SGN May 3, 2013 - Section 1

Celebrating 40 Years!

Issue 18 Volume 41

Page 25

Seattle Gay News

FRIDAY May 3, 2013 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands

SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

‘All our concerns are one’ On May Day, activists press for LGBT immigrant rights dru dinero

Marchers in Seattle made the connection between LGBT and immigrant rights.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Seattle’s May Day immigrant rights rally included two Gay speakers and many references to the LGBT community. But in the other Washington, congressional leaders still have not agreed to include binational same-sex couples in proposed immigration reform legislation.

In Seattle, a reported 10,000 marchers assembled in Judkins Park and then proceeded downtown for a rally at the Federal Building. The march was sponsored by the May First Action Coalition and El Comite pro Reforma Migratoria y Justicia Social, and included the Washington State Labor Council, the Martin Luther King County Labor Council, and many union locals, especially those in the building trades – which represent concentrations of immigrant workers.

The march downtown was led by a big blue semi belonging to Team-

sters Local 174, and the Ce Atl Tonalli Aztec Dance Group, which kept up a lively pace all the way.

OUT FROM THE SHADOWS At the rally, LGBT issues were given a prominent place. Speaking mainly in Spanish, Carlos Padilla, an organizer with the Latino/Latina LGBT organization Entre Hermanos, told the crowd that many immigrants face multiple forms of discrimination.

“I am one of the Dreamers,” he said, referring to the proposed DREAM Act, which would create a pathway to U.S. citizenship for young people who came to this country as children and are now pursuing education and gainful employment, “and I am Gay.” “I had to come out of the closet as undocumented,” Padilla said.

“Later, I came out of the closet as Gay. I am an ‘undocuqueer’ youth.

All our movements, all our concerns are one. We are a community see march. page 8

Rhode Island makes 10 ‘Equality: Passed, Gov. Chafee signs equality bill – will Delaware follow suit?

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. Gov. Lincoln Chafee, a long-time supporter of LGBT As SGN goes to press on May 2, rights, signed the bill at 5:45 p.m.

Rhode Island has become the 10th EDT.

CATHOLIC RESISTANCE All five of the other New England states already have samesex marriage on the books, but in heavily Catholic Rhode Island the legislature stalled marriage equality legislation for 20 years. Last year a record number of Democrats – and a record number of Gay and Lesbian members – were elected to legislative seats, finally turning the tide.

The tipping point was reached when the devoutly Catholic president of the Rhode Island Senate, Democrat Teresa Paiva Weed, promised she would not block a vote on the measure even though she opposed it. All five Republican senators voted for equality.

Jenn Steinfeld, a co-founder of Marriage Equality Rhode Island,

Present, and Future’ 2013 Pride theme highlights positive changes in the LGBT community nate gowdy / seattle gay news

Charles Krupa / AP

Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee holds up the Gay marriage bill after signing it into law

Meanwhile, in Delaware, a key Senate committee passed that state’s marriage bill and sent it to the full Senate for an up-or-down vote.

The Rhode Island bill won final passage in a procedural vote in the state’s legislature last week. It passed the House in January, and a slightly modified bill passed the Senate on April 25 by a convincing 26-12 margin. The final vote was necessary to reconcile the two versions.

Seattle Pride Parade 2012

by Sam West Special to the SGN

After launching a social media campaign to determine the theme of the 2013 Pride Parade, Seattle Out and Proud (SO&P) has chosen “Equality: Passed, Present, and Future” as the winner.

The theme celebrates recent see rhode island page 7

positive developments for the Gay community, in particular the November 2012 elections that brought marriage equality to Washington and two other states.

This year’s parade, which will take place Sunday, June 30, starting at 11 a.m., also aims to strengthen a see pride page 7

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Bad theology no excuse for discrimination tri-city herald

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

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Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, Washington

by Charlene Strong Special to the SGN The lawsuit brought against the Richland florist by the Attorney General’s office of Washington state is a moment when we can all sit back and see the fair and just application of the law. Her “relationship with Jesus Christ” was the reason the shop owner gave for denial of service. But let’s pause for a moment and think about that statement. What about her nine-year relationship with two men who frequented her store to buy flowers for many occasions – and, I’m guessing, for each other – during those nine years?

Many of us in the LGBT community at

May 3, 2013

some point have been exposed to damaging words of discrimination based on antiquated, out-of-context scriptural passages.

Preachers and their followers have used their limited understanding of the Bible as a basis to inflict damage to lives that deserve respect for their humanity. The Richland florist is lacking in her knowledge of not only the laws in this state but her understanding of biblical principles, which clearly she has interpreted in a manner that does nothing but perpetuate religious ignorance. I heard a wonderful quote that I wish I could attribute to its rightful owner: “It is OK to have a fifth-grade understanding of the Bible, but it is not OK to inflict that lack of biblical knowledge on another.”

A TEACHABLE MOMENT Many in the movement for marriage equality have stayed very quiet about this lawsuit. It is fair to say that this type of discrimination is rare, but its occurrence should be looked at as a time to educate.

Washington stands miles ahead of many other states in having progressive laws that protect all citizens, Gay or otherwise. Anyone who walked into that store and was told “no” based on personal feelings would be dealing with the same level of scrutiny and potential legal action. Unfortunately those who thinly veil their disdain for Gay and Lesbian couples’ equality say it is a violation of their religious freedoms. It was an inaccurate statement during Referendum 71 and 74, and again it fails to hold up to the laws of our state.

I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished in Washington state and always mindful of what is still to be done to see full and inclusive equality in our nation. I often say when I am speaking publicly, “My story is not about just one person – I tell my story as a community of many who share my desire for equality.” As a community we need to tell our stories to educate, legislate, and secure equality for all.

Charlene Strong, an advocate for social justice and marriage equality, is a member of the Washington State Human Rights Commission. She writes this article as a private citizen.

Celebrating 40 Years!

Local news

Magical thinking with Diverse Harmony

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor DIVERSE HARMONY LANGSTON HUGHES PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE May 10 & 12 Seattle is home to many “firsts.” We are a unique lot – there is no doubt about that.

The same could be said for LGBT “firsts” as well. And one that we can all be proud of

the power of music to inspire all to celebrate the differences in our homes, communities and the world.”

Who couldn’t get behind that? It’s a great message and mission and really speaks to the core of what this group represents. Diversity and working together really does create harmony in every sense of the word.

Diverse Harmony was founded in Seattle in 2002. “Over our 11 seasons we have grown to nearly 60 members, and

“Our mission is to create a safe, affirming environment where each person is accepted for who they are. Our common bond is the love of music and performance arts. We use our passion and the power of music to inspire all to celebrate the differences in our homes, communities and the world.” is Diverse Harmony, the nation’s first Gaystraight alliance youth chorus.

Diverse Harmony is a 58-member chorus presenting music that opens the hearts and minds of communities and provides a safe environment for youth of diverse backgrounds to share their love of music and be accepted for who they are.

“Our vision is a world in which differences are celebrated,” say Diverse Harmony officials on the group’s official website, www. diverseharmony.org. “Our mission is to create a safe, affirming environment where each person is accepted for who they are.

Our common bond is the love of music and performance arts. We use our passion and

have brought performances to communities throughout Seattle in our regular twoconcert season,” say officials. “The chorus has also performed tours to Denver, Chicago, Montreal, and Miami, and is traveling to Portland this June at the invitation of the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. Diverse Harmony is a member of GALA Choruses (the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) and is considered a leading youth chorus among its membership due to our longevity and large membership.”

In tandem with their successful performances, Diverse Harmony serves as a safe space for their singers: youth age 13 to 22 who identify as LGBT, Queer, questioning,

Mark Hewitt 1955 – 2013

Beloved father and friend, Mark Christopher Hewitt passed away suddenly March 30, 2013, at home. He is survived by his son Jake and his daughter Anne. A memorial will be held May 11, at 11 a.m., at Camp Long Park in West Seattle.

Mark was born July 10, 1955, in Seattle, the youngest child of John and Jacqueline Hewitt. He attended O’Dea High School and graduated from Seattle University.

Mark’s career was in human resources, and in 2006 he was a finalist for the Amer-

or allied.

