SGN April 21, 2017 - Section 1

Celebrating 43 Years!

Issue 16 Volume 45

FRIDAY April 21, 2017 FREE!

25¢ in bookstores & newsstands

Mary Lambert’s new album Bold

Langston Hughes AAFF April 27-30

SEC 2 PG 1

SEC 2 PG 1

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Murray accuser reveals Rainbow Railroad asks identity, many questions Canada for emergency visas to evacuate Chechen Gays remain unanswered

Kimahli Powell – Photo courtesy of May Truong

Delvonn Heckard – Photo courtesy of kirotv.com

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The plaintiff in a sex abuse lawsuit against Seattle Mayor Ed Murray – identified only as DH in the original court docu-

ments – revealed his identity in an April 18 court filing, but many unanswered questions remain in the case.

The man is Delvonn Heckard, and he see HECKARD page 4

Suddenly it’s a race: Mike McGinn and Cary Moon challenge Ed Murray for mayor

Ed Murray, Mike McGinn and Cary Moon – Photos courtesy of Robin Stein (Murray), bizj.us (McGinn) and twitter.com (Moon)

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A month ago, it looked like Seattle Mayor Ed Murray was strolling toward reelection in November. Now, in the wake of allegations that Murray paid for sex with a

teenage boy 30 years ago, it looks like a race.

On April 18 Murray’s 2013 opponent, Mike McGinn, jumped into the race. The next day, Cary Moon – urban planner, business heir, and anti-tunnel activist – declared see MAYOR RACE page 4

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian human rights group, has asked the Canadian government to issue emergency

visas to Chechen Gays so they can flee their country.

More than 100 Gay men have reportedly been arrested and tortured by Chechen posee RAINBOW RAIL page 14

OutRight calls on Exxon, BP, and Shell to stand up for persecuted Gay men in Chechnya

Executive Director of OutRight Action International Jessica Stern – Photo courtesy of youtube.com

OutRight Action International is calling on British Petroleum, Exxon Mobil, and Royal Dutch Shell to take a stand against the kidnapping, detention, torture, and murder of Gay men in Chechnya. All three companies have considerable investment and partnerships with state-owned oil and

gas companies in Russia, with ventures worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International, urges the major oil companies to take a stand and see OUTRIGHT page 14

2 Seattle Gay News

April 21, 2017

Celebrating 41 Years!

Thank you, Ms. Van Cleve Editor: A big thank you to Ms. Van Cleve for her letter in regards to the allegations against Mayor Murray and a big disappointment in regards to the main media for so quickly printing negative accusations against people who lives and careers can so easily be destroyed.

As Ms. Van Cleve so clearly states the real news and the greatest impact on

the Public should be coverage of the state budget, police progress, homeless crisis, transportation, Tim Eyman, and racial tension. To this list I would add ever increasing inequality, which has been behind so many other great countries having revolutions; the prime example being the French Revolution when the burden of running the country fell on the 96% while the 4% garnished all the wealth. We are in a crisis when eight of the richest men have wealth

equal to the bottom 50% of the world’s population.

George Whitaker Bellevue

People’s Academy for Community Engagement now accepting applications PEOPLE’S ACADEMY FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR SPRING QUARTER – May 8 CLASSES BEGIN – May 27 Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is accepting applications to the People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE), its civic leadership development program for the next wave of community leaders. The Spring Quarter begins May 27 and runs through June 24.

During the 5-week program, 25-30 emerging leaders (18 years and up) will

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learn hands-on strategies for community building, accessing government, and inclusive engagement from experts in the field. PACE has a strong focus on Seattle’s community and neighborhood organizations and the city’s governmental structure and processes.

Spring Quarter will be held on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.

Topics include: Approaches to Leadership, Accessing City Government, Community Organizing, Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement, Public Speaking, Conflict Resolution, and more.

Tuition for the 5-week program is $100.

Tuition assistance is available. To apply, visit seattle.gov/PACE. Applications for all quarters are accepted on a rolling basis. The application deadline for the upcoming Spring Quarter is Monday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Given the popularity of the program, PACE is offered three times a year: Winter, Spring and Fall. For more information, visit our webpage and for questions, email PACE@seattle.gov.

April 21, 2017

Seattle Gay News 3

Courtesy of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods

Council and Mayor Murray seek volunteers to serve on new Seattle Renters’ Commission Commission to advise on City policies of interest to renters Mayor Ed Murray and the Seattle City Council are seeking community members to serve on the Seattle Renters’ Commission (SRC). Established by ordinance in March, the SRC will advise the City on policies and issues of interest to renters citywide.

The Commission is composed of 15 members – six are appointed by the City

Council, six are appointed by the Mayor, and one position will be filled by a young adult through the Get Engaged program.

Two positions are selected by the SRC once established. Commissioners will serve without compensation.

The SRC will consist of people living in an array of rental housing types, including students, low-income renters, LGBTQ

renters, people with past felony convictions, people in subsidized housing, and those who have experienced homelessness. It’s also expected that members be geographically representative of Seattle. SRC meetings will be open to the public.

Those interested in being considered should complete the online application by Monday, May 1 by 5 p.m. If you cannot sub-

mit the application online, contact Seferiana Day at (206) 684-8806 and an application will be mailed to you or you can pick one up at the Seattle City Council main office – Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, 2nd floor, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can also learn more on the Seattle Renters’ Commission’s website – https://www.seattle.gov/council/issues/renters-commission

HECKARD

known only as DH, said that he could prove he’d had sex with Murray because he could describe a distinctive feature of Murray’s genitals – a mole or “bump” on his scrotum.

