SGN August 23, 2013 - Section 1

Issue 34 Volume 41

FRIDAY August 23, 2013 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands

Celebrating 40 Years!

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Labor Council: No endorsement in Seattle’s mayoral race Union representatives sharply divided between Murray, McGinn

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

New Jersey bans ‘conversion therapy’

Union supporters of Mayor Mike McGinn and challenger Ed Murray fought to a standstill at the August 21 meeting of the Martin Luther King County Labor Council (MLKCLC). The meeting adjourned after two hours with no endorsement in the race for Seattle mayor.

As Labor Council delegates filed into the large meeting hall at Seattle’s Labor Temple, both Murray and McGinn were on hand to greet supporters. Both inside and outside the hall, knots of delegates stopped to chat or line up last-minute votes.

Earlier in the day, the MLKCLC executive board met and voted to recommend a dual endorsement, based on the fact that both candidates had garnered significant

union support.

SAILORS SHIFT TO MURRAY Murray was backed by the Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council and many individual construction unions; Amalgamated Transit Union 587, the Metro drivers’ union; United Transportation Union/SMART, which represents railroad workers; and the Washington State Council of County and City Employees Council 2.

Murray also picked up support from the Sailor’s Union of the Pacific, which had supported Peter Steinbrueck in the August 6 primary. Steinbrueck finished third in the field of nine candidates.

McGinn had endorsements from the powerful IAM District 752, the see labor page 21

No Lesbian kissing at Seahawks stadium?

Lesbian couple told no public Liberty Counsel sues to keep it, citing parental rights display of affection in the bar New Jersey this week became the second state, after California, to ban so-called “conversion therapy” for minors, a practice that claims to “cure” same-sex attractions and make Gay people straight, but the right-wing Liberty Counsel has filed suit to overturn the ban.

Signed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on August 19, the new law states explicitly that being “Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming,” and it bans licensed therapists from providing Gay-to-straight conversion therapy to children under age 18.

GOV: ‘RELUCTANT’ STEP Christie, a Republican and a Roman Catholic, vetoed a 2012 bill that would have allowed same-sex couples to marry in his state, but in the signing note attached to the conversion therapy bill he said he has “always believed that people New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

pse

REUTERS / Jason Reed

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Century Link Field, the Seattle Seahawks stadium

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

For Zizi Rachid, August 17 seemed like it would be a promising Saturday.

A local Internet sales manager, Rachid had tickets to the see New Jersey page 9 Seahawks preseason game at

Century Link Field with what she describes as some of her “guy friends” and “a woman I’m dating.”

With her club-level tickets (“$165 per ticket,” she notes), her date, and a Seahawks team that see kiss page 6

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Celebrating 40 Years!

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Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973

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Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the SGN office All others - Tuesday 5pm

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op-ed

Of seniors and stereotypes Most older LGBTs are far from rich – and they need our help

Rev. Barbara Allen, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Scott Wittet, Nevin Jefferson, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Rex Wockner

Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers

Nate Gowdy, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by Frogs and Ink, Inc. © 2013, Frogs and Ink, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.

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.

Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper.

Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication.

We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write.

And please play safe.

It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.

by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News Like most LGBT people, you may not think regularly about our seniors and their

In Loving Memory Of

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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Seattle Gay News

needs. Did you ever note how few of them are out at community events, with the exceptions of fundraisers and benefits? But those at events where they can contribute are those with funds. These are the ones the

mainstream media like to stereotype us by.

Rich white men.

The reality is we are not all rich, well-todo, or even comfortable. Some members of our community are poor, some even homeless, and as a community we have almost ignored those individuals while fighting equality in marriage and military and other issues. But note, the mark of a true community is how it treats its most vulnerable members. In our community there are two groups that fall into that category – youth (and we’ve really begun to address their concerns) and seniors, for whom we are only in the pioneering stage.

Did you know that a recent study found 13 percent of LGBT seniors are concerned about housing? Many worry they’ll be put into senior-housing situations where they will be harassed, and others worry they will not even qualify because of discrimination.

Others are already being mistreated in their current housing. Then there are those who are homeless.

POVERTY WIDESPREAD Little is being done in our community nationally to begin to solve these problems thus far. There is only one affordable senior living facility that is specifically LGBTfriendly in the nation at present – Philadelphia’s groundbreaking project is under construction and will open next year. Chicago will be next up. After that, there are plans for San Francisco to have a groundbreaking on 40 units by 2015. But, nationwide, that is it.

How bad is the need? Last week here in Philly we had our first public meeting to explain how interested residents can qualify.

We expected about 30 people and put out chairs for 50, but that was not enough. It was standing room only. We could tell you some of the attendees’ stories here but let me leave you with a counter-debate on that mainstream-media report that we’re all rich.

The minimum annual income to qualify for the project is $8,000. There were people in that room who do not meet that requirement. You read that right – they earn less then $8,000 a year.

What are we doing for them?

Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at mark@ epgn.com.

August 23, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

Local news Take back the night!

Capitol Hill responds to violent incidents at the Q and elsewhere

J

agement doesn’t see fit to keep their word on Gay programming, that then becomes a whole other thing. When I investigated who went to the club last week, it was pretty much 75% women, and as for the talk about a large hip-hop crowd, well, just take one look at the photos from that night and you will see people dressed in animal costumes, women and men on stilts, and a whole lot of straight people who, unless the style of clothing has drastically changed, do not look particularly hip-hop.

The point that I am making is that, in order to get the increase in crime on the Hill under control, we can’t waste our time worrying about whether Q is some kind of criminal incubator. The real focus is Cal Anderson Park and the surrounding area, where people have been attacked regularly for some time now. The police cannot be on

said he needs more information before he could take further action.

What kind of message is that sending to both law-abiding citizens and lawbreakers, when the city attorney picks and chooses what is enforced and what is not? It has been a struggle, literally, trying to educate a large portion of the community about calling in suspicious behavior, reporting a crime, and more. This doesn’t help.

FRUSTRATED HOMEOWNER There are others, too, who have come forward to Seattle Gay News to tell what has happened to them. Capitol Hill homeowner Josie Strobel, who is working with Social Outreach Seattle to put together a neighborhood watch group, has said, “We can’t solve all the social issues of crime, homelessness, and mental illness on the streets, but we can

In order to get the increase in crime on the Hill under control, we can’t waste our time worrying about whether Q is some kind of criminal incubator. The real focus is Cal Anderson Park and the surrounding area, where people have been attacked regularly for some time now. every corner. I almost feel like I should type that twice because people just don’t seem to understand that. SPD has budget issues and there is clearly a disconnect between the department and downtown.

Police patrol Cal Anderson Park on Seattle’s Capitol Hill

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Last week, I wrote about the concerns that some Capitol Hill residents and visitors, who partake in the neighborhood’s vibrant nightlife, have in the wake of a much-publicized fight outside of Q nightclub. Since that early-morning brawl on August 11, there have been zero reports of fighting at the club or outside on the street (which is where the fight that started this whole hubbub took place). However, the same can’t be said for the rest of the Hill – especially troubling is the continued violence surrounding Cal Anderson Park.

On August 20, a woman was robbed at gunpoint at 12th Avenue and John Street.

She was just blocks away from her destination when she became the latest victim of a rise in crime on the Hill. The suspect has not been apprehended. The incident is the sixth gun-involved robbery on the Hill that the Capitol Hill Seattle Blog (CHS) has reported on since the end of July. It is safe to say that it won’t be the last.

TIP JAR THIEF CAUGHT Not all of the suspects get away, however.

On Tuesday, an incident that began near 10th Avenue and Pike Street as a man apparently stole a tip jar from a nearby business ended in Cal Anderson Park with the suspect splayed on his belly, handcuffed and yelling, surrounded by police cruisers and some officers who reportedly ran blocks to the scene from the East Precinct at 12th and Pine to assist in the arrest.

“According to police radio dispatches, an SPD parking enforcement officer first reported that two or three people were attempting to detain a man at 10th and Pike who eventually was able to get away and

TICKET CRACKDOWN DENIED Yesterday, The Seattle Times reported that Seattle’s city attorney rejected a bid by police to crack down on 28 people who had repeatedly failed to respond to civil charges for drinking in public or sitting or lying on sidewalks.