“Weekly rehearsals have become a home base for many of our youth where they can feel respected and accepted, and have fun making music together,” say officials.

No tuition or membership fee is required of singers, and they accept all levels of musical ability.

UPCOMING EVENTS Diverse Harmony has two events of interest coming up that you should support. The first is “Magical Thinking,” a concert to celebrate the creative and imaginary worlds that youth invent, May 10, 7:30 p.m., and May 12, 2 p.m., at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (104 17th Ave S., Seattle). Tickets are $20, available at the door only. Age 22 and under free.

“Magical Thinking” will explore how imagination can transform the world as

we mature through our youth and adulthood. “Come join Diverse Harmony as we change the world into a better place with our thoughts and music,” say officials. The second event is the Diverse Harmony Celebration and Fundraiser, to be held May 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to hear more about Diverse Harmony’s mission and learn what the youth are achieving through their participation in the chorus.

Lunch will be served, and reservations are required. For complete details, contact Paul Fadoul at boardpresident@diverseharmony. org.

Diverse Harmony is led by Artistic Director Brayton Bollenbacher, now in his second season with the group. Bollenbacher holds degrees in vocal performance and sexuality studies from Ohio State University and an M.S.W. from the University of Washington.

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ican Business Awards’ “Best Human Resource Executive in America.”

However, to Mark, his career was secondary to enjoying life. He appreciated fine art, antiques, jewelry, nice shoes, and especially cashmere sweaters. Mark valued the beauty of nature and was happy hiking in the woods, walking in a rose garden, or creating a fantastic flower arrangement.

Mark loved to laugh and made others laugh, often uncontrollably! He saw the ironies in life and his clever wit and storytelling was the highlight of many get-togethers. He loved his friends dearly and enjoyed hosting small, intimate dinners full of cheer, lively conversation, and great food. He rightfully boasted about his brisket.

Above all, Mark loved his children, Jake and Anne, and wanted the best for them too. He instilled both with an eye and taste for quality and excellent design.

Although the last few years provided personal hardships for Mark, he looked toward the future with hope. He had tremendous friends who helped him in times of need. Mark leaves us with warm memories and faith that he is now comfortable and pain-free.

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Seattle Gay News

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Michelle shocks – again Controversial singer shows up at Seattle business owner’s house

file photo

Michelle Shocked

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor By now, you probably already know that alt-folksinger Michelle Shocked (Karen Michelle Johnston) made an impromptu speech March 17 against same-sex marriage during a performance at Yoshi’s Nightclub in San Francisco. Despite having a large Lesbian following, she used homophobic slurs, saying, “I live in fear that the world will be destroyed if Gays are allowed to marry.”

Then, putting her foot further into her mouth, Shocked continued, “You can go on Twitter and say Michelle Shocked said ‘God hates fags.’”

Well, as you can imagine this didn’t go over very well. The media, her fans, and – most importantly – concert promoters and venue owners crucified her. Michelle Shocked’s tour came to a screeching halt as venue after venue cancelled her shows.

Meander’s Kitchen (9635 16th Ave S.W.), in Seattle’s White Center neighborhood, was one such venue. SGN told our readers about the change of heart by Meander’s Kitchen owner Miranda Krone in the April 12 edition.

SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER Krone decided she would turn a bad situation into a good one. So, on the very night Shocked had been scheduled to perform in her venue, Krone threw a fundraiser cabaret

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Seattle Gay News

for Camp Ten Trees and Queer Rock Camp.

She even added a second night for good measure.

The April 26-27 event, “You Are Loved,” produced by local burlesque entertainer Cherry Tart, was a success as over $3,000 was raised for the two camps.

Many in attendance wondered if Shocked would show up (since being dropped from music venues elsewhere, Shocked has shown up to protest). Krone told SGN that she, too, wondered if the singer would protest the fundraiser.

Shocked didn’t protest “You Are Loved.”

In fact, she didn’t even show up at Meander’s Kitchen. She did something worse, however. According to Krone, Michelle Shocked showed up in her backyard.

A SHOCKING SURPRISE SGN met with Krone after she contacted the newspaper to explain what took place April 26 and the early afternoon of April 28.

The original performance had been arranged by Village Green Perennial Nursery owner Vera Johnson who, on Facebook, said, “In 100% support of CANCELLING this show. I apologize for this (and do realize this in no way is a reflection of me) I am not at all supportive of Michelle Shocked’s Roadworks or her homophobic performance in San Francisco last night. Miranda Krone and Vera Johnson say NO WAY!!!

I have called her (Michelle) and e-mailed her twice, she is not responding. I have informed her that we will not host nor support this kind of bigotry and hatred. Also, just to be clear, I told her many of her followers are Queer, and she is biting the hand that feeds her. I hope she gets the help she needs, as she clearly seems troubled.”

However, on the night of April 26, just as Cherry Tart and others were setting up for the Meander’s Kitchen fundraiser, Johnson seemed to have a change of heart.

According to Krone, Village Green Perennial Nursery’s Facebook page posted the following rambling comment, “Michelle Shocked will play @7:30 p.m. here

May 3, 2013

tonight.”

As more and more people began to comment on the post, many of whom sharing the same sentiment that they did not agree with Johnson’s decision to host Shocked, Johnson posted, “Hi all, in the midst of controversy about this, and with a genuine willingness to hear what she has said to me, eye to eye, as well as having the ability to listen to what my community has to say about this, AND for having been being completely misunderstood myself in the past, also having made mistakes with words that were taken COMPLETELY out of context, be-

rents a home from Johnson, where she and her 17-year-old daughter live.

Krone told SGN that, although the property is huge and there were any number of places to host the show, it was held close to her home. This has obviously caused a rift between the two women as Krone feels that she was stabbed in the back by Johnson (who, Krone claims, is seeking publicity from the stunt), but also because she says the show put her daughter, and her daughter’s 15-year-old friend, in danger. Both were at Krone’s home at the time of the show.

“You can mess with me all you’d like,” Krone said. “But when you mess with my kid – or any kids, for that matter – that is when Mama Bear’s claws come out.”

Krone said she got a call from her daughter after the two girls found a stranger – a man – walking into their home because he was lost looking for the bathroom. Krone also claims that the girls told her that people had gone into the basement area of the house as well. She says the teens were scared, though ultimately no one was harmed. Still, Krone says, that is not the point.

“You held a friggin’ concert in my backyard!” she said. “Who does that?”

Apparently, Vera Johnson does. SGN has learned that after the show took place (attendance was said to be below 100), Shocked had a meeting with Krone at Johnson’s house (also on the Village Green property).

Krone described the meeting as “something I knew I had to remove myself from right away.”

Krone said she met with Johnson and the singer after she got a telephone call from Johnson requesting she come over and talk to them. Krone thought it best, and went to the meeting at about 1:30 p.m. on April 27.

TWITTER HATE SPEECH “The first thing I thought was, ‘Oh, you poor thing,’” Krone told SGN. “She just kept rambling on about YouTube trying to steal her music.”

Krone said Shocked did not appear to be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. In fact, Krone thinks Shocked’s behavior might stem from the lack of drugs. “It is clear to me she is suffering from a mental health issue,” she said.

Nothing was resolved, said Krone, and after listening to Shocked “ramble,” she left the meeting.

Communication between Shocked and her supporters then intensified – through

Krone said Shocked did not appear to be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. In fact, Krone thinks Shocked’s behavior might stem from the lack of drugs. “It is clear to me she is suffering from a mental health issue.” cause it has never happened to me for sure, with no ears willing to even listen, or have a conversation, or to be met at the table to explain my word, having slanderous things said about me to others, where people make judgments off sound bites … I say, come to the show and listen to her or not. I’m just giving her a chance to have a conversation with anyone who wants to hear it directly from her.”

Krone, of course, took issue with this. But beyond that, the concert was held in Krone’s backyard! As it turns out, Vera Johnson is Krone’s landlord.

Twitter. “It has taken me all I can to not respond,” admits Krone who says she refuses to comment on Twitter to all of the vile things Shocked’s supporters have been saying. “But I don’t want to add to hate speech.”

One man, in particular, continually sends Krone threatening tweets. He’s even gone so far as to threaten her. Krone says that she is going to make a report to the police because “you never know how serious someone might be.”

