SGN September 7, 2012 - Section 1

Issue 36 Volume 40

GET ENGAGED!

Celebrating 39 Years!

FRIDAY September 7, 2012 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands

PULL-OUT MARRIAGE EQUALITY POSTER INSIDE!

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Marriage cases on Michelle Obama guest of Supreme Court docket

honor at HRC luncheon

associated press

Court will meet later this month to decide which cases to hear

First Lady Michelle Obama

Court’s September 24 conference.

Here is a transcript of remarks At that meeting, the court will by First Lady Michelle Obama, have its first opportunity to con- who spoke as guest of honor at At least two, and possibly five, sider whether to hear arguments the Human Rights Campaign lunmarriage equality cases will be on cheon on September 5 at the Marthe docket for the U.S. Supreme see supreme court page 24 riott City Center in Charlotte, in

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Axis of evil

conjunction with the Democratic National Convention.

I want to start by thanking [HRC President] Chad [Griffin] for that very kind introduction and for his terrific leadership. I love him dear-

ly. I think he’s a terrific individual and he is doing a great job here at the HRC. So let’s give him another round of applause. see obama page 21

Marriage equality Who’s who in the campaign to repeal marriage equality campaign raises $1.8m in August washington house republicans

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Last week, SGN profiled National Organization for Marriage (NOM) operatives Frank Schubert and Chris Plante, who have come to Washington to run the campaign to reject Referendum 74 and take away the freedom of same-sex couples to marry.

According to Matt McTighe of Mainers United for Marriage, who faced off against Schubert in an unsuccessful 2009 campaign to save Maine’s marriage equality law, Schubert likes to stay behind the scenes, partnering with local individuals and groups who act as the public face of the anti-equality movement.

Schubert has plenty of eager surrogates in Washington – from a gun-toting state legislator to a Christian homeschooler to a protégé of Nixon hatchet-man Chuck Colson to an anti-Gay beauty queen.

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

‘QUICK-DRAW’ MATT SHEA: NULLIFY FEDERAL LAW Two-term State Rep. Matt Shea (R–4th Dist.) struck a messianic see axis page 22

Nearly 14,000 people have donated thus far to fund Approve R-74 campaign

Representative Matt Shea

Everything costs money these days. And the price for all things needed, desired, or required has consistently gone up your whole life. Unless you’ve got a lot of it, money, for the most part, sucks.

proud to Be Different

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

There are few things in life, however, that can cost you both in dollars and in freedoms. Political campaigns are one of those things.

When Washington United for Marriage (WUM), the broad coalition working to defend the state’s see marriage page 20

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Approve R-74 campaign expands phone banking Second Capitol Hill voter contact center now open

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer Washington United for Marriage, the coalition working to defend Washington’s bipartisan marriage law by Approving Referendum 74, has significantly expanded its “persuasion” phone banking efforts. The campaign opened a location at Lifelong AIDS Alliance early this week (1002 E. Seneca St.), one of several it has opened citywide.

“It gives us the opportunity to talk to a lot of voters,” said Maggie Thompson, the campaign’s regional field director for West King County. She added that it’s absolutely needed because the opposition invested more than one million dollars in advertising last week alone.

Persuasion phone banking means having conversations with undecided voters about the freedom to marry. Thompson said that this kind of contact gives the campaign an opportunity to connect with voters on a personal level – much more personal than, say, a 30-second TV ad.

CONVENIENT FOR LOCALS The LLAA-based phone bank is one of two locations where Capitol Hill residents can be part of the Approve R-74 campaign without having to leave their neighborhood.

The other is the campaign’s action center housed at Gay City Health Project (517 E. Pike St.), which opened in early July.

“The fact that we can build a campaign community out of an existing community is fantastic for us,” Thompson told SGN. Now the campaign has locations all around Seattle – downtown, Wallingford, Pioneer Square, West Seattle – and soon will be opening one in the University District.

More locations mean more volunteers.

More volunteers mean more conversations.

CONVERSATIONS MATTER Washington United for Marriage has data that shows that two-thirds of people who have had a conversation about marriage equality support it, which is why it’s stepping up its phone banks.

The data are from a poll that independent pollster Alison Peters conducted last year.

Over the course of the poll, Peters found that simply talking about same-sex marriage with someone greatly increased that person’s chances of supporting it. Although this may sound obvious to some, it’s the numbers backing it up that makes it imperative.

Peters found that 34% of voters who had never had a conversation about same-sex marriage supported it, while 56% of voters who had had such a conversation with a straight person supported it. Additionally, 69% of voters who had a conversation about same-sex marriage with a Gay or Lesbian person supported the freedom to marry.

“I think that it’s a really heavy statistic,”

Newly opened phone banking site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 1002 E. Seneca St.

Thompson told SGN. “It’s evidence these conversations can really swing voters.”

Thompson said that even when people get off the phone unconvinced, those conversations are still just as important as any other.

“People respond with ‘I’ll think about it,’” Thompson told SGN. “We’ve really planted a seed.”

To volunteer, visit www.waunited.org and click the “Get Engaged” tab.

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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

Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Shaun Knittel Production William Creswell Calendar Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers

Will the Log Cabin Republicans endorse the GOP Romney/Ryan presidential ticket?

Chip Somodevilla

Mike Andrew, Miryam Gordon, Anthony Greer, Shaun Knittel, Albert Rodriguez, James Whitely

Self-respect and voting

Contributing Writers

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

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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. © 2012, 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.

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Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (l) and his vice presidential running mate Paul Ryan

by Mark Segal Publisher, Philadelphia Gay News I’m writing this just before my trip to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. For me, this is an emotional trip since I’ll be joined by 12 other out LGBT

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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delegates from Pennsylvania, and we’ll be meeting up with more than 500 out delegates from other states. We’ll also be voting on the most LGBT-inclusive platform ever endorsed by the Democratic Party.

My first DNC was in 1984, where there were “some” Gay and Lesbian delegates. If

memory serves me well, we had one meeting of the Gay and Lesbian Caucus: San Francisco’s LGBT community sponsored a welcoming reception at a small restaurant, hosted by Valerie Harper and Judith Light.

That year, the DNC’s Gay and Lesbian platform read “Gay Plank” under “Chapter II: Justice, Dignity, Opportunity – Introduction.” It stated, “Government has a special responsibility to those whom society has historically prevented from enjoying the benefits of full citizenship for reasons of race, religion, sex, age, national origin and ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, or disability.”

Twenty-eight years later, the changes have been dramatic, to say the least. Just read the proposed LGBT platform for this year and you’ll note support for both marriage equality and nondiscrimination legislation.

Compare that with the Republican Party’s platform this year (which literally has a plank that supports the Christian Right’s anti-Gay missions to Africa). “Marriage is between a man and woman,” the platform says, with nothing regarding nondiscrimination or anything else pro-civil rights.

They’re not even in 1984 – rather, they are stuck in the 1950s, the days of Father Knows Best.

If you have any self-respect at all, you know for whom you’re voting.

There’s a big guessing game in political circles right now: Will the Log Cabin Republicans hold their heads high or show a lack of self-respect by endorsing the Romney/Ryan ticket? And now that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has escaped the confines of the GOP right-wing base in Tampa, will he attempt to go to the middle or will he run a base campaign?

What’s a base campaign, you ask? It’s a campaign where you try to maximize voter turnout among your “base,” i.e., those demographic groups that most strongly share your expressed worldview. The Republican base consists of conservatives (including the religious right), the managerial upper middle class, and working-class white men.

(For Democrats, it’s liberals, unionized workers, and minority groups.)

This is not the race Romney wanted to run, but he may have decided he has no other choice. Note how the Romney commercials have stooped to demonizing welfare and food stamp recipients, and also witness his “birther” remark last week. Will he try to turn toward the middle after Tampa has faded? If so, he may find it’s a tough turn to make.

This is an edited version of a column that first appeared in the Philadelphia Gay News. Award-winning commentator Mark Segal can be reached at mark@epgn.com.

September 7, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

Help with trials Study of potential HIV vaccine needs more volunteers

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer Last summer, the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) 505 study, a nationwide trial of potential HIV vaccines, expanded the scope of its investigation from 1,350 participants to 2,200 nationwide. Researchers in Seattle are still looking for volunteers.

“By increasing the size of this 505 study, scientists will be able to answer the question of whether this vaccine regimen can reduce the number of new HIV infections – in addition to the original questions about whether the vaccine regimen can lower viral load among those who do become infected and confirm that the vaccine is safe in all populations being enrolled,” said Ro Yoon, community educator coordinator for the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

HVTN 505 seeks to answer three questions: (1) Can the vaccine regimen protect against HIV infection?

(2) Can the vaccine regimen lower viral load among people who do become infected?

(3) Is the vaccine regimen safe and well tolerated?

HVTN 505 is a national multi-city trial, where the effectiveness of a vaccine developed by the federal government that aims to lower the viral load for people who become infected with HIV is being tested.

While vaccines are just one of numerous pursuits for the anti-AIDS toolkit, currently there is more time, energy, and money being put into vaccines than ever before.

So why are vaccines the way to go in end-

ing the global HIV/AIDS pandemic?

“An HIV vaccine would have a number of key advantages over today’s HIV prevention options,” Yoon explained. “In particular, the protection offered by a vaccine during sex would not depend on the consent of both partners [unlike condom use], and would not require behavioral change [unlike abstinence],” said Yoon. “An HIV vaccine would also be invaluable for couples wishing to conceive a child while minimizing the risk of HIV transmission.”

The goal of most vaccines is to lower the viral load of anyone who contracts HIV. With a lower viral load, it takes longer for the HIV+ person to develop symptoms, thus slowing the disease progression of AIDS. A lower viral load also means less risk of transmitting the virus to others.

NO INFECTION RISK For those interested in volunteering for the study, there are some things to be aware of. First and foremost, there is no risk of contracting HIV from the test vaccine, as it does not contain any live HIV. Side effects are very infrequent, with the most common being flu-life symptoms.

