, and this attempt to erase them and important data on adoptive and foster parents undermines efforts to address the marginalization, harassment, and discrimination that LGBTQ youth in foster care and families face. HHS should prioritize supporting foster youth and young people, many who aged out of foster care without a family – including LGBTQ youth – and are losing safe homes and employment during this public health crisis.”

In April 2020, HHS moved one step closer to finalizing a major change to the federal regulation implementing the civil rights provision, Section 1557, of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to remove explicit protections for LGBTQ people in health care programs and activities by excluding protections from discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity.

Fear of discrimination causes many LGBTQ parents to turn away from foster and adoption agencies. In a recent study,

8 Seattle Gay News

May 15, 2020

70% of LGBTQ people surveyed said they were concerned or unsure about their ability to find an agency that would welcome them as an LGBTQ applicant, with 78% fearing being turned away because of their LGBTQ identity. Fifty-six percent were worried that agency staff wouldn’t be LGBTQ competent.

The HRC recently published a research brief outlining the particular health and economic risks faced by the LGBTQ community during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Many in the LGBTQ community are uniquely vulnerable, as they are more likely to work jobs in highly affected industries, often with more exposure and/or higher economic sensitivity to the COVID-19 crisis, are less likely to have health coverage, and are more likely to smoke and have chronic illnesses like asthma. Read the full brief [at www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-releasesresearch-brief-on-lgbtq-community-during-covid-19-crisis].

The HRC has published a report, “LGBTQ-Inclusive Data Collection:

A Lifesaving Imperative” [https://bit. ly/3buFX5t], revealing how the failure of state and federal officials to collect full and accurate data on sexual orientation and gender identity is causing harm to LGBTQ Americans, who remain largely invisible to the government entities entrusted with ensuring their health, safety, and wellbeing. Currently, there are no state or federal laws requiring government and government-funded data collection efforts to include sexual orientation and gender identity data alongside other demographic data such as race, ethnicity, and sex.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. The HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community.

Courtesy of the HRC

Celebrating 46 Years!

HRC responds to passing of Aimee Stephens

Photo courtesy of HRC

WASHINGTON, DC (May 12, 2020) – Today, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Alphonso David responded to the tragic news that Aimee Stephens, plaintiff in R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v.

EEOC and Aimee Stephens, passed away: “Aimee Stephens will be remembered as a trailblazer. All of us in the LGBTQ community owe her immense gratitude for her bravery in standing up for the right of

LGBTQ people to live as ourselves at work and in every aspect of our lives. After being fired by her employer when she told them she was transgender, she was determined to fight back and took her case all the way to the Supreme Court, where it is pending.

Aimee will always be a hero to transgender and nonbinary people and to the entire LGBTQ community. We share our deepest condolences with all of her friends and

ACLU mourns Aimee Stephens

NEW YORK (May, 12 2020) – Aimee Stephens, whose landmark case was the first case about the civil rights of transgender people to be heard by the US Supreme Court, died today at her home in metro Detroit with her wife, Donna Stephens, at her side. She was 59.

Chase Strangio, deputy director for Trans Justice with the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project and a member of Aimee Stephens’ legal team shared the following: “Aimee did not set out to be a hero and a trailblazer, but she is one, and our country owes her a debt of gratitude for her commitment to justice for all people and her dedication to our transgender community.

“When Aimee decided to fight back after she was fired for being transgender, she just wanted it to be acknowledged that what happened to her was wrong. Being a part of Aimee’s team at the Supreme Court has been one of the proudest moments of my life because of the amazing person behind the case. As a member of her legal team, I am deeply sad for this loss. As a

transgender person and an advocate, I am filled with both grief and rage that we have lost an elder far too soon. As we, and millions, carry her work for justice forward, may she rest in power and continue to guide us on this path.

“Those who met Aimee know that her power is in her humbleness and sincerity. She has been an inspiration to millions around the world. We mourn with Aimee’s wife Donna, their daughter Elizabeth, and the millions who have been inspired by her.”

Donna Stephens is not conducting interviews and issued the following statement: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and keeping my best friend and soulmate in your thoughts and prayers. Aimee is an inspiration. She has given so many hope for the future of equality for LGBTQ people in our country, and she has rewritten history.

The outpouring of love and support is our strength and inspiration now.”

STEPHENS

she is a transgender woman,” the ACLU explained in a statement.

“Her employer fired her, and the EEOC sued on her behalf. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Aimee’s employer engaged in unlawful sex discrimination when it fired her because she’s transgender.

R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes is asking the Supreme Court to review the case.

The ACLU represents Aimee Stephens.”

“Aimee is an inspiration,” said her wife Donna in a statement shared by the ACLU. “She has given so many hope for the future of equality for LGBTQ people in our country, and she has rewritten history. The outpouring of love and support is our strength and inspiration now.”

Donna thanked supporters in a statement for their “kindness, generosity, and keeping my best friend and soulmate in your thoughts and prayers.”

continued from cover In her last days, Stephens had to set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for end-oflife expenses. She hadn’t worked since she was fired from her job as a funeral director in 2013.

The firing was at the core of her landmark lawsuit. Stephens charged that her employer terminated her when she began to transition at work.

The case, Stephens v. R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, was heard by the US Supreme Court in October, along with two other LGBTQ rights cases.

“Aimee Stephens had worked for nearly six years as a funeral director at R.G. and G.R. Harris Funeral Homes when she informed the funeral home’s owner that

Courtesy of the ACLU

Visit us online www.sgn.org

family, and especially her wife, Donna Stephens.”

Stephens worked as a funeral director at R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes. When she informed the funeral home’s owner that she was transgender, the business owner fired her, saying it would be “unacceptable” for her to appear and behave as a woman. Her case is now pending before the Supreme Court.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

The HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community Courtesy of the HRC

NCLR mourns the passing of Transgender trailblazer Aimee Stephens DETROIT, MI (May 12, 2020) – The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) mourns the loss of Aimee Stephens, who passed today at the age of 59 before the US Supreme Court could issue a decision in Stephens v. Harris Funeral Homes, the landmark civil rights case brought by Stephens after she was fired for being transgender.

“It is heartbreaking that Aimee Stephens has passed away before the resolution of her historic case, which is the culmination of decades of federal case law holding that Title VII protects transgender workers,” said Shannon Minter, NCLR legal director. “No matter how her case is resolved, Aimee will be remembered as a central figure who helped to humanize transgender people and to highlight the discrimination faced by many transgender workers. Aimee’s career was devoted to

serving others and to living out her faith, which was an essential part of her identity.

Like so many other transgender people, I am grateful for Aimee’s courage and willingness to put herself on the line to stand up for the dignity and equality of all people.”

Chase Strangio, an ACLU attorney and a member of Stephens’ legal team, added, “Aimee did not set out to be a hero and a trailblazer, but she is one, and our country owes her a debt of gratitude for her commitment to justice for all people and her dedication to our transgender community.”

The legal issue involved in Stephens’ case is whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1967 prohibits discrimination against Transgender employees under the rubric of discrimination on account of “sex.”

The EEOC and the Obama-era Department of Justice held that it did. The Trump administration and a number of Republican-controlled states say it does not.

The other two cases heard by the Supreme Court ask whether Title VII’s ban on sex discrimination also protects sexual orientation – Altitude Express v. Zarda

from the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, and Bostock v. Clayton County from the 11th Circuit.

Plaintiffs in both cases are Gay men who say they were fired when their employers discovered their sexual orientation.

The scope of Title VII is crucial to LGBTQ rights because no other federal legislation protects gender identity and sexual orientation.

Should the high court adopt a narrow interpretation of Title VII, LGBTQ Americans would have to rely on state and municipal laws to protect their rights. And if they were targeted for discrimination by their employers, they would have to bring suits without the assistance of the EEOC and the Justice Department.

May 15, 2020

Seattle Gay News 9

The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. Since its founding, the NCLR has maintained a longstanding commitment to racial and economic justice and the LGBTQ community’s most vulnerable. More at www.nclrights.org.

