SGN September 6, 2013 - Section 1

Celebrating 40 Years!

Issue 36 Volume 41

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Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Murray endorsed by primary rival Bruce Harrell praises senator’s ‘commitment to social justice’ nate gowdy / seattle gay news

courtesy electbruceharrell.com

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer City Council member and former mayoral candidate Bruce Harrell endorsed Washington State Sen. Ed Murray’s bid to be mayor of Seattle in a press conference on September 5.

fourth, winning 15.22% of the vote. He becomes the fourth City Council member to endorse Murray, after Tim Burgess, Sally Clark, and Tom Rasmussen. To date, no council members have endorsed incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn.

“When I make a decision like this, I study the issues, I study the person, I study the record, and I look forward to working with [Murray] as mayor.”

Former Seattle mayoral candidate Bruce Harrell (l) has thrown his support to Ed Murray

‘Love always wins!’

Saying he was giving Murray his “official and unconditional endorsement,” Harrell added that the “decision did not come lightly.”

“When I make a decision like this,” Harrell added, “I study the issues, I study the person, I study the record, and I look forward to working with [Murray] as mayor.”

Harrell also praised Murray as someone “known for being compassionate, known for a commitment to social justice.”

In a primary election field of nine candidates, Harrell finished

MAYOR CRITICIZED Harrell appeared at Thursday’s press conference with Murray and Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes, who has also endorsed Murray, to discuss public safety issues. Like Murray and Holmes, Harrell, chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, has been sharply critical of McGinn’s handling of police reform.

Calling public safety “the highest priority of city government,” see murray page 21

Republicans sue to block NM marriage equality

Activists join to protest Russian consul in Seattle Eight counties now issue licenses

by Shaun Knittel to same-sex couples SGN Associate Editor Robin Zielinski / Las Cruces Sun-News

nate gowdy / seattle gay news

Protestors outside the Russian Consulate in Seattle

On Tuesday, September 3, with bullhorn in hand, I headed toward Madison Beach to join hundreds of protesters participating in the Out.org call for a global response to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country’s so-called “Gay propaganda” laws.

The protesters’ message was simple: Love Always Wins.

“Global Speak Out” events were held worldwide one day before Western leaders meet with President Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.

I have to give kudos to All Out because they truly did help organize a global speakout for Russia.

Events took place in more than 30 cities around the world, including Rome, Sydney, Buenos Aires, and, of course, Seattle.

In Seattle, my organization, Social Outreach Seattle, joined with Equal Rights Washington, Dan Savage and the Dump Stoli Vodka campaign, The Seattle Lesbian, Seattle Gay News, and others, to protest in front of the residence of the Russian Consul General (3726 E. Madison St.).

The “Global Speak Out” event

Diana Johnson reacts after Dona Ana County Commissioners chose to pass a resolution in support of the county issuing Gay marriage licenses

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Republican lawmakers in New Mexico filed suit on August 30 to block Dona Ana County from issuing marriage licenses to samesee protest page 5 sex couples, but even as they did,

the marriage situation in New Mexico seemed to spiral out of their control as yet another judge ordered yet another county to issue licenses to Gay and Lesbian couples. see new mexico page 9

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September 6, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

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op-ed

The road to the Hall of Fame Making the case for print media at the NLGJA

by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News What surprised me most at the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association annual convention in Boston last week was the widespread concern for the future of print media.

“Hard news and features keep you relevant. We were out front on the Boy Scouts and [Philadelphia’s] decade-long battle with that group began in our pages.”

Granted, print is having a hard time at present – it doesn’t know how to monetize its online material and newspaper circulations are on the decline. So, that led me, at the last minute, to completely change my acceptance speech for my induction into the NLGJA Hall of Fame.

First, to give some perspective to audience members who didn’t know me, I detailed my activism background. Those of

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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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you who read this column regularly know that the timeline went: Stonewall, Gay Liberation Front New York, the founding of Gay Youth, disruptions of CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite … and then the founding of Philadelphia Gay News.

I first told of our early days, in which we put up with our vending boxes being

bombed, vandals destroying our office, having only one IBM Selectric typewriter for all of us, and using press type for headlines.

We even had The Thunderbolt, a white supremacist magazine, put us on their hit list.

No journalism organizations allowed us to join.

Then, to give the NLGJA attendees cause for optimism, I explained that PGN now owns its own building and equipment, is

current on all its bills and taxes, and employs a full-time staff of 14 with benefits.

That is success in print media.

Then the important part – how did we become so strong? It’s a simple formula, at least to me: a strong business department that generates the funds needed to hire award-winning journalists to put out not an “LGBT newspaper,” but a high-quality journalistic newspaper that serves the LGBT community. It was easy to explain that. PGN is the most-awarded LGBT publication in the nation. Yes, I said that with some of the other publishers present.

VITAL COMPONENTS Stories that readers can get only in your newspaper bring readers, so publications shouldn’t be afraid of controversy and strong opinion pieces, and allowing those who disagree with you to do so in letters to the editor or in op-ed pieces. But the most important element is investigative reporting. Here I recalled Tim Cwiek’s 10-year saga on the case of Nizah Morris, a Transgender woman who was found dead shortly after a chance encounter with police. The articles prompted a critical report by the city’s Police Advisory Commission and rule changes at the Philadelphia Police Department. No other paper that I know of would put the resources into such a story for so long.

Hard news and features keep you relevant.

We were out front on the Boy Scouts and the city’s decade-long battle with that group began in our pages, while we also covered the dangers of “pumping parties” and had a reporter spend a night on the streets with homeless Gay youth.

Media has changed and print must embrace and innovate. I explained that we have partnerships with Philly.com and Philadelphia Business Journal, the first such arrangement in the nation involving LGBT media. Our work with the Philadelphia Multi-Cultural News Network not only allows PGN to work with a full range of diverse publications but has helped more than 20 newspapers, making Philly a vibrant, diversified newspaper city.

I had much more I could have added, but my allotted time was running out. My desire was to bring new ideas and optimism, and I believe I succeeded.

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

September 6, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

Local news GSBA to host major candidate forum

Rights Washington Executive Director Rod Hearne. “The GSBA candidate forum presents a tremendous opportunity for the community to get to know the candidates who, when elected, will help us achieve a fairer and more inclusive society.”

According to GSBA Deputy Director Rachael Brister, attendees will get to mingle with elected officials and other candidates before the start of the official program.

Deborah Brandt, formerly of KUOW, will return in her role as moderator. Each candiEd Murray), Seattle City Council Position date will give an opening statement and then 2 (Richard Conlin vs. Kshama Sawant), be asked questions regarding business and and Seattle City Council Position 8 (Mike civil rights issues facing voters. There will O’Brien vs. Albert Shen). be an opportunity for audience members to submit questions to the candidates.

LGBT-FOCUSED The event is co-sponsored by Equal This forum is the only one in the region Rights Washington; QLaw, the GLBT Bar focused on LGBT and small business is- Association of Washington; and Terwedo sues.

Financial Services. Community partners in“Our success in working toward equal- clude Gay City, Legal Voice, Out & Equal ity in Washington is directly related to our Workplace Advocates, Out in Front, Out for commitment as a community to finding Sustainability, and Pride Foundation. leaders who understand the inequities and challenges LGBT people face,” said Equal

ABOUT THE GSBA The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) is this region’s LGBT and Allied Chamber of Commerce proudly serving the business and nonprofit community since 1981. GSBA is the largest LGBT chamber in the United States with more than 1,000 members. More than a chamber, GSBA is a vibrant community organization with a broad and diverse membership base. GSBA is widely known throughout the Puget Sound region for its work on business development, connecting community through business, advocacy on both civil rights and business and promoting LGBT Tourism through its Travel Gay Seattle tourism initiative. In addition, GSBA invests in the next generation of leaders by sponsoring a Scholarship Fund, which has given out over $1.8 million in scholarships to Washington undergraduates since 1990. GSBA’s mission is to combine business development, social action, and leadership to expand economic opportunities for the LGBT community and those who support equality for all.

