Front Cover art by Christopher Mathie: “Growing Pains”
48
x 48 inches, Acrylic & Mixed Media, 2012
“This painting was as part of a larger figurative show in 2012 at a gallery in Port Townsend called AOT (Artists on Taylor).
Intersex
ERIN
RYAN
SARA
The show was called Conversation Pieces and had both male and female nudes. The show caused quite a stir with people praying outside the gallery at the opening. Someone went to the city council to get the show closed. And Twitter closed my account over the images, which were not sexual, only nude.
The work was done at a time when I was trying to understand my own identity and cope with a super conservative, religious family. I learned a lot from doing the work and the gallerist had many important conversations as a result with people who came to the show.”
--Christopher Mathie
Christopher Mathie
Conversation Pieces: Christopher Mathie on Fear, Freedom, and Form
by Percy Laird
For Christopher Mathie, painting has always been a way of being fully alive. Since 1992, he has worked as a full-time artist, creating seascapes, abstracts, and explorations of the human form. His canvases are layered not only with color and texture, but with personal history—stories of queerness, courage, and self-discovery told through brushstrokes.
Mathie grew up in Blackfoot, Idaho, where art first came to him as play. He remembers asking his mom daily what he could make and rummaging through the kitchen drawer of supplies to build something new. That early spark turned into a lifelong pursuit, one that eventually
carried him far beyond his smalltown roots and into galleries across the country.
A Second Coming Out
For many years, Mathie’s paintings were “safe”—landscapes and seascapes that the art market welcomed. But in 2012, he shifted. With encouragement from Port Townsend gallery owner Anna Nassat, he began painting what he had long held back: full-frontal nudes and abstract, colorful depictions of the human body.
“This was a coming out for my art,” Mathie says. “I realized I didn’t have to hide. I could make whatever I wanted.”
The exhibition took place at Artists on Taylor (AOT) in Port Townsend, WA. Titled Conversation Pieces, it featured both male and female nudes. To highlight how far he had come, Mathie also included a selfportrait he had painted years earlier in college—a boy crouched with a shadow hovering behind his head. At the time, he thought the figure was a demon; now he recognizes it as fear lingering.
Some people prayed outside the gallery on opening night, and one
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Christopher Mathie, courtesy photo
A Sign of the Future: Kurt Schmierer Takes the Reins at Instant Sign Factory
Instant Sign Factory has stayed involved with LGBTQ+ business associations and Spokane Pride, and they run ads in the Stonewall News Northwest, in a return to tradition and a passion for Schmierer, who used to run an LGBTQ+ magazine of his own that interviewed big names like Cyndi Laupner and George Takei.
by
Kurt Schmierer has been in the sign business since he graduated high school in the 1980s — doing vector cut vinyl signs for a windshield repair company in Alaska. He bounced around for a decade, honing his skills in photography, then silk screen printing.
Ten years after he first worked for a sign shop, he found himself at Instant Sign Factory (ISF) in Spokane, the business that would first become his home, then his dream and finally, his.
When Schmierer started at ISF in the 1990s, it was under the ownership of founder David Nail. ISF, a full-service print shop, created signs, banners, vehicle wraps and more.
Nail, like Schmierer, was an out, gay man, and Schmierer said Nail was intentional about creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ employees and using his business to support the growing queer community in Spokane.
“ I’ve never worked for anybody that treated everybody great,” Schmierer said, of Nail. “ When I say great, nobody was ever mistreated no matter what your attitude was. He always tried to help out. He gave everybody a chance to learn and grow.”
Schmierer personally experienced Nail’s generosity. Though Schmierer loved working at ISF, he personally had a creative itch that wasn’t quite scratched there. He left for a while to do his own thing, managing Washington Photo and Digital, starting the Ink to Media gallery and creating art of his own.
Eventually, he came back to ISF, and started splitting his time between graphic design and sales there, and Spokane Art Supply, where he was helping them build their reprographics shop from the ground up.
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Erin Sellers
Kurt Schmierer, courtesy photo
Adam Cogswell works the Instant Sign Factory booth at Spokane’s Garland Pride on Aug 16, 2025
Instant Sign Factory building is located at 721 W 2nd Ave, Spokane WA
Pride The Tides: How Ocean Shores Pride brought color and connection to the coast
Pulling it off took a small but determined team: Dillon-Butler, co-chair Sarah Logan, member Connie Clifford, and volunteers Michelle Lomedico and Alex Molisani, who organized the Youth Wave Dance Party. Together, they packed the weekend with four main events that gave Ocean Shores a Pride unlike anything seen before.
by Percy Laird
From August 1–3, Ocean Shores — a small coastal city with just over 7,700 residents — turned into a destination for joy, visibility, and community. The second annual Ocean Shores Pride drew thousands for a weekend packed with drag, music, markets, and connection.
Organizer Brandon Dillon-Butler, who pulled together the inaugural event in 2024, explained the vision simply: “This was my love letter to Ocean Shores and the LGBTQIA+ community.”
A Town with a History of Reinvention
Long before Ocean Shores was a resort town, the Chinook, Chehalis, and Quinault tribes used the Point Brown Peninsula for trading and gathering, along with others now part of the Quinault Indian Nation. European explorers arrived in the late 1700s, and by the 1960s developers were pitching Ocean Shores as the “Palm Springs of the Pacific Northwest,” attracting Hollywood celebrities, golf tournaments, and waves of new visitors.
Pride, Dillon-Butler says, is the town’s next chapter — a way to reintroduce Ocean Shores, this time through inclusion.
Dillon-Butler sees the potential. He points to Provincetown, Massachusetts, and Fire Island,
Delyla Dalyte performs at Ocean Shores Pride Queens of the Sea Drag Show | Photo by Matt Cyphert
Diamond St James performs at Ocean Shores Pride Queens of the Sea Drag Show | Photo by Matt Cyphert
OCEAN SHORES- To Page 20
PRIDE GUIDE 2025
Pride events across the Pacific Northwest covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana
Pride events coming up in 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.
38. September 5-7, Palouse Pride [WA]
During the first weekend in September, Inland Oasis is hosting Palouse Pride ‘25. It kicks off with a drag and bingo night on Friday, September 5, where you can enjoy performances by local drag artists while playing bingo, location still to be determined.
On Saturday, September 6, the Pride celebration will kick off in Moscow, Idaho’s East City Park, running from noon to 4 pm. There will be live performances, local artists, crafts vendors, food, nonprofits and businesses who support Pride. The event is free, and all ages. One thing will look a little different — due to new Idaho laws, all folks in attendance will be required to wear a shirt. From 9 pm to 1 am at the 1912 Center, there will be a 16+ drag show, hosted by local performer TabiKat, featuring other local performers and special guests. Tickets are $12 presale or $15 at the door.
On Sunday, there’s an 18+ drag brunch at the Inland Oasis Center in Moscow, where you can join Pride organizers and local
performers for one last chance to celebrate Pride in the Palouse with great brunch and good vibes.
21. September 6-7, Boise Pride [ID]
Boise, which recently made headlines for the city’s decision to skirt new statewide flag laws and continue flying the Progress Pride Flag, is gearing up for their “biggest festival yet,” according to their website. Since celebrations aren’t scheduled until September, we don’t have much in the way of details, but we know you can still apply to be a vendor, host a booth or march in the Parade.
22. September 12-13, Grays Harbor County Pride [WA]
Grays Harbor County Pride is planning to host their 12th annual Pride Festival this year from 1 pm to 10 pm in Aberdeen, Washington. The theme is “Love Reigns” and the weekend begins with an all-ages, pay-what-youcan prom-themed kick-off party at Events on Emerson in Hoquiam. On Saturday, the official Pride festival starts at 1 pm at the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport. There will be free family-friendly activities, vendors, music and live entertainment. And at 7 pm,
Seattle drag king Ceaser Hart will host performers from all across the state for a free drag show. The event is still taking vendor, booth and sponsor registrations.
43. September 13, Lewis-Clark Valley Pride, Clarkston [WA]
Save the date for a full day of Pride celebrations in the Lewis-Clark Valley (LCV), with nonprofit Chroma LCV’s Celebrate Love festival in the LCV. From 1 pm to 8 pm in Clarkson’s Beachview Park, there will be vendors, live music, food trucks and positivity.
23. September, date tbdRepublic Pride [WA]
Republic, Washington has never had a Pride festival. This might be the year.
Crystal Strong has lived in Republic, Washington with her wife for over 20 years. Now, she’s part of a Pride group that formed recently in response to pushback from rightwing group the Changemakers, who protested a Pride flag hung in the Republic library, which resulted in the loss of state funding for the building. Strong said the loss of funding
Map of Pride Events - use Stonewall’s Comprehensive Pride Guide located online at: https://www.stonewallnews.net/articles/comprehensiveguide-to-our-regions-2025-rural-pnw-pride-events/23753/
PRIDE GUIDE - From Page 5
prompted some in the community to form organized resistance, starting with running candidates in local elections, like for the school board and the city council.
“We’re not going to stand for that anymore,” she said, of the Changemakers who have called queer people “pedophiles” and “groomers”. “I’ve lived in this town for almost 21 years. We were living our lives openly and not with a lot of fear. But the last five years there’s been a change in atmosphere … it’s been unfortunate. It was not like this before, but now I feel like we need a Pride group to stand up to some of this hateful rhetoric.”
The next step for Republic’s new Pride group might be a real Pride festival, Strong said. She’s hoping to work with Matthew Danielson, organizer of Spokane Pride, to get something on the books for September, though the date is still up in the air.
It’s a move not without risk, Strong said. Her group is currently considering walking in the Republic Prospectors Parade, which is the second week of June, but there’s been “some ugly threats of violence,” that have left their decision up in the air.
