Trans community and allies rally in Seattle against rising violence and political threats
BY ALEX GARLAND
25,000 turn out at Seattle Center’s pro-democracy Hands Off protest against administration policies
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS
Many Americans are fed up with Trump and Musk’s reign, and the countrywide Hands Off protests on April 5 proved just that. It is estimated that over five million people in 1,300 cities and towns rallied to send a clear message: HANDS OFF!
In Seattle Center on that sunny Saturday, about 25,000 Washingtonians (according to Indivisible Seattle) showed up to express their passion and rage about the administration’s attack on just about every community, excluding the ultra-wealthy.
“We’re standing up for human rights, regardless of color, how you vote, your job, your credentials — any of that… Make a stand to make a voice,” attendee Kat Wil-
liams told the SGN Al Williams chimed in, noting how it feels like people have little power.
“Being able to show up and see other people come together is a really great opportunity to remember how much power we can hold together to make change,” he told the SGN. “A hundred percent of us are here to support each other — lean into that. There might be a whole bunch of strangers here, but everybody is willing to help and support.”
Not only was every part of the Seattle Center flooded with people but also some
On a cool spring evening, over 150 people gathered at the University District light rail station, their signs and voices rising together in a powerful display of solidarity. The April 4 rally — organized in response to a brutal attack on a local Transgender woman and the escalating political threats against LGBTQIA+ rights — brought together activists, veterans, health-
care workers, and allies from across Seattle.
The event took on added urgency following recent reports of increased violence against the Trans community nationwide, and Trump’s series of executive orders targeting genderaffirming care and LGBTQIA+ rights.
SEE RALLY PAGE 10
Jonathan Adamow’s murderer caught Faces charge of murder in the first degree with firearm enhancement
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS SGN EDITOR
After 23-year-old Charles Michael Hickman III was arrested on April 7, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) brought a charge of murder in the first degree against him for the tragic murder of Queer community member Jonathan Adamow. This past New Year’s Eve, Adamow was out walking when he was shot in the back and died on the scene from severe injuries.
Hickman is currently being held on a bail set at $2 million. Adamow was not Hickman’s intended target that night, according to the KCPAO charging documents, which state that “the defendant took efforts to stalk out an intended target [and] find the
location he could conceal himself behind to wait for the opportunity to strike, and then fired across the street towards a busy gas station when he decided to shoot.” The documents state that Hickman’s actions that night took an “extreme level” of planning and violence.
Adamow, known as “Jonny,” was 29 years old and originally from Queens, New York, according to an online obituary. He was a marching band member in high school and loved the arts and drawing.
“Active and creative, Jonny enjoyed rollerblading, exploring nature, and creating
ALEX GARLAND
DIGNITY MEMORIAL
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Mayor Harrell signs “Welcoming City” ordinance protecting access to reproductive
and gender-affirming care
BY NOVA BERGER
On March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed the Welcoming City ordinance, which reaffirms the city’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, in particular those seeking access to or providing reproductive healthcare or gender-affirming care, similar to statewide legislation in place.
“We cannot afford to stand by, we cannot afford to wait and see,” said Patti Hearn, executive director of Seattle Pride. “This ordinance speaks to many people living here... Seattle is a haven. The sad reality is we shouldn’t need a haven, but our rights
are under attack, a coordinated attack across the country.”
Hearn added that visibility is crucial but that protection, affirmation, action, and advocacy are needed now more than ever.
Mayor Harrell told the SGN that he thinks we have one of the strongest community-based organizations in the country on Capitol Hill, and he said the city has the infrastructure for people to join in and be “louder,” which is the theme of this year’s Seattle Pride. He said he is prepared to fight against anti-LGBTQIA+ attacks in unprecedented ways.
“People here, they’ve been targeted their
Man tears down Seattle elementary school Pride flag and lights it on fire
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS SGN EDITOR
On March 24, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) filed two felony charges for a hate crime and malicious mischief in the second degree against 37-year-old Vladimir Morgun. The accused is alleged to have ripped a Pride flag from a Seattle elementary school flagpole, then proceeded to light it on fire.
While some children were still at the school, Morgun allegedly spent a great amount of time attempting to rip off the Pride flag, and witnesses reported that he threw numerous items he lit on fire and a boulder-sized rock, according to the charging documents, which also noted how the flagpole was damaged in the process.
“Once he was able to take the flag down, he lit it on fire and then stuffed it inside of a statue of religious figure he had further damaged. He wrote slurs on the statue and covered it in feces,” according to the charging documents. “The defendant was arrested in yet another alarming incident
[in which] he was attempting to enter an occupied home. The defendant admitted to this conduct and to the underlying bias motivating his crime. He also admitted to tearing down at least 16 Pride flags in the Seattle area recently.”
But in his court hearing on Monday, April 7, his defense attorney questioned Morgun’s competency to undergo further judicial proceedings. This has initiated an evaluation by the State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), which will occur at the King County jail with his attorney present. The competency hearing results were scheduled to be shared with the judge during an April 22 hearing.
If Morgun is found competent, he will be arraigned and enter a plea.
“If a defendant is found competent, and if the case fits eligibility criteria, a defendant may be referred to Regional Mental Health Court, which focuses on sustained stability for defendant while reducing recidivism
whole life. We’re not afraid to be a target,” Harrell said when asked if Seattle would be in the sights of the Trump administration. He encouraged Seattle residents to become vocal in their communities, to interrupt and stop bigotry or hate when they hear or see it, and to let others know they are an ally.
“[LGBTQIA+ people] are being threatened, so anything that we are able to provide or give is so much appreciated,” Harrell said. “There’s so much that individuals can do, especially when it comes to all of the different organizations that are pulling back their resources and their DEI initia-
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tives… If you have the money, money is really important right now. Our funds are being taken away from us.”
He added that people can refuse to work with organizations and companies that roll back DEI initiatives and find other ones whose values are aligned with one’s own, something everyone can do in their day-today lives.
“Interrupt the bullying immediately. That’s what we do with children.” said Hearn, who also works as an educator. “Vote with your dollars. We’re having the biggest effect with the people closest to us.”
and increasing community safety,” said Casey McNerthney, the KCPAO communications director.
If Morgun is found to be competent yet does not fit the criteria for the Regional Mental Health Court, then his case will continue through the traditional criminal prosecution process. If he is found not competent after the evaluation, he will likely head to a first competency restoration period with the DSHS at a facility at Western State Hospital, which is typically a 90-day stay, said McNerthney.
If he is still not competent after this first restoration period, prosecutors can request a second competency evaluation, which is
also 90 days, and if necessary, they can ask for a third one, which is generally 180 days. McNerthney said if he is still found not competent after three such periods, then the judge can dismiss the case, and if dismissed without prejudice, it can be refiled if Morgun is later found to be competent by a DSHS evaluator.
According to the charging documents, Morgun “has a pending malicious mischief [in the third] degree out of Olympia Municipal Court. He was charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer and attempted assault in the [third] degree in 2024, but the case was dismissed due to incompetency.”
Transgender woman assaulted by man who now faces two hate crime charges
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS
EDITOR
On March 28, 39-year-old Andre Phillip Karlow pleaded not guilty during his first appearance at a hearing in the King County Superior Court (KCSC) after Seattle police had arrested him as part of a hate crime investigation the previous day. The judge set his bail at $200,000.
It is alleged that, along with a group of men, Karlow attacked a Transgender woman who was leaving work on the 4700 block of University Way NE, breaking her teeth and causing numerous other injuries.
Karlow now faces two hate crime charges, as he is alleged to have also assaulted a Sound Transit fare ambassador —also a Trans woman — last September.
Assault on the Ave
Shortly after 6 p.m. on March 27, Seattle Police responded to a call in which the victim reported being thrown on the ground and beaten, and that the assailants were still present. The victim told police she was leaving work and passed a group of men, who called her a “drag queen” and said, “Take your makeup off.” She turned to ask what they said and began to take out her phone to photograph them, but before she could do so, they jumped her and punched her face, according to the SPD report.
The woman fell to the ground, and the men proceeded to kick her body. She escaped but, chased by the men, ran into a nearby restaurant.
“The suspects created a disturbance inside but eventually left when confronted by patrons/customers,” according to the SPD report.
The SPD arrived on the scene and called in Seattle Fire so the victim could be assessed and treated for her bruised and swollen eye, broken teeth, scraped hands, and abdominal pain.
She told the police that the suspects repeated the US Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fi,” and she mentioned that she was a veteran. In response, one of the suspects allegedly brought up Trump’s Trans military ban.
Seattle police were able to identify Karlow and approached his residence on foot, spotting a suspect with similar clothing and characteristics as in witness reports, including camera footage and eyewitnesses. Officers served a signed search warrant, and the suspect was taken into custody.
“There were others allegedly involved in the attack,” said Casey McNerthney, direc-
tor of communications at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. “The incident remains under investigation with Seattle Police, and cases involving others have not been referred to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. In court on Friday, the defendant’s defense attorney said his client has no affiliation with the United States Marine Corps.”
Rap sheet and additional anti-Trans hate crime
According to the SPD report, “Coincidentally, an officer had taken a DV [domestic violence] assault report… involving the same suspect vehicle… A girlfriend of A/Karlow reported he had thrown a can of food at her [which] did strike the victim, causing injury. Probable cause for Assault 4-DV was established against Karlow.”
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office provided the SGN with Karlow’s criminal record, which dates back to 2004, when he was charged with carrying and handling weapons. In 2005, he was charged
King County Prosecuting Attorney charges three suspects with hate crimes for Pony attack
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS
SGN EDITOR
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) charged three suspects with hate crimes. The 17-, 19-, and 24-yearolds were arrested by Seattle Police in March after being tied to the that occurred in February at Pony, where they allegedly subjected patrons to anti-LGBTQIA+ slurs and fired upon them with water pellets.
“King County prosecutors asked the court to order the defendants to have no contact with the nightclub where the incident happened and to have no contact with a victim who was hit with gel water pellets,” Casey McNerthney, KCPAO’s director of communications, said.
Jessica Jaye Clark, 24, and Justin Michael Mayor, 19, were the two adult suspects facing hate crime charges. The
KCPAO charging documents state that Clark “participated in the homophobic harassment of a group of patrons standing outside of an LGBTQ nightclub in Seattle,” and that as she repeatedly drove past Pony for about an hour, the suspects in her car shouted “faggots” and that they “hate fags” at Pony patrons.
“The passengers even escalated to assaulting the group by shooting at them with gel water pellets, successfully hitting victim [redacted by the SGN ] in the arm,” according to the charging documents.
Clark and Mayor were scheduled for court on April 17 at the King County Courthouse while the minor was scheduled to attend the Clark Child and Family Justice Center on April 22.
with attempted assault in the second degree and assault in the third degree. In 2007 and 2008, Karlow was charged with assault in the fourth degree. He was charged with disarming a law enforcement officer in 2008, assault in the third degree, and escape. In 2017, Karlow was charged with obstruction, violation of a domestic violence nocontact/protection order, and threats to harm (DV).
Karlow is also accused of committing a hate crime due to the perception of gender expression and identity and sexual orientation, stemming from an incident last fall relating to a Sound Transit fare ambassador, who is also a Transgender woman.
According to the KCSC case file from September 18, 2024, “the defendant punched the victim in an unprovoked assault. The victim and witnesses reported to police that the defendant called the victim a ‘faggot’ and told the victim to ‘put some bass in your voice’ when the victim asked him for proof of fare. The assault is captured on surveillance video and shows the defendant assaulting the victim
and then struggling with security as they detained him.”
During this attack, Karlow exchanged words and stepped onto the train as the victim removed her phone to photograph the suspect. He stepped off the train and immediately punched her in the face, according to the case file.
For this incident, the court placed Karlow’s bail at $30,000, and he was released on October 15 after the amount was paid by the Northwest Community Bail Fund, which works to end pretrial detention and cash bail in the state.
“We oppose pretrial detention and cash bail, because they harm communities and are racist, classist, transphobic, and ableist. High bails do not increase safety; rather they make sure only the wealthy and people with resources go free, creating two systems of criminal process in Washington: one for people who can afford bail and another for people who can’t,” according to the organization’s website.
Karlow’s next court hearing for the September incident was April 16.