The Times reports Seattle Police Chief Jim Pugel wrote a letter to City Attorney Pete Holmes asking for criminal charges to be filed against 28 people, all of whom had ignored three or more tickets.

Pugel says the crackdown would help them fight street crime in downtown Seattle.

On Tuesday, Holmes told the department they had not shown that alternative approaches, including social services, had failed to address downtown problems. He

walk north to the park,” said CHS Blog.

Minutes later, just before 7 p.m., a man matching the suspect’s description was spotted in Cal Anderson. As police contacted the man and attempted to take him into custody he struggled with an officer, who called for backup, prompting the large response including the officers who arrived on foot from the nearby police station.”

The suspect was taken into custody and booked into King County Jail for investigation of robbery. No medics were called to the scene.

The robbery and other crimes comes amid a $400,000 injection of funds to increase patrols and increased safety measures, including leaving the lights on at night in Cal LIFELONG STORE REOPENS Anderson Park in an effort to curb this summer’s increase in violent crime in the city.

I was pleasantly surprised on August 8 to On Monday, Mayor Mike McGinn appeared see the reopening of the “new and rejuveon Capitol Hill as a new Gun Free Zone pro- nated” Lifelong AIDS Alliance Thrift Store gram was launched at area businesses.

(1002 E. Seneca St.).

What an amazing amount of work emFOLLOWING UP WITH Q ployees and many generous volunteers did Like many of you, I was really irritated to accomplish this renewal in such a short about the scene that unfolded outside of Q time! over a week ago. But I think that it is imporAs one of the founders of the Chicken tant to note that Q should not be the target of Soup Brigade (which we renamed Lifelong our efforts as far as keeping everyone safe AIDS Alliance during the able executive diis concerned. After all, Q is just a nightclub. rectorship of Chuck Kuen), I recall both the I did, however, meet with Q General Man- name and the Thrift Store were born in the ager Ryan Schmitt and the club’s new pro- early ’90s where it is today. During those gram director, promoter, and DJ, Sean Ma- years, there were two other thrift stores, jors. The meeting went well. The two men one on upper Jackson Street and one in the said they would soon have announcements lower Pike Place Market, neither of which to make on new Gay programming they will worked out. A semblance of a thrift store feature in the club, and they insisted that the was opened earlier when the Chicken Soup fight that took place was an isolated incident Brigade had a small space at the east end of and is not something that patrons – Gay or Group Health, where we had our offices and straight – can expect to see repeated. Now, a few tables of donated “merchandise” for whether or not that is true isn’t really my giving away to AIDS patients. concern. My concern is that the overall rise I am one of many who frequently pain violent crime be addressed. If Q’s man- tronize the store. It now doesn’t have piles

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August 23, 2013

put pressure on city officials.”

In 2007, Strobel moved to the Hill and bought a townhouse on the corner of 11th Avenue and Howell Street. “I have been fighting this [criminal activity] fight all summer and have stories. I moved here six years ago from an apartment on Pine between 2nd and 3rd. After the second murder in front of my apartment downtown in 2007 I moved here and bought a townhouse. Back then I wrote letters to city council, mayor, etc. … Nothing has changed. “ It’s safe to say she is frustrated with the circumstances, like so many others. “But from what I have heard, the police have no tools to deal with the junkies living in and around the park,” she added. “They are not all just homeless; some of them are committing crime around the neighborhood.

“I caught one of the regulars breaking into the Public Storage behind my house,” she said. “Unfortunately the police arrived too see crime page 6

of “stuff” but nicely shown merchandise – racks of clothing for everyone, kitchenware, electronics (not guaranteed), tons of CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, fashion and quality jewelry, and also knick-knacks, shelves of books, framed pictures, quality furniture, and more.

Check it out! If you can’t find something there, you don’t need it.

Leonard (Lenny) Larson Seattle

Seattle Gay News

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social outreach seattle

CRIME

Previous SOSEA march against crime in Spring of 2013

continued from cover late to arrest her. Since then I have seen this person regularly hanging in the homeless circles at the park.”

NO PARKING ENFORCEMENT? Damien DeOnier told SGN about an ongoing problem around the park. “There is a white RV with tan stripes that is perpetually camped 24 hours a day at 11th Avenue and East Olive Street (next to Cal Anderson

Park). This RV has been towed as an abandoned vehicle around June 6, and left the neighborhood for a few weeks before coming back. It has now been living at that intersection for over a month, moving one spot over every few days to avoid the 72-hour rule. They also have a handicap placard in the window so they don’t have to pay parking.”

“The RV is parking illegally and parking enforcement is not responding,” he said.

“We have called this into the non-emergency number twice to report the illegally parked vehicle,” DeOnier continued. “Our

observation is they have never gotten a ticket.”

“This RV is attracting a growing group of homeless people every day, many of whom are getting aggressive toward the locals walking in the park,” he said. “This is adding to the increased number of suspicious person calls along 11th Avenue East. With the crime trends going up for the neighborhood this RV can’t be helping things.”

URBAN CAMPERS Miranda Perdue reached out to Social Outreach Seattle because she says she was at “my wit’s end.”

“I am kinda at my wit’s end about what to do with a group of aggressive people living near my home at Harvard and Howell,” she said. “They’ve been camping there off and on for the past three weeks or so. My neighbors and I are used to people sleeping in the area and understand that it’s part of living in Capitol Hill. However, these folks are very aggressive – they have been associated with a severe assault on July 7, my partner has been threatened with a large chain and a switchblade (for which the police were called) on August 2, the group had a stolen

kiss

continued from cover was 30 points up on the Denver Broncos, what could be better?

Since the Seahawks were leading by a convincing margin, Rachid and her companions decided to go for drinks at a bar on the stadium’s club level, she tells SGN. DOUBLE STANDARD As they were enjoying their drinks, “the girl leaned over and kissed me – nothing inappropriate – really just a peck on the lips,” she recalls. “It’s not like we were wasted.

“Three security people came up to us – at least I assumed they were security. They were in red shirts,” Rachid explained. “And one woman said, ‘You can’t be kissing in public, this is a family venue.’”

“I mean, it’s a bar!” Rachid exclaimed.

“Children can’t even go in there. And anyway, there was a straight couple humping at the next table!”

Ironically, Rachid is friends with Sirbrina Guerrero, who was ordered to stop kissing her girlfriend by Safeco Field staff in a notorious 2008 incident.

FRIENDS SUPPORTIVE “My guy friends were really upset,” she recalls. ”They all said, ‘They can’t do that!’

bicycle (that my partner took and turned into the police), they are often menacing to passers-by (one of the men once yelled at us that he was “going to leave uncapped needles on [our] property”). They are loud and combative with one another (last night one of the women was screaming at a man about his being abusive toward her) and once I have seen them openly injecting drugs.

“The people come and go, sometimes leaving their belongings (mattresses, shopping carts, bags, and piles of things). Since my partner was threatened, he has become increasingly nervous about the issue. We continue to contact the police when we see reportable offenses, and the police have assured us that “they’ll try to check it out if [they] don’t have bigger priorities,” which hasn’t instilled much confidence in us,” she said.

Recently, the group moved on for whatever reason. “To be clear, I am not complaining about SPD; I understand they have limited resources and can only do so much,” Perdue said. “In fact, if I thought something was being mishandled, I would’ve had a better idea of what to do. Instead, I felt like it was just a difficult situation. Obviously these people are homeless and are only going to move somewhere else, which isn’t really a solution at all. I suspect they actually moved toward us because of the increased police presence in Cal Anderson,” she said.

JOIN OUR VIGIL Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea), the social justice nonprofit that I run, has scheduled a candlelight vigil for August 29, from 10 to p.m., with the corner of Roy Street and Broadway as the meeting place. We are asking that you invite everyone you know, show up with signs, and come as you are, but just show support. This is a peaceful community reaction to violence and our motto is “Our neighborhood belongs to us, not crime.” There is no other message, no other meaning to why we are doing this.

With a thousand people or more – and I know there are far more than 1,000 people who care about this topic – we can really send a message to criminals that they are not welcome on the Hill. Please join us. Candles will be supplied.

In order to truly make the most of this action, SOSea knows we have to sign up supportive businesses, churches, organizations, and more. If you would like to sponsor the candlelight vigil or come aboard as a supportive group or organization, we welcome you. Please send an email to socialoutreachseattle@gmail.com.