Courtesy of the NCLR

10 Seattle Gay News

May 15, 2020

Celebrating 46 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

May 15, 2020

Seattle Gay News 11

12 Seattle Gay News

May 15, 2020

Celebrating 46 Years!

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Visit us online www.sgn.org

May 15, 2020

Seattle Gay News 13

REGISTER TO VOTE

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May 15, 2020

Celebrating 46 Years!

LGBTQ+ college grads on 900 college campuses to be honored at national “Lavender Graduation” on 5/23

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 13, 2020) – On Saturday, May 23, 2020, Campus Pride in partnership with PFLAG National will host a national “Lavender Graduation” for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) and ally graduates of the Class of 2020 to celebrate and honor their achievements. This free, live streaming event to celebrate #LAVGrads will begin airing at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT at CampusPride.org/2020 and across Campus Pride and PFLAG’s social media channels.

Of note, 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the very first Lavender Graduation organized at University of Michigan by Ronni Sanlo, a pioneer of campus organizing for LGBTQ+ people in higher education. Since 1995, Lavender Graduations have been a commencement tradition for LGBTQ and ally college students that is now included in many universities across the United States. Sanlo will be a featured speaker along with LGBTQ and ally graduates and soon-to-be-announced notable leaders and celebrities.

What: Campus Pride Class of 2020 Virtual Lavender Graduation Ceremony Who: Youth representing the Class of 2020, speakers including Ronni Sanlo, performers, and more!

When: LIVE ONLINE: Saturday, May 23, Noon PST/3 PM EST Where: Log in: CampusPride.org/2020

online at CampusPride.org/2020 Contact: info@campuspride.org or 704277-6710 ext 1 Since 2001, Campus Pride [has been] the leading national organization building future LGBTQ and ally leaders, as well as creating safer communities at colleges and universities. The Campus Pride Index annually helps 80,000 people find LGBTQ-inclusive colleges and universities. In addition, the organization has specifically tailored programs and resources to support LGBTQ youth and campus communities. Learn more at CampusPride.org.

Image courtesy of Campus Pride

and streaming live across Campus Pride (@campuspride) and PFLAG National (@ pflag) social media platforms Cost: Free online event: Everyone is welcome.

Sponsors: Campus Pride in partnership with PFLAG National More: Class of 2020 graduates interested in speaking at the commencement may still do so by completing the brief interest form

PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. To learn more, visit pflag.org or Facebook (/pflag), or follow us on Twitter (@pflag) or Instagram (@pflag).

Courtesy of Campus Pride

South Carolina Lesbian couple to have their day in court in challenge to HHS and South Carolina foster care policy GREENVILLE, SC (May 8, 2020) – A US District Court today denied an effort by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the state of South Carolina to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, the ACLU, the ACLU of South Carolina, and South Carolina Equality on behalf of a married lesbian couple, Eden Rogers and Brandy Welch. The couple was turned away by a government-funded foster care agency because they, as a lesbian couple, did not meet the agency’s religious criteria, which excludes prospective foster parents who are not evangelical Protestant Christian or who are same-sex couples of any faith.

“We are very excited to hear our case is going forward in court. There are many children in South Carolina that need foster homes, and we remain hopeful that couples like us can provide children a lovely home without being rejected or discriminated against,” said Brandy Welch and Eden Rogers.

Miracle Hill Ministries, South Carolina’s largest state-contracted foster care agency, denied Eden and Brandy’s application to serve as foster parents after South Carolina requested and HHS granted a waiver of federal nondiscrimination rules for federally funded agencies. In so doing, HHS and the state authorized and enabled taxpayerfunded foster care agencies to use religious criteria to exclude families based on their faith and sexual orientation.

“This is great news, and we look forward to Eden’s and Brandy’s day in court,” said Currey Cook, counsel and director of the Youth in Out-Of-Home Care Project at Lambda Legal. “No child in foster care who can’t safely be with their family should be denied the opportunity of a loving and nurturing foster home simply because the prospective parents don’t meet a taxpayerfunded agency’s religious litmus test. Eden’s and Brandy’s faith and sexual orientation have no bearing on their suitability to provide a home for children in need.”

“The federal government told the over

400,000 children in our nation’s foster care system that the religious beliefs of the agencies caring for them come before their needs.

Today a federal court pushed back, saying that allowing taxpayer-funded agencies to turn away qualified families because of an agency’s religious criteria violates the Constitution,” said Leslie Cooper, deputy director for the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project.

“The US Supreme Court will have an opportunity to weigh in on taxpayer-funded agencies discriminating based on their religious beliefs next term. The court will hear a case in which a foster care agency claims that the City of Philadelphia’s nondiscrimination requirement – which prohibits city-contracted foster care agencies from discriminating against same-sex couples – violates the agency’s constitutional rights…”

“The thousands of children in South Carolina’s foster care system are the ones who suffer most when agencies like Miracle Hill use religion as a license to discriminate against people who can provide a loving, nurturing home,” said Susan Dunn, legal director for the ACLU of South Carolina.

“By allowing this practice to continue, the state of South Carolina and US Department of Health and Human Services have failed the vulnerable children they are supposed to be helping. We are excited this case is moving ahead and look forward to continuing the fight against government using religion to deprive children of loving homes.”

HHS and South Carolina fund Miracle Hill with taxpayer money to perform child welfare services for children in state care even though Miracle Hill made clear that it excludes families based on Miracle Hill’s religious beliefs. In order to foster through Miracle Hill, a family must agree with Miracle Hill’s “doctrinal statement,” including “that God’s design for marriage is the legal joining of one man and one woman in a lifelong covenant relationship” – a requirement that excludes same-sex couples of any faith.

HHS and South Carolina have sanctioned and facilitated the use of these religious cri-

Visit us online www.sgn.org

teria in the public child welfare system.

Lambda Legal, the ACLU, the ACLU of South Carolina, and South Carolina Equality Coalition filed the lawsuit a year ago in US District Court for the District of South Carolina on behalf of Eden and Brandy. The lawsuit claims that HHS, the HHS Administration for Children and Families, certain HHS officials, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, and the director of the South Carolina Department of Social Services are violating the Establishment Clause and the Equal Protection guarantees of the US Constitution by authorizing and enabling the use of religious criteria by Miracle Hill to screen out would-be foster families because of their faith or sexual orientation. In today’s ruling, the court agreed that Eden and Brandy’s allegations of harm from being discriminatorily excluded from participating in the state foster care program were the result of actions by the government defendants and allowed the case to go forward on their claims that the defendants have violated the Establishment Clause and have discriminated on the basis of sexual orientation.

Background In 2018, the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) determined that Miracle Hill Ministries, South Carolina’s largest foster care agency, had violated federal and state nondiscrimination policies by using religious eligibility criteria when screening prospective foster parents. Instead of enforcing the law, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster sought a waiver from a federal rule that prohibits discrimination by recipients of federal funding to allow the agency to continue to use its discriminatory religious criteria.

In November 2018, Lambda Legal, the ACLU and 75 national and state civil rights, child welfare, and faith organizations submitted a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar urging him not to grant South Carolina’s request for an exemption from federal nondiscrimination law for faith-based, govern-

May 15, 2020

ment-funded child welfare providers and pointing out the potential negative impact on LGBT people. But in January 2019, HHS granted McMaster’s request. The waiver and South Carolina’s subsequent licensing of Miracle Hill have authorized and enabled this taxpayer-funded state-contracted agency to assess and screen out prospective foster parents based on religious requirements that ban all prospective parents who are same-sex couples of any faith or not evangelical Protestants.

In April, Eden and Brandy submitted an online application to Miracle Hill to be foster parents and identified themselves as a same-sex couple and members of their Unitarian Universalist Church, and indicated their desire to “provide a safe and loving environment” for children. On May 1, 2019, a Miracle Hill foster care licensing supervisor sent Eden and Brandy an email rejecting their application because they “feel a religious obligation to partner with foster parents who share our beliefs and who are active in a Christian church” adding that Miracle Hill “would not be a good fit to assist you in your quest...to become foster parents.” Eden and Brandy were turned away by Miracle Hill because of their faith and the fact that they are a same-sex couple.

