SGN March 4, 2016 - Section 1

Celebrating 42 Years!

Issue 10 Volume 44

FRIDAY March 4, 2016 FREE!

25¢ in bookstores & newsstands

The Harmon and Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: SEC 2 Works on Paper at the Northwest African American Museum PG 1

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Activist Danni Askini to It’s official: Anti-Trans run for legislature bathroom initiative filed 43rd District seat opens as Brady Walkinshaw runs for Congress

Joseph Backholm – www.salon.com

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Activist Danny Askini – KING

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

she would be the first openly Transgender representative in state history.

Activist Danni Askini announced March The 43rd District includes Capitol Hill, 1 that she is running for a state House seat South Lake Union, Wallingford, and part of from the 43rd Legislative District. If elected, see danni askini page 5

It’s official. Joseph Backholm, the man who brought you Referendum 74 to repeal marriage equality, has filed for a statewide ballot initiative to bar Trans people from using gender-appropriate restrooms.

In fact, Backholm has filed not one but

three separate initiative titles: the “Locker Room and Bathroom Privacy and Safety Act,” the “Locker Room and Bathroom Privacy Act,” and the “Locker Room Privacy Act.” He now has until July 8 to collect 246,372 valid signatures of registered Washington voters to qualify one of the initiatives for the see initiative page 5

Seattle Pride Names 2016 Mayor Murray to issue executive order Parade Grand Marshals Seattle Area Support Groups, Dennis Coleman of the protecting Trans rights Seattle Men’s Chorus, and El Centro de la Raza chosen Mandates training for City departments on all-gender accommodations law

as Grand Marshals, with the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle as the Special Grand Marshal

Seattle Pride has selected the Grand and defend its most vulnerable and marginMarshals of the 2016 Seattle Pride Parade alized populations, and to bring justice, digto be El Centro de la Raza, the Seattle Area nity, equality and freedom to all the peoples of the world. We Support Groups envision a world and Dennis Colefree of oppresman of the Seattle sion based on Men’s Chorus. poverty, racism, In addition, to sexism, sexual honor their 45th orientation and year in service, discrimination of the Imperial Sovany kind that limereign Court of its equal access Seattle has been to the resources chosen to be the that ensure a Special Grand healthy and proMarshal of the ductive life for all parade. peoples and fuMayor Ed Murray – AP Photo ture generations El Centro de in peace, love la Raza

by Mike Andrew and harmony.

As an organizaorder to set down guidelines for City workSGN Staff Writer El Centro de la ers on the City’s all-gender public accom- tion grounded in Raza (The Center for People of All Races) the Latino community, El Centro de la Ramodations ordinance. was founded in 1972 when a group of diSeattle Mayor Ed Murray announced on The order, which will be signed next za’s mission is to build unity across all racial and economic sectors, to organize, empower March 3 that he will issue a new executive see mayor murray page 6

see grand marshals page 7

2 Seattle Gay News

March 4, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

The Trump Phenomenon

The Trump Phenomen is alive and well in this nomination race – Getty Images via www.bbc.com

by Janice Van Cleve Special to the SGN

Republicans considered him a clown.

Democrats considered him a joke. Yet he has swept the primaries in ten states and leads his Republican rivals in every poll. In a crowded field of political professionals, he has elbowed his way to the top, forcing both evangelical poster boys and seasoned governors out of the race. He has criticized the Republican establishment, big-money super PACs, Wall Street, and even Fox News and still beats them all. How does he do it?

How does a coarse, belligerent bully who displays gross ignorance, racism, and misogyny keep on winning?

whose craven thirst for sensationalism blinds them to his real purpose. Trump is a showman and he is playing them. He has moved the goal posts of discussion and debate so far down the field that the media’s so-called “balanced reporting” lags behind in the dust, leaving them no choice but to run after him.

vals to play the fear card. They are claiming that a Trump nomination will destroy the Republican Party. In many ways, however, Trump is resurrecting the Republican Party. He is attracting huge turnouts of new voters. His wealth allows him to be an independent voice unbeholden to the Karl Roves and Rick Warrens of the world. He can take on conservatives and corporations precisely because he is a billionaire, an entrepreneur, and one of them. It’s like Nixon going to China – Trump can afford to ignore Republican taboos where a Democrat would be destroyed attempting to do the same things.

His supporters consistently say “he tells it like it is.” Really? He has blurted out the most outlandish statements, some so egregious that he has had to apologize almost before he finished uttering them. His positions go way beyond fact-checking and into the realms of the unreal.

Instead of “telling it like it is” to his supporters he is “telling it like they are.” They are tired of lies, obfuscation, and political speech. For them, Trump talks like they do. He makes mistakes like they do. He is ignorant, racist, and misogynist like they are. He lashes out like they want to. He tears down stuffed shirts and attacks challengers.

His core supporters are not so much interested in sound policies and detailed plans.

They just want a champion who will destroy those whom they think are oppressing them: big government, big corporations, big Wall Street, and even the cancer of the Christian Taliban that has held hostage the Republican Party for way too long.

Yet this is one of the secrets of his success. His shock value delights the media,

Trump’s commanding lead after Super Tuesday has forced his remaining ri-

If he wins the election, however, we will slide into cynicism, apathy, and despair.

Vote!

March 4, 2016

Seattle Gay News 3

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Donald Trump is no clown and no joke.

Republicans and Democrats dismiss him at their peril. Sometimes it takes a populist – even a mean-spirited one – to wake up both parties and the general public. If a Trump nomination accomplishes that, the effect may revitalize American democracy. Who knows? Maybe even Congress will wake up!

SPD Bias Crimes Coordinator and STAYING SAFE

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Meet Detective Elizabeth Wareing, Seattle Police Department’s Bias Crimes Coordinator. Working out of SPD headquarters downtown, Wareing is on the frontlines of helping victim’s get justice and hunting down their attackers. Additionally, and most importantly, her investigations are an integral part of the prosecution’s case against people who commit such crimes.

Without her work, there would be no case.

Wareing is a lateral, or cross-department hire from the City of Lynwood. She is not new to SPD, however; and Seattle Gay News learned she has worked on crimes against children, has studied psychology and sociology, and has advocated for victims of sex crimes, domestic violence and more during her nearly two decades as a police officer.

Wareing is gearing up for the spring and summer months when Seattle’s LGBTQ and other minority communities see an increase in bias crimes. Her caseload is already staggering (she works on several cases at once, year-round); however, she knows that it will only increase as temperatures rise.

So what is a Bias Crime? In short it is the name given to hate crimes.

The Seattle Police Department tracks all crimes that occur within the city limits of Seattle. This tracking is conducted so that the SPD can identify problem areas within the City and direct patrol and/or investigative resources to reduce these incidents. The FBI also mandates statistical crime reporting from every law enforcement agency in the United States.

