Unite Seattle Magazine Spring 2020 by unitesea

SPR ING 2020 ISSU E 9

BEST IN BUSINESS AWARDS GET TING PRE-FIT

THE LAST WORD W/ MI C HAE L M U S T O

PERSON OF THE YEAR

PR AMILA

JAYAPAL

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from the

EDITOR’S desk

SEATTLE’S OFFICIAL LGBT QUARTERLY NEWSMAGAZINE BRINGING THE SEATTLE LGBTQ BUSINESS AND NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY TOGETHER PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Montgomery VP OF SPONSORSHIPS Victor B. De Los Santos PRODUCTION MANAGER Art Bautista STYLE EDITOR Reshma Allu

DEAR READERS, As we enter Spring 2020, we also celebrate our second anniversary. This is also a very somber time as well with most of Seattle is under Covid-19 quarantine with events being postponed or canceled. This is also a great time to come together and make big changes to the community for our future. With national politics over the last 12 months in mind, we couldn’t have found a better Person of the Year than Pramila Jayapal. Who could forget the impact she has made on the national stage and right here in our region? Also in this issue, meet the stars of Netflix’s hit show The Politician, fitness fashions, wellness, plus check out a Best and Worst recap by the iconic Michael Musto. We also salute our advertisers in our first annual Best in Business Awards! Our mission is one of collaboration and inclusiveness. We have a long way to go, but what we have done in these past two years has created an impact. Onward! Mike Montgomery Publisher COVER/FEATURE CREDITS: 2019 Person of the Year: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal Photographer: Nate Gowdy

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CONTRIBUTORS MK Scott, Joey Amato, Victor B. De Los Santos, Gregg Shapiro, Dayna Jo Mason, Sarah Toce, Brian Matt.,Vincent Kovar, Gary Atkins COPY EDITOR Richard Isaac PHOTOGRAPHERS Nate Gowdy, Jorge Hernandez, MK Scott, Brian Matt ILLUSTRATOR Ken Campbell WEBMASTER Leon Chea NATIONAL AD REP (RIVENDELL MEDIA) 212-242-6863 SUBSCRIBE - GIVE A GIFT - BUY AN AD PUBLISHER@UNITESEATTLEMAG.COM SALES@UNITESEATTLEMAG.COM FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

CONTENTS 12

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PRAMILA

Jayapal PERSON OF THE YEAR

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SPOTTED SEPTEMBER 28 BELLEVUE FASHION WEEK HYATT REGENCY BELLEVUE

OCTOBER 2 Barbara Corcoran and Josh Altman HILTON SEATAC

OCTOBER 11 Rachel Maddow in Seattle Benaroya Hall

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OCTOBER 10 Seattle Queer Film Festival Opening

OCTOBER 21 Hopelink Annual Luncheon Meydenbauer Center

NOV 12 MObituaries with Mo Rocca Town Hall

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NOV 2 EQUALUX: Taste of GSBA Westin Seattle Hote 3

NOV 5 Egan Orion Election Night Party Sole Repair Sho

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SPOTTED December 11 GSBA Holiday Luncheon and Annual Meeting Marion Oliver McCaw Hall

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COLLAB

David’s Goodness:

It starts with you!

In 2017, David Wash, a steadfast donor and volunteer for people surviving with HIV/AIDS and cancer, passed away. David’s goodness wasn’t common or ordinary. It was truly exemplary! “It’s hard to describe a person like David Wash without repeating the clichés you hear about most people who have died,” says Ruby Kane, a former communications specialist at Lifelong. “He was warm and enthusiastic, and his spark was contagious. He was modest and generous with his time and resources. He was kind—so kind that as a friend (or even a friend of a friend, or friend of a friend of a friend), you’d have to carefully consider whether you needed his help: you knew he’d never say no.” I was incredibly lucky to witness and know David’s Goodness personally. David was one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I was one of his. We met in 2003 when I worked at Lifelong AIDS Alliance, where and he and his partner Steve volunteered. David gave his heart and soul to that organization, making sure that individuals living with HIV/ AIDS were a priority and received the services they needed. David and Steve were top AIDS Walk fundraisers, Dining Out for Life ambassadors, and table captains at the World AIDS Day breakfast each year. Every week they delivered meals and groceries—and in December, they even provided Christmas trees and presents to their clients! They brought 10-20 guests each month at the Gay Bingo fundraiser and provided chauffeur service in their limousine for all of Lifelong’s VIP guests. In 2005, David and Steve were recognized as Lifelong’s Volunteers of the Year. 10 || UNITE SEATTLE

David worked very hard to help people who needed it, but it never seemed like work when he did it. He made everything into an adventure that you and he were sharing, and he always seemed thrilled that it was you who was along with him. David always had another creative fundraising idea, another plan to help fund various charities or raise money for friends down on their luck, another reason why you had to be on board. He never ever stopped working to make other people’s lives better. And now, even death itself shall not stop David from helping people. His dream of helping everyone can live on through the David Wash Legacy Fund at the Pride Foundation, which each year will award a grant to a Northwest organization serving people with HIV/AIDS or cancer. His parents, his partner, and I are asking the community’s help in creating this lasting legacy. To honor his work and in memory of him, we’d like to expand his reach into the future by raising $25,000 by the end of 2019. “Put on your makeup, throw on your dress, grab your wig, join the party. Ignore the haters and the threats and do it all anyway. Life is a cabaret, baby. Help David’s dream come true.”, says, Alison Arngrim, “Nellie” from Little House on the Prairie and the friend of David’s.” Share some of your own goodness by making a tax-deductible that is meaningful to you at davidsgoodness.com

A note from David: David would want to make sure you know that even if you’re unable to give right now, that’s OK! There are other ways to create your own “GOODNESS” and help people with HIV/ AIDS and Cancer.

It starts with YOU! 1. Update yourself about HIV/AIDS here: helpstopthevirus.com 2. Get tested: gettested.CDC.Gov 3. Become a volunteer: lifelong.org/volunteer/ 4. Know the symptoms of pancreatic cancer: uwmedicine.org/services/Cancercare

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BEST TV SHOW:

THE POLITICIAN WORDS: MK Scott

Netflix’s much-hyped show, Ryan Murphy’s The Politician, matches the political landscape of 2019 and what is to come in 2020, and I recommend it highly. The streaming service’s summary puts it well: “Payton Hobart (Ben Platt), a wealthy student from Santa Barbara, has known since age seven that he’s going to be president of the United States. But first, he’ll have to navigate the most treacherous political landscape of all: St. Sebastian High School. To get elected student body president, secure a spot at Harvard, and stay on his singular path to success, Payton will have to outsmart his ruthless classmates without sacrificing his own morality and carefully crafted image. Full of comedy and sly satire, The Politician offers a rare glimpse into just what it takes to make a politician.” Last fall, I got to interview two of its stars: Laura Dreyfuss (one of Payton’s campaign managers) and Rahne Jones (Payton’s opponent’s running mate), whose characters start out on opposite sides but are soon revealed as a same-sex couple. I had a chance to sit down and chat with Dreyfuss and Jones while they were on a publicity tour in Seattle

MKS: Now, Rahne, you’re the running mate for River [David Corenswet, as Payton’s opponent and ex-boyfriend]. How involved are you in the overall story this season? Rahne: I think I’m pretty involved. I mean I think that Skye is a person who is, you know, passionate about a lot of things, especially about marginalized communities and giving a voice to the voiceless. And she’s going to stop at nothing to get what she wants. And we’ll see her making some interesting choices in order to gain that power. But, yeah, I definitely have a lot more to do, once the episodes progress, for sure. MKS: I understand this was your first acting job.

“Taking in this beautiful city—it’s amazing!”

MK Scott: So what brings you guys to Seattle? Laura Dreyfuss: Well, we are promoting our wonderful show called The Politician on Netflix! Rahne Jones: Taking in this beautiful city—it’s amazing!

Rahne: Yes, mm-hmm. MKS: And you used to work with the Department of Homeland Security? Rahne: I did, yeah, for four and a half years. MKS: So how was the transition from that to acting?

Rahne: Literally night and day. There’s no equal. I don’t even know the terminology for it: completely different worlds. But I quit that job and then the universe aligned to have this happen, which is surreal.

MKS: Excellent. Now, tell me a little bit about your character, Laura.

MKS: Have you guys personally worked with any of the major stars of the show, such as Jessica Lange or Bette Midler?

Laura: So I’m on Payton’s campaign team, and just, like, very intelligent, very strategic, constantly thinking about every outcome to every situation. And I think she just sees Payton as the ticket to the White House. And she really believes in him. It’s her plan to get him there.

Rahne: I cried out there.

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Laura: Oh, yeah, that was amazing. Yeah, we got to work with Jessica, and that day was amazing. She’s such a legend, so it was really, really cool.