One of them – he’s a season ticket holder – was so upset he went to get the manager.

“Even the bartenders couldn’t believe it. They kept asking ‘Did they really say that?’”

The bar manager was no help, Rachid says, and just repeated the warning not to kiss her date. Rachid says that although she was shocked by the incident, she did not respond with anger.

“I was trying to calm everybody down,” she tells SGN. “I’m not the kind of person who wants to cause trouble. I try to be a normal person.”

SEEKING APOLOGY Rachid and her friends stayed for the rest of the game, she says, although security “watched us the whole time.”

Now, she says, “I want an apology. Not just to me but to everybody.

“The whole situation is really bugging me,” she adds. “I’m Lebanese originally. I live in this country so I can do whatever the heck I want with whoever the heck I want.”

She is considering suing the Seahawks and Century Link Field for discrimination.

Seahawks spokesperson Suzanne Lavender confirmed to SGN that the team had been contacted by Rachid, and said, “We are conducting an internal investigation.”

“That’s all I have for you at this time,” she added.

Rich Full-Bodied Cafes Savory Homestyle Soups & Sandwiches 6

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August 23, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

national news

courtesy International court system

Death of a legend José Sarria founded the International Court System, was first-ever Gay political candidate

José, who became Empress José I in honor of Joshua Norton, a San Francisco resident who in 1859 named himself Emperor The first openly Gay man to run for po- of the United States, took the self-appointed litical office in the United States, José Julio title of Empress and also instituted the Imby Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

“When José threw his hat into the ring for San Francisco supervisor more than 50 years ago, he became one of the first to publicly proclaim that there is no reason, constitutional or otherwise, to deny LGBT people first-class citizenship, respect, and dignity under the law.”

Sarria, passed away August 19, at the age of 90.

Whenever one of our own passes, and I have to write a news lead like that it just seems wrong. The truth is, we don’t have very many heroes or role models in the community. So when one of them leaves us, it’s a loss that is felt far and wide. Make no mistake, a legend has left us and we must never forget Mama José’s legacy, history, and example.

José was more widely known around San Francisco and the rest of the world as Em-

perial Court System, which raises money through drag shows and is reportedly the second-largest LGBT organization in the world, with 65 chapters throughout North America.

José had been ill for several months and died at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Last year José said he had been diagnosed with a rare cancer in the adrenal glands. He declined chemotherapy treatment.

In a statement, Gay California State Sen. Mark Leno (D–San Francisco) said LGBTs nate gowdy / seattle gay news

Empress I José

press José I, The Widow Norton. He ran for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1961, and although he was defeated, his campaign alone made American history.

EARLY MILK SUPPORTER Stuart Milk, Harvey Milk’s nephew, released a statement on Facebook saying: “He paved the way for my uncle, Harvey Milk, to run for public office by being the first openly Gay man to put his name on the 1961 ballot and was right there to support Harvey’s first campaign in 1973.”

of all stripes lost a “dear friend and fearless community leader who will forever hold a place in our hearts.”

“When José threw his hat into the ring for San Francisco supervisor more than 50 years ago, he became one of the first to publicly proclaim that there is no reason, constitutional or otherwise, to deny LGBT people first-class citizenship, respect, and dignity under the law,” Leno said.

He added, “José’s visionary and legendary leadership helped build the foundation for our successful, modern-day LGBT civil rights movement. His sly humor and wicked

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José Sarria during World War II

wit disarmed nearly every adversary.”

Francisco, had the right to help govern the city. Once I achieved that, I moved on to the URGED GAYS TO COME OUT next problem. I think I made a mistake. Had Known for his years of performing at the I run again, I would have won.” famous North Beach Gay bar, the Black Cat, in the 1950s and 1960s, José enterOUR ROSA PARKS tained customers in drag as he sang satirical Nicole Murray-Ramirez, San Diego’s huversions of popular songs while beseeching man rights commissioner and José’s succesGay patrons to come out, imploring them, sor in the fundraising organization’s leader“United we stand, divided they catch us one ship (as Empress Nicole the Great, Queen by one.”

Mother of the Americas), said José was “the Once, during one of the police raids and Rosa Parks of the Gay rights movement.” sting operations of the era, José was arrest“José would say, ‘I was tired of being ed for solicitation at the St. Francis Hotel, treated like a second-class citizen,’” Murleading him to abandon his dream of being ray-Ramirez recalled. “I hope the commua teacher. nity will rediscover José and realize what an But José shook up San Francisco’s politi- important person he was.” cal establishment in 1961 when he decided José received countless honors and to run for supervisor. It was the first time an awards. In 2006, after a campaign led by out Gay person had run for elective office. Murray-Ramirez, San Francisco Supervisor The reaction was swift. During his bid José Bevan Dufty, and the International Court had to threaten to sue the local Democratic Council, the city of San Francisco renamed Party after it tried to keep him from running a section of 16th Street in the Castro neighas a Democratic candidate. borhood as José Sarria Court, thus making The Democrats relented but, fearful that Sarria the first openly Gay man to have a José could win one of the six seats up for city street named after him in San Francisco. grabs that fall, party leaders recruited two “San Francisco is recognized as the dozen people to enter the race. José ended world’s LGBT mecca and it’s fitting that up in ninth place on election night.

José Sarria is the first Gay man to have a José later said it was a mistake not to run street named in his honor here,” Dufty, who in the following election, as he likely would authored the legislation naming José Sarria have won. Winning, however, wasn’t his Place in the Castro, said in a statement. goal at the time.

“I wanted to prove I, as a citizen of San see Sarria page 21

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Juan Carlos Llorca / AP

New Mexico county issues same-sex marriage licenses

Doña Ana official asserts state marriage law is ‘gender-neutral’

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer New Mexico’s Doña Ana County began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples August 21.

County Clerk Lynn Ellins said the decision to grant the licenses was based on a legal opinion issued earlier this year by the city of Santa Fe and a recent filing by New Mexico Attorney General Gary King.

“I am mindful that I took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the state of New Mexico as Doña Ana county clerk,” Ellins told the Las Cruces Sun-News.

“I am an attorney, and I have read the AG’s opinion, and I find it to be sound. After careful review of New Mexico’s laws it is clear that the state’s marriage statutes are gender-neutral and do not expressly prohibit Doña Ana County from issuing marriage licenses to same-gender couples. Any further denial of marriage licenses to these couples violates the United States and New Mexico Constitution and the New Mexico Human Rights Act. Doña Ana County is upholding New Mexico law by issuing these marriage licenses, and I see no reason to make committed couples in Doña Ana County wait another minute to marry.” Ellins began issuing the documents at 8 a.m. Mountain time.

On July 22, King said he would not oppose a suit by a Santa Fe Gay couple, Alex Hanna and Von Hudson, who are seeking a marriage license.

“New Mexico’s guarantee of equal protection to its citizens demands that same-sex couples be permitted to enjoy the benefits of marriage in the same way and to the same extent as other New Mexico citizens,” King wrote in his filing.

GENDERLESS FORMS In June, King’s office issued a nonbinding legal analysis claiming that New Mexico law does not allow same-sex marriages, but adding that the law was vulnerable to a constitutional challenge. The state’s constitutional definition of marriage does not refer to gender at all, but marriage license applications used by county clerks have spaces to list “bride” and “groom.”

Ellins issued licenses in the same format but without gender-specific references.

In April, Santa Fe passed a resolution outlining the case for same-sex marriages to be recognized under current state law. The resolution acknowledged that New Mexico law recognizes marriage as a contract between two gender- neutral parties and that the state’s Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sex.

Catherine Martinez and Linda Montoya hold hands as Dona Ana County employee and reverend Jess C. Williams marries them at the County Clerk’s Office in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

“We couldn’t be happier for the couples in Doña Ana County – and those across the state who will soon, no doubt, make their way there,” said Patrick Davis of Progress Now New Mexico. “They have waited far too long for public sentiment and political courage to evolve far enough to publicly acknowledge their relationships as being just as equal as that of their neighbors.”

Progress Now New Mexico describes itself as “a progressive advocacy group

working to advance marriage equality in New Mexico.”

The New Mexico Supreme Court has declined to hear the Santa Fe suit and a similar one brought by couples in Albuquerque, saying they must first be heard by district courts.

