SGN August 1, 2025, Section 2

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OP-ED IN THIS ISSUE

Log Cabin Republicans have blood on their hands

BY MARK SEGAL

This op-ed was originally published in the Philadelphia Gay News.

Log Cabin Republicans — and others who continue to support this administration — were warned that its policies would bring real harm to our community. That warning has now come true: the Trump administration has cut funding for LGBTQ+ suicide hotlines, effective July 17.

This isn’t hyperbole, anti-Trump rhetoric, or “fake news.” Even Fox News reported it: “The Trump administration announced on June 18 that it has directed the national suicide prevention hotline to stop offering specialized support to LGBTQ+ callers.”

The stakes could not be higher. The Trevor Project estimates that 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the US between the ages of 13 and 24 consider suicide each year — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.

I ask those in the Log Cabin Republicans: How many of you, in your youth, considered suicide? How many of you reached out for help? No matter where we stand politically — left, right, or center — there is one experience nearly universal in our community: the fear and panic of realizing who we are, and the anxiety of telling our families and friends. Some young people — faced with rejection, abuse, or hopelessness — decide they can’t go on. Others simply feel they have nowhere to turn.

Those are the young people this hotline was saving.

This is deeply personal to me. At 19, as a member of Gay Youth in New York, I ran a suicide hotline out of my apartment. I spoke to countless kids in pain — bullied, beaten, abandoned, institutionalized. One call I’ll never forget came from a girl whose parents had her committed after catching her kissing another girl. She escaped and called us. She told me how unbearable the institution was, and how she couldn’t go home — she felt she had no future.

That was in 1970. And until June 18, young people like her could call someone who would not only listen but help them find shelter and discover a community that would embrace them.

Thanks to Trump and those who enabled him, including the Log Cabin Republicans, we are back in 1970.

And when LGBTQ+ kids die because they have no one to turn to, those who stood by and did nothing — or worse,

applauded these actions — will have blood on their hands.

Mark Segal is an American journalist. He is the founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News and has won numerous journalism awards for his column “Mark My Words,” including Best Column from The National Newspaper Association and the Society of Professional Journalists.

COMMUNITY VIEWPOINTS

Former

How an Israeli executive built a network inside Seattle’s government

BY GLEN STELLMACHER SPECIAL TO THE SGN

Editor's Note: The contents herein are provided for informational purposes only and shall not be construed to imply any illegality or misconduct by any organization or individual, including employees or officials acting on behalf of the City of Seattle. All graphics are for illustrative purposes only. Any logos or individuals depicted are not intended to imply endorsement of the content presented herein.

The Advanced Security Training Institute (ASTI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that trains American police inside Israel, has previously liked numerous X (Twitter) posts that have expressed anti-LGBT and anti-immigrant views, according to a review of its X account by the SGN

The president and founder of ASTI, Yisroel Stefansky, has also exchanged numerous private LinkedIn messages with the director of Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Curry Mayer.

Some of Mayer’s LinkedIn messages with Stefansky were provided to the SGN

through a public records request. They show Stefansky calling Mayer “my dear friend” and saying, “Let me know what I should bring you from Jerusalem.” Seattle ethics laws prohibit city employees from receiving gifts that “would appear to a reasonable person to have been given, solicited, or received with the intention to give or obtain special consideration or influence.”

Mayer did not appear to respond to Stefansky’s offer.

The SGN is aware of at least 13 messages between Mayer and Stefansky that have not been disclosed, by comparing emails Mayer received that indicate she received a LinkedIn message from Stefansky and the absence of those messages from the city’s public records disclosure. After the SGN appealed the closure of a city public records request asking for Mayer’s LinkedIn messages, the City wrote that “communications on personal accounts regarding purely personal matters are not within the scope of employment. They are not public

records, and therefore not responsive to this request.”

The SGN has since asked Mayer directly if she would disclose all of her personal LinkedIn messages with Stefansky but has not received a response. Stefansky and Mayer have not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Stefansky’s ASTI corporation offers American law enforcement, emergency management, and fire department officials training in Israel, taught by Israeli instructors. However, Stefansky also appears to travel to the United States and has even offered events in Seattle.

In 2022, Mayer helped to organize an ASTI event at Seattle City Hall with a former official of Israel’s national security agency, known colloquially as Shin Bet or Shabak and officially as the Israel Security Agency (ISA).

Records obtained by the SGN show that in January 2024, Stefansky also emailed Mayer a prospectus of ASTI’s latest law enforcement training courses offered in

Israel, including lessons on Israeli history, “contested territories,” and “combatting domestic violent extremism.”

Mayer herself is not the first Seattle city employee to communicate with Stefansky, who has run law enforcement training junkets to Israel for multiple Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers. Stefansky also appeared to serve as a personal tour guide for former Seattle Mayor Ed Murray’s junket to Israel in 2015. At the time, activist critics labeled Murray’s trip "pinkwashing," meaning to use Murray's status as a Gay man to distract from Israel's conflict with the Palestinians. Journalist Guy Oron has also reported on a junket Stefansky led to Israel with former US Rep. Dave Reichert in 2013.

ASTI’s social media footprint ASTI’s X account has since engaged with highly controversial, conspiratorial, and inflammatory content, indicative of a pattern of favor toward the right-wing political movement and its associated ideological

grievances against the LGBTQ and immigrant communities.

A prior version of the social media app X allowed any user to view any other user’s liked content. After Elon Musk purchased the company, the platform removed this feature in June 2024 and has since hidden public access to other users’ liked posts.

However, prior to this change, the SGN reviewed numerous X posts liked by ASTI, including a potpourri of inflammatory theories, including claims that UNRWA is a money-laundering front for Hamas, and that Minneapolis Police Officer Derek

Chauvin’s murder trial of George Floyd was an “absolute sham.” ASTI has liked X posts calling to pay all January 6 “hostages” reparations and to “start locking up the Democrats.”

One post liked by ASTI included text over a Pride/rainbow flag that said, “If they have the right to fly theirs,” then, over a Confederate battle flag, “we deserve the right to fly ours.”

Other posts liked by ASTI include one claiming that Pride flags have ruined Kansas by wokeness; another calling the Trans Day of Visibility a “fucking joke”;

one saying “This entire, like, transgender stuff at this point honestly feels like a huge joke”; a video of a woman ripping down a rainbow Pride flag and throwing it in the trash; a post by Sebastian Gorka calling a video of an activist advocating for LGBTQ kids at school a “mental disease”; and a since-deleted post saying “BLM or Pride flags must be BANNED from classrooms.”

Frequently, ASTI has liked content that refers to people as “ILLEGALS,” including a video of people standing in line to be legally processed with US Customs

and Border Protection, labeled “illegal… military aged men.” A number of posts liked by ASTI called for “mass deportations.” Another ASTI-liked post included an image that reads “America’s top export should be illegal immigrants.”

Concerns Dean Spade, a professor at the Seattle University School of Law and the author of Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During this Crisis (and the Next) and Love in a

CONTINUED

F*cked Up World, told the SGN that “it’s disturbing to see the content that ASTI liked, yet not surprising to see alignment of the security industry, Zionism, attacks on Trans people and immigrants, promotion of police violence, and other themes represented in those posts. It is important that people in cities like Seattle, where the city government portrays itself as liberal, antiracist, and inclusive, understand the unsavory alliances that actually undergird the city’s police force and city government relationships with surveillance and security industries.”

Prof. Spade told the SGN that he is “not surprised when public officials fail to be transparent, but I do think we should be concerned about Seattle public officials’ connections to right-wing figures like Stefansky. These people explicitly seek to find foothold within city governments to expand the scope of their influence and sell ever more of their dangerous wares. The influence of security industry conservatives on Seattle city officials is certainly a threat to people of color, immigrants, Queer and Trans people, poor people, and people with disabilities in the city.”

Wendy Elisheva Somerson, also known as Wes, one of the founders of the Seattle chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), told the SGN that Mayer’s private channel of communication with Stefansky is reprehensible.

“The advocates for Zionism and the Israeli state are not really interested in the well-being of Queer people,” Somerson said. “To see these homophobic, transphobic, and racist posts that ASTI is liking, I will admit there is no surprise.”

Spade told the SGN that “the people who will be labeled extremists, yet again, are those advocating against racism, and for justice in Palestine, justice for migrants, and justice for Trans people. The SPD already targets people in liberation movements, and further training of this kind will bring us even closer to the conditions visible in Israel, where law enforcement brutally enacts a colonial agenda of surveillance and violence. Our police don’t need more of this kind of training. Instead, Seattle still needs to defund police and focus on real solutions to community crises around poverty, housing and health care access, childcare, and other essentials.”

Former Mayor Ed Murray’s Israel trip

Prior to his conversations with Seattle’s OEM Director, Stefansky was also involved in former Seattle Mayor Ed Murray’s trip to Israel in 2015.

The trip itself was reportedly funded and developed by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the Seattle media, it was packaged as a “trade delegation” and a business exchange, punctuated by Murray’s keynote speech at the “40 Years of Pride”

conference in Tel Aviv. A list of members of Murray’s delegation included Seattle city employees and private venture capitalists.

Withheld from the public sphere was that Murray’s administration intended to “engage in knowledge-sharing” with the Israelis, including meetings with the Israeli security sector.

Israel’s consulate general in San Francisco proposed that Seattle officials meet with a variety of private Israeli surveillance

and military technology companies and government agencies, in addition to Israeli national fire, police and prison services.

“Since security/emergency management is one of the sectors we’re focusing on as we work to form a delegation to accompany the mayor, we are reaching out to SFD, SPD, and OEM to see if there are any in the city that might want to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from Israel’s expertise and share knowledge related to security issues,” wrote Seattle’s International Programs Coordinator Stacey Jehlik in 2015 before the trip.

Jehlik told the SGN that Stefansky “had no role in nor was he consulted on the 2015 trip agenda that I coordinated. It’s my understanding that he connected with members of the delegation that he knew outside of the trip scope and arranged for a meeting between Jerusalem fire officials and the Seattle Fire Department.”

Jehlik also told the SGN that Seattle’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations (OIR) is not currently planning any trips to Israel, nor is the OIR currently engaged in any active partnerships with the Israeli government.

A preliminary version of Murray’s itinerary also scheduled a meeting with Tal Becker titled “How Wide the Gap: Negotiations with the Palestinians.” At the time, Becker had been a legal advisor for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Israeli mission to the UN, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As of early 2024, Becker is representing the state of Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where the country has been charged with genocide. Murray’s meeting with Becker was eventually canceled.