MKS: She’ll be major in the next season. Laura: Yeah. It appears that way. MKS: Yeah, as well as Judith Light. Rahne: Absolutely. Laura: So it’ll be fun, I think that last episode of season one really sets up what you could maybe expect from season two. So those two women interrelate together, and I really am glad to see them. MKS: So, Laura, you worked with Ben [Platt] in Dear Evan Hansen, so one of the great things about the first episode is that you got to hear him sing. That scene was just absolutely amazing. Laura: Yeah, it was a really special day. I mean, obviously he had been singing his lovely songs since, actually, five years now. But, no, it was a really special day, and I think it was really amazing to watch him in that way. And every time—we probably watched it like 18 times—I was in tears every time. Rahne: Every time. MKS: But I’m sure you were there when they were filming that. Laura: I was, yes. It was the first time I had ever seen Ben sing live [as an audience member]. And I was just, like, he is just… it was a lifetime talent, for sure, watching him perform, and he’s just so caught up in the element, and his voice is just beautiful. I was, like, I’m just emotional out here. It was a wonderful experience. Yeah.

MKS: Now, [Laura’s] already said that [she] will be part of the season two. How about you, Rahne? Rahne: Oh yeah, I will be as well. MKS: Even though they do kind of go into the future there? Rahne: Yes. MKS: Do tell! Rahne: I mean, like, I’m in the season; I just don’t know what I’m doing in the season. Laura: Yeah, we haven’t had the script yet. Rahne: We have no script. We’re just on pins and needles. We have our fitting and stuff coming up soon. So, it’s like, what are we doing? MKS: There’s the love story between Payton and River. Now, are there going to be any other relationships in the show [besides your characters]? Laura: I think so. MKS: LGBT? Rahne: For sure. Laura: Yeah, absolutely. Rahne: One hundred percent.

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Be sure to catch season one of The Politician on Netﬂix. Laura: I think it’s safe to say pretty much everyone dabbles a little. Rahne: Yeah, for sure. Laura: I mean, that’s the amazing thing about this show, that there’s so much clear representation. Rahne: Absolutely, yeah. Laura: So, yeah, it’s also very fluid. Like everyone’s very fluid on the show. So that’s really exciting, and it kind of represents what I hope the future looks like. Rahne: Absolutely, yeah. It is what it is. MKS: Is that pretty much true about what the current generation’s going through in regards to the fluidity? Laura: I think that…because of the fight the older generation has done before us, we’re able to… Rahne: Explore. Laura: …live in a world where we don’t have to be so hard with our labels and we could be a little more fluid and exist within the spectrum of gender and sexual fluidity. So the show does a good job of representing that. MKS: Now, in regards to the show, there’s a lot of truth about it, about the way that a politician actually works, and all the stuff they do. What do you think about what is going on with the current administration? Laura: Well, I think it’s an interesting question. I like how in the show Payton says that he’s read every presidential biography starting with Ronald Reagan, because in his reign, Ronald Reagan created the modern presidency. And he used 14 || UNITE SEATTLE

entertainment as a way to draw people in. And so I feel like today we’re questioning a lot what is authenticity and what makes a leader tick, and also how much of it is entertainment and how much of it becomes entertainment. And, yeah, so I think that’s definitely something you see in the show. It comments on the… Rahne: The performative nature. Laura: …the performative nature of politics. And it’s our job as voters and citizens to examine what that means, and what we feel, and why we’re voting for somebody, and why we’re electing people, and how we measure authenticity. Rahne: I echo everything that she just said. I mean, as far as the current administration is concerned. I think the show does a good job of not mentioning Donald Trump at all, because I think it’s low-hanging fruit. It’s easy to latch on to that and ride it. But I think that we’re talking about some important things that will affect every citizen. And we do it in a satirical way, but I think it will get people talking even more about what’s happening. MKS: Now, if you weren’t doing this, would you be back on Broadway? Would you do it again? Laura: Of course, yes. I think my heart’s like… Rahne: Laura’s like: No, absolutely no. [laughter] Laura: Yeah, I love theater. Theater is my number one passion. So, yeah, I could always go back to that, yeah. MKS: How about you, Rahne? If you weren’t on this show, what would you be doing? Rahne: If I wasn’t on the show what would I be doing? I think something related to fashion.

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xercise, in general, strengthens the immune system. According to an article by Dr. Dean Haycock on Livestrong.com: In fact, between 60% and 90% of dedicated amateur and professional athletes who do not overtrain report they have fewer colds than people who don’t exercise, according to a June 2001 report by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research. Dr. Mark Jenkins, associate team physician for Rice University, writes on the SportsMedWeb site that improved immune function through moderate exercise is “especially true in older athletes, and it appears that regular exercise can help reduce the age-related decline in immune function.” So, getting into the gym (or yoga class or Pilates or on the track or…) is going to help keep you healthy! But doing so after taking a long break can be daunting. Additionally, finding your workouts are no longer having the effects you hoped for (especially as we get older) can be frustrating and put a sizable dent in both one’s motivation and self-esteem. However, there are a few steps that you can take before (or during) the road to this summer’s “beach bod” to get your system into tune and improve your results. We will look at them in three parts: Part I. Diet and Nutrients. And I don’t mean calorie counting. Part II. Minerals and Vitamin D. These minerals should include zinc, magnesium, and D-Particularization acid. Part III. Adaptogens. These rebuild and repair your adrenals, which power your workouts and overall wellness, as well as support overall health.

Part I: Diet and Nutrients Most gyms and workout books will advise you to see a medical professional before starting any fitness program. If you can, try to find a “functional medicine” doctor. These are physicians (both MDs and NDs) who are less concerned about getting you out of their offices in 13 minutes than they are about giving you a complete healthcare picture. In any case, a professional is likely to check your blood pressure and cholesterol and (hopefully) give you some tips on a healthy diet full of nutrients, which are compounds essential to life and health that provide energy, form the building blocks for repair and growth, and regulate chemical processes. Make sure to also ask your doctor to look at your supplement regime and lifestyle factors. Before even looking at fancy (expensive) supplements that are going to get you “swole fast!” or whatever, let’s get real: the majority of supplements are filler—with inconsequential amounts of the ingredients they promise—and marketing. That’s why they carry this important label: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.” However, there are a few you should consider, depending on your lifestyle. The top of this list is the B vitamin family: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, etc. Aside from B12, your body cannot store these vitamins for long periods, so you have to replenish them regularly. If you’re an average American, you should probably have at least some B supplementation.

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A Healt

th Tune-Up

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But, before grabbing a bottle off the shelf, try filling your diet with these fun friends that are rich in B vitamins: • Dark leafy greens Turnip Greens: In general, the darker the leafy green, the better: spinach (raw is best), collard greens, turnip greens, and romaine lettuce. I am personally a big fan of beet greens, oh so very lightly roasted with touches of olive oil, seasoning, and a balsamic glaze. Iceberg lettuce is, well, nothing in terms of nutrients. • Eggs: Many of us grew up with myths about eggs and cholesterol. The truth is that eggs actually have little effect on bad cholesterol. Perhaps more crucially, eggs are rich in cysteine, the amino acid your body uses to produce the antioxidant glutathione, which is crucial to breaking down the toxic by-products of alcohol. You might notice after a night of heavy drinking, you want greasy eggs—this is why. The other big news about eggs is that they have the highest level of protein absorption in the body, even more than milk and meat and way (so to speak) more than whey or soy. Free-range eggs are the best choice. • Cow milk: Yes, almond, soy, and oat milk, etc. are gaining popularity, but cow milk (especially full-fat) is full of B vitamins and high amounts of absorbable protein. Search for milk from grass-fed (not grain-fed) cows. • Beef: Again, look for grass-fed, free-range, and possibly halal or kosher beef. Don’t obsess about ultra-lean: not only does a bit of fat make it taste better, it contains a better suite of vitamins. But limit your intake to once every week or two. • Liver and other organ meats: Okay, liver sounds gross to many of us, so I recommend turning it into paté. Grill it in bacon grease and shallots, and add bacon, fresh herbs, a bit of butter, sea salt, and a splash of bourbon, then puree. Spread it on toast points or carrot or cucumber slices. • Salmon: Avoid Atlantic, farm-raised fish, which are dyed to look pink instead of gray. Natural salmon also has higher levels of all those healthy (omega-3) fats that decrease appetite, along with a host of other desirable effects. • Oysters, clams, and mussels: These will provide B1, 2, 3, 9, and 12 in a tasty way. • Legumes, sunflower seeds, poultry, pork, trout, yogurt: All of these are sources of other vitamins but are not so great on the Bs. Next, are you a drinker? If so, the way your body processes alcohol uses the stores of vitamins and minerals in your body. Sadly, almost all of us are already short on those very ones, even before we drink. So if you’re a drinker (at all), you definitely should definitely ask your doctor about it. (Also, just be aware that there are also studies that indicate drinking alcohol reduces glute development. Yes, beer-butt is a thing, but that’s a whole other article!)

