SGN Feb 20, 2009 - Section 1

Issue 08 Volume 37

Celebrating 36 Years!

Seattle Gay News

FRIDAY February 20, 2009 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands

SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

No-vote controversy erupts at Coronation 2009

SGN interviews contenders for King County Exec file photos

King County Councilmembers Dow Constantine (l) and Larry Phillips

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer In exclusive interviews, SGN talked to King County Council members Dow Constantine and Larry Phillips, the two declared candidates to succeed Ron Sims as King County executive. Sims, who is leaving county government to become deputy secretary of HUD in the Obama administration, has been county executive since 1996.

Constantine and Phillips are alike in many ways. Both serve on the King County Council.

Constantine represents District 8, which includes West Seattle, Georgetown, Burien, Normandy Park, and Vashon Island. Phillips represents District 4, including Downtown Seattle, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, Crown Hill, and the west slope of Capitol Hill. see contenders page 7

A sparse but enthusiastic crowd inside the Seattle Waterfront Marriott’s main ballroom erupted Valentine’s Day in series of boos, gasps, shrieks and cheers as Eric Bonesteel and Candace Derrier were announced as the new Emperor Rainier XXXV and Empress Olympia XXXVIII of the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & The Olympic and Rainier Empire (ISCSORE). This surprising turn of events took place after the only official candidate for the Emperor position, Douglas Anderson, was no-voted by King County residents, instantly elevating the thenPrince and Princess into their new positions.

“In some ways I can’t believe this has actually happened,” stated Derrier the following morning in a brief interview. “I’m very excited.

I look forward to helping build up the Court at home here in Seattle and making [our] foundation strong. This is a great opportunity for Eric and I and, for the sake of the organization, we need to make the most of it.”

“The community has made its voice known,” stated the exiting

Love Without Boundaries A Valentine’s Day fundraiser for Rosehedge

by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN Contributing Writer On February 14, 2009 while Washington State was celebrating Valentine’s Day, a part of Seattle’s glitterati was participating in a different night of love; a fundraiser entitled Love Without Boundaries. Benefiting the original Seattle AIDS hospice Rosehedge, the

night consisted of a champagne reception, a silent auction, and dinner and dancing, which made for a truly romantic evening.

Love Without Boundaries, currently in its second year, was hosted at the Arctic Hotel in Seattle’s downtown. King County Councilmember Dow Constantine repeated his role of Master of Ceremonies from last year’s event.

2009 Coronation

Emperor Rainier XXXIV Bruce Butler immediately after the results were announced. “We will [have] to work very hard to make this a successful year in Seattle for both Candace and Eric.”

“Definitely,” agreed depart-

see coronation page 17

No justice for rejected Gay volunteers

Tad Erichsen (l) and John Footh

by Chris Nielsen Special to the SGN Adding insult to injury would aptly describe a recent, longawaited ruling by the Washington State Human Rights Commission in answer to a complaint filed by a Gay couple who was shown the door when they tried to volunteer at a religious organization’s hot meal program.

In March 2008, Tad Erichsen and John Footh were turned away from

, Gee s Bend see rosehedge page 12

ing monarch Empress Olympia XXXVII Nina Maxwell. “No matter what the outcome, we will always be around to support both the

courtesy of the advocate

eric Andrews-katz

Barb Clark, Jude Jackson and Jayne Sanford

Friendly volunteers and candlelit hallways strewn with rose petals greeted the guests upon arrival.

After registration for the evening’s prize drawing (a magnum of DeLille Cellars wine), guests were treated to a hosted champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception and were welcomed to start bidding on a plethora of silent auction items.

Auction items covered a range of prices and choices for bidding. Entertainment packages were available including a set of four movie tickets and popcorn as well as different ticket sets for the Seattle Men & Women’s Choruses, The 5th Avenue, Intiman and Act Theatres, among others. Restaurant dinners were popular and included certificates to Ruth Chris’ Steak House, Elliott’s Oyster House, and even a private meal (for up to 12 people) cooked by Chef Benjamin Tyron. Other wonderful choices included boutique handbags, Nordstrom shopping sprees, several framed pieces of art, tickets to a Mariner’s game, and even a signed football by Seattle Seahawk Quarterback Matt Hasselback.

sara michelle fetters

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN Contributing Writer

Regional Premiere

by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder

the His Supper Table hot meal program in the tiny coastal community of Long Beach, Wash. where they both reside. They were told in no uncertain terms by then-Meal Program Director Mike Renfro that they were refused the opportunity to volunteer solely because they were Gay. “We were told that our being there, a Gay couple, would create see rejected page 13

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Seattle Gay News

February 20, 2009

Celebrating 35 Years!

Martin Storm Creator/Producer THANK YOU FROM LIFELONG AIDS ALLIANCE THE BALANCE OF NATURE Every animal or insect on this planet has a prediction to keep the balance of nature of things including the most superior intelligent animal of all; The Human Animal. Yes we Human beings do have a prediction. Our natural are mostly microscopic. God in all his ultimate wisdom created man to overcome these microbes; he also developed a system in which man would not over populate itself. And that is where the nature of homosexual comes into play. Many of the Human races are born with the natural ability to show attraction to the same sex. This attraction is not only born into the human animal, but I have witnessed it first hand in other lower animals too. I personally have witnessed this instinct. I have even seen two male horses hump each other. I have seen two male cats and dogs. And even when I was raising chickens and rabbits, I have witnessed roosters and buck rabbits. In the effort to understand myself and find out whether I have been a sinful being or a natural person living according to God’s will.

Randy MR. NUDE SEATTLE 2009 It’s that time of year again. Men who are willing to show the judges and the audience their FULL MONTY. That’s right, men stripping to music right in front of your eyes. Going all the way to their BIRTHDAY SUITS and staying that way all evening during the contest.

Each year men compete in the Mr. Nude Seattle Contest for a cash prize of $500.

Whether they use the money for college,

bills or just drinking money it is totally up to them. The categories include: 1st look and introduction (clothed), Striptease (totally NUDE), Question and Answer (totally NUDE) and final Look (that’s right, totally NUDE).

This year marks the eleventh annual contest, which is being held on Monday, April 6, 2009 at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (17th and Yesler). The door opens at 7:00 pm and the contest starts at 8:00 pm.

The $20 tickets will be available at the door (you must be over 18 to attend).

This year we are proud to announce the return of Brodie Newport as our guest performer. Brodie, a newcomer to the male PORN industry (made it big in “Men’s Room III, a film from TitenMen Media) actually grew up in the Seattle area. At last year’s contest Brodie entertained us with a Dark Gothic inspired STRIPTEASE that had the audience in a trance of expectation.

Our guest judges for the 11th Annual contest include the owners of Rplace, Club Z, AMVC Videos and Twisted (a fantastic new bar in downtown Everett).

So if you have ever wondered what that bartender, the guy behind the counter at Starbucks, or that guy walking down the street looks like naked. Now is your chance to find out. Contestant applications are available in advance by e-mailing the producer of the contest directly at RainierXXX@aol. com. Applications will also be available at the door the evening of the contest.

Come on men of Seattle, take the chance and show Seattle what YOU are made of and enter this year’s contest. So let’s hear it for all the Naked MEN on April 6th!!

Wednesday, February 18 was AIDS Awareness and Action Day (A3D), our advocacy day at the state capitol. We were fortunate to have over 350 attendees representing 45 of 49 districts across Washington.

The purpose of A3D was for participants in our state, both those living with HIV/AIDS and those who aren’t to meet with legislators to discuss the need for continued funding for vital programs.

A3D attendees encouraged their legislators to protect and restore $3 million to the HIV Early Intervention Program (EIP) budget. They also encouraged the preservation of $500,000 for nutrition services for 200+ low-income individuals living with HIV/ AIDS in Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap Counties. Moreover, legislators were asked

to restore cuts to HIV prevention budgets by opposing the $1.5 million cut in AIDS Omnibus Act funding.

During ceremonies throughout the advocacy day, many political officials joined us with some inspiring and supportive words.

Among them were Attorney General Rob McKenna, Representative Marko Liias, Representative Jamie Pederson, Representative Jeannie Darneille, Senator Ed Murray, and City Council Members Sally Clark and Tim Burgess. We are thrilled to have bipartisan support for maintaining and increasing current HIV/AIDS funding in Washington State. Over the next few weeks, we look forward to seeing how the budget is balanced, and are optimistic that our efforts will be effective in protecting crucial funding for those living with HIV/AIDS. Thanks, David Richart Executive Director of Lifelong AIDS Alliance

Michael Leon Hawkins 1967-2009 Michael was loved and known by so many that there will be yet another gathering in his honor! Please join us Monday, February 23 at C. C. Attle’s bar and Grill from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Corner of 15th and Madison. Thank you everyone for all your love and support. We all can go on happy with Michael’s great big smile and laughter in our hearts.

Kenneth Paul Ross 1951-2009 Age 57. Born June 1, 1951 in Columbus, Ohio. Passed away peacefully after a long series of illnesses on January 28, 2009 at home in Seattle surrounded by devoted life partner, family and friends.

Ken was a 1969 graduate of Upper Arlington (Ohio) High School. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Theater Arts and Pre-Medicine from Ohio State University, a Masters of Theology from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the School Professional Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He was licensed as a psychologist in the states of California and Washington. Between 1980 and 1990, Ken practiced psychology in the community mental health system in Los Angeles and had a private practice in Beverly Hills while serving as an adjunct professor of psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology - Los Angeles.

He was elected president of the Los Angeles Society of Clinical Psychologists in 1990. Ken was a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, the American Psychological Association, and the Washington State Psychological Association.

In 1991, Ken left Los Angeles to be the East Region Director for United States Behavioral Health (USBH) in Philadelphia, and then moved to Seattle as the Director of the King County-USBH Medicaid Management Project. In Seattle he fell in love with the city and his life partner, John E. Garlick. Preceded in death by dear friend and soulmate, Shelle Crosby of Seattle. Survived by Mr. Garlick, parents Glenn and Barbara Ross, sister Judith Ross Blum, brother Randall A. Ross (Gail Mezey), and brother Ronald Ross (Dushka Crane-Ross) all of Upper Arlington, Ohio, as well as numerous adoring nieces and nephews. Also survived by dear friends Kim Nicholas and Rachel Diaz, Kelly Maguire, and special friend and former partner Christopher Robin Koch. Mr. Garlick and the family express their gratitude to the Providence Hospice of Seattle, the staff of Seattle Meds, Dr. Bryan Voelzke, Dr. Chet Robachinski, and especially his dear, loyal personal physician of 13 years, Dr. Tom Smith. Ken dipped his toe into heaven each day as he entered the Capitol Hill or S. Jackson St. Starbucks for a Venti Americano and a copy of the New York Times. Ken’s outrageous wit, wicked sense of humor, and zest for life will be sorely missed by all of those he touched.

