SGN Dec 18, 2009 - Section 1

Issue 51 Volume 37

Celebrating 36 Years!

HOUSTON MAYOR p. 8 Best of music 2009 p. 25

AVATAR p. 31

Seattle Gay News

FRIDAY December 18, 2009 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands

SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

American and British HIV/AIDS funding for King Co. Gay military attitudes slashed in state budget crisis courtesy Nathanael Bodon

sent home early when his superiors found out he was Gay. Shortly after returning home he received discharge papers for violating the DADT policy, the ban on Gays serving openly in the U.S. military.

Bodon, a member of the Army National Guard in New York, had been deployed for a tour of duty in Iraq when a soldier in his unit stumbled across his blog, “This Is How It Feels: A Daily Journal.”

The blog, which U.S. Army Specialist Nathanael Bodon Bodon has kept

by Shaun Knittel since August, is a recollection of SGN Staff Writer his experiences. On the blog was a picture of Bodon kissing his exArmy specialist Nathanael boyfriend. The soldier showed Bodon, 21, is the latest “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) casualty. see DADT page 18 While serving in Iraq, Bodon was

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The all-cuts budget announced last week by Gov. Christine Gregoire may jeopardize HIV/AIDS prevention and services in King County, according to Dr. Bob Wood, director of HIV/AIDS Control for Seattle-King County Public Health.

King County receives about $3 million in state money for HIV/ AIDS prevention. But Gregoire has proposed cutting more than $2 million of that to help cope with a projected $2.6 billion budget deficit for 2010.

Wood worried that the proposed 70% cut in state funding could complicate prevention and treatment efforts.

“This is AIDS Omnibus money – what we call the AIDSNET system – it’s a very generous contribution the state has made over the years,” Wood told SGN. “We also get federal money through the CDC. There’s no other source of revenue.”

The money goes to support a variety of HIV/AIDS prevention programs, including those run by Seattle-King County Public Health and by other agencies.

james whitely

Two Gay soldiers – one American, one British – receive vastly different treatment

Director of HIV/AIDS Control for Seattle-King County Public Health Dr. Bob Wood

“A good chunk goes to com- should be felt,” Wood told SGN. munity organizations,” Wood ex- “At least for some populations the plained. “Gay City, Entre Herma- cuts could be catastrophic.” nos, Lifelong, Multifaith….”

“We’ll be able to phase in the cuts see aids funding page 20 a little, but by 2011 the full impact

Uganda backing off anti-Gay Gay Latino to lead California Assembly law, Obama speaks out

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer While President Obama issued a statement against Uganda’s proposed law providing the death penalty for “repeat offender” Gays, and the Ugandan government is reportedly backing off the threat of executions, the neighboring African country of Rwanda is now considering legislation criminal-

izing its LGBT community.

On December 11, the White House issued a statement saying that “[T]he president strongly opposes efforts, such as the draft law pending in Uganda, that would criminalize homosexuality and move against the tide of history.”

In a December 14 speech at Georgetown University, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton added, “Governments should be expected

perezforassembly.com

flie photo

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni

to resist the temptation to restrict succeed Karen Bass as freedom of expression when critithe lower house’s leader cism arises, and be vigilant in preon December 10. Perez, venting law from becoming an 40, is expected to be instrument of oppression, as bills formally voted in as the like the one under consideration in 68th Assembly speaker Uganda to criminalize homosexunext month, making him ality would do.” the body’s first openly The US State Department had Gay leader. previously characterized the pro“It’s obviously an posed legislation as “a significant incredibly moving exstep backwards for human rights perience to have the in Uganda,” and said it was “in the unanimous support of process of raising the issue with my colleagues,” Perez the government of Uganda.” said following the vote.

Uganda’s proposed law specifies “I think it says more life in prison for even a single inciabout California than it dent of Gay male sex, with execudoes about me – it means tion for “repeat offenders” and for that California is a place HIV-positive people who engage where everybody has in homosexual activity. a seat at the table, that The law would also impose penwe’re a state where evalties on organizations that proerybody brings forward mote homosexuality and persons their contributions.”

California Assemblyman John A. Perez who fail to report individuals they Gay advocates immeby Shaun Knittel believe are Gay. diately praised Perez’s election, SGN Staff Writer calling it a historic moment for the Uganda backing off? state and the nation.

The Ugandan government has California Assemblyman John “History was made yesterday met with an international barrage Perez, an openly Gay Latino when Perez was chosen to become of criticism over the proposal, and Democrat from Los Angeles, was the first openly LGBT Latino asunanimously chosen by the Assee perez page 18 see uganda page 20 sembly’s Democratic Caucus to

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different AND we are proud to have presented the 2009 Seattle AIDS Walk.

THANK YOU, everyone.

* Here’s something different. try our MOMSPak.

Proud to be your community Pharmacy We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store.

Call us at 206.568.2486

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Seattle Gay News

December 18, 2009

Celebrating 36 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

December 18, 2009

Seattle Gay News

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Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973

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2009

Deadlines Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the sgn office All others - Tuesday 5pm

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Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner

Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers Nick Ardizzone, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, Rajket Dirzhud-Rashid National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by JT&A, Inc. © 2009, JT&A, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.

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Famed mom a Lesbian – the rainbow and TV icons

by Leslie Robinson SGN Contributing Writer

Meredith Baxter’s announcement that she is a Lesbian has put a – you should excuse the expression – kink in the long line of allAmerican TV moms.

It’s not June Cleaver or Harriet Nelson who has come out, but as Elyse Keaton on Family Ties, Baxter was a loving mother and wife, a maternal anchor on a hugely popular show that ran during most of the ‘80s.

Now Baxter isn’t just a member of the TV-mom sorority. She’s also one of those LGBT actors who played iconic straight roles. Sometimes America’s favorite, most heterosexual characters were played by actors who were, well, really, really acting.

Baxter says only relatively recently did she figure out she’s Gay, so she wasn’t consciously hiding anything. From the television audience, anyway. Whether she was hiding anything from herself is between her, her therapist and, this being L.A., her other therapist.

Elyse Keaton, a liberal former hippie,

had what so many TV moms had over the decades preceding her: maternal warmth, patience, wisdom. She also had what a TV mom needed by the ‘80s: a job, although I admit I couldn’t remember she was an architect. You could argue that handling her conservative son Alex, famously played by Michael J. Fox, was work enough.

During the ‘80s, Elyse Keaton was and she remains still one of America’s bestknown mothers. Now we know one of America’s famous mommies was a Lesbian.

Life is good.

I had no idea back in the ‘70s that Grandpa Walton was anything other than straight as a board from the Walton family sawmill.

In fact, Will Geer was more like the curly shavings.

Grandpa, patriarch of The Waltons, was a good-natured character. Hard-working, dedicated to his family, wise, mischievous and fond of visiting the Baldwin sisters for a nip of upscale moonshine, he was still in love with his wife of a zillion years. I’d guess that regardless of class, race, religion or anything, many Americans would’ve

loved to have Zeb Walton as their grandfather. He was the definition of endearing – sort of a walrus meets a panda.

I can’t think of any other grandfather on TV more appealing. Actually, I can hardly think of any other grandfather. Grandpa Munster? He was more all-Transylvanian than all-American.

When Will Geer took the role of Zeb Walton, he’d already had a long career on the stage and in film and television. He was attracted to radical politics; actress Helen Hayes once called him “the world’s oldest hippie.” In 1933, Geer met Harry Hay, who would later be one of the founders of Gay liberation. The two men became lovers.

Geer was married for 20 years, and it seems the most accurate label for him is Bisexual. America’s ultimate grandfather dug both men and women. On Walton’s Mountain, things weren’t quite what they seemed.

Things weren’t at all what they seemed in the case of one of America’s foremost TV dads. Robert Reed, Mike Brady in The Brady Bunch, was Gay. That secret was hidden even better than whatever happened to Tiger the dog.

According to greginhollywood.com, Florence Henderson, who played Carol Brady, spoke of her TV husband during her recent one-woman show. “I always felt so sad for him because in the early ‘70s you couldn’t come out because you wouldn’t work,” she said. “And here he was playing the father of America and he was Gay.” Reed spent more time in the closet than Alice spent in the kitchen.

Speaking of Ann B. Davis, I’ve heard the rumors, but I’ve no idea what her orientation is. Perhaps she’s straight, perhaps not. If not, then in addition to an iconic TV mother, grandfather and father, we could even claim a housekeeper, too.

Leslie Robinson watched a powerful lot of TV as a kid. E-mail her at LesARobinson@ gmail.com.

In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold

4

Seattle Gay News

December 18, 2009

Celebrating 36 Years!

Light the Night event celebrates Gay Hannukah www.anniseparker.com

Among those honored were Audrey Haberman, executive director of the Pride Foundation, Louise Chernin, executive director of the Greater Seattle Business Association, and Josh Friedes, campaign manager for the Approve Referendum 71 Campaign.

Calling attention to the fact that many local LGBT leaders are also from the Jewish community, Chernin said, “We have leadership, we have guts, we have chutzpah.” Chernin wanted everyone at the celebration to be proud to not only be LGBT, but to celebrate their Jewish heritage, as well. “Chutzpah” roughly translates to “audacity.”

“Last march we celebrated Gay ol’ Purim,” said Josh Furman and Alysa Rosen, organizOpenly Gay Cantor David Serkin-Poole ers and spokespeople for the

by James Whitely event. In the Jewish LGBT community, PuSGN Contributing Writer rim is unofficially regarded as the “comingout holiday.”

On December 16, about 50 people gath“We wanted to do another event to celered at the Sole Repair Shop on Capitol Hill ebrate the holiday of Hanukkah,” the two to celebrate the sixth night of Hanukkah at told SGN. “We wanted to have an event that “Light the Night: A GLBTQ Hanukkah,” was multi-generational and would bring the an event put on by Kolenu. Attendees met Jewish LGBT community back together.” and mingled, and had the opportunity to “Hanukkah is about being who you are purchase special themed drinks such as the and rededicating yourself to what you beDrunken Dreidel, the Oy Vey, My Drink Is lieve in,” said Rosen and Furman. These Gay, the Flaming Menorah, the Gelt Shot elements of Hanukkah have obvious ties to and the Latkes and Applesauce. the LGBT community, they added.