Read today’s ruling in Rogers v. HHS at www.lambdalegal.org/in-court/legal-docs/ rogers_sc_20200508_order.

Read about the case at www.lambdalegal.org/in-court/cases/rogers-v-us-department-health-human-services.

The attorneys working on the case are Currey Cook, Karen Loewy, and Puneet Cheema from Lambda Legal; Leslie Cooper and Daniel Mach from the ACLU; Susan Dunn from the ACLU of South Carolina; Peter T. Barbur and Katherine Janson from Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP; and M. Malissa Burnette and Nekki Shutt from Burnette Shutt & McDaniel on behalf of South Carolina Equality Coalition.

Courtesy of Lambda Legal

Seattle Gay News 15

Lambda Legal urges Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2020) – Today, Lambda Legal and Ropes & Gray filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the US Supreme Court on behalf of 16 nonprofit organizations that advocate for people living with HIV. The brief argues in support of 19 states and DC, led by California, and the US House of Representatives, who are collectively defending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and appealing a ruling from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that invalidates a key provision of the ACA and threatens the law in its entirety. In the brief, Lambda Legal urges the court to uphold the constitutionality of the ACA and describes the role it has had in expanding health care coverage for people living with HIV, particularly those with lower incomes or who have faced barriers to care in the past, such as LGBTQ people and people of color.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlights why broad and easy access to health care is so important. As a country, we must ensure access to health insurance and comprehensive, affordable care. The ACA, and in particular its expansion of Medicaid, has helped countless people obtain health insurance who were otherwise left to fend for themselves when they got sick. Its antidiscrimination protections on the basis of sex, race, disability, and those who have preexisting conditions such as HIV have been critical to eliminating barriers to health care,” said Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, senior attorney and health care strategist

at Lambda Legal. “If the Court does not uphold the ACA, the impacts to our communities, especially on LGBTQ people and people living with HIV who are people of color and lower-income, will be catastrophic.”

ACA reforms have helped an estimated 20 million people obtain health insurance and with it access to lifesaving medical care, including many living with HIV who were previously denied coverage because their HIV status constituted a preexisting condition or because they simply could not afford it.

“By making HIV testing, PrEP, and antiretroviral medications more easily accessible, the ACA has ushered in an era of new progress in the fight against HIV,” said Scott Schoettes, HIV project director at Lambda Legal. “We are starting to see the positive impact of this policy in reduced rates of HIV transmission in states like Louisiana and Illinois, which have reported significant drops in new cases. An end to the HIV epidemic is within reach, and to dismantle a successful health policy that has made that level of optimism possible is unfathomable.”

This is the third challenge to the ACA since its enactment in 2010 to come before the US Supreme Court. The justices will consider the constitutionality of the individual mandate, now that the penalty for failing to obtain health insurance was reduced to $0, and whether it can be “severed” from

the rest of the law, allowing the other provisions to stand, including such provisions as the expansion of Medicaid and antidiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people and those who have pre-existing conditions such as HIV. In March 2020, the US Supreme Court announced that it would review the decision from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that the individual mandate was unconstitutional and indicated in remanding the case that it likely cannot be severed from important aspects of the rest of the law. Oral argument is expected to take place in the fall of 2020, and a decision would likely happen by the end of the term in the summer of 2021.

The cases are California v. Texas, brought by 19 states led by California, [on behalf of that state and] New York, Illinois, Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, the District of Columbia, and the governor of Kentucky; and Texas v. California, led by Texas on behalf of that state, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. The US House of Representatives intervened in support of the states led by California and in defense of the ACA.

Lambda Legal Senior Attorney and Health Care Strategist Omar GonzalezPagan, Counsel Gregory R. Nevins and Counsel and HIV Project Director Scott Schoettes joined Kirsten Mayer, Douglas Hallward-Driemeier, John T. Dey, Brendan McLaughlin, Ryan Sullivan, and Megan A. McEntee of Ropes & Gray LLP as counsel on the brief.

Signatories include AIDS United, the American Academy of HIV Medicine, the Black AIDS Institute, the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, Housing Works, the Human Rights Campaign, the Latino Commission on AIDS, the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors, the National Black Justice Coalition, the National Center for Transgender Equality, the National Minority AIDS Council, the Positive Women’s Network - USA, the AIDS Institute, and Whitman-Walker Health and the Whitman-Walker Institute.

Read the brief at www.lambdalegal.org/in-court/legal-docs/california_ dc_20200513_amicus-brief.

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

Courtesy of Lambda Legal

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The Non-Violence Project Foundation (NVPF) trained over 23,000 people in 2019 to prevent and reduce violence (May 12, 2020) – The Non-Violence Project Foundation (NVPF), whose mission is to prevent and reduce violence around the world, has today released its 2019 Evaluation Report outlining the foundation’s contribution to the global effort to stem violence across the globe. In 2019, the NVPF trained 23,778 students, 1,587 teachers/trainers, and 7,500 volunteers, on four continents.

The report also shows the impact of NVPF educational programs on youth, adults, and communities. The results are measured through the systematic use of assessment tools applied to all countries where the NVPF is active.

“World leaders, departments of education, schools, [and] also businesses and administrations must act to stem the violence, and we know that the solution lies in education, as this report demonstrates once again. Our goal is to reduce violence by at least 30% in the areas where the foundation is active and increase the number of beneficiaries of our programs,” said Blaise Oberson, CEO of the NVPF, adding, “Our work, which mainly depends on donations, sponsors, and the help of volunteers, is today all the more needed with the dramatic rise of domestic and children abuse generated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown.”

The NVPF has 27 years of expertise in fighting violence through education and has trained more than eight million people since 1993. The foundation has received numerous awards, such as the Daily Light Award by Bill Clinton and the Presidents Call to Service Award by Barack Obama.

“Based on the results gathered, we are pleased to confirm that our education efforts are indeed serving for making a much-needed change in the world. The positive improvement that participants experience through the development of

16 Seattle Gay News

Photo courtesy of The Non-Violence Project Foundation

their social, emotional, and cognitive (SEL) skills are key indicators that prove that there is a real impact on reducing violent behavior,” said Ivana Busljeta, global director of education for the NVPF. Key figures and most significant results achieved in 2019* In 2019, NVPF trained 23,778 students, 1,587 teachers/trainers, and 7,500 volunteers in 49 schools (without including the number of schools in Mexico) over four continents.

• A greater aptitude to manage conflictual situations in any environment (academic, sportive, work…)

• In India, 84% of the students who followed a nonviolence training felt they were able to handle these situations in a different

May 15, 2020

and more positive approach.

• An increased capacity to recognize harassment (moral, school, sexual) and act upon it • In Switzerland, 85% of the students trained on sexual harassment stated they felt more prepared to face and deal with this issue both during their professional studies or their future career.

• A reduction in school violence • Both in Uganda (-36%) and Sweden (-50%), violent episodes decreased dramatically where a NVPF program was implemented.

• A stronger skill set of the teachers, coaches, or community leaders who will deploy and implement NVPF programs to students of all ages [sic] • 87% of the teachers trained in Japan

are convinced of the efficiency of the programs and feel ready to distribute them in the various schools. * Figures are based on answers provided

by NVP program participants in the countries mentioned.

The Non-Violence Project Foundation (NVPF) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, motivate, and engage young people to learn how to solve conflicts peacefully. The NVPF was founded in 1993 in Switzerland and has educated more than eight million young people, teachers, and sports coaches on five continents. More at www.nonviolence.com.

Courtesy of the NVPF

Celebrating 46 Years!

Germany’s Bundestag approves ban on “conversion therapy”

Photo by Patrick Seeger / AFP

NEW YORK (May 7, 2020) – [Today], the German Bundestag (Parliament) passed a bill banning advertising and perpetration of “conversion therapy” to minors. By passing this bill, Germany joins Malta, Ecuador, Brazil, and Taiwan to become only the fifth country in the world to ban “conversion therapy”.

So-called “conversion therapy” is the most widely used term to describe practices attempting to change, suppress, or divert one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany (LSVD), a prominent nongovernmental LGBTIQ organization, in a statement posted on its website, welcomed the effort to ban these harmful practices, but expressed concern that only minors are covered by the important protections of the new bill.

