STONEWALL
Ryan Oelrich Seeks Spokane City Council Seat
“Hetero Aweseom Fest” in Boise, Idaho was a BIG FLOP
LGBTQ+ Equality Weekly National Headlines
Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s 90th Season
7 Revealing Findings and Analysis of American LGBTQ Bars
ERIN SELLERS
PERCY LAIRD
RYAN OELRICH
DAVID CAPOCCI
AMY PEDERSEN
FRANK GAIMARI
FABRICE HOUDART
CARMEN NOGUER
TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
MATT CYPHERT
KERRY SHATZER
SPOKANE PRIDE
SEQUIM PRIDE
LESLIE VAN DAMME
CANYON COUNTY PRIDE
JOVON VAUGHN
JASMIN RITCHIE PHOTOGRAPHY
LIZ DYER
ALICE BLOCH
DAN O’CONNOR
TORY LYSIK
UNCLOSETED MEDIA
DANA CLARK
“The
Egyptian room 2007” Watercolor and ink on paper.
“The background watercolor is a scrap piece that my late grandmother tested color on and the ink images are a visual from a night at the dyke bar. My grandmother taught me how to look at things from as many angles as possible, and I try to represent her art with mine. “
The Egyptian Room (2007): Linework and Lineage in the Art of Amy Pedersen
by Percy Laird
Pedersen (she/her) is a lesbian artist living in Vancouver, Washington. Her work is grounded in drawing, individuality, and expression through form and flow. She draws bodies, skeletons, and marks that reflect how people make her feel—not how they appear.
“I like things without attributes,” Amy says. “That is what I remember about people—how they made me feel.”
turning it every few minutes, and then tracing what she saw. They regularly made art together, and her grandmother always encouraged her to follow her own instincts.
When Dorothea passed, Amy inherited her entire collection— scraps of paper, partially finished pieces, paints, brushes, and supplies. “It’s cool to bring her stuff in like this,” Amy says. “I get to keep putting her work out there even though she’s been gone for about 20 years.”
observational linework—two artists in conversation on the same page.
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Raised on an intergenerational farm in West Richland, Washington, Amy was surrounded by family and creativity. Her earliest artistic influence was her grandmother, Dorothea Pedersen, a watercolorist and fiercely independent spirit who encouraged experimentation and nonconformity.
“She went to Europe by herself. She went hang-gliding in her 80s,” Amy recalls. “I got that from her—‘I don’t have to be anything. I can be what I want to be.’”
As a child, Amy spent hours making art at her grandmother’s house, following creative exercises that emphasized freedom and perspective. One activity involved closing her eyes, making marks on the paper,
That inheritance is part of The Egyptian Room (2007), a piece Amy created using one of Dorothea’s watercolor test sheets as the background. The ink images layered on top are drawn from a night at The Egyptian Room, a now-closed Portland lesbian bar known for its karaoke nights and sense of community.
“It is watercolor and ink on paper,” Amy explains. “The background watercolor is a scrap piece that my late grandmother tested color on, and the ink images are a visual from a night at the dyke bar.”
The result is a layered collaboration across time. Her grandmother’s quiet process meets Amy’s bold,
Amy describes her practice simply: “I like to draw, but I am not an illustrator. I am a queer artist; I draw a lot of boobs and naked bodies. It is very uncomfortable to even think about drawing a race car.” Her work isn’t built for assignment, commission, or commercial approval—it comes from instinct, impulse, and what she wants to see on the page. For years, that made sharing her work feel like a mismatch. But recently, she’s noticed a shift—whether it’s her art becoming more accessible, or the world becoming more open to what she’s doing.
With encouragement from Jewels, her wife of eight years, Amy has begun sharing more of her work— making clothing, collaborating with queer writers, and contributing to creative projects. Her art appears in Sustenance: 50 Poems + One Love Story by Marie Timbreza, and her full website is launching in August 2025.
Instagram: @eemaart Website launching August 2025
Photo courtesy of Amy Pedersen
PRIDE GUIDE 2025
Pride events across the Pacific Northwest covering Washington, Oregon and Idaho
Updated
June 24
Pride events coming up in July, 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.
16. July 11-13, Sandpoint Pride [ID]
The Sandpoint Alliance For Equality (SAFE) is hosting their fifth annual Pride Festival in Sandpoint, Idaho, all weekend long, from June 11 to the 13. The event, which usually boasts around 2,000 community members, will feature live performances from singers, poets, drag queens and kings, dancers, and more, plus tabling from local businesses, nonprofits and advocacy organizations and family-friendly activities.
We talked to Anne Johnson, CoExecutive Director at Spectrum Center Spokane. Spectrum Center has tabled at Sandpoint Pride twice, and they “are very excited to be there for 2025,” Johnson said.
Because the festival takes place in such a rural part of Idaho, there have been safety concerns
in the past, but Johnson said the organizers worked closely with organizations like Western States Center and the organizations coming to participate to ensure the event is safe.
“It is such a wonderful community event. The organizers of Sandpoint Pride make a real effort to make sure that it’s safe, inclusive and that everybody can have a good time,” Johnson said. “That’s one of the things that stood out to us in our first year, is that they made sure that everybody, once they were there, felt safe. They put up barriers to block out the protestors. It was fun vibes.”
Johnson was struck by just how much joy they saw at the two Sandpoint Prides they’ve attended. There were plenty of locals there celebrating, but also people who came from even smaller towns across the Idaho panhandle. Multiple people told Johnson it was their very first pride celebration.
One moment that stood out
to Johnson from both of the Sandpoint Prides they attended: a drag artist who did Darth Vader themed performances. For Johnson, the Darth Vader drag was emblematic of the whole event: “It’s silly, it’s joyful and it’s all the best parts of community.”
35. July 12 -13, Bellingham Pride [WA]
Bellingham, Washington is planning to celebrate Pride the weekend of July 12 and 13.
On Saturday, July 12, the Pride Family Picnic will run from noon to 4 pm at the Boundary Bay Brewery Garden with food and beverages available for purchase, and vouchers available for community members who may not be able to afford food available by emailing Info@ PrideINBellingham. From 3 to 8 pm, there’s an all ages dance party hosted at -HUT- (alley entrance next to Boundary Bay’s Beer Garden) with live djs and drag artists.
Map of Pride Events - use with Stonewall’s Comprehensive Guide located online at: https://www.stonewallnews.net/articles/comprehensiveguide-to-our-regions-2025-rural-pnw-pride-events/23753/
PNW PRIDE GUIDE 2025
PRIDE - From Page 3
Then, on Sunday, July 13, the Pride IN Bellingham Parade will run from 11 am to 1 pm, with the route starting at Cornwall Ave & Maple St. and ending at the Pride Festival in Depot Market Square. The festival itself runs noon to 4 pm, and features artisans, community groups, nonprofits and businesses tabling to celebrate Pride.
17. July 19 Silver Valley Pride (Wallace) [ID]
Planning for the July 19 Silver Valley Pride is still underway, but we know they’re planning to host a community event at the Wallace City Pool. They’re still seeking food vendors, community organizations and artists to showcase their work for a Pride art walk. “Whether you paint, sculpt, recite poetry, sing or create something entirely unique,” Silver Valley Pride is looking for you!
36. July 19 Twin City Pride, Centralia [WA]
From 11 am to 3 pm at George Washington Park in Centralia, Washington, Twin City Pride will host their annual family-friendly celebration with lawn games, entertainment, vendors and a resource fair. More information here when available.
-- July 19 Puyallup Tribe Pride, Tacoma [WA]
From 2 pm to 6 pm at 2031 East 32nd St in Tacoma, Washington join the Puyallup Tribe Pride 2025.
37. July 19 - 20, Portland Pride [OR]
For nearly two full days, Portland Pride is going to be running at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. It runs from noon to 8 pm on Saturday, July 19. Then, on Sunday, July 20, the Pride Parade begins at 11 and the Pride festival at the park runs 11:30 am to 6 pm. It’s one of the largest Pride events on the West Coast and is free to attend, though there is a suggested $10 donation which goes to keeping the event and year round Pride celebrations running. If you want to exhibit, perform, sell homemade goods or food at the festival, registrations are still
open.
18. July 26 Lincoln County Pride, Libby [MT]
In 2022, Lincoln County Pride in Libby, Montana held their first Pride Festival, a small, family-friendly event with drag performances, speakers and even a dog fashion show. Three years later, the event has become bigger and more ambitious, but don’t worry; the dog fashion show is still very much included on the event schedule.
The all-ages Pride Festival runs from 9 am to 7 pm at Kootenai Heritage Memorial Center with vendors, a dj, live music, drag performers, aerial artists, comedy, a kid zone, carnival games and other activities. Then, at 8 pm, the space will transform to an 18+ drag show and food drive.
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 Dillon-Butler 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 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]
There is no event information available yet on Garland Pride, which happens in the Garland
Sequim Pride | Photo by Leslie Van Damme
District of Spokane, Washington, but we know that they’ll be hosting their neighborhood Pride celebration on August 16. We will update this section with more information when we have it.
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
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.
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
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 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 community-service 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.
Canyon County Pride | Photo courtesy of Canyon County Pride Facebookl page
The Magic Happened: Pacific County’s 4th Annual Rural Pride Celebration Exceeded Every Dream
Four years of turning hate into hope proved that small towns think bigger when they love louder
by Jovon
Whensomeone vandalized our pride flag and destroyed our garden pots in June 2024, they probably thought they’d scare us into silence. Instead, they accidentally created “The Gayest House in Raymond” and sparked what became our most incredible Pride celebration yet.
That was Pacific County Pride in a nutshell: we don’t just survive adversity; we bedazzle it and turn it into community magic.
After moving to Raymond in 2021, I joined co-founders Jeff Karnatz and Jessica Porter in 2022 to expand what became a fouryear grassroots phenomenon. Our mission to “Love the Hate Out of Raymond” grew into something extraordinary: a movement spanning two cities that proved rural pride doesn’t just survive but serves looks, beats, and soul with equal measure.
This year’s drag shows were hosted for the first time by The Ladi Vixxen, and featured drag in all its fabulous forms: the glamour of Roxxy Renee Ross, drag king perfection of Caesar Hart, Black ballroom queen Hot Pink Shade, high energy dance and acrobatics by Cannoli, and classic bearded realness of Vierra Lashay Escobar, all of which were celebrated with the humor and extravaganza of The Ladi Vixxen. These performances transformed our small-town venues into glittering temples where everyone left feeling ten feet tall and absolutely unstoppable.
It was the 4th year that DJ Mia Ohms brought the beats and the second year of her incredible Rainbow Lantern Project featuring the stories of regional LGBTQIA community members that reminded us why visibility and celebration matter so deeply.
Pacific County Voices Uniting continued with volunteerism and financial investment, proving that community building requires all hands on deck. Jasmin Ritchey and Amiran White captured all the beautiful events in photos, ensuring these memories will inspire future celebrations.
The numbers told our incredible story: our faithful first sponsors Inatai Foundation, CHOICE Health, and Crisis Support Network believed in us since 2022, and were joined by over 75 donations from local businesses and community members who made this year our most supported yet. But the real magic happened watching families who drove hours to see drag performances that left everyone screaming with joy, or witnessing 82-year-old Doug cheering loudest for his newly-out grandson. This year we had an attendance of over 850 visitors, even with the rains in Long Beach!
