SGN May 17, 2013 - Section 1

Issue 20 Volume 41

Celebrating 40 Years!

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Seattle Gay News

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SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Donations pour into Murray campaign Gay mayoral hopeful raises over $100k in two-week ‘window’ ap

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

forward to back this campaign with their generous contributions.”

Working within tight limits prescribed by state law, State Sen. Ed Murray raked in more than $103,000 in a two-week period for his campaign to become Seattle’s first openly Gay mayor.

STRICT DEADLINES As a sitting state senator, Murray is prohibited from raising political campaign money while the legislature is in session. Thus he had a window of only two weeks to re-

“I really appreciate the fact that we are drawing support from hundreds of people across this city who have never given in a mayoral race before.”

“This campaign is building a dedicated network of supporters across the city of Seattle, and that energy and enthusiasm is reflected in this wave of support,” Murray said in a statement May 13.

“I really appreciate the fact that we are drawing support from hundreds of people across this city who have never given in a mayoral race before, and I want to thank all of the people who have stepped

Washington State Senator and Seattle Mayoral Candidate Ed Murray

plenish his campaign treasury between the close of the legislature’s regular session and the start of the special session called by Gov. Jay Inslee, which began on May 13.

After launching his bid for mayor on December 5, Murray had only nine days to raise seed money before the legislature convened. In that brief window, Mursee murray page 7

EmPOWerment in South King County Minnesota: Number 12 Innovative youth group builds community and saves lives Marriage equality is now the law

Jim Mone / AP Photo

courtesy POW

in the North Star State

POW draws an enthusiastic group to its weekly meetings in Burien.

by Jennifer Gess Special to the SGN “POW helped me find hope and community to prevent me from committing suicide.”

“I don’t use marijuana on days that I come to POW.” “I feel like I belong when I’m here.”

These words, from the youth I’m privileged to work with, inspire me

each day to advocate for equality.

As a counselor and consultant for the LGBTQ community, I started POW! (Proud Out Wonderful), an LGBTQ and allied youth support, advocacy, and leadership development program in Burien. POW welcomes youth ages 13-21 to the weekly group where the youth lead projects to raise awareness and educate the public, helping to increase the safety and acceptance

of LGBTQ people in South King County. POW’s mission is to provide a safe space for LGBTQ and allied youth to build community and promote social justice through empowerment, leadership, and advocacy.

In our heteronormative society, many LGBTQ youth have experienced parental rejection, home-

Same-sex marriage supporters in the Minnesota statehouse

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

“What a day for Minnesota!”

Gov. Mark Dayton said just moments before signing his state’s new marriage equality bill on May 14. “And what a difference a year and an election can make in our see POW page 6 state.”

Only six months ago, equality supporters were mobilizing to defeat a constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage. But the amendment was defeated in November’s election, President Obama carried the state, see minnesota page 16

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Celebrating 40 Years!

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What’s eating our Hutch?

Redmond pastor all hot and bothered about Jason Collins CNSNews.com / Penny Starr

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Ken Hutcherson

by D’Anne Witkowski SGN Contributing Writer A few weeks ago, if someone had asked you if you knew who Jason Collins is, you likely would have said no, unless you are a big fan of the Washington Wizards (which I doubt). But today, it seems almost as if Collins is the only professional basketball player in the world. His name and face are everywhere. Because he’s Gay. Specifically, because he’s the first openly Gay male professional player in a major U.S. sport.

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It’s a BFD. Even President Obama said that he “couldn’t be prouder” of Collins for coming out.

Which is evidence that Obama is clearly taking orders from Satan, according to Pastor Ken Hutcherson of the Antioch Baptist Church in Redmond, Washington.

In a May 2 opinion piece for the Christian Post, Hutcherson used the fact that Obama praised a known homo-sexer and that he spoke to Planned Parenthood recently as proof of Obama’s Satanic tendencies and the vast conspiracy he is spearheading against Christians in America. “[D]o any of you believe there is a connection between [Jason Collins] announcing he is Gay only 72 hours after President Obama’s speech to Planned Parenthood?”

Hutcherson writes. “The answer is a resounding YES! More proof that Christian views are very much under attack!”

A WAR ON CHRISTIANITY? Yes, very much under attack. Poor Christian views in America. Just think of all the taxes churches have to pay. Not to mention the fact that there has never been a single

May 17, 2013

U.S. president who identifies as Christian.

Don’t get me started about how outnumbered Christians are in Congress. And just try getting Christmas Day off from work!

Yes, it’s a tough life for America’s Christians. And it can all be blamed on Planned Parenthood and Jason Collins, aka “agents of Satan.”

“The connection between these two stories should be very obvious: they both go directly against God’s Holy Word,” Hutcherson continues. “After all, God hates hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17) and is sickened by sodomy (Romans 1:2427).”

In other words: Collins makes God puke.

Of course, the joke is on Collins, according to Hutcherson.

“Collins is being used as a pawn, in the most dangerous game of Russian roulette for his soul,” he writes. Silly Satan, souls are for Christians.

LOCKER-ROOM FANTASIES Hutcherson also predicts a rude awakening for Collins in the locker room: “I can’t imagine that Collins, standing in the shower after a game, and knowing the vast majority of his teammates are not Gay, will go over very well. How about the players standing in the shower with him, knowing that one of their teammates likes other men? Just saying.”

Let’s unpack that comment, shall we?

First of all, when someone concludes a statement with “Just saying,” it means, “I have just said something for which I do not want to take responsibility because it was probably a shitty thing to say.” And, indeed, this thinly veiled “warning” about things not going “over very well” for Collins the homo while he is standing naked with a bunch of his hetero teammates is something worth of distancing yourself from. Because it’s an asinine thing to say.

Not only is Hutcherson implying that Collins is some kind of pervert who won’t be able to keep his eyes and hands off his teammates, but he’s also implying that a bunch of grown men can’t behave themselves if one of them is Gay, especially if they’re all naked. It’s an argument that has always left me baffled: how little regard folks like Hutcherson have not just for Gays, but for men entirely. As if a penis makes it impossible to be a decent human being.

Then again, maybe Hutch is projecting his own fantasy of getting into a wrestling match with Collins in the shower while a bunch of other naked guys stand around and watch. Just saying.

Celebrating 40 Years!

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May 17, 2013

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Local news

file photo

Space Needle workers reach out to community Union seeks to build support ahead of next round of talks

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Workers at Seattle’s landmark Space Needle, who have been working more than two years without a contract, say they are planning new tactics to enlist community support in their ongoing dispute with management.

At a May 16 meeting with several LGBT and immigrant community organizations, Space Needle employees said that in coming weeks they will roll out an online petition, videos, and other ways to mobilize community support.

UNITE HERE Local 8, the union that represents Needle employees, and Space Needle management go into a new round of mediation on May 28. The previous mediation, in March, failed to produce a settlement.