Krone says that she just can’t understand why someone who at one time was an ally, and agreed with cancelling the Michelle STRANGERS WANDERED IN Shocked performance at Meander’s KitchVillage Green (10223 26th Ave. S.W.) is en, would think it was a good idea to change a two-acre plant nursery in White Center her mind at the last minute and – above all – that also hosts events on the property. Krone use her backyard as the concert venue.

Celebrating 40 Years!

national news All apologies Sen. Joe Manchin is sorry he tried to block DADT repeal

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer West Virginia’s conservative Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said on April 27 that he now thinks he was “wrong” to vote against repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).

In December 2010, Manchin voted with

going back to West Virginia for a “holiday gathering.”

Explaining his vote against cloture in December 2010, Manchin said he voted the way he did because of the “timing” of the DADT repeal legislation.

“I do not support its repeal at this time,” Manchin said at the time. “I would like to

“My concerns, as highlighted in the recent defense survey and through the testimony of the service chiefs, are with the effect implementation of the repeal would have on our front-line combat troops at this time.” make clear that my concern is not with the idea of repealing DADT, but rather an issue of timing.

“My concerns, as highlighted in the recent defense survey and through the testimony of the service chiefs, are with the effect implementation of the repeal would have on our front-line combat troops at this time,” he said.

Despite his regrets with regard to DADT, SKIPPED FINAL VOTE When the DADT repeal finally did come Manchin remains one of only three Demoup for a vote on December 18, 2010, Man- cratic senators who have not endorsed chin skipped it, telling reporters he was same-sex marriage.

Federal judge criticizes Oregon’s anti-equality law

AP Photo / Dave Martin

most Republican senators against cloture on DADT repeal, which would have prevented the repeal bill from coming up for a vote.

“That was the wrong vote,” Manchin said at a breakfast hosted by National Journal and The Atlantic, an event which also featured MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow. “Today I would vote the other way.”

Senator Joe Manchin

rhode island continued from cover

said she watched the movement grow from a few people into thousands of volunteers, many of whom are not Gay or Lesbian.

“When we started, I knew every single person in our database,” she said. “Now I go to events and I don’t know anybody. I think that’s wonderful. Seeing the tide change, federal recognition of same-sex mar- seeing people who aren’t personally affectriages. ed support us, it’s just been amazing.”

The state of Oregon also did not recognize their marriage, because DELAWARE ON THE BUBBLE voters had passed Measure 36, which In Delaware, marriage equality cleared amended the state constitution to bar the Senate Executive Committee after a same-sex marriages, in 2004.

90-minute hearing. The bill passed the state Clark appealed the decision deny- House by a narrow margin on April 23. Suping her spouse federal benefits, and porters expect another close vote in the SenPregerson ruled in her favor. ate.

“The denial of Clark’s request for The Delaware Senate is expected to take spousal FEHB benefits was based on up the measure on May 7, but the vote may Clark’s sexual orientation, and thus not come on that date. Democratic Gov. violates the plan’s prohibition of dis- Jack Markell supports marriage equality crimination on the basis of sexual ori- and is expected to sign the bill if it passes entation,” he wrote. both houses of the legislature.

Lawmakers in Illinois, Minnesota, and ‘UNCONSTITUTIONAL’ Nevada have joined Rhode Island and DelaPregerson also wrote a long opin- ware in taking up same-sex marriage legision reviewing Measure 36. lation this year. New Jersey Democrats have “I can see no objective that is ra- until next January to attempt to override tionally related to banning same-sex Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of a same-sex marriages, other than the objective marriage bill in that state. LGBT rights adof denigrating homosexual relation- vocates in Oregon have begun a campaign ships,” he wrote. “Thus, Measure to put a marriage equality initiative on the 36 reveals itself to be ‘wholly without any ballot in 2014. rational basis’ and is therefore unconstitutional.”

The constitutionality of Measure 36 was not an issue in the case, however, because continued from cover Clark did not sue to get the state of Oregon to recognize her marriage – she sought only feeling of harmony among everyone in the to secure health insurance for her spouse – Seattle community.

“This year’s theme … is intended to proso the Oregon law will stand in spite of Premote and recognize the landmark achievegerson’s opinion.

Basic Rights Oregon said it has always ment Washington State has made in legalplanned to challenge the law, and the group izing, by a legislative and public vote, marannounced in February that it would begin riage equality for its citizens while recoggathering petition signatures to put the issue nizing that many battles for equality both in Washington and nationally are still ahead,” back on the ballot in 2014.

A PPP poll taken in December 2012 SO&P officials said in a press release.

SO&P reviewed more than 100 suggesshowed some 54% of Oregon voters in fations for this year’s theme, which were colvor of legalizing same-sex marriage.

Ruling extends federal benefits but leaves marriage ban standing file photo

Judge Harry Pregerson

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A Ninth Circuit Court judge said in a legal decision that an Oregon law barring samesex marriage is unconstitutional – but his opinion does not strike down the law, because it wasn’t at issue in the case.

Judge Harry Pregerson’s ruling, issued April 24, came in a case involving benefits under the Federal Employees Health Care Benefits program.

Plaintiff Alison Clark married her partner, Anna Campbell, in British Columbia on June 23, 2012. When the couple returned to Oregon and applied for health benefits from Clark’s employer, a federal agency, they were denied because DOMA prohibits

Visit us online www.sgn.org

pride

May 3, 2013

lected by inviting the public to submit their ideas.

GRAND MARSHALS NAMED Often called the matriarchs of the LGBT rights movement in Washington, Jane Lighty and Pete-e Petersen have been named grand marshals. In addition to their record of activism, the pair made history as the first same-sex couple to receive a marriage license in the state of Washington last December.

Other grand marshals include Sarah Toce, founder and editor-in-chief of The Seattle Lesbian online magazine; Zach Silk and Lacey All of Washington United for Marriage; and Gautam Raghavan, a liaison to the LGBT community from the White House Office of Public Engagement.

The “effervescent hostess” Sylvia O’Stayformore will be one of the parade announcers stationed at Westlake Park. Judges will also be stationed there, and will award prizes to parade participants based on several criteria, including best theme celebration, most colorful, outstanding presentation, most unexpected, brilliance, and uniqueness.

About a quarter of a million people are expected to show up along the 4th Avenue parade route from Union Street to Denny Way. SO&P estimates 200 commercial, nonprofit, and civil organizations have signed up to march the route.

“We have many reasons to celebrate this year,” SO&P officials said. “But [we] want to keep in mind that there are still many issues that lie ahead for the LGBT community.”

OTHER PRIDE EVENTS In addition to the parade festivities, SO&P will host the Pride Picnic in Capitol Hill’s Volunteer Park on Saturday, June 15, at 11 a.m. Food, live entertainment, games for kids, and a boxcar derby hosted by the Rat City Rollergirls are planned. A $1 charge per person will be donated to the Food LifeLine.

SO&P is also sponsoring Pride Idol, which began April 7 and takes place each Sunday night at Neighbors Nightclub (1509 Broadway) until June 9. The winner will perform at the Pride Parade’s pre-show and on the Pride Idol float in the parade.

Seattle Gay News

7

A pioneer in LGBT health Dr. Caitlin Ryan to be honored by American Psychiatric Association file photo

Suicide Prevention and published in multilingual and faith-based versions.

Ryan has helped guide the delivery of care for LGBT populations through foundational policy and practice guidelines. These include co-authoring the first guidelines on AIDS policy for members of Congress and state and local officials, which provided the framework for more than half of the recommendations for the first U.S. Presidential Commission on AIDS; co-authoring the first clinical care guidelines and the first guide to health and mental health care for

ganizations and groups.

Ryan served as a member of the Committee on LGBT Health for the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and the LGBT Populations Task Force of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. She trains on her work across the U.S. and internationally. And she is collaborating with agencies, organizations, faith communities, and providers to develop an international movement of family acceptance that will promote wellness and healthy futures for LGBT children, youth,

Dr. Ryan’s groundbreaking contributions to LGBT health and mental health have spanned nearly 40 years through early community development, program implementation, research, and policy and systems change.