“There’s been a lot of talk on
some of the local Facebook pages about how they just need to round up all the queers and drag them through the street. The motto up here is shoot, shovel and shut up,” Strong said, referencing a rural slogan typically used to describe getting rid of unwanted animals.
“People are getting more brazen about what they’re willing to say openly in public chat spaces, and that’s making folks a little nervous to do public Pride participation.”
The Pride group has joined local protests, and there’s been a few close calls, like people making threats or swerving like they were going to hit the crowd, which has contributed to nervousness.
Still, it hasn’t stopped Strong from dreaming about Pride in Republic. She wants it to be communityservice oriented. If they get an official date on the calendar, Strong wants to see a huge attendance.
“ When we do decide to get the Pride thing together, we would want as many people to come from out of town as possible,” she said. “Come and have a summer vacation here, be out and proud and visible.”
We will update this story with official details if Republic decides to hold their first Pride.
Kat Bryant and BriAnn McClure Cooper tend to the Grays Harbor Pride booth at the Ocean Shores Pride August 2, 2025. Grays Harbor Pride is coming up September 12-13, 2025 at Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Aberdeen, WA.
Garland Pride Shows How Local Neighborhoods Can Sustain Pride Year-Round
Garland Pride showed what it means to sustain Pride beyond a single weekend in June. Built on volunteers, neighborhood businesses, and local partnerships, it reflects both the history and evolving character of the Garland District.
by Percy Laird
What began as a neighborhood experiment last year has already become one of Spokane’s most visible community celebrations. Garland Pride returned to the Garland Business District on August 16, growing from two stages to five, from a few hundred participants to more than 5,000 people. Over seventy vendors lined the streets, and the district became a hub of music, art, and celebration for the afternoon and evening.
A Pride That Belongs to the Neighborhood
The day began at 2 p.m. with a free showing of The Wizard of Oz at the historic Garland Theater. Later, the same story came alive outside, as the closed-off street filled with performers for a Wizard of Oz–themed drag show and costume contest that ran from 6 to 9 p.m. At midnight, the Garland Theater reopened for The Rocky Horror Picture Show, rounding out the celebration.
Stages across the district featured live bands, comedians, and drag performers throughout the evening. Businesses contributed with food and drink specials, and a Pridethemed bar crawl drew adults into neighborhood spots while families joined in outdoor activities.
Accessible, Free, and Community-Driven
Organizers emphasized accessibility at every level. Nonprofits were given booth space free of charge so they could bring resources directly to the community. The Spokane Two Spirit Society led beading workshops, kids lined up for face painting and henna, and a scavenger hunt invited attendees to find unicorns scattered across
the festival for a chance to enter a raffle.
“It was beautiful — the energy of the volunteers made it feel like a true community event,” said organizer Shelby Dirks. “We didn’t take away from anyone in the community. We created something free and accessible where everyone was welcome to enjoy and celebrate.”
The event also benefited from strong local support. Garland Pride received a $10,000 grant from the City of Spokane, along with contributions from Molina Healthcare and the North Hill Neighborhood Council.
Community Voices and Small Details
Garland Pride drew strength from both big numbers and small gestures. Selkirk, the neighborhood’s “Official Pride Cat,” became a lighthearted mascot on social media. Neighbor Linda Stephens summed up the event in a Facebook comment: “We all have a right to be ourselves and find joy!!” And for many, arriving was simple — Spokane Transit’s Bus 4 dropped attendees at the Garland Theater, right at the edge of the closed street where the festival began.
Sustaining Momentum Beyond June
In just its second year, Garland Pride showed what it means to sustain Pride beyond a single weekend in June. Built on volunteers, neighborhood businesses, and local partnerships, it reflects both the history and evolving character of the Garland District — from its vintage shops and 1950s diners to its public murals and live theater. Above all, Garland Pride demonstrated that with strong community support, Pride can remain free, accessible, and sustainable for years to come.
Photos by Electric Photoland
Intersex is realand so is nature’s diversity
“Sex differentiation lies on a continuum between male and female, and some people end up somewhere in the middle as “intersexual.” There may be as many as 137 million in the world in this category.”
by Nick Gier
One of Donald’s Trump’s first acts as president was to sign an executive order recognizing “two sexes, male and female. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.” Columnist Terrence Day tried to preempt this biological nonsense with a column entitled “Intersex is Real, just not Binary” in Moscow-Pullman Daily News in 2023.
137 million intersexuals in the world
Sex differentiation lies on a continuum between male and female, and some people end up somewhere in the middle as “intersexual.” There may be as many as 137 million in the world in this category.
That means, as Day calculates, there are “34,000 intersexual Idahoans, and every one of them deserves a place to relieve themselves.” They also have a right not to be sexually mutilated at birth to enforce a false binary standard. Transexuals choose surgery, but intersexual infants are operated on, sometimes with debilitating effects, without their consent.
been observed in male western gulls and black swans. Same-sex male black swans, which comprise 25% of mating pairs, will copulate with females but incubate their eggs after chasing them away (“Australian Wildlife Research” 8:135-46).
As a strong argument for “gay” parenting, one could cite the fact that black swan male parents have fledgling rates 50% higher than the male-female parents. It is not surprising then to learn that “children with gay, lesbian, transgender or other sexual minority parents fare as well as, or better than, children with parents of the opposite sex.”
Biologists George and Molly Hunt maintain a research project on California’s Santa Barbara Island. They were puzzled that 10% of the western gull nests they observed had six eggs rather than the usual two or three. What they discovered was that two females, after having mated with males, were not only nesting together, but they were also simulating the “cloaca to cloaca” copulation of the heterosexual gulls.
is a peccatum contra naturam — a “sin against nature.” In one brief before the Supreme Court 2008 case Lawrence v. Texas, animal sexuality was used to persuade the justices to strike down state laws against sodomy. As I always argued on this issue: heterosexuals, if surveys are to be believed, commit far more “unnatural” sex acts than homosexuals do.
Are black swans the devil’s brood?
A conservative Christian might argue that the fall of Adam and Eve corrupted all of creation. The Apostle Paul believed that original sin brought death to animals as well as human beings. But does animal mortality also mean corruption in all their behaviors?
In what follows, I want to go beyond the human realm to describe the incredible array of sexualities in the animal world. Some intersexual humans have both sex organs, and this “simultaneous” hermaphroditism is found in most land gastropods. It is also found in 370 fish species. Almost 70% of corals (they are, of course, animals) have both male and female sex organs.
Same-sex sexual acts in 1,500 species
Writing for “Nature Ecology and Evolution” (volume 3, issue 12), four biologists report that “samesex sexual behavior has been observed in over 1,500 animal species.” For example, 10% of male domestic sheep prefer their own sex exclusively, and 30% engage in same-sex sexual acts.
Calling some of these “homosexual” acts is a misnomer because many of these behaviors, such as a male animal mounting another, are socially dominant, not sexual. The men of Sodom engaged in, and top males in American prisons still perform, “power rape” not consensual sex.
Many same sex animal behaviors appear to be intimate and long term. Lifelong pair bonding has
The Hunts’ research was not initially accepted because the editors of an ornithology journal judged the results “incongruous.” After their paper was finally published, the Hunts were condemned because they were insinuating that “homosexuality was, in fact, natural.” As one writer reported: “Congress intervened, temporarily blocking the National Science Foundation budget because it had partially funded the Hunts’ research.”
Virgin births in nature
Certain Christians point to the natural world to support the concept of virgin birth, citing parthenogenesis in creatures such as aphids, lizards, sharks, snakes, fleas and spiders. However, scientists maintain that virgin births cannot occur in humans, noting that even if such reproduction were biologically feasible, producing a male offspring would be extremely improbable since women lack Y chromosomes. Consequently, the virgin birth of Jesus should be understood as a matter of religious belief rather than biological possibility.
This evidence of the wide range of sexualities in nature puts the lie to the Catholic Church’s declaration that homosexuality
When Paul states that we can look forward to the “redemption of our bodies,” does that mean that animals are redeemed for every deed they have done while embodied? Furthermore, does it mean that all bodies will be resurrected to the binary standard that Donald Trump has decreed? One medieval theologian, however, mused that the resurrected body would be that of a 30-year-old male without genitalia — in a word, a eunuch.
Conservative evangelical Carl Henry states that Satan is the “ontological ground of evil” and that “man’s rebellion has consequences for the entire cosmos; it implicates all creation.” Even widely respected Christian theologian Alvin Plantinga has proposed that Satan and his demons are the cause of “natural” evils. These include disease, floods, earthquakes and animal pain and suffering. But, again, does that mean that animals suffer because of their own actions?
The foregoing theories, however, are not the orthodox Christian view of animals. The Christian tradition has always considered animals to be innocent of sin. They have no control over their behavior because they have no “understanding” (Psalms 32:9). This must mean that they are in no need of God’s redemption.
Anthropologists have found gender fluidity in many cultures. North American indigenous people use the term “two spirits” to indicate Euro-American
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The legacy of Terence Stamp: Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
“The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert has withstood the test of time. Not only is it a key member of the Queer cinematic canon, it also remains a powerful testament to found families, gender and cultural diversity, and the universal importance of empathy, understanding, and love.”
By Sara Michelle Fetters. This article is re-published in collaboration with the SGN
Like many from my generation, my first encounter with Terence Stamp came in his brief appearance in 1978’s Superman as the powerful General Zod. In less than five minutes, he managed to terrify me right to the core. Each glare, each proud shrug of the shoulders, the way he would straighten an already vertical, iron-clad back when his name was mentioned, his thunderous assertions of dominance seconds before his imprisonment in the Phantom Zone — it was all amazing. No one will ever portray this character with as much intimidation, confidence, anger, and authority as he did.
