SGN September 14, 2012 - Section 1

Issue 37 Volume 40

Celebrating 39 Years!

FRIDAY September 14, 2012 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & newsstands

RUGBY DRAG p. 5

POLLING UPDATE p. 7

LILY TOMLIN p. 25

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Why marriage Verdict in on DADT repeal matters to us all Study says ending of anti-Gay policy has had positive effect Pride Foundation is ‘all in’ for marriage and looks at the big picture

pride foundation

Dad was looking for his prince, a subtle way of telling Annie her Dad was coming out. Her mother would also come out to her as a Lesbian while Annie was in college, as would her sister. So it’s no surprise that the South Seattle mother of two is helping to Approve Referendum 74 in November.

“I grew up seeing in the media and hearing from others that our family was not a valid family,” reflects Annie on her early days growing up in Minneapolis. “Especially now that I have kids, it’s really important to me that they Della Jane Van Avery and her Grandmas grow up knowing that

by Kris Hermanns there are so many different kinds Special to the SGN of families and that a loving family structure should not be illegal – Annie Van Avery knew at age that we define love as what makes five that her family was different when her parents explained that see marriage page 19

On September 10, The Palm Center released a study that says the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) has not had a negative impact on the U.S. military’s force readiness, recruitment, or retention – a finding that stands in direct contrast to the dire predictions by high-ranking Republican members of Congress when the Obama administration announced in December 2010 it would seek to end the policy.

The Palm Center, which conducts research on sexual minorities in the military, determined that “DADT repeal appears to have enhanced the military’s ability to pursue its mission.”

According to the Palm Center, nine scholars (some of them professors at military academies) began the research six months after DADT ended, and wrapped up the study a short time ago. The scholars reportedly interviewed opponents and advocates of repeal as well as active-duty sersee dadt page 19

associated press / The Virginian-Pilot, Brian J. Clark

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta (l) kisses her girlfriend Petty Officer 3rd Class Citlalic Snell in December 2011 after the repeal of DADT.

Axis of Evil, Part II Rainbow road Who’s who in the fight to repeal marriage equality Should Seattle follow West Hollywood’s Elaine Thompson / AP

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Although NOM has sent two key operatives – Frank Schubert and Chris Plante – to Washington to mastermind the campaign to reject Referendum 74 and take away equal marriage rights for Gay and Lesbian couples, they are being

ably assisted by a cast of supporting characters. This week we look at more of them.

JOSEPH BACKHOLM A key local NOM ally is Joseph Backholm, chair of Preserve Marriage Washington and executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington (FPIW).

lead and install a Pride crosswalk?

Seattle Department of Transportation

Joseph Backholm carries a box of petition signatures into the Washington Secretary of State’s office on June 6, 2012

Backholm not only ran the initiative campaign to put Referendum 74 on the ballot, challenging the state’s Marriage Equality Act, but he also initiated the back-room negotiations that eventually resulted in forming Preserve Marriage Washington.

According to Mormons for Marriage, a pro-equality group, “less than 24 hours after personally filing Referendum 74 with the Washington state attorney general’s office, Joseph Backholm of the Family Policy Institute of Washington and John Paulton of Focus on the Family Action met with Mormon Church leaders in Washington. A staffer at the Family Policy Institute initially disclosed the meeting by phone, [and] the meeting was later confirmed directly by Joseph Backholm.”

Although he is now taking a backseat to NOM’s Schubert and Plante, Backholm is every bit as determined to win. Asked by Publicola in an August interview if he was worried that NOM might not be able to keep their commitments to Preserve Marriage Washington, Backholm replied he would win by any means necessary.

Concept art for crosswalk

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer

Last month, the city council of West Hollywood, California, decided to make a rainbow-painted crosswalk, installed at San Vicente and Santa Monica boulevards for Los Angeles’ annual Pride festival, a permanent fixture of the city. “[The crosswalks] are critical to the tourists and young Gay and see axis page 20 Lesbian people and not-so-young

Gay and Lesbian people who are passing through from Iowa or Montana or Kansas,” said WeHo City Councilmember John Duran, who is openly Gay himself. “They cannot believe that they actually see a municipality where the rainbow colors are on display all year long. It tells them it is a sanctuary.

It tells them there is a safe place see crosswalk page 20

E T O V O T R E T S I G RE

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Celebrating 39 Years!

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Rugby is a drag – Which takes more balls?

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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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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by Gaysha Starr Special to the SGN The differences between a rugby player and a drag queen are quite obvious. Some would say they are at the opposite ends of the masculine-feminine scale.

But which activity takes more (ahem) balls?

On Sunday, September 9, at Neighbours Nightclub, Seattle’s own Quake Rugby team got a chance to experience both being athletes and queens by trading in their striped jerseys for sequin dresses, and their cleats for high heels, to hit the stage and perform at the first-ever “Rugby is a Drag” fundraiser for both the Quake and Washington United for Marriage, the campaign to Approve Referendum 74.

Quake 2012 MVP team member Tru Halliwell came up with the concept. Having spent time performing with The Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle as a former Mr. Gay Seattle, he appreciates drag queens and our uncanny ability to raise money and entertain audiences at the same time. During a fundraising meeting a couple of years ago he suggested a drag show starring Quake team members, but the idea never seemed to

September 14, 2012

gel until March of this year.

You would assume that getting a bunch of rugby players to participate in drag would be a problem, but at least a dozen of them had a great sense of humor and thought it would be fun. The biggest dilemma was locking in the date for the show.

Tru had to coordinate around team and individual schedules as well as available dates on Neighbours’ events calendar. The date kept being pushed back until, at the July photo shoot for the now-famous promo poster of the players with rugby shorts and high heels, the group decided on the Sunday after Labor Day. A SERIOUS APPROACH “We were all very clear with the type of show we wanted to produce so we approached the show like any practice or game – ‘practice makes perfect,’” Halliwell told me. “We decided all upbeat numbers – no ballads – and a mix of both solo numbers and production numbers.”

In between their jobs, other commitments, and rugby practice, the 12 “Bristas” – short for “rugby brothers and drag queen sisters” – bought their own costuming, asked seasoned queens to put them in drag,

and most importantly learned their words, choreographed their numbers, and practiced walking in their heels.

On the day of the event, they all met at Neighbours as early as 4 p.m. and, with the help of experienced drag personalities including Queen of the Seas Olivia Lagarce, Miss Gay Seattle Donna Tella Howe, Empress Nina Maxwell, Ursula Major, Regine Dynasty, and Anita Lota Slong, the players got very in touch with their feminine side.

Donna Tella “painted” George Froehle and Jason Stephany, transforming them into Tukwila Jackson and D’gnity, respectively. “I sat Jason and George on each side of me and just rotated back and forth. It was so much fun to see their excitement as they would take turns looking in the mirrors.”

Donna Tella also helped backstage, dressing them, calming their nerves, and encouraging them. “The love and energy in the room was overwhelming and I was jumping for joy watching my two queens on stage,” she said.

As host for the event, I was able to bring each queen on stage and banter with her, asking which was more difficult: rugby or drag? Most of them admitted it was drag, but I think if you put a team of us drag queens on a rugby field we wouldn’t know what to do – much less be able to score a touchdown (or a goal, or whatever it is you are supposed to do when playing rugby).

The 300-plus people in attendance were a mix of friends, family, and fans of the Quake. There was a lot of cheering, tipping, photo-taking, singing, and dancing during the 13 numbers. From the opener, En Vogue’s “Free Your Mind,” through numbers by the Scissor Sisters, Tina Turner, Whitney, Destiny’s Child, Vanity 6, Jennifer Hudson, and more, to the finale, Abba’s “Waterloo,” the show moved fast.

Between the door admission, an auction and raffle, and tips donated by the entertainers, “Rugby is a Drag” raised over $3,000 in two hours – $1,000 of which went to our state’s marriage equality campaign. There is already talk of bringing the event back next summer.

Team member Kirk Hanson, now known as Whiskie Rivers, summed up why “Rugby is a Drag” was such a success, both financially and for the Quake’s public relations.

“It brought together so many different groups. The relationships that were fostered or reinforced truly are spectacular.

From getting all the support of our fan base, friends, colleagues, and the drag communities, it all worked to build our standing in the community. We truly are an inclusive team and this event proved that.”

The Quake kicks off the fall season at home against Kitsap on September 15. For a complete schedule and other info on the team, visit www.quakerugby.org.

Celebrating 39 Years!

Meryl Schenker

SGN exclusive interview

WA Supreme Court candidate Sheryl McCloud Meet the woman who’s trying to keep Richard Sanders in retirement

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Defense attorney Sheryl Gordon McCloud is running for an open seat on the Washington Supreme Court against former Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders.

Sanders is well known for his eccentric right-wing legal and social views, and he is notorious in the LGBT community for voting against equal marriage rights in the 2006 Andersen v. King County case. McCloud, although less well known, nevertheless finished first in a four-way primary race to land a spot on the November 6 ballot.

“I was the underdog,” she explained. “I was the only one who hadn’t run a campaign before. I had to scrap like an underdog – but that’s what you’re doing when you work as a criminal defense attorney.”

When Sanders lost his Supreme Court seat to Charlie Wiggins in the 2010 election, Wiggins accused him of bias in favor of criminal defendants. As a criminal defense attorney, McCloud has a much different take on Sanders’ record.

“Many of those times [that Sanders voted in favor of a defendant], I was the advocate representing the defendant, so I don’t criticize him for voting to uphold my client’s rights,” she smiled.

Instead, she told SGN, “I’m running because I have a ton of experience arguing for people’s constitutional rights – against sex discrimination, against race discrimination – and I have a record that will prove I’m dedicated to a level playing field.”

The main difference between McCloud and her opponent, she says, is “judicial temperament.”

“When the Spokane Spokesman-Review and the Seattle Times endorsed me, that’s what they cited,” she said.

Asked what she believes is appropriate temperament for a Supreme Court justice, McCloud answered in terms that few would ever use to describe Sanders.

“It’s working collegially,” she said, “winning over skeptics to your position. It’s devotion to the Constitution even if the result is unpopular. In a word, judicial independence.