This study is for HIV-negative men who have sex with men. and Transgender women who have sex with men.

Should you choose to participate, you will be making a time commitment of 18 to 36 months. During this period you will not be allowed to test for HIV anywhere except through the study, as a conventional HIV test can interfere with the results. (You may test as often as you wish using the study facilities, at no cost.)

WA Catholic Bishops double down on R-74 New pastoral letter urges Catholics to reject marriage equality

CNS/Paul Haring

Catholic Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Washington’s four Catholic bishops have issued a new statement once again urging the faithful to reject Referendum 74.

Described as a “pastoral letter” – meant to go out to all Catholics in Washington – the statement is signed by Seattle Archbishop J.

Peter Sartain; his auxiliary bishop, Eusebio Elizondo; Bishop Joseph J. Tyson of Yakima; and Bishop Blasé J. Cupich of Spokane.

In January, the bishops issued a similar pastoral letter urging Catholics to oppose the Marriage Equality Act, which was then still pending in the state legislature.

After the law was passed with support

field to better understand the human response to vaccines in general. The data from this study is intended to help lead to the synthesis of a working HIV vaccine.

The most powerful information about vaccines comes from clinical trials like this one, many of which rely on volunteers. Seattle was chosen as a site for the HVTN 505 study largely because the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit, affiliated with the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, is located here. Both organizations have a long and admirable history in the field of HIV/AIDS research.

The trials unit was founded in 1987 with a goal of finding a vaccine that While the commitment may last a few would completely prevent HIV infection.

The HIV Vaccine Trials Unit is located years, it isn’t necessarily time-consuming.

Participants can expect to make about 16 on First Hill, at 901 Boren Ave. (at Madison visits total – less than one per month on av- St.) and is open by appointment only. Visit erage. The visits can be anywhere between www.hopetakesaction.org for more infor30 minutes and three hours, and volunteers mation.

“We now have an unprecedented opwill be compensated for their time.

It is a double-blind study, so there are pla- portunity, based on solid scientific data, to cebo groups – you may or may not receive control and ultimately end the AIDS pandemic,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, an internaactual test vaccine.

The study isn’t trying to license any spe- tionally renowned immunologist in the filed cific vaccine. Rather, its purpose is to help of HIV/AIDS research, last year regarding immunologists and others in the biomedical the study. from a number of Catholic legislators, and signed into law by Catholic Gov. Christine Gregoire, Archbishop Sartain issued a letter asking individual churches to collect signatures to put the new law before voters. Several Seattle parishes refused to participate, including the archbishop’s own cathedral, St. James.

Bishop Tyson recently clashed with state PDC (Public Disclosure Commission) officials over his plan to collect money for Preserve Marriage Washington, the anti-equality coalition, during Mass. The PDC ruled that if the church or its officials collected the money and then passed it on to the coalition, this would constitute illegal “bundling” under state law.

Tyson’s spokesperson, Monsignor Robert Siler, told SGN that “it is our intent to follow the state’s campaign election law,” but as of September 4, the diocese still did not have a fundraising plan that satisfied the PDC. PDC spokesperson Lori Anderson said that since the latest plan still relied on a church volunteer to collect the money, it did not satisfy the requirements of state law.

“The campaign needs to designate a volunteer, not the church,” she said. Anderson said the PDC has spoken to attorneys for Preserve Marriage and the Washington State Catholic Conference, and she added that the PDC would contact them again to clarify the rules.

SGN invited the Yakima diocese to comment on its fundraising plans for this story, but it had not replied by press time.

ANTI-GAY ‘BIAS’ ADMITTED In their latest letter, the bishops begin almost apologetically by acknowledging “bias, unjust discrimination and personal rejection” faced by LGBT people. While saying they wish to be “sensitive to this suffering,” the bishops then reaffirm that Gay and Lesbian couples are not entitled to marry.

SGN asked the archdiocese to explain

how it proposed to rectify the discrimination described in their letter without legislation that guarantees equality, but no answer was forthcoming by press time.

In their letter, the bishops go on to charge – falsely – that approval of R-74 would make them legally liable for discrimination if they taught Catholic doctrine. “[T]he legal separation of marriage from procreation would have a chilling effect on religious liberty and the right of conscience,” the bishops claim.

“Once marriage is redefined as a genderless contract, it will become legally discriminatory for public and private institutions such as schools to promote the unique value of children being raised by their biological mothers and fathers. No institution or individual could propose that married mothers and fathers provide a singular benefit to children without being accused of discrimination.”

In fact, the state’s Marriage Equality Act, which R-74 asks voters to approve or reject, says explicitly, “A regularly licensed or ordained minister or priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of any religious organization shall be immune from any civil claim or cause of action based on a refusal to solemnize or recognize any marriage under this section.

“No state agency or local government may base a decision to penalize, withhold benefits from, or refuse to contract with any religious organization on the refusal of a person associated with such religious organization to solemnize or recognize a marriage under this section.”

SGN also asked the archdiocese to explain the bishops’ claim that “[r]ecent attacks on churches, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that express their conscientious objection to the redefinition of marriage underscore the danger.”

Once again, however, no clarification was received by press time.

Come meet Tim and Matt and join the family.

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Older and Gay

Why do some men wait until late in life to come out?

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

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COMING OUT STILL HARD TO DO Elliot Tiber, a Gay man who helped save the legendary Woodstock festival from cancellation, spoke with SGN about aging in the LGBTQ community and the closet.

“Well, fashions and music change but I think the times often stay exactly the same,” said Tiber. “While things may have become a bit more tolerant, the emotional process of coming out still remains as tough and life-changing as ever. For myself, I knew I was Gay from when I was just a young boy. … But pressures from my family – and from a largely anti-Gay culture that still exists – kept me from coming out until I was in my mid-30s.”

The Woodstock miracle of 1969, coupled with the explosion of Gay power at the Stonewall Inn riots the same year (Tiber was there), gave him the inner power and courage to be the Gay man he always knew himself to be.

“As for why many older Gay men wait to come out, I just think that the American life is still such that people really need to be sure of things before they declare themselves,” Tiber told SGN. “I remember being closeted in the 1950s and most of the 1960s,” he said. “People were routinely beat up and bullied for being Gay in those days – and they still are today.

From my point of view, ‘the closet’ was a vital part of one’s survival in the Gay world.

It was really more of a foxhole. If there wasn’t still such hostility towards Gayness in the U.S., maybe we’d have fewer closets.”

And it’s clearly not just a problem in America, he said. “From what I’ve read, Gays are stoned to death in places like Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria – sometimes by their own parents. The worst part about being stuck in the closet is not that you lie to people you love – it’s more that you learn to lie to yourself.”

“As I told in my books [Taking Woodstock and more recently Palm Trees on the Hudson], my life was either compromised or wasted” – and even seriously threatened by gangsters – “simply because I was Gay in a world that didn’t like homosexuals,” Tiber recalled. “It’s unreal – without us, they don’t have hairdressers or interior decorators to make their houses look swank!

ralph w

It is not at all uncommon to hear about a 13-year-old kid coming out as Gay to his family and friends, joining the Gay-Straight Alliance at his school, and helping his parents to connect with their local PFLAG chapter. But it is also not at all uncommon to hear about a 55-year-old finally coming out after decades in the closet – and if he is lucky enough, he might be in an area of town that houses an LGBTQ senior community center.

Why does it take some older men so long to come out of the closet? To answer this question, Seattle Gay News spoke with academics and specialists in hopes of providing information that might help more men in their mature years to come out.

So this is clearly not the world that we need or want.”

Tiber is an honorary board member of the Florida-based Gay American Heroes Foundation, whose director, Scott Hall, works tirelessly to help stamp out anti-Gay hate crimes.

“We have in President Obama a politician who has officially recognized the validity of Gay marriage in America,” Tiber told SGN.

Coopers, and Ricky Martins are praised as though they had climbed Mt. Everest,” he remarked.

Most major cities have support systems in place for LGBT individuals of all ages.

“Yes, I do see many Gay grandparents who couldn’t come out back then, though they would have identified as LGB, and they will not come out now that they have children, grandchildren, et cetera,” said Garrison.

“This has led to ‘coming out at your funeral,’ when the family meets the ‘family’” – a situation highlighted in the 2007 British comedy Death at a Funeral.

“I find it interesting too that highly lauded – and quite closeted – Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual celebrities who come out late in life receive more accolades, as though they had just won a Nobel Prize,” he told SGN. “Those people have the money to pay for counseling –­ or their housing or their next meal or a divorce attorney. I also don’t like to hear the old cliché, “Well, I was afraid to lose my fan base.” Do they not know the value of a three-dollar bill? By the way, I am grateful that Zach Quinto came out. There were Kirk/ Spock slash zines back in the ’60s and ’70s, and now they can be written with a real Gay Spock in mind!

“All the closeted celebs and athletes I’ve spoken with, and who later came out, earned my support and praise, yet none of them walked away with my most coveted LGBT prize – the Pride ring necklace an elderly man gave me out of the blue, when I marched on Washington as a teenager back in the ’80s,” continued Garrison.

“That necklace went to a 20-something country boy working in the local grocery, living in a Mayberry-like town with a Klansman for a grandfather and a rainbow sticker on his black Trans Am. “What I don’t like to hear from the peanut gallery is the ‘Well, we all knew.’

No we didn’t. We assumed. We relied on our Gaydar or ‘spidey sense.’ Hell, I am a Southerner, and I often find myself playing the head game, Gay or Southern?’

I have no Gaydar anyway,” he said. “The puzzling piece should not be so much ‘Are they “family”?’ but ‘What could I do to help make them more comfortable as their new “family” if they were?’”

You know the phrase, “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone”? Well, many people, it seems, like the status quo. They like the relationships they currently have. They like the feeling of being “one of the bros” or “one of the girls.” They like being the wallflower at the high school reunion – or at least the one not talked about disparagingly. Perhaps these fears have a basis in truth. Or perhaps life would be the same – or better – if they would just be themselves.

