SGN February 3, 2012 - Section 1

Issue 05 Volume 40

FRIDAY February 3, 2012 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands

Celebrating 39 Years!

MAINE UPDATE p. 17

“SUPER” MADONNA p. 25

JAZZ ALLEY p. 30

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Postcards flood Senate HISTORIC VOTE, YES! 28-21 Advocates delivered 24,000 postcards to WA Senate prior to marriage vote

Washington State Senate passes marriage equality bill

In what is being hailed as a historic moment, the Washington state Senate passed legislation February 1 to legalize marriage equality, bringing the state one step closer to becoming the seventh to allow LGBT couples to wed.

The measure was expected to pass, and the packed public galleries burst into applause when the vote totaled 28-21 – three more votes than originally anticipated – after nearly an hour and a half of debate.

In all, four Republicans joined the bill’s supporters to secure a win. Three Democrats voted against it. The measure now heads

by Shaun Knittel working to obtain civil marriage to the House, which is expected to for Lesbian and Gay couples in approve it as early as next week.

SGN Associate Editor Washington state in 2012, deliv- Washington State Governor Chris Washington United for Mar- ered more than 24,000 constituent Gregoire has said she would sign riage, the broad statewide coalition postcards to every state senator it into law. of organizations, congregations, unions, and business associations see postcards page 21 see marriage page 20

Marriage equality around the USA

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

As Washington’s Senate voted to pass the Marriage Equality Act, marriage equality also moved forward in two other states – Maryland and New Jersey – but came under attack in New Hampshire.

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley testified in person before a legislative committee on January 31, telling lawmakers that his state’s marriage equality bill was a sign of “equal respect for the freedom of all.”

“The very reason for our state’s founding was for religious freedom. At the heart of religious freedom is respect for the freedom of individual conscience,” O’Malley told the Senate Judicial Hearings Committee, referring to Maryland’s origins as a haven for English Catholics.

“The way forward, the way to sustain and enhance our common life together, is equal respect for the freedom of all.”

O’Malley’s full testimony was

nate gowdy / seattle gay news

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Cheering erupts from a crowd of Gay marriage supporters at the capitol building as the vote is passed.

WA State Labor Council endorses marriage equality

“This past year has been one of great struggle for working people,” said WSLC President Jeff JohnThe Washington State Labor son. “Across the nation, working Council (WSLC) announced its people came together with comsupport for marriage equality in a munity partners under the banner ‘We Are One’ to stand up for jobs statement released February 1.

The WSLC is the state’s largest labor organization, representing see equality page 20 some 425,000 union workers. see labor page 20

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Capitol Hill’s Newest self storage CHoiCe!

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February 3, 2012

1800 terry ave (Corner of terry & Howell) 206-467-5309 www.seattlevaultselfstorage.com Celebrating 39 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 3, 2012

Seattle Gay News

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Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973

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New data documents diversity among families

George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel, Miryam Gordon, Anthony Greer Contributing Writers

Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Scott Wittet, Nevin Jefferson, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Rex Wockner

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by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Proportionally fewer same-sex couples are raising children today than in 2006, and their families reflect greater racial/ethnic and socioeconomic diversity than often

Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business.

Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper.

Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication.

We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write.

And please play safe.

It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.

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

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February 3, 2012

represented in the media and academic research, according to new analyses by Williams Distinguished Scholar Dr. Gary Gates, published by the National Council of Family Relations.

“These findings debunk popular misconceptions about parenting among same-sex couples, particularly that those raising children are predominantly white, urban, and wealthy,” said author Gates.

Demographic data shows significant diversity among same-sex couples with children. These families live throughout the country: of same-sex couples by region, 26% in the South, 24% in New England, and 21% in the Pacific states are raising children. Childrearing is substantially higher among racial/ethnic minorities, and AfricanAmericans, in particular, are 2.4 times more likely than their white counterparts to be raising children. Further, among individuals in same-sex couples who did not finish high school, 43% are raising children, and 20% of children raised by same-sex couples live in poverty.

Curiously, the proportion of same-sex couples raising children has begun to decline. In the 2000 Census, more than 17% of same-sex couples were raising children.

That proportion peaked at 19% in 2006 and has declined to 16% in 2009. Despite the decline, the number of same-sex couples rais-

ing children is still much higher today than 10 years ago since many more such couples are reporting themselves in Census Bureau data. In 2000, the Census reported about 63,000 same-sex couples raising children.

Today, the figure is now more than 110,000.

The decrease in the proportion of samesex couples raising children may be due to decreases in parenting by LGB individuals who had children at a relatively young age while in a relationship with a differentsex partner. Different-sex relationships at a relatively young age are a common path to parenthood for LGB men and women.

Gates analyses show that LGB individuals are younger than non-LGB individuals when they have their first child (22.5 years compared to 24.1 years, respectively), and individuals in same-sex couples who were previously married are much more likely to have biological or stepchildren than those who were never married (23.5% compared to 9.5%, respectively).

Despite proportional declines in parenting, Gates’ analyses show that adoptive parenting is clearly increasing. Among couples with children, the proportion of same-sex couples who have adopted children nearly doubled from 10% to 19% between 2000 and 2009. Same-sex couples with adopted children are twice as likely to be white, to have obtained a higher level of education, and to have never been previously married.

“Clearly, the decade saw a substantial rise in adoptive parenting,” said Gates, “but this increase has seemingly been outpaced by fewer LGB individuals having children early in life.”

Declining social stigma toward LGB people may mean that more are coming out earlier in life and are becoming less likely to have children with different-sex partners. The study’s findings have significant implications for research and policy. The geographic data suggest that many samesex couples with children live in states with limited or no legal protections for their families. Further, the diverse portrait of LGB families challenges scholars to broaden their research on parenting by same-sex couples and statistical agencies to do a better job of collecting data about LGBT individuals and their families.

The research draws on data from several population-based surveys, including the 2008 General Social Survey, the 2009 California Health Interview Survey, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Census 2000, and the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth.

For more information about this study, please visit williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/ research/census-lgbt-demographics-studies/family-formation-and-raising-childrenamong-same-sex-couples.

Celebrating 39 Years!

Trevor Project names Abbe Land executive director and CEO courtesy wieho

Abbe Land

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor On January 31, the Trevor Project announced the selection of its new executive director and CEO, Abbe Land, following an extensive nationwide search.

“Land, a recognized and respected health care professional, brings an impressive history of ensuring care to under-represented populations. She will begin her tenure in March with the Trevor Project, the nation’s leading provider of crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and questioning youth,” announced officials. “She succeeds David McFarland who has served in an interim role since April 2011. McFarland will continue as interim executive director and CEO through the transition.”

“We are excited to have Abbe Land join the Trevor Project as the new executive director and CEO. Abbe brings an exceptional skill set as an effective organizational leader, a visionary in providing support to under-served populations, and as an elected official,” said Ricky Strauss, interim chair of the board. “Her experience in assisting youth and being an advocate for LGBT issues will fortify the Trevor Project and those who depend on its services.”

Land comes to the Trevor Project having served as co-CEO of the Saban Free Clinic in Los Angeles since 2003. During her tenure, she co-led the clinic’s growth from a $6 million to a $16 million budget, including the opening of two new clinics and the building of a $22 million endowment. She oversaw all aspects of Saban’s operations ensuring integration of physical and mental health; providing medical, dental, and mental health services to more than 21,000 patients annually; and managing a full-time staff of 140 with more than 300 volunteers.

Land brings a wealth of public policy knowledge to the Trevor Project as a long-

time elected official who champions the needs of youth. She served the city of West Hollywood from 1986 to 1997 as a council member, returned to office in 2003, and was re-elected to a four-year term in March 2011. In her time on the council, she has served four two-year terms as mayor.

“I am honored to have been chosen as executive director and CEO of the Trevor Project, one of the most crucial and critical organizations of its kind in the world,” Land said. “The work of helping to prevent suicide among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and questioning youth is of paramount concern and importance to a community I care deeply about.”

In her new role with the Trevor Project, Land will be responsible for strategically managing and growing the organization’s $5 million budget with responsibility for all operations of the organization. Land will also serve as the lead executive and chief ambassador for the Trevor Project supporting the organization’s life-saving mission and vision.

She steps into the role following 10 months of growth under McFarland’s leadership. In that time, the Trevor Project’s budget grew from $2.2 million to $5 million, with a program investment of 81% in fiscal year 2011 (compared to 70% in 2010).

The organization has been recognized by the White House as a “Champion of Change” in suicide prevention, has gained an expanded role within the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and has worked with the U.N. Commission on Human Rights to improve lives of LGBT and questioning youth worldwide.

Addressing McFarland’s stewardship of the organization as an interim executive director, Strauss said, “We at the Trevor Project extend our heartfelt thanks to David McFarland, who has been instrumental in increasing our presence and profile on a national level among donors and support-

ers. His work has made Trevor’s life-saving services known to LGBT youth throughout the country. We are grateful that he will continue to guide the organization during this exciting transition period.”