Pride Pacific County wasn’t Seattle or Portland, but we proved we were something better. We showed that love grows everywhere, especially in logging towns where flannel met feathers and everyone
went home feeling fabulous. Our celebration happened where ancient Douglas firs provided natural confetti and the Willapa River reflected rainbow flags like nature intended.
We learned that rural accessibility meant scheduling around fishing seasons, partnering with affirming churches, and understanding that when your nearest Starbucks is an hour away, community becomes everything. Our programming reflected this: quilting circles where PFLAG parents collaborated with drag performers, youth spoken word about growing up queer in logging towns, and volunteer firefighters who rocked rainbow suspenders.
This year, Pride was more vital than ever. In times when our rights and visibility face increasing challenges, Pacific County stood as proof that love wins loudest in unexpected places. Every person who showed up made our message of hope stronger, and honey, did they ever show up in force!
The celebration may be over, but the work continues with hearts fuller than a drag queen’s wig
Finale of Pacific County Pride at the Raymond Theater | Photo by Carmen Noguer aka DJ Mia Ohms
Vaughn, Chief Coordinator, Pacific County Pride
collection. Next year’s planning committee is already preparing to carry on the tradition of bringing this magical celebration to our community. Mark your calendars now: June 20th, 2026 in Long Beach at Veterans Field, and June 21st, 2026 in Raymond at Riverfront Park and the Raymond Theatre.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me to help bring this celebration to Pacific County. Thank you for showing up, for believing that small towns can think big, and for proving that love really does grow everywhere, especially when watered with sequins and community spirit. You didn’t just attend our Pride celebration; you became part of a movement that will echo through these mossy woods for generations to come.
Pacific County chose hope over hate four years ago, and we’re still BOLDLY GAY, BOLDLY RURAL, and BOLDLY UNSTOPPABLE. Visit pacificcountypride.com to stay up to date and find ways to participate as next year’s event planning is already underway. Follow our year-round journey at facebook. com/PacificCountyPride.
The magic lives on, and honestly? We’re just getting started.
Jovon and husband Glen close their chapter in Raymond
Jovon Vaughn, a familiar face in Raymond, Washington, recently embarked on an exciting new adventure. In June 2025, Jovon concluded several dedicated years of service to his community. He stepped down from his role as a Raymond City Councilmember, resigned from the board of the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, and finished his tenure as Executive Director of the Willapa Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Jovon also stepped down as the Chief Coordinator of the Willapa Harbor Festival organization. Now, Jovon, his husband Glen, and their two dogs are excited to make their new home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This move will allow Jovon to focus primarily on operating his company, Profile Elite, and actively contributing to the vibrant and expanding community of Puerto Vallarta.
Pacific County Pride | Photos by Jasmin Ritchie Photography, https://www.facebook.com/jasminritcheynikonforlife/
Zack Zappone Seeks Re-Election: A Vision for Spokane’s Future
“As a teacher, I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and the same approach applies to my role as a council member. I start by building personal relationships to foster understanding between us as individuals. I firmly believe that much of the conflict arises from a lack of communication and familiarity with one another, which can lead to othering, prejudice, and negative assumptions..” --Zack
by Frank Gaimari
Zack Zappone, a proud Spokane native and current District 3 representative on the Spokane City Council, is seeking re-election to further his efforts in shaping the city’s future. Born into a working-class, union family, Zappone’s upbringing instilled in him the values of perseverance, fairness, and a deep connection to his hometown. Today, he draws upon those principles to guide his work as a public servant, fighting for the needs of Spokane’s families.
Zappone’s story begins in Spokane, where he graduated from North Central High School. Raised in a family with a legacy of hard work, he developed a profound appreciation for Spokane’s character and its people. His early experiences working at McDonald’s helped fund his dreams, and securing a full-ride scholarship paired with his academic achievements propelled him to Princeton University, where he earned a master’s degree in public policy and urban planning.
Rather than pursuing a conventional post-Ivy League
Zappone
route, Zappone chose to return home to Eastern Washington. He began a teaching career in Kennewick Public Schools, sharing his passion for education as an English and history teacher. He later became a Fulbright Scholar, expanding his horizons internationally in Colombia before returning to Spokane to serve as both an advocate and an educator.
Now, while balancing the responsibilities of the City Council, Zappone continues to teach social studies part-time at his alma mater, North Central High School, serving as a mentor and role model to the next generation of Spokane leaders.
Zappone made history in 2021 as Spokane’s first openly queer person elected to city council.* This achievement symbolized a broader shift toward diversity and inclusivity in Spokane’s government. Representing District 3, which spans northwest Spokane and includes Browne’s Addition, Zappone focuses on policies that amplify the voices of working-
- To Page 28
ZAPPONE
Zack Zappone | Courtesy photo
For more infocation on the Eugene Family YMCA Q Camp, visit:
Ryan Oelrich Seeks Spokane City Council Seat, Calls for Community Support
“Many issues are vying for our attention. Creativity helps you stand out and capture attention amid all the noise. My recipe for successful communication and engagement is honesty, authenticity, humor, and humility.”
--Ryan Oelrich
by Frank Gaimari
Ryan Oelrich, a monthly columnist in this publication, and a well-known figure in Spokane, has thrown his hat into the ring to fill the vacant seat on the Spokane City Council. Known for his extensive community involvement and multifaceted personal and professional background, Oelrich’s candidacy offers a compelling narrative of service, creativity, and resilience.
His dedication to Spokane is evident in his role as executive director of Priority Spokane, a nonprofit organization addressing critical community challenges, including improving high school graduation rates and combating student homelessness. Through collaboration and strategic
leadership, Oelrich has worked to better the lives of Spokane’s residents. His commitment extends further through his past service as chair of the Spokane Homeless Coalition and as a member of the Spokane Regional Continuum of Care board, where he has focused on tackling homelessness through comprehensive, preventative strategies.
Beyond his work in advocacy, Oelrich is also known for his creative streak, which has left an indelible mark on the community. From intricate balloon sculptures to the whimsical “Spokane Hobbit House” he built into the side of his home; his artistic endeavors demonstrate his unique approach to community engagement. These projects are not merely for fun; they serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering joy and
An openly gay man, Oelrich embraces his role as a representative for marginalized communities, highlighting the progress Spokane has made in LGBTQ+ inclusion while acknowledging the work still to be done. He considers visibility and advocacy a privilege and strives to ensure that others feel empowered and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As the City Council deliberates its decision, Oelrich is actively seeking
the support of Spokane’s residents. He encourages community members to voice their opinions to the Council, emphasizing the importance of public participation in shaping the city’s future. His message is one of collaboration and inclusiveness, inviting citizens to join him in envisioning a better Spokane.
I had the opportunity to speak with Oelrich about his vision and goals for the Spokane City Council position. The questions below offer insight into the priorities he
OELRICH - To Page 26
Ryan Oelrich | Photo courtesy of LinkedIn connection, qualities Oelrich believes are essential in building a stronger, more united Spokane.
“Hetero Awesome Fest” in Boise, Idaho was a BIG FLOP
“To everyone celebrating Pride, keep showing up, keep dancing, keep telling your stories. And to the few determined to sit in empty parking lots proclaiming, “hetero awesomeness,” maybe next year try joining the celebration instead of protesting it. You might find there’s enough joy to go around.” --Liz
by Liz Dyer
Well … that went exactly how you’d expect.
The so-called “Hetero Awesome Fest” in Boise, Idaho - meant to “counter” Pride Month - flopped harder than a glitter-free balloon drop.
Despite big talk about “traditional family values,” the two-day event drew sparse crowds, lacked funding, and ended with its organizers begging for donations to cover over $18,000 in security costs for a crowd of fewer than 100 people.
Meanwhile, one true highlight did come out of this mess: Boise
Dyer
singer-songwriter Daniel Hamrick took the stage and in a legendary moment performed a pro-trans song before getting kicked out. Turns out love and truth always find a mic.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Pride isn’t about tearing anyone down - it’s about lifting people up. And no amount of poorly branded “festivals” or fear mongering can drown out the sound of LGBTQ+ joy, resilience, and community.
To those who tried to replace Pride with “Hetero Awesomeness” … We hope the silence was humbling.
This isn’t the first time antiLGBTQ+ groups have tried and failed to manufacture a “counter movement.” From Anita Bryant’s “Save Our Children” campaign in the 1970s to more recent efforts to declare entire months for “straight pride,” the strategy is always the same: create a spectacle that claims to defend families while ignoring that LGBTQ+ people are part of countless families, communities, and faith traditions. These attempts consistently reveal how little substance there is behind the slogans.
In Boise, the emptiness was visible in rows of vacant folding chairs and vendors with nobody to sell to. When you build an event solely around opposition and exclusion, you end up with exactly what they did - a lonely echo chamber. Meanwhile, Pride celebrations across the country drew millions of people united by solidarity, authenticity, and love.
If there’s one lesson here, it’s that you can’t rally people around resentment forever. Pride grew out of struggle and sacrifice with people risking their lives to say, “we will not be erased.” That spirit can’t be canceled by a half-
hearted festival trying to make queer existence look like a threat.
So, to everyone celebrating Pride, keep showing up, keep dancing, keep telling your stories. And to the few determined to sit in empty parking lots proclaiming “hetero awesomeness,” maybe next year try joining the celebration instead of protesting it. You might find there’s enough joy to go around.
is founder of Real Mama Bears, supporting and empowering families with LGBTQ+ members and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more at https://www. realmamabears.org
Liz Dyer
“Hetero Awesome Fest” 2025 via Instagram
Boise musician Daniel Hamrick crashed the Hetero Aweseome Fest wearing his Canyon County Pride T-shirt and playing his transgender song called “Boy” until being pulled offstage.
T h e N e w P r i d e D e s t i n a t i o n o f t h e P N W ! August 1 2 & 3rd st, nd
LGBTQ+ Equality
Weekly National Headlines
by Fabrice Houdart
US News
A New York Times Article Exacerbates Fractures
The New York Times Magazine feature, “How the Fight Over Trans Rights Reached the Supreme Court—and Lost,” published last week, is mandatory reading this week. Nicholas Confessore’s piece charts what he frames as a series of strategic missteps culminating in Skrmetti—the 6–3 Supreme Court ruling that upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The article triggered immediate backlash and exposed raw divisions within the LGBTQ+ advocacy world. One could argue that no trans people were quoted in the article, although a competing opinion piece by M Gessen ran simultaneously. Still, lawyers, activists, and medical experts quoted in the story began distancing themselves from the legal strategy behind the case, questioning whether taking it to the Roberts Court was an avoidable overreach. Confessore aired long-whispered concerns about inconsistent expert testimony, poor coordination among legal teams, and a failure to prepare the public for emotionally fraught debates. By the end of the day, progressive legal circles were ablaze with recriminations. For some, the piece captured a movement adrift, unable to course-correct; for others, it was a public airing of internal dissent that risked further fragmentation. And then there was this Strangio quote:
A penis is not a male body part. It’s just an unusual body part for a woman.