In August 2019, OutRight Action International released a pioneering report, “Harmful Treatment. The Global Reach of So-Called Conversion Therapy,” showing that, while such practices vary across religious, cultural, or traditional contexts and range in their forms of psychological and physical violence, they are prevalent in countries across the globe. They have been condemned by most major psychological, psychiatric, and medical associations, including the World Psychiatric Association, and recognized to not only never achieve their intended outcome but to instead cause deep, lasting trauma.

The executive director of OutRight Action International, Jessica Stern, commented: “Socalled conversion therapy efforts are based on the belief that cisgender heterosexuality is the norm, and transgender identities and samesex attraction not only fall outside the norm but have to be changed, if need be by brutal, inhuman force. The German Bundestag took an incredibly important step today: by banning ‘conversion therapy,’ it sent a powerful message that LGBTIQ people are not in need of change or cure. At the same time, demand for ‘conversion therapy’ will only decrease if acceptance of LGBTIQ people grows. I urge authorities in Germany to bolster the legal ban on ‘conversion therapy’ with measures designed to promote understanding and inclu-

sion of LGBTIQ people, thus tackling the root causes of these harmful, inhuman practices.”

International attention on so-called “conversion therapy” has grown in recent months and years. The UN’s Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is working on a report on the topic, due to be issued in June. A nationwide ban is pending in Canada; bans are also being considered in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Chile, and elsewhere.

OutRight’s report found that: • The main perpetrators and advocates of “conversion therapy” are people acting in the name of religion or pseudo-healthcare, with LGBTIQ individuals often coerced or pressured by family.

• A third of the respondents who experienced so-called conversion therapy sought it out themselves.

• While they may vary due to religious, cultural, or traditional norms and contexts, “conversion therapy” practices never work; instead, they cause deep, lasting trauma.

• Persistence of “conversion therapy” is directly related to societal beliefs about LGBTIQ people and the degree to which our lives are deemed unacceptable within families, faiths, and societies at large.

OutRight Action International works at a global, regional, and national level to eradicate the persecution, inequality and violence lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people face around the world. From its offices in seven countries and headquarters in New York, OutRight builds the capacity of LGBTIQ movements, documents human rights violations, advocates for inclusion and equality, and holds leaders accountable for protecting the rights of LGBTIQ people everywhere. OutRight has recognized consultative status at the United Nations.

Courtesy of OutRight Action International

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Born Perfect congratulates German parliament for passing law to end harmful practice of conversion therapy BERLIN, GERMANY (May 7, 2020) – Today, the German Bundestag passed legislation that would ban conversion therapy nationwide in the European nation. The new law bans the harmful practice – which aims to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ youth – for minors and creates significant new protections for adults. The legislation makes Germany, which is the world’s fourth largest economy, the most prominent nation to end the dangerous practice that has shown to be directly correlated to higher rates of LGBTQ youth depression and suicide.

“Germany is the first major European country to protect LGBTQ people from this insidious practice, which is one of the primary drivers of suicide and depression among LGBTQ youth,” said Mathew Shurka, a conversion therapy survivor and co-founder of Born Perfect. “Especially during this time, when many LGBTQ people are feeling more isolated and alone than ever, Germany’s leadership is a powerful example of how governments can stand up for LGBTQ youth.”

Globally, three countries – Brazil, Ecuador, and Malta – have already enacted nationwide bans. In March, Canada introduced legislation that would also soon end conversion therapy nationwide in the North American country. In the United States, twenty states and more than 70 localities have passed laws protecting minors from

conversion therapy, including most recently in the states of Utah and Virginia, and the Florida capital city of Tallahassee. In addition, survivors of conversion therapy have successfully sued their former therapists under state laws that prohibit consumer fraud.

“Germany is setting a new international standard for protecting LGBTQ youth and for recognizing conversion therapy for what it is: a public health crisis that is devastating the lives of LGBTQ young people,” said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). “Germany’s leadership on this issue is groundbreaking and will set an example for other countries to follow.”

Last year, Outright International released a groundbreaking report showing that conversion therapy occurs across the world and documenting the severe trauma that it causes.

May 15, 2020

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Born Perfect is a survivor-led campaign created by the NCLR in 2014 to end conversion therapy by passing laws across the country to protect LGBT children and young people, fighting in courtrooms to ensure their safety, and raising awareness about the serious harms caused by these dangerous practices. More at bornperfect. org.

Courtesy of the NCLR

An announcement from 18th & Union Dear Friends of 18th & Union, We’re living in an extraordinary time, filled with uncertainty. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the performing arts has been catastrophic. Our theaters have closed, and we don’t yet know when and under what conditions they (and we) will be able to reopen.

Like all the other venues in Seattle and elsewhere, 18th & Union suddenly stopped what it was doing in mid-March when the severity of the pandemic became clear. We cancelled the final weekend of Radial Theater Project’s production of George Orwell’s 1984, and all of the shows we’d planned for the spring and summer had to be cancelled or rescheduled. We’ve been quiet over the past 6 weeks as we figured out our way forward. And today we’re excited to say that 18th & Union will reopen.

There’s a lot we don’t know of course: whether we’ll be part of Governor Inslee’s Phase 3 or Phase 4, exactly when we’ll be able to invite the audience back in, how many seats we’ll have given the ongoing need for physical distancing, and so on. But here’s what we know: 18th & Union’s mission from the start has been focused on supporting solo and other “portable” performances. If there’s a place for live theater in a world rightly concerned about people being too close to each other, small-cast shows will be an essential ingredient.

Live performance venues need to be safe to attend. We’ll have fewer seats than before to accomplish the required distancing, and we’ll have new protocols for cleaning and disinfecting the space.

For many shows we plan to include both audience members who attend in person

and who watch over a live stream. Audiences are getting used to watching live performance on web-based video platforms.

For those who decide that attending theater is too risky until a vaccine becomes available, these technologies will let them “be there” too.

To make all this happen, we’re pleased as punch to announce that MAP Theatre, one of Seattle’s most dynamic nomadic theatre companies, is joining Radial Theater Project as a partner in managing 18th & Union. The MAP Gang will be producing their own work periodically, and MAP staff will be full members of 18th & Union’s management team. MAP Theatre has come home!

We’ll have more announcements over the next few weeks about our reopening plans. In the meantime, thank you for all you’ve done to support 18th & Union in

the past as audience members and partner artists. We look forward to a very interesting future as we all figure out how to create and host live performances in the time of COVID. Best wishes, 18th & Union Amy Gang David Gassner K. Brian Neel Becca Pauza MAP Theatre Peggy Gannon Sarah Ross Brandon Ryan Zenaida Smith

For Seattle Opera, the show must go on – online, that is!

Jamie Barton, Angel Blue, John Moore and others perform in new recital series: “Songs of Summer” Watch on YouTube, Facebook and SeattleOpera.org beginning May 28, 2020

Jamie Barton – Photo by Faye Fox

Angel Blue – Photo by Sonya Garza

Not even a global pandemic can shut down the power of music. In the face of COVID-19, Seattle Opera and other arts groups are finding creative new ways to perform. Seattle Opera is launching a new recital series, “Songs of Summer,” which will bring beloved singers to a new stage – your phone, tablet, or computer screen.

“Opera companies need to be flexible, adaptive and of course very creative if we’re going to get through this uncertain time,” said General Director Christina Scheppelmann. “At some point we will return to McCaw Hall. In the meantime, opera can still bring us joy, comfort, and touching moments of humanity – even though we cannot be together to enjoy these moments.”

Beginning on Thursday, May 28 at 7pm, and continuing weekly thereafter, recitals will be available to stream on Seattle Opera’s website, Facebook, and YouTube on Thursdays at 7pm at: youtube.com/SeattleOpera; facebook.com/SeattleOpera; www.seattleopera.org The concert series kicks off on May 28 with international star Angel Blue, who performs a mix of opera and spirituals in a 30-minute program with pianist Jay Rozendaal. Many will recognize Blue from the viral HiHo Kids video, “Kids Meet an Opera Singer.” Prior to the cancellation of Seattle Opera’s May La bohème, the Ameri-

can soprano had been scheduled to sing Mimì.

