W E D N E S D A Y February 21, 2007 Volume 16, Issue 4 www.stonewallnews.net News Northwest Serving the GLBTQA Community of the Pacific Northwest since 1992 Farewell John Deen
Stonewall News Northwest turns 15! Now published every other week!
Next Issue: Wednesday, March 7th Ad and Content Deadline: Wednesday, February 28th Photo by Mike Schultz Mike by Photo Dean Lynch speaks to a packed house at the John Deen Memorial Celebration at Dempsey’s Brass Rail in Spokane on Sunday, Feb 11th, 2007. Others gathered also shared stories and memories of Deen, former decade long Stonewall News Northwest publisher, and his impact on their lives. Tributes to Deen can also be found in other publications: Editorial A Generous Life, The Spokesman-Re- view, Page B4, February 14, 2007; Publisher Deen fought for rights, The Spokesman-Review, Front Page, February 12, 2007; Remem- bering John Deen, The Pacific Northwest Inlander, Page 14, February 8, 2007. Links to these articles can also be found on Stonewall’s website, www.stonewallnews.net/johndeen.htm.
EWU’s SAFE works toward Issues available free throughout the open and accepting campus Pacific Northwest and at By Joyce Crosby www.stonewallnews.net Special to Stonewall News Northwest been close friends ever since,” Gudith said happily. “I slowly started to come out SPOKANE, Wash - When Adam to a few select people, first a friend who Gudith, 21, moved into the dorms on worked in a theater, and then a teacher THIS ISSUE Eastern Washington University in the in the women’s studies department. That fall of 2004, he was the only person who teacher pointed me in the direction of knew he was gay. After two quarters of Steve, but I didn’t want to meet him yet,” silence about his sexual orientation, Gudith said referring to Steve Bertram, Gudith came out to his roommate. “I had Staff Advisor for EWU’s Student Alliance wanted to talk to him about it for a while For Equality more commonly known as before, but I decided to wait,” Gudith, a SAFE. Mechanical Engineering major explained. Gudith’s experience coming out is He came out to his roommate just before one thing that binds the entire queer Spring Break “so that, if things went community together. Whether someone sour, I could move. Things went better identifies as lesbian, transgender, Photo by Joyce Crosby than I could have ever hoped, especially bisexual, gay, questioning or somewhere Adam Gudith shares his experience in A Kiss Too Far? | Page 5 considering he’s Christian, and we’ve Please see SAFE page 15 coming out and EWU’s SAFE Spokane Lesbian Mom’s Group begins the play area inside NorthTown Mall are biological, non-biological, adoptive, Page 5 on Spokane’s north side. The purpose foster, and step-parents. Though she of the group is to provide “a place for started the group to meet other lesbian support and friendship,” stated group parents, when asked about including Arts & Entertainment...... 8 organizer Danielle Satrom, 23. The gay, bisexual and transgender parents, Business Directory ...... 11 idea is to bring together like-minded Satrom added that she “would be open women and their children in a safe and to expanding to include others in the Calendar...... 14 fun environment. Parents can connect group.” Classifieds...... 13 and network with each other while the Three families came to the Spokane National & International...... 6 kids have lots of fun playing with other Lesbian Moms first “outing,” which No Rest for the Wicked...... 5 kids from families like their own. started at 10:30 a.m. and lasted about Politicklers...... 4 “I had been wanting to join a group two hours. The women seemed eager Resource Directory...... 12 like this for some time now,” said Satrom, to connect with other parents and Photo by Joyce Crosby Reviews & Previews ...... 9 who is raising a three-year-old son with engaged in lively discussions about Danielle Satrom organized the Feb 2, 2007 her partner Katherine Cutright, 36. “As their kids and jobs. Satrom indicated Spokane...... 2 meeting of Spokane lesbian moms. a gay mom, I tried joining other moms’ that she and Cutright enjoyed meeting Voices...... 3 groups and just felt like the odd one out, the other parents, and their son Seamus and all the questions got draining. The “had a blast” playing with the other By Joyce Crosby questions about my supposed husband, children. After the meeting, Satrom Special to Stonewall News Northwest and then how in the world did I have a said her family ate lunch in the mall’s Fly your Flags child if I am gay.” food court with another family they on Fridays! SPOKANE, Wash - The initial The newly formed group currently met at the gathering. meeting of Spokane Lesbian Moms has nine members, not including was held on Saturday, February 2, at partners, and is open to mothers who Please see MOM’S GROUP page 4 Page Stonewall News Northwest Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Spokane & Regional Deal or No Deal ERW organizes Strategic win requires our action Vow to Take a Stand Forum, first of five events, informs pro-equality groups SPOKANE, Wash - Wednesday stated that people need to hear from evening February 7, close to 50 people at least five friends or family members attended the Vow to Take a Stand before they understand the issue of Forum at the Unitarian Universalist marriage equality. He urged everyone Church of Spokane (UUC). This is one to tell legislators, as well as neighbors of a series of five events occurring across and co-workers, why they support Washington State to inform people same-sex marriage. He believes that and encourage support of legislative “When people know the truth about initiatives before the Washington our lives, they support us”. State Legislature. The event sponsors Friedes provided the following Above: concerned individuals who attended the Spokane HIV Town Hall meeting December 13th, 2006. include a wide variety of groups legislative updates: Left to Right: Kenneth Grunert, Joseph Ready (Co-chair of the Spokane County Ryan White CARE Consortium), including the American Civil Liberties • SB 5336 and HB 1351: A Mark Garrett (Client Advocate Spokane AIDS Network), Mark Niclas, James Breedlove (Preseident of the Spokane Union of WA, Peace and Justice Action domestic-partnerships proposal would HIV Speakers Bureau, John Gildroy, Susan Fabrikant (Executive Director Spokane AIDS Network), Walt Biggs, League, Inland Northwest Equality, create a state registry of same-sex Christopher Zilar (Health Educator Spokane Regional Health District), Senator Majority Leader Lisa Brown, Cat and the UUC, which housed the partnerships, as well as partnerships Carrel (Prevention Coordinator Spokane AIDS Network), Charles Fawcett and Susan Sjoberg (Program Manager of event. Field Organizer Nathan Riding in which one person is at least 62, HIV/AIDS Spokane Regional Health District). of Equal Rights Washington provided which would be maintained by the pointed out that following the state coordination as did Carla Brannan. secretary of state. It also would grant By Mark Garret elections in November, our chances Kevan Gardner, Pride Foundation Spokane AIDS Network same-sex partners the right to visit a of finally passing the “Healthy Youth Regional Program Director was partner in a health-care facility, receive Act” that would require school sex-ed Master of Ceremonies. Spokane’s programs teach accurate information health information about the partner, This year the state legislature will Senate Majority Leader, Lisa Brown, decide the biennium budget for the next supported by scientific research, is also grant informed consent for care of an two years, and like the show Deal or No possible this year, after years of failed attended via video and described the incompetent partner, make funeral Deal, it’s a game of strategy. attempts in Olympia. Recent polling real possibility of pro GLBT family arrangements, consent to autopsies On December 13, HIV advocates shows that 85% of Washington parents legislation passing this year. This and inherit property in the absence of from the Spokane area met with State want schools to help them provide sexual was followed by Former Spokane a will. This legislation is given a fair Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown from health information to their teens (Global City Councilman Dean Lynch, who chance of passage. Spokane to discuss what that strategy Strategy Group, 2004). presented a brief social/political • SB 5335 and HB 1350: A same- will be this year. Senator Brown was Locally, we are seeing over 30 new history. (See the sidebar Social and sex-marriage proposal would repeal optimistic that after more than six years individuals diagnosed with HIV in Political Progress.) the state’s ban on same-sex marriage Spokane every year and 600 statewide. of flat funding or funding cuts for HIV Josh Friedes, ERW Advocacy and amend the state’s marriage laws to care and prevention, the legislature The majority of these individuals are men who have sex with men and half of those Director spoke of the early success of and governor appear ready to support ERW in helping to get 13 “equality” increased funding. The Senator also Please see DEAL page 10 freshmen elected to the legislature. He Please see VOW page 15 MICHEAL CHAPPELL HAS MOVED TO
SPOKANE
www.northwesthomesandland.com Micheal Chappell Shawn Gilson 218-0382 216-4082 COME HOME WITH US! Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Stonewall News Northwest Page