Bias incidents that occur within the City of Seattle fall under three categories: Malicious Harassment: The reason the suspect targeted the victim was based on the suspect’s belief about the victim’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, mental, physical, or sensory handicap, homelessness, marital status, age, parental status, gender or political identity.

Crimes with Bias Elements: That during the commission of any crime, bias comments are made.

Non-Criminal Bias Incidents: Offensive and/or derogatory language that although hurtful, does not meet the level of a crime and may fall under the category of free speech.

Sometimes LGBTQ people witness a crime that might not be motivated by hate or will themselves become the victim of a robbery or similar. Seattle Police recommend if you are an LGBTQ victim of, or witness to a crime, please report the incident to the police, either DURING, or IMMEDIATELY AFTER it occurs BY CALLING 911. This will allow the Police Department to respond to, and statistically track, anti-LGBTQ incidents. The Seattle Police Department can then deploy police officers and other resources to the area where these crimes are occurring.

The 911 operator needs quick and concise information, such as: • Your injuries: 911 Operator will call medics while talking with you.

• The specifics of the crime: What happened?

• What was said: Tell the 911 operator and the responding officer if the suspect(s) used words to indicate a hate crime.

• If there was a weapon involved: De-

4 Seattle Gay News

scribe it as a gun, knife, etc.

• Description of suspects: Age, race, height, weight and clothing description of the suspect(s) • Any unusual characteristics: Scars, marks, tattoos, piercings, speech, etc.

• Suspect vehicle description: Color, make, model, vehicle license.

• Direction of travel: Which way did they flee?

Even if you think the crime is insignificant, or that you don’t want to bother the police over small issues, reporting crimes quickly allows the Seattle Police Department to: • Respond immediately to the scene to prevent further harm to you or others.

• Collect evidence that could be destroyed if not discovered and collected quickly.

•Interview witnesses who may otherwise be gone if you delay your call to 911.

• Apprehend the suspect(s) quickly so they do not continue to victimize others.

• Determine if the suspect(s) are engaged in a pattern of previous and/or ongoing behavior that threatens the community.

• Increase commu n i t y awareness of criminal activity in the area through media notification and alerts.

• Develop solutions and/or deterrents to reduce the crime by adding patrols to the area.

Your quick actions and reporting will help reduce crime in Seattle, say police officials.

What about bullying? We know that, according to several GLSEN surveys, that LGBTQ students report bullying at alarmingly high rates. So what can be done?

According to SPD, the difference between criminal conduct and general “mean” behavior between students can be complicated. School systems policies and protocols, as well as Washington State law (RCW), define a variety of conduct that may fall under either “criminal” behavior and/or general conduct violations of school policy.

LGBTQ students who are experiencing bullying within their Seattle-area schools are encouraged to report these incidents to the following individuals: • Seattle Police, or both so that this type of behavior is documented, investigated and stopped immediately.

• A trusted adult in your school (Teach-

March 4, 2016

er, Counselor, Assistant Principal, Nurse or GSA advisor).

• Lisa Love (Manager, Health Education/LGBTQ Liaison) at: llove@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-0982.

The Seattle Public Schools also offers LGBTQ students alternative learning environments at the high school level, such as NOVA High School and The Center School.

For more information about NOVA High School, please see their website at: novahs@seattleschools.org, or call 206-2523500.

For more information about The CENTER SCHOOL, please see their website at: centerhs@seattleschools.org, or call 206252-9850.

SPD Community Input Form One of the best tools offered to LGBTQ Seattleites is an online community input form. The form, which does not take the place of a police report, does, however, provide LGBTQ people with the opportunity to speak directly to SPD LGBTQ Liaison Officer Jim Ritter, and even provides the opportunity to report anonymously.

However, it is important to note that by being anonymous it will not allow the LGTBQ liaison officer to respond and assist you with your topic.

The form is available online at http://www.seattle.gov/spd-safe-place/ spdlgbtq-online-community-input-form.

STAYING SAFE Bias Crimes Coordinator Wareing and SPD LGBTQ Liaison Officer Jim Ritter both agree that there are certain things SPD recommends for each person do to stay safe whether in or out of Seattle’s Gayborhood of Capitol Hill.

Walking • Be aware of your surroundings.

• Try and walk in well-lit areas, with other people around.

• Walk in groups, or with others nearby.

• Don’t display or count your money where others can see you.

• Conceal your technology (i-pads, cell phones, etc).

• Be cautious when approached by strangers.

If confronted by someone, try not to verbally engage with them. Drugs, alcohol, or mental illness may be driving their behaviors so your safest course is to disengage and not escalate the situation.

If anyone attempts to rob you, either by

threats or with a weapon, do not resist. It is not worth risking your life or physical injury for the amount of money you will lose.

It is important to note protected free speech. If the comments are accompanied by threats, threatening behavior, or physical harm, it then becomes a crime.

Driving • Practice defensive driving • Don’t compete with other drivers • Don’t engage in insults and/or gestures with other drivers • Keep your distance from aggressive drivers • Report aggressive driving to 911 Partying • When leaving a party or a bar, travel in groups. Criminals will focus on lone pedestrians.

• Don’t get in stranger’s cars.

• Call a cab, sober friend or family member to take you home. DUI’s are dangerous to everyone, and they cost a lot of money.

Meeting People Online or through Dating Apps • If you meet someone, tell your friends where you’re going & describe the person you’re with.

• Don’t volunteer any of your personal information (date of birth, address, etc.).

• Meet your date in a public place.

• Try to find out as much about your date as possible.

• If practical, record your date’s vehicle description and license plate number.

• Save all of your e-mails and texts from the person you’re meeting.

• If your date is making you uncomfortable, don’t worry about politeness. LEAVE! • If your date begins to stalk or harass you, tell them clearly to stop. If they don’t, call 911.

SPD SAFE PLACE Program Lastly, don’t forget that the SPD SAFE PLACE Program is widely used by Seattle businesses in all neighborhoods. Participating businesses display the SPD SAFE PLACE symbol at their premises and agree to adhere to some important responsibilities that greatly assist in protecting LGBTQ victims of crime.

Victims will recognize the SPD SAFE PLACE symbol of safety that indicates a business, organization, school or premise is willing to assist and protect them. To make this concept effective the Seattle Police Department require business owners to instruct their staff, employees, supervisors, managers, teachers, volunteers, counselors and/or students, etc. of the following protocol: • Apply the SPD SAFE PLACE decal outside the front entrance of the establishment, building, room, etc. (approx. 3-5 feet high, if possible). If there is no glass at the front entrance, the SPD SAFE PLACE poster can be placed conspicuously inside the business.

• Allow these victims to enter and remain at the premises until Seattle Police arrive.

• Call, or assist these victims in calling 911.

Group/Individual training for SPD SAFE PLACE participants is available by calling Officer Jim Ritter at (206) 386-1793.