As I got older, discovering Stamp’s chameleon-like genius in such a rich, tonally varied array of motion pictures was an obvious delight. From his Academy Award–nominated work in the emotionally gut-wrenching swashbuckler Billy Budd from 1962 to his single-minded, ferociously feral magnificence in 1999’s The Limey, there’s nothing he couldn’t do.
Comedy? Check him out in Bowfinger, also from 1999, where he stands toe-to-toe with Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy. Drama? His Sergeant Troy in 1967’s Far from the Madding Crowd is an eviscerating tour de force. Something esoteric or off the beaten path? From The Collector, Modesty Blaise, and Teorama in the 1960s to A Season in Hell and The Divine Nymph in the 1970s to The Hit, The Company of Wolves, and Link in the 1980s, he was up for every challenge.
Then came Stephan Elliott’s
Aussie cult comedy classic
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in 1994. Full disclosure: This was my second year at the University of Washington, and it was a disaster. I was falling apart, utterly unable to deal with my gender identity issues. I started cutting myself off from my friends and family. I also stopped studying. I flunked out of school.
I won’t say The Adventures of Priscilla changed my life, but it certainly helped me put things into a healthier perspective. The primary reason for that was Stamp’s spellbinding performance as fiftysomething drag queen Bernadette. I was flabbergasted.
Not because Stamp couldn’t do big, broad comedy or portray a proudly Queer character with such confident authenticity. It was more how he so effortlessly seemed to tap into something primal and intimate, and yet still so hauntingly universal. He helped me see my own life and where it was heading in a different light. While I didn’t make any immediate changes, Bernadette’s determination to be her true self and damn the outside world’s reactions convinced me to at least reach out for help. To find a therapist. To refocus on writing. To give the UW a second try.
This is the magic of cinema. It holds a mirror up to the world and shows you things in an unexpected light. It is also a perfect example of the mark a truly transcendent performance can leave on the cultural landscape. As great as Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce were in the film, Stamp’s Bernadette is the character we’re still talking about with hushed
reverence three decades later. Not only did she have the best lines (“Why don’t you just light your tampon and blow your box apart?” “That’s just what this country needs: a cock in a frock on a rock.” “I can only fight because I’ve learnt to. Being a man one day and a woman the next isn’t an easy thing to do.”), her journey is the one filled with the most pathos, pain, joy, and, most importantly, love.
Stamp continued to give incredible performances after this one, most recently as the Silver-Haired Gentleman in Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho. Personally, I’m particularly fond of his twinkly-eyed nimbleness in 2011’s The Adjustment Bureau and his determinedly tragic stoicism in 2008’s Valkyrie. But he’s great in everything, even the crummy stuff, and it’s no small thing to be able to bring one’s A
game even when the material is undeniably subpar.
But nothing Stamp did means as much to me as Bernadette. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert has withstood the test of time. Not only is it a key member of the Queer cinematic canon, it also remains a powerful testament to found families, gender and cultural diversity, and the universal importance of empathy, understanding, and love.
Stamp allowed Bernadette to powerfully give voice to the type of person we sadly do not hear from in as big, broad, and boisterous a way as we should. We need her now more than ever.
This is Terence Stamp’s legacy. This is what makes him and his giant catalog of remarkable performances immortal.
LGBTQ+ Equality
Weekly National Headlines
by Fabrice Houdart
US News
Trans Activists Linked to Texas ICE Shooting
The July 4th attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, has led to terrorism and attempted murder charges against 14 people, several connected to local trans and anti-fascist activism. Authorities allege the group fired dozens of rounds at officers after setting off fireworks and spray-painting staff vehicles, injuring one officer. Among those arrested is Autumn Hill, a transgender woman, and alleged ringleader Benjamin Song, a former Marine who reportedly trained leftist activists in firearms. Advocates caution that the incident risks fueling narratives equating trans identity and leftwing activism with extremism, despite data showing rightwing violence remains far more prevalent. Read more
The Andry José Hernández Romero Story
This story in The Advocate was a bit misleading, as the liberation of 32-year-old Venezuelan makeup artist and asylum seeker, Andry José Hernández Romero, was apparently the result of a prisoner exchange rather than the commotion in the US. In case you live under a rock, Romero was disappeared this spring under Trump’s revived use of the Alien Enemies Act — deported overnight to El Salvador and thrown into CECOT, the megaprison notorious for torture and abuse. ICE accused him of gang ties because of tiny tattoos that read “mom” and “dad.” After that, his lawyer went public, Rachel Maddow amplified the case, Crooked Media and GLAAD mobilized, protests erupted across Pride parades, and Democrats in Congress pressed for proof of life. After 125 days of abuse, Hernández Romero was freed in July in a shadowy prisoner swap.
There was no evidence. No hearing. No warning
Hillary Clinton Warns Supreme Court Will Overturn Marriage Equality
It’s my word against Hillary’s.
July 23, 2025
Hillary Clinton predicted the Supreme Court would eventually overturn same-sex marriage, sending the issue back to the states. Speaking on the Raging Moderates podcast, Clinton compared the situation to abortion rights: “It took 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court will hear a case about gay marriage. My prediction is they will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion.” She urged LGBTQ+ couples to consider marrying before potential federal protections are removed, estimating fewer than half of states would recognize same-sex marriage afterward. See in Gay Times.
Florida’s War on Crosswalks
Rainbow-painted crosswalks have long been a quiet gesture of LGBTQ+ visibility in cities across Florida—until now.
Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration have ordered Delray Beach and Key West to erase their Pride-themed street markings by September 3, or the state will do it for them (and send a bill). The move, backed by Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is framed as a traffic safety issue, though critics, including Truth Wins Out, call it what it is: a culture war flex cloaked in bureaucratic language. Other cities like Miami Beach and Orlando (home to a Pulse memorial crosswalk) have so far escaped such threats, but advocates warn it’s only a matter of time. One wonders: how fragile must your ideology be if it can’t handle a few stripes of color on the pavement? In The Advocate. As Truth Wins Out’s Wayne Besen puts it:
Rainbow crosswalks are not dangerous to drivers—what they’re dangerous to is the narrative that being gay is
something shameful.
Trump Administration Bans Trans Healthcare for Federal Workers
Erin Reed reports that the Trump administration has announced that starting in 2026, all federal employee health plans will be prohibited from covering gender-affirming care— including hormone therapy and surgeries—for both transgender adults and youth. Even more alarming, the Office of Personnel Management memo mandates that insurers must cover “faith-based counseling” for gender dysphoria, a move widely understood as legitimizing conversion therapy. Affecting more than 10 million federal employees and their families, this rollback marks one of the largest attacks on transgender healthcare in U.S. history. Legal experts argue the policy blatantly violates Title VII, the Affordable Care Act, and constitutional protections—but with a conservative judiciary, the administration seems confident. “Choose your livelihood or choose your identity,” writes Erin Reed. “But you can no longer have both.” Full story in Erin in the Morning.
Study:
Majority of LGBTQ+ Americans Under 50 Want Marriage
A Pew Research Center study found 59% of LGBTQ+ adults under 50 who have never been married want to get married, compared to 63% of nonLGBTQ+ individuals. I am on the fence: mostly because I’d rather not argue about which series we watch at night.. Gay Times
D.C. Bar Owners Report Business Collapse Under Trump Crackdown
LGBTQ+ bar owners in
Washington, D.C. report sales have collapsed by up to 75% following President Trump’s federal law enforcement crackdown. Owners of Crush Dance Bar, Pitchers, and Bunker say the heavy federal presence and immigration sweeps have created “customer flight” and economic crisis in the nation’s most LGBTQ+ city. Staff are now required to carry passports and legal documents when walking the streets. The Advocate
Queering the Boardroom
Board Networking Opportunities Abound This Fall
If you are an LGBTQ+ Senior Professional looking for a board seat, the Fall is the right time to leave your comfort zone. First, September 1819 is the DDI Boardroom Summit in DC. Our friends at 50/50 Women On Boards are also having their Annual Summit on September 18 in NYC. The Private Directors Association is hosting its PRISM Conference from October 7 to 9 at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The NACD Directors Summit is scheduled for October 12-15 at National Harbor (DC/Maryland). October 28 is the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors’ membersonly Annual Summit in NYC. From November 12 to 14, the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA) hosts its annual Board Leaders Convening in San Francisco.
A nice opportunity to escape your partner after a summer spent together.
August 13th Webinar Replay
You can watch the replay of our August 13th conversation with LinkedIn gurus Joe Taiano and Patricia Camacho of Accenture. They discuss concrete tips to update your LinkedIn profile, outsmart the algorithm, and even utilize AI skillfully to elevate your posts to the next level. I was so inspired that I refreshed my own profile. If you have any ideas for a banner, let me know.
The Gay Business
Target CEO Brian Cornell Steps Down Amid LGBTQ+ Backlash
Target CEO Brian Cornell will NATIONAL - To Page 18
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
Religion often a barrier for LGBTQ+ Washingtonians, new state survey finds
“Overall, what we were seeing was a kind of disconnect with religion, particularly organized religion. We interpreted this as being further evidence that, a lot of times, organized religion has marginalized queer folks.”
Traci Gillig, lead researcher
-
Anew report examining LGBTQ+ experiences in Washington state found that religion significantly influences queer residents’ health, safety and social wellbeing, often in complex and contradictory ways.
One of the report’s findings confirms a common narrative: the large majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and Two-Spirit people (LGBTQIA2S+) choose not to affiliate with a specific religion.