Last year, McNerthney said, there were a total of four cases involving hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation that were referred to KCPAO and charged, with an additional three involving gender or gender expression.
“When there is evidence to show that people were victimized by a hate crime — in whole or in part because of a defendant’s bias — those perpetrators must be held accountable,” King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said.
Seattle PrideFest will celebrate its 19th year of dazzling events on June 28-29 on Capitol Hill and at Seattle Center. But nationwide sponsorship challenges have taken ahold of many LGBTQIA+ Pride Month festivals, including this one. As a result, it has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser specifically for its security team and the local artists.
Last month, San Franscico Pride announced a loss of $300,000 from sponsors dropping out, and Seattle Pride more recently announced a significant funding gap due to the same reasons. Seattle PrideFest has seen a loss of $75,000 since April 1, and is facing a loss of about one-third of
its sponsorship funding, which is approximately $225,000.
The fundraising goal is $75,000, and as of this writing, there were three donations totaling $500. According to GoFundMe page, it takes hundreds of thousands of dollars to throw these large Pride Month events, which includes paying performers. Egan Orion, executive director of Seattle PrideFest, told the SGN that they generally have 100–150 local performers, and are still conducting bookings.
The increasingly hostile political climate and targeted attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community creates the need for strong security, which will cost at least
$50,000 for this year’s PrideFest.
“We’ve been ahead of the curve on our security measures for our events and continue to provide a well thought-out plan with multiple partners to ensure the safety of our attendees,” Orion said. “Beyond that, we don’t talk about specific measures, though vehicle denial has been an especially important piece of our security plan now for three years running.”
This year’s Seattle PrideFest theme is “More Rainbow.” According to the GoFundMe page, “Those who are fighting against our community want us to go away or dim our light, but we aren’t going anywhere or dimming anything. We want more
diversity, more color, MORE RAINBOW.”
Despite several sponsors pulling out of this year’s Seattle PrideFest, Orion said others are filling in the gaps, and the list continues to grow. Some sponsors include Delta, Whiteclaw, Smirnoff, New Belgium Brewing, Seattle Cider, Regence, Dublin Law Group, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, QFC, and C89.5 radio, among others.
Visit Seattle PrideFest’s GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/f/keep-seattle-pridefest-free-safe-and-vibrant-in-2025. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities at https://www.seattlepridefest.org/sponsor.
Robert Kent Storm, 1963–2025
Robert Kent Storm (aka Robert Hajime Ohashi, Jr.) was born on October 25, 1963. He passed away on March 23, 2025, at Swedish Hospital in Edmonds after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia.
Robert graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in botany. He spent many summers in Alaska, where he was a talented cook. He was also a gifted potter and loved to scavenge and search for treasures and rocks.
He was known to be giving, caring, and fun, and always had an ability to get what he set his mind to. He also struggled in many ways throughout his life but now is at peace.
His family is thankful for the friends who supported and loved Robert (Ted, Mark, Andrew, Jeff, Ronne, and Frank). Thank you also to the medical team at Harborview Medical Center, Madison Clinic, the Brain and Wellness Center, Swedish Edmonds
Hospice, and Golden Tulips Assisted Living Center.
Robert is preceded in death by his partner Drew, father Robert Ohashi Sr., mother Carolyn Harris, brother Frank Wheeler, sister Sandra Campbell Culverwell, and brother-in-law John Ledford. He is survived by his stepmother Patricia Neal Ohashi; sisters Debra Wheeler Ledford, Shelly Campbell, and Robyn Ohashi (Dave Berg); stepbrothers William Campbell and Doug Campbell; and brother-in-law Jim Culverwell, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on May 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lab at Ada’s, 425 15th Ave. E. on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Friends and family from throughout Robert’s life are invited to gather and share stories. Light refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PAWS Seattle or your local animal shelter.
In a significant shake-up of Seattle’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife, Capitol Hill’s iconic Cuff Complex was sold on March 28. This change arrives amid growing calls within the community for fresh ideas and programming in the neighborhood’s Queer venues.
Joey Burgess, owner of Queer/Bar and The Woods, who purchased The Cuff in 2020, confirmed the sale, marking the end of his ownership era. Burgess originally took over with the promise to restore the club to Queer ownership and preserve its historic legacy, emphasizing The Cuff’s
The Cuff Complex sold again –what's next for Capitol Hill?
BY ALAN MOTLEY
roots as a space dedicated to leather, kink, and masculine energy.
“It has been a privilege to own Cuff Complex, and we are proud to have kept it thriving through the pandemic and beyond. As all good things must come to an end, we are pleased to pass the reins to Scott Walent and his talented team, confident that they will usher in an exciting new era for the Cuff Complex. After years of hard work and dedication, our team looks forward to taking a well-deserved break and focusing on new projects and goals ahead. We can’t wait for Scott to lead The
Cuff into its 32nd year and beyond,” Burgess told the SGN
However, over recent years, concerns have emerged within the community regarding repetitive event programming across Capitol Hill’s LGBTQIA+ bars–including The Cuff. In a recent SGN article, I highlighted that the nightlife scene has increasingly fallen into predictable patterns, with a small group of programmers dominating venue bookings and leaving limited room for innovation and diversity.
The sale of The Cuff presents both uncertainty and opportunity. Regular patrons and longtime community members are hopeful that new owner Scott Walent and his team will embrace fresh concepts, broaden the range of events offered, and actively involve new programmers and performers. Capitol Hill’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife desperately needs an injection of creative energy to remain vibrant and inclusive for all community members, particularly as cultural interests continue to diversify.
Originally founded in 1993 by Tim F. and Scott R., The Cuff quickly became a cornerstone of Seattle’s Queer culture, renowned for its unapologetic embrace of leather and fetish communities. Over decades, the bar expanded to include a restaurant, dance floor, and a beloved outdoor patio–becoming a crucial community hub.
As I continue investigating further details
on the new plans for The Cuff, the essential question remains: Will this change usher in a more dynamic, inclusive, and innovative nightlife experience, or will familiar patterns persist?
SGN speaks to new owner In a statement to the SGN, new owner Scott Walent shared his enthusiasm–and sense of responsibility–for taking over The Cuff Complex:
“It is a true honor to take over such a well-cherished venue such as The Cuff Complex. We recognize that some businesses truly become the backbone of a neighborhood, and we sincerely hope they continue to thrive for generations to come.
We understand the weight of this responsibility and are committed to honoring the legacy of the previous owners, who so wonderfully navigated The Cuff Complex through the past five years. We plan to maintain many of the values and traditions that have made The Cuff such a vital part of our community while infusing new vibes and programming into the calendar. We share the community’s excitement about the next chapter of The Cuff Complex and are absolutely thrilled to carry it forward.”
Capitol Hill nightlife lovers, buckle up: It sounds like The Cuff is ready to break out the polish–and maybe a little glitter–to freshen up those leather boots. Stay tuned!
Speakers hype the crowd
organizations put up booths so attendees could become involved and take action in the resistance. Traction, a Transgender-led service agency, set up not far behind the speakers’ stage.
“Our biggest project right now is a mutual aid project called ‘Project Open Arms,’” Executive Director Michael Woodward told the SGN, “and we are recruiting folks who have spare bedrooms, spare anything — rides, couch space — to help … all of the Trans folks and their families who are moving here from red states, because they’re fleeing by the hundreds of thousands ”
Woodward said several people who moved to Seattle from other states approached the Traction booth that day with excitement about the organization’s work, and that he tried to recruit them. Woodward said Traction welcomes collaboration from other Queer and cis organizations that are allies.
A total of 21 people were signed up to speak — with Hamdi Mohamed, Seattle’s port commissioner, being the only city representative to speak.
Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck was present at the event. Kaiden Cook, Rinck’s campaign manager, told the SGN they reached out to the organizers several weeks ago to inquire about a speaking opportunity, but that the slots were filled up.
“The message we heard back was that the lineup was finalized and it’s kind of too late to squeeze us in. We also weren’t notified of the rally before it became public. Alexis really wanted to speak if possible,” Cook said.
Mohamed, the first Black woman elected to the Port of Seattle Commission, came to the US as a three-year-old refugee from Somalia. She said when she sees these attacks on healthcare, education, and immigrants, that she feels it deeply.
“These attacks are personal for us. We will fight back, because when working families are under attack, that means our
democracy is under attack,” Mohamed said.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-7) kicked off her speech with crowd-inclusive chants:
“Now when Elon Musk and Donald Trump come for our social security, we say, ‘Hands off!
“When Elon Musk and Donald Trump come for our immigrant community, we say, ‘Hands off!”
Rep. Jayapal said the rally was a beautiful action to take back the US and to show Trump and Musk — and those who seem unable to resist them — that the people are prepared and ready to fight back against unelected billionaires.
“We will fight back against DOGE, which I call the ‘Department of Greed and Ego,’” Jayapal said. “We are here to say we refuse to allow them to strip our fundamental freedoms of speech and dissent, to terrorize college campuses and law firms and journalists and media outlets and civil servants and institutions. We refuse to allow them to raid, kidnap, and disappear our immigrant neighbors.”
Jayapal, an immigrant herself, said that
without immigrants, the US economy and hearts of Americans become broken. She said the administration is distracting the people from its tax cuts to billionaires, but she wanted to make one thing clear:
“Trans kids didn’t [hike] your rent — billionaires did! Immigrants did not make your groceries more expensive — billionaires did!” which brought cheers and applause.
Before exiting the stage, she told the crowd to become “democracy first responders,” and to show “that our coordinated resistance is stronger than their hate. Let’s show that our love is greater than their greed and that our coordinated power will eclipse their cruelty!”
Charles Douglas III is the executive director of Common Power, which works to foster a just and inclusive democracy by investing in the next generation of leaders. Douglass noted how other communities, particularly in red and purple states, do not have the same amount of power as those in Washington or Seattle.
“We sent a hundred volunteers to go help Susan Crawford get elected,” Douglass
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said, holding up for victorious liberal candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, against whom Elon Musk spent millions to sway the election in favor of the pro-Trump candidate.
President Justin Gill of the Washington State Nurses Association said nurses and healthcare workers pick up the pieces of bad policy decisions, like funding cuts and loss of coverage, which will lead to the loss of lives. Gill said that when we reflect 10-20 years down the road, history and the next generation will ask us what we did during this time. He asked the crowd if they answered the call to rise up or if they stayed quiet. The crowd shouted, “Rise up!”
“Our voices are stronger than ever together, and our light shines brighter when we join in together,” Gill said.” Nurses have and always will have your backs. Now we ask you to have our back in pushing back and resoundingly saying, ‘Hands off!’”
Defund Musk and hold elected officials accountable
The Seattle Center was awash with antiMusk signs and posters, some of which portrayed his Nazi-like salute on Inauguration Day or read, “Deport Musk, Not Elmo.”
Tesla stock continues to plummet, and protests against the company are taking place weekly in Seattle thanks to Devin Hermanson, who leads the Seattle Area Tesla Takedown Group and recently launched DefundMusk.com.
“Any day that’s bad for Elon Musk is a good day for us,” Hermanson said. “This year, 2025, will go down in the history books as the year thousands of ordinary Americans… — protestors, unpaid, peaceful — brought down the richest man in the world.”
Hermanson said the Defund Musk movement is already seeing success, with the best indication being Musk crying on national television about his company. He said Musk is spreading lies, slander, and intimidation.
“Are we going to be bullied?” he asked. The crowd shouted, “HELL NO!”
“Are we going to be bamboozled?” he asked. Again, the crowd replied, “HELL NO!”
Riall Johnson, a former Canadian football player and principal partner at Prism West, stepped up to the podium to say that the people must follow through on their demands to Trump. He noted how Democrats were elected under the promise of taxing the rich and reforming policing, but that they have yet to follow through on their promises.
“We got Biden elected, and he did not
revert the Trump tax cuts for the rich. He deported more people than Trump. He funded genocide,” Johnson said as the crowd booed.
Where were Seattle city leaders?
Johnson said that the absence of city leaders at the event was notable.
“Our mayor is not here. Our city attorney isn’t here… our city council’s not here, Johnson said. “When you talk to progressives — people that didn’t turn out — and they say, ‘What’s the point of voting?,’ I hope you understand where they’re coming from, because it’s a lot of people on the bottom that don’t see the point, because they’re being treated the same by Democrats when they’re in office [as] Republicans.”