Openly Gay Cantor David Serkin-Poole For more information on upcoming Koled the lighting of the menorah and a tradi- lenu events, contact either Josh or Alysa tional prayer. Afterwards, eight local LGBT at Joshf@hilleluw.org, or Alysa@temleaders from the Jewish community were plebetham.org, or visit the “Gay Seattle honored and offered the chance to speak.

Jews” page on Facebook.

Pet Project for people with HIV/AIDS & pets

by James Whitely SGN Contributing Writer

If you shop at Safeway, you may have noticed the pet food drive bins located near the entrance of each location in King County.

All the pet food donated goes to Seattle Humane Society’s Pet Project. According to Maureen Lull, who heads up the Pet Project, it’s “a program designed to help low-income AIDS patients keep and care for their pets.”

The Pet Project takes care of all the pet needs of its clients. Most of what they give out is donated, and aside from rare but sometimes necessary medicinal charges, everything is always available at no cost whatsoever to its clients.

From pet food to leashes, collars to cat litter, the Pet Project keeps all of its 165 current clients stocked with all the pet supplies they might need. They also offer flea control and grooming and items such as beds and scratching posts and pet care information, all delivered free and at no cost.

Every other month, the Pet Project coordinates a free full-on veterinary clinic, which is all volunteer-run by local veterinarians.

Most of the medication prescribed to pets, which is also donated, is provided at no cost to clients. The volunteer veterinarians also provide dental care for pets.

If a client wants a new companion, the Pet Project coordinates low-cost adoptions. If clients are hospitalized or struggling with housing, The Pet Project finds volunteers to foster their pet until clients can take care of them again.

Put simply, the Pet Project has their clients covered.

Currently, the Pet Project has 165 active clients, 90 volunteers, and Lull, who coordinates everything. The project began in 1989 and provides services to all of King County. “Most of our clients are in Seattle, in the Capitol Hill and First Hill area,” Lull

told SGN. The Pet Project started as an allvolunteer program, and aside from Lull, it still is. The program grew out of the pet food bank program and has been providing an amazing service ever since.

“We feel it’s very important to have animal companionship,” Lull told SGN. “Our mission is to bring people and pets together, but beyond [that], keeping people and their pets together.

The Pet Project believes that pets can provide the energy needed to people who may have otherwise given up hope.

If you’re still looking to spread some cheer for the holidays, consider the Pet Project. Aside from supply and cash donations, there are many ways to volunteer. Volunteers are matched up one-on-one with clients and handle most of their pet care needs.

This method enables volunteers to form and maintain relationships with clients and their pets. “We’ve got a good network, but it’s all volunteer driven,” Lull told SGN. The Pet Project is also looking for more veterinary specialists to volunteer their time.

“There’s no set schedule. It’s easy to volunteer,” Lull told SGN. Volunteers meet with clients to set up times that best fit their schedules. “But there’s always turnover, we always need volunteers,” said Lull. “Volunteers have told me that it’s really rewarding for them because they’re not just helping animals, but helping people, too.”

The Pet Project is a program that supports the unique power and healing that comes from the connection between people and pets. For more information, check out www. seattlehumane.org/services. Individuals looking to become clients of the Pet Project should contact Maureen Lull at (425) 649-7566. Other organizations that support people disabled by AIDS should also contact the Pet Project if they are interested in collaborative efforts or partnerships.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Joseph “Joe” Eisenhauer 1948-1999 Joe was a very talented man, but he mostly should be remembered for his work helping people with AIDS. Joe was the founder of the Seattle AIDS Support Group (now Dunshee House) in 1984 at the beginning of the AIDS pandemic.

Joe left us peacefully at Bailey Boushay House on December 15, 1999 after a long battle with cancer.

As my friend and partner of 20 years, and for his work for people with AIDS, Joe is remembered and missed.

County Council fails to nominate Joe McDermott

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In a contentious eight-hour meeting that dragged on into the night, the King County Council failed on Monday to appoint a replacement for Dow Constantine.

Sen. Joe McDermott (D-34), the apparent favorite, was only able to garner four votes, with four opposed to his appointment.

Constantine represented Council District 8 – West Seattle, Pioneer Square, Georgetown, Burien, Normandy Park, Vashon and Maury Islands, and parts of Tukwila and SeaTac – but gave up his seat to become King County executive. He was sworn into his new position on November 24.

As a state senator from the 34th Legislative District, McDermott already represents more than 60% of the County Council District. He had the unanimous endorsement of the 34th District Democratic Party organization.

While County offices have been officially non-partisan since November 2008, all current Council members were elected as Democrats or Republicans, and they split along party lines in voting for Constantine’s replacement. With Constantine gone, the Council is split evenly between four Democrats and four Republicans.

On Monday morning, the motion to appoint McDermott failed on a 4-4 split. All the Council’s Democrats voted Yes, all the Republicans No. After a recess, the Council returned to the issue in the afternoon with a motion to appoint outgoing Seattle City Council member

December 18, 2009

Jan Drago. That motion also failed on a 4-4 split, with all the Democrats voting No and all the Republicans Yes. McDermott has already announced his intention to run for the seat in 2010, whether or not he wins the interim appointment.

Drago said she would serve as a temporary “caretaker” Council member until the election.

While McDermott told SGN last week that he believed Republicans would gain nothing by trying to block his appointment, they apparently sought to prevent him from winning the incumbent’s advantage in the 2010 election for the seat.

After failing to agree on either McDermott or Drago, the Council briefly considered a third candidate, Rep. Zack Hudgins (D-11).

Republicans had hoped that Hudgins would agree to serve as a caretaker Council member, but when he indicated he would run to return to his 11th District legislative seat if he couldn’t run for election to the Council in 2010, they rejected him as well.

“I think we should give everybody here a cooling-off period,” said Council member Pete von Reichbauer, a Republican, as the Council meeting dragged on without any obvious hope of agreement. “I would suggest we look at dealing with this issue at the first of the year.”

“For tonight there is a deadlock, ultimately we will reach a consensus,” Councilman Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, agreed.

Council members agreed to return to the issue in January.

Seattle Gay News

5

NEWS

Same-sex marriage begins in NH on January 1 New Hampshire becomes the fifth state where same-sex couples can marry starting January 1.

A bill opening marriage to Gay couples was passed by the General Court (legislature) and signed by the governor in June.

The bill also cancels New Hampshire’s civil-union law. On January 1, 2011, all civil unions will convert into marriages.

There is no residency requirement for marriage in New Hampshire but there is a 1979 law that states, “No marriage shall be contracted in this state by a party residing and intending to continue to reside in another jurisdiction if such marriage would be void if contracted in such other jurisdiction, and every marriage contracted in this state in violation hereof shall be null and void.”

No such restriction exists in the other U.S. states where same-sex marriage is legal: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa and Vermont.

GLAAD mad at Grammys over Buju Banton nod The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is mad at The Recording Academy for nominating Jamaican dancehall singer Buju Banton’s album Rasta Got Soul for a Grammy.

GLAAD launched a petition to protest the nomination for Best Reggae Album.

“Banton’s anti-Gay lyrics and the climate of hatred they create are a threat to the

by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer safety of Gay and Transgender people everywhere,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “It is deeply disappointing that The Recording Academy would choose to laud the work of a singer who has advocated violence against the Gay community.”

The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center also has condemned the nomination.

According to GLAAD’s translation, Banton’s 1988 song “Boom Bye Bye” says that “faggots have to die” and that he will “shoot them in the head” or “burn them.” The organization said the 1993 song “Batty Rider” also “glorifies the shooting of Gay men.”

On December 10, The Recording Academy summarily dismissed GLAAD’s protest: “The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Awards have a long history of supporting freedom of speech and creative expression, and of supporting artists and the music they create. Artists of a variety of political or cultural perspectives have been nominated or featured on the telecast, despite protests and backlash. The Academy acknowledges that there are very strong and diverse opinions on many issues and in many instances, we have helped initiate dialogue on matters that require education and further discussion. It takes tolerance to teach tolerance, and it is through dialogue and debate that social discovery may occur. The GRAMMY Awards is a celebration and recognition of

Irish civil-partnership bill to pass this month Ireland’s Parliament is widely expected to pass a same-sex civil-partnership bill before the end of the year.

It will extend marriage rights in areas such as inheritance, health care, property, alimony and pensions.

Some Gay groups have denounced the bill as creating a discriminatory second-class status for Gay couples.

They have called for legalization of samesex marriage instead.

Austria passes registered-partnership law Austria’s Parliament passed a registeredpartnership law for same-sex couples December 10. The vote was 110-64. It takes effect January 1.

Homosexual Initiative Vienna (HOSI Wien) said the law grants 95 percent to 98 percent of the rights and obligations of marriage, including in the areas of immigration, social insurance, inheritance and pensions.

Excluded from the law were access to adoption and artificial insemination.

“Another flaw ... is that registration will not take place at the same venue as marriage – city hall – but at a so-called administrative authority at the district level,” said HOSI Wien President Christian Högl. “However, in cities such as Vienna these authorities coincide in place and therefore registration will take place in the same buildings and even rooms.”

HOSI’s secretary general, Kurt Krickler, called the law “a great success.”

“We have been fighting for this piece of legislation for more than 20 years,” he said.

“And we are quite happy that we succeeded to get more progressive divorce rules. For example, a registered partner will only be able to block the dissolution of the partnership up to three years, while a spouse can block the divorce of a marriage up to six years.”

Krickler said the partnership law also has no “state-imposed fidelity duty ... and consequently adultery will not be considered a reason for dissolving a registered partnership.”

The group said it will continue to fight for

Seattle Gay News

California Assembly elects openly Gay speaker Californians don’t have Gay marriage anymore but they do now have an openly Gay speaker of the AsBuju Banton, homophobic Jamaican singer busted for coke sembly.

John A. Pérez was selected unanimously outstanding musical achievement by music makers, regardless of politics, and that will by Democratic members of the house on December 10. continue to be our mission.”

He is believed to be the first openly Gay Barrios was not pleased.