Photos: Pexels.com

Also, while you’re at the doctor’s, get an STI check. Only six out of ten people carrying an STI show any symptoms. That means 40% of people carrying an STI have no idea. This is particularly bad for women. Chlamydia can cause infertility in cis women and trans women and HPV can lead to cancer. What does that have to do with fitness? Not only are STIs bad for any gender but the majority of our body’s energy is devoted to our immune system. When that energy is diverted to fighting off infections, your body has less fuel to repair and build muscles, tendons, etc. In part II, we’re going to talk about the next step: using minerals (and vitamin D) to get your hormones into shape. 18 || UNITE SEATTLE

Photos: Pexels.com

Part II: Minerals and Vitamin D

linked to lower testosterone levels in men, which may cause lower energy, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction.

After you’ve completed an evaluation of your alcohol and B vitamin intake, you should look at the minerals in your diet, as well as vitamin D. Minerals are also affected by alcohol, but more importantly, those of us who live in the western side of the Pacific Northwest rarely see sunshine, which means our bodies only produce vitamin D about a third of the year.

A 1996 study (Nutrition, May, 12(5): 344–48) showed a very clear relationship between zinc and testosterone levels. Young men were fed a diet including very little zinc such that they developed a zinc deficiency. Testosterone levels were measured, and there was a significant decrease (almost 75%) after 20 weeks of a low-zinc diet.

Vitamin D is technically a hormone rather than a vitamin. It has wide-ranging effects on our mood, sex drive, and general health. D is critical to overall body wellness and regulating how other vitamins and minerals work, including zinc and magnesium.

If your doctor suggests you’re low in zinc and magnesium, try a supplement combo known as ZMA (zinc, magnesium, and D-aspartic acid). I’ve taken ZMA and had great results.

If you live in a perpetually cloudy climate (like I do), you might find taking vitamin D every day benefits your overall sense of well-being. However, don’t go crazy: vitamin D can build up and become toxic.

D-aspartic acid plays a role in making and releasing hormones (like testosterone) in the body, while magnesium is necessary for more than 300 biochemical processes. These include increasing testosterone, building good bones, increasing muscle strength, enhancing muscle recovery, and supporting quality sleep.

Can you OD on D? Well, according to the Mayo Clinic, “60,000 international units (IU) a day of Vitamin D for several months has been shown to cause toxicity.” So discuss this at your annual physical. Some scientists also link zinc and magnesium to keeping your hormones at healthy levels, and these minerals may even be linked to mental health. Just like with B vitamins, alcohol (even in small amounts) may lead to zinc deficiency, which in turn is

In a study published in Biological Trace Element Research, a team of investigators reported that men who took magnesium supplements (10 mg/kg of body weight) daily for four weeks experienced a rise in both free and total testosterone levels. If you don’t want to supplement, a high-protein diet will usually contain enough of these minerals. Meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and chicken are all good sources of zinc. Nuts,

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whole grains, legumes, and yeast also contain zinc. In the next section, we’ll step into alternative health care just a bit. Part III: Stress and Adaptogens For thousands of years, various cultures have been using supplements that have dramatically changed the health of people all over the world. However, talk to a certified ND. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Don’t get me wrong. I am very supportive of the FDA and other councils demanding science over placebo. But, let’s get serious: FDA drugs fail the placebo test more than 50% of the time. Traditional herbal medicines have almost the same track record for success. Often, where traditional medicines shine is that they don’t have the side effects of manufactured medicines. Anyway, let’s talk about stress and its effect on your ability to get fit. According to Robert Leahy, director of American Institute of Cognitive Therapy, the average high school kid today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric in-patient in the early 1950s. Even worse, things don’t get better as we age.

effective. Sure, those vitamins and foods we’ve talked about will help, but you may find some benefit in turning to ancient, alternative health methods. Ayurvedic medicine leverages several herbal combinations to refuel the adrenals and let them recover. Modern scientists have isolated these compounds and called them “adaptogens.” The term comes from Dr. Nikolai Lazarev, a Russian scientist who first coined it in 1947, but Drs. Israel Brekham and I. V. Darymovhe created the formal definition in 1968. Basically, adaptogens claim to support overall health by helping the body achieve balance, known as “homeostasis.” Adaptogens have been widely studied but definitely not FDA approved (yet). However, many people (including me) have found them to work when it comes to feeling younger, having better workouts, and reducing the dreaded “brain fog,” as well as issues such as allergies, psoriasis, asthma, sexual dysfunction, and signs of premature aging. Again, these are not FDA-evaluated statements, but those who believe in them swear by them. Adaptogens work best in combination. A few of the most effective (which you can find in some of the leading brands) are:

A 2017 Gallup poll found that about eight in 10 Americans say they frequently (44%) or sometimes (35%) encounter stress in their daily lives. Just 17% say they rarely feel stressed, while 4% say they never do. Think about your daily routine over the past seven days and notice how often you’ve been under stress. Now ask yourself: Are you… • • • • • •

getting sick more often? experiencing weight gain and stubborn fat storage? having disrupted sleep? getting frequent headaches? experiencing a loss of libido? having even just a general feeling of malaise?

Now, the diet described in part I and the supplements mentioned in part II will be a big help to alleviating all the above, but let’s dig into stress. One of the worst things about stress is that it keeps our adrenal glands firing until they become exhausted. Caffeine and other stimulants do likewise. They are not fuel, and they do not give you energy. All they do is trigger your adrenals to fire up the fight-or-flight instinct to temporarily make you faster, stronger, and more alert. When they fire over and over, they become less and less effective. What do you do when those adrenals start to run empty? When they fire over and over, they will become less and less Photos: Pexels.com 20 || UNITE SEATTLE

Photos: Pexels.com

• Eleuthero: Also known as Siberian ginseng, it is known to be a natural energy booster. • Panax ginseng: A wellresearched antioxidant, it also promotes mental clarity and physical endurance. • Ashwagandha: This is the “must have” of adaptogens and has been a feature of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. • Rhodiola rosea: In addition to its adaptogenic properties, rhodiola is good for energy and even combats altitude sickness. • L-tyrosine: Western medicine is really just beginning to research this naturally occurring amino acid, but it is frequently used in alternative medicine for mental clarity, focus, and memory. • Licorice root: The ancient Egyptians and Chinese used this root as a cure-all for, among other things, dyspepsia, breathing problems, and stress. Don’t get cheap adaptogens (or any kind of supplement). Look for quality.

According to www.holtraceuticals.com: Many over-the-counter brands consist of only 10% raw materials, with the other 90% consisting of fillers, binders, etc. On the other hand, pharmaceuticalgrade supplements, sometimes referred to as nutraceuticals, consist of at least 99% raw materials. Where can you find these brands? Well, the Alliance for Natural Health has put together a list of some of the top brands recommended by integrative medicine practitioners, most of which would fall under the category of pharmaceutical grade. I could write more, but these are the most critical things people should at least think about before starting a fitness program. Good luck and good health!

Vincent Kovar is an editor, journalist and writing instructor living in Seattle, WA. He teaches at Antioch University, the University of Phoenix and Richard Hugo House. UNITE SEATTLE || 21

Nate Gowdy 22 || UNITE SEATTLE

PERSON OF THE YEAR:

FINDING INSPIRATION WITH PRAMILA JAYPAYAL WORDS: Sarah Toce

ramila Jayapal’s measure of cohesiveness and inclusion comes straight from the gut. The Democratic congresswoman from Washington State’s 7th District has experienced and witnessed inequality throughout her life and career in one aspect or another—as a person of color, a woman, the mother of a child who identifies as gender-nonconforming, and the daughter of parents who wanted a better life for her than was possible back in their hometown of Chennai, India. She came to America with nothing—and it changed everything. When asked how she felt about the current temperature of the nation, Jayapal said, “Well, I think we are fighting for our democracy. We’re fighting for the soul of our democracy, but we’re also fighting for the legitimacy of what makes a democracy. And that is everything from the freedom of the press…to basic voting rights, to regard for the Constitution, to humanity…”

according to the caucus’s website. “It’s really an honor to have a caucus that represents 40% of the Democratic caucus,” Jayapal said. “And I always think about us progressives and I count Seattleites in this piece. …I think of us progressives as being the first people with the best and most just ideas. And that’s how we’ve made $15 minimum wage a reality. That’s how we’re going to make Medicare for All and universal health care a reality, because we’re willing to say yes, it’s not easy, yes, we need to build a movement. But the ultimate goal has to be for people to see our common responsibility to each other and to lift each other up.…There is nothing without intersectionality. There is nothing. And so that’s really been my focus.” That focus includes pushing beyond the limitations that are a by-product of the Trump White House. As Jayapal said, “We can’t just be an opposition party [to] Donald Trump, which we [also] have to do. We have to be a proposition party that lays out a vision and reminds people that democracy requires—and justice requires—that people engage, that they don’t give up hope and step away, but that they actually come toward that vision of who we can be.

“Because it’s not like we just support democracy when it’s easy. We have to support it when it’s really hard.”

She went on: “I think one of the things that gets lost with all the different battles we’re in is how people feel. And I think what we are really trying to do is inspire people to have hope, to believe that we really can make a difference and that we can push the kinds of bold ideas that lift everybody up regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ZIP code, or any other factor… Everyone should have the opportunity to live a life of dignity and respect.”