LGBT youth for the Heath Resources and Services Administration; and co-authoring the first guidelines for care of LGBT outof-home youth, published by the Child Welfare League of America and disseminated to child welfare systems across the country.

WIDE ACCLAIM Ryan’s work has been recognized by all of the major mental health professional associations, including the American Counseling Association’s Counselors for Social Justice, the National Association of Social Workers, the American Psychological Association’s Division 44 (which awarded her the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award), and many other professional and community or-

MARCH

continued from cover Dr. Caitlin Ryan

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Caitlin Ryan, Ph.D., A.C.S.W., a pioneer in LGBT health and mental health, will receive the John E. Fryer Award from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) at the group’s annual meeting on May 18, for major contributions to the mental health and well-being of LGBT people.

The award is presented by the APA in association with the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists and given in honor of Dr. John Fryer, a Gay psychiatrist who played a crucial role in prompting the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from the APA’s diagnostic list of mental disorders in 1973.

A clinical social worker, researcher and policy expert, Dr. Ryan’s groundbreaking contributions to LGBT health and mental health have spanned nearly 40 years through early community development, program implementation, research, and policy and systems change. She received her clinical training with children, adolescents, and adults in inpatient psychiatric and community mental health programs. Ryan has an undergraduate degree with a concentration in human sexuality from Hunter College, a master’s degree in clinical social work from Smith College School for Social Work, and a doctorate in public policy with a focus on health policy from Virginia Commonwealth University. She directs the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University.

In the 1970s, prior to the AIDS epidemic, her organizing activities helped establish a national network of LGBT health and men-

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Seattle Gay News

tal health providers throughout the United States that provided a platform to address critical LGBT health, mental health, and AIDS-related issues. Ryan pioneered community-based AIDS services at the beginning of the epidemic, initiated the first major study to identify Lesbian health needs in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and has worked to implement quality care, evidence-based practice, and family-related services for LGBT youth since the early 1990s.

that seeks justice for all.

“It’s time for all of us to come out from the shadows – and from the closets!”

Otts Bolisay, one of a binational couple, spoke about his experience being forcibly separated from his partner, Ken Thompson, because his temporary visa had expired. It is ironic, he noted, that he can now get married in Washington but, married or not, he cannot get a green card.

“I’ve always lived here on a temporary status, always with time ticking down when I’d have to leave again and never certain when I’d be able to come back,” he said.

FAMILY FOCUS Recognizing that the approach to serving DEMOCRATS DITHER LGBT adolescents focused either on inMeanwhile, Congress has still not deciddividual or peer support, and that research and practice had not included families – ed whether to include families like Bolisay who play a critical role in the overall health and Thompson in the immigration reform and well-being of children and adolescents package now under discussion.

No LGBT-related language is included in – Ryan launched the Family Acceptance Project in 2002 to study LGBT adolescents the so-called “Gang of Eight” reform bill in the context of their families, culture and that was agreed to by four Democratic and faith communities and to develop the first four Republican senators. But many Demevidence-based family intervention model ocrats now say they want to add language to promote healthy futures for LGBT chil- giving U.S. citizens in same-sex relationships the same right to sponsor their foreign dren and youth.

After publishing seminal research that es- partner for a green card that opposite-sex tablished the essential role that families play spouses enjoy. in the health and well-being of their LGBT Senate Judiciary Committee chair Patchildren, Ryan and her team from the Fam- rick Leahy (D-VT) is expected to offer an ily Acceptance Project have been develop- amendment to the base Gang of Eight bill, ing evidence-based family education re- adding language similar to that in Leahy’s sources and intervention approaches to help proposed Uniting American Families Act ethnically and religiously diverse families (UAFA). Leahy’s office, however, insists no support their LGBT children and avoid un- final decision has been made.

“The chairman believes that equality necessary risks to their physical or mental health. These include the first “Best Prac- and family unification need to be a part of tice” resources for suicide prevention for this legislation but he has not decided his LGBT youth and young adults, designated amendment strategy yet,” a Judiciary Comby the national Best Practices Registry for mittee aide told BuzzFeed on April 30. “All

May 3, 2013

and young adults.

The Family Acceptance Project is a research, intervention, education, and policy initiative that is designed to (1) decrease health and mental health risks and promote well-being for LGBT children and adolescents; (2) strengthen and help ethnically and religiously diverse families to support their LGBT children; (3) help LGBT youth stay in their homes to prevent homelessness and the need for custodial care in the foster care and juvenile justice systems; (4) inform public policy and family policy; and (5) develop a new evidence-based, family model of wellness, prevention, and care for LGBT children and youth. For more information, visit http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/. amendments must be filed by next Tuesday night [May 7] at 5 p.m. Then members will decide what to offer in the committee markups.”

Other staffers say that a Gay-related amendment to the Gang of Eight bill is almost a foregone conclusion.

“Frankly, the bill getting out of committee without the Uniting American Families language isn’t really a possibility we’ve considered,” said Ian Koski, a spokesperson for Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, who also serves on the committee. Spokespersons for two other Democratic members of the committee, Al Franken of Minnesota and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, also voiced support for the provision.

REPUBLICANS BALK On the other side of the aisle, though, the idea of including Gay and Lesbian couples in the immigration bill has almost been rejected out of hand. Leading Republicans said that any attempt to amend the Gang of Eight bill would be unacceptable to them.

“There’s a reason this language wasn’t included in the Gang of Eight’s bill: It’s a deal-breaker for most Republicans,” said Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, a member of the gang. “Finding consensus on immigration legislation is tough enough without opening the bill up to social issues.”

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who is said to be an indispensable Republican vote if the immigration bill is to pass, was blunt: “If that issue is injected into this bill, this bill will fail. It will not have the support. It will not have my support.”

In the House, Republican Speaker John Boehner suggested he might not take up the Gang of Eight bill at all. Instead, he said, the House might consider a series of piecemeal changes to immigration law – which would not include action to help binational samesex couples.

Celebrating 40 Years!

SPORTS Equality champ

Jason Collins breaks the NBA no-Gay barrier Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

speak to the president and Oprah,” he cracked. “Truthfully, this whole experience has been humbling and kind of overwhelming. What I’m doing has been done before in sports. There have been lots of other pioneers. I’m obviously the first to come out in this country in one of the four major pro sports – basketball, baseball, football, hockey. But some people would put soccer up there, too, and Robbie Rogers has already blazed a trail there. I’m just trying to live my life authentically.”

recalls that he considered coming out a couple of years ago. He said he made the decision to do so when Joseph P. Kennedy III, Collins’s roommate at Stanford, marched in Boston’s Gay pride parade last year. Collins shared that he was envious and frustrated.

“I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore,” Collins wrote. “I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say, ‘Me, too.’”

Collins becomes a free agent July 1 and intends to pursue another contract, which NOT A SNAP DECISION many view as the true test of how NBA In the Sports Illustrated article, Collins teams will deal with an openly Gay athlete.

Jason Collins

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Many people had never heard of Jason Collins before this week, even though for 12 seasons he was a professional athlete in the NBA. As the New York Times was quick to point out, Collins “has never been an All-Star or a scoring leader, or even a fulltime starter.” On April 29, however, Collins would go down in professional sports history for coming out as Gay while still active on the court.

“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m Black. And I’m Gay,” writes Collins, who finished this season with the Washington Wizards, in the May 6 edition of Sports Illustrated.

The magazine published the article online Monday morning.

Collins’ announcement followed recent decisions by two other pro athletes – Major League Soccer player Robbie Rogers and the WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick, Brittney Griner – to acknowledge that they are Gay. Collins, however, is the first active player in the “Big Four” of U.S. men’s pro sports (the NBA, NFL, NHL, and Major League Baseball) ever to come out.

Collins’s announcement was greeted with

an outpouring of support from teammates, league executives, and major NBA stars.

According to the Times, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade are among them.

WHITE HOUSE KUDOS “The overwhelming positive reaction does not surprise me,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a telephone interview with the Times. “Our players are actually knowledgeable and sophisticated on this issue, and our teams understand it completely.

I would have expected them to be supportive, and they are.”

President Obama called Collins “to express his support and said he was impressed by his courage,” according to a Twitter post from the White House on April 30. Michelle Obama, on her Twitter account, called Collins’s announcement “a huge step forward for our country.”

