SGN February 15, 2013 - Section 1

Celebrating 40 Years!

Issue 07 Volume 41

FRIDAY February 15, 2013 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Illinois Senate, YES on marriage equality Valentine’s Day vote a powerful tribute to LGBT lovers everywhere

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In a vote symbolically scheduled for February 14, the Illinois Senate approved marriage equality legislation by a vote of 34 to 21, with two abstentions.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Heather

Quinn called for the legislature to pass the marriage bill quickly, saying, “Marriage equality is a matter of fairness and equal rights under law.”

“We took the first step towards marriage equality two years ago when I signed civil unions into law. Since that day, thousands of

“All eyes are on us,” said Taylor, who is based in Illinois. “It’s looking great. We’re very excited about Illinois.”

RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION Under the measure, state law would be changed to describe marriage as an act between two people

“We have the opportunity today to welcome all families in Illinois as equally valued.” committed couples in 92 counties across our state have entered into civil unions,” he added.

“Now is the time for the next step in providing equal rights to all people in Illinois.”

Camilla Taylor, marriage project director for Lambda Legal, noted that three other states are considering similar legislation. A marriage equality bill has passed the Rhode QUINN URGED PASSAGE Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has Island House and has been sent to promised to sign the bill when it the Senate, and another is expected comes to his desk. On February 6, in Delaware, Taylor said.

Steans, called it “a vote for the history books.”

“We have the opportunity today to welcome all families in Illinois as equally valued,” she said.

The bill now goes to the Illinois House where, according to the Chicago Tribune, “the fight is expected to be tougher.”

rather than between a man and a woman.

In a nod to religious objections, the legislation explicitly says nothing in the law would force a religious denomination or minster to “solemnize any marriage.” People in civil unions would be able to convert them to marriages within a year of a same-sex marriage law going on the books in Illinois. see illinois page 8

A one-two punch against discrimination Ted S. Warren / AP

Activists to lobby for LGBT homeless Senators Murray and Harkin pledge workplace equality push youth in Olympia

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

In a one-two punch against anti-Gay discrimination, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) called on the Obama administration to ban discrimination by federal contractors, and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) “will move this year.”

Murray joined 36 other senators in a letter released February 14, calling for an executive order barring companies that do business with the federal government from discriminating against LGBT employees and jobseekers.

Only two days before, Harkin, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, told a Center for American Progress audience that ENDA will go forward this year.

Murray is also a member of the HELP committee, which would have jurisdiction over ENDA.

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer

On February 22, LGBTQ Allyship, alongside Equal Rights Washington (ERW), will participate in a homeless and foster-care youth lobby day in Olympia, led by the Mockingbird Society, a foster-care youth lobby group.

“Homelessness is an LGBTQ issue,” said Doug Hamilton, ERW’s OBAMA URGED TO ACT operations manager. “An estimat“Issuing an Executive Order that ed 40% of youth on the streets are includes sexual orientation and LGBTQ – and Seattle is kind of a

Weddings By the Sea The Honarable Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)

see enda page 16

www.oceanshoresweddings.com 206-403-8170 Let us make your wedding day as fun as a day at the beach.

Mecca for them.”

Each year, hundreds of youth from around the state join the Mockingbird Society to bring the needs of foster-care and homeless youth to the attention of lawmakers. This is the first time, however, that a uniquely LGBTQ voice will be heard among them.

“The event is officially a youth advocacy awareness day put on by the Mockingbird Society,” said Hamilton. “The Mockingbird Society has done advocacy for fostercare youth for decades – it’s a very see youth page 5

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION? Seattle • (206) 329-2000 • 1001 Broadway Suite 311 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? DIABETES? NITRATES?

$99 Guaranteed Visit!!

2

Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

Bellevue • (425) 455-1700 • 1940 116th Ave NE

www.InnovativeMen.com

Celebrating 40 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 15, 2013

Seattle Gay News

3

Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973

1605 12th Ave., Ste. 31 Seattle, WA 98122

Phone: (206) 324-4297 Fax: (206) 322-7188

MEMBER

e-mail: sgn2@sgn.org internet: www.sgn.org

2013

Deadlines

Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the SGN office All others - Tuesday 5pm

Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Shaun Knittel Production William Creswell Calendar Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers Mike Andrew, Miryam Gordon, Anthony Greer, Shaun Knittel, Albert Rodriguez, James Whitely Contributing Writers

Rev. Barbara Allen, 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

Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers

Nate Gowdy, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by Frogs and Ink, Inc. © 2013, Frogs and Ink, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.

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.

op-ed Not-so-sweet tweets

Obama continued, “It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our Gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to as Inaugural poet must have felt to conser- one another must be equal as well.” vatives like Obama just rubbing his proBeautifully put, if I do say so myself (and equality message in.

I do).

Speaking of that message, during his address Obama said, “We, the people, declare A NON-MOMENTOUS RESPONSE today that the most evident of truths – that But not everyone was so moved. Peter all of us are created equal – is the star that Sprigg of the Family Research Council guides us still, just as it guided our fore- took issue with a tweet from the American bears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, Foundation for Equal Rights that quoted and Stonewall; just as it guided all those Obama’s “for if we are truly created equal” men and women, sung and unsung, who line. Sprigg graciously responded, “All left footprints along this great Mall, to hear PEOPLE are equal; all conduct, relationa preacher say that we cannot walk alone; ships are not.” to hear a King proclaim that our individual Sprigg then retweeted a post from Gina freedom is inextricably bound to the free- Dalfonzo, who is affiliated with the Break dom of every soul on Earth.”

Point Blog, which promises “A conversaIn case you didn’t catch how Gay that tion on current events and Christian worldwas, let me spell it out for you: He name- view”: dropped Stonewall, the historic rising up of “Exactly. RT @ginadalfonzo: Um, Mr. LGBT people against police harassment in President, our Gay brothers and sisters ARE New York, in 1969 – an event considered treated like every other citizen under the the birth of the modern-day LGBT rights law.” movement. Not only did he name it, but This is, of course, a favorite line of argualso he put it in the company of the wom- ment against marriage equality: Gays and en’s rights (Seneca Falls) and civil rights Lesbians have the same rights as everyone (Selma) movements. To say that’s a rousing else to marry someone of the opposite sex, endorsement for LGBT rights is an under- so what are they complaining about? statement.

Sprigg even took time out to make fun of Gene Robinson, the openly Gay bishop of the Episcopal Church. Robinson tweeted: “Invited by POTUS to sit in the Presidential viewing stand. Practicing my queenly wave!” to which Sprigg responded: “Real tweet. No comment.” Get it? Because OMG, Obama is letting a Gay homo sit with him and that Gay homo is being all Gay about it. Eww! Bottom line: Regardless of the conservative bellyaching, Obama’s speech was nothing short of historic. I hope the sequel term is even better.

Anti-Gay leaders take their hate campaign to social media

by D’Anne Witkowski SGN Contributing Writer As I write this, Gays and Lesbians everywhere are celebrating the fact that President Obama called for equal rights for everyone, not just straight people, during his Inaugural address. This was the first time a president has expressed his support for Gays and Lesbians at this event.

Conservatives, on the other hand, are sad bastards. Scrolling through right-wing social media feeds, you’d think the #tcot (that’s “Top Conservatives on Twitter”) were live-tweeting a funeral.

Take the Young Cons, a “Christian and Conservative Duo from Dartmouth College,” for instance, who wrote: “The poem Obama wanted to read: Roses are red, Violets are blue, I won re-election, now I’m ready to screw you. #tcot.”

Whatever, Young Cons. That doesn’t even scan.

OBAMA’S MOMENTOUS WORDS The poem that actually was read at the Inauguration was “One Today” by Richard Blanco, a known Gay man whose selection

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

4

Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Pride Foundation welcomed Gunner Scott as the Director of Programs this week.

A founding member of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, Scott is also its most recent executive director. He will begin work at the Seattle-based Pride Foundation in March.

courtesy traveling with twain

Local news Pride Foundation welcomes new director of programs Scott’s direction, the Massachusetts legislature passed a Transgender equal rights bill.

“I am excited to join Pride Foundation because I feel passionately about its regional vision and leadership,” said Scott.

“With the progress our movement has made, it is so important to focus on supporting those who live in rural and remote communities that often are not given the same attention as those on the coasts. I’m also

“I am excited to join Pride Foundation because I feel passionately about its regional vision and leadership.”

“Gunner brings over a decade of experience leading change in the LGBTQ community along with extensive experience in training and curriculum development, program management, public education and legislative campaigns, fundraising, and communications. We are thrilled to welcome him to Pride Foundation’s family,” said Pride Foundation Executive Director Kris Hermanns. “With his deep understanding of our community’s issues and expertise in program development, Gunner will enhance our foundation’s leadership role in the Northwest.”

motivated to help Pride Foundation further develop and expand programs that enhance the capacity and impact of the Northwest’s LGBTQ organizations and leaders, and that encourage cross-collaboration with other social justice movements. This effort will be essential to advancing LGBTQ equality across all the states that Pride Foundation serves.”