When Murray’s delegation landed in Israel in June of 2015, Stefansky was there to greet Seattle Fire Department Chiefs Rebecca Gonzalez and Charles Cordova. He led tours of attractions, alleys, and shops in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem and took photos of Mayor Murray. No media outlet reported this connection at the time.

Seattle Police Department

A month after Murray returned from Israel, then Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Carmen Best inked her signature on an agreement to attend an Anti-Defamation League (ADL) “National Counter-

Terrorism Seminar” in Israel in September of 2015. Best’s attendance at this seminar was previously reported by End the Deadly Exchange Seattle, an offshoot group of Jewish Voice for Peace. (Seattle’s Be’er Sheva Sister City president then invited Chief Best to Israel again in 2018, with an explicit “opportunity to meet with your counterparts in the Israel Police.”)

However, Chief Best’s trip to Israel would not be the first time that SPD had sent a delegation to the country. Two SPD officers, Aaron Kamalu and Rodney Stokes, accompanied Mayor Murray on his 2015 trip, and prior to that, multiple SPD personnel had already attended training in Israel with Stefansky’s previous company, Proactive Global Security (PGS). Records previously reported by Guy Oron show that SPD officers Erik Allen and Timothy Renihan traveled with PGS to Israel in 2013 and Rik Hall with Shane Anderson traveled with PGS to Israel in 2014.

Anderson and Hall have since worked as

part of SPD’s Intelligence Unit, and both were engaged in surveilling Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, according to SPD emails reviewed by the SGN Real Change reported that Hall served as an SPD officer for the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in 2020.

Former Seattle Fire Department Deputy Chief Jay Hagen had also attended training with PGS. In one internal email, Stefansky was characterized as “a good friend” of Chief Hagen, who appeared to have sent his daughter to meet Stefansky in Israel in 2014. In 2015, Stefansky offered to bring Hagen Israeli olive oil and wine.

Hagen even forwarded internal “need to know basis” emails to Stefansky when the mayor of Tel Aviv visited Seattle in November of 2015, months after Murray returned from the country.

Stefansky would also later try and recruit Chief Best and King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht to attend ASTI training programs in Israel in 2019. Neither ended up

participating in the 2019 trip.

“When JVP put a lot of pressure and exposed these trips that police officers in the US were making to Israel, exchanging these ‘worst tactics,’ the ADL very quietly shut down their ‘deadly exchanges,’” Somerson told SGN. “The City of Seattle often hides behind its liberal reputation, but if you look behind the scenes with stuff like this, it’s really disturbing.”

The SPD did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Prof. Spade told the SGN that “along with thousands of other people, I’ve been part of the End the Deadly Exchange campaign in Seattle and across the country, trying to stop local law enforcement from training in Israel, precisely because we can see how harmful it is for our already dangerous and racist local law enforcement to go train with armed forces in one of the most notoriously racist and genocidal countries in the world. It is a threat to the people of Seattle to have the SPD’s power

to surveil, hurt, and kill people enhanced through these training programs and collaborations.

“As conditions worsen in the US, with cuts to basic necessities, ecological crisis, and expanding state violence, our resistance movements are also ramping up. There is a long history of police infiltration of resistance movements and violence against people in our movements, and we are currently in a moment of increasing repression. It is essential to fight back against the expansion of surveillance and policing tactics, especially now with the growing crackdown on the Palestine solidarity and migrant justice movements.”

This is the first in a series entitled "Community Viewpoints," a space for vibrant conversations within Seattle's LGBTQIA+ community – exploring how we see ourselves, how the world sees us, and the impact we make together.

PRIMARIES 2025

APPROVED on King County Prop. 1

on City of Seattle Prop. 1

The SGN ’s endorsements for the August 5 primary

THE SGN EDITORIAL BOARD

Nationally, the LGBTQIA+ community finds itself in the midst of a political firestorm. There are more anti-Trans bills passing through legislatures than ever before. The second Trump administration has already scared businesses away from us, slashed away at our rights and social services, and left many young Queer people questioning their futures.

We guarantee you a 100% LGBTQIA+ perspective on the primaries — because our voices being heard in the current political climate is more necessary than ever before.

King County, Proposition 1:

Parks Levy Renewal: Approved

This is as straightforward a proposition as they come: Seattle’s world-class parks, trails, and facilities, like the Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Aquarium, have been dependent in part on the funds raised by this levy. The measure asks whether King County residents would like to renew this six-year property tax, at approximately $196 per year for the median homeowner. Considering how much Seattleites love their public outdoor spaces and rely on the county to maintain their operations and upkeep, continuing that funding seems like a no-brainer to us. Vote Vote Approved on King County Proposition 1.

King County Executive:

Girmay Zahilay

It’s unusual for the writers at The Stranger to be on the same page as their governor, let alone someone like Bob Ferguson, but their respective endorsements of Girmay Zahilay shows how the King County councilman has the right policies and platform for the job, earning the trust of Washingtonians of many different stripes in the process. As a representative of our more politically diverse county, rather than our city, being able to cast a wider net without sacrificing principle is a great skill for an executive to have.

Our deciding factor, however, was his commitment to take a more “on-theground” approach. He’d achieve this by redefining the jobs of county employees, to

ensure they properly interact with community members and not just with each other.

For a job that’s less commonly known compared to others, creating some genuine public awareness around the work of the county executive would be a great step forward. Vote Zahilay.

City of Seattle, Proposition 1: Democracy Vouchers: Yes

In an ideal world, Seattle’s one-of-a-kind voucher program would be recognized nationally as a political success story. Since its introduction, the number of small donors to local campaigns has increased fivefold. Candidates are no longer relying on the support of wealthy donors. They’re actively going out to rallies, parks, and festivals, where everyday, working-class people are. Our Democracy Vouchers are a genuine force in the direction of incomebased equality in our city. If we ever went without them again, we’d regret it. Vote Yes on Seattle Proposition 1.

City of Seattle, Mayor: Ry Armstrong

At this point in the primary race, it would be easy to have the mayoral conversation shaped solely by two people: Bruce Harrell and Katie Wilson — an experienced moderate vs. a thoughtful progressive, business vs. grassroots. However, as is the case with all things in politics, there’s always room for nuance and gray areas.

The whole reason we have Democracy Vouchers, after all, is to empower candidates who may have the support of the people but not naturally that of larger, corporate organizations. For smaller organizations like ours, we see an opportunity to be an extension of said empowerment.

Wilson is a fantastic organizer and political mind, and we’re glad to be witnessing her success. That said, she doesn’t need us. She has Seattle’s entire progressive arm blowing wind into her sails now. We’d just be a light breeze.

Instead, we’d like to present you with a second option, someone whose dedication to

For a job that’s less commonly known compared to others, creating some genuine public awareness around the work of the county executive would be a great step forward.

protecting the Queer community is undeniable, while bringing unique strength and policy ideas to the table. That person is Ry Armstrong, our endorsement for Seattle mayor.

First things first: Armstrong impressed us with their initiative. They were the only candidate to directly reach out to us about an interview, rather than the other way around. Once actually in conversation, we were surprised by how committed they were to advocacy. For example, when they saw that the Harrell administration was putting out mail flyers to support Prop 1B, they took out a personal loan to put Prop 1A flyers in those same mailboxes. They’re paying off that loan to this day, but they told us they have no regrets. The victory was more than worth it. It’s hard to imagine Armstrong wouldn’t bring that same level of commitment, sacrifice, and outside-thebox thinking if they had the tools of the mayoral office at their disposal.

Beyond that, Armstrong was able to highlight their strengths, to show they wouldn’t be a downgrade compared to Wilson but rather an interesting alternative. For example, they’re experienced with the intricacies of systemic finance, having maintained a seven-figure budget for the nonprofit Sustainable Seattle. They’ll thoroughly plan for any budget shortfalls brought on by Trump, with the intention of protecting public servants while finding opportunities to divest from bureaucracy and red tape.

They also want to establish direct accountability in the Mayor’s Office. They’ll do this through a digital ticketing system for complaints, accessible to all Seattle citizens. That represents a refreshing change of pace when you compare it to the existing precedent of skittish, unavailable leadership.

Armstrong has also proven their ability to bring unique solutions to issues that may go overlooked but remain vital to many of us. They were the only mayoral candidate we interviewed who brought up the need for better, more affordable childcare. Similar to how other candidates have discussed “corner stores” as a way to address

Armstrong is a candidate who believes in innovative solutions and radical empathy. They’re uniquely positioned to help the city navigate financial threats nationally and a growing disconnect between leadership and citizens locally. Their strengths couldn’t be overlooked, and for us, they present a meaningful, worthwhile alternative to the Harrell vs. Wilson dichotomy.

food deserts, Armstrong wants to take full advantage of Durkan’s “Childcare for You” ordinance, which reduced zoning restrictions for childcare centers, to provide more accessible, neighborhood-based options to parents of any income bracket.

Armstrong’s candidacy is also historic. Seattle has never seen an openly Trans, Nonbinary person run for mayor. Their presence on the ballot is a testament to how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.

If you’re still planning to vote for Wilson in the primaries after all this, we fully understand. Right now, it feels like we urgently need progressive leadership, like if we make the mistake of putting an ineffective mayor in charge of defying Trump, it would seal the fate of Seattle for decades to come. With such monumental stakes, it’s hard to take a chance on a lesser-known candidate. Hard, but not impossible. Take a chance on Armstrong, because you want a bolder, more socially engaged mayor than we’ve ever had before. Take a chance on Armstrong if you want the same level of thoughtfulness, passion, and commitment given to all issues, not just those that feel existential. For those who see themselves in a Nonbinary, Genderqueer mayor, taking a chance on Armstrong is to have hope in your own possibilities. As for everyone else, it’s a way to say that Seattle will never back down against the Trump administration, no matter what bullshit they throw at us.

Vote Armstrong.

City of Seattle, City Attorney: Erika Evans

After much deliberation, the SGN editorial board has chosen to endorse Erika Evans for city attorney. At a time when federal decisions are taking away access to abortion and gender-affirming care, and deporting our neighbors all across the country, we need someone who has the federal experience and the connections to fight against the Trump administration and protect the people of Seattle.

When choosing who to endorse for city

Evans has experience as a federal prosecutor and has committed to standing up against the Trump administration to protect marginalized people who are being targeted, including the Queer community. Her drive to hold perpetrators of hate crimes, domestic violence, and wage theft accountable, along with her understanding of the need for community-based resources to help reduce crime, is just one of the many reasons we are thrilled to say Evans has our endorsement.