In a subsequent report by Murray’s doctor, it appeared that the mayor had no such bump and no evidence that anything like it had been surgically removed.

Far from putting the accusations to rest, however, Murray’s release of the doctor’s findings only escalated the media war over Heckard’s allegations. Both sides have played out their charges and counter-charges in the mainstream media – although both also have declined to comment to the SGN. While the revelation of DH’s real identity removes a little bit of mystery from the case, many questions remain.

Foremost among them, perhaps, is the question of how Heckard’s attorneys came by their client in the first place. According to Heckard’s lead attorney, Lincoln Beauregard, “DH visited with other lawyers within the local legal community (who could/would not pursue the case) before retaining the Connelly Law Offices upon the invitation of his original lawyer, Lawand Anderson.”

That account avoids the question of how

Anderson herself met Heckard. Did he just walk into her office one day, or was he referred to her by someone else? If he was referred to Anderson, by whom? And why did the other attorneys turn down the case?

Answers to these questions might go a long way toward substantiating – or refuting – Murray’s charges that Heckard’s complaint is politically motivated.

Another open question is the relationship between Beauregard and Anderson.

Both names appeared on Heckard’s original complaint, and both continue to appear on subsequent court documents. Anderson, however, has been entirely invisible, while Beauregard has led the charge for his client in the media.

Both Beauregard and Anderson failed to respond to the SGN’s requests for a statement. Murray’s attorney, Robert Sulkin, responded to the SGN with a surly “I’m very busy now. You can try calling later, but I’m sure I’ll be very busy then, too.”

Other questions center on Heckard himself. He has led a complicated life, and it’s not entirely clear what motivated him to bring charges against Murray some 30 years after the incidents he alleges.

According to Beauregard, “DH’s claims are politically motivated in that he does not think a man who abuses children, and then lies about it in office, should be in high office without the public being afforded full information.”

Although he admitted to the Seattle Times that he was addicted to crack when he allegedly knew Murray, and that he spent time in jail for various crimes, he added that he’s now in recovery and attends Seattle Central College, where he is studying to become a chemical-dependency counselor.

While he initially wanted to conceal his name, Heckard now says he’s eager for the public to know who he is.

“Once people hear me talk,” he told the Times, “they’ll be able to feel my spirit, and they’ll have no doubts that what I’m saying is true.”

He is also eager to confront Murray and make the mayor admit that he’s lying about their past relationship, Heckard says.

“For me, really the next thing is I want to see him face to face,” he said. “I want to see his reaction. He can only deny it for so long. He can’t just keep on lying forever.”

“Mike McGinn’s divisive and confrontational style led to years of paralysis, dysfunction, and infighting at City Hall. As mayor, Mike McGinn picked fights with everyone under the sun. He attacked our Democratic governor, calling her a liar. He fought the Obama Dept. of Justice on police reform. He fought with our US attorney.

He fought with our city attorney. He fought with the City Council.

“As mayor, Mike McGinn led a flawed and failed search for a new police chief.

Mayor Murray, on the other hand, led a widely praised search effort that led to the appointment of Chief O’Toole. As mayor, Mike McGinn created an affordable housing task force that led nowhere and produced nothing. Mayor Murray created an affordable housing task force that led to a Grand Bargain that is creating thousands of additional affordable units across Seattle.

As mayor, Mike McGinn proposed a ballot measure to fund transit that the voters rejected. Mayor Murray, by contrast, has passed major ballot measures to expand funding for transit, transportation, affordable housing, parks, and quality pre-K.” Moon turned out to be the “credible”

and “resourced” mystery candidate that consulting firm Moxie Media had been teasing voters with for the past week.

Originally a McGinn ally in the fight against the deep-bore waterfront tunnel, Moon said she believed she would make a better mayor than McGinn.

“I like him. He’s a friend,” she told The Stranger’s Eli Sanders in an interview conducted before the public rollout of her campaign and embargoed until April 19. “I think we have different approaches and different styles of leadership.”

“I am committed to listening,” she explained, “to building shared commitment to vision, and sharing power and collaborating with partners, because that’s the way to achieve transformative change.”

Heir to a Michigan-based manufacturing business and owner of an upscale condo behind the Pike Place Market, Moon has the advantage of being able to self-fund her campaign – a huge advantage against Murray’s fundraising machine. According to disclosure documents, Murray has raised almost $375,000.

Nevertheless, Moon told Sanders that she will “fundraise like hell.” She will not

take corporate money, she added, but will put her own fortune into the campaign if necessary.

“A campaign for someone like me costs money,” Moon said, admitting that in spite of her record of activism, she is not well known to voters.

Besides Murray, McGinn, and Moon, there are eight others in the mayoral race, but only activists Nikkita Oliver and Andres Salomon seem to be making any impact on potential voters.

Most Seattle City Councilmembers have cooperated with Council President Bruce Harrell’s “cone of silence” approach to the controversy surrounding Murray.

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw has expressed confidence in Murray’s leadership and Kshama Sawant expressed support for victims of sexual abuse without naming Murray.

Moon has claimed an affinity with City Councilmembers Mike O’Brien and Lisa Herbold. McGinn was noted for his feuds with the City Council.

continued from cover said in a letter released by his attorneys that he “expects” Murray to remember him as “Delvonn” but “doubts Mr. Murray ever knew his last name.”