Those wishing to honor Ken’s memory are invited to make a donation to the Seattle Public Library Foundation, 1000 Fourth Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 (www. foundation.spl.org). A private memorial celebration will be held at a later date in Seattle.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 20, 2009

Seattle Gay News

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Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973

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e-mail: sgn2@sgn.org internet: www.sgn.org

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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

Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Tom Flint (retired)

Obama campaigners party in Central District tim peter

Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone, Brad Caldwell Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Rajket dirzhud-Rashid, Nick Ardizzone, Miryam Gordon, Tim Peter Contributing Writers

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, 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. © 2008, JT&A, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.

by Tim Peter SGN Contributing Writer Never before has there been so much red at a Democratic event, yet a Gay time was

S

Antique MAll ea 6 le5 r

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

Josh Castle and Kelly Reed

d

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Seattle Gay News

February 20, 2009

had by all last Saturday night, February 14.

That’s because a group of local Gay & Lesbian Obama campaign workers and a few of their straight allies got together for a Valentine’s Day party in Seattle’s Central District.

Many of the guests were dressed in red for the day of love, not because of any political party affiliation.

“This was an experiment to see how things would go post-inauguration. It was a total success,” said Josh Castle, party organizer and emcee. “I’m really glad it turned out as it did. Everybody from the campaign showed up and had a chance to meet, hang out and relax.”

He hopes to continue as a grassroots, campaign-style group, supporting President Obama and his agenda, as well as other elected officials in the Democratic Party.

“Until we have an election, we’re going to focus on what Obama wants. We’re going to have more stimulus packages, health care, [getting the] United States out of Iraq,” he said. “If the Democratic National Committee or House or Senate Democrats or any other committee or issue needs our help, we will jump on and help.”

The party also included a live band, Kelly and the Bluedinis. Kelly Reed, of Bellevue, was lead singer and also a campaign volunteer. “I made phone calls, wrote letters, donated money and educated my son and his friends,” Reed said. She added, “My favorite part [of the campaign] was that it was my son’s first election. He turned 18 just weeks before the November election.” She said that he was excited to vote for Obama.

The party was held at the home of Brook Stanford, an active member in Seattle’s GLBT community. “This party was for all who worked on the campaign, not just those who gave money, but for all their hard work as well,” he said.

Also in attendance was David Ginsberg of West Seattle and candidate for Seattle City Council. He said there will likely be two open seats on the Council, because he expects Council members Jan Drago and Richard McIver will not run for re-election this year. Ginsberg said he isn’t yet certain for which seat he will campaign, since he and Jordan Royer – son of former Seattle Mayor Charlie Royer – are possibly vying for the same seats. But, he said, since he and Royer are friends and also share the same campaign advisor, he will not run against Royer but pick a different Council seat for which to run.

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Celebrating 35 Years!

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NEWS

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

“COMMUNITY STORIES” DOCUMENTS THE CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUES & HEALTH CARE STRUGGLE AROUND THE AIDS CRISIS IN SEATTLE IN THE 1980S The onset of AIDS “was a health crisis, but it was also a civil rights crisis,” recalls Carol Sterling, former director of the Chicken Soup Brigade. Debuting recently on the Seattle Channel (Cable Channel 21), “Community Stories” looks back to the 1980s and the start of the AIDS epidemic in Seattle. This history is told through the words of people – including Sterling, City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Seattle Gay News editor George Bakan and King County AIDS Program Director Bob Wood – who lived and worked on the front lines in the community. Learn about this important history by following this link now: http:// www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video. asp?ID=3170902.

HOME ALIVE GARAGE SALE FUNDRAISER On Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Home Alive will be selling off desks of all sizes, computers, office supplies, office furniture, books, auction overflow, boxing equipment, Home Alive merchandise, and more… as they downsize their office to a storage space in the wake of serious financial difficulties. The event will be held at the Home Alive studio, 1415 10th Ave. (upstairs), between E. Pike St. & E. Union St. Bargain prices! This is a fundraiser, but items must go! No checks accepted. Limited delivery in the greater Seattle area for an additional fee.

SEATTLE GAY SOFTBALL SEEKS NEW PLAYERS; SKILLS CLINIC On Saturday, February 21, the Open Division of the Emerald City Softball Association (ECSA) will host the first of two scheduled skills clinics from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Rainier Beach playfields, 8802 Rainier Ave. S., to allow new players a chance to hit, field and catch a few softballs and meet teams that are looking for new players. Prospective new players are encouraged, but not required, to bring their own equipment (a softball mitt and cleats) and to wear warm clothes. Extra equipment may be available to borrow. If Saturday is a rainout, please attend on Sunday, February 22, at the same time and place. The next and last opportunity to attend a skills clinic will be on Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the same location. Please visit www.seattlegaysoftball.com and register your profile now so teams can find you before the season begins.

Seattle Gay softball is a great way to meet new people and enjoy spending time outdoors in an organized activity. Games are played on Sundays, with the season running from early April through mid-July (including the playoff tournament). The ECSA Open Division league is open to everyone, regardless of skill level: men and women, Gay and non-Gay. For more information about the skills clinics or playing with the ECSA Open Division, visit www.seattlegaysoftball.com.

For information on the ECSA’s Women’s Division (for women only), visit www.seattlegaysoftball.com. The Women’s Division will hold their play day/skills clinic on Sunday, March 22, from 9:30 a.m.-noon at Lower Woodland Fields south of Green Lake.

Q-SQUARED BOOK GROUP: JOHN RECHY’S NUMBERS On Saturday, February 21, the Q-Squared Book Group will meet at the Capitol Hill Branch Library, 425 Harvard Ave. E, at 1 p.m., to discuss John Rechy’s novel, Numbers. The author, John Rechy, is probably best known for his debut novel City of

Night. That 1963 novel about a Gay hustler became a scandalous sensation and a national best seller. Numbers is Rechy’s second novel and also deals with a Gay hustler.

Q-Squared Book Group is open to men who are interested in Gay literature and always welcomes news members. For more information, visit www.qsquared.org.

come and fellowship. “We especially hope to see all our family and friends who have supported and visited the ministry in the past.” Food and other refreshments will be provided in the dining area directly after the service.

and fellow community members at Kaladi Brothers Coffee, 511 E. Pike St., at 7 p.m., to discuss what you want in your relationships, whether you’re happily single or currently partnered. For more information, email Lark@gaycity.org.

PURR & THE SGN HOST “A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS” On Sunday, February 22, starting at 4 p.m., Purr Cocktail Lounge, 1518 11th Ave., and the Seattle Gay News, host “A Night at the Oscars.” Stop by before the show and fill out a ballot. Prizes will be awarded! The Academy Awards show starts at 5 p.m. and will be shown on Purr’s 3 plasma screen TVs. The event will be featuring Absolut drink specials and Happy Hour prices.

Come stargaze with your friends and enjoy the show! No cover.

“A HAZY MARDI GRAS” CABARET SHOW AT CAFÉ AMORE On Tuesday and Wednesday, February 24 and 25, starting at 7 p.m., enjoy a no-cover cabaret show at Café Amore, 2301 5th Ave. at Bell St., with host Ryan Hazy (King of the Seas 2008), Dominatrix Roxy as Cher, Renten (drag king), Kennith (drag king, Ayla (bellydancer), Kay Sedia (drag queen), Sir Awesome (drag king) and starring Demene Hall. For reservations, call 206-770-0606.

MEN OF ALL COLORS & CULTURES TOGETHER HOST MARDI GRAS THREE DOLLAR BILL CINEMA POTLUCK SOCIAL & GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT On Saturday, February 21, Men of All HOST 4TH ANNUAL Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT) will ACADEMY AWARDS PARTY host their February Mardi Gras Potluck SoOn Sunday, February 22, starting at 4:30 cial starting at 6 p.m. at a Bellevue (98008) location. Please contact MACCT at 206- p.m. (with VIP reception starting an hour 923-8313 or macctseattle@yahoo.com for earlier), join Three Dollar Bill Cinema (sponsors of the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film location information and directions.

Festival) and Gay City for a night at the Oscars. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY drawing for fantastic door prizes and a big CELEBRATES screen broadcast of the Academy Awards BLACK HISTORY MONTH On Saturday, February 21, the FSP will with theatre-style seating plus four bigshow a film titled 10,000 Black Men Named screen TVs throughout the stylish setting George, starring Andre Braugher, that traces of SoDo Park. (VIPs enjoy a special chamthe founding of the first African-American pagne and wine reception and gift bag.) The union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Por- event will be held at SoDo Park, 3200 First ters and Maids, against the backdrop of the Ave. S. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and Great Depression. The film will be shown at are available at www.gaycity.org. (Tickets 7:30 p.m. at New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rain- at the door are $5 more.) www.threedollarier Ave. S. A discussion follows the film. $3 bill.org; 206-323-4274. www.gaycity.org; door donation. A Down South Dinner will 206-860-6969. be served at 6 p.m. for a $9 donation. For GLBTQ.COM CELEBRATES more information or childcare, call 206OSCAR MONTH WITH 722-2453 or email FSPseattle@mindspring.

TWO SPECIAL FEATURES com. Wheelchair accessible. glbtq.com, the world’s largest encyclopedia of GLBTQ culture will celebrate the “FABULUXE” CABARET, contributions of GLBTQ actors and acBELLYDANCE, tresses to cinematic history in two special DRAG & BURLESQUE SHOW On Saturday, February 21, join Fuchsia features on its home page throughout the FoXXX, BenDeLaCreme, The Shanghai month of February. www.glbtq.com.