Erika Evans for Seattle City Attorney

attorney, we narrowed it down to two candidates: Nathan Rouse and Evans. Both have strong legal backgrounds and values that we feel align with many Queer people in Seattle. Rouse has been a public defender and understands the complexities of the legal system as well as the needs of our community, while Evans is a federal prosecutor and has been endorsed by Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown. Their goals on paper are similar, and we believe they would both have a meaningful impact on Seattle.

However, we can only endorse one candidate, and we believe Evans’s experience as a federal prosecutor is especially valuable to ensure that Seattleites are protected from federal threats.

Evans has experience prosecuting high-level fentanyl traffickers yet understands that drug addiction needs a different approach at the community level. She wants to reinstate a community court that can provide people with the services they need in a community setting, while reducing the amount of drugs tvhat are sold in our city.

Evans also has experience prosecuting employers for wage theft and will hold companies in Seattle accountable. She promises to create an Anti-Hate and Bias Crimes Unit, which will partner with multiple cityv offices and community leaders to protect marginalized groups.

Evans has the background and connections that will be valuable to Seattle as we navigate federal threats to the Queer community, and we are proud to endorse her for city attorney. Vote Evans.

City of Seattle, Council District 2:

Jamie Fackler

Choosing a candidate for District 2 was difficult for all the right reasons. In all honesty, we don’t think there’s a “bad” candidate in the bunch, and you could make a valid choice based on your own priorities and preferences.

Adonis Ducksworth isn’t perfect on the issues overall, but he’d be near-perfect if tasked with creating a more effective,

Rinck made the most of the little time left in her first term, protecting us from Trump’s BS and advancing progressive revenue. Ensuring she can continue her good work on our community’s behalf is a no-brainer.

more equitable public transit system, and he would be a fierce voice for South Seattle residents. Jeanie Chunn impressed us with her versatile background, demonstrating the ability to balance both the needs of small businesses and grassroots advocacy organizations. If you value empowering marginalized communities most, she’d be your best advocate. Eddie Lin is a great allaround candidate who could quickly and effectively address our hardball questions. If you want guaranteed success, then it’s worth investing in Eddie.

However, when measuring all these varying strengths, it forced us to reconsider what we actually want in a city councilmember in the first place. Do we want someone who can work with any policy, at any time, like Lin? How about someone who’s more specialized in particular issues, like Ducksworth? Frankly, we don’t have a conclusive answer.

What we do know, however, is we want a city council that works like a team again. The existing council has proven itself to be way too dysfunctional. Even if we don’t see everything going on behind the scenes, we have seen two councilmembers resign out of pure exhaustion. We’ve had accusations of toxicity, and verbal spats between Sara Nelson and Dan Strauss that makes for rumormongering in your feed the next day. We already get enough of this animosity from the White House. We need it far away from City Hall.

That’s why we’re endorsing Jamie Fackler. Because, despite being the token straight, white guy on the ballot and in our voter’s guide, we think he’d be the best at collaborating with the Queer women we want brought into office.

Fackler and our Council Position 9 choice, Dionne Foster, share a lot in common. They’re union people at their core who are proud of their working backgrounds. They share a common curiosity for better understanding policy and our legal system. We can easily imagine them engaging in positive, thoughtful dialogue.

Most importantly for us, they’re both

Alexis Mercedes Rinck for Seattle City Council Position 8

In a competitive field, Fackler stood out to us thanks to his thoughtful, holistic approach to the issues and complete commitment to tackling our housing crisis head-on, through the power of Prop 1A. On an ideal progressive council with Foster and Mercedes Rinck, already set with bold, Queer voices, Fackler can help keep attention and expertise on the fundamentals we all need to sustain our daily lives.

Jamie Fackler for Seattle City Council District 2

deeply cares about the Seattle Social Housing Developer being properly supported and empowered. He will give our housing crisis the 100% commitment it deserves.

It’s not a flashy priority to have, but, by God, is it essential! Housing is truly the foundational issue that everything else rests upon. We can’t help the homeless if even salaried workers can’t afford their homes. We can’t protect our Queer spaces, like Cal Anderson and Denny Blaine, if landlords price all the LGBTQIA+ people out of the neighborhood.

Yes, Fackler is a straight, white guy, but we wouldn’t endorse him if we didn’t believe he’d have a strong coalition of awesome Queer people alongside him. Allow Armstrong, Mercedes Rinck, and Foster to stand tall on their platforms, fighting Trump’s bigotry and empowering the social issues we care about. Fackler, meanwhile, can be the pragmatic engineer working on the foundations beneath the platform. He’ll ensure that our homes, civic spaces, and bureaucratic systems are working to keep us in the city, where our voices can coalesce and be stronger together. As they say, teamwork makes the dream work.

We say: Vote Fackler.

City of Seattle, Council Position 8:

Alexis Mercedes Rinck

Alexis Mercedes Rinck has done more than enough to earn our endorsement. In her mere seven months in office, she has turned her progressive bona fides into genuine action. She established a committee dedicated to counteracting Trump’s federal chaos. She proved her ability to find solutions across the aisle, establishing a progressive revenue plan through public collaboration with the more moderate Bruce Harrell. She’s the only councilmember to vote against tougher graffiti penalties while simultaneously supporting public art, Saint Rat be blessed!

All prior candidates we’ve endorsed represent the opportunity to move Seattle’s

With that in mind, consider Alexis the safe candidate. We can count on her to continue putting in the good work that benefits the Queer community in the long term, regardless of the political climate that materializes in November. Vote Mercedes Rinck.

City of Seattle, Council Position 9:

Dionne Foster

Dionne Foster has been working in Seattle for 15 years to improve the city, and that’s why for City Council Position 9, the SGN has chosen to endorse her. Foster’s previous work has focused on underrepresented communities, while also making sure Seattle is a safe, affordable place for everyone. She has worked as the senior policy advisor at the City of Seattle and an analyst with King County, giving her insight into the unique challenges Seattle faces and the connections to make real change.

As a Queer woman of color, Foster understands the variety of complex issues that face the Queer community in Seattle, from housing accessibility to the lack of accountability within the SPD. Raised by a single mom, she understands the sacrifices that are made every day by families in Seattle just trying to survive. She will commit to making Seattle more affordable for the working class in the face of federal budget cuts, and supports a capital gains tax as well as expanding the Jumpstart Tax, which has helped to fund services for lowincome people.

In the face of turbulence at the federal level of government, we need someone who understands the day-to-day struggles we face. We need someone who will make our city one where everyone can thrive, not just big corporations. Dionne Foster is someone who will continue to make Seattle a better place for the working class, and that is why we have chosen to endorse her. Vote Foster.

CONTINUED PAGE 10

Foster has already done excellent work in Seattle advocating for marginalized communities and will continue to make Seattle a better place for working-class people and families.

for Seattle City Council

Position 9

Renton needs a strong, dedicated leader who is unafraid to stand up for marginalized people and we believe that is Rivera.

PRIMARIES 2025

Renton City Council, Position 2:

Carmen Rivera

As Renton’s first openly Queer councilmember, we are thrilled to endorse Carmen Rivera in her reelection campaign. Rivera has worked diligently to uplift Queer voices in Renton, create more affordable housing, and connect with the community. Her goals for the upcoming term are clear and driven: to expand accessibility to housing, to invest in parks and outdoor spaces, and to protect Queer people and immigrants. We are excited to see her continue her work and advocacy for marginalized people in Renton. Vote Rivera.

Note: Rivera has received criticism in the past for conversations with community leaders, which the SGN editorial board is aware of. Rivera has denied the claims that she was bullying people, and no police reports were filed. We recognize that her passion may be seen as threatening to some, and would encourage voters to do their own research. Renton needs a strong, dedicated leader who is unafraid to stand up for marginalized people and we believe that is Rivera. Vote Rivera.

For Tacoma City Council Position 5, we are excited to endorse Zev Cook. She has spent the last seven years working in her community for housing accessibility, workers’ rights, and providing meals to the

Lisa Keating, by comparison, is real, genuine common sense. Rather than obsessing over identity politics, she’s been working hard to prevent a $30 million budget deficit from impacting students.

Cook is the young, progressive leadership needed in Tacoma and would continue to fight so that the working class can thrive there, by increasing housing, raising the minimum wage, and increasing taxes on large companies.

Zev Cook for Tacoma City Council Position 5 Lisa Keating for Tacoma School District No. 10 Position 1 Carmen Rivera for Renton City Council Position 2 endorsed by endorsed by endorsed by

How to vote:

homeless community. Cook is the young, progressive leadership needed in Tacoma and would continue to fight so that the working class can thrive there, by increasing housing, raising the minimum wage, and increasing taxes on large companies. If elected, she would be the first openly Trans-

HOW TO VOTE

King County Vote Centers have services available for registering new voters, updating voters’ records, obtaining voter registration cards, and assist voters with their ballots. Equipment and staff are also available to help voters with disabilities cast ballots. Ballots postmarked, or dropped at a ballot box, on or before August 5th. See the full list of Vote Centers below or find more information about how to vote before the election online at: https://kingcounty.gov/ en/dept/elections/how-to-vote/ballots/ return-my-ballot/vote-centers

Bellevue

Crossroads Community Center

16000 NE 10th St Bellevue, WA 98008

Hours of operation: Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Monday, August 4, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Election Day, August 5, 8:30a.m. – 8:00p.m.

Federal Way

Federal Way City Hall

33325 8th Avenue S Federal Way, WA 98003

Hours of operation:

Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Monday, August 4, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Election Day, August 5, 8:30a.m. – 8:00p.m.

Kenmore

Kenmore City Hall 18120 68th Avenue NE Kenmore, WA 98028

Hours of operation: Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 4, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Election Day, August 5, 8:30a.m. – 8:00p.m.

Kent

Green River College Kent Campus 417 Ramsay Way Ste 112 Kent, WA 98032

Hours of operation: Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 4, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Election Day, August 5, 8:30a.m. – 8:00p.m.

