SGN June 15, 2012 - Section 1

Issue 24 Volume 40

Celebrating 39 Years!

FRIDAY June 15, 2012 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

SEIU gives $100K Referendum 74 certified to Approve R-74 for November ballot Statewide campaign to APPROVE R-74 is launched

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Washington State Council has given $100,000 to the Approve Referendum 74 campaign.

The contribution makes the progressive union the top donor thus far to Washington United for Marriage.

“We are excited to have the strong support of labor in this campaign,” said Washington United for Marriage campaign manager Zach Silk.

“We would not have won the legislative battle without the early support of SEIU and [United Food and Commercial Workers Local] 21. They believe what we believe – all loving couples should have the freedom to marry. It is a matter of principle and it is also a matter of importance to their diverse memberships.”

“Our union has been on record for marriage equality since 2004,” SEIU spokesperson Adam Glickman told SGN. “It’s a matter of equality and fairness. Any loving,

The Washington Secretary of State’s office announced Tuesday that Referendum 74 has passed the signature-verification process, qualifying the anti-Gay measure for the ballot.

Referendum 74 seeks to overturn the state’s new law allowing samesex marriage, which was passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire in February. The law was supposed to take effect June 6, but was put on hold when the opponents of marriage equality turned in 247,331 signatures – twice the number needed. During the verification process, a 3% random sample was taken and of the 7,561 signatures checked, 6,877 were accepted.

The fact is the bigots are back.

They may have been down when, in 2009, Washington voters approved Referendum 71 to expand

see SEIU page 22

see R-74 page 22

Elaine Thompson / associated press

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Officials check some of the petitions submitted to the Secretary of State’s office on June 6 to get Referendum 74 on the November ballot.

Olympia celebrates Capital Pride Cupcake lovers rejoice:

by Janine Unsoeld Special to the SGN A downtown parade, thousands of people, live music and entertainment in Sylvester Park, facepainting, flags and food, kids of

all ages dancing, politicians, petition signing, community nonprofit booths and vendors, smiles, sunshine, and rainbows galore - that was the scene in Olympia last weekend, during Capital City

‘The Gay’ is back!

James Whitely / seattle gay news

janine unsoeld

Susan Haas and her partner, Khristine, at Capital City Pride in Olympia’s Sylvester Park

Pride 2012.

Thurston County Commissioner Cathy Wolfe enjoyed the day with her daughter Susan Haas, and Haas’ partner, Khristine. “Since she came out last year, I can’t tell you the difference in my daughter – I support her one thousand percent. … She is now the person God intended her to be,” said Wolfe.

“For 40 years, I suspected she was Gay,” Wolfe continued.

“Then, she grew up, got married, and I thought, hmm ... well, maybe I was wrong. But then, she called me one Sunday night last year, crying, and poured her heart out.”

Haas agreed and picked up the story. “I’m 48. I was married for 23 years. I did everything right, had two kids ... I didn’t know I was Gay, I just knew something wasn’t right. Then, I met the love of my life,” said Haas, referring to Khristine, sitting nearby.

Asked how her children, who are now ages 17 and 19, took the news, Haas said, “They’re coming around ... they want me to be happy.”

Information on the Capital City Pride sponsoring organization can be found at www.capitalcitypride. net.

The Gay

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer

A limited-edition cupcake from Cupcake Royale, “The Gay,” is back for Pride Month 2012.

One dollar from each $4 cupcake sold goes to Washington Reprinted by permission from United for Marriage, to keep marJanine’s Little Hollywood, www. riage equality in the state this Nojanineslittlehollywood.blogspot. vember. com Last year, Cupcake Royale

proud to Be Different

We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store.

donated proceeds from The Gay to the It Gets Better Project. The $10,000 donation was the single largest cash donation the organization received.

This year, Cupcake Royale hopes The Gay will raise not only funds but also awareness for Washington United for Marriage.

Cupcake Royale says it is encoursee cupcake page 24

Call us at 206.568.2486

e t o v o t RegisteR

www.myvote.wa.gov

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Washington’s two U.S. senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, have signed on to a letter supporting a new policy on Gay blood donors.

The letter, initiated by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), is addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and expresses support for a new HHS pilot study on the matter.

The study is intended to review the policy that permanently bars men from donating blood if they have ever had sexual contact with another man, a rule that has been in place since the 1980s. Its stated purpose was to prevent transmission of HIV in blood transfusions, but critics say technological changes in blood testing have rendered the policy obsolete.

“I applaud Secretary Sebelius for launching this study to ensure no one is being turned away from blood donation based on outdated science,” Murray said in a statement.

“This marks another step in the push for equality and understanding for the LGBT community. I am hopeful the findings will reverse the current discriminatory policy and allow for healthy Americans to once again help in the effort to save lives through blood donation.”

Other signers include Senators Michael Bennet (DColo.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Frank Lautenberg (DN.J.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Mark Begich (D-Alaska).

“Recognizing the shortfalls of the current permanent deferral policy, and following the urging of many Members of Congress, HHS convened the Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability (ACBSA) in June of 2010 to review the lifetime deferral requirement,” the letter states.

“The Advisory Committee concluded that the current ban on blood donation by Gay and Bisexual men is ‘suboptimal’ because it allows high-risk individuals to donate while prohibiting low-risk donors from contributing, and it should be changed as a result.”

courtesy the news tribune

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

file photo

WA senators seek change in blood donation policy

“I am hopeful the findings will reverse the current discriminatory policy and allow for healthy Americans to once again help in the effort to save lives through blood donation.”

Purr bartender auction raises over $12K

Senators Maria Cantwell (l) and Patty Murray

nate gowdy / seattle gay news

The recognition that existing policy was inadequate prompted HHS to launch several studies on changing policy to allow lowrisk Gay and Bi men to donate blood. The most recent pilot study is likely to conclude that national policy should be changed.

Kerry and Quigley have led Congressional efforts calling for a revised policy. Their first letter to HHS on the subject was sent in June 2010. That same month, the ACBSA reviewed the lifetime ban and recommended policy revisions.

Reader questions church role in petitioning

people who would have been in the Sunday School class with me. So I’m sure that is what happened in many cases and I would think that many of them could be invalidated on that likelihood alone. In addition, their tax-exempt status as a church could also be in jeopardy as result of doing that on church property.

I know that this happens because I’ve been there, and I’m really upset that Mormons and other Christians follow through with such hateful behavior. I just know that Christ would not behave that way!

I have been a Mormon for many years and have just recently gotten divorced. I came out to my wife five years before we split.

Nevertheless, as I read the article on R-74 (June 8) I’m sure that a large number of the signatures came from churches and the forms were probably passed out in the church during Sunday School. Now I can tell you that there is a certain stigma to NOT signing that when it is passed to you in Sunday School.

The reason that I know this is because I looked at the [Yakima] signing sheets for [2009’s] R-71 and … it looked like all the

Dr. Dennis M. Cozzocrea Yakima

This year’s bartenders with host Glamazonia (center).

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer On Wednesday, June 6, Purr Cocktail Lounge held its fifth annual bartender auction. Patrons bid on dates with bartenders from Madison Pub, the Baltic Room, R Place, the Lobby, and Purr to benefit Rise n’ Shine, a local nonprofit providing emotional support, stability, and advocacy for children and teens affected by HIV/AIDS. Rise n’ Shine clients include children orphaned by the disease, children living with parents with HIV/AIDS, and children who are infected themselves.

“It’s a great cause,” said Barbie Humphrey, owner of Purr, who took a position on Rise n’ Shine’s board last year.

Barbie realized soon after opening Purr that her patrons wanted to date her bartenders. She saw it not only as an opportunity to

raise money, but to bring local bars and bar owners together.

Local drag star Glamazonia hosted the event.

“She’s great,” Humphrey told SGN. “We’ve used her four out of the five times.”

Local restaurants donated gift certificates for each of the bartenders. In total, $12,600 was raised for Rise n’ Shine. Purr’s own bartender Rusty sold for a record $2,000.

“It feels great,” said Humphrey of her employee. “It really makes me proud.”

Purr will begin gearing up for Pride next Wednesday, June 20, which is also its monthly dueling-piano night. The bar will be redesigned each night to match a different color of the rainbow, giving it a new feel every day.

“Pride’s going to be a lot of fun,” Humphrey promised SGN.

Come meet Tim and Matt and join the family.

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Nearly 200 people enjoyed the beautiful weather at the second annual South Park Gay Pride Picnic. Held Sunday, June 10, on the banks of the Duwamish River, the picnic attracted a delightful mix of people from the South Park neighborhood, Georgetown, and the White Center area. Neighborhood activists and families with kids and dogs rubbed shoulders with LGBT Latinos/Latinas and punk rock aficionados while enjoying the music of Donna Summer and South Park’s own Queer Punk band, Gnarlene and the Frisky Pigs, playing on the Pink Flamingo Stage. DJ Luis V of Noche Latina kept the beat going, and the reigning Miss Gay Latina Jennifer Montenegro and Rey Noyola gave energetic performances set against the majestic backdrop of the river.

The South Park Arts Council hosted a kids’ art table, the South Park Library table had many books on LGBT topics in both English and Spanish, and Seattle PFLAG and co-host Entre Hermanos were on hand

added their special sparkle to the event.

More than 200 free beef hot dogs and Field Roast veggie dogs were consumed along with cookies and popcorn donated by Little

hood and through Entre Hermanos’ media network and Noche Latina, this year we also passed out flyers at the Pride Skate Night at the Southgate Roller Rink in White Center Randy on Rose Street

Contributing Writers

Celebrating Pride down South (South Seattle, that is)

Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by Frogs and Ink, Inc. © 2012, Frogs and Ink, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.

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Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold

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Rae’s Bakery and Seattle Popcorn Company – both of which are based in South Park. A large chocolate sheet cake with green icing, decorated with the words “Donna Summer: We Love to Love You Baby, now, forever, and always,” was enjoyed by all as part of a tribute to the dearly departed disco diva.

Event organizer Randy on Rose Street confirmed that this year’s attendance was 20% higher than last year, and the drag Jennifer Montenegro, Miss Gay Latina performers really to connect attendees to resources and infor- added to the festive mood. “In addition to mation. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence outreaching to the South Park neighborof the Mother House of Washington State Randy on Rose Street

Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business.