“And access to justice,” she continued.

“Your demeanor and your language have to be respectful to people before the court.

And you stand for equal rights and a level playing field, and I have a track record that I’ll do that.”

inated physical evidence.”

After an unsuccessful appeal to the original trial judge, McCloud took the case to the state Supreme Court, and won an 8–1 reversal of Stenson’s conviction. She had worked on the case for 12 years.

“They said yes, it violates the due process clause, and yes, the state did it, and so we don’t have confidence in the conviction,” McCloud explained.

Asked if she had personal feelings about the death penalty that might influence her findings on the Supreme Court, she answered, “My personal feelings are irrelevant. We have the death penalty on the books. I think, though, we’re seeing it’s not working.”

A PRO-GAY “The point BRIEF McCloud has is to protect been involved a number Constitutional rights inof other civil rights cases, in“I was very surprised when I went to the tive [I-502]. cluding Cook v. legislative district meetings to hear non“I testified about medical marijuana sevand apply the law Reinke, a 2011 lawyers asking what I thought about Citi- eral years ago. I’ve been on chemo, I know in which zens United,” she told SGN. “They knew the what it’s like to choose what drug you can evenhandedly, not to ancaseIdaho man case by name. I didn’t expect that. It made use to alleviate your symptoms – but one of was convicted me feel like I had to go and do my home- the most common drugs is illegal. be result-oriented.” under an old state work.

“Obviously no one is going to throw a

DEATH PENALTY ‘NOT WORKING’ In May, McCloud won a major court victory in the case of Darold Stenson, convicted of murdering his wife and his business partner, and sentenced to death in 1994.

“We discovered, 15 years after he was put on death row, that the state hid evidence in his case. Yes, that was in Washington. Not Louisiana. Not Mississippi,” McCloud said, shaking her head. “And we found that the lead detective in the case likely contam-

Sheryl McCloud

law forbidding “the “And cannabis,” she added. “I’ve had infamous crime against many questions about the marijuana initianature” – in other words, same-sex sexual acts.

As amicus chair for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, McCloud partnered with ACLU attorneys to write a brief for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, urging that court to reverse Cook’s conviction.

Other groups “You can’t punish people for consensual, need allies, too private sex acts,” McCloud said. “That’s Lawrence v. Texas. But we lost. The state’s The recent announcement that OneAmargument was that it was not consensual erica, an immigrants’ rights group, has enand not completely private – it took place dorsed marriage equality is evidence of the in a sauna.” increasing realization of the justice of our Asked how she coped with losing cases struggle. she felt invested in, McCloud smiled.

But it should signify more to LGBT folks.

“I started as a public defender doing jury Too often we have not joined in the fights by trials – two a day. I know how to lose,” she other marginalized groups to secure greater replied. equality, with a selfish “it doesn’t concern “I learned something from the first time I me” attitude. Just as we want non-Gay allost a case. The client tuned to me and said, lies, other groups need support from us to ‘Thank you, thank you, for all the effort you put into this.’ He appreciated that I went to the mat for him. And that’s what I do. I go to the mat for my clients.”

DEFENDED GUN OWNERS McCloud has also argued several important Second Amendment cases, getting reversals of gun possession convictions.

“I’m equal opportunity when it comes to the Constitution,” she told SGN. “When you’re devoted to Constitutional rights you gotta be devoted to Constitutional rights.

I’ve argued every amendment there is.

“The point is to protect Constitutional rights and apply the law evenhandedly, not to be result-oriented.”

McCloud says she has enjoyed the campaign so far, particularly “the opportunity to talk with people, and for them to challenge me, ‘What are you going to do about this?

Or, what are you going to do about that?’

And I have to remind them, my job [as a justice] is just to apply the law fairly, not to make law.”

She has been surprised, she says, by how closely voters follow legal cases.

bald chemo patient in jail, but you’re putting your seller at risk.”

achieve their just goals.

“Each hand washes the other,” my wise mother used to say. I hope LGBT people become even more involved in campaigns by groups promoting racial, gender, and disability equality, and to legalize the status of our resident neighbors.

Phil Bereano Professor Emeritus Dept. of Human Centered Design & Engineering University of Washington

Whitney Young and Marlena Blonsky Whitney Young and Marlena Blonsky are excited to announce their marriage, which took place Saturday, September 8, 2012.

The West Seattle residents happily exchanged vows and rings in front of friends and family in sunny Sequim, Washington.

They are so excited for this new chapter in their lives and can’t wait to make their marriage legal in December with the passage of Referendum 74.

Marlena and Whitney met in 2009 while volunteering on the Referendum 71 campaign and are now actively volunteering for this year’s fight to make their union legal.

The newlyweds are overjoyed with all the love and support that surrounds them from friends and family.

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 14, 2012

Seattle Gay News

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by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer Oregon State University undergrad Viktor Bogatko, who will be starting his senior year this fall, decided to come to Seattle for a short late-summer vacation. And while he’s certainly had some time to unwind and have fun, Bogatko’s vacation has also included lots of volunteer work – and he couldn’t be happier.

“I wanted to give back,” Bogatko told SGN. Bogatko is one of 94 students who were awarded a Pride Foundation scholarship earlier this year.

Marriage equality, Bogatko said, “will come to Oregon. If it passes here [in Washington], it’s way more likely to pass there.

We’re like sister states.”

Bogatko, who says he’s closely following all the marriage battles nationwide, thinks Washington’s Approve R-74 campaign has the best chance of success.

POSITIVE IMPACT “Through scholarships to students, Pride

Foundation provides the opportunity to positively impact our pursuit of LGBTQ equality. Viktor’s involvement with Washington United for Marriage exemplifies this positive impact. Our scholars often distinguish themselves through their community leadership. Being engaged in critical issues is a natural extension of this leadership,” said Kris Hermanns, Pride Foundation’s executive director.

Bogatko has postered and flyered hundreds of places on Capitol Hill and says that once school starts again, he wants to organize trips to Vancouver, Washington, about 100 miles north of his Corvallis campus, to do the same.

Following is Bogatko’s biography from his Pride Foundation scholarship recognition: “Viktor Bogatko is a Gay man born in the former U.S.S.R. and moved to Salem, Oregon, in 1990. Growing up in a conservative family prevented Viktor from being himself for most of his life. Last year, Viktor was inspired to come out after hearing about the many LGBTQ teen suicides. He

A question of conscience Debbie Regala, a devout Catholic, paid a high price for supporting marriage equality senate democrats washington state

Senator Debbie Regala

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor On February 13, State Sen. Debbie Regala (D–27th Dist., Tacoma) cast her vote in favor of Senate Bill 6239, legislation that will extend the freedom to marry for samesex couples if voters Approve Referendum 74 this fall.

While LGBTQ and allied communities cheered the bill’s passage, Sen. Regala, a devout Catholic, gathered her things and went home.

Her conscience was clear – after all, her vote had everything to do with her work and nothing to do with her faith.

But Regala would soon find out that among friends and colleagues, something

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Seattle Gay News

had changed. The senator received a flurry of e-mails from fellow parishioners – friends, acquaintances, and lesser-known church members – critical of her position on this issue.

After almost two decades of experience as an elected official, Regala felt that these messages had entered, literally, a sacred place.

According to Crosscut.com, the comments ranged from general disapproval to disappointment to outrage. Regala said one parishioner questioned her right to partake in the Eucharist, while another scolded her for the years she had spent counseling engaged couples prior to their wedding ceremonies.

September 14, 2012

george bakan / seattle gay news

Oregon Pride Foundation scholar fights for WA marriage equality

Viktor Bogatko with his Dalmation, Bailey

will be attending Oregon State University next year, majoring in Geography with a focus on human rights, human health, and development, and minoring in Geographic Information System Science. Viktor received the Scott Rodriguez Leadership, Donald O.

Coffman, Pride Foundation Community, and Pride Foundation Community Oregon scholarships.”

Congratulations, Viktor, and thank you for all your hard work to help Approve R-74!

TIME FOR A CHANGE Shaken by the intensity of these parishioners’ reactions, Crosscut said, and uncertain how her presence would be received the next time she attended Mass, Regala consulted with people she trusted inside and outside her parish. Ultimately, these conversations led her and her husband, Leo, to the decision that it was time to move on.

Regala’s belief that LGBT couples should be granted equal civil rights under the law, as a matter of conscience shaped by her life experiences, her understanding of democratic values, and her adherence to Christian teaching, wasn’t up for debate. If such a perspective was unwelcome within her faith community, then it was clear to Regala that, by association, she was unwelcome too.

“Referendum 74 is not about the Catholic definition of sacramental marriage,” Regala told Crosscut reporter Julie Gunter.

“It’s a civil rights issue and a legal issue. All couples should have the civil right and the privilege to make the same public statement of their love and commitment to each other.

And one of my disappointments is that the Catholic Church chose to insert itself into this battle.”

Regala credits numerous conversations with constituents, colleagues, family, and friends on the subject of Gay rights, sparked around the dinner table or on the Senate floor, as the inspiration behind her desire to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

would attend Mass together when the archbishop was passing through Olympia, choosing seats front and center so that, despite differing views on some social issues, it was clear that their faith was important to them and, in Regala’s words, “they weren’t going anywhere.”

John F. Kennedy famously proclaimed in his speech to conservative Protestant ministers in 1960: “I do not speak for my church on public matters, and the church does not speak for me.”

For Regala, changing the location where she attends church hasn’t changed the essentials of her own faith, which she described simply though meaningfully at different points during our conversations as her “personal connection to God.” Yet the process of rediscovering a community with whom to celebrate this personal faith has proved an enlightening journey, in that she has continued to learn about herself and others along the way.

MASS WITH MURRAY Leaving decades of memories and family history behind proved a wrenching process for Regala, especially since it was a choice she never imagined she’d have to make. She reflects that her support of marriage equality shouldn’t have come as a surprise, considering her previous voting record, said Crosscut.

Regala’s public support of the LGBT community can be traced back to 1996, when, in her second year as a state legislator, she delivered a speech to colleagues on the House floor in opposition to Washington’s Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Around that same time, she forged a friendship with Sen. Ed Murray, a longtime champion of Gay rights and a lifelong Catholic.

