Celebrating 38 Years!
Issue 10 Volume 39
PRIDE REGISTRATION p. 3
THE JULIETTES p. 21
NUBIAN PRIDE p. 32
Seattle Gay News
FRIDAY March 11, 2011 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Republicans drag Key LGBT-friendly bills pass Wisconsin back state House, go to Senate to 19th century Sixty LGBT organizations pledge solidarity with workers
Michael P. King / Associated Press
Protesters fill the state Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
stripped state workers of their right to collective bargaining on March 9. Collective bargaining is the proIn a move former Labor Secretary Robert Reich called a “coup d’etat,” Wisconsin Republicans see wisconsin page 16
Three bills offered by openly Gay or Lesbian legislators have passed the Washington State House of Representatives, and will now go to the state Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate and signed by the governor, all will expand protections for LGBT residents of the state. HB 1163, sponsored by Marko Liias (D-21), builds on the work Liias did in the last legislative session to pass new anti-bullying legislation. Liias’ latest measure would create a work group on preventing bullying, intimidation, and harassment, and establish new educational standards on mental health and youth suicide. The bill charges the state’s education ombudsman and the superintendent of public instruction with convening the group. In addition, the state Community and Technical Colleges Board and the Higher Education Coordinating Board would be required to
official photo
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
State Representative Marko Liias
compile and evaluate anti-bullying policies and procedures for schools under their jurisdiction. The measure also adds mental health and suicide prevention education to the state’s essential academic learning requirements. The bill was co-sponsored by openly Lesbian and Gay Reps.
Laurie Jinkins (D-27), Jim Moeller (D-49), Jamie Pedersen (D-43), Dave Upthegrove (D-33), and 41 other House members. It passed by a hefty 76-21 margin. Seattle’s Jamie Pedersen also insee bills page 17
Dennis Weymouth and the Brutal attack in Seattle United Soccer League Saint Lucia Dennis Weymouth has been very busy with soccer in recent months. He’s working to get the new Seattle United Soccer League off the ground and kicking. “Our mission is to give back to the community spiritually, financially and socially. We express ourselves through the diversity we have on and off the field. To each equal individual player, fan, or contributor we are one wholly United League.” A HISTORY OF SOCCER “I have been in soccer myself since I was 6,” says Dennis Weymouth, one of the people behind the new Seattle United Soccer League. “I grew up playing in junior high and high school. Then I became a soccer referee and was refereeing college athletes when I was still in high school. There was something about it that I loved. I loved the excitement of a great match with lots of fans in the stadium and roaring crowds. I liked making good money for doing something I enjoy. At that age, it Members of Seattle United Soccer League
courtesy Project Q
courtesy Seattle United Soccer League
Courtesy of Seattle United Soccer League
Nick Smith and Michael Baker
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Looking for some fun in the sun on your next vacation? Allow us to suggest a Hawaiian alternative to your Caribbean dream. Seriously, Gay travelers, the U.S. State Department has not been releasing warnings about Gay travel in the Caribbean for their own health. On the contrary – it is for your health. Jamaica may be at the top of the list as the worst offender, but see soccer page 18 Gay travelers should be aware that
much of the rest of the Caribbean also has a long history of intense homophobia. Islands like Barbados still criminalize homosexuality, and some seem to be following Jamaica’s more violent example. The Bahamas and St. Martin have had bad press, and now Saint Lucia is following suit. The latest example of why Gays should take their vacations elsewhere (and demand that Gay cruise ships stop visiting countries see st. lucia page 17