Renee Raketty on the SGN’s storied history, troubled present, and resilient future
By Erin Sellers
Photo by Genna Martin
When Renee Raketty became the publisher of the Seattle Gay News in July 2024, “it was probably the easiest transfer of ownership … in Seattle in a long time,” she said.
Then-publisher Mike Schultz — who now publishes Stonewall News Northwest — was moving
out of the area and offered to sell Raketty the paper. The offer came over email, she said, and the rest was just paperwork, meetings, and finally a celebratory dinner.
At first, she couldn’t believe it was reality. Raketty, who for over two decades has worked for the outlet as a contributing writer and
then a managing editor, said the idea of publishing the paper had never crossed her mind.
“[Given] when I started here, to imagine I’d be a publisher one day is really mind-blowing,” Raketty said.
From 2001 to 2024, Raketty had
worked under three publishers: longtime owner George Bakan, then, after his passing, his daughter Angela Cragin, and finally Schultz.
“They’re all highly qualified and all just excellent people in their RAKETTY - To Page 38
Portland Pride 2025: Exceeding Expectations
“ It was big. It was busy. The weather was perfect. We’re getting some anecdotal feedback that this might have actually been the largest parade we’ve had so far in terms of turnout and spectators and all that. The energy was just nonstop the entire weekend.”
--Debra Porta, executive director of Pride Northwest
by Erin Sellers
During the weekend of July 19–20, the streets of Portland came alive, flooded with people celebrating the annual Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade. The festival normally sees around 70,000 people over both days, and the Sunday parade typically has 10–12,000 participants, plus
another 45,000 spectators, said Debra Porta, executive director of Pride Northwest, the nonprofit that puts on the event. Official data isn’t in yet, but attendance at the 2025 event may have cleared even those numbers.
“ It was big. It was busy. The weather was perfect,” said Porta. “We’re getting some anecdotal feedback that this might have actually been the largest parade we’ve had so far in terms of turnout and spectators and all that. The energy was just nonstop the entire weekend.”
This year, the theme was “Dream Big,” and Porta wasn’t afraid to do some big dreaming for her community.
“There’s a lot of messaging around not forgetting that we’ve been here before — at least in some way,” Porta said. “We’re going to get through to the other side, and we’re going to need to take care of each other in order to [do that].”
- To Page 28
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Jax Lamont, courtesy of Pride Northwest - www.pridenw.org
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Julia Kavalieros Photography - www.juliakphotos.com
PRIDE GUIDE 2025
Pride events across the Pacific Northwest covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana
Pride events coming up in August and September throughout the Pacific Northwest
Please visit Stonewall’s online Pride Guide for updated events and online links to event websites. www.stonewallnews.net/articles/comprehensive-guide-to-our-regions-2025-rural-pnw-pride-events/23753
by Erin Sellers
National corporations might be backing off of supporting Pride, but communities across the Pacific Northwest are staying strong and showing up to throw celebrations all over the region this summer! We’ve collated a list of the regional celebrations across the Pacific Northwest, so whether you’re looking for the one closest to you or hoping to road trip to a new Pride every single weekend, we’ve got you covered. Read on for more information on how you can have a summer full of Pride.
Listed in chronological order beginning in July. Their preceding numbers correspond to their locattions on the map on the following page.
19. August 1-3 - Ocean Shores Pride [WA]
Ocean Shores Pride will host their second annual Pride celebration the first weekend of August, with events starting on Friday evening.
When Brandon Dillon-Butler moved to Ocean Shores, a small town on the Washington coast, about five years ago, he started dreaming about planning a Pride festival there. “I immediately started having a vision of a Fire Island, P-Town destination event,” but it wasn’t until last year that he stepped up to create the town’s very first Pride festival. He was tapped in last minute to help.
“I pulled all the rabbits out of my hat,” he said, working with the Elks organization to make the event happen. It was a huge success, with 60-odd members of the Freedom Riders, the largest LGBTQ+ biker group riding down for the day, locals from around the
region and performers from Grays Harbor Pride Coalition. “It was a great first event,” Dillon-Butler said.
This year, he’s dreaming even bigger, aiming to get a little closer to his initial dreams of making the town a Pride destination for people across the Pacific Northwest.
The weekend is going to start on Friday with a 21+ pub crawl to local businesses that have supported the event with sponsorships, which Dillon-Butler hopes will bring the community together, draw in tourist participation and support local businesses.
On Saturday, there’s a Pride golf tournament and a pickleball tournament, where queer folks and allies can compete in friendly sports. A new bar and restaurant in town will be hosting the large festival, blocking off their parking lot for local drag queens, outof-town talent from Seattle and Olympia and DJs from across the state. There will be a beer garden,
and space indoors for celebration, too. And on Sunday, there will be a Pride brunch.
They’re also working with a volunteer coordinator to plan a whole slate of family-friendly events for the weekend, DillonButler said, with a go-kart race, time at the local arcade and miniature golf. If talks with a local bowling alley go well, they might add bowling to that list as well.
“ I figure the more layers of activities that we have, it’s gonna be absolutely fantastic,” DillonButler said.
While Ocean Shores has made the news recently for the mayor’s feud with the local Indivisible group and according to DillonButler is kind of a mixed bag politically, “for the most part, everybody that I’ve experienced is pretty respectful. Like anywhere in the world, you have good and bad, but for the most part, everybody is pretty friendly.”
Last year, he did worry about and
Map of Pride Events - use Stonewall’s Comprehensive Pride Guide located online at: https://www.stonewallnews.net/articles/comprehensiveguide-to-our-regions-2025-rural-pnw-pride-events/23753/
PNW PRIDE GUIDE 2025
PRIDE GUIDE - From Page 5
prepare for protestors, but none showed up. If any come this year, Ocean Shores Pride is prepared, Dillon-Butler said.
“What do they always say with any good Pride? It’s not successful until you have somebody with a sign protesting, because who are you going to take those annual photos in front of?” he joked.
Attendance was about 3,000 people last year. This summer, Dillon-Butler is hoping and planning for triple that.
20. August 16th Garland Pride, Spokane [WA]
The Garland District — a neighborhood in Spokane known by the local queer community for its eclectic vibes, vintage shops and classic movies at the Garland Theatre — is hosting their second annual Garland Pride on August 16 from 4 pm to 9 pm. There will be an arts and vendor market, drag shows, live music, food, drinks, entertainment and more. There will also be a queer art walk up and down the length of the Garland Business District on W. Garland Avenue and a special showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight.
Performers can email entertainment@spokanepride.org to be considered.
41. August 31, Wallowa County Pride [OR]
There is no event information available yet, but we know that Wallowa County LGBTQIA+ will be hosting their Community Pride celebration on August 31. We will update this section with more information when we have it.
38. September 5-7, Palouse Pride [WA]
During the first weekend in September, Inland Oasis is hosting Palouse Pride ‘25. It kicks off with a drag and bingo night on Friday, September 5, where you can enjoy performances by local drag artists while playing bingo, location still to be determined.
On Saturday, September 6, the Pride celebration will kick off in Moscow, Idaho’s East City
Park, running from noon to 4 pm. There will be live performances, local artists, crafts vendors, food, nonprofits and businesses who support Pride. The event is free, and all ages. One thing will look a little different — due to new Idaho laws, all folks in attendance will be required to wear a shirt. From 9 pm to 1 am at the 1912 Center, there will be a 16+ drag show, hosted by local performer TabiKat, featuring other local performers and special guests. Tickets are $12 presale or $15 at the door.
On Sunday, there’s an 18+ drag brunch at the Inland Oasis Center in Moscow, where you can join Pride organizers and local performers for one last chance to celebrate Pride in the Palouse with great brunch and good vibes.
21. September 6-7, Boise Pride [ID]
Boise, which recently made headlines for the city’s decision to skirt new statewide flag laws and continue flying the Progress Pride Flag, is gearing up for their “biggest festival yet,” according to their website. Since celebrations aren’t scheduled until September, we don’t have much in the way of details, but we know you can still apply to be a vendor, host a booth or march in the Parade.
22. September 12-13, Grays Harbor County Pride [WA]
Grays Harbor County Pride
is planning to host their 12th annual Pride Festival this year from 1 pm to 10 pm in Aberdeen, Washington. The theme is “Love Reigns” and the weekend begins with an all-ages, pay-what-youcan prom-themed kick-off party at Events on Emerson in Hoquiam. On Saturday, the official Pride festival starts at 1 pm at the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport. There will be free family-friendly activities, vendors, music and live entertainment. And at 7 pm, Seattle drag king Ceaser Hart will host performers from all across the state for a free drag show. The event is still taking vendor, booth and sponsor registrations.
43. September 13, Lewis-Clark Valley Pride, Clarkston [WA]
Save the date for a full day of Pride celebrations in the Lewis-Clark Valley (LCV), with nonprofit Chroma LCV’s Celebrate Love festival in the LCV. From 1 pm to 8 pm in Clarkson’s Beachview Park, there will be vendors, live music, food trucks and positivity.
23. September, date tbdRepublic Pride [WA]
Republic, Washington has never had a Pride festival. This might be the year.
Crystal Strong has lived in Republic, Washington with her wife for over 20 years. Now, she’s part of a Pride group that formed recently in response to pushback from rightwing group the Changemakers, who protested
a Pride flag hung in the Republic library, which resulted in the loss of state funding for the building. Strong said the loss of funding prompted some in the community to form organized resistance, starting with running candidates in local elections, like for the school board and the city council.
“We’re not going to stand for that anymore,” she said, of the Changemakers who have called queer people “pedophiles” and “groomers”. “I’ve lived in this town for almost 21 years. We were living our lives openly and not with a lot of fear. But the last five years there’s been a change in atmosphere … it’s been unfortunate. It was not like this before, but now I feel like we need a Pride group to stand up to some of this hateful rhetoric.”
The next step for Republic’s new Pride group might be a real Pride festival, Strong said. She’s hoping to work with Matthew Danielson, organizer of Spokane Pride, to get something on the books for September, though the date is still up in the air.
It’s a move not without risk, Strong said. Her group is currently considering walking in the Republic Prospectors Parade, which is the second week of June, but there’s been “some ugly threats of violence,” that have left their decision up in the air.
“There’s been a lot of talk on some of the local Facebook pages about how they just need to round up all the queers and drag them through the street. The motto up
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Jax Lamont, courtesy of Pride Northwest - www.pridenw.org
here is shoot, shovel and shut up,” Strong said, referencing a rural slogan typically used to describe getting rid of unwanted animals.
“People are getting more brazen about what they’re willing to say openly in public chat spaces, and that’s making folks a little nervous to do public Pride participation.”
The Pride group has joined local protests, and there’s been a few close calls, like people making threats or swerving like they were going to hit the crowd, which has contributed to nervousness.
Still, it hasn’t stopped Strong from
dreaming about Pride in Republic. She wants it to be communityservice oriented. If they get an official date on the calendar, Strong wants to see a huge attendance.
“ When we do decide to get the Pride thing together, we would want as many people to come from out of town as possible,” she said. “Come and have a summer vacation here, be out and proud and visible.”
We will update this story with official details if Republic decides to hold their first Pride.
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Jax Lamont, courtesy of Pride Northwest - www.pridenw.org
Missoula Pride 2025: Grassroots visibility, resistance, joy, and connection
by
Since its founding in 2022, Missoula Pride has grown into Montana’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, bringing 15,000–20,000 people together each June for a week of joy, resistance, and connection.
At a time of escalating attacks on Queer and Trans communities, it’s a powerful act of grassroots visibility. It is both a celebration
and a protest, a reminder that Queer people have always been here, even in the heart of Montana, and that we are not going anywhere.
With more than 50 events — ranging from national touring acts and drag performances to educational sessions and community gatherings — our mission is to create spaces where everyone under the rainbow can feel seen, heard, and held. Almost
all of our events are free and open to all ages, because Pride should be accessible to everyone.
“Pride is like a warm hug,” said Renske McCann, one of this year’s photographers. “Capturing everyone coming together in an exuberant, safe space, filled with care and love and celebration, is truly the best! Missoula always shows up, and it’s pretty spectacular to photograph.”
Keanu Manners, another photographer, echoed those sentiments: “Documenting Missoula Pride was an honor and a joy. As a Queer and Trans person, it felt powerful to witness and photograph a space where so many of us showed up fully as ourselves. I wanted to capture both the loud, joyful moments and the quieter, more intimate ones. From performers on stage to friends watching the parade from the bridge, these photos are about community, connection, and the ways we continue to show up for each other.”
One of the most beloved traditions of Missoula Pride is our “Love Letters” video series. Started in 2023, these are real, vulnerable conversations with Queer Missoulians about identity, joy, struggle, and what it means to belong. The 2025 edition features the voices of David, Parker, Tyrone, Caleb, and Violet, and invites viewers into a tender and courageous portrait of Queer life in Missoula and beyond.
To us, Missoula Pride isn’t just a weekend — it’s a promise: to protect one another, to lift each other up, and to keep showing up together.
Missoula Pride 2025 | Photo by Renske Photo
Devin Carpenter, Missoula Pride
Photo by Keanu Manners
Photo by Renske Photo
Photo by Renske Photo
Photo by Keanu Manners
Photo by Keanu Manners
Photo by Renske Photo
Photo by Renske Photo
Photo by Renske Photo
David Archuleta’s Earthly Delights:
A Celebration of Queer Identity and Pop Brilliance
“I realized I don’t have to hide who I am anymore,” Archuleta shares, his voice tinged with both relief and excitement. “For so long, I felt like I was living a double life, trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t me. But now, I’m finally free to be myself, and that’s the most liberating feeling in the world.”
by Frank Gaimari
David Archuleta has always been a star who radiates authenticity. From the moment he stepped into the spotlight at the tender age of 17, his angelic voice and magnetic personality captured the hearts of people worldwide. But in recent years, the Miami-born singer-songwriter has undergone a profound transformation—one that has redefined not only his music, but also his identity. With his latest EP, Earthly Delights, set to release on August 15, Archuleta
is stepping into a bold new chapter of his career, one that’s as fearless as it is deeply personal.
At the heart of this evolution is a story of self-discovery, courage, and the unrelenting pursuit of truth. After coming out in 2021, Archuleta has embraced his queer identity with a level of vulnerability and conviction that’s nothing short of inspiring. His music, once defined by its polished pop sensibilities, now brims with raw emotion and unfiltered honesty. Tracks like the gospel-inspired ballad Hell
This sense of liberation is evident in Earthly Delights, a collection of songs that explore the full spectrum of human experience— from the sweetness of connection to the sting of heartbreak, from sensuality to self-acceptance. The EP’s lead single, Crème Brulée, has already become a global sensation, blending playful flirtation with Archuleta’s signature vocal prowess. Meanwhile, the follow-up single, Can I Call You, delves into the vulnerability of longing and the courage it takes to reach out for love.
David Archuleta’s journey of self-discovery hasn’t just transformed his music—it’s also ignited a passion for advocacy. Since coming out in 2021, he has leveraged his platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights, serving as a beacon of hope for those navigating their paths to authenticity. His openness and courage have inspired countless fans, and his efforts were recognized in 2024 when he received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist.