Regala remembers that she and Murray

A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY According to Crosscut, parishioners at Regala’s new church home, St. Leo’s in Tacoma, have also affirmed their decision through smiles, embraces, and supportive words. The first morning in late winter that Regala and her husband arrived for Mass at their new parish, the visiting priest, the Rev. Peter Byrne, S.J., Assistant to the Provincial of the Jesuits’ Oregon Province, delivered a homily of outreach and personal challenge that, as Regala recalls, couldn’t have been more timely or applicable to their situation. Byrne’s message explored the consequences that can and do occur when walls of division, physical or otherwise, are erected between people or groups within any given community.

Regala’s public career over the span of two decades has focused on education, family welfare, conservation, and repeal of the death penalty, among other issues – following that same faith philosophy. Though her Catholic faith shapes her sense of self and informs her decisions, its role stops there.

As the elected representative of all constituents within the 27th District, Regala believes that it would be a betrayal of public trust to vote on policy according to the dictates of any special interest or organization, faith-based or otherwise.

Celebrating 39 Years!

New poll gives boost to Approve R-74 campaign Are conservatives moving toward marriage equality?

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A new Survey USA poll released September 11 shows support for marriage equality among Washingtonians widening since July, with 56% of survey respondents saying they would vote to approve Referendum 74. Only 38% said they would reject it.

By contrast, the July results showed 50% approving and 43% rejecting the measure.

In the new poll, Survey USA sampled 534 likely voters, 71% of them via landline and the remainder via “smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other electronic device.” The poll’s stated margin of error is 4.3 points.

The latest round of polling was conducted September 7–9, and some observers speculate that R-74 got a “bounce” out of the enthusiastic support for marriage equality displayed at the Democratic National Convention, which concluded September 6.

There are reasons to be skeptical about that, however.

Among self-identified Democrats – who would presumably be most affected by the convention – the increase in support for R-74 between July and September was only two points, which is within the poll’s margin of error. In other words, most Democrats are already on board with marriage equality, and at somewhat more than 80% support, that number is probably close to its maximum.

The increase in support among independents, who also might have been influenced by convention coverage, was only three points – again within the margin of error. As with Democrats, it is likely that support for marriage equality is already reaching its upper limit among independents.

and 47% rejecting it. In July, only 37% of Eastern Washington voters would have approved the measure, as opposed to 56% who would have rejected it.

Among voters with only a high school education, who are often thought to be more traditional-minded on social issues, a majority – 51% – now supports marriage equality.

In July, only 46% did so. The same is true for voters who have had some college, but did not get a degree – 52% now would approve R-74, as opposed to the 44% who would have done so in July.

Other categories where support for equality has surged are women and younger voters – both key demographics for the Approve R-74 campaign.

Support among women jumped from 55% in July to 65% in September. Among voters in the 18–34 age group, support jumped from 56% in July to 67% in the latest poll – a two-to-one margin. Among voters 35–49, support for equality also increased, from 53% to 60%.

A FEW CAVEATS Attempting to explain these numbers – in particular the apparent surge in support for marriage equality among voters who identify as conservative and/or Republican – would be speculative without being able to ask Survey USA’s respondents follow-up questions.

One significant difference that can be identified between the July and September polls is that the July numbers were based on registered voters, but in September, Survey USA sampled “likely” voters, a much different universe.

Survey USA did not explain how it determined who is likely to vote in the upcoming election, although it did indicate a percentage of its assumed “likely” electorate for A similar shift is evident when you look at each of its demographic crosstabs – 49% of crosstabs for ideology.

Among self-identified liberals, support for marriage equality seems to have maxed out at around 87% (in September) or 88% (in July). Among moderates there was a sixpoint increase, from 58% approving in July to 64% in September. But among conservatives, the increase was eight points, from a mere 12% in July to 20% in September.

The apparent trend of conservative voters moving toward equality is also evident when you compare the marriage question with the respondents’ preference for governor.

In both the July and September polls, 79% of voters who prefer Jay Inslee, a supporter of marriage equality, would also approve R-74. This is pretty much as expected.

But support for equality among Rob McKenna voters jumps seven points between July and September, with 31% – almost a third – now saying they would Approve R-74. If accurate, this represents a 14-point shift in opinion toward equality.

the likely voters will be men, for example, and 51% will be women.

The likely-voter category comes with its own set of assumptions, which may or may not prove to be true of the actual electorate. Likely voters are often said to be older, whiter, wealthier, and therefore more conservative than the pool of registered voters.

On the other hand, likely voters are also said to be better educated, “high information” voters, meaning they actively seek out information on candidates and ballot issues.

Polls have consistently indicated that better educated voters tend to be more supportive of LGBT rights in general, and marriage equality in particular, than less well-educated voters.

WHERE’S THE OPPOSITION? Another factor may be that pro-equality messages have dominated the media.

Pride Foundation, for example, has been running a series of soft-sell issue ads about marriage featuring, among others, Republican State Senator Cheryl Pflug, advocating “freedom, including the freedom to marry the person you love.” Another ad featured a white minister and his wife talking about their Gay son and his partner.

These ads, coupled with the support of several mainstream religious denominations for equality and even the emergence of Catholic advocates, may have been effective in moving opinion among more conservative voters.

With barely a month to go before ballots are mailed to voters, the Approve R-74 campaign has announced a new media buy, which may move even more voters into the pro-equality camp. The other side has yet to mount a significant public media campaign, however, and it remains to be seen what effect that campaign will have on public opinion when it comes.

MORE RURAL SUPPORT Liberal bastion Metro Seattle seems to have reached its upper limit of support for R-74 at 60% in the September poll. It was 58% in July. In contrast, the rest of Western Washington, including the Olympic Peninsula, jumped from 41% support in July to 54% in the latest poll, a 26-point shift in opinion.

In conservative Eastern Washington, proand anti-equality opinion is now statistically tied, with 48% ready to Approve R-74

GOP OPPOSITION SOFTENING The biggest jump in pro-equality poll numbers comes among self-identified Republicans. In July, 14% said they would vote to approve R-74, with 79% rejecting it. By September, 25% of Republicans said they would approve the measure, as opposed to 70% who would reject it. If accurate, this represents a 20-point shift in opinion among Republicans.

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

September 14, 2012

Seattle Gay News

7

‘What’s on your mind?’

A Seattle Transgender woman comes out on Facebook, receives a tidal wave of support

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

a King

“My existence doesn’t revolve around being Transgender,” she reminds. “I am truly fortunate to have lived the life I have and have the perspective I do. I would say that for the most part I am only reminded that I am Transgender when I’m forced to. Specifically when dating.”

“Otherwise, I find it much easier to accept my reality for what it is – single moments of time compounded into days, months, and years,” said Gina. “Since I’ve lived as I am for this long I find that all the other details that make up my life – my dog, friends, career, and family – are much more important than the fact I was born a boy.”

“Acceptance,” Gina believes, is what the Trans community still has to conquer. “Accepting that not everyone will understand the struggle and that the struggle is what makes living life worth living,” she continued. “If it were easy for everyone, what would be there to live for?”

Accepting that who we are today isn’t who we will be tomorrow, she said. “Accepting that while things could always be less difficult, they could always be a shitton worse. Accepting that the beliefs you hold so dear aren’t going to be the very same for the next person, and accepting that this is okay, because what makes us all so beautiful, Transgender or not, is that we are all so different.”

Gina was helped to this place of enlightenment by her mentor in the Trans community, Vanessa Grandberry, whom she met at a youth outreach panel at Seattle Central Community College when Gina was 17.

“I showed up on a whim and was absolutely bowled over by her strength and courage to stand before a group of strangers and tell her story,” recalls Gina. “It was the first time in my life I ever met a Trans woman doing something positive for her community. After years of seeing Trans people demoralized on Jerry Springer and other shock-media television shows, it was a welcome relief to finally be in the presence of someone real.” courtesy gi

na King

A SECRET BARBIE COLLECTION Born Gerardo Corrales Alcazar VI, Gina was the first-born son of her generation.

“Growing up I was known as Gerry King, a nickname coined from my biological grandfather who went by Gerry and taking my step-grandfather’s last name when I was legally adopted by him and my grandmother in 1987,” Gina said, adding, “I don’t recall the origins of how or why I started going by Gina, but my name was legally changed to Regina Corrales King in the summer of 1998, right before the beginning of high school.”

Gina says she was five or six when she became aware of her disconnection from the male gender she was pre-assigned.

“Our society is so obsessed with gender roles and tries to define them as early as the crib – blue pacifiers and pajamas for boys but the pink blanket and bib for a baby girl, and these trends only expand as you get older,” she points out.

By the time Gina was in first grade she admits to having had a secret collection of Barbie dolls and My Little Ponies that rivaled the number of GI Joes and Hot Wheels any of the boys in her class had.

“I didn’t understand it at the time but I did know that I really enjoyed playing with girls who were more than happy to play make-believe, dress up, and share dolls,” said Gina.

“I wasn’t shy at all – in fact I was very

courtesy gin

On September 8, Gina King logged in to Facebook the same way she would any other time. But this time, when she looked at the status bar, she became fixated on the generic question generated to all who faithfully log in, “What’s on your mind?” For the first time in her online life she genuinely obliged with an answer, writing: “14 years ago, on the 1st day of the freshmen school year, a young boy without a true sense of self became the young girl suppressed within 14 years prior.

Still living among you as family, a friend, acquaintance, or colleague, but most importantly as a Trans-woman that believes the complex yet beautiful mind behind the view of my eyes, will always be much greater than whatever exists or existed between my thighs.

I am the sum of all parts; mind, body, soul, past, present, and future. If you didn’t know, now you do, and I hope it doesn’t change your point of view …

Thanks for sharing in my reality … I am truly fortunate ♥” When I read her status update I was shocked – and a little confused. I had always known Gina was a Transgender woman. She explained to me, however, that she spent a good number of years doing her best to blend in with “normal” society. It would be safe to say that Gina came out as LGBTQ, only to go back into the closet, just to come out again, and so on and so forth.