“I love Seattle Opera and consider this to be one of my home theaters,” said Blue, most recently Bess in Porgy and Bess. “I was very sad to hear that La bohème was canceled, but the opportunity to share a recital with the Seattle Opera audience was an idea that quickly lifted my spirits. This recital gives me the chance to be creative and engage with one of my favorite opera companies in the world. I hope that everyone enjoys it.”

On June 4, enjoy a recital from Tess Altiveros (lead soldier in The Falling and the Rising), who will be accompanied on piano by Elisabeth Ellis.

On June 11, “opera’s nose-studded rock star” (The New York Times) Jamie Barton lends her voice to “Songs of Summer.”

Accompanied by Jonathan Easter on piano, the acclaimed mezzo-soprano will offer musical theater hits such as “I Can Cook, Too” from On the Town by Leonard Bernstein, “What’ll I do?” by Irving Berlin, and “Hear My Song” from Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown. In addition to her triumphs as a singer, Barton is recognized for bringing conversations about body positivity, social justice, and LGBTQ+ rights into the spotlight. She made her company debut as Fenena in Nabucco.

On June 18, watch Margaret Gawrysiak (Madame Larina in Eugene Onegin) with

18 Seattle Gay News

May 15, 2020

Angela Meade – Photo by Faye Fox

pianist Jeremy Reger. On June 25, John Moore (title character in Eugene Onegin and The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs) sings accompanied by Tim Barrick on piano.

The “Songs of Summer” recitals will continue with Will Liverman (who recently made history as the first Black Papageno, The Magic Flute, at The Metropolitan Opera), Ben Bliss (Peter Quint, The Turn of the Screw), Shelly Traverse (Chan Parker, Charlie Parker’s Yardbird), Nerys Jones (Inez, Il trovatore), and Damien Geter (Colonel, The Falling and the Rising).

Two singers who had been scheduled to make company debuts in La bohème, Vanessa Vasquez (Mimì) and Theo Hoffman (Schaunard) will also perform. Additional pianists will include Beth Grimmett-Tankersley and Jessica Hall.

Recital dates for Will Liverman, Ben Bliss, Shelly Traverse, Nerys Jones, Damien Geter, Vanessa Vasquez, Theo Hoffman and others will be announced in the coming weeks. Robert McPherson will also treat Seattle Opera audiences to a special edition of his hilarious program The Drunken Tenor. For more information, visit www.seattleopera.org/summersongs.

The “Songs of Summer” launch on May 28 follows a separate announcement for the company: Seattle Opera received a $2.3 million federal loan from the Paycheck Protection Program, which will sustain

operations through mid-June. Members of the public can help ensure the company’s future through the rest of the pandemic crisis – and support programming like “Songs of Summer” – at seattleopera.org/give.

About Seattle Opera Established in 1963, Seattle Opera is committed to serving the people of the Pacific Northwest with performances of the highest caliber and through innovative educational and engagement programs for all.

Each year, more than 95,000 people attend Seattle Opera performances, and more than 400,000 people of all ages are served through school performances, radio broadcasts, and more. By drawing our communities together, and by offering opera’s unique fusion of music and drama, we create lifeenhancing experiences that speak deeply to people’s hearts and minds. Connect with Seattle Opera on Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, and on 98.1 Classical KING FM. Opera at Home Your financial support powers Opera at Home and ​also sustains us ​until we can join each other as ​a community to enjoy opera together again.

Courtesy of Seattle Opera

Celebrating 46 Years!

MUSIC

Pacific MusicWorks announces 2020 Virtual Concert Season While our live performances are on hiatus due to the COVID-19 situation, Pacific MusicWorks’ co-Artistic Directors Stephen Stubbs and Henry Lebedinsky are offering the very best of PMW’s concert archives, with new introductions, downloadable program books, and more. We hope you enjoy the videos, and hope to be back bringing you great music as soon as possible.

Download the complete program book HERE [http://www.pacificmusicworks.org/ online-series] Bach: Advent cantatas, Part 1 When we first performed this program back in 2017, we could not imagine how Bach’s powerful message of hope and comfort – so beautifully illustrated by these Advent cantatas – would resonate in this time of isolation, waiting, and expectation. We hope this music brings you some welcome light today. Soloists Tess Altiveros, Laura Pudwell, Zach Finkelstein, and Zachary Lenox join the Pacific MusicWorks Baroque Orchestra, Stephen Stubbs, director.

Monteverdi: L’Orfeo, Part 1 It was to the ancient Greek story of Orpheus and Eurydice what Bernstein’s West Side Story was to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – a timeless tale retold in a thoroughly modern way, with an extravagant score that shook the establishment and changed the world of music forever. It was Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, the first great operatic masterpiece. Tenor Colin Balzer leads a stellar cast of singers with Stephen Stubbs directing

Image courtesy of Pacific MusicWorks

the Pacific MusicWorks Orchestra and the Dark Horse Ensemble in this performance recorded live at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, on October 28, 2017.

Monteverdi: L’Orfeo, Part 2 He literally went to Hell and back for true love. Experience the hope and heartbreak in this timeless tale of love and loss. It’s the conclusion of Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo with internationally-acclaimed tenor Colin Balzer in the title role. Stephen Stubbs leads a stellar lineup of singers, the Pacific MusicWorks Orchestra, and the Dark Horse Ensemble in this live performance recorded at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle on October 28, 2017.

Handel’s Tenor: Beard’s Beauties, Part 1 Experience the fruits of the extraordinary collaboration between Handel and tenor John Beard, for whom Handel wrote many of his finest heroic leading roles. Aaron Sheehan sings selections from “Alexander’s Feast,” “Israel in Egypt,” “Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day,” “Saul,” and “Messiah,” with Stephen Stubbs

directing the Pacific MusicWorks Baroque Orchestra, Tekla Cunningham, concertmaster. Recorded LIVE at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Performance Hall at Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA, on February 26, 2017.

landscape that has made Handel’s “Messiah” one of his most enduring and beloved masterpieces. Recorded LIVE at University of Washington’s Meany Hall, Seattle, WA, on December 13, 2015.

Handel’s Tenor: Beard’s Beauties, Part 2 Aaron Sheehan brings the house down in selections from Handel’s Samson and one of his great concerti grossi, with Stephen Stubbs directing the Pacific MusicWorks Baroque Orchestra, Tekla Cunningham, concertmaster. Recorded LIVE at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Performance Hall at Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA, on February 26, 2017.

Johann Sebastian Bach: “St. John Passion,” BWV 245, Part 1 Bach’s heartbreakingly beautiful “St. John Passion” rightfully stands as one of the most powerful pieces of sacred music ever written. Stephen Stubbs conducts the Pacific MusicWorks Choir and Baroque Orchestra, Tekla Cunningham, concertmaster. Recorded LIVE at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, Seattle, WA March 1, 2013.

George Frederick Handel: “Messiah,” Part 1 Comfort and joy, healing and hope – experience Handel’s timeless “Messiah” again for the first time. Stephen Stubbs conducts a world-class lineup of soloists, the University of Washington Chamber Singers, and the Pacific MusicWorks Baroque Orchestra.

Recorded LIVE at University of Washington’s Meany Hall, Seattle, WA, on December 13, 2015.

Johann Sebastian Bach: “St. John Passion,” BWV 245, Part 2 The emotionally-charged conclusion of Bach’s great “St. John Passion,” featuring Charles Daniels as the Evangelist. Stephen Stubbs leads the Pacific MusicWorks Choir and Baroque Orchestra, Tekla Cunningham, concertmaster. Recorded LIVE at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, Seattle, WA March 1, 2013.

George Frederick Handel: “Messiah,” Parts 2 & 3 From the depths of despair to the triumph of the “Hallelujah” chorus to one of the greatest fugal Amens ever written, Stephen Stubbs, Pacific MusicWorks, and the University of Washington Chamber Singers invite you to experience the rich and complex emotional

To support our 2020 Online Season you can make your tax-deductible donation at http://www.pacificmusicworks.org/donate.