Celebrating 41 Years!

Is a fence the answer to closing Seattle’s Jungle?

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Although nothing new, many Seattleites did not learn of The Jungle’s existence until the January 26 shooting that claimed the lives of several homeless people during what police describe as an attempt by area teens to collect a drug debt for their mother.

Officially, The Jungle, is a greenbelt on the western slope of Beacon Hill known for both its homeless encampments and crime.

The Jungle consists of more than 160 acres underneath and along an elevated section of Interstate 5 between South Dearborn Street and Lucille Street. In a January 2016 assessment, prior to the January 26 shooting, 201 tents were counted and more than 400 homeless people were estimated to be living in the encampment. From 2011 to 2016, The Jungle was the site of at least 750 incidents responded to by the Seattle Fire Department, of which 500 were emergency medical situations.

While it is clear that something needs to be done, it is unclear, as of now, what exactly that “something” should be.

On proposal, however, is drawing ire from far and wide. In February, the Washington State Legislature proposed $1 million to install an 8,000-foot-long, 6-foothigh razor wire and barbed-wire fence to encircle the 100-acre area. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray agrees with that idea of installing a fence.

On November 2, 2015, Mayor Ed Murray declared a civil state of emergency over Seattle’s growing homelessness crisis. That declaration was followed with calls for greater state and federal funding, moderate increases in city funding for homeless services, and clearances or “sweeps” of unauthorized homeless encampments that homeless advocates and some city council members have publicly decried. The January 26 shootings, in which two people were killed and three were injured during a shooting at The Jungle encampment led

danni Askini continued from cover

the University District. The seat opened up when incumbent Rep. Brady Walkinshaw announced his run for Congress.

Askini is executive director of Gender Justice League and has been an outspoken advocate for Trans people since moving to Seattle in 2007. In the past few weeks, she has been fighting legislation in Olympia to bar Trans people from using gender-appropriate restrooms.

initiative

continued from cover November ballot.

In a February 12 filing with the state Public Disclosure Commission, Backholm registered the name “Just Want Privacy” for his initiative campaign.

It’s an ironic name for a campaign to make genital configuration the determining factor in deciding which restroom an individual may use.

Backholm is reacting to a state Human Rights Commission (HRC) ruling that Transgender people may use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity.

That ruling fully complies with state and

to calls from Mayor Murray and other local officials to close the encampment per state trespassing laws, though homeless advocates have said that the city should stop closing unauthorized encampments until it has an alternative location or shelter for campers.

Next week Seattle Gay News will publish a report on some of the alternative locations for shelter and some of the ideas that are being passed around, which do not include a fence with razor wire, to help campers possibly move towards better housing and shelter situations.

It is important to note that The Jungle has been in existence for decades. In fact, some reports say that homeless people may have used the area as early as the 1930s.

In the 1990s The Jungle gained a bad reputation when the city began razing the encampments. In 1994, about 50 campsites yielded 120 tons of trash. In fact, many of Seattle’s organized tent cities for the homeless are offshoots of illegal communities that formed after squatters were forcibly removed from The Jungle. Periodic bulldozing since the ’90s by the city or State Department of Transportation has led the homeless to complain that the city provides little to no warning before enacting cleanups. Last month, Seattle City Council spoke with members of the Murray administration about the way in which the city conducts cleanups.

According to police officials, The Jungle increasingly became a haven for criminals in the 2000s. Criminal activity has included assaults, rapes, prostitution, and murders.

Also, residences in the Beacon Hill neighborhood have been burglarized by those staying in The Jungle. Gang members basing their drug trade in the woods also became a concern over the last decade.

The Jungle is considered unsafe at any hour, although some have argued that its danger is exaggerated by officials and media. Still, nobody can deny that weapons, used drug paraphernalia, stolen goods,

and human feces are seen during the city and state sweeps. Plus, there have been many deaths in and around the greenbelt.

Between September 1997 and February 1998, the bodies of three women murdered by a serial killer were found in the area, although it is not known if the killer resided in The Jungle or not. There have been numerous lower-profile murders. Transients have been killed attempting to cross the nearby freeways. A homeless man was inadvertently killed in June 2007 as workers were mowing a blackberry thicket he was sleeping in.

The big questions on tax payers minds are: would a fence work in keeping people out of The Jungle? would the fence displace the hundreds of Jungle residents causing them to set up more mini-Jungles elsewhere? and how much more will this cost?

Currently, budgeted at $1 million, the fence would consist of chain link topped with three strings of barbed wire circled with razor wire. At six feet high, it would encircle

100 acres in a 3-mile area by the freeway.

Lars Erickson, spokesman for the state’s Department of Transportation (WSDOT), which would pay for the fence, told The Seattle Times, “We find very frequently that the moment a fence is up, within hours that area has people in it. People cut through the fence or dig underneath it.”

He says a security team would be needed to make sure that doesn’t happen. The cost of contracting a security firm like Securitas USA, the firm that provides security for such clients as Sound Transit, Weyerhaeuser and Microsoft, is not accounted for in the $1 million budget. In fact, at this point, nobody knows where that money will come from.

One person expressing doubts about the fence is Alison Eisinger, head of the Seattle/ King County Coalition on Homelessness.

“I’m interested in prudent use of public resources,” she says. “My recommendation is to spend money on housing before spending money on a fence.”

“As a resident of one of the most progressive districts in the state, it’s frustrating to see extremists in the legislature who use fear and prejudice to attack our community, rather than addressing the real issues we all face: the cost of living is outpacing incomes, rents are skyrocketing, and higher education is more expensive than ever,” Askini said in a statement announcing her campaign.

“We need a bold, progressive leader who won’t back down from these extremists and will focus on what matters.”

In the statement, Askini promised to

fight for “a more affordable Seattle, and a fair economy, and all of our civil rights.”

She has been an ally of Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant and says she will support: • a bill included in Seattle’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) recommendations to give landlords tax breaks if they set aside affordable housing; • protections for renters against discrimination based on source of income; and • increased funding for homelessness, affordable housing, and foster care programs.

Askini opposes a state Senate proposal to fence off the Seattle homeless encampment known as “the Jungle.”

“Talking about building fences is a huge distraction that isn’t actually helping people where they’re at,” she said.

Askini will be running against affordable housing advocate Nicole Macri, LGBT political consultant Thomas Pitchford, environmental advocate Sameer Ranade, and lawyer Dan Shih.

All are Democrats.

federal laws protecting Trans people against discrimination. Nevertheless, Republican legislators pushed to repeal it and forbid the HRC from making any rules about restroom use ever again.

No fewer than six bills were introduced to keep Trans people from using appropriate restrooms, but the main bill was voted down by the state Senate 25-24 on February 10. None of the other measures is scheduled for a vote.

After the Senate vote rejecting the socalled bathroom bill, Republican lawmakers openly threatened to run an initiative campaign.