According to allegations in his lawsuit, Heckard met Murray when he was 15 years old and had sex with him repeatedly over a period of years in return for money.

In a statement issued shortly after Heckard revealed his name, Murray emphatically denied knowing him.

“I can state categorically that I have never had a sexual relationship with this individual, Delvonn Heckard, of any kind or at any time,” Murray says in the statement.

“I have never paid for sex, and I have never had sex with a minor. Heckard’s claims about my anatomy were proved medically false last week. His accusations are not true,” Murray added, saying he’d just learned Heckard’s name and it was “not familiar to me.”

In his first court filing, Heckard, then

MAYOR RACE continued from cover

her candidacy.

In a front yard press conference announcing his run, McGinn all but admitted that he entered the race hoping to take advantage of the allegations against Murray.

“Any candidate looks at the lay of the land,” McGinn said. “I’m really trying to avoid talking about the mayor’s legal troubles. Of course I looked at the lay of the land.”

McGinn was mayor for one term before being defeated by Murray in 2013.

“I think I can do a better job than Ed,” he claimed, citing rising housing costs that drive middle- and lower-income people out of Seattle.

In a statement responding to McGinn’s announcement, Murray recited a catalog of his predecessor’s failures.

“The last four years of Mayor Murray’s leadership stand in sharp contrast to the previous administration, when Mike McGinn was mayor,” Murray’s statement said.

4 Seattle Gay News

April 21, 2017

Celebrating 41 Years!

SGN EXCLUSIVE: Ted Allen talks “Queer Eye,” food and Dining Out for Life!

tax break to very privilege wealthy people and I don’t know, frankly, how Paul Ryan looks at himself in the mirror in the morning, when he is behind that. You going to be that person in history? OK, I think with fight, I think with protest, I think the second protest, it is good to talk to somebody I could actually discuss this with. I mean, you know in NY that’s not an uncommon position. We are strong in our opposition to this administration and I think ultimately we are going to win again, but right now we are in a very challenging time.

MK: Burning Question: What is Ted Allen’s favorite cuisine and why?

Ted: Ahaa! Well, there are too many to narrow down. I will narrow down a little bit, and this one, I can cut it down to some of my favorites. On “Queer Eye,” I had the best job. Food and wine. Thom had it with hard labor, but he is so creative. Carson shopped for clothes. Kyan was grooming and had limited time and I was limitless and all I did was cook and drink wine. I can explain to you the different styles of champagne.

You know I love Mexican, French food. I will roast a chicken tonight in a Frenchy way with lemon, thyme, garlic. I love Thai food, Korean BBQ. I love Japanese food. I love Chinese food. I mean, that is to say, at some point, to say what I love about food, is the priority – is my favorite about it. I made a quiche for lunch today. I don’t know how old you are, but every time I make a quiche, I can’t help remembering and can’t believe there is a book from the 1980’s called Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche. Hello, it is a frittata with a crust, delicious, what is not to like?!

Someone got rich off that book. Let’s hope they donated the proceeds to Dining Out for Life or LGBT causes.

MK: Ted, thanks for chatting!

Ted: Well, thanks, MK. I really appreciate your help getting the word out about Dining Out for Life. It’s a great organization and everybody should go eat and do something good for the world!

by MK Scott SGN Contributing Writer DINING OUT FOR LIFE April 27 The 26th Annual Dining Out For Life® hosted by Subaru® is a restaurant-based event with a truly scrumptious call to action: Dine at one of the 3,000 participating restaurants in more than 60 cities across North America on Thursday, April 27th and that restaurants will donate a generous portion of the day’s proceeds to fund HIV/AIDS care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential services in their city.

For over 20 years, Lifelong AIDS Alliance has benefited from this annual event and it goes into the same programs that are benefited from the annual AIDS Walk that occurs every September. Here is a chance to support Lifelong’s programs by just eating out.

On this day, over 100 restaurants in the Seattle area will donate 30-50% of their proceeds to Lifelong’s vital programs that support people facing serious illness and poverty in our community. For participating restaurants, visit www.diningoutforlife.com or Facebook/DiningOut4Life.

Because of your support, in 2016, Lifelong was able to feed over 1,900 individuals by providing 36,500 bags of groceries and 170,000 nutritious meals to those in need.

Dining Out for Life is one of Lifelong’s biggest, most important fundraisers of the year and ensures that their food program, Chicken Soup Brigade, can continue to provide their clients with healthy food catered to their specific medical conditions.

DOFL also ensures that Lifelong’s other life-saving programs, including medical case management, housing, insurance and dental, can continue to support the clients who need it the most.

Reality star and my old friend (of 14 years), Ted Allen (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “Chopped”) has been one of the spokespeople for Dining Out for Life for over 10 years. I had the chance to chat with Ted by phone last month on March 14th.

MK Scott: Ted, how are you? I know it’s been about thirteen years since we last saw each other.

Ted Allen: I am very well and we have got to stop meeting like this.

MK: But I’m very excited because this is our first official interview. I am also excited that you are a one of the spokespeople for Dining Out for Life.