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Gnarlene & the Frisky Pigs

June 15, 2012

and at the Carnival event in Georgetown.”

Randy remarked that “many South Park businesses and individuals stepped up with funding and sponsorships so generously this year to make the picnic happen. It was a wonderful sense of support and encouragement. This is the first Gay Pride Picnic outside of Capitol Hill that I know of – it’d be fun to see a bunch of local Pride events in neighborhoods around the city all leading up to the big Pride weekend and march at the end of June,” he added.

People interested in knowing more or helping with next year’s event should e-mail gaypridesouthpark@hotmail.com.

Sponsors of the South Park Gay Pride Picnic included Entre Hermanos; the Pride Foundation; RT Brokerage Services; Little Rae’s Bakery; the Plumb, Level, and Square Fund; Noise w/o Sound; TheSouthParkNews.com; Seattle Popcorn Company; Tina Fujii, D.D.S., at Cloverdale Family Dentistry; Bobby Virk for State Representative; and Central Co-op’s Madison Market.

Celebrating 39 Years!

Youth anti-suicide activist: ‘Let’s make it better’ courtesy Julian Gaspay

He then set out to create the Let’s Make It Better Dialogue Seminar Tour (LMIBDT).

And so far, Gaspay says, the response from his peers has been good.

Currently, Gaspay is financially backing the tour but says he understands that in order for it to be a complete success and travel to areas outside Seattle and King County, he will need to raise some funds. For the time being, though, he is hard at work putting the nuts and bolts of the project together.

Gaspay says a quote

by Austrian author Maria von Ebner-Eschenbach, “In youth we learn; in age we understand,” best describes LMIBDT. “What the members of the speaking panel will do is talk honestly with the youth about the things they’ve experienced as members of the LGBT community,” he said. “We want them to know that we support them and that we understand the situations they are going through because we went through them too.”

In fact, Gaspay says he was a victim of bullying himself. “When I was younger, the pitch of my voice was slightly higher than what seemed to be acceptable for a young man,” he told SGN. “I inherited the ‘Valley Girl’ speech dialect, saying ‘like’ way too often whenever I didn’t know how to describe something.”

Gaspay says he was mocked and constantly teased. “As I got older the stigma of those insults became deeper rooted, as words such as ‘fag’ and ‘Gay’ were associated with me.”

In response, Gaspay recalled, he became resentful and denied being Gay, “not wanting to be this negative persona my bullies had created for me.”

Self-acceptance and social acceptance are topics that Gaspay and his panel of speakers will address.

“One of the best gifts a human being can give to another is to believe in them,” he said.

Heather Carter, program director for YSPP’s OutLoud program, has lent her expertise to Gaspay. The two worked well together for the 2010 fundraiser Gaspay conceptualized, and Carter has been instrumental in pointing the young leader in the right direction so he can arm himself with the knowledge needed to talk about youth suicide with high-school students. Saying the wrong thing or putting out incorrect information could lead to tragic results. At the end of the day, if a student is suicidal, their care is best left up to professionals who know how to properly respond. Keeping this in mind, Gaspay says he’s built LMIBDT as an outreach, not as a clinical response to suicide.

“Being in the age range closest to theirs, I’m able to connect with LGBT youth with little effort because of a smaller generational gap,” Gaspay points out. “I hope that other young LGBT members in our community follow my lead and reach out to the youth and participate in creating unity among the diverse population of people who make up the LGBT community.”

Gaspay credits the students involved in GSAs for being “individuals who are already taking a stand for what they believe in and displaying the potential to be the future of LGBT activism.”

Julian Gaspay

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor A couple of years ago, Julian Gaspay, an out Gay student and local entertainer turned LGBT youth advocate, dealt with the aftermath of emotions that flood your world when someone you care for dies by suicide.

Those were some of the toughest moments of his life, and dealing with the loss changed him forever.

Just when he thought he’d worked through his grief and moved on, a rash of LGBT youth suicides in 2010 caused the pain and loss that he’d felt over losing his friend a few years earlier to resurface. Only this time, Gaspay wouldn’t merely deal with his feelings privately. He would make an attempt to prevent others who suffer feelings of hopelessness from ending their lives.

Many of you probably remember the fundraiser “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in October 2010. Enlisting the mentorship of local drag entertainer and community activist Gaysha Starr, Gaspay partnered with SGN and Neighbours Nightclub to raise money and awareness for the Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP) – a statewide organization dedicated to aiding youth in need and educating adults on how to recognize and prevent youth from taking their own lives. The event was a huge success. A message was sent out that in the LGBT community, when one of us is hurt, we take care of our own.

Because of Gaspay’s efforts to bring the difficult topic of youth suicide to the forefront and educate people about YSPP and OutLoud’s (the LGBT-specific arm of the organization) existence, a number of other groups stepped up to raise money for them and a local movement was born.

Then, Gaspay backed away. Unsure what his next move should be, he exited quietly and focused on his studies.

Some time passed and then Gaspay found his voice again when area GSA student clubs asked him to be a guest speaker. As he began to contemplate the importance of speaking to LGBT students and their allies, he told SGN, he realized that what was needed was a diverse panel of representatives from the LGBT community – a panel that would include people other than Gay men.

“I realize that I do not identify as Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender. So I can’t speak for them or answer questions that students might have on their behalf,” Gaspay told SGN.

“Their interests, future, and well-being are something worth investing in,” he told SGN. “I strongly believe that.”

The tour is not yet up and running because school is out for the summer. But when the kids return to class in the fall, Gaspay says, LMIBDT will soon follow. Until then, Gaspay advises members of the greater Seattle LGBT community to “extend your hand in friendship to LGBT students, because at their age it is tough for them to feel connected to the community, and they are looking

for a sense of belonging.”

And, Gaspay reminds us to give monetarily or donate our time and talents to local LGBT organizations, campaigns, and causes. “If we all work together and donate and volunteer with these groups, we, as a community, can ensure their success.”

SGN will follow Gaspay and his panel of representatives throughout the LMIBDT and report back to our readers about the impact the program is sure to make on the lives of LGBT youth in our state.

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer

people.

• 75% of LGBT youth say that most of their peers don’t have a problem with their LGBT identity.

When relevant findings from HRC’s new survey are compared to findings from GLSEN’s 2009 National School Climate Survey, they indicate that while disparities between LGBT and straight youth are still at unacceptable levels, things may be getting better.

In HRC’s survey, slightly over one-half of LGBT youth (54%) say they have been verbally harassed and called names such as “fag.” Three years earlier, GLSEN found 84.6% reported verbal harassment (name-calling or threats) due to their sexual orientation, and 63.7% reported verbal harassment because of their gender expression.

LGBT youth, according to the HRC survey, are nearly twice as likely as their peers to say they have been physically assaulted, kicked, or shoved at school. Seventeen percent of LGBT teens said they often have been physically attacked, while 10% of their straight peers said the same. In the GLSEN survey, 40.1% of LGBT youth said they had been physically harassed (e.g., pushed or shoved) at school in the past year due to their sexual orientation and 27.2% because of their gender expression, with 18.8% saying they had been physically assaulted (e.g., punched, kicked, or injured with a weapon) because of their sexual orientation and 12.5% due to their gender expression.

Like those in GLSEN’s survey, HRC’s respondents were from a variety of backgrounds including urban, suburban, and rural communities, as well as a variety of social, cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.

HRC says its report is the first in a series of efforts to analyze the landscape for LGBT youth. Over the next several months, the group plans to further analyze alreadycollected data to provide a better understanding of the unique experiences of specific groups of young people, such as Transgender youth and those living in “conservative” states. Additionally, HRC plans to look at race- and religion-specific data. For more information, visit www.hrc.org/youth.

HRC releases LGBT youth survey Last week, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released what it called a “landmark” survey of LGBT youth. The survey, titled “Growing Up LGBT in America,” interviewed more than 10,000 young people between the ages of 13 and 17, measuring factors that impact their daily lives. These included their sense of acceptance by family, peers, and community; their negative experiences such as verbal harassment, bullying, and exclusion; and their level of optimism about the future.

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has long produced the National School Climate Survey, which goes in-depth on life at school for LGBT youth. Although not as comprehensive in some regards as the GLSEN survey, HRC’s survey looks at LGBT youth in a much broader way, including their home life and community life.

The HRC report focuses on the disparities between LGBT-identified youth and straight-identified youth. It reveals that compared with their straight peers, LGBT youth feel a greater sense of isolation or separation from their community, and that in general, LGBT youth believe to a greater extent than their peers that they must someday leave their community if they wish to better their lives.

Some of the report’s key findings are: • 47% of LGBT youth say they do not “fit in” to their community while only 16% of non-LGBT youth feel that way.

• 37% of LGBT youth describe themselves as happy, compared to 67% of straight youth.

• 6 in 10 LGBT youth say their family is accepting of LGBT people.

• 92% of LGBT youth say they hear negative messages about being LGBT – 60% say those messages come from elected officials.

• 56% of LGBT youth say they are out to their immediate family; 25% are out to their extended family.

• 77% of LGBT youth say they “know things will get better.”

• 42% of LGBT youth say the community in which they live is not accepting of LGBT

“LGBT youth ... are nearly twice as likely as their peers to say they have been physically assaulted, kicked, or shoved at school.”

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by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer To sustained applause, President Obama told 600 supporters at a Baltimore rally that Maryland voters should vote to keep the state’s new marriage equality law.

“We’re moving forward to a country where we treat everybody fairly and everybody equally, with dignity and respect,” the president said on June 12.

“And here in Maryland, thanks to the leadership of committed citizens and Governor O’Malley, you have a chance to reaffirm that principle in the voting booth in November. It’s the right thing to do.”

Although the president chose his words carefully and did not specifically mention same-sex marriage, LGBT rights activists said they appreciate his expression of support.

“We are grateful the president highlighted the marriage referendum in his remarks today,” said Josh Levin, campaign director for Marylanders for Marriage Equality, after the fundraiser.

“Voters identify with his journey on the issue and are re-thinking their own position on same-sex marriage. A strong majority already realize this is about treating Gays and Lesbians fairly under the law and about dignity for all Maryland families, not just some families.