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention

and suicide prevention services to LGBT and questioning young people under 24. Every day, the Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential lifeline, inschool workshops, educational materials, online resources, and advocacy. Learn more at TheTrevorProject.org.

CELEBRATE EQUALITY WITH A MONEYBOMB PARTY

people to donate $1,460 for each day of the four years since the “Everything But Marriage” bill was signed into law. The point I am making is make the decision to have our celebrations of a short term victory become a vehicle to insure our lasting victory.

Yes, we have won the battle, but we still have a long march before we have won the war.

On February 1st, a remarkable thing happened in WA state. The State Senate voted 28-21 in favor of marriage equality. Republicans like Cheryl Pflug crossed the aisle to reaffirm the vision that our founding fathers had for our nation. As Thomas Jefferson said in his 1801 inaugural address, “Bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression. Let us, then, fellowcitizens, unite with one heart and one mind.”

It is almost certain that the members of the State House will vote for this and that Governor Gregiore will sign it into law. That will be a wonderful day and also that will be the day that NOM starts their machine. In fact they already have started it. Remember Referendum 71 and the confusion of telling everyone decline to sign and then later having to explain to them that they now needed to be sure to vote yes on the thing that they didn’t want coming to a vote. Well, NOM and other opponents of marriage equality underestimated us once. They will not repeat that mistake twice.

NOM has already pledged $250,000 in ads where representatives have voted in favor of marriage equality, and stated, unabashedly, that they will bring this to a referendum. It is fine that we are celebrating, but we need to also be organizing. NOM has millions of dollars in its war chest and some zealous followers. We need to be able to fight back which means organizing now. We haven’t the luxury of time and can’t afford to rest upon on laurels of victory in the short run because it will surely sentence us to death in the long run.

I have a challenge for all of you. When the governor signs this into law, have a party!

Have a huge party! Invite everyone you know – Gay, Lesbian, Bi, straight, Queer, INVITE THEM ALL. Tell them to bring their checkbooks and cash too. Let’s have our own moneybomb for marriage equality and at every party have everyone donate $5 or $10 or $25 or $100 or whatever your friends can donate. Hell, if you are part of the income levels that can do it, try and get

Aaron McCartney RELIGION IS NOT THE ANSWER As someone who isn’t religious and doesn’t belong to any religious institution, I strongly object to religious institutions using politicians to pass legislation to impose their religious beliefs on others. I think it very wrong as well as unconstitutional for them to do so. Religious beliefs, whether taken from the Bible or the Koran, only apply to those who have willingly accepted that faith. Therefore for those to use the Bible or any religious book to prohibit samesex marriage, to promote racism or sexism, or to impose upon the rights of others in any fashion only promotes discord and, as history has shown time and time again, warfare.

Religion distracts from the world solving real and pervasive problems like poverty and the growing gap between the majority of the world’s population and those at the top who make decisions which as one looks around the world have not been in the best interest of the people. On the contrary, religion is used to justify such problems and as an excuse not to solve them.

George Whitaker

Come meet Tim and Matt and join the family.

Go 1605 12th Avenue at Pine, Seattle (In liquor store parking garage.) Seattle Storm!

206-838-6027 or 206-898-4306 Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 3, 2012

Seattle Gay News

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LGBTQ Allyship works on dental care bill

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer While the community’s attention has been focused on the progress of the Marriage Equality Act, one group of LGBT activists has been focusing on making health care more affordable for state residents.

LGBTQ Allyship has been working with a number of other organizations, including Washington Community Action Network (WCAN), Seattle Counseling Services, and YouthCare to push SB 6126 and its companion bill HB 2226.

“This bill would allow dental hygiene practitioners and dental practitioners to perform basic dental services and preventative services at lower costs,” Allyship executive director Debbie Carlsen explained.

“The bill would also provide living-wage jobs to marginalized individuals who might not have the funds to become a dentist – seven years of school versus two years of school.”

The Senate version, SB 6126, is sponsored

by Sen. David Frockt (D-46). The House companion bill, HB 2226, is sponsored by Eileen Cody (D-34).

According to Carlsen, the dental care bill is so important that “Allyship’s two main goals are to support raising revenue, and this Dental Bill.”

Last year, the legislature revoked dental coverage for Medicaid recipients in an attempt to cope with the state’s revenue shortfall, making dental care even less accessible for uninsured and low-income residents of the state.

Allyship saw a need to address this problem, Carlsen said, and began by organizing meetings between community organizations and key legislators, including Senate Ways and Means chair Ed Murray (D-43).

On January 3, Allyship and WCAN met with Murray and House Speaker Frank Chopp (D-43).

“Allyship advocated for raising revenue rather than cutting the Basic Health Plan, Disability Lifeline, and mental health and chemical dependency programs,” Carlsen told SGN. “On January 4th we had an exclusive meeting with Senator Murray to discuss the effects of health care budget cuts to the LGBTQ community,” Carlsen continued.

The result was that Murray agreed to cosponsor the dental care bill.

“Dental emergencies are the No. 1 medical reason why people frequent the emergency room,” Carlsen noted. “Four hundred thousand Washington residents went to the emergency room for dental-related emergencies in 2011.”

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Southern Poverty Law Center announced on February 2 that it will sue the U.S. government on behalf of a disabled Lesbian veteran and her wife.

Tracey Cooper-Harris served in the U.S. Army for 12 years, earning more than twodozen medals and commendations. She was honorably discharged in 2003.

She married her wife in California during the brief period in 2008 when same-sex marriage was legal in that state. She met her wife, a former teacher, when the two played on opposing rugby teams in California.

They now live in Pasadena.

Their marriage continues to be legal, even though California voters subsequently passed Prop 8, which reversed marriage equality.

In 2010, Cooper-Harris was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system, and she has received disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a result.

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Seattle Gay News

edward.murray@leg.wa.gov.

Carlsen said she is also looking for individuals in the LGBT community who currently lack dental care to share their stories with other community members and legislators. Allyship can be reached via email at allyship@yahoo.com. file photo

Southern Poverty Law Center sues feds over DOMA

Access to dental care is even more problematic for Transgender people and homeless youth, up to 40% of them LGBT youth, Carlsen said.

Allyship requests that members of the community thank Sen. Murray for supporting SB 6126. He can be reached via email at

The Department of Veterans Affairs denied Cooper-Harris’ application for additional benefits for her partner, even though their same-sex marriage is legal in California.

“We’re only asking for the same benefits as other married couples. We simply want the same peace of mind that these benefits bring to the families of other disabled veterans,” said Cooper-Harris at a press conference in Washington on Wednesday.

The Defense Department has said that the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prohibits the military from extending benefits to the partners of gay service members, even if they are legally married.

In their suit on behalf of Cooper-Harris, the Southern Poverty Law Center charges that the Department of Veterans Affairs discriminated against the couple by denying them benefits that are regularly offered to spouses in heterosexual marriages.

It also charges that DOMA is unconstitutional because it bans federal agencies from recognizing same-sex marriages, denying same-sex couples benefits available to couples in opposite-sex marriages.

February 3, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

NORTHWEST

NEWS

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

BORN THIS WAY KAFE FOR URBAN QUEER TEENS AT CAL ANDERSON PARK On Fridays, 5-9 p.m., at Cal Anderson Shelterhouse (1635 11th Ave., one block north of E. Pine St.), Seattle Parks & Recreation hosts Born This Way Kafe, a welcoming place where LGBTQ youth, friends and allies (ages 13-19) can gather, be themselves, and have fun. Meets every Friday.

For more information and to help make it happen, contact Randy at Seattle Parks, 206883-6110 txt/phone, email randy.wiger@seattle.gov or Google “SeattleParksCOD.”

2012 NW FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW – “A FLORAL SYMPHONY” FEBRUARY 8-12 www.gardenshow.com POZ SEATTLE – VALENTINE’S DAY SOCIAL On Wednesday, February 8, from 6-8 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (13th Ave. & E. Pine St.), POZSeattle hosts their monthly social (with a Valentine’s Day theme this month).

Meet in the downstairs bar for light snacks, socializing, catching-up with old friends, making new ones, and a whole lot of fun.

(Valentine’s Day cards will be provided for a game of Post Office.) This event is FREE (except for the cost of beverages), and is for all HIV-Positive men and their friends, regardless of age, shape, size, or color.

POZSeattle is a social organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-positive guys that is committed to planning and promoting fun, social activities. Our primary social event is always held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. For more information about this event, to plan your own social event, or to be added to the POZSeattle event promotions email list, email info@pozseattle.org or visit www.pozseattle.org.