The Director of Programs is a new position at Pride Foundation that will provide strategic vision and leadership for the donor-supported LGBTQ community foundation’s programmatic efforts throughout the Northwest. The director will oversee all asA VOICE FOR TRANS RIGHTS pects of grants and scholarships across five Scott is a nationally recognized activ- states (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, ist, educator, and community organizer on and Washington) as well as develop strateLGBTQ health issues, domestic violence, gies for special initiatives. substance abuse, and access issues for the Transgender community. In 2011, after a MORE ABOUT SCOTT five-year campaign led by MTPC under Gunner Scott holds a B.A. in liberal arts

youth

continued from cover powerful and formidable lobby.”

HOW TO PARTICIPATE Anyone interested in being part of the February 22 event can register online at either the Allyship or ERW website. While not required, registration gets you access to carpools to and from Olympia, as well as a free lunch. For the march, those interested in joining Allyship and ERW are encouraged to wear pink.

“We’re really encouraging people to turn out,” said Hamilton. “What we’re really looking for people to do is to share their story, either about themselves or someone they know – when they were particularly vulnerable and the state let them down; when they were disempowered and could have, or did, end up on the street. We want the legislature to hear those stories, but we also want LACK OF AWARENESS to thank them for the work they’ve done for “Many youth were just unaware of servic- our community already.” es even on Capitol Hill. Many didn’t know where Gay City was, or Seattle Counseling

from Goddard College, where he completed an oral history project, “Boston Area Transgender Community Leaders and the ENDA Crisis.” He has written articles for the Boston Phoenix and Bay Windows newspapers, What’s Up magazine, and Sojourner Women’s Forum. He penned “Agitate and Activate,” the introduction to Pinned Down

by Pronouns, a 2003 Lambda Literarynominated anthology, and co-authored a study and 2011 American Journal of Public Health article, “Transgender Health in Mas-

sachusetts: Results from a Household Probability Sample of Adults.” Scott has been on the Board of Corporators for Eastern Bank since 2010 and is a founding member of the Trans Advocacy Network. He also currently serves on the Massachusetts Commission on GLBT Youth and the Massachusetts Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth. In addition to his social justice activism, he is also passionate about saving wild lions from extinction and captivity.

Rev. Walden to speak on police accountability courtesy friends of Rev. Harriett Walden

MARCH ALSO PLANNED The event will feature speakers followed by a short march. LGBTQ Allyship and ERW will have its own contingent. After the march, constituents will have an opportunity to meet with directly with their state senators and representatives.

Allyship has been working on homeless youth issues for the past year and a half, organizing various panel discussions and holding focus groups in which activists spoke directly with LGBTQ homeless youth.

“We started by connecting with youth, asking them what were the challenges and disparities unique to them. We then spoke with some of the LGBTQ staff [at organizations/centers that serve homeless youth], who have also been part of our Queerly Classified panels,” said Debbie Carlsen, director of Allyship. “Our involvement, particularly in this advocacy day, is a result of that.”

Service, or Enter Hermanos,” said Carlsen.

“It’s one the reasons we’re doing this – we want to be visible allies. We’re looking for creative ways to connect with younger people as adults, and this is one of them.”

Carlsen added that she wants to “bring about a unified front of LGBTQ activists” to address the homeless youth problem, specifically as LGBTQ adults and particularly as allies, in the sense of non-homeless organizers lobbying for homeless youth.

Gunner Scott

countability at Plymouth Congregational Church in downtown Seattle. The hour-long program begins at 10 a.m.

Walden is a co-founder of Mothers for Police Accountability and was nominated in January by Mayor Mike McGinn to serve on the newly created Seattle Community Police Commission. She has also served on the state Juvenile Issues Task Force and Stop Youth Violence Advisory Committee, among other boards and commissions in her more than two decades of activism. Her talk this Sunday will be about “how to organize Rev. Harriett Walden for a better world with love.”

The public is invited free of A longtime LGBT community ally, the Rev. Harriett Walden will speak this Sun- charge. Plymouth Church is at 1217 6th day, February 17, at a forum on police ac- Ave. in Seattle; phone (206) 622-4865.

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 15, 2013

Seattle Gay News

5

national news

Evan Semon

Civil unions advance in Colorado

Senate passes bill, House prospects look good

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Colorado Senate passed SB11, the Colorado Civil Union Act, on February 11.

One Republican joined all the Senate Democrats to vote for the bill.

“I support this bill as a Republican who is right of center,” said Sen. Ellen Roberts.

“I believe strongly that individuals have the right to give their property to whomever they choose, and this bill encapsulates that right.”

“Civil unions will allow committed couples to share in the responsibilities and protections in Colorado law that most families take for granted,” openly Gay Sen. Pat Steadman, the measure’s sponsor, said.

“Our society is stronger when we promote personal responsibility and taking care of one another, and civil unions do just that.”

REBUKES OBJECTORS During debate on the measure, Steadman challenged opponents who raised religious objections.

“Go someplace where you can be as judgmental as you’d like,” he said. “Go inside your church, and if you want to, set up separate water fountains in there – if you can. But don’t claim your free exercise of religion requires the state of Colorado to maintain separate water fountains for her

residents.”

The other prime sponsor of the bill, Lesbian Sen. Lucia Guzman, was more conciliatory.

“I am a Lesbian and in a committed relationship, but you also have the right to make your own decision,” she said. “I am also here asking you to be a little bit more open, to be able to walk with us on this journey that has taken so long.”

The measure now goes to the state’s House of Representatives, where the speaker is the bill’s prime sponsor.

“There are families throughout Colorado, including my own, who are living the same as any family but lack the legal safeguards and recognition afforded to everyone else,” openly Gay Speaker Mark Ferrandino said.

“These committed couples want civil unions to uphold the values we all hold dear: commitment to others, stability, responsibility, and, most importantly, family.”

ESSENTIAL PROTECTIONS Once passed, SB11 will provide committed Gay and Lesbian couples with critical legal protections and responsibilities, such as the ability to inherit property, to take family leave to care for a partner, to visit a partner in the hospital, and to make medical and end-of-life decisions for a partner.

The bill passed the Democratic-controlled state Senate in 2011 and 2012, but

(l to r) Senators Lucia Guzman, Rollie Heath, and Pat Steadman embrace after the Colorado Senate passed the Colorado Civil Union Act

died in the Republican-controlled House.

With Democrats now in the majority in the House, the bill is expected to pass, be signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper in March, and become effective in May. In a statement issued February 11, the LGBT rights group One Colorado looked forward to the bill’s passage.

“Committed Gay and Lesbian couples in

the state have been waiting for years – 10, 20, even 40 years – to have their relationships protected,” said the group’s executive director, Brad Clark.

“It’s well past time that these families have equal protection under the law. We applaud the bipartisan passage of civil unions in the Senate and look forward to the debate in the House.” hawaii news now

Still no same-sex marriage in Hawaii Bill fails in state that gave equality its first court win

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Hawaii’s House Judiciary Committee decided on February 11 not to schedule a hearing on a marriage equality bill, effectively killing the measure for this legislative session.

39% supporting it “strongly.” Only 36% were opposed.

Supporters of equality expressed deep disappointment at the legislature’s failure to move the bill.

“It’s a landslide around the world and in our country and yet, we who started it all 20 years ago are still waiting in line,” said

“It’s a landslide around the world and in our country and yet, we who started it all 20 years ago are still waiting in line. It’s time to do it now.”

In spite of a demonstration of 150 proequality supporters at the state capitol building, House Judiciary Committee chair Karl Rhoads said he had polled his committee members and determined “there was not the political will” to pass a marriage bill this year.

February 11 was the deadline to submit the bill for a hearing.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, a Democrat, supports marriage equality and has called on legislators to hold hearings on the measure.

POLL: MOST BACK EQUALITY A statewide poll released last month showed substantial support in Hawaii for allowing same-sex couples to marry.

In the survey, 55% of Hawaiian voters said they support marriage equality, with

retired Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Steven Levinson. “It’s time to do it now.”

Levinson wrote the 1993 Hawaii Supreme Court opinion stating that while same-sex couples do not have a constitutional right to marry, prohibiting them from marrying amounted to unconstitutional discrimination based on sex.

“It means that we leave our LGBT brothers and sisters in the same position that they are now – [giving] them absolutely no additional protection and treating them like second-class citizens,” ACLU of Hawaii Legal Director Lois Perrin said.

Retired Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Steven Levinson

or Kirk Caldwell said in a statement.

“Now it is time for us to cross the finish line and grant true equal rights with marriage equality,” Caldwell continued. “I strongly support the constitutional right of every person to practice their own religious beliefs, and we should never infringe on that.

“No religious organization will be forced to conduct a ceremony that is against their teachings. However, committed LGBT couples also have a right to be treated ‘CROSS THE FINISH LINE’ equally under the law, to have their mar“We have been a leader on rights for the riages recognized by the state, and to have LGBT community, enacting domestic part- equal rights to hospital visitation, work nerships, then civil unions,” Honolulu May- benefits, and tax equity that heterosexual

couples enjoy.”

CIVIL UNIONS IN EFFECT Hawaii passed a civil unions bill in 2011 that took effect in January last year, and some opponents of the marriage bill said the civil unions law should have settled the issue.