Doña Ana County, located just north of the Mexican border, is home to slightly more than 200,000 residents.

porn industry’s lawsuit.

son wrote.

Weinstein called the judge’s ruling “a tremendous, tremendous victory, one that will go a long way to safeguard the health and safety of those adult performers working in the industry.”

HIV/AIDS activists began to advocate public health laws regulating the porn industry after several well-publicized HIV scares interrupted filming in 2010 and 2011.

Industry spokespeople have opposed condom requirements not only because of First Amendment claims, but also because they contend that consumers prefer bareback porn.

Phillip Hayson

Two setbacks for porn industry

New HIV+ finding as federal court upholds LA condom ordinance

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Two stunning setbacks have hit the multimillion-dollar porn industry centered in Los Angeles.

On August 16 a federal district judge upheld the Los Angeles County ordinance re-

INDUSTRY CRITICIZED Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which defended the condom ordinance in court, used the latest HIV case as an opportunity to criticize the porn industry for ignoring basic safety measures.

“How many adult film performers have to become infected with an array of preventable sexually transmitted diseases – including HIV, which is not curable – before the porn industry actually complies with the law requiring condom use?” quiring porn actors to wear condoms during their performances.

Less than a week later, yet another porn actor reportedly tested positive for HIV, causing the industry to suspend filming indefinitely.

The August 16 ruling means that the Safer Sex in the Adult Film Industry Act, better known as Measure B, which was passed by Los Angeles voters last November, can go into effect.

Meanwhile, the unnamed actor’s co-performers are being tested for HIV by Adult Production Health and Safety Services, which works with the porn industry.

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Seattle Gay News

“How many adult film performers have to become infected with an array of preventable sexually transmitted diseases – including HIV, which is not curable – before the porn industry actually complies with the law requiring condom use?” Weinstein asked in a statement.

The condom law was challenged by two porn studios, Vivid Entertainment and Califa Productions, and two performers, Kayden Kross and Logan Pierce.

Los Angeles County officials declined to defend the measure in court, but the AIDS Healthcare Foundation was granted “intervener” status to defend the law against the

August 23, 2013

HARM REDUCTION In his August 16 ruling, U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson wrote that the AIDS Healthcare Foundation presented evidence of the health risks the measure is targeting.

He said the new law seeks to alleviate those harmed in a direct and material way.

“Plaintiffs [the adult film industry], by contrast, have presented evidence from individuals in the adult film industry, but not in the public health or medical profession, who claim testing is so effective and universal that condoms are unnecessary,” Preger-

Celebrating 40 Years!

file photo

Scott Lively in the dock Anti-Gay pastor to stand trial for crimes against humanity

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A U.S. district judge ruled on August 15 that American pastor Scott Lively may be tried for crimes against humanity because of his global anti-Gay activities.

The suit against Lively was brought by Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), the leading LGBT rights group in that country.

It alleges that Lively collaborated with key Ugandan government officials and religious leaders to write and introduce the notorious “Kill the Gays” bill, which is still pending in Uganda’s parliament.

U.S. law allows foreign nationals to sue for violations of international law in U.S. federal courts under the Alien Tort Statute.

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Michael Ponsor wrote, “Widespread, systematic persecution of LGBTI people constitutes a crime against humanity that unquestionably violates international norms.

“The history and current existence of discrimination against LGBTI people is precisely what qualifies them as a distinct targeted group eligible for protection under international law.

“The fact that a group continues to be vulnerable to widespread, systematic persecution in some parts of the world simply cannot shield one who commits a crime against humanity from liability.”

PROFESSIONAL BIGOT Lively has made a career of stirring up anti-Gay sentiment in the U.S. and internationally. His organization, Abiding Truth Ministries, has been named an anti-Gay hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Lively co-authored The Pink Swastika, a 1995 book which suggests that “homosexuals were the truth inventors of Nazism and the guiding force behind many Nazi atrocities,” and that the rainbow flag is a symbol of the “end times.”

In 2007, Lively toured 50 cities in Russia and other former Soviet countries. On this tour he helped found Watchmen on the Walls, a particularly violent anti-Gay organization now headquartered in Riga, Latvia.

He is also accused of recommending that Russia institute a ban on “Gay propaganda.”

In 2009 Lively was one of several American right-wing evangelical figures who attended a conference in Kampala, Uganda, at UGANDANS HAIL RULING which anti-Gay strategies were discussed, Frank Mugisha, director of SMUG, said including what later became the “Kill the that Ponsor’s ruling would help LGBT Gays” bill.

Scott Lively

Bradley Manning: ‘I am Chelsea’ Soldier who leaked secrets seeks to live as a woman

file photo

those who wrote to me, made a donation to my defense fund, or came to watch a portion of the trial. I would especially like to thank Courage to Resist and the Bradley Manning Support Network for their tireless efforts in raising awareness for my case and providing for my legal representation.

As I transition into this next phase of my life, I want everyone to know the real me. I am Chelsea Manning. I am a female. Given the way that I feel, and have felt since childhood, I want to begin hormone therapy as soon as possible. I hope that you will support me in this transition. I also request that, starting today, you refer to me by my new name and use the feminine pronoun (except in official mail to the confinement facility).

I look forward to receiving letters from supporters and having the opportunity to write back.

Thank you, Chelsea E. Manning

new jersey continued from cover

Army Pfc. Bradley Manning

Here is the full statement aired Thursday, August 22, on NBC-TV by 25-year-old Army Pfc. Bradley Manning, who was sentenced August 21 to 35 years in military prison for leaking classified documents.

Ugandans get justice for Lively’s crimes against their community.

“Today’s ruling is a significant victory for human rights everywhere but most especially for LGBTI Ugandans who are seeking accountability from those orchestrating our persecution,” Mugisha said.

Lively had asked that SMUG’s suit be dismissed in deference to his First Amendment right of free speech.

I want to thank everybody who has supported me over the last three years.

Throughout this long ordeal, your letters of support and encouragement have helped keep me strong. I am forever indebted to

are born with the predisposition to be homosexual.”

The governor also said the psychological health risks of trying to change a child’s sexual orientation, as identified by the American Psychological Association, outweigh concerns over the government setting limits on parental choice.

“Government should tread carefully into this area,” he said in the note, “and I do so here reluctantly.”

“However, I also believe that on the issues of medical treatment for children we must look to experts in the field to determine the relative risks and rewards,” Christie said, citing a litany of potential ill effects of trying to change sexual orientation, including depression and suicide. “I believe that exposing children to these health risks without clear evidence of benefits that outweigh these serious risks is not appropriate.”

ACTIVISTS APPLAUD LGBT rights activists applauded the ban but reminded Christie that marriage equality needs to be on the state’s political agenda.

“There is no greater achievement than helping to stop the abuse of our youth,” Troy Stevenson of LGBT rights group Garden State Equality said in a statement immediately after the signing.

“It will protect young people from being abused by those they should trust the most, their parents and their doctors.”

But, Stevenson continued, “it is our truest hope that the governor will realize, as the majority of the legislature and a supermajority of the pubic have realized, that the best way to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender youth are protected from the abuse of being ostracized is to provide them with equality.”

BUT … SANDUSKY! Some social conservatives framed the debate as a parental rights issue, saying a ban on the therapy would limit the ability of parents to do what they think is best for their children. Liberty Counsel said that would be the basis for their suit to overturn the law.

“This bill is so broad that parents would be prohibited from seeking help for their son who developed unwanted same-sex attractions after being molested by the likes of Jerry Sandusky,” Liberty Counsel chair Mat Staver said in a statement on August 19. “Counselors would only be allowed to affirm these unwanted feelings as good and normal. This is absurd and dangerous. This law would inflict serious damage to children, parents, and counselors.”

California Gov. Jerry Brown signed his state’s ban on conversion therapy into law in October 2012, but two months later a panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the law pending a decision on its constitutionality.

The suit filed to block the California law alleges that it violates the free-speech rights of therapists.

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Celebrating 40 Years!

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Celebrating 40 Years!

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Celebrating 40 Years!