Another Sarah McBride Interview
I think we understand her position by now. Still, in The Ezra Klein Show interview below, Sarah McBride reiterated her views on the setbacks the trans rights movement has suffered—and her vision for rebuilding. McBride reflects on how the left’s embrace of rhetorical purity and absolutism has alienated imperfect allies and narrowed its coalition. “We’ve been shedding imperfect allies,” she warns, “and we’re going to
June 25, 2025
have a really morally pure club in the gulag. (a good quote, sure, but a little outlandish. It’s the vibe in the U.S. lately.) Arguing that the movement overreached—going to “Trans 301 when the public was still at Trans 101”—McBride calls for a return to the hard, unglamorous work of persuasion, rooted in empathy, storytelling, and what she terms a “politics of grace.”
And Now The Bathroom Selfies at Disney
Strangely enough, I this story is probably the most symptomatic of the U.S. movement’s perception problems this week - the “cultural war aggressor” vibe I decried on Sunday. Lilly Contino, a U.S.based transgender influencer with over 500,000 followers, has ignited fierce debate after posting viral TikTok videos in which she “rated” Disney World’s women’s bathrooms using mirror selfies— sometimes with unsuspecting park guests in the background. While Contino defends her right to public bathroom selfies as an act of everyday femininity, many trans women have publicly distanced themselves from the behavior, calling it “predatory” and “harmful.” Critics accuse her of “rage-baiting” for clicks, arguing such content reinforces transphobic stereotypes at a time when the community is under legislative and social siege. A Change.org petition urging her ban from TikTok and Disney World has surpassed half a million signatures, and trans creators including Jade Dugger and Amelia Majesty have issued video rebuttals. The Florida AG is allegedly investigating Contino.
Trans and Nonbinary Political Representation Soars
According to a new report from the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, transgender, nonbinary,
and gender-nonconforming representation in U.S. public office has surged 1,800% since 2017. The 2025 Out for America report shows over 1,330 LGBTQ+ elected officials, with trans and nonbinary officials making up a rapidly growing share. Yet the surge in representation coincides with a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and violent incidents, most targeting trans people. As Victory Institute CEO Evan Low said, these leaders are “the antidote to combat the antiequality virus in our halls of power.” Read more on Axios.
World Pride 2025: A Post Mortem
I am not the only one who has difficulties being cheerful. In The Atlantic, Emma Sarappo chronicles how WorldPride 2025, initially billed as a jubilant convergence of history and hope, became a metaphor for the unease gripping LGBTQ+ America. She mentions fear, dwindling turnout, and geopolitical anxieties. Despite landmark anniversaries—the 10th of Obergefell and the 50th of D.C. Pride—attendance was muted, and Gen Z, the queerest generation yet, is coming of age under threat rather than triumph. If even Elmo is getting called a groomer, their line of thinking goes, then being palatable doesn’t work: You might as well show up, as many did at WorldPride, in leather and drag.
Queering the Boardroom
Pride in the Boardroom: June 2025 Webinar Replay
Last week, the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors hosted a dynamic conversation with board leaders Kristin Frank, Nathan Richardson, and Adam Stanley. Moderated by yours truly, this candid webinar explored what
it means to lead authentically as LGBTQ+ board members, how identity shapes board culture, and the very real value queer professionals bring to corporate governance.
Canada’s LGBTQ+ Board Representation: Still Climbing, Cautiously
In a recent interview with the Institute of Corporate Directors, our friends at LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Canada, co-founders Mark Bonham and Jane Griffith, acknowledged that while LGBTQ+ visibility on Canadian corporate boards is improving, the pace remains frustratingly slow. A Rotman School study found only seven openly LGBTQ+ board members among 9,400 profiles from 2015 to 2022. Griffith emphasized the importance of visibility without tokenism, while Bonham noted that U.S. anti-DEI rhetoric is influencing Canadian boardrooms, but many companies are simply adapting the language of inclusion. The group continues to advocate for data, representation, and safety— not quotas—as the foundation for a truly equitable corporate landscape.
Gay Business
The “Blip Theory” vs. Reality
In this week’s interview with Fortune, GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis downplayed the idea that corporations are retreating from LGBTQ+ inclusion, arguing that DEI efforts are being rebranded and “threaded through” business practices. This theory is confronted by the harsh reality that more vulnerable and affluent LGBTQ+ nonprofits face: in the U.S., sponsorships dropped, storefronts stayed muted, and nonprofit partnerships quietly vanished. Ellis’s optimism recalls HRC’s “blip” theory—charming but potentially justifying complacency. I agree with Phluid Project’s Rob Smith, who this week urged “grace” for brands navigating backlash and economic uncertainty. But a chill has undeniably set in, and betting on long-term benefits while ignoring the present disengagement risks repeating mistakes. We need to organize our economic power urgently.
The End of the Rainbow (Capitalism)
In a New York Times piece, former Out magazine editor Aaron NATIONAL - To Page 30
This article first published on Fabrice Houdart | A weekly newsletter on LGBTQ+ Equality. Please consider becoming a subscriber of his work at https://fabricehoudart.substack.com
Photo courtesy of Fabrice Houdart
Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s
90th season puts the “festive” back in “festival”
By Alice Bloch
A couple of years ago, it looked as though the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) might not make it. The combination of COVID19, wildfires, the withdrawal of a promised large donation, and the resignation of an embattled artistic director might well have been more than the venerable theater company could survive.
I’m happy to report that OSF has rebounded from that crisis. Under the leadership of current artistic director Tim Bond, the 90th season is strong and well supported. Most of the seven performances I attended were sold out, and the productions are back to prepandemic levels of excellence.
The town of Ashland has also come back to life. For the first time in several years, I saw no boarded-up windows in the downtown shopping district. Restaurants and other businesses seemed to be thriving, and the expanded OSF gift shop was full of patrons.
A spirited No Kings Day protest brought out hundreds of residents and visitors, even though most had traveled to the larger protest in Medford. The atmosphere was festive: in spite of the stress of current events, the people of Ashland still know how to celebrate.
Fittingly, two of the Shakespeare plays and all of the more modern plays now in repertory at OSF focus on the healing influence of friendship and community in difficult times.
As You Like It
Thomas Theatre through October 24
This beautiful, inventive production confirmed As You Like It as my favorite Shakespeare comedy. The main character, Rosalind (played with winning enthusiasm by Nell Geisslinger), is a headstrong young woman who doesn’t mind cross-dressing when necessary. Her close friendship with her cousin Celia (Kat Peña, in a lovely performance) makes them more like sisters — or even partners. What’s not to like?
Lisa Peterson’s expert direction keeps the action going at a pace that never flags. The comedy is set in two basic locations: the severe world of the Court and the fun-loving world of the Arden Forest, where banished nobles and their servants take refuge. Scenic designer Tanya Orellana and costume designer An-lin Dauber created appropriately severe, monochromatic sets and costumes for the Court, and a brightly colored, 1960s-style environment for the forest enclave. The hippie costumes are absolutely fabulous — whoever did all that crocheting deserves a raise.
Those hippies love to play guitar and sing too. Composer and music director Paul James Prendergast did a great job of creating the sounds of 1960s folk rock, and choreographer Sunny Min-Sook Hitt helped the cast move with the music.
Cast members all performed admirably. David Anthony Lewis as the fool Touchstone, Sheila Tousey as the poet Jacques, Al Espinosa as the banished Duke Senior, Mark Murphey as the aged servant Adam, and Alexander Quiñones as Rosalind’s love Orlando gave particularly memorable performances. Amy Lizardo as the shepherd Phoebe proved to have an impressive singing voice as well as acting chops.
Into the Woods
Allen Elizabethan Theatre through October 11
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s most renowned musical has by now become a familiar classic. In 2014, OSF mounted a splendid production, now revived with many of the same cast members.
To pull the audience into the fairytale world of the play, director and conductor Amanda Dehnert has the actors begin by wearing street clothes and mingling with the audience. Gradually they move to the stage and reappear in costume. The device works well.
The play begins and ends with characters saying “I wish.” In the first act, characters’ wishes are fulfilled, with the promise that all will live happily ever after. The second act turns dark, and by the end, the few survivors form a community to keep each other safe and connected. GLBTQ+ audience members, knowing that the play was written in the mid1980s, can surely identify with the sudden, unpredictable losses of loved ones and the importance of community, expressed in the song “No One Is Alone.”
The cast and musicians did a superb job of navigating the complicated score. There wasn’t a weak link; all performed with confidence and skill.
Miriam A. Laube, her charisma intact after several years away from Ashland, is still the perfect Witch, the character who always tells the truth and gets to sing several of the best songs. Royer Bockus is terrific as her daughter Rapunzel. Other standout performers include Eddie Lopez as Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf, Rhea Bradley as Little Red Riding Hood, Kjerstine Rose Anderson as the Baker’s Wife, Cedric Lamar as the Baker, Bebe Browning as Cinderella, Justin Huertas as Jack, and Kiki deLohr and Ellen Soraya Nikbakht as Cinderella’s evil stepsisters. These last two are simply a hoot.
SHAKESPEARE - To Page 22
This story first published on the SGN, www.sgn.org
Allen Elizabethan Theatre, OSF
By Dan O’Connor and Tory Lysik
This story was reported by Uncloseted Media, an LGBTQ focused investigative news outlet. Please consider supporting their important work: Donate to Uncloseted Media at: https://www.unclosetedmedia.com/
7 Revealing Findings from a First-of-Its-Kind Map and Analysis of American LGBTQ Bars
Some Americans have to travel 500 miles to the nearest gay bar. Others can access a dozen within a 15-minute walk.
Nightlife has long been a tool for queer communities in America to find each other, celebrate identity and feel accepted. In rural and urban areas alike, gay bars provide an enlightening—if imperfect—window into understanding the health and culture of America’s LGBTQ population.
As anti-trans legislation and threats to marriage equality mount, many queer Americans are flocking to shield states with greater legal protections. For some, finding the nearest gay bar serves as a first step to finding community in their new homes.
In a first-of-its-kind analysis, Uncloseted Media mapped every single LGBTQ nightlife location in the U.S. The data is based on a 2023 census of gay bars and clubs by sociologist and Oberlin College professor Greggor Mattson and was updated in 2025 by Columbia Journalism School graduate students Dan O’Connor and Tory Lysik¹.
The findings reveal unexpected trends that inform us about the state of the American gay bar and—more broadly–queer culture in the U.S. Here they are:
1. There are gay bars in every state except Wyoming and North Dakota
LGBTQ bars and clubs by state Data as of May 2025
Unsurprisingly, states with large cities tend to have the most LGBTQ nightlife. California takes the top spot with 128 gay bars and Texas comes in at a distant second with 67.
New York is third, with 61 bars, followed closely by Florida’s 59 bars. Illinois rounds out the top five with 40 bars.
Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, New Mexico and Vermont have just one gay bar. Wyoming and North Dakota have none. For someone in northwestern North Dakota, it would take over 7 hours of driving across roughly 500 miles to reach Club David, the nearest gay bar in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If they have a passport handy and are short on time, they could make the four-hour trek north of the border to Q Nightclub and Lounge in Regina, Saskatchewan.