INTIMIDATION ALLEGED Union officials say they are growing frustrated at the lack of progress in their negotiations with management. The union also charged that management has ratcheted up attempts to intimidate employees.

“In the last few months, the company has

escalated its anti-worker, anti-union campaign,” UNITE HERE community organizer Jasmine Marwaha said.

“It’s like a war zone in there,” Space Needle employee John Heckendorn agreed.

“It’s a brutal place to work.”

Heckendorn, one of the Needle’s most senior employees, said he fears for his job despite of his years of seniority, because management insists on retaining the right to subcontract work to nonunion companies.

NO CHIHULY JOBS “The Space Needle also runs [the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit], with a restaurant and banquet facilities,” UNITE HERE organizer Michael Wilsey noted. “They have promised our members access to jobs there, but so far they haven’t hired one.”

Instead, Wilsey said, Space Needle management directs banqueting contracts away from the unionized Space Needle to the nonunion Chihuly facilities, resulting in a 30% reduction in work for the banquet workers represented by the union.

Space Needle The other significant sticking point in necents apart,” he explained, “but our demand Committee for Immigration Reform and gotiations centers on wages, Wilsey said.

“On the wage issue, we’re only a few is area standard, nothing more, nothing Social Justice), Ingersoll Center, Pride At less.” Area standard means the prevailing Work AFL-CIO, and the city’s Civil Rights wage for similar kinds of work in similar Commission and LGBTQ Commission. high-end restaurants in the area.

Several of the organizations previously sent letters to Space Needle management FLY OUR FLAG! asking them to sign a fair contract with their The May 16 meeting was organized by employees, and to fly the Rainbow Flag at UNITE HERE and LGBTQ Allyship, and Pride as a symbol of respect for the many was attended by Casa Latina, El Comite (the LGBT workers in the hospitality industry.

POW

continued from cover lessness, harassment, discrimination, and trauma, which often lead to mental-health issues, substance abuse, and suicide. Eighty percent of LGBT students in Washington have experienced verbal harassment because of their sexual orientation; 60% have been verbally harassed because of how they expressed their gender. In Washington, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24. Youth identifying as Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. LGBTQ youth are often marginalized and stigmatized by the broader community, and have limited support compared with their heterosexual and cisgendered peers (GLSEN, 2009; Washington State Dept. of Health, 2003; Massachusetts Dept. of Education, 2009).

POW is a community that accepts, supports, and advocates for all youth regardless of sexual orientation and gender expression, providing a space for youth to fully develop their capacities and express themselves.

POW youth state weekly, “I wish POW was everyday” or “POW is my highlight of the week.” One member who has reported suicidal ideation identifies POW as his reason for being alive. Another member has reduced marijuana use since joining POW. Yet another has received a scholarship from the GSBA after being encouraged to apply

by POW. I started POW in April of 2011, and it now has grown to approximately 50 diverse members of various gender, sexual, ethnic, and class identities. Roughly 15 members attend the weekly group and approximate-

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ly 75 to 100 youth attend the events POW hosts, including the Sex and Health Event, POW Prom, Summer Celebration, and Winter Social. POW also participates actively in Seattle Pride and South Seattle Pride, and at various functions throughout the year.

These events allow POW youth to celebrate their true selves, develop friendships and community, and increase safety and acceptance of LGBTQ people.

POW’s weekly group is centered on the LGBTQ Youth Curriculum that I developed over the past two years through my experience with POW. The curriculum is based on the youths’ needs and interests, and includes units on Identity, Oppression, Holistic Health, and Social Justice. The curriculum includes one year’s worth of lesson plans, the group format POW uses, various checklists, and more. POW’s weekly group also focuses on projects the youth decide to partake in. A recent project included painting a bus stop mural with LGBTQ-affirming messages; another included partnering with the City of Seattle for an “It Gets Better” video.

POW is passionate about expanding awareness of the LGBTQ community in South King County and spreading its vision of a community that accepts, supports, and advocates for all youth regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Through the weekly group and various advocacy projects and events, LGBTQ youth programs such as POW decrease the rejection and trauma LGBTQ youth experience while increasing safety, community, and leadership among LGBTQ youth. Perhaps most importantly, POW saves lives. If you’re interested in having a LGBTQ youth group at your nonprofit, community center, school, or other venue, please contact me at info@ jennifergess.com.

Celebrating 40 Years!

komo

Why we will march Violence on Capitol Hill has reached unacceptable levels

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Violent attacks on Capitol Hill must stop.

That’s how I feel. And I know I’m not alone.

I know this because of the many messages of support I’ve received from other Cap Hill folks, saying they will show up May 22 and march beside Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) to show criminals that our neighborhood belongs to us, not to them.

If community exists, both freedom and security may exist as well. The community then takes on a life of its own, as people

McGregor, a SOSea member and a member of the Transgender community, in February.

This incident proves many things, no doubt, but two come to mind. First, attacks on the Hill really can happen to anyone. Second, self-defense training works.

JOIN THE MARCH As a response to this attack, and all of those preceding and following it, I decided to organize a march and rally for May 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., starting at Seattle Central Community College. This is not an antiSPD march. This is not about anything else

“It wasn’t the punches to the face or the hurt wrist.

It was that I could have easily lost my life today and not a single person wanted to jump in and help or even call the police.” become free enough to share and secure enough to get along. There are examples lately of an absence of community on the Hill – even when someone is being attacked.

KNIFEPOINT ROBBERY Last week, local drag queen and Capitol Hill socialite Robbie Turner, also a member of SOSea, was attacked.

“I was about three blocks from Atomic Cosmetics over by SCCC’s [Seattle Central Community College] park answering a phone call when a 20-something AfricanAmerican male punched me in the face,” Robbie posted on Facebook. “I dropped my phone & instinctively placed my right foot on the phone knowing that something was amiss. The man said, ‘Sorry, sorry, sorry.’”

“And then pulled out a knife & swung it at my throat. It was less than an inch from slicing my throat open in front of a VERY LARGE crowd on the campus. No one yelled, no one came to my assistance. Plenty watched. As I leaned backward, I shoved the guy with my left arm so that he wouldn’t actually cut me,” continued the post. “With his opposite arm he hit me in the head causing me to really lose my balance. I stumbled backward as he reached down, stole my phone & ran away downtown bound.

Still, no one came up to me. In fact onlookers stared & cleared out of the area: crossing the street suddenly, going inside the school, walking in any direction that was away from me & my torn grocery bag & my strewn about belongings.”

“It wasn’t the punches to the face or the hurt wrist,” explained Robbie. “It was that I could have easily lost my life today & not a single person wanted to jump in and help or even call the police.”

As he picked up his belongings a young girl approached him and said, “I was scared.”

Robbie simply replied, “I was too.”

“If I had NO self-defense class training a knife would have entered my body in an irreparable area. And by the way no one came to my aid; I could have easily bled out on Pine Street within moments,” Robbie ended the post. “My heart is heavy right now and 2 hours after the altercation my palms are still clammy & cold. What has happened to feeling safe? What has happened to security on a college campus? What has happened to the wandering police officers?”