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SEATTLE SEA DAWGS ICE HOCKEY TEAM The Seattle Sea Dawgs is a new ice hockey team that is forming open to Gay, Bi, Lesbian, Transgender and straight ally adult players. The Sea Dawgs mission is to provide a relaxed, friendly team environment for GLBTA hockey players to play hockey, socialize and support the greater GLBT community. The Sea Dawgs will play locally and organize for competitions in the U.S. and abroad. Interested players at all skill levels are encouraged to contact the Sea Dawgs for additional information or to express interest. The Sea Dawgs are especially looking for experienced players and a goalie at this time. Please email skateseadawgs@ gmail.com for additional information and to express your interest. Also, visit Seattle Sea Dawgs on Facebook.

he was murdered. Cruz brings his ghost into the play to provide a kindred spirit for the artist Emiliano as he grapples with learning to be a father again and discovers that his daughter and his Gay lover have become involved.

Tickets: $7-$20. 206-242-5180; www. latinotheatreprojects.org; www.burienlittletheatre.org

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

LATINO THEATRE PROJECTS & BURIEN LITTLE THEATRE – BEAUTY OF THE FATHER THRU AUGUST 25 On Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and on Sundays at 2 p.m., from August 2 through August 25, Latino Theatre Projects presents Beauty of the Father by Pulitizer Prize-winner Nilo Cruz at Burien Little Theatre (14501 Fourth Ave. S., Burien).

In Beauty of the Father, a young American woman travels to Spain to meet her long-estranged Gay artist father and falls for his Moroccan companion. Cruz explores the conflict between love and sacrifice in an unrequited love triangle in Andalusia, where the restless ghost of Spanish poet/ playwright Federico Garcia Lorca wanders the streets, conversing with the living.

Lorca is considered the premier writer in Spanish history. During the Spanish Civil War, he was executed by General Franco’s national security forces because of his leftist politics and because he was well-known to be a homosexual. After his death, he was martyred to their cause by the Republicans and, in current times, is revered by Spain’s Gay community.

It is believed that some of Lorca’s best poems were written about various Gay lovers.

However, he never found true love before

turing local cycling organizations and businesses, and a FREE outdoor screening of “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” the 1985 comedy classic by Tim Burton about Pee-Wee’s search for a stolen bicycle, with a remixed and replaced soundtrack (including new music, sound effects and live vinyl DJing)

by Jon Francois (DUG) and Eardrumz (Stop Biting). There will be neighborhood walking tours organized by Sustainable Seattle.

SISTERS OF PERPETUAL At 7:30 p.m. enjoy a live performance feaINDULGENCE – turing Tacoma post rock band Lo’ Do I See “CRAPTACULAR” ANNUAL My Brother. At 9 p.m., enjoy special raffle RUMMAGE SPECTACULAR drawing and “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.”

On Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m.-6 Presented by Northwest Film Forum, The p.m., and Sunday, August 25, from noon- Vera Project, and Sustainable Seattle.

6 p.m., at All Pilgrims Christian Church (500 Broadway E. at E. Republican St.), AMDEF – the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the AbART, MUSIC, DANCE, bey of St. Joan, host their fabulous annual ENTERTAINMENT & FASHION rummage sale with proceeds to benefit All On Saturday, August 24, from 7 p.m.-2 Pilgrims Christian Church and the Sisters’ a.m., at Neumos (925 E. Pike St.), enjoy the annual granting fund.

6th annual AMDEF show, a collaboration of art, music, dance, entertainment and fashALL THINGS JAPANESE SALE ion. Tickets: $15 advance at www.neumos.

On Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, com or $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit SoAugust 25, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the Japa- cial Outreach Seattle. www.socialoutreachnese Cultural and Community Center of seattle.com Washington (1414 S. Weller St., at Rainier Ave. S. just south of S. Jackson St.) in co“QUEEN FOR A DAY” – ordination with their Hosekibako: Japanese DRAG QUEEN CHARITY AUCTION Resale Shop host their annual All Things TO BENEFIT THE 2014 Japanese Sale, featuring an eclectic variety SEATTLE RED DRESS PARTY of new and used quality Japanese antiques, On Saturday, August 24, doors at 7 p.m., collectibles and more – including kimono, bidding at 8 p.m., at Fred Wildlife Refuge records/CDs/DVDs, kitchen and cooking (128 Belmont Ave.), join special guest aucitems, ornaments and giftware, ikebana tioneer Michelle Visage, superstar judge of items, tea ceremony items, tableware and RuPaul’s Drag Race, for Seattle’s First Anpottery, toys and dolls, tools – dogu, fur- nual Drag Queen Charity Auction. nishings, art, textiles, books.

One by one, TEN Seattle drag icons will A “sneak peek” preview sale will be held perform for and be bid on by an audience on Friday, August 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. of fans hoping to win a memorable, once Admission: $25 for JCCCW members, $50 in a lifetime experience with their favorfor the general public. Registration for the ite queen including a dinner and show at preview sale will be accepted by mail, tele- Teatro Zinzanni, limousine transportation, phone and online until Thursday, August an Atomic Cosmetics gift bag, and more.

22. Light appetizers and beverages will be Admission includes the ElektroPOP - Heatserved. www.jcccw.org Stroke party immediately following the Also, all Japanese art, antique, household auction. The ten participating drag queens and collectible items in good condition will are Drew Paradisco, Lady Chablis, Atasha be accepted 10 a.m.-5 p.m. until Thursday, Manila, La Saveona Hunt, Robbie Turner, August 22.

Mark Finley, Isabella Extynn St. James, Jessica Paradisco, Cherry Sur Bete, and Aleksa SEATTLE CENTER FESTAL – Manila. “Queen for a Day” is presented by TIBET FEST Mercedes-Benz of Seattle.

AUGUST 24 & 25 On Saturday and Sunday, August 24 RADICAL WOMEN – and 25, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Seattle “FARMWORKER WOMEN Center Armory, Tibet’s ancient and modern BATTLE FOR WORKERS’ history are woven into Tibet Fest, which RIGHTS & DIGNITY” seeks to preserve Tibet’s centuries-old culOn Saturday, August 24, at 7:30 p.m., at ture. Tibet Fest features live performances, New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), visual arts and crafts, hands-on activities, celebrate Women’s Rights Day and hear traditional foods, games, and a lively mar- from local fieldworkers standing up for ketplace to illuminate Tibet’s extraordinary humane working conditions and an end to past and present. www.washingtontibet.org. sexual assault in the fields. Door donation: $1-$5. Northwest Harvest Buffet served at 6 MATURE FRIENDS p.m. for a $10 donation. Hosted by Radical ANNUAL PICNIC Women. All welcome. Wheelchair accesOn Saturday, August 24, starting at 12 sible. 206-722-6057. noon, at Woodland Park, Shelter #6. (From I-5 north or southbound, take the NE 50th St SEATTLE PEACE CONCERTS exit and proceed west to Green Lake Way N. On Sunday, August 25, from noon-6 Turn right on Green Lake Way N., then left p.m., at Volunteer Park (14th Ave E. & E. on W. Greenlake Way N. into the park. Turn Prospect St.) seattleteenmusic.com presents left at the tennis courts and continue up the Eleven o7, Bleach Bear, Destination Unhill; turn right at top of hill, proceed north known, Sophia Duccini, School of Rock, to Shelter #6.) Bring food and non-alcoholic and StereoType Nation at this FREE outbeverage to share and something for the door concert. grill. www.maturefriends.org Seattle Peace Concerts will be held from June through September at Woodland Park, SEATTLE BIKE-IN Gas Works Park, Magnuson Park Beach AT CAL ANDERSON PARK Area and Volunteer Park. All ages welcome.

On Saturday, August 24, starting at 5 Cash and non-perishable food bank donap.m., grab your bikes and your friends and tions welcome. www.seapeace.org. head to Cal Anderson Park (11th Ave. & E. Olive St.) for the Seattle Bike-In, the annual “TO GRRR, WITH LOVE” – love letter to our Capitol Hill neighborhood THE BEARATONES & TOM GOSS and summer nights on two wheels. FREE IN CONCERT live music and DJs, tables and booths fea-

16 Seattle Gay News

August 23, 2013

EMERALD CITY BLACK PRIDE CELEBRATION AUGUST 23-25 This weekend from Friday evening, August 23, through Sunday afternoon, August 25 celebrate Black Pride in Seattle.

On Friday, August 23, at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (104 17th Ave. S.) enjoy a reception with light refreshments from 6-7 p.m., followed by a screening of Patrick Ian-Polks’ “Punks” from 7-8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, August 24, enjoy a Mixer and Meet ‘n Greet with FREE food and bowling from 3-7 p.m. (ages 21 & up) at The Garage (1130 Broadway).