For more information about GSBA, visit www.thegsba.org.

“About LGBT Legislation In Russia,” with no stated author.

“I regret that due to my schedule I cannot participate in your program,” wrote Yushmanov. ”Nevertheless, I hope that some facts set forth in attachments could be helpful for objective and unprejudiced discussion on a topic that often used toward some political ends rather than to present the public with an objective picture of to-day’s Russia.

“There are a lot of attempts to use the adoption in Russia of a law that bans propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among children to portray our country as non-tolerant towards LGBT community,” he said. “That is simply not true. The overall spirit of tolerance towards LGBT-individuals in Russia is well reflected in an article by Austin Ruse, President of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute, published in “The Daily Caller” on 7/8/2013.

“As to the value of protests, I believe they can bring changes only if they’re honest and sincere and not misleading people. There is a flyer calling the people of Seattle to “make some noise and show … support for Russian queers” in front of our Consulate next week,” he said. “Obviously based on wrong facts it seems to be just “some noise” and waste of time. Indeed there seems to be more sense in the calls to ban Vodka – reduction of alcohol consumption is anyway better.”

by Russia’s parliament that targets “homosexual propaganda.”

Igor Kochetkov of LGBT Network told AP that his organization accepted the invitation to meet with Obama in St. Petersburg on Thursday. The St. Petersburg-based advocacy group Coming Out said it also was invited but hadn’t decided whether to go.

The White House would not comment on the meeting, but Obama has frequently met with civil society groups when traveling abroad. In 2009, he met with a group of human rights activists while visiting Russia, but members of the LGBT community were not present.

Sept. 11 event features Seattle mayoral, City Council hopefuls

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), the nation’s largest LGBT Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Candidate Forum luncheon on Wednesday, September 11, at the Red Lion Hotel, on Fifth Avenue between Union and Pike streets in downtown Seattle.

GSBA officials say they are proud to feature some of Seattle’s highest profile races that will be on the ballot in November, including Seattle mayor (Mike McGinn vs.

nate gowdy / seattle gay news

Protestors outside the Russian Consulate in Seattle

protest

continued from cover was endorsed by LGBT organizations worldwide, including All Out, GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the Peter Tatchell Foundation in Great Britain, Queer Nation New York, BoycottRussianVodka.com, LGBT Solidarity Day San Francisco, and many others.

Russian Gay Propaganda law is not favored.

“These laws that have been passed in Russia must be repealed,” said Dan Savage, Gay rights advocate and editorial director of The Stranger. “The world is not going to stand silently by while LGBT people are brutalized in Russia.”

Because of these laws, in Russia people have been arrested for being out. Some who have held up rainbow flags in public have been beaten by mobs and then arrested.

“There is a vigilante campaign where LGBT people are being solicited online for public meetings and once they get there, are kidnapped, brutalized, assaulted on video,” said Savage.

DRIVERS HONK IN SUPPORT Participants showed up at the Seattle event, held from 4 to 6 p.m., with signs, messages of love, and an energy that made for an electrifying demonstration. We asked passersby in cars to honk and show supDECLINES INTERVIEW port and I think it is a fair observation to say Consul General Andrey Yushmanov dethat at least every other driver honked and clined an invitation to talk with SGN, but he waved. The message is clear that, at least in did send an e-mail to KUOW producer Hanthe Pacific Northwest, the discriminatory nah Burn along with an attached document,

RUSSIANS JOIN PROTEST In Russia, along St. Petersburg’s main thoroughfare, about a dozen human rights activists staged individual protests to attract the attention of leaders of the world’s biggest economies to human rights violations in Russia.

Activist Iosiph Skakovsky told the Associated Press they held individual protests because mass protests are often banned or disrupted by police.

Natalya Tsymbalova was protesting “discrimination of sexual minorities, falsification of elections, pressure on NGOs, violation of the freedom of public assembly.”

Her handmade poster said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that Gays are not discriminated against was a lie.

“There is discrimination. Speak out for Russia!”

Police checked the documents of individual protesters but did not interfere in their actions.

Activists were invited to meet with President Barack Obama on the sidelines of this week’s Group of 20 summit in Russia.

Obama and his administration have voiced concern over a law recently passed

MORE LAWS PENDING This week, Deputy Alexei Zhuravlyov of the Russian Duma (Parliament) proposed amendments to the Family Code that will make “non-traditional sexual orientation” a basis for denying custody of children. Other grounds include alcoholism, drug use, and a history of violence, insanity, and/or abuse.

“In the case when a parent has sexual contact with people of their own gender, the damage that can be inflicted on the psyche of a child is enormous,” Zhuravlyov, the author of the bill, wrote in his proposal to the Duma.

Claiming that five to seven percent of people in Russia were of a “non-traditional sexual orientation,” Zhuravlyov wants to ban homosexual propaganda not only in the public realm, but “also in the family,” according to Gay Star News.

Recent comparisons to Nazi Germany are becoming disturbingly more accurate.

The child custody bill would be the third law limiting the rights of LGBT people this year alone. In June, the Duma unanimously passed the federal anti-Gay propaganda law, followed by another law – also passed unanimously – banning adoptions from countries that have marriage equality.

Elena Mizulina, who sponsored the “propaganda” bill, accused the West of “aggressively imposing” its social conduct on Russia with its “fetishizing of human rights, including those of sexual minorities.”

Rich Full-Bodied Cafes Savory Homestyle Soups & Sandwiches Visit us online www.sgn.org

September 6, 2013

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Nation’s oldest LGBT bookstore facing likely closure Owner of Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia calling it quits

by Angela Thomas Philadelphia Gay News

PROFITS TO BE DONATED If the business continues as an LGBT bookstore, it would be up to the new owner whether to keep the three staffers or hire new employees.

Hermance noted there are several buying options that a potential owner could look into.

“If a new owner is interested in buying the business but not the buildings, they could rent from me and move it to some place cheaper,” he said. “Or, they could buy the business and the buildings. If somebody could do that, it might be the smart thing.

The neighborhood is booming.”

Hermance will give profits from the building sale or rental to LGBT grant-making agency Delaware Valley Legacy Fund.

“The value of the buildings, whether I am

FINDING HIS CALLING But his journey into the world of literature started out in front of a chalkboard.

“I had been a college teacher for seven years and, when I was 28, I dropped out because I was working on my Ph.D. and teaching at the same time; being Gay in the academic world in those times was impossible,” he said. “You would be fired immediately if anybody knew you were Gay.” He taught part-time at San Francisco State University and went on to teach in Europe before he moved back to the states and settled in Philadelphia to manage a food co-op.

Hermance started working at the University of Pennsylvania’s library and also served as treasurer of LGBT magazine Gay Alternative. He later became treasurer of the predecessor of the William Way LGBT Community Center, a venture that allowed him to meet Olshan.

Hermance said Giovanni’s Room encompassed all of his roles from his previous positions.

“The academic part came with the book part, the bookkeeping part helped with the retail part, and of course there was the Gay part,” he said. “That I could do those things at the same time and make a living doing it was refreshing.”

TARGETED BY BIGOTS The bookstore, which originally was located on South Street, moved to the 1400 block of Spruce Street from 1976 to 1979.

During that time, the store was removed enough from the public eye that there were few anti-LGBT incidents.

However, after moving to the current location at 345 S. 12th St. in 1979, the visibility did lead to more opposition – which subsided more than a decade ago.

“Every once in a while, people would throw bricks in the windows in the early morning. Cars would be stopped at the traffic light and people would scream ‘faggot.’

There was a neighborhood kid who threw a cherry bomb in the window and that was the most anti-Gay act,” Hermance said. “We

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After 37 years at the helm of Giovanni’s Room in downtown Philadelphia, owner Ed Hermance is retiring, leaving both the nation’s oldest LGBT bookstore and its building up for sale.