“The only person you have to come out to is yourself,” Garrison told SGN. ”The main thing that worries me is the hypocrite – the closeted Gay politician who votes for antiGay legislation, the hyper-feminine Lesbian sorority sister who makes dyke jokes, and the countless closeted religious leaders who preach hellfire and brimstone to create a force-field to protect themselves.

“Though I am a cockeyed optimist and with words that fly in the face of [Dan] Savage’s ‘It Gets Better,’ I’d be more honest and say, ‘It Gets Different’ – even if the only difference is in your new label,” said Garrison.

“I think that the LGBT community needs to help vote President Obama back for a second term, so that he and his cabinet can help us banish [the closet] once and for all.

“And since I worked as a top New York City interior designer for most of the 1960s before I came out and became an artist/writer in Brussels and Paris, with my late lover and friend Andre Ernotte, I know a thing or two about cabinets and closets. If only I had the awesome good looks of Brad Pitt, I’d probably be able to construct safer closets for everyone!”

More support today Noted sex counselor Eric M. Garrison (M.A.Ed., M.S.) spoke with SGN about the trend of celebrities coming out as Gay well into their careers and why some mature Gay men remain in the closet.

“I’ve worked with high-profile [older] clients who hadn’t come out [and wanted to], and the reasons behind the trend vary,” Garrison said.

“As somebody who came out at 13, before HIV ‘came out,’ I am puzzled why these Neil Patrick Harrises, Anderson

HETEROSEXISM STILL POTENT “People across socioeconomic classes, regions, and religions stay in the closet for a huge variety of particular reasons that almost all lead back to the same place – heterosexism, which defines the harsh reality of sexual and gender discrimination that

pervades social life in the U.S.,” Patrick R. Grzanka, Ph.D., an Arizona State University honors faculty fellow, told SGN. “For celebrities, these issues may be mitigated by lots of money, but their careers are influenced, if not defined, by public perceptions of their sexuality. And as much as many pundits and reporters, even in the Gay press, like to insist otherwise, there remains tremendous incentive for people to remain in the closet. There is an astonishingly small number of out Queer actors and even fewer popular musicians. And the actors who have been successful in straight roles after coming out [namely, Neil Patrick Harris and Matt Bomer] are successful because of their ability to perform hetero-masculinity in a way that reaffirms for their audiences/fans that they’re just like one of the guys. Harris, in particular, is quite invested in seeming like a ‘normal’ guy and plays up his traditional masculinity in interviews, all the while hosting the Tonys. Oh, well.”

Note also that we seem to be somewhat better at accepting Lesbian actresses and musicians, especially if they’re beautiful.

Making her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres public, for example, has not hurt Portia de Rossi’s career. There wasn’t much of a stink when Wanda Sykes came out just a few years ago. Gay men are still fascinating objects in the mainstream, and the public’s attention is nervously transfixed on those men who might be.

APPLES AND ORANGES In many ways, comparing “coming out” in 2012 to “coming out” in 1912, say, is like comparing apples to oranges. We’re talking about completely different political climates in these two time periods, at least in terms of U.S. sexual and gender politics.

It’s tempting to view LGBT rights as a narrative arc across American history, whereby things slowly “get better” for Queers as time goes on – laws are overturned, new protections are guaranteed at the federal and state level, and the visibility of LGBT people increases in the public sphere. But the politics of visibility are at least as complicated as the politics of invisibility. Whereas a young Gay or Lesbian person in 1912 might never consider revealing their sexual desires to their family or friends, young Queer people in the U.S. increasingly have a multitude of scripts to draw on once they’re feeling ready to come out, whatever that means for them.

In 1912, most people we would now consider Gay were completely unfamiliar with the terms, labels, and identities that we trade in today.

“Young Queers have the Internet and social media at their disposal with which to search for information and create community in ways unimaginable even 10 years ago,” said Grzanka. “But with all of this information and exposure comes new sets of issues for Queer people in the process of coming out. Whereas straight family members and friends might have been completely clueless before about what it means to be Gay, now they have pop culture referents as to what Gay is, and therefore what being Gay should be.

“These expectations can become stereotypes and pressure all people coming out to meet heterosexist expectations of what being a ‘good’ Gay looks like,” he continued.

In the past decade or so, “in Queer studies, scholars have turned their attention toward the concept of ‘homo-normativity’ to describe the ways in which cultural norms about being Gay in the U.S. have created a set of rigid expectations as to what counts as a happy, successful Gay person. And homo-normativity, not surprisingly, tends to reflect heterosexual ideas about the ‘good’ life, including stable monogamous partnership, marriage, middle-class consumption choices, parenting, et cetera.”

For people in the public eye, like Cooper and Ocean, coming out means facing pressure to meet these expectations, while simultaneously contributing to what those expectations look like for the rest of us.

Rich Full-Bodied Cafes Savory Homestyle Soups & Sandwiches 8

Seattle Gay News

September 7, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

nate gowdy / seattle gay news

New coalition seeks broader LGBT alliance

SOSea looks beyond marriage to an all-inclusive vision of social justice

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer On Thursday, September 6, Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea), a coalition of LGBTQ and allied persons working to identify and ultimately fix social inequalities that exist in Seattle and beyond, made its intention to operate in the community public knowledge.

“I saw the need for a committee composed of Capitol Hill and Seattle-area members who are LGBTQ and allied that would plan, promote, and support events, rallies, freedom marches, and more, but also respond to social justice issues that affect not only the LGBTQ community, but all Seattle residents,” said Shaun Knittel, SOSea founder and chair.

SOSea’s charter membership includes Ryan Crawford (Alere Wellbeing), Sarah Toce (The Seattle Lesbian), Yee-Shin Huang (Seattle Counseling Service), Ben Haong (Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan), Dru Dinero (Visual

dom to marry in Washington state. SOSea is currently filming a series of Approve R-74 commercials featuring local LGBTQ and allied clubs, organizations, groups, and individuals. The spots will debut online on October 1.

SOSea says it will “encourage the Seattle LGBTQ and allied communities to work together to address and ultimately fix social justice issues in Seattle and beyond.” Using social media, video, photos, editorial content, and more, SOSea intends to get the message across that “inequality will not be tolerated.”

SOSea also intends to support equalityminded businesses, organizations, clubs, groups, and individuals. This may include, but is not limited to, LGBTQ and allied candidates seeking public office or re-election; citizens in need of an advocate; providers and mentors for LGBTQ and allied youth; and organizers of vigils, equality marches, and rallies when needed.

Knittel says he fully understands that this is a huge undertaking, which is why he has

Shaun Knittel, founder and committee chair of Social Outreach Seattle

have learned that organizations that tell the community what they will or will not like, what they should or should not do, are often ill-received by the constituents they intend to help.”

“It is my goal that SOSea works hard for [the] community and city that so many people know and love. With so much negativity in the world, like economic and social depression, partisan politics, and attacks on everyone from women to LGBTQ persons to other disadvantaged communities … I believe the last thing the world needs is yet another organization with yet another agenda to tear down anything or anyone that believes differently than they do. SOSea will always remain positive, because each and every committee member knows no other way to be,” said Knittel.

SOSea is also planning an Approve R-74 march and rally for October 6.

SOSea envisions a city where LGBTQ and allied communities come together in response to social justice issues; help LGBTQ and allied businesses, organizations, clubs, and individuals in need of advocacy; and organize public rallies for visibility.

Learn more by “liking” SOSea on Facebook or e-mail the group at socialoutreachseattle@gmail.com.

courtesy shaun knittel

ABOUT SHAUN KNITTEL Shaun Knittel is an openly Gay journalist and community leader in Seattle. After serving 10 years in the U.S. Navy doing public affairs work for the government under the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, Knittel received an honorable discharge in early 2009 and moved to the Pacific Northwest to work at Seattle Gay News WHERE’S SEATTLE’S PRIDE? Knittel says he is continually shocked as associate editor, a role he still holds toat the wave of pride that exists during the day. He quickly joined the LGBTQ equality short weeks leading up to the annual Pride movement and emerged as a leader within celebration, and seems to disappear the rest the community shortly thereafter.

Knittel is also a contributing writer to The of the year.

“You look around other cities like West Village Voice, EDGE Media Network, noiZe Hollywood or San Francisco, and you see Magazine, and Best Gay News Magazine. rainbow flags, rainbow signs, rainbow any- He serves as online news editor at OutServe thing year-round. I’ve heard more times Magazine, a bimonthly publication distribthan I care to members of the LGBTQ com- uted on military installations throughout the munity saying that the Hill isn’t Gay any- U.S. and abroad for LGBTQ servicememShaun Knittel (l) and husband Yee-Shin Huang more,” said Knittel. “But I beg to differ. bers and veterans. In addition, Knittel is on Affairs), Daniel Hanks (professional stunt- enlisted the help of such a diverse group of There are more LGBTQ-owned and oper- the OutMilitary.com advisory board and is man), Aleksa Manila (Seattle Counseling people – to ensure that SOSea not only sees ated businesses, employees, and residents also media advisor for the company, a social Service, Pride ASIA), Jack Mozie (local a healthy and prosperous first year, but also living, working, and going to school on the media network for actively serving, reserve, recording artist), Heather Carter (LGBTQ has longevity.