The 54-year-old congresswoman serves as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). Established in 1991, the CPC “reflects the diversity and strength of the American people and seeks to give voice to the needs and aspirations of all Americans and to build a more just and humane society,”

“Because it’s not like we just support democracy when it’s easy. We have to support it when it’s really hard. And I think that’s why it’s so important for people to understand that their individual participation matters to building a collective that brings equity and justice to everybody—their paychecks, their lives, their housing, their needs, their relationships. That is really what’s at the core of this.” She added, “What is interesting is that if you look at the bills that the Democratic majority has passed in our first year of having the majority in the House, it is the things that we would do UNITE SEATTLE || 23

if we had power in the Senate and [had] the presidency. And that’s why 2020 is so important, because I think we actually do have a consensus and it’s not just progressives; it’s also independents. And even some Republicans, depending on the issue…” For example, Jayapal continued, “everybody believes we should pay people what they’re worth or at least give people enough to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. Everybody understands that people should not be discriminated against. The Equality Act, the $15 minimum wage, the Dream [and] Promise Act, you know, not building a wall on the southern border but actually advocating for humane immigration reform, strengthening workers’ rights on the job, whether it’s…through my Domestic Workers Bill of Rights or strengthening labor unions through the PRO [Protecting the Right to Organize] Act, which we’re getting ready to pass on the House floor—these are the ways in which we have to go into 2020 with a vision.” Jayapal, a senior whip of the Democratic caucus, serves on the House’s Budget and Judiciary Committees (on the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security and Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law), as well as the Education and Labor Committee (on the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, and the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections). She stands behind her commitment to ensuring a better life for all. In addition to co-chairing the CPC, Jayapal co-chairs the Medicare for All caucus and the Women’s Working Group on Immigration. She is also a member of the caucuses: Agriculture Research, Artificial Intelligence, Bipartisan Congressional Refugee, Career and Technical Education, Congressional Antitrust, Congressional Asian Pacific American, Congressional Hispanic, Congressional Soccer, Congressional

Brian Matt

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Zoo and Aquarium, Deadliest Cancers, Diabetes, Estuary, House Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Hunger, LGBT Equality, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Native American, New Americans, Organic, Outdoor Recreation, Primary Care, Pro-Choice, Puget Sound, Small Brewers, and Women’s Issues. “We can’t just be an opposition party opposing Donald Trump, which we have to do,” she reminds. “We have to be a proposition party that lays out a vision and reminds people that democracy requires and justice requires that people engage, that they don’t give up hope and step away, but that they actually come toward that vision of who we can be because it’s not like we just support democracy when it’s easy. We have to support it when it’s really hard. And I think that’s why

it’s so important for people to understand that their individual participation matters to building a collective that brings equity and justice to everybody - their paychecks, their lives, their housing, their needs, their relationships. That is really what’s at the core of this.” At the core, Jayapal is a leader and an inspiration to so many—because she shows up and doesn’t give up. She sees the difficulties and she continues forward, vowing to encourage growth and opportunity for us all. She invests and reinvests in the goodness that is America, and serves as inspiration for why we should all do the same. Sarah Toce is a freelance writer for LGBTQ Nation, Windy City Times and is the Editor in chief of the Seattle Lesbian.

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COAC

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CHING VS THERAPY WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? WORDS: Frank Macri

eople often confuse coaching and therapy. So let’s take a quick look at each. Most therapeutic techniques are designed to support individuals experiencing significant emotional distress, which usually leaves the person in a state of dysfunction. That’s where therapy comes in. Therapy is also appropriate when someone is suffering from suicidal thoughts, trauma, or addiction. Coaching, on the other hand, is designed to support individuals who are looking to reach an optimal state of success. Coaching is ideal for those looking to break through any barrier that might be holding them back from living up to their potential. For example, some very successful people may feel stuck while striving for certain goals but don’t necessarily need a therapist to process their childhood. They would be much better off working with a coach. This doesn’t mean that coaches aren’t able to do deep, inner work with their clients. Certified coaches are also capable of supporting clients who struggle with anxiety, stress, or other challenging emotions. While coaching and therapy share some similarities in that respect, another difference is that psychotherapy often focuses on the impact the past has on the present, while coaching focuses on the present and future. So coaches build on their client’s strengths, values, and goals, to provide their life with meaning and purpose.

Now, I’m a fan of therapy and have experienced plenty of it in my life. It’s been very helpful when I truly needed it. For example, at one time I had a relationship issue that was causing me stress. I sought out a therapist, because I just thought that was the only kind of professional to see if you felt stuck or had stress. My therapist had me trace my relationship back and relate it to my childhood. But there wasn’t much insight I got from that, and I left the session without an action plan to resolve the challenges I was having in my relationship. Instead, I benefited more from having a coach. That was what was missing for me! Coaching was what allowed me to create a plan and move forward. At any one time, about 10% of the population are being negatively impacted by mental illness and issues from their past that need to be resolved in order to move forward. Those people are perfect for therapy. And then there’s the other 90%, who can benefit from the holistic, strength-based approach of coaching, which can inspire them to achieve their dreams and live more rewarding, fulfilling lives. It’s really exciting to see what’s possible when you understand the different ways therapists and coaches work!

Frank Macri is the President and Founder of Namasgay and “Speak More, Make More: Professional Speaker Academy.” Frank has trained and mentored over 1,000 coaches and business owners worldwide.

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Top 10 Films of the:

2010’S WORDS: Sara Michelle Fetters

wrote on average 176 reviews a year this past decade. That’s 1,760 films, which by all accounts is a gigantic number. But when Box Office Mojo lists over 900 titles as receiving some sort of theatrical exhibition in 2019 alone, it’s not like it’s even slightly possible to see everything that gets a release. So imagine attempting to pick the best films of the past decade. Consensus can ostensibly be achieved by polling critics, filmmakers, historians, and even general audiences and then listing the results, but even then, the only real arbiter of what will last into the future is the requisite passage of time. Not that this stopped me from compiling my own list of the best films of the 2010s. I spent 2019 whittling things down from roughly 150 diverse titles to my personal favorite 50. I rewatched films from 24 countries featuring stories of every type, ranging from drama to horror to comedy to action to science fiction and every genre in between. I finally settled on ten motion pictures that meant the most to me. Some aren’t particularly surprising. Others unquestionably are. But this list wasn’t voted on by a panel of

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experts or curated by a group of my fellow critics. These are my selections and mine alone—and considering the personal nature of art and how certain stories affect as all with such unique specificity, that’s exactly as it should be. Without further ado, here are my picks for the top ten films of the 2010s: 10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) (Dir: Stephen

Chbosky) Adapting his own best-selling novel, Chbosky’s directorial debut is a thing of beauty. Featuring pitch-perfect performances from Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, this is a prescient gem that busts genre clichés while confidently writing its own uniquely personal story. 9. Clouds of Sils Maria (2014) (Dir: Olivier Assayas) In the moving, funny, heartbreaking, and euphoric Clouds of Sils Maria, writer-director Assayas bends perception and tilts expectation while at the same time stars Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, and Chloë Grace Moretz give the finest performances of their careers. 8. The Tree of Life (2011) (Dir: Terrence Malick) Malick’s time-bending allegorical meditation on life, the universe, and parenthood is a transfixing celebration where nature, religion, and family walk in uneasy camaraderie. Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain deliver superb performances even as their spoken dialogue is kept to a minimum. 7. Paddington 2 (2017) (Dir: Paul King) Quoting his Aunt Lucy, Paddington is fond of saying, “If we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.” Lately it’s been hard to believe in those words. Paddington 2 makes the viewer understand that the beloved bear is right, that politeness and kindness can win the day, and if that’s not a lesson worth learning, I don’t know what is. 6. Margaret (2011) (Dir: Kenneth Lonergan) A devastating human journey, Lonergan’s Altman-esque melodrama is multicharacter morality tale where right and wrong vanish into a seemingly never-ending cesspool of darkening greys. Anna Paquin has never been better. 5. Moonlight (2016) (Dir: Barry Jenkins) Jenkins’s Academy Award–winning Moonlight is a multigenerational drama where every second feels so livedin and authentic that the overall impact is tremendous. This haunting love story of friendship, longing, regret, and forgiveness is universal in its poetic magnitude.

2. Zero Dark Thirty (2012) (Dir: Kathryn Bigelow) A viscerally unsettling chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, Bigelow’s chilling political thriller asks tough questions and refuses to provide any easy answers. It’s a sensational procedural that refuses to let go of the viewer, and its haunting moral complexity is impossible to forget. 1. A Separation (2011) (Dir: Asghar Farhadi) Farhadi’s Oscar-winning Iranian marital drama A Separation is one of the greatest motion pictures I’ve ever seen. It is an operatic aria of human understanding, where pain and catharsis wrestle hand in hand as two parents deal with a litany of interconnected traumas and tragedies that force them to reassess their lives and wonder if they should remain married. A masterpiece.