Some of the survey respondents expressed difficulty in connecting with other LGBTQ+ people due to religious environments.
“I was raised religious and not in a public school system for most of my education, which meant my exposure to queer ideas and identities was rather limited to nonexistent until I got older,” one comment read.
“I grew up in a religious community that was not supportive of LGBTQ+ identities or people, so I haven’t had the chance to try to connect with queer communities or support groups in Washington,” another comment said.
Four percent of respondents said the state can help LGBTQ+ individuals by addressing inclusion and discrimination in religious contexts.
Commission requested the Washington LGBTQ+ Survey Report 2025 to help inform state policy decisions, according to the report.
Affirming Healthcare Still Difficult to Access
Some of those policy recommendations could focus on the report’s findings in areas such as healthcare, Gillig said.
Many survey respondents said they had challenges accessing affirming healthcare. Minority groups – like people of color – experiencing greater difficulty, according to Gillig.
“I’m exhausted by the religious justification of discrimination,” one comment read.
Of the nearly 7,000 Washingtonians the report surveyed, 40% were atheist or agnostic and 19% were spiritual but not religious.
“Overall, what we were seeing was a kind of disconnect with religion, particularly organized religion,” said Traci Gillig, lead researcher and assistant professor at Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. “We interpreted this as being further evidence that, a lot of times, organized religion has marginalized queer folks.”
Conversion Therapy, Discrimination Among Top Concerns Raised
Gillig pointed to the fact that many Christians consider it a sin to identify as LGBTQ+, and some religious individuals and institutions advocate for conversion therapy.
Conversion therapy, widely decried by medical and mental health organizations, aims to align a person’s sexual orientation with heterosexual norms or their gender identity to align with cisgender norms.
“I wish we had some sort of laws that would help us avoid backlash/pressure from religious individuals,” one comment read. “I’ve seen many people use religion as an excuse to push their beliefs on, and harass, LGBTQ+ people. I’m all for people doing their own thing, but no one should be allowed to use their beliefs like a crutch to bully and harass other people.”
Washington State LGBTQ
A small percentage of people noted difficulty with religious insurance policies denying coverage. Others wrote they had difficulty receiving care from religiously-affiliated hospitals or finding primary care physicians or mental health professionals who were affirming – potentially due to religious beliefs, according to Gillig.
“A religious hospital monopoly makes it impossible to get gender-affirming care requiring
Photo concept by Cassy Benefield (FaVS News) | This article first published on FāVS News. We appreciate their invitation to republish this piece in Stonewall News Northwest. Please consider supporting their important work at https://favs.news
The
Traci Gillig
Survey
by Emma Maple
Thoughts from the Hobbit House
Gatekeeping Myself: Hard Questions for Aspiring Leaders & Public Servants
by Ryan Oelrich
Iconsidered running for office years ago, so I sat down and drafted a set of courageous, self-reflective questions— questions I felt I needed to answer honestly before moving forward. This wasn’t an academic exercise; it was born out of genuine concern.
At the time, I was disillusioned. A series of previous disappointing and even harmful encounters I’d had with elected and community leaders—some of whose actions made national headlines for all
“We live in an era of collapsing trust. Voters are cynical. Institutions are fragile. And every day, another leader is exposed for lacking the character the job demands. We don’t need perfect people. We need prepared people.” HOBBIT HOUSE - To Page 24
the wrong reasons—had shaken my confidence in our system and in myself and raised an uncomfortable question: How did these individuals ever get elected or rise to power?
Learning The Hard Way
Just after coming out in college, I was lonely and searching for connection—especially for gay role models. In my desperation, I made a very stupid mistake. I turned to the internet, a decision that quickly became disastrous. I began speaking with someone
responding.
The messages became inappropriate. Then they became threatening. And still, I didn’t turn the computer off but kept
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.
Eventually, I discovered who he really was: the closeted and conservative mayor of Spokane. This led to a series of unfortunate events that just turning off the
Out on the Ranch
Of Filial Piety and the Spirit that Endures
“Over the years, the ranch has grown into something more than just alpacas and yurt-dwelling glampers. The ashes of beloved friends and chosen family members have joined this sacred space. That’s the rhythm of this land. That’s the echo of filial piety.”
by David Capocci
There’s a quiet strength that settles in your bones when you care for your elders. Not out of obligation, but out of love—and reverence. The ancient Confucian value of filial piety has become more than a concept to me; it has shaped the arc of my adult life. It’s simple: care for your parents and elders.
I’ve buried both my parents. My father passed in 2001, taken by a most brutal form of brain cancers: glioblastoma multiforma. Before our guest ranch was even conceived, in the summer of
2000, we moved both him and my mother into our little 600square-foot condo in Seattle so he could undergo radiation treatment at the University of Washington Medical Center. It was cramped. It was intense. It was a blessing to become his caretaker.
My mother left us in 2022. Pulmonary fibrosis. Another cruel, terminal disease, born of her fierce battle with breast cancer and the radiation that came with it. She had endured so much over the years—brain implants, back
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
Ryan and his husband built a Hobbit House that’s become a regional attraction.
Photo courtesy of David Capocci
who told me he couldn’t reveal his identity due to his job. He seemed kind and wise at first. But that quickly turned.
by Dana Clark
Many of us start our own business for freedom; the flexibility to work on our terms, to choose our customers, to create something that supports a dream and reflects our values.
But even in the most intentional businesses, boundaries can quietly blur.
It might happen slowly: a little extra time here, a quick favor there, a few more hours than you’d planned. Before you know
I n r e g u l a r S u d o k u , you illin 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
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boxes for the answer!
Answer Key on page 17.
Visit https DiversionsPuz zles net for more free puzzles and book info by Kerry Shatzer
Out & In Business
Boundaries Are a Business Strategy
“Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out. They’re about creating the space and stability that allow your business to thrive, and for you to continue to show up.”
it, you’re spending more energy than you’d like on things that don’t fully serve you or your business.
This is why boundaries aren’t just a nice-to-have. They’re the structure that keeps your business healthy.
Boundaries for Every Business
Whether you run a coffee shop, design jewelry, create art, manage a retail boutique, or offer coaching, your boundaries are your infrastructure.
In a big company, policies and departments enforce structure. In your small business, you are the structure. Without clear limits, your time, energy, and resources leak away, and so does your ability to keep doing the work you love.
Where Boundaries Can Start to Slip
Even if you’re careful, boundaries can loosen in subtle ways:
• Saying yes to requests that go beyond what you originally agreed to.
OUT & IN BUSINESS - To Page 26
“The history of LGBTQ+ people can be hard to find, usually never taught or even mentioned in schools. Even with the increase of queer characters on TV shows and movies in the last decade, our representation isn’t equal to our actual population. Many kids growing up don’t even know of the wide variety and rich history of the LGBTQ+ community. I certainly didn’t while growing up!
“We are award-winning actors and actresses, athletes in every sport imaginable, politicians, business leaders, news and media journalists and personalities, musicians and authors of every genre, scientists, astronauts, and more. I decided I wanted to make a puzzle book about them and therefore about all of us.
“So when you’re solving these puzzles, feel free to hop on the internet, look up and discover these amazing LGBTQ+ people that you may not have heard of before! Have fun and a sense of humor when going through these pages. And especially have a sense of pride: in yourself along with all the people mentioned in this book..”
-
Kerry Shatzer, creator of Queer Pride Puzzle
The History of Sound: Paul Mescal’s Most Anticipated
Role Yet
The History of Sound is a cinematic experience not to be missed. With its tender performances, evocative storytelling, and stunning visuals, the film is poised to leave an indelible mark on audiences worldwide
by Frank Gaimari
Paul Mescal takes center stage in one of 2025’s most eagerly awaited films, The History of Sound, a poignant romantic drama that tells a deeply moving gay love story. Set to premiere on September 12, 2025, the film has already generated significant buzz, marking a pivotal moment in Mescal’s career. From his early acclaim in indie projects to his rise as a celebrated leading man, Paul has become synonymous with bringing heartfelt, emotional narratives to life on the big screen.
The History of Sound, directed by Oliver Hermanus and based on Ben Shattuck’s short story, stars Mescal as Lionel, a talented singer whose life changes after meeting David, portrayed by Josh O’Connor, at the Boston Music Conservatory in 1917. Against the backdrop of World War I, the two form a deep bond, eventually embarking on a journey through Maine in 1920 to record the folk songs and voices of their American countrymen. As their winter travels unfold, the men’s friendship blossoms into a transformative romance, captured with both intimacy and restraint. The story traces Lionel’s journey through the later decades as he achieves success and builds new relationships. Yet, he constantly feels drawn back to the powerful memories and the connection shared with David.
The film premiered at Cannes and quickly became one of the most talked-about movies on the festival circuit. Critics have praised the tender performances of Mescal and O’Connor, along with the film’s painterly visual style and evocative soundtrack.
The talented supporting cast enhances The History of Sound, featuring Chris Cooper as the older Lionel, along with Molly Price, Raphael Sbarge, Hadley Robinson, and Emma Canning. The film stands out for its nuanced approach to LGBTQ+ storytelling, eschewing typical narratives of shame for a focus on connection and the healing power of music. Director Oliver Hermanus and the creative team crafted a moving journey that bridges time, memory, and cultural heritage—a fitting vehicle for Mescal’s talents.
Arriving at this high-profile project, Mescal has forged a remarkable path since his breakout as Connell in 2020’s Normal People. This performance won him a BAFTA TV Award and an Emmy nomination. He cemented his critical reputation in the Oscar-nominated Aftersun (2022), tackled blockbuster spectacle in Gladiator II (2024), and brought sensitivity to roles in LGBTQ+ dramas such as All of Us Strangers (2023). With The History of Sound, Mescal not only continues his tradition of meaningful, courageous choices but also places himself at the forefront of one of the year’s most significant cinematic events.