“The president’s history-making leadership on marriage equality has inspired new conversations around kitchen tables and in church pews, not just in Maryland but all over the country,” Levin added.

Maryland’s legislature passed a marriage equality bill in February and Gov. Martin

REUTERS / Kevin Lamarque

Obama tells Marylanders: Vote for marriage equality

O’Malley signed it into law on March 1. As in Washington, it was challenged in a petition campaign led by a coalition of Catholic and evangelical churches.

The Maryland Marriage Alliance has since turned in more than twice the number of signatures needed to qualify a referendum on the law for the November ballot.

An ABC News/Washington Post poll conducted after Obama’s endorsement of equal marriage rights for Gay and Lesbian couples showed that his support has had a significant impact on the African-American community.

The poll found that 59% of black respondents said they support marriage rights for same-sex couples – an 18-point increase from surveys taken before the president backed the issue.

In his speech, the president also ticked off a number of other progressive issues.

“We’re not going back to the days when you could get kicked out of the United States military because of who you are and who you love,” he said, referring to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

He also reaffirmed his strong support for reproductive choice – a principle now under fire from the same coalition of religious conservatives who oppose marriage equality.

“We don’t need another political fight …

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign fund raising event over a woman’s right to choose,” Obama in Baltimore, Maryland, June 12 said. “I want women to control their own health choices.”

“It’s time to stop denying citizenship to nesses the God-given talents of every indiPres. Obama also made a reference to im- responsible young people just because they vidual.” migration policy and a referendum on the are children of undocumented immigrants,” The president’s re-election campaign Dream Act, which will also be on the No- Obama said. reportedly raised $2 million in his swing vember ballot.

“This country is at its best when it har- through Maryland.

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Republican Senator Orrin Hatch and nine of his GOP colleagues, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have filed an amicus brief in support of DOMA with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Golinski v. OPM. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White ruled in February that the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment. White also ruled that the so-called Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLARG), set up by Republican House Speaker John Boehner to defend DOMA, had not demonstrated a compelling government interest in upholding the law.

The case is now being heard by the Ninth Circuit Court. Amicus – or “friend of the court” – briefs are often filed in appeals cases by individuals or groups that have a strong opinion about the legal principles in a case but are not actual parties to the suit.

In their brief, the Republican senators argue that White was wrong in finding that Congress originally passed DOMA based on “animus toward Gay men and Lesbians.”

No legal principle “authorizes a court to strike down an otherwise constitutional law based on the belief that legislators individually, or the Congress as a whole, were motivated by ‘animus,’” the senators say in their brief.

The brief also asserts that Sen. Hatch, who chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee when DOMA was passed, received written assurances from the Clinton Justice Department that the legislation was constitutional.

In a footnote, the senators – many of whom are from Southern states – also indicate they were offended by White’s comparison of DOMA to earlier laws forbidding interracial marriage. The U.S. Supreme Court invalidated all such laws in 1967.

Along with Hatch and McConnell, the senators signing on to the brief were Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, Dan Coats of Indiana, Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Mike Crapo of Idaho, Charles Grassley of Iowa, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Richard Shelby of Alabama.

Six current Republican senators who voted for DOMA did not sign on to the filing, including Jon Kyl and John McCain of Arizona, Richard Lugar of Indiana, Olympia Snowe of Maine, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, and Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas.

Also filing amicus briefs in the Golinski case were former U.S. Attorneys General Edwin Meese and John Ashcroft, 14 state attorneys general, the National Organiza-

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Republican senators file brief supporting DOMA

Utah Senator Orrin Hatch

tion for Marriage (NOM), and the American College of Pediatricians.

The Golinski case has its origins in conflicting orders from federal courts and the federal department responsible for administering employee benefits.

Karen Golinski and Amy Cunninghis registered as domestic partners with the city of San Francisco in 1995 and with the state of California in 2003. They married in 2008 during the period when same-sex marriage was legal in California, and they remain legally married.

Golinski, a federal employee, registered Cunninghis for spousal health care benefits, but the federal Office of Personnel Management decided she was not entitled to those benefits because DOMA forbids federal agencies from recognizing same-sex marriages.

Golinski then sued, claiming discrimination. Ninth Circuit Court Chief Judge Alex Kozinski ordered OPM to process Golinski’s application in 2009, but OPM refused to comply.

In his decision, Judge White upheld Kozinski’s ruling, saying that “considerations of discrimination against people based on sexual orientation should be held to heightened scrutiny” because of the history of discrimination faced by the LGBT community, its lack of political power relative to the straight community, and the immutability of sexual orientation.

“Heightened scrutiny” means that a law may not treat different categories of people differently unless the law addresses an important government interest, significantly furthers that interest, and is actually necessary to further that interest.

Come meet Tim and Matt and join the family.

Go 1605 12th Avenue at Pine, Seattle (In liquor store parking garage.) Seattle Storm!

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Seattle Gay News

June 15, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

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Diana Mara Henry

Senate committee holds ENDA hearing Murray reaffirms support for inclusive law

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) on June 12. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state, one of the senior Democrats on the committee, used the occasion to reaffirm her support for the bill.

ENDA would add protections for LGBT workers to federal civil rights legislation, making it illegal to fire or refuse to hire or promote workers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“It is time to put a stop to this kind of discrimination once and for all – it’s simply unacceptable,” Sen. Murray said at the hearing.

“That’s why I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this important legislation.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act will demand employers evaluate the performance of an employee on the basis of their work, not their sexual orientation.”

A version of ENDA that omitted protections for Transgender workers passed the House in 2007, but Murray is committed to an inclusive bill that covers both sexual orientation and gender identity, her staff said.

“Senator Murray is very committed to passing an inclusive ENDA with protections for gender identity as well as sexual orientation, and she will keep pushing for it to pass,” Murray spokesperson Kathryn Robertson told SGN in an e-mail.

“These provisions are in the Senate ENDA bill this time,” Robertson added.

For the first time, the Senate committee

heard testimony from a Trans person. Kylar Broadus, founder of the Trans People of Color Coalition in Columbia, Missouri, described the discrimination he faced as a Transgender man.

“At work, when I decided to actually transition, I had been there for a number of years, and I’m a workaholic, and it was disheartening to me that all this could be pulled out from under me because people weren’t comfortable with the person that I am,” Broadus said.

Others who testified in favor of ENDA were M.V. Lee Badgett, research director of the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles; Samuel Bagenstos, a law professor at the University of Michigan; and Ken Charles, vice president of diversity and inclusion at the breakfast foods company General Mills.

During the hearing, Murray asked Charles and Broadus to discuss their experiences as – respectively – an executive and an employee, and to talk about workplace inclusivity and its potential impact on business.

In her statement to the committee, Murray called on her colleagues to act swiftly on the measure.

“This legislation has bipartisan support, and there is no reason it cannot be passed quickly through this committee,” the senator said. “We need to work together to strengthen protections for our workers, and to ensure an environment of equality at workplaces across America.”

ENDA has had a checkered history in Congress. First introduced by Rep. Bella Abzug (D-N.Y.) in 1974 as the Equality Act,

ENDA was first introduced in Congress by Bella Abzug (l) in 1974.

By 1977 Ed Koch was the bill’s prime sponsor.

it originally covered discrimination in housing and public accommodations as well as employment. Rep. Ed Koch (D-N.Y.), later mayor of New York City, became the bill’s prime sponsor in 1977.

In 1994, the measure was revised to include only workplace discrimination and was renamed ENDA. In 2007, after Democrats recaptured control of the House in the 2006 midterm elections, language protecting gender identity

was added, but it was subsequently stripped from the version of the bill that passed the House on November 7, 2007.

There are currently no federal protections for LGBT workers. Sixteen states, including Washington, have legislation protecting sexual orientation and gender identity. Another five protect sexual orientation alone.

In the remaining 29 states, it is perfectly legal for employers to discriminate or retaliate against LGBT workers.

HIV-positive saliva not a deadly weapon, NY court rules

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer New York’s highest court has ruled that the saliva of an HIV-positive man cannot be considered a deadly weapon.

The state Court of Appeals on June 7 unanimously overturned the aggravatedassault conviction of David Plunkett, who had been convicted of punching and biting a police officer.

Plunkett, who has a history of mental illness, was charged in 2006 after an incident at a clinic where he was a patient. According to court documents, the clinic called police after Plunkett caused a disturbance, and he then assaulted one of the responding officers.

Under New York law, an assault becomes “aggravated” and carries a greater penalty if the perpetrator uses a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument. Simply punching or biting an officer would not normally meet this criteria.

However, the original trial judge considered an HIV-positive person’s saliva a deadly weapon, thereby making the bite an aggravated assault.

The Court of Appeals dismissed the aggravated assault conviction, ruling that saliva should be treated the same as teeth, which in 1999 were deemed not to be dangerous instruments on the grounds that

body parts come with the person, are not instruments or weapons, and therefore do not increase criminal liability.

A number of studies have found saliva does not contain a sufficient concentration of HIV to transmit the virus to other people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “contact with saliva alone has never been shown to result in transmission of HIV.” Scott Schoettes, HIV project director for Lambda Legal, said Thursday’s ruling is the first in the country to state explicitly that no body part or fluid can be considered a deadly weapon.

“It’s an important step forward” for HIVpositive people, said Schoettes, who wrote a brief on behalf of Plunkett. A contrary ruling, he added, would “criminalize HIV.” According to the Associated Press, the officer who was bitten did not become HIVpositive, even though Plunkett’s bite broke his skin. As a precaution, the officer took antiviral drugs for months after the incident.

Jeffrey Carpenter, assistant district attorney of Herkimer County, where the assault took place, was critical of the court’s ruling.

Plunkett also urinated, defecated, and bled David Plunkett during his struggle with the officers, Carpenter said, but the court’s ruling applies not “I think the decision will place not only or paramedics – in grave danger in the fujust to all body parts but also to all bodily the general public but certainly our first re- ture,” Carpenter added. fluids. sponders – be it police, firefighters, EMTs

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June 15, 2012

Seattle Gay News

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NORTHWEST

NEWS

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

EMPEROAR FABULOUS!!!