“Many of the legislators have said that ‘I am OK with civil unions, but not marriage,’” said Walter Yoshimitsu, director of the Hawaii Catholic Conference. “So if we were to look at the votes [for] civil unions it might not translate to the same votes for same-sex marriage.”

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 6

Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

Taking a stand for love Marriage equality activism, same-sex couples request marriage licenses on Valentine’s Day

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

“Love makes a marriage and the time for marriage equality is now.” the harm that excluding them from marriage causes them and their families.

“I could have chosen to attend my children’s Valentine events at their elementary school – but I chose instead to get arrested in an act of nonviolent civil disobedience to take a stand for LGBTQ equality,” said Robin McGehee, director of GetEQUAL. These annual actions, started by Marriage Equality USA in the mid-’90s, took place this year in 18 locations across the country, including Utah, Ohio, Florida, and West Virginia – states without marriage equality laws.

PROTESTING UNJUST LAWS “As we head to the Supreme Court next month for hearings on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, these actions are designed to show the impact that these laws have on the real lives of LGBTQ Americans,” said Heather Cronk, managing director of GetEQUAL. “These laws are unjust and immoral, and we are confronting those laws head-on across the country, from Utah to West Vir-

ters on Valentine’s Day and ask to be issued marriage licenses.”

DIVERSE SPONSORSHIP The 2013 events were sponsored by a coalition of diverse organizations including GetEQUAL, Marriage Equality USA, California Faith for Equality, the Foundation for Family and Marriage Equality (Texas), and the Coalition of Welcoming Congregations.

“Today we go to marriage license counters across the country to tell the stories of our LGBTIQ friends and family, to show that they live in every community and that we want to honor and protect their families just like everyone else,” said the Rev. Rebecca Harrison, a Presbyterian pastor who led couples at San Francisco City Hall.

“Love makes a marriage and the time for marriage equality is now.”

A straight ally, Harrison comes by her inclusive views naturally. Her father was a Presbyterian minister who supported civil rights in the South during the long fight to integrate the region’s public schools.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Barry Ouellette

Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. Some call it consumerism at its finest, while others mock the fact that lovers might treat one day out of the year as being more special than any other day. For LGBT activists, February 14 was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

On that day, loving, committed samesex couples, accompanied by their friends and supporters, asked for marriage licenses as part of Freedom to Marry Week. This is the 15th year in a row that couples have appeared at county clerks’ offices to request marriage licenses – and thus render visible

ginia. Marriage is not a states’ rights issue – it’s a fundamental promise of the Constitution for all Americans.”

“President Obama’s inauguration speech included LGBTIQ Americans in a way that was inspiring, powerful, and timely. He tied Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall together with the same thread, forever binding the fabric of civil rights across all generations,” stated Brian Silva, executive director of Marriage Equality USA. “For the first time in a presidential inauguration speech, we heard LGBTIQ people included in ‘We the People.’ However, same-sex couples still cannot marry the person they love in the majority of American states. To that end, we will once again gather at marriage coun-

Supporters prepare for Freedom to Marry Week events

ALL EYES ON THE COURT The annual Valentine’s Day event has never been more important, as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear two landmark marriage equality cases next month.

“Same-sex couples will be asking for marriage licenses on Valentine’s Day, just as briefs in the marriage cases are being filed with the United States Supreme Court. This year, couples will hold hands at the marriage counter with the hope that the Justices will rule on the side of love, so that the court cases can stop and the wedding plans can start,” said John Lewis, legal director for

February 15, 2013

Marriage Equality USA. “I may be missing my children’s Valentine parties today, but knowing that you will join me in this call to action makes missing that moment with them worth it,” said Cronk. “In the end, if we can seize this moment now, the lessons my children will learn about their family’s right to life, liberty, and justice will be invaluable.”

“Find a way to get involved,” urges Cronk. “We need you to mobilize during this ‘movement moment’ and to help us get equal!”

Seattle Gay News

7

AP Photo

Senate passes Violence Against Women Act LGBT-friendly measure faces uncertain fate in House

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in a rare bipartisan vote. Twenty-three Republicans joined all 53 Democrats and two independents to pass the measure.

Sen. Marco Rubio, the Republican Party’s rising star who delivered the official response to President Obama’s State of the Union address, joined old-time right-wing-

to sexual assault prevention, and to help reduce a backlog in processing rape kits.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray, a strong supporter of the bill, repeated her challenge to House Republican leaders to bring the measure up for a vote.

“Today marks an important step to renew our national commitment to ending domestic violence and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act,” Murray said in a statement.

“However, the clock is still ticking and

“Today marks an important step to renew our national commitment to ending domestic violence and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.” ers like Tom Coburn (R-OK), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rand Paul (R-KY) in voting No. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), the bill’s sponsor, questioned why anybody would vote against his legislation since it expands federal protections to vulnerable groups.

“It is difficult to understand why people would come in here and try to limit which victims could be helped by this legislation,” Leahy said. “If you’re the victim, you don’t want to think that a lot of us who have never faced this kind of problem sat here in this body and said, ‘Well, we have to differentiate which victims America will protect.’”

INCLUDES LGBT PROTECTIONS The bill authorizes $659 million over five years for VAWA programs. It also expands VAWA to include new protections for LGBT and Native American victims of domestic violence, to give more attention

continued from cover Sen. Jason Barickman was the only Republican to vote Yes. He said he worked with Steans on the exemption before pledging his support.

“I think it was the right thing to do,” Barickman said. “It’s a vote that I understand some have varying opinions on, but I feel

‘DAY OF CELEBRATION’ Sen. Martin Sandoval, a Democrat who represents a Chicago district, told his colleagues that this particular Valentine’s Day was a “day of celebration.”

“This is a bill that is a defining moment here in this state,” Sandoval said, saying marriage equality will help break down barriers that have prevented some Illinois citizens from getting the justice they deserve.

Although he himself is Catholic, Sandoval lashed out at Catholic Church officials who strongly opposed the legislation, saying, “Our religious leaders have failed us.”

REPUBLICAN CHAIR: PASS IT

Seattle Gay News

FOES OBJECT TO SCOPE First passed in 1994, VAWA has helped to strengthen programs and services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Because it depends on federal funding, the measure must be reauthorized periodically.

Republicans in the House objected to the LGBT and Native American protections in the bill, and stalled it during the past congressional session.

President Barack Obama hailed the vote and called on House Republican leaders to pass the Senate bill and send it to him.

“This important step shows what we can do when we come together across party

lines to take up a just cause,” Obama said in a statement. “It’s now time for the House to follow suit and send this bill to my desk so that I can sign it into law.”

Vice President Joe Biden, an original sponsor of the 1994 law, also praised the bipartisan Senate vote and said the House needs to get moving.

“Delay isn’t an option when three women are still killed by their husbands or boyfriends every day. Delay isn’t an option when countless women still live in fear of abuse, and when one in five have been victims of rape,” Biden said in a statement.

“This issue should be beyond debate – the House should follow the Senate’s lead and pass the Violence Against Women Act right away.”

that I voted in the correct way.”

ECHOES OF HISTORY Sen. Willie Delgado, another Chicago Democrat, called for an end to prejudice against Gay and Lesbian couples, saying all citizens are the same “in the Lord’s eyes.”

Delgado said he was having flashbacks to the movie Lincoln, which focuses on the 1865 campaign to pass the 13th Amendment and abolish slavery.

“For the love of God, I feel like I’m sitting in 1865, where similar debates were created on why slavery should continue in this country,” Delgado said, adding, “This is the time. This is the place. This is the moment ...

We are one people.”

Polls show that legalizing same-sex marriage is gaining support across the country, although it remains less popular in some Midwestern and Southern states than elsewhere.

8

they are protected from violence.”

Senator Patrick Leahy

AP Photo/Seth Perlman

illinois

over 160 million women across the country are watching and waiting to see if the House will act on this bill and finally provide them the protections from violence they deserve.

And just like last Congress, we all know it will take leadership from Speaker [John] Boehner and [Minority] Leader [Eric] Cantor to move this bill forward. The fate of VAWA still lies squarely on their shoulders and too many women have been left vulnerable while they have played politics,” continued Murray.

“Thankfully, we’re beginning to see reasonable House Republicans join their colleagues in the Senate and come out in support of this bipartisan legislation. I am confident this bill could pass the House if Republican leadership brings it up for a vote on behalf of victims all across America who can’t wait one more day. Because who a person loves, where they live, or their immigration status shouldn’t determine whether

February 15, 2013

Senator Heather Steans

Even Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady said last month that he supported same-sex marriage and urged legislators to vote for it.

The move prompted criticism from conservative Republicans, including state Sen. Jim Oberweis, but Oberweis seemed resigned to Republicans lacking the votes to

stop the bill.

“I hope that we resolve this issue sooner rather than later because the state of Illinois has some tremendous financial problems to deal with, which in my view is where we should be concentrating our focus and our time,” he said.

Celebrating 40 Years!