“It looks like the new ‘let men in wom-

en’s bathroom’ rule DOES apply to schools,” Rep. Matt Manweller of Ellensburg tweeted.

“Nice job, Dems. Repeal the rule now or we’ll see you in November.”

The man they picked to run the campaign, Joseph Backholm, has impeccable right-wing credentials.

Backholm is executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington, the local franchise of James Dobson’s Focus on the Family. He took that position in 2009 and rocketed to right-wing stardom three years later as the brains behind Referendum 74.

Backholm is also on Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio’s “Marriage

and Family Advisory Board.”

If Backholm succeeds in repealing Trans people’s restroom rights, he will be going against years of legal progress.

Washington state’s law against discrimination (RCW 49.60) guarantees Trans residents “the right to the full enjoyment of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement.”

Federal laws – Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – are now also held to protect Trans people, under the prohibition against discrimination on account of sex.

March 4, 2016

Seattle Gay News 5

Visit us online www.sgn.org

City officials touring “The Jungle” homeless encampment January 28, 2016 – KING

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Neighborhood Matching Fund Large Projects Fund Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Neighborhood Matching Fund is hosting four more workshops for those interested in applying to its Large Projects Fund this May. The Large Projects Fund awards matching funds of up to $100,000 to neighborhood groups for community-building projects. Attendance at one of the workshops is REQUIRED in order to submit a Large Projects Fund application.

Each workshop provides an overview of the Neighborhood Matching Fund, the qualities of a strong application, and the review process. Neighborhood and community groups interested in the fund are invited to attend. Here are the workshop dates and locations:

mayor murray continued from cover

week, will mandate culturally responsive training for all front-line staff at City departments such as Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Seattle Center, and the Seattle Public Library.

The order will also direct the City’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to develop procedures for staff that create safe and inclusive single-gender facilities.

“Seattle must remain a safe place for the transgender and gender-diverse community. I’m committed to taking every step we can to make our public facilities safe and welcoming for all,” the Mayor said in a statement.

“City staff will receive additional resources and trainings to ensure that mem-

Thursday, March 10, 6 - 8 p.m., Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW – Tuesday, March 15, 6 - 8 p.m., The 2100 Building, 2100 24th Ave. S. – Thursday, March 24, 6 - 8 p.m., Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave. N. – Wednesday, April 6, 6 - 8 p.m., Laurelhurst Community Center, 4554 NE 41st St. To attend a workshop, RSVP at surveymonkey.com/r/Largeprojects2016 or call us at 206-733-9916.

The deadline for the Large Projects Fund is May 2 at 5:00 p.m. To learn more, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/neighborhoodmatching-fund/large-projects-fund.

bers of our transgender and gender-diverse communities are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

“The City of Seattle has a long-standing commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all people,” said OCR Director Patricia Lally.

“The Mayor’s Executive Order serves as a reminder that the City is steadfast in this commitment. The Seattle Office for Civil Rights looks forward to working with the Mayor and our community partners to deliver training on the rights of transgender and gender-diverse people, and on creating an environment that is inclusive for everyone.”

The Seattle City Council unanimously passed Murray’s proposal requiring allgender facilities in public accommodations in August 2015. That measure requires that

The Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) Program awards matching funds for projects initiated, planned, and implemented by community members. Its goal is to build stronger and healthier neighbor-

hoods through community involvement and engagement. Every award is matched by a neighborhood’s contribution of volunteer labor, donated materials, in-kind professional services, or cash.

some single-stall restroom facilities in both City-controlled and privately operated public places be designated as all-gender facilities.

The legislation also reaffirms existing state laws allowing individuals to use restrooms appropriate to their chosen gender identity or expression.

The measure was a recommendation from the Mayor’s LGBTQ Task Force and the City of Seattle’s LGBTQ Commission.

“Transgender people are part of our workplaces, classrooms, neighborhoods, families, communities, and places of worship – and need to be able to use public facilities without fear of harassment or discrimination simply because of who they are,” said Kris Hermanns, executive director of the Pride Foundation.

“We are grateful for the leadership of

Mayor Murray to affirm that our laws do not exclude transgender people.”

Murray’s office said that the newly mandated trainings will be carried out “in partnership with the Pride Foundation.”

“All of us, including transgender people, care about privacy and safety in public facilities. Transgender people have safely been using public facilities consistent with the gender they live as every day for the last ten years,” said Seth Kirby, vice chair of the Pride Foundation and executive director of the Oasis Youth Center.

“I look forward to educating our community about ways to ensure safety and privacy in public facilities for all, especially transgender individuals, because transgender people are 53% more likely to experience discrimination, harassment, and violence in places of public accommodation.”

Two states kill anti-Gay “religious freedom” bills

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Lawmakers in West Virginia and South Dakota have killed so-called “Religious Freedom Restoration Acts,” or RFRAs, that would have permitted discrimination against their LGBT residents.

The West Virginia Senate voted down its version of the bill 27–7 on March 2. The measure would have allowed business owners to claim religious objections in order to refuse services to LGBT customers.

According to the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute, 54% of West Virginians oppose RFRAs that would allow discrimination against LGBT residents, and 60% support protecting LGBT people against discrimination in employment, housing, and access to public places.

“For one day at least, West Virginia is

6 Seattle Gay News

spared from legislation that would increase the likelihood of unacceptable discrimination and a flood of expensive legal challenges,” said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “Unfortunately, despite today’s events, more work lies ahead. LGBT West Virginians still remain at risk for being fired or denied a job because of who they are or

March 4, 2016

whom they love.”

In South Dakota, the Senate Judiciary Committee killed its RFRA before it came to the floor for a vote. Like the West Virginia bill, the South Dakota RFRA would have legalized discrimination by private businesses against LGBT people.

“The Senate Judiciary Committee did

the right thing today,” Lambda Legal said in a statement.

“House Bill 1107 was a harmful and unnecessary religious refusal law, or RFRA, that would have legalized discrimination against same-sex couples, transgender people, and single mothers. It would have put the personal religious beliefs of some over the basic civil rights of others. It should be a relief for all South Dakotans that this awful bill is behind them.”

Less than a week after the RFRA went down to defeat, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard vetoed a bill that would have barred Transgender students from using gender-appropriate school restrooms.

While no new legal burdens were added on their LGBT residents, neither state has nondiscrimination laws protecting LGBT people.

Celebrating 41 Years!

grand marshals continued from cover

verse community members led a peaceful and innovative three-month occupation of a local abandoned school building. Today, El Centro de la Raza responds to the broad range of community needs with 48 culturally and linguistically competent Education and Asset-building Programs, Child and Youth Programs, and Emergency and Human Services, benefitting low-income children, youth, adults, and seniors. Last year, El Centro de la Raza served 15,085 individuals and 8,581 families. We are a voice and a hub for the Latino community as we advocate on behalf of our people and work to achieve social justice.