REVOLUTION BOOKS – BOOK READING & BRADLEY MANNING PRESENTATION On Saturday, February 4, at 3 p.m., at Revolution Books (89 S. Washington St.), learn the truth about Bradley Manning who has been tortured awaiting trial and faces life imprisonment. The 24-year-old Army intelligence analyst is accused of leaking the “Collateral Murder” video of a U.S. helicopter attack that killed 11 civilians (including two Reuters journalists) and wounded two children in Baghdad, Iraq, and also faces charges of sharing documents with WikiLeaks. Gulf War Resister Jeff Paterson is touring the West Coast with the Free SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN Bradley Manning campaign and will read BOOK CLUB – WE THE ANIMALS from the new book, About Face: Military The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club Resisters Turn Against the War. meets every Wednesday, at 6 p.m., at Seattle Area Support Groups Community Center WINTER PRIDE (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.) WHISTLER, BC February’s selection is Fritz Peters’ pioFEBRUARY 5-12 neering Gay novel of 1951, We the Animals, www.gaywhistler.com

by Justine Forres, about three brothers, one of whom is Gay. Composed of small viGSBA – gnettes, this slender volume has received PRIME TIME EAST rave reviews, including praise from Dorothy On Tuesday, February 7, from 5:30-7:30 Allison, Michael Cunningham, and Marip.m., at Tutta Bella Neapolitain Pizze- lynne Robinson. ria (715 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah) the All GLBTQ folks are welcome to particiGSBA hosts their February Prime Time East pate in this FREE book club. For more insocial and networking event. This event is formation, email nickdimartin@earthlink. complimentary. To RSVP, call 206-363- net, visit http://faculty.washington.edu/ 9188 or visit www.thegsba.org. The GSBA switter/SGLBookClub/ or contact SASG at (Greater Seattle Business Association) is 206-322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

Greater Seattle’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

“CUPID’S HEAT 2” On Saturday, February 11, from 8 p.m.NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS midnight, at R Place (619 E. Pine St.), the AWARENESS DAY EVENT Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Abbey On Tuesday, February 7, FREE FOOD of St. Joan, presents a Valentine’s benefit from 6-7 p.m., FREE HIV testing from for Rise n’ Shine, a community organiza6-8:30 p.m., main event from 7-9 p.m., at tion that supports children impacted by Mount Zion Baptist Church (1604 19th Ave, HIV/AIDS, with your hostess Lady Chablis. at E. Madison St.), join Public Health – Se- www.risenshine.org. attle & King County, for a special evening in celebration of National Black HIV/AIDS IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE – Awareness Day, with Master of Ceremonies IN-TOWN SHOW & AWARDS Renee McCoy Ph.D., Senior Prevention On Sunday, February 12, door at 6 p.m., Manager for Lifelong AIDS Alliance; Max- show at 7 p.m., at R Place (619 E. Pine St.), ine Hayes, MD, MPH, Community Health join the Imperial Court of Seattle for their Educator for Project HANDLE; Tonya annual In-Town Show & Awards, an eveRasberry, Peer Advocate for BABES Net- ning of fine drag entertainment and a prework; Rev. Linda Smith, D.Min., Pastor of lude/kick-off for Coronation Week. (For the Church of Mary Magdalene; Rev. Aaron complete details, see SEATTLE COROWilliam, Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Bap- NATION 2012 listing below.) The In-Town tist Church. With live performances by The Show will feature Seattle-based performers Human Harmony Choral Academy (Youth paying tribute to the reigning monarchs and Choir), New Revelation Choir, Poet Selam the reigning monarchs recognizing the conGebrekidan, Poet Storme Webber. FREE tributions that individuals have made to the HIV testing will be provided by the Center Court this past year. (No cover for the Infor Multicultural Health. With an art raffle Town Show.) www.imperialcourtofseattle. featuring 10 items to be raffled off during com. the course of the evening with proceeds to the BABES Network, a local organization SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS – dedicated to serving HIV positive women.

FRIENDS & FAMILY Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Involved.

PREVIEW CONCERT Join us in the fight! To learn more, please IN RENTON visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/hiv On Sunday, February 12, at 7 p.m., at Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center (400 S. 2nd St., Renton), join Seattle Women’s Cho-

TACOMA LESBIAN CONCERN’S ANNUAL FORT FLAGLER RETREAT On February 15-20 (or 17-20) Tacoma Lesbian Concern hosts their annual retreat at Fort Flagler on Whidbey Island. According to their newsletter, the event is unique: each woman basically customizes the experience to suit her own interests and abilities.

Some of the hardier, more able-bodies women spent a lot of time hiking the beach and exploring the outdoors. Others take full advantage of the opportunity to curl up with a good book and read to their hearts content.

Some play cards, games and do jigsaw puzzles. Others spend much of their time talking and getting to know everyone better.

TLC will be reserving two buildings to provide comfy accommodations for everyone to cook, eat, sleep and socialize. Costs will be shared by those who reserve – probably close to $25 per person plus pitching in some food. Some financial assistance is available. Day visitors are welcome.

For complete information, visit www.tacomalesbianconcern.org.

On Saturday, February 18, door at 5 p.m., coronation pageant at 6 p.m., at Seattle Renaissance Hotel (515 Madison St.), the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and the Olympic and Rainier Empire presents Seattle Coronation 2012, the President’s Ball “Channel 41: A Year to Remember.”

Join Their Most Imperial Majesties Rainier XXXVII Mark Surreal and Olympia XL Precious Cargo with many local and out-oftown visiting dignitaries for an evening of fine drag entertainment and pageantry paying tribute to the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle, its reigning monarchs and title holders, past and present, visiting dignitaries from the Olympic and Rainier Empire and beyond, culminating in the crowning of the Imperial Court of Seattle’s new reigning Emperor and Empress for the coming year.

Tickets: $50. www.imperialcourtofseattle. com.

On Sunday, February 12, door at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., at R Place (619 E. Pine St.), the Imperial Court of Seattle presents the In-Town Show & Awards featuring Seattle-based performers paying tribute to the reigning monarchs and the reigning monarchs recognizing the contributions that individuals have made to the Court this past year. (No cover for the In-Town Show.)

On Thursday, February 16, at 7 p.m., at R Place, the Court presents the Denver/ Salt Lake Show, featuring performers and dignitaries from Denver and Salt Lake City.

(No cover for the Denver/Salt Lake Show.)

On Friday, February 17, at 7 p.m., at R Place, the Court presents the Out-of-Town Show, featuring performers and dignitaries from out-of-town near and far. ($10 suggested donation for the Out-of-Town Show.)

On Sunday, February 19, at 10:30 a.m., at Seattle Renaissance Hotel, the Court presents the Seattle Coronation 2012 Victory Brunch, celebrating the newly crowned Rainier XXXVIII and Olympia XLI. ($25 for the Victory Brunch.)

On Sunday, February 19, at 3 p.m., at C.C. Attle’s (1701 E. Olive Way), the Court presents the Alaska Bird-Water Party featuring visiting guests from Alaska. (No cover for the Alaska Bird-Water Party.)

“STAND OUT” – GSBA BUSINESS & HUMANITARIAN AWARDS BANQUET On Thursday, February 16, at 5:30 p.m., at Seattle Marriott Waterfront (2100 Alaskan Way), join GSBA members, with MC Gary Tucker, for “StandOUT,” a gala evening in celebration of the recipients of the 2011 GSBA Business & Humanitarian Awards and their noteworthy success in business, outstanding philanthropy and commitment to the LGBT community. With special guest Christine Gregoire. Tickets: $140-members, $160-nonmembers, $100 students. 206-3639188; www.thegsba.org.

SEATTLE RED DRESS PARTY On Saturday, February 18, from 9 p.m.-2 a.m., at Fremont Studios (155 N. 35th St.), join the incomparable Gaysha Starr with special guest performer Deborah Cox in her Seattle debut at the Seattle Red Dress Party with DJs Brian Gorr and Almond Brown.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit Gay City Health Project, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Multifaith Works, and Rise ‘n Shine.

Tickets on sale now: $40-general admission advance ($60 at the door), $100-VIP advance ($120 at the door, if available). Must be 21+ and MUST wear a red dress to attend. www.seattlereddressparty.org.

SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS – “SHOT THROUGH THE HEART” On Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, at 2 p.m., at Benaroya Hall (3rd Ave. & University St.), join Seattle Women’s Chorus for “Shot Through the Heart,” a concert of contemporary and classical love songs and love songs from the Great American Songbook. Tickets: $22-$52. 206-3881400; www.flyinghouse.org.

The Seattle Women’s Chorus will also be presenting a Friends & Family Preview Concert on Sunday, February 12, at 7 p.m., at Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center (400 S. 2nd St., Renton; 206-388-1400) and an out-of-town concert on Sunday, February 26, at 3 p.m., at the Admiral Theatre (515 Pacific Ave., Bremerton; 360-373-6743).

For more info: www.flyinghouse.org.