Hermance, 73, has owned the independently run store, nestled on the corner of Pine and 12th streets, since 1976. It first opened in 1973.

The Powelton Village, Philadelphia, resident plans to step down this winter and is exploring options for keeping the business running under a new owner, but he will have to sell to a different buyer if there is not sufficient support for continuing Giovanni’s Room.

“I know it’s possible for independent bookstores to thrive in the current environment. I don’t know if someone has the resources and the passion to continue the store,” he said. “If someone wanted to rent the space for a different kind of bookstore and no one wanted to continue Giovanni’s Room, I’d be pleased to rent it to them, thinking that it would be in their interest to help all the people who have depended on us.”

Hermance is handling the sale personally and said he will have asking prices determined later this month.

“We have inventory that is worth something and we also owe for books. It would also depend on some degree on who bought it,” he said about the sale price. “I think Giovanni’s Room has a lot of goodwill in it, so I wouldn’t be embarrassed to take $100,000 for the business. I am not asking for a lot, I would just like to have enough for a stick of gum.”

A potential owner would inherit Giovanni’s Room’s inventory of more than 48,000 books. The store also offers more than five million books online, as well as 3.5 million e-books.

renting or selling them, is going to the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund,” he said. “I feel like I would like them to have it. This property was bought and paid for by the LGBT community so it is important for me for that to give back to the community.”

Hermance said Giovanni’s Room needs someone at the helm with a keen business sense.

“Everybody wants to work in a bookstore and own one, but wanting and doing are different things,” he said.

Hermance, along with Arleen Olshan, took over the business three years after its 1973 opening. Since Olshan’s departure in 1986, Hermance has been solely at the helm of the store.

Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia

haven’t had a broken window for any hostile reason in 15 years. People from other neighborhoods, they kind of respect that the rules they play by in their neighborhoods don’t necessarily go with those in Center City.”

During Hermance’s first three years as owner, Giovanni’s Room was 100% volunteer-run. The store hit its highest number of employees – four full-timers and four parttimers – in 1992. It now has three paid employees and volunteer labor drives about 40 percent of the operations.

because of them, it looks pretty grim to me.

A college student is trying to figure out how much they can spend on textbooks and they look up on Amazon and see it is $25 cheaper than us – what are they supposed to do?

When Amazon gives away free shipping when you buy $25 worth of books, for us that would be suicidal because for shipping, it is shockingly expensive.”

Last year, Giovanni’s Room had revenue of $280,000 but Hermance, who has not taken a salary in seven years, said the store has been losing money.

The store has to pay out more than A COMMUNITY HUB $18,000 annually in city and real-estate taxIn the past four decades, the store has es, as well as for business insurance. been a constant hub for LGBT and ally authors.

NEW DIRECTION NEEDED Among his personal favorites, Hermance Hermance said he thinks the business has said, were a reading of Stone Butch Blues by the potential to thrive with new ideas and inauthor Leslie Feinberg, appearances by Ed- genuity. mund White, and an autograph signing with “Maybe part of the solution is moving to Olympic diver Greg Louganis – the line for less-expensive premises,” he said. “For a which extended out the door and all the way while, someone was thinking of opening a to 11th and Spruce streets. coffee service here and it would be great. I “There are really a lot of remarkable personally didn’t want to run a café or ask things happening in this space for free,” he employees to also play barista. I didn’t want said. “I am struck by the fact that there are to put my money into that for someone almost very few authors who will attract else’s business, but for a new owner, that a mixed crowd. I know that is true every- might be an attractive deal for them. There where in life, it’s not just a queer thing, but are opportunities, but I think a new owner it is kind of sad that we are not more curi- would need to have a fresh perspective, ous about people who are not like ourselves. probably a younger perspective,” he said. “I But in some ways that makes the events can’t take the store any further. Somebody here even more spectacular. For example, needs to take it in a new direction.” when Ed White comes here, we can get Several years ago, the store had to replace eight people to come talk to him and it is an exterior wall that was in danger of colfabulous and intimate.” lapse.

The community raised more than $50,000 AMAZON TO BLAME? for the project, an effort that Hermance said With the book industry itself becoming still resonates with him. less intimate, Hermance said independent “The community loves this store. It is unbookstores face an uphill battle against larg- believable the attachment people have to er retailers like Amazon.com. it. When we asked the community for the “If people will buy from LGBT book- $50,000 to pay for the wall, they handed it stores, that is great. The problem is the de- over one by one. There is an emotional bond fault and people won’t give us a chance,” he to this store, and that is why we are here and said. “They can’t believe Giovanni’s Room so many other bookstores are not.” is online. They just cannot imagine an independent bookstore is that kind of resource.

Reprinted by permission from PhiladelAmazon is destroying the book industry and phia Gay News (www.epgn.com).

Celebrating 40 Years!

‘The right thing to do’

Obama allows same-sex spouses to collect veterans’ benefits

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor When “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” saw its final days, many thought discrimination would fall with it. But if you were paying attention, you knew that was not the case – instead, a whole new set of “hidden” rules would emerge. Yes, if you were LGB (still no T), you could now serve openly and without the fear of harm, promotion discrimination, and so on. But the spouses of legally wed same-sex service men and women would not be allowed to receive the same benefits that their heterosexual counterparts could. All that has changed, says the White House.

Spouses of veterans in same-sex marriages will be able to collect federal benefits, the Obama administration announced September 2 in a move following the Supreme Court decision that struck down a key section of the Defense of Marriage Act in June.

President Obama directed the executive

come development,” James Esseks, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & AIDS Project, said in a statement. “The federal government is right to ensure that legally married couples, where a spouse has served valiantly in the military, are treated equally.”

Spouses of veterans in same-sex marriages that are recognized under state law can now receive the federal benefits. Thirteen states (now including California) and the District of Columbia recognize same-sex marriage.

The Supreme Court’s decision in the Windsor case overturned a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act that prevented the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages for various purposes.

Last week, the Internal Revenue Service announced that couples in same-sex marriages could file federal taxes jointly. The Office of Personnel Management has allowed same-sex spouses of federal employees to receive insurance benefits regardless of where they live. And in regard to immigration law, same-sex marriages are now treated the same as opposite-sex marriages.

NEW COURT RULING The provision in veterans’ law defining a spouse as a member of the opposite sex was declared unconstitutional last week by U.S. District Judge Consuelo B. Marshall in Los Angeles.

In Washington state, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, a champion for LGBT rights and the rights of all veterans and their spouses, said, “This long-awaited move by the Obama administration is a major step towards finally ensuring each of our heroes and their spouses receive the same quality care and services once they leave the military – no matter who they love. And after pressing [Veterans Affairs] Secretary [Eric] Shinseki to expedite the process for dignified, same-sex burials in our national cemeteries, I am thrilled yesterday’s news will no longer force veterans to face uncertainty when mourning the loss of their spouse. Our veterans and their families, who selflessly served our nation and have given so much, will finally be afforded the benefits they have so rightly earned.

This is not only a matter of fairness and equality; it is simply the right thing to do.”

branch to stop enforcing two provisions that restricted the U.S. from awarding spousal benefits to veterans in legal Gay marriages. The provisions define “spouse” as a “person of the opposite sex,” Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. wrote Wednesday in a letter to Congress, adding that the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor “strongly supports the conclusion that those provisions are unconstitutional under the 5th Amendment.”

The Obama administration has made a series of policy decisions since the Windsor decision to extend federal benefits to legally married Gay couples. Wednesday’s announcement went further in that it declared unconstitutional and therefore invalid an existing statute that was not considered by the Supreme Court.

‘WELCOME DEVELOPMENT’ “The continued unwinding of discrimination against legally married couples in the aftermath of the Windsor decision is a wel-

Three states’ National Guards deny same-sex benefits

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Things are starting to get ugly. In the wake of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a number of policies have had to be rewritten, ignored, or repealed in order for equality to come to the ranks of the service. This week, in an effort to bring equality to the same-sex spouses of service men and women who are legally married, the Obama administration declared that the Pentagon would now offer such benefits.