On Saturday, August 24, from 10 p.m.-2 a.m., at Dahlak (2007 S. State St.), enjoy the official Emerald City Black PRIDE Party ($10 cover) sponsored by Fire Nights.

On Sunday, August 25, from 1-6 p.m., at Alvin Larkins Park (1501 34th Ave. E.), enjoy the Emerald City Black PRIDE BBQ, with FREE food and HIV testing available.

IRRATIONAL ROBOT BUREAU – “THE GAS HEART” AUGUST 23 & 24 On Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (15 Roy St.), the Irrational Robot Bureau presents “The Gas Heart.” Tristan Tzara’s 1921 DADA anti-masterpiece is rebooted for the 21st Century as the Irrational Robot Bureau’s latest performance project.

Tickets: $10 at the door. www.facebook. com/irrationalrobotbureau.

On Sunday, August 25, at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., at Velocity Dance Center (1621 12th Ave.), the BEARatones, a Seattle-based vocal quartet, put their furry spin on life, love, and lust in long johns with songs ranging from show tunes to classics while featuring many original pieces. The BEARatones have something for everyone, all served up with bearish good humor.

Tom Goss is a unique voice among Gay singer-songwriters: a former Catholic seminarian turned guitar-toting troubadour whose heartfelt lyrics, hooky melodies and quirky charm have earned him a dedicated national following.

Put them together and you have “To Grrr, With Love,” a non-stop 90 minute cavalcade of music that’s sure to bring a warm glow to this late summer’s evening.

Tickets: $20 available at http://togrrrwithlove.brownpapertickets.com 20TH ANNUAL MR & MISS NEIGHBOURS PAGEANT On Sunday, August 25, door at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Neighbours Nightclub (1509 12th Ave.) presents the 20th Annual Mr. & Miss Neighbours Pageant with special guest Gaysha Starr (who in 1993 was crowned the first Miss Neighbours), along with a bevy of talented contests. Hosted by Aleksa Manila and Shaun Knittel. A night to remember.

Q-SQUARED/ BOYZ IN THE WOODS – C.A.M.P. 2013 AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 2 Today, we live in a very connected world.

Our society has seen the deep entrenchment of technology in our lives. This year our theme is UNPLUG & CONNECT. Unplug from the daily grind. Connect with friends old and new. Join us this Labor Day Weekend and Come And Meet People – a place where you can relax, stay active, play games, relax, laugh, eat, sleep, hike, dance (or not), learn and, above all, relax!

Registration fee of $195 includes lodging, meals, workshops, activities, and personal growth. For more information and to register, visit www.qsquared.org or email camp@qsquared.org.

“A NIGHT CELEBRATING LOVE WITH MARY LAMBERT” – A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR Q YOUTH RESOURCES On Friday, September 6, doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m., at Town Hall (1119 8th Ave. at Seneca St.), Mary Lambert and Q Youth Resources presents “A Night Celebrating Love.” Tickets: $10 or $40 VIP. All proceeds support Q Youth Resources. www. brownpapertickets.com/event/430814 KENT PRIDE 2013 SEPTEMBER 6-8 On Friday, September 6, at 7 p.m., enjoy Gay Bingo at Kent Senior Center (600 E. Smith St.). Sponsored by Kent Youth and Family Services.

On Saturday, September 7, at 7 p.m., celebrate Pride at Nashville’s (114 Railroad Ave. N., Kent) or at the AC Tavern (209 E. Meeker St.). 21 & over.

On Sunday, September 8, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Burlington Green Park (W. Meeker St. & Railroad Ave. N.) enjoy Pride Festival in the Park.

GAY CITY ARTS – “TO TAKE THIS RISK” THRU SEPTEMBER 9 From August 8 through September 9, Gay City Arts (517 E. Pike St.) presents “To Take This Risk,” an exhibition of work by Grant Rehnberg. www.grantrehnberg.com.

Celebrating 40 Years!

mcgilloway photography

travel A fine day, begorrah!

Northern Ireland’s Derry celebrates 20 years of Pride

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer In the very north of Northern Ireland, there’s a beautiful city named Derry that is home to an estimated 106,000 residents.

It isn’t a big place by any means, but it’s a wonderful retreat from larger urban areas in

Street, where a variety of live entertainment will be offered at Guildhall Square. “Freedom and Expression” is the theme for this year’s festivities.

Decorative floats, fire brigade members, drag queens, local LGBT organizations, and community leaders will march in the parade. After the events at Guildhall Square,

Foyle Pride started in 1993, just 11 years after homosexuality was decriminalized in Northern Ireland. It began with a political march, and in 2009 it expanded to a parade and multi-day festival. other parts of the island nation.

It is here in Derry, technically part of the United Kingdom and sometimes referred to as Londonderry, that Foyle Pride celebrations have been happening annually for two decades, although only three times has there been a parade. This year marks the 20th anniversary milestone. According to Joe Carlin, the event’s chairperson, between 8,000 to 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festivities, which kicked off August 20 with an appearance by writer-performer Amy Lamé and runs through August 25.

Saturday’s parade will begin at 2 p.m. at Waterside Train Station, then over the Craigavon Bridge and past The Diamond before making its way down Shipquay

located right in the center of town, many will wind up at Envy Bar & Night Club, the city’s lone Gay bar, at the tail end of Strand Road, or at Sandinos, a Gay-friendly streetcorner pub with two floors of space.

Foyle Pride started in 1993, just 11 years after homosexuality was decriminalized in Northern Ireland. It began with a political march, and in 2009 it expanded to a parade and multi-day festival. Attendees from nearby villages, such as Limavady, Dungiven, and Strabane, will also participate in Foyle Pride. Foyle, by the way, refers to the area, or county, that Derry lies in.

Derry is 90 minutes from Belfast and roughly 2.5 hours from Dublin by train on a very scenic route that provides views of

sloping farm communities, lush green val- tion, go to www.discovernorthernireland. leys, the fast-redeveloping city of Belfast, com. And for details on Foyle Pride, log castles, cathedrals, and the coastal outline onto http://foylepridefestival.com. just outside of Dublin. For visitor informa-

Repeal ‘Gay propaganda’ law, UN tells Russia

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The United Nations human rights office rejects Russia’s so-called “Gay propaganda” law and is calling on the Russian government to repeal it, a U.N. spokesperson said August 19.

Human rights advisor Claude Cahn of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said the anti-Gay laws are “inherently discriminatory in both intent and effect,” in a speech in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.

“Such measures form the basis for standing and regular harassment, and even arbitrary detention, and help create a climate of fear for anyone working on advancing the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people,” Cahn said.

The U.N.’s message was not aimed solely at Russia, however. The Ukraine, a former republic of the now-defunct Soviet Union, is considering an almost identical proposal, and neighboring Moldova, another former Soviet republic, has similar laws on the books.

SEX EDUCATION URGED The full statement from the OHCHR advocates “comprehensive, non-discriminatory sexuality education” to help tackle homophobia and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. As members of the U.N., Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova are bound by international law to observe basic human rights protections

contained in the U.N. Charter and resolutions.

U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay of South Africa has previously urged governments to treat homophobia and transphobia in the same way as they would deal with sexism and racism.

“Each and every one of us is entitled to the same rights, to the same respect and ethical treatment, regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity,” she said.

HARMFUL TO MINORS Jasmine O’Connor of the British nonprofit group Stonewall told Gay Star News that the Russian law will harm children rather than protect them.

“Rather than protecting the health and moral well-being of minors, experience shows that such measures reinforce stigma and prejudice, leading to more discrimination, more abuse, and more violence, contrary to the interests and rights of the children and young people concerned,” she said.

Russia decriminalized Gay sex in 1993, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and homosexuality was removed from the Russian list of mental illnesses in 1997. Transgender Russians have been able to change gender identifiers on legal documents since 1997.

However there are no laws protecting LGBT citizens from discrimination, and Russian police have been notoriously slow in responding to or investigating reports of hate crimes.

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Human rights advisor Claude Cahn of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

August 23, 2013

Seattle Gay News 17

courtesy the Guardian

Brits challenge their version of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Thatcher-era law still widely influential a decade after its repeal

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Before there was Vladimir Putin’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, there was Maggie Thatcher’s Section 28.