Nearly 100 people liked the profile post.

Gina was shocked. More than 70 comments of love and support – some from complete strangers – were posted to her wall. Each message was unique and different, but a common theme began to emerge: that what Gina had done was brave, and her online (instant) fan base wanted her to tell her story to anyone who might listen in hopes that she might inspire others the way she has inspired them.

assertive – so when the parents of the other kids I played with thought it inappropriate for a boy to be so into ‘girlie’ things and stopped letting me play with them, of course I acted out,” Gina said. “Again, I was too young to understand an adult perspective or adult fears. Especially in the same culture that tries to instill the notion that ‘we can be whatever we

come so natural to biological girls. I trained myself to speak softer, keep my chin level with my shoulders, even how to flex my facial muscles to keep my eyebrows arched and lips pursed to enhance the fullness of my cheekbones.”

“I became super-aware of how I appeared, and in retrospect I realize I was subconsciously creating a solid foundation of from which I built the woman I am now,” said Gina.

In the Transgender community, for some, the goal is to be able to “blend” in with mainstream society so you could be referred to as “passing.”

“I see both sides of the spectrum,” said Gina. “As a Trans woman who is fortunate enough to ‘blend’ doesn’t mean that it you get to pass Go without paying the toll. Dating and meeting new people in general is difficult in terms of disclosure – when and when not to bring up your past, and dealing with the anxiety of rejection.”

Granted, there is always the other extreme – not having a “passing” ticket and dealing with the ever-scrutinizing eye of society, judgment, discrimination, and ridicule.

“Either way you flip the coin,” said Gina, “the proverbial sword will cut both ways.”

After transitioning, Gina dated mostly outside of school to avoid the gossipand drama-filled hallways. “Besides, within the first few weeks of the freshman school year, everyone already knew my secret, and while I’m sure that any number of the boys

Gina in 1987

want to be.’”

When Gina was a teen, her step-grandfather mentored her. “He was very attentive and advocated for me when I chose to live as a girl,” she said. “After many years spent fighting for social and racial equality, he found himself with an opportunity to really make a difference in the world with me by loving me unconditionally and supporting my choice to pursue the life I wanted.”

Gina is currently preoperative yet post-hormone therapy.

Surgery of any kind has always been a fluctuating topic for many years,” Gina admits. “While I jokingly say that if I had the financial security to have gender reassignment surgery today, I would schedule my consultation for tomorrow, the truth is I still struggle with the concept that if I don’t love and embrace the skin I’m in now, what is surgery really going to change?”

‘TRYING TO BE THE BEST GIRL I COULD BE’ Gina says she began to identify as Transgender well after she transitioned full-time, in her early 20s. “Being 14 is difficult enough for anyone, with puberty rapturing at the body from within, coupled with facing a gender role reversal in the same period of time and actually caring enough to deal with the emotional significance is really tricky stuff.”

“Fitting in and just trying to be the best girl I could be was always of the utmost importance and on the daily agenda,” she recalled. “While my classmates were busy taking notes on an upcoming assignment, I was busy observing how my female peers interacted with each other. I taught myself the little nuances and mannerisms that

Gina King toda

y

were curious about me, I’m sure dating me openly would be out of the question.”

“The year before I transitioned in the eighth grade, I ‘played it straight’ for a semester and dated two different girls,” she said. “Both of whom soon found out I was more interested in taking off their clothes to wear them and putting on their make-up rather than making out.”

“I’ve loved and lost. I’ve been truthful and dishonest.” Gina says. “I remain optimistic that one day I’ll have what I want ultimately in a relationship. Someone who accepts my past, loves my present, and looks forward to a future, together.”

LET’S SEE HOW FAR WE’VE COME Gina says she has been fortunate not to be singled out for being Transgender. “I am not as confident that I haven’t been discriminated against for just being a woman. I have been sexually harassed in the workplace and walking down the street minding my own business. Again, the sword cuts both ways.”

A WORK IN PROGRESS Gina believes “you can judge a book by its cover, but that won’t change the context within – that is written forever.”

At the end of the day, Gina says, she is most thankful for her support system – “my family, but especially my friends both new and old.”

“When I came out on Facebook I was completely blown away by the sincere and genuine messages of love I received,” she said. “I never could have dreamed for a better outcome. The dread and regret I felt just moments after posting have been replaced with an amazing sense of freedom and unification.

“I love to laugh and joke and I especially enjoy making others laugh too,” she said. “I can take any situation and make it funny.

“Life is too short to take things too seriously and if you’re not laughing, then you’re probably being laughed at, so I say, “Laugh right back, louder even!”

Gina says her “true self” is yet to be determined. “I believe I am a work in progress,” she said. “While it is safe to say I can stand on my current convictions, I am also very conscious that I am not who I was 14 or even seven years ago. I’ve grown so much and yet I feel like there is still much yet to be learned.”

“To sum it up, my true self is someone who understands that my journey and evolution is constant, and that while being Transgender isn’t something everyone I meet needs to know in the first moment, it is certainly not something I should be ashamed of.”

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 8

Seattle Gay News

September 14, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

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. The deadline for online and mail-in voter registration as well as CHANGES OF ADDRESS and other updates is Monday, October 8. The FINAL deadline for NEW (in person only) Washington State voter registration is Monday, October 29. For more information, contact the Washington State Elections Office, 360902-4180; 800-448-4881 (voter hotline); www.vote.wa.gov.

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. Tickets: $20. 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 FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY – HRC. Featuring HRC Visibility Award Re“GRAND JURIES, RAIDS cipient Dustin Lance Black (winner of the AND WITCHHUNTS: Academy Award for Best Original ScreenTHE GOVERNMENT’S play for MILK) and Special Guest Megan RENEWED ATTACK ON DISSENT” Hilty. Tickets: $225 regular, $150 student On Friday, September 14, doors at 6:30 (with ID), seniors and elected officials. p.m., forum at 7:30 p.m., at New Freeway www.hrcseattle.org/dinner.

Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), Neil Fox, president of the Seattle Chapter of the National SEATTLE PRIME TIMERS – Lawyers Guild and veteran civil rights at20TH ANNIVERSARY torney Val Carlson will discuss escalating CELEBRATION & POTLUCK FBI and police surveillance and arrests of On Sunday, September 16, at 2 p.m. at political protesters. These prominent civil Seattle First Baptist Church (1111 Harvard liberties attorneys will also examine the his- Ave. at E. Union St.), join Seattle Prime tory of grand jury resistance by radicals here Timers for their 20th anniversary celebrain Seattle and across the country, as well as tion and monthly potluck. There is a $4 per strategies to defend the free speech rights person door charge to help pay for the rental of protesters, be they striking unionists, cost of the hall. Please bring a dish to share anarchists, occupiers or immigrant rights that will serve eight or more people. A speadvocates. $3 door donation. Snack plates cial dessert will be provided so don’t bring available for $6. Sponsored by Freedom a dessert this month. www.seattleprimetimSocialist Party. Wheelchair accessible. For ers.org. more information and to reserve childcare, call 206-722-2453 or email FSPseattle@ SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN mindspring.com.

BOOK CLUB – CHRISTOPHER AND HIS KIND “STORIES I CAN’T TELL MAMA” – The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club LESLIE JORDAN AT RE-BAR meets every Wednesday from 6-7:15 p.m., On Friday, September 14, at 8 p.m., Re- at Seattle Area Support Groups Community bar (1114 Howell St.) presents comedian Center (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.).

Leslie Jordan in his one-man hit show “StoForty years after the events he novelized ries I Can’t Tell Mama.” Tickets: $20-ad- in The Berlin Stories, Christopher Ishervance, $25 at the door. www.brownpap- wood wrote about the same incidents and ertickets.com/event/265113. Must be 21+ this time told the truth in his memoir, Chriswith ID. topher and His Kind, the book club’s selection for this month. The BBC film adapta“VOICES UNITED FOR tion will be shown September 26.

MARRIAGE” ON TOUR – All GLBTQ folks are welcome to particiSEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS/ pate in this free book club. For more inforSEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS mation email nickdimartin@earthlink.net, The SMC and SWC will showcase their visit http://faculty.washington.edu/swittet/ support for marriage equality with a series SGLBookClub/ or contact SASG at 206of free concert events (no tickets required) 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org. For discount on in five cities throughout Western Washing- cost of books, email Nick. ton. Each program will feature a 90-minute set of music, stories, and speakers devoted QUEERLY CLASSED to building awareness and engaging audiDISCUSSION SERIES – ence members to help Approve Referendum “WEDDING CRASHERS: 74. The concert schedule is: MARRIAGE AND Tacoma: Friday, September 14, 8 p.m., ECONOMIC JUSTICE” Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway.

On Wednesday, September 19, from 6:30Edmonds: Saturday, September 22, 3 8:30 p.m., at Southside Commons (3518 S. p.m., Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 4th Edmunds St.), LGBTQ Allyship’s Queerly Ave. N. Classed Discussion Series presents “WedOlympia: Saturday, September 29, 8 ding Crashers: Marriage and Economic Jusp.m., Center for the Performing Arts, 512 tice in the LGBTQ Community.” For more Washington St. SE. information, visit www.LGBTQAllyship.

Bellingham: Sunday, October 21, 3 p.m., org.

Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. SEATTLE FRINGE FESTIVAL Seattle: Friday, October 26, 8 p.m., CenSEPTEMBER 19-23 ter for Spiritual Living, 5801 Sand Point For five intense days, Seattle Fringe auWay N.E. diences will enjoy an eclectic array of new work by artists from Boulder, Chicago, OUT FOR SUSTAINABILITY – Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New “OUT AT THE BEACH” York, and, of course, Seattle. 21 perforOn Saturday, September 15, OUT for Sus- mance groups will shine on Capitol Hill tainability will participate in International with shows at Annex Theatre, the NW Film Shoreline Cleanup Day at Ocean Shores Forum, West Hall at Century Ballroom, and with shoreline cleanup activities followed Odd Duck Studio. Ranging from serious by a Beach Ball with food, music and fun! drama to light, family-friendly fare, from For more information and to register, visit existential Butoh to saucy cabaret, from www.out4s.org. highbrow to lowbrow to no-brow – Seattle Fringe Festival has something for everyone.