Dean Lynch shares local Voices progress time Letters to the Editor line at Vow to Besen hits nail on the head Take a Stand Thank You Dear Stonewall News: I would like to convey my that often requires subtlety and tact because the vast majority appreciation to everyone who I am originally from Seattle and Social and Political Progress attended and help make possible of the heterosexual world just have spent a lot of time in Eastern doesn’t “get” why things like this 1980s John Deen’s wake. Special thanks Washington. I was quite intrigued ad are a problem. Mr. Besen’s to Larry Brown and the staff at by the existence of such a slick GLBT words likening this to the recent Some of the dozen plus Dempsy’s Brass Rail for supplying publication coming from Spokane. statements made by Senator existing organizations included the location and the great food, During my formative years (during Biden regarding Senator Barack Emmanuel Metropolitan to Dean Lynch for speaking and the 70’s & early 80’s) there wasn’t Obama was genius. It’s this Community Church, Inland leading the toast to John, and to much of a gay or lesbian presence kind of subtle bigotry that so Empire Sovereign Court of Stonewall News Northwest for in your area, although I worked often goes unchallenged which Spokane and PFLAG. everything they did to help me closely with the then fledgling nevertheless undermines the Spokane AIDS Network, pull it all together, which I don’t Metropolitan Community Churches hard work done by Equal Rights AIDS LifeLink and other believe I could have done without as they began to spread across the proponents. I would love to see organizations evolved to battle the their eagerness and willingness state. an article like this appear in the AIDS crisis. to help host this celebration of There were several articles in the Spokesman Review or the Seattle John’s life. most recent issue of Stonewall News Times – perhaps that day will GLBT persons began Northwest that I found fascinating. conducting fundraisers under the John would have been come. honored by the turnout and the One of the best was the article “I’m Thank you for being a voice Privacy Fund, a statewide Political Not Snickering,” by Wayne Besen. I Action Committee (PAC). heartfelt stories people shared for equality in the Northwest. You about their experiences with him didn’t watch the entire Super Bowl face an uphill battle, especially The SWAN, a monthly - I’m really only a “football fan” when given your location, but I have newsletter served the community. in his life. In memory of John, I only ask that all who read this to the Seahawks are playing - but I hope that you will help to bring do enjoy seeing the commercials keep the fight alive for gay rights about positive change. 1990s they spend so much money on Peace, and equality for all. making entertaining. The Snickers Julie Alexander 1992 Stonewall News commercial was disturbing and Thank You Again, Mr. Besen hit the nail on the head Los Angeles, CA Northwest founded. John L. Marshall with the reasons. As GLBT people [email protected] PFLAG organized the first Spokane, WA we fight a battle for understanding www.jasonanddemarco.com pride parade – PJALS provided security. 1994 Inland Northwest Business Alliance (INBA) organized and published its first directory in 1995. Spokane Mens Chorus LCMP gets new forms. 1995 Rainbow Regional coordinator, makeover Community Center was founded By Cat Carrel, HIV Prevention In addition to hiring Oelrich as Educator, Spokane AIDS Network the coordinator, SAN has revised the and housed at PJALS. program to concentrate on young gay/bi 1996 was the largest GLBT Ryan Oelrich, former executive men age 18-29 in 2007. Gay and bisexual PAC fundraiser with attendance of director of Quest Youth Group and the men in this age group are at the most risk over 300 people, including 17 local Gay Youth Association, has been named for HIV exposure in Spokane County. and statewide candidates or their as the new coordinator of Lilac City Men’s The Lilac City Men’s Project satisfies the Project, a HIV prevention program of need for a social network while teaching Truth Wins OUT (TWO) is representatives and special guest young gay/bi men the skills necessary Candace Gingrich. Spokane AIDS Network. Oelrich brings with him a wealth of knowledge about to be able to advocate and negotiate a non-profit think tank and 1996 Hands off Washington the needs of Spokane’s young gay/bi safer sex practices for themselves, their and initiative I-677. men’s community, a broad network, friends and their partners. educational organization GLBT Film Festival takes and extensive project coordination and The LCMP is an MPowerment that counters right-wing place. event planning experience. Oelrich has Project, a best practice HIV prevention participated in the LCMP as a Wellness intervention, approved by the CDC to Group facilitator and has completed target young gay and bisexual men, age disinformation campaigns, Non-Discrimination the 7-hour HIV training through the 18-29. The Project was shown to be debunks the ex-gay myth, Ordinance milestones Spokane Regional Health District. very effective in reducing the incidence “We are excited to have Ryan join of unprotected sex among young gay/bi and provides accurate the SAN team,” says Susan Fabrikant, men in that particular age group. Its August 1996 John Deen, executive director. “His experience and information about the lives Publisher Stonewall News hears knowledge of the Mpowerment Project Mayor Jack Geraghty speak will be great assets,” she adds. Please see LCMP page 12 of GLBT people. of equality at the GLBT PAC fundraiser. March 1997 John Deen TWO’s mission: presented his “Equal Rights for All” Gay Bunko to raise money document to Mayor Geraghty. May 1997 Stonewall for future LGBT Center • Provide opposition Patriots shared their life stories SPOKANE, Wash - Dana and and town to town. The main goal of research on the with Spokane City Council. DeVerne, co-owners of Studio One Hair the game is to have fun, socialize, and Spokane Human Rights and Body Salon, will host a Gay Bunko WIN. ex-gay industry Night from on March 10 to help raise So is it a parlor game or is it a Commission drafts ordinance general operating funds for the future language. party? LGBT community center. The night “It’s both,” says Cat Carrel, who has • Discredit right Jan 1999 Non- will feature food, beverages, a 50/50 personally never played the game but wing propaganda discrimination ordinance passed by drawing, door prizes and a special who has read up on it. “I’ve heard it’s Spokane City Council. appearance by Spokane’s new drag king a great time, and a way to let loose and Nov 1999 Non- troupe, the Chicks and Dales. Studio have fun with friends, whether they are • Educate America One is located at 1311 W. Sprague, old friends or new friends.” Carrel is discrimination ordinance was near the intersection of Sprague and about the GLBT successfully preserved at the ballot. the Chair of the board that has been Riverside. The suggested donation for organizing to reopen a LGBT center 2006 Senate Majority the Center is $15, and tickets will be since the closing of the old Rainbow community Leader, Lisa Brown praised sold for purchasing beverages. Center last July. Spokane’s ordinance and the Bunko (also spelled Bunco) is a So far, almost $1000 in community people of Spokane from the Senate dice game involving teams of two at raised funds has been added to the fund floor. tables of four, and players attempt to to open the new center. Through March, accumulate points to win each round. www.TruthWinsOut.org 2006 Passage of Statewide the board is matching all community- At the end of each round, teams rotate raised funds, including funds from Non Discrimination Bill. to a new table. Rules of the game are “dicey” and can differ from host to host Please see BUNKO page 12 Page Stonewall News Northwest Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Politicklers 3POKANE *AZZ /RCHESTRA PRESENTS The Great American Ready to run? Songbook by Catherine D. Willis featuring Tierney Sutton and her trio Every year Parade magazine offers us a ranked portrait of the world’s worst dictators. Every year we see many of the same faces, always male. I studied 3ATURDAY -ARCH AT PM the latest edition, published Feb. 11, and wondered out loud, “How would this 4HE "ING #ROSBY 4HEATER collection change if our planet could claim significantly more female heads of CORNER OF ,INCOLN 3PRAGUE state than we now know?” I’m back to the point I made last month: If we want peace, we’d better start putting war powers into the hands of women. h! HONEY VOICE n WITH A TOUCH OF %LLA &ITZGERALDv "OSTON 'LOBE This is not a plug for Planned Parenthood of the Hillary. It’s actually a call to Inland Northwest have been 4ICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH 4ICKETS7EST local action. The more women seeking for years. Public AT 3%!4 OR TICKETSWESTCOM we elect to school boards, city hearings for the Healthy 'RAMMY .OMINEE councils, county commissions Youth Act—House Bill 1855 3PONSORED BY and statehouses across the and its Senate counterpart, nation, the larger the pool of SB 5297—were held last potential female presidents week. If passed, the measure $AN +EBERLE -USIC DIRECTOR we will have before us. Let’s will require public schools get busy! that offer sexual health Consider the upcoming education to “assure that mayoral race in Spokane. Can [information] is medically [email protected] we lure somebody’s sister or mother and scientifically accurate, age- into the Dennis Hession vs. Al French appropriate, appropriate for students fray? (No, Barbara Lampert, I am not regardless of gender, race, disability suggesting you saddle up this horse. status, or sexual orientation and Barb Chamberlain could be a contender includes information about abstinence Mother Goose Is Loose but she has thus far declined the and other methods of preventing challenge.) A visionary woman could unintended pregnancy and sexually Row, row, row your boat bring greater depth to the discussion transmitted diseases.” of important issues than we can expect Let’s give a cheer to the 3rd District’s gently down the stream... in the present two-man match-up. Alex Wood and the 6th’s Chris Marr, co- a condo on the riverfront An openly gay candidate could add sponsors of the respective bills. Kudos substance to the dialogue as well. Any to Rep. Don Barlow as well; he serves is not too large a dream takers? (Dean Lynch, I’d doorbell for on the House Health and Wellness you any day.) Committee through which the bill Spokane City