TED: I appreciate your interest. It’s hard for me to believe, but I’ve been involved with Dining Out for Life, this is my tenth year, when I’ve done press to promote Dining Out for Life. I’ve always been thrown around the number – about $4 million dollars it raises across the country – nearly all of which stays directly in the community. I think all of it does. All the money raised in Seattle is spent in Seattle on Seattle residents who have issues with HIV or AIDS and also, of course, in prevention efforts. I’m very happy to report that last year that number was actually $4.19 million, which is a nice increase; and although the progression of the HIV disease has changed over those years, in terms of the population that is hit the hardest, it’s still very much an issue, and it’s something we can’t forget about. For me, this Dining Out for Life is a sort of perfect fit, because it addresses the issues that still impact the LGBT Community and affects other populations I care about, like that are primarily

Ted Allen – Photo courtesy of Dining Out for Life

women of color. It also impacts the industry that I love so much, the restaurant industry, and the craft I love so much, which is the cooking of food, and this is the case, whenever you are trying to raise money for a good cause, the restaurant community is almost always the first place to go, it always is one of the places to go, they always step up, they provide gift certificates, they cook for free at fundraisers, every chef I know cooks for free. They get an average of three to five to ten events in a year and some the famous chefs including the great (Chef) Tom Collocchio or my personal friend Mark Murphy who devoted enormous amount of time to work for groups like No Kid Hungry or Tom, who has just launched, with his wife, a new campaign that’s gonna be unveiled on the twenty first of this month called Food is Fuel and it’s all about preserving SNAP benefits and for people with families who are hungry and a bunch of issues that matter a lot to me and I’m sorry I talked at such great length and I’ll shut up....

MK: Besides the fact that it includes the food aspect, what are the reasons why Dining Out for Life, is so important to you?

Ted: It’s so easy to say “Yes” to this event! That’s the thing about this event, everybody will say “yes,” everybody…we all have to eat and the range of restaurants that participated goes all the way from the corner cafe where we go for a cup of

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coffee and sandwich to a nice restaurant where it is cooked by a real creative person and staffed by creative people who like to take care of other people, where you could order a dessert or a nicer wine, even celebrate with champagne, which increases the amount of money that the restaurant can donate. There is nothing but goodness about the whole thing.

MK: In the current political climate, what should be the biggest healthcare concern of people living with AIDS or other LGBT concerns?

Ted: Right now, the Republicans attempting to overturn Obamacare with something that would knock 24 million people off their health insurance with unaffordable, less coverage, particularly important on all those people and obviously within that 24 million people, there are people with HIV/AIDS who are going to lose their health insurance period. “Tough Luck,” and this is this supposed to be better? Also, I saw an interesting tweet from the comedian Michael Ian Black, who said that, the point of Obamacare was to put millions of people back on health insurance, the point of the Republican response is to provide tax breaks to thousands of wealthy people, so our goals, President Obama’s goal, was to provide insurance for millions of people. Republicans are taking a lead from millions of peoples to get a

April 21, 2017

About Dining Out For Life Dining Out For Life began in Philadelphia in 1991 and has since grown into an international event held across North America and raising an average $4.2 million annually. The idea behind the singleday event is simple and effective: Dine Out, Fight AIDS. Each restaurant donates a percentage of the day’s food sales, which goes to local organizations to fund care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential HIV/AIDS services. For more information, visit www.diningoutforlife. com or Facebook/DiningOut4Life. To participate, please contact Dining Out For Life International Association, Inc. About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit media.subaru.com.

For more of Ted Allen talking about his Food Network show, “Chopped” and what he thinks of the new version of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” check out MK’s podcast at podomatic.com/podcasts/itsfab.

Seattle Gay News 5

Trial starts in discrimination suit against U of Iowa Lesbian former employee charges anti-LGBT bias

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The trial in a lawsuit charging the University of Iowa with discriminating against a Lesbian associate athletic director started April 18 with both sides presenting opening arguments to the jury.

Jane Meyer claims she was transferred out of the athletics department and ultimately fired because her boss was uncomfortable with her sexual orientation and irritated by her complaints about gender discrimination in the department.

Lawyers for the university replied that Meyer was insubordinate toward her boss, athletics department director Gary Barta, after Barta fired her girlfriend, field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum.

Meyer was senior associate athletic director at the University of Iowa for 13 years, from 2001 until 2014. She was then transferred to a different university job – construction manager – and eventually terminated in September 2016.

Meyer and Griesbaum had been in a relationship since 2004, and Griesbaum was fired in 2014 after players complained about her coaching style. Griesbaum is also suing the university, in a trial scheduled to begin June 5.

Meyer also charges that a male employee hired by the athletic department in 2014 was paid $70,000 more than she was, and that her relationship with her boss deteriorated after she complained about the apparent gender discrimination.

Meyer was hired at Iowa by then–athletic director Bob Bowlsby, who consistently praised her work. Barta replaced Bowlsby in 2006 and began distancing himself from Meyer, according to court documents.

In 2013, Barta decided to create a new position of deputy athletics director and informed Meyer that he did not consider her a qualified candidate.

Their relationship deteriorated even further after Barta fired Griesbaum on

Jane Meyer – Photo by Lori Ann Cook-Neisler / The Pantagraph via AP

August 4, 2014, and Griesbaum sued the university. Four months later, Barta had Meyer reassigned to the construction department, citing Griesbaum’s litigation against the school.

According to Meyer’s attorney, Barta never intended for Meyer to return to the athletics department.

“Mr. Barta expects 100 percent blind loyalty and trust in his decisions,” the attor-

ney told the jury. “Jane’s career in athletics is done regardless of what this verdict is. …

The law and Iowa values support Jane.”

Meyer’s older sister, Monica Nassif, told the jury that Meyer was “devastated” by the loss off her athletics job.

“Here’s a very accomplished woman at the peak of her career,” Nassif said. “That is shell-shocking. Jane felt she was really knocked out of the job market.”