“Advocating the murder of Gay people person to head a state legislative house since is not a ‘political or cultural perspective,’” Allan Spear’s groundbreaking 1992-2000 he fired back. “We urge Recording Acad- tenure as Minnesota Senate president. emy members NOT to support Buju BanWith assistance from Bill Kelley ton’s nomination. Ignoring his continued Ocean. Two hundred of the islands are inhabited. The nation’s population is about 309,000.

With an average elevation of less than five feet (1.5 meters), the country may drown as

by Rex Wockner global warming raises sea levels. President SGN Contributing Writer Mohamed Nasheed has said he is looking into buying land in India, Sri Lanka or Ausaccess to adoption and artificial insemina- tralia should the Maldivian population need tion, and for the registrations to take place to relocate. in the government offices where marriages Gays stage are conducted. approved protest in Russia Nine Gay and Lesbian activists staged a YouTube suspends account protest in St. Petersburg, Russia, December of Canadian 5 over stigmatization of – and discriminaGay newspaper chain Canada’s Pink Triangle Press, which pub- tion against – HIV-positive people.

The city administration OK’d the protest – lishes the Xtra! chain of Gay newspapers in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver, had its which is noteworthy given the ongoing bans YouTube account suspended for two weeks on Gay pride in Moscow.

Members of GayRussia.ru, the force berecently for posting “inappropriate” videos.

The videos featured footage from the hind Moscow Pride, took part in the demChurch Street Fetish Fair and the North- onstration.

The activists distributed red ribbons and bound Leather Fetish Party.

Notices sent by YouTube reportedly cited handed out flyers that said, “Tolerance,” “Be “nudity” and “sexually gratuitous” imag- human” and “We can play together.”

“Prevention and education directed to ery. Xtra! Toronto said “YouTube did not respond to multiple requests for comment” homosexuals and Bisexuals is nonexistent from governmental agencies,” the organizon the matter.

“YouTube is clearly more strict when ers said. “Doctors do not know how to propit comes to fetish or BDSM videos,” said erly advise homosexual patients. The efforts Xtra.ca Managing Editor Brent Creelman. of NGOs are clearly insufficient. We urge “The Church Street Fetish Fair was a public the government to fight stigmatization and event and our video was a fun, campy news to respect the rights of citizens.”

For the past four years, Moscow Mayor report.”

Another PTP editor, Matt Thomas, said Yuri Luzhkov has banned Gay pride events there seemed to be no way to appeal the sus- and sent riot police to violently arrest small groups of activists who ignored the bans. He pension.

“They do not provide a means to appeal. I has called Gay parades “satanic” and, reportedly, “weapons of mass destruction.” can contact no one,” he said.

A group of combined lawsuits over the bans should see a ruling from the European Seven arrested for homosexuality in Maldives Court of Human Rights sometime in 2010.

Seven men were arrested for suspected hoAlbanian first lady mosexual activity on the Maldives island of speaks at Gay-rights event Maalhos in Northern Ari Atoll, the Haveeru Albania’s first lady, Teuta Topi, spoke DeDaily newspaper reported December 8.

The Maldives Police Service said officers cember 11 at the 2nd Albanian National Huarrested the men based on “information the man Rights Debate, which had as one of its police had received,” the newspaper report- three tracks “Homophobia and Discrimination of LGBT People in Albania.” ed.

The other two tracks concerned children’s Haveeru quoted an island resident as saying that two of the arrested men were imams and women’s rights.

Attendees drew up “a set of recommendaof district mosques and that the group’s actions “finally came out into the open when a tions and action plans for the improvement of women, youth and sexual minorities’ video of their activities was leaked.”

The report said police are investigating rights in Albania.”

The conference received funding from the “reports” that additional men are part of the Dutch Embassy.

Gay-sex “network.”

The Republic of Maldives consists of 26 With assistance from Bill Kelley atolls and some 1,192 islands in the Indian

INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

6

gregg

NATIONAL

promotion of brutality against Gay people sends a message that violence against our community is OK.” For more information, see glaad.org/bujubantonpetition.

Banton is currently in federal custody in Miami after being arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration agents December 3 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

December 18, 2009

Celebrating 36 Years!

NORTHWEST

NEWS

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

PRIDE FOUNDATION & GSBA OFFERING $300,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2010-’11 Pride Foundation and the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) are accepting applications for 2010-’11 scholarships to eligible LGBT students and straight allies. Currently, $300,000 in scholarship money is available during this cycle. Pride Foundation along with the GSBA offers 50 different scholarships, all through a single streamlined application. For more information on previous scholars, the scholarship process, or how to start a scholarship fund, visit www.pridefoundation.org/scholarships/ or www.PrideFoundationScholar.org or thegsbascholarship.org. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2010 at 5 p.m. PST. QUEER FOUNDATION OFFERING THREE $1,000 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS To the top essayists in the 2010 high school seniors English essay contest, $1,000 scholarships are available for studies in Queer theory or a related field at the U.S. college or university of their choice in 2010-’11. For complete information, visit http://queerfoundation.org/Documents/essay_contest.html. Application deadline is February 26, 2010.

BROADWAY VIDEO ADDS FILM BOOK SECTION & MALE EROTIC PHOTOGRAPHY It’s a little-known fact that Broadway Market Video opened for business in the back room of Bailey/Coy Books in 1984. In 1986, they moved to their current location in the Broadway Market, 813 E. Republican St. Things have come full circle now as Michael Wells, owner of the recently closed Bailey/Coy Books, has helped Broadway Market Video create a film book section for their store.

They will now be carrying film review guides, Hollywood biographies, Gay/Lesbian film-related books, television history, and mysteries by local author and Broadway Market Video employee Kevin O’Brien.

They will also be carrying some male erotic photography books.

Broadway Market Video now has a selection of holiday greeting cards and Michael Wells will be helping them set up a general greeting card section with some of the unique and marvelous cards that Bailey/ Coy used to offer. 206-328-5023; www. broadwaymarketvideo.com.

iday concert. Joyful numbers will combine with inspirational carols to create an experience the whole family will love. 12/19 at 8 p.m. and 12/20 at 2 p.m. at Meany Hall, University of Washington. 206-388-1400; www.flyinghouse.org.

MCC SEATTLE HOSTS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SERVICE AND COMMUNITY DINNER On Sunday, December 20, at 12:30 p.m., Metropolitan Community Church Seattle invites the entire Queer community and its straight supporters, to their annual Christmas worship service and community dinner in the Chapel at Temple de Hirsch Sinai, 1441 16th Ave. at E. Union St. Tom Carlisle, an energetic pianist and singer and long time favorite of the Seattle Men’s Chorus, will be bringing special music for the worship service.

Pastor Ray Neal says, “It is important for Queer Christians to celebrate the coming of Christ into the world. Christ came to bring hope, peace, joy, and love to each one of us.

God boldly moved into our human form to make sure that we knew that God loves us exactly the way God made us. All too often we hear from Fundamentalist Christians that we are unacceptable to them and to God because of who we are and whom we love.

They are wrong! We will celebrate the coming of Christ into the world and we will celebrate it for all those who live on the edges of acceptable society because God-in-Christ came to bring God’s love to everyone, including Queer Christians.”

MCC Seattle is the oldest congregation in the Pacific Northwest founded by and for the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual community. Rev. Ray Neal is the senior pastor, having come to Seattle in March, 2009.

Rev. Michelle Carmody serves the congregation as associate pastor.

206-325-2421; www.mccseattle.org.

RAINBOW CITY BAND’S HOLIDAY CONCERT On Sunday, December 20, at 3 p.m., the Rainbow City Band presents their holiday concert, A Child’s Holiday, at the Broadway Performance Hall, Broadway & E. Pine St. The concert will be a magical, musical journey back to childhood, and those days when the Menorah shone brightly in the window, and those Christmas presents were under the tree just BEGGING to be unwrapped!

The celebration will feature such classics as “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. The Purple Passion Swing Band will also make toes tap with their high-energy take on the SHIFT PEER holidays. Get ready to ride in Santa’s sleigh RECOVERY NETWORK as they perform “Hot Chocolate” from the HOSTS GAME NIGHT big screen hit, The Polar Express. It’s an afAT DUNSHEE HOUSE ternoon of music, fun, and family. Tickets: On Friday, December 18, from 9 p.m.-1 $15 general admission at www.rainbowcitya.m., the SHIFT Peer Recovery Network band.com and at the door. will host a substance-free dinner and game night for LGBTQ people in recovery and “A CABARET their friends at Dunshee House, 303 17th WINTER WONDERLAND Ave. E. WITH ARNALDO!” Julia’s on Broadway, 300 Broadway E., Q-SQUARED BOOK GROUP presents “A Cabaret Winter Wonderland On Saturday, December 19, at 1 p.m., at with Arnaldo!”, on Sunday, December 20, the Capitol Hill Branch Library, 425 Har- show at 7 p.m., with dinner seating at 5:30 vard Ave. E., the Q-Squared Book Group p.m., featuring the Victor Janusz Jazz Trio. will discuss the novel At Swim, Two Boys Traditional and non-traditional tunes will be

by Jamie O’Neill. Winner of the Lambda showcased in this American Style Cabaret – Literary Award, the New York Times Book from “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Baby,” Review praised it as “A dangerous, glori- and “What Are You Doing New Year’s ous book: the kind that is likely to make Eve?” to Maltby and Shire’s “I Don’t Reabsolutely anyone cry and laugh in public member Christmas,” Fishberg’s “You Are places.” Q-Squared Book Group is open to There,” and the French classic “Les Fuilles men who are interested in Gay literature and Mortes.” always welcomes new members. For more General admission: $18 + 2 drink miniinformation, visit www.qsquared.org. mum at www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/84315; seniors and students: $10 with SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS valid ID, please call 206-334-0513.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS DECEMBER 19 & 20 SEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS The heavenly and angelic voices of the HOLIDAY CONCERT Seattle Women’s Chorus will once again be DECEMBER 20 “Making Spirits Bright” in their annual holSanta’s bag is jam-packed with new musi-

Visit us online www.sgn.org

cal toys, as well as new takes on old favorites in the SMC’s 2009 holiday concert, Santa Baby. This year, tune into a “Very Special Christmas Special” with hilarious highlights from forgotten TV Christmas shows, a Bollywood carol that will expand your holiday horizons, and the chorus’ inspiring version of “Silent Night,” back by popular demand.