Hill than ever before. The difference is, in and veteran LGBTQ servicemembers and “When I began to put SOSea together, it 2012, not all people who identify as LG- their supporters. youth suicide prevention counselor), HowLocally, Knittel is currently sponsorship ard Russell aka “Lady Chablis” (com- became obvious that in order to make the BTQ feel that this should be something they munity advocate and entertainer), Robert best possible impact, and if SOSea would put on display just because. However, there coordinator and a committee member of Matencio aka “Gaysha Starr” (community really be able to change anything, I would still remains a large population that believes Pride ASIA, vice president for communicaadvocate and local drag legend), Mike An- need a strong group of individuals, each pride is something we should have in our- tions at Seattle Out & Proud, and social medrew (Pride at Work, SEAMEC, SGN staff bringing to the committee their own style selves, our community, and especially on dia manager for a number of Seattle-based writer), Alexander Mentele (Mr. Gay Se- of expertise and talent,” said Knittel. “I feel display in our neighborhood all year. I hap- businesses. Knittel has served as associate producer of Pride Idol, an annual SO&P attle), Robbie Turner (principal entertainer that the founding members of the current pen to be one of those people.” at Le Faux), Chase Silva (Seattle Pride SOSea committee embody compassion, “SOSea fully intends, with the support of singing competition leading up to Pride, and Idol 2012), Ceasar Hart (Mr. Neighbours service to community, and doing what’s allied communities, to look at ways to pro- has produced a winning video for the White 2012, community advocate, drag king), and right – especially when you have to do it in mote LGBTQ visibility, tourism, and good- House Champions of Change Pride Month the face of what is wrong.” video contest, where he and the other memKelsey Hart (community advocate). will on the Hill,” added Knittel. bers of the video team were honored at a MULTI-PRONGED DIVERSITY White House ceremony.

HISTORIC EFFORT LAUNCH PARTY PLANNED From mental health and substance abuse Knittel has produced a number of very “SOSea is a coalition whose time has SOSea will hold an official launch party come. We seek to inspire, motivate, and counselors, to drag entertainers and video on October 1 at The Grill on Broadway, successful fundraisers benefiting organizaembrace our differences as a blended com- production professionals, to business own- from 7:30 to 10 p.m., which will include tions that work on everything from LGBTQ munity in a creative fashion so that we ers and young artists – the committee cer- live entertainment, viewing of the new cam- youth suicide prevention to HIV/AIDS premight catapult interest into the areas of our tainly is representative of most economic paign commercials, a community Q&A, vention. He is available to speak on panels on any number of topics, from DADT, the lives that ultimately matter most – family, classes as well as racially diverse and inclu- coalition-building, and more. friends, love, marriage, service to ourselves sive of all sexual orientations and identifica“Working with Matthew Walsh, who freedom to marry, communications trainand others, health and wellness,” said Sar- tions. owns The Grill on Broadway, has been a ing, and more, and is a skilled speechwriter, “It’s important as a leader of any com- pleasure,” said Knittel. “Matthew has been moderator, or host for events like town-hall ah Toce. “This is a grassroots effort that is bound to change the course of LGBT his- munity organization to have your advisors supportive of SOSea, our mission and vi- meetings, forums, and community Q&As. tory in Seattle as we know it. I am honored – in this case, the community members – be sion, revealing himself to me to be a Gay Knittel lives with his husband Yee-Shin representative of the very community they business owner who truly cares about the Huang in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of to serve as co-chair.”

Seattle.

SOSea’s first order of business is the free- serve,” said Knittel. “Through experience I neighborhood he serves.”

Visit us online www.sgn.org

September 7, 2012

Seattle Gay News

9

NORTHWEST

NEWS

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

REGISTER TO VOTE Register to vote at myvote.wa.gov.

Mail-in voter registration forms can also be obtained in person at city and county public libraries and county election offices around the state. For more information on the 2012 election, visit www.vote.wa.gov.

The deadline for online and mail-in voter registration as well as CHANGES OF ADDRESS and other updates is Monday, October 8. (Because Monday, October 8, is a federal holiday, if you are planning to mail in your voter registration, you are advised to mail it in no later than Saturday, October 6, before the last mailbox pick up time that day, because the post office will not be processing mail on October 8.)

Because Washington State has a voteby-mail system, it is important to submit changes of address to ensure you receive your ballot in the mail. If you have not submitted a change of address by October 8, you can still vote, but you will need to pick up your ballot from your previous address or contact your county elections office for information on other voting options.)

The FINAL deadline for NEW (in person only) Washington State voter registration is Monday, October 29. After October 8, the only option to register to vote in Washington State is to go in person to your county elections office. The King County Elections Office is located at 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057. The Snohomish County Elections Office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave. #505, Everett, WA 98201. The Pierce County Elections Office is located at 2501 S. 35th St., Tacoma, WA 98409. For other county locations contact the Washington State Elections Office, 360902-4180.

The 18-day mail-in voting period for the 2012 General Election is October 19-November 6.

Ballots must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, November 6. If you mail your ballot on Tuesday, November 6, be sure to put your ballot in the mail box before that mail box’s last scheduled pick up of the day so that it is postmarked November 6. (Earlier voting is recommended.) Your county elections office can also provide you with locations where you can drop off your ballot in person.

The November 6 General Election has several important candidates and issues on the ballot – including President of the United States, Governor of the State of Washington, Attorney General of the State of Washington, Referendum 74 to APPROVE Marriage Equality (LGBTQ Marriage) in Washington State, and Initiative 502 to Decriminalize Marijuana in Washington State.

For more information, contact the Washington State Elections Office, 360-9024180; 800-448-4881 (voter hotline).

CONCERT UNDER THE COLUMNS Every Friday from June 1 to September 7, noon-2 p.m. and 4-8:30 p.m., the public is invited to FREE concerts by local musicians at the Columns (Boren Ave. & Pike St.).

“EQUINOX 2012” – SEATTLE MEN IN LEATHER’S ANNUAL LEATHER WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 7-9 www.SeattleMeninLeather.org SEATTLE DESIGN DISTRICT SIDEWALK SALE On Saturday, September 8, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in Georgetown (6th Ave. S. & S. Orcas St.), the Seattle Design District Association invites you to their annual sidewalk sale featuring extraordinary deals on furnishings, collectables, home accessories and more!

Enjoy music, food and raffle. www.seattledesigndistrict.com.

KENT PRIDE 2012 SEPTEMBER 8-9

10 Seattle Gay News

The City of Kent, WA is having its own Pride event in September! On Saturday, September 8, come down to the Long Dog Tavern (209 E. Meeker St.) for an evening kick-off get together at 8 p.m. Come in drag, come anyway you like, bring friends! The next day, from 2-5 p.m., join us at the Gazebo Stage located at the Burlington Green Park, just off Railroad Ave. and E. Meeker St. Guests include Mayor Suzette Cooke, Kent City Council President Dennis Higgins, State Representative Dave Upthegrove, and many more, to speak about the importance of getting the word out to vote in November. Come show your support for the LGBTQ community and rally for our rights!

This event is endorsed and sponsored by the Kent Downtown Partnership and Long Dog Tavern.

IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE – KING & QUEEN OF HEARTS PAGEANT On Saturday, September 8, door at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., at R Place (619 E. Pine St.), join the Imperial Court of Seattle for the King & Queen of Hearts Pageant. $7 donation.

added to the POZ Seattle event promotions email list, contact info@pozseattle.org or visit www.pozseattle.org.

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

Border Riders hosts a short monthly Meet and Greet gathering on the Wednesday before the third weekend of each month at 7 p.m., at The Cuff Complex (1533 13th Ave.). The next Meet and Greet will be held on Wednesday, September 12.

From May through October, BRMC hosts monthly weekend camping trips – May 1821, June 15-17, July 20-22, August 24-26, September 21-23, and October 19-21.

For more information, visit www.borderriders.com.

ROY HORN EXPERIENCE – “THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE” PERFORMANCE TO BENEFIT EQUAL RIGHTS WASHINGTON On Saturday, September 15, at 5 p.m., at the Scarlet Tree Restaurant and Lounge (801 NE 65th St.), join the Roy Horn Experience Band in support of Equal Rights Washington. “The Roy Horn Experience is Roy Horn on wind synth, Darrius Willrich on piano and vocals, Ev Stern on acoustic bass, Jamael Nance on drums and Tena Duberry on vocals – and there will be some exciting special guests.” Tickets: $20. 206324-2570. www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/267744.

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN PACIFIC NORTHWEST GALA DINNER On Saturday, September 15, 5:30 p.m. registration, 5:30-7:30 p.m. silent auction and cocktails, 7 p.m. gala, at Sheraton Seattle Hotel (1400 6th Ave.), join local HRC supporters and HRC President Chad Griffin for an evening in celebration of the work of HRC. Featuring HRC Visibility Award Recipient Dustin Lance Black (winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for MILK) and Special Guest Megan Hilty. Tickets: $225 regular, $150 student (with ID), seniors and elected officials. www.hrcseattle.org/dinner.

BLACK NAIL KARAOKE AT JULIA’S ON BROADWAY BUG BLAST! WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT THE BURKE MUSEUM Black Nail Karaoke is now hosting karaOn Sunday, September 16, from 10 a.m.-4 oke on Wednesday evenings, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., “RUGBY IS A DRAG” FUNDRAISER at Julia’s on Broadway (Broadway E. & E. p.m., the University of Washington’s Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture Thomas St.) TO APPROVE REFERENDUM 74 (17th Ave. NE & NE 45th St.), presents On Sunday, September 9, door at 7 p.m., “STORIES I CAN’T TELL MAMA” – “Bug Blast,” displaying their stunning and show at 8 p.m., join hostess Gaysha Starr extensive collection of mounted insects, LESLIE JORDAN AT RE-BAR and Seattle Quake Rugby at Neighbours On Thursday, September 13, and Friday, including iridescent beetles (scarabs) and (1509 Broadway, entrance in alley off E. Pike St.) for a special “Rugby is a Drag” September 14, at 8 p.m., Re-bar (1114 How- butterflies. In addition, two entomologyists fundraising benefit for Washington United ell St.) presents comedian Leslie Jordan will be on hand to answer questions and asfor Marriage’s campaign to Approve Refer- in his one-man hit show “Stories I Can’t sist with the handling of live insects. Bug Tell Mama.” Tickets: $20-advance, $25 at Blast is included with museum admission: endum 74. $5 cover. the door. www.brownpapertickets.com/ $10 general with student/senior discounts; FREE to museum members and UW faculevent/265113. Must be 21+ with ID. SING JAZZ! ty, staff, students. www.burkemuseum.org.