Renton

King County Elections - Elections Service Center 919 SW Grady Way Renton, WA 98057

Hours of operation: Weekdays, July 16 – July 25, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30p.m. July 28 – August 1, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 4, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Election Day, August 5, 8:30a.m. – 8:00p.m.

gender woman elected

Tacoma School District No. 10, Director Position 1: Lisa Keating Schools have, for years now, been avenues through which inexperienced, far-right politicians try to sneak their way into power, using cultural fearmongering to take out existing incumbents. Washington is not immune to this trend. Software engineer Brian Wolk is trying to join the Tacoma School District by positioning himself as a “commonsense” candidate, despite clearly targeting Transgender students and referring to them by their biological sexes in his voter’s guide bio. Lisa Keating, by comparison, is real, genuine common sense. Rather than obsessing over identity politics, she’s been working hard to prevent a $30 million budget deficit from impacting students. She’s an advocate for her district’s nonfaculty staff. She provided hope and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her empathy and thoughtfulness is more necessary than ever, and not worth losing over a guy who does amateur jiu-jitsu. (She is also the executive director of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission.) Vote Keating.

Seattle Lumen Field Event Center/WAMU Theater Entrance on Occidental Ave S and S Royal Brougham Way 800

Ave S

WA

Hours of operation: Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 4, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Election Day, August 5, 8:30a.m. – 8:00p.m.

Tacoma City Council, Position 5:

Zev Cook

to office in Tacoma. Vote Cook.

SGN's 2025 PRIMARIES

VO TE R S G U I D E

KING COUNTY

King County, Prop 1:

Parks Levy Renewal: Approved

King County Executive: Girmay Zahilay

CITY OF SEATTLE

City of Seattle, Prop 1: Democracy Vouchers: Yes

City of Seattle, Mayor: Ry Armstrong

City of Seattle, City Attorney: Erika Evans

City of Seattle, Council District 2: Jamie Fackler

City of Seattle, Council Position 8: Alexis Mercedes Rinck

City of Seattle, Council Position 9: Dionne Foster

CITY OF RENTON

Renton City Council, Position 2: Carmen Rivera

CITY OF TACOMA

Tacoma City Council, Position 5: Zev Cook

Tacoma School District No. 10, Director Position 1: Lisa Keating

Roger Nyhus and others honored at 2025 the PSBJ ’s Business of Pride Outstanding Voices

BY MK SCOTT

On June 5, members of the LGBTQ business community came together to celebrate this year’s Business of Pride Outstanding Voices, selected by the Puget Sound Business Journal for the 10th year.

In the grand ballroom of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 15 business leaders were honored, including Roger Nyhus, former CEO of Nyhus Communications and the immediate past ambassador to Barbados and other Caribbean nations. Nyhus received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and his face graced the cover of the June 6–12 issue of the PSBJ. Here is a portion of his heartfelt and humorous acceptance speech:

“This is the most meaningful and most significant [award], and I’m really, really proud to be here. I want to thank the partners that made this business thrive possible: GSBA, it’s an amazing organization. I think it’s probably the most effective chamber in the country, bar none — regardless if you’re LGBTQI, ally, straight — you are the best.

“As I was leaving Barbados, someone on my team asked, ‘Would you be an ambassador again?’ And I said yes — under two conditions: I don’t have to raise money for anyone, and I never have to go through

Senate confirmation again. So... I will not be an ambassador again.

“A lot of people ask why I was chosen. There aren’t many ambassadors from Seattle. I have some theories: I’m Native American (a member of the Chinook Indian Tribe), I’m an entrepreneur, I’m from the Northwest... and I’m Gay.

“And yes, I asked, ‘Are you choosing me because I’m Gay?’ They said, ‘No — we’ve got enough Gay ambassadors.’”

Other honorees

GSBA Chair Ilona Lohrey was also honored. She shared the following:

“I’m really honored to receive this award. And kudos to all the immigrants here. I’m an immigrant myself — first generation. I’m German-Italian, moved here in 1996. Met my partner — next year we’ll celebrate 30 years together.

“I’m a child of entrepreneurs, and that spirit is in me. I used to own a couple of businesses, went into business banking, and eventually returned to the US after managing my family’s business in Germany.

“I didn’t want to go back to corporate or open another business. So I started at GSBA. Louise said, ‘You’re overqualified,

but we have a front desk opening.’ I said, ‘I don’t care, let’s do it.’

“And look at me now. I’ve managed many teams, but this is the best one ever. When you trust your team and give them the space to do what they do best, you can move mountains.

“Let’s continue to be kind to each other and show grace during the ups and downs. Happy Pride, and thank you.”

Terra Plata’s Linda Di Lello Morton was also honored and used her moment to remember her late wife, Chef Tamara Murphy:

“I’m humbled to be honored alongside such amazing people. I dedicate this to my late partner, my wife in all things: Tamara Murphy. Everything I’ve done — every accomplishment — I couldn’t have done it without her. We were together for over 25 years…

“When we opened Terra Plata 15–16 years ago, our North Star was community — a place to gather, to celebrate, to belong. Tamara always said, ‘Through this love, I feed people.’ And she did.

“We hosted so many events: campaigns for marriage equality in 2012, fundraisers for the LGBTQ Victory Fund. During

COVID, we thought we’d lose everything. But friends rallied, we pivoted, and we made food for people in need. Some of you in this room drove food to families. One guy named Matt ordered a steak sandwich and added a $500 donation.

“I’m grateful for that village — and especially for Tamara, who helped me find purpose in feeding people and building community. Happy Pride, and thank you so much.”

The following is a list of the other honorees:

Edgar Longoria (Entre Hermanos) Jaimee Marsh (FEEST )

Todd Shively (Ensemble)

Anthony Varona (Seattle University School of Law)

Debra George (Discover Burien)

Jeffrey Pelletier (Board & Vellum)

Vicky Slade (Davis Wright Tremaine)

Charlie Hunts (Charlie’s Queer Books) Gary Szeredy (The Hall Group) Emily Nee (Brooks Running)

Rocky Fong (JP Morgan Chase)

Esther Lucero (Seattle Indian Health Board )

Leah Koshiyama (Salesforce)

ROGER NYHUS MK SCOTT

LINDA DI LELLO MORTON MK SCOTT

MK SCOTT

ILONA LOHREY MK SCOTT

SCOTT

Rising voices, familiar faces: Pride reflections from Democratic leaders

BY MK SCOTT

NICK BROWN MK SCOTT

On a Friday night during Seattle Pride weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend the annual Pride fundraiser for the Washington State Democrats. It was a great opportunity to catch up with some of my favorite Washington state leaders, including Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (D-43), state Sen. Claire Wilson (D-30), state Sen. Marko Liias (D-21), Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, Attorney General Nick Brown, and Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, one of the rising stars of the Democratic National Committee. The evening was hosted by DNC cochair and Seattle resident Shasti Conrad. I managed to record all the speeches, and here are the transcripts from each.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown

I don’t want to be an alarmist, but I do believe we’re in a true crisis in America. The most powerful are deliberately targeting the most vulnerable — through executive orders and through legislation cloaked in “big, beautiful” language that, frankly, is just bullshit. These efforts are about protecting tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of everyone else. That’s where their energy is focused.

It’s telling that the only laws they’re pushing protect the rich. Meanwhile, this president has used executive power more aggressively than any other in history, which has prompted 23 lawsuits from Washington State alone — and over 30 from Democratic AGs nationwide.

At his core, this president is a fundamentally weak person. If you have good ideas, you can build coalitions. You can go to Congress, go to the states, and rely on the strength of your ideas. But this president can’t do that — so he turns to executive orders to erode rights.

But here’s the good news — two things:

Not a single law has changed in Washington state. We’ve been leading the charge in defending the LGBTQ+ community for decades, and nothing the president has done has changed our laws. Not one thing the legislature passed, the governor signed, or

the people fought for has been undone. We should be proud of where we are as a state. When Democratic AGs bring cases, we win. Over and over again, we win. It’s going to get harder as cases move up to the circuit courts and ultimately the Supreme Court, but we can’t back down. We can’t capitulate. We can’t look away from the injustices this administration is creating. I’m proud to have led the case defending the rights of Transgender people here in Washington and across this country. I talk with my Democratic colleagues far more often than I’d like (I love them, but still!) — multiple times a week, we strategize and file cases together.

Let me be clear: very few states joined us in the case to defend Transgender healthcare for minors. I understand that every AG has different priorities, and politics differ from state to state. But I am proud — so proud — of Washington’s leadership.

That happened because the incredible team at the AG’s office was ready. They did the work, the advocacy, they knew the law — and we were ready for that moment.

But we couldn’t have done that case without the bravery of patients, their families, and healthcare providers here in Washington. Some of them are here today. They put their own skin in the game — to protect their kids, their rights, and their practices. Our cases succeed because we tell the stories of the people we represent. We highlight their humanity. That’s why we brought that case. That’s why we won. And that’s why we will not stop defending your rights, your freedoms, and your dignity.

Thank you for making me your attorney general.

Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen On Pride, I want us to hold that split screen in our minds: not only the things we have to worry about, but also the things we have to celebrate. We have generations of legislators, generations of people and activists, who have built a strong bubble of protection for us to live in here.

I’m really proud — along with my Senate colleagues, Sen. Liias and Sen. Wil-

MK SCOTT

son — to have helped create some of that. Marko and I were there through the fights for domestic partnerships, marriage equality, a strong Trans-inclusive civil rights bill, antidiscrimination protections, hate crimes protections, and antibullying laws.

When we took the majority, one of the first things we did was work on parentage law. I chaired the drafting committee for the Uniform Law Commission that rewrote the Parentage Act to make it inclusive for LGBTQ families. Because of that, in states where it’s enacted — and we were the first state to do so — families now have more options to protect themselves.

For example, a Lesbian couple no longer has to go through a home study or a secondparent adoption. They can literally fill out a one-page form, and the nonbiological mom can be legally recognized as a parent. Even better, every state that adopts the new Uniform Parentage Act provides for automatic interstate recognition of those acknowledgments of parentage.

And today, for some good news: Oregon just became the 11th state to pass the Uniform Parentage Act! [It joins] Hawaii and Illinois, [which] also passed it this year. So now, the whole West Coast is in good shape.

Of course, we still have a lot of work to do. I’ve been in that slog for a long time, working to get the Parentage Act enacted across the country. But every time I come back from those efforts, I feel the warm embrace of this community.

I was talking to Fox today, ironically, for a story about the tenth anniversary of marriage equality, and I was reflecting on how the best part of that entire struggle came at the end, when Referendum 74 passed. I still remember that commercial during the campaign: a man going door-to-door, asking people for permission to marry his fiancé. It really captured what it feels like to have your basic rights depend on public opinion.

And the incredible, affirming moment was that when our rights were put on the ballot, the people of our state said yes.