Add in the majestic sounds of Benaroya Hall’s Watjen concert organ and you have a wonderful new visit with a Seattle holiday tradition. Final holiday concert on Sunday, December 20, at 7:30 p.m., Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & University St. 206-388-1400; www.flyinghouse.org.

www.mccseattle.org.

IN THE LIFE TV TALKS ABOUT AIDS On Sunday, December 27, at midnight, KCT-TV will broadcast In the Life TV’s December episode, “Creating Solutions.”

Over twenty million people have died from AIDS since it became known in 1981.

Though leading scientists worldwide have dedicated their life’s work to understanding the virus, its genetic complexity is unprecedented and a cure is still beyond reach. This month on In the Life, producers speak with scientists working tirelessly for a cure, with advocates speaking out about the stigma of HIV, and look at the success of a cutting GAY SKATE PARTY AT edge prevention effort to stop the spread of BELLEVUE SKATE KING On Monday, December 21, from 7-10 the disease. For more information and to p.m., enjoy an evening of roller skating at view the program online at anytime visit Bellevue Skate King, 2301 140th Ave. NE, www.inthelifetv.org.

Bellevue, at this LGBTQ community social RADICAL WOMEN HOSTS event for friends and family. Cost is $8 at ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S the door; $5 under 18. Regular skate rentCELEBRATION als: FREE. Inline skate rentals: $4 or bring On Thursday, December 31, at 8:30 p.m., your own skates. For more information and directions, call 425-458-4707. (Next Gay join Northwest rabble-rousers for Radical Women’s annual New Year’s celebration, Skate Party is Monday, January 18.) at New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., the red-hot spot for rebel movers and shakTHE ELITE HOSTS ers. Festivities include a tantalizing Greek FREE ASL LESSONS buffet, dancing, political comedy and a noFOR BEGINNERS Have you ever wanted to learn basic host bar. Door donation $5; buffet donaAmerican Sign Language? If so, you can get tion $17. Sliding scale and work exchanges some beginning ASL instruction at the Elite, available for students, unemployed and 1520 E. Olive Way. The FREE lessons will low-income people. Wheelchair accessible.

For more information, call 206-722-6057 or be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the loft. email RWseattle@mindspring.com.

SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN NORTHWEST NETWORK BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE PRESENTS WINTER The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club RELATIONSHIP SKILLS CLASS meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at DunOn Wednesday evenings, January 13-Febshee House, 303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St. The club is pleased to announce the fol- ruary 17, The Northwest Network presents lowing titles to be discussed in their ongoing a six-week course exploring the skills we reading and discussion series: December – need to build the relationships we want.

Death in Venice by Thomas Mann; January Topics include: identifying cultural norms – The Immoralist by Andre Gide; February and personal values, accountability, naming – A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood. and setting boundaries, strengthening supAll GLBTQ folks in the community are wel- port networks and more! The class is open come to participate in this free book club. to LGBTQ people and their friends and The reading list is chosen and the discussion loved ones and is open to all regardless of facilitated by Nick DiMartino, published relationship status or history. Registration novelist and playwright, currently a book requested by Wednesday, January 6. Sugreviewer for ShelfAwareness.com, and a gested donation is $90; however, no one will 30-year employee of University Book Store. be turned away for lack of funds – scholarFor more information, email nickdimartin@ ships and trades are available. The class is earthlink.net or contact Dunshee House at wheelchair accessible and ASL interpreters can be provided with pre-registration by 206-322-2437.

Wednesday, December 30. For more information, accessibility questions or to register, ALL PILGRIMS contact Deann at 206-568-7777 or deann@ CHRISTIAN CHURCH HOSTS CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE nwnetwork.org. www.nwnetwork.org.

On Thursday, December 24, join All Pil“COMMUNITY STORIES” grims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E. DOCUMENTS (at E. Republican St.), at 6 p.m., for their THE CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUES Christmas Eve service. All Pilgrims Chris& HEALTH CARE STRUGGLE tian Church is an open and affirming conAROUND THE AIDS CRISIS gregation. Time to reconnect with church in IN SEATTLE IN THE 1980S a setting where all are warmly welcomed.

The onset of AIDS “was a health crisis, 206-322-0487; www.allpilgrims.org. but it was also a civil rights crisis,” recalls Carol Sterling, former director of the ChickMCC SEATTLE HOSTS TRANSGENDER DAY OF WORSHIP en Soup Brigade. Produced by the Seattle On Sunday, December 27, at 12:30 p.m., Channel (Cable Channel 21), “Community Rev. Ray Neal, pastor of the Metropolitan Stories” looks back to the 1980s and the start Community Church Seattle invites all per- of the AIDS epidemic in Seattle. This hissons from the LGBT community and their tory is told through the words of people – instraight supporters to a Transgender Day of cluding Sterling, City Councilmember Tom Worship in the Chapel at Temple de Hirsch Rasmussen, Seattle Gay News editor George Sinai, 1441 16th Ave. at E. Union St., and Bakan and King County AIDS Program Dito a forum afterwards on Transgender Issues rector Bob Wood – who lived and worked and Opportunities. Shannon Buzard, a well- on the front lines in the community. Learn known member in Seattle’s Transgender about this important history by following community and a lay leader at the Ravenna this link now: http://www.seattlechannel.

United Methodist Church, will be the guest org/videos/video.asp?ID=3170902. speaker.

COUNTRY DOCTOR Shannon will bring the sermon during COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC worship and will also lead the congregation OFFERS HEALTH CARE NIGHT in a discussion forum on Transgender Issues FOR LGBTQ COMMUNITY and Opportunities afterwards. Refreshments Spectrum Natural Health at Country Docwill be served at the forum. Lincoln Rose, a Transgender member of MCC Seattle and a tor Community Health Clinic, 500 19th Ave. member of the Pastoral Ministries Team at E., offers primary and naturopathic care for MCC will lead communion during worship. the LGBTQ community every Thursday, MCC Seattle is the oldest congregation from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Providers have in the Pacific Northwest founded by and for been serving the LGBTQ community for the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual many years. Cost is sliding scale – no one community. Rev. Ray Neal is the senior pas- turned away for lack of funds. For informator, having come to Seattle in March, 2009. tion and to make an appointment, call 206Rev. Michelle Carmody serves the congre- 299-1600. gation as Associate Pastor. 206-325-2421;

December 18, 2009

Seattle Gay News

7

Texas cheer – Lesbian elected Houston mayor

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Connie Watts to leave ERW

by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer Equal Rights Washington (ERW) Executive Director Connie Watts has announced to SGN she will be leaving the organization at the beginning of next year. Watts said that after two and a half years as the organization’s leader, she plans to pursue her “lifelong dream of going to law school.” The board of ERW has put a transition team in place and, according to Watts, that team is charged with taking the next steps towards selecting a new executive director.

ERW is a statewide political advocacy organization for the LGBT community of Washington State. ERW works to ensure and promote dignity, safety, and equality for LGBT Washingtonians. According to ERW,

8

Seattle Gay News

there are many issues that affect Washington State’s LGBT individuals, couples and families. The organization lists adoption, aging, discrimination, elections, hate crimes, HIV/AIDS, immigration, marriage equality, Transgender and youth concerns as areas of focus and issues that ultimately affect the entire community, its quality of life, and commitment to justice.

“I have so many great memories during my time at ERW,” Watts told SGN. “It’s hard to believe how much we packed into the last few years,” she said, referring to the last three years when ERW led the charge to pass all the phases of the state domestic partnership laws.

“One of the greatest days was in Olympia on the first day that couples could register for domestic partnerships,” Watts said. “It

December 18, 2009

zblume

Openly Lesbian Annise Parker was elected mayor of Houston in a runoff election on Saturday, December 12.

Parker won by a convincing margin, 53.6% to 46.4%. Pre-election polls had consistently shown her ahead by up to 13 points.

“This election has changed lives for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community,” she said at her election-night rally, to cheers from supporters both Gay and straight.

The audience cheered again when the new mayor introduced her partner of 19 years, Kathy Hubbard, along with their three children and her mother.

“I understand that I am a role model for my community, but my job is to represent the citizens of Houston,” Parkers said in her speech.

She added that high interest in her campaign across the country was because Houston is America’s fourth-largest city, and “we have a great impact.”

Parker becomes the first openly Gay or Lesbian person elected mayor in one of the country’s top 10 cities. With a population of more than 2.25 million, Houston is the nation’s fourth-largest city.

About 60,000 Houston residents openly identify as LGBT.

Sue Lovell, an openly Lesbian Houston City Council member, won re-election in Saturday’s runoff, but Lane Lewis, a Gay candidate for another council seat, was defeated.

Parker and her opponent Gene Locke were virtually tied among early voters. But on Election Day, Parker’s huge get-out-thevote organization made the difference in the final tally, and her campaign workers remained confident of victory throughout the evening.

Locke conceded the election at 10 p.m., congratulated Parker, and urged the city to move on.

“Here’s what our city needs now: It needs unity. It needs us to come together and heal like we’ve never healed before, and to move forward under a new administration,” he said.

The final weeks of the election had been contentious, with right-wing forces circulating anti-Gay direct mail pieces, and Parker accusing her opponent’s campaign of illegally financing them.

The week before the election, anti-Gay activist Steven Hotze sent out a mailer attacking Parker’s sexuality.

Locke tried to distance himself from the mailer, but Parker’s campaign discovered that two Locke campaign committee members contributed $20,000 apiece to finance it, in violation of Texas campaign finance

night. “It’s nice to be able to smile this broadly.”

Openly Gay Fort Worth City Councilmember Joel Burns and his partner, J.D. Angle, are close friends of Parker, supporting her throughout the campaign, including hosting fundraisers for her in Fort Worth and Dallas.

“J.D. and I have been active in Annise’s race because Annise is the kind of smart political leader that we want to see elected, not only here in Houston but throughout Texas,” Burns said Saturday.