Sara Michelle Fetters is local film critic and Editor-in-chief at Moviefreak.com

4. Winter’s Bone (2010) (Dir: Debra Granik) There is a breathless naturalism to the Appalachian world Granik creates in Winter’s Bone. It effortlessly submerges the viewer inside 17-year-old Ree Dolly’s dangerously exhaustive search for her missing father, and Jennifer Lawrence delivers a ferocious performance that signaled the arrival of a bona fide superstar. 3. Carlos (2010) (Dir: Olivier Assayas) The second film from filmmaker Assayas to make this list, Carlos is a 338-minute historical thriller that chronicles one of the 20th century’s most infamous figures, Venezuelan revolutionary Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, aka Carlos. Intense and thought-provoking, this epic film is an absolute triumph.

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PRIDE JOURNEY: 32 || UNITE SEATTLE

ASPEN WORDS: Joey Amato

or years I’d heard about Aspen Gay Ski Week, but it wasn’t until this year that I decided to make the journey out to Colorado to experience the event for myself. Now in its 43rd year, it attracts guests from around the country—and possibly around the world. For most, there are two ways to get to Aspen. The first is to fly to Denver and then take a connecting regional flight, or to drive four hours through beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. My guest and I decided the drive would be fun, plus we would get a chance to spend some time in Denver. After having spoken with the locals, I would actually recommend this route, because it will help your body adjust to the altitude. Altitude sickness is definitely a thing, so don’t take the warnings lightly. Drink lots of water throughout your stay and watch your alcohol intake: one drink equals about three in the mountains. First, though, we spent a night at the historic Hotel Oxford in Denver, the oldest hotel in the city, which I was excited to find out is also haunted: a ghost is said to maintain residency in one of the rooms. The upscale property also boasts a Bourbon Happy Hour every evening, during which guests get a chance to sample a wonderful variety. Connected to the hotel is

Urban Farmer, a restaurant that serves brunch every day of the week. How can you go wrong with that? If you are really hungry, order the MileHigh Omelet. Or if you are in the mood for something a bit lighter, try the Chestnut-Banana Breakfast Bowl, served with muesli, clementine, strawberry, and an almond-brown sugar crunch. If you only have one day to explore Denver, it will be hard to squeeze in all the must-see sights, but if you have time, head to the botanical gardens or art museum, the latter of which was hosting a sold-out Claude Monet exhibition featuring more than 120 paintings spanning his career. If you just want to see some city highlights, order an “eTuk” (electric tuk-tuk) to whisk you around town. Stop for dinner at El Five, one of the city’s newest dining establishments. The restaurant has a beautiful view of downtown, so try to get a table by the wall of windows. Order a few tapas for the table to share, or if you are in the mood for something a bit heartier, try one of the paella options. After dinner, head to Capitol Hill, the epicenter of LGBTQ nightlife. Party with the locals at Tracks, Charlie’s, X Bar, or Triangle. But remember, don’t go too wild, because the drive to Aspen to long and a bit tricky, depending on the weather. The road to Gay Ski Week

breathtaking views of the mountains. The hotel offers a complimentary buffet breakfast as well as shuttle service, making your stay even more enjoyable, since you won’t need a car or rideshare. Aspen Gay Ski Week events change on a daily basis. For example, on the evening we arrived, many boutiques and art galleries stayed open late for Aspen’s Fashion & Art Night Out. The following night featured a comedy show with Julie Goldman and Alec Mapa at Belly Up, followed by a dance party at the venue.

in Aspen along I-70, twisting through steep mountain peaks and tunnels, can be quite adventurous. You never really know what the weather will be, and it could turn on a dime in the mountains. Luckily, we were met with clear skies on both our drives to and from Aspen, but one night during our stay saw 10 inches of snow fall and shut down major roads into the city, stranding some revelers for hours. Even Olympic medalist Gus Kenworthy was no match for the winter storm: he was scheduled to appear at Four Mountain Sports but was delayed over an hour due to the harsh conditions. I had never been to Aspen before and wasn’t sure what to expect. As it happens, it’s an old mining town, founded in the 1870s, and its deep history can still be seen today in some beautifully preserved buildings. Even glamorous boutiques like Chanel, Gucci, and Dior are housed in historic edifices that add to the city’s mystique. As you wander around the narrow streets, you can see old mixed with new, however; for example, the Aspen Art Museum boasts a contemporary design. The Limelight Hotel Aspen, located in the heart of the city a few blocks from the base of Aspen Mountain, is ground zero for all things Gay Ski Week, including a daily activity known as Après Ski, after-ski drinks and conversation with friends. Even non-guests of the hotel gather daily in the lobby for this Aspen tradition. Our room at the Limelight was nothing short of magnificent. The Cathedral Suite features a full kitchen, dining room, and living room complete with a wall of windows framing

However, one of the most anticipated events of the week is the Downhill Costume Competition, where teams of skiers dress up to a theme and ski down Aspen Mountain. I can’t even ski in regular attire, but some of the outfit themes included Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers; an Olivia Newton John–inspired team performed her hit “Physical” on stage after skiing down the mountain. The event was hosted by Sister Helen Holy, quite simply one of the funniest, quickwitted drag queens I have ever seen. She had the crowd roaring with laughter throughout the entire event, which happened to be during that storm I mentioned. The snow made for an even more magical afternoon. What gay event would be complete without some dance parties? Later in the evening, with the temperature hovering in the single digits, we boarded a gondola to Top of the Mountain for the White Party. The ride takes about 15 minutes to ascend to the 11,000-foot summit of Aspen Mountain, sometimes in pitch-black conditions. It was both exciting and scary, as there were moments when you literally couldn’t see a foot in front of you. Once you arrive at the Sundeck Restaurant, you are greeted with hosts serving well-needed champagne and DJ Blacklow spinning as hundreds of revelers, dressed mostly in white, dance the night away. The crowd was one of the most diverse I’ve seen in a while: gay, straight, male, female, young, old—it didn’t matter. Everyone was there to have a good time and party in sky. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that Aspen is quite expensive. It is a destination visited by the super rich, so keep that in mind before you go. A meal at one of the town’s fabulous restaurants like Piñons or Acquolina can easily set you back $100 per person if you order a drink with dinner. UNITE SEATTLE || 33

There are some less expensive options, but just be prepared to spend a bit more than anticipated. I mentioned my lack of skiing ability earlier, so I decided I needed some lessons before heading out on the slopes. You can book private or semiprivate lessons through the Aspen Snowmass website; I highly recommend you do so if you are a novice skier. Our instructor, Pat Vaughan, was wonderful and very patient with me and my lack of hand-eye coordination. I only fell a few times and slightly bruised my knee, but all in all, it was a successful experience. Aspen Gay Ski Week comes to a close with the infamous Pool Party, held at the Aspen Recreational Center (or “the ARC”). This year’s party was hosted by Tito’s Vodka, Suerte Tequila, and Bud Light, and as you can imagine, it was filled with guys wearing as little clothing as possible. In all, the week was a wonderful experience, one that people come back to enjoy year after year. I reconnected with old friends and made some new ones along the way. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2021!

Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, a website dedicated to LGBTQ travel. Joey has spent over a decade in LGBTQ media and public relations and currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. He can be reached at joey@pridejourneys. com

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Seattle Group in

CUBA

During Pride, Experienced LGBTQ Life and Cuban Culture

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ongas, mojitos, and a salty Caribbean breeze greeted Seattle-area LGBTQ community members this past Pride season as they explored Cuba. Participants headed off to the island nation for seven days to get acquainted with its culture and examine the state of LGBTQ awareness there. The trip, which was organized by Springboard Cuba (springboardcuba.com) and spanned Havana and Viñales, a UNESCO World Heritage site, included educational forums; discussions with Cuban artists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders; visits to LGBTQ spaces, exposure to culture and arts, and opportunities to experience Havana’s LGBTQ nightlife. “My most favorite thing was I got to meet a lot of people that I could have never have met on my own,” said Clarence Kwan, a member of Glamazon (Amazon’s LGBTQ affinity group). “The stories that they told, the lives that they’ve lived, and their fun personalities were really amazing.” Trip participants Jen O’Ryan of Double Tall Consulting agreed that the no-holds-barred conversations with Cuban people stood out as a highlight. “My favorite part of the trip was being able to interact with people, like advocates and economists, and… to find out what [their] experience is really like and ask questions... The culture is very different than my own, and it’s been very interesting to learn about that.” The cultural expedition took place during Havana’s lively Pride celebrations, which are centered around the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. For two weeks, the LGBTQ community and allies came together for art exhibits, public talks,

street concerts, film screenings, a gala, and, of course, a Pride march, which takes the form of a conga line. Highlights from this year’s lineup included a gala performance by beloved Cuban songstress Haila, performances by drag queens, and discussions with Cuban LGBTQ film directors. Cuba, to the surprise of many, now takes a progressive stance on LGBTQ rights. Official LGBTQ advocacy efforts are led by Mariela Castro Espín, daughter of Raúl Castro, Cuba’s former president and the head of the Communist Party. The government body that carries out LGBTQ rights work is the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), recognized for its work in HIV prevention education. “Cuba has grown to become one of the most progressive countries in Latin America in terms of LGBTQ+ equality,” explained Matt Steffen, advisor at Springboard Cuba. “Bringing members of the Seattle and Cuban LGBTQ+ communities together couldn’t be happening at a better time.” This trip formed the first delegation to Cuba specifically for the Seattlearea LGBTQ community and represents Springboard Cuba’s commitment to connecting people globally. Multiple Seattle organizations, including the Greater Seattle Business Association and Glamazon promoted the trip. Springboard Cuba will be organizing another trip to Cuba for Pride 2020, scheduled for May. It will focus on LGBTQ themes and build on the relationships made this year. Go to Springboard Cuba (springboardcuba.com) for details.