So, despite the current chaos and confusion, I have supreme confidence that the

people of this state still have our backs. I hope that brings you some peace and comfort — and then let’s get back to the fight.

Sen. Marko Liias

It’s about the shoulders we stand on — and the shoulders we must offer to lift up the next generation.

In my mind and in my work, I’ve always been inspired by our LGBTQ trailblazer in Washington state, Cal Anderson, who was Jamie’s predecessor. Unfortunately, Cal’s been gone so long that while we see his name on the park, not everyone knows his story.

Cal Anderson was Washington’s first openly LGBTQ elected official — almost 40 years ago — elected to the state legislature. The exciting part is that the seat he held has been held by someone from our community ever since.

Cal’s story inspires me, because, first of all, he was a decorated veteran who served our country during the Vietnam era. He helped prosecute war crimes related to the My Lai massacre and took part in that effort.

Like Harvey Milk and so many in our community who stood up, Cal represented the best of his generation — helping change hearts and minds through his service and dedication. The reason we don’t have him with us today is a painful reminder of the AIDS crisis. We lost Cal — like thousands of Washingtonians — to that terrible disease.

His story inspires my ongoing work to end HIV and AIDS in Washington once and for all. When we talk about the progress we’ve made, it’s important to remember: I didn’t get to know Cal personally — he passed away before I could meet him. But I’ve heard the stories. Stories like legislators getting off the elevator rather than ride with Cal — because of who he was and what they thought he represented.

That makes me even more proud to tell you that this year, we passed another bill expanding access to HIV medication. And guess what? It passed our legislature unanimously. Things are shifting — and we’re

making that progress step by step.

And while we honor the shoulders we stand on, we must also lift up the next generation. Amazing leaders like [Leinomi Preciado] and others are going to push us toward the next frontier of equality in this state.

One leader who inspires me deeply is our caucus chair, Bob Hasegawa. He invited us all to choose a hero to put on our caucus wall — so when we’re making tough decisions, we each have a North Star to look toward.

For me, the answer came instantly. I put up a photo of my hero, Stella Keating.

Yes — Stella was the first Transgender youth in American history to testify before Congress. She testified in support of the Equality Act. She’s now a student at Western Washington University — and she once served as my Senate page.

Now, it might seem odd, because she lived in Pierce County — so why page for a senator from Snohomish County? Because her senator at the time was a hateful bigot who opposed our community. Her parents wouldn’t let her page for someone who denied her right to exist. So she came to me.

We lifted each other up on that journey. And her strength and voice remind me where we’re headed.

And that brings me to where I’ll leave us today. Shasti — there’s still one more mission for our party. Washington has never elected a Transgender member to the state legislature. That’s right — our work is not done.

And by the way, other states have. Montana has two amazing Trans legislators, including Zooey Zephyr, who was educated right here at the University of Washington. And they’ve got her back in Montana. We deserve that representation here.

Let me tell you why it matters. If I’m honest, one of the biggest reasons marriage equality passed in our legislature was because of Jamie’s kids. I remember sitting in caucus, and we could hear them — screaming their lungs out in the room next door. And the fact that Jamie, Dave, Jim Moeller, and others gave our community a face, a name, a story, a life — it changed minds. It helped colleagues — Democrats and Republicans — understand why our

stories matter.

That’s what representation does. It’s not about checking a box. It’s about putting the people of our state into the conversation. Into the story. It will be a lot harder for Republicans to keep being hateful when they have to look at Leinomi’s beautiful face on the House or Senate floor. So this Pride, while the they/thems and the Queers go celebrate, I want you to start planning. It’s time to get us our first.

Sen. Claire Wilson

We’ve come a long way — but we still have a long way to go.

I was one of those folks who had to go through a home study just to adopt my own children. I will say that King County has always been a step ahead — they used “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” on adoption papers. They never identified gender, and that matters.

But still, those are things we should never have to deal with.

I came out when I was 19. And I’m way older than that now. Back then, I didn’t know anyone I could look up to. There was no one visible. No one to guide me.

Teachers with pride still had to hide. People marched in the Pride Parade the year I graduated from high school with paper bags over their heads — eyes cut out — because they were terrified of being identified.

I taught in Tacoma, but I lived in Seattle — for a very good reason. Who I was in Tacoma was not who I was in Seattle. I went home to be myself, and I went to school to be somebody else. That should never, ever, ever be the case. It just shouldn’t.

I served on the school board for eight years. I never led with my sexuality, but if you knew me, you knew what I stood for. You knew what I cared about. And I always stood up for all children — not just some children.

It wasn’t until I got to the state legislature that I led with my sexuality. Because at that point, it was critically important. Representation matters. Voice matters. And frankly — I was finally old enough not to give a shit.

CONTINUED PAGE 15

SEN. MARKO LIIAS AND SEN. JAMIE PEDERSON MK SCOTT

SEN. CLAIRE WILSON AND MK SCOTT MK SCOTT

My kids were old enough to know who they were. They were comfortable in their own skin. And I was comfortable in mine. I didn’t have to worry anymore about what might happen to them because of who I am or what I say.

But that’s not the case for everyone — and it’s something we’re still battling every single day. In fact, I’d argue we’ve moved backward in some ways.

My focus has always been — and always will be — on young people: youth development, youth leadership. Because it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from — you can lead from anywhere. All you need is access, opportunity, a voice, and a door that opens for you.

That’s the world I’ve tried to create in the Senate. And yes, I beat a guy named Mark Miloscia. If you’re clapping, you know why. If you don’t know who he is — well, maybe you don’t come out much. He was someone who had no interest in representing anyone who didn’t share his exact ideology. And it only got worse over the years.

When I first walked into the Senate, Sen. Liias handed me a folder and said, “This might be good for you.” And that was the beginning of our statewide LGBTQ+ Commission — something I’m incredibly proud of. We are now the largest commission in the state. We were the first gubernatorially appointed LGBTQ+ commission in the country. And we have 15 commissioners representing communities from across Washington.

I also dropped a little bill called Comprehensive Sexual Health Education. Because it matters. When young people are trying to figure out who they are — when they identify as Nonbinary or fall somewhere else along the continuum — it is unjust for them to grow up never seeing themselves reflected in the world around them. Not hearing, not asking, not learning — that is unjust.

And consent? That’s a huge issue for me too. And yes, it’s connected.

This session, you may have heard about the so-called “parental rights” debate. I’m going to bring it back to our young people, especially those struggling with HIV, AIDS, housing, bullying, identity — who face heartbreaking challenges every day just trying to be their whole selves.

We passed the Parental Rights Response Bill. It was one of the toughest battles we’ve had in years. It did so much harm to so many people. And if you know any members of the House who supported this, it was hell for them. They had to sit through hours of rhetoric and horrendous statements.

But we fought for our youth. Let me be clear: We didn’t take anything away. That bill added 11 parental rights. It also included protections for teachers, staff, and — most importantly — students. It added a complaint process so that anyone can report when a school or school board is blatantly violating state law. And we’re tracking that. We’re monitoring it. Because that’s how we create safe schools and safe communities.

We’re seeing families fleeing states like Texas — terrified for their children. I met with families of Trans kids in elementary school who are afraid to speak out. They fear their medications will be tracked, their school records, even where they live. They’re afraid that something awful might happen just because they’re trying to keep their children safe.

That fear is real.

And one last thing, because I always say this: we must address intersectionality. Especially in our Trans community, race is at the root of everything. It’s the foundation. And everything else gets layered on top of that.

So as we fight for our Trans siblings — especially Black and Brown Trans women — we have to stand up, speak out, and protect them. Because right now, they can’t always protect themselves. Right now, they’re in survival mode. And they will be for a long time.

So I’ve said way more than I meant to — but I care deeply. I care about our youth. I care about our elders, many of whom are still afraid to be their full selves.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for being you. Thank you for knocking on doors and telling people: We are just like everyone else. And we’re not going anywhere.

Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove

Tonight, we celebrate the Gays. The

theys. The thems and the femmes. And everyone whose truth has ever been questioned, challenged, or denied — and who continues to live that truth out loud. Love you.

A lot of you know this, but I came out of the closet the year I first ran for office. And my mother, at the time, said, “I love you, Dave, but it’s too bad — because now you can’t run for office.”

This was 25 years ago. The thought of an out Gay legislator deep in the working-class suburbs of South King County? Unheard of.

But I ran. I won. And I made history as the first out LGBTQ legislator from South King County in the history of our state.

I share this because what drove me then still drives me today: a passion for justice — LGBTQ+ equality, racial equality, gender equality, fighting for tribal treaty rights and labor rights.

I’m the son of a father with disabilities. The brother of someone who’s overcome addiction and, sadly, involvement in the criminal justice system. So this commitment to justice and dignity is personal. And I know it’s personal for all of us.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said — and President Obama echoed — that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” We all know that line. And it’s been my experience.

When I started in the Legislature, you could still legally be fired from your job in Washington State just for being Gay or Lesbian. LGBT families had no legal recognition.

But guess what? Democrats changed that. We passed antidiscrimination laws. We secured domestic partnership benefits. And in 2012, the voters of this state — as Majority Leader Pedersen mentioned — affirmed marriage equality for everyone.

And most importantly, that meant that the following year, I got to marry my husband, the love of my life.

Now, I have the incredible honor of serving as your state commissioner of public lands — the first out LGBTQ+ statewide executive in Washington — and leading 2,200 fabulous employees at the Department of Natural Resources.

Despite all the progress we’re celebrating, we know there’s more work to do. We see

Transgender youth being targeted. We see Republicans using them as political punching bags. And that comes at a cost. The most recent national data shows that 41% of LGBTQ+ youth in Washington state seriously considered suicide in the past year. Among Transgender and Nonbinary youth, that number jumps to 49%.

Think about that. Half of our Trans and Nonbinary youth.

That’s not acceptable. That’s not “family values.” That’s a crisis.

That’s why supporting Democrats matters.

Because if the only voices young people hear are messages of hate and fear being spewed by Republicans — even when they try to wrap it in the language of “faith” and “family” — then silence isn’t neutral.

Silence is harmful.

Young people need to see themselves reflected in their leaders — in political leadership, in business, and in their communities. And those of us in positions of power and privilege need to be visible, and we need to lift others up.

That’s why I’m excited to be here with — what’s his name again? — Majority Leader Pedersen. And Sens. Liias and Wilson. Their leadership is the kind of courage and commitment we need at every level of government.