BlueStree Jazz Voices will be holding 2012 GSBA CANDIDATE FORUM auditions on Monday, September 10 and SEATTLE PRIME TIMERS – On Friday, September 14, from 11:30 by appointment. Visit www.bluestreet20TH ANNIVERSARY voices.com for audition information. Email a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Red Lion Hotel (1415 5th CELEBRATION & POTLUCK Ave.), the Greater Seattle Business Associabluestreetjazz@hotmail.com.

On Sunday, September 16, at 2 p.m., at tion (GSBA), your LGBT Chamber of Commerce, hosts the 2012 GSBA Candidate Fo- Seattle First Baptist Church (1111 Harvard EAT OUT ON CAPITOL HILL rum Luncheon with Jay Inslee (candidate Ave.), join Seattle Prime Timers for their TO BENEFIT COUNTRY DOCTOR On Wednesday, September 12, eat out at for Governor), Bob Ferguson (candidate for 20th anniversary celebration and monthparticipating Capitol Hill restaurants (see Attorney General), Kathleen Drew and Kim ly potluck. There is a $4/person door fee ad in SGN or visit www.countrydoctor.org) Wyman (candidates for Secretary of State), to help pay for the rental cost of the hall. and a portion of your bill will be donated to and Noel Christina Frame and Gael Tarleton Please bring a dish to share that will serve Country Doctor Community Health Cen- (candidates for State Representative Pos. 2, eight or more people. A special dessert will be provided so don’t bring a dessert this 36th Legislative District). ters. month. www.seattleprimetimers.org.

OUT FOR SUSTAINABILITY – MARRIAGE EQUALITY SEATTLE FRINGE FESTIVAL “OUT AT THE BEACH” FUNDRAISER – IN BELLEVUE SEPTEMBER 19-23 On Saturday, September 15, OUT for SusOn Wednesday, September 12, from 4:30For five intense days, Seattle Fringe au6:30 p.m., at Let’s Do Lunch! (1471 130th tainability will participate in International Ave. NE, Bellevue), come and learn why Shoreline Cleanup Day at Ocean Shores diences will enjoy an eclectic array of new marriage equality is important to Washing- with shoreline cleanup activities followed work by artists from Boulder, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New ton State, what will need to be done to en- by a Beach Ball with food, music and fun!

For more information and to register, visit York City, and, of course, Seattle. Twensure victory in November, and how you can ty-one performance groups will shine on help. Suggested donation $20. Enjoy 50% www.out4s.org.

(OUT for Sustainability will be hosting Capitol Hill with shows at Annex Theatre, off meals. Please RSVP to Mea at 206-7672014 or mea@washingtonunited.org. Learn their annual Coming Out Local dinner on the NW Film Forum, West Hall at Century Ballroom, and Odd Duck Studio. Ranging more about the campaign to Approve Ref. Sunday, September 30.) from serious drama to light, family-friendly 74 at www.WashingtonUnited.org. fare, from existential Butoh to saucy cabaFREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY – ret, from highbrow to lowbrow to no-brow “GRAND JURIES, RAIDS POZ SEATTLE HOSTS – Seattle Fringe Festival has something for AND WITCHHUNTS: “BACK TO SCHOOL” SOCIAL everyone. Single tickets: $10; all-festival THE GOVERNMENTS On Wednesday, September 12, from 6-8 RENEWED ATTACK ON DISSENT” passes $125. www.click4tix.com. Tickets to p.m., at The Cuff Complex (13th Ave. E. On Friday, September 14, doors at 6:30 non-sold-out shows will be available at the & E. Pine St.) join POZ Seattle for their monthly POZ Social. Meet on the back p.m., forum at 7:30 p.m., at New Freeway door. For more information and schedule of patio for the last Summer Grillin’ event of Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), Neil Fox, presi- events, visit www.seattlefringefestival.org. the year, socializing, to catch-up with old dent of the Seattle Chapter of the National SEATTLE AIDS WALK & 5K RUN friends, to make new ones, Trivia, and a Lawyers Guild and veteran civil rights atSEPTEMBER 22 whole lot of fun. Bring your appetites for torney Val Carlson will discuss escalating www.SeattleAIDSWalk.org burgers, chicken breasts, beef hot dogs, FBI and police surveillance and arrests of Boca burgers, with all the fixins, chips, sal- political protesters at a public forum. These SEATTLE LESBIAN & GAY ads and desserts. The event is for all HIV- prominent civil liberties attorneys will also FILM FESTIVAL Positive men and their friends, regardless of examine the history of grand jury resisOCTOBER 11-21 age, shape, size, or color. The event is of- tance by radicals here in Seattle and across www.threedollarbillcinema.org fered at no cost (no one turned away for lack the country, as well as strategies to defend of funds), but to help with overhead costs, the free speech rights of protesters, be they “WICKED” FOR MARRIAGE a $2 donation is requested (you can always striking unionists, anarchists, occupiers or On Thursday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m., give more). Beverages are at cost from the immigrant rights advocates. $3 door donabar. POZSeattle is a social organization run tion. Snack plates available for $6. Spon- join the Washington United for Marriage for and by Seattle-area HIV-positive guys sored by Freedom Socialist Party. Wheel- campaign to Approve Referendum 74 at the that is committed to planning and promot- chair accessible. For more information and Paramount Theatre (911 Pine St.) for a speing fun, social activities. For more informa- to reserve childcare, call 206-722-2453 or cial fundraising performance of the musical “Wicked.” www.wickedformarriage.com. tion, to plan your own social event, or to be email FSPseattle@mindspring.com.

September 7, 2012

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Visit us online www.sgn.org

September 7, 2012

Seattle Gay News 11

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September 7, 2012

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Visit us online www.sgn.org

September 7, 2012

Seattle Gay News 17

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Leading liberal Catholic cleric dies Cardinal Martini was one of very few progressives in high church office

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, the standard bearer of the Catholic Church’s beleaguered liberal wing and once a leading candidate for pope, died August 31 at the age of 85.

In a remarkable final interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on August 8, Martini lamented the ultra-conservatism of the Catholic hierarchy.

“The church is 200 years behind the times,” Martini told reporters. “Why does she not shake herself? Why are we afraid?”

Particularly in the Western world, “the Church is tired,” he continued. “Our culture has aged, our churches are huge, our religious houses are empty, and the bureaucratic machinery grows. Our rites and our vestments are pompous.”

Nevertheless, Martini said more hopefully, “People surrounding me make me feel love. This love is stronger than the sentiment of mistrust which I sometimes perceive towards the Church in Europe.”

DEATH SPARKED DEBATE Martini had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for the past 17 years and had refused further treatment prior to his death.

His decision reignited the debate between supporters of assistance in dying and the Catholic hierarchy. Contrary to church teaching, Martini once said ending one’s own life for medical reasons is “a private decision.”

Many of his positions on other social issues were also contrary to those favored by the Vatican. He was welcoming towards Gay and Lesbian Catholics, believed that divorced Catholics should be allowed to receive full sacraments, and said he understood why women might choose abortion even if he could not approve it.

Although he believed same-sex relationships “can never be totally equated to a marriage,” Martini did approve of civil unions.

“I disagree with the positions of those in the Church that take issue with civil unions,” he wrote. “It is not bad, instead of casual sex between men, that two people have a certain stability” and the “state could recognize them.”

CONDOMS ‘LESSER EVIL’ In 2006, he annoyed the Vatican when he told l’Espresso magazine that condoms could be considered a “lesser evil” in combating AIDS, particularly for a married couple.

Four years later, the pope himself came close to affirming Martini’s opinion when he said a male prostitute who uses a condom might be taking a step toward responsible sexuality because he was looking out for the welfare of his partner.

In 2008, Martini went even further, saying that the church’s prohibition on birth control had likely driven many of the faithful away.

In 2009, Martini was quoted in a German publication as saying it was time to re-evaluate priestly celibacy as a means to combat pedophilia among priests. He later said he had been misquoted.

Cardinal Martini

A PAPAL CONTENDER? Martini was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, and when that pope died, he was considered a leading contender to succeed him, even though he had already retired from active duty as Archbishop of Milan.

According to one account of the 2005 conclave, Martini got more votes than Cardinal Ratzinger – now Pope Benedict XVI – in the

first round of balloting, but then the traditionalists coalesced behind Ratzinger, giving him the election.

A different account, which came to light in the recent Vatican leaks scandal, said Martini actually got a mere handful of votes and asked for his name to be withdrawn.

In any case, had Martini been chosen, the trajectory of Catholic politics might well have been different.

Latino HIV service center sues landlord over eviction Owner claims Bienestar ‘bringing disease’ to building

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

DISCRIMINATION CHARGED On August 31, the group filed suit seeking an injunction to gain access to the property, including confidential client files.

“There is no legal or rational basis for the landlord’s highly discriminatory and disruptive action against Bienestar,” Campbell said.

“It is harmful to the Van Nuys community at large and, in particular, its members who need and rely on the organization’s services.”

She added that the landlord initially gave no explanation whatsoever for the sudden eviction, and only later claimed that Bienestar’s activities are an inappropriate use of the space and that Bienestar is “bringing disease” to the building.

“Bienestar is taking all necessary and reasonable steps to recover its property, enforce its legal rights, and find a way to continue to provide much-needed services to its clients and the community as quickly and effectively as it can,” Campbell said.

“Bienestar’s primary concern, as it has been for 20 years, is the well-being of the people and Southern California communities it serves.”

“We feel that we have been treated unfairly … the landlord’s actions are a shocking example of the kind of LGBT and HIV/

google maps

Bienestar, a community service organization that offers health counseling, HIV testing, and referrals to the Latino population in Southern California, has filed suit against a former landlord that evicted the group from its Van Nuys office without notice.

According to Bienestar’s attorney, Kerrie Campbell, the organization has served the Latino LGBT community in Southern California for more than 20 years at a number of locations.

On August 13, Bienestar opened its new Van Nuys office and by the next day, the new center was fully operational. That same day, the building owner abruptly demanded that Bienestar remove its belongings and leave the premises immediately.