Collins said he answered the phone and a female voice said, “Jason, this is the White House. Can you hold for the president?”

Stunned, Collins took the call.

Collins says Obama said, “What you did today was brave. It didn’t just affect me. It affected so many other people in the country. I’m proud of you.”

“It was just your typical day when you

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TWISTED CABARET MAY 2-26 www.twistedcabaret.com

ALL PILGRIMS – “COMMUNITY HIV TESTING” On Saturday, May 4, from noon-5 p.m., All Pilgrims Christian Church (500 Broadway E.) hosts a FREE Community HIV Testing event open to people of all colors, ages, economic circumstances, sexual orientations, gender or transgender identities, physical and mental abilities, education levels and conditions of health. Quick and confidential.

GAY CITY ARTS – “WORD PLAY: A SPOKEN WORD POETRY FESTIVAL” On Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., at Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E. Pike St., join Gay City for Word Play, a one-day spoken word festival including two workshops, a performance, and an artists reception. The workshops will be led by featured artists, who will share their expertise and encourage participants to explore their own recovery experiences through spoken word. The festival will culminate in a performance by four local arts, Cody Pherigo, Fabian Romero, Cecily Schuler, and Cole Arden Peake, followed by an artists reception. www.gaycity.org.

IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE – “HEART OF THE SEAS LIPSYNC FOR YOUR LIFE” On Saturday, May 4, doors at 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m., at R Place (619 E. Pine St.), the Imperial Court of Seattle’s King and Queen of Hearts and King and Queen of the Seas invite you to witness eight contestants compete two at a time, “lipsync for your life” style, for a chance to be named Lipsync Champion.

The evening will also feature guest performers, raffle with amazing prizes and more, all to benefit Lambert House, Seattle’s LGBTQ Youth Resource Center. $5 cover. Contestants will be judged in part by audience response. www.Facebook.com/ ISCSORE FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY – “CLARA FRASER: THE ORIGINAL SOCIALIST FEMINIST” The often controversial Clara Fraser advocated women’s liberation, racial justice, workers’ rights, and Queer equality long before “multi-issue” politics was a common phrase. “Clara Fraser: The Original Socialist Feminist” will be the topic of a May Day celebration event offering an opportunity to learn more about Fraser, her ideas and her impact.

On Saturday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m., at New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), event speakers Andrea Bauer and Dennis Sanders will provide two different perspectives on Clara Fraser. Bauer, an environmentalist and Queer rights activist, knew Fraser well and was her student in Marxist economics.

Sanders, an anti-capitalist analyst and writer on international affairs, has been influenced

by Fraser’s ideas as expressed in works like Revolution, She Wrote. Both carry forward Fraser’s vision of creating a humane culture in a world of peace and shared wealth.

The festivities will kick off with “Mike’s Louisiana Gumbo Feast” at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $3 for door and $10 for dinner (optional), with work exchanges available for strikers, students or the unemployed.

For childcare or more information, call 206722-2453.

EMERALD CITY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION On Sunday, May 5, from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., at North SeaTac Park (S. 128th St. and 20th Ave. S., SeaTac) and Moshier Park (430 S. 156th Pl., Burien), the ECSA, the Northwest’s largest LGBTQ softball league, continues its season at multiple locations. www.emeraldcitysoftball.org 16 Seattle Gay News

SEATTLE OUT & PROUD – “PRIDE IDOL” On Sunday, May 5, doors at 6:30 p.m. with community karaoke, contest at 8 p.m., at Neighbours (1509 Broadway), join Seattle Out & Proud and your host Robbie Turner for Seattle’s Pride Idol competition. Each week talented local amateur singers will compete to become Seattle Out & Proud’s 2013 Pride Idol. Registration is first come, first served – maximum 10 contestants per week. $20 registration fee; prizes to be determined. The contest will be held Sundays, April 7, 14, 21 and 28, May 5 and 12, June 2 (Wild Card) and June 9 (Final). Seattle Out & Proud organizes Seattle’s annual Pride Parade in downtown Seattle. Winner will perform at the Parade Pre-Show and on the Pride Idol Float on Sunday, June 30. Visit www.seattlepride.org for complete details and a directory of karaoke songs to choose from or bring your own music. www.seattlepride.or POZ SEATTLE – 14TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION On Wednesday, May 8, from 6-8 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (13th Ave. & E. Pine St.), please join POZSeattle in celebrating their 14th Anniversary in Seattle, as a “faceto-face” social networking group for HIVPositive men and their friends. Meet in the downstairs bar for socializing to catch-up with old friends, to make new ones, and a whole lot of fun.

A special catered fare will be provided ... with all the extras. A $5.00 suggested donation will be requested to help offset the cost of providing this special event - no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Beverages will be provided as always by The Cuff at regular prices.

POZSeattle is a social organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-positive men that is committed to planning and promoting fun, social activities, including their monthly 2nd Wednesday social. For questions or more information about this event, to plan your own social event, or to be added to the POZSeattle event promotions email list, email contactpozseattle@gmail.com or visit www.pozseattle.org.

SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB – STORIES FOR BOYS 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 May, the club will be reading Gregory Martin’s touching memoir, Stories for Boys, which chronicles his shock and gradual acceptance of his father’s revelation of childhood abuse and secretly being Gay. This book is also the Seattle Public Library’s “Seattle Reads” selection this year.

Check out the library’s website for the author’s appearances around town the first week of May, including a Book-It Repertory Theatre presentation of several scenes from the book.

All GLBTQ folks are welcome to participate in this FREE book club. For more information visit http://faculty.washington. edu/swittet/SGLBookClub/.

SEATTLE DYKE MARCH – TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER On Wednesday, May 8, at 8 p.m., at St. Dames (4525 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way S.) gather your team or compete on your own in the first ever Seattle Dyke Trivia Night. Prove (or improve) your command of Lesbian history and culture, connect with fabulous folks and unwind with the finest food and beverages. All ages are welcome.

Trivia champions will be awarded prizes and there will be a raffle for even more chances to win. All proceeds will go directly to the 2014 Seattle Dyke March. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at http:// dykemarchtrivia2013.eventbrite.com/#.

St. Dames (www.stdames.com), coowned by Sarah Murphy and Amy Weems, offers a diverse and delicious array of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free fare made

May 3, 2013

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

with local and organic ingredients in a warm atmosphere. The kitchen will be serving food until 10pm and the bar will be open with a well-crafted cocktail and beer menu throughout the evening.

Since 1994, the Seattle Dyke March has promoted, supported, and connected the Queer-identified, female identified community by providing hundreds of speakers and performers as well as thousands of supporters an opportunity to publicly display community solidarity.

This year the Seattle Dyke March will take place on Saturday, June 29, at 5 p.m., at the Seattle Central Community south courtyard (Broadway & E. Pine St.).

The Seattle Dyke March Planning Committee is a completely volunteer organization and they rely on your support to fund the permits, sound, ASL interpretation and transportation services that make this event accessible to the entire community.

If you are unable to attend this event, please consider supporting the Seattle Dyke March by attending another fundraiser, donating directly or encouraging family and friends to support the Seattle Dyke March. For more information, please check the following links: www.gofundme. com/2nouwo; www.seattledykemarch.com; www.facebook.com/SeattleDykeMarch.

AROUET PRESENTS “THE TEMPERAMENTALS” – A CHRONICLE OF GAY HISTORY On Friday-Saturday, May 10-11, Monday, May 13, Thursday, May 16, Saturday, May 18, Sunday, May 19 (May 19 performance interpreted for the hearing impaired), and Thursday-Saturday, May 23-25, with performances at 7:30 p.m., except Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m., at The Ballard Underground (2220 NW Market St.), Arouet and Alfed Zern Hill present the Northwest premier of The Temperamentals by Jon Marans.

The Temperamentals chronicles the early days of the Gay Rights movement, almost 20 years before Stonewall, told through the love affair between Communist Harry Hay (who later founded the Radical Faeries) and Viennese fashion designer Rudi Gernreich.

In the McCarthy era, when homosexuals were openly persecuted, five men came together and formed the Mattachine Society, the first sustained Gay Rights organization in the United States that paved the way for today’s Gay Rights movement.