“Winning the GLAAD award was such a humbling moment,” he reflects. “It reminded me that sharing my story isn’t just about me—it’s about creating space for others to feel seen and heard.”
In our conversation, Archuleta shared candid insights into his personal and professional evolution. Here are some highlights from our interview:
Frank Gaimari: Coming out is such a personal journey. What was the moment you knew you were ready to share your truth with the world?
David Archuleta: Once I was able to fully accept that part of myself, I felt ready to share it with everyone.
Together and the euphoric dance anthem Afraid to Love showcase a newfound depth and complexity, reflecting the highs and lows of his journey.
“I realized I don’t have to hide who I am anymore,” Archuleta shares, his voice tinged with both relief and excitement. “For so long, I felt like I was living a double life, trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t me. But now, I’m finally free to be myself, and that’s the most liberating feeling in the world.”
FG: How has your relationship with your family evolved since coming out?
DA: My relationship with my family has grown closer since coming out. At the same time, some of my siblings were deconstructing our religion, which mirrored my process of questioning religious beliefs about sexuality. This shared experience of exploring new perspectives brought us together. Later, my mom and another sister also began to question their beliefs, which strengthened our bond even more.
FG: What was the most challenging part of writing songs about your personal experiences, like falling in love with a man?
DA: No challenges, really. I write about what’s going on in my life. Maybe the most challenging part is figuring out what sound I’m looking for as an artist.
FG: Crème Brulée has such a playful and flirtatious vibe. How does it feel to explore this side of yourself in your music?
DA: I hope it gives fans a new take on my sound—something that feels familiar but also reflects a progression in my development as an artist, which directly ties to where I am as a person. I feel a sense of curiosity, freedom, exploration, and sensuality, which is a fun space to explore as an artist.
FG: How do you hope your music will resonate with fans who might be struggling with their own identity?
DA: I hope they can see that, regardless of your age, discovering more about yourself and becoming more comfortable in your skin doesn’t have to follow the same timeline as others to lead a fulfilling life. It doesn’t always look linear either, as you may encounter bumps along the path—prior beliefs about yourself may resurface, and it’s okay to take your time to process them.
FG: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self, back when you were starting on American Idol?
DA: Success doesn’t have to come all at once or at a young age. Things are electrifying now and will bring many exciting opportunities. However, success isn’t everything and won’t determine whether you find meaning and purpose in your life. Many great things will come from moments in front of an audience, as well as from personal, day-today experiences where you can blend in. Don’t shy away from the public eye—it’s not as dangerous as you think. The combination of public and private moments will create a meaningful life.
FG: As you prepare to release Earthly Delights, what do you hope listeners take away from this new chapter of your career?
DA: I hope people can feel the joy that life has to offer, even if they
discover it later than expected. Life can be messy and full of drama, but there’s still so much to enjoy. Take time to appreciate the calm moments and cherish your favorite experiences—whether it’s through music, photos, or how you spend your weekends. Those memories are always fun to look back on.
For me, it’s been about embracing parts of life I once thought were the hardest or darkest, like allowing myself to fall for someone I never thought I could. Letting go of my fears and stepping into the unknown has been freeing and even fun. It’s given me new perspectives, deeper understanding, and added so much more color to my life.
I hope this inspires others to do the same—to feel comfortable in their skin, explore their sensuality, and discover new sides of themselves. Life is full of “Earthly Delights,” so take the time to enjoy them.
David Archuleta’s Earthly Delights EP drops on August 15, and fans won’t have to wait long to experience his new music live. Catch him on his North American Earthly Delights headline tour, including a performance in Seattle on September 23 at Tractor Tavern.
Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss this chance to see David bring his bold new sound to life on stage!
Pre-order Album link: https://orcd.co/earthlydelightsep
Photo by Shaun Vadella
Photo by Irvin Rivera
Eugene Pride 2025: Changes
lead to less disruption, more accessibility
by Elton Mills
Many changes were made for Eugene Pride 2025 on Saturday, June 28: Everything from the venue to the date of the celebration was revamped in hopes of making it more safe and accessible for all.
It all started off with the annual rally and march from Kesey Square. Religious anti-Gay and anti-Trans protesters attempting
to disrupt the rally were initially present. Volunteers say there were about four, holding signs and yelling into a speaker system they brought with them, which had been turned up over the city’s allowed decibel level in public spaces in an attempt to overshadow the rally speakers.
The “Rainbow Guard,” the ally-based de-escalation team, interfaced with them to prevent police involvement.
Historically, this march has led to Alton Baker Park; however, this year participants made the trek to the Lane Events Center. The move was meant not only to create a more accessible space for disabled people but also to minimize the risk of attendees having to experience discrimination and harmful rhetoric from protesters and others.
The agitators, however, did
not join the march to the Pride celebration or stay at the Events Center. A cordoned-off area outside the venue for protesters to exercise their free speech remained unoccupied for the duration of the event.
The center welcomed guests with multiple rooms and outdoor areas filled with food, music, performers, and vendors for all ages. One of the more eclectic booths was the Eugene Fencers Club, where attendees could try their hand at sparring with a saber. As per usual, the event included affinity spaces for elders, children, teens, sobriety circles, and others.
This year’s Pride had an official affiliated after-party for those over 21. While “CHUB” (selfEUGENE - To Page 33
Photo courtesy of City of Eugene Cultural Services
3rd st, nd August 1 & 3rd
LGBTQ+ Equality
Weekly National Headlines
by Fabrice Houdart
US News
USOPC Bows to Trump’s Ban on Transgender Women in Sports The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has updated its eligibility rules to comply with President Trump’s Executive Order 14201 — colloquially dubbed the “No Men in Women’s Sports” directive — effectively barring transgender women from competing in women’s Olympic events. The updated “Athlete Safety Policy,” posted Monday, pointedly avoids the word “transgender” but states its commitment to a “fair and safe competition environment” under the executive order and the Ted Stevens Olympic & Amateur Sports Act. The change removes discretion from the governing bodies of individual sports, consolidating eligibility decisions under a federal mandate. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, the move has been noted by the athletic and LGBTQ+ communities.
Florida: AG vs. Vero Beach Vice Mayor Over Drag Tea Dance
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into a Pride event hosted by Vero Beach Vice Mayor Linda Moore, alleging that drag performances exposed minors to “sexualized content.” The Pride Tea Dance, held at Moore’s longrunning neighborhood bar the Kilted Mermaid, was advertised as all-ages — a fact Uthmeier’s office claims violates Florida’s controversial “Protection of Children Act.” However, critics note that the law was blocked in federal court last year and remains tied up in litigation due to being overly vague. Moore maintains that the drag portion begins after families with small children are asked to leave. Despite pressure from conservative groups like Moms for Liberty and calls for her resignation, Moore remains steadfast. “Gay pride will continue,” she said. “Drag queen bingo will continue. Nothing has changed for us.”
Queer Inclusion Finds a Foothold in Christian Academia
Is LGBTQ+ affirmation gaining
July 23, 2025
ground within Christian higher education? That is what an article in The American Reformer deplores. The “infiltration” would affect institutions such as Pepperdine, Southern Methodist, Whitworth, and Santa Clara University. From drag-inclusive theology festivals to LGBTQ+ mental health outreach, these universities are engaging in the delicate, and often brave, work of reconciling faith with inclusion. Of course, backlash persists: Baylor University recently rejected a grant for LGBTQ+ church research, and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities remains firmly exclusionary. See what they are complaining about here.
The Gay Business
Cracker Barrel Targeted for… Being Inclusive?
Cracker Barrel’s DEI program is under attack—this time from America First Legal, the farright group founded by white nationalist Stephen Miller. The organization has filed complaints with the EEOC and Tennessee’s attorney general, accusing the company’s Culture, Belonging and Inclusion initiatives of “discriminating” against white men. The irony? As Elizabeth Birch pointed out on LinkedIn, Cracker Barrel once literally annotated HR files about lesbian employees—a relic of its deeply exclusionary past. “It’s not broken. It’s fixed. Don’t break it again,” she writes.
Peter
Thiel Is Bankrolling Trump’s America
Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel is back on the political stage—quietly donating to help Republicans hold the House while his firm Palantir rakes in government contracts under
Trump 2.0. Long a critic of “woke” culture and democracy itself (“freedom and democracy are no longer compatible,” he once wrote), Thiel’s vision combines libertarian technoelitism with surveillance-state profits. His company is now involved in building real-time migrant tracking systems and massive federal data platforms. Meanwhile, Thiel’s political investments echo his ideology: a futurist billionaire dreaming of Mars, while helping shape a very dangerous Earth.
Koppa Is Making Steady Progress
Koppa, which I co-founded with five colleagues a year ago, is helping reshape the economic landscape for queer people. This past quarter, we gathered 15 stock exchanges across five continents to ring the bell for LGBTIQ+ equality, lined up the inaugural Inclusive Finance Forum at Deutsche Bank planned for October 9-10, and brought queer economic data to the UN and African gender forums. Our board now includes icons like Chantale Wong and Victor MadrigalBorloz.
Queering the Boardroom
August 13: Want a Board Seat? Start With Your LinkedIn
Your Board Bio might get you an interview—but your LinkedIn gets you noticed. On August 13, the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors is hosting a power-packed webinar: “The Inside Track: Elevating Your LinkedIn for Board Search.” This virtual session will help you refine your digital presence to speak the language of the boardroom. Featuring insights from gay
czar Joseph Taiano and Patricia Camacho of Accenture.
Recent Appointments and Departures
Colin Walsh has joined the board of MoneyGram International and A. Christina Hennington joined the board of Feeding America. In the executive suite, Jevan Soo Lenox has stepped in as Chief People Officer at Writer, Inc., and Lewis A. Fanger was named President, CFO, and Director at Full House Resorts. Rob Smith, the outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate and founder of The Phluid Project, is back in the corporate saddle—this time as President of the Kid’s Division at Centric Brands (announcement here). Meanwhile, Scott Bessent is no longer Acting Director at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
ICGN Achievement Awards Close July 25
The International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) is accepting nominations for its 2025 Achievement Awards—but only until this Friday. Selfnominations are encouraged. Winners will be honored at the Global Stewardship Forum in London this December.
The Semi-cultural desk
What to read? Revisiting Queer New York In The 1980s
Two new literary releases—The Very Heart of It by Thomas Mallon and Where the Pulse Lives by John Loughery—offer reflections on gay life in 1980s New York City. Both authors, now in their seventies, bring a diarist’s honesty and a survivor’s insight to the page. While Mallon’s voluminous diary captures the cultural snobbery and coded terrors of the AIDS years (plus some biting commentary on Susan Sontag), Loughery offers a more curated, emotionally resonant memoir, remembering not just love and loss, but ACT UP’s defiant heartbeat and the enduring strength of community.
What to Watch? French Drag Race
What began as a niche spin-off has become a bona fide cultural sensation: Drag Race France is now a hit. Hosted by my friends French drag icon and RuPaul alum Nicky Doll, the show is back
NATIONAL - To Page 31
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Photo courtesy of Fabrice Houdart
Project 2025: How the Religious Right Captured Trump’s Agenda
Just as the Republican primaries were kicking off in the spring of 2023, The Heritage Foundation—a giant in the world of far-right politics—released Project 2025, a 922-page document laying out plans for a Republican presidency. While Trump remained close with The Heritage Foundation during his first term, he insisted throughout his campaign that he was not affiliated with Project 2025—calling it “seriously extreme” with some “ridiculous and abysmal” proposals. Even though at least 140 Trump administration officials contributed to the report, he claimed he didn’t know who was behind it, and his campaign advisors said that “[r]eports of Project 2025’s demise would be greatly welcomed.”
But Trump’s first five months in office paint a very different picture. According to the independently run Project 2025 Tracker, the administration has already implemented over 40% of the document’s policy proposals. These include a slew of anti-LGBTQ actions, such as un-banning health care discrimination based on gender identity, ending trans-related data collection and defining sex as an immutable biological fact.
To understand the implications of Trump’s alignment with Project 2025, we spoke with three experts on Christian extremism and the far right. Tina Fetner, Michael Stambolis-Ruhstorfer and Peter Montgomery offer their insights here.
Watch the full interview online https://stonewallnews.net/articles/ project-2025-how-the-religious-right-captured-trumps-agenda/23837/ or read the transcript below:
Spencer Macnaughton: Hi everyone, I’m Spencer Macnaughton. Today I am here with a panel of three certified experts on far-right extremism in the United States as well as Project 2025. All, thank you so much for being here today.
Peter Montgomery: Great to be here, thanks.
SM: What did Project 2025 promise, in a nutshell, as it relates to LGBTQ rights?
PM: In a very big picture sense, Project 2025 laid out a Christian Nationalist vision for the country that is threatening, obviously, to LGBTQ rights. And in the introduction to the big tome, Kevin Roberts, the head of The Heritage Foundation, laid out a pretty restrictive view of freedom. Which was that freedom is not the ability to live how you
want, it’s the ability to live how you ought to according to the Bible. And so while there weren’t a lot of details on anti-gay things that I can recall from the 900 pages, they certainly laid out an attack on trans Americans that we’ve seen unfold[ing].
Michael Stambolis-Ruhstorfer: The conservative movement writ large, and The Heritage Foundation in particular, they’ve done a very good job of couching their language in a way that doesn’t raise alarm bells to mainstream readers. It’s hard to find things that are very explicitly anti-gay, although they have no qualms hiding their anti-trans stances, probably because they think that that’s like a winning wedge issue. But when it comes to, say, lesbian and gay families or sexual orientation, they try to tone that language down. So they’ll talk about traditional families or they’ll talk about traditional gender roles, which are dog whistles or not, depending on how good you are at listening to those things.
SM: What do we know about The Heritage Foundation, the authors of Project 2025, and what they think when it comes to LGBTQ rights?
PM: They’re against [them]! So Heritage is the granddaddy of rightwing think tanks and, in many ways, it’s one of the major hubs of the right wing and religious right movements in the U.S. And Brian Anderson, who used to be at Heritage, laid out a plan to overturn marriage equality even before the Supreme Court had finalized that ruling 10 years ago. And so Heritage has always been an opponent of legal equality for LGBTQ people. And the thing to remember about Project 2025 is that it was housed and launched from Heritage, but there’s a hundred right-wing organizations who endorsed [it], who took part [in it], and it includes the legal groups who are actively opposing our equality and who are actively trying to overturn Obergefell.
Tina Fetner: I see The Heritage Foundation as being that face of right-wing activism that makes really extremist views palatable, makes it seem less extreme in order to package it in a way that facilitates the policy moves that it’s making.
SM: Can we unpack that a little bit more? What do you think’s going on behind the scenes in terms of strategy talks to create a message that is still intentionally trying to roll back all LGBTQ rights but is still presented in a way that it winds up being digestible to a large proportion of Americans?