As we look back on our progress, and forward to the challenges ahead, it’s more important than ever for Democrats to embrace a simple value: All people have value. Our differences are not weaknesses — they are strengths. We are a nation of laws, not of kings. And everyone deserves equal rights, fair treatment, and a fair shot. That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re Democrats.

And that’s what Pride is about.

So let’s raise our voices in love. Let’s raise our fists in justice. And let’s raise each other up — because this Democratic Party doesn’t leave anyone behind. We’re here. We’re proud. And we’re not done.

Reign FC to host early August Pride game in crucial match against LA team

BY CALVIN JAY EMERSON

Seattle Pride is over, but celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community is a year-round affair. Reign FC will be embodying this mantra on August 1 with its upcoming Pride match against Los Angeles’s Angel City FC.

The team’s unusual scheduling decision resulted from forces outside its control. FIFA had taken over Lumen Field for the majority of June, for both stadium renovations and Sounders matches. Once the Club World Cup had passed, however, a leaguewide break during the month of July would be in effect.

As the result of an unusually crowded calendar, the team has exclusively been playing on the road since late May. A Pride game held away from home just would not be the same, so the Reign chose to wait until their first game in August to celebrate the Queer community in their own stadium.

Like last year’s Pride match, there will be opportunities to interact with local nonprofits, such as the Lavender Rights Project, Entre Hermanos, and the Ingersoll Gender Center, among others. An auction will raise funds for Lambert House, a community center for LGBTQIA+ youth.

all-new addition to

a celebration of Seattle’s drag scene. Fans can expect to see prematch performances by local drag queens and kings alike, alongside family-friendly activities like face painting, merch giveaways, and photo ops.

During the match, the Reign will continue their summerlong mission to keep their place as the league’s sixth seed. They are tied for wins in a neck-to-neck race against Racing Louisville FC, separated only by the draws they have accumulated instead of losses. Had the Reign not scored last-minute goals against Gotham FC and the Chicago Stars this season, they might have fallen from playoff contention.

Thankfully, the team’s still fighting as they return for the second half of their season, but it will only take one loss to knock them out. In the past, Seattle has overwhelmingly won their games against Angel City, 8 to 3. However, in the postRapinoe era, LA has managed to pull off some upsets.

During their last matchup in March, for example, Angel City found an unexpected boost of energy from their supporting cast

toward the end, and rookie Riley Tiernan closed the game out with a successful, straight-on shot. The Reign lost 2-1. This time, they cannot afford to make the same mistake.

Hopefully, with the support of their enthusiastic home fans, dressed in blue, gold, and the colors of the rainbow, they

Hilary Knight, Queer Olympian and women’s hockey MVP, joins PWHL Seattle

BY CALVIN JAY EMERSON

PWHL Seattle has announced that Hilary Knight, a four-time Olympic medalist and captain of both Team USA and the Boston Fleet, became the first-ever athlete to join the team after signing a one-year contract for the 2025–26 season. She’s widely considered one of the best women’s hockey players of all time, and among fans and insiders, her availability as a free agent was considered to be a major shock across the league.

PWHL Seattle was able to enlist Knight because the team was in the midst of a five-day expansion window in which they could sign five players that were either free agents, or left unprotected by other teams. Every existing PWHL team had the choice to protect three of their players. The Boston Fleet, in an unexpected move, decided to leave Hilary Knight unprotected.

The Fleet’s front office has yet to com-

ment on their reasoning, but for Seattle, the “why” didn’t matter. For a new team trying to find its identity, bringing in Knight is a no-brainer.

She’s both a veteran leader who can guide younger players forward and a superstar who has gained international prominence for her play at the Winter Olympics. She’s a three-time silver medalist with 15 years of experience on the world stage, and during the Pyeongchang games, her incredible opening shot against Canada helped Team USA win their first gold medal in women’s hockey since 1998.

In the PWHL, she led the Fleet to the inaugural Walter Cup finals in 2023. Though they ultimately lost to the Minnesota Frost, Knight established herself as an offensive menace. She has contributed goals in almost every match she’s played, leading the league with 29 points across

30 games. She’s also an out member of the LGBTQ+ community, and she’s been dating USA speed skater Brittany Bowe for over three years.

If Knight is chosen as team captain of PWHL Seattle — an incredibly likely outcome given her experience and salary — she’ll be the next openly Queer woman to lead a professional Seattle sports team. This means she’ll inevitably be following in the footsteps of Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, who’ve both been retired since 2023. Whether Knight will end up with her name in the rafters, just like the legendary power couple, can only be known once the puck hits the ice. PWHL Seattle is scheduled to begin play at the start of the league’s 2025–26 season, beginning in late November.

An

the festivities will be

will come out on top. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. PST. Fans can attend in person at Lumen Field, or watch it live on Paramount Plus.

COURTESY SEATTLE REIGN

COURTESY SEATTLE REIGN

To hype next year’s World Cup, Seattle’s FIFA committee breaks Guinness World Record

BY CALVIN JAY EMERSON

On June 15, hundreds of soccer fans and families gathered for an attempt to achieve the Guinness World Record for “World’s Largest Soccer Lesson,” organized by FIFA and the Seattle Sounders FC.

In an event that took over the entirety of Pier 62, both organizations sought to beat the existing 965-person record set two years ago by the San Jose Earthquakes. To achieve this goal, they enlisted the help of hundreds of volunteers, a large team of staff members, a dozen soccer coaches, and the one and only Ken Griffey Jr.

Former Sounders players Brad Evans and Steve Zakurani, both stars of the team’s inaugural 2009 roster, were brought up on stage to teach the lesson. Once class was officially in session, they led everyone through 30 minutes of nonstop toe touches, head bumps, and reflex exercises. From Overlook Park, you could look down at what seemed to be waves of bouncing soccer balls. It was vital that the entire crowd stayed motivated, as Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric had set high standards.

“In order to be on the record, you need to be actively participating. Can’t be on the sidelines, can’t be on your phone, or it doesn’t count,” said Empric. “Trust me, you’ll want to count. It’s closer than you think.”

A half-hour later, it was time to hear the official result. If Seattle made the record, the hope was be that it would publicize the city’s shiniest achievements. Peter Tomozawa, CEO of the FIFA Seattle organizing committee, took time in his speech to highlight what he wanted to be remembered: the revamped waterfront, the Sounders’ 2022 CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) victory, and most importantly, “One year from now — and saying this nearly gives me a heart attack — we’ll be playing in the World Cup.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is looming on the horizon, and with events like these, Seattle has shown enthusiasm for its role as a partial host of the games. Despite the veneer of excitement, however, whether the city is actually well-equipped for the world’s biggest tournament remains uncertain.

For example, there have long been concerns that Sound Transit’s bus and light rail network won’t be able to handle the sheer demand from World Cup tourists. The continual delays of the Eastside connection — well into 2026 — has only exacerbated these worries.

Simultaneously, with Trump in the Oval Office, there was already online

speculation stoking fears that immigration enforcement would crack down on FIFA stadiums, including Lumen Field, during its 2025 Club World Cup matches. These concerns extend to next year’s matches as well.

For today, however, 2026 remains a

future problem. Once Empric announced that Seattle had indeed successfully broken the record, with the help of 1,038 participants, the crowd erupted into celebration. Hugs were shared, and champagne flowed freely. Hopefully, that joy will remain true just one year from now.

CALVIN JAY EMERSON

KEN GRIFFEY JR. SPEAKS CALVIN JAY EMERSON

BRUCE HARRELL WITH RECORD BANNER

CALVIN JAY EMERSON

CALVIN JAY EMERSON

CALVIN JAY EMERSON

New coffee table book I Got You Babe: A Celebration of Cher amuses and shocks

BY ANDREW HAMLIN

I Got You Babe: A Celebration of Cher, the new coffee-table book from Annie Zaleski, follows the beloved musician and even heroine, including her split from her first husband Sonny Bono, which wasn’t exactly clean. As a coffee-table book, photos naturally abound at least every other page, documenting her seemingly endless Bob Mackie costume creations.

Television brought Cher and Bono back together, more than once, after a 1975 divorce did them part. She struck a pose for a 1988 photo shoot in a chainmail skirt, punk chains, a white jacket painted with “God Save N.Y.C.,” and a bright button reading “Sonny Bono for Mayor” (of Palm Springs, not New York). Sonny won and then went on to Congress; he died in a 1998 skiing accident; Cher had married and divorced a second time by then.

Seemingly endless variations on barelythere outfits, like her 1974 soufflé-fabric and body-makeup getup — which fooled one Met Gala attendee into asking why she was just plain naked — are abundant throughout Zaleski’s book. For the 58th

Oscars, Cher transformed into the world’s sexiest tarantula, with her hair spiked up and out, and her angularly cut two-piece outfit resplendent with sparkles, of course. We even get 12-year-old Cherilyn Sarkasian’s naturally blasé look on one page, in a mugshot. What did she do? Borrowed a car without asking for permission.

Over Zaleski’s 224 pages, Cher parties with Alexis Arquette and CandyAss; sings with drag queens, J.C. Gaynor, and Kenny Sacha (as Diana Ross and Bette Midler, respectively); and watches as her oldest child, Chaz Bono, comes out first as a Lesbian, then as a Trans man. Her younger son Elijah Blue Allman throws in some party drag, just to keep things interesting.

Essential Heightened Scrutiny is an emotional call to action

BY SARA MICHELLE FETTERS SGN STAFF WRITER

HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY

Theaters (Seattle release still TBD)

Concentrating on ACLU attorney Chase Strangio as he prepares to argue before the Supreme Court in December of 2024, Heightened Scrutiny is filmmaker Sam Feder’s follow-up to his award-winning 2020 Netflix documentary Disclosure. Of the two, this is the superior film. There is no sugarcoating the stark uphill realities Strangio and the ACLU are facing. By keeping the spotlight on the lawyer, the remaining tangents feel far more urgent and personal than they would have otherwise.

The Supreme Court case at the center of things is United States v. Skrmetti, an examination of Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1), a 2023 law that prohibits certain medical treatments for Transgender minors, specifically puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Feder begins following Strangio roughly five months before oral arguments are scheduled. The pressure the attorney feels as he processes the magnitude of the case, coupled with being the first openly Transgender lawyer to argue before SCOTUS, is understandably palpable. But life doesn’t stop in its tracks so Stran-

gio can prepare. The 2024 election is a part of this story, and that means Project 2025 is also a topic of conversation. This leads to a studiously frank examination of how mainstream news sources (specifically the New York Times and The Atlantic) have played a significant role in undermining Transgender access to healthcare, workplace protections, and basic civil rights over the past decade. Feder presents the case with matter-of-fact bluntness and does not resort to sensationalistic editing techniques or storytelling subterfuge, letting these articles stand on their own, while the color commentary by journalists and civil rights activists methodically details their real-world repercussions. There is also an examination of how right-wing media utilized 1960s-era propaganda techniques as a way to attack the Trans community and make disturbing inroads into rolling back civil rights protections for everyone.