Council president Joe passed. Shogun and members Bob Apple, Rob It certainly wouldn’t hurt matters Crow and Brad Stark face the voters at all if we were to write or telephone VALERIE M. BLAKE this fall. None have announced plans legislators to express support for this to step down, so it’s not too early to or other bills. HB 1350 (civil marriage) begin exploring possible opponents. hasn’t moved beyond the Judiciary Broker/Owner As far as I’m concerned, Bob Apple’s Committee in the past month, but www.SpokaneFineProperties.com 509.599.1598 rant over the 2005 domestic partner HB 1351/SB 5336 (domestic partner benefits ordinance justifies – no, registry) could still pass. Let’s be requires – his replacement. Who can we squeaky wheels. cajole into running? Send me names of While we’re in the communication progressives you favor. I’d be happy to mode (writing or phoning elected appeal to their sense of civic pride in this officials), shouldn’t we also have a say space in coming months. Remember, about the future of public broadcasting? we can influence public policy-making The budget the president has sent to if we step up to the task. Congress eviscerates funding for PBS Haven’t I said enough about and NPR. If Big Bird was once your best the virtues of service in the unpaid friend, this might be a good time to but all-important role of school recognize his valuable place in your (or board member? Believe me, the your child’s) life. forthcoming departure of District 81’s Superintendent Brian Benzel is relevant Catherine Willis, a freelance writer/editor to GLBTQA interests. The school board and community advocate, has been a will select his successor. Three seats political junkie for 30 years. She can be on the board will be up for grabs this reached at [email protected] year. Incumbents Christie Querna and Barbara Richardson have indicated they will not seek re-election, though mom’s group Benzel’s retirement may change this. continued from Front Page Susan Chapin, who was appointed in January to fill the vacancy created by Though none of the parents with Don Barlow’s election to the Legislature, school-age children were able to attend must run if she wants to remain in the outing, group members have office. children ranging in age from toddlers to I don’t doubt that those who would teens. Satrom reported that she would send us back to the closet are recruiting like to have parents with children of all like-minded candidates for the District ages active in the group, and that she 81 and other school board races. Can’t will “try and come up with activities we field one fresh face from the GLBTQA for the children that can be adapted to community? most ages and developmental stages,” We’ll have a fund-raising entity up such as going to a park. Satrom would and running soon. The potential PAC I like Spokane Lesbian Moms to have regularly scheduled events including 123 E. Sprague Ave. • 2425 E. Springfield • Spokane mentioned last month now has a name “play dates or outings for the kids twice (509) 536-7001 • (509) 624-7522 • 1-888-624-7522 (Citizens Advancing Equality) and it a month and a moms only event every should have legal standing in a month month.” or so. For more information, e-mail Group members are encouraged Adult Videos • Magazines [email protected]. to be active in planning fun low-cost Adult Toys • Adult Games Something to hmmm about – Why or free activities. In the future Satrom Cards & Gifts • Body Products • Oils do so many members of Congress keep would like to develop a discussion “best referring to Nancy Pelosi as “Mister group as well as a social/support group. prices Lubricants • Lotions Speaker”? Isn’t the correct form of Satrom, who moved to Spokane from address “Madam Speaker”? Folks need North Dakota three years ago, affirmed in to get used to it; there will be a Madam with youthful enthusiasm, “Spokane All-Natural Sexual Stimulants for President in the foreseeable future. Lesbian Moms is a good place to town” Men and Women While I’m prognosticating, I think discuss the joys and challenges of being the young people of Washington are a gay parent.” finally going to win the comprehensive Danielle Satrom can be reached at SALES • RENTALS • NEW • USED sex education legislation the Odyssey 218-0276; e-mail danielle_e2@hotmail. Youth Center’s constituency and com Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Stonewall News Northwest Page 52 Things we can do for No Rest for the Wicked Transgender Equality A Truly Western L Word By The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) By Joan Opyr I’ve written about “The L Word” before. I’ve written about it in this very Achieving our goal of transgender equality requires activism at the local, state newspaper. I have complained about the stupid plots, the warped characters, and national levels. While NCTE focuses on federal policies, we strongly support and encourage the vital work of grass roots activists. Each week during 2007, we will feature the bad writing and the bad dialogue. It annoys the living daylights out of me an idea for action that you can take at a local level. Some will be challenging, some will that The L Word doesn’t seem to bear any relation to lesbian life as I know it. be simple; all are effective ideas and we will include links, resources and thoughts to help you get started. Some are things you can do on your own, while others are ideas Of course I am willing met Alice (at a Unitarian for local groups to work on. We hope that you will take on projects that spark your to admit that I don’t know potluck) and she likes her, interest and that meet a need in our community as we work together for equality for everything about lesbian but she’s not sure she can all people. life. I accept that “The L live with a meat-eater. If Word” is just a soap opera. only Alice could learn to Week #9 February 25 - March 3: people, to connect. The world of blogs Fair enough. After all, did love lentils. the TV show Dallas in any Change the Policy of an Organization provides an avenue for new voices to be Jenny is a graduate You Belong To heard and opinions to be shared with way represent the lives of student in Women’s others. real Texans? I have no idea. Studies. Her professors Many of us belong to organizations— You can create a blog easily through The Bushes are a rich oil love her writing, but when neighborhood groups, professional many different portals available on the baron family – perhaps we she graduates, she’ll be associations, labor unions, hobby internet. You can set up a blog for just should ask them. As for the stunned to find that the clubs and more. One way to further you or create a space for others in the soap opera element, I must admit that only job she can get is delivering The transgender equality is to add policies community to share their perspectives. I grew up in the South. It didn’t strike You can also create bulletin boards on a Ad-Mart for Alice. Why, oh why, didn’t that protect people from discrimination me as at all odd when J. R. Ewing had she get a degree in crop science? The based on gender identity and expression website for people to dialogue about their ideas or set up an e-mail list serve that a trashy and torrid affair with his wife’s professor was so cute! And she played or make clear that transgender people sister, Kristin, and she got ticked off and are welcome in your group. covers a topic you’d like to talk about. tennis, too. With all of these, you’ll need to keep up shot him with a pistol. That was a story Bette is the curator of the Student If the organization has an existing with them to be sure that content stays non-discrimination policy, propose straight out of our local newspaper. Art Gallery at the University of Idaho. current and that folks a topic to talk about Back to “The L Word.” Producer She fears for her job because the state that gender identity and expression be in order to keep your presence vibrant. added to it. If the organization doesn’t Ilene Chaiken has blamed some of the has imposed draconian budget cuts on have a relevant policy, than put forward An excellent example is the show’s problems on the now-departed website, www.myhusbandbetty.com, higher education, preferring instead to language that includes other categories scriptwriter Guinevere Turner. Chaiken spend money on Ten Commandments as well. run by Helen Boyd who is the wife of NCTE Board Member Betty Crow. The has said that the show’s subsequent lawn ornaments and wolf extermination. Recently, Nick Gorton, Kevin Maxey, myhusbandbetty.com site includes blogs, writers have worked hard to fix things. Bette and her partner, Tina, are in the and Arlene Vernon helped make such message boards, and regular columns But are they fixed? No! First there’s the deep doo-doo because Idaho has a change. These three physicians are from Helen. all members of the American College character of Jenny. She’s an artiste passed a constitutional amendment of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Speaking about her experience, waif with sexual identity issues, and prohibiting same-sex marriage or and submitted a resolution to change Helen comments, “Although Betty and she does all the show’s voice-overs. “anything approximating the rights ACEP’s Code of Ethics for Emergency I first created www.myhusbandbetty. Jenny is pretentious and annoying. and privileges thereof.” Bette and Tina Physicians. Their resolution was passed com for the sake of publicity, we’ve been We’re supposed to believe that she’s a want to have a baby, but Bette can’t and the new ACEP Code of Ethics reads: pleased to see both the blog and the gifted writer, but everything she writes message boards on the site thrive. The cover Tina on her insurance, and Tina, “Emergency physicians should act fairly sounds like weakly-brewed Michelle who works part-time as a hairdresser, toward all persons who rely on the ED for message boards provide a useful place for interaction, nearly a think tank, and Tea. It’s time to push Jenny in front of a wants