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BEST IN BUSINESS AWARDS

2019 Advertisers are so important to print media, and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of a better way to celebrate them than with an award. So here are some of the best businesses that have supported us and that we support and personally endorse.

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Hopelink

Best Nonprofit: Hopelink (Honorable mention: The AMP)

Best Attorney: Jonathan Bowman Best Realtor: Michael Cornell Group Best Retail: Soaring Hearts Best Jeweler: Turgeon Raine Best Vintage: Retrofit Best Casual Restaurant: Lunchbox Laboratory Best Formal Restaurant: Toulouse Petit Best Thai: Mantra Thai Restaurant and Bar Best Snack: Honest Biscuits Best Vodka: Glass Distillery Best Wine Tasting: Mercer Best Caterer: Kaspars Best Cannabis: Uncle Ike’s Best Edibles: Craft Elixirs Best Theatre: ArtsWest Playhouse Best Museum: SAM Best Hotel: W Seattle Best Wedding Venue: Ray’s Boathouse Best Event Venue: Mount Baker Community Club

Best Show Venue: The Triple Door Best DJ: Disco Vinnie (Honorable mention: Seattle Parties) Best Event Production: Epiphany Events Best Workspace: ATLAS Workbase Best Gym: Flow Fitness Best Spa: Blue Haven Medical Spa Best Weekly: Seattle Gay News Community Partner of the Year: BECU

ATLAS Workbase

Disco Vinnie

Epiphany Events UNITE SEATTLE || 39

GANNA WALSKA’S

LOTUSLAND

Photos by: Brian Matt

Words: Brian Matt Originally acquired by opera singer Madame Ganna Walska in 1941 as a retreat for Tibetan monks and to help her guru explore spirituality in further depth, Lotusland, an estate near Santa Barbara, was originally named “Tibetland.” World War II caused the State Department to suspend visas, however, and the monks were never able to get to the retreat. Madame Walska soon married her guru but found that the differences between them did not make for a convivial marriage. After divorcing in 1946, Walska had the 37 acres to herself and immediately put her efforts into creating the world-famous gardens that remain there today. Lotusland comprises twenty-one compartmented gardens that are still able to synchronize as a whole, in part due to the famous landscape architects that Walska employed: Lockwood de Forest and Ralph Stevens.

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Brian Matt

Much of the gardens’ design was done by Madame Walska herself, though, especially after 1956. She developed her own distinctive style of landscaping, with a strong predilection for exotic and architectural plants, as well as carefully arranged viewpoints. She had exacting standards for hardscaping, and obtained materials from hundreds of miles away in some cases, in order to get the feeling or look just right. She also worked with numerous artists, plant collectors, and stonemasons to bring her vision to fruition.

Brian Matt

The many themed gardens that encompass Lotusland reflect Walska’s wide variety of interests in history and exploration, and many have stylistic elements. The Theatre Garden, for example, brings her love of stage—and some memories of her life in Europe—to Lotusland. The sculptures were brought from Château de Galluis in France, which she acquired in 1929. Although she herself never performed there, it was designed as an amphitheater, complete with hedge “wings.” The Water Garden, filled with a wide variety of water plants, also has a large number of lotuses, a tribute to her hunt for spirituality. The Topiary Garden, with its giant horticultural clock, is a more playful area. The amazing Cactus and Cycad Gardens are the most memorable parts of Lotusland, along with the lemon arbor. The Cactus Garden is organized geographically, while also incorporating Madame Walska’s eye for the dramatic—juxtaposing a twenty-foot cactus with an overlook—while preserving the thrill of exploration with winding pathways. The first-class Cycad Garden is the second largest in the world and has numerous endangered specimens—Lotusland is as much an “ark” for biological preservation as it is place of beauty and serenity. In recent years, Lotusland has improved the microbiome for the well-being of its plant collections. Organic fertilizer applications, probiotic fungal treatments, and the encouragement of beneficial insects through an insectary have greatly enhanced the vitality and appearance of the various gardens. Brian Matt is a Photographer, writer, and avid gardener

Brian Matt

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Proud to Support UNITE for our Seattle LGBTQ Community Proud Member of GSBA

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MY COMING OUT

STORY

Words: Desiree O’Brien Wright

Hi! My name is Desiree and I’m 13 years old. I love public speaking and helping my community. I love writing and acting and have been a part of our school’s crew for two shows (hopefully more!). I identify as bisexual or pansexual, and my pronouns are “she/her.” When I was first offered this amazing opportunity to share my story and experiences being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I snatched it up right away. I really don’t have any terrible experiences to write about, but I do have many wonderful ones.

For me, coming out was easy—which I know is not the case for everyone. I simply told my mom, who was perfectly fine with it, and my older sister had my back. Although I had to do some educating, with the help of my sister, we got my mom out there to speak to other members of the community. We also got to walk in our local Pride parade, which was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Everyone there

was so accepting, and I met lots of people who graciously welcomed my family and me into the community. When I saw that this wasn’t the case for everyone, I knew I wanted to help somehow. Some of my closest friends were coming out to their families, and some outcomes were just like mine. But others were the complete opposite. Those friends would come to me asking what to do, because I seemed to be the only one comfortable enough with myself to give advice. People I didn’t even know were also asking me how I came to terms with my sexuality and what it all meant. Most of the time I would tell them, “You have to be comfortable with yourself before others can be comfortable with you. Understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and if it’s not the one you’re looking for, respect it and help them understand where you’re coming from and how you feel. Only come out if it’s safe for you to—if you know that the people around you will react negatively, try to slowly ease them into the idea.” UNITE SEATTLE || 43

Aleksa Manila

Aleksa and Arnaldo:

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or over 20 years, Seattle has been blessed to have “Arnaldo! Drag Chantuese” and Aleksa Manila, who was awarded 2018’s GSBA’s Community Leader of the Year award and the Mayor’s 2018 Outstanding Leader Pride Award. Both these lovelies are great leaders, uber-talented, and the best of friends. Like most friends and professional partners, they are complement each other. I had to chance to chat with each of them recently.

MK Scott: How and when did you first meet? Arnaldo: Wow, I met Aleksa at a barbecue party at a mutual friend’s home. I was still singing with the Seattle Men’s Chorus then, and I think they had a video of me performing either my Carmen Miranda or Patsy—not sure anymore—or maybe I had my cabaret videos with me in the car, I forget. I knew they were showing some videos of my performances, and I remember Aleksa watching intently. She was so curious, I could see, but still quite shy. Later on, another chorus friend was involved with YAMS (Young Asian Men’s Studies), and I was being interviewed for an article, so he invited me to come to their office, and then I saw Aleksa there as intern or volunteer, and then that’s how we truly got to know each other. And then when I did “Girls, Girls, Girls” at NWAsian Theatre, I think Aleksa was at six of the eight performances... LOL! And we just became very good friends after that until today. My, that must be 20 years ago! Aleksa: I believe it was about 20 years ago at a mutual friend’s house party. This was pre-drag...and the host was showing a performance by Arnaldo with the Seattle Men’s Chorus on VHS. This would have been the first time I had seen an Asian drag queen sing live. And she was doing her “I’ve Got Your Picture” number. So as you can imagine, I was mesmerized! I think the performance was even held somewhere in Europe, so I was even more impressed. Then, of course, Arnaldo

showed up at the party and I was starstruck [and have been] ever since. I had only been in Seattle for a few years, so it was important to find a community of Filipino immigrants, and being gay was plus. Arnaldo has not only left an impression on me as a drag performer but as a role model. MK: What was it like the first time you worked together? Arnaldo: Aleksa first invited me to perform at the very first ICON. It was held at Timberline after they moved (not at the old Timberline). Steve [MacFarlane] and I were dating, and I remember there were artworks bySteve for auction as well. I already saw then that Aleksa was a fabulous organizer and very respectful to the performers. She made us feel important and made sure we got what we needed as performers. Of course, it was a fundraiser and we did not expect to get paid, but she always had something for us: a thank-you card, a lip gloss, a token of appreciation, a flower—something to express her gratitude. Very generous and loving even back then...and that’s why she is so much loved today. I admire that in her very much, because some people get very entitled when they reach a certain stature and use their position or popularity to take advantage of others. Not Aleksa—she protects, she makes sure things are fair, and her attention to detail and excellence are admirable. Aleksa: It would have been about 2004 when I organized “ICON: a celebration of art, drag & life!” for Seattle Counseling Service. It was held at the Timberline (now closed) and sold out. I asked her to do her Eartha Kitt– inspired look, and she was sensational! She has now been in the cast of ICON for 15 years! She’s a crowd favorite and a headliner. I couldn’t be happier and more grateful for her generosity. With the caliber of her performance art, one would think she might be a diva. And in some ways, she is, because of her level of perfection and artistry. However, her grace and humility are stellar. From that first time working with her, I knew she was an angel to be with. We have