A locksmith arrived a few hours later and changed the locks on the doors. On August 15 – only two days after the center opened – the landlord informed the group that he was immediately and permanently terminating the lease.

“Since that date, the landlord has unlawfully denied Bienestar access to retrieve its property, leaving vulnerable populations without convenient access to critical services,” Campbell said.

According to California law, a landlord normally must give at least 30 days’ written notice to terminate a lease. Under a limited set of circumstances, a three-day notice may be given, but that also must be issued

in writing. In either case, the tenant is supposed to have an opportunity to respond and to correct any outstanding issues.

Bienestar’s Van Nuys, California location

AIDS discrimination that Bienestar has committed itself to fight against and overcome since we started serving the community in 1989,” Bienestar president Oscar De La O said in a statement.

“This situation is very unexpected and distressing, especially when we have performed these same services half a block down the street from this Van Nuys location for 12 years. We have never faced this kind of situation before at any of our nine South-

ern California centers,” De La O added.

“We are deeply committed to stopping all forms of LGBT and HIV/AIDS discrimination, including this discrimination against Bienestar as a service provider to the community.”

According to Campbell, Bienestar will be providing limited services for the time being, including case management, rapid HIV testing, and referrals, from its mobile unit stationed in front of the Van Nuys location.

Come meet Tim and Matt and join the family.

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

206-838-6027 or 206-898-4306

Visit us online www.sgn.org

September 7, 2012

Seattle Gay News 19

Four wins are better than none Innovative campaign aims to get out the youth vote in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The Four 2012, a new social media campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, Google Plus, and other sites in support of marriage equality in the four states where it is on the ballot this November, launched this week.

“It’s Facebook and Twitter meets Rock the Vote for marriage equality,” said Brian Ellner, one of the initiative’s founders and a longtime LGBT rights advocate who helped spearhead the successful push for New York’s marriage law last year. “We want to energize young pro-equality voters in the Google age.”

The online effort, a collaboration among leaders in social media and LGBT rights, is focused on creating and distributing cutting-edge, highly sharable social media content to excite pro-equality Americans nationwide – especially voters in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington state.

The campaign will work with the best minds in social media and advertising to produce, and help others produce, exciting and original digital content, such as videos, graphics, photographs, and other art, from leading creative artists and new media influentials.

Internet strategy leader who is the CEO of Purpose, an initiative partner and co-founder.

Ryan Davis, a co-founder of The Four, added: “The concept is to allow easy sharing and to syndicate this material over popular social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest. We will also use smart paid media to promote our most popular posts, create a network of influencers to amplify the content, and produce new content from some of the hottest Internet stars.”

Davis is executive director of social innovation at Blue State Digital, a leading digital media firm that managed Barack Obama’s 2008 online campaign.

“We want to extend and expand the marriage equality brand by adding excitement and edge – to galvanize young base voters to take action and to vote,” said Andre Banks, co-founder and executive director of initiative partner AllOut.org.

CAMPAIGN WITH AN EDGE “The idea behind The Four is to promote marriage equality in the most creative and exciting ways and to remind supporters through social media sharing – especially young people – to get out and vote,” said Jeremy Heimans, a social innovation and

VIDEO RELEASED The Four has already released a new original video, entitled “Momentum,” featuring the hit song “We Are Young” from the indiepop group Fun. With just over 60 days to go before the election, the site will feature new content every day. It will include original documentary videos commissioned from New Left Media (Chase Whiteside), which will focus on the specific campaigns in each of the four states.

The campaign is encouraging artists, videographers, writers, and anybody with ideas to create short videos, short stories, and/or graphic art. “Nothing would make us hap-

marriage

continued from cover

after Gov. Gregoire signed the Marriage Equality Act into law.

new law granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples, announced it would fight to defend the law in November by campaigning to Approve Referendum 74, you could almost hear a collective groan from donors – small and large. And for good reason, too – right out of the gate, Zach Silk, WUM campaign manager, told SGN readers this campaign would cost a minimum of $6 million, and to beat our opponents we would need to at least match them dollar for dollar. That was six months ago, shortly

DEFYING THE SKEPTICS These days, thanks to nearly 14,000 donors, WUM is sitting on a pile of money that many in the community never would have guessed was possible. To date, WUM has raised $7.29 million dollars to defend the freedom to marry.

August was particularly a good month.

On September 4, WUM announced that more than 5,000 new donors helped raise $1.758 million during August alone.

WUM now has 13,866 individual contributors, possibly the largest number of

pier than to have a lot of people create and contribute content expressing in their own personal ways why marriage equality is important to them,” said Ellner.

The site will also feature and amplify the best independently created marriage equality digital content from national and state coalition partners, working specifically with Mainers United for Marriage, Marylanders for Marriage Equality, Minnesotans United for All Families, and Washington United for Marriage – as well as nationally, with equality movement leaders like Freedom to Marry and the Human Rights Campaign.

YOUTH TURNOUT CRITICAL On November 6, Maine will be voting on whether to legalize same-sex marriage, Maryland and Washington voters will decide whether to confirm or reject marriage equality laws enacted by their legislatures, and Minnesota will vote on a proposed state constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality. Polls show the pro-equality side donors in any Washington state ballot campaign. According to the Public Disclosure Commission’s online records dating from 2000, only 2008’s I-1000 came close, with approximately 9,500 contributors.

The average gift in August was $50, with 84% of those donations coming from Washington state residents. Additionally, those 5,000-plus new contributors in August constitute a 47% increase over the 8,900 individuals who had donated to the campaign by the end of July.

“We are so energized by the confidence so many people and organizations have placed in our campaign and the drive to defend our marriage law in November,” said Zach Silk, WUM’s campaign manager. “With the campaign season now fully in gear, we’ve got a broad and deep field organization in literally every corner of the state, and none of that would have been possible without the generosity of our donors.”

A STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN At the same time that the campaign set statewide fundraising records, WUM’s field effort continued to build into one of the largest ever launched in a statewide ballot measure.

Among the highlights: a total of 33 field staff are operating out of seven offices statewide, including three new operations in Tacoma, Shoreline, and Bellevue; volunteers are calling voters across the state from 50 separate phone banks every week (the number of calls to voters in August increased 300% over the number placed in July); and the total number of active volunteers now exceeds 2,800, the campaign reports.

In August, more than $208,000 was raised online, with the average gift being $73; house parties were held at 38 different loca-

20 Seattle Gay News

September 7, 2012

ahead in each of these states – but in the past, being ahead in the polls has not resulted in winning on Election Day. Virtually all polls have shown young people favor marriage equality by greater margins than older voters – hence the need for an increased effort to get out the youth vote.

The Four 2012 is organized as a project of Purpose Action, Inc., a 501(c)(4) started

by Heimans. He and Banks are co-founders of AllOut.org, an online social movement of over a million members working globally to build a world where every person can live freely and embrace who they are.

The campaign has a budget of $200,000 and hopes to help raise additional funds to be used directly by the state campaigns.

Funding for The Four 2012 was made possible by a generous founding contribution from Jason Goldberg, founder of Fab – the marketplace for everyday design – and from contributions by other supporters.

For more information, visit the campaign’s website, www.TheFour2012.com. tions across the state, netting $85,964; the largest single gift of $525,000 came from Freedom to Marry, with the Human Rights Campaign contributing $260,000 and TMobile donating $25,000; and Millions for Marriage, a fundraising program that brings family, friends, and co-workers together to raise money for the campaign, brought in nearly $128,000.

RESPECT FOR ALL Silk says that as we head into the heart of the election season, it seems an appropriate time to reflect not just on the muscle, but also on the values of this campaign.

“We have all worked hard to prepare for this moment,” he said to supporters in an e-mail blast. “The campaign will certainly heat up and passions will run high. That enthusiasm and perseverance will serve us well in these final, all-important weeks.”

“But let’s remember that passions will run high on both sides,” said Silk.

“There are good people who simply do not view marriage equality as we do,” he reminded supporters. “We might not be able to change everyone’s mind, but we always want to treat everyone fairly and with respect.”

For Silk, it always comes down to the Golden Rule. “We must work tirelessly until November 6, and the next day we not only want to savor the very first win for marriage at the ballot box, we want to know that we treated everyone fair and square, no matter where they were on this issue,” he said. “So, let’s keep those conversations about the freedom to marry going strong.”

For more information about Washington United for Marriage and the campaign to Approve Referendum 74, go to www.washingtonunitedformarriage.org.

Celebrating 39 Years!

obama

continued from cover And I also want to thank [Los Angeles] Mayor [Antonio] Villaraigosa for joining us today and for his outstanding service.

He is doing a phenomenal job as chairman of this convention, but he’s also been a terrific advocate with me as we stand together to fight the issue of childhood obesity. So he’s been a terrific leader there as well. And I also want to recognize a congresswoman who has been a great leader in the House of Representatives, and who I know will make an outstanding senator for the state of Wisconsin – Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin. […]

So how about that opening night last night? … Everybody was pretty excited.

But more importantly, last night truly set the stage for what’s at stake in this election and it set the stage for what we need to guide us forward for these next four years, because we have so much more work to do.

INCLUSIVE VISION The evening reflected Barack’s broad and inclusive vision for this country as a place where every single one of us has something unique and special to contribute. That’s the beauty of this party and last night. And we should all have a chance to make a place in this country, to have a stake in this if we’re willing to work hard.

And today, I want to thank all of you, truly, for playing a critical role in making that vision a reality. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the hard work of the people in this room and around the country. I want to thank you for doing everything that you do every single day to lift up our communities and move this country forward, and ensure that all Americans are treated fairly no matter who they are or who they love.

But whether it’s passing hate crimes legislation or refusing to defend DOMA, whether it’s ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or ensuring that people can be at their loved one’s hospital bedside, or speaking out for the rights of all Americans to be able to do what Barack and I did and marry the love of our lives – as President, my husband has stood strong for the basic values of freedom, justice, and equality that make this country great. And he always will.