Pearl, Sassy DeLure, and Waxie Moon IN THE LIFE CELEBRATES for a delightful evening of burlesque. Two BLACK HISTORY MONTH shows at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. will be On Sunday, February 22, at midnight, performed at Sonya’s Bar & Grill, 1919 1st Ave. $12 show cover plus $5 drink mini- KCT-TV, Channel 9, broadcasts In the Life’s February episode: “Mobilizing Hope.” In mum ($17 cash at the door). 21+ with ID. observance of Black History Month, In the NIGHT FANTASIA – REUNION TEN Life explores several facets of the kaleidoOn Saturday, February 21, Night Fanta- scope that is the LGBT African-American sia returns to celebrate Seattle’s Gay Asian community. We profile New Jersey comcommunity. Enjoy a limited-seating delec- munity activist Bernie McAlister and his table specialty Chinese dinner at the New “House of Jourdan,” part of the Gay ball Hong Kong Restaurant, 900 S. Jackson St., subculture that has expanded its social role from 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., followed by an to include AIDS education/outreach to evening of entertainment hosted by Aleksa Queer youth. New York Governor David PaManila, from 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy perfor- terson and Yale professor George Chauncey mances by Aleksa Manila and other surprise reflect on the continuing struggle for Gay entertainers; an underwear fashion show civil rights. In the “Real to Reel” segment, and DJ’d music. Tickets are $20 for limited- filmmaker Abigail Child follows four young seating dinner and night of entertainment; men navigating the complexities of living $10 suggested donation for night of enter- On the Downlow. The episode can also be tainment only. The event is open to all 18+, viewed online at your convenience at www. with alcohol served to those 21+ with ID. inthelifetv.org.

For more information and to make reservaCALL FOR QUEER ARTISTS tions for the dinner, visit www.kwanchai.

FOR EXPOSED net and look for “Night FantAsia” under the COMMUNITY ARTS EVENT “Events” page or call 206-262-1022.

Are you a Queer visual or functional artist SOJOURNER TRUTH MINISTRIES looking for exposure to a receptive and supportive crowd of art lovers? Then exposed: HOSTS THEIR ANNUAL a celebration of Queer artistry is for you!

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY This arts-based community fundraising PROGRAM On Sunday, February 22, from noon to event with beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres 1:30 p.m., the Sojourner Truth Ministries, will feature work by over 20 Seattle Queer 2524 16th Ave. S., Suite A209 (on Beacon artists in a variety of media: including visual Hill in the El Centro de la Raza building), art, sculpture, ceramic and functional work. will hold their annual church anniversary Deadline for submissions is Monday, Febprogram, “Embracing Our History with ruary 23. The event will be held on Friday, Grace and Gratitude.” Rev. Monica Cor- April 3 at 7 p.m. in the West Hall at Century saro of the United Methodist Church will Ballroom, 915 E. Pine St. For more details, be the featured speaker. Other clergy and visit www.gaycity.org and look under the special guests scheduled to attend are: Rev. “events” menu for more information about Eckert White, Rev. Harriett Walden, George exposed.

Hampton of the Pride Foundation, Chad GAY CITY HOSTS Goller-Sojourner and the Liberation Choir.

MONTHLY CHATROOM A special Praise Dance will be performed AT KALADI BROTHERS

by Sisters Sharail Butler and Natasha BurWhat do you desire in the coming year? rows.

Everyone in the community is invited to On Monday, February 23, join Gay City

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 20, 2009

HX GAY & LESBIAN TRAVEL EXPO On Thursday, February 26, the 2009 HX Gay & Lesbian Travel Expo, will be held from 4-8 p.m., at the Seattle Grand Hyatt, 721 Pine St. Whether you dream of shopping in Europe, hiking through South America, or sipping a drink by the pool, make the expo your first stop. Come to the expo and register to win a two-night San Francisco getaway. FREE admission. 1-800-GAYEXPO; www.gaytravelexpo.com.

SEATTLE’S QUEER FOUNDATION SPONSORS 4TH ANNUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS ESSAY CONTEST $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to the top essayists to attend the U.S. college or university of their choice in 2009-2010. This year’s deadline is Saturday, February 28.

For complete information, visit www http:// queerfoundation.org. Information about and essays by former contest winners are also posted on the website.

TACOMA PFLAG PRESENTS “RAINBOWS OVER TACOMA” – A COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER On Saturday, February 28, join Tacoma Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays, Out in Tacoma, Old Lesbians Organizing for Change, the Pierce County AIDS Foundation and the Rainbow Center at the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, for an evening of community fun. From 6:15-7:45 p.m., enjoy a social hour and a tour of the museum galleries.

From 8-9:30 p.m., enjoy the music of the Kim Archer Band, Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse, and Sensible Shoes, the pop and vocal jazz ensemble of the Seattle Women’s Chorus. Casual attire is encouraged. Tickets are $20 in advance only. 253-581-1354; trhineswa@aol.com. Please include first and last name of each member of your party. For complete information, visit www.pnwpflag. org/rainbowstac/ (See website for list of local sponsoring restaurants. Enjoy dinner out at one of the sponsoring restaurants before the event.)

“QUEERS UNITE: TAKE BACK THE NIGHT” CANDLELIGHT VIGIL & MARCH On Saturday, February 28, join the Queer Ally Coalition for a candlelight vigil and march through Capitol Hill against anti-LGBTQ violence. Meet at the Pillars at Boren Ave. & Pike St. at 8 p.m. The march is expected to end around 9:30 p.m.

LISA KOCH PRESENTS “FUNNY GIRLZ” WITH LESBIAN COMICS MICHELE BALAN & JENNIE MCNULTY On Sunday, March 1, Seattle singer/comedian Lisa Koch, best known as one-half of the sketch-comedy duo Dos Fallopia (with comic Peggy Platt) and their “Ham for the Holidays” series, presents Lesbian comics Michele Balan, a brash New York comic, and Jennie McNulty, who delivers smart, quick and refreshingly unique humor, at The Triple Door, 216 Union St., at 7 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner). Koch join forces with them for a delectable mix of music, stand-up, and lots of laughs. Tickets: $17-advance; $20-day of. 206-838-4333; www.tripledoor.com.

Seattle Gay News

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NATIONAL

NEWS

Gay couples protest at marriage-license bureaus Gay couples descended on marriage-license bureaus around the country February 12 for National Freedom to Marry Day. Forty-eight states prohibit same-sex couples from marrying.

Actions organized by Marriage Equality USA took place in Tucson, Ariz.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Lexington, London, Richmond and Louisville, Ky.; New York City; Salt Lake City; and, in California, in Auburn, Bakersfield, Beverly Hills, Eureka, Fairfield, Fresno, Hanford, Lakeport, Lancaster, Los Angeles, Martinez, Merced, Modesto, Nevada City, Norwalk, Oakland, Redwood City, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Stockton, Visalia and Woodland.

At the Beverly Hills courthouse, the first same-sex couple married in Southern California, Robin Tyler and Diane Olson, renewed their vows.

“This is not about us anymore,” Tyler said.

“If the [California] Supreme Court lets us stay married it will be a hollow victory because we do not want to be the only ones on the freedom train. The Supreme Court needs to rule to overturn Prop 8 because what Prop 8 does – for the first time in American history – is take a group that is being considered equal by the Supreme Court out of the constitution. That is dangerous because that means that 51 percent or 52 percent of people can vote to take you out of the constitution.”

Numerous additional actions were organized around the country under the umbrella of Join the Impact, the online force that pulled off the large anti-Proposition 8 protests in all 50 states last November 15.

by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer According to Marriage Equality USA, since 2001 its chapters “have engaged in these annual marriage-counter actions to render visible the discrimination that is enforced every day.”

“It is an affront to our basic dignity as fellow human beings when same-sex couples are turned away from the marriage counter, but it gives us the opportunity to tell our stories and show that we live in every community and want to honor and protect our families like everyone else,” the group said.

In Tucson, Ariz., one Lesbian couple was given a marriage license even though the state constitution bans same-sex marriage.

It was unclear at press time what will happen next.

ACLU sues Florida school board over Gay club ban The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida filed a federal lawsuit against the Nassau County (Fla.) School Board on February 10 after administrators denied students permission to form Gay-Straight Alliances at Yulee High School and Yulee Middle School.

In a letter denying access to the group, the board’s superintendent said that groups with names referencing a sexual orientation would not be recognized and that even if the group changed its name to one not communicating a Gay-specific mission, approval was uncertain.

“We just want the club so that straight and Gay kids can get together to talk about harassment and discrimination against Gay kids in an open environment,” said highschool student and plaintiff Hannah Page.

“Other clubs and groups are allowed to meet on campus.”

INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

Hungarian gov’t approves new partnership bill Hungary’s government February 11 signed off on a new registered-partnership bill to replace one that was struck down as unconstitutional just before it was to take effect on January 1.

The Constitutional Court said the previous measure was unconstitutional because it would have given the rights of marriage to opposite-sex couples who are not married, violating the special protection granted to marriage by the constitution.

The new bill proposes registered partnership only for same-sex couples and would grant them the rights of marriage except in the areas of adoption and the taking of one’s spouse’s last name.

Whether Parliament will pass the new bill is unclear. Hungary has had a minority government since the Liberals left the governing coalition early last year.

“Based on ‘parliamentary mathematics,’ the bill has a high chance of being passed,” said activist Tamás Dombos of the Háttér Society for LGBT People. “Governing parties hardly ever vote against proposals by their own government and the Liberals fully support the new bill. It is, however, very hard to predict how delicate negotiations involved in running a minority government will affect voting on the bill.”

by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer Russian Gays target HIV testing of visa applicants Russian Gay activists have launched a campaign to stop mandatory HIV testing of foreigners who wish to remain in the country for more than three months.

Those who test positive are denied a visa.

The activists wrote to President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov.

“Requesting HIV status in a visa application can be considered as an intrusion to private life in the definition of article 8 of the European Convention for Human Rights,” said well-known Moscow activist Nikolai Alekseev.

According to the activists, Russia and Armenia are the only members of the 47-nation Council of Europe to have such a policy.

Other nations that reportedly restrict the entry of HIV-positive foreigners include Colombia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sudan and Yemen.

The United States apparently is still in the process of lifting its ban on HIV-positive foreigners and immigrants.