For Wyoming, advocates say the state’s conservative values are not the main reason there’s no gay bar. Quite simply, “Demand is limited in a state of half a million people spread out over almost 100,000 square miles,” Sara Burlingame, who serves as Wyoming Equality’s executive director, told Uncloseted Media.
Despite this, she says there are still options. Bars in Laramie, the state’s main college town, host occasional drag nights and other queer-focused events. Other people leave the state entirely, flocking to Salt Lake City or Denver.
“For generations, if you were LGBTQ and you didn’t want the struggle of the legislature fighting over whether you should have rights or not, or churches preaching against you, or someone who was raised to believe that they should be violent towards you … You graduated high school, and then you got the hell out of dodge,” says Burlingame. And when queer people leave, demand for gay nightlife declines further.
2. When you control LGBTQ nightlife per capita, different results emerge
LGBTQ bars per one million residents
While California has the most gay bars, Delaware, DC, and Rhode Island have the greatest number of bars for their populations. Utah, Kansas, New Jersey and New Mexico have the fewest.
using 2024 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
D.C. has the most gay bars per capita, with 13 bars serving a population of slightly more than 1 million residents.
Delaware comes in second, with roughly 700,000 residents and six bars, four of which are in the resort town of Rehoboth Beach, a popular gay travel destination.
Hawaii, with 5.53 gay bars per million residents, comes in third. The islands blend the classic gay bar with Indigenous Polynesian motifs. Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand is one of the state’s eight gay bars and has served locals and tourists alike for over 50 years.
Rhode Island comes in fourth with 5.39 gay bars per million people, and Louisiana rounds out the top five.
In addition to Wyoming and North Dakota, there are six states with fewer than one gay bar per million people. Alabama, with 5 gay bars, has just
Map: Dan O’Connor and Tory Lysik | Source: Greggor Mttson | Created with Datawrapper
Calculatd
Map: Dan O’Connor and Tory Lysik | Source: Greggor Mttson | Created with Datawrapper
0.97 bars per million people. New Jersey, just outside two of the country’s largest queer nightlife hubs in New York City and Philadelphia, has just 0.53 bars per million residents. And Kansas comes in last place with just 0.34 gay bars per million residents.
3. Most bars are in urban areas, but don’t count out rural queers
LGBTQ bars by county
Source: Greggor Mttson | Created with Datawrapper
Mapping the bars by county shows a concentration around the largest cities. Los Angeles County, New York County (Manhattan) and Cook County (Chicago) stand out. But so do counties with smaller cities, including Columbus, El Paso and Salt Lake.
266 of the country’s 750 gay bars were in the 20 most populous counties. That means roughly 35.5% of the nation’s gay bars exist in an area with just 18.5% of the U.S. population.
The map reveals that there are large swathes of the Mountain West that lack any dedicated spaces for gay nightlife. Stathis Yeros, a historian and designer who has traveled the country researching queer spaces, says rural LGBTQ folks are used to this and are willing to drive long distances to visit a queer watering hole.
“What I have found in the places I visited is that [the] separation between urban and rural doesn’t quite exist in a big part of the U.S.,” he says. “You can go to an event in Atlanta, and you can go back to your house in the outskirts of Birmingham.”
4. In big cities, neighborhood bars struggle to compete with gayborhood bars
Most of the 45 NYC gay bars are concentrated in a few neighborhoods Hell’s Kitchen, the West Village, Williamsburg and Harlem are hotspots while the Bronx and Staten Island have no gay nightlife spots.
Even in areas famous for their nightlife, access to queer spaces can be uneven. Only three of New York City’s five boroughs have a single queer bar.
Manhattan, with its storied gayborhoods like the West Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen and Harlem, is home to 36 gay bars. In Hell’s Kitchen, a 15-minute walk with only small detours away from 9th Avenue could bring you past 10 gay bars.
Brooklyn is home to five gay bars, and Queens has four, but the Bronx and Staten Island have zero. When the Bronx lost its last gay bar in 2023, its owner told the Bronx Times, “It’s just difficult when you’re up against Manhattan.”
The Manhattan pull may explain New Jersey’s small gay bar scene. The state has two gay bars in Jersey City, one in suburban Bergen County and two on the shore.
Similar patterns can be seen in Chicago and Los Angeles, with nearly all of Chicago’s gay bars in the city’s Northeast, while Southern California has clusters in West Hollywood, Long Beach and Palm Springs.
“Gay bars have been concentrating,” says Greggor Mattson, the sociologist whose team first collected the census data on gay bars nationwide. “Think about the possibilities of barhopping versus going to a single bar.”
5. Blue states tend to have more gay bars, but the correlation is not strong
States that voted blue in 2024 have more gay bars per person
But the correlation is weaker than you may expect, hover over each dot to find your state
Chart: Dan O’Connor and Tory Lysik | Source: UC Santa Barbara and Greggor Mattson | Created with Datawrapper
While an imperfect measure of a state’s political leaning, there is a moderate correlation between Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential vote share and the number of gay bars. D.C., where Harris got just over 90% of the vote, has the most gay bars for its population. And she earned the smallest vote share in bar-less Wyoming.
But the data also reveals several hotspots in conservative states. Ohio, which voted 55% for Trump in 2024 and swung red, has 33 gay bars and beet red Louisiana has 22 bars, mostly around New Orleans.
That suggests little impact of party politics on gay bars, even though 86% of LGBTQ voters cast their ballot for Harris, according to one exit poll.
6. Lesbian bars and POC-focused queer bars are harder to find
Lesbian bars across the country
Data as of May 2025
Source: Greggor Mattson | Created with Datawrapper
GAY BARS - To Page 29
Map: Dan O’Connor and Tory Lysik | Source: Greggor Mttson | Created with Datawrapper
Thoughts from the
Hobbit House
“I Want to Understand”: Dinner with an ICE Agent Who Never Came
“I want to believe people are good. I want to believe that broken systems can be mended by those working inside them. I want to understand what would compel someone to sign off on ripping lives apart without warning—lives of people who followed every rule we gave them..”
by Ryan Oelrich
Iwas supposed to have a drink with an ICE agent.
His wife had arranged it—she said it was important that I, and others like me, understood. She said her husband was a good man, doing a hard job for the sake of the country, and she wanted me to understand. She said they didn’t want any trouble. That he wasn’t one of the bad ones. That he’d
explain everything, and I’d like him.
She told me he had a gay cousin.
I wanted to understand. I still do.
This couple isn’t anonymous to me. She once worked at a nonprofit with a friend of mine. They attend a church where I know the pastor. Our lives nearly overlap—just a few degrees of separation, really. That’s the thing about Spokane. With a little work and cleverness, we know these people.
He messaged. “Not all ICE agents are good people,” he wrote, “but a lot are trying to be.” He said he’d explain it all—“over a drink.”
“I want to understand,” I replied back.
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 their ongoing experience in working and living as out and proud members of their community in their guest ranch setting.
Out on
theRanch
Living the Message:
What I’ve Learned from Christians at the Ranch
“The work we’re doing, celebrated this Pride Month— living our values, holding our boundaries, reclaiming our spaces—is powerful. It’s not always easy, but it’s sacred. It’s what changes hearts and minds—not by force, but by example”
by David Capocci
Whenpeople first hear I’m critical of organized religion— especially Christianity—they sometimes assume that our guest ranch might not be welcoming to people of faith. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
The truth is, I care less about what God you pray to and more about how
you treat the people around you. If you bring kindness, curiosity, and compassion, then you’re welcome at my table. But if you show up to “save” me or anyone else with unsolicited sermons and dogma, then we’re going to have a different kind of conversation.
Over the years, I’ve had my fair
Ryan and his husband built a Hobbit House that’s become a regional attraction.
Photo courtesy of David Capocci
by Dana Clark
As queer and purpose-driven business owners, we’re told that visibility is the key to success. They say: show up everywhere, post often, be consistent, be authentic, show vulnerability…
But what if showing up starts to feel performative instead of like your authentic presence? What if visibility begins to feel like overexposure—or worse, a betrayal of yourself?
I coach a lot of small business
Dining Out - Queer Food
by Terri Schlichenmeyer
You thought a long time about who sits where.
Compatibility is key for a good dinner party, so place cards were the first consideration; you have at least one left-hander on your guest list, and you figured his comfort into your seating chart. You want the conversation to flow, which is music to your ears. And you did a good job but, as you’ll see with these two great books on dining LGBTQIA-style, it’s sometimes not who sits where, but whose recipes were used...
When you first pick up “What is Queer Food?” by John Birdsall, you might miss the subtitle: “How We Served a Revolution.” It’s that second part that’s what’s important.
Starting with a basic gay and lesbian history of America, Birdsall shows how influential and (in)famous twentieth-century queer folk set aside the cruelty
Out and Success Without Performance: Building trust without betraying yourself
inBusiness
and discrimination they received, in order to live their lives. They couldn’t speak about those things, he says, but they “sat down together” and they ate.
That suggested “a queer common purpose,” says Birdsall. “This is how who we are, dahling, This is how we feed our own. This is how we stay alive.”
Readers who love to cook, bake or entertain, collect cookbooks, or use a fork will want this book. Its stories are nicely served, they’re addicting, and they may send you in search of cookbooks you didn’t know existed.
Sometimes, though, you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen, you want someone else to bring the grub. “Dining Out” by Erik Piepenburg is an often-nostalgic, lively look at LGBTQIA-friendly places to grab a meal – both now and in the past.
In his introduction, Piepenburg admits that he’s a journalist, “not
“I coach a lot of small business owners and self-employed folks who are values-driven, creative, and deeply committed to doing work that matters. Many of them are queer or otherwise moving through the world with identities that don’t always fit neatly into a professional box. They want their businesses to feel honest, in integrity, aligned. But when it comes to marketing, they get stuck”
owners and self-employed folks who are values-driven, creative, and deeply committed to doing work that matters. Many of them are queer or otherwise moving through the world with identities that don’t always fit neatly into a professional box. They want
c.2025, Grand Central |
a historian or an academic,” which colors this book, but not negatively. Indeed, his journeys to “gay restaurants” – even his generous and wide-ranging definitions of the term – happily influence how he presents his narrative about eateries and other establishments that have fed
their businesses to feel honest, in integrity, aligned. But when it comes to marketing, they get stuck.
They say things like: “I don’t want to perform my OUT & IN BUSINESS - To Page 24
BOOKS
c.2025,
protesters, nourished budding romances, and offered audacious inclusion.
Here, there are modern tales of drag lunches and lesbian-friendly automats that offered “cheap
QUEER FOOD - To Page 30
“Dining Out: First Dates, Defiant Nights, and Last Call Disco Fries at America’s Gay Restaurants” by Erik Piepenburg
$30.00 | 352 pages
“What is Queer Food? How We Served a Revolution” by John Birdsall
W.W. Norton | $29.99 | 304 pages
Elle/Elle: A Story of Love, Identity, and Courage
“I wanted to tell my story in an intimate way that hadn’t been done before, but I was also completely petrified. However, I like to commit to a story fully—I honor authenticity, go all in, and, if it’s not scary, is it even worth it? A project needs to feel like a seemingly insurmountable challenge to be truly interesting and, ultimately, move the audience.”