But what happened when you are serving in the National Guard and the state you live in doesn’t recognize legal same-sex marriage?

In June, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional, allowing the possibility for married couples of the same sex to finally be allowed access to the same federal benefits as other married couples. Primarily, the focus has been on the military and that ID cards can now be given to same-sex spouses and they have access to transferable benefits like the GI Bill. Despite individual feelings about the issue one way or the other, the military follows orders and this ruling cleared the way for officials to follow the law.

To be clear, the National Guard is a part of the service just like the Army, Navy, Air

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Force, or Marines, but is operated by individual states. It is the governor, not the president, who dictates what they do – within reason, however.

CONFLICTING LAWS In Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, spokespeople for their respective National Guards announced that they would not be issuing ID cards or processing applications for benefits from their state-owned offices because those states only recognize heterosexual marriage as defined by law, This places the National Guard in a situation where federal and state law clash.

It gets even murkier, however, because there are federal facilities in those states, and same-sex soldiers and spouses can apply for benefits in those locations. Sadly, most of these states have laws or amendments to their constitutions that actively prevent the state government from recognizing same-sex marriage in any way. Statewide DOMAs are still in effect regardless of the national repeal.

The 13 states that have allowed Gay marriage will follow federal law, processing all applications for benefits.

President Obama has mandated that same-sex couples who serve in states where they cannot marry be given leave so they can travel to a state where they can be married.

September 6, 2013

Seattle Gay News

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NGLTF appoints new Transgender project head Kylar W. Broadus is a longtime community leader and lobbyist The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has named Kylar W. Broadus as senior public policy counsel of the Transgender Civil Rights Project.

“We are delighted to have Kylar W. Broadus join the Task Force as senior public policy counsel, leading our Transgender Civil Rights Project, which is such an important component of our work,” said Rea Carey,

progressive organization but particularly the leadership it has provided in the Transgender movement,” said Broadus. “I intend to build off this great work and continue to make the Task Force a key player in the Transgender movement.”

In 2012, Broadus was awarded the Susan J. Hyde Activism Award for Longevity in the Movement at the Task Force’s National

“I am extremely honored and excited to be working at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force given its history in general as a progressive organization but particularly the leadership it has provided in the Transgender movement.”

Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change. That same year, he made history as the first Transgender American to testify before the U.S. Senate on behalf of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Broadus’ testimony was also personal, because he has faced discrimination due to his gender identity.

He recalls: “After I announced my gender transition, it only took six months before I ‘HONORED AND EXCITED’ “I am extremely honored and excited to was ‘constructively discharged’ from my be working at the National Gay and Lesbian employer. I was harassed until I was forced Task Force given its history in general as a to leave. The stress was overwhelming. I NGLTF executive director.

Broadus has enjoyed a prolific career as an activist, writer, lawyer, professor, lobbyist, and public speaker. As an attorney, he practiced with a focus on LGBT law, particularly Transgender rights. He currently serves on the faculty of Lincoln University in Missouri.

Kylar W. Broadus

ended up taking a stress leave for several weeks. In the end, I was forced out and unemployed for about a year before finally obtaining full-time employment.”

AN IMPRESSIVE RÉSUMÉ Broadus is a Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow and used his fellowship to lay the groundwork for the establishment of the Trans People of Color Coalition to support and advance the rights of Transgender people of color. A former chair and current board member of the National Black Justice Coalition, he also serves on the Williams Institute’s Faculty Advisory Counsel and is part of the GenIUSS Group, a project that focuses on Transgender data collection issues.

A prolific writer, Broadus has authored law review articles, op-eds, and other educational materials related to Transgender law and policy. These include an essay in Transgender Rights, the first-ever comprehensive work on Transgender civil rights, published in 2006 and edited by Paisley Currah, Richard Juang, and Shannon Minter. His contribution, titled “The Evolution of Employment Discrimination Protections for Transgender People,” is used throughout the country in gender and women’s studies classes.

A skilled lobbyist, Broadus served as faculty and assisted to develop a curriculum and to train and lobby with more than 300 activists for the Task Force’s first national lobby day during the 2012 Creating Change conference in Baltimore. An extensive public speaker, Broadus has presented at the American Bar Association and the National LGBT Bar Association Conferences on issues regarding Transgender rights.

Broadus is well versed in the multi-tiered work of the Task Force and will work to accelerate the pace of progress on legislation and public policies for Transgender individuals as well as the broader social justice movement.

will administer an aggressive and substantive platform for Transgender equality,” says Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, executive director/CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition.

“As one of the most experienced and respected litigators, thinkers, and strategists in the LGBT movement, Kylar is a true powerhouse who will bring enormous insight and creativity to this important position,” says Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

“Throughout his career, Kylar has continually developed cutting edge strategies to protect Transgender people, worked to raise the visibility and leadership of Transgender people of color, and demonstrated unfailing collegiality and collaboration. He is a great leader, and I look forward to working with him closely in his new role at the Task Force.”

“The Task Force could not have brought on a stronger national leader to continue the great work of its Transgender advocacy project,” says Jennifer Levi, director of the GLAD Transgender Rights Project. “Kylar brings passion, experience, and keen intellect. He has a demonstrated commitment to the issues and will no doubt take the work to a new level. I am excited to formally work with him in this new capacity.”

“Kylar Broadus is one of the giants of our community,” says Marisa Richmond, Ph.D., lobbyist for the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition. “He has helped promote understanding and diversity for many years, and I believe he will help move the Transgender community forward in this position for years to come.”

ABOUT THE TASK FORCE A 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds the power of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community from the ground up. The Task Force is the country’s premier social justice organization fighting to improve the lives of LGBT PRAISE FROM COLLEAGUES people and working to create positive, last“We could not be more proud of the Task ing change and opportunity for all. – SubForce for recognizing the amazing talents mitted by NGLTF and intellectual heft of Kylar Broadus. He

8

Seattle Gay News

September 6, 2013

Celebrating 40 Years!

PROVIDED BY ATTORNEY CARRIE WARNER

Marriage suits go forward in three more states

Commonwealth Court President Judge Dan Pellegrini, who is presiding over the case, said in a September 4 hearing that he Although New Mexico is currently the would not rule on the overarching constituepicenter of marriage equality litigation, tional issue surrounding the state’s prohibilawsuits demanding recognition of same- tion of Gay marriage under Pennsylvania’s

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

“It always gets back to who decides [the law] and how decisions are made in a democracy.

It’s a difficult case.”

Courtesy Philadelhia university

sex relationships are also advancing in 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. “It always gets back to who decides [the Pennsylvania, Ohio, and South Carolina.

Tracie Goodwin and Katherine Bradacs are suing South Carolina for barring Goodwin law] and how decisions are made in a defrom receiving survivor benefits from Bradacs’ state pension and health insurance. mocracy,” Pellegrini said. “It’s a difficult PENNSYLVANIA ban on same-sex marriage. and David Michener.

A Pennsylvania case pits Republican Gov. case.”

South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper The couple married July 22 in Delaware, In a separate Pennsylvania case, the Tom Corbett’s Health Department against Katherine Bradacs married Tracie Goodwin D. Bruce Hanes, Montgomery County’s ACLU has sued on behalf of 10 couples, but Ives died unexpectedly a month later.

The order in the latest case echoed one in the District of Columbia. Goodwin is a register of wills, who issues marriage li- two of their children, and a widow for recBlack previously issued in the case of an- disabled Air Force veteran who is barred by other same-sex couple who married in state law from receiving survivor benefits Maryland. John Arthur and James Oberge- from Bradacs’ state pension and health infell married July 11. Arthur is dying of amy- surance.

In their filing, the couple says that “Lesbiotrophic lateral sclerosis and their lawsuit asks that Obergefell be named as the spouse an and Gay police officers, firefighters, and other first responders are denied the peace on Arthur’s death certificate.