Last year, Congress repealed the law that banned HIV-positive persons but failed to amend the government’s actual list of “communicable diseases of public health signifi-

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Seattle Gay News

February 20, 2009

The federal Equal Access Act requires schools to grant access and recognition to a GSA – and most other student groups – if the school allows any extracurricular groups to meet on campus, which both Yulee schools do. There are more than 4,000 GSAs in the U.S. “Gay and Lesbian students deserve schools that heed the rule of law,” said Robert Rosenwald, director of the ACLU of Florida’s LGBT Advocacy Project. “These students are trying to bring a message of equality and openness, and the lesson they are being taught is that Yulee High School administrators believe discrimination against LGBT students is an acceptable policy.”

The lawsuit alleges violations of the First Amendment and the Equal Access Act, and seeks a preliminary injunction to force school officials to allow the GSA to meet at Yulee High School while the litigation makes its way to trial.

“I hope that being part of this important lawsuit will open up people’s eyes so that they can see that there is still a lot of discrimination and we need to sit down and talk about it,” said plaintiff and high-school student Jacob Brock.

The ACLU of Florida recently won a similar federal case after Okeechobee High School refused to allow a GSA group to meet. The Okeechobee County School Board ended up paying $326,000 in attorneys’ fees.

Pre-Stonewall Gay protest remembered Gay activists, police representatives and City Council President Eric Garcetti gathered at Le Barcito in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake district February 11 to celebrate the bar’s recent designation as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Landmark #939.

On February 11, 1967 – 28 months before the Stonewall Riots – Le Barcito, then known as the Black Cat, was the site of a protest by 300 to 600 Gay people angry over a New Year’s Eve raid by the LAPD in

which the bar’s patrons had been beaten and charged with lewd conduct for kissing.

The demonstration was the nation’s largest Gay rights rally up to that time.

“This was a watershed event that has gone unnoticed in American history,” Garcetti told the Los Angeles Times in November.

Speaking at the commemorative event, Garcetti said, “Close your eyes and imagine what it was like 42 years ago, when a police officer wouldn’t be here except to arrest you, when holding hands meant you would get hunted down.”

Gay immigration bill introduced in Congress A bill to extend spousal immigration rights to same-sex couples was introduced in Congress February 12.

The Uniting American Families Act, sponsored by Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., aims to end the problem of binational same-sex couples being forcibly separated – or forced to relocate outside the U.S. together – because the U.S. government does not recognize the validity of same-sex unions.

“It should be an outrage to all Americans that our government continues to deny one set of citizens the fundamental rights enjoyed by the rest of its citizens,” Nadler said. “It is time that we as a society finally acknowledge that a committed, loving family is a committed, loving family.”

“Thousands of Gay and Lesbian Americans who have fallen in love across borders must grapple with an impossible choice between being with the person they love and staying in their country,” added Immigration Equality Executive Director Rachel Tiven.

“These couples simply want the same opportunity to prove that their families deserve to stay together.”

Some 36,000 couples are thought to be affected by the discriminatory policy, according to the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.

With assistance from Bill Kelley

cance” for visa purposes. The Bush admin- Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, istration left HIV on the list, and the Obama Uganda and Zimbabwe. administration has not yet removed it.

“Lawyers, activist leaders and donors attending the meeting acknowledged the Bolivia bans importance of impact litigation for repealanti-Gay discrimination ing sodomy laws and challenging other disin constitution criminatory statutes and policies,” IGLHRC Bolivia’s new constitution, approved by said. “Such litigation, however, needs to be 61 percent of voters last month, bans dis- situated within the context of local, national crimination based on sexual orientation and and regional LGBT organizing.” gender identity. The constitution took effect The participants discussed the need for February 7. security for lawyers defending GLBT cliAccording to New York-based Latino ents and causes. Many of the lawyers at activist Andrés Duque, Article 14.II, titled the meeting said they have faced attacks on “Fundamental Rights and Guarantees,” their reputations, attempts at disbarment and reads, “The State prohibits and punishes all physical violence. forms of discrimination founded on the baThe group called for creation of a GLBT sis of sex, skin color, gender, age, sexual ori- African legal fund and a training and supentation and gender identity, origin, culture, port network for African lawyers working nationality, citizenship, language, religious on sexual rights cases. beliefs, ideology, political or philosophical affiliation.”

Moscow Pride Duque said the document also defines sues President Medvedev marriage as between a man and a woman With several lawsuits pending before the and allows Evo Morales, the first Bolivian European Court of Human Rights against president of indigenous background, to run Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov for his refor a second term and “to further establish a peated bans of Gay pride events, Moscow socialist vision for the country.”

Pride organizers now have filed a similar It was unclear at press time whether the suit against Russian President Dmitry Mednew protections apply within the new par- vedev. allel tribal justice system established by the The new case stems from a May 2008 ban constitution. of a planned Gay pride parade at AleksanSome 60 percent of Bolivians may fall un- drovsky Garden next to the Kremlin, an area der the jurisdiction of the tribal system. under federal control.

Federal officials failed to respond to the African GLBT activists request to hold the parade and instead formeet to plot strategy warded it to city officials, who automaticalAfrican GLBT activists and Gay rights ly ban requests to hold Gay events in public lawyers met in Cape Town, South Africa, places. for four days in early February to discuss Mayor Luzhkov has called Gay pride palegal strategies in the push for Gay rights on rades “satanic” and “weapons of mass dethe continent. struction.”

The meeting was organized by the Inter“It’s a pity that the president, even though national Gay and Lesbian Human Rights he proclaimed that he would fight for human Commission, Global Rights, Interights, rights, did not interfere and put an end to the and the Kenyan Section of the International unlawful actions of Moscow officials,” said Commission of Jurists. pride organizer Nikolai Alekseev.

It marked “the first-ever dialogue between When Moscow Gays have ignored the lawyers who have worked on litigation re- bans and staged unofficial pride events, they lated to LGBT rights and African LGBT have been violently attacked by anti-Gay leaders,” IGLHRC said. protesters and police officers.

Forty-five activists attended from Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, With assistance from Bill Kelley

Celebrating 35 Years!

contenders continued from cover

Although King County offices are now nonpartisan since the passage of County Charter Amendment 8 last year, both men were elected as Democrats. Both served in the Washington State Legislature prior to joining the County Council.

Asked what differentiates the two, Phillips says “The depth and breadth of my management experience. I worked for [US Senator] Scoop Jackson in DC. I worked for [County Executive] Randy Revelle. I managed his campaign – I’m the only one who’s managed a county-wide political campaign.

I ran a law firm for many years and we never missed a payroll – or a partners’ disbursement. I’ve chaired the Council’s Budget Committee. I’ve chaired the Council three times – I’m the only one to be chair three times.”

Constantine puts a much different spin on the issue of experience. “I joined the Council in 2002,” he told SGN. “Since then I’ve worked through different areas of responsibility and positions of leadership. Now I’m the Council chair. I’ve been around long enough that I know what works and what needs to be fixed, but not long enough to be part of the furniture.”

CANDIDATES DIFFER ON APPROACH The candidates also differ in how they made their decisions to run for the county executive position. Phillips was rumored to be preparing a run for several months. He confirmed to SGN that he’d determined to run even if it meant taking Sims on in the primary. “Actually I made the decision to run in December, but we decided to hold off on the announcement till after the inauguration,” he said.

“I’ve always been a strong supporter of Ron Sims,” Phillips explained. “I endorsed him for the Senate. I endorsed him for county exec over my good friend Greg Nickels.

I endorsed him for governor over my even better friend Chris Gregoire. The problem is that his third term was just not as outstanding as the first two.”

“I was not planning to run, not at all,” Constantine told SGN. “I’d just been elected Council chair. My political goal was to streamline our committee structure and adopt efficiencies in our operations. I’ve always had good relations with Ron Sims.

But his announcement created a different environment. I took a couple of weeks to talk to my family, friends, and supporters, and we decided this was the right time.”

Phillips announced his candidacy on January 27. Constantine did not enter the race till February 16, giving Phillips an advantage in fundraising. Constantine seems untroubled, however. “Larry’s raised $120,000 but he’s spent most of it,” Constantine told SGN. “He has maybe $40,000 left. Within a couple of weeks we’ll close the gap. We will match him dollar for dollar and volunteer for volunteer. We’ll have a whole army of volunteers.”

“I expect we’ll split the traditional Democratic constituencies that we’ve both worked with,” Constantine continues, “like labor and environmentalists, but there are some groups that know I’ve done battle for them – the arts community, historic preservation, defense of animals, for example.”

problem, they differ in how they approach solutions. Phillips takes a meat-and-potatoes approach. “Family wage jobs – that’s where I want to focus,” he says.

“We need a shift in political culture,” says Constantine. “We need to judge our programs by the number of people served and the number of problems solved, not by the amount of money spent.”

“We can no longer afford to resist change,” Constantine continues. “We no longer have the opportunity to seek funds for programs that aren’t working well. We have to decide what the County can and can’t do. And if we can’t do it or do it well, who is going to do it? And for the things that we will do, how will the money be used effectively?”

Phillips sees the challenges facing the County as, “First, to provide stable local and regional services – police, fire, 911, transit.

Transit is particularly important, to get people to and from their jobs – or to and from job interviews. It’s the public services that help hold the society together.”

“Second, the private sector is stymied,” Phillips continues. “Nobody’s investing, nobody’s lending money. It’s up to the government sector to invest in infrastructure. That not only benefits society, it creates good construction jobs, family wage jobs. And then state and federal money draws private investments.”

he says. “On STDs, Ron cut it all out, we put it back in. The Equal Benefits coordinator, the position was cut twice and put back in.”

One of Sims’ budget-cutting proposals would have eliminated STD services for juveniles in County custody. The Equal Benefits coordinator is the county official charged with ensuring compliance with the county’s Equal Benefits Ordinance (EBO). Passed in 2004, the EBO requires businesses that contract with King County to provide equal health, pension, and other benefits to samesex domestic partners of their employees as they offer to married spouses.

INVESTMENTS AND ACCOUNTABILITY Where Phillips emphasizes jobs and investments, Constantine emphasizes accountability. “We have a horrible structural problem with the County budget,” he says.

“When I joined the Council in 2002 I drafted and passed legislation requiring County departments and agencies to create a performance management system. They were to draft mission statements, and specify goals and performance guidelines to accomplish their missions. That’s how you know tax dollars are being spent effectively.”

Constantine characterizes County compliance with this system as “spotty and grudging. More effort has gone into propping up a failing structure. As exec I would insist that this system be put in place immediately.”