ROY HORN EXPERIENCE – Single tickets: $10; all-festival passes $125.

“THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE” www.click4tix.com. Tickets to non-sold-out PERFORMANCE TO BENEFIT shows will be available at the door.

EQUAL RIGHTS WASHINGTON www.seattlefringefestival.com.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT OPEN HOUSE On Thursday, September 20, from 5:308:30 p.m., Gay City (517 E. Pike St.) hosts an Open House to showcase their new space right next door to their old one, at the corner of E. Pike St. and Belmont Ave. Check out Gay City’s newly expanded Wellness Center and the Michael C. Weidemann LGBT Library, visit their new partners, Ingersoll Gender Center and Washington United for Marriage, and then grab a coffee at Kaladi Brothers. Gay City Health Project offers HIV/AIDS and STD testing Monday through Saturday by appointment with some walk-in appointments available. 206860-6969; www.gaycity.org RADICAL WOMEN – “PRECIOUS KNOWLEDGE: ARIZONA’S BATTLE OVER ETHNIC STUDIES” On Thursday, September 20, at 7:30 p.m., at New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), Radical Women presents an award-winning documentary about an epic civil rights battle in Tucson high schools. The 70-minute film shows committed students, parents and teachers mobilizing to save MexicanAmerican Studies from a legislative ban on “ethnically divisive” classes and books. $2 door donation. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m. for $8.50 donation. For more information, rides, or childcare: 206-722-6057, RWseattle@mindspring.com. Everyone welcome.

Wheelchair accessible.

SEATTLE AIDS WALK & 5K RUN On Saturday, September 22, from 9 a.m.1 p.m., at Volunteer Park (1400 E. Prospect St.), Lifelong AIDS Alliance hosts the Seattle AIDS Walk. The park will open at 9 a.m. for donation drop-off and T-shirt pickup and the official stage program will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Walk & Run will step-off at 10 a.m. via E. Prospect St. to 12th Ave., 12th Ave. to E. Union St., E. Union St. to Broadway, Broadway to E. Prospect St., returning to Volunteer Park for an after party that includes music, snacks, and celebration.

The Seattle AIDS Walk is the Pacific Northwest’s largest annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser, with all funds supporting Lifelong and partnering community service organizations. Through the AIDS Walk, we are able to educate the community and raise awareness about the continued importance of fighting HIV and AIDS. www.SeattleAIDSWalk.org SOUTH SOUND AIDS WALK On Saturday, September 22, from 9 a.m.1:30 p.m., at Cheney Stadium (2502 S. Tyler St., Tacoma), the South Sound AIDS Walk will raise funds to support critical HIV care and prevention services in Pierce, Thurston and Lewis Counties. For more information, call 253-383-2565, email events@ piercecountyaids.org or visit www.piercecountyaids.org

SEATTLE BURLESQUE OLYMPICS 2012 On Saturday, September 22, at 8 p.m., at Re-bar (1114 Howell St.), Miss Kitty Baby SEATTLE DESIGN FESTIVAL presents Seattle Burlesque Olympics 2012 SEPTEMBER 20-23 Meet at the “design block,” the hub of the – a Burlesque show fundraiser featuring a 2012 Seattle Design Festival, at Denny and variety of Seattle talent to benefit the Burlesque Hall of Fame. Join us for a night of Westlake in South Lake Union. campy competition as Seattle Burlequers www.seattledesignfestival.com twirl and tease to the finish line for the Ultimate Grand Supreme Medals and Rhine“LUNCH, LOVE, stone Trophies. With Sports Announcer, SEX & MARRIAGE” – Ernie Von schmaltz, and Celebrity Judges, LUNCH WITH CYNTHIA NIXON Miss Indigo Blue and Waxie Moon. Tickets: TO BENEFIT $15. http://seattleburlesqueolympics2012.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD & eventbrite.com.

WA UNITED FOR MARRIAGE On Friday, September 21, 11:30 a.m. reg“SMUDGY NOTEBOOK: istration, 12 noon luncheon and speaking BETWEEN THE LINES” program, at the Washington State ConvenQUEER WRITING WORKSHOP tion Center, 800 Convention Place, join On Tuesdays, September 25-October 30, celebrity guest Cynthia Nixon for a gala fundraising luncheon to benefit Washington from 7-9 p.m., Gay City Health Project (517 United for Marriage and Planned Parenthood. E. Pike St.) presents Smudgy Notebook: BeCynthia Nixon is perhaps best known tween the Lines,” a Queer writing workshop. for her portrayal of Miranda in Sex and the Just like our personal experiences, evCity. She has won two Emmys, a Tony and a erything that we read and write is based on Grammy. Cynthia, a native New Yorker, and context. Many diverse factors, such as our her longtime girlfriend, Christine Marinoni, sexuality, gender expression, class, race/ a native of Bainbridge Island, were finally ethnicity, even geography, can influence married in New York City this spring: an our point of view. After all, no two points of event that made them and their families pro- view are exactly the same. During this sixfoundly happy. Christine and Cynthia have week course, participants will read between 3 children – Samantha, 15, Charlie, 9, and the lines to look at how these unspoken facMax, 1-1/2. Both Christine and Cynthia are tors can influence our writing. Cost: $75 ardent supporters of Planned Parenthood as (scholarships may be available). For more well as marriage equality and equal rights info and to sign-up, call Susan Rees at 206for all people.

388-1707 or email susan@gaycity.org.

Tickets: $125-silver guest; $250-gold guest; $1,000-private reception and priorNORTHWEST ity seating. RSVP to Gina Topp at 206-328CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL 2969 or gina@newmanpartners.com. To SEPTEMBER 28-29 reserve your seat online, visit www.nixonwww.nwchocolate.com seattle.com.

OUT FOR SUSTAINABILITY– BORDER RIDERS “COMING OUT LOCAL” MOTORCYCLE CLUB ANNUAL DINNER SUMMER CAMPING On Sunday, September 30, at 5 p.m., at From May through October, BRMC hosts Melrose Market Studios (1532 Minor Ave.), monthly weekend camping trips – Septem- join guest of honor State Senator Ed Murray ber 21-23, and October 19-21.

(D-43), and keynote speaker Jill Bamburg, a www.borderriders.com. leader in the Local Living Economy movement, for Out for Sustainability’s annual TWO-SPIRIT CIRCLE dinner, discussion and auction that highWITH JOHNNY MOSES lights how a thriving local economy fosters On Friday, September 21, from 7:30-9:30 a local community that celebrates diversity. p.m., at the Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Coming Out Local is for all who care about Church (3201 Hunter Blvd. S.), the Seattle sustainability and want to have remarkRed Cedar Circle will be holding a Two- able local food while sampling local wine, Spirit Circle. Johnny Moses, a master sto- bidding on wares and services from local ryteller, oral historian, traditional healer and businesses and learning from the evening’s respected spiritual leader of the Si.Si.Wiss guests. This year Skillet will prepare a four Medicine Teachings, will bring out gender course main dinner, along with several local teachings of the Northwest Coast Salish LGBTQ chefs for additional pre-dinner aptribes. The event is free, with donations ac- petizers and dessert. Tickets: $75 at www. cepted for the teachings and building use. brownpapertickets.com/event/262113.

The meeting will be held in the church base- www.out4s.org. ment, accessible through the back entrance of the church.

September 14, 2012

Seattle Gay News

9

10 Seattle Gay News

September 14, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

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September 14, 2012

Seattle Gay News 11

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September 14, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

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September 14, 2012

Seattle Gay News 13

14 Seattle Gay News

September 14, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

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September 14, 2012

Seattle Gay News 15

Fact checkers for marriage equality

tion laws that have nothing to do with samesex marriage. And in the most recent case in Illinois, after getting rebuffed, the Church finally abandoned its lawsuit altogether. Finally, in each case, state and city agencies quickly moved to transfer those services to adoption and foster care agencies that would consider qualified Gay and Lesbian applicants.”

Assertion: “The redefinition of marriage does not bestow any new legal rights on couples of the same sex in Washington state. In 2009 a law was passed that granted to registered domestic partners every legal benefit enjoyed by couples in traditional marriages.”

Fact: “States that have passed civil unions have found them to be fundamentally unequal. After New Jersey enacted civil unions, in 2008, an independent Civil Union Review Commission issued a report arguing that the Civil Union Act ‘invites and encourages unequal treatment of samesex couples and their children.’ A commission in Vermont drew similar conclusions in 2008, nearly a decade after it passed its civil statement: Assertion: “The bishops … made refer- union law. Also in 2008, the Supreme Court ence to religious institutions, including the of Connecticut struck down a statute that Catholic Church, that have been forced to prohibited same-sex marriage, finding that suspend ministries such as adoption and civil unions and marriage ‘are by no means foster care because of conscientious objec- equal.’”

Washington United representative Andy tions to same-sex marriage.”

Fact: “The bishops like to refer to suspen- Grow says the website could be updated at sion of services, most notably in Massachu- any time.

“If something happens this afternoon or setts, Washington, D.C., and Illinois, where each Catholic charity made a decision to tomorrow we will respond as fast as we can abandon adoption services rather than – that’s the idea,” Grow told SGN. “To get comply with existing non-discrimination the facts out as soon as possible.”

Check out the website at www.marriagelaws that apply to any entity receiving state funds. Furthermore, in all cases, the conflict factcheck.com. arose over long-standing non-discrimina-

Approve R-74 campaign launches site for correcting opponents’ falsehoods

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer On Friday, September 7, Washington United for Marriage launched MarriageFactCheck.com, a website designed to provide a “rapid response” to misrepresentations and falsehoods raised by opponents of Referendum 74. The effort is intended to clarify the issues surrounding marriage equality and thus to help turn more voters to the “Approve” side of the ballot in November.

The website was launched just after the state’s four Catholic bishops called on their parishioners to reject R-74, making various untrue or misleading claims. The first set of

facts on the new website served to counter the bishops’ assertions.