f Friends

WORDS: MK Scott UNITE SEATTLE || 45

now been involved in each other’s projects for almost two decades, so our first time definitely influenced our loyalty and appreciation for each other’s work. MK: How has your friendship evolved over the years? Arnaldo: We respect each other’s opinions very much. We bounce ideas off each other a lot. We both get very excited with new visions and goals, and we ask each other a lot of questions and we listen to each other. Like any other relationship, it took time to get to that stage where we can truly feel safe with each other. She is my treasured family. Aleksa: I most certainly started as a fan of Arnaldo! When I started doing drag is when I think our friendship started to bloom. , partly because I had a growing understanding of the art of drag in an elevated fashion, where she had brought it and continues to do. My admiration of her ability to balance her drag artistry and her professional responsibilities inspired me. Though we’re chummy, I consider her like an older sibling who guides me. I never really had one growing up, so she’s taken that role (unbeknownst to her). Our friendship has so many levels and layers that are so beautiful. She affects me in very positive ways as a Filipino, an Asian-American, a drag queen, an immigrant, and so on. We have discussions on relationships, family, religion, politics, racism, and other deep topics. Because of this type of friendship, she’s able to challenge my thought process on many things, be it personal or running an organization. When I was asked to sing with Pink Martini, Arnaldo was the only friend I phoned right away to share the fabulous news with. I remembered her being so happy and proud for me. Looking back, I needed that encouragement and trust that I was worthy. After all, she’s “Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse”— what better standard of live drag performance should I use? Everyone knows I’m not a professional songstress, I’m more of a karaoke queen. But Arnaldo has a magical way of making anyone feel like a diva. The true test of a brilliant star is to see how they treat their number one fan off-stage. And we should all take a lesson or two on family values from Arnaldo. I have been very lucky to have witnessed Arnaldo and Steve MacFarlane’s almost 20 years of love. How can that not be a source of inspiration! Also, watching Arnaldo care for her mother is something that’s near and dear to my heart.

She gives 100% all the time...no matter the size of the project. Aleksa: There is such a fine art to critiquing. And that’s one of the most valuable traits of Arnaldo that I appreciate. She does it in a way that allows me to make things better and in a very collaborative way. Arnaldo is very communal in her approach to performance. Because of her history of working with chorales, musicians, bands, and especially the Seattle legend Bob Bruneau, I continue to learn to be appreciative of and sensitive to working with diverse groups. This extends to community organizing. For example, she’s a very critical and integral part of the success of Pride ASIA, a collective I founded in 2012. Pride ASIA’s mission is to celebrate, empower and nurture the multicultural diversity of the LGBTQ communities through the Asian–Pacific Islander lens. MK: What are your upcoming projects, solo or together? Arnaldo: Aleksa has tons of projects lined up all the time—I don’t know how she does it. And she does them all so well! Together, we still have Pride ASIA, and it is maturing and growing as well. We also work closely with the Filipino American Community of Seattle on their LGBTQ initiatives and with other Asian community organizations on their LGBTQ programs as well. As for me, I continue my work with cabaret and music for the “March Is Cabaret Month” festival and Pacific Northwest Cabaret Association and plan to perform in other cities again, time and opportunities permitting. I am extremely grateful that I am able to do what I love to do and at the same time open hearts and minds. Aleksa: Besides our leadership roles with Pride ASIA, we’re also involved with the Filipino Community of Seattle’s Gay Filipino Pageant (date TBD). I’ll be hosting my annual “Aleksa Manila & Friends” in February 2019, which will be a fundraiser for the Pride ASIA celebration (May 2019). [A full list of events is at aleksamanila.com].

MK Scott is the pen name for Mike Montgomery (our publisher), Scott also writes for the Seattle Gay News.

MK: What do you like most about working with each other? Arnaldo: We work well together because we know and respect each other’s boundaries. If it’s my project, I lead and she helps, and if it’s her project, she leads and I help. We build on each other’s successes. We know that that we are stronger together, and we are very honest with each other, especially when we ask what the other thinks. Sometimes, I jokingly refer to Aleksa as “my secret weapon,” because I know that if call on her to help, the project will be very, very successful! MK Scott 46 || UNITE SEATTLE

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#FAKE NEW Story #1: Boeing Promises New 737 AXE Line Is ‘Legit, Hella Safe’

In a surprise press conference this afternoon, Boeing executives revealed a new set of airliners dubbed the 737 AXE, adamantly emphasizing that they are “legit” and “hella safe.” The sudden announcement raised questions about whether the plane manufacturer, disgraced by the grounding of 737 MAX models that crashed and killed hundreds, was just rebranding the original 737 MAX aircrafts to get rid of them. “Whoa, whoa, whoa no, bro, we’re cool, we’re cool,” said Boeing spokesman Harry Paulsen. “Don’t sweat it, man – the 737 AXE has it all under control after our dedicated company has groomed it for definite success.” In addition to its revolutionary capacity to not blow up in the sky and kill hundreds on board, Paulsen said the 737 AXE is more than a new model: It’s a lifestyle.

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“This aircraft is so sleek, fresh and cool throughout that even its lower package compartment smells amazing,” Paulsen said. “You want to sweep all the girls off their feet? You want to smell like a teenage boy at Prom and not a dead body? The 737 AXE is definitely it.” If successful, sales of the 737 AXE could prove to be a boon for Boeing, which was reportedly forced to spend half a billion dollars in storage and maintenance costs for 400 unwanted 737 MAX planes. During the press conference, Paulsen attempted to auction off one of the 737 AXE planes starting at $250. “Come on, somebody start it off,” he said. “I gotta move all these before [Valentine’s].”

by The Needling “Seattle’s Only Real Fake News”

Story #2: Man Comes Out As Bellevue Resident

After years of keeping who he truly is in hiding, 33-year-old Tristan Scraggs has officially come out to friends and family as a resident of Bellevue. “All those times I said I couldn’t pop out to share a quick sandwich with you at Honeyhole–it’s not because I wouldn’t love to inhale a sopping wet Gooch with you,” Scraggs said to a few close friends gathered at a Capitol Hill cafe this afternoon. “It’s because there’s no way I’m crossing Lake Washington again after I’ve already come home from work, and I’m not going to be ashamed about it anymore. I live in Bellevue, guys — now and forever.” Scraggs reported being relieved to see the news made no difference to his friends. “We kind of had a feeling all along, buddy,” laughed friend Tyler Kyle as he patted Scraggs on the shoulder. “You suggested we eat at The Cheesecake

Factory one too many times — don’t worry. We love you just the same.” Since being open about his suburban address, Scraggs said there has been some backlash from family and coworkers, one of whom left an Olive Garden gift certificate on his desk. “Hello? Bellevue doesn’t even have an Olive Garden — that’s Totem Lake,” Scraggs said. “Not even how we roll, but people make so many assumptions.” He says the people who matter most, though, have continued to treat him with respect. “I even learned one of my friends lives nearby in Bellevue too — we’re right next to where one of the future East Link Light Rail stations is going to be,” Scraggs said. “I believe what he told me: It gets better.”

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#FAKE NEW Story #3: Kshama Sawant Touched, Horrified By Own Adorably Mass-Produced Funko Pop Figure

Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant went on record today to declare that, while she was very touched by the cartoonish likeness inscribed into her own adorable Funko Pop figurine, she also felt compelled to share how horrified she was by the mass-produced existence of this cheap capitalist device.

to immortalize all living beings, real or imagined, in hunks of cheap plastic.

“Thanks, I guess?” the councilwoman said, mulling the cheap plastic figurine over in her hands. “While this perfectly exemplifies the over commodification that I loathe in our grotesque capitalist system, I must say…it is pretty adorable.”

“We got Rent Control Kshama, we got $15 Minimum Wage Kshama, Hair Collected into a Messy Bun While Running to the Farmers’ Market Kshama,” said Funko Pop spokesman Hank Reilly. “You got a hyper-specific variant of a noun, we got a cheap hunk of plastic to sell you. Creepy worm-head guy in Return of the Jedi? Done. Child Casey Affleck during his brief cameo in Chasing Amy? Already sold out. The Mariners 3rd Base Coach? We thought you’d never ask.”