For more information about Pacific MusicWorks, visit http://www.pacificmusicworks. org/ Courtesy of Pacific MusicWorks

PBS celebrates Pride month with “Prideland,” a short-form digital series and new one-hour special exploring LGBTQ+ identity in the South ARLINGTON, VA (May 12, 2020) – PBS is celebrating LGTBQ+ Pride month with the launch of “Prideland,” a new onehour special and short-form digital series following host and actor Dyllón Burnside (from FX’s “Pose”) on a journey across the South. The six-episode series will launch on PBS Voices, a new documentary-focused YouTube Channel by PBS Digital Studios, beginning Tuesday, May 26. A one-hour companion special, also hosted by Burnside, will premiere on Friday, June 12 at 9:00 p.m.

ET (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org, and the PBS Video App. “Prideland,” produced by Tiny Horse, opens a window into the world of modern-day LGBTQ+ life in America. The series highlights authentic personal stories brought to life through Burnside’s curious, exploratory lens. As an LGBTQ+ advocate, he guides viewers into the South’s various LGBTQ+ communities, connecting with people of different backgrounds, locations, experiences, and points of view.

“Being a queer boy raised in the South, I had distinct memories of feeling like I could never be my authentic-self there, so I left seeking acceptance and affirming communities.

But I never left my Southern roots,” Burnside said. “I wanted to go back as an adult and see if things had changed, and I’m proud to report that they have. Although there are still many challenges for queer folks in the South, which is home to more LGBTQ+ adults than anywhere else in the US, I’m in awe of everyone I met who are creating change in their communities. I believe that authenticity is a superpower, and these queer heroes and allies are

Host of “Prideland” Dyllón Burnside – Photo courtesy of PBS / Taylor Miller / Buzzfeed News

truly inspirational.”

“Prideland” addresses how and why attitudes toward the community have changed, the ongoing challenges still faced

by LGBTQ+ people, and stories of celebration and the vital role of allies. In their own voices, members of these communities answer questions that help to create real understanding of who they are and what it means to be their authentic selves in the places they call home.

“LGBTQ+ culture has always been a part of the American story, but a lack of understanding and representation still exists in many regions of the country,” said Brandon Arolfo, head of PBS Digital Studios. “With the launch of ‘Prideland’ on PBS Voices, PBS is excited to travel into the heart of America to see firsthand how the United States is chang-

Visit us online www.sgn.org

ing from within, and how so many LGBTQ+ people and their allies are working to ensure they can live their lives with pride.”

To ensure that “Prideland” reaches a variety of audiences, the program was designed for both digital and broadcast presentation.

“PBS is committed to bringing important, forward-thinking programs like ‘Prideland’ to Americans across multiple platforms,” Pamela A. Aguilar, executive in charge and senior director of programming and development at PBS said. “We’re excited to present a one-hour broadcast special alongside the digital series and provide audiences with unique and quality experiences wherever they consume media.”

Overviews of both the “Prideland” digital series and one-hour special are provided below: Episode 1: “Out, Proud & Southern: Dyllón Burnside’s Story” Premieres: Tuesday, May 26 on PBS Voices Description: Dyllón Burnside begins his journey by setting the stage of the series with his personal story of growing up in Pensacola, Florida. He explores what the South means to him, and why he left after getting fired from his church for coming out. He returns to discover that the South is home to more queer people than any other region in the US; more than one-third of all LGBTQ+ adult Americans live below the MasonDixon line. He also learns that the region has the most negative LGBTQ+ policies in the country and meets different people fighting for equal rights, starting with Carmarion D.

May 15, 2020

Anderson, HRC Alabama State Director, the first transgender woman of color to hold such a leadership position.

Episode 2: “An Openly Gay Pastor’s Journey to Acceptance in the Bible Belt” Premieres: Tuesday, June 2 on PBS Voices Description: The LGBTQ+ experience is as diverse and varied as the individuals who comprise it. While some still find rejection close to home, others are finding more and more acceptance in communities of origin or those they create. In this episode, Dyllón Burnside introduces viewers to Rob Lowry, an openly gay minister at a small but mainstream church in Jackson, Mississippi. He was offered the job before the church knew he was gay, but they accepted him with open arms when he told them he would only take the position if he could lead while openly gay. Lowry is creating just that kind of community: open to all who take the command to “love thy neighbor as thee would thyself” to heart and in practice.

Episode 3: “Polyamory, Demisexuality, and Being Transgender in the South” Premieres: Tuesday, June 9 on PBS Voices Description: Dyllón Burnside sits down with a group of diverse LGBTQ+ members to learn how to embrace sex-positivity and maneuver the modern dating scene. They talk candidly about asexuality, polyamorous relationships, and how to manage diverging expectations in the queer community.

see “PRIDELAND” page 20

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“PRIDELAND”

Bible Belt who risks his business, Campbell’s Bakery, to take a stand for LGBTQ+ rights.

Episode 4: “The Heartwarming Story of One of Alabama’s First Same-Sex Adoptions” Premieres: Tuesday, June 16 on PBS Voices Description: Dyllón Burnside is invited into the home of a lesbian couple who would not let anyone, or any law get in the way of them getting married and adopting the child of their dreams. He listens to how they have overcome the unique challenges of forming a family in the South and learns what obstacles remain for other LGBTQ+ people in their home state of Alabama.

One-Hour Special: “Prideland” Premieres: Friday, June 12, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET on PBS Description: Follow Dyllón Burnside on a journey across the American South to meet diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community. From a lesbian rodeo champ in Texas to an African-American mayor ally in Alabama, he discovers how LGBTQ+ Americans are finding ways to live authentically and with pride in the modern South.

continued from page 19

Episode 5: “Championing LGBTQ+ Healthcare in Mississippi” Premieres: Tuesday, June 23 on PBS Voices Description: Dyllón Burnside meets Scott Rodgers, MD and Lillian J. Houston, MD, two doctors who founded the Center for LGBTQ Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, one of the few LGBTQ+ clinics in Mississippi to provide quality health care without fear of discrimination. In many parts of the South, it is legal for doctors to deny services to LGBTQ+ people based on their religious beliefs. To make matters worse, the South has the highest concentration of people living with HIV/ AIDS in the US. These doctors and their team are determined to address these issues head-on.

Episode 6: “The Bakery Battleground: The Mississippi Baker Standing Up For Gay Rights” Premieres: Tuesday, June 30 on PBS Voices Description: Dyllón Burnside examines the crucial role of allies in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and how religious beliefs have sometimes been used as a pretext for discrimination. In this episode, he visits Mitchell Moore, a baker in the heart of the

The digital episodes of “Prideland” will kick off PBS Voices, a themed channel bringing together curated content from member stations across the country to fulfill viewers’ curious minds. Each program featured on PBS Voices will feature an array of fascinating, relatable miniseries celebrating shared human experiences.

The “Prideland” one-hour special will be available to stream starting Friday, June 12 on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS Video App, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Chromecast.

“Prideland” is a Tiny Horse production for PBS. Pamela A. Aguilar is the executive in charge for PBS; Jon Reynaga and Melanie Capacia Johnson are the executive producers for Tiny Horse. The program is produced and directed by Katherine Linton.

In addition to the debut of “Prideland,” PBS will also offer encore presentations and streaming of a vast array of LGBTQ+focused programing throughout the month of June on PBS, PBS.org, PBS Video App, and PBS Passport. The programs include “American Experience: Stonewall Uprising,” “American Masters: Terrance McNally,” and The Lavender Scare. An overview of additional programming is available [at https://bit. ly/3fIKyVe].