Seattle Pride President Eric Bennett said, “El Centro de la Rasa has exemplified the concept of serving the community. We are thrilled to announce them as a Grand Marshal for the 2016 parade.”

Dennis Coleman Dennis Coleman has led Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus to a position of artistic and administrative excellence with a combined singing membership that exceeds that of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Dennis is active as a clinician and guest conductor throughout the U.S. and Canada. He served for six years on the national Board of Directors for Chorus America and was on the founding Board of Directors of GALA Choruses. As a UCC church musician, Dennis has conducted the choir of First Congregational Church of Bellevue since 1981. The 45-voice choir has toured Europe three times, sang in churches in New Zealand in the fall of 2005, and toured South Africa in the fall of 2008.

Dennis has commissioned and premiered choral works from many leading composers including Gian Carlo Menotti, Ned Rorem, Robert Moran, Conrad Susa, David Diamond, Robert Seeley, British composer Paul Patterson and Canadian Stephen Hatfield. “Of Rage and Remembrance,” a 15-minute work for male chorus, mezzo soprano, speakers and orchestra by composer John Corigliano, was premiered by Seattle Men’s Chorus in Seattle in 1991. A recording of this work and the companion “Symphony 1,” also called “Of Rage and Remembrance,” by the National Symphony under Leonard Slatkin was awarded the 1998 Grammy for Best Classical Album. Dennis has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Maya Angelou, Frederica von Stade, Judith Martin (Miss Manners), Bobby McFerrin, Tatiana Troyanos, the Mark Morris Dance Group, Harvey Fierstein, Michael Feinstein, Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Marni Nixon, Diane Schuur, Armistead Maupin, Lucy Lawless, Faith Prince, and Lily Tomlin.

“It is so fitting to have Dennis join in leading the 2016 parade. Dennis and the Seattle Men’s and Women’s Choruses are such an integral part of our community,” said

Bennett.

Seattle Area Support Groups Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center (SASG) was originally founded in 1984 as Seattle AIDS Support Group to provide peer emotional support services to those affected by the burgeoning AIDS epidemic. During a time of confusion, fear and lack of knowledge of this disease, coming together in loving support of one another is how we coped with acceptance and loss. Today, we carry forward the power of peer support and understanding that can only occur between people with shared experience and struggles. Whether one to one or in peer groups, we address issues of mental well-being, chronic illness, personal development, addiction, and safe social interactions.

Bennett also had praise for SASG, “Their contribution to the health of our community makes them exemplary in the role of a parade Grand Marshal.”

The Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle The Court of Seattle Organization, also known as The Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & The Olympic and Rainier Empire is a 501(c)(3) non-profit social/charitable organization whose purpose is to provide funds and services to other non-profits within the LGBTQA community of Seattle and King County Washington. These funds are raised throughout the year by various fundraisers and donations from individuals and corporate sponsorships, most notably through the election and crowning of the Emperor and Empress of Seattle annually at Coronation. We also elect or appoint the Imperial Princes and Princesses, the Mr. and Miss Gay Seattles, the Kings and Queens of Hearts and the Kings and Queens of the Seas.

The Court of Seattle annually provides educational scholarships to deserving high school or post high school undergraduates who reside in the state of Washington via the oldest LGBTQA-oriented scholarship program in the United States of America.

The J.C./Lady Graytop Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1977 as a permanent memorial to Emperor J.C. and Empress Lady Graytop. Since its inception, we have awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to deserving students pursuing a postsecondary education.

A quote from The Imperial Sover-

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Seattle Pride names Dennis Coleman as one of 4 Grand Marshals for 2016 – Courtesy of Seattle Pride

eign Court of Seattle: “As we celebrate the crowning of our 45th Empress, DonnaTella Howe, we are honored to be acknowledged as Honorary Grand Marshals of Seattle Pride! This is the first time in 45 years that the Court has been awarded this honor. We look forward to serving our Community once again, this time as Grand Marshals of the Seattle Pride parade. We hope you enjoy celebrating our organization’s 45 years of Noble Deeds, and will continue to celebrate the Queen in us all far into the future.”

The Seattle Pride Parade takes place annually on the last Sunday in June. The 2016 Parade will be held on Sunday, June 26th.

Visit SeattlePride.org to register your group or find out how you can participate in creat-

March 4, 2016

ing a successful day by becoming a valued volunteer.

About Seattle Pride Seattle Pride is a non-profit organization based in Seattle, WA whose purpose is to create unity, honor diversity, and achieve equal human rights throughout our region and the world. Seattle Pride is focused on informing and educating the community on LGBT issues through community outreach and produced events, including the annual Seattle Pride Parade, Volunteer Park Pride Festival, Pride Guide, and the Pride Brunch!

Courtesy of Seattle Pride

Seattle Gay News 7

Colorectal Cancer Screening cerous polyps or abnormal growths in the lining of the colon and rectum. These precancerous polyps can take years to become cancerous. Sometimes, they can be identified and removed during the screening test preventing the development of colorectal cancer in the first place. Screening is important because it allows us to identify cancers in the colon and rectum early increasing one’s chance of survival.

There are a number of different types of screening tests. Determining which one is right for you can be done through a conversation with your healthcare provider. Here are some options:

by Isabelle Trepiccione MD Second Year Residency Program Swedish Family Medicine, First Hill March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so that is the focus of this month’s article! The term “colorectal cancer” refers to those cancers that start in the colon (aka the large intestine) and/or the rectum. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, about 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and about 50,000 people die from it. This makes colorectal cancer the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer, especially in the early stages, may not be associated with any symptoms at all. Symptoms that are associated with colorectal cancer may include bloody stools, dark stools, abdominal pain, or change in bowel habits.

Your doctor may have already talked with you about colorectal cancer screening, which is the process of testing individuals without any symptoms of this disease. Most colorectal cancers develop from precan-

8 Seattle Gay News

• Colonoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a small camera attached (called a colonoscope) is inserted into the anus and advanced into the rectum and colon to allow the physician to see the lining of the lower gastrointestinal tract. In order for the physician to see everything well, the entire colon and rectum need to be cleared out the night before the procedure. This is done with the help of a laxative, a liquid medication that causes temporary diarrhea. This test requires the patient to be mildly sedated.

Colonoscopy can identify established cancers as well as identify and remove precancerous polyps. This is the only screening test that can prevent colorectal cancer from developing in the first place. Colonoscopy is the more expensive option, but it is covered by many insurance companies without co-pay.

• Stool tests: Stool samples are collected by the patient at home and sent to a lab by mail. The lab technicians can look for abnormalities (usually blood) in the stool, which may indicate the presence of a cancer in the colon or rectum. If this test is positive, the appropriate follow up test is a colonoscopy.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Similar to a colonoscopy as explained above, but only looking at half the length of the colon and rectum.