Jurors will be asked to determine if Meyer suffered workplace discrimination due to her gender and sexual orientation, as well as if she was treated differently after complaining about bias against herself and other female coaches.

The jury will also look at whether she was paid less than male coaches doing similar work.

Lambda Legal sues Puerto Rico for anti-transgender birth certificate policy San Juan, Puerto Rico – On April 6 Lambda Legal today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of four transgender Puerto Ricans and the LGBT rights organization Puerto Rico Para Tod@s to compel the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to allow transgender individuals to correct the gender marker on their birth certificates.

“Puerto Rico categorically prohibits changes to the gender marker on birth certificates, even for those whose birth certificate does not match who they are. This policy has no rational justification in law or practice,” Lambda Legal Staff Attorney Omar Gonzalez-Pagan said. “In fact, government officials in Puerto Rico know this, as they, appropriately, allow transgender individuals to correct the gender marker on their drivers’ licenses. Puerto Rico’s birth certificate policy is at odds with the federal government’s policies, with 46 out of the 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia, and with common sense.”

Lambda Legal filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico on behalf of three transgender women – Daniela Arroyo González, Joanna Cifredo and Victoria Rodríguez Roldán – and one transgender man, J.G., identified

only by his initials, as well as Puerto Rico Para Tod@s. The lawsuit argues that denying transgender Puerto Ricans the ability to obtain accurate birth certificates violates the Equal Protection and Due Process clauses of the U.S. Constitution. In addition, the lawsuit argues that forcing transgender Puerto Ricans through their birth certificates to identify with a gender that is not who they are violates their right to free speech under the First Amendment.

“Forcing transgender Puerto Ricans to go through life with inaccurate birth certificates, a basic form of identification, unnecessarily exposes them to discrimination, harassment and violence. This policy is wrong, harmful and illegal,” GonzalezPagan said. “It compels transgender Puerto Ricans to out themselves at work and in public, compromises their mental health by preventing them from living fully and completely as who they are, and, as the epidemic of violence particularly targeting transgender women of color demonstrates, exposes them to significant harm.”

According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, almost one-third of transgender individuals who showed an identity document with a name or gender marker that

6 Seattle Gay News

April 21, 2017

conflicted with their perceived gender were harassed, denied benefits or services, discriminated against or assaulted. Transgender individuals also are disproportionately targeted for hate crimes. And, the recent efforts by states like North Carolina and others to restrict access to single-sex restrooms and locker rooms underscores the importance of accurate identity documents, especially birth certificates.

“We plan to bring our experience litigating LGBTQ discrimination issues in other jurisdictions to bear here as we seek to enforce our clients’ important, basic rights in this case,” said Ropes & Gray partner Dan O’Connor. Ropes & Gray, a global law firm, has been recognized for its work assisting LGBTQ individuals with legal guidance and, a Ropes & Gray partner, Doug Hallward-Driemeier argued the landmark marriage equality case Obergefell v. Hodges before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015.

“I’m a girl. I’ve known since I was three years old that I’m a girl,” said Daniela Arroyo González, an 18-year-old high school senior. “I’ve had to put up with a lot since I decided to live as my true self – harassment, discrimination and separate and unequal treatment. That’s wrong and I hope

with this lawsuit we can persuade Puerto Rico to do the right thing for me and for all transgender Puerto Ricans.”

The lawsuit is Arroyo et al. v. RossellóNevares et al. You can read the complaint here: http://www.lambdalegal.org/in-court/ legal-docs/pr_bc_20170406_complaint Read about birth certificate policies across the United States at http://www. lambdalegal.org/know-your-rights/article/ trans-changing-birth-certificate-sex-designations Handling the case on behalf of Lambda Legal are: Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Demoya Gordon, Dru Levasseur and Kara Ingelhart.

They are joined by pro-bono co-counsel Celina Romany-Siaca of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Richard Batchelder, Daniel O’Connor, Aliki Sofis, David Soutter, Sara Jones and Bonnie Doyle of Ropes & Gray LLP. 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

Celebrating 41 Years!

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April 21, 2017

Seattle Gay News 7

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8 Seattle Gay News

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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Seattle Gay News 11

Scientists find HIV reservoirs in macrophages Discovery may make HIV cure more difficult

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Scientists at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine have made a discovery that could make curing HIV infection more difficult.

In a report published in Nature Medicine, researchers said they had discovered viral reservoirs in macrophages. Previously, scientists had only known about such reservoirs in T cells.

Like T cells, macrophages are part of the human immune system and are found throughout the human body.

In HIV-negative people, some T cells directly attack and destroy virus-infected cells, while others assist in that process.

Macrophages then surround and “clean up” cellular debris, foreign substances, cancer cells, and anything else that is not essential to the functioning of healthy cells.

HIV attacks healthy T cells and renders them useless, thus opening HIV-positive people to opportunistic infections.

In HIV-positive patients who are treated with antiretroviral medications, the HIV virus can be knocked down to a point where there is no detectable viral load. At

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this point, the patient will show no symptoms of HIV infection and will generally not be infectious.

HIV can remain dormant in T cells, however, forming “viral reservoirs.” Consequently, if treatment is suspended, the HIV virus can reassert itself. Much current HIV research focuses on finding and destroying reservoirs of dormant HIV. The discovery that HIV can form reservoirs in macrophages as well complicates the search for a cure to HIV infection. According to Jenna Honeycutt, lead author of the new study, her team’s discovery is “paradigm changing.”