For more information on PBS’s Pride Month programming, the new “Prideland”

one-hour special and digital series, and PBS Voices, visit PBS.org and the PBS YouTube Channel. Viewers are also encouraged to engage in online conversation by tagging @PBS and using #PridelandPBS and #PBSVoices on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

A multi-hyphenate performer, creator, and recording artist, Dyllón Burnside has appeared in notable stage, television, and film projects with some of the best in the business. He currently stars as Ricky in Ryan Murphy’s Emmy-nominated FX series “Pose” alongside Billy Porter and Mj Rodriguez, and first captivated audiences with his Broadway debut, starring as Anthony in 2014’s Holler if Ya Hear Me, a hip-hop musical inspired by the music and lyrics of Tupac Shakur. Burnside also appeared as a Lost Boy in NBC’s “Peter Pan Live!” and in the critically acclaimed series “High Maintenance” on HBO, all while completing his final year at the prestigious CAP21 Conservatory for music theatre and The New School, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in media studies and writing. He began his career at 12 years old as a member of the hiphop/R&B boy band 3D, touring the country and performing alongside Stevie Wonder and Rihanna. Passionate about producing social change content, Burnside is currently working on a forthcoming new solo project and will release new music in the months ahead.

Fans are invited to engage in online conversation about Burnside’s new PBS series, “Prideland,” by tagging @dyllonburnside and using #PridelandPBS and #PBSVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

PBS Digital Studios produces original digital programming for YouTube and Facebook Watch, designed to engage, enlighten, and entertain online audiences. The PBS Digital Studios network has more than 23 million subscribers, generating an average of 50 million views a month and has acquired more than 2.6 billion views lifetime views.

Currently, the Studio has 20 original series streaming online, including eight series

from PBS member stations. Series include the Webby Award-winning “It’s Okay to Be Smart,” “Physics Girl,” and “Crash Course,” as well as popular series such as “Two Cents” and “PBS Space Time.”

PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 126 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life.

Decades of research confirm that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS Kids, helps children build critical literacy, math, and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS Kids offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids. org, via an array of mobile apps, and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, or by following PBS on Twitter or Facebook, or through apps for mobile and connected devices.

Tiny Horse is an award-winning entertainment company that creates, amplifies, and distributes highly engaging programming across streaming, linear, and social channels. With a grounding in traditional editorial, production, and marketing, it tells stories coordinated in a mosaic across many platforms to engage audiences whenever and wherever they may find themselves viewing and engaging with stories. More at www. tinyhorse.com.

Courtesy of Bullseye Communications

GAMES

Music Royalty Across 1 It requires several G-strings 5 Start of a South Pacific song 9 One who often screws actors 14 Friendly opening 15 Genie portrayer Barbara 16 Cut 17 Ethnic cuisine type 18 Police incursion at Stonewall 19 Prevent, with “off” 20 Start of a quote by Little Richard (1932-2020) 23 Perfect serves from Billie Jean 24 Language suffix 25 Pancake mixture 28 Understand, to Kerouac 30 Poet Gidlow 34 Toward shelter 35 More of the quote 38 Lisa of _The Lathe of Heaven_ 40 Sailor’s tool?

41 More of the quote 43 Characters in the navy 44 Winter product prefix, in ads 45 Lawyers’ thing 46 ___ Paolo Pasolini 48 Normandy city 49 Eagle’s org.

50 Stand next to Cassatt 54 End of the quote 60 Suspect’s defense in an Ellen Hart novel 61 “But of course!”

63 Solemn sound 64 Sch. for your first mate 65 Went head to head 66 Makes more bearable 67 Cho’s I’m the One ___ I Want 68 Dumbo’s “wings”

Down 1 Hermit’s home 2 Arthur of the AIDS Quilt 3 Rupert Everett’s ___ Life 4 Government sponsored pirate 5 Nuts 6 Affleck’s Chasing Amy crush 7 Future queen of Star Wars 8 Dr. Jones’s nickname 9 Targets of tops 10 Have an O 11 Porter’s “Well, Did You ___” 12 Campbell of The Company 13 Threesome for Marcella Hazan 21 Rudy Galindo’s milieu 22 Homophobes, e.g.

25 Kid-lit elephant 26 “You’ll Never Walk ___” 27 Sees to 28 Kind of fingerprint 29 Queer spelling of an Alaskan dome 31 Loads of 32 Public spectacle 33 “Rubber Capital of the World” 36 Lesbos, e.g.

37 Meas. of speed 39 Schooner features 42 Kinsey title role portrayer Neeson 47 Discuss to death 48 Cut 49 Source book for Dreamcoat 51 Allstate rival 52 Dottie did this behind the plate in A League of Their Own 53 Cont. of Ibiza and Mykonos 54 Overdo it at South Beach 55 Bone in a limp wrist 56 Butch lesbian accessories

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May 15, 2020

57 Carpenter’s connector 58 East of Eden director Kazan 59 NY Met, for one 62 Meas. of a braggart?

(Answer key on Page 22)

Celebrating 46 Years!

Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQAllyship. org, allyship@yahoo.com, (206) 279-8169.

American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us Another Gay Social Club! - www.meetup.com/AnotherGay-Social-Club/ 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.

Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org Capitol Hill Alano Club - www.chacseattle.org Cascade Rainbow Community Center (Mount Vernon) - (360) 840-8499 and on Facebook.

Central Washington University GALA Hotline: (509) 963-1994.

Channel Q 103.3 FM - LGBTQ+ Talk Radio Network News and information, pop culture and music. radio.com COLAGE unites people with LGBTQ parents and caregivers into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities - www.colage.org DIFFA/Northwest (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). (206) 763-8885; www.diffanorthwest. org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, (206) 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, (206) 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, (206) 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025. In an emergency call 911.

Report domestic violence and sexual assault.

Equal Rights Washington - (206) 324-2570; www. equalrightswashington.org Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freelyspeaking.org Gay City promotes wellness in LGBTQ communities by providing health services, connecting people to resources, fostering arts, and building community. Gay City Health Project’s Wellness Center provides anonymous & confidential HIV/STD testing. 517 E Pike St. More info or to schedule an appointment, (206) 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.

Generations Aging With Pride empowers elder LGBTQ adults to live with pride and dignity by promoting, connecting, and developing innovative programs and services that enhance belonging and support, eliminate discrimination, and honor the lives of older members of our community - (206) 393-3400; info@gapseattle.org; gapseattle.org GLSEN/WA - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network - (206) 330-2099; www.glsenwa.org Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) - (206) 363-9188; www.thegsba.org HIV/AIDS Program, Seattle/King County Dept of Public Health, provides confidential/anonymous information about & testing for HIV/AIDS. (206) 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, (206) 328-8979.

Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & the Olympic & Rainier Empire - www.facebook.com/ISCSORE; www. imperialcourtofseattle.com Lambert House - (206) 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 - (425) 785-8593; lgbtmsconnections@comcast.net. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers.

Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Lifelong AIDS Alliance - (206) 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org Lion’s Main Art Collective - www.lionsmain.org MEN: Gay City: (206) 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: (206) 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Northwest Bears: www. nwbears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians. net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.com; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: 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; Tacoma Older LGBT: www. tacomaolderlgbt.org. (See also listings under Bisexual, Parenthood, People of Color, Transgender.)

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: (206) 388-1408, (206) 323-0750. www.seattlechoruses.org.

Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project - gayhistnw@aol.com

Sponsors Tacoma Pride Festival. (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org SEAMEC interviews, researches & rates candidates for public office on issues of concern to the LGBT community. www.voteseamec.org Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center (SASG) i- SEE LISTING for Peer Seattle.

Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network - BiSeattle.wixsite. com/SBWN and on Facebook.

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. (206) 323-1768.

Seattle LGBTQ Commission - (206) 684-4503. www/ seattle.gov/lgbtq Seattle Out & Proud - (206) 322-9561; www.seattlepride.org Seattle Police Department Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council: kim.bogucki@seattle.gov Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202) 328-3244; www.sldn.org Sex Workers Outreach Project - https://seattle. swopusa.org Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan - (206) 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.

South Sound Q Calendar - LGBTQ events in Tacoma, Olympia & Sound Puget Sound area; www.SouthSoundQCal.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 capitolhillcycling@ groups.facebook.com or jordan.l.simonson@gmail.com; Cascade Flag Football: www.cascadeflagfootball.org; Cascade Flyers: www.cascadeflyers.org; Emerald City Mudhen Rugby: www.mudhenrugby.com; Emerald City Softball Association: www.emeraldcitysoftball. org, www.eteamz.com/womensecsa; Ethyl Forever Car Club: ethylforever@hotmail.com; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthebabes.com; Olympic Yacht Club: www.oycnw.org; OutVentures: outdoor education & recreation activities, www.outventures.org; Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo Association: www.pacificnwgra.org; Puddletown Squares: www.puddletownsquares.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 Gay Basketball Association: www. seattlegaybasketballassociation.com; 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/bowling.htm, www.theprideleague. com, Century 21 League; 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, (206) 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 Three Dollar Bill Cinema - TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival; Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival; Outdoor Cinema at Cal Anderson Park. www. threedollarbillcinema.org TRANSGENDER: Emerald City Social Club: (425) 827-9494; Gender Alliance of the South Sound: www.