Johnson expressed how his heart was full from seeing the large turnout, just like in 2017, 2020, and 2021.
“During that time we elected a Democratic mayor here that’s doing exactly what Trump wants. He’s a corporate puppet — I mean, he probably would’ve come here, but it’s a little hard to get over from Bellevue,” Johnson said, evoking laughter.
Johnson called out Republican City Attorney Ann Davidson, and said the Seattle City Council is doing exactly what Trump and his corporate backers are doing: “Praising Elon Musk, not criticizing.”
The SGN reached out to all members of the city council and Mayor Bruce Harrell to uncover their whereabouts on April 5.
Councilmember Mark Solomon was out of town for a preplanned family affair, and Councilmember Dan Strauss was also out of town, according to their assistants.
Brad Harwood, communications director for the Seattle City Council, told the SGN that Councilmember Cathy Moore also had a prescheduled trip to care for a family member and could not attend, but that she remains extremely concerned about Trump’s actions that are directly harming Seattle residents.
“Last month, Councilmember Moore co-sponsored the city’s adoption of the state Shield Law to strengthen protections from harmful federal actions, specifically for people seeking reproductive health care and gender-affirming treatment,” Harwood said. “She also serves as vice chair of the City Council’s Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes, which is closely monitoring these issues. She is on the record calling out the abysmal record of a number of Trump administration appointees and supporters.”
Councilmember Maritza Rivera told the SGN she attended the protest, but the SGN could not confirm this.
“I was happy to add my voice to the thou-
sands of Seattleites calling for an end to bigotry, chaos, and hateful executive orders coming from the current administration,”
Councilmember Rivera said.
Councilmembers Sara Nelson, Robert Kettle, Joy Hollingsworth, and Rob Saka did not respond to the SGN
“Mayor Harrell had a scheduling conflict on Saturday, as he attended the opening of a new city park [Cheryl Chow Park] with
in speaking out against federal overreach from the Trump administration and will continue to do so.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Cheryl Chow Park was from noon to 2 p.m., but the Hands Off event ran from noon to 3 p.m.
the Seattle Parks and Recreation and community members,” Callie Craighead, press secretary for Mayor Harrell, told the SGN “Mayor Harrell and our office have been consistent
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Last year saw a record number of antiTransgender bills introduced in state legislatures, while hate crimes against Transgender women of color continue to rise at alarming rates, according to data from the Human Rights Campaign.
“We need joy as much as we need resistance”
Elayne Wylie, a longtime Trans activist and organizer with Trans Pride Seattle, set the tone for the evening.
“When I first heard about what happened to Andie, all I could think was, how can I help? How can we turn this pain into action?” she told the crowd. Wylie, who helped found Gender Justice League before transitioning to her current role with Trans Pride Seattle, outlined four concrete ways supporters could get involved:
1. Volunteer for Trans Pride Seattle: “We need spaces of joy now more than ever,” she said. “Trans Pride isn’t just a protest; it’s a celebration of our lives, our love, and our right to exist.”
2. Opposing anti-Trans legislation: With more anti-LGBTQIA+ measures being introduced at the state level, Wylie stressed the importance of grassroots organizing. “We’ll need people to knock on doors, make calls, and have tough conversations with their neighbors.”
3. Supporting Trans refugees: “People are fleeing states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee every day,” Wylie said. “They need housing, they need jobs, they need community. If you have a spare room or can help someone navigate social services, that makes a difference.”
4. Joining community defense efforts: Wylie highlighted the work of Goth Sec, a volunteer security collective that grew out of Seattle’s goth club scene. “What started as people looking out for each other at clubs has become a network of over 50 trained volunteers who provide safety at LGBTQ+ events,” she said.
A veteran’s story: “They told me Trump had gotten rid of people like me”
Andie, a Transgender veteran, described her assault to the SGN.
“I was just walking to the light rail station when four men started harassing me,” she recounted, her voice steady but her hands trembling slightly. “They called me a drag queen. They told me to take off my makeup. When I said I was a veteran, they laughed and said Trump had gotten rid of people like me.”
The attack left Andie with two black
eyes, broken teeth, and a brain bleed, as previously reported by the SGN. She credited bystanders and employees at a nearby restaurant with intervening and likely saving her life. “If it weren’t for those brave people, I might not be standing here tonight,” she said.
Andie connected her assault to broader political trends: how Trans veterans like herself are facing increased discrimination since Trump reinstated bans on Transgender military service, and canceled genderaffirming care for servicemembers and
their families.
“As a veteran, I swore to defend this country,” Andie said. “Now I have to ask: Who’s defending us?”
But, she added, “Nothing’s made me more alive and feel more myself in this last week [than] the goodwill and love and the outreach of everybody and the human goodness. I experienced the ugliness, and we’ve all experienced that ugliness. I want to say ‘no more of that,’ especially in our town…
“It’s a scary, scary time, and as a veteran, I watched [US Secretary of Veter-
ALEX GARLAND
ALEX GARLAND
ans Affairs] Doug Collins just strip most all Trans veterans of our care. So that’s scary and frustrating. But we’re here, and what gives me comfort is to know that we’ve always existed, so we’re just kind of doing our part, living our time, and maybe someday my kids and other people’s kids will live in a world where they don’t have to worry about going to the bathroom or going out in public, or they could just truly be themselves — no matter what gender or whatever orientation or religion…. I want them to be able to celebrate their uniqueness and their humanness. That’s all I care about. We’re only here once.”
Andie has issues with the military, and considers herself a veteran for peace. “I’m against the war industry, and I would love to defund the military, and that’s where I stand as a veteran, and I know that shocks people…[But with] all the kids struggling to get a school lunch right now so we can bomb the shit out of everybody, it just doesn’t add up.
“I don’t condone violence, but I do think everyone should be aware and look after themselves. If that’s self-defense, or if that’s just going out in groups, or whatever you need to do in your community to be
MURDER
CONTINUED FROM COVER
music. As an avid artist, he had a great ability to spread light and kindness to everyone he met all over the world. Jonny will be remembered for their authenticity, compassion, love, and radiant energy, calling many places in the world their home. He spread light and joy everywhere he went and positively impacted all who crossed their path,” according to the obituary.
It goes on to state how Adamow was a dedicated member of the Renaissance Faire community, and that he served as a team leader for both natural disaster relief and numerous trail crews throughout the country.
“He respected and adored the natural world and worked to preserve it,” the obituary added.
SPD locates suspect
Attached to the charging documents is a “Certification for Determination of Probable Cause,” written by SPD detective David Simmons, who states that there is probable cause to believe Hickman was the person who gunned down Adamow.
The murder occurred outside of a 76 Gas Station in Capitol Hill. Police canvassed
safe right now, you’re not alone. That’s the most powerful thing I got out of all of this: that the community is huge, and the ally community is huge, and we aren’t going away.”
“This isn’t just about Trans rights — it’s about democracy”
Mara Rafferty, a friend of Andie’s and longtime LGBTQIA+ activist, delivered one of the evening’s most impassioned speeches.
“I feel really terrified about what’s coming down the pipeline,” she told the SGN “As a Trans person, it’s really hard not to let that get to you and to get to your own sense of self-esteem and self-worth. What I want to say to every Queer person who’s out there is to remember that you matter, and …that you’re valuable, and don’t forget to wake up every morning and love yourself, because you do matter. And because your life is worth living.”
In addition, Rafferty had a warning: “They’re not just coming for Trans people. They’re coming for immigrants. They’re coming for students. They’re coming for anyone who doesn’t fit their vision of America.”
the area to obtain video surveillance, through which they determined the suspect vehicle to be an Infinity, which they found circling nearby blocks. Not too long before parking in an alleyway, Hickman passed an SPD patrol vehicle, which captured and stored an image of the license plate through the car’s automatic plate reader.
After Hickman exited the vehicle, he walked up to a pole and ducked behind it, according to the certification, which states, “Hickman then moved again to another larger pole and got behind it.”
The document notes how Hickman stood in a concealed position for over a minute, and then a physical fight between two women broke out at the gas station. At this moment, Adamow walked behind Hickman; the two did not seem to acknowledge each other’s presence, according to the SPD.
“He took what appeared to be a shooting stance and appeared to be focused to the east of his position at the 76 station,” according to the certification. “As Hickman does this the Victim appeared to step into the line of fire. Another male bystander with a noticeable limp was crossing the street at the same time. It appears possible both men crossed in between Hickman’s intended target and [his] right as he fired.”
Police recovered ten 9mm cartridge casings at the scene. A source later came for-
Rafferty criticized what she called “paper activism,” like social media posts and symbolic gestures that don’t translate to real-world change. “We need workers to strike. We need students to walk out. We need to show them the economy doesn’t function without us,” she said . Despite her fiery rhetoric, Rafferty admitted to feeling afraid. “I’m terrified about what’s coming next,” she confessed. “But that’s why we have to stand together. That’s why events like this matter.”
A karate champion’s lesson: “Burn the boats”
The rally’s final speaker, Mac McGregor, brought a unique perspective as a Trans man and former member of the US karate team.
“There’s an ancient military strategy... When you land on enemy shores, you burn your boats. No retreat. No second thoughts. Just total commitment to moving forward,” he said.
McGregor, who transitioned later in life after a successful athletic career, said he had to “burn his boats” multiple times: first when he came out as Trans, then when he fought for the right to compete as his authentic self.
ward after viewing video clips released by the news, having recognized Hickman’s clothes and car, and told the police Hickman’s name.
After being arrested and read his Miranda rights, Hickman wrote an apology to the Adamow family, according to the
“Right now, we all need to burn our boats,” McGregor urged. “No waiting to see how things play out. No hoping someone else will fix this. The time for halfmeasures is over.”
A community stands together
Organizers passed out flyers with resources for reporting hate crimes, accessing gender-affirming healthcare, and getting involved with local advocacy groups. Many in attendance signed up on the spot to volunteer or donate to organizations supporting Transgender refugees.
The event made clear that for Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies, the fight is just beginning.
As Andie put it in her closing words: “They want us to disappear. But look around: we’re still here. And we’re not going anywhere.”
For those interested in supporting local Transgender organizations, visit https:// TransPrideSeattle.org or https://GenderJusticeLeague.org. To report a hate crime in Seattle, contact the Seattle Police Department’s Bias Crime Unit at (206) 233-5000.
SPD, which included the following: “I’m apologizing for my Action’s [sic] and nothing was intended for or to your boy actualy [sic] for anyone and wish my action’s [sic] and though process was way better than that.”
ALEX GARLAND
ALEX GARLAND
Transgender flag raised above Tacoma Dome on Transgender Day of Visibility
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS SGN EDITOR
A crowd gathered in a parking lot of the Tacoma Dome in the pouring rain on March 31, the Transgender Day of Visibility, as speakers provided remarks ahead of the raising the Transgender Pride flag.
“Our community deserves to feel part of the cities, counties, state, and country, to see ourselves represented, celebrated, and protected,” said Oliver Webb, executive director of the Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound (DAPS). “And today, to fly a flag, to write a proclamation, to paint a crosswalk, to partner with an organization, you’re not only making a statement of your values and beliefs as a city but also standing against the hatred and bigotry of the federal government.”
The City of Tacoma first raised a Trans Pride flag over City Hall in 2021, after Webb advocated for it following the brutal murders of two Trans women in Washington state that year. He and another DAPS
board member were planning events for Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) after 20-year-old Zooey Martinez was brutally murdered at the end of August and found in an alley in Greenwood, and Rikkey Outumuro was murdered in front of her son on Halloween. Webb said Transgender people in Washington state are not immune from loss, and DAPS wanted to honor these women.
Webb asked the City of Seattle, where Martinez was found, to raise a flag for TDOR, but that didn’t happen. He then created a list of all of Washington’s major cities and major buildings between Shoreline and Tacoma. He said he sent letters and made calls for weeks, including to a handful of colleges, all major sports stadiums, the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center, and the Tacoma Dome.
“Despite the loss of five Pacific Northwestern Trans and gender-diverse individu-
als, two of which were… from Washington state,” Webb said at this year’s flag-raising ceremony, “only three activations were placed: Shoreline Community College, the Pacific Science Center… and the City of Tacoma made history.”