MSR: The way they use appealing and neutral and legitimate language of science and expertise to appeal to large groups of people in a way that allows them to neutralize what could be the stigmatizing language of, say, right-wing conservative Christian viewpoints that don’t appeal to broad audiences. But the idea that something is based in science, or is based in a rational judgment, makes their language appealing both to a broad public and also to decision-makers, particularly judges, but also lawmakers who can use the language that’s produced by these organizations in order to justify their decisions in a way that doesn’t seem like it’s based on religious animosity or non-religious animosity. And so The Heritage Foundation is really useful because it has a lot of resources and a lot of people cycle in and out of its fellowship programs and connect to the galaxy of other organizations. They’re very effective at then providing a veneer of legitimacy by doing the networking without the more extreme groups being visible in the process. And I think that’s a key aspect of what they do is provide–they have their Heritage Foundation location right next to Union Station in D.C. that’s very professional. It doesn’t at all evoke what we might imagine when we think of an extreme organization.
PM: There’s a huge emphasis on being winsome, on making your arguments in ways that will be appealing to people outside just the right-wing bubble. And so I think we’ve seen a lot of that hijacking of the language of civil rights and talking about efforts to promote diversity and inclusion and to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. And we see the right try to turn that around as discrimination against straight white Christian men. And we see this rhetoric that the most discriminated against, the most persecuted people in this country are white Christian men. And of course that is ludicrous, TRUMP - To Page 32
Donate to Uncloseted Media
Spokane: Waterfalls and More in the
Biggest City in
the
Inland Northwest
by Bill Malcolm
Spokane is an amazing historic city in far eastern Washington. The Riverfront Park features stunning huge waterfalls. The downtown is very walkable. Towering ponderosa pines give it a feel more of the Rocky Mountains than the Cascades. The basalt lined Spokane River features a lengthy bike and hike trail. It combines an urban feel with the best of the outdoors. The new 40 mile Centennial Trail starts in Riverside State Park and runs all the way to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. DO
Make your first stop Riverfront Park downtown. The 1909 Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park is nice as is a Sky Ride gondola ride over roaring Spokane Falls. The huge waterfalls plunge along basalt lined banks and converge as three rivers in a spectacular finish. I’ve never seen anything like it, much less in a city downtown. It’s what makes Spokane unique.
Dinner at Sarnac Public House
Northwest and the West, Fire: Rebirth and Resilience. Check out the evolution of the Japanese Sword Exhibit along with Samurai Sunrise. Also, on now is Andrea Joyce Heimer: No Name That I Know Of. Heimer was a Washington based artist who “reconstructs tangled memories of her upbringing in rural Montana.” Check out the current exhibits at NorthwestMuseum.org.
Next door is the historic Campbell House which is included with the museum admission.
Built in 1898, it was designed by architect Kirtland Cutter. After your visit, walk around to check out the historic homes in this historic neighborhood.
Enjoy Best of Broadway Productions like Hamilton. The theater is across the street from the Grand Hotel along the Riverfront Park.
was great. Try the blackened salmon sandwich. Across the street you can grab a salad to go at the salad bar at the Market, 44 West Main. It’s a health foods grocery store with a broad selection of local beer and wine.
The Steam Plant Restaurant and Brew Pub at 1159 South Lincoln were good. The restaurant is in an old steam plant built in 1916 that has been carefully repurposed. The salmon was excellent and served with a spicy sauce.
Visit Browne’s Addition, Spokane’s oldest neighborhood. It is accessible on the new Spokane City Line rapid express bus which runs every 10 minutes and makes limited stops. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is a must. Check out the new exhibits on fire in the
STAY
I stayed at the Davenport Grand Hotel, one of the many Davenport brand hotels. The Grand Hotel overlooks Riverfront Park. I had a room with a magnificent view of the river and points north. Everything was perfect including the lobby bar. However, the amenity fee of $20 per night (which was subject to tax) and an unknown TPA fee of $5 per night (a city tourism fee) were both annoying. The Ruby River Hotel is another option. There is also a Doubletree right along the Riverfront Park.
NIGHTLIFE
The nYne Bar at 232 W. Sprague
Historic Campbell House in Brown’s Addition, part of Spokane’s Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, is available for tours.
The Spanish Renaissance lobby of the historic Davenport Hotel. Photo by Jared Brown
SPOKANE - To Page 30
A Brief Return To Cringe Masculinity
Traditional masculinity is back—in politics, media, and dermatology—but it’s at odds with what Americans value and what gay men know to be harmful. Hopefully, it’s just a temporary step backward.
This article first published on Fabrice Houdart | Please consider becoming a subscriber of his work at https://fabricehoudart.substack.com/
by Fabrice Houdart
In the U.S., the conservative obsession with a return to traditional masculinity is the subtext to almost every topic: immigration, trade, budget, geopolitics, and, of course, the “culture war” and the anti-trans agenda.
The performative cruelty of ICE, the celebration of economic injustice, the shrugging off of Gazan or Ukrainian suffering, the persecution of trans people, or the bullying of world leaders in the White House—all are caricatures of the worst instincts of men.
With traditional masculinity, Republicans aim to celebrate traits such as stoicism, dominance, assertiveness, selfreliance, emotional restraint, competitiveness, physical strength, and protectiveness—qualities historically associated with men’s roles as providers, protectors, and leaders in patriarchal societies.
We knew that this had graduated to a political project when JD Vance told CPAC:
American culture wants to turn everybody, whether male or female, into androgynous idiots who think the same, talk the same, and act the same.
As often with this administration, it quickly veered into self-parody. First, JD encourages young men to share salacious jokes and a couple of beers. Then, Secretary Hegseth became obsessed with “restoring a warrior mentality” in the military. Last month, Politico noted in a piece on cosmetic surgery in Washington that “strong jawlines and prominent chins are de rigueur”. Recently, The Economist reported that testosterone shots are out of control in the U.S.
Unfortunately, this infantile nostalgia for primitive forms of manhood has real global consequences. We’re now told that pragmatism must override
empathy in war and immigration. That competition should replace collaboration in diplomacy and trade. That instinct should overrule reason—even in matters of global crisis, as The Atlantic devoted its entire August issue to the rising threat of nuclear annihilation. And that world domination is the ultimate goal.
The country feels caught between two clashing visions of masculinity: the softened, self-aware kind visible in pop culture—think Pedro Pascal, Timothée Chalamet (that Trump hopes to fight with his ridiculous “Special Ambassadors to Hollywood” program) or Lil Nas X —and the hyper-masculine version staged in Washington and Corporate America where the Trump brigade hopes militaristic cosplay will turn into never ending profits.
For a gay man of my generation, Vance and Hesgeth’s antics feel regressive and threatening. Our first experience of discrimination often came as accusations that we weren’t “man enough.” Usually at home—from fathers, uncles, brothers— at school from other boys, and occasionally from the women in our lives too. I’ve always thought of this as a kind of low-level conversion therapy: subtle, but with lifelong harmful consequences.
The pressure to conform to traditional masculinity often coincided with a loss of authenticity. And authenticity, I’ve come to believe, is a key ingredient in queer success. The more we lie about who we are, the less room we have to grow into
“We may not be able to stop the JD Vances and Pete Hegseths of the world from indulging in their macho cosplay—or from feeding off the insecurity and self-doubt they instill in others. But we can laugh at them and live as proof that there are countless ways to be a man, and none of them require oppression, cruelty, or a costume.”
who we can be.
When I was a child, my father once convinced me to change my handwriting because it was “too feminine.” I went from writing in curly cursive to mimicking the stiff, linear print of a typewriter. The consequence was that I quickly gave up writing. I also deliberately deepened my voice because there was a premium on sounding like a man. I started sucking in my cheeks—a subtle habit my friend and kids now recognize as a leftover attempt to make my face look more masculine.
When I came out in the early 2000s, D.C., the pressure to conform to masculine norms only grew—this time enforced from within the gay community. Gay culture then felt like a shrine to hypermasculinity: chiseled bodies, military fantasies, and a rigid social pecking order. The remnants of that culture— captured well in Michelangelo Signorile’s books —are precisely what the administration is trying to revive with its insidious ‘normal gays’ narrative.
America’s obsession with masculinity also shaped my tastes in men. I started seeking a combination of rugged urban masculinity and emotional unavailability, which was a recipe for disaster. The “modern lumberjack” proved to be very difficult to live with on a daily basis. If culture has shaped my relationships, thank you for nothing.
MASCULINITY - To Page 31
Thoughts from the Hobbit House
Seeing Clearly in Dark Times: The Power of Hope and Healing
“We’re living in challenging times—emotionally, politically, and socially. The fight for justice, truth, and compassion requires people who are emotionally fueled and mentally clear. That clarity won’t come if we’re only looking through lenses of despair.”
by Ryan Oelrich
When horror and harm dominate our vision, we risk losing sight of the good that still surrounds us. And when we lose that vision, we surrender a vital source of power—one we need not only to heal, but to keep moving forward.
At the Center for Trauma and Stress Education (CTSE), I help facilitate trauma response
and recovery programs for communities affected by unimaginable pain. Over the years, I’ve worked with people impacted by natural disasters, school shootings, public health crises, and war—people whose stories carry unspeakable weight. Yet again and again, I’ve seen that the ability to recover doesn’t come down to the severity of the trauma. More often, it’s about whether people are able to reclaim a source of hope.
families separated, impossible choices, and a devastating suicide bombing
Out on the Ranch
Of Filial Piety and the Spirit that Endures
“Over the years, the ranch has grown into something more than just alpacas and yurt-dwelling glampers. The ashes of beloved friends and chosen family members have joined this sacred space. That’s the rhythm of this land. That’s the echo of filial piety.”
by David Capocci
There’s a quiet strength that settles in your bones when you care for your elders. Not out of obligation, but out of love—and reverence. The ancient Confucian value of filial piety has become more than a concept to me; it has shaped the arc of my adult life. It’s simple: care for your parents and elders.
at the University of Washington Medical Center. It was cramped. It was intense. It was a blessing to become his caretaker.
their ongoing experience in working and living as out and proud members of their community in their guest ranch setting.
I’ve buried both my parents. My father passed in 2001, taken by a most brutal form of brain cancers: glioblastoma multiforma. Before our guest ranch was even conceived, in the summer of 2000, we moved both him and my mother into our little 600square-foot condo in Seattle so he could undergo radiation treatment
My mother left us in 2022. Pulmonary fibrosis. Another cruel, terminal disease, born of her fierce battle with breast cancer and the radiation that came with it. She had endured so much over the years—brain implants, back surgeries—and yet her spirit never dimmed.
She wanted to spend her final chapter here at the ranch. When she called one day asking, “Have you ever heard of a park model home?” I started planning
HOBBIT HOUSE - To Page 34
David Capocci is one of the owners of the homestead campground, Paca Pride Guest Ranch, along with his husband, Glenn Budlow, and business partner, Tim Leingang. Having purchased land to build a legacy project in the mountains, they went from city boys to rural ranchers, turning their yurt camping experience into a business plan to reinvent the family farm and bring “glamping” to the public. This column shares
Ryan and his husband built a Hobbit House that’s become a regional attraction.
Photo courtesy of David Capocci
Three years ago, I worked with military personnel involved in the evacuation of Afghanistan. The stories they shared were heart-wrenching—stories of
at Abbey Gate that
by Dana Clark
Let’s be honest: a lot of us are out here running businesses… and still not calling them that.
You market yourself and your
services. You invoice people. You have loyal clients. You pour care, creativity, and strategy into what you do. But then, when someone asks, “What do you do?” you freeze. Or you downplay it. Or you say some version of: “Oh, it’s just this little thing I do on the side.”
This article is first published on FāVS News. We appreciate their invitation to republish this piece in Stonewall.
by Tracy Simmons
Last month my wife and I announced that we’re having a baby boy this December.
I’ll be 44 years old when I become a parent, and I’m wrestling with what that means.
When he graduates high school,
Out & In Business
Stop Pretending You’re Not a Real Business
“Being legitimate isn’t about filing LLC paperwork or hiring a graphic designer, even though those things can help. It’s about allowing your work to be seen, respected, and supported by others, and just as importantly, by you.”
I’ve been there too.
So, here’s a loving nudge: stop pretending you’re not a real business.
Why We Do It
For many of us, especially queer, trans, neurodivergent, disabled, or working-class folks, claiming the label of “business owner” can feel loaded, if not outright dangerous. We’ve learned to survive by flying under the radar. We’ve seen how systems punish visibility. We’ve taken in the
belief that we have to work twice as hard just to be taken seriously.
So instead, we:
• Keep our prices low to be “accessible” (but burn ourselves out)
• Avoid licenses or structure to dodge scrutiny
• Hesitate to call ourselves professionals or experts unless we’ve checked every box
• Stay quiet about our work, even when it’s excellent
OUT & IN BUSINESS - To Page 34
Why becoming a parent at 44 feels exactly right
“At 44, I’m not just becoming a parent (note I’m not the one carrying!) I’m becoming the parent I’m meant to be — not despite my age, but because of everything that brought me to this moment. Every detour, every year of healing, every hard-won lesson has prepared me for this sacred responsibility.”
relationships, of myself, of what healthy love looked like. That work was necessary, but it cost me time I sometimes wish I had back.
I’ll be 62. When he’s 30, I’ll be 74. These numbers feel like a lot.
Letting Go of the “Too Late” Narrative
Part of me is angry about starting so late, including getting married at 41. The path to get here required years of therapy, unpacking the spiritual abuse that had twisted my understanding of
I’ve been carrying this frustration about my timeline, feeling like I’m perpetually behind some invisible schedule everyone else seemed to know about.
Then the emails started coming.
One friend shared she was 39 when she had her first kid.
“I do feel I have given them a better childhood and prepared them better for adulthood than
a younger me would have had the patience and skill to do,” she wrote.
Another: “Being a new mom at 43 isn’t bad. Remember, I didn’t become one until I was 50 1/2. “
And from another friend: “There’s no perfect time! Sometimes I get frustrated that I started so early.”
These messages arrived exactly when I needed them. They reminded me that my anxiety about timing might be missing something important: readiness
PARENT - To Page 30
Brent Archer: A Gay Pacific Northwest Author Crafting Stories of Love and Discovery
“ My goal is to reach gay men and show that our stories of our authentic selves are just as deserving of a happily ever after as those characters in formula-driven romances.”
-- Brent Archer
Delilah Devlin, an accomplished author, proved to be a pivotal moment. Inspired by Delilah and her sister, Elle James, another successful writer, Brent took a leap of faith and submitted his first story, Dear Bryan. The story was quickly accepted for publication, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. With unwavering support from his husband and family, Brent embraced his calling as an author, crafting heartfelt stories that have resonated with readers worldwide.
Travel has played a significant role in Brent’s creative process. From Seattle’s cozy coffee shops to the distant landscapes of Iceland, New Zealand, and France, his adventures have infused his stories with rich settings and authentic characters. Having visited most of the United States, Canada, and several countries abroad, Brent’s goal is to explore every continent and U.S. state. These experiences not only inspire his work but also deepen the emotional landscapes of his novels. When not writing or traveling, Brent often works at a local wine shop, playfully calling it “research” for his next project.
