Issue 21 Volume 39
Celebrating 38 Years!
78% out p. 8
china AND aids p. 17
ask michael p. 18
Seattle Gay News
FRIDAY May 27, 2011 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
DADT drama continues SGN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW House passes defense bill with anti-Gay amendments
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor On May 26, the House of Representatives approved its version of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act with three antiGay amendments, one of which is aimed at delaying repeal implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t
see dadt page 20
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Courtesy Caleb Laieski
getty images
Tell.” The amendments, all opposed by the Obama administration, would require the four service branch chiefs to sign off on DADT repeal, affirm that the Defense of Marriage Act applies to Defense Department policies, and prohibit weddings for same-sex couples at military facilities, as well as bar military chaplains from performing such weddings in their official capacity. The House version of the defense authorization bill was approved by a 322 to 96 vote. “The passage of the defense authorization bill with these hostile amendments included comes as no surprise, and it should not become a cause for concern as long as our allies in the Senate and the presi-
Caleb Laieski is taking the fight to the nation’s Capitol Caleb Laieski, 16 years old, started his anti-bullying activism when he was forced to drop out of school in Surprise, Arizona, when teachers and administration wouldn’t protect him even after repeated incidents of bullying. The teen said he was being threatened with violence and death because he happened to be Gay. Caleb, who has since received his GED, brought the fight to his school district, starting with a legal notification that he would bring suit to protect himself and others in the same situation. After the school district agreed to change its policies, he sent a similar notice to every other school district in Arizona, and then went to the Arizona Legislature to fight for laws to protect all students. see laieski page 20
Caleb Laieski
State Representative Marko Bat N’ Rouge holds Liias looks at run for Congress 13th annual game shaun knittel
Washington State Representative Marko Liias
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
State Representative Marko Liias (D-21) announced May 17 that he was forming an exploratory committee to look at a run for Congress from the First District north of Seattle. At this point, Liias’s run depends on a chain of “ifs.” If Gov. Christine Gregoire decides to retire after two terms, and if the current First District incumbent, Congressman Jay Inslee, decides to run for governor to replace Gregoire, then the way will be clear for Liias to run for Inslee’s seat. “I’m waiting to see what Congressman Inslee is doing. And he’s waiting to see what the current governor is doing,” Liias told SGN by phone during a break in the legislature’s special session in Olympia. Liias added that he understood the need for patience. “The governor is focused – quite correctly – not on politics, but on leading the state through some very difficult times,” he said. Liias has made his reputation as a
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
The Capitol Hill Alano Club (CHAC) is holding its 13th annual Bat N’ Rouge softball game on June 18, at the Bobby Morris Playfield at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. All are welcome to attend the see liias page 21 event, the last ball game at the park
proud to Be Different
We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store.
for the 2011 season. “The Bobby Morris ball fields are to be closed by Seattle Parks & Recreation for major work to replace the lights, beginning on June 20,” said David Coburn, CHAC board member and interim president. “As one of Seattle Pride’s kicksee bat n’ rouge page 21
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