“People have come together from all over the country, all over the state, and all over Houston to elect someone of Annise’s caliber. It is an example of Houstonians and Texans and Americans supporting talented and qualified LGBT candidates,” he added.

Houston, Texas Mayor-elect Annise Parker Paul Scott, executive director of Equality Texas, suggested that laws.

Polling done just before the mailer contro- Parker’s win shows that voters care more versy gave Parker a five-point lead. A poll about a candidate’s qualifications than about taken after the story broke increased her the candidate’s sexual orientation.

“I think tonight shows that despite the lead to 13 points.

Dennis Dison, executive director of the negative attacks, Houston voters were able Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund that backed to elect the most qualified candidate,” Scott Parker, was ecstatic about the win after re- said. “We try to remind people that it’s qualifications that count. This is proof that the cent defeats in Maine and New York.

“This has been a bittersweet year for divisive issues projected in this campaign LGBT Americans,” Dison said Saturday won’t work.” was so much fun to see such diversity in the couples lined up to get their first rights as partners. The optimism, the hope, the sheer joy – was just incredible that day.”

Another memorable moment for Watts was the November 2008 march and rally following the vote on Proposition 8 in California. “What a day! To see nearly 10,000 people march in the streets of Seattle was inspirational,” she recalled.

Watts says she is proud that ERW has worked aggressively to advance protections for the Transgender members of the community. “We had a great victory party when we won King County Charter Change Amendment 2 which included gender identity in the King County anti-discrimination law,” she told SGN. “It was a tricky issue because people had to vote affirmatively and the question was way down on the bottom of the ballot. It was a real challenge to inform people about it.”

Without ERW, according to Watts, the critical infrastructure for the Approve Referendum 71 Campaign would not have been in place. The campaign was declared a success on November 3, when Washington voters approved Referendum 71, upholding a state law that provides important legal protections and the same rights and responsibilities for same-sex and senior registered domestic partnerships. “The Referendum 71 victory was huge!” said Watts.

Following the Approve 71 victory, she says ERW must look to the future and the next critical steps to “advance not only marriage equality, but all of the issues the LGBT community is facing.”

“ERW is critical to advancing equality for LGBT issues on all fronts for the entire state of Washington,” Watts told SGN. “Without the ongoing public education, legislative, and electoral work the organization undertakes, I firmly believe that not as much progress towards equality would have taken place.”

Watts says today, ERW is in a better place than ever before in it’s history. “On the heels of the historic win of Referendum 71, now is a great time for the organization to look to the future, to the next chapter and to leadership to see that chapter through,” she said.

“I’ve been thrilled to be a part of this great organization and I plan to be ERW’s biggest fan moving forward.”

Watts said she is excited about starting law school, which will be another accolade to add to her already-impressive resume of advocacy and public relations experience.

Watts, who is originally from Utah, lived in Washington, D.C., where she worked for seven years as National Field Director for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. During her 18-year tenure at Planned Parenthood, Watts worked closely with affiliates from across the country. Among her many accomplishments, she headed the organization’s efforts toward the March for Women’s Lives, the largest march on Washington, D.C. in US history. Since moving to Washington State, Watts has worked alongside ERW to advocate on behalf of the LGBT community.

Watts and her partner are the proud parents of a son.

“I feel very lucky to have been introduced to this great state through my work at ERW,” she said. “I love it here and I love the people who support the work of ERW throughout the state.”

Celebrating 36 Years!

Puerto Rico murder suspect is psychotic, psychiatrist testifies

DC continues toward marriage equality

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

The District of Columbia continued its advance toward marriage equality when the DC City Council passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage for the second time on Tuesday, December 15.

DC rules require bills to be passed twice by the City Council and to be reviewed by Congress before becoming law. Like the December 1 vote on the marriage equality bill, Tuesday’s vote was a lopsided 11-2.

Current City Council member and former DC Mayor Marion Barry was one of the two No votes. The other was Council member Yvette M. Alexander.

DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty promised to sign the measure by the end of the week.

NGLTF Executive Director Rea Carey pronounced herself “thrilled,” and GLAAD’s Jarret Barrios congratulated “DC For Marriage, Campaign for All DC Families and the organizations and couples whose personal stories moved the council to today’s historic vote.”

Opponents of marriage equality are reportedly meeting with members of Congress to urge them to overturn the bill. The lobbying effort is being organized by a group called Stand4Marriage, led by local pastor Bishop Harry Jackson.

Marriage equality opponents face an uphill battle. Congress would need to pass its own bill overturning the DC bill, and it would have to be signed by President Obama. Neither seems likely, and if Congress does not act within 30 days, the DC bill will become law.

An attorney for Stand4Marriage, Cleta Mitchell, said that after the bill goes to Congress, the group will ask the DC Board of Elections to allow a referendum asking voters to overturn the measure.

Stand4Marriage made a similar request this summer, when DC passed a law recognizing same-sex marriages legally performed in other jurisdictions. The board declined to put the issue on the ballot, citing a city human rights law that bars discrimination.

The group has a lawsuit still pending from this earlier referendum attempt. A hearing in that case is scheduled for January.

The confessed killer of Gay teenager Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado is mentally ill and not fit to stand trial for the crime, a court-appointed psychiatrist said.

Psychiatrist Rafael Cabrera interviewed suspect Juan Martinez Matos and recommended he be kept in a forensic psychiatric hospital for further evaluation.

Martínez is charged with first-degree murder in the brutal killing of 19-year-old Lopez in Puerto Rico. Lopez was decapitated, dismembered, and his remains were partially burned on November 13.

Martinez was arrested three days later and confessed to the crime. He has also been charged with other counts, including weapons violations.

Cabrera acknowledged during a preliminary court hearing that he is not certain whether the symptoms of psychosis claimed by defendant Martinez are real, feigned or exaggerated.

Under questioning by prosecutor Yaritza Carrasquillo, the psychiatrist agreed that the only facts Martinez says he cannot clearly remember are essentially those of the night of the crime.

At the time he was apprehended, Martinez claimed he had picked up Lopez believing he was a female prostitute. He told police that when he discovered his error he became enraged, that in the ensuing altercation Lopez tried to stab him, and that he then killed Lopez in self-defense.

Judge Camila Jusino ordered Martinez to undergo another psychiatric evaluation on January 7, and set a new hearing on his fitness to face criminal proceedings for January 13.

Gay rights activist and NGLTF spokesperson Pedro Julio Serrano was critical of the court’s ruling.

“Although full justice can never be done, as Jorge Steven is no longer with us, the process of prosecuting the confessed murderer in one of the most heinous crimes committed in the history of our country has been delayed again,” Serrano said in a statement.

Puerto Rican LGBT activists expressed disappointment that the suspect was not immediately charged with a hate crime, saying authorities in Puerto Rico have never invoked a law covering crimes based on sexual orientation.

A 2002 hate crime law in Puerto Rico has never been used in any prosecutions involving sexual orientation or gender identity despite calls to use it more aggressively. A suspect convicted of a hate crime as part of another offense automatically faces the maximum penalty for the underlying crime.

For murder, that would be life in prison.

The FBI has offered assistance to Puerto Rican authorities under the new Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act, which added real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity to federal hate crimes protections.

So far Puerto Rican law enforcement has not accepted the FBI’s offer. The FBI continues to monitor the investigation.

Gay activist Trochez murdered in Honduras

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

Honduran Gay human rights activist Walter Trochez was murdered in a drive-by shooting in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa on December 13.

Trochez was an active member of the National Resistance Front opposing the government of Roberto Micheletti which was installed by a military coup on June 28. Trochez had previously been detained and beaten by government forces after participating in a demonstration against the coup.

Gay blogger Doug Ireland reports that Trochez “had been trailed for weeks before his murder by thugs believed to be members of the state security forces.”

On December 14, Amnesty International called for “an independent investigation” of the murder. “Amnesty International fears that he may have been targeted because of his human rights work,” they said.

“Walter Trochez told Amnesty International on Friday [December 11] that he had escaped a kidnapping attempt on 4 December after suffering several hours of beatings and threats by masked men. They had interrogated Walter Trochez about individuals opposed to the de facto authorities who seized power following the 28 June coup d’état,” the Amnesty International statement continued.

Trochez told Amnesty International that his kidnappers said, “even if you give us the information we’re going to kill you, we have orders to kill you.”

Trochez had been documenting the Micheletti regime’s attacks on the Honduran LGBT community. In an open letter he released on November 16, Trochez listed nine LGBT Hondurans killed since the coup. “[T]he LGBTT Rainbow Association, TTT Collective of San Pedro Sula and human-rights activists and defenders, publicly express their outrage that since June 29 this year, [and even] in the hours prior to

the coup, there has been an increase in hate [crimes] and homophobic crimes promoted by the Honduran religious hierarchy in collusion with oppressive groups such as the Armed Forces, the National Security Secretariat, private enterprise, pro-life groups, and Opus Dei,” Trochez’s letter said.

Ironically, his letter ended with the words, “As a revolutionary I will be today, tomorrow and forever in the first ranks of my people, all the while knowing that I may lose my life.”

Micheletti came to power after the Honduran military arrested democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya and sent him out of the country. The coup had the support of Honduran business interests and of local Roman Catholic authorities.

Zelaya continues to insist that he is the legal president of Honduras, and the Micheletti regime has not been recognized by any other government. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton denounced the coup and called for the restoration of constitutional government, but the US has been criticized for its hands-off approach.

Conservative businessman Porfirio Lobo Sosa was elected president of Honduras on November 27, but Zelaya and his supporters have refused to recognize the legitimacy of the election.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

tivist Bob King told reporters after the vote.

“Shame on them. We’re going to get to the ballot box through either the courts or the Congress. So tell everyone: Don’t let the marriage licenses start flowing.”

At least some opponents of the measure seemed to be ready to make peace with it, however.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, which had threatened to shut down all its charitable and social service agencies in DC rather than be forced to extend spousal benefits to same-sex couples, is reportedly in negotiations with DC officials over how it can continue to provide services to needy DC residents.

Council member Phil Mendelson, chair of the Council committee that oversaw the legislation, said he was unable to reach an agreement with the church that did not discriminate against samesex couples, but church and city officials said they will continue their talks.