Since 2021, the Trans flag has flown over Tacoma five times, and the council issued six proclamations honoring Transgender people. When Webb reached out to Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards to request the flag be flown above City Hall, she made it happen quickly.
“The thing that makes Tacoma Tacoma are the people that choose to call this place home, and that means our Transgender community as well. It’s what makes Tacoma what it is,” Mayor Woodards said at the ceremony. “When everyone has the opportunity to live in this community, to love who they want to love, to be who they have been called to be, and to live life…
without having to worry about what might happen to you [or] what someone might say to you, [you] know that in Tacoma, you are respected [and] a part of the community just by being here.”
Also at the ceremony, Councilmember Olgy Diaz highlighted how Transgender people are the “backbone of our culture and economy,” and she encouraged people in the audience to be their full, authentic selves, in both their daily and professional lives.
Councilmember Diaz said that showing visible allyship by flying the flag over the Tacoma Dome offers support, hope, and security for Trans people. She also worked to raise funds so that the City could purchase the Trans flag — the only other flag that has been raised on the Tacoma Dome apart from the US flag.
HANNAH SAUNDERS
HANNAH SAUNDERS
HANNAH SAUNDERS
Supporting Queer families, Renton’s community rallies together
BY CALVIN JAY EMERSON
Counterprotestors arrived early for the anti-drag protest outside of The Brewmaster’s Taproom in Renton on April 12. Some were families, moms and dads with little kids who ran around with rainbow flags, while others were on their own, standing watch. Many were brought there due to a singular image: a virtual call to action that found its way onto the Facebook feeds of Renton residents. “THIS IS NOT INCLUSION,” read the post. “THIS IS AN ASSAULT ON CHILDHOOD.”
The poster stated that the action would occur at the family-friendly taproom when it hosts its monthly children’s story time, read by local drag queen Sylvia O’ Stayformore.
“Drag queens will be performing in front of children — inside a bar that serves alcohol, CBD, and Marijuana products,” stated the poster. “WE MUST TAKE A STAND.”
This was not the first time the business had been targeted. Sammi is part of a a volunteer security team that guards the front of the taproom whenever Sylvia is reading to the kids. Sammi dresses in black garb, yet they break from their stance and perk up to embrace familiar faces, and kindly welcome kids at the front door.
Sammi said there was an issue in 2022, the remnants of which still remain, gesturing to a bullet hole, whose resulting cracks been deliberately left in the glass, contextualized by a paper sign that reads: “THIS IS WHAT INTOLERANCE LOOKS LIKE.”
An impromptu arts and crafts group naturally sprouted up by the bar, enjoyed by the adults rather than the kids, who were too busy making a fort of umbrellas outside.
The kids were excited by their first-ever protest, and worked with their parents to make signs. Sharon, with a moms’ group, asked one of the kids, Ezzy, to read their sign out loud. “Love is a terrible thing to hate!” he excitedly said.
As a mother of five, Sharon said bringing her children to drag storytime is more educational than harmful.
“I want [my kids] to see everything, get a chance to see the arts, diversity, different perspectives,” she said. “We have close relatives who belong to the Trans community, the LGBT+ community. I want my kids to see them as part of everyday life.”
Sylvia started storytime with a book of smiling faces, called Someone Just Like You. With a poignant, rhythmic voice, she read aloud: “Somewhere in this world, there is someone just like you. Perhaps one day you’ll meet them? They would love to meet you too!”
In the end, Renton Councilmember Carmen Rivera (D-2) said via TikTok that there was but a single anti-drag protestor. The strength of The Brewmaster’s Taproom and Renton’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies showed that those that love far outnumbered those that hate that day.
C.J. EMERSON
C.J. EMERSON
C.J. EMERSON
C.J. EMERSON
C.J. EMERSON
UTOPIA Washington opens registration for QTPI Camp, which empowers and emboldens Queer Pasifika people
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS SGN EDITOR
Registration has officially opened for UTOPIA Washington’s QTPI Camp, a free event for all Queer and Transgender Pacific Islanders that will run from July 31 to August 3 — and spots are filling up fast. This year marks UTOPIA’s fourth year of hosting the camp, which aims to act as a safe and empowering space for people to come together.
“This camp is a cultural and communityled experience for Queer and Transgender Pacific Islanders and BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to participate and get rerooted in Pacific Islander protocols, practices, and cultural activities,” Brandon Fuamatu, UTOPIA’s development director, told the SGN
The event is open to all ages, although youth under 18 years must be accompa-
nied by a legal guardian or parent. Fuamatu said many families attend QTPI Camp, including parents and their LGBTQIA+ or questioning children, chosen families, and mixed families.
“This is a joyful and safe space for us to be in community with one another, build on established and new relationships across the vastness of our community, and be unapologetically ourselves,” Fuamatu said.
Attendees can expect a variety of games, cultural workshops, bonfire and movie nights, a talent show, and a QTPI Mix Pageant that’s open to any person who wants to compete. Fuamatu said UTOPIA hopes those who join these celebrations and activities leave with more friends and family than they came with.
“A few of our hopes [are] that QTPI
Camp participants walk away knowing they have a chosen family and foundation of support within UTOPIA Washington, but also within the community that comes to the camp,” Fuamatu said. “This is an opportunity to connect with new folxs, make lasting connections, and have new experiences. We want our attendees … to walk away empowered, emboldened, and inspired to root themselves in their Indigenous Queer identities, and our communal connections and family.”
The event will take place at the Ocean Park Camp & Retreat Center, located at 28511 Vernon Avenue, Ocean Park, WA; transportation (to and from Kent or Tacoma), food, and accommodations will be provided free of charge. QTPI Camp is funded by sponsorships, grants, and dona-
tions from funders, partners, and UTOPIA supporters. The organization asks that attendees bring hygiene materials, personal belongings, and bedding.
While the campgrounds can host up to 200 guests, UTOPIA usually caps QTPI Camp attendance at 150–175 people, depending on the capacity for the year.
“Many of our attendees come in from out of state and out of county, some joining in from our island homes in the Pacific. This is a truly beautiful and unique experience for all who attend, and we hope to bring in more of our QTPI/2SLGBTQIA+ family and friends to participate this year,” Fuamatu added.
Visit http://utopiawa.org/manafest/ qtpi-camp to register.
COURTESY UTOPIA WA
HIV antiviral Medicaid bill sponsored by Gay senator now state law
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS SGN EDITOR
Washington residents on Apple Health, the state’s Medicaid program, will now receive coverage for all FDA-approved HIV antiviral medication without having to make prior authorization requests or undergo step therapy — which forces patients to test other medications before insurance approval, sometimes against their doctor’s advice.
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5577 into law on April 4, which was sponsored by Snohomish County’s Sen. Marko Liias, who is Gay.
“This brings us one step closer to eradicating HIV and AIDS in Washington,” Liias said. “Now patients statewide will continue to have access to antiviral drugs without unnecessary barriers. We know this policy reduces transmission and keeps people healthy, and I’m thrilled to see it signed into law.”
Over 1.8 million adults and children in Washington are enrolled in Apple Health. This law applies to Apple Health patients enrolled in both fee-for-service and managed-care plans. This coverage will also be required for all patients renewing or jump-starting their managed-care plans.
Section 2 of SB 5577, as signed into law, reads:
“This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2025.”
Washington state HIV data Apple Health recipients fall low on the income scale, and poverty has a direct impact on one’s health. Those living in the poorest parts of each Washington
state county had over two times the risk of receiving an HIV diagnosis compared to the wealthiest area of the county, according to the Washington Department of Health’s 2024 Health Equity Report, which pertains to 2023 data it compiled and analyzed. Furthermore, the report states that the average cost of HIV treatment in the United States is about $26,000 per year.
According to the DOH’s 2024 HIV Surveillance Report, which claims to have the most up-to-date HIV diagnosis data in Washington, cisgender men and men who have sex with men make up a majority of new HIV cases. While cases among these populations dropped in 2023, the overall number of new HIV diagnoses remained stable from the prior year.
The total number of new HIV cases in 2023 (408) increased by 24% among those with heterosexual contacts, totaling 145. Of the total cases, 25-34-year-olds were the most impacted age group, with 153 reported cases.
The Black community remains disproportionately impacted: 125 new HIV cases, 62 of which were in US-born, while 60 were foreign-born. White people accounted for 229 cases.
The highest rates of new HIV diagnoses were in King County (42%, or a total of 170 cases). Pierce County followed with 15%, or 61 cases.
Testing and treatment for those without insurance
Since 2019, the rate of Washington residents who did not have health insurance dropped from 6.1% to 4.8% in the spring of 2023, according to an Office of Financial Management Health Care Research Center
Washington Interscholastic Activities Association tosses proposed anti-Trans amendments
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS SGN EDITOR
Last year, 17 school districts brought forth proposed Amendments 7 and 8 to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) handbook, and after months of anticipation, WIAA board members tossed out the amendments, as they were not in compliance with state law.
“The WIAA made the correct decision to affirm state antidiscrimination laws and its policy that ensures [that] Transgender athletes continue participating in sports that match their gender identity and expression, and we urge the WIAA to stand by that decision,” said, La Rond Baker, the legal director of the ACLU of Washington. “Attempts to restrict Transgender girls from participating in sports conflict with the law and our core values as a state that prohibits discrimination.”
Proposed Amendment 7 would have discriminated against Trans girl athletes by limiting girls’ sports participation to “biological women,” and proposed Amendment 8 would have ensured separate athletic programs for boys’ and girls’ teams, and create an open division for all students.
“The WIAA’s policies on gender identity participation must follow Washington state law, and the current rules do so,” Sean Bessette, WIAA communications director, told the SGN in December.
brief, published in January 2025. COVID-19 led to expansions in coverage for state Medicaid programs, but those who remain uninsured or lose their employeesponsored insurance — a fear looming over the heads of Americans during a time of drastic funding cuts and federal firings — are the most disadvantaged by the country’s healthcare system, often facing debt as a result.
The first step to getting treatment is knowing your status. While many providers will conduct an HIV test for walk-ins and by appointment, out-of-pocket costs may be prohibitive. However, Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, formerly known as Gay City, offers free, rapid HIV testing through finger pricks.
The Ryan White Act, a federal program passed by Congress in 1990, provides funds for services, including HIV treatment costs for those who are uninsured. Eligibility requirements are: being a resident of King, Snohomish, or Island County; hav-
ing a laboratory test result or confirmation from a medical provider that the person is living with HIV; and living at or below 500% of the federal poverty level. For more information, contact Mark Baker at markbaker@kingcounty.gov or call (206) 4774301.
“[Harborview’s] Madison Clinic is home to the UW AIDS Clinical Trials Unit (ACTU), part of a network of sites around the world that receive funding from the National Institutes of Health to conduct research studies on HIV-related treatments in adults,” according to UW Medicine. The trials conducted at Madison Clinic study the best starting treatment for newly diagnosed HIV patients, and for those that are medication-resistant to HIV. Other trials conducted there include uncovering the best management options for those who have complications from HIV or its treatments. Call the patient care coordinator at (206) 744-5155 to schedule an appointment.
The Attorney General’s Office previously raised concerns about the proposed amendments, noting how they would potentially violate both federal and state civil rights laws. More recently, the AGO conducted a legal review, leading the WIAA to disregard attempts to alter Trans athletes’ sports participation.
“These efforts violate student privacy and only exacerbate anxiety for a group of students who already face alarming rates of discrimination. Schools should be inclusive environments and state leaders should act to keep them that way,” Baker added.
Some school districts, like Lynden, pushed for both amendments, and in early March, the Tumwater School Board approved a resolution that directed district staff to approve of both proposed amendments. Board member Jill Adams abstained from voting, claiming at a school board meeting on this matter that she was stuck between “a rock and a hard place.”
Tumwater was not one of the original school districts that pushed to pass either amendment, but the Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Civil Rights opened an investigation into the district after receiving a complaint on February 17. The complaint alleged that the school district discriminated against a girl basketball player on the basis of sex; investigation documents state this player was deprived of a fair opportunity to compete by “allowing a male player on an opposing basketball team to compete against the Student’s team in February 2025, which forced the Student to withdraw from participation in the game.”