And that’s why all of you are here today, because you know that all of that and so much more is at stake in this election. We can’t take anything for granted because it’s all still on the line. And I know you’re here today because you believe, like I believe, that our President, my husband, he’s done an extraordinary job. Truly, I am so proud of him. And as I said last night, he has done it with vision, with character, with wisdom, with grace, with the experience that we need to keep moving this country forward for four more years.

THE BIG QUESTION But the one thing I want to point out here

today is that we don’t want to make any mistake about it – this election is about even more than the issues that are at stake right now. It’s about even more than the candidates that are on the ballot this year. This election, more than any other in history, is about how we want our democracy to function for decades to come. It’s about the lessons that we want to teach our kids and our grandkids as they watch these campaigns and they see those results on election night.

And we have to ask ourselves, do we want to give a few individuals in this country a far bigger say in our democracy than anybody else? Do we want our elections to be about who buys the most ads on TV? Do we want our kids and grandkids to walk away from this election feeling like regular folks can no longer be heard?

Or are we going to show them that here in America, we all have an equal voice in the voting booth, and we all have a say in our country’s future, and a bottomup, grassroots movement of people who love this country can always come together to move this country forward?

And what I want you all to focus on, because we can be fired up, which we are – and we can be ready to go, but you know it’s the work on the ground that makes the difference. So with every call that you make – and I hope you are out there making calls; with every door you knock on – this is an active campaign; with every voter you register –­ because there are so many young people who are not registered, that are not focused, that are not paying attention – you all are providing the answers to those questions. You all are making a powerful statement about how we want our democracy to work. And by taking part in the democratic process that, for more than two centuries, has made this country one of the greatest countries on Earth, you all are helping to preserve that legacy for generations to come.

be working as hard as I can and going every place I can go. And let me tell you what I have seen out there: We have a first-rate campaign. I am so proud of the campaign that we are building, because it is a truly grassroots foundation. We’ve got thousands of offices all across this country. People who have been out there, you know – our offices, our volunteers, our team leaders – we have millions of people who are taking time out of their lives, who don’t have time or money to spare, but they’re going into these campaign offices, they’re making calls, they’re knocking on doors – millions of people.

And we also have millions of ways for people to get involved and volunteer. That is never the excuse. People can go to www.barackobama. com today and find out how they can sign up to get involved. So we have the resources to really handle all of this energy in this room and beyond.

So here’s what I want you to think about: If you do not live in a battleground state, get to one. Get your suitcase, pack it up, get a car, do something, find that neighbor – get to a battleground state. If you can afford it, write a check, and if you haven’t maxed out, max out. Max out.

“As President, my husband has stood strong for the basic values of freedom, justice, and equality that make this country great. And he always will.“

TIME IS FLEETING So what I want to say here today is that we don’t have a single minute to waste. We really don’t. Time is of the essence. And we need you all to be fired up, but we need you to work like never before. I mean, truly work like never before. We need you out there every single day between now and November the 6th. […]

But I’ve been out there, and I’ve been traveling. I will be out there. I’m going to

YOUR EFFORTS MATTER But the more powerful thing that you can do is that you can make sure that every single person that you know – truly, leave no stone unturned – those friends, those neighbors, that nephew or niece who is kind of wayward and maybe you haven’t seen them since Christmas, that college roommate you haven’t spoken to in a while – yes, see, you’re looking. You know that guy, don’t you? Call him. Make sure that every single one of them gets to the poll and casts their votes.

Because, as Barack has said, this election is going to be even closer than the last one.

And quite frankly, all of these elections are close. Since I have been an adult paying attention to this stuff, they’re always close.

But in the end, this election, like many, could come down to that last few thousand votes in a single battleground state. And what I’ve been doing is just sort of trying to put that in perspective, because when I see the numbers it’s pretty telling about how much power individuals have.

But if you think back to what happened in 2008, Barack then – back then we won Florida by about 236,000 votes, OK? And while that might sound like a lot, when we

break that down, that’s just 36 votes per precinct. Think about that – just 36 votes in a precinct. So where you live, that means – if where you live, you are pulling out 36, 40, 50 new people, you might be the person that carries the day in the state of Florida. And if you think that’s close, don’t forget that we won North Carolina by just 14,000 votes, which means just five votes per precinct.

Five votes per precinct! That’s what makes the difference.

So no one here can sit back and say, “I can’t possibly have an impact in this election,” because that is absolutely not true.

Everyone here can really, truly make a difference. So starting the minute that you get up out of these chairs – you may finish lunch – but after that, I want you all to get out there and think about who your 36 votes are going to be. Get out there. Find out who are your five votes. Then when you get that 36 or you get that five, then get five more, and then get five more, and again and again, and don’t stop until the polls close on November the 6th.

GET TO WORK Because what we all do every day for the next 62 days, that is going to be the difference between us waking up on November the 7th and looking at each other wondering, “Could I have done more?” or feeling the promise of four more years and all that can be accomplished in four more years.

So that’s a direct action item, right? That’s clear, it’s consistent, it’s something that everybody can do. Everybody has somebody in their lives that they can influence, whether it’s just getting them to register to vote, really challenging them on the issues if they’re on the fence, pulling somebody in who is not engaged, finding that person who hasn’t written a check yet “just because.”

We all know those people. So we need you to be fired up and ready to go and ready to really roll up your sleeves and make this happen. Because, as Barack and I say time and time again, we have come so far, but we have so much more to do. And we can’t afford to turn back now. Not now. All our kids are watching this. They are counting on us to step up and, as I said last night, to do what was hard, like our parents and grandparents did for us.

So let’s make this happen. Let’s make this happen. We need your help. Thank you all so much. God bless you. Love you all.

Religion & Spirituality Sojourner Truth Ministries Sunday Service 11:15 am Rainier City Bldg 1265 South Main St #106 (14th & Main) Seattle, WA 98144 Phone: Rev. Walden @ 206 380-1710

All are welcome!

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Visit us online www.sgn.org

September 7, 2012

A Church for All God’s People – since 1972 www.mccseattle.org Sunday Worship 11:00 am 1415 NE 43rd St. on U-District (206) 325-2421

Seattle Gay News 21

AXIS

continued from cover note when he talked to Preserve Marriage Washington volunteers on April 24. The point of their campaign is not to reject the Marriage Equality Act, he told them, but to convert the whole country to their version of Christianity.

Shea was captured on tape telling the volunteers that “the mission field is not around the world any more. The mission field’s here. It is right here. And this is a mission.

We are on a mission right now.

“So when I talk to pastors, that’s exactly where I start,” Shea added.

“We are denying, I think, an obligation, and I think we’re denying the covenant the founders made when they landed on these shores, to make this nation a God-honoring nation for God. That is as simple as I can make that.”

Shea expanded on this theme when he spoke at May 26 volunteer meeting in Spokane. At that time he said of Referendum 74, “This is not about same-sex marriage, OK? I know that sounds really weird. This bill is really about religious liberty. This bill is about our ability to continue to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples unhindered in the state of Washington.”

In 2009, Shea participated in a conference of right-wing state legislators that produced a 10-point program to “put the federal gov-

ernment back in its place.” According to an article written by Shea, available on the Tenth Amendment Center website, Shea’s plan harks back to the pre-Civil War idea of “nullification” – a favorite notion of proslavery advocates. States, he says, may nullify, abolish, or refuse to comply with federal laws they don’t like, including health care reform and income tax laws.

The Tenth Amendment Center is a rightwing libertarian group that promotes the nullification doctrine. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, nullification “has gained wide support among hard-line libertarians and neo-Confederates who are still angry at the powers the federal government accumulated after the Civil War that allowed it, among other things, to act against segregation, discrimination, and other social ills.”

Shea, a favorite of the God-and-guns crowd, has been charged with a firearms violation for a November 2011 incident in which he allegedly pulled a gun on another motorist in a “road rage” dispute. He subsequently said he had been unfairly “targeted due to his work,” although he admitted he had not renewed his concealed weapons permit for several years.

In his current re-election bid, Shea has been endorsed by the Faith and Freedom PAC, the Human Life PAC, the Gun Owners of America, and a host of Republican Party organizations.

Shea is on the executive board of Pre-

serve Marriage Washington, serving – as ated with Focus on the Family. most of their board members do – without Speier proudly claims former Nixon staffpay. Many of the group’s paid staffers also er Chuck Colson as “my mentor and hero.” have interesting histories, however.

She first became interested in politics, she says, when Colson asked her to imagine DIANNA BRANNAN: RIGHTS God saying, “Bethany, you cannot live in FOR PARENTS, NOT CHILDREN this nation where I have given you so much DiAnna Brannan, for example, has earned freedom, opportunity, and privilege, and not more than $14,000 through July, accord- rise up as a rightful citizen in this nation.” ing to PDC reports, as Preserve Marriage’s “I still get chills thinking about it,” she “grassroots coordinator.” In her public state- says on her blog. ments, she echoes Shea’s Christian-right Colson, who died earlier this year, farhetoric. mously converted to Christian fundamen“I want to reiterate, the very foundation talism after serving time in a federal prison of what we’re doing is prayer,” she told Pre- for obstructing justice in the 1973–74 invesserve Marriage volunteers at their May 26 tigation of the Watergate burglary. He was meeting. a primary author of the Manhattan DeclaraBrannan is also the co-founder – with her tion, which urged Christians to violate prohusband, Scott – of the Christian Home- choice and pro-Gay laws. school Network of Washington (CHN). AcAmong the signers of the Declaration cording to the group’s website, CHN is “a were a constellation of right-wing political statewide grassroots organization dedicated and religious leaders including then-Archto protecting your God-given right to home- bishop (now Cardinal) Timothy Dolan; Careducate in Washington State without gov- dinal John Patrick Foley; newly appointed ernment interference.”