Robbie Turner is a founding member of SOSea, an organization of which I am the founder and current president. Robbie also co-instructed a self-defense class with Mac

other than the fact that we need to come together as a community and march and say, loud and clear, that we will not give our neighborhood over to crime.

When I began to organize this event, Local performer Robbie Turner members of the community stepped forward and made donations that really are The participating businesses will become an e-mail to socialoutreachseattle@gmail. essential. The Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle donated the sound and stage, and a visible and known “watchdog” for the com and write BLOCK WATCH in the subBaltic Room has donated cups for coffee community. Citizens will identify the busi- ject line. Or, show up on Wednesday at the ness as a place they can seek safety if they rally and we will get you the packet you and water. This is a grassroots event. are in danger or are in an emergency situa- need to get started. tion.

Let’s come together on May 22 and make BLOCK WATCH FORMING Key partnerships would be the businesses, sure that the criminals get the message that We also announced this week that SOSea’s Straight Allies for Equality (SAFE) employees, organizations, and executive CRIME IS NOT WELCOME ON CAPIProgram Director Daniel Hanks, Commu- directors forming relationships with police TOL HILL. Join us in this act of solidarity nications Director Chris Beisenherz, and I officers and SPD officials. Other partners with the victims of violence. Join us in this have routinely met with SPD officials to de- can be local citizens’ associations, churches, act of compassion and awareness in the face velop a neighborhood business-based anti- Chambers of Commerce, and other groups of ignorance and hate. Most of all – join us crime program we are calling Block Watch. interested in a safe and prosperous business because you are a citizen who gives a damn about the lives of others and because our The program, developed in part by SPD base in the community.

If your business or organization would safety should matter to us all.

Community Outreach Officer Sina Ebinger, who is Lesbian, is designed to be a deter- like to sign up for Block Watch, please send rent and to train business owners, employterrupted for more than five months. ers, and others how to be a good witness and Burgess reported raising $36,395 in April how to de-escalate volatile situations. continued from cover and having $100,249 in the bank. He has A business block watch is meant to enspent more than half of the $231,000 he has hance communications between the police and the business community in an effort to ray raised more than $117,000 from more raised since announcing last year, including reduce and prevent crime against their busi- than 475 contributors, in what his campaign $15,765 during the month of April.

A second City Council member running nesses – and beyond. Block Watch is busi- described as “an unprecedented tally 11 for mayor, Bruce Harrell, raised $33,896 months out from the November 2013 elecnesses taking systematic steps to reduce in April and a total of $112,559 in the camopportunities for crimes in and around busi- tion.”

Murray’s campaign was especially paign to date, but he reports only $55,907 ness locations. In Business Block Watch arpleased that in the two-week fundraising cash on hand at the end of April. eas, SPD officials will assist business leadIncumbent mayor Mike McGinn trailed opportunity between legislative sessions, ers, owners, operators, and employees in reporting crime and effectively observing and he “raised $103,693 from more than 515 in- his leading challengers in fundraising. He reporting to police all suspicious activities dividual contributors, many of whom have raised only $28,601 in April, bringing his total for the campaign to $181,133, with that could lead to crime. We are also encour- never given before in a mayoral race.” $99,438 in cash-on-hand at the end of April. aging businesses to participate in Operation Real-estate broker Charlie Staadecker, a McGINN FAR BEHIND Identification, marking all equipment, maTo date, Murray has raised a total of first-time political candidate, raised $20,229 chines, etc., with traceable identification for $219,622 from more than 925 individual in April, ending the month with about theft deterrence and tracing.

Crime prevention is everybody’s busi- contributors in only 23 days of fundraising. $75,000 in the bank. Staadecker had raised ness. It requires cooperation and participa- That places him just behind his rival City a total of $152,354 through the end of April.

Former City Councilmember Peter Steintion from all elements of the community, Council member Tim Burgess in the total brueck raised only $17,854 in April, bringamount raised, and ahead of all the other and it requires education. The businesses ing his campaign total to $62,152 with candidates, even though Burgess and the and organizations that sign up for Block Watch will receive quarterly training from rest of the field have been fundraising unin- $37,842 in cash on hand.

SPD officers and other emergency personnel. In fact, the first training we have set up will be with 911 operators, who will talk with business owners and their employees.

murray

A PROVEN STRATEGY We did not invent Block Watch. Other major cities have had great success with similar programs – they reported a drop in crime almost immediately after they started a Block Watch program. Again, this is something we worked with law enforcement officials on.

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Growlr prowler Kent man using hookup app charged with felony rape

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor A man from Kent, Washington, has been arrested and charged with felony rape and robbery after he allegedly sexually assaulted at least one man he met on Growlr.

Leverne Lee Maxwell, 32, is currently in jail awaiting trial on seven felony counts related to a week-long crime spree where police say he contacted men on Growlr, arranged dates, then sexually assaulted his victims at gunpoint, before robbing them.

Seattle Gay News has published a good number of stories warning Gay men of the

dangers of onine hookups with strangers.

The hookup app Grindr is about as wellknown as Craigslist for rapists who search for prey on the Internet. Growlr, the app used in this case, is aimed at men who identify as Bears, and their admirers.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer quotes a Seattle police detective as saying Maxwell reached out to one man on Growlr, posing as a buyer for a Kindle the man wanted to sell. When Maxwell arrived at the victim’s home, he asked for a glass of water, then pulled out a gun and threatened to kill the man before sexually assaulting him.

Police say another man was robbed at

gunpoint four days later inside his South Seattle home by a man he met on Growlr.

That suspect also asked for a glass of water before brandishing a pistol and stealing the

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May 17, 2013

man’s laptop and iPhone.

Police allege that Maxwell robbed yet another man of his iPhone after holding him up at gunpoint on April 13. Investigators said they found a used condom and fingerprints linking Maxwell to the sexual assault, and they note that several victims have positively identified Maxwell as their attacker.

Maxwell was arrested April 19. He denied any theft and claimed he and the man he met on Growlr had consensual sex. He is an 11-time convicted felon and has now been charged with first-degree rape, three counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of unlawful gun possession, and one count of first-degree burglary. He’s currently being held in King County Jail.

Celebrating 40 Years!

national news

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A South Carolina couple filed suit on May 14 on behalf of their adopted son, charging doctors and state social workers with performing an unnecessary sex assignment surgery on him when he was an infant.

The child, who is now 8, was born with both male and female genitals. At 16 months old, doctors performed surgery to make his body appear female. According to the child’s adoptive parents, he now strongly identifies as male and has begun living as a boy.

The parents’ attorneys told Reuters that the suit, filed in both state and federal courts, is the first of its kind in the United States. In the filing, the parents argue that doctors should not have performed the surgery when they knew they could not predict how the child’s gender identity would develop.