The History of Sound is a cinematic experience not to be missed. With its tender performances, evocative storytelling, and stunning visuals, the film is poised to leave an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Mark your calendar and prepare to be moved by this unforgettable journey of love, memory, and music.
The History of Sound / Josh O’Connor & Paul Mescal
The History of Sound / Paul Mescal
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan Reunite for a Comedy Delight
“Freakier Friday is more than just a sequel—it’s a celebration of love, growth, and the hilarity of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the story, this film is a must-watch for anyone looking for a good laugh and a warm heart. It’s a delightful reminder that sometimes all we need is a little comedy to brighten our day. ”
by Frank Gaimari
In a world where movies often strive to outdo themselves with complex plots and highstakes drama, Freakier Friday is a refreshing reminder of the joy that comes from a film that wants to entertain. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, this sequel to the 2003 hit, Freaky Friday, doesn’t just revisit the beloved body-swapping chaos—it reinvents it with a multigenerational twist that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious.
At the heart of the film is Jamie Lee Curtis, who once again proves why she’s a Hollywood treasure. Fresh off her Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All at Once, Curtis dives headfirst into the role of Tess Coleman, now a grandmother, with unrestrained enthusiasm. Watching her embody the energy of a teenager is nothing short of a comedic masterclass. From her exaggerated physicality to her impeccable timing, Curtis delivers laugh-out-loud moments while also grounding the film with genuine emotion. It’s a performance that reminds us why she’s been a staple of the silver
Answer Key to puzzle on on page 15.
screen for decades.
Joining her is Lindsay Lohan, making a triumphant return to the big screen. As Anna Coleman, now a single mother navigating the challenges of raising a rebellious teenage daughter, Lohan brings a mix of maturity and playfulness to the role. Her chemistry with Curtis is as electric as ever, and it’s a joy to see her back in a major film, radiating the charisma that made her a star in the early 2000s. Lohan’s performance is a testament to her resilience, and she shines in scenes that allow her to embrace the film’s zany humor.
Adding fresh energy to the mix are Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons, who play the next generation of teenagers. Butters, known for her standout role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, delivers a nuanced performance as Harper, Anna’s rebellious, surfloving daughter. Hammons, as the fashion-obsessed Lily, brings a sassy dynamic that perfectly complements the ensemble.
QUEERDOKU ANSWER - Eugene Daniels
Eugene Daniels is an American journalist who recently became one of the co-hosts of the MSNBC show T h e Weekend along with Jonathan Capehart (who is also gay). Eugene played football as a defensive lineman for Colorado State but focused on his journalism career after an injury
n 2018, later becoming a
correspondent In 2021 he joined MSNBC as a contributor In 2024 he became the president of
Association. In 2022 he
n Thomas Stephens.
Together, they hold their own alongside Curtis and Lohan, ensuring that the film feels both nostalgic and modern.
The plot, while undeniably fun, gets tangled with its ambitious four-way body swap. Keeping track of who’s who can be a challenge, especially as the characters navigate their new identities. However, the humor and heart of the story more than make up for any confusion. The film leans into its silliness, delivering moments of pure comedic gold while exploring touching family dynamics. Vanessa Bayer, as a gigeconomy fortune teller, is a standout, stealing scenes with her impeccable comedic timing and adding a fresh twist to the bodyswapping premise.
Beyond the laughs, Freakier Friday serves as a celebration of its stars’ legacies. Curtis, with her decades-long career, continues to prove why she’s one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. Lohan’s return shows her star power and the obstacles she has
overcome. The film’s nostalgic nods to the original, combined with its modern updates, make it a perfect bridge between generations.
Of course, the movie isn’t without its flaws. Some pacing issues and a slightly predictable plot may leave viewers wanting more. But these minor quibbles are easily overshadowed by the film’s infectious charm and feel-good energy. Freakier Friday understands the value of laughter and connection, making it a perfect choice for families or anyone in need of a break from life’s stresses.
In the end, Freakier Friday is more than just a sequel—it’s a celebration of love, growth, and the hilarity of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the story, this film is a mustwatch for anyone looking for a good laugh and a warm heart. It’s a delightful reminder that sometimes all we need is a little comedy to brighten our day.
by Frank Gaimari
Richard Natale’s Greenwich Connection is a captivating collection of stories that captures the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Greenwich Village, spanning from the post-World War II era to the early 2000s. What truly stands out—and what I loved most—is how Natale transforms Greenwich Village from a mere setting into a living, breathing character. The Village, with its rich history as a haven for artists, misfits, and dreamers, serves as the perfect
backdrop for these deeply personal and interconnected stories.
The collection opens with a novella, In the Fall of Forty-Four, which follows two men navigating their relationship during a time when being openly gay wasn’t an option. It’s emotional, raw, and vividly portrays the challenges and quiet courage required to live authentically in that era. From there, the book transitions into shorter stories, each introducing new characters while still tying back to the world of the novella.
Greenwich Connection: Where LGBTQ+ Stories Come Alive
With Greenwich Connection, Natale has created a moving tribute to Greenwich Village and the LGBTQ+ individuals who found solace, community, and themselves within its storied streets. It’s a collection that lingers long after reading, much like the Village itself—a place that continues to inspire and captivate.
These stories feel like snapshots of life in the Village, offering a kaleidoscopic view of how the community evolved over the decades.
What I truly admired was Natale’s unflinching portrayal of his characters. They’re flawed, their lives are messy, and not every story wraps up neatly. But that’s what makes the collection so authentic. There’s humor, heartbreak, and everything in between. Natale’s evocative and immersive writing style pulls you into the hum of the Village streets, making you feel the pulse of its vibrant, ever-changing community.
While some stories resonated deeply with me, others felt more like fleeting moments in the larger mosaic of the book. But that’s part of the charm—each reader will find their connections within the collection. Together, the stories create a rich, layered portrait of a place and its people, making Greenwich Connection a must-read for anyone fascinated by the history and spirit of the Village.
Richard Natale, a Los Angelesbased journalist, writer, and director, brings a wealth of
experience to his storytelling. His other novels include Mystery Dance, Pigeon, The Rushes, Love on the Jersey Shore, Cafe Eisenhower, Junior Willis, and The Golden City of Dubloon. Natale’s talents extend beyond the page; his feature film, Green Plaid Shirt, has screened at more than a dozen film festivals, further showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives across mediums.
With Greenwich Connection, Natale has created a moving tribute to Greenwich Village and the LGBTQ+ individuals who found solace, community, and themselves within its storied streets. It’s a collection that lingers long after reading, much like the Village itself—a place that continues to inspire and captivate.
NATIONAL - From Page 12 step down on February 1, 2026, after leading the retail giant for more than a decade. Current COO Michael Fiddelke will succeed as CEO, while Cornell will remain executive chairman. The leadership change comes amid Target’s struggles against competitors and following significant backlash over the company’s retreat from DEI programs and Pride merchandise. Target ended its three-year DEI goals in January, including the Racial Equity Action and Change program and participation in HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, marking a dramatic shift from its previous 100% HRC rating as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.” In the Advocate.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Finance Conference Is Shaping Up
Last week, Koppa announced new speakers at the Global LGBTQ+ Inclusive Finance Conference, hosted at Deutsche Bank’s NYC headquarters, October 9-10. With a powerhouse lineup—think Marty Chavez (ex-Goldman Sachs), Judith Aidoo (Caswell Capital), Rich Ditizio (Milken Institute), Ise Bosch (Dreilinden), and Oscarwinner Bruce Cohen—this will be THE Conversation on how capital is deployed for and by our community. Ask my colleague, Amar, for more information.
Author Richard Natale, courtesy photo
The Playwright, the Legend, the Man: Harvey Fierstein
I Was Better Last Night isn’t just a memoir; it’s a love letter to life in all its messy, beautiful glory. It’s a reminder that even legends like Harvey Fierstein are, at their core, just people—flawed, fabulous, and utterly unforgettable.
by Frank Gaimari
At the start of my writing journey, brimming with dreams and youthful naivety, I sent my screenplay to Harvey Fierstein. I didn’t expect a response—he was Harvey Fierstein, after all, a Broadway legend, a Tony-winning playwright, a voice that could shake the heavens. But to my astonishment, he wrote me back. He kindly explained that he was too busy to read the manuscript but wished me luck. Then, with a thoughtful gesture, he signed it and returned it to me. That’s the kind of person Harvey is— generous, thoughtful, and deeply human. Reading his memoir, I Was Better Last Night, brought all this rushing back. It’s not just a book; it’s a window into the life of a man who has shaped theater, challenged norms, and lived a life as bold and unapologetic as his work.
Harvey’s life is a tapestry of contradictions: glamorous and gritty, triumphant and tragic, larger-than-life yet achingly relatable. He takes us through his journey as a playwright, from the groundbreaking Torch Song Trilogy to his other iconic works, and you can feel the weight of his passion for storytelling. He doesn’t just write plays; he writes lives—messy, complicated, beautiful lives.
Torch Song Trilogy alone is a masterpiece that changed the landscape of theater. It was bold, unapologetic, and deeply personal, tackling themes of love, loss, and identity at a time when such topics were taboo. It earned him two Tony Awards—one for Best Play and another for his unforgettable performance as Arnold Beckoff. And that was just the beginning.
Harvey went on to create a remarkable body of work,
solidifying his legacy as a theatrical powerhouse. Among his most iconic achievements is La Cage aux Folles, a dazzling and groundbreaking musical that celebrates love and family in all their forms. The show earned six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and remains a landmark in Broadway history.