BOOK LAUNCH – AT SECOND GLANCE On Sunday, February 19, at 2 p.m., at the University Bookstore (4326 University Way NE), join Gay City and several local authors/contributors for an afternoon of readings from Gay City’s fourth literary anthology, At Second Glance. “There are always at least two viewpoints to every story….”

FREE. www.gaycity.org.

rus for their Friends & Family Preview Concert of “Shot Through the Heart,” a concert of contemporary and classical love songs and love songs from the Great American Songbook. Tickets: 206-388-1400.

The concert will also be performed on Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, at 2 p.m., at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall (3rd Ave. & University St.) and on Sunday, February 26, at 3 p.m., at Bremerton’s Admiral Theater (515 Pacific Ave., Bremerton).

For more info: www.flyinghouse.org.

ROSEHEDGE HOUSE – “LOVE BEYOND BOUNDARIES” VALENTINE’S DAY BANQUET On Tuesday, February 14, at 6 p.m., at Renaissance Seattle Hotel (515 Madison St.), Rosehedge/Multifaith Works presents “Love Beyond Boundaries,” a dinner, dance and silent auction benefiting the men and women served by Rosehedge/Multifaith Works. Tickets: $150. www.rosehedge.org/ lwb.

IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE – SEATTLE CORONATION 2012, THE PRESIDENT’S BALL: “CHANNEL 41: A YEAR TO REMEMBER”

SEATTLE RAINBOW CONTRA DANCE On Sunday, February 19, free lesson at 3 p.m., dance 3:30-6 p.m., at Dance Underground (340 15th Ave. E.), join Seattle Rainbow Contra Dance for an afternoon of live music and gender-free dancing for LGBTQ folks and friends and all who want to dance. February 19 features the music of Seattle’s Farm Report with Mariah Pepper calling. Cost: $10 general admission.

Rich Full-Bodied Cafes Savory Homestyle Soups & Sandwiches Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 3, 2012

Seattle Gay News

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NEWS

by Scott Wittet SGN Contributing Writer

UGANDAN GAY ACTIVIST RECEIVES DEATH THREATS A generally balanced article in Uganda’s Red Pepper tabloid last November – copied from an AP story – got a local slant when editors chose to label Frank Mugisha, recipient of the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, a “Bum Drilling Activist” in their headline.

Mugisha is Gay and is executive director of sexual minorities Uganda.

The activist has long spoken out against homophobia in his country. But after receiving the Kennedy Award and writing an oped piece in the New York Times against homophobia in his country, Mugisha received threats and says he fears for his life, afraid to go shopping alone or eat in a restaurant for fear of being poisoned.

“Just two days ago there was a very big piece of news about me,” said Mugisha in an interview on Michelangelo Signorile’s radio program on SiriusXM. The new article outrageously claimed that the Red Pepper story was a fraud, created by Gay rights groups to gain support in other countries.

Mugisha continued, “They put my picture in the newspaper with all these hate words and of course I got a lot of bad emails, bad

Uganda, could happen to him. Kato was found dead in his home last year, bludgeoned to death with a hammer.

“That gives me more fear because he was murdered [in] his house,” Mugisha said.

“That is more scary. Not having the privacy.

Not having the closure. It’s very fearful for me.”

Mugisha says all he can do is continue to keep speaking out: “Maybe if I keep talking, maybe they will stop, maybe the homophobia will stop.”

2,500 TURN OUT FOR MUMBAI QUEER PRIDE WALK With 2,500 marchers, many sporting wild costumes, the fourth Mumbai (Bombay) Queer Pride Walk went “fantastically well,” according to one of the organizers.

As reported by Gay Star News, the march was the highlight of a week of celebrations of LGBT life in Mumbai – the home of Bollywood – and featured dancing, films, and music.

The march, led by a giant pride flag, lasted for an hour and half as it wound its way through central Mumbai to an Indian Ocean beach.

“People really started dancing once the Dida Sampaio/AE

Jean Wyllys

phone [calls], a lot of harassment against me.”

In his December op-ed, Mugisha reminded readers that the Ugandan Parliament had been debating a “Kill the Gays” bill that would have enacted severe penalties on people perceived to be Gay, and people who sheltered or supported them. The religiously conservative first lady of Uganda, Janet Museveni, is rumored to be a primary supporter of the draconian bill.

The bill was shelved in May 2011, but Mugisha fears that it could be introduced again at any time.

“Here [in Uganda], Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people suffer brutal attacks, yet cannot report them to the police for fear of additional violence, humiliation, rape, or imprisonment at the hands of the authorities,” Mugisha wrote.

He fears that what happened to David Kato, the best-known Gay activist from

8

Seattle Gay News

Håvard Holme/Rafto Foundation

INTERNATIONAL

drums went off,” said Pallav Patankar, one of the organizers. Patankar was delighted that “angels” emerged as the unplanned theme of the march this year, with lots of people wearing fluffy wings and halos.

“Last year we felt that we were pushed into a corner and the police made us walk really fast,” noted Patankar. “This time the police said, ‘Take your time, we’re not going to bother you.’”

There were other changes as well – for example, fewer people seemed to feel the need to hide their identities behind masks this year. “I must have seen only about 10 or 20 people there in masks,” said Patankar. “During the first march four years ago, the majority of people wore masks so they wouldn’t be seen in photographs or TV footage.”

Most festival events went smoothly, though there was a disruption by an anti-Gay activist at a pre-festival fundraising event.

February 3, 2012

Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) Frank Mugisha

PFLAG AUSTRALIA AIRS MARRIAGE EQUALITY AD A TV ad airing across Australia features parents of Gay people asking that their sons and daughters be given the right to marry, according to gaystarnews.

The new ad, produced by Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Australia, asks Tony Abbott, the leader of the Parliamentary opposition, to allow the MPs he leads a conscience vote on Gay marriage, rather than forcing them to toe his anti-same-sex marriage line.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has already agreed that Labor Party MPs will be allowed a conscience vote on a proposed marriage equality bill, but if all the opposition MPs voted against it, the bill would fail.

In the ad, Shelley Argent, president of PFLAG Brisbane and their national spokesperson, brings attention to a poll taken last year that showed that 76% of voters agree there should be a conscience vote.

“Personally, Mr. Abbott may not agree with equality for his own reasons,” she said.

“But he is falling out of step with the majority of Australians. As I ask in the advert, ‘What is there to fear?’ If we hope to live in a democratic society, then Mr. Abbott should allow it to should be run as such.”

“As parents, we want our same-sexattracted sons and daughters to have the choice and right to celebrate their relationships exactly the same as their straight siblings and extended family members and to have these same relationships validated in the eyes of the law. Allowing same sex couples to marry cannot impact on any other person’s marriage negatively and cannot bring our society into decline as the fear mongers claim.”

GAY AEROFLOT STEWARD FORCED TO MARRY A WOMAN A Gay air steward for the Russian carrier Aeroflot was forced to marry a woman in order to keep his job, Russian activists allege.

After Maxim Kupreev, 25, tried to establish a Gay employees group at the airline last year, management ordered him to marry or be fired, according to sources within Aeroflot. The Gay steward tied the knot with his school friend Sofia Mikhailova to keep his job.

A protest is being planned in Moscow on February 9 to coincide with the airline’s 89th birthday.

Protesters are asking that people boycott Aeroflot. They also want the airline

drummed out of the global SkyTeam alliance, which includes KLM, Air France, Delta, and Korean Air, among others.

JEAN WYLLYS, BRAZIL’S FIRST OPENLY GAY M.P., TAKES FIGHT TO THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT The UK Guardian reports that Jean Wyllys – Brazil’s first openly Gay M.P. – is locked in conflict with the country’s powerful religious right.

“It is a difficult battle to fight. Sometimes I feel like Don Quixote, you know?” said the 37-year-old former Big Brother Brazil contestant who has been called South America’s answer to Harvey Milk.

“But this is my vocation. My calling. I feel that I need to be here.”

Wyllys is in the center of a confrontation that some have compared to the culture wars in the U.S., and one in which Brazil’s reputation as an open and tolerant rainbow nation is undermined by firebrand Christian pastors who conduct exorcisms on Lesbians and Gay men.

Wyllis built a career as a journalist. After relocating to Rio de Janeiro, he auditioned for Brazil’s version of the reality show Big Brother, and won with 50 million votes.

“This had great political relevance,” he said.

“I said I was homosexual and I still won the program in a country that is homophobic.”

Those expecting Wyllys to disappear after the show was over were mistaken. In 2010, he was elected federal M.P. for the Socialism and Liberty Party and since then his battle for human rights has earned him widespread accolades.

But Wyllys also has become a hate figure for extreme elements of the religious right, who have posted numerous derogatory videos online. One accuses Wyllys of waging a “personal war” against religion and a “campaign against Christianity.”

Wyllys has also come under attack from preachers such as Silas Malafaia, a notorious televangelist who has fought recent attempts to criminalize homophobia and describes himself as “public enemy No. 1 of the Gay movement.”