Scientists must now discover how to eliminate persistent HIV infection macrophages as well, she said.

Initial research demonstrated that in the absence of humanized T cells, antiretroviral drugs could strongly suppress HIV in macrophages, using an experimental mouse model.

However, when the therapy was interrupted, the virus rebounded in one-third of the mice. This, say researchers, is consistent with persistent infection in the face of drug therapy, paralleling similar persistence in T cells.

STRATA

Strata is a 7-year-old Shepherd mix with a mellow personality and a big smile! Strata is a great walking buddy and will also love to lie down at the park and relax with you. This beautiful girl loves receiving affection and is a happy dog. Meet Strata at Seattle Humane!

As with all of our dogs, Strata has been spayed, micro-chipped, vaccinated and behavior-tested. She will go home with a certificate for an examination by a King County veterinarian and an identification tag. PLUS, most dog adoptions include 30 days of pet insurance from Trupanion and a training rebate when you complete a dog behavior course - a great way to start off on the right paw!

Introduce to children 8 years and older. Resident dogs are required to visit Strata prior to adoption. No cat test done.

NEVADA Nevada, a 3-year-old soft black male kitty! With his sweet and reserved personality, Nevada will need an adopter who understands that it may take him time to warm up. He came to Seattle Humane after having been through a rough start and would love to learn the warmth of new loving best friends and family. He’s currently cozied up in the Feline Library ready to meet his new family. Come meet him today at Seattle Humane - he’ll purr his way right into your heart!

As with all of our cats, Nevada is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. All of our cats have been tested for Feline Leukemia/FIV and go home with a certificate for an examination by a King County veterinarian and their very own identification tag and collar. PLUS, most cat adoptions include 30 days of pet insurance from Trupanion - a great way to start off on the right paw!

Earth Day - Adopt a Hybrid | April 21-23 Adopt a Hybrid to celebrate Earth Day! Seattle Humane has many different mixed and patterned dogs ready to explore the world with you. Daily walks with dogs are the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and these pups are eager adventure buddies. Take advantage of Adopt a Hybrid this weekend, April 21st through 23rd, for $22 off adoption fees for dogs 1 year and up. Details at seattlehumane.org Love is Positive | All April We are waiving all adoption fees throughout the month of April for any cat diagnosed with Feline Leukemia (FeLV). While many shelters have to euthanize these cats due to lack of resources, Seattle Humane extends life-saving efforts to include the adoption of FeLV+ cats. These felines can live happily and comfortably as fabulous companions for months to years – just like any other cat. Choose to adopt a FeLV+ cat and offer love for as long as possible.

12 Seattle Gay News

April 21, 2017

Celebrating 41 Years!

Roy Moore still a loser, Alabama special court rules

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A special court of distinguished retired judges has upheld a judgment removing former state Chief Justice Roy Moore from office.

The April 19 decision confirms the September 2016 ruling that stripped the controversial Moore of his post after he advised Alabama judges not to comply with the US Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality.

In a press conference after the ruling, Moore said he would not comply with the latest court decision either.

“I have done my duty under the laws of this state to stand for the undeniable truth that God ordained marriage as the union of one man and one woman,” Moore declared, and added that in his view he remains Chief Justice.

Moore can’t appeal the decision removing him, however, because he has exhausted all his options in state courts and there

Former state Chief Justice Roy Moore – Photo courtesy of al.com

are no federal issues at stake.

This is not the first time Moore was stripped of his post as Chief Justice. In 2003 he was also removed from office after refusing to comply with a federal court ruling ordering him to take down a religious display at the state Supreme Court building.

He was re-elected Chief Justice in 2013 but was suspended in May 2016 after the marriage controversy.

Moore said he is considering a run for the US Senate seat vacated by now–Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The post is now held by appointee Luther Strange, but a special election must be held December 12.

If he decides not to run for the Senate, Moore could also run for governor of Alabama in 2018. Incumbent Gov. Robert Bentley resigned on April 10 after diverting campaign funds to pay off a former staffer with whom he was carrying on a relationship.

Moore previously ran for governor of Alabama in 2006 and 2010 but finished far down the list of primary candidates.

Lambda Legal files federal lawsuit in Idaho against anti-transgender birth certificate policy Boise, ID – On April 18 Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit challenging the State of Idaho’s refusal to allow transgender people to correct the gender on their birth certificates.

“Unlike nearly every other state in America, Idaho currently enforces a categorical ban against transgender people changing the gender on their birth certificates, which is an archaic policy that defies logic,” Lambda Legal Senior Attorney Peter Renn said. “In fact, government officials in Idaho know this, given that they allow transgender people to change the gender on their driver’s licenses.”

Lambda Legal filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho on behalf of F.V., a transgender woman identified only by her initials. The lawsuit argues that denying transgender Idahoans the ability to obtain accurate birth certificates discriminates against them and in-

vades their liberty under the U.S. Constitution. In addition, the lawsuit argues that forcing transgender Idahoans through their birth certificates to identify with a gender that is not who they are violates their right to free speech under the First Amendment.

“This policy is not only archaic and outof-step with the rest of America but also dangerous. Forcing transgender Idahoans to go through life with inaccurate birth certificates, a basic form of identification, unnecessarily exposes them to discrimination, harassment, and violence. It also denies them their very identity,” Renn said.

“Identity documents communicate to the world who you are. No one should have to represent that they are someone they are not.”