Introduced by Thatcher’s Conservative government in 1988, Section 28 of the Local Government Act banned the “promotion” of homosexuality by local authorities and said that schools could not “promote the

schools – Castle View Enterprise Academy (CVEA), Swindon Academy, and Stockport Academy – for keeping the old “Don’t Say Gay” policies in place.

On August 19, a report issued by the British Humanist Association (BHA) said that 45 council schools either retain the old Section 28 language banning “promotion of homosexuality” or are “unhelpfully vague on the issue.”

CVEA principal Janet Bridges admitted to

“It is simply unacceptable that over a decade after the repeal of the pernicious Section 28 that these schools continue to enforce similar policies, while others have statements which are overly vague on this matter.” acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.”

While no penalties were specified in the law, and no one was ever prosecuted for violating it, local councils feared they would lose government funding, and removed any references to the LGBT community from school curricula.

Section 28 was repealed by the Scottish parliament in 2000, and in England and Wales by Tony Blair’s Labor government in 2003.

SCHOOL RULES UNCHANGED Now, a decade after the law was repealed, LGBT rights activists charge that scores of British schools still implement the old antiGay policy.

On August 17 a petition went up on Change.org calling out three British council

an “administrative error,” but LGBT activists pointed out that CVEA’s Sexual and Relationships Education (SRE) policy statement includes the pledge that the school’s “Governing Body will not permit the promotion of homosexuality.”

King James’s School, a state school in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, stipulates in its SRE policy statement that the school will “ensure that homosexuality is not promoted as a pretended family relationship whilst not encouraging homophobia.”

“It is simply unacceptable that over a decade after the repeal of the pernicious Section 28 that these schools continue to enforce similar policies, while others have statements which are overly vague on this matter,” BHA Head of Public Affairs Pavan Dhaliwal said.

OFFICIALS PLEDGE INQUIRY Meanwhile, Britain’s Department for Education (DfE) said that it is investigating activists’ claims.

In a statement to PinkNews, a British LGBT news website, a DfE spokesman said “What these schools have done by singling out homosexuality is unacceptable. All schools can draw up their own sex education policy but they must ensure they do not discriminate unfairly on grounds of sexual orientation. Our sex and relationship education guidance makes it clear that schools should not promote any sexual orientation.

The DfE will be looking into these schools.”

The opposition Labor Party also called on the British government to respond to charges that schools are reverting to anti-

Health and Counseling Services

Gay policies. “[Conservative Education Secretary] Michael Gove must intervene to ensure that all schools obey their duties under the Equality Act,” Labor’s “shadow” Education Secretary Stephen Twigg said.

“Labor got rid of Section 28 in 2003 to ensure that schools taught about homosexuality in an open and honest way. Homophobic bullying is still too common in schools, we must ensure that we redouble our efforts to tackle such prejudice.”

Britain’s 2010 Equality Act, passed by Gordon Brown’s Labor government before it lost power in the 2010 national election, codifies British anti-discrimination laws and includes prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

In Britain, “council schools” are the equivalent of American public schools, while British “public schools” are what Americans mean when we say “private schools.”

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August 23, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

God told me to quit, ex-Pope says

clean up a church beset with scandals.

Zenit added that Benedict was content with his present life of secluded prayer, and was not motivated to meddle in church affairs.

“During these meetings, the ex-pontiff file photo

Germany introduces genderless birth certificates

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Former Pope Benedict XVI

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

process that brought Benedict to resign,” he said.

Former Pope Benedict XVI said “God told me to” resign the papacy, in a report filed by the Catholic news agency Zenit.

The former Pope’s remarks, which Zenit made public on August 21, were said to have been made “a few weeks ago.” The person to whom the Pope made the statement was not identified.

Benedict said he had not seen a vision or heard God’s voice, but that he had what he described as a “mystical experience” in which God inspired him with an “absolute desire” to retire to a life of prayer rather than continue as pontiff.

The experience lasted for months, Benedict added, steadily building up his desire to leave office. After seeing the “charisma” of his successor, Pope Francis, the ex-Pope said that he believed his retirement was “the will of God.” An unnamed senior Vatican source said the report was reliable. “The report seems credible. It accurately explains the spiritual

SHIFTING NARRATIVE Benedict’s remarks contradict the explanation he gave Vatican officials when he announced his resignation on February 11, becoming the first pope in nearly 600 years to do so. At the time he said, “My strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.”

A German reporter who met Benedict at that time confirmed that his strength appeared to be failing, saying the pope was going deaf, seemed to be blind in one eye, and was emaciated and “exhausted-looking.”

Benedict was also reportedly depressed after his butler, Paolo Gabriele, was caught leaking the Pope’s private letters to news media.

The former pope’s reported remarks also contradict Italian press reports that he resigned in despair over the influence of a so-called “Gay Lobby” of powerful clerics who banded together to frustrate his plans to

does not comment, does not reveal secrets, does not make statements that could be understood as ‘the words of the other pope,’ but is as reserved as he has always been,” Zenit said.

Germany will become the first country in the European Union to offer a genderless option for birth certificates when new regulations come into effect in November.

Under the new system, German parents will have the option of choosing “male,” “female,” or “blank” for their child’s gender.

“The legislative change allows parents to opt out of determining their baby’s gender, thereby allowing those born with characteristics of both sexes to choose whether to become male or female in later life,” Spiegel Online reports.

“Under the new law, individuals can also opt to remain outside the gender binary altogether.”

German passports and other government documents will still ask people to choose between “male” and “female” genders, however.

Germany isn’t the only country in the world to make such a change. A new Australian law provides “the option to select M (male), F (female), or X (Indeterminate/ Intersex/Unspecified)” and applies to all official documents.

ANTI-TRANS BIAS ‘RAMPANT’ With the possible exception of Finland, which has made some administrative efforts towards gender recognition, but as yet has passed no legislation, the European Union is behind on the issue, claims Silvan Agius, policy director at the European chapter of ILGA (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association).

A 2012 report co-authored by Agius found that discrimination against Transgender and Intersex people was still “rampant in all E.U. countries.”

Agius expressed the hope that Germany’s actions will influence other nations which has been slow to make deal with gender discrimination following a 2010 report on Trans and Intersex minorities.

“Germany’s move will put more pressure on Brussels,” Agius said. “That can only be a good thing.”

In addition to being the capital of Belgium, Brussels is the headquarters of the European Union.

ILGA-Europe and TGEU (Transgender Europe) are co-hosting two upcoming conferences on gender identity issues: “From Stumbling Block to Stepping Stone – Transforming Legal Gender Recognition,” September 29 through October 1; and “Roundtable on Legal Gender Recognition of Trans People,” October 1 and 2.

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Seattle Gay News 19

sarria

continued from page 7 José collected many LGBT historic documents during his life and materials from his collection comprise the José Sarria Papers at the GLBT Historical Society of San Francisco.

Additionally, José was honored by the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee with its Lifetime Achievement grand marshal title in 2005. A plaque outlining his contributions is embedded in the sidewalk in front of the Harvey Milk Memorial Branch of the San Francisco Public Library at One José Sarria Court.

GAYSHA STARR REMEMBERS Seattle drag legend Gaysha Starr, who reigned as Olympia XXIX, Empress of Seattle 1999-2000 and was the recipient of the Double Eagle Award from Empress Nicole in February 2013, said, “As a Gay man, a person of color, a drag queen, and an activist, he dared to dream a world of pageantry and community service that in turn would create a place for people to aspire to and fit in – the International Court System.”

“Before social media and LGBT became

so mainstream, the International Court System did a lot of its fundraising and community service the old-fashioned way – in the bars,” said Gaysha. “And while most would argue that most of the Court Chapters have grown to be irrelevant or “not with the times,” we can’t deny them of their contributions as our GLBTQ communities fought for HIV/AIDS awareness and funding, equal rights for both sexual minorities and Transgendered people, to most recently Marriage Equality for all.”

“I’m not sure if José would even remember me in the sea of Monarchs who bowed down to him in respect, but I do know he is someone who fought for rights that you – drag queen, titleholder, or LGBT-next-door – take for granted every day,” said Gaysha.