to be a stay-at-home mom. unscheduled episodic care. They should moving Lexus. respect and seek to understand people in fact have been part & parcel of an Concerned about her lack of options, from many cultures and from diverse in-person monthly group forming here And then there are the rest of the Tina meets Henry at a sleazy bar and socioeconomic groups …. Provision of in NYC. Other people on the boards characters. Bette, Tina, Alice and Shane. decides to play it straight. But that’s emergency medical treatment should have met when they travel, on business Ilene Chaiken says that these rich, okay because... not be based on gender, age, race, trips, and at conferences. My blog has spoiled, irritating women are based shown up everywhere from pro-choice Bette meets a sexy new bartender socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, on real people that she knows. They’re at the very same place on the very same real or perceived gender identity, or websites to queerday.com - which means that many feminists and queer based on her friends. Okay, I’ll buy night. The bartender looks exactly like cultural background. No patient should that. Chaiken is a long-time Hollywood ever be abused, demeaned, or given folk of all stripes know somewhere Tina, right down to her mullet, and substandard care.” they can learn more about trans issues. producer. Who are the people she might Tina looks exactly like Bette’s previous Online communities end up facilitating This could make a significant know? Lawyers, professional tennis six girlfriends. Bette has a thing for not only in-person communities, but players, journalists, art curators, and blondes. It never seems to work out, difference in the quality of care you make transness more visible to other receive if you need to visit an emergency film industry executives. She might also but she remains optimistic. Optimism, sympathetic people online. It takes a lot know a few service people, a manicurist department. of work to moderate the boards and write that’s the key ...optimism and making the blog, but increasing trans visibility on or a gardener, and maybe Chaiken has Tina jealous. This has the potential for the ‘net is worth the effort.” a personal assistant. Maybe she has a season after season of serious dyke Week #10 March 4-10: What do you have to say to the world? chiropractor or a masseuse. Maybe she drama! Donate money to an organization Consider creating an online community leaves detailed notes for the woman I would also like to introduce a providing direct services for to lift up your voice as well as the lives who cleans her house. couple of new characters: transgender people of others. What has that got to do with me in Wendy, the UPS driver. Get a load way out Moscow, Idaho? Ilene Chaiken of those biceps! The internet has created so many new is a member of the Dinah Shore elite. ways for people, including transgender Jane, the veterinarian; Sally, She’s tanned, she’s buff, and she’s the veterinarian; and Connie, the richer than God. Is it any wonder that veterinarian. These three women all many lesbians can’t relate? Hands work in the same animal clinic, a place What’s on Stonewall’s Website? up, dear reader, if you’ve been on an called Pussies Galore. Jane used to be Olivia cruise? Hands up if you’ve been with Sally, but now she’s with Connie. canoeing? Rafting? Okay, have you Not a problem, as Wendy, who’s single, Your GLBTQA Community. floated in the bathtub while reading delivers the weekly supply of rabies a book? Ah, at last! That’s a lesbian vaccine. Hubba hubba! universal. Online Interactive GLBTQA Calendar, Current Issue, Current Headlines, And last but not least, allow me You know television show what I to introduce Sandy. Why? Because Downtown Spokane Map, Back Issues, Blogger, Business Directory, can relate to? Re-runs of “Roseanne.” there’s always a lesbian named Sandy. Resources, Links, Press Releases, Advertising Rates, Demographics, There were three good lesbians on I personally have known at least 346 Distribution Locations, Subscription Info, Web Statistics that show – Sandra Bernhardt, Morgan lesbians named Sandy across the lower Fairchild, and John Goodman. Should 48 states. Sandy has a partner named Ilene Chaiken happen to read this, Amy. They’ve been together for 20 here is how I would write “The L Word” years and they have two cats, Ellen to make it more appealing to regular and Rosie. Everyone likes Sandy and gals: Amy, but they often have a hard time Alice works for The Ad-Mart. She telling them apart. Why? Same haircut, spends her days writing dull copy same clothes, same height and weight. about refrigerators, four-wheel drives, If you want to be sure you’re talking to and guns for sale. She attends the Sandy and not Amy, ask her to belch Unitarian Church, she plays softball, the alphabet. Only Sandy can do this. and she hopes to find true love at a Amy is disgusted. potluck. Good luck, Alice! Dana plays tennis at the
Washington State University Recreation Joan Opyr, AKA Auntie Establishment, is a
Center. It’s a hobby, not a profession. Moscow area fiction writer, the author of the www.stonewallnews.net www.stonewallnews.net novel Idaho Code, and the Northern Idaho She actually works in the university’s Editor for New West Magazine. She invites your www.stonewallnews.net crop science department developing questions, comments, mint julep and rat recipes disease-resistant peas and lentils. Dana at [email protected]. Page Stonewall News Northwest Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Stonewall News Northwest National & International Founder and Publisher: Larry Stone 1992 - 1995 Publisher: John Deen 1995 - 2005 village quality to the tolerance and Publisher/Executive Editor acceptance” of gay people in America, Michael R. Schultz said Clarence Patton, a spokesman for Editor the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti- Kathy Ferguson A Kiss Too Far? Violence Project. “The idea of it is O.K., Arts & Entertainment Editor The tectonics of attitude are shifting in subtle but the reality falls short.” Christopher Lawrence Provided gay people agree to “play a Layout Consultant ways that are geographic, psychic and also very tightly scripted and choreographed Christopher Lawrence role in society, putting your wedding Music Reviews & Previews generational — amusing to some, appalling to together or what have you, we’re not Graham Ames & Chotley Ferguson others and ultimately withdrawn by the threatening,” Mr. Patton said. “But people Masthead Design By Guy Trebay company that makes the candy — had are still verbally harassed and physically Christopher Lawrence New York Times the inadvertent effect of revealing how attacked daily for engaging in simple a simple display of affection grows in displays of affection in public. Everything complexity as soon as one considers who changes the minute we kiss.” C o n t r i b u t o r s THE spot was only 30 seconds, gets to demonstrate it in public, and who, almost a blur amid the action at the very often, does not. The lugs in the Snickers commercial Graham Ames C. Lawrence Super Bowl. Yet the hubbub after a recoiled in shock at their smooch, Cat Carrel Dean Lynch The demarcation seemed particularly resorting to “manly” behavior like tearing recent commercial showing two auto stark during the week of Valentine’s Joyce Crosby NTCE mechanics accidentally falling into lip- out their chest hair in clumps. Alternate Chotley Ferguson Joan Opyr Day, when the aura of love cast its rosy lock while eating the same Snickers bar endings to the commercial on a Snickers Paul Garber Guy Trebay Hallmark glow over card-store cash went a long way toward showing how Web site showed the two clobbering Mark Garret Catherine D. Willis registers and anyone with a pulse. Where, each other, and related video clips powerfully charged a public kiss between one wondered, were all the same-sex two men remains. featured players from the Super Bowl lovers making out on street corners, or teams reacting, not unexpectedly, with CONTACT INFORMATION Football is probably as good a place in comedy clubs, performance spaces, Stonewall News Northwest as any to look for the limits of social flower shops or restaurants? PO Box 2704 • Spokane, WA 99220 tolerance. And the Snickers commercial “There’s really a kind of Potemkin Please see KISS next page www.stonewallnews.net phone 509.570.3750 fax 509.267.6309 [email protected] He said he told friends of his homosexuality when he was 14 but didn’t Stonewall News Northwest is copyrighted tell his parents until he was 16 and a under federal law. Any reproduction of Gay student’s troubles junior. its contents is prohibited unless written persmission is obtained. “I was scared to come out,” said James, a tall, brown-haired young man. “I thought no one would like me. I thought One copy of Stonewall News Northwest is unheeded my mom would kick me out. I thought available free of charge for each reader at Parents, student say school refused to stop current distribution locations. Copies of my friends would stop talking to me and Stonewall News Northwest which have not abuse; superintendent says she didn’t know I would be alone for the rest of my life.” been picked up for the purpose of read- Most of the time, James just tried to ing them are the property of Stonewall By PHIL GARBER Managing Editor teachers and clergy are invited to the keep his homosexuality out of his mind. Publishing, Inc. Any unauthorized person Recorder Community Newspapers forum which will focus on educating “I wasn’t being honest with anyone,” who takes or moves mutliple copies of participants on the harm caused by he said. “I had a fake persona.” Stonewall News Northwest to prevent other people from seeing or reading MOUNT OLIVE TWP. – James offensive language and behavior that James first disclosed his them shall be considered guilty of theft. Sharratt remembered what it was like result in shame homosexuality with Violators will be prosecuted. when classmates threw rocks at him on and