ISSUE 20
C E L E B R AT I N G
VOLUME 51
49 YEARS
F R I D AY
IN
M AY 1 9 , 2 0 2 3
PRINT S E AT T L E ’ S L G B T Q I A + N E W S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T W E E K LY S I N C E 19 74
SPD LGBTQ ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS RETURN by Benny Loy SGN Contributing Writer Relations between Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the larger community have been on thin ice for years, especially after the George Floyd protests in the summer of 2020. Speak to most Seattleites about the SPD, and they can recall moments when tensions were high, and when they felt as though those sworn to protect did not fulfill their duty. Especially those belonging to marginalized communities have critiqued what they view as intimidation and discrimination at the hands of the police force. But after three years of the advisory council meetings being on hold, they are coming back, and according to the speakers at latest meeting, they aim to rebuild trust.
see SPD page 4
Photo courtesy of City of Seattle
George Santos pleads not guilty to 13 counts of fraud
Eurovision 2023 as Queer as ever
Photo by Eduardo Munoz / Reuters
by Lindsey Anderson SGN Staff Writer George Santos, the Republican representative for New York’s 3rd Congressional District, turned himself in on Wednesday, May 10, to face a variety of charges. Santos was released on a $500,000 bond and pleaded “not guilty” upon arraignment. Santos is facing 13 charges in total, including wire fraud, money laundering,
theft of public funds, and making false statements to Congress. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Nevertheless, Santos is still actively seeking reelection and refuses to resign, despite bipartisan calls from constituents. He claims the allegations are a “witch hunt” and looks forward to showcasing his ability to “address and defend” himself.
see SANTOS page 16
Loreen – Photo courtesy of EBU
by Richard Isaac Special to the SGN The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest — among the world’s most watched nonsporting events, with an audience of about 170 million, give or take — is now in the history books. Sweden’s legendary Loreen — and her hyperlong fingernails — bested 25 com-
petitors with a polished, dramatic performance of “Tattoo,” making her only the second artist (and first woman) to win the contest twice. She came out on top in 2012 with “Euphoria”; Ireland’s Johnny Logan won in 1980 and 1987. Sweden has now also tied Ireland for the most wins in Eurovision’s 67-year history, with seven each.
see EUROVISION page 5