• CT colonography: A special CT scan that looks specifically at the inside of the colon and rectum.

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Over time we have been able to identify things that increase a person’s chance of developing colorectal cancer. Some of the most common risk factors include: • Family history of colorectal cancer.

• Personal history of colorectal cancer or known polyps • Increasing age; most colorectal cancers (90%) occur in people older than 50.

• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) • Inherited cancer syndromes • Lifestyle factors such as obesity, inactivity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use For most individuals without risk factors for colorectal cancer, the recommendation is to start screening at 50 years of age.

How often a person should get screened

depends on the cancer screening method.

Colonoscopy can be done once every 10 years, flexible sigmoidoscopy and CT colonography are generally performed every 5 years, and finally, stool testing is done yearly. In individuals with risk factors for colorectal cancer or for those who have had abnormal screening tests in the past, testing may need to start earlier or may need to be performed more often.

Talk to your medical provider about your risks for colorectal cancer, and together, you can decide on the appropriate timing and type of screening test for you.

For more information contact Swedish at http://www.swedish.org/services/primarycare, 1-800- SWEDISH (1-800-793-3474) or at www.swedish.org Thank you and see you next month!

Celebrating 41 Years!

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Celebrating 41 Years!

South Dakota governor vetoes anti-Trans bathroom bill Another anti-Trans bill still pending

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard – South Dakota Government via ksoo.com

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard has vetoed a bill that would have barred Transgender students from using restrooms appropriate to their gender identity.

Daugaard’s March 1 veto sets him against fellow Republicans in the state legislature who passed the measure in opposition to new federal guidelines protecting the rights of Trans students.

On the other hand, the governor’s action

puts him on the same side as national business groups who pressed him to reject the bill.

According to BuzzFeed, Daugaard’s veto could be overridden in the state House, where it passed 58-10, but probably not in the Senate, where three lawmakers would have to flip their votes to get the necessary two-thirds majority.

The national Equality Federation, a coalition of state and local LGBT rights groups, said it is tracking dozens of antiTransgender bills across the nation, and the South Dakota bill would have been the first

one signed into law, had Daugaard not vetoed it.

“Thank you Governor Daugaard for meeting with transgender people to see through their eyes that they are our friends, family, and neighbors, worthy of the same fair treatment and dignity as everyone else,” Equality Federation Executive Director Rebecca Isaacs said in a statement.

“The more people get to know about the real lives of transgender people, the more empathy prevails. All students, including transgender students, should be able to fully participate and have a fair opportunity to thrive in school.”

Other human rights groups also hailed the governor’s decision.

“Governor Daugaard’s decision will place him unequivocally on the right side of history,” said Chase Strangio, staff attorney with the ACLU’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Project.

“Federal law is clear that transgender students are protected under Title IX and the governor’s veto prevents costly investigations into school districts across South Dakota. Hopefully this important action by Governor Daugaard will allow the state and other states across the country to continue to invest in the safety of all students instead of singling out a vulnerable few for isolation and discrimination.”

“Governor Daugaard chose to do the right thing and veto this outrageous legislation attacking transgender kids. Today, the

voices of fairness and equality prevailed, and these students’ rights and dignity prevailed against overwhelming odds and vicious opponents in the state legislature,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.

“Unfortunately, another anti-LGBT bill is still pending in the South Dakota Legislature – and we must keep up the fight to ensure today’s veto holds and this other odious bill never makes it to Governor Daugaard’s desk.”

In its statement, Lambda Legal expanded on HRC’s theme.

“The South Dakota Legislature now needs to stop House Bill 1112, which would exclude all transgender young people from participating in high school sports and activities by tying participation to the sex listed on a young person’s birth certificate, rather than their gender identity,” Lambda Legal Staff Attorney Kyle Palazzolo said in a statement.

“Like House Bill 1008 [the bathroom bill], 1112 singles out transgender young people for discrimination rather than embracing them at a time that they need our support the most.

“While we applaud the Governor’s action today, we know that work remains not only in defeating other hateful, discriminatory laws targeting LGBT people throughout the country, but also in expanding nondiscrimination protections for all members of our community.”

Historic first: EEOC files lawsuits to protect Gay employees

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced March 2 that it has filed two lawsuits against companies, charging them with discrimination against Gay and Lesbian employees.

These are the first federal lawsuits of their kind, and they follow the EEOC’s groundbreaking July 2015 ruling that federal laws against sex discrimination protect Gay and Lesbian employees.

That ruling opened the door for Gay or Lesbian employees to seek federal protection against discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, wages, and working conditions.

Because federal civil rights laws do not explicitly cover sexual orientation and gender identity, EEOC oversight is the only federal remedy for Gay and Lesbian employees who face discrimination or harassment in the workplace.

The EEOC is the federal agency charged with enforcing civil rights laws against workplace discrimination.

The first of the two EEOC lawsuits is against Pennsylvania-based Scott Medical Health Center. Dale Baxley, a Gay employee, said he resigned after facing continual harassment, including “various anti-gay epithets” and “highly offensive comments about his sexuality and sex life,” the EEOC

charges.

When he complained to his superiors, he was informed that the manager was “just doing his job.” He eventually quit.

Pennsylvania laws only protect public employees against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

They do not apply to employees of private companies, so Baxley’s only remedy was a complaint to the EEOC under the terms of its 2015 ruling on sex discrimination.

The second lawsuit is against IFCO Systems, a food pallet manufacturer in Maryland. A Lesbian employee, Yolanda Boone, says she endured verbal harassment, including a supervisor threatening her with rape.

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He wanted “to turn [her] back into a woman,” the supervisor told her, and added she would “look good in a dress.” When she complained to management, she was fired, the EEOC filing says.

Unlike Pennsylvania, Maryland has state laws that protect LGBT employees in the private sector as well as in public employment. However, the EEOC has been inviting workers to submit complaints about discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation since 2013.

In announcing the lawsuits, the EEOC said that it tried to settle both cases before suing the two employers but failed to do so.

“With the filing of these two suits, EEOC is continuing to solidify its commitment to

ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against in workplaces because of their sexual orientation,” EEOC General Counsel David Lopez said in a statement. “While some federal courts have begun to recognize this right under Title VII, it is critical that all courts do so.”

The EEOC’s 2015 ruling that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 covers a worker’s sexual orientation has never before been litigated, making it likely that any district court ruling in favor of the EEOC would be appealed.

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Arkansas judge upholds Fayetteville nondiscrimination law

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In a March 1 ruling, an Arkansas state judge upheld a Fayetteville ordinance barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

An Arkansas law forbids cities from passing civil rights protections for groups not already protected by state law, but Judge Doug Martin ruled that the Fayetteville measure does not conflict with that law.

Martin found that since sexual orientation and gender are mentioned in Arkansas state law, the Fayetteville ordinance should stand.