Isaac Brekken / AP file

Requiem for a hero

Lesbian who fought for LGBT equality in the military dies of cancer

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor When Leon Panetta, the outgoing defense secretary, announced that the Pentagon will extend new benefits to the spouses of Gay personnel, SGN and newspaper across the nation put the story on its cover – a welcome if belated development 17 months after the repeal of the longstanding “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. In the months that followed DADT repeal, the Pentagon and the four services were widely praised for their smooth implementation of the change.

“No negative impact” was the phrase that appeared in newspaper headlines around the world. And for the most part, the praise was well-deserved. After all, the service chiefs and the secretary of defense faithfully followed the orders of the president and Congress, with no serious incidents of insubordination.

DOMA PERSISTS But what the Pentagon does not deserve praise for is the fact that when DADT repeal happened, discrimination stayed because of the continued existence of DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act. And DOMA has a real effect on military families.

The story of Charlie Morgan is a sad but true example of the harm this law can do to a family.

Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan, the soldier who tirelessly fought for equality for LGBT service members and the repeal of DOMA, passed away last weekend,

succumbing to breast cancer at age 48.

Allyson Robinson, executive director of OutServe-SLDN, issued the following statement: “Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan, a courageous fighter for our country, for her family, and for the equality of all who wear the uniform of our nation, passed away early this morning.

“On behalf of her wife, Karen, and daughter, Casey Elena, we thank all those who have supported Charlie so fervently since she proudly came out on national television on the day ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was repealed, and who have stayed by her side through her brave fight with cancer. She made an indelible mark on everyone she met with her integrity, her positive outlook, and her unflinching commitment to righting the wrongs visited upon Gay and Lesbian military families. The fight for full LGBT equality in this country is forever changed because Charlie Morgan took up the cause.”

CAME OUT ON NATIONAL TV Morgan came out as a Lesbian on MSNBC on September 20, 2011, the day “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was officially repealed.

Since then, despite failing health, the New Hampshire Army National Guard member worked to educate Congress about the harm caused by DOMA. Morgan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy.

In 2010, with the cancer in remission, she was deployed to Kuwait. She faithfully

Charlie Morgan

fulfilled her duty and returned home to her wife and daughter.

Tragically, the cancer returned in 2011.

Morgan was told by doctors that her cancer was incurable.

A WRONG WE MUST RIGHT Because Morgan and her wife are not recognized as a married couple, Karen cannot receive military, Social Security, or other

federal benefits to help her care for Casey Elena, who is five years old.

The Defense Department has already granted a few benefits to same-sex spouses, mainly relating to troop deaths and other emergency situations. And while more benefits are coming down the pipeline for same-sex spouses, the reality is they still are not equal. It’s an outrage.

Jessica Rinaldi / Reuters

Walmart cozies up to hate group Anti-Gay leader praises chain for ‘walking the straight-and-narrow’

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A nationally prominent opponent of Gay rights says he has persuaded Walmart executives to stop funding LGBT-friendly organizations.

On his February 6 radio broadcast, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said that as a result of his discussions, “Walmart’s been walking the straight-and-narrow. They’re certainly not

that we treat every customer, every supplier, and every member of our individual communities fairly and equally.

“Walmart has not changed its position on funding. Our giving is targeted towards social impact on a broad range of issues. We fund at the national and at the local level where stores and clubs determine the priorities in their community.

“Walmart continues to have a strong commitment to diversity among our associates and against discrimination everywhere.”

“Walmart CEO Mike Duke signed a petition in his home state of Arkansas that was aimed at preventing adoption by Gay and Lesbian parents.” fueling and funding the opposition on these family issues.”

The FRC was founded by the Rev. James Dobson in 1981, as a spin-off of his Focus on the Family organization. Perkins became president of the group when Dobson retired in 2003. The Southern Poverty Law Center classified FRC as an anti-Gay hate group in 2010.

WALMART’S RESPONSE When SGN contacted Walmart for comment, Walmart’s national media relations director, Kory Lundberg, replied with a generic e-mail: “Respect for the individual is one of the core values that have made us into the company we are today. We take pride in the fact

Exactly the same statement was sent to the Huffington Post in response to that site’s inquiry.

Asked specifically whether Perkins had, in fact, met with Walmart executives, and whether they had made any commitments to him as a result, Lundberg did not reply.

MIXED SIGNALS Although it occasionally donates money to LGBT-friendly organizations and claims to have nondiscrimination policies covering LGBT employees, Walmart’s record on LGBT issues is spotty at best.

In a 2010 case that drew national attention, a Walmart employee said he was stripped of many of his responsibilities and ordered to wear a distinctive yellow vest

while on duty in the store after he revealed ing,” they said in their statement. to his supervisor that he was Gay. “Walmart CEO Mike Duke signed a petiIn 2011, the same year that the company tion in his home state of Arkansas that was completed a much-heralded revision of its aimed at preventing adoption by Gay and nondiscrimination polices to include gender Lesbian parents.” identity, the retail giant scored a dismal 40 Walmart later confirmed that Duke did, in out of a possible 100 on HRC’s corporate fact, sign the anti-Gay adoption petition, but rating scale. declined further comment.

Not only did Duke sign the petition, ANTI-GAY CHILDREN’S BOOK but Jim Walton, son of Walmart founder That same year, New York’s Stonewall Sam Walton, gave the initiative campaign Democrats announced they were joining a $75,000 – more than half of the total money coalition to keep Walmart stores out of the raised by the anti-Gay campaign. city because of the company’s poor record According to an analysis by the Wake on LGBT rights.

Up Walmart Campaign, 80% of the Walton “Just last year [2010], more than 100 family’s political contributions to memWalmart stores were found to be promot- bers of Congress went to candidates with ing a children’s book that suggested that scores of 10 or less (out of a possible 100) Gay people can overcome ‘sin’ and convert on HRC’s political scorecard. to heterosexuality with the help of counsel-

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

February 15, 2013

Seattle Gay News

9

10 Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

Dennis Gracia

Hair Stylist (206) 701- 4784

From Progressive to classic, specializing in mens & womens cuts & color

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 15, 2013

Seattle Gay News 11

12 Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 15, 2013

Seattle Gay News 13

14 Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION? HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? DIABETES? NITRATES?

$99 Guaranteed Visit!!

No matter what your physical condition or what you’ve tried in the past, the doctors at Innovative Men’s Health can put together a CUSTOMIZED treatment just for you that really works!

$10 a gram, $250 an ounce New patients get one free gram, with no minimum for delivery.

The $99 Guaranteed Visit - See a response from your custom test dose or your visit is FREE! 2 Convenient Locations!

Seattle • (206) 329-2000 • 1001 Broadway Suite 311 Bellevue • (425) 455-1700 • 1940 116th Ave NE

www.InnovativeMen.com

Weddings By the Sea

Visit us online www.sgn.org

www.oceanshoresweddings.com 206-403-8170 Let us make your wedding day as fun as a day at the beach.

February 15, 2013

Seattle Gay News 15

Equality works for everyone

Study details how employers can leverage LGBT workers’ potential

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor A new study by the Center for Talent Innovation (CTI) reveals important data on how employers can benefit from creating a workplace hospitable to their LGBT employees.

The report, titled The Power of Out 2.0, is based on a survey of 983 U.S. employees who self-identify as LGBT. Surveys were also conducted in India, Japan, and the U,K. The Power of Out 2.0 builds on the influential study The Power of Out, which was released in the summer of 2011.

“After our 2011 work, we felt there was still much to explore with respect to how employers can make full use of their LGBT talent – specifically, the opportunity companies have to drive business and the bottom line by leveraging the leadership potential and connections of their LGBT employees and allies,” said study co-author Sylvia Ann Hewlett, founding president and CEO of CTI. “Our new study finds that while progress has been made, discrimination remains pervasive. We outline a number of steps employers can take to improve the climate in the workplace and enable their LGBT employees to maximize their potential.”

LGBT employees and the broader LGBT community are often perceived as a homogenous group, notes co-author Todd Sears, principal of Coda Leadership Consulting LLC and founder of Out on the Street, an LGBT leadership organization based in the continued from cover gender identity is a critical step that you can take today toward ending discrimination in the workplace,” the senators said in their letter to Obama.

“By expanding protections for LGBT employees of federal contractors, you would be helping to ensure that all Americans get an equal opportunity to succeed and that federal taxpayer dollars are used to support companies with the best employment practices.”

Defense contractors have been prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race or national origin since World War II, and broader anti-discrimination bans have been in place on all contractors for almost 50 years. The letter to Obama asks him to issue a new executive order that adds sexual orientation and gender identity to these longstanding bans.

According to Murray’s office, the five largest federal contractors already have LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination policies, as do the majority of the 25 largest federal contractors.

However, despite advances in many American workplaces, discrimination against LGBT people remains a problem.

Recent studies have shown that up to 43% of Lesbian, Gay, and Bi workers and 90% of Transgender people report having suffered some form of workplace discrimination.

HRC THANKS SENATORS “An executive order from President Obama would ensure that hundreds of thousands of LGBT federal contract employees could go to work every day without fear of being fired for who they are or who they love,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.