“The next time I wear my crown, or see an “entertainer” performing onstage, I will be thankful to icons like Empress José as he paved the way for us to no longer to be afraid of being ourselves and having the same rights as everyone else,” Gaysha continued.

“Because of Empress José, the Widow Norton, and his vision, he gave a large part of the GLBTQ community the stage and platform that now a click of a button on a computer keyboard can,” said Gaysha. “It’s

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funny how a symbol of a crown or a medallion could give someone a sense of belonging and accomplishment. It could give some power and others heartache but, I think for most of us titleholders it gave us something we didn’t have as we came to terms with our sexual orientation or gender identity. It gave us confidence and validation.”

“I still remember the first day I saw the original and massive State Crown on Seattle Empress Olympia XXIII Paula in 1993. It gave me something to aspire to and gave me a purpose as I learned the craft of drag,” she said. “Six years later I would be crowned one of the youngest titleholders with the honor and the first Asian Pacific Islander Empress of Seattle, Olympia XXIX, The Empress of Good Fortune.”

“I equate meeting José in the ’90s like a queen today meeting RuPaul,” said Gaysha. “These iconic drag queens who broke barriers while creating their own success.

They would not take no for an answer, all the while being larger-than-life characters.”

was the Grand Pooh-Bah! From day one José treated me with the utmost respect, and instilled in me the importance of humility, humanity, and history. Over the years when we would meet there was always that warm touch of his hand on mine (everybody else got a warm hand elsewhere) and a “Hello, my dear.”

“A couple years ago in Tacoma at Doug’s stepping down, José was in attendance and the most amazing thing happened. I was on the dais when José approached to address the room,” said Scotty I. “Facing me – now this was from José to me, a kid off a dairy farm on Whidbey Island – he said, “Scotty, I am humbled to be in your presence.” I was dumbfounded. I said that he had it wrong, ‘It is I that is humbled.’ He wouldn’t hear of it. I cried.”

“Yesterday at work Bev called from Las Vegas to tell me of José’s passing. I cried.”

He said. “This was not supposed to happen … José should have lived forever. Now he is a sweet memory of a kind and courageous man.”

Barry Burns, President of the Board of Directors, Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle – The Olympic and Rainier Empire, and Emperor XXIV of the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, said, “Mama José was truly a mother to us all. Wise, inspirational, loving, kind, and generous as a mother should be, but also a taskmaster who did not shy away from reminding us that we had a purpose in this world and that the Imperial Courts were more than crowns and gowns. His idea that we could harness our ego, talents, and flair as a force for good in our communities resonates throughout each and every GLBT charitable organization that exists in the U.S. and Canada today.

We salute and honor José and say a heartfelt thanks for his stellar example of a life well lived.”

Nina Maxwell, Seattle Empress XXXVII and Heir Apparent to Nicole the Great, said, “While I am deeply saddened by the passing of Empress José Sarria, I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to look back at the tremendous hard work and accomplishments of this LGBT pioneer and celebrate his inspirational courage to live openly in his truth during a time when being Gay was not only illegal but very dangerous.”

“The world is a better place because of José Sarria and now it is time for us to take the torch and continue the fight for GLBT civil rights and equality,” said Maxwell.

TRIBUTES FROM ALL OVER Vancouver, B.C.’s Joan-e Edwards, also a member of the Court System, said, “Today is a sad and historic day, as many of us across North America mourn the loss and celebrate the life of José Julio Sarria, Absolute Empress I de San Francisco and founder of the International Court System.

José’s mark in LGBT history should not be underscored. The laws, rights, and securities we sometimes now take for granted are as a result of the sheer bravery and vision of LGBT pioneers like José. Veteran. Activist.

Politician. Entertainer. Visionary. Queen. I will forever be grateful to José. The Court system has led me, and thousands of others, to meeting great friends and chosen family. It has also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for our community charities. No small thing. I had the privilege having lunch at José’s home in Palm Springs years ago.

Of course he was a very different man than his public character. He seemed more fascinated by my friend Ralph and I than even we were with him! There was a warm crinkle in his eyes I saw when we were discussing that I did drag for a living. It was a simple awesome moment where I saw his sheer delight and awe that his dream indeed lives on in each and every one of us queens. José, I salute you! Hip-hip, hooray! Hip-hip, hooray! Hip-hip, hooray!”

Olympia I Scotty I, the first-ever Empress of Seattle, told SGN, “I met José in late 1971 or early 1972 at the Jack Tar Hotel, The National Gay and Lesbian task force San Francisco, on the occasion of Empress issued the following statement August 19.

Crystal’s stepping down. I might also add this was my first visit to San Francisco and NGLTF mourns the loss of Jose Julio my first out-of-town coronation as Olympia Sarria I. I had finally made it to Mecca and José The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force mourns the loss of LGBT rights pioneer José Julio Sarria. He was 91, a World War II veteran, and the first openly LGBT candidate to run for public office in North

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America. Sarria was a candidate for the San Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “I am deeply Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1961.

In 1965, Sarria declared himself “Em- saddened on the passing of civil rights legpress Jose I, The Widow Norton” after win- end José Sarria. The Task Force honored ning a drag queen competition at the Tavern José Sarria at the National Conference on Guild’s “Beaux Arts Ball.” With that procla- LGBT Equality: Creating Change in 2005 mation, the first Court Chapter of the Inter- for his over 50 years of leadership and activism on behalf of LGBT people and our famnational Court System was established.

Russell Roybal, First Imperial Grandson ilies. He was an original who will be sorely to Empress I Jose, The Widow Norton, and missed.” deputy executive director of external relations of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said: “Words cannot express what a tremendous loss I feel today on the passing continued from cover of José Sarria. He is an icon of the LGBT community, a hero, a mentor, and a friend. Boeing machinists’ union; UNITE HERE José brought laughter, camp, and fun to Local 8, which represents hospitality and all of our lives and to the struggle not just food service workers; American Federation for Gay and Lesbian liberation, but for all of Teachers Local 1789, representing compeople. His legacy as a Gay Latino leader, munity college instructors; and Teamsters activist, and drag queen will live on for all Joint Council 28. of us who share his commitment to the comTeamsters Local 117 and International munities from which we come.”

Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 42 The International Court System of the gave endorsements to both candidates.

United States, Canada, and Mexico now has United Food and Commercial Workers associated chapters in over 68 cities across Local 21, the state’s largest private-sector the three nations. In 1961 Sarria helped to union, also backs McGinn, but it is not afform the League for Civil Education, one filiated with MLKCLC and had no vote at of the first Gay rights organizations in the the August 21 meeting. country and the first Gay nonprofit registered in California. Also, in 1961, when SarDUAL ENDORSEMENT FAILS ria declared himself a candidate for the San When the executive board recommendaFrancisco Board of Supervisors, he finished tion for a dual endorsement was put before in ninth place from a field of over 30 candi- the delegates, Murray’s supporters spoke in dates. In 1963 he co-founded the Society for favor of it, while McGinn’s people tried to Individual Rights (SIR). block it.

“Today we lost a pioneer, trailblazer and With a two-thirds vote necessary to pass hero in the movement for Lesbian, Gay, Bi- the dual endorsement, and with both sides sexual, and Transgender equality,” said Rea evenly matched, the meeting reached its

labor

time limit and adjourned without an endorsement.

“The Labor Council engaged in a vibrant and energetic exchange of viewpoints during the debate Wednesday evening on the Seattle Mayor’s race,” MLKCLC Executive Director David Freiboth later told SGN. “In the end, faced with two candidates with strong labor credentials, the body could not muster the two-thirds majority necessary to make a recommendation. It is possible the question will be revisited at our next delegate’s meeting, September 19, but until then the Labor Council is on the sidelines.”

endorsement in the mayor’s race, Murray’s campaign said it was satisfied with the outcome.

“We were fine with the results,” Murray consultant Sandeep Kaushik told SGN the next day.

“Our supporters in the labor community made a really strong showing at the meeting last night, which we very much appreciate.

The outcome demonstrates that contrary to the claim by the mayor, and his attempts to polarize the race, the reality is that Ed has strong progressive support across Seattle including in the labor community.”

In the other Seattle city contest this fall, MLKCLC did approve a dual endorsement for incumbent City Council member Mike MURRAY OK WITH IT Although the meeting adjourned with no O’Brien and his challenger, Albert Shen.

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