Constantine cites the County’s animal shelters as examples of particularly poor performance, and recommends the County get out of the business of running them.

Phillips has served as chair of the County Council’s Budget Committee four times, including last year, when the County faced especially tough fiscal choices. “I always seem to pick it when we’re in peril,” he chuckles. Constantine has served once as budget chair.

As budget chair for 2008, Phillips led efforts to replace some of the funding cut by County Executive Ron Sims, and crafted a compromise budget that was eventually passed unanimously by his colleagues. “Part of the discussion has to be making sure that the most vulnerable continue to be served,”

Seattle Erotic Ball February 25 Trinity Nightclub Can there be anything better than dancing, watching some of the best burlesque stars in the Northwest, and eating king cake, too? If there is, it probably doesn’t exist on this planet, and most people would take the above, anyway. And this year, folks in Seattle can see what folks in Portland have been so excited about when the Seattle Erotic Ball takes over the Trinity nightclub on February 25, as part of Seattle’s annual Mardi Gras celebration.

Josh Ryan, co-producer of the evening said, “We produced the Halloween party last year in Portland, and it sold out. People were saying, you should do this in Seattle.”

He added that the decision to produce a similar party in Seattle was about finding the perfect space, which he feels they did in The Trinity, which has three stages to work with, and which Ryan said will be fully used at The Seattle Erotic Ball.

“We wanted this ball to appeal not only to those clubgoers who want to wear fetish clothing, but aren’t necessarily into diving into the full BDSM experience, and we wanted to appeal to fetish people and GLBT people as well,” said Ryan. He also encouraged those who do attend to feel free to dress up for the event.

On board as sponsors of the event (besides SGN) are KISS FM radio, The Crypt, Babeland, as well as a number of GLBT organizations, and The Seattle Sinner newspaper. Ryan added that he and his business

FRIENDS OF LGBT COMMUNITY Both candidates are long-time friends of the LGBT community. Constantine has been endorsed by State Sen. Ed Murray.

He worked closely with Murray when both were in the State House of Representatives.

Phillips has the endorsement of activist Janice Van Cleve and former Deputy Mayor Ann Levinson.

County Council members Bob Ferguson, who was elected as a Democrat, and Kathy Lambert, elected as a Republican, have also been mentioned as possible County executive candidates, although both have yet to declare. SGN spoke with their offices, but neither was able to offer a comment by press time.

Both Constantine and Phillips were reelected to their County Council seats in 2007 for terms that expire in 2011. They would be able to keep their seats on the Council even if they lost the election for County executive. Ferguson and Lambert were elected in 2005 for terms that expire this year, and therefore must choose between running for re-election to the Council or running for County executive.

A naughty party for Mardi Gras

by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid SGN A&E Writer

partner are trying to keep prices affordable, so even in a recession, people can come and have some fun.

“We want to be here 10 years from now in Seattle, like we’ve been around for 10 years in Portland and before that in Las Vegas, so we’re trying to keep the prices affordable for everyone,” said Ryan, adding that he thinks Seattle is even more diverse and open to exploring sexuality than Portland, and expects the Fat Tuesday party to be the best one yet.

“There are more aware people and more active people here, it’s very diverse in Seattle,” said Ryan. He said he expects to have some very good burlesque, as well as a room for dancing, and room where people can chill out from the excitement, but no sex rooms.

“We have to stay within the city code.

That’s very important to us, so there’ll also be a place to get pasties called the pastie room, so we keep to code,” said Ryan, and yes, he added there will be “king cake,” since the ball is part of Mardi Gras in Seattle. There’ll also be a demo room where those who are interested in getting closer to BDSM can watch those who are good at what they do strut their stuff.

“We mostly want everyone to feel welcome and to feel safe, so we’re also working with the Seattle Police Department and we don’t expect there to be problems. We want people to be festive and have a good time, but be safe too,” said Ryan. For more information on tickets to the best party in town for Mardi Gras, go to seattleeroticball.com or any Taboo Video location, or get tickets at the door, but know they might be sold out, so get yours now.

KEY FOCUS ON FISCAL PROBLEMS Both candidates will focus on the County’s fiscal problems. Last year, County Executive Sims had to deal with a $70 million budget shortfall. Prospects are little better for the 2010 budget. This week, Metro Transit announced that falling sales tax revenues would leave them with a potential budget shortfall of $100 million.

“The major issue is the economy, and by extension the County’s budget,” Constantine said. “In my view, we have to have a dramatic change in the way we approach our financial affairs.”

“This is a very, very challenging time,” Phillips agreed, “the most challenging since the Depression. There’s great uneasiness about the future.”

While the candidates agreed about the

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February 20, 2009

Seattle Gay News

7

can Auto Show and the production model debut a few months later at the 2000 New York Auto Show. 2007 saw the first major redesign for the MDX with a more athletic appearance, a longer and wider body, and a longer wheel base and lower ride height.

The MDX is the sixth Acura project to be designed and engineered in the U.S. and built in North America (i.e. Canada). For 2009, the MDX gets a standard power tailgate as part of the technology and sport package, the navigation system and realtime traffic system are updated, and two new exterior colors are added: Bali Blue and Mocha Metallic. After a week with the 2009 Acura MDX Sport, I’ve compiled a brass tacks list of highly technical scientific data based upon observations, experimentation, tabulations, inspections and so forth. Here we go:

2009 Acura MDX Sport

by J.T. Hills SGN Contributing Writer TOP • Powerful 300-hp V-6 • All-wheel-drive performance • Navigation with real-time traffic BOTTOM • Love-it or hate-it styling • Nav went from touchscreen

to control knob • Second row doesn’t slide forward or back Acura was one of the first Japanese luxury imports to introduce a SUV to the U.S. market with the Isuzu Trooper-based SLX (what the hell was that all about?). Finer things were to come with the concept introduction of the MDX at the 2000 North Ameri-

EXTRA: LGBT BABY BOOM! QUEERS EVERYWHERE CONVERTING FROM PRADA AND BMWs TO STRETCH PANTS AND MINIVANS. THE SAGGING AND BALDING OF THE GAY GHETTO! This last week I had a good friend call me who was in the market for a new car partially brought on by an addition to the family, and it wasn’t a terrier. We started going down the list of the things that he would need in a car: sporty, fun to drive, all-wheel drive (she thinks she’ll ski), leather, navigation, oh, and room for a car seat, the dog, groceries, some sort of DVD system for videos on long trips, and a third row for carpooling to soccer practice. What traditionally is an exciting conversation over what kind of car to buy immediately turns into a downer of a conversation over whether or not to get a minivan. I satirically took great joy in the entire conversation.

The 2009 Acura MDX Sport provides a lot of toys for the money for the big kid in all of us and the little ones that will leave us sleep-deprived. For beginners, the MDX comes with Acura’s most powerful engine, a 3.7-liter 300-horsepower V-6 with 275 lbft of torque @5000 rpms. Acura links this to a sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling AllWheel Drive. Out on the interstate, the engine is powerful and the MDX is balanced.

The MDX driving experience is much like that of a sport sedan, and the all-wheel-drive just heightens the experience. With a dual-

stage intake manifold and an electronic drive-by-wire throttle system, the MDX has an EPA estimated mileage of 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. It has a large 21-gallon fuel capacity for a long cruising range and the MDX is designed to meet the latest CARB-Certified LEV-2 ULEV emissions certifications. It has optional sport and comfort active damping system that controls the ride which is noticeable at freeway speeds – in-city the difference is minute. Which is to say in-city driving in the MDX can be a bit jarring for a luxury crossover vehicle over Seattle’s many potholed arterials. The backup camera just isn’t a toy, it’s a necessity, and it makes getting in and out of tight parking spaces a breeze.

Visually, the exterior of the MDX doesn’t look like an oversized SUV. When you step inside, the amount of space is truly remarkable. There’s plenty of space in the frontand second-row seats for adults over six feet to travel comfortably. The folding third row of seating is kid-sized, and entry is complicated by the fact that the second row doesn’t slide forward and back. The rear lift-gate is power, which is great when you have your hands full of groceries and packages, and with the third-row seating is stored flat there’s ample storage space.

For adults, there’s a Navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic, which is really is amazing for those commuters out there, Dolby Pro Logic II 10 speaker surround-sound audio system with six-disc CD changer and satellite radio, front heated eight-way power sport seats, a moonroof, three-zone climate control, and steering wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth, and information controls. The only real gripe though is that Acura changed the navigation controls from an easy-to-use touchscreen system to a control knob that is rather I-drive-esque. This isn’t as intuitive and takes a bit of getting used to when you’re on the go. For the kids, there’s second-row heated seats and DVD system with headsets – perfect.

OK, for a before-tax price of $48,890, what do you get?

The 2009 Acura MDX is priced thousands less than comparably equipped Lexus, Mercedes and BMW models. A quick look at the favorites includes: Performance • 300-hp 3.7-liter SOHC 24-valve VTEC V-6 engine • Five-speed automatic transmission with sequential SportShift • SH-AWD system • Active damper system • Four-wheel disc brakes • Four-wheel independent MacPhearson strut front and multi-link rear suspension • Front and rear stabilizer bars • Variable-assist rack and pinion steering • Drive-by-wire throttle system • 100k miles, no scheduled tune-ups Safety • Driver’s and front passenger’s dual-stage airbags, side airbags • Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor • Vehicle stability assist • Anti-lock brakes • Active front head restraints • Tire pressure monitoring system • Remote entry with security system and driver recognition system Comfort and Convenience • Acura navigation system with voice recognition and review camera • DVD rear entertainment system with 9” display and wireless headsets • Real time traffic • Dolby Pro Logic II 10-speaker surround sound system • XM Satellite Radio • Heated leather seating surfaces front and rear • Eight-way power driver’s and front passenger seats • Bluetooth hands-free link with phonebook exchange • Automatic dimming rearview mirror Additional Charges • Destination and delivery ($760)

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February 20, 2009

Celebrating 35 Years!

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February 20, 2009

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February 20, 2009

Celebrating 35 Years!

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Seattle Gay News 11

rosehedge continued from cover

the wine bar

Following the auction, the dinner doors opened to a myriad of beautifully set tables, both in group fashion and some set aside for more private and intimate dining. A raisethe-paddle (where guests bid on and donated the costs of daily or monthly expenses for Rosehedge clients) fundraiser was held during dinner as the guests ate a wonderful meal (prepared by Chef Thomas Kollasch), enjoyed Dina Blade and Her Fabulous Jazz Band, and danced under the beauty of the Arctic Hotel’s Dome Room.