His other works include Newsies, Casa Valentina, A Catered Affair, and Bella Bella, each showcasing his storytelling prowess. Notably, Harvey also co-wrote the book for Kinky Boots, a vibrant, highheeled celebration of individuality and acceptance. With music by Cyndi Lauper, the show became a global sensation, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Harvey isn’t just a brilliant playwright—he’s also a remarkable actor, and his performances are as iconic as his scripts. He originated the role of Edna Turnblad in the Broadway production of Hairspray, a heartwarming and hilarious portrayal that earned him yet another Tony Award. His other credits are equally impressive, spanning productions like Torch Song Trilogy, Fiddler on the Roof, La Cage Aux Folles, Gently Down the Stream, and A Catered Affair.
On screen, Harvey brought his charisma to memorable roles in films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, where he played the makeup artist who helped transform Robin Williams into the beloved nanny, as well as in Independence Day and Cheers. Whether commanding the stage, stealing scenes on screen, or working behind the curtain, Harvey’s boundless talent continues to leave an indelible mark on every project he takes on.
And then there’s Andy Warhol.
Harvey’s stories about rubbing elbows with Warhol and the Factory crowd are as surreal as they are hilarious. He paints a vivid picture of a world where art and chaos collided, where everyone was trying to be someone, and where Harvey, somehow, was just Harvey.
What struck me most was his unflinching honesty about the darker facets of his life. He writes about living in Brooklyn and navigating intimate encounters with a rawness that is at once startling and profoundly moving. Set in the early 1980s, this was a period when the gay community was beginning to find its voice, freedom, and power. Yet it was also a time marked by the growing shadow of the AIDS epidemic. The trucks and piers of New York City became sanctuaries of liberation, offering a space for men to explore their desires in a world that largely rejected them. But these same spaces came with significant risks, and Harvey confronts that reality head-on.
He masterfully captures the duality of the era—the exhilaration of newfound sexual freedom against the harrowing fear and grief wrought by the AIDS crisis. Through it all, his humanity shines through. He neither romanticizes his experiences nor condemns them. Instead, he presents them with
unvarnished truth, as essential pieces of his story and identity.
Harvey’s battle with alcohol is another thread in this rich tapestry. He doesn’t sugarcoat it. He lays it bare, showing us the pain, the struggle, and the eventual triumph. It’s a reminder that even the strongest among us have their demons, and that overcoming them is a lifelong journey.
If you’re a theater lover or someone fascinated by the lives of celebrities, this is the book for you. Harvey’s writing is sharp, funny, and deeply engaging. Not once was I bored. He has a way of pulling you into his world, keeping you hooked with every chapter, every confession, every laugh-out-loud moment. It’s the kind of book you don’t want to put down, and when you do, you feel like you’ve just spent time with an old friend.
I Was Better Last Night isn’t just a memoir; it’s a love letter to life in all its messy, beautiful glory. It’s a reminder that even legends like Harvey Fierstein are, at their core, just people—flawed, fabulous, and utterly unforgettable.
And Harvey, if you’re reading this, thank you for signing my screenplay all those years ago. It meant the world to me.
REGIONAL PRIDE - Continued
OCEAN SHORES - From Page 4
New York — small coastal communities that became nationally recognized Pride destinations, drawing week-long crowds every summer.
Three Days of Pride
Pulling it off took a small but determined team: Dillon-Butler, co-chair Sarah Logan, member Connie Clifford, and volunteers Michelle Lomedico and Alex Molisani, who organized the Youth Wave Dance Party. Together, they packed the weekend with four main events that gave Ocean Shores a Pride unlike anything seen before.
Friday kicked off with a highenergy pub crawl that filled local bars and businesses with rainbow flags and dancing.
On Saturday morning, the weekly City Market became a Pride Market. Connie and Kim Nichols, who have lived in Ocean Shores for nearly a decade and run the market, said they never hesitated to bring Pride into the heart of town. “Our city is so welcoming it’s unbelievable,” Connie said. “The mayor and city council gave us a proclamation, and I’ve never faced one ounce of discrimination or fear here. I don’t want Pride to be a political statement; I want it to be a time of joy.” The market — which runs every Saturday from June through September — has grown from just two vendors to about 40, with several nonprofits and visiting vendors joining for Pride.
Saturday morning, about 30–40 people picked up paddles for a Pride Pickleball clinic, designed so anyone — from beginners to seasoned players — could join the fun.
Saturday night brought the centerpiece of the weekend: the Queens of the Sea Drag Show at The Garage, where owners Michaela Jena Clardy and John Coffer partnered with OS Pride to transform their space into a performance venue and beer garden. Performers included former Miss Gay Washington & Miss Gay Seattle and Mistress of Ceremonies, Donnatella Howe, Fraya Love, Drag King icon, Ceasar Hart, Delyla Dalyte and the incomparable Diamond St James. As The Garage later wrote on Facebook: “Thanks to everyone who came out and showed support for pride! OS
Pride and our friends from the convention center really outdid themselves. We would host them again and again and again. We really can’t even describe how amazing this day was and just how much love and unity was present. Cheers to LOVE.”
On Sunday, the celebration wrapped with the Recovery/Retox Farewell Brunch, a come-as-youare farewell before visitors headed home — tired but still buzzing with Pride energy.
Community Partnerships
The Soul Center hosted the Wave Dance Party, an all-ages event where queer-identifying youth and their families could dance, eat, and celebrate safely. Parents thanked organizers for creating a space where their children could be fully themselves.
Support rippled through town. The LGBTQ+ community group Out and About in Ocean Shores has grown organically as a gathering place for queer residents and allies. For Pride, the group partnered with organizers to create an affirming business map, posted on the OS Pride website, with stickers distributed to businesses that opted in. The map made it easy for visitors to know where they would be welcomed.
At The Garage, the Rainbow Lantern Project added another layer to Saturday night’s drag show. Founded by healing practitioner Carmen Noguer, the project is built on the principle of “two truths” — that art is activism, and that communities heal collectively, not just individually. After the festival, they reflected: “From the highenergy drag show with the Queens of the Sea to the Pride the Tides dance party with SR388 and DJ Mia Ohms, the love, joy, and community were unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate by the ocean — you made history with us.”
Official Recognition
The proclamation from the City of Ocean Shores has now become a tradition. First issued in 2024 and renewed this year, it officially declared August 1–3 as Pride Weekend and affirmed that “all are welcome in Ocean Shores to live, work, and play.” The proclamation also denounced prejudice based on sexual
OCEAN SHORES - To Page 21
Photos by Matt Cyphert
Pub Crawl and Kickoff Party at Porthole Pub
Pickelball Party at Emerson Park
Ocean Shores City Pride Market in the heart of Ocean Shores
Fraya Love performs at Queens of the Sea Drag Show
SHORES - From Page 20
orientation and gender identity.
By renewing the proclamation two years in a row, city leaders signaled that Pride belongs in Ocean Shores. That visible support helped set the tone for an atmosphere of safety and welcome throughout the weekend.
Looking Ahead
Organizers are already planning for next year. Dillon-Butler hopes for more sponsorships
and even larger attendance in 2026, but stresses that Pride will stay grounded in the small-town businesses and people who make it work.
The OS Pride team summed it up in their thank-you message: “You are the reason OS Pride continues to grow, shine, and uplift our community… Because of you, we danced. We laughed. We connected. And we showed the world that Pride lives here.”
OCEAN
Ceasar Hart performs at Ocean Shores Pride Queens of the Sea Drag Show
RELIGION - Continued
RELIGION - To Page 13
hospitalization,” one comment stated.
Some of the survey respondents moved to Washington from Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Indiana, Idaho, Montana and other states that tend to be less affirming.
“Even in a place viewed as an LGBTQ sanctuary, we’re still experiencing these ongoing issues,” Gillig said.
One survey respondent said that, “even though this is a ‘progressive’ state, there is still a lot of discrimination and harassment I and others have gone through.”
INTERSEX
- From Page 10
gay and lesbian identities or a broader third gender category. In Tahiti the word māhū describes individuals who “embody both male and female qualities” and raerae, which is “more closely aligned with transgender women in Western cultures.”
Gender fluidity in South Asia
Sodomy was not a crime or even a sin in India before the British criminalized the act in 1861. The British also enforced similar laws in Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Singapore and Sri Lanka. The Indian Supreme Court finally overturned the law in 2018.
Even after the British banned them as criminals, Indians have always recognized trans women whom they call hijras. Most of them are born intersexual; they usually undergo surgery; and then they identify exclusively as women. For centuries they have performed as dancers and singers appearing at births, weddings and other occasions. With parental permission, they have also claimed intersexual infants as their own.
Even with discrimination and wide-spread bias, most hijras have made a living for themselves and they have built temples for their patron goddess. Always dressed in beautiful saris and made up meticulously, they hold annual beauty pageants. Sadly, because of their marginalization and lack of proper employment, they have high rates of HIV and other sexually-related diseases.
“The majority of the hate I’ve faced has been from religiously-affiliated people and organizations,” the person continued.
Eastern Washington Seen as Less LGBTQ+ Friendly
LGBTQ+ people’s experiences differ depending on where they are in the state. Seattle and its surrounding areas, which tend to vote Democratic, are often viewed as more affirming. Eastern Washington, which is more rural and tends to vote Republican, is viewed as less affirming.
“I am cautious in eastern Washington about revealing my sexual identity with people I don’t know,” one comment stated.
In 2014 India’s Supreme Court upheld the rights of transgender and non-binary people. The ruling recognized the existence of those “who identify themselves as neither male nor female,” and affirmed “the right of every human being to choose their gender.” India has established quotas for the employment and education of Dalits (formerly outcastes), and the court also extended these same provisions to its transgender citizens.