Brent Archer: Writing started at an early age for me. I entered a Young Writers’ contest in fourth grade in Spokane. I still have the little blue-covered “book” I called Space Specialties. In eighth grade, I attended the Young Writers’ Conference and read a chapter from a time travel adventure I had started. We were allotted time to read, but when mine was up, the group asked if I could continue reading to finish the chapter for them.
Throughout high school, I wrote poetry and what is now known as fan fiction for Doctor Who, including two complete screenplays. Nothing was ever submitted for publication, but I loved writing them. At the University of Washington, my lecture notes often had artwork or poems written in the margins. Once I embraced theater and dance, my writing took a long hiatus.
by Frank Gaimari
Nestled in the heart of West Seattle, Brent Archer has built a life and a career as dynamic and vibrant as the region he calls home. Originally from Spokane, Washington, Brent’s inspiring journey from engineering student to acclaimed author of gay contemporary romance exemplifies the transformative power of pursuing passions and embracing reinvention.
Brent’s story begins in Seattle, where he initially pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington. However, it didn’t take long
for him to realize that his true interests lay elsewhere. This epiphany led him to switch his focus to International Studies with a minor in History—an academic path that would later influence his storytelling. After graduation, Brent’s life took on a multifaceted rhythm, balancing accounting jobs with a budding career in musical theater and dance. By the age of 30, he earned a certificate in accounting and became the Financial Controller of a nonprofit arts organization. Despite professional success, the creative spark of writing never faded.
It wasn’t until 2012 that Brent decided to share his writing with the world. A visit to his cousin,
As an author within the LGBTQ+ romance genre, Brent has faced challenges but remains dedicated to authentic storytelling. His books, such as Blaze of Cortez and Throuple Honey, along with a story in the recently published Own Voices anthology, Romance Is a Drag, resonate with readers for their heartfelt narratives, vibrant characters, and universal themes of love and acceptance. Whether creating standalone novels or building upon his series, Brent’s remarkable body of work is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions and embracing the unpredictable journey of life.
Over lunch, I had the pleasure of getting to know Brent better—a man whose books I’ve long admired. As we talked, I discovered not only his sharp insights but also his genuine compassion, qualities that have since turned him from an admired author to a valued friend. Here are the highlights of our conversation.
Frank Gaimari: What inspired you to transition from accounting to writing romance novels?
Fast forward fifteen years. I have two first cousins who are successful romance writers: sisters Delilah Devlin and Elle James. When our grandmother moved from Spokane to Arkansas after my grandfather died, I would write letters to her. Delilah pulled me aside one day when I was visiting and said, “We know you can write,” referring to the letters I sent to Grandma at least once a week. She showed me a “Calls for Submission” board online and told me to pick one and write a short story.
I wrote Dear Bryan and submitted it to an anthology. It was accepted, and I was hooked, so I kept writing. Despite my following three or four stories not being accepted, I pursued a writing career while maintaining my day job in accounting. When I told Elle that Dear Bryan had been accepted, she said, “Welcome to the Dark Side!”
FG: How do your travels influence the settings and characters in your books?
BA: Travel is an immense love and passion in my life. My eyes were opened to the world when I took my first trip overseas in 1992 with the dance ensemble. The travel bug bit me hard.
In my writing, I strive to make my characters well-rounded and
ARCHER- To page 37
Rick R. Reed’s The Man From Milwaukee: A Chilling Fusion of Fact and Fiction
“Emory was a deeply closeted young man, wrestling with his impulses and desires. He didn’t want to be who he was and loathed himself for it. As someone who was also deeply closeted and once married to a woman, I could draw from my own self-loathing during that time in my life to create Emory. ”
-- Rick R. Reed
by Frank Gaimari
Few figures in modern history evoke such a mixture of revulsion and morbid fascination as Jeffrey Dahmer. His gruesome crimes, which shocked the world in 1991, continue to serve as a stark reminder of humanity’s capacity for darkness. Against this unsettling backdrop, Rick R. Reed has crafted a compelling and provocative novel, The Man from Milwaukee, a psychological thriller that pushes the boundaries of horror and human psychology.
Set against the backdrop of Jeffrey Dahmer’s arrest, this novel explores the life of Emory Hughes, a young man in Chicago grappling with profound inner turmoil. Stricken by grief over his mother’s battle with AIDS and caught in a relentless cycle of self-doubt, Emory struggles to accept himself. In his search for connection, he begins writing letters to Dahmer in prison, drawn to the notorious killer as a kindred spirit—someone equally consumed by inner darkness.
As his fixation grows, Emory’s fragile hold on reality starts to fracture, leading to a tense and haunting confrontation with Tyler Kay, a compassionate and openly gay colleague who offers him a glimmer of acceptance and hope.
Reed’s ability to intertwine real-life horror with fictional storytelling is remarkable. The novel is not merely a crime story; it is an exploration of the fractured psyche of a man on the edge, delving into the societal and personal traumas that shape such individuals. It delves into the human condition, examining themes of grief, loneliness, and the search for connection amidst chaos. The result is a story that is unsettling and profoundly resonant.
The Man from Milwaukee gripped me so completely that I found it nearly impossible to put down. Eager to delve deeper into the story and uncover the mind behind it, I reached out to Rick to explore his creative process, inspirations, and the themes that make this novel so unforgettable. Here are my questions—and his insightful answers.
Frank Gaimari: The Man from Milwaukee intertwines real-life horror with a fictional narrative. What inspired you to explore Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes as a backdrop for this story?
Rick R. Reed: I’m a true-crime junkie, and much of my work in the darker, thriller, suspense, and psychological genres stems from a deep fascination with the darker side of human nature. In 1991, when Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested, I became captivated by the case, partly because of how close it came to home. Having lived in Chicago for over two decades, I was just a 90-minute drive from Milwaukee, where Dahmer committed his crimes.
I had visited Milwaukee many times and even frequented some of the same bars he did. Dahmer had also spent time in Chicago, visiting places I often went to myself. This made me wonder: could our paths have crossed? He was somewhat attractive, and I couldn’t help but think there was a chance I might have gone home with him. The thought gives me chills—imagining what might have happened if our lives had intersected.
Adding to my fascination was the timing of his arrest, which coincided with the release of my first novel, OBSESSED. Dell published it as part of a brandnew and innovative horror imprint
called Abyss, which featured authors like Poppy Z. Brite (now Billy Martin), Kathe Koja, Dennis Etchison, Michael McDowell, Tanith Lee, and many others. Riding the excitement of being a newly published author with a major publisher, I decided to write to Dahmer in prison and sent him a copy of my freshly minted book. I wanted to see if he would allow me to tell his story. He never replied, and I don’t even know if he received the book or my letter, but the experience left a lasting impression. Dahmer and his crimes became firmly rooted in my mind, and I knew that one day, I would write about him.
FG: Emory Hughes is such a complex and troubled character. How did you approach creating his psychological depth and his connection to Dahmer?
RR: Emory’s fascination—some might say obsession—with Dahmer, like mine, began when Dahmer’s crimes came to public light in July of 1991. Emory was a deeply closeted young man,
wrestling with his impulses and desires. He didn’t want to be who he was and loathed himself for it. As someone who was also deeply closeted and once married to a woman, I could draw from my own self-loathing during that time in my life to create Emory. Emory saw in Dahmer a kindred spirit and came to believe they were alike—both fighting impulses they detested in themselves but found too powerful to ignore. Like me, Emory wrote to Dahmer in prison, and that’s where the story was born.
FG: The book delves into themes of grief, loneliness, and self-loathing. How do you balance these heavy emotional themes with the thriller elements of the story?
RR: I believe that balance came naturally. The thriller elements are inextricably linked to the theme, each propelling and driving the other.
REED - To page 36
“The greatest strength this Superman possesses is its humanity. While the film does soar, it does so because it gives the viewer hope. Hope for the present. Hope for the future. That, inside of us all, there is a superhero who only wants to do the best they can for everyone, no matter their background, race, or gender, whose selfless resilience to do good is all that’s needed to carry the day.”
Gunn’s hopeful Superman soars into the superpowered stratosphere
This article is re-published in collaboration with the SGN.
by Sara Michelle Fetters
At this point, it’s quite clear that James Gunn knows how to successfully bring comic book superheroes to the screen. If his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy didn’t already prove this — easily the best self-contained story arc in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe — then his ability to resurrect The Suicide Squad from the fiery ashes of its disastrous 2016 predecessor added an exclamation point of validation. Gunn has a knack for larger-than-life tales, and this certainly continues with his handling of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s Superman.
But while this Kryptonian remains faster than a speeding bullet and can still leap over tall buildings in a single bound, bringing him back to life after Christopher Reeve (primarily 1980’s Superman II) has proven to be an epically iffy proposition. As much as I enjoyed 2006’s Superman Returns, it is still beholden to the world created by Richard Donner and doesn’t step as far outside the shadow of the original 1978 production as it should have. Then there’s Zack Snyder’s fantastically divisive Man of Steel from 2013 and its two even more polarizing followups — and for my money, the less time spent on those, the better.
Now, with a new universe of DC Comics adventures aching to take flight, Gunn brushes off what had to be an unfathomable amount of pressure and delivers an outstanding and highly entertaining Superman. While it’s imperfect and not all of its elements work together to form a seamless whole, the talented filmmaker still showcases an innate understanding of the character that is second to none. Gunn delivers a fun, goofy, irreverent, and heartfelt motion picture overflowing with empathy and kindness. If only for a passing moment, this film got me to feel good about the world and humanity’s place in it again. Considering current global events, that’s no small achievement.
Gunn chooses to showcase the
character in an already established world of heroes and monsters. Even if they haven’t a clue who his mild-mannered alter ego Clark Kent is, the entire world is aware of Superman (David Corenswet). But after stopping a war between neighboring European countries, Superman finds himself at odds with both the US government and tyrannical billionaire industrialist Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).
The plot from there revolves around Luthor’s dogged quest to vanquish his all-powerful adversary by first destroying his good name and the determination of Daily Planet star reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) — who knows the Man of Steel’s secret identity (they’re dating) — to prove him innocent. There are several side stories, some revolving around Superman/ Clark’s parents Ma (Neva Howell) and Pa Kent (Pruitt Taylor Vince), others concerning photojournalist Jimmie Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) and Luthor’s selfie-obsessed influencer girlfriend Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio), and even another involving metahuman members of the Justice Gang, Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), tech genius Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and the high-flying Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced).
Gunn juggles all of these pieces with consummate skill, and while not all of the characters are given full freedom to evolve throughout the picture’s fast-paced, 129minute running time, they each still manage to make their own entirely unique impression. None are afterthoughts, and all have their own impulses and desires that drive them forward. Better than that, not a single one (or several others I have not mentioned) takes up space for no discernible reason.
Of the secondary characters, Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific makes the most lasting impression. This is a star-making turn, and whether sharing the screen with Corenswet or Brosnahan, the actor’s engagingly cocky yet quietly selfless bravado is out of this world. His chemistry with both is undeniable, and his character is easily one I want to see more of.
SUPER MAN - Next page.
“Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM” by Scott Brogan
by Terri Schlichenmeyer
The monkeys used to scare you a lot.
The Wicked Witch was one thing but those flying simians with their booming voices? Ugh, they gave you nightmares for weeks. And despite that you knew how things would end – you’d seen the movie annually, for heaven’s sake – let’s just say you spent a lot of time covering your eyes. So now be like a Lion. Get uncowardly and find “Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM” by Scott Brogan.
When most people think about Judy Garland, two images come to mind: the teenager in pigtails or “The one-dimensional image of an always suffering and always tragic Garland…” Neither one, says Brogan, is totally correct. In reality, Garland was “positive, joyful, and funny.”
Her parents, Ethel and Frank Gumm, were performers who moved their little family around Michigan and Wisconsin before landing in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where their youngest child, Frances, was born in 1922. An adorable baby, little Frances loved an audience almost from the time she could walk; her parents happily added her to the family troupe.
In 1926, the Gumms performed their way across the country to Los Angeles, where Frances and
As for the primary trio of Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult, they are all excellent. Each slips inside the shell of their characters with magnetic grace. Corenswet projects an innate goodness that lights up the screen. Brosnahan is smart, feisty, personable, and courageous in all the best ways. Hoult is a titanic force of nature, his ferociously hedonistic entitlement making his version of Luthor a mesmeric monster as enjoyable to watch in all his nefarious awfulness as he is unforgivably terrifying in his attempts to make his dastardly deeds a despicable reality.
Superman and Krypto the Dog IMDb There are some drawbacks to
her sisters appeared in many shows, but critics were not entirely impressed. Still, Ethel pushed and the girls toured with Paramount Circuit in the northwest, and then in Chicago in 1934 where Frances had “one of [her] biggest career milestones.”
By 1935, she was formally using the name “Judy Garland” onstage and she’d secured informal representation. That same year, she signed a contract with MGM, a studio which took a near-total control it “would exert over Garland’s personal life” and her schedule, denying her wish to be with her father at the end of his life and dictating what she ate or didn’t eat.
Still, says Brogan, their methods worked: by the time Garland was twenty years old, her “career seemed to know no limits.”
Page through “Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM” and you’ll instantly know that you’re in for a treat: this book is loaded with photos, stills, publicity shots, and newspaper recreations. There’s a lot to look at here, but what there is to read is better.
Author Scott Brogan makes Judy Garland his raison d’ȇre in this book, but it’s not entirely all about her. Brogan shares an overview of the movie studio that made her famous, including what is arguably her most top-of-mind film, the gossip that surrounded
Gunn’s take on the material. As this world is already fully realized, it does take some work to figure out much of the backstory. Additionally, the filmmaker leans into some of the zanier and crazier aspects of DC lore, and sometimes that wackiness gets exhausting. Also, a major thirdact reveal involving a baddie who has proven themselves to be suspiciously close to Superman’s equal falls strangely flat, and I did not find their climactic battle in a crumbling Metropolis particularly exciting.
But then there’s Krypto the dog, a four-legged terror whose puppy instincts for chaos frequently get the better of him. And a magical “pocket universe,” which is really a for-profit prison that
it then, and the mythology that still lives on. There’s a comprehensive list of World War II-era appearances that Garland made, and what happened at each one. If you’re expecting dirtdishing, you’ll read about her father’s secret, her marriages, and her addictions, but not in an overthe-top scandalous way. Brogan is
the federal government secretly extradites prisoners to, including US citizens. And sections on how the United States is a country of immigrants, and how that diversity is a trait that makes it stronger, not weaker, and one that it should be continually proud of. And an entire heartrending overlay of resilience and hope that cathartically showcases how wonderful tomorrow can be, as long as everyone everywhere is willing to fight for it together. It’s all marvelous.
The technical aspects are all beyond reproach, and Gunn and composers David Fleming and John Murphy’s utilization of John Williams’s iconic theme — which is now up there with Monty Norman’s for James Bond and Akira Ifukube’s for Godzilla — is
factual, inclusive, and respectful, just as you’d want.
If you’re planning on having guests soon, put “Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM” away or your guests will want to read, rather than mingle. It’s the kind of coffee-table book that, for fans, will make you Get Happy.
exemplary. From cinematography to visual effects, from costume design to editing, every facet is exceptional.