A scene of a 12-year-old calling out a New York school board for scrolling on their phones, being rude, and not paying attention in a packed community meeting on Transgender rights slapped me in the face. Moments with Strangio, his friends, and his co-workers following the 2024 election are evocatively stinging. Juxta-

posed throughout are audio excerpts from oral arguments in United States v. Skrmetti, each inserted almost like chapter breaks that feed into the next aspect of the story Feder is telling.

Although the overall focus is on Strangio, primarily this is still an old-school “talking heads”-style documentary, and while this presentation does work, there were moments when I wished the director had pressed subjects to venture more outside of their comfort zones. This is particularly so with New York Times journalist Lydia Polgreen. Despite the emphasis on the paper’s numerous stories augmenting anti-Trans voices with apparently precious little factchecking, Polgreen is never really part of that conversation. This seemed strange to me.

The other discombobulating aspect is that the documentary ends without a resolution. The whole thing was shot, edited, and completed before the Supreme Court issued its ruling, almost as if the filmmakers were afraid that the downer of the expected outcome would be too much for audiences. (On June 18, SCOTUS upheld the Tennessee ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for Transgender minors, ruling that the law did not violate the Equal

Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment).

Even so, this doc remains essential viewing. Feder has dispensed with the easygoing, nonconfrontational style of Disclosure Instead, the director has led with their chin, utilizing fact, science, anger, and emotion to cancel right-wing propaganda, talking points, and outright lies. Their anger is palpable. More importantly, it’s justified.

Early on in the film, Jelani Cobb, dean of the Columbia School of Journalism, poignantly states, “I don’t like bullies.” Neither does Heightened Scrutiny. Feder’s documentary is a celebration — not just of Stangio but for everyone, everywhere who is willing to stand up for truth, embrace empathy, and not let themselves get beaten down by authoritarian belligerency. This is a call to action worth heeding, because if we don’t, the next stop could be an Orwellian nightmare we might not be allowed to awaken from.

Heightened Scrutiny is currently playing in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The documentary held its Pacific Northwest premiere during May’s Seattle International Film Festival. Its local general theatrical release is currently yet to be scheduled.

COURTESY HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY

JENANI COBB

ELLIOT

Gunn’s hopeful Superman soars into the superpowered stratosphere

BY SARA MICHELLE FETTERS SGN STAFF WRITER

SUPERMAN

Theaters

At this point, it’s quite clear that James Gunn knows how to successfully bring comic book superheroes to the screen. If his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy didn’t already prove this — easily the best selfcontained story arc in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe — then his ability to resurrect The Suicide Squad from the fiery ashes of its disastrous 2016 predecessor added an exclamation point of validation. Gunn has a knack for larger-than-life tales, and this certainly continues with his handling of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s Superman

But while this Kryptonian remains faster than a speeding bullet and can still leap over tall buildings in a single bound, bringing him back to life after Christopher Reeve (primarily 1980’s Superman II ) has proven to be an epically iffy proposition. As much as I enjoyed 2006’s Superman Returns, it is still beholden to the world created by Richard Donner and doesn’t step as far outside the shadow of the original 1978 production as it should have. Then there’s Zack Snyder’s fantastically divisive Man of Steel from 2013 and its two even more polarizing follow-ups — and for my money, the less time spent on those, the better.

Now, with a new universe of DC Comics adventures aching to take flight, Gunn brushes off what had to be an unfathomable amount of pressure and delivers an outstanding and highly entertaining Superman. While it’s imperfect and not all of its elements work together to form a seamless whole, the talented filmmaker still showcases an innate understanding of the character that is second to none.

Gunn delivers a fun, goofy, irreverent, and heartfelt motion picture overflowing with empathy and kindness. If only for a passing moment, this film got me to feel good about the world and humanity’s place in it again. Considering current global events, that’s no small achievement.

Gunn chooses to showcase the character in an already established world of heroes and monsters. Even if they haven’t a clue who his mild-mannered alter ego Clark Kent is, the entire world is aware of Superman (David Corenswet). But after stopping a war between neighboring European countries, Superman finds himself at odds with both the US government and tyrannical billionaire industrialist Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).

The plot from there revolves around Luthor’s dogged quest to vanquish his allpowerful adversary by first destroying his good name and the determination of Daily Planet star reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) — who knows the Man of Steel’s secret identity (they’re dating) — to prove him innocent. There are several side stories, some revolving around Superman/ Clark’s parents Ma (Neva Howell) and Pa Kent (Pruitt Taylor Vince), others concerning photojournalist Jimmie Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) and Luthor’s selfie-obsessed influencer girlfriend Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio), and even another involving metahuman members of the Justice Gang, Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), tech genius Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and the high-flying Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced).

Gunn juggles all of these pieces with consummate skill, and while not all of the characters are given full freedom to evolve throughout the picture’s fast-paced,

129-minute running time, they each still manage to make their own entirely unique impression. None are afterthoughts, and all have their own impulses and desires that drive them forward. Better than that, not a single one (or several others I have not mentioned) takes up space for no discernible reason.

Of the secondary characters, Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific makes the most lasting impression. This is a star-making turn, and whether sharing the screen with Corenswet or Brosnahan, the actor’s engagingly cocky yet quietly selfless bravado is out of this world. His chemistry with both is undeniable, and his character is easily one I want to see more of.

As for the primary trio of Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult, they are all excellent. Each slips inside the shell of their characters with magnetic grace. Corenswet projects an innate goodness that lights up the screen. Brosnahan is smart, feisty, personable, and courageous in all the best ways. Hoult is a titanic force of nature, his ferociously hedonistic entitlement making his version of Luthor a mesmeric monster as enjoyable to watch in all his nefarious awfulness as he is unforgivably terrifying in his attempts to make his dastardly deeds a despicable reality.

There are some drawbacks to Gunn’s take on the material. As this world is already fully realized, it does take some work to figure out much of the backstory. Additionally, the filmmaker leans into some of the zanier and crazier aspects of DC lore, and sometimes that wackiness gets exhausting. Also, a major third-act reveal involving a baddie who has proven themselves to be suspiciously close to Superman’s equal falls strangely flat, and I did not find their

climactic battle in a crumbling Metropolis particularly exciting.

But then there’s Krypto the dog, a fourlegged terror whose puppy instincts for chaos frequently get the better of him. And a magical “pocket universe,” which is really a for-profit prison that the federal government secretly extradites prisoners to, including US citizens. And sections on how the United States is a country of immigrants, and how that diversity is a trait that makes it stronger, not weaker, and one that it should be continually proud of. And an entire heartrending overlay of resilience and hope that cathartically showcases how wonderful tomorrow can be, as long as everyone everywhere is willing to fight for it together. It’s all marvelous.

The technical aspects are all beyond reproach, and Gunn and composers David Fleming and John Murphy’s utilization of John Williams’s iconic theme — which is now up there with Monty Norman’s for James Bond and Akira Ifukube’s for Godzilla — is exemplary. From cinematography to visual effects, from costume design to editing, every facet is exceptional. But the greatest strength this Superman possesses is its humanity. While the film does soar, it does so because it gives the viewer hope. Hope for the present. Hope for the future. That, inside of us all, there is a superhero who only wants to do the best they can for everyone, no matter their background, race, or gender, whose selfless resilience to do good is all that’s needed to carry the day.

These are all hopes I aspire to be worthy of. Here’s my additional hope that many others around the world feel the same.

COURTESY SUPERMAN

COURTESY SUPERMAN

COURTESY SUPERMAN

New I Know What You Did Last Summer is a goofily silly legacy sequel

BY SARA MICHELLE FETTERS

SGN STAFF WRITER

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER Theaters

If 1997’s I Know What You Did Last Summer was only made thanks to Scream being a box office juggernaut a year prior (it also helped that both were scripted by Kevin Williamson), a case could be made that the reason the former’s 2025 sequel exists is in large part due to the latter’s 2022 sequel being one of that year’s more surprising critical and financial success stories. But while that newer Scream had a difficult time stepping outside the massive shadow of its predecessors — even with a fresh cast of young characters sitting alongside fan-favorite returnees — the same cannot be said about this new I Know What You Did Last Summer. It’s better than the two 1990s thrillers that came before it — much better — and I’m as shocked as anyone.

This is mainly due to two primary reasons: Director and co-writer Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, working once again with her Do Revenge collaborator Sam Lansky, isn’t afraid to play up the inherent cornball humor essential to the silly scenario they’ve dreamt up, and they are both equally unafraid to not use kid gloves on the franchise’s legacy characters Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.). They also

add in some not-so-subtle commentary on wealth inequality, cultural assimilation, political corruption, religious hypocrisy, media illiteracy, and gentrification that I did not see coming. These are all virtues worth applauding.

Does it all work? Not really. The tone shifts from broad comedy to straight blood-thirsty thriller at the drop of a hat, and while a filmmaker like Wes Craven could pull off sudden transitions like this in his sleep, Robinson doesn’t seem to have the knack, at least not right now. Also, much like Do Revenge, the director seems to prefer a rather lackadaisical storytelling pace. This means she has difficulty maintaining tension and suspense for all 111 minutes. Finally, while much is undeniably by design, there is still a lot of incredibly dumb stuff throughout this tale, some of which caused me to do some serious eye rolling.

Set almost 30 years after the events of the first film, the story brings viewers back to the small coastal town of Southport. Residents have moved on from what happened to Julie, Ray, and their friends, so much so that their ordeal has become something of an urban legend that newcomers don’t even believe. Additionally, with the help of developer Grant Spencer (Billy Campbell), the community has progressed from being a working-class fishing village to an affluent enclave that wealthy tourists flock to

during the summer months, and not everyone who lives in Southport thinks this is a good thing.

Some of the town’s nouveau riche include Danica (Madelyn Cline), Ava (Chase Sui Wonders), Milo (Jonah Hauer-King), and Teddy (Tyriq Withers). The group’s fifth member, Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon), has a more blue-collar background, but that never stopped them from partying together.