PRESENTS “CABARGAY! A QUEER CABARET” On Friday, June 15, doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., at Re-bar (1114 Howell St.) EmpeROAR Fabulous!!! presents “CabarGAY! A Queer Cabaret!.” Highlighting multi-faceted Queer performers from the dazzling Seattle Cabaret scene, CabarGAY! features a scintillating selection of Burlesque, Drag, Music, Performance Art, and Aerial Performance. The cast is headlined by the Seattle Cabaret Icon, Tamara The Trapeze lady, and also features artStar, Cory Cunnilingus, Kylie Koyote, The Last of the Red Hot Mamas, Neon and Leon Beige, Sara Dipity, Tootsie Spangles and Miz Melancholy, and is Emceed by EmpeROAR Fabulous!!! Must be 21+. Tickets are $17 at the door. Must be 21+.

BORN THIS WAY KAFE FOR URBAN QUEER TEENS AT CAL ANDERSON PARK On Fridays, 5-9 p.m., at Cal Anderson Shelterhouse (1635 11th Ave., one block north of E. Pine St.), Seattle Parks & Recreation hosts Born This Way Kafe, a welcoming place where LGBTQ youth, friends and allies (ages 13-19) can gather, be themselves, and have fun. Meets every Friday. For more information and to help make it happen, contact Randy at Seattle Parks, 206-883-6110 txt/phone, email randy.wiger@seattle.gov or Google “SeattleParksCOD.” ROMEO AND JULIET ON THE WATERFRONT Arts on the Waterfront presents Romeo and Juliet on June 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 30 and July 1 at 7 p.m., at 1300 Alaskan Way. The event is totally FREE for all. All donations and proceeds from this event will go to The Trevor Project. www.artsonthewaterfront.com.

BORDER RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB SUMMER CAMPING The Border Riders Motorcycle Club is the largest and one of the oldest Gay motorcycle clubs in North America. Founded in 1969, it currently has over 70 members primarily from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. The club provides social and educational opportunities for our members and guests interested in recreational motorcycle touring. Our diverse, international membership is composed of both seasoned riders and beginners, and we come from all walks of life and professions.

Border Riders hosts a short monthly Meet & Greet meeting on the Wednesday before the third weekend each month at 7 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (1533 13th Ave.). Next Meet & Greet will be Wednesday, July 18.

Border Riders’ 2012 summer camping schedule began May 18-21, and continues

10 Seattle Gay News

June 15-17, July 20-22, August 24-26, September 21-23, and October 19-21.

For more information, visit www.borderriders.com.

FREMONT FAIR & SOLSTICE PARADE JUNE 16-17 The annual Fremont Fair will be held on Saturday, June 16, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, June 17, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Fremont Ave. N. & N. 34th St.) with the Solstice Parade stepping off in Fremont on Saturday at noon. www.fremontfair.org SEATTLE EROTIC ART FESTIVAL JUNE 16-17 & 22-24 The 10th annual Seattle Erotic Art Festival will be held over two weekends this year: 6/16, 10 a.m.-2 a.m., 6/17, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., 6/18, 11 a.m.-2 a.m., 6/23, 11 a.m.-2 a.m., 6/24, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Fremont Studios (155 N. 35th St.). Tickets: $10 at the door for day/evening passes. For complete ticketing options, including workshops and weekend passes, and more information on the festival, visit www.seattleerotic.org.

NATE GOWDY – PHOTO EXHIBITS AROUND TOWN Celebrated SGN photographer Nate Gowdy is displaying and selling his photographs around town at four locations this month! His work can be seen at Poco Wine Room (1408 E. Pine St.) thru mid-July, at Adobe’s Fremont Campus (801 N. 34th St., by the Fremont Bridge) thru July, The Grill on Broadway (314 Broadway E.) thru August, and Frame Central (901 E. Pike St.) in the storefront window during June and the upstairs gallery in August. His work “Elderly Drag Queen” was recently selected to be published in the leading juried photography annual in North America. For inquiries regarding his event and wedding photo services, Nate can be reached at nate.gowdy@ gmail.com or 206-992-5857.

SEATTLE MEN IN LEATHER – LEATHER BRUNCH On Sunday, June 17, at 11 a.m., at CC Attle’s (1701 E. Olive Way), Seattle Men in Leather hosts their monthly Leather Brunch.

All members of the leather community are invited to attend. www.seattlemeninleather. org.

SEATTLE PRIME TIMERS MONTHLY POTLUCK On Sunday, June 17, at 2 p.m., at Seattle First Baptist Church (1111 Harvard Ave. at E. Union St., enter through the Harvard Ave. glass doors), Seattle Prime Timers hosts their monthly potluck. There is a $4 per person door charge to help defray cost of renting the hall. Please bring a dish to share that will serve eight or more. Seattle Prime Timers is a social group for men 40 years of

June 15, 2012

age and older and their admirers. www.seat- draws from the deep inner self to express clarity and truth that can be profoundly tleprimetimers.org vulnerable and passionate. Tickets: $20; $15-student/senior (ID required). www.

JENNIFER KNAPP – brownpapertickets.com/event/ 242242.

“INSIDE OUT FAITH” TOUR AND CONCERT “PORTRAITS OF PRIDE 2012” On Monday, June 18, at 7 p.m., at Queen JUNE 23-JULY 22 Anne United Methodist Church (1606 5th From June 23-July 22, Gay City (517 E. Ave. W.), Jennifer Knapp, highly recognized as a premier artist in the Christian Pike St., at Belmont) hosts “Portraits of Contemporary Music genre, brings her Pride 2012. Gay City will host a “Portraits “Inside Out Faith” tour to Seattle. Coming of Pride 2012” Artists’ Reception as part of out in 2010 with interviews on CNN, The their larger Project BuildOUT Open(ing) Advocate, Christianity Today, countless in- House Brunch on Saturday, June 23, from ternet blogs, and a featured appearance on 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Gay City is in the midst of Larry King Live, Jennifer has unashamedly Project BuildOUT, creating a new 8,500 sq claimed her faith and her sexual orientation ft home to be occupied this coming June. with astonishing straightforwardness and This new space will embody the growth honesty. Her candor and compassion has led that Gay City has experienced in recent to overwhelming appeals for her to engage years, growth that is also reflected in their the challenging issue of LGBT inclusion newly revised mission to “promote wellness in LGBT communities by providing and affirmation in religious communities.

In an effort to continue to create a posi- health services, connecting people to retive and constructive dialogue on behalf of sources, fostering arts and building commuLGBT people of faith, Jennifer is now pre- nity.” Gay City’s new space will include a senting “Inside Out Faith.” Jennifer knows 750 sq ft multi-purpose performance space full well the challenges of being “out” in that will provide an organizing center for certain faith communities. However, it is LGBT artists and Queer Arts in Seattle. in the sharing of her journey through story, This new space will exponentially increase music, and conversation that she has discov- Gay City’s capacity for collaborating with ered the healing that comes from breaking LGBT artists across a wide range of discithe silence. This event is FREE – advance plines, including theatre, film, spoken word, tickets are recommended. www.brownpap- music, visual arts, workshops and community meetings. “Portraits of Pride 2012” ertickets.com/event/252931.

On Tuesday, June 19, at 7 p.m., at First will be the first installation in the new arts United Methodist Church (180 Denny space.”

Way), Jennifer Knapp performs in concert.

BUTCH BLUM’S Tickets: $15-general, $8-students. www.

SUMMER SAVVY EVENT brownpapertickets.com/event/252044.

On Tuesday, June 26, from 5-7 p.m., Butch Blum (1408 5th Ave.), Seattle’s preSEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN mier European clothing store hosts their BOOK CLUB – Summer Savvy Event. Enjoy signature suTHE SWIMMING-POOL LIBRARY The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club shi and fashionable cocktails while learning meets every Wednesday, from 6-7:15 p.m., about the Calidora Skin Clinic and enjoying at Seattle Area Support Groups Community additional savings on Butch Blum’s sumCenter (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). mer sale. Door prizes include services from June selection is The Swimming-Pool Li- The Bronze Bar and Calidora and a grand brary by Alan Hollinghurst, his first novel, prize drawing for tickets to KPLU’s Sumnot so experimental, just smart and sexy mer Jazz Cruise. and the one that propelled him to fame. The EMERALD CITY CLASSIC Swimming-Pool Library is hot enough to SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT keep your attention if you decide to read it JUNE 30-JULY 1 in the park in the sun, with Hollinghurst’s www.emeraldcitysoftball.org trademark gorgeous British prose. Enjoy meeting Will Beckwith and all the lads at ZOO TUNES the Corinthian Club.

OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES All GLBTQ folks are welcome to particiPRESENTS pate in this free book club. For more inforK.D. LANG & MELISSA ETHERIDGE mation email nickdimartin@earthlink.net, On Tuesday, July 3, doors at 5 p.m., show visit http://faculty.washington.edu/swittet/ SGLBookClub/ or contact SASG at 206- at 6 p.m., Zoo Tunes, Woodland Park Zoo’s 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org. For discount on outdoor concert series, presents k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang with The Milk Carcost of books, email Nick. ton Kids. On Sunday, August 12, doors at 5 DAIPAN BUTOH – “30/30 CONCERT” p.m., show at 6 p.m., Zoo Tunes presents An On Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June Evening With Melissa Etheridge. For more 23, doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m., at information, visit www.zoo.org/zootunes.

Velocity Dance Center (1612 12th Ave.), OUT THERE POETRY CAMP DAIPANbutoh Collective presents New FOR YOUTH AND ALLIES Dance Works from some of Seattle’s most JULY 9-13 esteemed Butoh inspired choreographers. www.outtherepoetrycamp.com Four choreographers premier dances that deepen the exploration of the human experience. Work by two guest artists will also be performed. There will be a completely different program each night. Butoh work

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Seattle Gay News 11

PRIDE EVENTS

CALENDAR

PORTLAND PRIDE FESTIVAL AND PARADE From Friday, June 15, to Sunday, June 17, Portland is Pride Central in the Northwest. This year’s parade begins at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, June 17, at Park Avenue and Burnside Street downtown. Marchers will proceed through historic Old Town/Chinatown to the Willamette River and then head down to Waterfront Park, where the threeday Pride Festival takes place. Mainstage performers include RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sharon Needles, plus Colton Ford, Kim English, Bobby Jo Valentine, DJs Tony Moran and Nina Sky, and the Portland Lesbian and Gay Men’s Choruses. Details at http://pridenw.org.

ing is limited, so tickets must be reserved in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/252931. Jennifer will also perform Tuesday, June 19, at First United Methodist Church (180 Denny Way), at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 plus service fee ($10 for students with ID), from www.brownpapertickets. com/event/252044.

dividually or as a team. All finishers will be eligible for fabulous raffle prizes! Register PRIDE PIN LAUNCH PARTY or donate online at http://www.active.com/ On Wednesday, June 20, kick off Pride running/seattle-wa/run-and-walk-with- weekend early and get your exclusive 2012 pride-2012. Registration closes June 15.