“I am grateful to these leaders in the Sen-

MAJOR FINDINGS Among the new study’s findings are these: ● There has been a substantial increase in the number of LGBTs out at work: 59% in 2012, compared to 52% in 2011. ● Being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity gives LGBT professionals access to business opportunities through which they can exercise their leadership. ● A significant gender gap persists between LGB male and female employees with respect to how their LGB status benefits them in the workplace. Men are nearly twice as likely to consider their LGB identity an asset in the workplace. ● The creation of a workplace where LGBT talent can thrive is due in large part to allies. Twenty-four percent of LGBT workers credit their decision to come out professionally to allies in their workplace. While many straight employees define themselves as allies of their LGBT coworkers, only a small percentage – 12% of men and 23% of women – qualify as an “active ally,” i.e.,

someone who has performed two or more LGBT-supporting actions, such as aiding a co-worker in his or her coming out or speaking up to co-workers in defense of LGBTs. ● LGBT women are more likely to face discrimination because of the “double jeopardy” of gender and sexual orientation or gender identity – 74% of Lesbians say they encounter bias compared to 51% of Gay men. ● Discrimination continues to pressure LGBT individuals to resort to “passing” as heterosexual. Twenty-three percent of men and 15% of women believe that changing their mannerisms, voice, or clothing, or hiding relationships or friendships, in order to “pass” at work has helped their career. ● Bias and discrimination are an issue within the LGB community. Gay and Bisexual men are 114% more likely than women to report anti-LGB discrimination. Bisexual men and women are 59% less likely than Lesbians and Gay men to feel a part of the community.

MORE ABOUT CTI The Center for Talent Innovation (formerly Center for Work-Life Policy), a nonprofit think tank based in New York City, has emerged as a thought leader in diversity and talent management, driving groundbreaking research and seeding programs and practices that attract, retain, and accelerate the new streams of talent around the world.

CTI’s flagship project is the Task Force for Talent Innovation (formerly the Hidden Brain Drain Task Force) – a private-sector task force focused on helping corporations leverage their talent across the divides of gender, generation, and culture. The 75 global corporations and organizations that constitute the Task Force – representing 4 million employees and operating in 190 countries around the world – are united by the understanding that full utilization of the talent pool is at the heart of competitive advantage and economic success.

ate for speaking out on behalf of LGBT Americans who want nothing more than a fair shot at a job.”

The senators wrote to the White House at a time when, according to the Washington Post, “Obama is reconsidering whether to issue an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

When he decided not to issue such an order last year, the White House said it would prefer to pass a law applying to Gays and Lesbians in the workplace.

“But if Congress seems unlikely to act on the broader legislation – called the Employment Non-Discrimination Act – officials have signaled to people working on the issue outside the administration that the president would likely consider issuing an executive order, which can only affect government contractors.”

A LONG SLOG FOR ENDA ENDA would add sexual orientation and gender identity to federal civil rights laws protecting employees and jobseekers. In 29 states, it is still legal for employers to fire or refuse to hire someone just for being Gay or Lesbian, and in 34 states it is legal to fire or refuse to hire Transgender people.

The measure has been introduced in every congressional session since 1994. In 2007, a version of ENDA with Transgender protections stripped out passed the House of Representatives (then controlled by Democrats) but was not taken up by the Senate.

ENDA reportedly has bipartisan support on the HELP committee. In June of last year, when the committee held a hearing on the bill, the Washington Blade surveyed committee members and found all 12 Democrats on the panel plus Republican Mark Kirk of Illinois supporting the measure.

Murray, a HELP committee member and co-sponsor of the bill, told SGN she would

courtesy iowa independent

enda

financial industry.

“This research provides critical detail,” said Sears. “As companies continue to raise the bar in protecting and supporting their LGBT employees, we believe this data provides updated guidance on effective approaches and best practices. In addition, the research helps inform companies’ efforts as they reach out to the LGBT market as a whole.”

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin

support the legislation in committee.

“However,” her office said in an e-mail, “it remains to be seen at this point what the trajectory is from there.”

In a discussion with the executive board of the Martin Luther King County Labor Council on February 8, Murray suggested that adopting new administrative regulations – such as an executive order regulating federal contractors – might offer quicker results in protecting LGBT workers.

Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Al Franken (D-MN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Carl Levin (D-MI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), William Cowan (DMA), Mark Udall (D-CO), Dick Durbin SIGNERS OF THE LETTER (D-IL), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bernie In addition to Murray, the following sena- Sanders (I-VT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), tors signed the letter to President Obama: Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mark Begich (D-AK), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Jeff Merkley (D- Mark Warner (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen Jack Reed (D-RI), Robert Casey (D-PA), (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sheldon and Robert Menendez (D-NJ).

Rich Full-Bodied Cafes Savory Homestyle Soups & Sandwiches 16 Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

northwest news

SEATTLE HOME SHOW FEBRUARY 16-24 From Saturday, February 16, to Sunday, February 24, the Seattle Home Show will be held at CenturyLink Field Event Center (800 Occidental Ave S.).

You’re invited to America’s Biggest Open House to celebrate all that’s new and bright for your home and garden. the Seattle Home Show’s House Party is an Idea Party with you as the guest of honor. Gain knowledge and build relationships with trusted companies at the locally-owned, family-run Seattle Home Show, featuring hundreds of home and garden products and services dedicated to providing you with the information and expertise to make your home improvement dreams come true. Hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, noon-8 p.m.

Tickets: Adults-$12; Seniors (60+) $8, Juniors (7-15) $3, under 7 free. www.SeattleHomeShow.com

IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE – CORONATION WEEKEND On Friday, February 15, 6 p.m. door, 7 p.m. show, at Neighbours Nightclub (1509 Broadway), the Imperial Court of Seattle presents the Out-of-Town Show featuring dignitaries visiting from outside Seattle in town for Coronation. $15 cover.

On Saturday, February 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Seattle Renaissance Hotel Presidential Suite (515 Madison St.), dignitaries are invited to submit their Protocol for Coronation. $35.

On Saturday, February 16, 5 p.m. door, 6 p.m. pageant, at Seattle Renaissance Hotel (515 Madison St.), join the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and the Olympic and Rainier Empire for Coronation 2013: The President’s Ball: A Cruise Around the World, Lake Style.

The Court of Seattle is pleased to host Queen Mother of the Americas, Empress Nicole the Great, as she presents her 7th annual State of the Empire address.

The evening will also feature command performances, introduction of visiting dignaries, the crowning and investiture of the Court of Seattle’s new Emperor and Empress and final walks of the Court of Seattle’s reigning Emperor 38 Rick Peters-Lake and Empress 41 Beverly Peters-Lake.

Tickets for the President’s Ball: $50.

On Sunday, February 17, at 11 a.m., at Seattle Renaissance Hotel Visions Ballroom (515 Madison St.), the Court of Seattle hosts Coronation Victory Brunch, celebrating the investiture of the new Emperor and Empress. Cost: $35.

On Sunday, February 17, at 3 p.m., at C.C. Attle’s (1701 E. Olive Way), the Court of Seattle presents the Alaska Birdwater Party, featuring dignitaries from Alaska in town for Coronation. No cover.

“CUPID’S CARNIVAL” On Saturday, February 16, from 6-10 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (13th Ave. & E. Pine St.), Seattle girls of Leather, hosts “Cupid’s Carnival,” a fundraiser to help SgoL provide the hospitality suite for Kink LINCS Leadership and Community Building Symposium (www.kinklincs.org) which will be held in Seattle April 12-14. “Cupid’s Carnival” features carnival booths by Seattle boys of Leather, Seattle Pups and Handlers, Microdungeon, Seattle Men in Leather, Knights of Mantra, Kitsap Aces, Bad Girls, and Snoco R.A.C.K.E.D. Come pet, play, or rent a Sea-Pah puppy. Check out the pastries and pasties of the Seattle girls of Leather, and many more! Tickets: $10 at the door, plus $1 raffle and ride tickets. www. sgol.org 1ST ANNUAL TACOMA GAY & LESBIAN WEDDING SHOW On Sunday, February 17, from 1:304:30 p.m., at McGavick Conference Center at Clover Park Technical College (4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW), meet with dozens of LGBT-friendly wedding vendors, enjoy a variety of delicious samples, music, LGBTspecific planning tips, and much more. For

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

more information, visit www.samelovesa- p.m. Tickets: $16/$20-adults, $5-youth ages merights.com. This is a kid-friendly event. 13-17; children 12 and under are admitted free to show. www.gardenshow.com.