“We understand and respect that the bishops oppose the freedom to marry, but we cannot sit by and allow anyone, even the bishops, to misrepresent the law or the facts,” said Zach Silk, Washington United campaign manager. “Knowing what’s certain to come this fall from our opponents, we’re launching MarriageFactCheck.com so voters know the truth and aren’t scared or swayed by continuous misrepresentations of the law.”

The website provides information in an “Assertion/Fact” format. Here are two examples from the rebuttal to the bishops’

Marriage equality polling Marriage equality polls look good in ME, MD, and WA, though MN is a dead heat

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer While Washington’s LGBT community is focused on our own Referendum 74, marriage is also on the ballot in Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota, and polls show proequality measures leading in three states and roughly tied in the fourth. As The Four 2012 campaign (see last week’s issue) suggests, it is definitely possible for LGBT voters to wake up on November 7, the day after the election, with four historic victories under our belts.

MAINE: ROUND TWO The Maine legislature legalized same-sex marriage in 2009, but the law was overturned later that year in a referendum similar to our own R-74. Marriage equality supporters, led by Equality Maine and GLAD, gathered signatures to put marriage equality on the ballot again this year.

Several hundred equality supporters rallied in Portland, the state capital, on September 10, launching their “Yes on One” pre-election push.

“My greatest hope is that the first marriage ceremony to be performed after the election in November will be here in Portland at City Hall,” Portland Mayor Michael Brennan told supporters.

At the rally, Mainers United for Marriage, the pro-equality campaign organization, announced a $100,000 week-long media ad campaign beginning September 11.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that NOM will make $500,000 in matching funds available for the anti-equality side.

Mike McTighe, campaign manager for Mainers United for Marriage, said NOM plans to spend $385,000 on advertising in the three weeks leading up to Election Day. The Catholic Church has also kicked off a series of meetings to promote opposition to

equal marriage rights for Gay and Lesbian couples. Thirty-seven percent of Mainers identify as Catholic.

A July 11 poll commissioned by the Portland Press Herald newspaper showed the marriage initiative winning by 22 points, with 57% in favor and only 35% opposed.

The measure appears to have broad support across demographic categories. More than 60% of voters in most age groups – including 18to 34-yearolds and 55to 64-yearolds – said they would vote for equality. Those 65 and older were about evenly split on the question, with 44% in favor and 43% opposed.

more, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

“The culture has had to expand,” Jackson told Gay radio host Michelangelo Signorile at the Democratic National Convention.

“For so long we thought it was a sin for blacks to have freedom. We thought it was a sin for black and white men and women to interrelate. We’ve grown in our appreciation of the fact that we live in our faith, and our faith may live under the law. All citizens deserve constitutional protections. You know, you have a right not to agree with interracial marriage, but no one should be denied rights under the law.”

Jackson told another reporter that he would perform a same-sex wedding ceremony if a Gay or Lesbian couple asked him to do so.

The support of Jealous and Jackson, along with President O b a m a ’s endorsement of marriage equality, is important in a state where some 30% of the population is African American.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo also brought publicity to the pro-equality campaign. Ayanbadejo’s outspoken support for equality outraged conservative Maryland lawmaker Emmett C. Burns, who wrote a letter to the team’s owners urging them to silence their player. Ayanbadejo got support both from his team and from Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, who wrote Burns a colorful response.

HRC recently invested an additional $250,000 in the Maryland campaign, raising its statewide total to $1.6 million.

An August poll from Hart Research Associates found 54% of respondents favoring the marriage equality law and 40% oppos-

“For so long we thought it was a sin for black and white men and women to interrelate. All citizens deserve constitutional protections. You know, you have a right not to agree with interracial marriage, but no one should be denied rights under the law.”

MARYLAND: BLACK ENDORSEMENTS MADE A DIFFERENCE The Maryland state legislature passed a marriage equality bill in February, and Gov. Martin O’Malley signed it into law on March 1. Opponents, backed by local Catholic officials and NOM, succeeded in putting a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to vote for or against the new law.

In addition to Gov. O’Malley, who strongly supports the law, equality supporters got a boost from endorsements by NAACP president Ben Jealous, who lives in Balti-

ing it. As in other states, voters were sharply divided by party preference. A January poll

by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies found 62% of Democrats support same-sex marriage and 76% of Republicans oppose it.

MINNESOTA: RAZOR-THIN MARGIN Same-sex marriage is already illegal in Minnesota. The issue voters will have to decide in November is whether to make it super-illegal by adding an amendment to the state constitution stating, “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota.”

While the amendment will have no immediate consequences for same-sex couples living in Minnesota, it would make any future marriage equality legislation much more difficult to pass.

Like his colleagues in Washington, Catholic Archbishop John Nienstedt of St. Paul sent a “pastoral letter” to his parishes supporting the amendment. The Monday after it was read at Mass, Catholics for Marriage Equality reported a spike in requests for their “Another Catholic Voting No” yard signs.

As that anecdote suggests, polling has shown public opinion going back and forth between amendment supporters and opponents.

A PPP poll released September 12 showed the election in a dead heat, with 48% opposing the measure and 47% supporting it.

A Survey USA poll released the day before showed the amendment leading by seven points, however, with 50% saying they will vote for it and only 43% against it.

Survey USA found the amendment ahead in all regions of the state, with the closest margin in the Twin Cities metro area, where the “yes” vote is ahead just 46% to 44%.

Voters in the 18–49 age group support the measure by 48% to 42%. Voters over 50 support the amendment 51% to 44%.

To date, Minnesota Catholic churches have given $1 million to pass the amendment. Minnesotans United for All Families, the organization opposing the amendment, has reportedly raised some $4.6 million.

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Celebrating 39 Years!

U.S. Justice Department asks Supreme Court to hear more marriage cases

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In petitions filed on September 12, the U.S. Department of Justice formally asked the Supreme Court to hear two additional cases challenging the Defense of Marriage Act. The DOJ is asking the high court to consider Windsor v. United States and Pedersen v. OPM. The cases are already on the Supreme Court docket with three other marriage cases, and the justices may decide whether to hear one or all of them at their September 24 conference, although they need not hear any of them.

In the Windsor case, Edie Windsor is suing because she was forced to pay federal estate taxes when her wife died, which she would not have had to pay had they been opposite-sex spouses.

In Pedersen, five same-sex couples and one widower are suing because they were excluded from federal programs they would otherwise have qualified for, solely because they were married to same-sex partners.

Federal district courts have ruled in both cases that DOMA violates the equal protection clause and the due process clause of the U.S. constitution. The DOJ and attorneys for the plaintiffs are asking the Supreme

Court to expedite a decision by bypassing the appeals courts.

Passed in 1996, DOMA prohibits federal agencies from recognizing the legal marriages of same-sex couples. Because of the “Gay exception” created by DOMA, America’s legally married Gays and Lesbians are excluded from more than 1,100 federal protections and responsibilities, including Social Security survivor benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, and the opportunity to take leave from work to care for a spouse.

FULL COURT PRESS The DOJ has already petitioned the high court to decide the constitutionality of DOMA in two other cases.

In Golinski v. OPM, a federal employee in California is suing because DOMA prevented her from insuring her legally married wife under her federal health plan.

In what are now known as the “Consolidated Massachusetts Cases,” the attorney general of Massachusetts is suing because DOMA prevents her state from offering benefits to legally married Massachusetts citizens. This case now includes Gill v.

OPM, which also involves denial of federal insurance benefits to the same-sex spouse of

a federal employee.

Golinski has already been decided by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld a district court’s ruling that DOMA is unconstitutional. Since the DOJ determined that it would no longer defend DOMA in court, the appeal is being handled by the so-called Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group

Mass. Gay couple sues Catholic diocese over real estate deal New Ways Ministry

A Gay couple has filed suit against the Roman Catholic diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, charging church officials with discrimination in an aborted real estate transaction. The pair claim damages for loss of civil rights and dignity, and for emotional distress.

James Fairbanks and his husband, Alain Beret, were negotiating with the diocese to

buy Oakhurst Mansion, a former Catholic retreat center. They planned to restore the historic house and use it as both their private residence and a venue for their specialevents business.

Oakhurst, built in 1890 by the heir of a local weaving machine business, is a 30-room mansion situated on a 26-acre estate.

According to court documents, the property was listed at $1.45 million, and the diocese accepted the couples’ offer to buy it for $1 million. An inspection revealed that

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diocese inadvertently sent them an e-mail revealing church officials’ real concerns.

According to the lawsuit, Chancellor Thomas Sullivan sent an e-mail to the diocese’s real estate agent on June 8, instructing him to break off negotiations with the couple. Inadvertently, he cc’d Fairbanks and Beret on it.

“I just went down the hall and discussed it with the bishop,” the e-mail read. “Because of the potentiality of Gay marriages there, something you shared with us yesterday, we aren’t interested in going forward with these buyers. I think they’re shaky anyway.

So just tell them that we will not accept their revised plan and the Diocese is making new plans for the property. You find the language.”

Carvajal told the Associated Press that “the e-mail speaks for itself.”

“It is wrong and it is illegal,” he added.

The diocese said it has a policy that forbids selling church buildings once used for worship for a purpose that contravenes church teachings – hence their concern about same-sex marriage ceremonies.

“We wouldn’t sell our churches and our properties to any of a number of things that would reflect badly on the Church,” Sullivan told CatholicCulture.org.

AN E-MAIL SMOKING GUN According to attorney Sergio Carvajal, who represents Fairbanks and Beret, the

ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION? Carvajal said such a policy would be illegal in this case. “They would basically be binding future people to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation,” he said.

Massachusetts law has barred discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in a number of areas, including housing and public accommodations, since 1989.

James G. Reardon, Jr., attorney for the diocese, said his clients broke off negotiations because they believed Fairbanks and Beret would not be able to find financing for the deal. Sullivan’s e-mail only mentions the possibility of same-sex weddings at the site, but does not reference the couple’s sexual orientation, he added.

Reardon said the diocese was unaware they are Gay because the subject never came up during negotiations. Carvajal replied that he did not believe Reardon’s claim.