“Silas Malafaia’s hands and the hands of these other pastors are covered in blood – the blood of homosexuals who die in Brazil as victims of homophobia,” said Wyllys. He wants the Brazilian constitution changed to allow civil marriages between same-sex couples and hopes his presence in Congress will open the door to more Gay politicians.

Celebrating 39 Years!

SAO PAULO METRO LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT HOMOPHOBIA The Brazilian State of Sao Paulo, in partnership with the Sao Paulo City Metro, has launched a campaign to combat homophobia, called “See beyond prejudice. Respect differences.”

Its objective is to increase respect toward, and decrease discrimination against, LGBT people living in South America’s most populous city. The first stage of the project aims to combat discrimination and prejudice against Transgender people, and to promote a law that punishes homophobic behavior and discrimination.

PinkNews reports that all 58 Sao Paulo Metro stations are covered with bright posters featuring pictures of Transgender women with the title: “Look, look again, and see beyond prejudice. I am Trans. I have the right to be who I am.”

In May 2011 a Trans woman won a landmark case against Sao Paulo Metro when the company was forced to pay about $50,000 in damages when a member of its staff was found guilty of homophobic verbal abuse

courtesy sao paulo city metro

ROCK HUDSON RADIO DRAMA WINS BBC AWARD A radio production about Gay actor Rock Hudson was named Best Online Drama at the BBC’s first Audio Drama Awards, according to PinkNews U.K. Hudson died in 1985 from an AIDS-related illness after starring in nearly 70 films.

ROCK was written and directed by Tim Fountain and stars Michael Xavier as Rock Hudson and Bette Bourne as legendary agent Henry Willson.

Hudson, who was married to Willson’s secretary for three years in the 1950s, reportedly once seduced James Dean to win a bet against Elizabeth Taylor.

Dean starred in the movie Giant with Taylor and Hudson. Noreen Nash claimed, “Elizabeth and Rock took bets on who could get James Dean into bed first.”

“I had an idea Rock would win, but Elizabeth wasn’t so sure.”

The ROCK podcast can be downloaded free from The Independent website. against the victim.

Samples from the Sao Paulo advertising campaign to combat homophobia.

REYKJAVIK READY FOR FEBRUARY GAY FESTIVAL Iceland’s capital city is inviting Gay people from around the world to attend its International LGBT Festival from February 16-19.

Eva María Thorarinsdottir Lange, managing director of Pink Iceland, said: “The Rainbow Reykjavik program provides a colorful mixture of various events, including tours to see the northern lights, geysers, waterfalls, and the continental divide, great meals, cocktail receptions, and dance parties … as well as wellness and relaxation in the world famous geothermal spa of the Blue Lagoon.”

In addition to experiencing Iceland’s unparalleled natural beauty, a “Queer Concert” in Reykjavik’s new Harpa Concert Hall will feature some of Iceland’s most famous artists including Lay Low and Paul Oscar.

Rainbow Reykjavik says temperatures in the world’s northernmost capital city are moderate year-round, with snow a rarity.

The organization urged, “You must always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit. A favorite pastime is yearround outdoor swimming in countless geothermally heated pools and lagoons, with a typical temperature of 25-28°C. And there is no better time to see the northern lights!”

Iceland Air flies nonstop from Seattle to Reykjavik.

100,000 Australian Grindr users exposed in hack attack The popular Grindr app that enables Gay men to find other men using GPS experienced a serious security breach in Australia, where there are over 100,000 Australian users. A hacker discovered a way to log in as another user, impersonate that user, chat, and send photos on their behalf.

The International Gay and Lesbian Association (ILGA) reports that the hacker also set up a website (now taken offline) that listed Australian users’ Grindr pseudonyms, passwords, and bookmarked friends, and allowed them to be impersonated, so that mes-

sages could sent and received without their knowledge.

The hacker also changed the profile pictures of many Sydney Grindr users to explicit images. One user confirmed he had been banned from Grindr due to a perceived terms-of-service violation.

The vulnerabilities are also present in Blendr, the straight version of the app, according to a security expert who said both apps had “no real security” and were “poorly designed.”

The founder of the apps, Joel Simkhai, said he was rushing to release a patch to address the issues.

Simkhai sought to reassure users by noting that conversations on the app cannot be monitored. “Not only can chat not be monitored, but since we don’t store chat history on our servers there is no way anyone can access all past chat history.”

If users are concerned about their security they can permanently delete their Grindr or Blendr profile following instructions on the company’s website.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Human rights activists in Uganda commemorated David Kato on the first anniversary of his murder, January 26.

In the United States, NoMoreDownLow. TV correspondent Mark Noble also observed the occasion with a special program on Kato’s murder including interviews with former Secretary of State Colin Powell and TV star Phylicia Rashad.

Kato, a founder of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), was found bludgeoned to death in his home shortly after winning a lawsuit against a local tabloid which published his name and photograph, identifying him as Gay and calling for him to be hanged.

In November 2011 Enoch Nsubuga admitted beating Kato to death with a hammer and received a 30-year jail sentence. Nsubuga claimed that he was defending himself from unwanted sexual advances.

U.S. activist Melanie Nathan told the San Diego Gay and Lesbian News that in spite of the jail sentence, the trial amounted to “a cover-up of the actual facts and events leading up to Kato’s brutal murder.”

Gay rights activists speaking at the event

called Kato “the godfather” of the Ugandan Gay movement and said that his death left a huge void in the life of the country’s LGBT community.

“He always looked out for all of us even at times when we thought it was too difficult,” SMUG director Frank Mugisha said at the commemoration, held in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

Kato family members at the event spoke of the support that they had received from activists both in Uganda and the international community following his death.

“It is not easy when a loved one dies but thanks to all the friends inside and outside Uganda who worked with David... when I get down they lift me up and help me,” said Nalongo Kisule, Kato’s mother.

International human rights supporters also attended the event, and pledged to help defeat the law pending in Uganda’s parliament authorizing the death penalty for Gay people.

“We will not be crushed by the [“Kill the Gays”] bill, we will not be crushed by other people’s fears,” John Talton, a pastor from the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries in the U.S., said.

On Noble’s TV show, Powell echoed recent statements by current Secretary of State

file photo

Ugandan activists commemorate David Kato’s murder

David Kato

Hillary Clinton. foreign policy,” he said.

“First and foremost, we can give a mesRashad told Noble she spoke as a mother. sage to the rest of the world that human “Mothers need to advocate for the rights rights are important, and human rights ev- of Gay babies,” she said. erywhere in the world are part of American

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Celebrating 39 Years!

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Celebrating 39 Years!

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Celebrating 39 Years!

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Seattle Gay News 15

SLDN calls for action

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis called upon Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta this week to take immediate action on equal recognition, benefits, and family support for Gay and Lesbian servicemembers. Sarvis made the request in a letter to Panetta as we approach the oneyear anniversary of the release of Department of Defense policy guidance on the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) and the commitment from senior Pentagon leaders to study this issue and create a path to equality for all service members.

In the letter, Sarvis enumerated specific benefits that may be conferred under existing law.

“The year that has passed since the Department of Defense said it would continue to study this issue should have been more than enough time for it to come to agree with the Comprehensive Review Working Group’s view that fairness and equality should be the order of the day when it comes to allowing service members to designate a person of their choosing for existing military benefits wherever there is not a restriction imposed by the Defense of Marriage Act. To date, they have not done that, and for servicemembers affected by this, every day they delay matters to them and their families,” said Sarvis.

In August 2011, SLDN sent a letter to Panetta outlining specific benefits that may be conferred upon Gay and Lesbian servicemembers without conflicting with the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In that letter, Sarvis asked Panetta to do all in his authority to address the lingering inequities in the areas of family support, pay and benefits that will exist for Gay and Lesbian service

members following the repeal of DADT. “Given this background, we were surprised to read the details of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program released last week. While we applaud your effort to expand this program to cover many more people in the military family, we are troubled that it continues this same sort of discrimination,” Sarvis wrote in today’s letter.

The program, as announced last week, provides that if a service member is the victim of a sexual assault, counseling services should be made available to members of his or her family. It excludes same-gender spouses from those eligible for the counseling.

“The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ while a historic victory for equality, has created two classes of service members in the U.S. military: those who receive all available benefits and support and those who don’t. Secretary Panetta has the clear authority within the confines of the law to make same-gender married couples and their families eligible to take part in some of the programs that are available to all other service members, even while the Defense of Marriage Act is still on the books,” said Sarvis.

These include making married Gay and Lesbian couples eligible for joint duty assignments, family center programs, and military family housing. A complete list may be found in the August letter.

SLDN has also filed landmark litigation challenging DOMA and three titles in U.S. Code that prevent married Gay and Lesbian military families and veterans from receiving the full range of recognition, support, and benefits currently available to their straight, married peers.