‘AN ABHORRENT PRACTICE’ “We feel very strongly that these decisions to permanently alter somebody’s genitalia and their reproductive ability for no medical reason whatsoever is an abhorrent practice and can’t be continued,” Pam Crawford, the boy’s mother, told Reuters in a phone interview.

“It is too late for our son,” she added.

“The damage has been done to him.”

getty images

Couple sues over son’s sex assignment surgery

The child, identified only as MC, was born in South Carolina in November 2004 and entered the state’s foster care system in February 2005 after being removed from the custody of his biological parents.

Shortly after he was born, doctors noted that he had “ambiguous genitals” and both male and female reproductive organs, the lawsuit says.

Though doctors determined that he could be raised as either a boy or a girl, they opted for genital surgery that made the child’s body look female, a decision the child’s parents say was premature because his dominant gender identity had not yet emerged.

IDENTIFIES AS MALE The Crawfords got custody of MC when he was 20 months old and initially raised him as a girl. But they said they soon noticed that MC tended toward interests typically associated with males and preferred boys’ clothing. As he grew older, he asked for his hair to be cut short like his father’s and wanted to join a gymnastics class as a boy, they said.

“He’s always been able to amuse himself with a toolkit,” Mark Crawford said. “He’s more likely than any of our other children to be climbing trees, wanting to ride bikes, flying model airplanes.”

A couple of months ago, in consultation with their pediatrician, the Crawfords said their son made the transition to live as a boy

Be safe in there!

LGBT Technology Partnership helps protect our community online

lic policies addresses the unique technological needs of LGBT communities, today announced a new collaboration with the The LGBT Technology Partnership, a National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused beginning with the joint launch of a series on ensuring that the implementation of pub- of cyber-security tips to encourage greater

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Pam and Mark Crawford

and has been accepted as one by his friends.

But they added that the long-term consequences of the surgery are heartbreaking to try to explain to him.

“It’s really tough because he’s now asking the questions about how he can be like everybody else,” Pam Crawford said.

RIGHTS VIOLATION ALLEGED “The surgery eliminated MC’s potential to procreate as a male and caused a significant and permanent impairment of sexual function,” the Crawfords say in the complaint filed in state court.

“The doctors knew that sex-assignment surgeries on infants with conditions like awareness about online safety and related issues affecting LGBT communities.

The NCSA, in collaboration with government, corporate, nonprofit, and academic sectors, educates and empowers digital citizens to use the Internet securely and safely to protect themselves, the technology they use, and the digital assets we all share.

“We are excited about our partnership with NCSA and disseminating LGBTspecific tips about staying safer online,” said Christopher Wood, LGBT Technology Partnership co-founder. “Studies show that LGBT communities are often the earliest adopters of new technology. The LGBT Technology Partnership’s mission is to make sure LGBT communities are aware of the significant benefits but also the underlying challenges that come with the early adoption of new technologies. We are working with organizations like NCSA to make technological experiences safer for all our communities.”

STOP. THINK. CONNECT. This collaborative effort includes working with the NCSA to incorporate “STOP. THINK. CONNECT.” messaging into an LGBT cyber-education toolkit with fact sheets, tip sheets, and posters. Both organizations will also hold joint Twitter chat events about LGBT cyber-safety issues, including one in June during LGBT Pride Month.

More information about the NCSA/ LGBT Technology Partnership joint effort is available at http://lgbttechpartnership. org/about-us/supporters/.

“The Internet pervades our daily lives like never before, and for specific populations such as the LGBT community, the Web is an integral tool to organize and stay connected,” said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance.

“We believe that everyone in the world with access to the Internet should be well-educated about the importance of online safety.

May 17, 2013

MC’s poses a significant risk of imposing a gender that is ultimately rejected by the patient,” the lawsuit says.

The federal lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Charleston, South Carolina, says the surgery violated the child’s constitutional rights.

Sex-assignment surgeries on infants with intersex conditions have been performed since the 1950s, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center and Advocates for Informed Choice, which are helping represent the Crawfords and their child.

The medical procedures often are performed without the risks being fully explained, the groups said.

At the same time, with the LGBT communities typically among the ranks as the earliest adopters of new technologies, we’re excited to offer a more tailored awareness effort to members of this community.”

A WELL-WIRED COMMUNITY According to information provided to SGN by NCSA, there is an increased need for ongoing cyber-security education in LGBT communities through awareness initiatives. Past research has shown that an increased focus on cyber-security awareness in the LGBT community is a necessity in a society where: • 59 percent of Gay men and 58 percent of Lesbians are more likely to say they rely on technology to help manage their hectic lifestyles (2012 LGBT Community Survey, Community Marketing Inc.); • 27 percent of Gay men (mainly 18- to 29-year-olds) and 18 percent of Lesbians are early adopters of new technology products within their peer lifestyle networks (2012 LGBT Community Survey, Community Marketing Inc.); • Smartphone ownership among Gay and Lesbian consumers is almost one-third higher than the national average, with 87 percent of LGBTs owning smartphones compared to 62 percent nationally (2012 LGBT Community Survey, Community Marketing Inc.); • Nine in 10 LGBT students have experienced some form of bullying at school (It Gets Better Campaign and Stop Bullying Now!); and • “Meeting online is now dramatically more common among same-sex couples than any way of meeting has ever been for heterosexual or same-sex couples in the past” (Stanford University study, “How Couples Meet and Stay Together”).

For more details about the new partnership and/or LGBT cyber-education materials, visit www.lgbttechpartnership.org.

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Arizona shifts toward equality

Statewide poll finds majority support for same-sex marriage Connor Radnovich

even among men, a clear majority supports equality. Sixty percent of women said they support marriage rights for same-sex couples, with only 33% opposed. Fifty percent of men agreed, with 37% opposed to equality.

Among Latinos/Latinas, a key voting bloc in Arizona, a whopping 75% support equality, with only 20% opposed. Significantly, polling was done in Spanish as well as English.

Among whites, 54% are pro-equality and 35% opposed. In the catch-all category of “non-Latino minorities,” most respondents were opposed to same-sex marriage, with 36% backing equality to 58% against.

Respondents under 35 years old were overwhelmingly pro-equality, by a margin of 67% to 26%, but respondents in every age cohort supported marriage equality. Those aged 35-54 supported same-sex marriage by 54% to 39%, and even those 55 and older supported equality by 46% to 40%.

In Pima County, which includes Tucson and the University of Arizona, 65% of respondents backed same-sex marriage, with only 30% opposed. In Maricopa County, which includes Democratic-leaning Phoenix but which is also the home of ultra-rightwing Sheriff Joe Arpaio, 53% said they sup-

port marriage equality, while 36% oppose it. Even in the “rural counties,” 54% support same-sex marriage and only 37% oppose it.

Arizona Democrats support same-sex marriage 70% to 22%, self-identified liberals 67% to 28%, moderates 64% to 25%, and independents by the same 64% to 25% margin.

minnesota

Three Democrats voted No, and one Republican, Sen. Branden Petersen, voted Yes. For Rep. Karen Clark, who led the fight to pass the measure in the House, it was the culmination of years of struggle.