The investigation documents stated that Tumwater School District is a recipient of federal financial assistance from the DOE, and that it must comply with President Trump’s executive orders that target Transgender student athletes. It also claimed that Tumwater was in violation of Title IX by allowing “male” athletes to compete in girls’ sports.
COURTESY INSIDE PRECISION MED
MIKHAIL NILOV
Bill strengthening 2023 Shield Law arrives on governor’s desk
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS SGN EDITOR
In 2023 the Washington Legislature passed Engrossed House Bill 1469, also known as the Shield Law, which protects those living in and out of the state from civil and criminal liability for receiving protected health services, like reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care. Now, a bill that would strengthen the Shield Law, Senate Bill 5632, was recently passed by the Legislature and was delivered to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk on April 22.
“The Shield Law restricts the ability for courts to issue, and law enforcement to enforce, subpoenas, warrants, criminal process, extradition, and other court orders for civil or criminal liability that is based on the provision or receipt of protected health
care services,” according to SB 5632.
Sponsored by Sen. Drew Hansen (D-23), it protects the confidentiality of a person’s information and records that may be relevant or used in another state’s enforcement of laws against reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care. Under this bill, Washington businesses are barred from complying with records subpoenas and requests for information.
Furthermore, any requests for the issuance of a subpoena under the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act — a standardized procedure for getting deposition testimony from witnesses who are away from local state courts — must include an attestation that notes whether
Parents’ Bill of Rights bill passes House Committee on Education despite Republican pushback
BY HANNAH SAUNDERS
SGN EDITOR
After last year approving I-2081, a citizen’s initiative that has the potential to out LGBTQIA+ students, Democratic lawmakers are pushing to get Senate Bill 5181 through the legislature, which would make changes to the rights of parents and legal guardians of public schoolchildren as laid out in the current law. The House Committee on Education held a hearing on March 31, and despite strong opposition from Republicans, it passed by a vote of 11-8.
A total of five amendments to SB 5181 were not adopted, but legislators unanimously adopted amendment H2088.1, which allows parents and legal guardians to receive immediate notification if criminal activities are alleged to have been committed against their child, including sexual misconduct by school employees.
School districts would also be required to notify parents and legal guardians of students who may be the victim, recipient, or target of alleged sexual misconduct within 48 hours, and districts would be allowed to notify parents of their rights as they relate to discipline records of school staff.
Failed Republican amendments
Amendment MOET 462 would have restored, with alterations, the rights of parents and legal guardians as it relates to receiving notifications when their child is offered medical services. It also would have allowed parents and legal guardians to
receive notifications when medical services or medications are provided to their child that may lead to financial impact for the adults, like health insurance payments and copayments, as well as other rights relating to follow-up medical care, for youth ages 12 and under.
Rep. Michael Keaton (R-25) said he cares about every student’s health and wellbeing.
“A lot of this bill, 5181, is designed to protect a problem — a concern about a Transgender student being outed to parents, and that this would cause massive problems,” Rep. Keaton said. “We have to protect our kids from bullying of any kind. But I did not find a single story where a parent of a Transgender child was [abused] in Washington state, which pretty much makes this whole bill a solution looking for a problem, and will only drive a greater wedge between parents and public schools.”
He said there could be cases of parents abusing their children but that youth should not make medical decisions, since they are unable to drive, own a gun, and drink alcohol.
Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-30) asked for a no vote, saying that schools do not provide healthcare and that the child’s doctor or pediatrician has their medical records.
Rep. Travis Couture (R-35) encouraged fellow committee members to vote yes on Amendment MOET 461, which would have
documents, testimony, or information related to such protected health services in Washington is being sought.
Under SB 5632, court clerks must void subpoenas related to Washington’s protected healthcare services. The bill also amends the definition of “assistance” to the Shield Law, which would be defined as “any action to help, aid, or support the provision or receipt of protected health services, including, but not limited to, providing financial, logistical, information, or travel support to facilitate access to protected health services.”
“Once it’s signed, the Shield Law, as it’s called, will ensure that patients seeking medical care in our state and their helpers
continue to be protected from out-of-state investigations and punishment,” stated the ACLU in a social media post.
Ultraviolet, a nonprofit dedicated to gender equality, shared its excitement on social media after the bill passed through the Senate. Ultraviolet noted how it partnered with Accountable Tech and Fight for the Future to encourage Democrats to pass the bill as a proactive way to protect communities.
“Washington is setting an example of how all states, but especially Dem-trifecta states, can use state law and policy to not just play defense with this administration but aggressively and proactively promote the freedoms we all deserve,” Ultraviolet said.
removed all changes to the rights of parents and legal guardians of public schoolchildren outlined in I-2081.
“The title of this bill is ‘An act relating to amending the Parents’ Rights Initiative,’ otherwise known as 2081, ‘to bring it into alignment with existing law,’” Couture said. “The underlying bill amends the Parents’ Rights Initiative, but the problem is that the Parents’ Rights Initiative is existing law.”
Asking for a no vote, Rep. Monica Jurado Stonier (D-49) said SB 5181 clarifies an existing law that felt confusing, and that there were unclear expectations about what I-2081 provides.
Another amendment, MOET 463, would have incorporated medical and health records, as well as records of mental health counseling, into education records for public school students aged 12 and under.
“What this amendment would do is if a child 12 years and under is receiving medical or mental healthcare in schools, it would provide that those records … are considered an education record for the purpose of this bill and the disclosure to par-
ents,” Rep. Matt Marshall (R-2) said. Rep. Stonier said that these medical records are not created in schools by school staff, and that medical services are not provided by schools.
Another amendment that failed to pass was H2087.1, which would have restored provisions allowing parents and legal guardians the right to receive copies of their child’s public school records within ten business days of submitting a written request, instead of “within a reasonable period of time but no more than 45 days,” according to federal law.
“It takes a village to raise a child. Certainly, our parents and legal guardians and families have rights, but so too do our students. And so too do the staff who we have entrusted to caretake and educate our students,” said Chairwoman Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-37). “This bill, I think, recognizes a portion of that partnership — that critical partnership that is the rights of the parents as they abut up against the rights of individual students, and the rights of our staff to support those students.”
CARL DMASTER
MONICA STONIER
COURTESY HOUSE DEMOCRATS WA
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
et Juliette
Gorgeous music and fabulous dance at PNB’s Roméo et Juliette
BY SHARON CUMBERLAND
Pacific Northwest Ballet McCaw Hall, March 14, 2025
The premiere of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Roméo et Juliette on April 11 at McCaw Hall was a wonderfully romantic evening. The audience was all dressed up in the Seattle manner — everything from furs to sneakers — and the lush, romantic music by Sergei Prokofiev, together with Jean-Christophe Maillot’s youthful choreography, formed the perfect setting for PNB’s marvelous dancers.
Though most of us are familiar with the plot of Shakespeare’s original story, written in the 16th century and set in 14th-century Verona, it always seems modern — at least enough to make us glad we have more personal choice than the Capulets and the Montagues of old. Yet as many times as it has been updated — from West Side Story to Runaway Robots — we never tire of seeing the delightful discoveries of the young
lovers and the heartbreaking collapse of their hopes.
At PNB, all of these feelings transfixed the audience as the curtain rose on scenic designer Ernest Pignon-Ernest’s somewhat abstract version of the Verona town square, where young Capulets and Montagues taunt one another. As the raucous scene slowly turns from fun to edgy to threatening, the stage is set for the forbidden love between Roméo Montague (Lucien Postlewaite) and Juliette Capulet (Clara Ruf Maldonado).
One of the hallmarks of Malliot’s vision is to cast everyone as young, even the elderly characters traditionally presented as Shakespeare described them: foolish or in their dotage. The role of the nurse, played with youthful humor and mild befuddlement by Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan, made this key character an agreeable girlfriend to Juliette rather than a fussy babysitter. Lady Capulet is usually portrayed as a dignified noblewoman, but, in Malliot’s view, she
is a young mother whose intensity, as performed by the dramatic Elle Macy, had a Martha Graham–like quality of despair.
The role of Friar Laurence departed from Shakespeare’s story the most dramatically. Instead of an elderly monk whose doddering pace unwittingly causes the final tragedy, this Friar Laurence — played by the vibrantly handsome Christopher D’Ariano — is the bearer of metaphors, acting out with elegantly gestural dances the subtexts of joy, tragedy, and loss. Mailot’s insight here makes for visual poetry of a high order — a new interpolation that I believe The Bard himself would approve of.
On opening night, the role of Roméo was wonderfully danced by Postlewaite — who was only 24 years old when he was first cast in this part — while Juliette was danced by the lovely, lively Maldonado, whose enthusiastic heroine brought a touch of contemporary delight to a part that is usually played as shy girl confused by Roméo’s advances. These two dancers had such joy-
ous energy in their balcony pas de deux that you could feel the entire audience cheering them on. Their marvelous chemistry made the final scene in the tomb all the more heartbreaking.
While Prokofiev created symphonic suites for orchestral performances of Roméo et Juliette, the ballet has been choreographed by 18 different dance makers since its premiere in 1938 — including John Cranko, Frederick Ashton, Kenneth MacMillan, Rudolf Nureyev, Peter Martins, and Seattle’s own Mark Morris. I’ve seen three of these productions and more online but am completely sold on Maillot’s beautifully energetic interpretation. Costume designer Jéröme Kaplan maintained the literal sense of a Shakespearean past, while the dance vocabulary and humor bypassed politics and focused entirely on human joy and suffering. What a welcome revival of the best dance version of this timeless favorite!
Roméo
LUCIEN POSTLEWAITE (CENTER) AS ROMEO, CHRISTIAN POPPE AS BENVOLIO, AND KYLE DAVIS AS MERCUTIO ANNA STERLING
Who’s Queer at Eurovision 2025?
BY RICHARD ISAAC
Eurovision — the world’s most watched non-sporting event and the longest-running annual TV music competition — is fast approaching! Now in its 69th year, with more viewers than the Super Bowl, it’s also a spectacle beloved by Queer fans around the globe for its boundary breaking, both politically and musically (as reflected in its slogan: “United through Music”).
Who are the Queer artists representing their countries this year in Basel, Switzerland, in May? Might one of them join other recent Queer winners (Sweden’s Loreen, 2012 and 2023; Austria’s Conchita Wurst, 2014; the Netherlands’ Duncan Laurence, 2019; and Switzerland’s Nemo from last year)? Here’s a rundown:
Multilingual “JJ,” 23, who is of Filipino descent, grew up in Dubai before moving back to Austria in 2016. He studied classical music and is a member of the Vienna State Opera company. In 2021, he reached the final of the Austrian talent competition Starmania
According to Wikipedia, “Pietsch’s musical style combines elements of opera and pop.
As a … countertenor with a range reaching into high soprano heights, he explores both genres through an intense and expressive vocal and interpretative approach.”
His Eurovision song “Wasted Love,” concerning the torment of an unrequited love, employs “pop-opera” (heard also in last year’s winning song, “The Code”), blending with “lyrical elements in a crescendo that flows into techno sounds.” (It’s also been occupying second place on the betting charts.)
He told Queer.de in March, “Classical music is truly something unifying and very beautiful. Many pop songs you hear on the radio today have classical elements... It was also important to me to combine my two musical worlds.”
Asked about being Queer, he added, “Yes, absolutely. I’m Queer myself, and I’m happy to represent the community and give it a voice. I’m now, so to speak, the voice of the Queer community in Austria.... My personal message would simply be to love one another, because love is the most beautiful thing in the world and hate is the most terrible.
Belgium: Red Sebastian (Seppe Herreman), “Strobe Lights” https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ScupiVTosHU
Seppe Herreman burst on to the music scene when he made the final of Belgium’s Got Talent at age 14 in 2013. In 2021, while studying pop vocals at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent — under, among others, Gustaph, Belgium’s (Gay) 2023 Eurovision representative — his stage persona of “Red Sebastian” (inspired by The Little Mermaid ) was born.
“Red means love and passion. It also means fire [and] ambition, and those are things I like to express on stage,” he told Eurovisionworld.com in April.
Recently, he won the Flemish show Sing Again. He is also an accomplished pianist. “Strobe Lights,” called “a “suggestive and dark dance song,” is a techno tribute to rave culture.
Eurovoix reported on X in April that Red Sebastian came out as Gay.