But the greatest strength this Superman possesses is its humanity. While the film does soar, it does so because it gives the viewer hope. Hope for the present. Hope for the future. That, inside of us all, there is a superhero who only wants to do the best they can for everyone, no matter their background, race, or gender, whose selfless resilience to do good is all that’s needed to carry the day.
These are all hopes I aspire to be worthy of. Here’s my additional hope that many others around the world feel the same.
SUPER MAN - Previous page.
Eugene Dyke Night: Dancing, drinking, diversity (and now daylight too)
“Dyke Night isn’t just a space for dancing and drinking, though. While that’s certainly part of it, the event and its organizers have made it clear that it is rooted in ideals of intersectional Queer resistance and liberation for all.”
by Elton Mills
Despite Eugene and Lane County’s long Queer history, the availability of consistent, fun, safe spaces have left much to be desired. This is where Dyke Night Eugene comes in. Every other month, the organizers welcome “Trans, Queer, Lesbian, and BIPOC hotties” and celebrate radical joy and resistance.
Dyke Night began as an unofficial Pride after-party in 2024 but has since become its own beast that packs the floor of John Henry’s. I found out about the first one when a person jumped out of the bushes at last year’s Pride, handed my girlfriend and me a flyer, and proclaimed, “We’re having this event tonight we’re trying to get cool people to come to. See you there!” Then they disappeared into the crowd.
Suffice to say, I was intrigued. Coincidentally, Dyke Night swooped in to save us all at almost the same time that Eugene’s only Queer bar, Spectrum, closed its doors permanently.
Dyke Night isn’t just a space for dancing and drinking, though. While that’s certainly part of it, the event and its organizers have made it clear that it is rooted in
ideals of intersectional Queer resistance and liberation for all. Each event is bedecked in keffiyehs, pro-Palestine signage, and pink triangles, with a mutual aid beneficiary that attendees are encouraged to donate to. Funds have gone to purchasing eSIMs for Palestinians, funding for Glimmer Camp, and donations to Black Thistle Street Aid.
It’s worth noting that Dyke Night’s mutual aid efforts have so far focused on pro-Palestinian causes and local grassroots initiatives. This is a deliberate political choice by the organizers, who align the event with broader movements for decolonization and global solidarity with peoples enduring ongoing violent colonization. It is part of the event’s commitment to intersectional liberation, which informs both the programming and mutual aid practices. In an Instagram post from 2024 accompanying a receipt of the eSIMs, the organizers stated, “We plan on continuing to send $$ over from each event, as queer liberation is connected to the liberation of all occupied people and land.”
Additionally, the event provides work for local Queer performers and sex workers in a consent-
centric and identity-positive space. Queer go-go dancers of all shapes and sizes take the stage throughout the night, while off the stage, you can sometimes find Colin A Bootblack (Intergalactic Power Bottom 2019 and Oregon State Bootblack 2023) in his wheelchair with his trusty “service dog” providing sensual leather care and bootblacking services at a range of prices. (No real canines are harmed in the process.)
In times like these (need I say more?), it’s more important than ever to be able to fully embody yourself in safe community spaces that recognize the wholeness and complexity of Queer identity. Dyke Night has made intentional strides to encourage diversity, with the most recent plans being the “Dyke Night Eugene Day Party” on Saturday, July 26, at Blair Alley Arcade, an effort to not only get Queers outside for some fun in the sun but also draw in new attendees that prefer events in less cramped and brighter settings.
Some have voiced complaints about Dyke Night’s accessibility to older people due to it being held from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. in a dark and crowded bar. The team has made efforts to hold the event earlier, with the start time slowly creeping up to 8 p.m. at John Henry’s, and now the day party starting at 4 p.m. Blair Alley’s regular attendees have been slowly shifting more toward young Queer people, but it is hoped that this change in venue will introduce a whole new intergenerational crew of diverse hotties to the event.
Hopefully, the ongoing success of Dyke Night will encourage others to form their own communitycentered events. An ongoing issue with keeping Lesbian and/or Queer spaces afloat — not just in Eugene but nationally — is
that our community has such a large spectrum of needs and desires when it comes to events and spaces. I can speak from experience as a Queer event planner that attempting to appeal to everyone is not only exhausting and disillusioning but also literally impossible.
Frankly, it’s unfair to put the idealized expectations of every LGBTQ+ person within a hundred miles of Eugene on Dyke Night Eugene’s small team, who are organizing for those who do want to get sloppy in a dark bar surrounded by hot dykes all night. Expecting one team to appeal to everyone not only reduces our beautiful, diverse community to a monolith but also fatigues organizers to the point that they become unwilling and unable to plan fun, safe events.
One day, I hope there are enough public events serving our community that there will be something for everyone.
However, for now you can always drop by Eugene Dyke Night. If that isn’t your speed, you can try Fag Night (“from the Gays that party at Dyke Night”) or Chub or one of Eugene’s many Queerfriendly book clubs. Better yet, team up with a couple of friends and plan your own themed Queer night at a local business!
Elton Mills (he/she) is a proud Appalachian queer now kicking it in Eugene, OR. He is a dog mom that loves to cross stitch and talk to his house plants.
Dyke Night on January 25th, 2025 at John Henry’s. The packed John Henry’s dance floor with the go-go dancers and DJ Vele visible on the stage over a sea of heads. | Photo by Alex Underwood
Dyke Night on January 25th, 2025 at John Henry’s. DJ VELE vibing to her set. | Photo by Alex Underwood
A Journey of Surrender and Strength: Leather Forever by Pete Fitz
“ I wanted to capture that mix of nerves, hope, and desire, as well as the emotional journey that often gets overlooked in contest stories. For many of us, these contests were where we found our voice—and our people.”
-- Pete Fitz
by Frank Gaimari
Pete Fitz’s Leather Forever is a bold and emotionally rich novel that peels back the layers of identity, submission, and yearning, set against the backdrop of the leather contest world.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill romance; it’s a character-driven story that dives into themes of power, trust, and self-exploration with unapologetic honesty and a touch of erotic flair.
Jesse Reed is a charming and driven chiropractor who, on the surface, seems to have it all. But beneath his polished exterior lies an ache for something intangible.
Everything changes when he meets Grant Morgan, a seasoned dominant whose sharp gaze and confident demeanor ignite a deep-seated passion within Jesse. What begins as a casual flirtation quickly evolves into mentorship, and under Grant’s guidance, Jesse embraces his desire for structure, discipline, and the safety that comes with surrender.
The story follows Jesse’s transformation from a curious novice into a confident leather contestant. With Grant’s mentorship pushing him to grow,
I n r e g u l a r S u d o k u , you ill in the empty squares so that every row, column, and 3x3
section contain the numbers 1 through 9 with no repetition. In this case nine unique letters take the place of the numbers 1-9.
O n c e s o l v e d t h e
s h a d e d b o x e s starting from top left and moving down by
r o w w i l l r e ve a l a n
L G B T Q + p e r s o n o r icon. All nine letters may or may not be
used in the shaded boxes for the answer!
Answer Key on page 33.
Visit https DiversionsPuz zles net for more free puzzles and book info by Kerry Shatzer
“The history of LGBTQ+ people can be hard to find, usually never taught or even mentioned in schools. Even with the increase of queer characters on TV shows and movies in the last decade, our representation isn’t equal to our actual population. Many kids growing up don’t even know of the wide variety and rich history of the LGBTQ+ community. I certainly didn’t while growing up!
“We are award-winning actors and actresses, athletes in every sport imaginable, politicians, business leaders, news and media journalists and personalities, musicians and authors of every genre, scientists, astronauts, and more. I decided I wanted to make a puzzle book about them and therefore about all of us.
“So when you’re solving these puzzles, feel free to hop on the internet, look up and discover these amazing LGBTQ+ people that you may not have heard of before! Have fun and a sense of humor when going through these pages. And especially have a sense of pride: in yourself along with all the people mentioned in this book..”
- Kerry Shatzer, creator of Queer Pride Puzzle
PORTLAND - From Page 4
Preparation paid off
In advance of the event, Porta told Stonewall News Northwest that her goals were for it to be as safe as possible, with no incidents. In an ideal world, joy and community connection and the infectious energy that’s come to mark Portland Prides for her would “permeate the entire city all weekend.”
Organizers did their best not to leave that to chance, stepping up their game with security and communication.
“ We are very aware of the times that we’re in and the environment that we’re operating in,” Porta said. “ We always prioritize things like security and safety. But this year, we’re just being more detailed and more intentional around the care that we’re taking.”
It wasn’t just safety planning that went into making sure Pride was a success. It was also years of relationship building and community care, which Porta said likely protected the organization from facing the economic backlash of losing sponsorships as businesses turned their backs on Queer communities nationwide.
“ We as an organization really prioritize relationships and building over time,” Porta said. “We don’t do the transactional thing, and that is protecting us a bit, I think, because this year we are not losing sponsors. We actually have new sponsors, and I don’t take that for granted.”
Also all the nitty-gritty labor that
comes with any successful large event — permitting, rentals, finding performers — paid off.
“The entire thing went off smoothly!” Porta said just days after event. “The energy and the community that comes with Pride is so powerful that it carried through the weekend.”
The festival
One element of the festival Porta was excited for was platforming local performers.
“We really prioritize lifting up our community’s talent and creativity,” Porta said. “One of the most exciting things about the way that we do Pride is the opportunity that we have to put folks on a big stage for — a lot of times — the very first times in their career.”
The opening act of the Saturday festival exemplified this idea. Local Trans drag artist and hostess KittyKariAll, who performed for the first time at Portland Pride in 2024, kicked off the weekend’s festivities by hosting a Trans Power Hour on the main stage.
When the gates opened, there were maybe five early birds ready to dance and celebrate, KariAll said. “But when we finished, we had at least two hundred people dancing along with us, paying attention. The energy was pretty amazing.”
When she was onstage, KariAll wasn’t thinking about the current political climate, or
PORTLAND - Next page
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Jax Lamont, courtesy of Pride Northwest - www.pridenw.org
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Jax Lamont, courtesy of Pride Northwest - www.pridenw.org
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Jax Lamont, courtesy of Pride Northwest - www.pridenw.org
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Julia Kavalieros Photography - www.juliakphotos.com
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Julia Kavalieros Photography - www.juliakphotos.com
recent decisions from the federal government targeting Trans people like her. She was just in the moment.
“I just tried to focus on the positive energy that I could bring, and not worry about the negative energy that our haters are bringing,” KariAll said.
Also on stage with KariAll was local DJ JackPott, who was playing Queer dance hits. “The staples, like Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, gotta fit in some Kesha in there,” JackPott said. “Stuff to get people going for the festival, to kick it off.”
JackPott isn’t just a DJ; he’s also a dancer with an all-Trans crew that also includes performers Devi, Nikki, and Day, who performed with him for Trans Power Hour.
It was a big moment for the dancers. Last year, they performed together at Pride, but at first, they didn’t realize that they would be opening the entire festival this year.
“ It just feels like Pride is more powerful this year. It’s more celebrating our resilience and really sharing that love with one another,” JackPott said. “It definitely says something that Pride Northwest would want to open with an all-Trans cast, showing that representation.”
Alongside local performers, Pride Northwest also hosted some bigname out-of-towners, including singer Frenchie Davis, comedian Jason Stuart, and Dragula winner Landon Cider.
Even collaboration with the headline performers was intentionally community-driven, Porta said.
“They’re not just coming and performing. Frenchie, for example: we have put together this collaboration with one of the youth choruses here in Oregon, and they’re going to perform together on the main stage.”
That spirit of community was felt all weekend long by JackPott. While he performed, his wife Lindsey Perez was tabling the festival with SMYRC. Fellow
Trans dancers and performers were by his side onstage. His community was out in the audience dancing and enjoying themselves.
“Pride, this year, feels more like a protest,” JackPott said. “We are saying, ‘No, you will never get rid of us. We’ve always been here.’ I feel like there’s overall a little more solidarity than there has been in the past.”
KariAll also felt the solidarity and the support, especially from the organizers at Pride Northwest.
“Henry [Felton, Pride Northwest’s community outreach and events coordinator] and Debra and all the names that I don’t have on top of my head were just beyond extraordinary,” KariAll said.
The parade
On Sunday, the community gathered again for the Parade.
“It’s always a highlight,” KariAll said. “The bright colors, the dancing in the streets. Hearing the joy of thousands of people.”
Visibility was important to JackPott. “Us being out in this political climate is just a big F-you to anybody who wants to silence us and make us disappear,” he said. “We are here.” PORTLAND - Previous page
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Julia Kavalieros Photography - www.juliakphotos.com
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Julia Kavalieros Photography - www.juliakphotos.com
Portland Pride 2025 | Photo by Julia Kavalieros Photography - www.juliakphotos.com
isn’t just about age. The Parent I’ve Spent Years Becoming
The woman who will meet her son in December is not the same person who would have been a parent at 24 or even 34. That younger version was spiritually unstable, financially struggling and mentally fragmented. I was still figuring out who I was beneath the layers of religious programming and societal expectations.
This current version of me has done the work. I know what I believe now, separate from what I was told to believe. I’ve learned to recognize manipulation and set boundaries. I’ve built a marriage based on mutual respect rather than prescribed roles. I’m guided by values I cherish, and do work that I love.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to be gentle with myself — a skill that will serve this little boy well
when he inevitably struggles with his own timeline, his own sense of being behind or ahead or exactly where he needs to be.
Maybe 44 isn’t too late. Maybe it’s exactly right.
The truth is, there’s no perfect age to become a parent. Every stage of life brings its own gifts and limitations. What matters is showing up fully.
Our son will inherit a parent who has wrestled with her demons and emerged more whole. He’ll grow up in a home where vulnerability is modeled, where questions are welcomed, where love isn’t conditional, where morals and values are taught, where faith is explored rather than imposed, where spiritual curiosity is nurtured alongside critical thinking.
I may be older when he takes his first steps, but I’ll be more present for each one. I may have less energy for midnight feedings or family hikes, but I’ll approach
TRAVEL - Continued
SPOKANE - From Page 18
was fun and is a historic building. It has a display on the history of LGBTQ activity in Spokane. Friday night featured a great drag show. The food is good – especially the burgers. It’s a fun local crowd.
Next door is the new Q Lounge and it is fun. Local women own both.
The Blind Buck/Globe Night Club at 204 N. Division is another fun option. All these bars are close by in the downtown area and
them with more patience. I may worry about being around for his major milestones, but I’ll make sure the time we have is meaningful.
There’s No Right Age — Only the Right Moment
At 44, I’m not just becoming a parent (note I’m not the one carrying!) I’m becoming the parent I’m meant to be — not despite my age, but because of everything that brought me to this moment. Every detour, every year of healing, every hard-won lesson has prepared me for this sacred responsibility.
In the meantime, though, keep those emails coming. I want to hear from other older moms and dads. Those messages are already priceless. They’ve taught me that parenting journeys are beautifully diverse, and that wisdom shared between parents transcends age brackets.