SouthSoundGender.com; Gender Diversity: www. genderdiversity.org; Gender Justice League: www.genderjusticeleague.org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey.com; Hermanos Trans Latino & Foreign-Born

Support Group: (206) 322-7700; Ingersoll Gender Center: (206) 329-6651, www.ingersollcenter.org; Lion’s Main Art Collective: www.lionsmain.org; The New BoyZ Club: www.olympiaftmgroup.webs.com; Olympia Trans Discussion Group: www.facebook.com/pages/ Olympia-Trans-Discussion-Group/262449878114; [trans] ACTION: Trans* & Gender Non-Conforming Sex Workers’ Support Group - a safe, peer-led space. mail@utopiaseattle.org; TRANSform Washington: transformwashington.com; Trans Resource & Referral Guide: kctransguide.org; Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network: Funding the collective liberation of Trans women of color – https://m.facebook.com/ TWOCSolidarityNW/; Washington Gender Alliance: (360) 445-2411, www.washington genderalliance.com WOMEN: Aging Ballard Lesbian Exchange (A.B.L.E.): We are Lesbians 60 years (generally) and up, living (mostly) in the north half of Seattle. The purpose of the group is to connect, socialize and support each other. ruthemilyvogel@gmail.com; Aging Lesbians in South Seattle (ALISS) - Lesbian Group at the Southeast Seattle Senior Center. This is a gathering primarily for Lesbians but all are welcome to attend. Kate, (206) 722-0317; www.sessc.org; BABES: support groups for HIV+ women. (206) 720-5566, 1-888-292-1912; Coming Out Women Support Group of Tacoma: www. comingoutwomen.org; Festival of the Babes: www. festivalofthebabes.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Puget Sound Old Lesbian Organizing for Change: http:// psoloc.org, (253) 777-3357; 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 Bisexual Women’s Network: BiSeattle. wixsite.com/SBWN; Seattle Girls of Leather: www. sgol.org; Tacoma Lesbian Concern (TLC): www.tacomalesbianconcern.org; Tacoma Older LGBT: www. tacomaolderlgbt.org; Women of West Seattle (WOWS): a fun, member-driven social group for Lesbians, http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/womenofwestseattle; YWCA Women’s Health Outreach: providing low or no-cost mammograms for income eligible 40+ LBTQ individuals. Follow us at http://lbtqhealth-ywca.blogspot.com, twitter.com/ingridWHO or email lbthealth@ywcaworks. org, (206) 461-4493. (See also listings under Bisexual, Parenthood, People of Color, Transgender.)

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) 747-4937; Coyote Central: www.coyotecentral.org; 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. (206) 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; It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, 1818 15th Ave @ E Denny Way, with additional support groups organized in smaller towns throughout King County, (206) 322-2515, www. lamberthouse.org; Lifelong HEYO (Health Education Youth Outreach): for LGBTQ youth, ages 16-24: (206) 957-1665; www.llaa.org/HEYO; www.MatthewsPlace. com; The Mockingbird Society: (206) 323-KIDS (5437), www.mockingbirdsociety.org; New Horizons: social services and shelter for homeless youth, 2708 3rd Ave (in Belltown), (206) 374-0866, http://namin.org; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 14-25, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter. org; OKAY! LGBTQ+ Outreach for Kent Area Youth: (253) 859-0699 ext 3034. OKAY! is an open support group for youth ages 13-19 who identify as LGBTQ+. A program of Kent Youth & Family Services; OUT There Adventures: www.outthereadventures.org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/ Puget Sound: (206) 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; Roots Young Adult Shelter: 1415 NE 43rd St., (206) 632-1635; www.rootsinfo.org; Safe Schools Coalition: www.safeschoolscoalition.org; (206) 451-SAFE, (206) 451-7233 (non-emergency), 1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): (206) 860-9606, www.sypp.org; Street Youth Ministries (SYM): (206) 524-7301 ext 111; www. streetyouthministries.org; Teen Link: (206) 461-4922, 1-888-431-TEEN; The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor; www.thetrevorproject.org; True Colors - Connecting LGBTQ Teens: in Shoreline, (206) 362-7282 x 8018, lbagley@chs-nw.org; The Vera Project: fuels personal & community transformation through collaborative youthdriven engagement in music and art. (206) 956-8372; theveraproject.org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, (509) 396-5198, www.vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/ Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): (206) 522-8412; YouthCare/ Orion Center Young Adult Shelter: 1828 Yale Ave @ Stewart St. (206) 622-5555; Youth in Focus: (206) 723-1479; www.youthinfocus.org; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoud-GLBTQ): (206) 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273-TALK, www.yspp.org

May 15, 2020

Seattle Gay News 21

community resources 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 Out & Proud Grays Harbor Coalition - http://outandproudgh.org PARENTHOOD: Families Like Ours provides a gateway for LGBT families interested in adoption & provides a network of safe placement agencies, training, support & resources: (206) 441-7602, www.familieslikeours. org; Family Works offers support, information & activities for LGBT families: (206) 694-6727, www.familyworksseattle. org; Gay Fathers’ Association of Seattle offers support groups & social activities: www.gfas. org; Proud & Loud Families - Northwest, www.meetup.com/proudand-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@aol.com; Queer Parent Networking Dinners: (206) 568-7777, qpnd@nwnetwork.org, www.nwnetwork.org; Rainbow Families of Puget Sound: www.rainbowfamiliesps.org PFLAG is the national organization for parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ people united for equality with chapters in Seattle, Bellevue/Eastside, the Puget Sound region and across Washington state. PFLAG Seattle: (206) 325-7724, info@pflagseattle.org, and www.pflagseattle.org; PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside: (425) 483-6642, info@bellevue-pflag.org, http://community. pflag.org/PFLAGBellevue; PFLAG Pacific Northwest: www.pnwpflag.org; PFLAG Washington State Council: www.pflagwsc.org.

Peer Seattle (formerly Seattle Area Support Groups) 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. Our work is done in a spirit of safety, trust, inclusiveness, and celebration of individual differences.

(206) 322-2437; www.peerseattle.org PEOPLE OF COLOR: AARTH (African American Reach & Teach Health Ministry), (206) 850-2070, www.aarth.org; Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, (206) 467-9976; Center for MultiCultural Health, (206) 461-6910, www.multiculturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, (206) 322-7700, www.entrehermanos.org; Ile LaiLai, (206) 781-3565, iya@ilelailai.org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), (206) 923-8313, macctseattle@yahoo.com, www.macctsea.org; Northwest Two Spirit Society, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/nw2spiritsociety/, Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, (206) 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; QBASS - Queer Black Alliance of the South Sound, (253) 256-1846, weareqbass@gmail. com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, (206) 322-7061, (206) 255-8951; Somos Seattle, somosseattle.org; Trikone-Northwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www.trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-685-0164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle, www.utopiaseattlewa.org; VietQ Greater Seattle, vietqorganization@gmail.com Pierce County AIDS Foundation - (253) 383-2565; www.piercecountyaids.org Pride Foundation - (206) 323-3318; www.pridefoundation. org Pride Lives - www.facebook.com/PrideLives/ Pride Radio 93.3 HD2 Project NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. (206) 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 - (206) 682-6711; www.q-law.org Q Law GLBT Legal Clinic - (206) 235-7235.

Queer Geek! - queergeekseattle.org Rainbow Center - Resource Center for Tacoma/Pierce County LGBTIQA community. Through education, advocacy and celebration, the Rainbow Center expands resources, and safe space for the LGBTQIA community.

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Seattle Gay News 23