- la georgea
by Frank Gaimari
Premiered on June 12, 2025, elle/elle is far more than just a short film. Directed by Kelley Kali and written by Shonnie Jackson, the 19-minute narrative brings to life a powerful and nuanced story rooted in truth, offering an uncompromising portrayal of self-discovery, resilience, and the complexities of love.
At the heart of elle/elle is elle, portrayed by the luminous la georgea, navigating the deeply personal terrain of coming out as a trans woman to her gay husband, Fritz, played by Dan Bucatinsky. The story is an intimate reflection of la georgea’s own life, lending the film a raw authenticity rarely seen in LGBTQ+ storytelling.
The plot revolves around a pivotal evening. A dinner party meant to be a social gathering becomes a crucible of emotions instead. The couple unravels as the room fills with buried fears, truths, and pressing challenges. Fritz grapples with the unexpected recalibration of his identity as elle courageously reclaims her own, culminating in a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
With the guidance of Kelley Kali, whose direction captures the emotional highs and lows with precision, and the skillful writing of Shonnie Jackson, elle/elle achieves a perfect marriage of authenticity and artistry. la georgea’s performance is nothing short of a tour de force. She channels both vulnerability and strength into her role, balancing elle’s pain, hope, and unwavering determination with palpable sincerity. Dan Bucatinsky’s layered performance as Fritz highlights the complexity of navigating change when love and
identity collide, while L’lerrét Jazelle’s supporting role adds depth to the tangled web of relationships.
elle/elle stands out not only for its gripping narrative but for its significant contribution to the broader conversation around gender and identity. Coming at a time when authentic representation in film is both crucial and overdue, it brings attention to the unspoken struggles within trans and queer communities.
The narrative boldly ventures into the intersectionality of gender and sexuality within a marriage, addressing the often-overlooked challenges faced by individuals and couples as identities shift and evolve. This story isn’t just about the trials of love and selfdiscovery but also about visibility, acceptance, and the sheer courage it takes to be authentic in a world that often demands conformity.
After viewing the film, I had the privilege of interviewing la georgea to explore the story behind its creation. Below is a carefully curated selection of our conversation, featuring the most insightful questions and answers.
Frank Gaimari: elle/elle draws inspiration from your comingout story. What motivated you to share such a personal experience?
la georgea: It was actually my director, Kelley Kali, whom I consider my sister. A few months after I came out as a trans woman, she had the wonderful but very daring idea to reintroduce me to the world as an actress, in my true gender. Until then, I had only
ELLE/ELLE- To page 27
Hot Milk: A Foreign Film That Redefines Intimacy
by Frank Gaimari
Hot Milk is the kind of film that lingers long after it ends— haunting, poetic, and deeply resonant, like a memory that defies full explanation. Its enigmatic title conjures images of warmth and comfort yet hints at something unstable, on the verge of curdling. It’s both soothing and unsettling, serving as a perfect metaphor for a story that delves into complex terrains of relationships, intimacy, and selfdiscovery.
At its core is Sophie, portrayed with raw vulnerability by Emma Mackey. She embodies a young woman adrift—fragile yet fiercely yearning—whose tether to her mysterious, ailing mother, Rose, played with haunting nuance by Fiona Shaw, becomes the crux of the narrative. Their journey to a secluded clinic on the Spanish coast is more than a quest for answers about Rose’s ambiguous illness; it’s a journey into the depths of dependence, control, and the unspoken pain that binds them. Their relationship crackles with subtle tension, a delicate dance of dominance and dependence that keeps you captivated.
The story takes a compelling turn when Sophie encounters Ingrid, played with magnetic energy and authenticity by Vicky Krieps. Their chemistry is immediate and electric, both tender and fierce. Through Ingrid, Sophie begins to
shed the oppressive weight of her mother’s needs, awakening to her desires and the possibility of selfliberation. Their relationship isn’t just a love story; it’s a catalyst for transformation, challenging the invisible forces that have shaped Sophie’s identity.
The cinematography bathes the Spanish coast in luminous, sun-drenched hues—idyllic yet oppressive—where light and shadow play tricks on the eye, echoing the film’s themes of illusion and revelation. Its deliberate pacing invites quiet reflection, urging viewers to sit with the silences, unspoken words, and stolen glances that carry profound meaning. There’s no rush here; instead, it’s a rare, artful storytelling that values mood and nuance as much as plot—a beautiful throwback to a bygone era of cinema where atmosphere reigned supreme.
Hot Milk is a profoundly moving film that resonates with emotional depth and quiet intensity. It invites viewers to slow down, absorb its intricacies, and fully immerse themselves in its evocative world. This is the rare kind of cinema that deserves to be experienced on the big screen, where its subtle beauty and haunting power can truly envelop you. Don’t miss the chance to witness this remarkable work of art by director Rebecca Lenkiewicz while it’s still in theaters.
REGIONAL - Continued
SHAKESPEARE - From Page 15
If you are planning a visit to Ashland this year, don’t miss this spectacular production. It’s not likely to be repeated any time soon.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Angus Bowmer Theatre through October 25
OSF gives Oscar Wilde’s last and most popular play a thoroughly enjoyable production. This delightful, witty drawing-room comedy features some of the funniest lines ever written for theater and some of the funniest bits of physical comedy too. Although the play’s characters are not Gay, the humor certainly is.
Director Desdemona Chiang has set the play in 1895 British Malaya rather than in England. This unusual choice works well by emphasizing cultural and class differences. The sets designed by Se Hyun Oh and costumes designed by Melissa Torchia are gorgeous and period-perfect.
The main character and Wilde stand-in, Algernon Moncrieff, is a “dandy,” a seemingly straight man who dresses in fancy, flowing clothes and tosses witticisms about. Hao Feng has a field day with the role, arching his eyebrows and making fun of himself and everyone else.
Julian Remulla is excellent as Algernon’s humorless and therefore hilarious friend John Worthing. As Gwendolen Fairfax, John’s love interest, Kiki deLohr is fantastically pretentious. Longtime OSF regular Linda Alpert is excellent as Gwendolen’s snooty mother. Thilini Dissanayake plays Algernon’s love interest Cecily as a breath of fresh air, with admirable candor and an odd sense of humor. OSF veteran Rex Young makes the most of the tiny role of Lane, Algernon’s butler. He got some of the biggest laughs of the evening.
I found the scenes portraying the friendship between the two young men and the enemiesbecoming-friends relationship between the two young women to be as satisfying as the scenes of courtship. Wilde clearly valued friendship at least as much as
romantic love, and humor above all.
Jitney
Angus Bowmer Theatre through July 20
Jitney is the eighth play of August Wilson’s 10-play Pittsburgh Cycle — set in each decade of the 20th century — to be produced at OSF. In addition, the 2024 season included a one-man show, How I Learned What I Learned, about Wilson’s life, and the 2026 season will include a ninth Pittsburgh play, King Hedley II. Artistic Director Tim Bond has been intimately connected with Wilson’s work and has directed a number of these plays at OSF, including this year’s superb production of Jitney.
One look at the stage is enough to establish Jitney firmly in the 1970s. The set, designed by Scott Bradley, shows the shabby headquarters of Becker’s Car Service. A smudged window indicates that this space was once a meat market. A sign on the wall lists Becker’s rules, and a chalkboard shows how many rides each driver has given that day. The furniture is earth-toned and ragged.
This production represents one of the best examples of ensemble acting I’ve ever witnessed. Wilson’s gift for dialog is unequaled, and these actors do it justice. James A. Williams, who plays Becker, has probably acted in more productions of Wilson’s plays than anyone, and it shows.
Kevin Kenerly, a longtime OSF regular, is outstanding as the meddling character Turnbo.
Tyrone Wilson, another OSF veteran, excels as the alcoholic but likable Fielding. Aldo Billingslea as the wise Doub and Chris Butler as Becker’s estranged son Booster couldn’t be better.
Jitney shows how people who work together become a kind of family, annoying each other but being there in a pinch. The play contains violence and sadness but ends on a hopeful note.
Fat Ham
Thomas Theatre through June 27
James Ijames’s Fat Ham played
last year at Seattle Rep. I gave it a rave review then and am giving it another one now. I’d be hardpressed to say which production I prefer.
Fat Ham is a brilliant comedic reinterpretation of Hamlet, seen through the lens of Queer Black joy. As Juicy, the Queer character who represents Hamlet, Marshall W. Mabry IV gave a great performance. His melodious speaking voice still rings in my ears, as does his moving rendition of Radiohead’s song “Creep.”
Christian Denzel Bufford gave a sensitive portrayal of Juicy’s friend Larry, who has become a Marine to please his mother (played well by Shaunyce Omar) and is afraid to be as Gay as he feels. As Juicy’s perpetually stoned friend Tio and his spitfire Lesbian friend Opal, Davied Morales and Saran Evelyn Bakari were just plain fun.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Allen Elizabethan Theatre through October 12
This production convinced me that even a good production can’t save a bad play. Yes, I’ve said it: Shakespeare wrote a bad play. The current OSF production is the best I’ve ever seen, but it’s still a bad play.
As we exited the theater, my companion said, “My favorite thing was the dog.” The dog was a puppet, with no lines. That said it all.
Director Terry McMahon gets credit for trying to liven up this not very funny comedy (hence the dog). Daniel T. Parker did a good job as Falstaff, and Amy Kim Waschke and Royer Bockus had great chemistry as the merry wives. The focus on their friendship almost saved the play.
Teri Brown as Widow Quickly showed off a marvelous singing voice, and Tim Getman as a Welsh parson made the Corgi puppet he carried around expressive and lovable.
Two items of interest to us Queers, in addition to the chemistry between the merry wives: the character of Fenton is Nonbinary, and Dr. Caius accepts a man as his spouse at the end of
the play.
Julius Caesar
Angus Bowmer Theatre through October 26
It pains me to write that I was disappointed with this all-woman Julius Caesar, coproduced with Seattle’s Upstart Crow Collective and directed by Rosa Joshi. I wanted to love it but found it lackluster and unconvincing.
Kate Hurster, who has excelled in other OSF productions, seemed uncomfortable in the role of Brutus, the main character. Brutus is an introvert who overanalyzes, and Hurster didn’t seem to know how to convey that personality type.
Caro Zeller gave a strong performance as Cassius, as did Jessika D. Williams as Mark Antony. The always excellent Sheila Tousey did an amazing job in all three of her roles.
One advantage of the all-woman cast is that it draws attention to the many lines in which women are insulted. Faint praise, I guess.
Coming up next: Quixote Nuevo and Shane
Octavio Solis’s Quixote Nuevo is a modern, musical version of the Don Quixote story. The Quixote character is a man with dementia, whose fantasies are presented onstage. Papa Calaca (Father Death) and his band of skeletons try to get Quixote to remember and atone for his failings and thereby be redeemed. Quixote Nuevo will open on July 9 in the Thomas Theatre, under the direction of Lisa Portes.
Shane, Karen Zacarias’s Western about Black cowboys, Mexican farmers, and Indigenous nations in the 19th century, will open on July 31 in the Angus Bowmer Theatre, under the direction of Blake Robison.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www. osfashland.org.