Sawant, a staunch member of the Socialist Alternative, was deemed an odd choice for an overproduced plastic figurine, but local toy creator Funko Pop spoke on the insatiable need

At press time, Sawant was spotted in her office playing ‘Unions and Management’ with her growing shelf of adorably useless trinkets.

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by The Needling “Seattle’s Only Real Fake News”

Story #4: Knife Fight Breaks Out Amongst Ravenna Roommates Over Composting Argument

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THE BEST IN

BOOKS

2019 So many books, so little time. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what they say, and in 2019, it was the truth.

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Fiction If the subject of death can be taken lightly, there’s no better way than in “How Not to Die Alone” by Richard Roper. It’s the story of a man who works in London as a finder: when someone dies, the people in his office are tasked with locating the survivors of the deceased. That’s not the funny part; the humor comes in a blurted statement that literally takes on a life of its own, and the lengths the man goes to perpetuate it. Clever, witty, perfect. Lovers of Mark Twain’s adventure books will relish “This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger, the story of two boys who run away from an Indian Training School in 1932, and they head down the Mississippi to escape the adults who want them back. Lush, exciting, and irresistible, this novel will fill a good weekend or two. What can you say about a book that starts off with an attempted suicide? That’s “Talk to Me” by John Kenney, and that’s what happens after a TV newscaster insults a temporary worker and because of it, his life falls completely apart. Media folks will particularly love it, but if you’re a news junkie or a hardline TV watcher, you’ll love this story. If you’ve already seen the movie about Harriet Tubman, then you know the kind of treat you’re in for when you read “The Tubman Command” by Elizabeth Cobbs. Taking one small event from Tubman’s life, this novel blows it up big and makes exciting, all the while reminding readers that Tubman was a woman, first and foremost. For readers who need a novel that means something, this is it. (Tip: get it in an audiobook, for the full effect of the excitement). And last but not least in the fiction category, “American Pop” by Snowden Wright is a sweeping, multigenerational novel about a family who’s patriarch creates a drink sensation. When he passes the business down to his scheming children, interesting – and heart-wrenching – things begin to happen...

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Non-Fiction For political animals and those who are tired of politics as usual, “Palm Beach, Mar-A-Lago, and the Rise of America’s Xanadu” by Les Standiford is still a book to read. It’s a biography of a place and the people who made it, and it’s also a history of us as a country, our need to explore, and our fascination with celebrities. Historians and Floridians take particular note on this one. Expect something a little different in “Toil & Trouble” by Augusten Burroughs, who reveals in this book that he’s a witch. Not the bubbling cauldron type, but one who knows things but can’t explain why, but who still has to work to find love, home, and happiness just like the rest of us. This book is sweet and quirky and perfect. You don’t have to have visited Las Vegas, nor do you have to remember the Rat Pack to enjoy “Elvis in Vegas” by Richard Zoglin. Sure, it helps, but loving glitz, glamour, entertainers, and scandal is really all you need to want this book. It’s not cheating to put together “Bitten” by Kris Newby and “Mosquito” by Timothy C. Winegard in one Best Of, because they really belong side-by-side on your shelf. Newby’s book is about all the things that can bite you and maybe kill you. Winegard’s book is about one thing that bites and kills more humans than any other creature. How can you resist books like those? And then there’s “The League of Wives” by Heath Hardage Lee, a book about the wives of the men who prepared for and were sent to the moon on the Apollo 11 space module fifty years ago.

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with DESCOVY for PrEP® DESCOVY for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-daily prescription medicine for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV. It helps lower the chances of getting HIV through sex. DESCOVY for PrEP is not for everyone: • It is not for use in people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex, because its effectiveness has not been studied. • You must be HIV-negative before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP. DESCOVY® is the smallest pill approved for PrEP. Actual size: 13mm x 6mm

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT DESCOVY (des-KOH-vee) This is only a brief summary of important information about taking DESCOVY for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine. MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DESCOVY FOR PrEP Before starting and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP: • You must be HIV-negative. You must get tested for HIV immediately before and at least every 3 months while taking DESCOVY. If you think you were exposed to HIV, tell your healthcare provider right away. They may want to do more tests to confirm that you are still HIV-negative • Many HIV tests can miss HIV infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or while taking DESCOVY. • DESCOVY does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to reduce the risk of getting STIs. • DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. Do not take DESCOVY for PrEP unless you are confirmed to be HIV negative. DESCOVY may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check or give you HBV medicine. 64 || UNITE SEATTLE

Ask a healthcare provider if DESCOVY for PrEP is right for you. To learn more, visit AboutDescovy.com.

ABOUT DESCOVY FOR PrEP DESCOVY for PrEP is a once-daily prescription medicine for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV who weigh at least 77 pounds. It helps lower the chances of getting HIV through sex. DESCOVY for PrEP is not for everyone: • It is not for use in people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex, because its effectiveness has not been studied. • You must be HIV-negative before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Do NOT take DESCOVY for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV infection or if you do not know your HIV status. If you have HIV-1, you need more medicine than DESCOVY alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only DESCOVY, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat now and in the future.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DESCOVY FOR PrEP DESCOVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About DESCOVY for PrEP” section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with DESCOVY. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. • Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

Eligible patients may pay as little as a $0 co-pay.*

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HOW TO TAKE DESCOVY FOR PrEP POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DESCOVY FOR PrEP (cont’d) Common side effects in people taking DESCOVY for PrEP include diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These are not all the possible side effects of DESCOVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking DESCOVY for PrEP.

• Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking DESCOVY for PrEP.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with DESCOVY for PrEP.

• Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. If your partner is living with HIV, your risk of getting HIV is lower if your partner consistently takes HIV treatment every day. • Get tested for other STIs. Some STIs make it easier for HIV to infect you. • Practice safer sex by using latex or polyurethane condoms. • Talk to your healthcare provider about all the ways to help reduce HIV risk.

BEFORE TAKING DESCOVY FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis. • Have any other medical conditions. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with DESCOVY for PrEP.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about DESCOVY for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. • Go to DESCOVY.com/prep or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit DESCOVY.com/prep for program information.

*Advancing Access® co-pay support is available for commercially insured eligible patients only. Subject to change; for full terms and conditions, visit GileadAdvancingAccess.com.

DESCOVY FOR PrEP, the DESCOVY FOR PrEP Logo, the DESCOVY Blue Pill Design, DESCOVY, the DESCOVY Logo, STEP UP. PrEP UP., ADVANCING ACCESS, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ©2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. DVYC0171 02/20 UNITE SEATTLE || 65

Andrew Werner 66 || UNITE SEATTLE

THE LAST WORD BEST & WORST OF 2019 WORDS: Michael Musto As the dust finally clears from 2019, here is my jaundiced look back at what made the year rock and what made it schlock. MOVIES Complaints about Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman— about the rubout of union leader Jimmy Hoffa, starring heavyweights Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci—were very much on target: it was extremely long, it was pretty familiar mob-related stuff, and it wasn’t quite as good as Goodfellas. But damn, it was still riveting and brilliantly put together cinema. The worst wasn’t Cats, which had moments; it was just boring. For that low honor, I’d vote for Greta and Ma, two misbegotten thrillers that weren’t the least bit thrilling—though I have to admit I didn’t see The Kitchen or Lucy in the Sky. TV The must-see small screen event of the year was Leaving Neverland, the HBO documentary about Michael Jackson’s accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck, followed by an Oprah Winfrey interview with them. It was eye-opening, powerful stuff, and made it very hard to dance to MJ’s hits afterwards, since the joy had evaporated along with the “Jesus juice.” I’ll also name it the worst TV event of the year because it was so upsetting to watch. BROADWAY The most underrated show was Matthew Lopez’s The Inheritance, a sprawling, two-part gay adaptation of E. M. Forster’s Howards End, which was longer than

The Irishman and just as fraught with interpersonal dramatics. Many critics weren’t ecstatic about the play, unfortunately, and it hasn’t attracted the excitement it engendered in London. The most overrated was the musical Beetlejuice, which was up for the Best Musical Tony Award and has been doing boffo business, despite it being an erratic theme park ride of an adaptation. But it will have to vacate the theater when The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman moves in next season, so one more magic trick will have to be pulled out of a hat to give it life. POLITICS The worst was Donald Trump’s parade of lies, evasions, distractions, denials, cover-ups, and bullying tactics as he declared “witch hunt” but emphatically didn’t want those in the know to testify. The best was Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who kept it together, kicked ass, and managed to swing an impeachment in the House. GOSSIP The ickiest gossip had gay Empire star Jussie Smollett claiming he’d been the victim of a hate attack in Chicago, only to have the brothers who did it say Jussie had paid them to stage the whole thing. Shameful! The best gossip was Kevin Hart being bumped as Oscar host for not fully owning up to a homophobic “joke” from years ago. The show had no host at all, but few people missed Kevin. Michael Musto is the long-running, award-winning entertainment journalist and TV commentator. UNITE SEATTLE || 67

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 POSTPONED TACOMA ART MUSEUM WWW.FASHIONISART.NET

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