“I thought it would happen someday, but I didn’t know I would be able to be here to be part of it,” Clark said, just hours before the signing ceremony on May 14.

The longest-serving openly Lesbian lawmaker in the country, Clark, 67, had already been out of the closet for a decade when she was elected to the legislature in 1980. She told the Minneapolis Star Tribune she plans to marry her partner, Jacquelyn Zita, when the new law takes effect.

continued from cover

and Democrats captured majorities in both houses of Minnesota’s legislature.

That set the stage for an equality counterattack. A bill legalizing marriage for Gay and Lesbian couples passed the Minnesota House on May 9 and the Senate on May 13.

Dayton signed the bill the next day.

A crowd estimated by state police at more than 6,000 filled the steps of the State Capitol building in St. Paul and spilled over onto the adjacent lawn. Rainbow flags mixed with the Stars and Stripes to create a festival atmosphere.

At the signing ceremony, Dayton thanked legislators for their “political courage” and then turned to congratulate openly Gay Sen. Scott Dibble, the author of the marriage bill, and his husband Richard Leyva. The couple married in California before Prop 8 passed, and they now plan to remarry in their home state of Minnesota after the new law takes effect August 1.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A majority of Arizona residents now favor marriage equality, according to a new Rocky Mountain Poll. The survey, taken last month and released May 14, sampled 700 people, including 438 registered voters.

Fifty-five percent of respondents said they favor allowing Gay and Lesbian couples to marry. Only 35% said they were opposed.

‘GOD MADE GAYS’ The four-hour long debate in the state Senate was emotional, but not without its lighter moments. At one point, Democratic Sen. Ron Latz poked fun at some of the claims of equality opponents.

“Members, God made Gays,” Latz said.

“And God made Gays capable of loving other people. So who are we to quarrel with MASSIVE LATINO SUPPORT God’s intentions?”

As in most marriage polls, women faIn the end, Minnesota senators approved vored equality much more so than men, but the marriage bill by a close 37-30 vote.

It is an astonishing turnaround in a deeply “red” state that overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment banning samesex marriage in 2008.

The results showed broad support for marriage equality across almost all demographic categories.

GOP VIEWS CHANGING Among Republicans, 37% – more than one-third – now support equality, although 53% still oppose it. Self-described conservatives also tend to oppose same-sex marriage, with 41% in favor and 51% opposed.

The poll also asked about decriminalization of marijuana, which got the support of 56% of respondents, compared to only 37% opposed.

“It is perhaps ironic,” the pollsters concluded, “that as support for same-sex marriage and defelonization of marijuana have long been albatrosses which conservative candidates could hang around the necks of some of their moderate or liberal challengers, it now appears that hard opposition to Gay marriage and perhaps even to marijuana liberalization could become issues moderates and liberals can use against their conservative opponents.”

A LONG STRUGGLE “It is an overwhelming joyful day, the culmination of years of work. Two years ago it would have been unimaginable to be here,” said Jake Loesch, communications director for Minnesotans United. “It was incredible – we had 7,000 people cheering as the bill was signed. It was probably the biggest crowd the Capitol has ever seen.”

“The transformative nature of people talking about their love and their lives is clear, as we see in reaching this milestone in Minnesota and in the fact that a clear and growing majority of Americans supports the freedom to marry,” said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

“The many years of door-knocking, phone calls, and poignant conversations about why marriage matters have made a difference,” she added.

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“SYTTENDE GAY 2013” On Friday, May 17, Kwanchai hosts “Syttende Gay 2013,” a celebration of the LGBT Nordic community, from 5-8 p.m., at BalMar (5449 Ballard Ave. NW at NW Market St.), in conjunction with the Syttende Mai (17th of May) Norwegian Constitution Day parade and celebration in Ballard. Your $7 VIP pass includes exclusive access to the upper VIP level with a panoramic view of the parade. Plus 10% off Nordic inspired food and cocktails, including the customary drink Aquavit!

The party continues at Changes Bar and Grill in Wallingford (2103 N. 45th St.) from 9 p.m. to closing for “17th of Norgay,” featuring young Naughty-Nordic men and their special twist on an underwear show.

TWISTED CABARET MAY 2-26 www.twistedcabaret.com U-DISTRICT STREET FAIR MAY 18 & 19 www.udistrictstreetfar.org

GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT – “THE SEATTLE PROJECT” PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT From May 9 through June 9, selections from “The Seattle Project,” a body of photographic work from Portland, Oregon based photographer, R. Edward will be on display at Gay City Health Project (517 E. Pike St.) along the wall just outside the Gay City library. “The Seattle Project,” which began in 2001, is a collection of photographs that tell the stories of Pacific Northwest men who have faced significant challenges in their lives from serious health issues and death threats to their own self realizations. These men have offered their images to the Project to give hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges. www.redwardjack.com.

AROUET PRESENTS THE TEMPERAMENTALS – A CHRONICLE OF GAY HISTORY On Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. (May 19 performance interpreted for the hearing impaired), and Thursday-Saturday, May 23-25, at 7:30 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.

Tickets: General: $16 in advance/$20 at the door; student/senior: $12 in advance/$16 at the door. www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/362590; 1-800-838-3006.

SAME LOVE, SAME RIGHTS – 5TH ANNUAL GAY & LESBIAN WEDDING EXPO On Sunday, May 19, from 1-4 p.m., at Crowne Plaza Hotel Seattle (1113 Sixth Ave.), Same Love, Same Right returns with their 5th Annual Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo. This year’s Expo will be better than ever, presenting a diverse array of Gay-friendly Wedding Professionals, Music, Planning Tips, Free Samples and Giveaways ... and much more! Visit www. samelovesamerights.com for more information and to RSVP.

ternational AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Seattle.

2013 PRIDE ASIA COLLECTIVE – NATIONAL API HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY On Sunday, May 19, at 6 p.m., at the New Hong Kong Restaurant (900 S. Jackson St.), the 2013 Pride ASIA Collective along with HIV Vaccine Trials Unit and Lifelong AIDS Alliance proudly celebrate National API HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This event hosted by Ro Yoon and Aleksa Manila features performances by Miss Gay Washington Mulan Rouge-Bradshaw, Miss UTOPIA Marion Malena, Atasha Manila, Victoria Victor Loo, Recording Artist Jack Mozie, Slam Poet Nicole Masangkay and MORE! Special thanks to Jasmine Mac, Amanda Crutchley and the Event Committee! $20 VIP Reception at 6 p.m. includes entertainment and hors d’oeuvres; $5 General Admission at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit the 2013 LGBTQ API Event on June 23.

More info at www.prideasia.org.