Rosehedge is the lesser-known sister of Bailey-Boushay House, but was actually set up first. Opening its doors in 1988, it was Seattle’s original AIDS hospice while Bailey-Boushay was being built. “Rosehedge continues to work with Bailey-Boushay,” said Theressia Hazelmyer, Rosehedge’s director of development. “Unfortunately, there is enough need for both establishments to continue.” There may be the need, but not necessarily the funding. “Love Withfrom r out e l Boundaries a x • risedown f r e[financially] sh last year,” Hazelmyer said. Sharon Lucas, interim executive director, added, “Rosehedge relies on private donations.” With the financial cuts, it’s more important now than ever; the amount of people suffering hasn’t decreased.

Rosehedge is an independent assisted-living facility that caters to 18 clients in three different Seattle houses, one on Capitol Hill and two by Northgate. Since its doors w i t hopened a int 1988, w i s more t than 500 people living with HIV/AIDS have lived at Rosehedge, receiving medical/dental care and counseling 24/7; a good majority who are also dealing with homelessness, AIDS-related dementia and chemical dependency.

Rosehedge helps with medications, bathing, transportation to/from different doctor appointments and general care with a sense of dignity.

With the governmental financial cuts, the Rosehedge must raise an extra $30 each day to meet the expenses that are not covered, equaling $900 of private funding needed to help only one person for a month. Love Without Boundaries’ goal for the evening was to raise $30,000 to cover the additional daily costs of their 18 residential clientele.

The goal was achieved (with the help of a

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partial financial matching by Lucky Seven Foundation), but it is only a start for the year’s expenses. Nonetheless, it is a good one. According to Ms. Hazelmyer, “$60,000 was raised from ticket sales, sponsorships, silent auction and raise-the-paddle.”

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continued from cover a ‘hostile work environment,’” says Erichsen.

Following the incident the two men filed a formal complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. Both Erichsen and Footh made this decision since they felt they would be protected by beefed up Washington state anti-discrimination legislation, which in 2006 was revised to include sexual orientation and gender expression.

HUMAN RIGHTS GRAY AREA When the complaint was filed, the Commission’s former director, Marc Brenman, stated that the couple being turned away from a volunteer situation by a religious organization was a gray area, in terms of its First Amendment rights. He said religious organizations can pick and choose who they allow in as members and who they can hire to work at their organizations.

At the same time Brenman said there was the possibility the state’s anti-discrimination legislation might come down on the side of Erichsen and Footh in terms of their trying to volunteer, indicating the incident could be a violation of the public accommodation section of the Washington state anti-discrimination legislation after the 2006 revisions. He said at the time he had never heard of Gay or Lesbian people being turned away as volunteers.

That was in June of 2008. And it was only last week that the Commission finally issued a decision, in favor of His Supper Table. Erichsen and Footh were made aware of the ruling during an “exit interview” conducted via phone on January 21 by Commission Investigator Teresita Torres, who was assigned the case when the complaint was filed in May of 2008. Torres stated in the ruling that a religious organization such as His Supper Table had the First Amendment on its side and could discriminate against Gay or Lesbian people when it comes to volunteering.

Torres said in the exit interview with the couple that His Supper Table, or any religious organization for that matter, can turn anyone away if they do not want them volunteering.

“That First Amendment issue, there is no getting around it,” said Torres. “It gives organizations such as His Supper Table the right to associate with whomever it chooses.”

Torres said people can be turned away by a religious organization “if they don’t want people of a different religion, or Gay orientation or whatever other protected class.”

Beach Church of the Nazarene Pastor Don Bancel, and Renfro, who the couple says was the only His Supper Table staff member present when the incident took place. Renfro was never asked any questions during this interview.

Apparently the rest of the eight months Torres spent toiling away on the case was doing research, or so she claims. Multiple requests for a complete list of every person Torres corresponded with while processing the case, or a description of her research, have been ignored by Commission Executive Assistant Tanya Calahan, who is in charge of requests for public information.

Commission Interim Director Idolina Reta has stated that according to Washington state public records laws, she and her staff are only obligated to send previously prepared documents. In other words, since Torres did not keep a running list of all of her contacts, including people she conferred with during her research, the information does not need to be compiled and/or provided. Reta did admit that Commission Operations Manager Dixie Shaw had a conversation with an assistant attorney general at the Washington State Office of the Attorney General at some point in reference to the complaint.

In late November 2008, when Brenman was contacted to find out if the case had been shelved or was still being investigated, he indicated that there was trepidation on the part of the state to investigate and make a decision where a religious organization was concerned.

“It is complicated issue, the implications for religious freedom under the U.S. Constitution, and we have been looking at state and federal law,” Brenman said. “The facts are complicated, namely that it is regarding volunteers at a religious organization.”

Human Rights Campaign Religion and Faith Program Director Harry Knox stated last summer that while a church or religious organization is allowed by law to discriminate, “it is shameful for any church to waste the gifts God is seeking to give through GLBT people.” Knox went on to say he too has never heard of a religious organization, such as His Supper Table, denying someone who is GLBT the opportunity to volunteer.

The bright side of this peptic chapter in the fight for Gay and Lesbian civil rights is that Erichsen and Footh refuse to give up.

They have contacted Lamda Legal since the ruling to see if there is a possibility that the group may show some interest in challenging the decision issued by the Commission.

“What is the point of beefing up the state’s hate crimes legislation by adding sexual orientation as a newly protected group if it is not going to be enforced?” said Footh.

“We just waited eight months to get the door slammed in our faces again.”

REJECTED WHILE RETURNING A KINDNESS When it comes to enduring hurtful circumstances, Erichsen and Footh have seen their fair share. The main reason the couple showed up to volunteer at the His Supper Table meal program in the first place was to return a favor. Just about a month prior

to being turned away as volunteers the two went to His Supper Table to get a free meal, as they were going through financial difficulties.

“And we went back to volunteer because we wanted to pay them back for helping us out during a tough time,” said Footh. “It seemed like the right thing to do. Then we got the royal treatment, and were shown the door and the group’s true colors.”

One thing which Erichsen and Footh want to clarify is that the His Supper Table meal program director, Mike Renfro, was fired only after a frank yet heartfelt letter was sent by the couple to their local newspaper describing the incident.

The letter was published and then for the next six weeks numerous other letters appeared, most all in support of the couple. It was only after the letters started being printed that Renfro was let go in April of 2008, according to Baker.

At the time the His Supper Table group refused to issue any sort of explanation for letting Renfro go, or a public apology for what happened to Erichsen and Footh. Instead, a letter was published in the same local paper

by Baker, who cited biblical tenants why it is acceptable to discriminate against homosexuals.

No apology has ever been issued by the group to this day.

“HOW IS THIS NOT A HATE CRIME?” One apparent reason for concern on the part of the Commission is that the His Supper Table organization, which describes itself as a coalition of several smaller local religious organizations, is closely affiliated with a very large religious organization. As it turns out, the His Supper Table meal program operates out of a Church of the Nazarene facility.

When told of the ruling, Erichsen said, “We felt at the time of the incident and still feel this is a hate crime. We showed up to volunteer, were pulled aside, asked if we were Gay, outed, and then told to hit the road. How is this not a hate crime?”

American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Communications Director Doug Honig stated he was not surprised that the His Supper Table group was deemed to be protected by the First Amendment in terms of turning away Gay and Lesbians who show up to volunteer, but added, “It always saddens me to hear of individuals being treated unequally simply because of their sexual orientation. And it’s really sad that this should happen to a couple who is trying to volunteer to help people who are in need.”

OTHER GAY MEN REJECTED When asked why it took over eight months to issue a final ruling, Torres replied it was due to time spent on research and interviews. But as far as can be ascertained, besides Erichsen and Footh, only a tiny handful of other people were interviewed. One such person was Nancy Holmes, a former volunteer at His Supper Table, who corroborated the discriminatory antics of the group.

Holmes cited another incident when several Gay men were sent packing when they showed up to volunteer at the meal program in 2005, much in the same manner as Erichsen and Footh. It was this incident which led Holmes to forever walk away from the organization.

The only other Torres interview was via phone with His Supper Table Treasurer Gilbert Baker. Accompanying Baker was Long

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Seattle Gay News 13

Politic i.Q.

l

Overcoming the ick factor

by Diane Silver SGN Contributing Writer Put down your coffee cup, step away from the computer if you’re reading online, and take a deep breath. You won’t like what I’m going to say next because here’s the bottom line on marriage equality: We can’t win.

It’s not in our power to succeed at the ballot box, and that is where the fight will ultimately be decided. At least, we can’t succeed if we keep campaigning the way we are now.

Money is a factor, but it isn’t the biggest one. Our lack of grassroots organization also hurts, particularly because we’re fight-

ing Catholic, Mormon and fundamentalist Christian churches that have convenient tax-free offices (i.e. their congregations) in every town.

But that isn’t the real reason we’re losing.

The real reason is that too many voters still respond to Lesbians and Gys with a loud, resounding “ick.” Even people who don’t think homosexuality is immoral get queasy.

“This ‘ick’ is and always has been our Achilles heel, something our opponents skillfully exploit time and again,” says Matt Foreman, former executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. In a recent column about California’s Propo-

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sition 8, Foreman talks about why the allegedly movable middle of voters breaks against us.

“The sad reality,” he writes, “is that our movables get all wobbly – they blanch, they stammer, they get visibly uncomfortable – when faced with the reality of our couples, our families, our children. I’ve personally seen it dozens of times in focus groups, in one-on-one interviews, and in my own life and my friends’ lives.”

We all know the Big Ick exists. I suspect it even trumps religion in fueling anti-Gay campaigns. Even the most religious sorts wouldn’t buy into the big lie that the Bible demands bigotry if people weren’t already certain that Gay = ick. After all, even though the Catholic Church continues preaching against birth control, how many good Catholics still follow those teachings?

To date, we’ve tried countering the Big Ick by erasing ourselves from our own campaigns. Our commercials feature straight folks. Our talking points hammer at the idea that writing discrimination into a constitution is wrong. Our messaging is dispassionate, reasoned, pointedly heterosexual and tiptoeing around the reality that every vote for equality for Queers is, in fact, a vote for Queers.