SEATTLE PRIME TIMERS – MONTHLY POTLUCK FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY – On Sunday, February 17, at 2 p.m., at Se“RACE, MAP TESTS attle First Baptist Church (1111 Harvard AND PRIVATIZATION: Ave.) (enter through the Harvard Ave. glass THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY doors, join Seattle Prime Timers for their IN PUBLIC EDUCATION” monthly potluck. In addition to sharing a Dr. Steven Strauss, a Baltimore neurolomeal together, Seattle Prime Timers will be gist, author, and Save Our Schools activshowing the documentary film, Walk Like ist brings his passion as a parent with two a Man, which traces the journey of two of children educated in public schools to a the world’s best Gay rugby teams - reigning forum Wednesday, February 20, 7 p.m., at champions, San Francisco Fog and feisty New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.). upstarts, Sydney Convicts, as they prepare Door donation $3, students $1. Sponsored to battle in the World Cup of Gay rugby – by Freedom Socialist Party. For more inforthe Bingham Cup. Please bring a dish to mation call 206-722-2453 or email FSPseshare that will serve eight or more. A $4/ attle@mindspring.com. Wheelchair accesperson door fee (please try to bring exact sible. change) is requested to help pay for the cost of the hall. www.seattleprimetimers.org GREATER SEATTLE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SOCIAL OUTREACH SEATTLE – BUSINESS & HUMANITARIAN AWARDS BANQUET “KICK ASS QUEENS AND FEMMES” On Thursday, February 21, at 5:30 p.m., at STREET SMART & SELF-DEFENSE Seattle Marriott Waterfront (2100 Alaskan CLASS On Sunday, February 17, from 6-9 p.m., Way), join GSBA members and friends, for at Velocity Dance Center (1621 12th Ave.), the GSBA’s 32nd annual GSBA Business & join host Robbie Turner and instructor Mac Humanitarian Awards Banquet, featuring McGregor for SOSea’s first annual street keynote speaker, John Taft, CEO of RBC smart and self-defense class, “Kick Ass Wealth Management - U.S. Mr. Taft was the Queens and Femmes.” Learn how to pro- executive sponsor for RBC’s Gay, Lesbian, tect and defend yourself from becoming a Allied and Diverse Employees (GLADE) victim. There will be sections designed for resource group. He was named the 2010 drag queens or women in heels as well as Outstanding Corporate Diversity Leader bartenders or other late-night workers and by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of the average citizen. This event is FREE; do- Commerce (NGLCC), and he is the Republican CEO who took a vocal stand for equalnations will be greatly appreciated. ity and led the corporate charge against the 2012 anti-Gay constitutional amendment SEATTLE VOLLEYBALL CLUB – in Minnesota. With emcee Gary Tucker WINTER 2013 SEASON The Winter 2013 Season runs through from Pacific Northwest Ballet. Tickets: March. For complete details, including $140-members, $160-nonmembers. Details schedule, locations and costs, visit www.se- & registration: www.thegsba.org, 206-3639188. attlevolleyballclub.com.

LGBTQ YOUTH BASKETBALL Meets weekly on Tuesdays, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at the International District/Chinatown Community Center (719 8th Ave. S.), Seattle Parks and Recreation hosts this FREE LGBTQ Youth basketball program for LGBTQ Youth, Queer Youth of Color, allies and friends, ages 14-19. For more information, contact Randy Wiger at 206-883-6110 phone/text or email randy. wiger@seattle.gov.

HISTORIC SEATTLE – CALIFORNIA ARTS & CRAFTS ARCHITECTURE FILM NIGHTS On Thursday, February 21, from 7-8:30 p.m., at Washington Hall (153 14th Ave.) Historic Seattle and Northwest Film Forum continues their film program featuring outstanding films produced by Paul Bockhurst on Arts & Crafts architecture in Southern and Northern California and the visionary architecture of Bernard Maybeck.

You’ll see familiar and not so familiar examples of buildings and interiors by the region’s most accomplished and imaginative designers with commentary and critique by outstanding scholars and authors.

On February 21: “Pursuing Beauty: The Architecture of Bernard Maybeck.” Tickets: $10 members, $15 general public, $5 student. 206-622-6952; www.historicseattle. org.

SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB – BORROWED TIME The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday from 6-7:15 p.m., at Seattle Area Support Groups Community Center (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.).

In February, the club is reading Paul Monette’s acclaimed Borrowed Time, a love-song to Monette’s beloved partner SKI BUDDIES WEEKEND Roger Horwitz dying of AIDS. Ski Buddies hosts a Ski Buddies weekend All GLBTQ folks are welcome to participate in this FREE book club. For more at Steven’s Pass, February 21-24. Ski Budinformation visit http://faculty.washington. dies will have a cabin all weekend with an apres-ski potluck on Saturday, February 23, edu/swittet/SGLBookClub/. at 6 p.m. Enjoy the company and camaraderie of LGBTQ ski and snow sport enthuNORTHWEST FLOWER siasts this weekend. For more information, & GARDEN SHOW visit www.skibuddies.org.

WITH GALA OPENING PREVIEW FEBRUARY 19-24 QUEER YOUTH SPACE On Tuesday, February 19, from 5:30-9:30 ART SHOW – “VIEWS p.m. (patrons and benefactors), and 6:30FROM THE CLOSET DOOR” 9:30 p.m. (members and non-members), at On Saturday, February 23, from 4-7 p.m., the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (8th Ave. & Pike St.), join the Arbo- at Queer Youth Space (911 E. Pike St., Ste retum Foundation, for a Hollywood-themed 202), join Queer Youth Space and local extravaganza. Come dressed as your favor- Queer youth artists for a show and sale of ite movie character, strut your stuff on the locally produced art work. “Views from the red carpet and pose for paparazzi, enjoy Closet Door” showcases the struggles, joy, fine wine, delicious food, and live enter- strength and creativity of the Queer youth tainment, and your favorite movies brought of Seattle through a variety of artistic medito life in 23 luscious show gardens. Play a ums, including photography, painting, and starring role and support Seattle’s beautiful sculpture. Proceeds of art sales go directly Washington Park Arboretum. Tickets: $75- to the artists to support their artistic passion. $500. 206-325-4510; www.arboretumfoun- This event is FREE and open to anyone who wants to support youth, see art, hear some dation.org The show runs Wednesday, February 20, fabulous poetry and gain a new perspective. through Sunday, February 24. Wednesday- www.queeryouthspace.org; 206-495-9963.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-6

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 15, 2013

CENTURY BALLROOM’S SWEET 16 DEBUTANTE BALL (& TAX RELIEF FUNDRAISER) On Saturday, February 23, Century Ballroom hosts their Sweet 16 Debutante Ball (& Tax Relief Fundraiser) in the Odd Fellows Hall Building (915 E. Pine St.) The schedule: West Hall – 8 p.m. Swing lesson, 8:30 p.m. dancing; in Century Ballroom: 8:30 p.m. Salsa lesson, 9 p.m. dancing; in East Hall: a mix of West Coast Swing, Tango, Country Two-Step, Waltz, etc.

Help raise money, and have a good time, too, to help Century Ballroom pay off Washington State’s Department of Revenue’s recently (two-year’s ago) reinterpreted “opportunity to dance” tax which is seriously impacting several local nightclubs and one dance hall (Century Ballroom).

Cost: $8 lesson/$8 dance gets you into all 3 dances (FREE with lesson). Formal attire encouraged, tiaras always a plus, think pink, 16 DJs, 16 performances, 16 types of champagne. If you want to assist in the fundraising effort, but are unable to attend, you can mail checks payable to Hallie Kuperman (owner of Century Ballroom and The Tin Table) c/o Century Ballroom, 915 E. Pine St., Seattle 98122. (NOTE: They cannot accept gift checks payable to Century Ballroom.) For more information, you can contact Hallie directly at office@centuryballroom.com or by phone (Mon-Fri) 206324-7263.

NIGHT FANTASIA On Saturday, February 23, from 9 p.m.close, join Kwanchai with your hosts Aleksa Manila and Atasha Manila at Nijo Sushi Bar & Grill (83 Spring St.), for Night Fantasia, an LGBT Asian-themed party with DJ Ericket. Enjoy specialty appetizers and cocktails, good company, and a fundraising raffle with suggested donations for Pride Asia. www.kwanchai.net.

THREE DOLLAR BILL CINEMA & GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT – On Sunday, February 24, at 4 p.m., at The Social (1715 E. Olive Way), join Three Dollar Bill Cinema and Gay City Health Project for their 8th annual Academy Awards Party.

Get out your party clothes and celebrate the Academy Awards. Enjoy light bites and delicious drinks while supporting two important community non-profits. Tickets: $25-general; $75-VIP. www.gaycity.org.

NORTHWEST NETWORK – WINTER 2013 MINI RELATIONSHIP SKILLS CLASS: RECOVERY & ADDICTION On Wednesdays, March 6 and 13, from 6-8:30 p.m., Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse hosts their Winter 2013 Mini Relationship Skills Class: Recovery & Addiction – exploring the skills we need to build the relationships we want.

Have you ever been impacted by your own or a loved one’s addiction? How has that affected your relationships? Come share and learn about how to show up to relationships intentionally in a way that is aligned with your values. Topics include: personal values, accountability, naming and setting boundaries, strengthening support networks and more! This class is open to: anyone who has been impacted by addiction, Bisexual people and their friend and loved ones, Trans people and their friends and loved ones, along with other LGBTQ people, and is open to all regardless of relationship status or history. $40 suggested donation. No one turned away for lack of funds. Scholarships and trades available.