Archbishop of San Francisco Salvatore The website, which helpfully warns visi- Cordileone (then bishop of Oakland); Famtors that “you, personally, are a sinner by na- ily Research Council president Tony Perture and by choice,” also warns against what kins; Focus on the Family founder James it calls a “critical threat to parental rights” – Dobson; and Robert W. Duncan, head of the namely, the U.N. Convention on the Rights Anglican Church in North America, which of the Child. split from the Episcopalians over the issue “President Obama supports this treaty,” of Gay and women clergy.

CHN says. “Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been a leading advocate of this treaty MANDY SCHENDEL: for over 20 years. Senator Barbara Boxer MISS WASHINGTON 2012 (D–Calif.) has ‘promised’ that this treaty Mandy Schendel, Miss Washington 2012, will be ratified during this term of Con- does not get a salary from Preserve Margress.” riage Washington, just travel expenses for According to UNICEF, “Every right her public appearances on their behalf. Like spelled out in the Convention is inherent to Speier, she was formerly associated with the human dignity and harmonious develop- the Family Policy Institute of Washington, ment of every child. The Convention pro- although Schendel was merely an “executects children’s rights by setting standards in tive assistant” with the group. health care, education, and legal, civil, and Led by Joseph Backholm of Lynnwood, social services.” the Family Policy Institute is notorious for Rather than supporting children’s rights, promoting “studies” that claim same-sex the Brannans say, they uphold “the funda- couples molest their children or pressure mental right of parents to make decisions them to become Gay. While these claims concerning the care, custody, and control of are outrageous by themselves, they become their children.” even more disturbing in connection with Schendel, who has established a nonprofit BETHANY SPEIER: to mentor girls between 6 and 26 and “enCHUCK COLSON PROTÉGÉ hance their education and career opportuniBethany Speier, a photographer, also ties.” works for Preserve Marriage Washington, Before her beauty pageant successes, earning $7,715.22 in compensation and ex- Schendel worked at Walt Disney World penses through July. According to her blog, in Orlando, Florida, playing Beauty (of Speier was formerly associated with the Beauty and the Beast). She then became Family Policy Institute of Washington, an Miss Teen Washington and eventually Miss anti-choice, anti-Gay organization associ- Washington 2012.

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www.sgn.org 22 Seattle Gay News

September 7, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

Dr. J

Dr. J asks: What’s your frequency?

Find out at www.FindYourFrequency.com

Dr. Joanne Stekler

by Dr. Joanne Stekler Special to the SGN You know you’re supposed to go to the dentist every six months to get your teeth cleaned, and that you should check the batteries in your smoke detectors every six months. But do you know how often you personally should get an HIV test, if you’re HIV-negative and sexually active?

Public Health–Seattle & King County, in collaboration with the Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department and Snohomish Health District, have created a unique online calculator that tells anyone who uses it how often to test for HIV infection. You

can find it at www.FindYourFrequency.com. In addition to the interactive testing calculator, the website has some great information about HIV and the testing process, options, and locations. It also features a service that sends you a reminder, by e-mail or by text, when it’s time for your next test.

HIV testing remains one of our most important tools in the fight against HIV and AIDS. If you’re HIV-negative, knowing your HIV status means you can take steps to protect yourself from getting infected. If you’re HIV-positive, knowing your status means you can get care for your infection and plan for when to go on HIV meds. With HIV meds, people who have HIV can enjoy a near-normal life span. And knowing your status means you can take steps to prevent others from getting infected too.

If you’re a sexually active Gay or Bi guy and you’re HIV-negative, you should get tested for HIV and other STDs at least once a year, unless you’re in a monogamous relationship with another negative guy. You should get tested every three months if you: • use drugs like meth or poppers, • had anal sex in the past year with someone who was a different HIV status than you or whose status you didn’t know, • had sex with more than 10 people in the last year (that’s any kind of sex!), or • had chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis recently.

Guys who meet one or more of these criteria are at high risk of getting infected with

HIV, so it’s especially important to make HIV testing part of your regular routine.

Use the calculator at www.FindYourFrequency.com to find the testing frequency that’s right for you.

HIV testing has gotten much easier in recent years. For those of you who don’t like getting your blood drawn, rapid tests use finger sticks or even mouth swabs. The tests have also gotten better – when the first HIV test came out in 1985, it could take up to six months after someone got infected before the test would reliably detect antibodies to HIV. Newer tests are quite accurate about four to six weeks after someone gets infected. There is still a window period because most tests rely on the body to make antibodies to HIV, which can take several weeks.

But if you get tested at the STD Clinic, Gay City, or the baths, RNA tests can detect the actual virus about two weeks after infection.

Find your frequency and make a plan. If you’re a guy who has sex with other guys, you can get tested for HIV and other STDs at Public Health’s STD Clinic, Gay City, the baths, or your doctor’s office. For hours

and locations of these and other places that do HIV testing, call 206-263-2000 or go to www.FindYourFrequency.com.

While it’s important to set up a personal testing routine, you don’t need to wait if you develop new concerns before it’s time for your regular test. Maybe a partner tells you he just found out he is HIV-positive.

Or maybe you get symptoms that could be a sign of a recent infection, such as a fever, rash, or feeling like you have the flu. Go get tested. It feels better when you know.

Joanne Stekler, M.D., M.P.H., is deputy director of community services for the HIV/ STD Program at Public Health–Seattle & King County. She is also an internal medicine and infectious disease physician at Harborview Medical Center, and assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Washington. This article is part of a series focusing on HIV and other STD prevention and care topics for Gay/Bisexual men and Transgender individuals in Seattle and King County.

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Seattle Gay News 23

supreme court continued from cover

on the constitutionality of banning same-sex marriage.

At least four justices must vote to take a case for the court to consider it. If justices want more time to think about whether to hear a case, it can be “relisted” for a later conference.

One of the cases on the court’s docket, Hollingsworth v. Perry, is the Prop 8 case argued by Ted Olsen and David Boies on behalf of two same-sex couples – one male and one female – who were denied California marriage licenses as a result of Prop 8.

Federal District Judge Vaughn Walker found Prop 8 unconstitutional on August 4, 2010, because, he said, the state of California had no “rational basis” or “vested interest” in denying marriage rights to Gays and Lesbians.

A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Walker’s ruling on February 7 of this year. Two weeks later,

Prop 8 supporters asked for a hearing by the full Ninth Circuit, but their petition was denied on June 5. Consequently, they filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court on July 31.

On August 24, Olsen and Boies asked the Supreme Court to decline to hear the case and thus allow the Ninth Circuit Court ruling to stand.

The request was made “with strong mixed emotions,” Olsen explained to The Washington Post, because of the persuasive impact a Supreme Court ruling against Prop 8 would have nationwide. “But in the end, we represent real, live people, and if the court doesn’t take the case, we’ve won – and our clients and thousands of others in California can get married.”

If the Supreme Court declines to take the case, or if it eventually upholds the Ninth Circuit Court decision, same-sex couples will once again be allowed to marry in California. If it reverses the Ninth Circuit, Prop 8 will stand, but in either case the ruling’s legal effect will be confined to California.

The second case definitely listed on the Supreme Court’s docket has a much wider application because it challenges the constitutionality of Section 3 of DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage exclusively in terms of opposite-sex couples for the purposes of federal law.

Windsor v. U.S. was argued by the ACLU on behalf of a Lesbian widow who was compelled to pay $363,000 in inheritance taxes on her late wife’s estate because DOMA prevented the IRS from treating them as a married couple.

Federal District Judge Barbara Jones ruled Section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional on June 6, saying that it failed the rational basis

test and therefore violated Edie Windsor’s 14th Amendment right to equal protection.

Because the U.S. Department of Justice has determined that DOMA is unconstitutional and has refused to defend it further, an appeal defending DOMA was filed by the so-called Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG), set up by Republican House Speaker John Boehner.

Normally the case would be heard by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, but because of Windsor’s age, the ACLU filed a petition July 16 asking the Supreme Court to decide the case without waiting for the Second Circuit.

If the Supreme Court declines to hear Windsor, BLAG’s appeal to the Second Circuit will go forward, and the high court may have another opportunity to consider taking the case if and when the Second Circuit decision is appealed.

The remaining DOMA cases – Golinski v. OPM, Gill v. OPM, and Massachusetts v.

HHS – are also listed on SCOTUSblog as up for consideration at the September 24 conference, but they have not yet been posted on the court’s official docket.

In Golinski, Lambda Legal sued on behalf of a Lesbian federal employee who was unable to get spousal insurance benefits for her legally married wife. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White ruled on February 22 that DOMA violated Karen Golinski’s Fifth Amendment right to equal protection.

BLAG then appealed Golinski to the Ninth Circuit, but the Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to pre-empt that court and hear the case, so it could be decided with two other DOMA cases from the First Circuit.

Gill was filed by GLAD (Gay and Lesbian

Advocates and Defenders), based on a similar federal benefits issue. On July 8, 2010, U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro found that DOMA violated the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection clause. His ruling was upheld by the First Circuit Court of Appeals on May 31, 2012.

The same judge also found that DOMA violated the 10th Amendment and the Constitution’s spending clause in Massachusetts v. HHS. The First Circuit upheld that ruling on May 31.

The Supreme Court could decline to hear any of the DOMA cases. In that event, federal circuit court decisions would control marriage rights within the jurisdictions of those circuits. In other words, there might be a patchwork of marriage laws with different rules in each of the nation’s 13 circuits.

If the Supreme Court strikes down DOMA in these cases, same-sex couples who are now legally married will be entitled to the same treatment as opposite-sex spouses under federal law. Couples who live in states where same-sex marriage is not legal will see a change only if the Supreme Court finds an affirmative right to marry in the Constitution – an outcome most legal experts believe is unlikely.

If the court upholds DOMA, nothing will change – couples married under state laws will remain married, but they will be denied equal treatment by the federal government.

In that case, DOMA could still be repealed

by Congress. The Respect for Marriage Act, which aims to do just that, is still pending.

Both of Washington’s U.S. senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, are co-sponsors, as are all the state’s Democratic House members.

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26 Seattle Gay News

September 7, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

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