The New York Times called The Temperamentals “an eminently likable docudrama about gay identity in the age of Eisenhower,” Backstage said “The Temperamentals is an exceedingly fine play – smart, passionate, focused, and satisfying.” After Elton stated “playwright Jon Marans has written the brilliantly-titled The Temperamentals, a play that captures all the messy complexity of the founding of a movement,” while the Associated Press calls it “Fascinating, entertaining and emotionally affecting.”

Tickets: General admission $16 in advance/$20 at the door; student/senior $12 in advance/$16 at the door. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/362590; 1-800-8383006.

A CONVERSATION SERIES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MAY 10TH REGIONAL SYMPOSIUM On Thursday, May 9, at Gay City Health Project, Calamus Room (517 E. Pike St.), from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., a conversation will be held on “HIV at the Intersection of Racism and Homophobia: Treatment and Prevention with Gay and Bisexual Men of Color, with George Ayala, PsyD, Executive Director of the Global Forum on MSM and HIV” will be held – lunch provided. In the evening, from 7-8:30 p.m., at the same locaSEATTLE CENTER FESTAL – tion, a conversation will be held on “Com“SPIRIT OF WEST AFRICA” bination HIV Prevention for MSM: WTF? On Saturday, May 11, from noon-8 p.m., What’s the future? with Patrick Sullivan, at Seattle Center Armory, Seattle Center PhD, Emory Univeristy Center for AIDS Festal presents “Spirit of West Africa,” inResearch” – refreshments provided. viting visitors to explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influ“WHERE DO WE GO ences of West Africa through live perforFROM HERE?” – mances, visual arts, hands-on activities, A REGIONAL SYMPOSIUM foods, games, and a lively marketplace. The & WORKSHOP ON annual festival expands this year to include HIV PREVENTION & TREATMENT artists and performers whose expression On Friday, May 10, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., clearly reflects the influence of West Afriat The Olympic Room, Seattle Center (in can culture, but who live and work in Sethe Northwest Rooms north of Key Arena), attle and call this city their home, regardless the University of Washington/Fred Hutchi- of where they were born. They come from son Cancer Research Center for AIDS Re- places like Trinidad, Cuba, Jamica, Haiti, search Sociobehavioral and Prevention Peru, Columbia, Brazil, Guyana and the list Research Core and Health and Human could go on.

Services, Office of the Regional Health AdUnder the direction of Senegalese born ministrator, Region X present “Where Do Thione Diop, “Festal: Spirit of West Africa” We Go From Here?” – Implementation & has always focused on music and dance as Policy Implications for HIV Prevention & performed by West African artists, many of Treatment in Men Who Have Sex With Men them brought to Seattle just for this festival (MSM) – A Regional Strategy Symposium as guest performers. The more expansive & Workshop – with a special Call to Action view this year considers the fact that Seattle

by Greg Millett, MPH, The White House is now home to many artists from these naOffice of National AIDS Policy. tions as well as the great African Diaspora, Community + Research + Public Health that vast region of the Americas created by – a regional discussion and debate with rep- the trans-Atlantic slave trade, who continue resentatives throughout the Cascade Region to practice their traditional arts. In addition, from Portland to Bellingham. JOIN THE many American-born artist consciously CONVERSATION. Register at https://cata- work in mediums, especially music, that lyst.uw.edu/webq/survey/bovej/194774. emphasize and celebrate West African culLUNCH PROVIDED + PARKING PASS- tural ideas and values. For more informaES with registration. tion, visit www.thionediop.com.

DIVERSE HARMONY – “MAGICAL THINKING” On Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 12, at 2 p.m., at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (107 17th Ave. S.), Diverse Harmony, Seattle’s LGBTQ Youth Chorus, presents a concert that will celebrate the creative and imaginary worlds that youth invent and will explore how imagination can transform the world as we mature through our youth and adulthood. Come join Diverse Harmony as we change the world into a better place with our thoughts and music. Tickets: $20 at the door; FREE for ages 22 and under. www.diverseharmony.org.

LAMBERT HOUSE - PINK PROM On Saturday, May 11, from 8 p.m.midnight, at All Pilgrim’s Christian Church (500 Broadway E. at E. Republican St.), Lambert House, Seattle’s LGBTQ Youth Resource Center, will host this year’s Pink Prom for LGBT youth and allies, ages 1422. No date is required; most youth come singly. Festive dress is encouraged, formal wear is not required. $5 suggested donation. www.facebook.com/LambertHouse.

Celebrating 40 Years!

file photo

international news

Iceland’s Lesbian prime minister retires

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

two teenaged children from previous marriages.

Iceland’s openly Lesbian prime minister, Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir, retired from politics on April 26, the day before her country’s general election. The LGBT rights group Samtökin 78 presented her with a bouquet of flowers in rainbow colors to honor her

NUDE DANCING OUTLAWED Sigurdardóttir’s government banned strip clubs and other forms of adult entertainment in an effort to advance women’s rights. She also oversaw an overhaul of the Icelandic constitution with the help of civil society

Sigurdardóttir became the world’s first out Lesbian head of state and Iceland’s first woman prime minister in February 2009.

Former Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir

work for Gay rights.

Sigurdardóttir became the world’s first out Lesbian head of state and Iceland’s first woman prime minister in February 2009, when she took over the government after the previous prime minister resigned in disgrace in the wake of the country’s financial collapse.

Iceland’s voters ratified her appointment two months later, giving her the task of fixing the country’s financial crisis.

Popularly known as “St. Johanna” after St. Joan of Arc, Sigurdardóttir restored Iceland’s economic stability and in June 2010 legalized same-sex marriage. Shortly after the new marriage law took effect, Sigurdardóttir married her long-time domestic partner, Jónína Leósdóttir. Each woman had

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A motion to legalize same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland was voted down in that region’s legislative body on April 29 by a margin of 53 to 42.

The proposal offered by the Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein called on the powersharing government executive to authorize same-sex marriages. It was voted down in the Northern Ireland Assembly by pro-British Unionist members.

Sinn Fein, which is included in the powersharing government under the Good Friday Agreement negotiated in 1998, is a secular party but draws most of its support from Northern Ireland’s Catholic community.

Unionists are almost exclusively Protestant, most from conservative Presbyterian churches.

The largest Unionist party, the DUP, has long been known as an anti-Gay organization. In 1976, its founder, the Rev. Ian Paisley, launched a campaign to “save Ulster from sodomy” in opposition to a proposal to decriminalize Gay sex. His son, Ian Paisley Jr., said in a 2007 interview that he was “repulsed by homosexuals.” In 2008, party leader Peter Robinson said that God viewed Gay people as an “abomination.”

DEMONSTRATORS WEIGH IN The marriage motion sparked what the Belfast Telegraph called “impassioned debate.”

Thousands of pro-equality demonstrators gathered outside Stormont, the building where the Assembly meets, in Belfast. Others marched in Derry, Northern Ireland’s

Laura Hutton / Photocall Ireland

Northern Irish lawmakers reject marriage equality

groups and an assembly of 1,200 ordinary citizens.

First elected to Parliament in 1978, Sigurdardóttir was Iceland’s minister of Social Affairs and Social Security from 1987 to 1994 and again from 2007 to 2009.

While she remained personally popular, her center-left Social Democratic Alliance lost the April 27 election to a center-right coalition headed by the conservative Independence Party.

Icelandic surnames are typically patronymics rather than family names. Thus, Sigurdardóttir is the daughter of Sigurdur. Her former husband, Thorvaldur Steinar Jóhanesson, was the son of Jóhan, and their two sons are named Sigurdur Egill and Davíd Steinar.

second-largest city.

Speaking at the protest at Guildhall Square in Derry, human rights activist Eamonn McCann noted continued prejudice against Northern Ireland’s LGBT community.

“I think it’s tremendously important that we highlight the continued oppression of Gay, Lesbian, Bi, and Transgendered people, particularly in a society where so much was made for so many years about the need for equality,” he said.

The debate in the Assembly itself was just as heated.

“Attitudes in Ireland are changing because people do not want to see people discriminated against, said Sinn Fein Assembly member Caitriona Ruane. “The Gay community has said enough is enough – they are standing up for themselves and their communities.”