September 14, 2012

Seattle Gay News 17

Alain Beret and James Fairbanks outside of Oakhurst Mansion

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

(BLAG), which represents Republican House Speaker John Boehner. BLAG has intervened in at least 12 cases involving DOMA thus far.

The Consolidated Massachusetts Cases have been decided by district courts, with appeals pending in the First Circuit.

Shaun Knittel contributed to this report.

costly repairs were needed, and the couple then made a revised offer of $550,000.

The diocese then ended negotiations in June, but not because the couple withdrew their original $1 million offer, the suit alleges. Instead, the couple’s attorney says, the diocese was afraid that the pair would use the mansion to host same-sex weddings.

Gay star news

ROTC boots Florida man for working in Gay porn Calabrese told him, could lead to his disenrollment from the program.

Koch is appealing the decision. Although A Personnel Review Board (PRB) has the PRB says his actions were inconsistent unanimously determined that Midshipman with Navy standards, the board did note that Andrew Koch, aka Patrick Hunter, a Fab- his conduct was “perfectly legal.”

Scout model, be discharged from the U.S. Navy ROTC program for doing Gay porNO LESS CAPABLE nography.

In a letter to the PRB, Koch asked to reKoch, in the third year of a four-year main in the program, writing that he “never scholarship service contract with the Navy, meant to disrespect the Navy, never apwas informed that he would also be liable peared in uniform, and never associated his to return all tuition, fees, and educational private work in pornography with the Navy expenses incurred during his tenure, which in any way.” could total nearly $26,000.

Saying “morality is a very subjective According to military officials, Koch’s idea,” Koch attested that his conduct “would porn shoots were grounds for severing his not make me any less of a capable officer.” ties with the corps, as they were “inconsisWhen he learned of his termination from tent with good order and discipline” and ROTC, Koch contacted South Florida Gay “inconsistent with what the Navy deems News publisher Norm Kent, a First Amendmorally acceptable.” ment and civil rights attorney who has preAccording to the South Florida Gay viously represented Gay servicemembers News, Koch was informed on July 27 by discharged under the military’s now-defunct commanding officer T.M. Calabrese that he “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. was being placed on an involuntary leave According to the paper, Kent has agreed to of absence while being investigated “for undertake a pro bono appeal of Koch’s proan alleged serious moral offense that brings posed discharge and has submitted a letter to discredit upon the naval service,” which, program officials calling their action “preby Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Andrew Koch, aka Patrick Hunter

cipitous” and “legally unwarranted,” since the board itself concluded Koch’s conduct was legal. Kent also noted that the military service contract Koch signed with the corps was a civil contract with “specific terms and conditions that have not been breached.”

Kent indicated that the Navy has standards that may have been breached, but “the legal issue is whether the midshipman was properly noticed of what those rules are.”

Koch says he went the route of Gay pornography to make some money because he was experiencing financial hardship after

being placed on a leave of absence from ROTC for medical reasons.

“I was not at all ashamed of Gay sex,” he said. “I just needed to support myself. It was never my intention to bring any discredit to the service. I never correlated my private conduct with my public service. I saw a disconnect between the two.”

Koch’s appeal includes his appreciation for the guidance the staff has given him and “the lessons that I have learned during my time here.”

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September 14, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

marriage

continued from cover a family.”

Annie, a Pride Foundation supporter and executive director of Photo Center NW, is one of a growing chorus of active allies who are working to support the freedom to marry in Washington. She recently attended a house party where guests committed to speaking with at least five people to share why marriage matters to them. Though she admits to knowing very few people who oppose the freedom to marry, she learned at the event that being supportive of marriage equality may not translate into votes because, without a personal touch and shared conversations, supportive people may not see voting as a priority.

It’s estimated that two out of three people who have had a conversation about marriage for same-sex couples are supportive.

So if we don’t have these conversations – even with people who know and love us – we miss out on strengthening our relationships with our allies.

And, perhaps, miss out on making history come November.

BUILDING MOMENTUM Pride Foundation’s work is always about starting conversations just like the ones Annie will be having. We talk to donors about what dreams they have for our community.

We talk to scholars about what impact they hope to achieve. We talk to nonprofit leaders about their innovative ideas for meeting the needs of some of our community’s most marginalized members. Together these conversations transform our community.

We’ve seen this transformation build momentum with recent national progress, including the historic support for marriage equality by a sitting U.S. president, the landmark Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruling recognizing the rights of Transgender workers, and the dismantling of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Together we can help this momentum continue into November and beyond.

I’ve been asked by a few people why Pride Foundation is so heavily invested in the campaign for the freedom to marry.

(Pride Foundation is a founding member of Washington United for Marriage.) The simple answer is our supporters, staff, and friends wouldn’t have it any other way – creating and defending LGBTQ equality is what we do and who we are.

The more complex answer of how marriage fits into the bigger LGBTQ equality picture would require a full afternoon with a giant carafe of coffee – which I would welcome.

We know we need to do more and make more progress toward protecting LGBTQ employees, empowering our youth, and supporting our seniors. We need to do more about LGBTQ health, immigration, and domestic violence. We need to have more conversations within our community about

race, class, gender, and gender identity and expression.

At this moment, marriage for same-sex couples is the most significant conversation that the nation is having about equality for LGBTQ people. Leveraging the momentum, the money, and the people who care about marriage is one key role we have to play, but equally important is carrying that momentum onward to build a stronger LGBTQ community throughout the Northwest by addressing the myriad of issues faced by our evolving and diverse community.

A DIVERSE MOVEMENT Washington United for Marriage’s effort includes partnering with communities of faith, people of color, and diverse families to support these communities in talking about why marriage matters to them. I hope that you see yourself as a part of this important work.

Phone banks, happy hours, workshops, coffee talks, town halls, rallies, and house parties are taking place in every corner of the state, powered by everyday people who believe in LGBTQ equality, working to ignite a movement that will Approve Referendum 74.

At the end of September, more than 100 supportive clergy will join in a groundbreaking gathering at First United Methodist Church in Seattle to strategize how best to support the freedom to marry. Workshops and trainings are taking place with people of faith all over the state and more than 80 faith communities, and more than 100 leaders and organizations representing communities of color have officially endorsed the campaign.

Our work with all these communities has led to the sharing of powerful stories from straight allies, community leaders, and, of course, members of our LGBTQ community. Some of these stories can be read (and watched) at www.washingtonunitedformarriage.org.

There’s more to Annie’s story after her parents divorced. There’s more to what motivates her.

When Annie’s mom and her partner of 15 years held their commitment ceremony, they were concerned that family members might disapprove of the union. So they made the hard decision to have a closed ceremony, without family in attendance.

“My sister and I would have loved to celebrate that milestone with them,” Annie laments. “It’s heartbreaking to my sister and I that they felt they needed to do that alone – I would love to see a date and time where we can have that celebration with them at their marriage.”

To help Approve Referendum 74, visit www.washingtonunitedformarriage.org.

For information about Pride Foundation’s community leadership, grants, and scholarships in the Northwest, visit www.pridefoundation.org.

dadt

continued from cover vice members who are Gay, and conducted on-site field observations of four military units, among other research activities. They reached out to 553 of the nearly 1,200 generals and admirals who signed a 2009 letter claiming repeal would undermine the military, eventually getting interviews with 13 of those officers.

NO NEGATIVE IMPACT “Our conclusion, based on all of the evidence available to us, is that DADT repeal has had no overall negative impact on military readiness or its component dimensions, including cohesion, recruitment, retention, assaults, harassment, or morale,” the study says. “Although we identified a few downsides that followed from the policy change, we identified upsides as well, and in no case did negative consequences outweigh benefits. If anything, DADT repeal appears to have enhanced the military’s ability to pursue its mission.”

The research also showed that repeal hadn’t been responsible for any new wave of violence or physical abuse among service members, and it appears to have enabled some Gay troops to resolve disputes around harassment in ways that were not possible before.

However, there were two “verifiable resignations” of military chaplains due to repeal, which also triggered a drop in individual morale for some service members who were opposed to it, the study said.

Implementation of repeal is “proceeding smoothly” across the Department of Defense, said a spokeswoman, Eileen M. Lainez.

“We attribute this success to our comprehensive pre-repeal training programs, continued close monitoring and enforcement of standards by our military leaders, and service members’ adherence to core values that include discipline and respect,” she said. “Defense Department leadership and the services remain engaged in implementation, and a formal monitoring process ensures continual assessment.”

REPEAL ‘GOING WELL’ Since repeal, the Defense Department has held a Gay Pride event and allowed service members to march in Pride parades in uniform, according to reports.

During a May 10 briefing, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said repeal was “going very well” and was not impacting morale, unit cohesion, or readiness.

“And, very frankly, my view is that the military has kind of moved beyond it,” he said. “It’s become part and parcel of what they’ve accepted within the military.”

The Palm Center is part of the Williams Institute, an independent think tank conducting research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy at the UCLA School of Law.

Kris Hermanns is the executive director of Pride Foundation.

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September 14, 2012

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Seattle Gay News 19

axis

continued from cover “We will do what is necessary to win the campaign,” he said, “and I’m not concerned with NOM specifically. There are lots of people involved with this, and there are lots of people working hard on this, and we’ll do what it takes and we’ll get there.”

While Backholm’s organization, FPIW, presents itself as just another “pro-family” organization, it is in fact the local affiliate of Focus on the Family, an anti-Gay hate group founded by James Dobson.

On its website, FPIW links to so-called “Marriage Legislation Resources,” including documents containing typical antiequality talking points, such as a list of classic horror stories about same-sex marriage and religious liberty.

Also linked on FPIW’s “Resources” page is an article by George Dent, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, titled “No Difference? An Analysis of Same-Sex Parenting.” The article contains a number of wild anti-Gay accusations, including the tired canards that Gay parents molest their children or coerce them into being Gay themselves.

According to PDC reports, FPIW’s PAC, Family Policy Action, rents office space to Preserve Marriage and has also provided small in-kind donations to the campaign.

Family Policy Action has also sent campaign contributions to a number of antiequality, anti-choice Republican legislative candidates.