Pride pin at SO&P’s Pride Pin Launch Party, 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hard Rock Café (116 MR., MS., & MISS Pike St.). Hosted by Mama Tits with sounds SEATTLE PRIDE PAGEANT

by DJ Pavone and featuring top talent from On Sunday, June 17, Seattle Out & Proud the 2012 Pride Idol competition. Info at partners with Neighbours Nightclub (1509 www.seattlepride.org.

EMERALD CITY MCC CELEBRATES 40 YEARS On Friday, June 22, help Emerald City MCC Seattle celebrate 40 years of ministry to the LGBT Christian community.

An anniversary banquet will be held at University Congregational Church (4515 16th Ave. N.E.) beginning at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30). Metropolitan Community Church founder Elder Troy Perry will speak and greet attendees afterward. Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/251887 or at MCC Seattle, 1415 N.E. 43rd St.

SEATTLE EROTIC ART FESTIVAL From Saturday, June 16, to Sunday, June 24, Fremont Studios (155 N. 35th St.) hosts the 10th annual Seattle Erotic Art Festival.

This year’s event includes many Pride and LGBTQ-focused offerings, including performances by Tigger! and Waxie Moon; Queer Pride: Best of the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival; a Pride Party; HomoPhoto Art: A 60-Year rEvolution, celebrating the history of Gay erotic art; and a series of Pride Art Tours hosted by local LGBTQ artists and collectors. Festival organizers say about half of each year’s attendees identify as LGBTQ. More information at www.seattleerotic.org.

GLSEN YOUTH PRIDE DANCE On Friday, June 22, LGBT and allied youth age 20 and under are invited to celebrate Pride at GLSEN Washington’s annual Youth Pride Dance at Yesler Community Center (917 E. Yesler Way) from 8 to 11 p.m. with Guest DJ Alex! Tickets are $5 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/253313, or $10 at the door. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ events/370981499628630/.

SEATTLE PRIDE PICNIC On Saturday, June 16, come out and declare with pride, “We Are Family” at SO&P’s annual Pride Picnic, catered by Spud.com. A buffet featuring hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, fresh fruit, salads, and beverages will be offered for just $1 per person from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volunteer Park (14th Ave. E. and E. Galer St.).

Information at SO&P’s website, www.seattlepride.org/official-events.html.

SEATTLE STORM PRIDE FOUNDATION NIGHT On Friday, June 22, the WNBA Seattle Storm take on the San Antonio Silver Stars at Key Arena, with special Section 125 tickets available to benefit the Pride Foundation. For information and tickets, go to www.pridefoundation.org or call (206) 3233318. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

Broadway) for the annual Mr., Ms., & Miss Seattle Pride 2012 pageant, hosted by the glorious Gaysha Starr. Contestants will be judged in the categories of Pride Look, Talent, Formal Wear, and a Q&A. Winners will be featured on the SO&P float in the Pride Parade. To apply for the competition, visit www.seattlepride.org ($15 entry SEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS fee). Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at PREVIEW PERFORMANCE 7. Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/ On Saturday, June 16, the Seattle Men’s event/249979.

Chorus presents a Friends and Family Preview, at which audiences can see and hear the chorus fine-tune its songs and staging for its Pride weekend show (June 22-23, see below). The preview will be held at the IKEA Performing Arts Center in Renton (400 S. 2nd St.) starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at the box office or by calling (206) 388-1400.

RUN AND WALK WITH PRIDE On Sunday, June 17, Seattle FrontRunners holds its annual Run and Walk With Pride fundraiser. This year’s event benefits the It Gets Better Project and takes place at Seward Park (5895 Lake Washington Blvd.

S.) beginning at 10 a.m. There is an entry fee of $25 for adults, $15 for youth/students.

Participants choose between a 10k run, a 4k run, and a 4k walk, and can register in-

SOUNDERS FC PRIDE FOUNDATION NIGHT On Wednesday, June 20, the Seattle Sounders celebrate Pride Foundation Night at CenturyLink Field, as they take on Sporting Kansas City beginning at 7 p.m. Last year’s event featured the premiere of the “It Gets Better” campaign video made by the Sounders in partnership with the Seattle Storm, Mariners, and Seahawks. Pride Foundation supporters will sit together in the North End Zone Hawks Nest and Section 214. Tickets may still be available at www.pridefoundation.org/events/event/ seatte-wa-sounder-fc-pride-foundationnight/. Proceeds benefit the work of the Pride Foundation throughout the Northwest.

QUEER TEEN ENSEMBLE THEATRE This year’s QTET performance runs from Thursday, June 21, to Monday, June 25, curtain 7:30 p.m. QTET is a unique program giving voice and artistry to LGBTQ youth in the Seattle area, produced with the supJENNIFER KNAPP IN CONCERT port of Washington Ensemble Theatre. The On Monday, June 18, former Contempo- group performs at the Little Theatre, 608 rary Christian music star and out Lesbian 19th Ave. E. Information at http://qtet.org.

Jennifer Knapp gives a free Pride concert at Queen Anne United Methodist Church (1606 5th Ave. W.), starting at 7 p.m. Seat-

 Broadway 

Farmers Market 12 Seattle Gay News

PRIDE SHABBAT On Friday, June 22, join the Seattle Jewish community for Pride Shabbat 2012!

This annual event is open to the entire community and is a celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and questioning Jews, friends, allies, and families. It takes place at Temple De Hirsch Sinai (1511 E. Pike St.), starting with pre-service appetizers at 5:30 p.m. A light dinner and desserts will be served after the service. This event is ASL-interpreted. For more information, e-mail joshf@hilleluw.org.

June 15, 2012

‘HEY TRANNY, IT’S TRANNY!’ On Friday, June 22, Nark magazine presents its 3rd annual Pride weekend show at Neumos (916 E. Pine St.), beginning at 8 p.m. Hosted by Ben DeLaCreme, the evening’s featured performers include RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sharon Needles, SSION, Hi Fashion, and JD Samson. Proceeds benefit Gay City Health Project, and tickets are available at www.gaycity.org/pride/ or at Moe Bar. see pride calendar page 20

Broadway & E. Pine at Seattle Central Community College Sundays, 11am - 3pm, April 22 - Dec 23.

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June 15, 2012

Seattle Gay News 13

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Celebrating 39 Years!

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June 15, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

NEWS

CAMBODIAN KING BACKS MARRIAGE EQUALITY Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihanouk has shown that advancing years are no barrier to an open mind. After watching televised images of Gay marriages in San Francisco, the 81-year-old monarch has decided that single-sex weddings should be allowed in Cambodia too.

BBC News reports that the king wrote on his popular website that as a liberal democracy, Cambodia should allow “marriage between man and man ... or between woman and woman.”

He said he had respect for Gay men and Lesbians and said they were as they were because God loves a “wide range of tastes.”

Sihanouk, who is currently in Beijing for medical treatment, also said that Trans people should be “accepted and well-treated in our national community.”

Such views are not widespread in Cambodia. The king is highly revered, but he is a constitutional monarch and has no executive powers.

MILLIONS ATTEND SAO PAOLO PRIDE Organizers estimate that more than three million people joined Sao Paolo’s Pride parade in the world’s biggest celebration of Gay culture.

Sao Paolo, Brazil, has celebrated Pride every year since 1997 with steadily growing numbers. The police stopped releasing official estimates six years ago, when Pridegoers numbered two and a half million.

DOCUMENTARY EXPLORES GAY LOVE IN PRE-COLONIAL UGANDA Activists in Uganda have produced a new documentary tracing Gay love in pre-colonial Ugandan society. The film – Gay Love in Pre-Colonial Africa: The Untold Story of Ugandan Martyrs – was shown in Kampala last week.

The “Ugandan Martyrs” of the title are three men who were burned to death in the 1880s for refusing to submit sexually to King Daniel Mwanga after they converted to Christianity. They are honored with a national holiday on June 3 of each year.

In sharp contrast to the sentiment that homosexuality is a Western imposition on Africa, the film explains that years ago African men and women made covenants to formalize same-sex relationships. It was common for hunters to make love during long expeditions, for example, and they were not persecuted for it.

Director Kikonyogo Kivumbi said his film will add a new perspective to the demand for Gay rights in Uganda.

An unrelated study by researchers from Uganda’s Makerere University’s Department of Religious Studies confirms that there were Gay relationships in pre-colonial Ugandan society.

And in a recent interview with a Cameroonian journalist, anthropologist Patrick Awondo cited historical records of homosexual practices in other parts of Africa, including Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Benin.

Awondo feels that “it is helpful for Africans to know about ancient practices such as the Mossi kings’ sexual relations with their pages and marriages between women in Dahomey.”

Responding to critics who believe Gay behavior is a recent Western import, Awondo acknowledges that two key elements in the current debate did come from the West – namely, colonial-era laws against homosexuality and, more recently, the establishment of pro-Gay political groups.

“Homosexuality has always existed [in

courtesy cambodian express news

INTERNATIONAL

by Scott Wittet SGN Contributing Writer Africa], but some of the current forms of Gay self-identification and Gay activism originated elsewhere,” he noted.

ZIMBABWE PRESIDENT SAYS GAYS VIOLATE WOMEN’S RIGHTS Once again Robert Mugabe has spoken out against Gays, but this time he tried pitting women’s issues against Gay issues.

According to the Associated Press, during a recent meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, Zimbabwe’s president proclaimed that homosexuality violates women’s rights by denying the union of men and women needed to bear children.

Mugabe, 88, speaking at a women’s HIV/ AIDS and gender-rights conference in the capital Harare, said the “Gay world” goes against nature.