If religious conservatives were outraged by the Council’s vote, local businesspeople were gleeful. According to DC’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer, at least $5 million, and perhaps as much as $22 million in extra revenue would be generated by samesex weddings in DC over the next three years.

The CFO’s analysis, created in the run-up to this week’s historic vote, estimates that 2,000 same-sex couples living in DC will marry soon after the new law goes into effect, but that as many as 10,000 other couples from around the country would also marry there.

“This is a place people come to see the Constitution and understand what it means to be equal, so symbolically this means a great deal,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese after the vote.

The bill’s prime sponsor and one of two openly Gay members of the DC City Council, David A. Catania cautioned that Congress could still unravel the measure through budget maneuvers in future years.

“There is no question: We are going to have to be defending it and defending it and defending it until the other side realizes they are losing more votes by being tethered to the past,” Catania said.

Same-sex marriages are now legal in Iowa, Connecticut, Vermont and Massachusetts. In January 2010, New Hampshire joins the list.

“This is a place people come to see the Constitution and understand what it means to be equal, so symbolically this means a great deal.”

ANTI-GAY ACTIVIST: “GOD’S WAR HAS JUST STARTED” “God’s war has just started,” anti-Gay ac-

December 18, 2009

Seattle Gay News

9

Gay City Health Project offers FREE smoking cessation services in a queer-friendly environment. If you’re ready to quit, we’re here to support you!

Our next series of OUT TO QUIT workshops begin on Tuesday, January 5th at 7pm. Join us at Gay City Health Project (511 E. Pike Street) to learn more about our program!

For more information, contact Lark@gaycity.org or call 206.388.1710.

10 Seattle Gay News

December 18, 2009

Celebrating 36 Years!

Now Leasing Brand New Flats and Loft Apartment Homes within a Renovated Historic Building in Capitol Hill’s Pike/Pine Triangle

info@packardbuilding.com 206.568.1000 www.packardbuilding.com

1530 12th Ave, Corner of 12th and Pine Visit us online www.sgn.org

December 18, 2009

Seattle Gay News 11

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VISIT OUR GIFT DEPT. to HELP PREPARE, SERVE and STORE YOUR NEW YEAR'S FOODS Masu (traditional sake cups), Waribashi (chopsticks), Owans (soup bowls), Chawans (rice bowls), Jubako (traditional containers), Bamboo Sushi Mats, Furushiki (traditional wrapping cloths), and more!

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seattle: 206.624.6248 | bellevue: 425.747.9012 | renton: 425.277.1635 | beaverton: 503.643.4512 | www.uwajimaya.com

Christmas Eve

Time to reconnect with church in a setting where all are warmly welcomed?

Join us for Christmas Eve service

Thursday, Dec. 24 6:00 p.m.

All Pilgrims ChristiAn ChurCh • 500 BroAdwAy E. ( At rEPuBliCAn ) • 206-322-0487 • www.AllPilgrims.org 12 Seattle Gay News

December 18, 2009

Celebrating 36 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

December 18, 2009

Seattle Gay News 13

14 Seattle Gay News

December 18, 2009

Celebrating 36 Years!

Family and the holidays

by Jennifer Vanasco SGN Contributing Writer We create our own families. That’s what we say in the LGBT community.

What we mean is, historically, our own families have disowned us. So instead, we create new ones – and it is with these new families of friends that we celebrate holidays and share our griefs and joys and hopes.

We rely on these created families for daily support and emotional sustenance. We love them and they love us, exactly as they are.

It is a beautiful tradition, created families, and one that makes the Gay community bond even more tightly together.

But now it is time to go back home.

I don’t mean that we should abandon our created family. How could we? They are where we rest our hearts. But we each also have families we were born into and the holiday season is a perfect time to reach backward and help pull us all into the future.

Families are changing as the world is changing. Even conservative families are becoming more open to Gays and Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgenders. There is less

of a sense of shame and more of a sense of pride.

But not all of us realize this, because we have built a wall between ourselves and our families of origin out of deep hurt and crucial self-preservation. Growing up, we felt different, unwanted, unloved. We were rejected once (or more than once) as younger Gay and Trans people. We don’t want to be rejected again.

So we send presents, but we don’t visit.

Or we visit, but don’t share the facts of our lives. Or we cut off contact completely.

Some of us haven’t spoken to our families in so long that we can’t remember what their voices sound like, or recall the planes of our faces.

But a new decade is coming, my friends.

All of us have become more activist in the past few years as more of our issues have come up for public debate and more of our bills have come up for a vote. We march. We write our legislators. We wear stickers and pins and explain our positions to strangers.

Now it is time to go home and explain our positions to our families.

There are some exceptions to this, of course. Some families are so dysfunctional that they can never hear us. Some families are emotionally or physically abusive – it would be dangerous for us to darken their doors.

But in the majority of cases, I think, what separates us is not violence or the threat of violence, but a wall built of bricks of misunderstanding, silence, anger and denial.

It is time for us to break through. Not only for ourselves, but for the greater good of our civil rights.

Studies have shown that people are more likely to vote for our rights or otherwise act on our behalf if they know (and presumably, are fond of) Gay people. But results must be

better if those Gay people also use love and gentle persuasion to show them why bills like ENDA and Gay marriage are important to us.

Sometimes, our families surprise us.

I tend to think that my family doesn’t care at all about Gay civil rights. Yet recently, when marriage was up for a vote in New York, I took a deep breath and called or emailed all of my New York relatives to ask them to call their legislators.

All of them did.

My family can’t be the only one that seems

indifferent but is instead only waiting to be asked to help.

So go home this Christmas. Or call home.

Let’s start building a bridge back to our families.

An intact family will not only warm our own hearts – it will eventually help our cause.

by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid SGN A&E Writer

simple dark suit – soberly but happily said their vows, and it seemed the whole room filled with light, both from the December sunshine outside and all the love within this intimate room. Everyone laughed a bit when the ring being presented to Thompson for Bradshaw nearly found its way to the floor, but was saved at the last moment and was placed on the new bride’s finger.

After the ceremony, guests, family members and old friends mingled in a common room, where a bountiful potluck awaited and nourished them all. Photos were taken, the gorgeous wedding cake was cut, and toasts were made to the bride and groom, who happily greeted and chatted with guests, friends and friends of guests. Later, dressed in another ‘70s-style cocktail dress, Bradshaw beamed with pride and happiness. Even as the crowd emptied from the reception, the feeling of community happiness that had permeated the entire ceremony kept everyone smiling.

Congratulations, Randy and Kelly, and may your union last forever and prove that love can blossom in this community, no matter what external prejudices still exist.

Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning, syndicated columnist. E-mail her at Jennifer.Vanasco@gmail.com; follow her at Twitter.com/JenniferVanasco.

A beautiful wedding warms a chilly Saturday Somehow seeing folks dressed as Santas and Santa’s elves around Capitol Hill last Saturday let me know it was a special day.

As I chatted with two of the Santas, I found out they were part of a pub crawl around Capitol Hill that started in the a.m. and went until the p.m. called Santarchy. It was the perfect highlight to the day that two of my Transgender friends, Randy Thompson and Kelly Bradshaw, tied the knot.

The traditional pagan ceremony was held on December 12, just a little past noon in the recreational room where Thompson’s brother lives. It was attended by at least 100 friends, family and extended family community members. As the bride and groom stood before the crowd, a woman minister crowned with a garland of leaves performed a pagan ceremony that was both meaningful and beautiful and left many guests with tears of joy in their eyes.

Bradshaw – dressed in a vintage, ‘70sstyle off-white wedding dress with a pearlbedecked updo – and Thompson – in a

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December 18, 2009

Celebrating 36 Years!

Gay rights activist Chai MCC Seattle announces Feldblum nominated for EEOC Christmas and Transgender

by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer

chai goldblum

The petition demanded that the government start recognizing nontraditional families, including “Queer couples who decide Family-values groups vehemently oppose to jointly create and raise a child with anPresident Obama’s controversial nominee other Queer person or couple, in two housefor the Equal Employment Opportunity holds” and “committed, loving households Commission (EEOC), Chai Feldblum, be- in which there is more than one conjugal cause she plans to fight for Gay rights. partner.”

Feldblum’s nomination to become a comDuring the Senate committee hearing last missioner on the five-person EEOC board week, she backed away from the petition was passed out of the she signed in 2006, callSenate Health, Educaing it a mistake. tion, Labor and Pensions Still, although FeldCommittee last week, blum has been endorsed and is now headed for a by a number of religious full Senate vote. groups and worked for Feldblum, who is years as a pro bono attoropenly Lesbian, has sponey for Catholic Chariken out in recent years ties, it is religious emabout the usefulness of ployers who are worried marriage and the way about her potential impact religious freedom is at as commissioner in the odds with sexual freeEEOC. In particular, they dom. point to her writings in the Groups such as the Brooklyn Law Review in Traditional Values Co2006. “As a general matalition, Focus on the ter, once a religious perFamily, Liberty Counsel son or institution enters and Concerned Women the stream of commerce for America are ques… I believe the enterprise Chai Goldblum tioning Feldblum’s must adhere to a norm of nomination. non-discrimination on the basis of sexual “She’s been an aggressive advocate for orientation and gender identity,” she wrote. some of the most radical views that have Later that same year, she said, “There can ever been expressed,” said Wendy Wright, be a conflict between religious liberty and president of Concerned Women for Ameri- sexual liberty, but in almost all cases the ca. sexual liberty should win.”

In 2004, Feldblum outlined her strategy Again, when asked about the issue before for strengthening Gay rights. “There is a the Senate health committee she softened war that needs to be fought – and it’s not a her position and said, “I also have a deep war overseas where we’re killing people in respect for and understanding of religious the name of liberating them,” she said. “It is practice, and a deep-seated tolerance for rea war right here at home where we need to ligious difference.” convince people that morality demands full Feldblum’s supporters say critics are too equality for Gay people.” focused on her advocacy instead of her One of the religious right’s biggest com- work drafting landmark disability and nonplaints is her support of a 2006 petition for discrimination legislation.