“Clearly, the classifications of gender identity and sexual orientation were classifications of persons protected on bases contained in state law prior to the enactment of [Fayetteville’s ordinance],” Martin wrote.

“I think it’s a great victory for equality,” said Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan.

“It’s a great day when you can see law, fairness, and justice come together.”

The state law limiting city civil rights ordinances was intended to prevent Arkansas cities from protecting their LGBT residents, and Fayetteville officials had argued

that it was unconstitutional. Martin did not rule on that claim, and city spokespeople said they expect that issue to be resolved by the state Supreme Court.

Arkansas’ Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson allowed the restriction on local ordinances to become law without his signature, saying he worried that it would infringe on local governments.

Fayetteville’s ordinance is similar to an anti-discrimination measure approved by voters in the neighboring tourist town of Eureka Springs. Little Rock, Hot Springs and Pulaski County also have approved more scaled-back ordinances that apply only to their agencies and contractors.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, a Republican, said in a non-binding advisory opinion last year that the local ordinances were unenforceable because of state law. Rutledge had intervened in the lawsuit challenging Fayetteville’s ordinance.

Rutledge “respectfully disagrees with the ruling,” her spokesman Judd Deere said. “She’ll continue to evaluate it and make a determination concerning any potential appeal.”

Martin’s decision is the first court victory for opponents of the state law.

Judge Doug Martin – 5newsonline.com

No exit: Super Tuesday leaves a toxic Republican race

Marco Rubio, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz – www.foxnews.com

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Super Tuesday did not clean up the Republican presidential race as GOP insiders had hoped. Instead, it leaves the three most toxic candidates in place, with no apparent way out for the party.

To the consternation of GOP elites, Donald Trump solidified his lead by winning seven of the 11 states up for grabs on March 1.

But Trump is “ridiculous,” a “con man,” “not smart,” “a fake,” “a phony,” and “a twisted example of evil trumping good,” with neither “the temperament nor the judgment to be president,” according to 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

2008 Republican nominee John McCain

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joined the criticism of Trump, calling the candidate’s statements on national security “uninformed and dangerous.”

Ted Cruz shored up his position as the conservative alternative to Trump by winning his home state of Texas plus Oklahoma and Alaska.

But Cruz, too, is widely hated by the Republican establishment.

“If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you,” GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham joked not long ago.

Marco Rubio managed to win Minnesota, using that single win as justification to stay in the race. But Rubio is perceived as a political lightweight, a view he seemed to confirm by trading schoolyard taunts with Trump during and after the last Republican

March 4, 2016

debate.

Rubio’s homestate approval ratings are now in negative territory and he may well lose the Florida primary to Trump on March 15, which would discredit his candidacy.

That leaves the Republican establishment – or what’s left of it – scrambling to find a way of keeping Trump from winning the nomination.

Lindsey Graham, for example, was so desperate for a way to stop Trump that he even suggested backing Ted Cruz.

“Ted Cruz is not my favorite by any means,” Graham said March 2, “but … we may be in a position where we have to rally around Ted Cruz as the only way to stop Donald Trump.”

Graham’s Senate colleague, Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, has already said flatly that he would not support Trump even if he won the Republican nomination.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said down-ballot GOP candidates should drop Trump “like a hot rock” and run their own races, hoping to escape what he saw as an electoral disaster for the party.

Even Trump endorsers are starting to see fallout from their association. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie – who has been re-

duced to playing the Pat Nixon role, standing in the background and gazing admiringly at the candidate as he speaks – was roundly denounced by a former campaign aide for his endorsement of Trump.

“Chris Christie’s endorsement of Donald Trump is an astonishing display of political opportunism,” Meg Whitman, who was finance co-chair of Christie’s abortive presidential campaign, said in a statement.

“Donald Trump is unfit to be president.

He is a dishonest demagogue who plays to our worst fears. Trump would take America on a dangerous journey. Christie knows all that and indicated as much many times publicly. The governor is mistaken if he believes he can now count on my support, and I call on Christie’s donors and supporters to reject the governor and Donald Trump outright. I believe they will. For some of us, principle and country still matter.”

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton swept the southern states by big margins but failed to put away challenger Bernie Sanders.

According to Real Clear Politics averages, Clinton now beats Trump in headto-head polling by 52% to 44%. She loses to Cruz 48% to 49%, however, and to Rubio 47% to 50%.

Sanders, who enjoys the most favorable rating of any presidential candidate in the field, tops all three Republicans by wide margins: 57% to 40% against Cruz, 55% to 43% against Trump, and 53% to 45% against Rubio.

Sanders fares better than Clinton in each match-up among men, younger voters, and independents.

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Trans woman hired, fired, then rehired by Virginia KFC

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer A Transgender woman has been rehired by a Richmond, Virginia, Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise after being fired because her manager couldn’t figure out which bathroom she should use.

Georgia Carter went for a job interview at the fast-food restaurant and was offered a shift. She was excited to be working, she says.

“He was like, you have got the job,” Carter said. “I am going to start you out at $7.50 an hour. It is yours. We are going to start you training on the computer tomorrow. It was like, 11 to 4.

“I went to my boyfriend and said I have a job,” she added. “I am an active member of society. I was so happy.”

Only an hour later she received a call from the KFC manager.

“He was like, my supervisor and I have a problem because on your license it says ‘male,’” Carter says he told her.

She then explained that she is Transgen-

der.

“Oh, we can’t hire you because we don’t know which bathroom you can use,” the manager replied.

The manager admitted he interviewed Carter but claims he never offered her the job. If she changes her gender marker to female on her driver’s license, he will reconsider, he said.

Instead, the KFC parent corporation fired the manager and offered to rehire Carter.

“KFC’s policy is to treat everyone fairly, equally, and with respect, and we do not tolerate discrimination of any kind,” the company said in a statement.

“Upon learning of this allegation, the franchisee who owns this Richmond restaurant conducted an immediate and thorough investigation. The manager has been terminated for violating the franchisee’s anti-discrimination policy, which is inclusive of gender identity and sexual orientation.

“The franchisee’s leadership has also had a conversation with Ms. Carter, offering her employment at this restaurant or any of

Georgia Carter – wncn.com

their Richmond-area KFC restaurants, effective immediately. Additionally, the franchisee is emphasizing sensitivity and compliance with their policies to keep this from happening again.”

According to Equality Virginia, gender identity does not create a protected class in Virginia’s employment law, so employers

are free to fire or refuse to hire Trans people.

With his Executive Order Number 1 in 2014, Gov. Terry McAuliffe did extend employment protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, but only to state workers. Employees of private companies are still vulnerable to anti-LGBT discrimination.

Ted Cruz shows off his religious bigots

(l to r) Ryan Anderson, Ken Blackwell, and the Benham brothers, David and Jason – compiled from joemygod.com, toledoblade.com and variety.com respectively

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Ted Cruz announced the creation of a 19-member “Religious Liberty Advisory Council” on February 29. The group is supposed to advise him on how to combat threats to freedom of religion.