Homosexuality is illegal in Zimbabwe.

Earlier, Pillay had criticizing the continued criminalization of homosexuality in some countries. In reaction, Mugabe said Zimbabwe and Africa won’t recognize same-sex marriage because it leads to human “extinction.”

He said male homosexuality takes away women’s traditional right to be mothers and that “Mothers were given the talent to bear children. That talent doesn’t belong to men.”

On demands for women’s equality, Mugabe said he doubted women will get equal representation as lawmakers in Zimbabwe.

“Our customs look down on women as inferior. Men pay cattle and money to get a wife and expect women to obey them. Women will surely lose. Men say that women are not as knowledgeable as us. The attitude of men still despises women,” Mugabe said.

Pillay arrived Sunday to assess human rights in Zimbabwe. It is the first visit by a UN human rights chief to the troubled Southern African nation.

SOUTH AFRICAN ACTIVISTS INVESTIGATE GAY MURDERS Gay activists in South Africa, frustrated with lack of action by police, have begun compiling evidence related to a series of murders of Gay men over the past two years.

The killings began with the death of Manolis Veloudos in April 2010. Seven more Gay men were killed under similar circumstances, the most recent victim being Rulov Senekal in February 2012.

All eight murders share similarities, including the apparent ease of entry into the victims’ homes, the fact that they were all strangled, and the fact that all of them were Gay men. The activists believe a serial killer may be responsible.

Frustrated with the South African Police Service’s lack of progress with the case, OUT-LGBT Well-Being, a nonprofit organization that provides direct health services to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities, has begun to take an active role in the investigation.

Dawie Nel, director of OUT, told Gay Star News, “We have set up teams consisting of members of our organization and families and friends of the victims to maintain pressure on the police to follow through this investigation and get results.

“One of the victims’ cell phones was found in the possession of a spiritual healer who’d made calls on it the day after one of the murders. We believe this and other leads have not been followed up by the police.”

OUT has also engaged a private investigation team to look into phone records, dating and social networking sites, and other possible evidence.

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King Sihanouk of Cambodia

PAKISTAN DEPLOYS TRANS MEN AGAINST TAX EVADERS Wearing a bright pink outfit with matching headscarf, Nargis marches around one of Pakistan’s richest neighborhoods on a mission to embarrass residents into paying their taxes, as reported in the UK Guardian newspaper.

Armed with a bundle of paperwork, the 32-year-old raps on the gate of a mansion while a pickup truck full of guards and tax officials remains at a distance.

The man who answers the door grins nervously at Nargis, who is a hijra – a member of Pakistan’s increasingly assertive Transgender community. With a sheepish look to see whether anyone is watching from the street, the owner meekly accepts a bill for outstanding property taxes and municipal fees.

Given his effusive promises to pay as soon as possible, there is no need for what Qazi Aftab, a tax collection official in Karachi, calls “the nuclear option” – asking the hijra to clap, shout, and generally make a scene. When that happens, “because of the neighbors they get very embarrassed,” Aftab said. “Usually just one minute of shouting is enough and then they pay up.”

The lone hijra approach seems to work pretty well. Aftab says recovery rates are up 15% from past years, when conventional tax collectors often clashed violently with householders. That never happens with the hijras, he said.

Not everyone in the Transgendered community is impressed by the debt-collecting initiative, which is soon to be emulated in Punjab province. “It’s just so demeaning,” says Natasha, another hijra. “It’s no different from begging.”

The 22-year-old wears tight jeans and a sleeveless shirt rather than more traditional women’s clothes. She sees herself as the modern face of the hijra tradition.

Natasha works as an assistant supervisor at a branch of the national ID card agency.

“I live like a normal human being,” she said.

Around 25,000 attended Madonna’s firstever performance in the Arab world, at Yas Island Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the federal capital. Gay sex is still criminalized in the UAE. Madonna’s performance, consisting of 22 songs and a laser show, included multiple “strong and clear messages about LGBT rights,” reports Shamil, a member of the UAE LGBT group and the Gulf region editor of GayMiddleEast.com.

Shamil said excitedly, “She didn’t hold back at all!”

One of the strongest visuals for LGBT rights and against homophobic bullying was during “Nobody Knows Me,” when the interlude video highlighted the plight of young people who are driven to commit suicide due to being constantly bullied.

Another message of support was projected during “Express Yourself.” It included a tribute to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” with images of men kissing men, women kissing women, and a straight embrace.

The Emirates audience was also treated to topless male dancers in high heels during “Girls Gone Wild,” a striking contrast to the UAE’s usual insistence on traditional gender roles.

One concertgoer said, “Perhaps Madonna is so far the only artist who portrayed and supported LGBT rights in the UAE. Last year I attended a Scissor Sisters concert and they didn’t or couldn’t do anything.”

Homosexuality is punished with up to 14 years’ jail time in Abu Dhabi, and Article 354 of the Federal Penal Code appears to prescribe the death penalty for “consensual sodomy.”

Madonna’s tour also will go to Russia, where new laws have been passed against pro-Gay speech. Some Russian officials have threatened to arrest Madonna if she breaks the law during her show.

GAY EMIRATIS WELCOME MADONNA Gays and Lesbians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) welcomed Madonna’s performance there, where she expressed a strong messages of support for LGBT rights.

The global pop star played stadium gigs in Abu Dhabi on June 3 and 4 as part of her MDNA world tour, reports Pink News.

June 15, 2012

Seattle Gay News 19

pride calendar continued from page 12

SING OUT! WITH SEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS On Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23, the Seattle Men’s Chorus presents “Sing Out!” – a concert of songs chosen by SMC subscribers and ticket buyers in an online vote. With Seattle Women’s Chorus, The Esoterics, and Diverse Harmony. The program also features a “Chorus Idol” talent show, featuring the winners of several Seattle-area singing competitions. Curtain time both evenings is 8 p.m. at McCaw Hall (321 Mercer St.). Tickets at https://tickets.flyinghouse.org/public/ or (206) 388-1400.

PRIDE WEEK BREAKFAST On Saturday, June 23, Dignity/Seattle (an LGBT-positive Catholic organization) hosts

PRIDE ASIA On Saturday, June 23, join host Aleksa Manila for the first annual Pride ASIA, a celebration of the Seattle area’s LGBT Asian community, at Hing Hay Park (423 Maynard Ave. S.) in Seattle’s International District, from noon to 6 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Northwest Museum of Legends and Lore, this event features music, theater, and other entertainment celebrating Asian/ Pacific Islander diversity and culture. For CAPITOL HILL PRIDE FESTIVAL more information visit http://groups.google.

On Saturday, June 23, celebrate Pride in com/group/PrideASIA. Seattle’s premier Gayborhood at the 4th annual Capitol Hill Pride Festival on BroadRAINBOW HEALTH FAIR way (between E. John St. and E. Roy St.) On Saturday, June 23, YMCA Women’s from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring food, live Health Outreach presents its 14th annual music, and other entertainment on three Rainbow Health Fair at Seattle Central stages, with performers including Marcel, Community College (1701 Broadway), Bryn King, Devolution Aries, and Bomo from noon to 5 p.m. Free health tests and Cho. Returning this year is the popular Dog- services will be offered, including acupuncgie Drag Costume Contest from noon to 1 ture, massage, energy healing, Zumba, HIV p.m., benefiting the Seattle Humane Soci- testing, cholesterol checks, naturopathic ety’s Pet Project, which helps people with consultation, and mental health education.

AIDS care for their pets. The event website In addition, mammogram and pap tests is http://www.seattlechatclub.org/Capitol- will be offered at no charge to women 40 HillPrideFestival.html. and over with limited income. To schedule a mammogram and Pap test, call Marilyn PORTRAITS OF PRIDE EXHIBIT Calbert at (206) 461-4489.

From Saturday, June 23, to Sunday, July 22, Gay City hosts Portraits of Pride 2012, INTERFAITH WORSHIP SERVICE an art show that brings together the many On Saturday, June 23, all are welcome to faces of the LGBTQ community in celebra- attend the annual Pride Interfaith Commution of local pride. The exhibit opens with nity Worship Service at All Pilgrims Church an artists’ reception June 23, from 11 a.m. to (500 Broadway E.), beginning at 1 p.m.

2 p.m. at Gay City (517 E. Pike St.). A por- Giving this year’s sermon will be the Rev. tion of each purchase will benefit Gay City’s Elder Troy Perry, founder of the Universal Project BuildOUT. Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). Founded in 1968, MCC is the first denomination created specifically to minister to LGBT Christians who were rejected by other churches. its 24th annual Pride Week Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at Central Lutheran Church (1710 11th Ave.). Proceeds benefit Rosehedge/Multifaith Works, Bailey-Boushay House, and Dignity/Seattle’s Convention Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit www.dignityseattle.org, or call (206) 659-5519. Dignity/Seattle will march with the Catholics for Marriage Equality contingent in the June 24 Pride Parade.

sale tickets are $25, or buy a VIP Pass for $45 that gets you VIP room access plus a backstage meet-and-greet with Phil B at the DJ Stage during Sunday’s PrideFest. The promoter is donating 20% of all sales/cover charges to Washington United for Marriage.

For tickets, visit http://seattlepridefest.org/ red/index.html.

‘RED’ WOMEN’S PARTY AT THE BALTIC ROOM On Saturday, June 23, join DJs Tina T, Roy G. Biv, and Mr. Charming for Red, the annual women’s Pride Festival party at the Baltic Room (1207 Pine St.) from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Pre-sale tickets are $20, or buy a VIP Pass for $40 that gets you VIP room access plus backstage access to the DJ Stage during Sunday’s PrideFest. The promoter is donating 20% of all sales/cover charges to Washington United for Marriage. For tickets, visit http://seattlepridefest.org/red/index.html.

PRE-PARADE BRUNCH On Sunday, June 24, start Pride Parade day off right with a sumptuous breakfast/ brunch at the downtown Seattle Hard Rock Café (116 Pike St.). Seating begins at 8 a.m.

Tickets are $25 ($10 for children under 12) and must be purchased in advance at www. brownpapertickets.com/event/250494. Proceeds benefit Seattle Out & Proud. More info at www.seattlepride.org.