ACTRIGHT FOUNDATION While not all groups that do business with Preserve Marriage share its anti-Gay, antiequality views, several do, besides FPIW. ActRight, a foundation based in Plainfield, Indiana, has provided Preserve Marriage $40,206 worth of services. Among other services, ActRight built and maintains the Preserve Marriage website.

Essentially a right-wing MoveOn.org, ActRight offers fundraising, publicity, and even legal advice to causes selected by its subscribers. Its political orientation is revealed by the logo on its website, “Defeat Obama – Restore America – Gone 2012,” with the “o” in “Gone” rendered as the familiar Obama “O.” It claims to have raised $38,494 for Preserve Marriage Washington – somewhat less than it earned back in fees for its services. Other recipients of ActRight’s largesse include Protect Marriage Maine, Minnesota for Marriage, CatholicVote.org, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, and Massachusetts Republican Sen. Scott Brown.

The “top actions” ActRight promotes include “Dump Starbucks for supporting same-sex marriage,” “Send General Mills this message: Don’t mess with marriage,” and “Thank Chick Fil-A.” GATEWAY COMMUNICATIONS Preserve Marriage also hired Gateway Communications, a Portland-based advertising and fundraising firm, to print its petitions. According to PDC documents, Gateway earned $5,925 for successive print or-

ders. Gateway also specializes in telephone solicitation – mainly for evangelical charities such as Union Gospel Mission in Seattle – although Preserve Marriage did not hire the firm for that purpose.

THE RUTH INSTITUTE Another organization associated with Preserve Marriage is the Ruth Institute, which uses the slogan “One man, one woman, for life” on its website and describes itself as “a project of the National Organization for Marriage.” PDC documents reveal that Preserve Marriage purchased $509.80 worth of “educational material” from the institute.

crosswalk continued from cover

in America where the LGBT community is celebrated.”

To some, myself included, this development begged the question, Why don’t we have something similar here in Seattle? So, for the past several weeks I have been in touch with the community and the city about the possibility of constructing a rainbow crosswalk (or crosswalks) on Capitol Hill.

Here’s what I’ve found.

THE WHY It might be best to start this conversation with a few basic philosophical questions.

Capitol Hill is the largest Gayborhood north of the Castro and west of Boystown, but what do we have to show for it? Do we need something to show for it? It’s not like people don’t know Capitol Hill is Gay. Do they? ­Important questions to ask ourselves, but let’s put it another way.

What does Capitol Hill already have, if anything, that gives the community pride?

Perhaps Cal Anderson Park, practically every Hill resident’s home away from home during the summer months, named after the city’s first openly Gay legislator? Absolutely. Shit, it makes me proud. But is it really visible enough? Do the young people who frequent the park grounds even know who Cal Anderson was? There’s no statue of him there, only a small plaque that most people have probably never noticed before.

What about the Space Needle? When the Pride flag flew atop the Needle, one of the city’s most iconic images, in 2011, it felt as if the city had become ours. Pride was everywhere. However, it didn’t happen this year and there’s no guarantee that that will again anytime soon.

While the Space Needle is privately owned and has every right not to fly the rainbow flag, the streets belong to the people that have marched on them and screamed their voices hoarse on them ­– and a rainbowpainted crosswalk seems an apt way to represent the struggles that have taken place there.

One very important thing to consider is that right now, the community is playing marriage defense. Thousands of LGBT in-

dividuals and families have already donated their hard-earned money to Washington United for Marriage, in the effort to Approve Referendum 74 and preserve marriage equality.

Realistically, many people are already short on donation dollars and the Approve R-74 campaign will most certainly need more of them before November. Should we put the crosswalk on hold and focus solely on the marriage campaign? Should we construct the crosswalk as a celebration if we win, or an inspiration to continue the fight if we lose? These are legitimate questions for the community to consider.

THE HOW “Probably the best way is to pick an existing marked crosswalk, and then if the individual or community organization has some funding available to paint the crosswalk, they can donate that to the Department of Transportation,” said Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.

Both Rasmussen and City Council President Sally Clark, who contacted me via email, seem to support the idea.

“A lot of community projects have been funded through [a combination of] community work, community donations, and city funds,” said Rasmussen.

The city isn’t going to pay the whole cost.

Although Rasmussen implied that the city might provide some help, there is no guarantee even of that.

So, how much would we have to raise?

According to the West Hollywood Patch website, the approximate cost of temporarily painting the crosswalk in WeHo was $13,000. The cost to upgrade the crosswalk to a permanent fixture (ongoing maintenance included) is $67,364.

But the city of Seattle gives a much lower estimate.

“The cost would be approximately $2,000 per crosswalk to install, so an intersection with four crosswalks would be $8,000,” said Kristen Simpson, acting deputy director of the Traffic Management Division of the Seattle Department of Transportation.

Our experience with the type of material we’d use is that it will likely last about five years before needing to be replaced, but that can vary depending on traffic volumes and other variables.”

Why the difference? It could be because the WeHo crosswalk is one solid block of color, while the city has in mind a standard striped model, which would require substantially less paint. Crosswalk paint is expensive. It’s designed to last longer than regular paint, be more abrasive (to prevent loss of traction for cars and people), and be more reflective. There are also environmental regulations it must meet. In addition, labor costs are higher in the L.A. area.

One interesting idea I came across is installing an LED light fixture above a crosswalk to project a rainbow image on it, rather than painting it. Presumably, this could require less maintenance and may therefore be cheaper. It would also be some-

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September 14, 2012

Celebrating 39 Years!

thing unique to Seattle, setting us apart from WeHo and other cities where temporary rainbow crosswalks have been installed, including Vancouver, B.C., and Tel Aviv.

THE WHEN Either way, if and when the community raises the money, how long would it take to get the work done?

“If the rainbow was put down on the pavement and a there was capacity in the work schedule it would probably be completed within three to four weeks after there was an approved design,” said Mary Rutherford, SDOT’s director of traffic management.

“The LED option would take a lot longer.

It would require a lengthier design time and the poles and/or mast arm would be specialorder items.”

THE WHERE Lastly, where would the crosswalk go?

When I asked the community via SGN’s Facebook page, I received a variety of responses: Broadway & John, Broadway & Denny, Broadway & Pike, Broadway & Pine, by the Broadway Market, by The Grill on Broadway, and by the new Capitol Hill light-rail station. One respondent said, “Just do the whole street of Broadway.” Another suggested doing the ends of Broadway as a sort of territory marker.

“The city would consider multiple locations,” said Rutherford.

How will the community ultimately decide? An online poll? A community meeting?

HOW SAFE? I’ve heard some safety concerns from community members and elected officials alike. Of course, safety, in an issue like this,

should be paramount. A crosswalk absolutely needs to be easily identifiable as what it is, and none of us want to be remembered as the poor schmo who was mowed down in the rainbow crosswalk.

Some fear that a rainbow crosswalk would be unrecognizable as a crosswalk to people who are unfamiliar with the area. Others think it would make the crosswalk more visible, and thus cut down on accidents.

It’s hard to say concretely which is true (or truer). Many of the crosswalks on Capitol Hill are quite faded anyway, and most people seem to get around unscathed.

Another fact worth mentioning is that two other Seattle neighborhoods, West Seattle and Wallingford, already have customized crosswalks.

It is also important to note that visibility aside, in the City of Seattle, pedestrians always have the right of way if they are crossing at a corner, whether it’s marked as a crosswalk or not.

“If there is a pedestrian on the sidewalk and they’re showing they’re about to step off the curb or they’re about to cross, then vehicles need to stop,” said SPD Detective Renee Witt. “Drivers should watch to see if the pedestrian makes eye contact or a steps toward the intersection.”

What about the LED idea? Conceivably, if the rainbow posed a visibility issue, the LED light could simply be turned off at any time or during specific hours or daylight conditions. Sounds like a promising solution, but according to the city, it might pose a bigger safety risk.

“We would not want to install an LED light over a crosswalk with an existing signal for safety reasons. Therefore, it would be necessary to install a pole with a mast arm or multiple poles with a span wire to support

the LED light,” said Rutherford. “Either of these installations would be very expensive and would require engineering design. The long-term maintenance cost would probably be less for the LED light but the life-cycle cost for an LED light installation would be more. The city would require the proponents to support the cost of maintenance as well as the cost of installation for both alternatives.”

SOSEA STEPS UP If the community raises the money for the project, will the city build it?

“The city has the ability to do a project such as the rainbow crosswalk on a reimbursable basis. If a formal request were made, we would look at the work programmed and determine if we have the capacity to do the project,” said Rutherford.

“If we have capacity, we would work with the project proponent on a schedule that would not interfere with our obligations to the public.”

Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea), a newly formed Seattle-based social outreach organization trying to bridge the gap between the LGBTQ and allied communities, has agreed to step up and take the lead on the rainbow crosswalk initiative.

“SOSea will fill out the paperwork required by the city,” said SOSea’s founder and director Shaun Knittel. “We are fortunate to live in a city like Seattle where the option is not only on the table, but city officials are willing to help out every step of the way to ensure that this project sees the light of day.”

Not only is the city willing, but city officials seem genuinely interested. In fact, the concept image included with this story was done of the city’s own volition. I didn’t ask

for it – they just did it.

Knittel reminds SGN readers, “This is not something that will happen overnight.

There are a number of things to factor in when looking at a timeline to get this done, such as weather conditions and funding.

The good news is that many people in the community are excited about the rainbow crosswalk project and have already pledged their support. Also, the city saying that, once approved, it could be done in as little as three or four weeks is motivating.”

SOSea says it volunteered to take on the project because “Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is the cultural center” of the LGBTQ community.

“There is nothing wrong with feeling a sense of pride in our neighborhood. This is one of those projects that nearly everyone agrees is a good idea. Business owners and Cap Hill residents alike have chimed in on the conversation to voice support,” said Knittel. “How fast we get this done will also depend on the generosity of donors. But one thing I know to be true is that whenever the LGBTQ and allied communities support something, they do so with the understanding that part of that support is making a donation.”

For now, Knittel says, anyone interested in receiving updates about the rainbow crosswalk project should “like” Social Outreach Seattle on Facebook, or e-mail SOSea at socialoutreachseattle@yahoo.com.

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