Ruane said young LGBT people are being driven to suicide by discrimination and bullying.

“If they don’t have an alternative voice to the vitriolic Gay bashing they will internalize it,” she said. “There is no room for sitting on the fence on this – this is about fighting for all our children’s rights.”

John O’Doherty, chair of Equal Marriage Demonstrators marching for marriage equality in Ireland Northern Ireland, said his group would keep trying until it succeeds in passing a new the basis of sexual orientation or gender be a straightforward legal challenge on the marriage law. identity,” AI Northern Ireland program di- basis of inferior treatment of same-sex couples in Northern Ireland with regard to the rector Patrick Corrigan said.

EQUALITY AN ‘OBLIGATION’ “That obligation is clear in international right to marry and found a family.”

According to BBC News, Amnesty Inter- law. This means that marriage should be Although it is officially part of the United national has threatened to bring suit in inter- available to same-sex couples in Northern Kingdom, Northern Ireland is internally national courts to achieve equality.

Ireland just as it appears it soon will be in self-governing and is not covered by mar“States may not discriminate with regard other parts of the U.K. riage equality legislation that recently to the right to marry and found a family, on “Should politicians fail to act, there could passed the British House of Commons.

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Seattle Gay News 17

On the brink of a cure?

reuters

health and medicine

Report of Danish HIV ‘breakthrough’ sparks controversy has apparently been successful. In vitro studies using human skin cells in a laboratory proved so encouraging that in January, the Danish Research Council awarded the team 12 million kroner (more than $2 million) to pursue their findings in clinical trials with human subjects.

Human tests are now under way, and according to Søgaard, the early signs are “promising.”

Fifteen patients are currently taking part in the trials, and if any of them are found to have been cured of HIV, the “cure” will be tested on a wider scale, aided by an immune system booster.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Reports that researchers in Denmark had discovered a way to create “a mass-distributable and affordable cure to HIV” were quickly denounced as “wildly irresponsible” by other scientists.

Dr. Ole Søgaard, a senior researcher at Aarhus University Hospital, reported on April 27 that his team was pursuing a “novel strategy” in finding a cure for HIV infections.

The technique, he said, involves releasing the HIV from “reservoirs” it forms inside DNA, bringing it to the surface of the cells.

RESEARCHER CONFIDENT Once it comes to the surface, the body’s “I am almost certain that we will be sucnatural immune system, boosted by a “vaccessful in releasing the reservoirs of HIV,” cine,” can kill the virus.

Søgaard added.

“The challenge will be getting the paDIFFERS FROM U.S. EFFORT This is an entirely different approach from tients’ immune system to recognize the the recently terminated U.S. vaccine stud- virus and destroy it. This depends on the ies, which sought to stimulate the human strength and sensitivity of individual imimmune system to recognize and destroy mune systems.”

Søgaard stressed that a cure is not the the outer envelope of the virus. That approach was discontinued April 25, because same as a preventative vaccine, and that raising awareness of unsafe behavior, inclinical trials showed it to be ineffective.

Søgaard’s approach, on the other hand, cluding unprotected sex and sharing nee-

dles, remains of paramount importance in combating HIV. The next day, however, the Treatment Action Group (TAG), a U.S.-based HIV activist organization, slammed the initial media reports.

“Sadly, it seems that one of the authors of the Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics review, Dr. Ole Søgaard, has rather shot himself in the foot by contributing to a wildly irresponsible article in the U.K. newspaper the Daily Telegraph regarding his group’s ongoing research,” TAG said in a statement.

According to TAG, the mechanism by which Søgaard’s treatment works was not correctly described. The group took issue with the claim that the experimental treatment “strips” HIV from latently infected cells, saying that “at best, [it] prompt[s] the HIV DNA into transcribing proteins,” thus exposing the virus to attack by the body’s immune system.

This research is undoubtedly very important,” TAG acknowledged, “but for the article to suggest that it means that scientists

are on the brink of an HIV cure is shockingly erroneous and misleading.”

BRITISH JOINT EFFORT A similar technique is currently being researched in Britain, but studies have not yet moved on to the clinical trial stage. Five universities – Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, and King’s College London – have jointly formed the Collaborative HIV Eradication of Reservoirs U.K. Biomedical Research Centre (CHERUB) group, which is dedicated to finding an HIV cure.

The group has applied to the Medical Research Council for funding to conduct clinical trials, which will seek to combine techniques to release the reservoirs of HIV with immunotherapy to destroy the virus.

Unlike Søgaard, the British scientists are focusing on patients who have only recently been infected, as they believe this will improve chances of a cure. The group hopes to receive a funding decision sometime this month.

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18 Seattle Gay News

May 3, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

Body diversity and the ‘magic letter’ The importance of being true to yourself

Richard Wood

by Mac McGregor Special to the SGN As a child of four years old, I was already changing my name and giving other kids I would play with masculine names. I did not understand that anything was wrong with my body, but I quickly learned that society did not see me as who I really am. I was assigned the letter “F” under the box labeled “Sex” on my birth certificate.

When our world assigns a letter in that box, they only look at the outward shell of a person. They do not consider any of the other factors that make up who we are – not chemically, not genetically, not neurologically, not spiritually, and not emotionally.

We are complex beings and yet so much is expected of us due to this magical letter in the box marked “Sex.” This letter determines how we are treated from the moment we are born. It sets the bar of what is expected of us for our entire lives with our families, and in many cases in our narrowminded society.

As a child I did not understand the significance of that letter, I just knew who I

was. Even knowing inside who I was, it was frustrating and many times left me feeling misunderstood. I had to tip-toe around to try to be me in a way that did not shake others up too much. So I fumbled around trying to figure out how to navigate the binary gender system in our world. When I was a child I could get away with some by being labeled a “tomboy.” This label, even though I detest labels, gave me some early freedom to be me as I tried to navigate this complex world in a safe way.

in a battle. I felt like my body was betraying me and yet as an athlete it was performing so well. This dichotomy went on for much of my life – a love/dislike relationship with my body, especially when that time of the month would come around. I could just be me most of the time until my body reminded me that our society viewed things in a way that my body and mind and spirit did not quite match up to. And as I got older the constant, unwanted, objectifying way I was treated by cisgendered straight men was troubling.

Even in sports, our society began to segregate me from who I knew I was by saying I could only compete in the “girls” categories. I knew that I was out of place but I also knew that athletics was the only positive thing in my life. I had to play the game their way to keep doing what I loved.

THE SWIMSUIT ISSUE I dealt with a great deal of sexism as a person the world viewed as a female athlete, and I became a bit of a spokesperson for female athletes in my sport. I achieved the highest awards and ranks any “female” had achieved in the martial arts and helped paved the way for others. The entire time, most of those around me did not understand the inner battles I was experiencing.

Growing up in Florida was also not helpful to this inner struggle in many ways. I loved the beach and the water and am an avid swimmer, water skier, and scuba diver, and I lifeguarded as a young person. This is yet another area that points out a binary gender system and sexism. I could never understand why I could not go around at the beach without my shirt on and felt forced by society to wear girlie beach clothing to cover my very small chest. I hated this.

Most of the time I wore baggy surfer shorts and a bikini top because it would freak others out if I did not. Once again, people made judgments about who I was by viewing the outward shell.

The other difficult part of growing up in the Deep South is that there was no one in my world to talk with about my inner struggle. I did not even know anyone who was openly Gay or Lesbian until I was in my thirties, much less someone who was Transgender or a gender outlaw. There was also no Internet at that time to find community.

This left me feeling like I was the only one and that I would have to play this imaginary game forever or be totally shunned by society.

THE SANCTUARY OF SPORTS I discovered sports as a young child. Having always been a natural athlete, this gave me a place to be strong and more masculine in an arena that it was accepted – up to a point. My body became a fine-tuned athletic machine that brought me many accolades.