In both cases, Black ruled that the plain- of mind of knowing that if they make the ultiffs are likely to succeed in their lawsuit timate sacrifice, their partner will be taken claiming that Ohio’s constitutional and care of through the financial support availstatutory bans on recognizing same-sex able to help those who lost their spouses in couples’ marriages violate the U.S. Consti- service to the community.”

The case will be heard by U.S. District tution.

Judge Joe Anderson, who has presided in a number of high-profile civil and criminal SOUTH CAROLINA In South Carolina, a Lesbian couple filed cases. suit in federal court to overturn their state’s

new mexico continued from cover

New Mexico state law does not expressly permit or prohibit same-sex marriages, and Dona Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins began handing out marriage licenses to same-sex couples two weeks ago, saying he believes “equal protection should apply to everyone.”

The seven Republican state legislators who filed the August 30 suit were joined by eight others on September 3, seeking to prevent Ellins from issuing more licenses.

“It’s really a separation-of-powers issue,” said Republican Rep. Paul Bandy, who joined the case on September 3. “I don’t think the county clerk has the power to make this decision.”

That issue, however, may be moot, as judges continue to order county clerks to issue licenses to Gay and Lesbian couples.

D. Bruce Hanes, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania register of wills

censes as part of his duties as clerk of the county orphan’s court.

Hanes began giving marriage licenses to Gay and Lesbian couples in late July, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court found Section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional. The state Health Department, which is responsible for registering marriages, says the licenses are invalid.

David Cohen, an attorney representing 32 couples who received licenses from Hanes, told The Morning Call newspaper in Harrisburg that it was too early to offer an opinion on the legal status of those marriages.

“That’s certainly unknown because it would depend on the scope of the [court’s] decision,” Cohen said.

ognition of their marriages. Pennsylvania is the only Northeastern state that allows neither same-sex marriage nor civil unions.

OHIO In Ohio, a federal district judge ruled for a second time that the state must recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where they are legal. Both cases involved Gay couples where one of the partners has died or is expected to die.

U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Black issued a temporary restraining order on September 3 that requires the registrar of the Office of Vital Records in Cincinnati’s Health Department and state officials to recognize the marriage of William Herbert Ives

Visit us online www.sgn.org

CASCADING VICTORIES On September 3, as additional Republicans were joining the suit to block equality in Dona Ana County, Judge J.C. Robinson ordered Grant County to issue marriage licenses “on a nondiscriminatory basis” to same-sex couples.

Grant County Clerk Robert Zamarripa said his office will comply with the judge’s ruling and will begin providing the licenses starting September 9.

“We’ll let the Legislature and courts decide after this what needs to be done,” Zamarripa said in a telephone interview with Reuters.

In a separate case, district judge Sheri Raphaelson ruled on September 3 that Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover must issue a marriage license to a Lesbian couple.

September 6, 2013

Stover had initially refused to issue the couple a license on the grounds that they could not complete the legal application form, which asks for the names of the prospective “husband” and “wife.”

Stover’s filing said the state legislature needed to amend the marriage license statute before same-sex licenses could be issued, but Judge Raphaelson disagreed, saying state law requires equal treatment for all couples.

Los Alamos will be the eighth New Mexico county to issue licenses to Gay and Lesbian couples.

DENIAL ‘INTOLERABLE’ In Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, a district court judge ruled last month that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violates the state constitution, which prohibits gender-based discrimination and guarantees the right to equal protection.

“Gay and Lesbian citizens of New Mexico have endured a long history of discrimination,” Judge Alan Malott ruled. “Denial of the right to marry continues this unfortunate, intolerable pattern and establishes irreparable injury on plaintiffs’ part.”

That ruling in late August came just days after a Santa Fe district judge ruled that the state constitution did not prohibit same-sex marriage, and ordered a clerk to either issue such licenses or appear in court to explain why she could not.

The New Mexico Supreme Court has so far declined to rule on lawsuits seeking the right for Gays and Lesbians to marry, but asked lower courts to handle them first.

New Mexico’s attorney general has said that he would not step in to prevent Gay and Lesbian couples from marrying.

Seattle Gay News

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Celebrating 40 Years!

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12 Seattle Gay News

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Celebrating 40 Years!

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September 6, 2013

Seattle Gay News 15

northwest news

GAY CITY’S MEET THE AUTHOR EVENT On Friday, September 6, at 6:30 p.m., at the Calamus Auditorium at Gay City (517 E. Pike St.), meet Kolo, one aspect of Seattle author Ryan Keawekane, as he reads from SALT, his latest book. SALT is the story of Carlos and Malani, a Spaniard and a Hawaiian, and the grand passion they share after their unlikely meeting. FREE.

“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 (Kitsap County). www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/430814

On Sunday, September 8, from 6-9 p.m., Neighbours Nightclub (1509 Broadway, entrance in alley between Broadway & Harvard Ave., just north of E. Pike St.) hosts a fundraising benefit for YouthCare and Social Outreach Seattle hosted by Aleksa Manila and Shaun Knittel. $10 suggested donation at the door. Enjoy an evening of fine entertainment including drag performances, dance and comedy. Silent auction and raffle.

This is an 18+ event; must have valid ID.

GAY CITY WRITING WORKSHOP – SMUDGY NOTEBOOK: “THE WILD BONES OF POETRY” On Mondays, September 9-October 28, from 7-9 p.m., at Gay City Health Project (517 E. Pike St.), Smudgy Notebook presents “The Wild Bones of Poetry,” a writing workshop designed to pick apart and examine the poetry skeleton, one bone at a time.

During this 8-week course, students will collect essential poetry-writing skills and explore how poetry moves in their lives, both on and off the page. Cost: $80 (scholKENT PRIDE 2013 arships available). RSVP required. www.

SEPTEMBER 6-8 On Friday, September 6, at 7 p.m., en- gaycity.org joy Gay Bingo at Kent Senior Center (600 COUNTRY DOCTOR E. Smith St.). Sponsored by Kent Youth and COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS – Family Services.

EAT OUT ON CAPITOL HILL On Saturday, September 7, at 7 p.m., FUNDRAISING BENEFIT celebrate Pride at Nashville’s (114 Railroad On Tuesday, September 10, eat breakAve. N., Kent) or at the AC Tavern (209 E. fast, lunch and dinner at participating CapiMeeker St.). 21 & over.

On Sunday, September 8, from 11 a.m.-3 tol Hill restaurants and a portion of your bill p.m., at Burlington Green Park (W. Meeker will be donated to ensure that everyone has St. & Railroad Ave. N.) enjoy Pride Festival a healthcare home at Country Doctor.

For details, visit www.cdchc.org in the Park.

SEATTLE DESIGN DISTRICT GEORGETOWN – ANNUAL SIDEWALK SALE On Saturday, September 7, from 9 a.m.3 p.m., Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood hosts their Annual Sidewalk Sale. Find designers furniture, collectibles, accents, art, rugs, antiquities. Shop great vendors and enjoy seven food trucks. For complete details, visit www.seattledesigndistrict.com.

SEATTLE CENTER FESTAL – LIVE ALOHA HAWAIIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL On Sunday, September 8, from 11 a.m.7 p.m., at the Seattle Center Armory, Mural Amphitheatre and Fisher Pavilion Roof, the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival celebrates what it means to “live aloha.” Hawaiian music, hula, ono food, Hawaiian crafts, hula, music and flower-making workshops honor this special culture. Enjoy a feast for the senses as visitors journey through the sights, sounds and tastes of Hawaii. www. seattlelivealohafestival.com SEATTLE PEACE CONCERTS On Sunday, September 8, from noon-6 p.m., at Magnuson Park Beach Area enjoy the music of Don Glenn, Little Sense, Andy Coe & Friends, and Randy Hansen at this FREE outdoor concert.