According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, almost one-third of transgender individuals who showed an identity document with a name or gender marker that

conflicted with their perceived gender were harassed, denied benefits or services, discriminated against, or assaulted. Transgender individuals also are disproportionately targeted for hate crimes.

“I just want a birth certificate that accurately reflects who I am,” said F.V., now 28 years old and living in Hawai`i. “I hope that Idaho will give me the dignity of deciding when complete strangers get to know deeply private information about my life. Like so many transgender people, I’ve been on the receiving end of harassment and outright violence. It costs Idaho nothing to correct this piece of paper and recognize me as the woman that I am.”

The lawsuit is F.V. v. Armstrong. You can read the complaint here: http://www. lambdalegal.org/in-court/legal-docs/fv_ id_20170418_complaint Read about birth certificate policies across the United States here: http://www.

lambdalegal.org/know-your-rights/article/ trans-changing-birth-certificate-sex-designations Handling the case on behalf of Lambda Legal are Peter Renn and Kara Ingelhart.

They are joined by pro bono co-counsel Monica G. Cockerille of Cockerille Law Office, PLLC, Boise, ID. 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

SPLC sues pro-Trump neo-Nazi

soula Division, seeks compensatory and punitive damages. It accuses Anglin of invading Gersh’s privacy and intentionally inflicting emotional distress. It also out-

lines how his campaign violated the Montana Anti-Intimidation Act. “There’s no place in Montana for the hate Andrew Anglin unleashed from the darkest corners of the internet,” said cocounsel John Morrison, a partner with the Montana firm of Morrison, Sherwood, Wilson, and Deola. “The attack on Tanya Gersh was an attack on all of us.”

According to the lawsuit, the intimidation began after Anglin accused Gersh of trying to extort money from the mother of Richard Spencer, another prominent altright leader.

Spencer heads the National Policy Institute, a white nationalist organization, and Anglin accused Gersh and other Jewish residents of Whitefish of trying to ruin Spencer’s mother, who owns a business in the town.

The SPLC has been successful with similar suits against hate groups in the past.

In 2000, for example, SPLC sued Richard Butler and his Aryan Nations organization on behalf of a woman and her son who were attacked by Butler’s guards. Butler was compelled to turn over title of his 20-acre compound to the woman. She subsequently sold it to a local philanthropist who, in turn, donated it to North Idaho College, which created a “peace park” on the site.

April 21, 2017

Seattle Gay News 13

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) filed a federal lawsuit April 18 against Andrew Anglin, managing editor of the neo-Nazi Daily Stormer website.

The site at one time advertised itself as “America’s #1 most trusted Republican news source” and ran photos of Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan on its masthead. The Daily Stormer site currently features photos of pro-Trump demonstrators in Berkeley, Calif., assaulting anti-Trump marchers.

SPLC’s lawsuit charges Anglin with using his website to launch an anti-Semitic “troll storm” against a Jewish family in Whitefish, Mont. According to court documents, Anglin published 30 online articles targeting real estate agent Tanya Gersh. As a result, SPLC says, Gersh, her husband, and her 12-year-old son have received more than 700 harassing messages since December 2016.

“Andrew Anglin knew he had an online army primed to attack with the click of a mouse,” said SPLC President Richard Cohen. “We intend to hold him accountable for the suffering he has caused Ms. Gersh and to send a strong message to those who

Andrew Anglin, managing editor for neo-Nazi Daily Stormer website – Photo courtesy of splcenter.org

use their online platforms as weapons of intimidation.”

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Montana – Mis-

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees reports police raid in Esfahan, Iran [On April 14] around 8:30 pm, Esfahan’s police raided a private party in Bahadoran, the Garden region of Esfahan, Iran. After firing several gunshots, they arrested more than 30 men apparently between the ages of 16 and 30 for being homosexual.

IRQR received several reports in last the few days and was able to confirm that police attacked guests and physically beat them. Police detained them all at the Basij (Revolutionary Guard Militia) Station and then transferred them to Esfahan’s Dastgerd Prison. A few people managed to escape and we received reports that there were several heterosexual individuals among those arrested.

After a few days, all the families were informed by Basij that their sons were arrested for “Sodomy.” A special prosecutor has been assigned to their cases and they were charged with sodomy, drinking alcohol, and using psychedelic drugs.

It was reported that prisoners will be sent to Esfahan’s Medical Jurisprudence department for anal examination in order to provide evidence of homosexual acts to the court.

According to the Islamic Punishment Code in Iran, homosexuality is punishable by death and a judge is able to sentence them based on valid evidence such as a

RAINBOW RAIL continued from cover

lice in the past month, and the government of Chechnya is said to have at least two secret prisons dedicated to holding and torturing Gay prisoners.

Rainbow Railroad was founded in 2006 with the mission of helping LGBT people escape dangerous areas through an international network of safe travel routes.

“Since we first received initial reports of gay concentration camps being established in Chechnya, Rainbow Railroad immediately reclassified Eastern Europe as a priority region,” Rainbow Railroad Executive Director Kimahli Powell explained.

“This means we’re expanding our onthe-ground contacts as well as increasing our capacity to identify and assess new or alternative safe routes out of Chechnya.”

In Chechnya, Rainbow Railroad is working closely with the Russian LGBT Network, a Russian group currently leading the campaign to rescue LGBT people in danger in Chechnya. The two organizations

OUTRIGHT

continued from cover said, “This is one of the worst homophobic campaigns the world has ever seen. If Russia will not listen to other governments or even the United Nations, it is time to see if we can get money to talk in a language that they will listen to. The arrests and torture of perceived Gay men has to end and those involved must be held to account.”