Croatia: Marko Bošnjak, “Poison Cake” https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ie_v6qGCc5w
The Bosnian-Croat singer first rose to fame in 2015 as the winner of the second season of a Serbian talent show. The official Eurovision site describes Bošnjak as “one of the leaders of a new generation of musicians who are making their mark and set-
ting trends on the Croatian music scene… [he] aims to defy genres and stereotypes.” His song “Poison Cake” — described as a mix of “pop, garage, opera, and some very dark industrial beats” — is a story of revenge and standing up for oneself. Following its victory in the national selection, Bošnjak, the first openly Gay musician in Croatia, was the target of widespread homophobic backlash online, and the song was accused of being “satanic.”
As for being Gay, Bošnjak told Jutarni.hr in March, “I’m proud of who I am. I think that a lot of people in Croatia are still primitive and have a narrow understanding of the world. I don’t hold it against them, and I think they need to refer back to the Christian love that they promote…
“I am proud of who I am, and I want to live it openly and not hide it. That is something I want to focus on because there is no need to live life insincerely. We need to live life to the fullest and authentically.”
In April, he told Wiwibloggs, “I definitely feel like [coming out] was the right thing to do. But a lot of people reacted super, super bad to it, because we still have a lot of work to do when it comes to Queer acceptance in the Balkans… So I’m definitely putting on a thick skin… if they want to be homophobic, because then in a
JJ REPRESENTING AUSTRIA THOMAS RAMSTORFER
few years, somebody else is going to have it easier. So I know that … visibility is the first step toward acceptance.”
What do people say in Herzegovina, where Bošnjak grew up?
“People who are truly open-minded and open-hearted are proud that I … [have] achieved something so great. There are those who are ashamed of me, but I think the shame is theirs. Shame needs to change sides in today’s society,” he told Jutarni.hr.
Czechia: Adonxs (Adam Pavlovčin), “Kiss Kiss Goodbye”)
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Hm8CIICKAJU
Adonxs — a Slovak songwriter, dancer, model, and lead singer of PACE before embarking on a solo career — was the first out Queer winner of the joint Czech-Slovak version of Pop Idol, describing his victory as a “huge step forward” for those societies
“His often gender-nonconforming outfits stirred controversy throughout the competition,” reported Bimm.ac.uk, “to which Adam responded: ‘Clothes don’t have a gender.’”
In Elle, he said: “I believe my victory has helped pave the way for other Queer entertainers, actors, or politicians to come out and not be afraid to be their authentic, Queer selves.”
He then moved to London to study songwriting and creative musicianship at the BIMM Music Institute, working as a server at a Gay bar to make ends meet. In an interview with Esquire, he defined his style as “London Queer pop culture influenced.”
According to the Eurovision Song Contest Wiki, he is a five-time national champion in street dance and has performed with Robbie Williams, Leona Lewis, and Nicole Scherzinger. In 2022, he won “Singer of the Year” and “Musical Discovery” from the Czech radio station Evropa 2.
His Eurovision song “Kiss Kiss Goodbye” — a dramatic ballad with a dance break — is, he says, “a story of a flawed, wounded hero who, at a crucial moment, is willing to sacrifice a great leap for humanity in the hope of healing a painful wound in his heart. It’s about how love drives and shapes us — but so does its absence.”
Adonxs chose his stage name as a tribute to Adonis, the Greek god of beauty and desire, whose androgynous depiction reflects Adonxs’ own exploration of gender fluidity, according to Wiwibloggs. He came out as Gay to his parents two weeks after “falling madly in love” with a boy at 18, according to Wikipedia. He has since performed at Pride parades in Brighton, Bratislava, and Prague, as well as a protest march in memory of two Queer victims of the 2022 terrorist attack outside an LGBT bar in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Finland: Erika Vikman, “Ich Komme”
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=PFWtYcKb7C8
In 2016, Erika Vikman won a tango festival in Finland, but she really busted onto the scene with her 2020 song “Cicciolina,” a massive fan favorite inspired by the Hungarian-Italian porn actress turned politician.
This year, the blonde bombshell won the Finnish national final for Eurovision in a landslide with a rousing number in Finnish (except the title) combining disco and electronic music. According to Wikipedia, “The lyrics reflect ‘the joyous message of pleasure, ecstasy, and a state of trance,’ and its structure reflects sexual pleasure and reaching orgasm.” (It seems complementary to Australia’s 2025 entry, “Milkshake Man.”)
In a March 2020 interview with Apu.fi, she said, “I’m attracted to both men and women. That’s everyone’s right. … In principle, I may feel more attracted to men, but it depends more on the person than the gender… [see more below]
“I wish no one would have to suppress their sexuality anymore… Sex and sexuality belong to everyone, but everyone also has the right to privacy…
“I have always admired strong feminine women who exude sexual energy without shame and enjoy their beauty! Femininity is not something built just for men.”
Stranger Things on Broadway: A Franchise Newcomer's Review of The First Shadow
BY NICK LEONE
The hit Netflix series Stranger Things has been adapted for Broadway as Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel set in Hawkins, Indiana, providing audiences with a chance to better understand how the child characters, for better or for worse, grow into the people viewers of the series know and love. It premiered on April 22. I walked into the theatre knowing nothing of Stranger Things, except for its popularity, and that it is a thriller, in which an easily unfolding plot would undermine the genre’s purpose. After the curtain rises, oodles of information is presented to the audience: the characters, what they do — and their consequences — and of course, strange events continue to unfold. Dazzling special effects and moments of intense drama also ensued — things you see in a good horror film. Too often opulence distracts from the story, but at the same time, every mesmerizing and exciting thing that you see or hear enhances
what is going on.
As someone who is unfamiliar with the series, I found myself getting lost but was able to get back on track. The creative team could have been a little more considerate to Stranger Things virgins like myself, but perhaps that would have diminished the intensity that this play requires.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow has size and production values more commonly associated with musicals, including a cast of 33, elaborate sets, and thrilling special effects. While it is a play, there is still singing and dancing. Co-directors Justin Martin and the brilliant Stephen Daldry utilize the revolving stage well, with each scene seamlessly melting into the next as you journey along with the talented cast.
Louis McCartney does an excellent job as Henry Creel, later to be known as Vecna in the series. As Creel struggles with an unharnessed force that has been thrust upon him,
Bubbly and quirky Miriana Conte started singing at age 5. According to the official Eurovision site, she “enjoys blending contemporary pop with edgy and dynamic elements, pushing boundaries both vocally and visually,” but “her fun… character always shines through.”
She participated in the first season of X Factor Malta in 2019 as part of the girl group 4th Line, and won the Maltese national selection for Eurovision on her fourth attempt. (Shortly thereafter, she was hospitalized after a car accident but quickly recovered. Her Instagram post said, “Diva down” — which now appears in her music video.)
The name of the upbeat winning song — “Kant,” Maltese for “singing” — caused some controversy due to its similarity to an English word not generally used in a family-friendly program, so in March it was changed to “Serving.” (The Eurovision audience is sure to shout “Kant” though.)
According to PinkNews in March, during an Instagram Live conversation, Conte and Finland’s Vikman gave some insight into their personal lives, revealing that they consider themselves Queer.
“The Queer community is so openminded,” Vikman said. “You can express yourselves wildly with no limits, and it’s accepted. So, that’s the healthiest community in the world. I feel I’m Queer, because I don’t know what I am, so I say always that I’m Queer.”
Conte replied, “Same, but… I do have a girlfriend. … I don’t know exactly what I am. I don’t like to put a label on myself. I just fall in love with people for who they
are, so we’re very much the same on this as well… I know sometimes it’s a bit difficult to talk about these things, [but] the Queer community is so free and open and you can be unapologetically yourself without explaining.”
“I hope that all people in the world will someday see how it feels to be inside the Queer community, because it’s a healthy place,” said Vikman.
Watch the shows — and vote!
Basel is hosting because Switzerland’s (Nonbinary) Nemo won last year’s contest. There are two semifinals — Tuesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 15 — followed by the grand final on Saturday, May 17, all starting at noon Pacific time. All of them can be watched live or on demand on the Eurovision YouTube Channel (if you have a VPN service set to a participating country) at https://www.youtube.com/@EurovisionSongContest/streams or in the US on the Peacock streaming service.
For the third year, viewers all over the world may vote — on the Eurovision app or website —during the shows (also for the 24 hours before the grand final, for those of us in nonparticipating countries). See https:// eurovision.tv/vote for more details.
See all of this year’s songs at https://shorturl.at/IU5Ur (including a short roundup of all 37). You can learn more about all the participants and songs at https://eurovision.tv/event/basel-2025/participants Scorecards can be found at https://eurovisionworld.com/tag/scorecard
he evoked my sympathy and care for him, even when I saw his darker side come out.
While I usually advise theatregoers to approach shows as completely unknown adventures, I guarantee that attendees will have more fun if they tune in to at least a few episodes of the Stranger Things series. And while I couldn’t appreciate the greater con-
text, the special effects that accompanied them kept me engaged from start to finish.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow" officially opened on Broadway on April 22, 2025. The play is a prequel to the popular Netflix series, set in Hawkins, Indiana in 1959.
ERIKA VIKMAN : FINLAND MIIKKA VARILA
SGN THEATRE CRITIC NICK LEONE (L), SGN PUBLISHER RENEE RAKETTY (C), AND SGN CONTRIBUTING WRITER MADISON JONES (R) ATTEND
FILM
Eddie Izzard plays Hamlet — no joke
BY MIRYAM GORDON
Acerbic, biting, and funny as hell, Eddie Izzard has been one of the most internationally well-known comedians of our time. Her versatility has been demonstrated with a Tony Award nomination, a couple of Ocean’s movies, and for the last couple of years, a tour of the US, Great Britain, and elsewhere doing what comes naturally: Hamlet!
At the Seattle Rep, from April 30 to May 18 (it’s already been extended once), Izzard is performing her one-person Hamlet, inhabiting 23 of Shakespeare’s characters on stage, a full, serious adaptation. While she advises that there are funny moments, the endeavor is not to caricaturize the play but to bring a fresh and different view.
“This is the dramatic version,” she told the SGN. “It does have the gravedigger scene, when Polonius is questioning Hamlet. Some characters are designed to have a comedic element… But this is a drama.”
Izzard said she had wanted to perform Hamlet for years, but since there wasn’t a pathway for that, she decided to essentially do it herself.
“Maybe I’m not the top of the list for producers,” she opined. “I brought the production to myself. And Great Expectations
[her prior solo show] was the perfect training. I thought I’d do Hamlet, but by playing all the characters. It makes it easier, because you don’t have to pay the rest of the cast, because you are the rest of the cast.”
She’s was quick to point out that the production has had “good success” in New York and London, was extended three times, earned two nominations, and broke box office records in Chicago.
Izzard is constantly tweaking and evaluating every moment of the production. She and her brother, Mark, cut the long play down to about two hours, but she’s always finding something new to try.
“I think it’s good to make it a living, breathing play as opposed to a play that I’ve got locked down and I just repeat over and over,” she said. “I don’t want to do that. I want each night to [get] through to as many people in the audience [as possible]. So they understand what’s going on, and with their imagination and my imagination and the words of Shakespeare, we get to a pretty beautiful place.”
The state of Trans rights Izzard is not known as a political person, and she seems to wish to avoid contro-
versy. She is, however, one of the world’s best known Trans artists and had come out years before she became famous or had a burgeoning career.
“You know, I’m not into Trump,” she said about the current administration. “…The first Trump administration I wasn’t at all positive, and [am] very much against this one. Trans people have been here throughout the centuries.. We have more visibility now and we’ve stood up and we say we’re here... We will continue to exist, continue to stand up for ourselves, and carry on.
“I’m just a positive person… We just say live and let live. Let’s take humanity on forward and make humanity great again. That’s what we’re after … I’ve raised over $5 million now for charity. These are positive things.
“LGBTQ rights are human rights, and that’s the end of story. We just need to get ready for doing more or … double down on us doing positive things. I just refuse to live in fear. I refuse, absolutely.”