For more information, accessibility questions or to register, contact deann at 206568-7777 or deann@nwnetwork.org. Registration requested by February 28. If you need an interpreter, please register by Wednesday, February 18. www.nwnetwork. org

Seattle Gay News 17

international news

file photo

Viva les French kisses

National Assembly passes marriage equality bill “Contrary to what those who vociferate against it say – fortunately they’re in the minority – this law is going to strengthen the The French National Assembly passed institution of marriage.”

President François Hollande’s marriage SENATE PROSPECTS GOOD equality bill on February 12. The vote was The bill now goes to the French Senate, 329-229, with Hollande’s Socialists joining other left-leaning members to pass the mea- where the Socialists also have a majority.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

“Contrary to what those who vociferate against it say – fortunately they’re in the minority – this law is going to strengthen the institution of marriage.” sure over the objections of the right-wing opposition.

The result of the vote was greeted with cheers and applause from left-wing members, BBC News’ Paris bureau reported.

“This law is going to extend to all families the protections guaranteed by the institution of marriage,” Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said before the vote.

Senators may amend the bill, and they can force the Assembly to debate it again, but they cannot legally prevent it from passing eventually even if they wanted to.

The Associated Press predicts that the law will be finalized in May or June.

The Assembly passed the first article of the bill – defining marriage as a contract between “two persons” – on February 2 after

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault

a week of bitter debate. The final version of the bill includes a provision allowing samesex couples to adopt children.

“This law is a first necessary step, a social evolution that benefits society overall,” said Socialist Rep. Corinne Narassiguin, announcing her party’s support for the measure.

“Opening up marriage and adoption to homosexual couples is a very beautiful advance ... It is an emblematic vote, a vote that will mark history.”

Hollande made the marriage bill one of the centerpieces of his 2012 presidential campaign. Shortly after he was elected president, his Socialist Party won a landslide victory in national parliamentary elections, giving him the opportunity to enact his legislative agenda.

of widespread objections to assisted reproduction.

That issue is expected to come up in a separate bill later this year.

The French Catholic Church, which spearheaded opposition to the marriage law, promised to hold more anti-equality demonstrations in March. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators have been mobilized by both sides.

Equality opponents also threatened to take the issue to France’s Constitutional Court, to determine whether the law, if finally passed, squares with existing law.

The court has 12 members including three former French presidents and several other prominent conservatives.

“So it’s not the end of the story yet,” said Hervé Mariton, a member of the right-wing opposition UMP party.

CHURCH PLEDGES PROTESTS Opinion polls suggest that around 55% Hollande did not get everything he want- to 60% of French people support same-sex ed, however. The government backed off marriage, though only about 50% approve plans to link the marriage law to relaxed of adoptions by same-sex couples. restrictions on fertility treatments, because

Legal Services MARTIN SJOLIE Over 20 Years Experience

Last Will, Power of Attorney & Health Care Directive (Living Will)

$500.00/Person or $750.00/Couple for complete, personalized services.

(206) 841–1373 www.sjolielaw.com

Auto accidents, DUI, Small business needs.

18 Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

The Pope is very tired So who will replace him?

The leading candidates don’t look good

AP Photo / Domenico Stinellis

countries to decriminalize same-sex relations. “[The Church pushes] for the rights of prisoners [and] the rights of others, and the last thing we want to do is infringe upon the rights of anyone,” Turkson said.

“But when you’re talking about what’s called ‘an alternative lifestyle,’ are those human rights? [Ki-moon] needs to recognize there’s a subtle distinction between morality and human rights, and that’s what needs to be clarified.”

help women I think we would make lots of progress in Canada.”

RODRIGUEZ: NO WAFER FOR YOU Another contender, Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, has a reputation as a “moderate” but he has stated publicly that pro-choice politicians may not receive Holy Communion.

“A politician who publicly supports abortion, he excommunicates himself,” Rodriguez told Polo magazine.

“It’s not question of receiving ComHE’S ISLAMOPHOBIC, TOO munion or not – he has already done seriTurkson also offended Muslims when he ous harm to the communion of faith of the screened a YouTube film featuring alarmist Church, to the communion of moral life, predictions of the rise of Islam in Europe. and therefore that person himself is doing an “In just 39 years France will be an Islamic act that is inconsistent with what he says he

Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who could be the church’s first nonEuropean Pope, is even more hostile to LGBT folks than Benedict.

Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the papacy on February 11.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The surprise resignation of Pope Benedict XVI this week has led many American Catholics to hope that his replacement will be more progressive – in particular, more sympathetic toward marginalized Catholics.

Unfortunately, none of the papabili – the so-called “Pope-ables,” or front-runners, to succeed Benedict – are likely to be any more friendly than he has been to the LGBT community or to women. Most of them were, after all, appointed by Benedict himself and reflect his ultraconservative worldview.

TURKSON: ANTI-GAY EXTREMIST Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, for example, who could be the church’s first

non-European Pope, is even more hostile to LGBT folks than Benedict.

According to John Becker, writing for the Bilerico Project, Turkson has defended Uganda’s notorious “Kill the Gays” bill.

In an interview with the National Catholic Register last year, Turkson stated that although the penalties imposed by such laws are “exaggerated,” the “intensity of the reaction [to Gay people] is probably commensurate with tradition.”

“Just as there’s a sense of a call for rights,” Turkson continued, “there’s also a call to respect culture, of all kinds of people. So, if it’s being stigmatized, in fairness, it’s probably right to find out why it is being stigmatized.”

Turkson even criticized U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon for calling on African

republic,” Turkson predicted with horror.

Another African papabile, Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze, provoked a protest demonstration at Georgetown University in 2003, when he suggested that same-sex relations were morally equivalent to adultery, fornication, and pornography. A similar protest followed in London when Cardinal Arinze insisted that altar girls should remain immobile during Mass.

OUELLET: ANTI-ABORTION ZEALOT Quebec Cardinal and papabile Marc Ouellet has asserted that the Catholic Church is persecuted in modern Quebec for trying to maintain its religious traditions.

“The degree of religious ignorance is high enough,” Ouellet said in a 2009 interview.

“It is also a cultural challenge. It is sad that the new generations are so poorly informed about religion, our religious tradition. “ In a May 2010 statement, Ouellet confirmed he opposed abortion even in case of rape, and he called on the Canadian government to support women who want to keep their children.

“Governments are funding clinics for abortion,” he said. “I would like equity for organizations that are defending also life. If we have equity in funding those instances to

believes,” added Rodriguez.

“That is, we’re talking about a person who has become a broken-off branch of the tree of life of the Church – a dry branch that has lost its vital sap and is doing something that is a lie. One who is against life and who is clearly opposed to the message of the Lord Jesus, as is an abortion supporter, cannot be in Communion with Holy Mother Church.”

Rodriguez also denounced singer Ricky Martin for employing a surrogate mother to have children.

SCOLA: RATZINGER CRONY Cardinal Angelo Scola of Milan, one of the few Italians who are thought to have a chance at election, worked closely with Benedict when the Pope was still merely Joseph Ratzinger on the traditionalist theological journal Communio. Cardinal Ouellet also served on the Communio staff.

The publication was founded in 1972 to compete with the modernist Concilium journal, which promoted Pope John XXIII’s Vatican II reforms.

Scola has also been closely linked with the “Communion and Liberation” movement, described by the National Catholic Reporter as “a Catholic movement born in Italy and seen as a bulwark of conservative Catholic opinion.”

Home & Specialized Services Gary D. TorGerson Co. Expert Painting and Repairs Rot Repair: siding, doors, windows, porches and decks.

Lead-Safe Certified

See photographs of our work at www.TorgersonCompany.com Email: info@torgersoncompany.com Contractor Registration #: GARYDTC134CJ Phone: 206-781-0999

www.sgn.org Visit us online www.sgn.org

www.sgn.org February 15, 2013

Seattle Gay News 19

health and medicine

Who wears a condom, anyway?

(You do, of course … right?)

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor It should be your mantra. It should be something you are doing every time you have sex – oral, anal, or otherwise. “Wear a fucking condom” should be a way of life, not something you do every now and then. Billions of dollars have been spent on outreach, education, and more, since the years that AIDS took its first victim. Has it worked?

Dave Purdy recently wrote an interesting piece for the Washington Blade in which he suggests that we, as a society, should adjust our attitude on what constitutes safe sex.

THE CUDDLE GENE “I remember a study a few years ago that concluded a human being’s strongest desire is not for sex or food or water,” wrote Purdy.

“It is for the feeling after having sex. The researchers call this the ‘cuddle gene.’”

The cuddle gene is so strong many times it can scare people out of bed after sex.

“Think about that – human beings actually deciding not to satisfy their strongest urge,” he said. “Rather than cuddle, they prefer to leave right away after sex. I sometimes call it ‘the walk of shame.’ Why? Because if you choose to stay and cuddle, you could face the potential for a longer-term re-

lationship. Human behavior sometimes may be odd, but it’s predictable.”

Human behavior is the strongest determinant in spreading or not spreading HIV. Purdy breaks this down to “first, sex is about choices, and second, if you want safer sex, you’ll need to consider, then discuss, using a condom.”

The first hurdle, according to Purdy, is that condoms are unnatural. That messaging obviously doesn’t fall into place with what most mainstream AIDS activists would say.