Foreman, now at the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, argues that we dare do nothing else. Other approaches have been floated, but they haven’t tested well. In 2004 the Task Force filmed commercials featuring Gay and Lesbian couples “speaking

from the heart, many with gut-wrenching stories,” Foreman says. All 12 commercials were scrapped, however, when focus groups responded poorly.

“All we were able to get from a few people was a hint of empathy, but absolutely no movement on marriage,” Foreman says.

All they got “was a hint of empathy?”

What were they expecting? How can people raised in a culture where Gay = ick change a lifetime of conditioning by watching six to 12 minutes of commercials?

I consider “a hint of empathy” to be a victory. We will not win at the ballot box until heterosexuals learn to empathize with us.

Heterosexuals will never empathize with us if they don’t get over their ick response.

They won’t stop feeling ick until they’ve seen the reality of our families and our children over and over again.

If the Task Force hadn’t pulled those ads and had broadcast them and others like them for the next four years, what would have happened? Would Proposition 8 have passed in California? Would marriage equality now be banned in Arizona and Florida? Would adoption by Lesbians and Gays be banned in Arkansas?

We might still have lost – and lost big – in November. We do have centuries of ick to work through, but we might have made more progress. We might have been one step closer to teaching icked-out heterosexuals that the sight of a smiling child playing with his two moms is every bit as heartwarming as a boy with his mom and dad.

I agree with much of what Foreman writes. Neither he nor the Task Force are villains. Politicos of all sorts twist themselves into knots when they advise us. Emory University psychologist Drew Westen writes in his 2007 book The Political Brain that it is too early for our movement to push for marriage.

But Westen also charts a route out of our current mess when he talks about challenging other prejudices. He writes that political campaigns court defeat when they ignore these deep-seated attitudes. Even when voters consciously attempt to suppress their bigotry, those biases still shape their votes.

In other words, pretending Gay marriage isn’t about Gays won’t make heterosexuals forget the Ick Factor.

“The question,” Westen writes, “of when to avoid certain issues because ‘the poll numbers look bad’ has an unambiguous answer: never.”

Diane Silver is a former newspaper reporter and magazine editor, whose work has appeared in The Progressive, Salon.com, Ms, and other national publications. She can be reached care of this publication or at PoliticalIQ@qsyndicate.com.

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February 20, 2009

Celebrating 35 Years!

Changes in Wallingford celebrates 20 years

delighted the crowd with many giveaways, which included a chance to win a trip for two on the RSVP cruise to Alaska, many gift certificates to Changes in Wallingford, and other great prizes provided by the bar owner. Saturday was the official 20th year anniversary. The staff and Aunt Flo threw a rockin’ party to thank the community for such loyal support over the years. Prize donations from local businesses were among the many prizes won by customers. A gift certificate for dinner for two to Rain fusion sushi, a gift certificate to Cutz in Wallingford, and an assortment of gag gifts donated from Not A Number Cards and Gifts were among the prizes given away by Changes.

After an exciting Super Bowl celebration on Sunday, the festivities continued with a night of song brought to you by Black Nail

Productions. This being the finale of the anniversary, more prizes from local businesses, gift certificates to Changes, a onehour photo session donated by Eric Gregory Photography, and an RSVP cruise for two to Alaska were among the large list of another night of prize giveaways. Congratulations to Chad Zotolli for winning the RSVP Cruise to Alaska given to him by the owner of Changes in Wallingford. Special thanks goes to all of the friends of Changes in Wallingford for their patronage over the weekend, making it such a success. Also special thanks goes to Black Nail Productions, Rain fusion sushi, Cutz in Wallingford, Not A Number Cards and Gifts, and Eric Gregory Photography.

February 20, 2009

Seattle Gay News 15

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by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN Contributing Writer Rod Fender is the Board President for The Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & The Olympic and Rainier Empire’s (ISCSORE).

After attending Coronation 2009 on Valentine’s Day and witnessing the surprising turn of events that culminated in the ascension of organization Prince and Princess Eric Bonsteel and Candace Derrier being elevated to the positions of Emperor Rainier XXXV and Empress Olympia XXXVIII, I felt it important to sit down with him to discuss exactly what it was that took place.

During our conversation we touched upon numerous subjects including the nonprofit’s place in the Seattle community, its continued relevance, the no-vote of Emperor candidate Douglas Anderson and his hope that those unhappy with the election would continue to stay involved. Here are some of the highlights.

Sara Michelle Fetters: Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me. In lay-

man’s terms, would you be able to explain what it was exactly that took place during Coronation 2009 including the no-vote of Emperor candidate Douglas Anderson and the ascension of Imperial Prince and Princess Eric Bonesteel and Candace Derrier?

Rod Fender: The elevation of the Imperial Prince and Princess is very easy. It is in our Policy and Procedures that when there is only one candidate who runs for Emperor or Empress, as was the case [here], just before results are announced I take both the candidate and the [Prince and Princess] to a backroom and, before I open up the envelope – which I do in front of them – I ask them both if they are willing to step up into the position of Emperor or Empress depending upon [the results]. They both said they agreed to do that. With that done, I opened up the envelope and I showed it to them and to Douglas and, unfortunately, the gentleman was no-voted.

Now, how that happened is due to the fact that, in Seattle, election of [ISCSORE] monarchs is completely democratic. It is completely open to the public, everyone residing in King County eligible to come in and vote. On voting day these people come in, they register, they receive a ballot on which they mark either “yes” or “no” depending upon their feelings for the candidate and then drop them into a locked box. [Our] accountant Rick O’Leary then picks them up and brings the sealed envelope to me containing the results the night of [Coronation] and that’s basically it.

It is unfortunate that this [a no-vote] happens but it has happened in Seattle before.

But it was still very difficult for me when I

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opened up the envelope and saw the results.

But I have to support the city and the city is what comes out and votes.

Fetters: But what does this say about the organization, though? People have said over the past few years that ISCSORE doesn’t matter anymore, that it isn’t relevant, that it is more a club than a nonprofit. How do you respond to that sort of attitude and what part does this vote have in fueling those types of remarks?

Fender: When I took over as president a year ago in February, what I have tried to do with the Board and Court Members is to try and get them to look towards the future. With the Board’s approval and the Court membership’s approval, we’ve gone in and revamped our Policy and Procedures.

We have [streamlined] things due to lack of membership, not to lack of support from the city.

The city is awesome and they have continued to stand by us in many ways. But we have had to cut back a little bit and we need to work closer with other community nonprofits and organizations. I have met with [representatives] of many other organizations like the Knights of Malta, people in the leather community as well as others and talked with them about finding ways to work

together as a team. I think this is an important step and will help us considerably.

Most of all, though, it is education. We are not educating the youth in the city. We need to let them know who we are and what we stand for and that is something we simply must work on.

Fetters: Is that because there is so much more out there for LGBT youth to do now than there was 30-odd years ago when ISCSORE was founded?

Fender: That’s part of the difficulty, which I think is great, having all these other organizations out there supporting and working for the community is a good thing, but with the Court of the Seattle – and I’m sure we’re not the only one – we just haven’t quite figured out how to pick up the young people, yet. We do have some, like William and Jada, our past Gay Seattles, and like Layla and True, our current ones, but we don’t have a lot of them and none that are on the Board.

I do see it coming together. I do see the energy. Candace, our new Empress, has stated that she wants to rebuild the city, that she wants to get our youth involved, and that’s what [she and Eric] need to do. But over the past two or three years you are correct. Our organization has not brought in as

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February 20, 2009

Celebrating 35 Years!

many members. This is something we have to change.

Fetters: Is it about outreach then? Is it about going out into the community and letting your hair down about letting people see you having fun while still doing it for a good cause?

Fender: You’ve got to show them we can have fun, and if you don’t then they’re going to wonder why they would ever want to get involved with the organization. We’ve got to open our minds. We’ve got to accept.

Listening to other Courts, the hardest part is getting some of the older Drag Queens to accept this new generation. They come in wearing some of the funkiest clothes and doing to the craziest things, but that is what is modern, that is who they are. The tattoos, the piercing, the wild haircuts, everything else that is out there, we’ve got to learn to accept and we’ve got to work with them.

That’s where we need our Imperial Family, one that is full of energy and is willing to go out there in face with all the regalia on and make themselves known. The Board needs to run the [administrative] part and the Imperial Family has got to go out in the community and have fun. That’s how we rebuild.

Fetters: You mention “old queens,” and while I know that is not your word, it does lead me to my next question and that is the fact there is a perception that drag queens, especially drag queens who are involved in the Court System, that they are kind of prima donnas, that they’re basically – excuse my language – bitches.

Fender: That’s what we’re trying to tear down. Nicole the Great, the Queen Mother of the Americas in charge of the International Court System, called a meeting of all the Courts of Washington and that is part of what we talked about. We’ve got to get rid of our snobby attitude or – … heaven forbid – we’re a dying organization. If we can’t fix our faults or our mistakes then we’re never going to grow.

Fetters: In regards to growth and to the idea of change, that kind of brings me back again to Coronation and the election. Speaking with some just after the results were announced, there were those who were highly unhappy. Some even claimed that there was some impropriety, that the election was somehow rigged so Douglas would fail.

How do you respond to those claims and how do you calm people’s fears?

Fender: Everybody knows when voting day is and they know the timeframe they have to cast their votes. Those votes are kept in a locked ballot box and Rick O’Leary makes sure everything is in place before voting commences. People come in [and] there is a sign-up sheet that tells you how many people have registered.

However many signatures you have are all the ballots you better have in that box.

Not any more and not any less, and if it is more or less he immediately calls the board president, which in this case would be me.

Now, I would question on less. I can’t make a person put a ballot in a box. Just because they come in and sign up for ballot does not mean they are actually going to actually cast

their vote.

But, if everything matches then I do not receive a phone call. If I don’t receive a phone call then I can only assume that the amount of ballots equals the amount of signatures. I did not receive a phone call.

For the people that are unhappy, I understand where they are coming from. While I am maybe a little disappointed in what happened, it did still happen. It is 50-plus-one that determines the vote, and in this case the majority decided in the negative. The community spoke and I must support their wish no matter how painful it might be for myself, [Douglas] or those who supported him.