SLDN is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated

to bringing about full LGBT equality to America’s military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed

MOEKETSI MOTICOE

Jail sentences in South Africa hate crime

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Sabelo Yekiso and Sicelo Mase, two of the men accused of the murder of Zoliswa Nkonyana, at an earlier appearance at the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court.

16 Seattle Gay News

February 3, 2012

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, their in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,000 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.

Four South African men have been sentenced to 18 years in jail for stabbing and stoning to death 19-year-old Lesbian Zoliswa Nkonyana in 2006.

A crowd outside the court in the Cape Town township of Khayelitsha cheered and danced when the sentence was announced on February 1.

Nkonyana was stabbed nine times and then stoned in February 2006, just yards from her home in Khayelitsha.

Lubabalo Ntlabathi, Sicelo Mase, Luyanda Londzi, and Mbulelo Damba were convicted in October of killing her.

According to the South African Press Association, the trial judge said that the motive for the killing was clearly hatred and homophobia. The sentence was meant to send a signal that violence based on sexual orientation will not be tolerated, he said.

The BBC reporter Pumza Fihlani said the sentence handed out in the Nkonyana case is highly significant, both because of its length and the fact that the magistrate concluded that Nkonyana was killed for being a Lesbian.

Nkonyana’s family said it welcomed the sentence.

“They did not accept responsibility for what they did and we are happy that when we asked for a lengthy jail term, the magistrate agreed to that,” her stepfather, identified as Mr. Mandini, told South Africa’s Sowetan newspaper.

Jill Henderson from the Triangle Project,

an LGBT rights organization in Khayelitsha, also hailed the sentence.

“The magistrate has named hate and intolerance on the basis of sexual orientation as an aggravating factor in sentencing – that is the first time that has happened in a criminal trial in South Africa. It has therefore set a precedent,” she told the BBC’s Focus on Africa TV program.

LGBT rights are explicitly protected by South Africa’s constitution, and the country is the only one in Africa where same-sex marriage is legal.

Violence against LGBT people is common, however, particularly in black communities, the BBC’s Fihlani said.

In December, the global rights group Human Rights Watch said in a report that South Africa is “desperately failing Lesbian and Transgender people” in spite of the country’s civil rights laws.

Lesbians are often subjected to “corrective rape” by men who claim it will “cure” them.

“More than 30 Lesbians have been killed in the past 10 years because of their sexuality and the so-called practice of ‘corrective rape’ also appears to be on the increase,” Fihlani said.

Three years ago, one man was sentenced to life in prison and another to 32 years for the gang rape, robbery, and murder of Eudy Simelane, a Lesbian activist who had been a midfielder on the national soccer team.

Last year, a man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape and murder of Nqobile Khumalo, a Lesbian in Durban.

Celebrating 39 Years!

Marriage equality may go on Maine ballot in November

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Marriage equality activists in Maine announced on January 26 that they are going ahead with plans to put the question up for a second statewide vote.

EqualityMaine, the Maine Civil Liberties Union, and the Maine Women’s Lobby said they have collected 105,000 signatures – far more than the number needed to qualify for the ballot – and will present them to the Secretary of State.

The title of the proposed citizens’ initiative is “An Act to Allow Marriage Licenses for Same-Sex Couples and Protect Religious Freedom.”

The proposed ballot question submitted to Maine’s Secretary of State in June of last year asks: “Do you favor a law allowing marriage licenses for same-sex couples, and that protects religious freedom by ensuring that no religion or clergy be required to perform such a marriage in violation of their religious beliefs?”

To get the initiative on the 2012 ballot, organizers needed to collect at least 57,277 signatures by January 30.

If the signatures are certified, the measure then goes to the Legislature – now controlled by Republicans – for an up-or-down vote. If the Legislature approves the proposal and the Republican governor signs it, then Gay marriage will be legalized.

If the Legislature votes it down, or the governor vetoes the bill, which are the expected outcomes, the question then goes to the voters.

In 2009, a marriage bill was passed by Maine’s legislature, but was voted down in a so-called “people’s veto” referendum.

Betsy Smith, executive director of EqualityMaine, said polling by her organization indicates 54% of state residents now support marriage equality.

“The number of signatures we gathered and the thoughtful conversations we’ve been having with voters tell us that Mainers are eager to speak on this question again,” she added.

“Like hundreds of other volunteers who spent the last few months gathering signa-

tures for this initiative, I have seen firsthand how talking to Mainers about same-sex marriage is helping people to reconsider their views,” said Lucie Bauer, a volunteer signature-gatherer who lives with her partner of nearly 20 years.

“By talking to our neighbors about why marriage matters to loving couples like the two of us, we have the power to change hearts and minds.”

Spokespeople for the coalition sponsoring the new initiative campaign said they had learned from their earlier defeat.

“The most important thing we learned from our experience in 2009 is that we needed to share our personal stories about why marriage matters directly with our friends and neighbors in Maine,” said Laura Harper, director of public policy for the Maine Women’s Lobby.

“Now, it is time to let those voters speak, and we are confident they are ready to support the freedom to marry for all loving, committed couples in Maine.”

“Loving, committed couples in Maine want to marry for the same reason that their friends and neighbors do: to build and share a life with the person they love,” said Lee Swislow, executive director of GLAD. “All Maine families deserve the security and legal protections of marriage that help make this possible, and a majority of Maine voters now realize this.”

“We can protect religious liberty and fulfill the constitutional promise for equality under the law for all people by supporting the freedom to marry,” said Shenna Bellows, executive director of the ACLU of Maine. “Discrimination, against anyone, runs counter to the Constitution and to the Maine way of life.”

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, which opposes marriage equality, said it was “dismayed” that equality supporters chose to seek another vote so soon.

“After the bitterly divisive campaign of 2009, in which Maine people clearly and decisively voted against changing the meaning of marriage, we’re dismayed that they would bring this issue back for yet another vote,” Brian Souchet, a spokesman for the diocese, said in a statement.

“By talking to our neighbors about why marriage matters to loving couples like the two of us, we have the power to change hearts and minds.”

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Seattle Gay News 17

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Lesbian Carina Vance Mafla has taken over Ecuador’s Public Health Ministry and will close down some 200 “ex-Gay” clinics operating in the South American country.

Vance was introduced as the new health minister by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa at a January 18 news conference.

She replaces David Chiriboga Allnut, who resigned at the beginning of January after failing to reform the health system.

Ecuador’s largest LGBT organization Equal Rights Now (Igualdad de Derechos Ya!) said they hoped Vance would “pay attention to the distribution of HIV medications, create guidelines to prevent discrimination against LGBT individuals at hospitals and health centers, and take action on shutting down illegal religious ‘clinics’ that promote ‘cures’ for homosexuality.”

Vance, formerly the director of Fundacion Causana, an activist group opposed to the “ex-Gay” clinics, promised that she would do just that. The Ecuadorian government closed about 30 of the clinics last September, but there may be as many as 200 still operating in the country.

The story of Ecuador’s “ex-Gay” clinics was first broken by Blabbeando blogger Andres Duque in 2008.

Change.org, which initiated a worldwide petition campaign to close the clinics, labeled them “Lesbian torture clinics” because of the brutality of their methods.

According to the Box Turtle Bulletin, clinic patient Paula Ziritt said she was held for two years at one such facility in Guayaquil – the largest city in Ecuador –including three months in handcuffs while guards threw urine and iced water on her.

Fundacion Causana issued a statement saluting the success of their campaign against the clinics.

“After 10 years of outcry,” they said, “the nation of Ecuador – through the Ministry of

Public Health – has entered into a commitment with civic organizations and society in general to deconstruct the belief that homosexuality is an illness and root out the use of torture in these clinics.”

Correa was elected president of Ecuador in 2006 and was reelected in 2009. He is aligned politically with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Evo Morales of Bolivia.

Correa publicly dedicated his government to fighting homophobia after the murder of a Gay Ecuadorian immigrant in New York in 2008.

“We will fight together ... to forever uproot these aberrations of certain maladjusted [individuals], uproot them from the face of the earth, from humanity: Xenophobia, homophobia, and all kinds of discrimination, all kinds of violence,” he said at the time.

Correa’s government survived a 2010 coup attempt during which he personally confronted rebel police officers and dared them to kill him.

Vance was born in Oakland, California, and lived in Europe during her teens.

In the April 2010 issue of the Ecuadorean magazine Cosas, she describes coming to terms with her sexuality after a harrowing experience when she was just 13 years old.

She was holding hands with her first girlfriend on a bus, Vance said, when she noticed that a group of men in their 20s had noticed them.

Vance says that one of the men spat at them while a second man sat behind them and shouted insults. When she turned around to confront the guy shouting homophobic epithets, he punched her in the face.

She thought she would be safe the moment she got off the bus but she was wrong.