“I am honored to chair this council at such a critical time in the history of this nation,” Cruz said in a statement.

“Never before has religious freedom been more endangered than it is today under the policies of the Obama administration. We need a president who upon enter-

ing office will immediately begin reversing the damage done to our freedom to believe and our ability to live according to those beliefs.”

Among the religious liberty all-stars recruited by Cruz are: Ryan Anderson, on staff at the rightwing think tank Heritage Foundation. According to Media Matters, “Anderson routinely peddles false and misleading claims about the LGBT community and legal protections for LGBT people.”

Ken Blackwell, a right-wing Ohio politician who briefly served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1992 and 1993. Blackwell was

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the brains behind a successful bid to add an amendment barring same-sex marriage to the Ohio state constitution.

The Benham brothers, David and Jason.

The Benhams made their money flipping houses and then torpedoed their own HTV show by calling LGBT people “demonic” at a North Carolina prayer rally.

Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church, who sued the District of Columbia in an unsuccessful bid to get the district’s same-sex marriage law repealed.

Kelly Shackelford, president and CEO of First Liberty Institute, who has a history of filing frivolous lawsuits against federal agencies.

Carol Swain, a Vanderbilt University professor who has been labeled “an apologist for white supremacists” by Southern Poverty Law Center lawyer Mark Potok.

And pastors Jim Garlow, Mark Harris, and Jack Hibbs.

Anderson and Blackwell also appear on the “Marriage and Family Advisory Board” assembled by Cruz’s rival for the Republican presidential nomination, Marco Rubio.

Rubio’s group includes local anti-Gay celebrity Joseph Backholm, the architect of Referendum 74 to repeal marriage rights, and a new effort to bar Transgender Washingtonians from gender-appropriate restrooms.

March 4, 2016

Seattle Gay News 15

Federation of Gay Games ends One World Event talks with GLISA ; rededicates priorities on Gay Games 10 in Paris, 2018; endeavors to maintain relationship with GLISA SAN FRANCISCO – On Sunday 28 February, following seven years of ongoing negotiations, the Federation of Gay Games Board of Directors voted to end further discussions with Gay & Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA) to consider creating a new unified organization to present a singular quadrennial global LGBT+ sports, culture and human rights event.

The FGG released a statement on its website, www.GayGames.org, signed by co-presidents Joanie Evans of London, UK and Kurt Dahl of Chicago, USA. In it, the Federation Board explains its decision and its hope that GLISA and the Gay Games can remain engaged moving forward.

According to Evans, “The Federation and GLISA have developed a very cordial, positive working relationship over the past four years, which made this decision difficult. But given the due diligence we underwent, we concluded such a venture would be ‘High Risk.’ We could not justify the major investment required to launch a new organization now. Doing so would require valuable financial and human re-

sources that could better be spent helping Gay Games 10: Paris 2018 be the best Gay Games ever.”

The Federation remains open to continuing its work with GLISA. “For more than nine years, the Federation has offered GLISA an open invitation to become a Member Organization in our General Assembly,” stated Dahl. “There are many other ways we can support our shared goals to create opportunities for LGBT+ athletes, artists and advocates around the world, too.”

Gay Games 10 will take place in Paris 04-12 August 2018. Registration opens later this year. Further information can be found at https://www.paris2018.com/. GLISA will oversee its North America OutGames in St. Louis this May, a World OutGames in Miami in 2017, and another North America OutGames in 2020.

About the Federation of Gay Games Built upon the principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™, since 1982 the Gay Games have empowered thousands of LGBT athletes and artists

through sport, culture, and fellowship.

The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in 1982. Subsequent Gay Games were held in San Francisco (1986), Vancouver (1990), New York (1994), Amsterdam (1998), Sydney (2002), Chicago (2006), Cologne (2010), and Cleveland+Akron (2014). Gay Games 10 will be held in Paris 2018. Visit www.Paris2018.com for more information.

“Gay Games,” “Federation of Gay Games,” the interlocking circles device, and the phrase “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best” are trademarks of the Federation of Gay Games, Inc. Trademarks are registered in the USA, Canada, Benelux, the UK, Germany, and Australia. www.Facebook.com/FederationofGayGames; www.Instagram.com/GayGames; www.Twitter.com/GayGames; www.GayGames.org Courtesy of the Federation of Gay Games

There are no Gay Mormons, LDS apostle says

LDS Church leader David A. Bednar – www.lds.org

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In a statement eerily reminiscent of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s claim that there are no Gay Iranians, a leader of the LDS Church says there are no Gay Mormons.

At an event in Chile, David A. Bednar was asked, “How can homosexual members of the church live and remain steadfast in the gospel?”

16 Seattle Gay News

“There are no homosexual members of the church,” Bednar answered.

“We are not defined by sexual attraction.

We are not defined by sexual behavior. We are sons and daughters of God. And all of us have different challenges in the flesh.”

No one is actually born Gay, Bednar claimed, but God gives people challenges they are to overcome, homosexuality being one of them.

Bednar is a member of the Quorum of

March 4, 2016

the Twelve Apostles, which is more or less the executive committee of the Mormon Church.

While there are no Gay Mormons, he continued, even if there were, they would only be sinning if they actually had sex.

“Simply being attracted to someone of the same gender is not a sin,” Bednar said.

“There are many members of the church who may have some manifestation of that attraction. They honor their covenants, they keep the commandments, they are worthy, they can receive the blessings of the temple, and they can serve in the church.

“It is when we act on the inclination or the attraction, that’s when it becomes a sin.

We do not discriminate and we are not bigots. We extend Christ-like love to all sons and daughters of God.” Bednar’s statement comes only two months after the Quorum of Twelve Apostles announced that Mormons in same-sex relationships are “apostates” subject to excommunication. Even their children should be excluded from the church until they turn 18 and denounce their parents, the Apostles said.

According to the head of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, Russell M. Nelson, God

personally informed LDS president Thomas S. Monson that that should be Church policy.

According to the Mormon mothers group Mama Dragons, 32 young Mormons have committed suicide since the Church decree. More than 2,000 Mormons have left the LDS Church since the ruling.

Only a week before Bednar’s comments, another apostle, Dallin Oaks, said that responsibility for the suicides could only be “answered on Judgment Day.” “[T]hose things have to be judged by a higher authority than exists on this earth,” Oaks said, “and I am ready to be accountable to that authority, but I think part of what my responsibility extends to is trying to teach people to be loving and civil and sensitive to one another, so that people will not feel driven, whatever the policy disagreements, whatever the rules of the church, or the practices of a church, or any other organization, if they are administered with kindness, at the highest level or at the level of the congregation or the ward, they won’t drive people to take those extreme measures…”

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