In 2016, a group of Pakistani Muslim clerics ruled that hijras could marry, and they could also be buried in their cemeteries. Muslim Bangladesh now gives tax breaks to firms who hire them. About three million Christians live in Pakistan, and their hijras are allowed to have their own churches.
Pakistan is a conservative Muslim majority country, but it still preserves the gender fluid history of the Indian subcontinent. For over 300 years Mughal India, was ruled by Muslim emperors, and hijras were appointed to high positions in their courts. Hijras, as well as eunuchs, were hired to provide security for the rulers’ harems.
In 2018, Pakistan passed the Transgender Persons Act, which permits Pakistanis to select their gender on official documents and bans discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on gender identity. The stigma of “sexual perversion” does not have the same hold on these conservative
“There are more people here who have not been exposed to LGBTQ people and many [are] heavily influenced by conservative religious beliefs that can make it uncomfortable to have an unguarded conversation.”
Religion and its intersection with LGBTQ+ issues is not always negative.
Almost 17% of the survey respondents (over 1,000 people) identified as Christian. Four percent were Jewish, 3% were Buddhist, 1.5% were Muslim and less than 1% identified with Hinduism or a Native American religion. Almost 1% of the respondents described religion as their current occupation.
Emma Maple is in the midst of her first year as a career journalist and loving every minute of it. For her day job, she is a general assignment reporter for Peninsula Daily News in Port Angeles, Washington. However, due to her interest in the intersection of religion and society, she continues to freelance for FaVs as an outlet to explore that passion.
Muslim Bangladesh has seen its first transgender news anchor; a hijra hosts a very successful Indian Tamil TV show for youth; Pakistan opened its first school for them; in 2015 a Hijra was elected mayor in the Indian city of Raigarh; and finally, the Indian Parliament now has its first transgender member.
God made them so
One of the most gratifying moments of my teaching career happened during a panel discussion on LGBTQ+ rights on my campus. I read the passages in Genesis that declare that everything God created was “good” or “very good” (1:9, 24, 31). I then assured any Jew or Christian in the audience that their scripture holds that their sexual orientation is God-given and that as such no one is born irredeemable.
A young man came up to me afterwards and said that he was a
gay Christian. He confessed that he had struggled with his identity for many years, and that after my talk, he now felt reconciled to his faith and his sexual orientation.
Nick Gier lives in Moscow, Idaho. He holds a doctorate in philosophical theology from the Claremont Graduate University. His major professors were James M. Robinson, New Testament scholar and editor of the Gnostic Gospels, and John B. Cobb, the world’s foremost process theologian. He taught in the philosophy department at the University of Idaho for 31 years. He was coordinator of religious studies from 1980-2003. He has written five books and over 70 articles and book chapters. Read his articles on religion at nfgier.com/religion. He’s enjoyed two sabbaticals and one research leave in India for a total of 22 months in that country. He can be reached at ngier006@gmail. com.
Website: http://nfgier.com/religion/
ALL are welcome. Come as you are.
824 Ocean Shores Blvd NW Ocean Shores, WA 98569 360-289-3313
Muslims as it does for far too many Euro-American Christians.
MATHIE
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person went to the city council in an attempt to have the show shut down. Inside, the gallerist fielded many conversations with visitors who came to see the work. Some wrote letters, and reactions ranged from resistance to deep appreciation. Two female ministers lingered in front of one of the nudes and said, “This is overwhelming and wonderful—to see a woman running a gallery where the man is naked on the wall.”
“Doing that work helped me get over my own hang ups,” Mathie says. “It was more pure. It was more me.”
From Shadows to Clarity
Years after that old painting, Mathie found himself in another moment of reckoning while hiking on Mount Tam in California. Walking through thick fog, he saw dark shapes in the distance and began to cry, thinking they were demons. “And then I had a feeling that my grandmother and all of the elders scooped in and told me it was going to be okay. I realized the black things in the fog were branches, and the fear I had was my own psychology.”
For Mathie, making art works the same way. “When you use art as therapy, you’re tangibly dealing with the thoughts and emotions. Once I release the art, parts of the trauma are gone—or at least dealt with. Looking back at it, it feels like a story.”
When he turned 40, a Picasso exhibition in Seattle gave him another shift in perspective.
“Picasso said he realized when he was 40 that he wasn’t his family anymore—he could explore his art as himself. That really resonated with me.”
Like Picasso, Mathie paints not as an extension of anyone else’s expectations but as himself— queer, unhidden, and free. His work has become a record of that journey: from fear to release, from shadows to light.
“I can make whatever I want; I don’t have to hide behind safe seascapes.”
Christpher Mathie’s fine art can be found online at www. christophermathie.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Christopher.Mathie.Fine.Art
Christopher Mathie and self-portrait painted during college.
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HOBBIT HOUSE - From Page 14
computer could no longer solve or stop. It also led to a scandal that made national news, a documentary, and dominated the national conversation for a time. My roommate and I‘s home was surrounded by TV trucks. I was invited to appear on national news shows with Diane Sawyer and Katie Couric. I declined both.
The mayor was the subject of a recall vote which removed him from office.
During that period, another elected official reached out, offering support and introducing me to a respected lawyer they said was their “good friend” and a leader in the LGBTQ+ community. They claimed he would help guide me through the media storm and political fallout. Sadly, both individuals had ulterior motives. It was another painful and sobering lesson in the misuse of power.
One moment remains etched in my memory: that same lawyer— intoxicated—surprised me in a public setting, shoved me to the ground, and demanded that I follow his instructions and respect his authority. I did neither. Over the weeks that followed, he left drunk voice mails and sent angry texts which I left unanswered.
Years later, I was relieved to learn that the lawyer “leader” was arrested and prosecuted for unrelated crimes.
Before I’d turned 25, I’d had multiple experiences with the type of leaders I didn’t want to be. I was left to question what a good leader really looks like?
Building a Better Litmus Test
So when I considered stepping into a leadership role myself, I had to be brutally honest. I needed to know I wouldn’t become another cautionary tale. I needed to courageously look in the mirror and ask myself all the painful and hard questions. I needed to invite others to ask me the same.
These questions were shaped by more than a decade of working alongside public officials and leaders at the local, state, and national levels; by the insights I gained earning a master’s degree in leadership; serving in various leadership roles, and by the rigorous reflection developed through a three-year leadership fellowship with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. After a brief
tenure in office myself, I revisited and revised the list—strengthening it with firsthand experience.
Since then, I’ve shared these questions with dozens of individuals who were thinking of running for office or serving in a leadership role. In the last few months alone, I’ve had meaningful conversations with more than a dozen prospective candidates. All of them, in one way or another, voiced a version of the same question I’ve wrestled with: “How could I possibly be good enough?” or “Who do I think I am to do this?”
These so-called “gate questions” don’t solve that dilemma—but they do help shape a meaningful and realistic response. They also serve as a baseline for competence, preparedness, and self-awareness in public service.
Honestly, I worry most about those seeking leadership who never wrestle with these questions and the threat they pose to those they desire to lead.
Every so often, I revisit these questions myself—especially when re-reading Cohn and Moran’s excellent book, Why Are We Bad at Picking Good Leaders?
I recommend it to anyone considering public office—or any leadership role, for that matter.
Here are the current questions I use to assess my own readiness and that of others:
Ryan’s Public Service “Gate Questions”
If you answer no to any of the following, you may not be ready—yet.
1. Have I been asked to serve?
A direct invitation often reflects community trust and insight into your potential.
2. Have I done my homework?
Do I fully understand the purpose, limits, responsibilities, and powers of the role I seek?
3. Is my own boat shipshape?
Am I managing my personal, professional, and emotional affairs with integrity?
4. Do I have solid, constructive ideas for making something better?
5. Can I stand strong in the face of personal attacks and criticism?
a. Can I respond calmly and professionally?
b. Can I stay mentally and physically healthy while under pressure?
c. Can I evaluate criticism fairly, rationally, and without defensiveness?
6. Can I actively listen without interrupting…
d. …even when I strongly disagree?
e. …to complex or nuanced perspectives?
f. …to constituents who simply need to be heard?
7. Can I maintain empathy for my city, community, and humanity—especially under stress?
8. Can I tolerate not being liked and hearing negative things said about me…
g. …by friends?
h. …in the media?
i. …on social media?
9. Can I make difficult and unpopular decisions when I believe they’re right?
10. Can I accept that doing the right thing may bring no reward—only consequences?
11. Do I have the basic tools needed to do the job?
j. Professionally: Can I read a budget? Understand policy? Navigate bureaucracy?
k. Personally: Do I have a strong support system, hobbies, and internal motivation?
12. Can I handle disappointing others—even those I deeply respect?
13. Have I identified something in this work that brings me joy and purpose?
14. Can I remain humble and grounded, regardless of outcome or recognition?
15. Can I make principled compromises to effect needed change?
16. Is my family/support network supportive and prepared for the burden it will place on them?
17. Finally, Do I need it? …if yes, it’s likely you’re not ready to serve.
Why This Matters Now
I don’t share these questions to discourage (although for some that’s absolutely necessary). I share them because I’ve seen what happens when people lead without asking them. Public service demands more than ambition or identity. It requires clarity of purpose, personal resilience, real skills, and a willingness to be shaped by challenge, not consumed by it.
We live in an era of collapsing trust. Voters are cynical. Institutions are fragile. And every day, another leader is exposed for lacking the character the job demands.
We don’t need perfect people. We need prepared people.
• • •
People who know who they are before they ask others to follow them.