Tracy Simmons is an award-winning journalist specializing in religion reporting and digital entrepreneurship. In her approximate 20 years on the religion beat, Simmons has tucked a notepad in her pocket and found some of her favorite stories aboard cargo ships in New Jersey, on a police chase in Albuquerque, in dusty Texas church bell towers, on the streets of New York and in tent cities in Haiti. Simmons has worked as a multimedia journalist for newspapers across New Mexico, Texas, Connecticut and Washington. She is the executive director of FāVS.News, a digital journalism start-up covering religion news and commentary in Spokane, Washington. She also writes for The Spokesman-Review and national publications. She is a Scholarly Associate Professor of Journalism at Washington State University.
walkable from the downtown hotels.
GETTING THERE
I took Delta through their Salt Lake City hub. Delta offers great service, free WiFi, and a great new terminal in SLC. From Seattle, you can take Alaska or Delta. It is just over a four-hour drive and there is even an Amtrak option although the return hours from Spokane are bad (3 a.m.).
I took the #60 Spokane Transit bus for $2 from the airport to downtown. The line runs every 30 minutes and takes 20 minutes.
INSIDER TIPS/MORE INFORMATION
Try the local microbrews and Washington State wines.
Salmon is on the menu everywhere in the Northwest and Spokane is no exception.
The weekly alternative paper is full of fresh local news, The Inlander. It is in print and online at inlander.com.
The Spokesman Review just went to a nonprofit business model but covers the local news.
VisitSpokane.com is your source for traveler information.
I really enjoyed my trip to Spokane and plan to return to explore nearby Coeur d’Alene (Idaho) and other attractions.
Bill Malcolm is a syndicated travel columnist for LGBTQ publications and websites including IGLTA. Over the last 10 years, his columns have appeared in publications around the country and Canada. A former resident of Seattle, he attended graduate school at the University of Washington. He currently lives in Indianapolis. Unlike some travel writers, he generally pays for all his own travel and freely expresses his opinions (including boycotting hotels with surprise fees like resort fees, amenity fees, and the like.)
nYne Bar in downtown Spokane. Photo courtesy of nYne on X.
MASCULINITY - From Page 19
It’s hard to know who I’d be without those early pressures. But in my thirties, my perspective began to shift. A decade connected with the Radical Faeries, the gradual softening of gay culture, and becoming a dad all helped reshape my understanding of manhood. I focused less on performing and more on becoming a better person.
In the past decade, I also saw more gay men embracing and exploring the complexity of their character through their clothing choices, expressions, and connections with one another.
- From Page 16
with its first-ever All Stars season. Ten returning queens — each a fan favorite or breakout talent from past seasons — are competing once more for a €30,000 prize (you can buy an entire French village with its inhabitants for that amount) and a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame. The show premiered July 10 on WOW Presents Plus and continues to surprise many with its popularity.
What to watch? Belgium’s ‘Oh, Otto!’
But only if you speak Dutch. Oh, Otto!, is the steamy new Dutchlanguage series from filmmaker Stijn van Kerkhoven that’s making waves in Europe. I included the trailer below, but there is no English subtitles. Following a freshly heartbroken 26-year-old as he fumbles through dating apps, drag shows, and dark rooms, the show offers something sorely missing from American TV: nuanced, adult queer drama that’s both emotionally grounded and unapologetically sexy.
What to watch? Reclaim The Flag
Jewelry designer Alexis Bittar and Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen (Milk, American Beauty) premiered their new short doc Reclaim the Flag at Metrograph last Thursday, with a simple message: the American flag doesn’t belong to the far-right. Featuring over 50 LGBTQIA+ cultural icons—from Lena Waithe and Gottmik to George Takei and Gus Kenworthy—the film explores what the flag means to queer Americans.
Today, I believe there’s real power in embracing one’s connection to the feminine—and in checking our masculinity when it leads to endless cycles of conflict and hurting others. That belief is central to my professional work: showing that LGBTQ+ professionals bring a unique, often more emotionally intelligent, form of leadership.
It looks like most of America is on a similar journey. According to 2024 findings from the Pew Research Center, most Americans, including many Republicans, hold surprisingly progressive views on the topic. A majority believe
More Geffen Divorce Drama
David Geffen, 82, is being sued by his 32-year-old estranged husband, Donovan Michaels (a.k.a. David Armstrong), in a suit that reads like a tabloid fever dream: $10,000 for sex the night they met on SeekingArrangements, yacht parties, coerced Botox, and some more suffering. With no prenup and claims of an implied promise of lifelong support, Michaels is seeking half the fortune—and damages. Geffen’s camp calls it a “false, pathetic” money grab.
A College Rugby Captain Comes Out
Isn’t that Brian Sims’ story but in Rugby? For SUNY New Paltz rugby captain Caleb Persanis, coming out was as simple as showing up with his boyfriend, Daniel. Already out since high school, Persanis found immediate support from teammates. “People are much more accepting than you think,” he says. His advice to closeted athletes? “It will be OK.”
Coming and Going
Outright Seeks a UN Director
Outright International is hiring a Program Manager for United Nations Engagement, a seniorlevel hybrid position based in New York. This new role will amplify LGBTIQ rights within UN bodies like the General Assembly, CSW, and Security Council, while supporting global defenders and leading coalition efforts through the UN LGBTI Core Group. Salary range: $90K-$100K. Applications are open until 15
we undervalue stereotypically “feminine” traits in men, like being caring, emotionally open, or affectionate. Meanwhile, the public largely rejects “laddish” behaviors—drunkenness, casual sex, and sexist jokes. And over half the country, including many conservatives, supports men taking on roles like stay-at-home parenting. The data suggest that while hyper-masculine imagery dominates Trump’s political theater, it doesn’t reflect how most Americans think—or live. And that’s encouraging.
At home, I watch my children and their friends freely express their emotions, play with gender
expressions, show genuine empathy for their mates, and grow into responsible teens with joy, creativity, and respect. That’s a train the Republicans will have a hard time stopping.
We may not be able to stop the JD Vances and Pete Hegseths of the world from indulging in their macho cosplay—or from feeding off the insecurity and self-doubt they instill in others. But we can laugh at them and live as proof that there are countless ways to be a man, and none of them require oppression, cruelty, or a costume.
Continued - NATIONAL
August.
Tom Daley Has US Plans
Tom Daley is setting his sights on the U.S. entertainment landscape, signing with WME and management firm MVE for global representation. He is hosting the upcoming crafting competition “The Game of Wool,” appearing on “Celebrity Traitors UK,” and is the subject of a new documentary, “1.6 Seconds.” Daley also leads his craft-focused company Made With Love.
The Gay Agenda
October 28: Summit of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors
Mark your calendars! Open to members, the Annual Summit of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors will take place for its third consecutive year on October 28th in NYC in Soho.
Whether you’re tuning in from Provincetown, Fire Island, Mykonos—or, like me, savoring summer in the city—I hope you’re finding moments to slow down. It’s only been six months under Trump II, and something tells me 2025 still has plenty of unpleasant surprises in store. If this newsletter helps you stay informed, connected, or just a bit sharper at dinner parties, consider forwarding it to a friend, a colleague, or that executive quietly co-signing our erasure.
NATIONAL
TRUMP - From Page 17
but it’s the kind of twisting of messaging that we see from folks like Heritage and their allies.
TF: The very way that The Heritage Foundation message appeals to neutral audiences or professionals or policymakers or the Republican Party, for example? It doesn’t necessarily appeal to the on-the-ground evangelical constituencies that form the base of anti-gay activism and the religious right. Those communities are much more interested in an explicitly religious [country]. They genuinely believe in the devil.
MSR: The problem is that they’ve been very skillful at using concepts that are broadly appealing and that are difficult to argue against logically. Who’s against viewpoint diversity, right? It’s difficult to argue against that. But as we know, viewpoint diversity is also being used right now to target universities and scientific knowledge producers. And it’s being used in a way to explicitly ban and censor scholars.
SM: During the campaign, obviously, Trump tried to distance himself from Project 2025, even though over 140 of his former administration officials contributed to the document. Since then, according to Project 2025 tracker online, Trump has adopted 100 policies and put them into effect officially and 62 more are in progress of being adopted. As folks who have been researching this as your day job, what are your biggest concerns as you see this happening in real time in the U.S.?
TF: I think it’s useful to compare Trump’s first term with this term, right? Because I think one of the things that helps me understand what’s going on is to draw a line of distinction between the kind of cultural antagonism that Trump has always embraced. That’s there and it’s still there, but it didn’t result in the kind of widespread policy change. The difference between then and now is exactly Project 2025 and other similar kinds of efforts where the on-the-ground activist organizations institutionally decided to take this on at the policy level and wrote the policies and put the pen in his hand in a number of different ways, and they were ready for this moment to get their own agenda at the forefront of national, state and local policies. And so the difference is that the activist groups really prepared for this moment and now we have no end of things to keep our eye on.
PM: What I’m most afraid of is that we’re really only four months in. And that this was, as Tina said, the whole right-wing movement envisioning that they could use an authoritarian-minded president to really advance their very big and very long-term agenda, which is to eliminate a century of progressive reform and progress. To roll back the constitutional underpinnings of the New Deal and the Great Society. They have very big ideas. And now that Trump has a completely compliant and complicit Congress that is not willing to challenge him, it’s full speed ahead on Project 2025. And part of Project 2025 is just ignoring and steamrolling over the built-in checks and balances. And that, I think, is another part of the very scary parts of this.
MSR: From a European and comparative perspective, what we know is that authoritarian regimes target women and LGBTQ people as part of a process to undermine democracy. And so we have plenty of examples from other cases, including Hungary, which Trump and his allies cite as an example to look up to to reproduce in the United States where targeting LGBTQ people and women is not just a canary in the coal mine, it’s actually a core part of the project. So you attack women and LGBTQ people in order to justify and also implement anti-democratic processes. And we’re seeing that happen right now. And that one thing that seems to be happening now that Project 2025 helped happen is to paper over divisions among right-wing organizations and groups, that they could all coalesce around a common goal and have less dissension than they might otherwise have and that has so far been effective.
TF: This is exactly the point that I was going to make, that the groups on the ground don’t necessarily have the same agenda. There are plenty of groups that want the authoritarianism to turn into a Christian theocracy. And they’re explicit about that. But other groups are industrialists that want deregulation. Other groups are just rich people that want tax cuts. Other groups are anti-abortion. This is pushing in a direction where all of these different kinds of smaller groups are getting what they want.
SM: What is incentivizing Trump to be in bed with Project 2025 and the religious right?
TF: I think probably the main policy outcome that he’s interested in is tax cuts on the rich for himself, right? I think he’s a very self-serving kind of person. And in order to do that, he will embrace whatever community is willing to support him on that path. And so this is just useful to him in that way.
PM: He’s already this huge egotistical narcissist, right? Well, then he’s got this whole group of people who are constantly telling him, “God chose you to be where you are, you are on a divine mission.” So they sort of put this whole right-wing Project 2025 agenda as part of a divine mission. And you see Trump adopting their rhetoric more and more. I don’t know what’s inside his heart. So I can’t judge how much of that might be him starting to believe it, or if it’s just instrumental and transactional and political. But we see more and more of that.
SM: My concern when I think about this is that a lot of far-right Christian people in the United States genuinely believe that patriarchal governance structures are the way we should be living. So how far could it go?
PM: I do think that’s one of the things that has happened under Trump and with the MAGA movement, right? It has created space for people that might’ve been considered really fringe not long ago to now be part of basically the regime’s governing coalition. And so we have some of these explicit white Christian nationalists who are very happy to say, “I don’t think non-Christians should be able to hold public office. I don’t think women should be in political leadership.” They’re out there saying that. And some of these people are very closely tied to MAGA insiders like Russ Vought. Like Pete Hegseth, who goes to a church that’s part of Dominionist Doug Wilson’s network. And he’s very much part of this explicit, patriarchal, Christian nationalist agenda. And to get to a point Tina made earlier, some of these same folks are also very happy to talk about gay people as perverts, and perversion, and going back to the language that the religious right had kind of cleaned themselves up from. But now we have these more hardcore folks who feel empowered to just embrace the bigotry and to say, “Yeah, it’s not just about marriage equality. We need to fight these perverts. We need to say that homosexuality itself is something horrible that society should not tolerate.”
MSR: One thing that we know from the scholarship is that when it comes to regressive regimes, authoritarian regimes, strict gender roles are often a crucial component. It was the Department of Transportation that put together a proposal that in parts of the country where you have the highest marriage rates and the highest birth rates that those regions would receive more funding and grants and you also see other explicit proposals to encourage natalism. And as we know from other locations and from the past when you’ve got pro-natalist policies, those are very much anti-gender equality policies.
TF: Taking away women’s right to vote, having one vote per family that is organized around the male head of household. And so these arguments are out there in mainstream discourse again now, and so there are no limits to how far some parts of the population want to go. And these are not very popular ideas. And this is the open question right now: How long will this moment last? How much retrenchment of rights will be possible? And how much resistance is gonna hold the line before we fall fully into an authoritarian regime that leans heavily into Christian theocracy?
SM: What are your biggest concerns as it relates to gay, lesbian and bisexual rights now? I mean, thinking about what Trump’s doing with Project 2025. And then also having Speaker of the House Mike Johnson having a horrific track record with LGBTQ rights, having compared gay marriage to giving your pet or pedophiles the right to marry?
TF: It feels very much like we’re back in the 1990s again to me. The LGBTQ movement had a time when it was not taking on trans issues as part of the coalition. And for these same kind of scarcity of rights kinds of reasons that, “Oh, they won’t come after me. They won’t come after us if we keep some distance from the trans community.” When the
organizations on the ground decided that they were going to fight not just for rights based on sexual orientation, but also on gender identity and explicitly put those into the anti-discrimination policies that they fought for from one state to another state. That was the way it has been for a couple decades now. And it’s absolutely possible for that very tight coalition to fall apart again, and it’s really up to the activists and the people on the ground to decide what direction they’re going.
PM: I would say that pushing that wedge was an explicit strategy from the religious right. I mean, I was at a religious right event maybe six or seven years ago, but this was a panel and it was like, “We are going to wedge the T from the LGB.” And they talked about that in the context of winning school board races by demonizing trans people because they knew that the American public no longer was willing to accept that kind of demonization when it comes to gay people. And so trans people were more vulnerable, and the religious right has really taken advantage of that. I think the idea of these so-called “LGB activists” who wanna jettison trans people from the coalition, they think that somehow the religious right and Christian Nationalists are gonna stop and that appeasement is gonna help them. And it’s not. The Alliance Defending Freedom is not just going after trans people. They want to reverse marriage equality. They want the laws to reflect their religious beliefs about gender, traditional family roles, and everything like that. All the other religious right groups that are part of the Project 2025 Coalition? They not only oppose marriage equality, they oppose Lawrence v. Texas. They were arguing that states should still be able to criminalize gay people and their relationships. So we should all keep that in mind.
SM: Do you think gay marriage will be overturned?