SEATTLE DYKE MARCH On Saturday, June 23, the 2012 Seattle Dyke March kicks off with a rally from 5 to 7 p.m. at Seattle Central Community College Plaza (Broadway and E. Pine St.). The march begins at 7 p.m. and makes a loop around Capitol Hill. More information at www.seattledykemarch.com or www.facebook.com/SeattleDykeMarch.

2012 SEATTLE PRIDE PARADE: THE MANY FACES OF PRIDE On Sunday, June 24, there’s just no other place to be than downtown Seattle for the city’s annual Pride Parade, produced by Seattle Out & Proud. This year’s parade theme is “The Many Faces of Pride,” celebrating the vast diversity of the Seattle area’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and allied community. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at 4th Avenue and Union Street and proceeds SING OUT! north along 4th Avenue to Denny Way. InWITH SEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS On Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June formation is available at SO&P’s website, 23, the Seattle Men’s Chorus presents “Sing www.seattlepride.org/pride-parade.html.

Out!” – a concert of songs chosen by SMC SEATTLE PRIDEFEST 2012 subscribers and ticket buyers in an online vote. With Seattle Women’s Chorus, The On Sunday, June 24, don’t miss the bigEsoterics, and Diverse Harmony. The pro- gest and best LGBTQ party in the Northgram also features a “Chorus Idol” talent west! This year’s Seattle PrideFest features show, featuring the winners of several Seat- more than 100 music acts (including headtle-area singing competitions. Curtain time liners Cazwell, Debby Holiday, DJ Phil B, both evenings is 8 p.m. at McCaw Hall (321 Peppermint, and Vockah Redu & The Cru), Mercer St.). Tickets at https://tickets.flying- along with hundreds of community groups and vendors. Seattle PrideFest takes place house.org/public/ or (206) 388-1400. at Seattle Center from noon to 8 p.m., immediately following the Pride Parade. As THE CHOCOLATE REVOLUTION On Saturday, June 23, from 9 p.m. to 2 always, admission is free! For more details, a.m., Nubian Pride Productions presents visit www.seattlepridefest.org.

“The Chocolate Revolution” at Highline Bar (210 Broadway E.). Come celebrate SeVICTORIA PRIDE attle Pride with DJ T-Bone and some of the On Sunday, July 8, Victoria’s annual area’s best entertainers of color. $10 sug- Pride Parade steps off at noon downtown gested donation. Open to all people of color at Government Street and Pandora Avenue, and those who love us, 21 and over. marches past the Legislature, and finishes at MacDonald Park, where the Pride Festival begins at 1 p.m. featuring entertainment, ‘RED’ MEN’S PARTY AT NEUMOS On Saturday, June 23, join DJs Brian Gorr food, a beer garden, and a children’s play of Seattle and Phil B of SF for Red, the an- zone. Both events are free. Information at nual men’s Pride Festival party at Neumos www.victoriapridesociety.org.

(925 E. Pike St.) from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Pre-

20 Seattle Gay News

June 15, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

clude three days of LGBT films at the Grand Cinema and a staged reading of Lanford Wilson’s Fifth of July at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. For more information visit www.rainbowctr.org.

VANCOUVER (WA) SATURDAY IN THE PARK Saturday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is Vancouver, Washington’s 18th annual LGBT Pride event, Saturday in the Park.

This year’s theme is “Gateway to Equality,” celebrating the passage of Washington’s marriage equality law. The family-friendly event takes place at Esther Short Park downtown and features music and cultural performances, community groups, games, BELLINGHAM PRIDE and other activities for all ages. The day will From Wednesday, July 11, to Sunday, July begin with “Lyle’s Miles,” a 5K run/walk 15, B Proud hosts a series of Pride events fundraiser for the Cascade AIDS Project. in Bellingham, including film screenings, Details at www.gayvancouverwa.org. parties, dances, a drag show, and more. The parade begins at noon on July 15 at BellingKITSAP PRIDE IN BREMERTON ham High School, ending at Depot Market On Sunday, July 22, Kitsap Pride holds Square. A Pride Festival will be held the its annual celebration at Evergreen Park in same day until 5 p.m. at Bellingham Farm- downtown Bremerton beginning at noon. ers Market. www.bhampride.org.

This year’s theme is “Pride Links Us Together.” Details are still being finalized and TACOMA PRIDE FESTIVAL will be posted at www.kitsappride.org.

From Friday, July 13, to Saturday, July 21, celebrate nine whole days of Pride in VANCOUVER (BC) Tacoma. The highlight is the annual Out in PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL the Park event, Saturday, July 14, from noon This year’s Vancouver Pride Parade and to 6 p.m. on Broadway in the city’s historic Festival is scheduled for Sunday, August 5. downtown theater district. Other events in- www.vancouverpride.ca.

Good Catholics can support marriage equality, priest says

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer An openly Gay Catholic priest is urging his fellow Catholics to vote against a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota.

Speaking to an audience of more than 200 Catholics in a Minneapolis suburb, Father Bob Pierson said the amendment violates Catholic teaching, even though the church hierarchy supports it.

“Too many of us have been taught to think of God in terms of God’s judgment, rather than God’s tremendous love and mercy,” Pierson said.

“I believe this amendment violates an important principle in Catholic teaching, and that as Catholics, we can vote no.”

Repeating an argument used by U.S. nuns, who are being investigated by the Vatican on a variety of doctrinal disputes, Pierson said Catholics must follow their own conscience on moral issues.

“We must not be prevented from acting according to our conscience, especially in religious matters,” Pierson said.

“My conscience tells me to vote no on the amendment ... I do not believe the church has the right to force its moral teaching on

others outside our fold.”

Pierson says he knew he was Gay when he was ordained.

Catholic priests are required to be celibate, whether they are Gay or straight. The church teaches that Gay behavior is “objectively disordered,” but if a Gay priest remains celibate, his sexual orientation would normally not be an obstacle to continuing in the priesthood.

Same-sex marriages are already barred by statute in Minnesota, but a coalition of Catholic and evangelical Protestant leaders lobbied the state legislature to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November.

Unlike the constitutional amendment passed recently in North Carolina, the Minnesota amendment leaves open the possibility of recognizing same-sex civil unions.

Roman Catholics make up the largest single denomination in Minnesota, with about 28% of the population.

The second-largest denomination – the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – has voted to oppose the amendment. Despite the word “Evangelical” in its name, the ELCA is considered a fairly liberal denomination.

No Bible giveaway at Minneapolis Pride, federal judge rules

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A federal judge in Minneapolis ruled June 12 that a man is not entitled to hand out Bibles inside the city’s Pride Festival.

Brian Johnson had sought an injunction giving him unfettered access to the festival grounds. He claimed he had been distributing Bibles at the Minneapolis Pride Festival from 1995 until 2009, when Pride organizers refused to rent him a booth because he condemns same-sex relations.

An attorney from the Center for Religious Expression, representing Johnson, said his client is being relegated to a “noPride zone” where nobody will go – and therefore, his free-speech rights are being violated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Michael Davis wrote a 41-page ruling explaining why Johnson’s constitutional challenge is not likely to succeed. The booth offered to Johnson is right next to a picnic-and-entertainment area, close to one of the park’s main entrances, the judge noted.

Johnson, an evangelical Christian, said in court documents that he and his family planned to walk through the 2009 event distributing Bibles, but festival officials told them they weren’t welcome.

A police officer allegedly told John-

son that the park was “private property” that day, and Johnson was arrested when he didn’t leave. The charges were later dropped.

Pride organizers sued the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in 2010, seeking an injunction that would head off Johnson’s plans to return to the festival, but U.S. District Judge John Tunheim ruled that a broad restriction based on the content of Johnson’s speech would violate his rights under the First Amendment. He returned to the festival that year.

Seeking to head him off in 2011, Twin Cities Pride and the Park Board reached a settlement agreement stipulating that the board would set up booths in the park – but outside of the festival area – for people excluded by the festival planners.

According to the terms of the settlement, all literature distributed inside the festival area must be done from booths approved by Twin Cities Pride.

But the organizers also agreed to set up an unattended “drop zone” inside the festival where anyone could leave information.

The agreement does not bar anyone from walking through the festival to share their views with willing listeners.

Johnson was suing for a booth inside the Pride Festival area, contrary to the terms of the settlement.

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Seattle Gay News 21

SEIU

continued from cover committed couple should have the right to marry.”

The State Council is a federation of SEIU locals in Washington that directs and helps to fund the union’s political and legislative activities.

Glickman is a vice president of SEIU 775NW, which represents more than 40,000 home health care workers in Washington.

Although 775’s members are generally lower-wage workers – “they average $10 an hour,” Glickman says – the local has invested a substantial amount of money in the marriage equality campaign. Besides contributing to the State Council’s political fund, Glickman’s local also sent its own $1,740 donation to Approve R-74.

“A number of our locals have had robust conversations about this at their Executive Boards,” Gilckman said. “It’s a big statement from our members. We made a signifi-

cant contribution because it’s a significant priority for us.”

Glickman said he had heard no negative feedback from SEIU members.

“We have 100,000 members statewide,” he told SGN. “It’s a very diverse union. We have every race, every religion, every sexual orientation. Obviously some members will disagree, but I’ve not heard any pushback.

I’ve just heard positive statements.”

SEIU 1199NW, which represents some 20,000 health care workers, also sent in a contribution of $1,740.

With more than 2 million members nationwide, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the United States and is noted for its aggressive political program.

SEIU’s international president, Mary Kay Henry, has often been called “the most powerful Lesbian in the country.”

SEIU is not the only union backing the Approve Referendum 74 campaign.

UFCW Local 21, which contributed $15,000 in January, gave an additional $15,000 on May 23. Local 21 has also given

the campaign thousands of dollars in in-kind contributions, including staff time and office space.

UFCW 21 is the largest private-sector local in the state, with more than 38,000 members in grocery, retail, health care, and related industries.

“SEIU and UFCW 21 are part of the leadership structure of the campaign,” Silk added. “They are an active partner helping us craft strategy and deliver our message across the state. We are lucky to have broad union support, including the King County Labor Council.”

r-74

continued from cover the state’s domestic partnership law, but they are certainly not out. Those of us involved in the R-71 fight waited and wondered if out-of-state groups would fill our opponents’ bank accounts. That never happened. The truth is they were internally divided and couldn’t get their act together in time to beat us.