For more articles and reviews, go to www.facebook.com/SeattleTheaterWriters or subscribe at https://MiryamsTheaterMusings.blogspot.com
New Wedding Banquet walks down the aisle with confident grace
BY SARA MICHELLE FETTERS SGN STAFF WRITER
THE WEDDING BANQUET
Theaters
I can’t say I was excited about new take on 1993’s The Wedding Banquet, directed by Ang Lee and co-written by frequent, fellow Oscar-winning collaborator James Schamus (along with Taiwanese actor and writer Neil Peng). Released during the height of the AIDS crisis and decades before marriage equality, this delicately moving landmark of Queer representation involving immigration, race, and a clash of cultures was both ahead of its time and decidedly of its time. It’s a modern classic for good reason.
The first great decision filmmaker Andrew Ahn made before even attempting to update the original was to contact and Lee and Schamus, run his ideas past them, and then get the pair’s blessing. The latter was so excited that he decided to sign on as a producer and cowrite the new screenplay. The final one was to cast Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran against type, both so invigorated and inspired that they give two of the finest performances of their careers. Considering Gladstone is fresh off the one-two-three-four whammy of an Oscar nomination for Killers of the Flower Moon, an Emmy nod for Under the Bridge, major
superlatives for the groundbreaking series Reservation Dogs, and a virtuoso turn in the criminally underseen indie Fancy Dance, I do not make that last statement lightly. But she’s mesmerizing in this: light on her feet, showcasing a smile that can light up a room and a gift for subtle physical comedy.
She plays Lee, one half a Seattle Lesbian couple, who is still grieving over the failure of a recent IVF treatment with her bubbly partner Angela (Tran). Considering the high cost, not only are the women psychologically devastated that things did not work out, they are now in dire economic straits as well.
They are best friends with Gay couple Chris (Bowen Yang) and Min (Han GiChan), all so close they even share a house. Min needs to secure a green card, otherwise he faces deportation. But Chris is a bit commitment challenged, so getting him to agree to marriage is proving to be strangely difficult. Yet that is the least of the pair’s problems: Min is also the heir to a Korean fortune, and if his family discovers he is Gay, he’ll be disowned.
The solution is marriage fraud, of course. Min will marry Angela, secure his inheritance, and then pay for her and Lee to keep up their IFV treatments. However — much
like in the original film — a pesky grandparent (delightfully portrayed by Oscarwinner Youn Yuh-jung, Minari) insists on a massive, traditional wedding, which unavoidably leads to all sorts of comedic chaos and dramatic travails that Ahn and Schamus milk for all they are worth.
Things proceed pretty much as expected from there. But, as he did with Fire Island, Ahn has a knack for staging outlandish situations in a fashion that keeps them emotionally grounded and authentically character driven. I also liked how the creative team took the original’s concept of a trio conspiring to manufacture a marriage of convenience and expanded it to a quartet. Lee, Angela, Chris, and Min are the very definition of a “found family,” forming an unbreakable bond to deal with life’s inexplicable twists and turns together, no matter how extreme.
That said, the ladies dominate the narrative. Lee and Angela feel utterly alive. While their story has some sitcom elements — likely entirely by design — there is nothing stereotypical, stodgy, or routine about them. This is a richly rewarding depiction of intimacy and love that transcends melodramatic norms. Scenes in which Lee and Angela try to crack jokes in the wake of unimaginable heartbreak
and put one another at ease — only to force back tears — hit my soul like a sledgehammer. Gladstone and Tran have chemistry that’s magical.
Yang and Gi-Chan are good as well. It’s just that their characters do tend to play more toward cliché. There’s no nuanced complexity about Chris or Min. When the film focuses entirely on them, it stalls a bit. If you were to add a laugh track to some of their goofier interactions, you’d have the bones of a series that would have aired right after Will & Grace during the early 2000s. Some will find that to be a plus. I, sadly, did not.
But the heart of this comedic drama still beats with thunderous passion and invigorating intensity. In this current climate of political uncertainty, at a moment when Queer rights are on a perilous precipice not seen since the 1990s, Ahn and Schamus have reworked the story in a manner that honors Lee’s original, yet not in ways that keep it from standing on its own. They tackle issues of race, ethnicity, culture, immigration, and healthcare that are decidedly current, with clarity, humor, cleverness, and most of all empathy. As remakes go, this version of The Wedding Banquet proudly walks down the aisle with confident grace and beauteous determination.
EDDIE IZZARD CAROL ROSEGG
COURTESY BLEECKER STREET
Todd Stephens: A trailblazer in Queer cinema
BY FRANK GAIMARI
Reprinted with permission from Stonewall News Northwest (https://www.stonewallnews.net)
Known for his influential films, Todd Stephens still remains an unsung hero to many. This interview aims to change that, providing an opportunity to explore the visionary filmmaker and his incredible journey.
As one of the first directors and producers to bring genuine LGBTQ+ stories to life on screen, Stephens has played a key role in highlighting underrepresented voices. Having grown up in Sandusky, Ohio, he has dedicated his career to crafting narratives celebrating the beauty of Queer lives. With over two decades of experience, he has developed a unique style marked by heartfelt emotion, sharp humor, and unflinching honesty.
His debut feature, Edge of Seventeen (1998), is a semiautobiographical coming-of-age story that established him as a pioneer in LGBTQ+ storytelling. He followed it with Gypsy 83 (2001), an exploration of identity and belonging. Later, he embraced camp and humor with the cult favorite Another Gay Movie (2006) and its sequel, Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild (2008). Most recently, his film Swan Song offers a softer, more introspective narrative, earning praise for its portrayal of perseverance and self-discovery in Queer life.
Frank Gaimari: What early experiences or influences sparked your passion for filmmaking?
Todd Stephens: My love for movies, particularly horror films, began in childhood and quickly became a lifelong passion. In high school, I took my first steps into filmmaking by writing and directing a horror project titled Rest in Peace. Later, I honed my skills at NYU’s film school, and by the time I turned 30, I took to heart the advice of my professors: “Make a film about what you know.” Drawing from my life experiences, I created my first feature film, Edge of Seventeen
FG: What was your first big break in the film industry, and how did it happen?
TS: My break came after the release of Edge of Seventeen. My career took off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The film garnered numerous awards and reached renowned festivals like Sundance. That success didn’t just validate my love for filmmaking, it opened doors, cementing my place in the industry and setting the stage for everything that followed.
FG: Edge of Seventeen is such a personal and iconic film. What inspired you to tell that story, and how much of it is autobiographical?
TS: Edge of Seventeen is my story — my coming-out journey. At that time, I was deeply inspired by the film Beautiful Thing, which portrayed a young man grappling with his sexuality. Its honesty struck a chord, and I felt compelled to create something equally heartfelt yet distinctly my own. I poured my life, emotions, and experiences into Edge of Seventeen. It became a love letter to my younger self and anyone navigating their own messy, beautiful path toward self-discovery.
FG: Another Gay Movie and its sequel have become cult classics. What was your vision for these films?
TS: After Edge of Seventeen, I faced intense pressure to cross over and create a more mainstream, straight film. The industry’s push to conform felt overwhelming, but as a Gay man and filmmaker, my identity is inseparable from my work. In a quiet act of defiance, I made Gypsy, the protagonist of my next film, Gypsy 83, straight — but gave her a Gay best friend. Ironically, when the film was released, the criticism had nothing to do with mainstream appeal. Instead, I was told it wasn’t Gay enough. The whole experience was incredibly frustrating, leaving me caught between opposing expectations. At that moment, I vowed never to compromise my vision or succumb to outside
pressure again. Fueled by that frustration, I decided that my next film would be unapologetically Gay — the biggest, boldest, and most outlandish Gay movie ever conceived. And thus, Another Gay Movie was born.
FG: Swan Song has received widespread acclaim. What drew you to this story, and how did you navigate the creative process?
TS: The inspiration for Swan Song came from a man named Mr. Pat, who lived in my hometown. He was a larger-than-life figure, a mix between David Bowie and Liberace. He would light up the dance floor at our local bar, the Universal Fruit and Nut Company. His flamboyant costumes were awe-inspiring, and he was captivating to watch. I never forgot about him.
A line from the film says, “Even though I didn’t know you, you changed my life.” That perfectly reflects what Mr. Pat meant to me. His fearless self-expression encouraged me to embrace my authenticity. The film masterfully captures his spirit, resilience, sense of identity, and steadfast dedication to being unapologetically true to himself.
FG: Out of all the films you’ve worked on, do you have a personal favorite?
TS: That’s such a hard question! But if I had to pick, it would be Gypsy 83. This film is close to my heart, partly because it’s the underdog. It didn’t receive the attention it deserved, and the version released wasn’t what I had envisioned. I was forced to cut so much during editing, and, in the process, some incredible material was left on the cutting room floor.
I’m thrilled to announce that the restoration of Gypsy 83 is almost complete, returning the film to its original vision. The [new] version will be released this summer, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it as I intended.
FG: Sandusky often takes center stage in your work. What makes the town such a compelling backdrop for your stories?
TODD STEPHENS TIM KALTENECKER
TS: Sandusky is my hometown. Being Queer there in the 1980s was not easy. However, I’ve developed a strong connection to the place as I’ve gotten older. Sandusky appears in three of my films because I know it well, and that familiarity brings my stories to life. It serves as an ideal setting for exploring what it means to be Queer in a small town.
FG: Can you share any upcoming projects or films you’re working on with us?
TS: My next project is a biopic about Mae West. Without giving too much away, she was a trailblazing Queer icon. Mae was an extraordinary woman — brave, bold, and ahead of her time. She was the first to put Queer people on stage and, believe it or not, was arrested for writing a play featuring drag queens. Her story is rich with history and significance, and there’s so much about her that the LGBTQ+ community and the world deserve to know.
FG: Reflecting on your journey, what are you most proud of, and what legacy do you hope to leave?
TS: I’m proud that my films center on Gay narratives and that I resisted the pressure to conform and mainstream my work. As a Gay man, my purpose has always been to create authentic LGBTQ+ stories, and that’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.
Todd Stephens’s work is a vibrant tribute to Queer identity, resilience, and the art of authentic storytelling. Through his films, he illuminates the importance of representation while capturing the beauty and complexity of LGBTQ+ lives. If you haven’t yet experienced his films, now is the perfect time to explore these powerful stories that resonate worldwide.
Frank Gaimari is the author of Circus Animals: A Novel, a film reviewer, and an actor. He lives in Seattle with his two loving golden retrievers.
51st annual SIFF preview: A conversation with artistic director Beth Barrett
BY SARA MICHELLE FETTERS SGN STAFF WRITER
The 51st annual Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) kicks off on Thursday, May 15 at the historic Paramount Theatre with a gala screening of the Irish comedy Four Mothers, starring James McArdle and Fionnula Flanagan. The relationship comedy of a struggling Gay author and his feisty mother — the recent victim of a stroke that’s left her unable to speak and who can only communicate through an iPad — has been the toast of the festival scene since its 2024 London debut, and SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett is eager for local audiences to see it.
“The world is hard right now,” she said solemnly. “It’s not an easy place. For opening night, I really wanted something funny, something that brought joy. I also wanted something that celebrated families, especially the unique relationship between men and their mothers. We found that with Four Mothers, a celebration of Gay men and the relationship they have with their mothers. There’s something very special about this story and this intergenerational idea that, despite all challenges, families can stick together and most of all change.”
“By sharing who we are, by being open
and transparent, we can change how people interact,” she added. “We can change the entire community that surrounds them. These are important themes, especially right now.
“Also, it’s just really good to laugh. There’s not a lot of comedy in the world right now. It’s hard. This makes laughter, and sharing that laughter with others, incredibly important. One of the things we’re always trying to do at the festival is bring those ‘take a chance’ films to audiences. I think this is a good example of that.”
Festival overview and film distribution Barrett’s eagerness to chat about this year’s festival was infectious.
“The excitement is really high,” she said with a smile. “We have an incredible program that really leads into the international and independent film scene… even more so this year than normal. We were determined to focus on international stories and on stories from new directors. Just over 60% of our feature film selections this year are from first- and second-time filmmakers, and 72% of those don’t even have distribution yet.
“Additionally, we’re representing 74 countries that are communicating in 63 languages, including three different sign languages. [Over half] of our filmmakers represent as female or Nonbinary. These are really, really independent stories from all walks of life and from all around the world. That’s very exciting.”
In some ways, the volume of films being showcased without any current distribution returns SIFF to its foundational roots. Many of these motion pictures may not ever get a domestic release in any form whatsoever. This means festival screenings may be the only opportunity for audiences to view them.