SOCIAL OUTREACH SEATTLE – MR., MS., & MISS GAY PRIDE PAGEANT On Sunday, May 19, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., at Neighbours Nightclub (1509 Broadway, entrance in alley off E. Pike St. between Harvard Ave. and Broadway), Seattle Outreach Seattle (SOSea) and Neighbours Nightclub presents the Mr., Ms. & Miss Gay Pride Pageant. For complete details, www.neighboursnightclub.com COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON THE BROADWAY LIGHT RAIL STATION On Monday, May 20, from 5:30 p.m.8 p.m., at SCCC Broadway Performance Hall (Broadway & E. Pine St.), the Capitol Hill Champion invites you to a community conversation on the future of the Broadway Light Rail Station: “The Broadway Light Rail Station will open in 2016: What’s going up when the RED WALL comes down?” www.capitolhillchampion.org.

SOCIAL OUTREACH SEATTLE – MARCH & RALLY AGAINST THE CONTINUING VIOLENT ATTACKS ON CAPITOL HILL On Wednesday, May 22, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., starting at Seattle Central Community College (South Plaza), join Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) and other concerned individuals to organize, stand up and speak out against continuing violent attacks on the streets of Capitol Hill.

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

EMERALD CITY HOEDOWN MAY 23-27 This Memorial Day Weekend (May 2327), Seattle’s Rain Country Dance Association is hosting the Emerald City Hoedown, also the 20th annual convention hoedown of the International Association of Gay/ Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs.

GLBTQ country-western dancers from all over North America will be attending, with over 350 attendees expected at the height of the weekend – the largest IAGLCWDC convention hoedown in many years. The event will benefit local charities Camp Ten Trees, providing summer camp for GLBTQ youth and those from GLBTQ families, and PFLAG of Seattle, earmarking funds to serve non-metro and rural areas in Washington state.

The weekend features over 50 dance workshops and education forums – everything from two-step and line dance classes to cowboy boot care and how to make your club a non-profit – with 30 instructors, including world-class names such as John Lindo, Michael Barr, Michele Burton, Ari Levitt, and Judy McDonald. In addition to three full days of classes, there are four nights of dancing, with breakout rooms dedicated to swing and line dancing as well as country couples dancing. The weekend also plays host to the IAGLCWDC championship dance competition, featuring competitions in seven couples dance styles, line dancing, and dance teams.

And if that’s not enough, Rain Country has set up a number of social events during the weekend, ranging from morning and late night snacks to dedicated social hours for both women and men, on to a whale watching tour, a wine and chocolate tasting tour, and a city landmarks dance tour of the downtown Seattle core – line dancing at Pike Place Market, swing dancing at the Space Needle, and so forth. Seattle is a major vacation destination, and Rain Country wants their attendees to be able to take good advantage of what Seattle has to offer.

Weekend package registration is available for $139, and various smaller packages – day passes, evening dances, and single workshops – will be available at the event.

For full details on the event, please visit http://www.emeraldcityhoedown.com.

SEATTLE QUAKE RUGBY – MAGNITUDE 15S On Memorial Day Weekend (May 2327), Seattle Quake Rugby hosts their Magnitude 15S Rugby Tournament with visiting Gay rugby teams from around the U.S. and Canada. The games will be played on Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, at the Magnuson Park Athletic Fields (7400 Sand Point Way NE). There will be round robin play on Saturday to determine seeding for elimination matches and the championship match. Sunday will feature elimination matches and the Championship Match.

FREE admission for spectators with a beer garden for your refreshment.

In the evenings there will be social events at neighborhood bars on Capitol Hill. On Thursday, May 23, Purr Cocktail Lounge (1518 11th Ave) will host a pre-tournament welcome party. On Friday, May 24, the Quake will welcome fellow ruggers with a reception at The Cuff Complex (1533 13th Ave.). On Saturday, May 25, Madison Pub (1315 E. Madison St.) will host a light social following the day’s matches. On Sunday, May 26, following the elimination and championship matches, a hosted drink-up at The Cuff Complex will be held, sponsored

by Alaska Brewing and Piecora’s Pizza, followed by a special Kangaroo Court and the AfterShock closing dance party. On Monday, May 27, there will be a $5 post-tournament all-you-can-eat brunch at C.C. Attle’s Bar & Grille (1701 E. Olive Way). www. magnitude15.org.

May 17, 2013

Seattle Gay News 17

NW FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL MAY 24-27 www.nwfolklife.org BOOST: POETRY TO UPLIFT YOUR SPIRITS – A BENEFIT FOR TARA HARDY On Friday, May 31, doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., at Richard Hugo House (1634 11th Ave.), friends of Tara Hardy (local writer and founder of BENT Writing Institute) will host a poetry benefit to help Tara with her sizeable medical expenses ($18,000) not covered by her medical insurance as she continues treatment for her lifethreatening illnesses. Tickets: $15-advance, $20-at the door. www.brownpapertickets. com/event/384642.

PURR COCKTAIL LOUNGE – BARTENDER AUCTION TO BENEFIT RISE N’ SHINE (INSPIRE YOUTH PROJECT) On Wednesday, May 22, Purr Cocktail Lounge (1518 11th Ave.) hosts a special Bartender Auction to benefit Rise ‘n Shine (Inspire Youth Project). Bid on a date with your favorite bartender and raise money in support of at-risk children and youth. Bidding starts at 8 p.m. www.risenshine.org.

2013 PRIDE ASIA COLLECTIVE – “OPERA + CABARET” BENEFIT On Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Egan’s Ballard Jam House (1707 NW Market St.), join Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse and Karl Marx Reyes, tenor opera singer, for an evening of “Opera + Cabaret” to benefit Pride ASIA. Tickets: $25 + 2 drink minimum. For complete details and advance tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/377731. 100% of the door will go to Pride ASIA. The 2013 Pride ASIA Collective: The collective is comprised of dedicated advocates and community leaders who volunteer their SOCIAL OUTREACH SEATTLE – time and commitment to ensuring a safe INTERNATIONAL AIDS space fo celebrating LGBTQ Asian Pacific CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL On Sunday, May 19, at 5 p.m., at Seattle Islander American culture.

Central Community College’s South Lawn (Broadway & E. Pine St.), Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) is honored to host the In-

Visit us online www.sgn.org

international news ILGA rates Europe for LGBT rights ‘Rainbow map’ shows progress, but doesn’t tell the whole story

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer ILGA-Europe, the European division of the International LGBTI Association, released its annual report on LGBT rights on May 16.

“The Annual Review 2013 uncovers the real situation of LGBTI people beyond laws

and gives us the whole picture of what it is like to be an LGBTI person in Europe today.

The picture is far from satisfactory,” ILGAEurope co-chair Gabi Calleja said.

“While some countries are scoring high on the Rainbow Map because they have good laws, the situation on the ground often is very different. Even in countries with the most advanced laws and policies, there

is a surprisingly high percentage of LGBTI people who are adjusting their behaviors on a daily basis because they fear violence and harassment when in public.”

According to the report, the Turkish-occupied northern zone of Cyprus is the only area on the continent where same-sex relations are still criminalized. Nevertheless, the ILGA raised serious concerns about

conditions in a number of other countries.