PM: I think there’s a very good chance that it will. I’m not a lawyer, I’ll say that up front, but the Liberty Council is one of the legal religious right groups that’s pushing the court to overturn it. They take a lot of hope from just how strident Chief Justice John Roberts’ dissent from Obergefell was. Whether some of the right-wing justices will decide it’s too early, whether they’ll hang their hat on some version of stare decisis, I don’t know. But I would not be at all surprised to see it overturned.
MSR: I think whether or not they overturn Obergefell outright is an open question, but it’s no doubt going to be the case that they will find other ways to diminish the capacity of same-sex couples to get married in one way or another. Whether that be allowing states to create certain kinds of exemptions. We’ve already seen other cases that aren’t actually about getting married, but about recognizing marriages: 303 Creative, or the Masterpiece CakeShop case, all of those are examples of using religious freedom as an excuse to diminish access to certain rights.
TF: There’s a lot of fronts on which the right-wing organizations are willing to place their resources to attack that’s short of undermining
Answer Key to puzzle on on page 27.
QUEERDOKU ANSWER - Bella Ramsey
Isabella May Ramsey was born in Nottingham, England in 2003 In their relatively short acting career Bella has starred in some big productions and has been nominated for many awards already Bella has starred in HBO’s Game Of Thrones, CBBC’s The Worst Witch, the Net lix animated
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series Hilda, the series His Dark Materials, the ilms Ca t h e r i n e Ca l l e d Birdy and Requiem, and in HBO’s adaptation of the zombie horror video game The Last Of Us for t w o s e a s o n s B e l l a identi ies as non-binary but says “call me as you see me”. Bella also sings and plays guitar
marriage equality. But I do think that LGBT activist organizations and all the organizations that fight for equality are gonna need a strategy to hang on to these laws.
SM: What do you think folks can do to push back against all this? Because I think to be an LGBTQ person in this country right now is very, very intense and concerning.
TF: The LGBT community has been fighting for decades and centuries. It’s capable of fighting. It has got a lot of organizational capacity and more resources than it’s ever had before. And it’s time to get on the ground and keep fighting, form coalitions with all of the other issue groups. Form the coalitions with the people fighting for immigrants’ rights. Form the coalitions with the people that argue against all of the attacks on DEI and all the racist attacks that are going on. Form the coalitions with the pro-life groups.
PM: Most Americans support our legal equality, including marriage equality. It’s more than two-thirds in the latest Gallup poll. And so, we should be confident in saying that the people that are trying to take away our rights do not represent most Americans. The people who oppose our equality have power right now. And they’re gonna cause harm with it. But we still have the majority of the American people. I think people should plug in with their statewide equality groups and local groups. Because a lot of these attacks come at the state level, and local level, and it may sometimes feel like you can have more of an impact there.
MSR: I would also add that we should, on a really basic level, think about the messaging that has worked in the past, and also think about the messaging that works for conservatives. So conservatives are really good at mobilizing moms and using mom expressions, like Moms for Liberty. Well, lesbians are some of the fiercest moms I know. So if you’re a lesbian mom, maybe you could use your voice as a mom to get out there and speak as a mom. And we see this also as parents of trans kids. Talking, using the language of the right. The right is very good about parents’ rights, and parental autonomy, and let me as a parent decide what’s right for my kids. I think that LGBTQ people and their allies can use that kind of language too to speak to other people.
SM: How do you think we’ll look back on this moment in 2025 in America?
TF: The people who have fought for LGBTQ rights throughout the last hundred years did so under circumstances that were less favorable in terms of public opinion. And they stood up bravely and fought for rights anyway. And this is the moment, when we’re writing the history that other people are gonna read 20, 40, 50 years down the line. And so I really think it’s important to get the inspiration from those stories and then put both your feet on the ground and think, “Okay, how do we take the next step now?”
EUGENE - From Page 14
described as “dance party for all who appreciate gays, glamour, and sleaze”) is usually held monthly at Sparrow & Serpent (previously Old Nick’s Pub), Eugene Pride’s iteration was at the Events Center right after the all-ages celebration.
Throughout the day, a few antiLGBTQ groups attempted to intimidate visitors from outside the gate, and one particularly bold agitator paid to enter the event and began to yell anti-Gay sentiments. Both groups left quickly after being confronted by the Rainbow Guard volunteers.
This year’s Pride had a recommended fee to add another
barrier to entry for people with an intent to harm attendees, but no one was denied entry for lack of funds. Those entering the celebration were banned from bringing in flags or signs on poles, but flags were allowed into the venue if worn as capes, and additional flags were available for free inside.
The success of Eugene Pride 2025 is especially important after a barrage of issues with last year’s festival, including disputes with Cuthbert Amphitheatre and the City of Eugene, attendees facing discrimination from Cuthbert staff, and a wall of dozens of anti-Gay protesters both inside and outside of the festival engaging in both physical and verbal altercations.
COLUMNISTS - Continued
HOBBIT HOUSE - From Page 120
killed 13 U.S. service members and more than 170 civilians. One soldier said quietly, “When all you can see is the dark, why do anything? Why date, hang out with friends, or build something? You’re not going to be able to see it anyway.”
I understood that perspective deeply. As a child, I was abducted from swimming lessons. The harm experienced had a lasting impact. In the years that followed, I wore what I’ve come to think of as “dark glasses”—a lens of fear, mistrust, and negativity that distorted how I viewed people, the world, and myself. When you’re wearing those glasses, you expect the worst. You fear change. You assume people mean harm. Worst of all, you stop dreaming. You forget how to hope.
Learning to take off those glasses—and keep them off—has been one of the most important journeys of my life. It’s what’s allowed me to show up fully as a husband, friend, advocate, and educator. And it’s what I try to help others do every day.
No matter the trauma, no matter the darkness we’ve walked through, it is possible to see light again. But we have to train our minds to find it.
At CTSE, we use a simple but powerful technique called “Better Moment Bookmarks.” It’s designed to counter our brain’s natural tendency to fixate on the negative. If we aren’t intentional, we can live through six good days and one bad one, and only remember the bad. That kind of imbalance distorts our worldview, saps our strength, and undermines our ability to dream—when dreaming is exactly what we need to solve big problems.
Better Moment Bookmarks help us rewire our thinking. Here’s how it works:
Each day, when you find yourself feeling even a flicker of peace, joy, or safety—pause. Maybe it’s during your morning coffee, walking your dog, or laughing with a friend. In that moment:
A. Turn your attention, with intention, to the experience. Describe it to yourself in clear, nonjudgmental terms. What’s
actually happening?
B. Engage all five senses. What do you see, hear, taste, feel, and smell?
C. Be completely present. Let your mind rest in the now.
D. “Bookmark” the moment. Make a mental note: This matters. This is real.
E. Revisit your bookmarks regularly. Set aside time each week to reflect on the moments you saved. Let them remind you of the good that exists.
This practice doesn’t erase trauma. It doesn’t diminish the real struggles happening all around us. But it does help build the resilience we need to face them.
We’re living in challenging times—emotionally, politically, and socially. The fight for justice, truth, and compassion requires people who are emotionally fueled and mentally clear. That clarity won’t come if we’re only looking through lenses of despair.
The good is still out there. You just have to look for it—and
remember it when you find it.
About CTSE: The Center for Trauma and Stress Education (CTSE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping address stress and trauma, and the issues that cause them, through evidence-based training programs and consultation. For more information visit www. CTSEPrograms.org
Ryan Oelrich is a highly regarded mental health trainer and facilitator, having trained thousands of professionals since 2008. He’s developed mental health curriculum used by Washington State, and he’s given several TED talks. He is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Fellow and has an MBA and an MA in Leadership. Oelrich was awarded the Peirone Prize for service in 2016 and has received congressional recognition for his work on poverty and homelessness issues. Oelrich has founded 3 nonprofits focused on youth issues, and he’s an advocate for increased collaboration and coordination.
OUT & IN BUSUSINESS - From Page 21
These behaviors aren’t just selfsabotage. They’re adaptations. They come from a history of navigating hostile systems and from the very real desire to stay safe.
Left unchecked, these patterns can wear down both your business and your belief in it.
A Reframe:
Legitimacy as Care
What if being a “real business” wasn’t about buying into capitalism, but about building a container strong enough to hold your work?
Being legitimate isn’t about filing LLC paperwork or hiring a graphic designer, even though those things can help. It’s about allowing your work to be seen, respected, and supported by others, and just as importantly, by you.
That might look like:
• Raising your rates so your work is actually sustainable
• Getting a business license so you feel protected, not exposed
• Updating your website or telling people what you actually do
• Saying, “Yes, I run a business,” without apology or deflection
Legitimacy doesn’t mean performance. It means clarity. It means showing up in a way that honors the value you offer—on your own terms.
If This Feels Tender
If this touches a nerve, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Many of us resist claiming the word “business” because we don’t want to sell out. Good. That means your values are intact.
But being a real business doesn’t mean becoming someone else. It means building something that
reflects you: your needs, your rhythm, your politics, and your community.
You don’t have to do it like the bros on YouTube.
You don’t have to scale.
You don’t have to chase passive income or seven-figure dreams.
You just have to stop shrinking.
Your work is real.
Your impact is real.
So what would change if you let yourself believe it was also a real business?
Want a reminder?
I made something for you.
If you’d like something tangible to remind you that your business is legitimate, download the “Legitimacy Looks Like Care” digital poster or phone wallpaper here:
Dana Clark (she/her) is a certified life coach who works with purpose-driven, self-employed humans to realign their work with their values—especially under capitalism. Queer and deeply relational, Dana creates coaching spaces rooted in clarity, care, and quiet resistance. She’s been coaching since 2008 and is especially drawn to those navigating shifts in personal direction, business, or both. Learn more at loveyourlife.co.
OUT ON THE RANCH - From page 20
immediately. By March 2020, she had moved into her tiny home here. Days later, the world went into COVID lockdown. Our timing, as it often is in the flow of life, was divine. That tiny home sat in a spot that became sacred; Her home, Her view, Her quiet passing.
Afterwards, we tried to work the tiny home into accommodation offerings at the ranch, but, it didn’t really work. I would meditate on this at the altar to my ancestors. I would look upon mom’s little red plastic purse with Snow White on it, the one she brought to America from Italy when she was five years old, and ponder, ‘what would mom have me do?’ My mother would come through resoundingly clear, ‘sell it!’
She always wanted to see us get amenities for the ranch. So, that’s exactly what we decided to do. We put it up for sale in late 2024 and it wasn’t long until a couple synchronistic connections led us to a young family with two toddlers. They were looking for just something like this to move to the family compound. It was an oddly perfect match, as if meant to be.
But, there was a wrinkle. They wouldn’t be able to purchase it until their own house sold after they listed it in March of this year, 2025. I did have other bites from buyers and could have even accepted a higher offer. No one passed the vibe check like this family. I was willing to wait, and they were willing to put down some earnest money.
Their house sold and they bought the tiny home. We went to the county offices to transfer the title. It was an unexpected severalhour affair, mostly spent waiting for the cogs of bureaucracy to turn. Whilst it was tedious, it went smoothly. Mind you now, this was me with the mom, dad, toddler brother and toddler sister in princess dress. The children were extremely well behaved, considering the long wait. Honestly, it was pleasant spending the time with them.
Finally, we are called back to the counter for the last pen strokes. We are just wanting to get it all done and be out of there. Standing with mom and toddler sister, we await the clerk. This was the actual moment where ownership changes hands.
The mom is trying to keep daughter entertained and asks her, “Tell David who your favorite princess is.” The toddler looks at me and says, “Snow White.” Then, puts finger on bottom teeth and smiles coyly at me to see if I heard. Her mom responds, “well that’s an odd one to pick from the ones you like, but it’s perfect.”
Yes, toddler princess, it is perfect. The perfect symbolic hat tip to a little red plastic purse with Snow White upon it. I just smiled and said to myself, “thanks for the sign, mom.”
Over the years, the ranch has grown into something more than just alpacas and yurt-dwelling glampers. The ashes of beloved friends and chosen family members have joined this sacred space.
That’s the rhythm of this land. That’s the echo of filial piety.
In every act of service to our elders—be it as small as a meal or as immense as hospice—we gain something beyond words. A deepening of spirit. A sharpening of purpose. A tether to the lineage that brought us here. Mom’s legacy at the ranch lives on with our newly constructed amenities area.
It was only when I was ready that this poem found its way to me. I share it here with you now, in honor of all who have had the blessing to experience filial piety:
“A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, ‘Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we’re together again.”
— Author Unknown
Paca Pride Guest Ranch is nestled on 17 acres in the rural mountains outside Granite Falls, Washington.
David Capocci, Glenn Budlow and Tim Leingang founded Paca Pride Guest Ranch in 2004.
BOOKS - Continued
REED - From page 23
FG: The setting of 1991 Chicago plays a significant role in the novel. How did you go about recreating the atmosphere of that time and place?
RR: I lived in Chicago for about 23 years and know the city very well (in fact, I just visited last week). I was familiar with all the places Emory experienced. His trips on the L, his workplace, and his ventures into bars and bookstores were all things I experienced as a young man, often with the same fears, dread, and curiosity. It wasn’t difficult to “live” in that time and place again because I knew it so well.
FG: Congratulations on having your book optioned for a film adaptation! How does it feel to have your story come to life on
FITZ - From page 27
he steps into the grueling world of leather contests, which demand more than charm and good looks. Competing in both Los Angeles and New York, Jesse must prove his worth not only as a submissive but also as an individual with strength, conviction, and a vision for his place in the leather community. The question is, can Jesse keep his footing in this world while discovering who he is at his core?
One of the story’s strengths lies in the richly detailed backdrop of the leather contest scene. The author immerses readers in the rituals, protocols, and political undercurrents of the community, creating an authentic experience. Fitz writes with deep knowledge and respect, showcasing the community and lifestyle he loves. This narrative serves not just as a story but as a love letter that warmly welcomes even those new to the genre.
After completing Leather Forever, I found myself eager to delve deeper into Pete Fitz’s work and the story behind his creative journey. I decided to reach out, and to my delight, he responded.
Frank Gaimari: What inspired you to write a story that focuses on the emotional journey and the competitive aspects of the leather scene?
Pete Fitz: I came up in leather
screen? Which aspects of its essence do you hope the movie will capture the most?
RR: Like my novel IM, which was also optioned by a respected producer/director, The Man from Milwaukee has gone from option to nowhere. Still, I hold out hope. It was under consideration at Blumhouse just a few months ago, so I remain optimistic. The screenplay, written by the producing team who optioned it, is excellent, considering the book’s deep psychological and interior nature.
If the movie ever gets produced, I hope it captures Chicago’s gritty essence and the beauty of Emory’s family connections, particularly his bond with his wayward sister, who eventually finds her way, and their mother, who, in 1991, was dying from a plague we now
when contests were more than just bar pageants—they were a rite of passage for gay men exploring masculinity in a space that didn’t shame them for it. These contests revealed who you were under pressure and introduced us to a larger chosen family. I wanted to capture that mix of nerves, hope, and desire, as well as the emotional journey that often gets overlooked in contest stories. For many of us, these contests were where we found our voice—and our people.
FG: You mention the community rituals and politics in the book—how important is it for you to educate readers about these aspects through storytelling?