Seattle Peace Concerts will be held from June through September at Woodland Park, Gas Works Park, Magnuson Park Beach Area and Volunteer Park. All ages welcome.

Cash and non-perishable food bank donations welcome. www.seapeace.org.

LYNNWOOD LGBT WEDDING EXPO On Sunday, September 8, from 1-4 p.m., at Embassy Suites Seattle-North Lynnwood (20610 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood), the Rainbow Wedding Network presents the Lynnwood LGBT Wedding Expo featuring a diversity of Gay-friendly businesses, including wedding ceremony and reception venues, event coordinators, cake decorators, musical entertainment, photographers, formal wear, florists, travel planners and realtors. This event is FREE; RSVP requested at www.SameLoveSameRights.com; www.

RainbowWeddingNetwork.com.

BENEFIT FOR YOUTHCARE & SOCIAL OUTREACH SEATTLE AT NEIGHBOURS 16 Seattle Gay News

GSBA CANDIDATE FORUM LUNCHEON On Wednesday, September 11, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Red Lion Hotel (1415 5th Ave.), the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) hosts their annual Candidate Forum Luncheon, the only LGBT-focused candidate forum in our region. Come early to meet the candidates and to hear first hand how they will respond to issues of concern to our community. This is our time to have our voices heard around LGBT and business issues. Initiative representatives will be present to answer your questions as well.

Cost: $35 GSBA members; $40 non members; $35 students; walk-ins are $5 more at the door. More information and to RSVP: 206-363-9188 or www.thegsba.org.

POCO WINE TASTING EVENT On Wednesday, September 11, from 6-9 p.m., POCO wine + spirits (1408 E. Pine St.) hosts a wine tasting party with Barrage Cellars from Woodinville. $10 give you tastes of 5 or 6 of their best wines (with retastes on the best of the best).

POZ SEATTLE – “BACK-TO-SCHOOL BBQ” On Wednesday, September 11, from 6-8 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (13th Ave. & E. Pine St.) join POZSeattle on the back patio for some grillin’ fun, socializing, to catchup with old friends, to make new ones, Trivia, and a whole lot of fun.

Bring your appetite for burgers, chicken breasts, beef hot dogs, Boca burgers with all the fixin’s, chips, salads and desserts. Please wear your best letterman jacket or sweater, school boy knickers (shorts & tie), school sweatshirt, etc. Prizes awarded for best school spirit! This will be POZ Seattle’s last summer BBQ of the year.

This event is offered at no cost (no one turned away for lack of funds), but to help with overhead costs, a $2 donation is requested – you can always give more! Beverages are at cost from The Cuff bar. This event is for all HIV-Positive men and their friends, regardless of age, shape, size or color.

POZSeattle is a social organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-positive guys that is committed to planning and promoting fun, social activities. www.pozseattle.org

September 6, 2013

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

NOTE: Starting this month, on Wednesday, September 25, POZSeattle will be holding a 2nd POZSeattle Social every 4th Wednesday at C.C. Attle’s (1701 E. Olive Way).

manding her release from a 20-year prison sentence for defending herself against her abusive husband. No one was injured by the warning shot fired by Alexander, an African-American mother of three living in Jacksonville, Florida. Supporters fault bias in Florida’s Mandatory Minimum sentencing practices and Stand Your Ground laws.

Rally starts at 2 p.m. at Westlake Park (4th Ave. & Pine St.) Co-sponsored by Pacific Northwest Alliance to Free Marissa Alexander, Radical Women, Seattle King County NAACP, Women Organized to Resist & Defend. Information: 206-722-6057; FreeMarissaPNW@gmail.com.

SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB – THE DREAM OF THE CELT The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday from 6-7:15 p.m., at Seattle Area Support Groups Community Center (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.).

In September, the club will discuss The Dream of the Celt by Nobel Prize-winning author Mario Vargas Llosa, a novel about PROJECT1VOICE & the Irish hero, Roger Casement, who was BROWNBOX THEATRE destroyed because of the homosexual conPRESENT tent of in his notorious Black Book.

“FOUR LITTLE GIRLS: All GLBTQ folks are welcome to parBIRMINGHAM 1963” ticipate in this FREE book club. For more On Sunday, September 15, at 4:30 p.m., information, visit http://faculty.washington. at Seattle Academy of Arts & Sciences Arts edu/swittet/SGLBookClub/.

Center (1100 12th Ave.), Seattle’s Brownbox Theatre and The Hansberry Project join “LIVES MATTER” – A CELEBRATION OF TRANS LIVES Project1Voice and African American theatre companies across the U.S. in presenting siAT WESTLAKE PARK On Thursday, September 12, at 4 p.m., multaneous staged readings of Christina at Westlake Park (4th Ave. & Pine St.), join Ham’s “FOUR LITTLE GIRLS: Birminga celebration of Trans* lives and bring an ham 1963.” end to violence and discrimination. There September 15, 2013 will mark the 50th will be music, art, games, community ac- anniversary of the Birmingham bombings tivities, and live performances. that killed Denise McNair (11), Addie Mae Collins (14), Carole Robertson (14), and GAY CITY ARTS – Cynthia Wesley (14).

“FURRYSEXYMANBOYS” This horrific event which occured only From September 12 through October weeks after the historic March on Wash7, Gay City Arts (517 E. Pike St.) presents ington at which Dr. Martin Luther King, “FurrySexyManBoys,” an exhibition of Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream work by Jesse Dyer. Mixing comic books, Speech,” galvanized the American civil raunchy armpits, with a bit of drag queen, rights movement.

Jesse Dyer boldly approaches his graphic This event will commemorate the lives of and often humorous drawings of men. He is these four girls and their legacy. next in line with UK’s Mike Bliss, Tom of This event is FREE and is a ticketless Finland, and comic legend, Patrick Fillion. event. Free parking will be available in the On Thursday, September 12, from 6-9 SAAS gym garage located on E. Spring St. p.m., a special opening reception will be between 12th and 13th Aves. held at Gay City during the second Thurswww.projectvoice1.org. day Blitz Capitol Hill Art Walk. www.gaycity.org.

GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT – GHOSTS IN GASLIGHT, “A HAPPILY EVER AFTER MONSTERS IN STEAM FOR ALL: Gay City Health Project, along with EdiFOUR AUTHORS WHO tors Evan J. Peterson and Vincent Kovar, CELEBRATE GAY ROMANCE” is pleased to announce the availability of On Friday, September 13, at 7 p.m., at its latest anthology: Ghosts in Gaslight, University Bookstore (4326 University Monsters in Steam - Gay City Volume 5. In Way NE), gearing up for their September this anthology, two dozen top-notch writ14 conference “Gay Romance Northwest ers, poets and artists extend their creative Meet-Up” at the Seattle Central Library, claws and bare their fearsome fangs to thrill Old Growth Northwest presents a special readers with this exciting new collection of reading event with four authors attending LGBT inspired monster tales, ghost stories, the Meet-Up – Megan Derr, Andrea Speed, steampunk adventures and gaslight thrillers.

Ethan Stone, and Anne Tenino. From para- www.gaycity.org. normal mysteries to comedic romances, NOTE: On Friday, September 27, from each writer shines a spotlight on LGBT love 7-8:30 p.m., Gay City (517 E. Pike St.), and relationships, and promotes the theme will host the Gay City Anthologies Vol. 5 that there’s a “Happily Ever After” for ev- Launch Party. eryone. FREE. LIFELONG AIDS ALLIANCE – VOLUNTEER PARK SEATTLE AIDS WALK CONSERVATORY AND 5K RUN FALL PLANT SALE On Saturday, September 28, from 9 On Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m.-12 noon, at Volunteer Park (14th Ave. a.m.-3 p.m., Friends of the Conservatory E. & E. Prospect St.), join Lifelong AIDS hosts their Fall Plant Sale to benefit the Vol- Alliance to benefit HIV/AIDS prevention unteer Park Conservatory (14th Ave. E. & and care. www.SeattleAIDSwalk.org.