“There are definitely a lot of films that fall into that category,” states Barrett. “Considering the current landscape, it’s unlikely many of these will play on cinema screens again anytime soon or get picked up for mass streaming, like with Netflix, Hulu, etc. That’s not going to be their path. [SIFF] is the way these films will find their audience. We’ve always said the festival is the way to travel the world without leaving Seattle, and in this climate, that’s never been more true.
“That’s hard to think about: the dangers of leaving the US or the dangers of coming to the US. It’s a dicey situation for a lot of people who are feeling uncertain about what is happening, especially international folks living here in Seattle. SIFF and festivals like SIFF might be their only outlet to see and experience those stories for the next four years.”
Breaking down barriers
Real-world events, especially political and cultural events, are not ones Barrett is ready to gloss over. Just the opposite. More than ever, she sees it is key to SIFF’s foundational objectives to showcase diverse and inclusive stories from every corner of the globe, no matter the current political climate.
“It’s at the very core of what our organization exists to do,” she proudly proclaimed. “It’s in our values. It’s in our mission. It’s in the way that we approach everything that we do. Within the construct of the festival, we strive to be an epicenter for films from all around the world, the idea being that you could go to one venue and see what the challenges, joys, similarities, and differences are in cultures all across our planet. Film makes us more empathetic, because it lowers those barriers that invisibly exist between us. There’s not much difference between any of us once you strip away those artificially placed walls. So, we’re intentionally leaning in this year. We want to break down those barriers.”
Barrett took a moment to think before she continued.
“As a culture, it’s the only way forward,” she explained. “There used to be a set of rules that we all agreed upon about basic democracy, and how we were able to learn and empathize with one another was through art and culture. Film, art, theater, music, dance — that’s how we would learn about other cultures throughout the world. I think this narrowing of this art in our lives and the imposition of boundaries and rules that takes away funding for the arts and closes off borders is a red-flag situation. We’re there. Right now.
“We, as humans, get to make the decision as to what is important to us. The way we do that is by participation in our democracy. We also do that by voting with our pocketbooks. We support the arts and cul-
BETH BARRETT AT 2017 SIFF OPENING GALA BETH CROOK
tural organizations that bring the world to us. We see films. We talk to filmmakers. We talk to each other. This is all-important. While it is a scary world right now with everything that is going on, community is what you fall back on. The arts are what you fall back on. And SIFF exists to help facilitate those connections. SIFF is here to make sure every voice is heard.”
Venues and Northwest content
Not every obstacle SIFF faced putting on this year’s festival was due to political or social upheaval. Late last year, a burst pipe and a subsequent flood rendered one of Seattle’s most cherished theaters unusable, Capitol Hill’s historic SIFF Cinema Egyptian.
“Not having the Egyptian has been really hard,” Barrett admitted. “It is a foundational venue. This will be the first festival since the late 1970s without the Egyptian, which is really sad, no question. But we are also extremely confident we will be able to reopen the venue later this year. The Egyptian will return.”
With a smile, she added, “But films and events that used to be at the Egyptian will move to SIFF Cinema Downtown. The Secret Festival will be downtown. The Midnighters will be downtown. So many of these programs that have lived at the Egyptian — it will be exciting to see them have such an incredible new home for a year.”
Outside of the Paramount Theatre and SIFF Cinema Downtown, other venues for this year’s festival include SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Cinema Film Center, AMC Pacific Place 11, the Shoreline Community College Theater, and the Museum of History and Industry, which will host the closing night screening and after-party. All of these theaters will be the home for 83 features, 122 short films, 35 documen-
taries, three archival features, and two secret films. Nineteen will be world premieres. This includes five features shot in the Pacific Northwest: BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, Evergreens, Monarch City, Suburban Fury, and Wolf Land
“This year, the Northwest Connections program represents the entire state of Washington and, ironically, none are set in Seattle,” said Barrett. “Seattle plays a part in a lot of these films, but they are not set in the city. The program really focuses on all of the work being accomplished all around the state. They tell those stories, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience all of them.”
Queer selections
The selection of LGBTQIA+ features and documentaries is even more impressive and includes the likes of the aforementioned opening night film Four Mothers, the raucous Trans teen sex comingout comedy She’s the He, the outlandish 16mm comic fantasy adventure F*cktoys, and Jean Cocteau, a surrealistic dramatic profile of the legendary French filmmaker, playwright, and poet.
“I think our Queer lineup this year is probably more Queer than it’s ever been,” Barrett remarked. “There is a real broad spectrum of Queer content, and not just Gay and Lesbian content. A lot … is from
exceptionally young filmmakers. These are not traditionally told tales, and they are truly reflective of the lived experiences of these young people. It’s bold and vital, and I’m very excited about the sheer volume and the diverse spectrum of Queer content we have at SIFF this year.
“What’s really exciting is that barriers that state who a director can be are truly dropping. We have so many Nonbinary filmmakers this year, and the variety of stories they are telling, not all of which contain Queer content, is something else. As long as people keep supporting these young, very diverse filmmakers and their films, the more films like these they are going to be able to make.”
Resistance
Against the background of protests all across the US, Barrett agrees that viewing films from all over the world from a wide spectrum of directors of various races, backgrounds, genders, and ideologies is also a form of resistance.
“Absolutely,” she said emphatically. “Art has always been a form of resistance. Being able to support these films allows filmmakers to keep making these films and organizations like SIFF to keep showing these films. As a culture, as a community, if we want arts and culture to be diverse and to be challenging, if we want it to amuse us and to thrill us, we have to support it. It’s not a question.”
“The current government isn’t supporting us,” she continued after a contemplative pause. “Nobody has fully recovered from COVID. There are challenges left and right. If you want to see international and independent films, you have to go to the cinema and support those films. If you want to see Queer art, you have to go and support that art. If you want to experience Indigenous stories, female-driven stories, stories from diverse cultures, you have to vote with your pocketbook and support them. The community has to stand up and collectively say that there is value in supporting the arts.
“As a community here in Seattle, we have said over and over again that this is valuable. That’s one of the reason that people want to live here.”
More information about SIFF 2025 is at https://www.siff.net/festival
NICO CARNEY AND MISHA OSHEROVICH STAR IN SHE'S THE HE COURTESY OF SXSW
ANNAPURNA SRIRAM IN F*CKTOYS COURTESY OF TRASHTOWN PICTURES LLC
JEAN COCTEAU COURTESY OF FISCHIO FILMS
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Exhibition: Understated Beauty of the Pacific Northwest and Beyond
Date: Now- June 25
Time: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Venue: Ethnic Heritage Art Gallery
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Ave, 3rd Floor Lobby
Seattle, WA
Admissions: Free
Understated Beauty of the Pacific Northwest and Beyond is a distinctive compilation of photographs captured over the last twenty years showcasing the tranquil gem of the Pacific Northwest, along with other mesmerizing places and moments, as seen through the eyes of artist Katsuyuki Shibata. The exhibition is on view April 16 - June 25, 2025.
Laughs in Spanish
Date: Now- May 11
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Venue: Bagley Wright Theater
Seattle Rep, 155 Mercer St., Seattle, WA
Admissions: $25.00 - $103.00
Mari is about to open a career-defining show in her Miami art gallery, but when the paintings are stolen the day of the event, all hell breaks loose. Her movie star mother sweeps into town under suspicious pretenses, the intern picks up the wrong catering order, and her high school crush arrives in a most unexpected manner... Cue the wildest day ever! Part telenovela, part whodunnit, and all heart, Alexis Scheer's outrageous new comedy will have you laughing one minute and wanting to hug your mom the next.
Free First Thursday:
Seattle Art Museum
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Venue: Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Avenue, Seattle, WA
Call your friends and bring the family, admission is FREE to everyone at the Seattle Art Museum on the first Thursday of every month. In addition to our regular hours, Seattle Art Museum will be open for Free First Thursday evenings from 5-8 pm to provide more opportunities to visit the galleries for free! Evening hours will feature extra activities like live music, drop-in art making, and in-gallery experiences for visitors. Tickets are available both onsite and online. Free First Thursday Evenings Presented by Paul G. Allen Foundation.
Intiman Theatre " The Things Around Us"
Date: Now - May 4
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Venue: Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
The Things Around Us is a dazzling new work from acclaimed multi-disciplinary artist, Ahamefule J. Oluo, that layers live music and narrative exploration to create an introspective evening about the things that connect us all. Combining experimental jazz, new music, Nigerian hi-life , and electronic looping with bizarre and darkly humorous accounts of strangers and acquaintances, Oluo draws out larger social and political meanings from those encounters, weaving together a tapestry of characters and existential inquiries. Featuring dynamic multi-instrumental compositions using trumpet, clarinet, vocals, looping/effects pedals, and cardboard shipping boxes for percussion, The Things Around Us is an evening that will draw you in and remind you of the beauty in life.
Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank
Date: Now - May 29
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Venue: Holocaust Center for Humanity, 2045 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA
Admissions: $0.00 - $12.00
Visit the Holocaust Center for Humanity for a limited run of the traveling exhibit
Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank.
This exhibit from the Anne Frank House provides an immersive experience of Anne's life, the rise of Hitler, and the devastating impacts of the Holocaust on Jewish families and communities. Let Me Be Myself encourages visitors to reflect on the dangers of stereotypes and hatred, and gain a deeper understanding of the role we all play in combating hate.
The exhibit is on view from April 3 to May 31 on Thursdays and Sundays.
Lashes Cabaret!
Date: Fridays, May 2-23
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Venue: Unicorn, Seattle, WA
Unicorn is so excited to be the new home of the longest running drag show in Seattle, Lashes! Every Friday night with the show starting promptly at 7:30pm. Lashes stars the Legendary Ladie Chablis, Londyn Bradshaw, Miss Texas 1988, Amora Namor and LüChi. No Cover Charge!!! Seating is first come first served.
Candi Pop
Date: Friday, May 2
Time: 9 p.m.
Venue: Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., Seattle, WA
Admissions: $10.00 - $20.00 TICKETS ALWAYS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR A Candi Pop Dance Party littered with all of your guilty pleasures. Glitter, Lollipops, Rainbows, Unicorns... and Oh yeah, Girl Power! Playing Music by:SPICE GIRLS | JUSTIN BIEBER | KATY PERRY | JONAS BROTHERS | DUA LIPA | HARRY STYLES | FERGIE | BRITNEY SPEARS | TAYLOR SWIFT | MILEY CYRUS | NSYNC | GWEN STEFANI | J-LO | ONE DIRECTION | DOJA CAT | WHITNEY HOUSTON and more Lights & Music Collective Event
Bad Girls Brunch
Date: Saturday, May 3-25
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Venue: Julia's on Broadway, 300 Broadway E, Seattle, WA Doors: 12pm | Show: 1pm
Make Stained Glass!
Date: Thursday, May 8-29
Time: 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Venue: Billodue Makerspace, Seattle, WA
*Prerequisite: Maker Orientation! Learn the fundamentals of stained glass while making your own piece! We’ll cover scoring, cutting, grinding, copper tape, soldering and flux.
Time is precious. Please arrive 5 minutes early!
This session fulfills the training requirements for Glass Tools and processes.
A Brush With Nature
Date: Saturday, May 10-24
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
Venue: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA
Unleash Your Inner Artist! Woodland Park Zoo invites you to explore the beauty of art and nature with A Brush with Nature, a new paint and sip event series designed to inspire creativity while celebrating the wonders of the natural world. Each session offers a unique artistic experience for participants (21+) of all skill levels, making it perfect for adults. With expert instruction and stunning backdrops at iconic locations across the zoo, this is a can't-miss opportunity to combine art, wildlife, and fun!
SAM Creates: Vivid Description Poetry
Workshop with Luther Hughes
Date: Sunday, May 18
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Venue: Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Avenue, Seattle, WA
Join poet and writer, Luther Hughes (they/them), for a series of workshops on ekphrastic poetry-poems written about works of art-inspired by SAM's exhibition, Following Space: Thaddeus Mosely and Alexander Calder. Each week, we will discuss contemporary poems to help us understand how to write our own ekphrastic poetry. Come and dive deep into the wondrous work of Mosely and Calder. Tickets $30 non-members $21 members. If you are BIPOC identifying and price is an issue, please apply for the scholarship through the online form.