humiliation for a close, female friend the playground at Mount Olive High lesbians, gays, bisexual while they were at and transgender Multiple copies can be sent to any distri- School because he was gay. “I was scared to the Rockaway Mall. bution location free of charge. Please call And he remembers the anger and students. come out. I thought He told the girl in or e-mail us for information. pain he felt when students would mock It also will the course of an no one would like me. otherwise casual him and call him “faggot” or when it was identify how schools I thought my mom SUBSCRIPTIONS suggested he dress for gym class in the can address the needs conversation. Subscribe by sending $39 (26 issues/year) nurse’s office and not in the locker room of gay students. For would kick me out. I “She didn’t ask with your name and address to Stonewall with the other male students. information, on thought my friends any questions,” James at the address above. And he remembers how the attending, e-mail to would stop talking said. “She knew it counselors at the school said they could bdressel@optonline. was hard enough for CELEBRATIONS net. to me and I would be me to blurt it out.” Share your union ceremony, arrival of do nothing to stop the verbal and physical alone for the rest of my assaults against him. As a freshman a child or other milestone in life with life.” and sophomore, the Stonewall family at no charge! Sharratt sat down on Saturday, Feb. Dire Situation Announcements should be 150-250 3, with his mother, Rebecca Dressel, –James Sharratt James had older words. Include your name and phone and father, Donald, to talk about his Sharratt is now friends in whom number so we may contact you. You may experiences. Also sitting in on the 17 and is attending he could confide e-mail your announcement with photo interview was Walter Schubert, a Morris County but that they all attachment or mail to Stonewall at the founder of the Morris County chapter of Vocational and graduated by the address above. Please include a SASE for time he was a junior. . the support group, Parents, Families and Technical High School to earn a graduate photo returns Friends of Lesbians and Gays or PFLAG. equivalency degree (GED). He left Mrs. Dressel said she first got an OBITUARIES In part as a result of James’ Mount Olive High School in November inkling of her son’s problems when he was experiences, PFLAG and several other at the recommendation of a psychologist in his junior year at the high school. Her Obituaries written by spouses, family or concerns heightened after she saw his bio friends may be placed in Stonewall News gay support groups will host a countywide because he was getting increasingly free of charge. They can be sent via e-mail, forum “Creating Safe Schools,” from depressed at the high school. on Myspace.com on the Internet and saw U.S. Mail or fax. Include your name and 1 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 3, at James said he was 10 when he realized that he had been communicating with a phone number so we may contact you. County College of Morris in Randolph he was gay but that looking back, he said 23-year-old man, with whom he also was A photo may be included as an e-mail Township. he always knew he was different than the attachment or via traditional mail. Please Students, parents, admin istrators, other boys. Please see SCHOOL page 10 include a SASE for photo returns.
LETTERS POLICY Stonewall News Northwest welcomes letters and e-mails. All submissions will be considered for publication. They should be typed and 250 words or less. Each Nigeria moves to tighten gay laws submission may be edited for length and/or coherence. Full name, address and phone number must be included; Nigeria’s House of Representatives held public letters will be verified. Names withheld by request only. Submissions will not be returned. hearing on new bill seeking to outlaw gay relations. DISCLAIMER NIGERIA - The bill, which could rights groups asking that the proposed and values, we must also remember to © 2006 Stonewall News Northwest. All become law before April’s elections, bill be withdrawn. protect people’s rights even if they are a Rights reserved. Stonewall News Northwest proposes a five-year sentence for “The bill is going to seriously violate minority is published by Stonewall Publishing, anyone convicted of the rights of people. Parliamentary insiders say the bill is Inc., a Washington State Corporation being openly gay or This bill is evil likely to be passed by both chambers of founded in March 1992, Michael R. Schultz, practising gay sex. and should not be the Nigerian National Assembly by the President. Critics say the bill The Christian As- allowed to see that end of March, he says. Stonewall News Northwest is not respon- is anti-freedom, but sociation of Nigeria light of the day,” says Speaking at the session, Deputy sible for claims made by advertisers. We religious leaders say (Can), the umbrella Alimi Ademola who Speaker Austin Opara said he did not reserve the right to reject advertising it will help “protect body for Nigerian heads Independent want Nigerians to forget their “religious which is unsuitable for our publication. society’s morals and Christians, called for Project Nigeria, a gay and cultural backgrounds”. The views expressed herein do not values”. rights organisation. The Christian Association of Nigeria necessarily represent the views of the Homosexuality speedy passage of the But the bill will (Can), the umbrella body for Nigerian owner or advertisers. is taboo across most law, describing same prove popular in Christians, called for speedy passage of Stonewall News Northwest Awards of Africa, although sex unions as “barbaric a country where the law, describing same sex unions as South Africa and shameful”. homosexuality is “barbaric and shameful”. 2006 | Business Of The Year Award| INBA recently legalised gay taboo and elections The National Muslim Centre also 2006 | Love & Support Award | Mr. Gay Spokane XXVI marriages. are looming, says the condemned gay relations as “immoral, 1999 | Rainbow Award | Inland Northwest Pride BBC’s Senan Murray 1997 | Vice Versa Award | Q Syndicate The committee in Abuja. Please see NIGERIA page 12 1996 | Rainbow Award | Inland Northwest Pride conducting the public hearing say they have received over 100 petitions from While we are trying to protect morals Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Stonewall News Northwest Page KISS gay issue?” said Robert Morea, a fitness continued from Previous Page consultant in New York. Although Mr. Morea is heterosexual, his client list has long included a number of high-profile professionals, the majority of them gay women and men. “The issue is there because for so many years, people got beaten up, followed or yelled at,” he said. “Even for me as a straight man, it’s obvious how social conditioning makes it hard for people to take back the public space.” After considering herself exclusively lesbian for decades, Sarah Van Arsdale, a novelist, not long ago found, to her surprise, that she had fallen in love with a man. At first, as she wrote last week in an e-mail message from a writer’s colony in Oaxaca, Mexico, “ Whenever we would hold hands in public, I felt a frisson of fear, waiting for the customary dirty looks or at least for the customary looking-away.” In place of revulsion, Ms. Van Arsdale was startled to discover that, having adjusted her sexual identity, she was now greeted by strangers with approving smiles. “I felt suddenly acceptable and accepted and cute, as opposed to queer,” she said. While few are likely to have shared Ms. Van Arsdale’s singular perspective, her experience is far from exceptional. “I’m a very openly gay man,” said Dane Clark, who manages rental properties and flies a rainbow flag from his house in Kansas City, Kan. “My partner and I don’t go kissing in public. I live in probably the most liberal part of the State of Kansas, but it’s not exactly liberal. If I was to go Snickers withdrew a commercial to a nice restaurant nearby and kiss my featuring an accidental kiss that partner, I don’t think that would go over many people did not find amus- very well.” ing. As many gay men have before him, Mr. Clark chose to live in a city rather than the sort of small town where he was squeamish distaste. The outrage voiced raised in the hope that Kansas City would by gay rights groups similarly held little provide a greater margin of tolerance surprise. and also of safety. Even in nearby “This type of jeering from professional Independence, Mo., he said, “if you kiss sports figures at the sight of two men your partner in a restaurant, you could kissing fuels the kind of anti-gay bullying find somebody waiting for you outside that haunts countless gay and lesbian when you went to the car.” schoolchildren on playgrounds across the But haven’t things changed radically country,” Joe Solmonese, the president of from the days when lesbians and gay the Human Rights Campaign, said in a men were considered pariahs, before gay statement. A spokesman for the Gay and marriage initiatives became ballot issues, Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation before Ellen DeGeneres was picked to condemned the advertisement as host the Oscars, and cable TV staples like “inexcusable.” Masterfoods USA, a “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” made a division of Mars and the maker of competitive sport of group hugs? Snickers, withdrew the offending ads. In some senses and in certain places, But for some the commercial left apparently, they have. The landscape of the lingering question of who owns the acceptance, as the Snickers commercial kiss? How is it that a simple affectionate inadvertently illustrated, is constantly gesture can be so loaded? Why is it that shifting — broadening in one place behavioral latitudes permit couples of one and contracting somewhere else. The sort to indulge freely in public displays country in which anti-gay advocates like lusty enough to suggest short-term motel the Rev. Fred Phelps once drew headlines stays, while entire populations, albeit for picketing Matthew Shepard’s funeral minority ones, live real-time versions and preaching what was called “a Day- of the early motion picture Hays Code: Glo vision of hatred” can seem very far a peck on the cheek in public, one foot away at times from the laissez-faire place squarely planted on the floor? in which an estimated 70 percent of The freedom to kiss in public is Americans say they know someone who hardly the most compelling issue for most is gay. gay rights advocates, or perhaps even in “We don’t administrate public the minds of many gay Americans. Yet displays of affection,” said Andrew the symbolic weight of simple gestures Shields, World Church Secretary of remains potent, a point easy to observe the Community of Christ, a Christian wherever on the sexual spectrum one falls. “Whose issue is it? Why is it only a Please see KISS page 14