“They followed me home, kicking me and shouting at me,” she said. “For me, it was a matter of pride that kept me from running, so I just walked on forward even as they continued to kick me. [The experience] not only helped me to become fully aware of my sexuality but also made me aware of the so-

courtesy blabbeando

Lesbian named Ecuador health minister, will close “ex-Gay” clinics

New Ecuadorian Health Minister Carina Vance Mafla

cietal reaction to it.”

Vance then moved to Quito with her family where she attended high school but said that she felt it was impossible for her at that particular time to live openly.

She decided to move back to the United States after graduation where she spent 12 years finishing college and graduate de-

grees.

“When I returned [to Ecuador] in 2004, it shocked me to see the Gay flag prominently displayed at a university,” she said.

Vance realized just how much Ecuador had changed for the better, she said, and now lives in Quito happily and openly without fear of being attacked.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

tial testing option such as self-testing could bring an end to the stigmatization associated with HIV testing.”

The U.S. FDA approved an oral HIV test called OraSure in 2004, but that test employed a different method of analysis. The OraQuick test evaluated in the McGill study comes from the same manufacturer, OraSure Technologies, based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

In the OraQuick test, the patient’s saliva is mixed in a vial with developing solution, and the results are read from a sticklike testing device. It will reliably identify HIV 1, which is most common in the US and Europe, and HIV 2, which is the common strain in Africa.

OraSure requires a two-step process that uses the standard testing methods ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and the so-called “western blot” test. It has also proved to be 99% effective in diagnosing HIV infections.

At the time the FDA approved OraSure, it was hoped that it might eventually become available over-the-counter. However, health officials were concerned that people testing positive in a home setting without counseling or medical advice might become depressed or even harm themselves.

Oral HIV test proved accurate, researchers say

A mouth swab to test for HIV has proven to be as accurate as the traditional blood test, Canadian scientists announced January 25.

Researchers from McGill University in Montreal said that their saliva HIV test OraQuick HIV 1/2 is 99% accurate for HIV in high-risk populations and about 97% accurate in low-risk populations.

The oral test works by detecting whether HIV antibodies are present in a person’s saliva and gives a result within 20 minutes.

“Testing is the cornerstone of prevention, treatment, and care strategies,” study leader Dr. Nitika Pant Pai said.

“Although previous studies have shown that the oral fluid-based OraQuick HIV 1/2 test has great promise, ours is the first to evaluate its potential at a global level.”

The McGill research, which was published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, has major implications for countries that want to adopt self-testing strategies for HIV. “Getting people to show up for HIV testing at public clinics has been difficult because of visibility, stigma, lack of privacy, and discrimination,” Pai said. “A confiden-

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Dr. J Resolve to get involved

by Dr. Joanne Stekler Special to the SGN Joanne Stekler, M.D., MPH, is deputy director of community services for the HIV/ STD Program at Public Health – Seattle & King County. She is also an internal medicine and infectious disease physician at Harborview Medical Center, and assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Washington.

This article is part of a series focusing on HIV and other STD prevention and care topics for Gay/Bisexual men and Transgender individuals in Seattle and King County.

Did you make a resolution for 2012? Was it to renew your gym membership? (And did you resolve to actually work out while you are there?) Are you planning to decrease your calories and eat more vegetables? Planning to quit smoking?

What about renewing your commitment to fight HIV? How? One way is to support and participate in local HIV prevention activities.

February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. It’s one of several days throughout the year that are meant to get everyone thinking and talking about HIV and AIDS. Why this particular focus on blacks and HIV? In the U.S., almost half of the people living with HIV are black. In King County, blacks make up six percent of the population, but 17 percent of people living with

HIV. Compared to whites, HIV rates in King County are twice as high among U.S.-born blacks and five times as high among blacks who were born in Africa.

We know that HIV infections among younger Gay and Bi guys are increasing across the country. And younger black guys who have sex with guys are getting hit the hardest.

In recognition of this challenge and as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, several local organizations are joining forces to sponsor an event at Mount Zion Baptist Church on February 7. Leaders from the local African-American and African communities will be there, local poets and choirs will perform, and the wonderful Dr. Maxine Hayes, Washington State’s Health Officer, will give a keynote.

Dr. Renee McCoy from Lifelong AIDS Alliance will host this evening of inspiration, education, and information. A raffle of artwork by local artists will benefit BABES Network, Seattle’s peer-support agency for women living with HIV. And the Center for Multi-Cultural Health will provide free HIV testing.

Event sponsors include Center for Multicultural Health, HIV Vaccine Trials Unit, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Neighborhood House/Project HANDLE, People of Color Against AIDS Network, and Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with a free meal in Mount Zion’s Fellowship Hall, 1634 19th Avenue. At 7 p.m., we will move upstairs

to the sanctuary for the main event. All are welcome. For more details, go to www. kingcounty.gov/health/hiv.

If an event like this isn’t for you (or even if it is), there are lots of other things you can do to fight HIV in 2012. Participate in an HIV vaccine trial to help advance this crucial work. The Seattle HIV Vaccine Trials Unit is always looking for more people to join their studies. Finding a vaccine to prevent HIV is one of the great health challenges of our time.

And don’t forget about testing. Knowing your HIV status and encouraging others to know theirs is a critical part of HIV prevention. If you’re Gay or Bi, HIV-negative, and sexually active, you should get tested for HIV and STDs at least once a year. There are lots of places to get tested in Seattle, and they are often free or inexpensive.

HIV testing is offered at the Center for Multicultural Health, POCAAN, and Project HANDLE. You can always get tested at Public Health’s STD Clinic, at Gay City, at the baths, or at your doctor’s office. For hours and locations, call 206-296-4649 or go to www.tinyurl.com/hivtestplaces.

You can also do your part in HIV prevention by using condoms with partners if you’re not in a monogamous relationship.

If you’re HIV-positive, you can be a big part of HIV prevention by taking care of your own health. See your doctor regularly.

Talk to your doctor about HIV meds and when’s the best time to start taking them.

Once you and your doctor decide on meds that will work best for you, take them as prescribed. HIV meds can lower your viral load, improve your personal health, and make it much harder to transmit HIV to others.

However you decided to get involved in HIV prevention in 2012, make it a resolution you’ll keep.

And if you’re free, join us at Mount Zion for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7.

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Seattle Gay News 19

labor

continued from cover and for social justice for all.

“We are stronger when we stand together as working people, and in this spirit of solidarity, the WSLC stands together with our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender brothers and sisters in support of the Marriage Equality Act. There can never be true justice and equality, unless it applies to all of us.”

“It is time that LGBT couples are afforded the same civil rights as other couples in Washington state,” said Lee Malinda, a WSLC vice president representing Pride at Work.

“I am proud to say that the Washington State Labor Council is committed to the equality and civil rights of all Washingtonians. Fighting for equal rights for all is at the core of who we are in the labor movement.”

The Marriage Equality Act is scheduled to come to the floor of the Senate February 1.

Johnson said the WSLC Executive Board had planned to vote on the matter at its quarterly meeting next week in Olympia, but a special poll vote was taken because of the pending vote.

The WSLC had previously supported the state’s domestic partnership laws, and it endorsed the Approve Referendum 71 campaign in 2009.

Pride At Work is an LGBT labor organization affiliated with the AFL-CIO but including AFL-CIO, Change to Win, and indepen-

dent unions and non-union allies. Pride At Work currently has active chapters in King and Pierce counties and is affiliated with the WSLC.

equality

continued from cover posted on his website.

A marriage equality bill narrowly passed the Maryland Senate last year but fell short in the House of Delegates, where some Democrats joined Republicans to defeat it.

This year, Democratic governor O’Malley made the bill a priority item in his legislative agenda. Maryland’s legislature is heavily weighted toward Democrats, and the bill is considered likely to pass.

A Washington Post poll published January 31 showed that 50% of Maryland residents supported legalization of same-sex marriage, while 44% were opposed.

The level of support in Maryland is the highest ever in a Post poll, and is in line with the rest of the country, the newspaper said.

In New Jersey, the marriage bill has already gone through its Senate hearing, with an Assembly hearing scheduled for February 2.

Assembly Judiciary Committee chair Peter Barnes said his state’s civil unions law – which gives Gay and Lesbian couples the benefits of marriage without the legal title – may not be effective in guaranteeing their rights.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has al-

ready approved the measure. Both houses of the New Jersey legislature are controlled by Democrats, who have made marriage equality a legislative priority, and the bill is expected to pass.

In 2010, a similar marriage bill was defeated in the New Jersey Senate when some Democrats defected to the anti-equality side.

Then-governor Jon Corzine, a Democrat, had promised to sign it into law if it passed.

Current Republican Governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto the bill, however.

Christie, a Roman Catholic, opposes samesex marriage, and says the issue should be decided by a statewide referendum.