Fetters: But what do you do to keep these people involved? What do you do to help them get over their anger and their disappointment?

Fender: I want them to come to me or I want them to come to other board members or to the new Emperor and Empress and talk to them. I want to let them know that it is going to be okay. That we want their input; that we want their involvement. I want to let them know that we will never badmouth anybody, and if someone is doing so, then I want to know about it.

I can only hope that Douglas will stay involved with the Court. That he will be there to show that it is okay. As long as he does that, then they should hopefully follow. If he is man enough – which I am positive that he is – to come back, then his friends will understand and be supportive, and as long as the relationship between himself and the new Emperor and Empress stays positive …

then it should all turn around.

Fetters: And what about the new monarchs? What does this mean for them?

Fender: Based on what happened, Candace and Eric have at first one thing to do and that is to prove that, as they did not run for the titles, that they can fill these positions with dignity and honor. They have to prove that they are capable of leading the organization and the Imperial Family.

Which is something they can do. As Imperial Prince and Princess they have both already done a lot for Seattle. They understand what it is they need to do and I personally believe they are going to do a fantastic job. I’m excited and I think many others in both the Court and in the city are, as well.

Fetters: Any last sentiments or thoughts?

Fender: It is an unfortunate thing, what happened to Douglas, but the city and the organization have got to stay together, and sometimes [adverse events] make us unite more together. How does the old adage go?

United we stand, divided we fall? That’s where we’re at right now, and we’ve got to stay united or some of what we’ve discussed here will unfortunately begin to come to pass.

People need to care. They need to care for the LGBT community. Things are tough right now; a lot of people have lost their [jobs] and are struggling. We need to be able to support each and every one of our people and help them out anyway that we can. That is why the Court exists. That is our mission, and we need to rise to the occasion. I think we can do it. In fact, I know we can.

coronation

up and fill the void.”

“You have to remember the fact that [Seattle] is part of an international organization whose goal is to raise money for those in need,” added title partner Empress The Surreal Miss Frigid Heir. “If you keep [focusing] on that particular issue than this will just be a minor dust cloud that flies past the windshield; it’s not as monumental an occurrence as it probably seems right now in the heat of the moment.”

Past ISCSORE monarchs couldn’t help but agree, yet they also made a point of sympathizing for Anderson. “Anytime you have a yes or no vote within the community, then you have the potential for the community to make their opinions known about the candidate,” commented Rainier XXVIII Sir Timm Lake. “In this particular situation, the community voted that they did not believe in the candidate. However, I still feel immensely sad for Douglas Anderson. He is a great person and a great representative for our organization.”

But even though he felt sympathy for Anderson, Lake still found it difficult to come up with words of comfort in the wake of the evening’s turn of events. “We all have our dreams, we all have our aspirations,” he said after a few seconds of thought. “I hope this is not the end of the journey for [Douglas].

I hope it is instead an opportunity for him to take a message, learn from the experience and move forward.”

The climactic events overshadowed what had been up to that point a solidly entertaining and informative evening for ISCSORE, this celebration for the departing Butler and Maxwell filled with sights, sounds and contrasts of nearly every shape and size. Even more impressive was the fact 34 Imperial Courts from around the United States were all in attendance, the founding mother of the Imperial Court System Mama Jose “The Widow Norton” Sarria herself in the audience for the fourth consecutive year.

Also vividly on display was ISCSORE’s stated mission to provide funds and services to other non-profits within the LGBT community of Seattle and King County. Organizations like the Lifelong AIDS Alliance and the Knights of Malta were recognized with awards, while college students Lani Bonadea and Ian Feis were the happy recipients of the JC/Lady Graytop Memorial Scholarship for 2009.

But all anyone wanted to talk about were the new monarchs and, for some at least, their newfound excitement was downright palpable. “As [ISCSORE] is a drag-based organization I think it is very important to have representatives in both titles who are able to continue our fundraiser and our community service while also excelling in the [entertainment] aspects of those roles,” said Olympia XXIX Gaysha Starr. “I think both Candace and Eric will do just that and I look forward to assisting them in any way that I

can.”

“So many people are going to want to be involved [now] thanks to Candace and Eric’s involvement in the community this past year,” added former Mr. Gay Seattle XXXII William. “We have such strong leadership now and this really gets me excited. I’ve been a Court member for the past two years now and I can’t wait to start doing even more work in the community and I think that other young people like myself are going to feel [equally] as energized.”

As for Anderson and those left unhappy by the night’s events, ISCSORE members and past monarchs alike were more than eager to reach out to the former candidate and help him in any way possible. “I want them to come to me,” said Board President Rod Fender unequivocally in a subsequent interview, “or I want them to come to other Board Members or to the new Emperor and Empress and talk to them. I want to let them know that it is going to be okay. That we want their input; that we want their involvement.”

“We all have out dreams,” said Lake. “I was lucky enough to be elected to be a Rainier against the same yes-no vote situation.

I would absolutely love to talk to Douglas about that and work with him to help understand what happened, and if he wanted me as a mentor or a confidant to help him achieve his goals and dreams, I would be happy to step up to that.”

continued from cover

community and whoever is in [these] titles.

We’re going to do our best to assist both [monarchs] in any way that we can.”

This was only the second time in the history of the influential nonprofit organization’s history that a candidate did not receive a 50-plus-one margin of the public’s vote, and some in the room were definitely not pleased. “I think this is a really sad, sad day,” said one longtime ISCSORE member who wished to remain anonymous. “Change is good, and Douglas would have brought some much-needed ideas to the organization. It is almost by this vote that they’re [ISCSORE] sabotaging themselves.”

This sentiment, while echoed by some, was not one shared by the majority of those present. Dignitaries from across Washington State and the rest of the country saw the elevation of the new monarchs as a validation of the democratic process. “I kind of feel bad for the candidate in question, but the community spoke,” said reigning Spokane Emperor Mark Allen Surreal. “The organization needs monarchs and when a situation like this occurs that is why you have a Prince and Princess whom are ready to step

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February 20, 2009

Seattle Gay News 17

A DYKE ABOUT TOWN

Mercy, Equality and Cuteness on the town

by Mercy Moosemuzzle SGN Contributing Writer

Mose Allison Cuteness and Mercy enjoyed Mose Allison’s show at Jazz Alley a lot. Phil Sparks joined Mose with a wonderfully funky bass. Milo Peterson’s drums were tight.

The dykes about town liked how in synch the band was. The group communicated with each other. Cuteness was curious about the singer’s accent as he told the band what numbers to play with code such as “29.”

Mercy’s research revealed that it must be a combination of Mississippi Delta and Long Island.

Mercy thought Mose must have recognized her, because he sang, “Everybody’s Crying Mercy, But They Don’t Know the Meaning of the Word.” She knows that is true. Allison’s “When I Get to My City Home” made the two women smile, as did “Your Molecular Structure.” “Ever Since the World Ended” and “Certified Senior Citizen” had Allison’s wry humor. His “Ever Since I Stole the Blues” was nicely autobiographical.

He gave a funny turn to Jimmy Buffet’s “You Call It Jogging (I call it fooling

around.)” Duke Ellington and Bill Russell’s “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me” swung nicely in Mose’s hands. Allison’s interpretation of Jimmy Davis and Charles Mitchell’s “You Are My Sunshine” was nice and bluesy. Cuteness remembers singing the lyrics of this on to her daughter, Equality, and having the child point out that it is a sad song, even though many renditions are upbeat.

Mercy and Cuteness clapped their hands off, when the evening ended. The audience clearly shared their delight.

gren is good as Rachel’s father, Arthur, who has been a bit checked out, but is coming around. The family members move to peace with each other.

Director Carol Roscoe’s pacing and details are just right for the contemporary madcap comedy. Equality liked the youthfulness of the story. Cuteness says she thinks the smaller theaters like SPT have a tendency to have more life in them, because they don’t take their success for granted. This was a good example of that.

MaryLee Lykes When Mercy and Cuteness went to last week’s foxtrot and swing lesson, they found they were learning the dances better. Teacher MaryLee was also reminiscing about the days when she and Hallie Kuperman used to call themselves The Swing Girls. Two straight men who teach in the group Waltz Etc started calling themselves The Waltz Boys in honor of MaryLee and Hallie.

MaryLee also reminded us that she officiates at weddings, and loves to do same sex ones. Her website is at www.lykestodance. com/index.html.

fy both Mercy and Cuteness by playing a lot of classics and some contemporary music.

She kept the dance floor full. The food was good. The view was beautiful. The gathering of old friends was satisfying.

Funny Girlz Mercy heard that Lisa Koch is going to be hosting two outrageous Lesbian comics at the Triple Door (www.thetripledoor.net), March 1: Michele Balan and Jennie McNulty.

Michele is a Last Comic Standing finalist from New York (she was the last one standing). Michele describes her comedy this way: “If George Burns and Joan Rivers had a love child, it would be Michele Balan!”

Jennie is from LA and has a special on LOGO (she also plays on a women’s professional football team). Jennie says, “I attended the University of Michigan for 7 1/2 years and now I’m doing comedy. I don’t think you should have to pay for your student loans if you’re not usin’ ‘em.”

Come check this entertaining show out.

The L-Word Mercy and Cuteness have been getting Alki Beach Boat House more and more wrapped up in The L-Word.

End Days Valentine’s Day Dance Cuteness thinks it is funny that people critiMercy, Cuteness and Equality were deMercy and Cuteness enjoyed the Valen- cize the show for being unrealistic because lighted by the Seattle Public Theater’s tine’s Day Dance Bobbie Smith’s Events 4 the women are so beautiful. She knows there (SPT) production of End Days at the Bath- U put on. DJ Traci Birkett managed to satis- are a lot of beautiful dykes in real life, too. house. Deborah Zoe Lauffer’s script was full of dark humor. It follows conflicts in the Stein family over mother Sylvia’s belief that the end of the world is coming. Heather Hawkins is convincing in this role. Evan Whitfield has a nice turn as Jesus, who only she can see. Carolyn Marie Monroe is fun as Sylvia’s goth agnostic daughter Rachel.

Anthony Duckett is strong as Rachel’s Elvis-impersonating romantic pursuer with a passion for Steven Hawking. Keith Dahl-

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18 Seattle Gay News

February 20, 2009

Celebrating 35 Years!

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February 20, 2009

Seattle Gay News 19