RIGHTIST GROUPS ON RISE Expressions of “overt homophobia and Transphobia” by government, religious leaders, and extremist groups were “common” in Bulgaria, the ILGA found.

Italy has not taken any legislative initiatives to protect LGBT residents despite having a “relatively high level” of violence against LGBT people.

The economic crisis in Greece has led to a rise in extremist groups like the neo-Nazi Chrysi Avgi (Golden Dawn) party, who target minorities – including the LGBT community.

Even in France, which recently passed a marriage equality law, the ILGA found 1,397 cases of hate crime, hate speech, and discrimination incidents against sexual minorities were documented last year.

In general, the ILGA said, “degrading, offensive, and defamatory language” is one of the “most common trends” across Europe.

A HELP TO POLICYMAKERS Nils Muižnieks, commissioner of human rights for the Council of Europe, said the 2013 report would help guide future policy decisions.

“Advocacy based on solid facts is what we need for advancing the human rights of LGBTI people. ILGA-Europe and its national member organizations have firsthand knowledge of what is going on and share their insights and concerns through the Annual Review and the Rainbow Map,” he said.

“In addition to holding countries accountable for their actions, the Annual Review also gives a critical account of the steps taken by international organizations. It is a valuable tool for a serious debate about the human rights situation of LGBTI persons across Europe.”

The ILGA is a federation of more than 750 LGBT organizations in 110 countries.

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May 17, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

50,000 march in Chile

International Day Against Homophobia sparks rallies worldwide

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

JP Catepillán / Movilh

Fifty thousand people marched in Santiago, the capital of Chile, on May 11 to commemorate IDAHO, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

IDAHO is officially celebrated on May 17.

Led by the Movement of Homosexual Integration and Liberation (MOVILH), Chile’s largest LGBT rights organization, marchers demanded approval of civil unions for same-sex couples, and a new gender identity law allowing Trans people to change their names and sex indicators without a court order.

ja, the civil unions law, has been stalled in Chile’s Congress since 2011. Last month it was approved by a Senate committee, but no vote has been scheduled. Meanwhile, Chile’s Socialist Party has introduced a marriage equality bill, and a right-wing party has introduced a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

In Cuba, Mariela Castro, daughter of Cuban President Raul Castro, led several hundred marchers through Havana, chanting “Homophobia no, socialism yes!”

The march was sponsored by the Cuban government, which has made efforts to counter anti-Gay bias since 2010, when longtime President Fidel Castro apologized

Tens of thousands marched in Santiago, Chile in support of LGBT rights.

“The government and the National Congress some 200 people Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanattended.

“Homophobia, prejudice and discrimina- ishvili promised to protect the march, and should take note of these massive mobilizations tion still prevail and many officials fail to reaffirmed his government’s support for the from discriminatory remarks or from rights of minorities. Their “rights are huthat demonstrate time and time again that the refrain taking positive measures in this regard,” man rights and the government of Georgia Embassy general manager Amarildo is committed to upholding the rights of all of majority of this country supports full equality of Pink Fecanji said. “Albanian society continues to its citizens,” he said in the statement. remain largely homophobic and ill informed rights for sexual minorities.”

VIOLENCE AT 2012 MARCH about LGBT issues. … What is a problem in

A GROWING MOVEMENT “When we begun this fight, in 1991, a handful of people supported us through our marches. Now they are thousands of families, coming with their children. The country has changed and the state must take these changes into consideration,” MOVILH said in a statement.

“The government and the National Congress should take note of these massive mobilizations that demonstrate time and time again that the majority of this country supports full equality of rights for sexual minorities,” said the movement’s president, Rolando Jiménez.

“The political class always says that it has to listen to the people, but enough of this. It is time to act,” he added.

A national hate-crimes act and an anti-discrimination law were enacted in July 2012, in response to the murder of Daniel Zamudio, a Gay man, by neo-Nazis. Last month, however, a Santiago court rejected a suit by a Lesbian couple who wanted legal recognition as joint parents of their children.

for his government’s persecution of LGBT Cubans after the 1959 revolution.

Fidel’s niece Mariela is director of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) and an advocate for LGBT rights. In 2005, she pushed for a new healthcare law that requires the Cuban government to pay for medical expenses associated with gender reassignment, just as it would for any other medical procedures. The measure was enacted in 2008.

On May 6, she spoke at the Equality Forum in Philadelphia, and received that group’s LGBT Equality Award for her work.

“What is most complicated is the time it takes to overcome prejudices,” she said.

“We must change consciousness.”

ALBANIAN FESTIVAL In Albania, which recently passed an antidiscrimination law protecting sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBT rights groups organized a week-long festival to mark IDAHO. Pink Embassy and LGBT Pro Albania have organized IDAHO observances since 2009.

According to Gay Star News, Pink EmDUELING LEGISLATION bassy estimated that 400 to 500 people The so-called Acuerdo de Vida en Pare- would attend this year’s festival. Last year,

the Albanian context, is a general lack of information on sex, sexuality, and the fact we have never gone through a sexual liberation phase as a nation or as a society. Most Albanian people will still have an issue talking about sex in general, let alone Gay sex.”

GAY RUSSIAN MAN MURDERED In Russia, the Russian LGBT Network called on organizers of the IDAHO “Rainbow Flashmobs” to stage actions on May 17 mourning Vlad Tornovy, who was brutally murdered in Volgograd on May 9.

According to investigators, Tornovy’s drinking buddies stripped him, raped him with beer bottles, tried to set him on fire, and then crushed his skull with a large rock, after he revealed he was Gay. His body was found in the courtyard of the apartment complex where he lived.

Nikolai Alexeyev, head of Gay Russia, charged that Russian officials were fuelling anti-Gay sentiments.

“Homophobic hysteria is being increasingly promoted in Russia,” he told AFP. In the Caucasian country of Georgia, the local Orthodox Church issued a statement on May 16 calling on the government to ban the IDAHO march scheduled for the following day.

Last year’s IDAHO march, the first-ever LGBT rights demonstration in Georgia, was attacked by right-wing counter-demonstrators reportedly mobilized by religious authorities.

International human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the IDAHO Committee, have filed legal appeals stemming from the 2012 violence, including a case with the European Court of Human Rights.

The May 17 action in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, is planned to be a silent action flash mob to dramatize the silencing of LGBT communities in the conservative country.

According to the IDAHO website, actions are planned in at least 20 countries.

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Seattle Gay News 19

Brazil: Marriage maybe?

Court ruling mandates equality, but law must now catch up law, licenses are issued and civil marriages are performed by notary offices.

“This is the equivalent of authorizing Is same-sex marriage legal in Brazil? The homosexual marriage in Brazil,” Raquel short answer is “Yes,” but the long answer is Pereira de Castro Araújo, head of the human “It’s complicated.” rights committee of the Brazilian bar assoby Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Brazil’s National Council of Justice, the body that oversees the country’s judicial system, issued a ruling on May 14 that same-sex couples in all states must be issued marriage licenses.