E. Galer St.).

SEATTLE SEA DAWGS GAY ROMANCE ICE HOCKEY TEAM NORTHWEST MEET-UP: The Seattle Sea Dawgs is a new ice hockA CELEBRATION OF ey team that is forming open to Gay, Bi, GAY ROMANCE FICTION Lesbian, Transgender and straight ally adult On Saturday, September 14, from noon- players. The Sea Dawgs mission is to pro5 p.m., at Seattle Public Library, Central vide a relaxed, friendly team environment Library (1000 4th Ave.), this half-day event for GLBTA hockey players to play hockey, will feature discussions and panels with Gay socialize and support the greater GLBT Romance authors from around the region, community. The Sea Dawgs will play localQ&As with the audience, and a post-event ly and organize for competitions in the U.S. happy hour for more mingling and chatting. and abroad. Interested players at all skill Tickets: $25. www.brownpapertickets.com/ levels are encouraged to contact the Sea event/390545; www.oldgrowthnw.org.

Dawgs for additional information or to express interest. The Sea Dawgs are especially PACIFIC NW ALLIANCE looking for experienced players and a goalie TO FREE MARISSA ALEXANDER at this time. Please email skateseadawgs@ On Saturday, September 14, Marissa gmail.com for additional information and to Alexander’s 33rd birthday, supporters express your interest. Also, visit Seattle Sea around the world are holding actions de- Dawgs on Facebook.

Celebrating 40 Years!

Keeping us connected Time Warner funds study of LGBT community’s broadband needs

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

further contributions to the communications and technology policy debate.”

Time Warner Cable announced this week the latest stipend award as part of its Research Program on Digital Communications, which engages scholars to increase understanding of the benefits and challenges facing digital technologies in the home, office, classroom, and community.

The stipend will support The National Broadband Plan – An LGBT Perspective, written in collaboration by the LGBT Technology Partnership and Jessie Daniels of Hunter College. Program officials say this project will increase understanding of the broadband and digital communications needs of LGBT communities and provide recommendations on how government policymakers can address those needs and ensure inclusion of those communities in the full benefits of broadband.

Fernando Laguarda, director of the Research Program and vice president for external affairs and policy counselor at Time Warner Cable, said, “We are pleased to have this unique opportunity to contribute to a fuller exploration of issues relating to broadband and digital communications policy, especially with respect to LGBT communities whose needs have not yet been addressed by policymakers. We look forward to learning from this work and making

COMMUNITY CONCERNS Christopher Wood, executive director of the LGBT Technology Partnership, said, ”We are excited about collaborating with Time Warner Cable on this research and the opportunity to shed light on the digital needs of LGBT communities. LGBT communities have specific concerns that are not immediately obvious and differ from the concerns of other communities – including issues associated with privacy, confidentiality, health care, public safety, and cyberbullying. This research will focus on how broadband uniquely affects these concerns and LGBT communities within the context of the National Broadband Plan.”

The stipend is the latest of awards made for the 2013 cycle. Awards were also made during 2010, 2011, and 2012. To date, the Research Program has made 21 awards to 29 leading researchers. The next deadline for stipend applications is November 1, 2013.

The Time Warner Cable Research Program on Digital Communications awards stipends to foster research dedicated to increasing understanding of the benefits and challenges facing the future of digital technologies in the home, office, classroom, and community. Individual researchers affili-

ated with universities and nonprofits are eligible to apply for the stipends. The recently published essays and more information about the program can be found at www. twcresearchprogram.com and www.twitter. com/TWC_RP. ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP The LGBT Technology Partnership encourages the continued early adoption and use of cutting-edge new and emerging technologies by providing information, education, and strategic outreach for LGBT communities. A national, nonpartisan group of

LGBT organizations, academic institutions, and high technology companies, the Partnership’s mission is to engage with critical technology and public policy leaders for strategic discussions at all levels. The Partnership ensures that cable, telecommunications, and high technology issues of specific concern to LGBT communities are addressed in public policy conversations.

More information about the LGBT Technology Partnership is available at www.LGBTTech.org and www.LGBTTechPartnership. org.

international news

Don’t move to Oman just yet

Omani newspaper apologizes under religious pressure for calling the country pro-Gay

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer An English-language newspaper in Oman has apologized to its readers for an article saying that Oman is more tolerant of LGBT people than other Persian Gulf states.

The newspaper, a weekly appropriately called The Week, published its apology on September 3, although it did not explicitly state what it was sorry for.

“The Week places on record that there was

LGBT people are generally more welcome history of Omani journalism,” the group in Oman. said. “We call on the authorities to suspend [The Week’s publishing] license and bring STILL OUTLAWED the perpetrators to justice and punish all of Same-sex relations are illegal in Oman, those who stood behind it.” punishable by up to three years in prison, and Omani religious authorities immedi‘LIBERAL’ BY COMPARISON ately denounced The Week for “promoting A traditionalist Islamic monarchy, Oman Gay sex.” is not exactly accepting of LGBT people, Tawfiq al-Lawati, a member of the Shura but according to Reuters, Gay relations are Council, which advises Oman’s sultan, was usually prosecuted only if they cause “scanfurious. dal.”

“The problem [with homosexuality] is unIn other Gulf states, Gay people routinederstandable. However, promoting such an ly suffer long prison sentences, flogging, actor and projecting Oman as a safe haven chemical castration, and even the death penfor homosexuality is unacceptable,” he said, alty in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. adding the article “damaged Oman’s reputaOman is relatively liberal in other ways, tion.” too. Omani women have been allowed to The Oman Journalist Association also vote since 2002, and in 2004 Sultan Qaboos “strongly condemned” the article and called bin Said, the nation’s supreme ruler, named on the Ministry of Information to prevent a woman to his cabinet. publication of damaging articles in the fuThe sultan, who overthrew his father in a ture.

1970 palace coup, rules by decree, however.

“The OJA considers this a setback in the

never any intention to knowingly or unknowingly cause harm, offend, or hurt the sentiments of the people with our article last week, and we deeply and sincerely regret the article,” the paper said on its front page.

The offending article traced the story of a young Gay man in the country under the headline “The Outsiders.”

Looking into the underground Gay scene of Oman, the article compared the country to its neighbors – Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates – and said

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September 6, 2013

Seattle Gay News 17

file photo

Thunder down under

Marriage equality becomes a major issue in Australian election

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer When Australian voters go to the polls September 7, they will choose between a Labor Party whose leader, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, has endorsed marriage equality, and a coalition of center-right parties who oppose equal rights for Gay and Lesbian couples.

Christian, he could support same-sex marriages.

“Well, mate,” Rudd answered, “if I was going to have that view, the Bible also says that slavery is a natural condition because St. Paul said in the New Testament, ‘slaves be obedient to your masters,’ and therefore we should all have fought for the Confederacy in the U.S. civil war.

“I mean, for goodness sake, the human

“It is how people are built, and therefore the idea that this is somehow an abnormal condition is wrong … If you accept it is natural and normal to be Gay, then it follows from that … people should not be denied the opportunity for legal recognition ... of their relationship.”

Rudd, who served as prime minister from 2007 to 2010 and resumed the post last June, was not always pro-equality, but he has committed his government to legalize same-sex marriage if Labor wins a new majority in Australia’s parliament.

In March, Rudd re-captured the leadership of the Labor Party – and therefore the office of prime minister – by defeating his party rival, Julia Gillard, in a race for party leader. The Labor Party voted to add marriage equality to its platform in 2011, over Gillard’s objections.

Coalition leader Tony Abbott, Rudd’s current election rival, also opposes equality. The issue has become one of the central questions of the campaign.

condition and social conditions change.

What is the central principle of the New Testament? It is one of universal love, loving your fellow man.”

Later in the program, Rudd added, “I do not believe people choose their sexuality – they are Gay if they are born Gay. “It is how people are built, and therefore the idea that this is somehow an abnormal condition is wrong … If you accept it is natural and normal to be Gay, then it follows from that … people should not be denied the opportunity for legal recognition ... of their relationship.”