Beyond Marriage, a group that advocates “She has spent her career fashioning soexpanding the definition of marriage. The lutions to thorny issues and she really has a petition stated, “Marriage is not the only tremendous track record of achievement and worthy form of family or relationship, and accomplishment,” said Winnie Stachelberg, it should not be legally and economically senior vice president for external affairs at privileged above all others.” the liberal Center for American Progress.

days of worship

by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer

is an active advocate for Transsexual and Transgender rights in both the political arena and within the hierarchy of her church, Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) where she leads a group that does outreach Seattle Pastor Rev. Ray Neal has announced and advocates for LGBTIQ inclusion and the church will hold a December 20 Christ- participation.

According to Rev. Neal, Buzard mas service, followed by a Dewill bring the sermon during cember 27 Transgender Day “I invite all worship and will also lead of Worship. the congregation in a disMCC Seattle worships persons from the cussion forum on TransSundays at 12:30 p.m. in LGBT community and gender Issues and Opthe chapel at Temple de Hirsch Sinai, 1441 16th our straight supporters to portunities afterwards.

In addition, Lincoln Ave., in the Capitol Hill neighborhood near C.C. participate in the worship Rose, a Transgender member of MCC SeAttle’s. The services last service and forum attle and a member of the between an hour and an Pastoral Ministries Team at hour and a half and always afterwards.”

MCC, will lead communion include communion offered to during worship. everyone in attendance whether or “I invite all persons from the LGBT comnot they are members of MCC Seattle or of munity and our straight supporters to particany church.

On December 20, at 12:30 p.m. MCC Se- ipate in the worship service and forum afterattle invites all members and non-members wards,” Rev. Ray Neal told SGN. “Snacks to a special Christmas service. A potluck and drinks will be served.”

Metropolitan Community Church Seattle dinner will be held after the service.

On December 27, MCC Seattle will hold is the first, and therefore oldest, welcoming, a Transgender Day of Worship service. affirming, inclusive congregation in Seattle, Shannon Buzard, a well-known face among founded by and for persons of the LGBT the Transgender community in Seattle and community and their straight allies in 1972. lay leader at the Ravenna United Method- Internationally, the Metropolitan Commuist Church, will be the guest speaker for the nity Church has grown to 43,000 members and adherents in almost 300 congregations Transgender Day of Worship.

Buzard, the granddaughter of a Transsex- in 22 countries. ual female, identifies as a woman. Buzard

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Seattle Gay News 17

who is also openly Gay. “I was a personal friend of [slain] San Francisco Supervisor continued from cover Harvey Milk, and to live long enough to see this is very significant. … Like Milk said, ‘You have to give them hope,’ and I think what happened today is going to give people sembly speaker,” said Geoff Kors, execu- hope.” tive director of Equality California, an organization dedicated to achieving equality for LGBT Californians. “His selection is a testament to what he has already accom- continued from cover plished in the Legislature and his history of leadership in the fight for worker’s rights, Bodon’s commanding officer and Bodon the environment, the civil rights movement was sent home, and then discharged shortly and full equality for the LGBT community, thereafter. and the trust his colleagues have in his leadDADT requires the Defense Department ership at this critical time in California.” to separate from the armed services, memPerez, a former union organizer who is the bers who engage in or attempt to engage in cousin of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Vil- homosexual acts, who state they are homolaraigosa, has ties to labor, recently working sexual or Bisexual, or who marry or attempt as political director for a Southern Califor- to marry a person of the same biological nia local of the United Food and Commer- sex. cial Workers Union. This year, Perez served Although Bodon says he was never in the as chairman of the Democratic Caucus and closet, he mostly kept to himself to avoid took the lead securing votes during intense having his sexuality discovered. He said it negotiations on water policy. Although it is was easy to keep his sexuality hidden while unusual for a freshman lawmaker to gain in New York, because his unit only met once such political clout early on in their career, a month and for two weeks in the summer, his supporters say Perez’s negotiating expe- but all that changed when he was sent to rience is proof of his qualifications.

Iraq.

The Los Angeles-raised UC Berkeley Bodon says his closest friends in his unit graduate will inherit a set of difficult chal- knew he was Gay. In fact, he said they teased lenges, including the state’s staggering him about it, but it was all in good fun. “A projected $20.7 billion deficit through June lot of my Army buddies had an affection2011. As speaker, he will be responsible for ate nickname toward me. It was ‘Tink,’ as uniting Democrats for controversial votes in Tinkerbell,” he said. “It wasn’t anything and be a key player during budget nego- malicious, so it kind of stuck.” tiations with California Governor Arnold Proponents of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” say Schwarzenegger. allowing Gay or Lesbian persons to serve While 2010 will be a challenging year for openly would undermine the good order and Perez – and all California lawmakers, for discipline of a military unit. Bodon says the that matter – the fact remains his election is nickname “shows that they weren’t threathistoric for the LGBT and Latino communi- ened by me or my sexuality. They realized I ties. was there to do a job.”

“It’s very, very poignant,” said AssemBodon was initially going to receive a blyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), general discharge, but after consulting with

perez

dadt

an attorney was able to gain an honorable discharge.

The type of discharge a servicemember receives, be it for violating the DADT policy or an article of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, is critical as to what benefits they could lose. Important benefits such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill (college fund), medical and retirement benefits are all at stake.

Bodon says he considers himself a soldier through and through. Still, after receiving a discharge for being Gay, he says he may rejoin the armed forces in the future – if the rules are changed.

“I am going to miss it,” he said. “If the policy does change, I am still debating whether or not I am going to go back. Even with all of this that happened, there is a certain camaraderie of being in the Army.”

A SHIFT IN PUBLIC OPINION Recent polling reflects a shift in the way Americans view DADT. A July 2008 poll by the Washington Post and ABC News found that 75% of Americans support allowing Gays to serve openly in the military, up from just 44% in 1993.

The renewed attention is credited, in part, to the high-profile discharges of Army Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and Arabic linguist, and Air Force Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, a decorated combat sortie pilot.

Both men were considered experts in their field, war heroes, and both publicly fought for their discharges to be stopped and asked President Obama to repeal DADT. In particular, Choi has gone on to become the posterboy for the anti-DADT movement, speaking out against the discriminatory law at the National Equality March on Washington and at college campuses around the country.

Choi and Fehrenbach were not alone; they joined nearly 400 servicemembers forced out of the military since President Obama and 111th Congress were sworn in earlier this year. Since the policy was put into place in 1993, nearly 13,000 men and women have been separated from the military, and at least one, often two, every day. It is estimated that 65,000 Gay and Lesbian people currently serve in the military.

A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE FROM THE BRITISH ARMED FORCES Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in England, Ben Rakestrow, an openly Gay soldier in the British Army, came home to a completely different reaction after his sixmonth tour of duty in Afghanistan. Rake-

strow, who revealed his sexuality to his unit, did not receive a dishonorable discharge – he received a hero’s welcome.

Trooper Rakestrow, 21, is one of an unknown number of openly homosexual soldiers in the British armed forces. Regulations making it an offense to be openly Gay in the British military were overturned in 2000, and military personnel now receive annual training that covers issues of equality and diversity. British officials say the country has a large number of openly Gay people in the Army, men and women, and it is simply not an issue.

Rakestrow admits that being Gay in the armed forces was difficult because he didn’t know how his fellow soldiers would react.

He says that his pals have accepted him for who he is and that he faces nothing but harmless banter. Despite the traditional view of the Army as a homophobic institution, Rakestrow described the decision to come out to his unit as the best one of his life.

“I would tell guys to find a few close friends and confide in them,” he advised, “talk about it with them and then, if you’re confident, tell your mates. But the important thing is to tell them when it feels right.”

Rakestrow carries copies of the Gay lifestyle magazine Attitude in his rucksack and sleeps under a pink duvet bearing the image of actor Zac Efron. The soldier says he doesn’t see himself as fitting into any Gay stereotypes, and his military career has not suffered in any way since he came out. “I always said I wouldn’t let my personal life clash with my professional life,” Rakestrow said.

A number of militaries have removed policies excluding individuals based on sexual orientation. Of the 26 countries that participate militarily in NATO, over 22 permit Gays to serve. Of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Britain and France permit Gay people to serve openly, while the United States, Russia and China do not. Besides Greece, all other members of the European Union (EU) allow Gays to serve openly. In 2009, Argentina, Uruguay and Philippines allowed Gay men to serve openly in the military.

The comparison between Bodon and Rakestrow is easy to find. Both soldiers are 21, out to their unit, and combat veterans.

The contrast, however, is in the DADT policy. Bodon is sent home from combat early and booted out because he is Gay, while Rakestrow finished his Afghanistan tour and his military career is thriving. Two Gay soldiers, two different outcomes.

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Celebrating 36 Years!

Gift guides and goodbyes

by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid SGN A&E Writer

Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid

Saturday), on to other things, like letting you know that if you still need gift bag gifts (the way to go if you’re on a budget and want I assure you, yes, my head is clear as I folks to be super impressed at your largesse) write this (though the fire department just to fill, one place you must visit is Harem. left my building ‘cause my druggie neigh- Located at Broadway and Roy, this little bors had a “batch of something” that caused oasis has everything for the discerning gifthe fire alarm to go off, yikes!), and yes, Vir- tee, including the most adorable handmade ginia and Virgil, there is life after SGN. As ornaments by a local artist. I bought one for me and one this year comes for my honey to a close, I am bunny’s niece, taking stock of and a scarf for my 22 years at his mom from the Seattle Gay this place, and News and realam super happy izing I’m movabout my choicing into a biges. ger pond than Also working here is there’s always allowing for, so that store that after this colsays “Rug Outumn, there will let” located at be one more, the back of the and then you Zipcar parking can look for area on Pine me elsewhere and 12th, which – hopefully in is anything but a the pages of “rug outlet.” No Dark Discoverthis place has ies Magazine, vintage clotha horror ‘zine ing, tchotchkes, that I’m curcool ornaments rently courting (this one added and hope to seal more to her the deal with in “wonder tree” the new year.