PF: It matters to me deeply. Leather culture is often reduced to clichés, but in reality, it’s layered, full of rituals, history, and, yes, some messy politics. Storytelling is the best way to share that complexity without lecturing, allowing readers to see how these customs create connection and meaning. For example, I still feel close to the men I competed with for the title of Mr. LA Leather in 2001. Those bonds don’t disappear when the contest ends—they become part of the fabric of who we are.
FG: As an author, how do you ensure that your portrayal of BDSM and leather culture is respectful and accurate?
call AIDS. I also hope it conveys the mystery and ambiguity of an unreliable narrator, along with the very dark psychological themes.
Rick R. Reed is a celebrated author who has garnered numerous accolades, including being a Lambda Literary Award finalist and winning multiple Rainbow Awards. With an extensive body of work spanning over sixty books, he has established a reputation for blending horror, psychological depth, and social commentary into compelling narratives. His storytelling uniquely challenges and captivates readers, offering chilling entertainment and profound insight. To explore more of his work and learn about his creative process, you can visit his website.
PF: Honestly, I’ve lived it. But I also keep listening, paying attention to how the scene evolves, and ensuring that the way I write about power exchange, consent, and kink reflects real people and real dynamics—not just porn tropes. Writing about kink comes with a responsibility, and it’s one I take seriously, especially in a world where misinformation is everywhere. And yes, the community politics you saw in LA this past season? Some of that might find its way into Book 2.
FG: Are there particular themes or messages you hope readers take away after reading your novel?
PF: I want readers to understand that submission and dominance aren’t about humiliation—they’re about trust, honesty, and selfdiscovery. Kink can be a path to understanding what you need and who you truly are, not a distraction from it. And love in this world isn’t at odds with discipline—it can be built on it. It’s simply a different kind of love, and sometimes it takes time to realize that’s okay.
FG: If you could give one piece of advice to someone curious about exploring the leather scene or BDSM lifestyle, what would it be?
PF: Take your time, stay curious, and try new things. Don’t be
afraid to learn—and that applies to Doms just as much as subs. Many great Doms start by subbing to understand how it feels, while others step into dominance from the beginning. Find mentors you trust (it’s normal to ask around and check references), listen more than you speak, and always remember that kink should enhance your life, not replace it.
If you’re interested in Leather Forever, you can find Pete’s book on Amazon.com. It’s available in paperback, hardback, and e-book format.
curious about the world, whether they are that way from the start or evolve through the experiences they encounter. My first series of books was an adventure romance that began in Seattle but evolved into a treasure hunt throughout Europe. Memories of Coromandel, in my Rain City Tales series, is primarily set in Auckland, New Zealand. It mirrored, in many ways, the trip I took to New Zealand in 2009.
This summer and autumn, I’ll be in Europe and plan to write a story set in the UK while I’m there. Dear Bryan, my first romance short story was also set primarily in England.
FG: Can you share the story behind your first published work, Dear Bryan?
BA: During my time at the University of Washington, I dated someone named Bryan for just under a year. When he traveled to England for the Spring and Summer Quarters, we stayed in touch by exchanging postcards and letters. That correspondence later became the inspiration for Dear Bryan. Shortly before writing the story, I revisited those letters and thought it would be a compelling creative choice to incorporate postcards at the start of most major scenes. The editor appreciated this approach, and the story was accepted.
FG: What challenges have you faced as an author in the LGBTQ+ romance genre?
BA: Finding my audience has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. LGBTQ+ authors face the added burden of being a “sensitive issue” when it comes to advertising, so all the workshops touting fool-proof marketing ideas and methods don’t necessarily translate for us. I also find that many readers are more likely to purchase LGBTQ+ romances if the author’s name is female. Though I’m happy for anyone to read my work, I gear my writing to gay men. We’ve had a difficult time finding books that realistically portray our lives in works of fiction, and, consequently, my stories aren’t necessarily heteronormative. I endeavor to write about my boys as realistically as possible. This doesn’t always translate for readers who are used to a specific
Romance formula. My goal is to reach gay men and show that our stories of our authentic selves are just as deserving of a happily ever after as those characters in formula-driven romances.
FG: How do you balance your day job at the wine shop with your writing career?
BA: I started writing while working as a Financial Controller for a non-profit arts organization. Despite working 40-60 hours a week, I managed to carve out time to write, either during my lunch breaks or immediately after work. I’d take the bus back to my neighborhood, stop at my local pub on the way home, and write for an hour with a glass of wine.
After changing jobs, I continued dedicating my lunch breaks to writing. I’d walk several blocks from my office to my favorite lunch spot, order pretty much the same thing every day, and write, usually managing to get between 500 and 700 words per session.
During the pandemic, I was laid off. Instead of working, I spent the time I’d usually be at my computer writing, establishing sprinting groups with other authors over Zoom. I also took on another job: caring for my elderly parents.
Now, I juggle writing with family caregiving, but I’ve managed to keep up my Zoom writing sprints. I write for at least an hour, five days a week.
FG: Which of your characters do you relate to the most, and why?
BA: Clark Adamson shares many characteristics and thought processes with me. He’s an accountant, works for a nonprofit, is a do-gooder, loyal, and attuned to how others feel. Clark is introduced in Past Secrets Present Danger, has his own love story in The Wedding Weekend, appears in Mitch’s Men, and plays an integral role in encouraging his cousin to come out and take a chance on a relationship in Blaze of Cortez. I love his story arc and the way he helps others while maintaining his sense of humor. He’s also a bit mischievous, and if you ask anyone I’ve done theater shows with about my backstage antics, they’ll tell you I have a playful streak of my own!
FG: What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to self-publish?
BA: I switched to self-publishing after my first series and a few novellas weren’t selling, and I was having challenges with royalties. It’s difficult, don’t get me wrong, but there’s a lot more freedom and control. I’m able to choose my titles, my covers, and retain control over artistic choices and marketing. There are numerous options for all aspects of book production. Don’t be afraid to try everything and see what works for you. Most importantly, spend each day writing if possible. You can’t edit a blank page.
FG: Do you have any upcoming book releases? If so, could you share some details about them?
BA: I released two novels last year, Throuple Honey and Blaze of Cortez. My next release will be in the fall as part of a queer anthology edited by author Shane Morton. Earlier this year, I had a story featured in Romance is a Drag: A Queer Anthology #1, and the upcoming release will be the third volume in his Own Voices anthology series. The new story will be a holiday tale titled Boston Italian Christmas, featuring a nurse and a veteran. It will also be tied into the story from the first volume. Although I’m not yet certain of the exact release date, it is expected to be available during the 2025 holiday season.
I’m also hoping to release the second story in my Black Rock Cult series this winter or spring. Titled Hiding Hayden, it follows a small-town police officer who protects and hides a newspaper reporter from a local cult.
FG: If you could co-write a book with any author, living or dead, who would it be and why?
BA: Madeleine L’Engle, if the story is romance or literature. Clive Cussler, if it’s an actionpacked adventure. Both authors were inspirations for me growing up, especially during my teen years.
I still return to L’Engle’s books during difficult times in my life. Her stories provided me with hope and healing during some of my lowest moments. On the other hand, Cussler’s books
captured my imagination and inspired me to pursue a career in oceanography at university.
Unfortunately, I get seasick, and the science weed-out classes ended that dream. Instead, I earned a degree in international studies! Still, I feel a deep connection to the sea, and I’ll always love a good adventure novel.
Brent Archer’s life and career are a testament to creativity, resilience, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams. From his roots in the Pacific Northwest to his adventures across the globe, Brent’s stories reflect the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Whether you’re a fan of romance, drama, or compelling storytelling, Brent Archer’s works are a must-read. Explore his books on Amazon or visit his website to learn more.
For more, visit Brent Archer’s website: https://brentarcher.net/ publications/
For the full range of books available, go to Amazon
PROFILES - Continued
RAKETTY - From Page 3
own way and brought so many different gifts to this paper,” Raketty said. “I feel honored knowing all of them and having a chance to work under all three of them, because I’ve learned something different from each one.”
A storied history
The SGN is over 50 years old now, and though it’s been through crises before — “ When people tell me that this paper is gonna close, I laugh, because … I’ve heard that so many times,” Raketty joked — it’s also been there for Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community through some of the city’s darkest times.
“ It’s amazing to me to be at the helm of a newspaper that’s been around 51 years,” Raketty said. “We’ve really covered the ups and downs of our community. When we started, it was still illegal to have Gay sex in Seattle. Our first office was firebombed. And … I’ve received so many death threats over the years, and unfortunately that’s increasing again, mostly because I happen to be Transgender.”
When the AIDS crisis hit Seattle, the SGN was the first to report on it, Raketty said.
“We were sharing the first public health information. Once we found what this thing was, we
were the first to put up safer sex messaging,” Raketty said. “We actually ran our own safe sex pamphlet in our paper, because back then, the Reagan administration wasn’t even mentioning the words ‘HIV’ or ‘AIDS.’”
“During those days, so many of our readers, so many of our staff, so many of our people … were just dying left and right due to the HIV/AIDS crisis,” Raketty added. “We would report their names in our paper free of charge.”
She described attending presentations on the SGN’s 50year anniversary and hearing from long-time readers who told her that back in those days, they found out their friend died from reading the paper. One story that struck her was from a person who was a child during the early days of the crisis.
“Their uncle had disappeared, and no one would talk about it,” Raketty said. “As an adult, they searched their uncle’s name and found the obituary in our paper. It was closure for them.”
The SGN’s history is part of what makes the paper so special. So under Schultz, every issue dating back to its origination in 1974 is being digitally archived in highdefinition color. They can be accessed from the SGN’s website.
When Raketty thinks about the paper’s past, and about the moments in her career she’s proudest of, it’s the stories with impact.
“ I remember one story I wrote about hate crimes in Seattle,” she said. “One of many, unfortunately, was about straight guy who got gay-bashed outside Hattie’s Hat, and the story itself led to the city attorney’s office conducting a study of hate crimes in Seattle, which led to a whole big project. I [also] remember writing about a campaign in Tacoma and learning that the campaign manager actually couldn’t vote and reporting on that, and I think that did impact the outcome of the election.
“I was so honored that my work has impacted people in such important ways. Often when we write these articles, we don’t really know the impact immediately, but it’s kind of fun to look back on what happened as a result of the work you did.”
She also remembers watching, and writing about, history in the making: Seattle’s first civil unions, and later, the first legal marriages between same-sex couples.
“It’s a memory I hold very dear to my heart,” Raketty said.
This past year
In her first year as publisher, Raketty has made bold moves. She launched Gay sports coverage and hired a dedicated sports reporter. She’s sent reporters to cover protests, not just in Seattle but around the country.
“We actually had a reporter in New York covering a protest in Bryant Park,” Raketty said.
She’s working to grow the outlet’s social media presence and traffic, and with reporters to develop “thought-provoking, investigative pieces.”
Being bold in the publishing business is risky, Raketty said. “We’ve invested a lot of money into making these changes, and it’s kind of a crap shoot.”
But with a dedicated staff, the paper’s 51-year-history, and her own two decades of experience, she believes they’re well on their way to making the paper relevant for the next 51 years.
Her first year hasn’t all been rainbows and Queer joy, however.
Raketty took the reins in July 2024, and by November, Donald Trump had been reelected. In January, he was inaugurated, and from day one, flooded the zone with anti-immigrant and antiLGBTQ+ policies.
Governor Bob Ferguson greets Renee Raketty after she helped to raise the Progress Pride Flag at the WA state Capitol building in Olympia, WA, on June 4, 2025. Photo by Ian Couch (Digital Media Manager for Gov. Bob Ferguson)
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell presents a proclamation to SGN Publisher. Renee Raketty on June 27, 2024, declaring it Seattle Gay News Day in the City of Seattle. Photo by Nate Gowdy
“I was so surprised by the level of brutality right out of the gate from this administration,” Raketty said. “I was expecting a slower rollout of anti-LGBTQ policies, but nope. The first day, they got to it.”
Quickly, the Trump administration impacted not just the community served by the SGN but Raketty herself: as a Trans woman, she struggled to get a passport that reflected her identity.
Federal policy has cast a shadow on the second half of her first year as publisher, but Raketty feels the responsibility of her role, and she’s meeting the moment.
“ I feel like I’m the right person at the right time for this paper,” Raketty said. “I’ve been there at so many integral [points for] our community, and I’ve seen the progress firsthand. I’ve seen the efforts that went into making that progress happen, the people behind the scenes, and the hard work it involves. I have firsthand knowledge of who we are and why we should be proud of who we are and why we should fight to keep who we are.”
Raketty views the SGN’s responsibility not as a neutral observer but as a community connector and mobilizer.
“With the Trump administration basically seeking to erase LGBTQ people from public life and legal existence, I think it’s more important now that the paper use its voice to speak up, talk back, and mobilize our community as it has done historically,” she said.
“ We’ve seen attempts to erase Trans people from history before,” she added. “We’ve seen attempts to erase, erase Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual people from history before. They were never successful. They will not be successful.
“But I have to be honest: painful times are ahead. I think all you can do is get outta bed every day and just go to work and continue to do the work you do, because it’s so important.
“We just can’t give up or give in when a new bully arrives on the horizon. It doesn’t matter if they’re at the helm of the federal government or they’re in your backyard. We need to stand up for each other, and fight back, and we need to be there for other minority
communities and their struggles as well.”
The future
Envisioning a future for the LGBTQ+ community and the SGN under some brutal federal policies has required bravery and creative thinking from Raketty, informed by the SGN’s past.
“ This year we’re sticking our heads out again by interviewing and endorsing candidates for public office,” she said. “This is a time where we gotta hold our elected leaders and policy makers to account and hold their feet to the fire when it comes to standing up for marginalized members of our community.”
She’s also made steps to rekindle connection and activism by reviving the SGN’s community calendar, both on the website and in a one-page print insert, and by building alliances with other minority communities, so as to stand strong in the face of the Trump administration.
And much of SGN’s future continues on the path set by her mentor Bakan and previous publishers.
“We’re trying to continue to use our journalistic integrity to report the news for our community, asking those tough questions that a lot of influencers wouldn’t ask of our leaders,” Raketty said.
The SGN is going to continue to call out misinformation perpetuated by the political right and politicians trying to score political points, make money, and stay in power by throwing Queer people under the bus.
“When I became publisher, we changed the [motto] of our paper to ‘Pride over fear since 1974,’” Raketty said. “This paper has been the bulwark of resistance, organizing, and leadership for our community … I will do everything in my power to make sure that the rights those who came before me fought for will be maintained. We will come back from this momentary difficulty, and we’ll come back stronger.”
SGN can be found online at www.sgn.org
Renee Raketty, Nova Berger and Madison April Jones at the Stonewall Inn, New York, April 6, 2025. Photo courtesy SGN.
Mireya Garcia and Carly Henderson talk with Renee Raketty on Q13 Seattle, July 17, 2025. Photo by M.K. Scott.
Seattle’s award-winning drag and gender queer performer Aleksa Manila with Renee Raketty at PrideFest Seattle Center on Sunday, June 29th, 2025. Photo courtesy Aleksa Manila