COLUMNISTS - Continued
HOBBIT HOUSE - From Page 18
He shared that he had to support his family. He said he’d heard I knew someone who’d been previously taken. He said that was unfortunate but that, “sometimes things are messy.” Some people are being taken “just in case… for safety.”
He assured me he’d help me understand.
But then he didn’t show up. I sat at the restaurant alone. One drink, one empty chair.
And I very much do not understand.
Two days later, two young men—Cesar Perez and Joswar Rodriguez—were taken into ICE custody in Spokane. Not dragged off the street. Not found in a raid. They were detained at their routine ICE check-in. They had entered the U.S. legally after qualifying for asylum. Both had work visas. Both had sponsors— one a former Spokane City Council President, a Democrat. The other was in the process of securing a former County Commissioner, a Republican.
OUT & IN BUSUSINESS - From Page 19
queerness just to prove I’m safe.”
“I feel like I’m supposed to be inspiring all the time.”
“I want to attract business—but I don’t want to overshare just to get attention.”
I get it.
That tension between creating content that allows others to see you vs. consume you is real. Especially when the loudest advice out there sounds like “just be authentic,” but no one explains how to do that in a way that actually feels safe or sustainable.
Here’s the thing I come back to again and again: Visibility doesn’t have to mean performance.
And marketing doesn’t have to mean pretending.
At its best, your presence online can be an extension of your values, your care, your unique way of working. It can be an act of offering or an invitation—not a sales pitch.
So how do you build trust and
They had court dates scheduled for October.
They followed the rules.
They were not given notice. No time to call their employers. No chance to hug friends or pack belongings. Just vanished into a system that keeps few receipts and offers even fewer explanations.
Alvarez’s sponsor put out a desperate call on social media. That’s how I found out.
I’d just left a board meeting, and, as I walked toward the ICE building, I texted my husband:
“I’m going to the protest.”
I looked up from my phone. There he was, my husband—already standing there, just about to text me the same thing. We joined hundreds of others- teachers, social workers, lawyers, reporters, senior citizens, children- all trying to understand while taking a stand.
We both knew where we needed to be. We’d both watched a beloved neighbor disappear into this system just two months ago.
grow your business without burning out on visibility?
Start by shifting the question. Instead of: “How do I get more people to notice me?”
Try: “How can I help my ideal market feel less alone?”
That change alone can reshape everything.
You’re no longer trying to be louder than the noise—you’re just reaching for the ones who are already listening for you.
You’re not performing your identity—you’re being in relationship with yourself and your ideal audience.
Sometimes that looks like telling a quiet truth in a caption. Sometimes it’s sharing a voice note that hasn’t been polished. Sometimes it’s giving yourself permission to show up in the moment, not on a schedule.
You don’t need to post every day. You don’t need perfect branding. You don’t need to twist yourself into a pretzel to turn your entire lived experience into useful content.
What you do need is consistency, not constancy—a way of showing
A man also here legally on a work visa. He was taken while pumping gas before work. His fiancée, a local schoolteacher, was shattered.
So we stood together outside the ICE facility, facing a tall metal fence. Behind it, masked agents in dark sunglasses glared at us— unmoved by our pleas.
I stared back, wondering if one of them was the man I was supposed to have a drink with. The “good” man. The one who said, “sometimes things are messy.”
The man who promised to help me understand.
The man who never showed up.
I want to believe people are good. I want to believe that broken systems can be mended by those working inside them. I want to understand what would compel someone to sign off on ripping lives apart without warning—lives of people who followed every rule we gave them.
But understanding requires honesty. It requires presence. And dinner. And drinks. And conversations that don’t disappear
up that reflects how you actually move through the world. A way of being visible that doesn’t flatten or fragment you.
That might mean fewer posts, but more honest ones.
It might mean writing like you talk.
It might mean giving people a tiny glimpse of how you think—what you notice, what you care about, what you’re learning—without wrapping it in a lesson.
You get to build trust without betraying yourself.
If you feel tender about being visible, that’s not a problem to fix—it’s a sign of care. Of integrity. Of wanting to do it right.
That tenderness deserves protection. It deserves a pace. And it deserves boundaries.
And you deserve a business filled with people who find you not because you played the algorithm right, but because they felt something real in your presence.
So no, you don’t need to perform to attract clients.
when they become uncomfortable. It requires courage.
I want to understand.
But for now, all I have is an empty chair and more questions than answers.
And two more names to remember: Cesar Perez and Joswar Rodriguez.
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.
You just need to keep showing up—gently, honestly, in a way that feels like you.
And maybe that’s more than enough.
Looking for gentle ways to show up online without the pressure to perform? Grab my free list of 25 content prompts made for purpose-driven, self-employed folks—designed to help you build connection without burning out: https://mailchi.mp/2ab73a2142ca/
been coaching since 2008 and is especially drawn to those navigating shifts in personal direction, business, or both. Learn more at loveyourlife.co.
Ryan
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
OUT
ON
THE RANCH
- From page 18
share of guests who arrive with a Bible in one hand and a mission in their heart—to tell me about their savior, ask if I’ve been saved, and assume that my queerness is something to be corrected. You can imagine how that goes over with me. As the saying goes, religion is like a penis. It’s fine to be proud of yours— but don’t whip it out in public.
But I’m also not here to demonize all Christians. In fact, some of my most heartfelt and healing conversations at the ranch have been with people who identify as devoutly religious. The difference is: they live their faith rather than perform it.
Take, for instance, the older couple who stayed in one of our yurts not long ago. They were sweet, talkative folks—he was a veteran, worked in Homeland Security, and let me know he’d voted for 47 three times. He was also a born-again Christian. Now, you might think we’d have nothing in common, but he shared openly, and I listened. Then I shared my experience as a gay man who lost his Army ROTC scholarship under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” I shared my upbringing as 1st Generation American with my immigrant grandparents and parents who came to the US from post-fascist Italy.
I shared my spiritual beliefs. We talked about what it means to truly be “welcoming” in a religious space, and how that often doesn’t match the lived experiences for LGBTQ folks like myself. We didn’t agree on everything. But we engaged. We heard each other. I could tell I had some sort of impact.
At the end of their stay? A 5-star review with promises to return. I don’t need see a cross—I need see character.
When I meet Christians who embody the actual teachings of their prophet —unconditional love, non-judgment,
and forgiveness—we’re speaking the same language, no matter the theological wrappings.
When someone asks me how to respond to a Christian who insists on proselytizing, I say this:
First, recognize what’s being revealed. When someone loudly professes their faith or tries to convert others, that’s not strength—it’s insecurity. A person secure in their beliefs doesn’t need to convince others of their merits.
If someone asks, “Have you accepted our savior into your heart?” They’re probably struggling with whether they’ve done so themselves. That’s the reveal.
Second, hold your boundaries with grace. If someone wants to debate your soul, you can simply reply, “I live my values. If yours are kindness and love, we are walking a similar path.”
Lastly, remember that you’re not here to prove anything. You don’t owe anyone an argument. You’re not less worthy because you don’t meet their religious criteria. Remember all that when scrolling through comments on Pride posts. They can all be summed up as bots, trolls, or a character revealing their own insecurities. As Jinx Monsoon says, “water off a duck’s back.”
The work we’re doing, celebrated this Pride Month—living our values, holding our boundaries, reclaiming our spaces—is powerful. It’s not always easy, but it’s sacred. It’s what changes hearts and minds—not by force, but by example.
So, no—I don’t hate Christians. I just hold them to the same standard I hold everyone else. Live what you preach. And if love is at the center of your gospel, we’ll get along just fine.
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.
REGIONAL - Continued
champions and the perspectives that shape his candidacy.
OELRICH - From Page 11 ensuring that children receive support during their most formative years. A healthy and thriving community must begin with ensuring our children have a proper start. I’d look for opportunities to support efforts that accomplish this while on the Council.
Frank Gaimari: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Before we dive into the questions, is there anything you’d like to share?
Ryan Oelrich: My priority is to ensure everyone understands this opportunity to serve on the Spokane City Council. If a Council Member resigns or becomes unable to serve, the remaining members of the Council are responsible for appointing a replacement to fulfill the remainder of the term. This interim appointment lasts until voters elect a new member through a public vote. I have submitted my name as a candidate to fill the remainder of the District 2 Council term, ensuring that we represent our residents in District 2 adequately. The remaining term will last only three months.
FG: You actively engage in addressing homelessness and youth issues through your work with Priority Spokane and the Spokane Homeless Coalition. How do you plan to use this experience to implement meaningful policies on the City Council?
RO: The term would only be three months, which is precious little time to responsibly research, coordinate, communicate, and carry out potential new legislation. My focus would be on ensuring council members have access to accurate information and a diverse array of community experts on these issues. I’d draw on over a decade of research, site visits across the country, and work on homelessness and behavioral health issues in my decisions and work with the Council. I would persistently refute many of the tired and disproven tropes around homelessness that, unfortunately, keep making their way back into the conversation.
FG: You’ve mentioned being a troubled youth yourself. How has your journey shaped your approach to helping young people, and how will this influence your decisions as a council member?
RO: My personal experiences and recovery journey have given me a deeper understanding and empathy. They’ve also been a driving force in my life, ensuring that children are adequately protected, supported, and cared for. Over the past year, I’ve co-chaired the Spokane Early Learning Task Force and helped lead an effort to improve access to early learning in our region,
FG: Given your experience serving on the Spokane Regional Continuum of Care board, which specific strategies would you recommend to address homelessness in Spokane effectively?
RO: Affordable housing. It must start with ensuring that individuals have access to homes. I wouldn’t want to duplicate any of the many great efforts already underway to address homelessness. I believe we still need to address zoning and permitting for tiny homes, as well as modular and mobile homes. When I was on the Council last time, I was excited to vote in favor of changes to zoning and parking requirements that allowed for greater flexibility in the types of homes available.
FG: Your whimsical projects, like the Hobbit house and balloon art, have brought joy to the community. How do you see creativity playing a role in engaging Spokane residents in civic matters?
RO: Many issues are vying for our attention. Creativity helps you stand out and capture attention amid all the noise. My recipe for successful communication and engagement is honesty, authenticity, humor, and humility. Over the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead trauma response efforts with the Center for Trauma and Stress Education. I’ve facilitated training and programs for the military, flood victims in North Carolina and here in Washington State, law enforcement, medical personnel, teachers, and more. It has given me a deep appreciation for the various ways I need to communicate and engage with our diverse populations and residents in creative ways.
FG: Having been voted “Best Philanthropist” and recognized for your community work, what leadership qualities do you believe set you apart from other candidates?
RO: I don’t yet know who the other candidates are, so I can’t speak to what sets me apart from them. I hope a talented, experienced, and diverse group of individuals applies so that the Council will have a great pool to pick from. However, I believe my ability to listen (as I teach a class on active listening), prioritize, and ask effective
questions serves me well in this position. I’m also not afraid of conflict and appreciate that conflict is often necessary for growth. I’ve had experience making unpopular and difficult decisions, which is also helpful.
FG: As an openly gay man, how do you plan to advocate for inclusivity and representation for marginalized communities in Spokane?
RO: Advocacy for inclusivity and representation requires building trust and meaningful relationships, thoughtful planning, and sustained action. It requires listening first and being willing to have courageous conversations. I’d continue to use my voice and platform to spotlight or echo the many diverse and experienced voices we have in our community.