But this time it’s going to be different.

The stakes are higher on both sides, as “everything but marriage” is now a thing of the past and marriage equality is ours – if we can defend it. The “one-man-and-onewoman” conservatives have brought the fight to us and have the firm backing of national groups with deep pockets, including the Washington, D.C.-based National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which has vowed to fight aggressively to strike down our law. And if you don’t think that matters, you need to wake up now.

ponents needed to qualify for the ballot was not just met, but doubled. That should be a sign to us that they – the people fighting to take our rights away from us – are galvanized. What does it matter if they used paid signature-gatherers to get some of them?

The point is they got them. Old news. Complaining that our opponents didn’t play fair (even though there is no law against what they did) because they bought signatures will not equal a win for us in November. The fact that roughly 700 of the signatures they gathered were invalid doesn’t matter either.

I was pleased when Washington United for Marriage, the campaign running the Approve Referendum 74 campaign (www. washingtonunitedformarriage.org) told their supporters essentially to get over it and move on, because we’ve got a referendum to approve. Zach Silk, campaign manager for Washington United, said all along that our opponents would meet their quota, and last week they did – in a big way. The only thing that matters now, to those of us who believe in equality and justice for all Washington state citizens, is that we Approve Referendum 74 in November. Period.

The Six Million Dollar Question Silk recently talked about another important number: 6 million. That’s the number of dollars the campaign to Approve Referendum 74 will potentially need to raise to stop the bigots from rolling back our marriage equality law.

Think about that for a second. Let it sink in.

Then ask yourself, “Have I donated as much as I can to this campaign?” The anGet Over the Past swer is probably no, because the campaign Let’s talk about numbers. There’s been an has not yet raised its first million. While it’s awful lot of talk about them lately. true, according to public records, that we’ve First, the number of signatures our op- managed to raise more money than our opponents so far, the fact remains that money fueled by hate – big money, not pocket change and dollar bills – will start pouring in when national anti-Gay groups start writing checks. In order to win this thing, we’ve got to fund the campaign to Approve Referendum 74. It’s as simple as that. Washington United for Marriage doesn’t have to outspend our opponents – it just has to match them. Early money counts. Everyone who said they were “waiting to see what happens with the signatures” need wait no longer – the time to donate is now.

SGN publisher George Bakan and members of the campaign to Approve Referen-

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www.sgn.org 22 Seattle Gay News

June 15, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

Nate Gowdy / Seattle Gay news

nation can help sway the most high-profile which box to check, and will accidentally referendum fight LGBT Washingtonians vote against us. have ever seen.

These voters could include the immigrant parent whose Gay or Lesbian son or daughThe Problem With Polls ter didn’t take the time to explain the referThere is one more number I would like endum in their native language; the LGBT to call attention to: 54. A recent poll by Se- 18-year-old who is voting for the first time attle consulting firm Strategies 360 found in their life but didn’t have mentors to eduthat 54% of likely voters in the state think cate them on our state’s referendum process; it should be legal for same-sex couples to or the straight ally who sort-of-listened to marry. When news of this poll you that one time you mumbled spread, it seemed as if we’d something to them at a party already won the election. about marriage equality, I can’t tell you how and who thinks that votmany people I talked ing yes would take to over the weekaway your rights. end at various Speaking of LGBT communistraight allies: ty events who reGet them talking. peated “54” over We need them to and over when have the courage talking about the to be visible and Approve Referoutspoken, and I’ll endum 74 camtell you why. Their paign. peers will listen to Do you know what them, or at the very the problem is with least the dialogue will polls like this one? The set in motion that “evolvpoll didn’t specifically ask ing” phenomena that Gov. respondents how they would Gregoire and President Obama vote on the referendum. We’ve seen this be- have experienced on the issue. Supporting fore. In 2008, when California voters were us in silence isn’t support at all. That’s like faced with Proposition 8, the ballot initia- witnessing a crime and not reporting it. All tive that took same-sex marriage away from the straight allies in my life know – because Californians, several pre-election polls I tell them – that they are appreciated and showed our side winning. Well, nearly four that I am thankful for their vote. But I also years and several major court decisions lat- challenge them to be open and honest with er, marriage equality still has not returned to their peers about why they support equality.

California. It is important that we don’t use In doing this, they are changing hearts and this poll as a sign of certain victory, one that minds alongside us. We are the minority and surely will not be ours, unless we fight for they the majority. We simply cannot win a it with everything we’ve got. The number popular vote in November if we do not en54 means nothing to me. The only number list the help of our straight allies by asking that any of us should be worried about is the them to round up votes and donation dolnumber 74. Our mantra must be “Approve lars for our cause. Marriage equality is not Referendum 74” – and nothing else. a Gay or straight thing – it’s a human thing.

Our straight allies understand this. Now put Avoid Voter Confusion them to work.

The confusion that inevitably works its way into a ballot referendum is real. There “But I Don’t Want exists now, and will continue to exist, a to Get Married!” number of our supporters who are conFinally, I want to talk about the members fused which way they need to vote come of our community who see fit to tell everyNovember. For this reason alone it is para- one around them that they don’t care about mount that we drop the chatter about every- marriage equality because they, themselves, thing else and stick to one simple message, don’t wish to marry. I recognize, and re“Approve Referendum 74.” Because if we spect, the fact that there are many among don’t, we are going to see an awful lot of us who have no plans for same-sex matripeople who excitedly open their ballot to vote in the presidential election, but when see R-74 page 24 they get to R-74 they will be confused about

“It’s not a question of whether or not the people who love and respect you will support you. The question is, have you asked them to?”

Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer (Ret.) speaks at the Get Engaged to Defend Marriage Equality Gala at the Washington State Convention Center on June 9.

dum 74 have developed a great way for everyone to donate, at the very least, $1,000 to Washington United for Marriage. They are asking people to take the “1,000 at $1,000” pledge. In other words, if 1,000 people each raise $1,000, the campaign gets $1 million, collectively. You can raise this money any number of ways. Hold a cocktail party at your house that doubles as a fundraiser; ask 10 friends to each donate $100, or 20 friends to cough up just $50. My approach is to take a page right out of our opponents’ playbook.

If their hate money can rain in from out of state, why can’t our love money do the same? The answer is it can. And it does – if

you ask.

I have a sister who lives out of state. I called her and asked if she would like to attend the wedding of my partner, Yee-Shin Huang, and I. She, of course, said yes. I then explained to her that it won’t be possible if we let the opponents of marriage equality win, and ultimately I asked her to make a donation on my behalf. She agreed. The check is in the mail.

The moral of this story? It’s not a question of whether or not the people who love and respect you will support you. The question is, have you asked them to? My sister can’t vote on our behalf in November, but her do-

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Seattle Gay News 23

r-74

continued from page 23 mony. I am not going to try to talk anyone into marriage, nor is it my place to try. But I would ask them to give us the same respect, and stop trying to talk us out of it.

I happen to love my partner very much. I want to call him my husband and have that mean something more than just a cute title I give him when our friends are around. Aside from my hopeful wedded bliss, the fact remains that a vote to Approve Referendum 74 is not just a vote for marriage. It’s a vote for equality. It’s an affirmation that we, the LGBT community, deserve to be treated like U.S. citizens in our own country, not like second-class visitors. Here in Washington, the marriage equality law already exists. Why any member of our community would want to help the bigots take it away, simply because they personally don’t want to get married, is beyond me. It isn’t right, and it’s counterproductive and selfish. More than marriage equality is on the line come November – now is not the time for us to

tear at the very fabric that binds our com- Maryland go our way) will undoubtedly set munity. into motion a new era – a time and place in American history where the bigots retreat Our Opponents Aren’t Stupid and we advance. This is bigger than us. We Folks, we are 0-for-32. Nationwide, the cannot afford to sit this one out. The young bigots have beaten us at the ballot box every and old, activist and volunteer, ally and time same-sex marriage has been put to a LGBT alike must rise up and defeat hate and popular vote. That is a fact. Some members intolerance by voting to Approve Referenin our community label our opponents as dum 74. dumb and uneducated. Well, they are the 32 There’s a blank page in history waiting and we are the 0, so what does that make us? in November. When the quill hits the paper, Do not mistake these people who diligently what will it write about us? chip away at our equality as idiots. They are meticulous, organized, and motivated, with killer political instincts. It is going to get ugly on the campaign trail from now until continued from cover November. We are going to hear “one man and one woman” more times than we imag- aging its customers to “do what they can to ined was possible. And that’s fine. Because help Approve R-74.” if we band together and if true cooperation “This year, when we posted The Gay exists between the coalition that makes up babycakes, a.k.a. ‘Gay-bies,’ after [Gov.] Washington United for Marriage and the Gregoire announced that she was going to LGBT population in this state, the chants push through [marriage] legislation, our of “APPROVE 74!” will grow so loud the Facebook page blew up with tons of likes whole nation will hear us. They need to hear and support for this issue,” said Jody Hall, us. Changing the score to 32-1 this Novem- owner of Cupcake Royale. ber (or 32-3, if similar votes in Maine and The Gay is a vanilla cake topped with

cupcake

Cupcake Royale’s signature vanilla buttercream frosting, rainbow sprinkles, and a sugar rainbow. It is available throughout June at any of Cupcake Royale’s five locations (Capitol Hill, Ballard, Madrona, West Seattle, and Bellevue). Stop by and sink your teeth into one!

Committed to giving back to their community, Cupcake Royale donates more than 40,000 cupcakes each year to help local nonprofits raise funds. The firm was named the Greater Seattle Business Association’s 2012 Business of the Year.

“When the bill passed, and an impending referendum was to come about, we thought that there was no more important issue for us to dedicate funds for The Gay, than Washington United for Marriage. We will be the first state in the union to have the voters actually pass marriage equality,” Hall told SGN. “Cupcake Royale wants to support this effort by making our donation – and we encourage other businesses to also raise funds.

This effort will raise awareness and money, and we are so proud to take a leadership role.”

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24 Seattle Gay News

June 15, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

June 15, 2012

Seattle Gay News 25

26 Seattle Gay News

June 15, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

June 15, 2012

Seattle Gay News 27