Could a gay couple who weren’t hired models get away with this in Manhattan? Page Stonewall News Northwest Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Spokane Symphony put the MAN in Rotic Pride & Joy Movie Night
Last month’s showing of Yes Nurse, No Nurse was a big hit, and on March 7, we are privileged to show Loving Annabelle at CenterStage. Dinner is provided Eckart Preu, Music Director for only $9, including main course, salad and a beverage. Those who would Left: Johnny Mathis prefer to order from ella’s wonderful menu receive a 20% discount and 50% o and tour manager all well drinks. Doors open at 6:30. The movie starts at 7:30. Gil Reigers on guitar Loving Annabelle orchestra of the past. Director: Katherine Brooks You are truly a treasure Wofe Video, 77 minutes for Spokane and the Inland Northwest. One Student, One Teacher, One Se- cret. When Johnny Rising heart-throb Erin Kelly stars as Before I launch into the merits of the Mathis came onstage, Annabelle, a precocious Senator’s daugh- second half of the Spokane Symphony to begin the second half, his advancing ter who falls in love with her teacher Sim- performance that included Johnny age was re ected in a slower gait and one (gorgeous Diane Gaidry) at a stodgy Mathis, I need to give props to our Sym- more deliberate speech. As he began Catholic girls’ boarding school. Inspired phony Orchestra in its own right. the rst of many songs his voice even by the classic 1931 lesbian drama Maed- As a professional dancer for many seemed a little thin. But as he became chen in Uniform, out writer-director years, my experience with classical mu- more relaxed, that memorable warmth Katherine Brooks unveils this passionate sic has always had a physical sensibility. that is his instrument began to take us all tale of forbidden love with intelligence, What a chore it was not to jump up and back to our romantic teens. wit and sensitivity. begin dancing during the rst half of the It occurs to me that perhaps the ad- Simone Bradley is Saint Theresa’s delightful evening of music. I was ready vent of reverb and echo chamber e ects prized young poetry teacher who nds to throw on my cowboy drag and start might have been designed to help lesser peace and security within the boarding hoo ng when “Buckaroo Holiday” from singers achieve the naturally vibrant, school walls. Surrounded by a lush at- With stunning cinematography by Rodeo with its bright Western Americana caressing tones that Mathis has always mosphere with little con ict, Simone has Cynthia Pusheck, Loving Annabelle o ers rhythms began to beat. delivered. settled into a life of comfort and purpose excellent performances from its female Memories of romance and Sugar In fact, some of the women in the educating her young female students. leads, Diane Gaidry and Erin Kelly, as well Plum Fairies danced in my head with the audience were distracting; emitting Annabelle is a charismatic and en- as a featured performance by Academy orchestra’s wonderful presentation of constant “oohs“ and “aahs” with each chanting new student who quickly draws Award nominee/Golden Globe recipient The Nutcracker’s pas de deux, and I was song Johnny introduced. As the evening attention for her rebellious behavior. Kevin McCarthy. not the only one in the audience whose progressed amidst thunderous applause Fearing Annabelle L o v i n g heart was racing during the breathtaking (three curtain calls), underscored heavily will in uence the A n n a b e l l e selections from West Side Story by Leon- by the swooning female sighs, my lesbian other students, explores the ard Bernstein! seat mate commented in my ear: “I’ll bet rigid Headmistress (Ilene Gra ) instructs complexity and controversy of love and Thank you to Morihiko Nakahara, a there isn’t a dry seat in the house!” Simone to keep an eye on Annabelle and struggle between two women who masterful conductor, Spokane Symphony Mathis’ musicianship remains unsur- get her under control. have every reason to deny their feelings. and Music Director Eckart Preu. I realize I passed. Spokane Symphony kept in stride Simone, however, quickly learns Blind to the world around them, the two had underestimated your brilliance and with every nuance and style he performed. that the real challenge is not Annabelle’s journey into a love a air destined to abilities until tonight. You gave us rst Again, thank you all for such a great night behavior but the attraction budding be- change their lives forever. rate music worthy of any great classical of Terpsichorean temptation! tween the two. As Annabelle pursues her Remember you can still catch, Mc- teacher, she unleashes the passion that Manus in Love, a comedy by best selling has been locked deep inside Simone, author Patrick F. McManus at CenterStage who must decide whether or not to enter on Feb. 22 & 23. Fundraiser at interPLAYERS an a air that could cost her everything. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and Director Katharine Brooks’ Loving McManus starts at 8 p.m. MarHow often 1-3 does any Features theatre feature a play Gay about gay Issues! issues? Six Dance Annabelle gives a modern telling of this For tickets, call (509) 74-STAGE or Lessons in Six Weeks centers around two characters – one gay male and “forbidden love” story that continues to TicketsWest (800)-325-SEAT. be controversial to this day. an older straight woman. OutSpokane is co-hosting this important play as a fundraiser for Spokane’s Pride 2007. This endeavor is worthy of the GLBTQA community’s participation! A large part of the proceeds Mar 1- O n e Brokeback kiss is voted number one! 3 will go to OutSpokane for Spokane’s very lucky PinkNews.co.uk writer ere certainly were some puzzling Pride Parade and Rainbow Festival 2007. c o u p l e February 2007 I hope to see real community support. (gay or results from the online poll. An online poll of people It is not romantic in any sense, but straight) Brad Pitt and Angelina who rent DVDs has revealed it does deal with breaking down stereo- will win a Jolie make the list for their kiss that their favorite movie kiss of types held by both the gay and straight ra e for in Mr & Mrs Smith, and e all time was between two men. communities about each other. six dance Godfather comes in at number Heath Ledger and Jake seven. The two characters nd out where l e s s o n s Gyllenhaal’s passionate kiss in they stand and who they are after being (three 50 In the case of e topped confronted by lessons they both thought minute private dance lessons and three Brokeback Mountain Godfather, it is not a passionate the online survey by DVD they had learned long ago. They, like the group class lessons) from the Simply lip-lock that won over DVD rental fi rm Lovefi lm, beating rest of us, nd and form new relationships Dance Studio. viewers, but the famous scene classic movie moments from in and with the most unlikely places and Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks where Michael Corleone kissed and people. Most straight and gay people opens Mar. 1 and closes Mar. 17. For tick- Gone with the Wind Breakfast at goodbye to his brother Fredo, whom he want to nd that “special one ...the one ets, call the box o ce at 455-7529. Tiff any’s. has decided to have killed. face in a million,” but how do we break Lesbians are not left out either: Breakfast at Tiff any’s was number down the walls we build around our- GLBT Book Group the Selma Blair/Sarah Michelle Gellar two in the poll, followed by the Pitt/Jolie selves once we have been hurt? encounter in Cruel Intentions came in kiss and then Gone with the Wind. at number fi ve. Kathie Doyle-Lipe portrays Lily Har- Spokane’s GLBT Book Group meets Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster’s rison and New York’s Joel Richards plays the first Wednesday monthly in the Lovefi lm marketing manager Fliss beach kiss in From Here to Eternity Michael Minnetti. Kathie dances the second oor conference room of Auntie’s White said: “We never expected the came sixth, followed by Bridget Jones’s tango, waltz, foxtrot, swing, cha-cha and Bookstore. Facilitator Julie Smith says results to be so varied. Our top 10 has Diary. contemporary dance numbers with her review sessions begin at 7 P.M. covered everything from sexy passionate e fi nal two places were claimed dancing instructor.. It sounds like a fun The upcoming review session is embraces to more sinister, threatening by Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst evening for all. The language is contem- Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith kisses.” in Spider-Man and Patrick Swayze and on March 7. porary, intense, funny and honest. Jennifer Gray in Dirty Dancing. Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Stonewall News Northwest Page
GRAPHIC NOVELS – VIDEO – MUSIC Chotley Ferguson, Christopher Lawrence & Graham Ames