FG: What is your long-term vision for Spokane, and what are the top three priorities you would focus on if selected for the Council?
Fostering a stronger sense of identity is crucial for the Spokane community. Having spent several decades working in this city, I’ve observed that we often struggle with self-esteem as a community, which I believe is tied to a lack of a clear identity. Too often, we compare ourselves to cities like Seattle or Boise, leaving us feeling as though we don’t measure up. This mindset can prevent us from confidently uniting to solve problems and address challenges. However, Spokane has a rich history of coming together to achieve incredible things. I would focus on initiatives that celebrate our shared history and strengthen our community identity.
Improving coordination and collaboration is another priority. As a nonprofit professional, I’ve witnessed how a lack of coordination can worsen already complex problems. I’ve been a strong advocate for fostering cooperation and will continue to emphasize this while serving on the Council. By working together more effectively, we can address challenges in a way that creates meaningful and lasting solutions for Spokane.
Housing is a foundational issue that impacts many of the challenges Spokane faces. Ensuring that everyone has a place to call home is essential. Although we’ve made progress, we must continue to expand diverse housing options, such as co-housing and tiny homes. My husband and I embarked on our own tiny home journey a few years ago, which gave me valuable insight into these innovative
solutions. Spokane has a history of rising to the occasion, as evidenced by its success during the 1974 World’s Fair when it welcomed and housed millions of visitors. I believe we can once again come together to expand our housing stock and meet the community’s needs.
FG: How do you plan to work with other council members, especially those with differing viewpoints, to achieve common goals for the city?
RO: I’d continue to listen first, ask good questions, and do my best to be clear and concise in my responses. I enjoy healthy debate and the pursuit of the best solutions and truth that arise from rich dialogue. I would lean into this with my conversations with other council members.
FG: You’re seeking public support for your candidacy. What message would you like to convey to Spokane residents about why you’re the best choice for this position?
RO: As part of the appointment application process, it can be helpful to have individuals voice their support for you by contacting the current council members. I’d be honored and grateful to those who are willing to send an email to our current council members voicing their support. Having held the position before under similar circumstances, I’d be able to hit the ground running this time with a much better understanding of the role and requirements. I am also grateful to have a great team of individuals whom I can trust to provide sound advice and courageously tell me what I need to hear. The chief of that team is my husband. He’s been a rock-solid partner, advocate, and encourager— and most importantly—he holds me accountable and is never afraid to ask me tough questions. He pushes me to be better, which is also essential to this work.
Ryan Oelrich’s pursuit of a city council seat combines a diverse professional portfolio, a deep commitment to equity, and an original approach to leadership. His candidacy represents more than just a personal ambition; it’s a call for the Spokane community to come together, make their voices heard, and envision a city that thrives on inclusivity and innovation. For Oelrich, this is a shared effort, and now, more than ever, community involvement will shape the decisions ahead.
To support Ryan Oelrich, you can reach the Spokane City Council members at https:// my.spokanecity.org/citycouncil/members/
been known as a ‘male’ actor.
FG: How did revisiting such an intimate chapter of your life feel while acting it out on screen?
lg: It was terrifying, to be honest. Yes, I wanted to tell my story in an intimate way that hadn’t been done before, and I absolutely loved Kelley’s idea, but I was also completely petrified. However, I like to commit to a story fully—I honor authenticity, go all in, and, if it’s not scary, is it even worth it? A project needs to feel like a seemingly insurmountable challenge to be truly interesting and, ultimately, move the audience.
FG: Did the filming process reveal any new insights about your journey or feelings surrounding your coming out?
lg: It really didn’t. But it ultimately confirmed my deep commitment to finally living my full and honest truth. Oh, and it restored my trust in my acting abilities, which I wasn’t sure
would transition with me! The wonderful L’lerrét Jazelle helped me with that. In a way, I feel like I’m a more honest actor than I’ve ever been before. I no longer have to pretend to be a man.
FG: How involved were you in shaping the script and ensuring the authenticity of the story?
lg: I was 100 percent intimately involved from day one. It was meant to be my true story, so I was all in—no holds barred. Additionally, I was so grateful that the formidable Dan Bucatinsky brought so much truth and authenticity to my husband’s character with his brilliant acting and creative input.
FG: What was it like working with Kelley Kali and Shonnie Jackson to bring your story to life, and how did their vision align with your own?
lg: It was wonderful. The interview sessions with Shonnie were a marvel of pure selfdiscovery. Shonnie HEARD me as much as Kelley SAW me. To be so lovingly and caringly supported
July 2025 Queer Pride Puzzle
QUEERDOKU
© by Kerr y Shatzer
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
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 30.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/DiversionsPuzzles for more free puzzles and book info by Kerr y Shatzer!
by these magnificent artists, to be respected in this way as a woman by other women, and to be seen and heard with such deep consideration meant everything to me at that early stage of my transition journey. These two resplendent Black women are most certainly my staunchest allies.
FG: What message do you hope your story sends to other transgender individuals and their partners navigating similar journeys?
lg: First of all, as in my case, it is never too late! Never too late to come out, to finally live in your full and honest truth. Was it absolutely gut-wrenching and frightening to come out to my husband of so many years? Indeed, it was—but it was also absolutely necessary and ultimately unavoidable. Walk your path, find your truth, and live it in whatever way fits your own personal life.
FG: How has sharing your story in such a public way impacted you personally and
professionally?
lg: Personally, not really, but certainly professionally—things are truly starting to happen, as they say. The response has been absolutely overwhelming in the best way possible, and I am so deeply grateful.
elle/elle is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends its brief runtime, leaving a profound and lasting impact on its audience. With its heartfelt exploration of authenticity, love, and resilience, the film resonates on a deeply human level. This is more than just a movie—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this extraordinary work of art.
Director: Kelley Kali
Writer: Shonnie Jackson
Cast: la georgea, Dan Bucatinsky, L’lerrét Jazelle, Jack Turner
“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.
Download the printable July 2025 Queer Pride Puzzle here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nr5ttxh18nn5729jy16n4/ July-2025-Queer-Puzzle.pdf?rlkey=chi7ej6tbz1sldcw92 isaacp8&st=pwowa72a&dl=0
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
REGIONAL -
ZAPPONE - From Page 10
and middle-class communities.
His legislative priorities focus on key issues, including housing affordability, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. Zappone has been instrumental in advocating for housing density reforms to tackle Spokane’s housing shortage, including expanding options for “missing middle” housing throughout the city. He has also supported initiatives for fare-free public transit, emphasizing accessibility and economic mobility for residents. Additionally, he has championed Safe Street initiatives that enhance safety for all road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers.
A defining characteristic of Zappone’s leadership is his ability to build bridges and find common ground. He frequently works across political divisions, championing practical solutions to complex issues. For example, Zappone collaborated with conservative colleagues to reduce parking requirements along transit routes and to eliminate all parking minimum mandates citywide.
Zappone advocates public safety through a balanced approach. He supports citywide bans on encampments while also working to expand access to essential services, such as behavioral healthcare and affordable housing. This dual focus aims to address the root causes of these challenges. His pragmatic style ensures that Spokane’s policies are both compassionate and effective.
Over his first term, Zappone has secured funding for community health clinics within low-income schools, fostered investments in local business districts, and helped streamline processes to reduce blighted properties while encouraging development. His efforts reflect a focus on making Spokane a place where all residents can thrive.
As part of this article, I had the opportunity to talk with Zack Zappone to discuss his re-election campaign and vision for Spokane. Here are the questions I posed to Zappone, along with his responses.
Frank Gaimari: What inspired you to pursue a career in public service and run for Spokane
City Council?
Zack Zappone: Growing up in Spokane, I witnessed inequalities in our community, which became more apparent when I attended college on the East Coast. Many of my friends back home didn’t have the same opportunities as some of my peers in college. This realization motivated me to become a teacher and relocate to the Tri-Cities, where I could work with low-income students and provide them with opportunities to succeed. Despite their hard work, these students faced significant barriers, such as a lack of access to healthcare, unsafe neighborhoods, and a shortage of living-wage jobs.
I went on to graduate school for public policy and returned to Spokane right before the pandemic. During the pandemic, I stepped up to serve my community by volunteering with my dad to deliver over 100,000 meals with Spokane Food Fighters. I ultimately decided to run for Spokane City Council to continue advocating for working and middle-class families, ensuring they have a fair shot at success.
FG: How has your background as a teacher influenced your approach to policymaking?
ZZ: As a teacher, I witness the everyday impacts that policy decisions have on my students. For instance, during a council meeting where we will be discussing fluoride, a student might tell me they need to miss school the next day for a dental filling. Policymakers often become disconnected from the real-life effects their decisions have on people. In my classroom, I see those impacts firsthand every day.
I also facilitate many discussions and guide my students toward achieving communal goals. Similarly, as a policymaker, I strive to engage with stakeholders, have honest conversations, and work collaboratively to improve our policies for the benefit of everyone.
FG: What challenges did you face as the first openly queer candidate elected to Spokane’s city government, and how did you overcome them?
ZZ: My biggest challenge was personal. I came out as queer
just a year and a half before running for office, and I was still navigating my identity during my campaign. I had a conversation with my parents to let them know I’m queer in case it came up during the election. At that time, I didn’t feel completely confident in my queerness, and I hadn’t established strong connections with queer organizations and leaders in Spokane. I had moved back home right before the COVID-19 pandemic, which made me feel like I was going back into the closet.
Fortunately, Spokane has a strong and supportive queer community. I reached out to Dean Lynch, a former queer council member, as well as other community leaders for guidance. Since being elected, those relationships have only deepened. I meet regularly with our queer leaders, and we have collaborated on policies and city priorities to ensure that Spokane is a place where everyone belongs.
FG: How do you plan to balance the needs of working-class families with the city’s economic growth initiatives?
ZZ: We need to grow alongside our community members, not in isolation from them. Affordability is a challenge that affects everyone in our community, from working and middle-class families to small business owners and employees of large corporations. I have advocated for a tax code that requires the wealthy to pay their fair share. Although addressing an unfair federal and state tax code is challenging at the local level, I have championed a range of initiatives to foster growth and support working families. These efforts include targeted investments and the removal of unnecessary regulations, all aimed at creating a more equitable and prosperous community.
I have led efforts to reform housing and parking regulations, allowing for the construction of various types of housing throughout the city and reducing costly parking mandates that can increase construction costs by $20,000 to $30,000 per unit. I have also invested in school-based healthcare centers to ensure that children have access to healthcare and can quickly return to class. Furthermore, I have allocated millions towards affordable housing projects and supported incentive programs to encourage the development of more housing.
Additionally, I have advocated reduced-fare bus passes, enabling families to retain a greater portion of their earnings from each paycheck.
FG: Can you share your vision for improving public safety in Spokane while fostering community trust?
ZZ: Training and transparency are essential for building community trust in public safety. I successfully secured $1.4 million from the state to expand Spokane’s Law Enforcement Training Center, ensuring that every officer receives modern training in de-escalation and crisis response. We are also expanding the co-responder model, which teams behavioral health professionals with officers, and increasing foot and bike patrols so residents can become familiar with the people who protect them.