Even though my body was doing great things for me as an athlete, becoming an FINDING REAL COMMUNITY adolescent scared the hell out of me. I saw Moving to Seattle was a lifesaver. Here many of my friends begin to develop breasts and have menstrual cycles, and I did not I found community – people actually celwant any part of that. I hated that entire pro- ebrating diversity, allowing others to just be cess, and at that point my body and I were who they are and not feeling threatened by it

is very freeing. I found others like me and it changed my world and has allowed me to be true to myself. This does not mean that we no longer have work to do here in Seattle, but we are far ahead of most of the country in acceptance. There are still areas here that can be unsafe for a person like me – public bathrooms, spas, pools, and beaches.

Transgender, gender-nonconforming, and gender-fluid people are still very careful of these areas and many times have trouble being comfortable enough to use them.

As an activist who now dedicates much of my time to spreading the word that people can live true to themselves, and helping create more safe spaces to do that, I have made peace with my body. People can label me all they want but they will never find a label that represents all of me. My hope is that there will be a day when no one is judged by their outward shell. Not due to size, gender, skin color, scars, hair or lack of it, perceived genitalia, clothing expression, piercings, or tattoos. This is so elementary. It is like judging a person’s heart and character by the car they drive.

BEYOND SOCIAL CONSTRUCTS Now, I could easily blend into society as a white, cisgendered man. Most of my life no one would ever know the difference. However, I know I have the ability to speak up with confidence and humility and to speak for some who cannot yet speak for themselves. I am not the type of person who can live quietly when there is so much work to do in the world to create a safe place for everyone to be who they really are. I want to do all that I can to live as an example of being true to self for everyone. This is why when I was asked by Social Outreach Seattle to be a part of this amazing project to celebrate the beauty in all types of bodies, I knew right away I needed to do this. I am honored to be a part of SOSea’s Body Diversity Project and Exhibit and to help begin the discussion on body diversity in our society.

I walk proud as someone who is not the norm in our society. I am proud of my body even though it does not fit into society’s binary gender construct that most live and understand. I have some things I still want to change about my body, as we all do, but I am also thankful for it and the life experience I have because of it. Some men have vaginas and some women have penises, and those of us who have lived this yin and yang of life, I believe, have a greater understanding. Don’t let that magic letter that you were assigned by our culture at birth, or any other label that our world has put on you, box you in. Be true to yourself, whatever that is for you!

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May 3, 2013

Seattle Gay News 19

Feds say ‘Get tested!’

Task force recommends universal HIV testing for ages 15 to 65

more.

Patients should also be offered the opportunity to ask questions and to decline testEveryone 15 to 65 should get at least one ing, the task force said.

HIV screening, the U.S. Preventive SerOTHER EXPERTS AGREE vices Task Force said this week. Individuals The task force’s April 29 announcement, outside that age range who are in high-risk published in the Annals of Internal Medigroups should get tested as well.

Women should be tested during each cine, is a departure from the more cautious recommendation it made in 2005. It brings pregnancy, the task force added.

The task force recommended at least an- the task force into line with the CDC, the nual screenings for people in known risk American College of Physicians, the Infectious Disease Society of America, and the groups.

“The question is, ‘Do you have ongoing American Congress of Obstetricians and risk, like new sexual partners?’” Dr. Doug Gynecologists, all of which have recomOwens, a task force member and professor mended universal HIV testing.

“HIV is a critical public health problem, of medicine at Stanford University said. “If you do, then it makes sense to screen peri- and there are still 50,000 new infections per year,” Owens said. odically.”

“There’s very good evidence that treatThe CDC also says that people with risk factors including multiple sex partners, IV ment is effective when given earlier, at a drug use, and men having sex with men time when people are often asymptomatic. get tested at least once a year, and perhaps So the only way they would know that they

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Amy Peterson

had HIV, or that they needed treatment, is to be screened.”

Recent estimates say that as many as 25% of people who are HIV-positive do not know it. The percentage is said to be much higher – up to 60% – among teens and young adults.

Until now, the task force had recommended HIV screening only for people in highrisk groups: intravenous drug users, men who have sex with men, people who have unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse, and those who have sex with a partner who is HIV-positive, Bisexual, an injection drug user, or engaged in the sex trade.

WORTH THE RISK When formulating their earlier guidelines, task force members worried that universal testing might result in false-positive results or cause depression and social stigma among those who learned they were infected. Panel members also said that longterm treatment could result in harmful side effects, such as cardiovascular disease.

Based on more recent data, the task force

“found convincing evidence that conventional and rapid HIV antibody tests are highly accurate in diagnosing HIV infection,” wrote Dr. Virginia Moyer, a pediatrician and task force chairwoman.

“Although long-term use of certain antiretroviral drugs may be associated with increased risk for cardiovascular and other adverse events, the magnitude of risk seems to be small.”

In an editorial that accompanied the recommendation, U.C. San Francisco AIDS experts Dr. Moupali Das and Dr. Paul Volberding wrote that the new task force guidelines were of “critical significance” and that diagnosing those who have HIV but don’t realize it would have a far-reaching effect.

“Ending the epidemic will be very difficult, and only effective screening can make it remotely possible,” they wrote. “Informing all infected persons of their status may well reduce ongoing transmission risk behavior in [and] of itself, and if antiretroviral therapy is also accepted and successful, further spread will be substantially reduced and perhaps even eliminated.”

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20 Seattle Gay News

May 3, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

A cloudy political soup Philly’s election illustrates the LGBT community’s growing pains

MICHAEL BRYANT

phia is the city controller’s race. The incumbent is most likely the most boring man in the city’s political history, Alan Butkovitz.

His main challenger is a smooth-talking “progressive,” Brett Mandel. Problem is, most progressive organizations want no part of him. Philly for Change, the Progressive Democratic Caucus, and Philadelphia Neighborhood Networks all declined to endorse him. Mandel also lost the endorsement of all the wards in Chestnut Hill – a liberal bastion – and the 30th ward, a gentrified LGBT neighborhood. Thus far, of the 69 wards in the city, Mandel has been endorsed by a total of one.

SMEARING A GAY CANDIDATE But we’ll leave the smoke-filled rooms to Mandel and Butkovitz. For this column, let’s look at issue one: muscling out the LGBT candidate. Like four years ago, when Mandel came in third place, this year there were several candidates in the running, including Mark Zecca and Michael Williams.

If you’re a progressive candidate, you should feel you can win the election on merits. Otherwise, you toss mud. And the Mandel campaign and/or its supporters did just that to Williams – an out lawyer who has served the city in public life for more than 20 years. When Mandel’s people weren’t tossing mud to get Williams out of the race, they labeled him a “spoiler.” The Gay, African-American attorney with 20 years’ experience is a spoiler? Against the third-rate candidate of four years ago?

But here’s the real lowdown: When Williams tried to rent a room at the William Way LGBT Community Center – our community’s home – a supporter and close friend of Mandel called the center’s executive director and threatened that he’d call the IRS and request an audit, claiming the center was getting involved in politics.

Renting a room is not politics, and trying to stir up trouble that way is sleazy. It was brought up at Liberty City, and no one from the Mandel campaign has apologized.

At the very least, Brett Mandel owes this community an apology for attempting to put our community center in the crosshairs.

PANDERING AND PATRONAGE This is a rematch. Four years ago, Mandel came in third place. So, how is this an LGBT issue? And was it a miscalculation of Mandel’s supporters to make LGBT concerns an issue, since the candidate’s record in this area is not so good?

It should be noted that Philadelphia’s Liberty City Democratic Club, an LGBT organization, did endorse Mandel, but that came at a cost, as the debate at Liberty City’s meeting sparked a broader examination of Mandel’s tactics. Even more embarrassing, the morning after Liberty City made its endorsement, the Philadelphia Daily News ran a story about Mandel going from city office to city office, demanding a job. And despite that, his main campaign issue has been the Sheriff’s Office and patronage in city employment – he had to admit to the News that he asked the sheriff for a $150,000-per-year Mark Segal is publisher of PGN. He can job (more than the sheriff himself makes). be reached at mark@epgn.com.

Then he tried the controller’s office.

Brett Mandel

to point out issues that the LGBT community as a whole is facing, as we grow and find disagreements among ourselves – and, For my readers nationwide, this may not more importantly, the way we deal with be of interest to you since it’s a local politi- them. cal story. On the other hand, it might serve The political focus this year in Philadelby Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News

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Seattle Gay News 23