Editor’s note: It seems an appropri- fronted by Robert Smith (from The Cure), ate time to include a genre of literature Shut Up and Sing! Bird On A Wire they took most of the world by storm, that is highly popular in the social lives of Dixie Chicks Toby Lightman just not the US. A little bit punk, a little many of our GLBTQA youth. Rockridge Institute Atlantic Records bit grunge, a whole lot of great stu , and It was brought to my attention by Some documentaries are dry and Opening for Carbon Leaf at their re- while I was listening, I do not recall ever Chotley Ferguson, a 17 year-old Allied sterile. Not so in the case of Shut Up and cent show in Spokane was a diminutive meeting anyone else who was. youth, that many characters in Manga Sing, created by Barbara Kopple and Ce- blonde with a guitar and an amazing This new album showcases the and other Graphic Novels are Gender cilia Peck. This is not just another rehash- voice. She performed a great set of acous- depths of Bloc Party’s craft. “I Still Remem- Fluid (GLBTQ), so I asked her to give me ing of old and disturbing news about the tic rock, accompanied only by another ber” is a catchy ditty about two school- a review of one of her favorites. It so hap- cost of freedom of speech to this very guitarist. It was gutsy, and while I was not boys’ unrequited love. But underneath all pens that nearly all the characters in this special band, but an actual documenting immediately captivated, I did pick up her the fully modern sensibilities lies a core particular series are Gender Fluid. – C.L. of the events as they unfolded. CD in the lobby during the act break. of 80s synthpop; the narrator is trapped Far more than just the distasteful To my surprise, Toby’s album is in a moment from twenty years ago. politics and uneducated hate-driven red- decked out to the nines with vintage “The Prayer” begins with a tribal stomp, Eerie Queerie, Vols 1 - 4 necks on the warpath with an American industry talent. Patrick Leonard, one of by Shuri Shiozu, Jackie Medel, & which seems to come from a ‘30s movie Flag-cum-ax to grind, the juxtaposition Madonna’s chief producers and co-writ- musical, quickly passes through a couple Heidi Yamaguchi (Translator) of the media frenzy ers, helped out with about half the tracks. of stages and is suddenly deep in dance TOKYOPOP of 2003 with the The other half have oor techno, and Eerie Quee- evolving internal Bill Bottrell at the then pops back rie, a popular dialogue of the helm, who cre- again, making its Chicks and their manga (graphic ated Sheryl Crow’s point clearly. families engen- novel), is a great brilliant rst two Kele has dered over the next coming of age albums. With such pulled back from story with a su- two years is evoca- talent bringing tive and moving. the sharp edges pernatural twist. along their friends of his voice, or As you watch The reader fol- and helping out, it else has matured their bravery under lows a young is no wonder that through them. threats of death boy, Mitsuo Bird On A Wire is so Either way, he is and plummeting Shiozu, through a engaging across its even better than record sales be- host of trials and thirteen tracks. he was before, cause of boycotts tribulations as he Toby is a bit by major country perfectly captur- tries to discover Bonnie Raitt, a western radio ing emotion with his sexuality and smidgen of Janis chains, I believe his own unique his place in the Joplin, and a whole lot of herself. She you will gain even phrasing and voicing. Russell Lissack’s world. covers a lot of ground, moving from rock more respect for guitars are erce and imaginative, while If you are un- to folk to blues to retro styles, sliding be- the healing journey Gordon Moakes (bass) and Matt Tong familiar with this tween genres, blending them together they have taken on (drums) create nearly any atmosphere new art form, you and putting her stamp on the nal pack- the way to the cre- imaginable. may think that it age. Tying everything together is Toby’s ation of their new- A trio of songs buried in the middle is childish—and est album, Taking songwriting, at once plain and complex, of the album summarize where this band some of it is. However, manga, like books, the Long Way. melodies carrying straightforward words is right now. “Uniform” is a ve-minute vary wildly. Reading level and subject that grow deeper upon re ection. It is a They talk back and bring it on with opera, a commentary on the manufac- matter range from juvenile to adult. The great album by an emerging artist, and pride; their heads held high. The Chicks’ tured “rebellion” culture marketed to art is as important to telling the story as I am really glad I grabbed a copy. You noble voices are sweeter than ever, and today’s youth. “On” is a sarcastic paean to the text. And because many of the avail- should grab a copy for yourself. their uniquely haunting harmonies have cocaine set to a skipping breakbeat. Fi- able manga are written by Japanese au- grown stronger every year nally, the sharp drums and machine gun thors, the reader is often immersed in a guitars of “Where Is Home” break apart new cultural experience. The results are clear. Taking their A Weekend In The City place once again as the largest selling fe- the bourgeois alienation with the story Over the four part Eerie Queerie se- Bloc Party. male band in the world, we see that their of an immigrant family whose son has ries, the story can wander at times. While Vice Music determination and unaltered convictions just been killed: the individual tales are amusing, the Bloc Party have a ected many people and garnered “In every headline main plot seems to occasionally get lost neatly avoids the more fans than ever. we are reminded/ in the fun. However, despite the continu- sophomore slump They prove that censorship is not that this is not ity problems, the story with A Weekend In an American value, home for us.” It is nishes strongly with The City. This quite no matter how many a great stretch of an excellent ending. excellent CD is not conservatives in this music on a great The characters quite a concept new album, and country might wish it album; the over- themselves are, for the to be so. that is always a most part, quite en- arching theme I can safely recom- wonderful thing. dearing, while some are explores those mend Shut Up and realistically unsavory. anonymous stories Sing to all of our read- all around in any Mitsuo and his friends ers, and this is a must Year Zero grow, assimilating unfamiliar urban see for their fans as Nine Inch Nails the lessons they learn landscape. Just well. The Chicks have It began with throughout the story. who are those ran- moved beyond coun- a photograph of a Each character has indi- dom people next try into a new genre of concert shirt purchased during NIN’s cur- vidual traits that shine to you waiting for the bus, at the light, in music that speaks from rent European tour. An observant person through clearly, making the checkout line? Some are living lives the heart and makes us noticed that some of the letters stood it easy to di erentiate of quiet desperation: “sitting in silence in think about our lives out, and when decoded led to www.iam- each person. bars after work ... now we cling to bottles and the meaning in tryingtobelieve.com. Other clues have Last but not least and memories of the past/just give me them. led to phone numbers, or have been is the high quality art. moments, not hours or days.” (“Waiting Production values discovered only through PhotoShop or For those of you who haven’t read any For The 7:18”) Some, not really so quiet. on this DVD are excellent, and the pro- other manipulations. One story goes that manga, this may seem like an odd thing “I’m sitting on the roof of my house/with cess of their recovery while rebuilding a ash drive was found in a bathroom in to discuss, but it is in fact very important. a shotgun and a six pack of beer.” (“Hunt- their careers is inspiring. Lisbon, Portugal that contained a com- Shuri Shiozu, the artist and author, did a ing For Witches”) Eleven such stories are In the meantime, I found a great free- plete song from the unreleased album. superb job. Virtually all the drawings are shared in this marvelous album, explor- bie video on the web to share with you Welcome to the world of Alternate Reality clear and concise. It’s easy to see who’s ing what lead singer Kele Okereke calls readers and fans. An episode of the Bill Games, although to call this one a game who, and the emotions are expressed “the living noise of a metropolis.” Maher Show is available to view online. does not seem fair. Trent Reznor recently perfectly. The band is in amazing form, nicely http://www.amazon.com/exec/ posted online, “What you are now start- Overall Eerie Queerie is a fun, excit- evolving their approach while remain- obidos/ASIN/B000KX0IN6/bookstore- ing to experience IS ‘year zero’. It’s not ing, laugh-out-loud read with a lively, ing true to the core of what makes them now78-20. some kind of gimmick to get you to buy a optimistic view on life. special. When their 2005 “debut” Silent If you have not had the chance to ap- Alarm was released, their dance/rock record - it IS the art form... and we’re just – Chotley Ferguson preciate their music before, I recommend balancing act was largely hailed as The getting started. Hope you enjoy the ride.” you do so at the rst opportunity. Next Big Thing. Sounding a bit like U2 Please see NINE INCH Page 10 Page 10 Stonewall News Northwest Wednesday, February 21, 2007