Additionally, I have supported the authority and independence of the Office of the Ombuds. Recently, an incident occurred involving the public and law enforcement at an ICE protest. I fully support an independent investigation to understand what happened, followed by discussions with organizers and law enforcement to learn from the experience and improve future demonstrations. This focus on training and transparency is vital for fostering community trust.
FG: How do you approach collaboration with colleagues who may have differing political views?
As a teacher, I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and the same approach applies to my role as a council member. I start by building personal relationships to foster understanding between us as individuals. I firmly believe that much of the conflict arises from a lack of communication and familiarity with one another, which can lead to othering, prejudice, and negative assumptions.
While we may not always agree with those who have different perspectives, engaging in difficult conversations and actively listening to one another allows us to understand each other better and address the issues that create conflict.
ZAPPONE - To Page 29
I then focus on finding common ground and shared goals so that we can collaborate effectively. For instance, I worked on parking reform with a council member and stakeholders with whom I have significant differences. However, because we all shared the common goal of increasing affordable housing, we were able to come together and make improvements in our community.
ZAPPONE - From Page 28 city motto: “In Spokane, We All Belong.” We not only painted our first Pride crosswalk, but we also transformed an entire intersection into a Pride flag. Unfortunately, an instance of vandalism highlighted a loophole in state law, which states that vandalism on public property is not considered a hate crime, but only on private property. I worked with state lawmakers to close this loophole, ensuring that they classify vandalism targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized communities on public property as a hate crime.
FG: What accomplishments during your time on the City Council are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the efforts I’ve led to help us embody our new
I’m also proud of our initiatives to remove housing barriers, which have made Spokane a national
Many bars continue to draw crowds of white gay men, while bars catering to people of color (POC), queer women and trans folks are rare.
“There are now individuals, increasingly, who identify as LGBTQ+ who don’t necessarily feel safe or empowered or that they are with others like themselves when they walk through the doors of a gay bar,” says Amin Ghaziani, an urban sexualities researcher at the University of British Columbia.
Mattson’s data found that while 66% of LGBTQ bars appear to cater to both men and women, 24% cater primarily to men.
Bars catering mostly to queer women are rare. Per 2025 numbers from the Lesbian Bar Project, there are 36 lesbian bars across the country—that’s just 4.8% of all queer bars. And per Mattson’s data, just 6.6% of queer bars catered to POC.
7. Bars are important—but there’s so much to queer culture
Those without a gay bar in town don’t necessarily need a watering hole to find community. Every August in Wyoming, over 500 queer people from across the Mountain West flock to Medicine Bow National Forest for “Rendezvous,” a five-day LGBTQ campout.
Burlingame of Wyoming Equality says the unique character of her state’s queer community sometimes surprises outsiders given its overlap with the area’s outdoorsy and gun-toting culture. “LGBTQ Wyomingites are still Wyomingites,” she says.
leader in housing reform and helped stabilize our housing market.
Finally, I take pride in the improvements I’ve championed for Safe Streets and access to public transit. The city has begun piloting enhanced bike lanes and pedestrian improvements, while Spokane Transit is implementing a low-income bus fare program. These efforts positively impact the lives of our residents every day.
Zack Zappone’s story is one of resilience, service, and dedication to the Spokane community. His leadership represents a high
level of what it means to serve a community, blending bold advocacy with practical solutions to forge a better future. With the upcoming election, Zappone remains committed to ensuring that Spokane grows equitably, offering opportunity and security for all its residents.
For more information, visit: https://zackzappone.com
*Dean Lynch, who was openly queer, was appointed, rather than elected to the city council in 2000, serving for approximately nine months before losing his election. In 2021, Kate Burke publicly came out as queer during the final three months of her term.
Queer communities across the country are shaped by politics, geography, distinct histories and circumstances, making nationwide generalizations impossible. Yeros, who has spent time researching queer spaces in the South, emphasizes that each community has its own story.
“What happens in Atlanta is not necessarily the same as what happen[s] in New Orleans,” he says. “It’s certainly not the same as what happens in San Francisco or New York or Chicago.”
The data was initially collected in 2023 by a team of researchers at Oberlin College led by Greggor Mattson. The team used Damron Guides, a historic gay travel guide, as well as online listings to create a census of gay nightlife spots nationwide. This data was analyzed for research on the character of gay bars and was published in June 2023.
To determine what counted as a gay bar, the researchers checked reviews and online listings. Those that appeared to be considered gay bars by the local community were also counted, according to Mattson.
The data, courtesy of Mattson, was then checked by data journalists Dan O’Connor and Tory Lysik and updated in early 2025. Bars that appeared to have closed since April 2023 were removed from the data. The data does not include bars that have opened in the past two years.
While this data aims to illustrate the state of LGBTQ nightlife nationwide, some errors are likely. Some bars may not be included if they were missed in the original coding process, removed erroneously, or opened recently.
Every August, hundreds flock to Wyoming Equality’s Rendezvous campout.
NATIONAL - Continued
NATIONAL - From Page 14
Hicklin charts the rise and sharp retreat of “rainbow capitalism”— corporate America’s onceenthusiastic embrace of LGBTQ+ identity during Pride Month. I am unsure I understood his point, but reading the quote below, I was reminded that it is high time we start building and gathering economic power. Someone reminded me at lunch yesterday that the success of the Target boycott cannot be attributed to our community but to the NAACP. With Mr. Trump back in office, the era of rainbow capitalism seems well and truly over. Corporations are, by their nature, opportunistic. They go where the money is.
The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Finance Forum Moves to Deutsche Bank
Initially slated for Mastercard’s NYC tech hub on October 9–10, the Global LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Finance Forum will now take place at Deutsche Bank in Columbus Circle. The forum is shaping up. Over two days, leaders from across finance, entrepreneurship, and policymaking will explore how to unlock capital for queer founders, launch new initiatives, and debate the future of LGBTIQ+ economic inclusion. From sessions on catalytic capital to an interview with Marty Chavez, we hope this is where the next chapter of inclusive finance begins. We are still looking for additional sponsors. More here.
Goats, Grit, and $150 Million: The Beekman 1802 Story
Oh, look, I found another uplifting story! When Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge lost their jobs
BOOKS - Continued
food” nearly a century ago. You’ll visit night clubs, hamburger joints, and a bath house that feeds customers on holidays. Stepping back, you’ll read about AIDS activism at gay-friendly establishments, and mostly-gay neighborhood watering holes. Go underground at a basement bar; keep tripping and meet proprietors, managers, customers and performers. Then take a peek into the future, as Piepenburg sees it.
The locales profiled in “Dining Out” may surprise you because of
during the 2008 recession, the gay couple turned to their upstate New York weekend farm—and 80 rescued goats—for a new start. A Google search for “what to make with goat milk” led to the launch of Beekman 1802, a goat milk skincare brand that now boasts over $150 million in sales. What began as a survival hustle— selling $80 of soap a day to cover the mortgage—grew through clever media use, cold calls to Fifth Avenue retailers, reality TV appearances (The Fabulous Beekman Boys, The Amazing Race), and a commitment to kindness as business strategy. Today, Beekman 1802 is a top brand on QVC and Ulta, and its founders continue to champion authenticity, innovation, and queer entrepreneurship.
Semi-cultural desk
JoJo Siwa’s Queer Chaos
I only know her name because I used to annoy my children by playing Boomerang when they misbehaved. JoJo Siwa, a former lesbian, has officially entered her fluid era—and some fans are not having it. The former glitterdrenched child star turned queer pop icon canceled her Pride performance at Chicago’s Back Lot Bash this week, allegedly due to “scheduling conflicts,” though the internet has other theories. After publicly dating women, Siwa recently soft-launched a romance with Celebrity Big Brother UK alum and extremely heterosexual man Chris Hughes. Siwa—now 22 and firmly identifying as queer—claimed she felt pressured into claiming the label lesbian back in 2021. By whom, I could not figure that out.
What to watch? Olympo
Netflix’s latest Spanish-language drama, Olympo, is setting social media ablaze—not for its storytelling. Set in a highperformance sports academy, the show delivers a parade of perfect bodies, steamy locker room hookups, and not-so-subtle critiques of doping culture, all wrapped in a thin plot. Critics have panned the series for being more spectacle than substance, but viewers can’t look away— especially from Roque, the openly gay rugby star whose sex scenes with closeted teammates have earned the show a cult queer following. If Elite and Pornhub had a child with Olympic aspirations, Olympo would be it.
Coming And Going
Austin Wolf Pleads Guilty in Child Exploitation Case
Once one of the gay porn industry’s most visible stars, Austin Wolf (legal name Justin Heath Smith) has pleaded guilty to federal charges of enticing a 15-year-old for sex. The bombshell plea came nearly a year after his 2024 arrest, and it carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Court documents allege Wolf used encrypted apps like Telegram to exchange CSAM, with authorities seizing over two dozen devices from his home. Read the full report at The Advocate
The Complicated Legacy of Eric Bauman
Eric Bauman, the first openly gay and Jewish chair of the California Democratic Party, has died at 66. A Bronx-born political operative
with a Bronx-style bluntness, Bauman was once hailed as the “Godfather” of California Democratic politics. Over nearly two decades, he turned the LA County Democratic Party into a powerhouse, spearheaded historic electoral wins, and pushed progressive causes, especially during the AIDS crisis. But Bauman’s career ended in disgrace in 2018 after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, including unwanted touching, harassment, and sexual assault involving staff and party members. The fallout was swift: Bauman resigned, the party paid over $1 million in settlements, and he vanished from public view, only re-emerging recently via a low-profile radio show. His death on June 16 at UCLA West Valley Medical Center, after a long illness, comes as California Democrats continue reckoning with issues of accountability and transparency.
Upper West Side Local Races
It happens to be my neighborhood. Openly gay State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal surged ahead in the Democratic primary for Manhattan Borough President with 48.9% of the vote. Edafe Okporo, a Black gay refugee and activist, made a strong showing in the District 7 City Council race with 25.1%. Though Okporo fell short, his candidacy marked a historic moment for LGBTQ+ refugees in U.S. politics, and both results underscore the growing visibility of queer leadership in New York City (see his message to voters here). Also, if you have an hour or so free today, please read M. Gessen’s reaction to Mamdani’s victory and explain it to me.
Answer Key to puzzle on on page 27.
QUEERDOKU ANSWER - Margaret Cho
where they can be found; some of the hot-spots practically beg for a road trip.
After reading this book, you’ll feel welcome at any of them. If these books don’t shed enough light on queer food, then head to your favorite bookstore or library and ask for help finding more. The booksellers and librarians there will put cookbooks and history books directly in your hands, and they’ll help you find more on the history and culture of the food you eat. Grab them and you’ll agree, they’re pretty tasty reads.
Stand-up comedian, actress and musician Margaret Cho was born in San Fransisco in 1968. Her early stand-up career helped inspire an ABC sitcom called All-American Girl but was canceled after one season. She went through a hard time after that but rebounded with new energy and
material, appearing in
specials, Bam Bam and Celeste, Fire Island, and many TV shows & voice-
comedy albums, and a bi burlesque artist too!
QUEER FOOD - From Page 19