On the Fourth of July, hours after an engagement party for Danica and Teddy has long come to an inebriated conclusion, the quintet attempts to revisit their teenage exuberance and take in the fireworks on a secluded section of coastal highway. Drunken hijinks ensue, and a passing traveler in a truck gets sent over the side of a cliff, seemingly to their death.

Like in the original — but this time with the aid of Teddy’s powerful father, Grant — the friends cover up what happened that night, the lingering aftereffects playing havoc with their consciences. A year later, the five friends find themselves unexpectedly reunited when Danica receives a mysterious letter containing seven ominous words: “I know what you did last summer.”

Julie (who has left Southport and is now a college professor) and Ray (who has stopped fishing and now owns a popular local bar) get brought into things when a figure wearing a fisherman’s slicker and wielding a sharpened hook starts menac-

ing Ava, Danica, and the rest of their group. While the duo’s connection to these events is tenuous at best, for obvious reasons they still feel obligated to help. But when bodies start to pile up, and with local authorities loath to do much more than offer platitudes (they don’t want to scare off the tourists), Julie and Ray get drawn in deeper and, in doing so, discover that their part in this bloody seaside opera may be larger than they thought.

It all gets obnoxiously convoluted, and there are points where it felt like Robinson and Lansky must have been making up aspects of the plot on the day of filming. But they still manage some flights of imaginative nonsense that I adored. Not the least of these is one banger of a loopy dream sequence featuring Cline — who is so magnetically marvelous as Danica, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her — that’s like a madcap cross between Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, Blood and Black Lace, and the original Suspiria, only with a modern-day, influencer-culture twist. It’s inspired.

Other aspects I delighted in were Ava’s almost blasé bisexuality (a borderline afterthought that all of her friends, even the one who is attracted to her, take for granted), a sensational — if admittedly ludicrous — chase sequence through one of the first film’s signature locations (now gussied up as a high-end restaurant), and that it’s never a given which members of the primary cast are going to die when. Also, this sequel isn’t afraid to be laugh-out-loud funny. It plays into its campier aspects with enthusiasm, and the lively, go-for-broke performances from Cline, Wonders, Pidgeon, Prinze, and Hewitt only augment that.

I don’t really like the original film (or its sequel, 1998’s I Still Know What You Did Last Summer), and for the life of me, I never would have believed there’d be enough affinity for it to warrant a followup. But the more I keep thinking about this film, the more I can’t stop smiling. It’s goofy. It’s messy. Much of it does not work, and many of its pieces almost belligerently refuse to fit together.

Yet, while I couldn’t shake the feeling that Robinson wanted to drill down into the satirically incisive aspects of her scenario with far more conviction than she was sadly allowed to, elements of her blistering social commentary still present themselves with nimble conviction. The director brings a sly, almost sadistic looniness to this sequel. As the film went on, the more I enjoyed myself, and by the time all the survivors were standing face-to-face for one last showdown, I was jubilantly hooked. I may just head back to the theater to watch this one again.

COURTESY I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER

COURTESY I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

& Juliet

Date: August 1-3

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA

Admissions: $5.00

Created by the Emmy-winning writer from "Schitt's Creek," this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love-her way.

Le Faux

Date: August 1-30

Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Venue: Julia's on Broadway, 300 Broadway E, Seattle, WA

Doors: 6pm | Show: 7pm

Pride: The Ric Weiland Collection

Date: August 1-31

Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Venue: Museum of History and Industry, 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, Seattle, WA

Admissions: $0.00 - $25.00

In observance of Pride month and the 50th Anniversary of Microsoft, join MOHAI to explore the collection of Ric Weiland — Microsoft’s employee No. 2.

Bad Girls Brunch

Date: Saturdays and Sundays, August 2-31

Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

Venue: Julia's on Broadway, 300 Broadway E, Seattle, WA Doors: 12pm | Show: 1pm

TRANSplants - Trans Reading Series & Open Mic

Date: August 2

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Venue: Charlie's Queer Books Seattle, WA

TRANSplants is back at Charlie's Queer Books for July with featured reader, Never Angeline North! Share your own work in progress at the open mic: workshop that poem, sing us a love song, or whip out your novel. Have fun! An intimate, relaxed environment, perfect for newbies. You don't have to read, but you do have to come.

Dance Drafts: LGBTQ-focused dance class

Date: August 3

Time: 2-5 p.m.

Venue: Manuscript Tacoma, 203 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA

"Dance Drafts" is an ALL AGES event hosted by Trans/Queer Partners in Dance. Odd months (January, March, etc) will focus on West Coast Swing, and even

months focus on Bachata. The suggested ticket price is $20, with some reduced rate tickets available.

The classes focuses on learning social dances together, being confident about body awareness, and learning different dance styles. Everything is guided from war-ups to styling options! Attendance is capped at between 20-25 people. No prior dance experience is required. Snag tickets here: http://allevents.by/TQPID

We focus on creating accessible partner dance experiences and connections for folks who are trans, queer, BIPOC, and disabled--creating an inclusive learning experience for all types of learners and abilities. Manuscript is a wonderful restaurant with an event space in the back (that's where you'll find us!). Attendees receive 10% off their Manuscript bill on the day of the class! Enjoy brunch/lunch before class, or hang out for happy hour afterwards. https://www.manuscripttacoma.com

The Skank Tank Drag Show

Date: August 3

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Venue: The Pine Box, 1600 Melrose Ave, Seattle, WA

Get ready for a wild night of fierce drag performances and fabulous skanky vibes at The Skank Tank Drag Show!

Social Scramble - LGBTQ+ Edition

Date: August 4

Time: 5 p.m.

Venue: 5701 East Green Lake Way N, Seattle, WA

Make New Friends: LGBTQ EDITION Scramble! Ready to mix things up? Enter yourself and get ready to be paired with some new pals as you scramble your way through the competition! Teams will be drawn at random, all in the spirit of expanding our community. This event is all about fun and socializing, with just a splash of friendly competition.

What doves the winning team get? Bragging rights and the chance to make a difference. The winning team will earn the special honor of directing a donation to a deserving cause, choosing from Puget Sound Keepers, First Tee, Treehouse, Solid Ground, or Outdoors For All. It's a winwin”celebrate your victory while giving back to the community!

So whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, everyone is welcome to join the fun. Let's make some unforgettable memories together!

The Queer Agenda: A Live Dating & Comedy Show

Date: Wednesday, August 6

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Chop Suey, 1325 E Madison St, Seattle, WA

The Queer Agenda: A Live Dating & Comedy Show Looking for loveor just a good laugh? Join us for The Queer Agenda, Seattles favorite queer dating/comedy experience, happening every first Wednesday at Chop Suey (well except when its Thursday, October 2nd).Hosted by the hilarious Jaleesa Johnson (@jaleesajohnson_), this one-of-a-kind show blends comedy, chaos, and real-life matchmaking right on stage. Singles and brave volunteers participate in playful dating games and comedic challenges, all while the audience gets in on the fun. Expect queer joy, spicy surprises, and plenty of laughs. Chop Suey 1325 E. Madison St. Doors: 7 PM | Show: 8 PM¸ Tickets: $20 advance | $25 at the doorWant to be on the show? Signup at the link below visit for your chance to be part of The Queer Agenda! https://gforms.app/ Q8wj99k Questions? Email us at thequeeragendashow@gmail.com

FEMME FATALE: Sapphic Goth Night

Date: Saturday, August 9

Time: 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Venue: Asylum Collective, 108 South Jackson Street B, Seattle, WA Safe space WLW, T4T & queer goth night in a haunted pink venue in the Seattle Underground.

Alki Beach Pride

Date: Saturday, August 16

Time: 12-8 p.m.

Venue: Alki Beach, Seattle, WA

Description Celebrate the love in our community by joining us at Alki Beach Pride, a family-friendly event with lots of free activities. Vendors and community organizations proudly represent the LGBTQIA+ community and they'll be selling handcrafted goods and yummy food while music will be provided by DJs and a variety of LGBTQIA+ entertainers will perform on stage.

Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest

Date: Saturday, August 23-24

Venue: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA

This festival focuses on intergenerational activities and promotion of traditional and contemporary African American heritage, showcasing local entertainment, photography, food merchants, historical exhibits, and more.

Goth Munch

Date: Sunday, August 24

Time: 9-11 p.m.

Venue: Mercury @ Machinewerks, 1009 East Union, Seattle, WA

For more events visit SGN's online community calendar!

Admissions: $0.00 - $5.00

Meet other kink-minded or kink-curious Goth humans. The primary goal of this munch is to socialize and meet people. You can safely assume these people are at least a little bit kinky, so you don't need to bring up those conversations -- Just come say hi to spooky humans and enjoy the venue space

Whirr/Nothing

Date: Thursday, August 28

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: The Showbox, 1426 1st Ave., Seattle, WA

A portion of proceeds benefits Seattle's LGBTQ Center.

All Stars: GINGER MINJ

Date: Saturday, August 30

Time: 9-10 p.m.

Venue: Queer Bar, 1518 11th Ave, Seattle, WA

All Star Ginger Minj joins our MX Cast for an unforgettable night! Reserve a Booth for 5 friends or a High Top Table for 4 and receive VIP Table Service and a Meet & Greet at 8:30 PM before the show! Show at 9 PM.

Redmond Pride

Date: Saturday, August 30

Time: 12-5 p.m.

Venue: Downtown Park Redmond, WA

Redmond Pride Returns August 30th-A Celebration of Queer Joy and Community Now in its fourth year, Redmond Pride returns to Downtown Park on Saturday, August 30th from 12-5 p.m. Hosted by Pride Across the Bridge, this free, all-ages event celebrates the vibrancy, resilience, and diversity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community on the Eastside. This year's theme, "Enchanted Together" invites attendees to embrace magic, self-expression, and imagination through art, performance, and community connection. With over 60+ local vendors, 5 hours of incredible performers, and a stage full of queer talent, Redmond Pride offers something for everyone-plus food trucks, community resources, art spaces, and a chill zone. Redmond Pride was created to fill a decades-long request for a Pride celebration on the Eastside by those in the queer community. Since 2022, it has grown to welcome folks not only from the Eastside, but throughout the PNW! Pride Across the Bridge believes in making queer joy visible where it's often overlooked. Join us in celebrating love, liberation, and the power of showing up as your full self. Follow us @pride.across.the. bridge or visit www.redmondpride.org for details, vendor info, and volunteer opportunities.

W PRESENTS: JOPLYN

Returning to W Seattle, W PRESENTS: JOPLYN, an emerging house and techno artist from Berlin.

Join us for a night of vibrant music, energy, and dance.