LABOR CLOSES GAP Before the March leadership election, Labor was trailing badly in opinion polls, but RELIGIOUS DEBATE once Rudd became party leader, Labor’s On a September 2 TV broadcast, Rudd polling numbers rebounded, and now the was challenged by a fundamentalist broad- election is considered a toss-up. caster to explain how, as a self-identified Marriage equality bills have been intro-

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

duced in Australia’s parliament in four previous years: 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2012.

The 2009 version passed the lower house, but failed in the Senate. Gillard scuttled a vote on the 2012 version.

The Australian states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania currently allow same-sex civil partnerships with most of the rights of marriage. South Australia allows domestic partnership registrations. Western Australia and the Northern Territory recognize “de facto” Gay and Lesbian partnerships with the same rights as

cohabiting – but not married – opposite-sex couples.

In 2012, Australia’s House of Representatives conducted an online poll to determine public support for two marriage equality bills then pending in Parliament. Out of 213,500 responses, 64.3% supported samesex marriage.

A randomized Ipsos poll done in May this year showed 54% in favor of marriage equality and another 20% in favor of some form of same-sex relationship recognition.

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Celebrating 40 Years!

health and medicine

Canadian HIV vaccine passes Phase I trial

be produced in large quantities.

The vaccine was developed by Dr. ChilYong Kang and his team at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry with the support of Sumagen Canada, a pharmaceutical company.

canadian HIV trials network

‘TREMENDOUS PROMISE’ In its statement, the university said the vaccine “holds tremendous promise for success in the final phases of clinical testing now that the first hurdle has been accomplished. It is the only HIV vaccine developed in Canada currently in clinical trial, and one of only a few in the world.”

tests, as well as physical examinations, by principal investigators. No serious adverse event was observed in any volunteer patient throughout the observation periods.

In addition to safety evaluation, tests to identify HIV-1-specific antibodies were conducted throughout the follow-up period and showed good results, researchers said.

“The boost in antibody production in HIVpositive volunteer vaccinees is highly encouraging,” the university’s statement said, “since it forecasts a success of the Phase II human clinical trial, which will measure the immune responses.”

“The boost in antibody production in HIVpositive volunteer vaccinees is highly encouraging since it forecasts a success of the Phase II human clinical trial, which will measure the immune responses.”

The human clinical trial – a randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled study of killed whole HIV-1 vaccine using intramuscular injections – began in March 2012 and was completed last month.

HIV-positive but asymptomatic men and women 18 to 50 years of age were randomized into two treatment groups, one of which received the vaccine and the other a placebo. Any adverse effects after vaccination were recorded on a diary card by the volunteers seven days after vaccination.

The volunteers visited the test sites on the fourth, sixth, 12th, 18th, 26th, and 52nd weeks after vaccination and were given hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis

SUMAGEN LOOKS AHEAD Sumagen executives said the successful Phase I trial indicated they were on track to eventually produce the new vaccine for sale.

“We are now prepared to take the next steps towards Phase II and Phase III clinical trials. We are opening the gate to pharmaceutical companies, government, and charity organization for collaboration to be one step closer to the first commercialized HIV vaccine,” Sumagen CEO Jung-Gee Cho said.

HIV/AIDS has killed 35 million people worldwide, and more than 34 million people currently live with the virus.

Dr. Chil-Yong Kang

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer An HIV vaccine being developed by Canadian researchers has passed its Phase I clinical trial, with no adverse effects reported in any of the patients involved in the study.

According to a statement released by Western University, based in London, Ontario, on September 3, the first successful test of the vaccine is especially significant because it is “the first and only preventative

HIV vaccine based on a genetically modified killed whole virus.”

Other HIV vaccines evaluated through human clinical trials have focused on either one specific component of HIV as an antigen, genetic vaccine using recombinant DNA, or recombinant viruses carrying the HIV genes.

The Canadian vaccine is unique in that it uses a killed whole HIV-1, much like the killed whole virus vaccines for polio, influenza, rabies, and hepatitis A. The HIV-1 is genetically engineered, so it is safer and can

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Seattle Gay News 19

courtesy ecsa

SPORTS

Gay Softball World Series

Nine Seattle teams made the trek to Washington, D.C., this week for the 38th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS): the Dirty Dawgs, Maulers, Battalion, Honey Badgers, Sin, Pilots, Inferno, Atomic, and Buzz. Facing stiff competition from all over the country, each team acquitted itself admirably, representing both Seattle and the Emerald City Softball Association (ECSA) with pride.

Sponsored by the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA), the GSWS is the largest annual LGBT sporting

event in the world. This year’s competition featured participants from 38 different cities, playing on more than 170 teams comprising roughly 4,000 male, female, and Transgender athletes split into five divisions: A, B, C, D, and Masters (50+). The Dirty Dawgs made the best showing of any Seattle team, finishing in fifth place after falling one run short of reaching the B Division semifinal.

For more on the ECSA, its teams, and its players, visit www.emeraldcitysoftball.org.

– Sara Michelle Fetters courtesy ecsa

Dirty Dawgs

Pilots courtesy ecsa

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Celebrating 40 Years!

murray

continued from cover Murray said that “police officers especially need leadership that promotes proactive policing and high morale, and gives the public confidence that their police department is professional and meets the highest standards.”

Murray promised to “expedite the consent decree” under which the city promised to reform police practices, after a scathing Department of Justice (DOJ) report accusing the Seattle Police Department of a pattern of excessive force and other abuses.

“For a northern city on the West Coast, a consent decree is not a ‘victory’ for the city of Seattle,” Murray declared, referring to McGinn’s characterization of the final settlement with DOJ. “A consent decree is an embarrassment!”

PLEDGES HATE CRIME FIGHT Murray also promised to tackle what he called a “crisis” of crime. He challenged the incumbent’s assertions that crime rates are down in Seattle.

“Not all crime is down,” Murray said, “and not all crime is down in all neighborhoods.” He specifically noted what he called “an uptick in hate crimes” in his own Capitol Hill neighborhood, and a widespread perception that Downtown is unsafe.

Returning to the issue of public trust in the police department, Murray added he was now hearing “Gay men say something I haven’t heard in 20 years – that they don’t want to report to the police that they were beaten up.”

During the primary election campaign, Murray promised to conduct a nationwide search to select a new police chief as the first step in reforming the department.

Asked if replacing command personnel would be sufficient to restore public confidence in the police, Murray answered that “it has to start at the top.”

“Police officers tell me they want clear leadership and a clear message of what is expected of them,” and they lack this leadership under the current Mayor, Murray said.

“The issue is giving SPD clear direction,” Harrell added.

will take” to reform police practices.

Asked if he feared that his endorsement of Murray would lead to negative consequences if McGinn were re-elected, Harrell smiled and said, “I don’t think it gets much worse.” He quickly added that his endorsement of Murray “is not a denigration of Mayor McGinn – I just think Ed would make a better mayor.”

“If [City Council] members endorse me and there’s retribution later on, that’s not leadership!” Murray added.

PUBLIC SAFETY PLATFORM At the September 5 presser, Murray’s campaign also released a three-page position paper on public safety issues setting out five goals: • Select a new police chief; • Accelerate implementation of the DOJ Accountability Plan; • Promote responsible gun safety; • Promote closer ties between SPD officers and the community; and • Support firefighters and emergency personnel.

MORE DIVERSITY NEEDED Murray also said that he wanted to encourage hiring of police officers who live within Seattle city limits, and to promote greater diversity among SPD officers.

Holmes, who has repeatedly clashed with McGinn over the consent decree, said the discussion at the press conference was “an example of what I dream about.”

“I’m disappointed,” Holmes added, “that nobody [in the Mayor’s office] wants to do the non-glamorous collaborative work it

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Seattle Gay News 23