Brazil’s National Council of Justice, the body that oversees the country’s judicial system, issued a ruling on May 14 that same-sex couples in all states must be issued marriage licenses. Under Brazilian

ciation, told Agence France Presse.

The vote on the council was 14-1 in favor of marriage licenses for all couples. Brazil’s Chief Justice Joaquim Barbosa, who chairs the council, wrote the body’s decision.

NO BASIS FOR BIAS Referring to a 2011 case in which Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages were legal, Barbosa wrote that the high court “affirmed that the expression of homosexuality and homosexual affection cannot serve as a basis for discriminatory treatment, which has no support in the Constitution.”

Although the court found same-sex marriage legal, it left the necessary enabling legislation up to Brazil’s Congress. While a marriage bill is pending, the federal legislature has taken no action so far, leaving implementation of the court ruling to Brazil’s states.

Twelve states and the Federal District, which includes the capital city of Brasilia, have decided to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. An additional state, Rio de Janeiro, allows judges the option to perform same-sex marriages if they choose to do so. In other states, same-sex couples must ask for a court order to obtain a marriage license.

‘A MAJOR STEP’ The National Council of Justice decision now clears the way for a uniform nationwide marriage policy.

“It is a major step that will ensure equality among heterosexual and homosexual couples,” Carlos Magno Fonseca, president of the Brazilian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Association, told AFP. Same-sex civil unions have been recognized in Brazilian law since 2004. In 2012, 1,277 same-sex couples registered civil unions.

Brazil also recognizes “cohabitations,” or unregistered unions – both same-sex and opposite-sex – which provide many of the rights of marriage, including tax, social security, and health care benefits; joint property ownership; and the right to adopt children.

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May 17, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

l Jesse’s a n our J

Pride and politics

San Francisco’s parade controversy exposes a community fault line

by Jesse Monteagudo SGN Contributing Writer

many radical San Franciscans for being in thrall to the city’s corporate interests.

One of the hardest decisions that the board of an LGBT Pride organization has to make is choosing a grand marshal for their city’s Pride parade. It is very difficult to satisfy a diverse group of people who have nothing in common with one another except our status as sexual or gender minority members – and our common enemies.

Previous Pride events have been torn apart by the presence of drag queens, leather folk, socialists, NAMBLA, and former West Hollywood Mayor Valerie Terrigno.

Most Pride boards wisely make noncontroversial choices – honoring long-time couples, celebrities who recently came out, or friendly local politicians.

Nowhere is our community’s diversity more evident than in San Francisco, the great Gay city by the bay. The epitome of leftist radicalism for much of conservative America, San Francisco wrestles with issues that the rest of us can hardly imagine.

(Public nudity?) At a time when, to most Americans, “LGBT rights” means the right to get married, have children, and serve in the military, Queer San Franciscans still debate the institutions of marriage, parenthood, and the military. Gay political leaders are attacked as tools of the establishment, while former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, a staunch liberal and now lieutenant governor of California, is denounced by

THE MANNING MESS The latest issue to stir San Francisco’s Queer political pot is SF Pride’s choice of Bradley Manning to be this year’s parade grand marshal. This choice is purely symbolic: The openly Gay Manning is currently

Bush Administration. In any case, Manning is the worst person to put at the symbolic head of an event that is meant to unify all LGBT people and our straight allies. Conservative activists like Stephen Peters of the American Military Partner Association were quick to denounce the decision, noting that “Manning’s blatant disregard for the safety of our service members and the security of our nation should not be praised.”

Though the choice of Manning was illadvised, SF Pride made things even worse the next day by collectively changing its mind. Board president Lisa L. Williams announced that the Manning decision “was a mistake.” According to Williams, “a staff person at SF Pride, acting under his own initiative, prematurely contacted Bradley Manning based on internal conversations within the SF Pride organization. That was an error and that person has been disciplined. He does not now, nor did he at that time, speak for SF Pride.” Among other things, we learned that SF Pride’s grand marshals are selected by its very own “electoral college” – a group “comprised of former SF Pride Grand Marshals.” Apparently

If Williams thought her decision to throw Manning under the bus would be the end of it, she was sadly mistaken. SF Pride’s choice of Manning to be grand marshal angered half of Queer San Francisco, and its rescinding of the choice outraged the other half. in a military prison, charged with leaking classified material to the whistleblower website WikiLeaks. He couldn’t lead a Pride parade even if he wanted to. But symbols can be controversial, and many in the LGBT community believe that Manning is a traitor to his country while many others (myself included) think of him as a political prisoner and a victim of the Obama Administration, which, in matters of warfare and civil liberties, is arguably just as bad as the

it was the “college” that chose Manning, a decision that Williams and her board repudiated.

A NO-WIN SITUATION If Williams thought her decision to throw Manning under the bus would be the end of it, she was sadly mistaken. SF Pride’s choice of Manning to be grand marshal angered half of Queer San Francisco, and its rescinding of the choice outraged the other

half. Radicals who viewed SF Pride as the puppet of Gay Inc. and the Democratic Party seized on SF Pride’s actions as proof of their convictions. Activists Lisa Geduldig and Michael Petrelis demanded that Manning be reinstated as grand marshal. Manning, Geduldig said, “is an antiwar hero, a whistleblower who is Gay. He was lipsynching to Lady Gaga while downloading classified documents. It doesn’t get more Gay than that.” Petrelis added, “We are fed up with marriage and military concerns sucking the oxygen out of what used to be a Queer movement and Pride March and Celebration about social justice for Queers.”

Protesters picketed the SF Pride office, a score of LGBT leaders ranging from Dan Choi to Susie Bright issued a statement denouncing SF Pride’s decision, and a group of 30 or so activists filed a complaint with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, arguing that the SF Pride board “repudiated San Francisco Pride’s electoral college’s selection of Bradley Manning as a 2013 grand marshal for the Pride parade” in violation of the City’s administrative codes, arts funding guidelines, board marshal selection policy, and board nondiscrimination policy.

Activists of all stripes are demanding Williams’s head on a plate, or at least her resignation. They agree with award-winning writer and journalist Victoria A. Brownworth, who wrote on Advocate.com that “Williams and SF Pride deserve nothing but opprobrium and shame.”

Though Williams has the right to veto the decision of her “electoral college,” it was an incredible blunder to do so. Like other politicians (Mr. President, I’m thinking of you), Williams tried to please everyone and ended up pleasing no one. Though I admire Manning as a whistleblower and an openly Gay man, I would never have chosen him to be grand marshal. However, having done so, I would have kept him. By changing their minds, Williams and her board seem weak as well as stupid. In any case, San Francisco’s LGBT community will surely work out this controversy, as it has worked out so many others in the past, and end up with another amazing Pride Parade. As journalist Linda Ellerbee would say, “and so it goes.”

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