People who have done the inner work.
People who lead from conviction, not ego.
These questions won’t make you perfect. But they might make you honest. And in public service and leadership, that’s everything. These questions help me measure readiness while holding myself accountable, and they’ve helped others clarify their “why.” They’ve made me a better leader, listener, and neighbor.
What Would You Add?
Public service isn’t about perfection. But it should be rooted in preparation. What questions would you add to this list?
Let’s build a better bench of leaders—starting with better questions.
nal
poverty and homelessness issues. Oelrich has founded 3 nonprofits focused on youth issues, and he’s an advocate for increased collaboration and coordination.
Ryan Oelrich is a highly regarded mental health trainer and facilitator, having trained thousands of professionals since 2008. He’s developed mental health curriculum used by Washington State. 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 congressio-
recognition for his work on
OUT ON THE RANCH - From Page 14
surgeries—and yet her spirit never dimmed.
She wanted to spend her final chapter here at the ranch. When she called one day asking, “Have you ever heard of a park model home?” I started planning immediately. By March 2020, she had moved into her tiny home here. Days later, the world went into COVID lockdown. Our timing, as it often is in the flow of life, was divine. That tiny home sat in a spot that became sacred; Her home, Her view, Her quiet passing.
Afterwards, we tried to work the tiny home into accommodation offerings at the ranch, but, it didn’t really work. I would meditate on this at the altar to my ancestors. I would look upon mom’s little red plastic purse with Snow White on it, the one she brought to America from Italy when she was five years old, and ponder, ‘what would mom have me do?’ My mother would come through resoundingly clear, ‘sell it!’
She always wanted to see us get amenities for the ranch. So, that’s exactly what we decided to do. We put it up for sale in late 2024 and it wasn’t long until a couple synchronistic connections led us to a young family with two toddlers. They were looking for just something like this to move to the family compound. It was an oddly perfect match, as if meant to be.
But, there was a wrinkle. They wouldn’t be able to purchase it until their own house sold after they listed it in March of this year, 2025. I did have other bites from buyers and could have even accepted a higher offer. No one passed the vibe check like this family. I was willing to wait, and they were willing to put down some earnest money.
Their house sold and they bought the tiny home. We went to the county offices to transfer the title. It was an unexpected severalhour affair, mostly spent waiting for the cogs of bureaucracy to turn. Whilst it was tedious, it went smoothly. Mind you now, this was me with the mom, dad, toddler brother and toddler sister in princess dress. The children were extremely well behaved, considering the long wait. Honestly, it was pleasant spending the time with them.
Finally, we are called back to the counter for the last pen strokes. We are just wanting to get it all done and be out of there. Standing with mom and toddler sister, we await the clerk. This was the actual moment where ownership changes hands.
The mom is trying to keep daughter entertained and asks her, “Tell David who your favorite princess is.” The toddler looks at me and says, “Snow White.” Then, puts finger on bottom teeth and smiles coyly at me to see if I heard. Her mom responds, “well that’s an odd one to pick from the ones you like, but it’s perfect.”
Yes, toddler princess, it is perfect. The perfect symbolic hat tip to a little red plastic purse with Snow White upon it. I just smiled and said to myself, “thanks for the sign, mom.”
Over the years, the ranch has grown into something more than just alpacas and yurt-dwelling glampers. The ashes of beloved friends and chosen family members have joined this sacred space.
That’s the rhythm of this land. That’s the echo of filial piety.
In every act of service to our elders—be it as small as a meal or as immense as hospice—we gain something beyond words. A deepening of spirit. A sharpening of purpose. A tether to the lineage that brought us here. Mom’s legacy at the ranch lives on with our newly constructed amenities area.
It was only when I was ready that this poem found its way to me. I share it here with you now, in honor of all who have had the blessing to experience filial piety:
“A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, ‘Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease,
my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we’re together again.”
— Author Unknown
Paca Pride Guest Ranch is nestled on 17 acres in the rural mountains outside Granite Falls, Washington.
David Capocci, Glenn Budlow and Tim Leingang founded Paca Pride Guest Ranch in 2004.
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• Allowing your availability to expand into time you meant to keep for yourself.
• Giving a little extra until it becomes the new expectation.
These aren’t always obvious at first, which is why paying attention matters. Small shifts, over time, chips away at your capacity and makes it harder to keep your business sustainable.
Why Boundaries Are Strategic When you think of boundaries as a strategy instead of selfishness, or self-defense, everything shifts.
Boundaries do more than protect your time and energy, they actively shape your business. They help create:
• Consistency → People know when and how they can work with you, and what to
REGIONAL -
ISF - From Page 3
Nail gave him the time to do both, and soon, Schmierer was Nail’s go-to “fill-in” guy at ISF.
“ If the designer was out, I would design. If the printer was out, I would print. If a production person was out, I would do production and stuff. If the installer was out, I’d do installation work,” Schmierer said. “I was the gopher — I did everything.”
Sometimes, he’d even step in for Nail, giving pricing quotes to businesses and setting things up behind the scenes.
By 2015, it had become a dream of Schmierer’s to one day own ISF. A creative guy, he felt fulfilled by the work there. “It’s never the same way twice,” Schmierer said. “You always have to be creative in how you come up with what a person needs and finish the application … As an artist, photographer and graphic designer, that’s always the fun part — taking something all the way through.”
It wasn’t just work that called to him. “I’ve always liked the crew that was here. I liked the building,” Schmierer said. “It just felt like home actually.”
expect.
• Respect → Your work, time, and resources are treated as valuable.
• Sustainability → You can continue to do the work you love without burning out.
Ways to Build Boundaries Into Your Business
• Time boundaries: Decide when you’re available — and communicate it clearly. If you respond to messages only during certain hours, let people know.
• Scope boundaries: Define what’s included in your services or products before you begin.
• Money boundaries: Set clear payment terms and make them part of your process.
• Personal boundaries: Protect your well-being by deciding what you will and won’t engage with. Refuse abusive or disrespectful behavior. Protect your mental health by limiting certain types of projects or
customers.
Keeping Them Without Guilt Boundaries work best when they’re shared early and often — on your website, in your policies, in everyday conversations. Most people aren’t trying to cross your boundaries — they just don’t know where they are. When you communicate your boundaries with clarity and warmth, they help everyone have a better experience.
And remember: boundaries aren’t about shutting people out. They’re about creating the space and stability that allow your business to thrive, and for you to continue to show up.
A boundary isn’t a wall — it’s a doorway. It guides the right people in, makes your work more sustainable, and keeps you connected to the freedom that inspired you to start your business in the first place.
If you’re curious about how strong, healthy boundaries could help you build a sustainable and wildly successful business, let’s talk. Email me at hello@ loveyourlife.co, and we’ll explore what’s possible for you and your work.
and deeply relational, Dana creates coaching spaces rooted in clarity, care, and quiet resistance. She’s been coaching since 2008 and is especially drawn to those navigating shifts in personal direction, business, or both. Learn more at loveyourlife.co.
Sometimes it literally was his home away from home. He was living in Deer Park, a long commute from ISF’s downtown Spokane location, and if he worked late, he’d sleep in his office. One day, he wanted it to be his.
For five years, Schmierer worked diligently at both ISF and Spokane Art Supply. Then, COVID-19 hit Spokane, and Nail started talking about wanting to sell ISF.
A few companies were interested, Schmierer said, but they didn’t want the whole business, just bits and pieces or the building. Nail “really wanted to keep the family together,” Schmierer said, and he saw his opportunity — Schmierer wanted the whole thing.
“ It got to the point to where I kept pestering him and pestering him, and [Nail] said, ‘okay, if you can get the money, we will do it,’” Schmierer said. He immediately sought a small business loan, and soon, the business was his.
“With any transaction, there’s give and take,” Schmierer said, but Nail was incredibly generous, doing most of the giving. “He was very amenable because he knew I was going to not only take care of his legacy, but I was going to take it into the future.”
The future
Under Schmierer, ISF is moving forward with new ideas and business avenues. They’re getting into electrical work with the help of local businesses, doing LED designs. Schmierer has worked to install new equipment that expands their flexibility and capacity. He’s looking at new marketing strategies, too, like implementing annual car graphic wrap giveaways to reach clients who may want to get their whole fleets wrapped.
And at the same time as Schmierer looks into the future, there’s a lot about ISF that has stayed the same, like its commitment to the queer community.
For the last two decades, there has always been at least one LGTBQ+ person working at ISF. Now, there’s four — if you count Schmierer’s husband, who volunteers a few days at ISF. He’s the yin to Schmierer’s yang, mechanically inclined and down to help with any big deliveries ISF might need to make.
ISF has stayed involved with LGBTQ+ business associations and Spokane Pride, and they run ads in the Stonewall News Northwest, in a return to tradition for ISF and a passion for Schmierer, who used to run an
LGBTQ+ magazine of his own that interviewed big names like Cyndi Laupner and George Takei.
One of the biggest developments for ISF’s future is Schmierer’s construction of a podcast studio in the shop. He’s one of the executive producers of The Queercentric, a local LGBTQ+ podcast, which will soon be able to record in the in-house studio, but he also plans to record podcasts to promote their sign clients, as well as rent the studio out to other people who might want to start their own podcasts.
When Schmierer talks about ISF, he talks about the team, full of people who have worked there for anywhere between 6 to 18 years. He talks about the creative signage work they’ve done all over the city, and their upcoming expansions. He talks about his history with Nail, who gave him a shot and then sold him the business. He talks about his husband, who he met playing recreational volleyball, who now works with him on his dream business. He talks about all the ways he can give back to his community. He talks about ISF’s future. It looks bright — lit up in neon lights across the city.
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