Democratic Senate President Stephen Sweeney says he has the votes to override Christie’s veto. Sweeney abstained in the 2010 vote, but now says he is convinced that marriage equality is a civil rights issue.

In New Hampshire, Governor John Lynch also promised to use his veto power, but in his case it would be to block a repeal of his state’s marriage equality law.

Lynch used his State of the State address on January 31 to reiterate his pledge to veto any attempt to repeal New Hampshire’s 2009 marriage law.

“New Hampshire has a long and proud tradition of fighting for the rights of all of our people. We have a tradition of leaving people alone to pursue their own happiness. As governor, I intend to uphold that centuries-old tradition and I will stand firm against any legislation that will strip any of our citizens of their civil rights,” Lynch said, to applause from the spectators’ gallery.

Democrats – who passed the marriage bill in 2009 – lost control of the New Hampshire legislature in the 2010 election, and Republican leaders have promised to repeal marriage equality.

They have not been able to agree on a strategy to do so, however. The repeal bill was originally slated to be taken up in January, but Republican leaders have postponed it to an unspecified date this month.

House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt (R) and Senate President Peter Bragdon (R) both indicated that they would prefer to focus on financial issues rather than social ones.

Some Republican legislators reportedly doubt they have the votes to override Lynch’s veto, even if they are able to repeal the marriage law.

“I know for a fact, based on people I’ve talked to, that if Gov. Lynch vetoes it, that veto is not override-able,” Rep. Seth Cohn, a Canterbury Republican, told the Concord Monitor newspaper.

Cohn added that he plans to introduce an amendment to the House that would legalize civil unions for all couples, same-sex and opposite-sex, but leave marriage to churches and religious institutions.

The state’s Republican Liberty Caucus, a libertarian-leaning group that endorsed 107 House members elected in 2010, reportedly supports Cohn’s approach. The group has not taken an official position on the repeal bill.

marriage

continued from cover In the days leading up to Wednesday night’s historic vote, several highly visible corporations (including Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks) came out in support of marriage equality. Without a doubt, the nation was watching, and waiting, to see what the Senate would do. And now, with answer in hand, the issue marches on.

Throughout the entire ordeal, it should be noted that the personal stories told by members of the LGBT community and allied communities is what moved lawmakers. The personal touch and often heartfelt pleas for equality from constituents from all legislative districts turned the tide.

Senator Ed Murray (D-Seattle), the bill’s prime sponsor, gave a passionate speech during the debate, saying, “We ask for your support tonight not simply because marriage is a series of legal protections. We ask for your support tonight because marriage is how society says you are a family. Marriage is the way a community knows that a couple loves each other.”

Murray, who is Gay and has fought for LGBT equality in the state for two decades, told colleagues on the floor before the vote that he looked forward to marrying his partner of more than 20 years, Michael Shiosake.

“Same-sex marriage is as contentious as any issue that this body has considered in its history,” Murray said of the bill.

In his remarks, Murray was careful to be respectful of everyone’s views. Lawmakers who vote against marriage equality “are not, nor should they be accused of bigotry,” he said.

Likewise, said Murray, “Those of us who support this legislation are not, and we should not be accused of, undermining family or religious freedom. Marriage is how society says you are a family.”

In fact, shortly before the vote, Murray told colleagues on the floor they should all expect an invitation to his and Shiosake’s wedding in the mail – regardless of which way they voted.

After the vote, Murray called the 28 votes “a pleasant surprise,” adding, “I’m sincerely moved by my colleagues’ courage, no matter how they voted.”

Washington United for Marriage, a broad statewide coalition of organizations, congregations, unions, and business associations working to obtain civil marriage for Lesbian and Gay couples in Washington state in 2012, cheered the Senate’s vote.

“We thank Majority Leader Brown, Senator Murray, and the bipartisan coalition of senators who stood with us today in the name of equality,” said Lacey All, chair of Washington United for Marriage.

“The overwhelming support we’re seeing from businesses, labor, faith communities, and people all across the state is a testament to the momentum of this movement and sensibilities of Washingtonians,” added

Legal Services www.sgn.org www.sgn.org 20 Seattle Gay News

February 3, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

Zach Silk, campaign manager for Washington United for Marriage.

The passage of Senate Bill 6239 was celebrated widely by many who were in attendance Wednesday night.

“I’m really excited to have Washington pass this,” said Alex Guenser, a 26-year-old engineer who drove to Olympia from Redmond with his boyfriend to watch the Senate debate. “I’m excited for my state.”

Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. Washington state is poised to be the seventh state on that list.

“It’s exciting to be here and see the civilrights movement move forward,” Kevin Moser, 31, a Seattle man who was there with his partner, Bret Tiderman, told the Seattle Times.

“It means that one day our parents will be really excited to go to a wedding,” Tiderman said.

“As small business owners who pride ourselves on contributing to our community, we are so grateful that today has arrived, and especially for the support of our senator, Mary Margaret Haugen,” said Larry Lowary and Gerry Betz, longtime residents of Washington who live on Whidbey Island. “We’ve been together for 23 years and entered into our domestic partnership five years ago.

Now we’re looking to the day when we’ll be able to look into each other’s eyes, exchange our vows, and finally say ‘I do’ just like anybody else.”

“The action of the Senate today means so much to us, and we thank all the senators who supported this legislation,” said Tara Wolfe and A.J. Stolfus, longtime partners from Olympia. “We moved to Washing-

ton years ago in part because of the open and welcoming nature of the people here – something we didn’t always see in Kansas.

We’re simply overjoyed that our friends, family, and neighbors can soon recognize us as spouses and our family as being whole.”

Under the measure that passed Wednesday, the more than 9,300 couples currently registered in domestic partnerships would have two years to either dissolve their relationship or get married. Domestic partnerships that aren’t ended prior to June 30, 2014, would automatically become marriages.

Domestic partnerships would remain for senior couples where at least one partner is 62 years old or older. That provision was included to help seniors who don’t remarry out of fear they could lose certain pension or Social Security benefits.

Both House and Senate versions of the bill include language to allow Gay couples from out of state to get married in Washington. In addition, they both include an amendment allowing religious organizations to refuse to rent out their chapels or other facilities as venues for same-sex weddings.

The measure now heads to the House where Representative Jamie Pedersen, an openly Gay Democrat from the 43rd District, is the bill’s prime sponsor.

The bill is widely expected to pass and once it reaches the governor’s desk, Gregoire says she will sign it.

The current legislative session is scheduled to end March 8.

Even though a referendum clause amendment was rejected for the bill, opponents have already promised to file a challenge to the legislation. Opponents must turn in 120,577 signatures by June 6 in order for a

referendum to qualify for the ballot. If marriage equality detractors are unable to collect enough signatures, same-sex couples would be able to wed as early as June. If opponents collect the signatures needed – which they are expected to do – same-sex couples would have to wait until the results of a November election.

Opponents have been quick to point out that voters have yet to approve marriage equality in any state referendum and have, in some cases, overturned same-sex marriage laws enacted by legislators or the courts. Same-sex marriage remains outlawed in more than 40 states.

During the Senate floor debate on Wednesday, the shortage of marriage equality opponents in the audience was visible.

With the bill’s passage eminent, the state’s Catholic bishops and other religious conservative leaders and their supporters skipped out on the event, and instead have already begun to amass thousands of Washington residents against the legislation (including voters who supported the state’s expansion of domestic-partnership benefits) to draw the line on Gay marriage.

In other words, the campaigns for and against marriage equality in Washington state are underway – and the bill hasn’t even been signed into law yet.

for Marriage. “We have said from the beginning that we could only be successful in winning marriage equality if legislators heard the compelling stories from their constituents. Those stories have literally changed hearts and minds over the course of this campaign.”

According to Washington United for Marriage officials, in addition to the 24,000 postcards that were delivered February 1, advocates delivered 4,300 cards to priority senators following last week’s Senate committee hearings. Advocates have also transferred more than 2,500 phone calls from constituents to their senators.

postcards continued from cover

prior to the February 1 historic vote on marriage equality legislation, SB 6239.

“Our staff and volunteers have been working hard to make sure senators hear from their constituents,” said Zach Silk, campaign manager of Washington United

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22 Seattle Gay News

February 3, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

Community Advisory Meetings Gay City Health Project is in the process of creating a new home in 2012. Our vision for Project BuildOUT is to create a resource hub and social destination for the LGBT community in Seattle - a place to gather and connect.

Part of our vision for our new space is to create a home for LGBT literary and performance arts on Capitol Hill. Please join representatives of Seattle LGBT arts community for an Arts Advisory Round Table to share your vision and dreams for such a space.

Thursday, February 16 from 6:00 – 7:30pm Friday, February 17 from 3:30 – 5:00pm at 517 E. Pike (Pike and Belmont) Dates for March Community Advisory Meetings to be announced. To learn more about Project BuildOUT, go to www.gaycity.org/buildout

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 3, 2012

Seattle Gay News 23