Over the past two weeks hundreds of Gay men or those perceived to be Gay have been systematically rounded up by Chechen authorities and placed in what is now being referred to as concentration camps.

While multiple independent sources have confirmed the existence of unofficial prisons, Chechen authorities continue to deny these allegations and Putin continues to ignore these serious crimes.

Diplomatic voices have been expressed

14 Seattle Gay News

Esfahan, Iran – Photo courtesy of irqr.ca

medical report. Also, drinking alcohol is punishable by 100 lashes.

This unfortunate event has created fear and chaos among the LGBT community in Esfahan since prisoners were forced to write down full names of all their LGBT

friends and acquaintances.

IRQR is deeply concerned about this situation since Iran has a well-documented history of persecuting homosexuals.

Arsham Parsi Executive Director Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees

will work together to identify individuals who need to be evacuated, with Rainbow Railroad providing direct travel assistance.

“An important part of our emergency response plan is to support the Russian LGBT Network in their rescue campaign,” says Powell.

“This includes fundraising to support the organization while allocating resources to increase the number of people we can support in the region. In addition, we are formally requesting the Canadian government provide direct assistance to those in need by way of emergency visas.”

community leaders gathered at a mosque in Grozny, the country’s capital.

At the meeting, they passed a resolution threatening Novaya Gazeta: “In view of the fact that [Novaya Gazeta] insulted the secular foundations of Chechen society and the dignity of men-Chechens, as well as our faith, we promise that retribution will overtake the true instigators, wherever and whoever they may be, without a statute of limitations,” the resolution said.

“The resolution encourages religious fanatics to violence against journalists,” Novaya Gazeta responded.

“Silence and inaction in this situation make everyone who is capable of anything done [sic], complicit. That is why the Novaya Gazeta continues to work in Chechnya.

“But we are very aware of the high price we can pay.”

people in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation and those persecuted by association,” Haley said.

“If true, this violation of human rights cannot be ignored – Chechen authorities must immediately investigate these allegations, hold anyone involved accountable, and take steps to prevent future abuses.

“We are against all forms of discrimination, including against people based on sexual orientation. When left unchecked, discrimination and human rights abuses can lead to destabilization and conflict.”

The Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAAD) said Haley was doing the right thing in speaking out.

“The attacks on LGBTQ men and reports of concentration camps in Chechnya were beyond horrific, and Ambassador Haley is taking the right step in speaking out against these blatant violations of human rights,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president and CEO. “This is a powerful sign that the US Mission to the United Nations will continue to prioritize LGBTQ acceptance and fight discrimination and human rights abuses around the world.”

Threats against reporters Meanwhile, Chechen authorities have threatened journalists reporting on the persecution of Gays in the country. The Russian publication that broke the news, Novaya Gazeta, believes its employees are now under threat.

“We have serious concerns for the safety of our employees,” the paper said in a statement.

News of the arrests and murders of Gay men broke on April 1. On April 3, Chechen authorities, Islamic scholars, and local on this issue with government officials from the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, and others demanding the halt of arrests and investigation into these crimes. United Nations Special Rapporteurs also issued an urgent appeal to the Russian authorities; however diplomacy is proving to be ineffective in pressuring Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov or Vladimir Putin from putting a stop to these atrocities.

Exxon, BP, and Shell have policies in place that protect LGBTIQ employees against harassment and discrimination.

Public documents and statements from the companies indicate: Shell aims to “strive to be a pioneer of LGBT inclusion in the workplace,” are a part of Workplace Pride in Amsterdam, and flies the rainbow flag during pride celebrations.

BP asserts that they are the “highestranking energy company in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index,” and members of the BP Pride Group lead pride parades

April 21, 2017

US calls for investigation At a United Nations meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley called on the Chechen government to investigate charges against its police force.

“We continue to be disturbed by reports of kidnapping, torture, and murder of

Courtesy of IRQR Voice

around the world.

Exxon protects all LGBTIQ employees from discrimination, and a spokesperson has said that, “ExxonMobil supports a work environment that values diversity and inclusion.”

Stern continued, “The capture, detention, and torture of men perceived to be Gay in Chechnya is a grotesque human rights violation on a prolific scale. Exxon, BP, and Shell should use the leverage they have on Russia and use any means possible to urge Russian authorities to immediately end these horrific persecutions. This goes beyond business interests, it is a matter of life and death.”

OutRight launched their petition last week and encourages the public to join them in requesting Exxon, BP, and Shall take action to stop the targeting of Gay men in Chechnya. You can access the petition at http://iglhrc.nonprofitsoapbox.com/ demand-stop-to-detentions-in-chechnya

abused in ways that shock the conscience.

The stories of their struggles and their resilience are astounding, yet remain unknown – or willfully ignored – by those with the power to make change. OutRight Action International, founded in 1990 as the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, works alongside LGBTIQ people in the Global South, with offices in six countries, to help identify communityfocused solutions to promote policy for lasting change. We vigilantly monitor and document human rights abuses to spur action when they occur. We train partners to expose abuses and advocate for themselves.

Headquartered in New York City, OutRight is the only global LGBTIQ-specific organization with a permanent presence at the United Nations in New York that advocates for human rights progress for LGBTIQ people.

Every day around the world, LGBTIQ people’s human rights and dignity are

Courtesy of OutRight Action International

Celebrating 41 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

April 21, 2017

Seattle Gay News 15