And a ho ho ho to you, too! from here), and Stay tuned, and who knows, maybe you can say “I knew her just about everything else. Oh, and the ownwhen” after the screenplay for one of my er’s super nice, too. You could also check stories turns into the next horror movie box out Madison Market, where you can get everything from skincare stuff to makeup at office smash.

And as I take stock, I’m loving all of affordable prices. Me, I also check out the you. If all works out, you can still read me Ballard farmers market for lip balm, Cavein the future, on my blog at bloggerspot. man Bars (nutritious yummies that are great com under, of course, Lipstick and Lust, for the health nut on your list), or antioxiand definitely in The Seattle Sinner and St. dant chocolate that tastes good and won’t Louis Sinner, where I have two other tasty make them feel guilty.

Bottom line, it’s the thought – not the columns for your hungering eyes to devour. price tag – that really warms the hearts of Mwhah, mwhah to all of you darlings.

Okay, before I tear up (like I did at the loved ones, my dears. With that thought, wedding of two dear Transgender folks last some cute stuff was bought for this one’s

life partner from a certain vintage store near Olive and Summit that boasts the fedora of my dreams. Mum’s the word on what was bought as honey reads this column, too. Oh, and adopting a pet or giving to an animal charity like Wolf Haven or The Humane Society or Defenders of Wildlife is a good idea, too, as a gift for someone or just to do to make you feel better about an out-ofcontrol world. It sure makes me happy, and every year they send me pretty cards and wrapping paper, so what’s not to like, eh?

So, what – besides holing up in my Digs to stay away from the druggies in my building and cuddling with honey bunny and doing some “behind the scenes” play – has this one been up to? Well, defending those poor bikini baristas in Bellevue to anyone who’ll listen, and damning those prudes who want to see the world close to a hell consisting of vanilla pudding, white bread, and blackand-white reruns of the most boring show anyone could think of for eternity. Also, this one did manage to pick up the yummiest lip gloss from Duque (located in Ballard near the Sunday Farmers Market on Ballard Avenue NW) and it’s now my go-to stuff to wear everywhere. Also tried and loved Details Coconut Coast body mist and have gotten many, many complements from my dear

one ever since. And still loving the elderberry/zinc lozenges from Super Supplements to keep me healthy during cold and flu season, and highly recommend them to all.

Okay, babies, that’s it for now, and hey, if you haven’t checked out that new commercial with Alyssa Milano flinging her gorgeous locks for her line of NFL clothing, honey, you have missed a real treat. Ooh la la! I also like the Ricola commercial where the coughing fellow ends up with his skating partner’s buttchecks on either side of his head as he asks pleadingly for a cough lozenge. Let’s hope no one takes that one off anytime soon. Next column (and last column), I’ll let you in on my personal best and worst list for the year, but I will tell you a “best” moment was getting attention from a construction worker with honey bunny in her grrrl drag, and a worst moment was having honey bunny get a parking ticket during “Monkey Month” in the U-District.

Also, my fave new bands are The Black Eyed Peas, ‘cause I want to be Will.i.am and dress like him and Rhianna (and her band) – this one wonders if that one’s a little Queer, ‘cause on SNL she was rocking some interesting boi moves. For now, buhbye, kiss kiss, and peace out, and have a groovy holiday season, babies!

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Seattle Gay News 19

already been spent … you have to find $2.6 billion in the $7 billion that’s left,” Pedersen continued from cover explained.

Prentice said she believes the Democratic majority in Olympia will prioritize HIV/ AIDS funding. “Our caucus is committed to Wood also discussed proposed cuts in AIDS prevention and treatment. The LGBT the HIV/AIDS early intervention program, community is very important to me,” she which is a care program targeting newly di- said. agnosed HIV cases.

I-960 REPEAL? “We think that care cuts could be handled Prentice was less clear on where the necwithout establishing a waiting list for services,” Wood said. As of 2008, there were essary revenue would come from. “I think some 7,000 people living with HIV in King the governor is correct when she says people are not going to go for more property taxes,” County. she said.

Prentice and Senate Majority Leader Lisa NEW REVENUE Legislators contacted by SGN said they Brown (D-3) have both raised the possibilwill seek new revenue sources to make up at ity of repealing I-960, the Tim Eyman creleast part of the state’s budget shortfall and ation designed to impede the legislature’s ability to raise taxes. Since it was passed in avoid the most severe cuts.

“Funding [for HIV/AIDS prevention] is November 2007, the legislature can legally not going to be restored completely because repeal it in its upcoming session.

“We’re looking at absolutely everything,” nothing will be, but we’ll make a real effort to find the revenue,” Sen. Margarita Pren- Prentice told SGN. “I’d seriously consider tice (D-11) told SGN. As chair of the Senate repealing I-960. If we’re going to do it, that Ways and Means Committee, Prentice will would have to be first on the agenda.”

Pedersen was doubtful that any big tax rebe a key player in the legislature’s work on form measure would be passed, however. the budget.

“We’ll look at long-term stuff but I don’t Rep. Jamie Pedersen (D-43) agrees.

“We’ll try to find $700,000 to $1.5 million expect any long-term solution to come out in new revenue,” he told SGN. “I think we’ll of a short 60-day session,” he said.

“I’d be happy to vote for revenue to close be successful if we can close half the gap.”

“If you do an all-cuts budget – three-quar- the whole gap because I think we cut too ters of the budget is not available for cut- much from the last budget,” Pedersen conting because of constitutional mandates or tinued, “but I’m just reporting the political federal mandates – and some of the rest has realities to you.”

aids funding

uganda

continued from cover as of this week it seemed to be backing away from the most severe provisions of the law.

On December 16, Uganda’s largest independent newspaper, the Daily Monitor, printed an article reviewing international condemnation of the proposed law, and quoting President Obama’s December 11 statement.

“By yesterday [December 15], however, the official stance was that the government had not yet reached a position on the proposed law,” the Monitor added.

Uganda’s Ethics and Integrity Minister Nsaba Buturo had been an outspoken supporter of the bill, but by the time of the Monitor article he was pledging to remain silent on the issue.

The government-owned New Vision, which is Uganda’s largest paper, also published an op-ed by a senior advisor to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, which stated flatly, “Parliament should not pass this bill.”

Even if Uganda does not enact the new law, homosexuality remains a criminal offense there, although a 2008 Ugandan Supreme Court decision held that discrimination against LGBT Ugandans was unconstitutional.

Rwanda piling on?

Meanwhile the Rwandan parliament debated a similar measure on December 16.

The proposed new Article 217 of the Rwandan penal code states that: “Any person who practices, encourages or sensitizes people of the same sex, to sexual relation or any sexual practice, shall be liable for a term of imprisonment ranging from five (5) to ten (10) years and fine ranging from two hundred thousand Rwanda Francs (200,000 RwF) to one million (1,000,000) Rwanda francs.”

The fines range from US$350 to US$1,750. The average annual income in Rwanda is just US$370.

Some journalists reported that the vote on the proposed legislation would come right after the debate on Wednesday, December 16, but as SGN goes to press no decision has

yet been reached. Homosexuality is currently legal in Rwanda.

Christian right bails on Museveni In a significant development, Christian right leaders in the US responded to embarrassing revelations of their own close ties to Ugandan President Museveni by joining in criticism of the anti-Gay bill.

On December 16, the powerful Fellowship (sometimes known as the Family or the C Street Group) – a secretive right-wing Christian group with an extensive following among US political leaders – made clear that it opposes the bill.

Fellowship member Bob Hunter, the man responsible for building his group’s alliance with Museveni in the 1990s, told reporter Jeff Sharlet, “I know of no one involved in Uganda with the Fellowship here in America, including the most conservative among them, that supports such things as killing homosexuals or draconian reporting requirements, much less has gone over to Uganda to push such positions.”

Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren, who in the past has described both Uganda and Rwanda as “purpose-driven nations” – a reference to his book, Purpose Driven Life – also disavowed the proposed law.

In a video now available on YouTube, Warren describes the Ugandan legislation as “extreme, unjust and unchristian towards homosexuals.” He urged Ugandan religious leaders to “speak out against this proposed law.”

Scott Lively, who participated in the antiGay conference in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, which launched the bill in March this year, also came out against it.

“I agree with the general goal but this law is far too harsh,” he said.

Lively is the founder of the Christian fascist group Watchmen on the Walls, which has been accused of organizing anti-Gay violence in Russia and other former-Soviet countries.

Activists respond Susan Timberlake, a senior adviser on human rights and law for UNAIDS, the United Nations agency fighting HIV/AIDS in less developed countries, said laws like those contemplated by Uganda and Rwanda could

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Celebrating 36 Years!

hinder the fight against HIV/AIDS by driving people further underground.

Activists also worry that the legislation could be used to blackmail or silence government critics. Frank Mugisha, a Gay Ugandan human rights activist, said the bill

was so broadly worded that someone could be imprisoned for giving a hug.

“This bill is promoting hatred,” he said.

“We’re turning Uganda into a police state. It will drive people to suicide.”

David Cato – who became a human rights

activist after he was beaten up four times, arrested twice, fired from his teaching job and outed in the press because he is Gay – said he thinks the Ugandan bill will pass, perhaps in an altered form.

“It’s such a setback. But I hope we can

overcome it,” he said. “I cannot believe this is happening in the 21st century.”

“In the beginning, when the missionaries brought religion, they said they were bringing love,” Cato added. “Instead, they brought hate through homophobia.”

Home Services

Major Credit Cards Accepted

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December 18, 2009

Seattle Gay News 21

Holiday Trees Kringles Korner

located at Martin Luther King Jr & East Union Monday through Friday Noon to 9:00 PM Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Quality Trees, Great Prices and a Really Wonderful Cause...

restraurant + bar

We sincerely appreciate your support in keeping the doors of the Capitol Hill Alano Club open to all who are seeking recovery from addiction.

During the month of December, Mon-Wed

The12-Step recovery resource for Seattle’s LGBT community.

Happy Hour Daily 4-7

All appetizers are half off

East Madison at 19th www.capitolhillalanoclub.org

600 E. Pine | 206-323-1923 | kurrentseattle.com

22 Seattle Gay News

December 18, 2009

urrent now has pitchers of beer!

All pitchers will be $5

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December 18, 2009

Seattle Gay News 23