Purdy acknowledges this, saying, “I’m sure my fellow AIDS activists are already starting to cringe, but it’s the truth.”

FUN FACTS Here are some interesting factoids about condoms: • Durex, the No. 1 brand worldwide, owns about 15 percent of the global market.

• Trojan, the most popular brand in the United States, captures 69 percent of the domestic market.

• There’s no clear trend in sales. One year, condom sales are up; another year, they’re down. Many blame the economy while others insist “safe sex” is a term of the past.

• Some studies report straight people use condoms more frequently than Gay people; other studies claim the opposite. Still another study suggests that minorities in the

United States tend to use condoms more often than white people.

‘BARE’ IS BACK “The fact is when you talk about condoms the discussion is never cut-and-dried,” declared Purdy. “If we’re going to be truthful, there has to be flexibility. Nothing prevents HIV 100 percent of the time, except – dare I say it? – abstinence.”

Purdy says he does not advocate abstinence because he believes that can lead to

JUST SAY ‘FUK!T’ “One of the most brilliant safer-sex campaigns I have seen in my 25 years trying to do my part to help end the AIDS epidemic is right here in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “It is called the FUK!T Campaign. The easyto-open package contains a condom, lube, and a three-step instruction card.”

Seattle has a FUK!T campaign too: Go to www.seafukits.org.

Unfortunately, Purdy points out, there is

Human behavior is the strongest determinant in spreading or not spreading HIV. mental health issues.

And he points out that “bareback” sex – the term for not wearing a condom – no longer is a dirty word.

“Today, people are having sex without condoms and loving it,” says Purdy. “It is the new freedom revolution. In some circles, being HIV positive is considered en vogue; others say if both partners are HIV positive, why not have condom-less sex?”

According to Purdy, this attitude cannot be ignored, but it can be adjusted.

“Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly,” reports the Centers for Disease Control, “are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.” Purdy wonders, “At one time, the CDC gave a percentage, but no longer. Why?” It is important to emphasize that condoms offer some protection from STDs other than HIV, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia.

“Both the CDC and the AIDS community urge condom use in light of an important fact: HIV prevention in the United States is a complete failure,” alleges Purdy.

no way a campaign like that can attract federal funding.

“That’s blocked in part by the Helms Amendment, which prohibits using federal tax dollars for AIDS education or for materials that ‘promote or encourage, directly or indirectly, homosexual activities,’” he says.

“Let me be clear on one point: If we are going to win the war against AIDS, we must do away with the Helms Amendment.”

A MODEST SUGGESTION Although Purdy doesn’t offer any concrete solutions as to exactly what needs to be done next, I think many of us can agree that the failed approach to getting men – Gay and straight – to wear condoms during sex has to be updated. A new approach is needed. And Purdy does have a suggestion.

“Let’s imagine just for a moment that you opted to satisfy your urge to cuddle,” he says. “Chances are that you would pass the threshold of caring for the person enough to choose using a condom.

“And with more cuddling, perhaps the world would be a better place.”

Health and Counseling Services SPECIALTIES LGBT Issues Couples Counseling Depression Anger Management Domestic Violence Grief and Loss HIV/AIDS

Gary Sarozek, MA, LMHC 1370 Stewart Street (Across from REI) Seattle WA, 98109

206-619-4187 gsarozek@comcast.net www.garysarozek.com

Que Areste, N.D.

SEATTLE COUNSELING ALLIANCE

Naturopathic Family Physician

Maura Freeman, RN, LMHCA

206.328.2926 drque@speakeasy.net 1605 12th Avenue, Suite 16 • Seattle, WA 98122

206.310.3111 maura.freeman@comcast.net seattlecounselingalliance.com

www.sgn.org 20 Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

www.sgn.org Celebrating 40 Years!

courtesy federation of gay games

SPORTS Philippe Kahn: A role model for all A California wrestling coach bridges the Gay-straight divide

by Dan Woog SGN Contributing Writer As a volunteer assistant wrestling coach, Philippe Kahn had an easy relationship with the athletes at South High School in Torrance, California. They respected his talents, but like teenagers everywhere, they were wrapped up in their own lives.

Occasionally though, they’d ask about his wrestling career. Where, for example, was he competing now?

“I was honest,” Kahn says. “Still, I’d fudge things. I’d say ‘Cologne’ instead of ‘the Gay Games in Cologne.’ But kids aren’t stupid. They have access to Google. You can’t conceal something like that.”

One day after practice, a freshman yelled across the crowded locker room: “Hey, coach. Are you Gay?” Kahn responded, “Sorry to disappoint you, but I already have a boyfriend. You’re out of luck.”

Most wrestlers laughed, defusing the situation. Kahn followed up: “See you tomorrow.”

“No you won’t,” the ninth grader replied.

The reason, Kahn learned later, was that the boy was leaving on vacation. At the moment, though, his disappearance seemed ominous.

“He was a smart kid. He was testing the limits,” Kahn says.

SEXUALITY NOT AN ISSUE The assistant coach was already out to the rest of the school staff. “I’m upfront,” he explains. “I don’t lie, deny, or misrepresent who I am.” Some of the older wrestlers already knew, too. They didn’t care.

Part of their nonchalance was generational. Teenagers today – even athletes – know far more about Gay issues than their parents or even their older siblings. They have LGBT friends. They see out Gay people on the news, in the media, and (finally) the athletic world. To many teens, homosexuality is a non-issue.

Part of the wrestlers’ ease with Kahn is because of their activity. Wrestling, the coach notes, is “a minority sport.” There is little

glamour and plenty of drudgery. Crowds are small. Friends and family members often treat wrestling with disdain. “Why do you want to roll around on a mat with another guy?” they wonder – and ask aloud.

Wrestlers are passionate. They love the sport’s intense physical and mental demands, its one-on-one competition, the self-confidence it breeds. They revel in being part of a misunderstood minority. They overcome their own doubts and the questions of others. They learn to laugh when someone calls it a “Gay sport.”

HOOKED ON WRESTLING In that, Kahn’s South High charges were no different from him. He discovered wrestling at age 12 in Florida, and was immediately hooked. “The intensity was amazing,” he recalls. “I hadn’t done well in team sports. But I liked being on a wrestling team. At that age, that’s so important.”

It was especially important because, even then, Kahn knew he was Gay. He did not look or act “obviously” Gay, he says, so he was spared harassment. But as a 140- and 145-pound high school wrestler, he was deep in the closet.

The University of Florida did not have intercollegiate wrestling, so he competed on a club team. Kahn graduated with a degree in journalism and telecommunications, and then worked as a news anchor at TV stations in Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Advertising dollars dried up after 9/11, though, and after moving to California he became a car salesman. He began with Mini Coopers and was soon selling BMWs. But Kahn never lost his love for wrestling.

By then totally out of the closet, he found Gene Dermody – the founder of a Gay wrestling club in San Francisco, and former president of the Federation of Gay Games.

Through Dermody, Kahn learned of Gay wrestling organizations in Southern California, where he lived.

He trained for the Gay Games with the Southbay Wrestling Academy, a straight club. Their connection with South High led to Kahn’s coaching career.

Philippe Khan

EARNING RESPECT In the beginning, he was “standoffish” with the high school athletes. “It was still all about me,” he says. “I was training and competing. I had my own baggage about coaching kids. I worried about things like the perceptions of other people.”

But the more time he spent with teenagers, the more he realized they didn’t care he was Gay. And the more he worked with the South athletes, the more he understood the unique role he could play.

He was a role model to the Gay wrestlers – without knowing who they were. Yet with 70 student-athletes in the program, Kahn says, “the statistics say they’re there.”

He was a role model to the straight ones

too. They ask Kahn questions about life – college, relationships, etc. – that have nothing to do with sexuality. He’s gratified by the respect they show him, and inspired by their maturity.

Philippe Kahn returns that trust and respect. He’s a true role model, showing that being Gay is far less important than being a strong wrestler, and an even stronger person. On and off the mat.

Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer coach, and Gay activist. His latest book is We Kick Balls: True Stories from the Youth Soccer Wars. He can be reached at OutField@qsyndicate.com.

Religion & Spirituality Sojourner Truth Ministries Sunday Service 11:15 am Rainier City Bldg 1265 South Main St #106 (14th & Main) Seattle, WA 98144 Phone: Rev. Walden @ 206 380-1710

www.sgn.org Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 15, 2013

A Church for All God’s People – since 1972 www.mccseattle.org Sunday Worship 11:00 am 1415 NE 43rd St. on U-District (206) 325-2421

Seattle Gay News 21

22 Seattle Gay News

February 15, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

MoSS Alley MotorS, Inc. SpecialiStS in VolVo, Honda, toyota and Subaru

932 12th ave.

Seattle, Wa 98122 (206).325--.3992 www.mossalley.com Seattle’s most progressive auto shop!

“Best Price in Town!”

$99 - Includes Authorization and Card - up to 1 year.

Doctors available Tuesday 2-6, Thursday 11-3, Friday 11-6, and Sunday 12-4

4021 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103

206-632-4021

www.medicinemanwellness.com On-Line verification available

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 15, 2013

Seattle Gay News 23