DEAL school continued from Page 2 continued from Page 6 James continued attending classes Lamonte said James had asked the and felt particularly uncomfortable when school to create a gay support group. But new cases are persons under age 25. HIV having a physical relationship. changing in the locker room for gym class. Lamonte said she understood it would prevention programs in Spokane at both Mrs. Dressel said she was more A teacher suggested he change in the be a PFLAG chapter and that an outside Spokane AIDS Network and Spokane worried about her son’s safety than nurse’s office but he felt too embarrassed. group would not be permitted to recruit Regional Health District are critically whether he was gay. She later spoke Instead, at his psychologist’s suggestion, members on campus. under funded, and our capacity to care with James and he acknowledged he was James was allowed to withdraw from phys “If the students want to start a gay for the growing number of persons homosexual. ed classes and take a study hall instead. alliance, they certainly could meet on living with HIV, currently over 500, is The problems in school began for Another incident involved a sabotage campus,” said Lamonte. approaching a breaking point based on real at the end of his sophomore year and of a six-page psychology report he had current funding available. Lamonte said the school curriculum into his junior year. written on the genocide in Rwanda. doe not directly address gay and lesbian The “Deal or No Deal” depends “That’s when people started to use James said he went to make changes to issues but generally talks about “being on each of us taking a few minutes to words like fag,” James said. the report on a school computer and accepting of differences.” contact our elected representatives and He said that during gym class outside, found someone had deleted the file and Throughout last year, Mrs. Dressel telling them that increasing HIV funding replaced it with homophobic comments. must be one of their top priorities. kids would throw rocks at him and that said she sought support and learned he would hear people call him names “I had to rewrite the entire essay and about the PFLAG chapter. She attended We all live with HIV/AIDS directly or it was due the next day,” James said. indirectly, and it remains a community while passing in the hallways. her first meeting in January 2006 and has responsibility to keep our local, state One time, he was with a friend when James said he asked his counselor been attending regularly since. and federal governments focused on this a classmate confronted him in a hallway. if the school could form a gay support Mrs. Dressel discussed her son’s issue until there is a cure. “A kid came up and got in my face group but was told the school focused situation at PFLAG meetings and On February 21, hundreds of HIV and started calling me a fag,” James said. more on anti-racism education. this past October, Schubert wrote to advocates statewide will gather in “My friend kicked him and we walked James and his mother brought up Stansberry and asked for information Olympia for AIDS Awareness and Action away. There were always people around their concerns at the meeting with the about the school’s anti-bullying program. Day 2007 to educate lawmakers about and I don’t know how the teachers didn’t school social The letter was copied the need for increased funding for HIV hear it.” worker and a to board president and our desire to pass the Healthy Youth At home, James tried to act as if counselor. “The biggest Anthony Strillacci. Act. he was doing all right. But one day he “The first “The purpose You can help make that message loud couldn’t hold it in anymore. excuse they gave problem is that the of this letter is to and clear by calling the Washington State “He finally broke down and told me was that they administration, request information Legislative Hotline today at 1-800-562- us what was happening with the rocks were supposed the teachers, the regarding Mount 6000 and leave your message for your in gym class,” Mrs. Dressel said. “I felt to discourage Olive High School’s elected representatives. students from counselors aren’t horribly angry. You send your child to educated. When there prevention programs To learn more about how you can school and expect he will be protected.” coming out in and other initiatives help, please go to www.LLAA.org, click James and his mother soon brought high school,” James is a problem, they don’t in compliance with on the “Communities in Action Network” their concerns at a meeting with a school said. know what to do.” the NJ “Anti Bullying” link and help us insure our local, state and counselor and social worker. They said Mrs. Dressell –Mrs. Dressel legislation,” the letter federal governments make the right deal they could do nothing unless James also said she was said. “In particular, I to help us prevent and treat this disease. could identify those who had assaulted told that there was am seeking information him verbally and with rocks. But James no money in the regarding those specific said he feared retribution if he named the budget for any new clubs. programs relating to NINE INCH students. As his junior year progressed, James the prevention of harassment and or continued from Page 9 “We went to the school and they said became more outspoken about his bullying of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Considering that there are still over they were against bullying but could do homosexuality and was even selected as Transgender - “LGBT” students.” two months before the album is re- nothing without names,” Mrs. Dressel a school “free spirit” and one of seven Schubert received no response to his leased, and then another year before the said. students who represented life at the inquiry. rumored “second half” of the concept, I “If I gave them names, it would only school. Lamonte said she recalled the letter sure hope they are “just getting started.” get worse,” James said. “I asked the teachers why I was but didn’t believe it called for a response. It looks like it is going to be intense. That was the only time Mrs. Dressel nominated and they said it was because I “It seemed to be an inquiry to all Jump into the action by visiting met with school officials although she was gay and open about it,” James said. schools about gay and lesbian support www.echoingthesound.org and selecting had numerous telephone conversations. A student later wrote an essay for a groups,” Lamonte said. “We didn’t feel the “Year Zero” forum. I suggest you start She said she regrets not having contacted local newspaper about the seven students. any response was needed.” with “I Am Trying To Believe” for a sum- the principal, Kevin Stansberry but had James said he spoke to the student and Lamonte said the district will be mary of What Has Been Discovered. And trusted that the counselors would be able talked at length about his homosexuality. sending a representative to the March be sure to drink lots of water. – G.A. to handle the issue. But he said he was very disappointed 3 PFLAG conference. She also said when the story was published and any Stansberry will call Mrs. Dressel about references to his homosexuality was her son’s situation. deleted. Schubert said PFLAG was formed to The continuing experiences made connect people, usually parents, to help James very angry but he didn’t know them understand their emotions and what to do. their children. “I kept it all inside,” he said. “There “Over the last 10 years, I have was nothing I could do. I was so lonely. noticed parents frightened, angry and The minute I stepped in school, I could worried and PFLAG helps them feel not barely talk.” alone and to start action,” Schubert said. By November, James was becoming “Becky (Dressel) is a classic example of more and more withdrawn and one day what PFLAG offers moms and dads.” Mrs. Dressel got a call from the school Schubert said PFLAG tries to help counselor. parents understand that often much of “She said that when James came to the problem has to do with their own school he felt isolated and fearful,” Mrs. preconceptions and less about their Dressel said. “She told me I needed to get child’s issues on being gay. him out of school immediately.” “I’ve seen virulent reactions from In December, his psychologist parents who have a difficult time letting notified the school that James would be go of their image of how life should enrolling in the GED program. James unfold,” Schubert said. “PFLAG shows now regularly sees friends who attend the parents that it’s more about their County College of Morris and since issues than their child’s.” leaving Mount Olive, his life has turned Schubert, who is gay and helped around. found the national PFLAG organization, “From the time we took him out of said James showed great courage in Mount Olive, it was a 180 degree change,” talking publicly about his emotions and said James’ father. “The burden is lifted his concerns. off his shoulders.” “He is speaking for all the kids who don’t stand up and don’t talk to their School Policy parents and are isolated,” said Schubert. “Nobody should ever have to go through Schools Superintendent Rosalie this. It’s an awful experience.” Lamonte said the school district has Mrs. Dressel said Mount Olive strict anti-bullying policies. school officials reacted more out of a lack “We don’t tolerate bullying and of education than a lack of concern. harassment in any way, shape or form,” “The biggest problem is that the Lamonte said. administration, the teachers, the But she said the school could not counselors aren’t educated,” she said. address James’ concerns because the “When there is a problem, they don’t matter was not brought to the attention know what to do.” of a school administrator. She also said Dressel said she hopes Mount Olive there was no action against those who educators and many others will attend taunted James because he would not and benefit form the PFLAG summit in identify them. March. “If a students didn’t wish to share “If I can get them to attend the information specifically, there is not summit and get programs in the high much we can do to pursue them (other school, then what happened to James students),” Lamonte said. “If the situation isn’t for nothing,” Mrs. Dressel said. was such that we felt we needed to investigate further, we would have.” Lamonte also said the school counselors were “trying to help (James) deal with his identity crisis.” Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Stonewall News Northwest Page 11 Northwest Business Directory
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Call: Ramon or Bonnie: (509) 325-3637 Fax: (509) 267-6309 Call: Heidi Stanton (509)335-8841 SPOKANE AREA Outreach Center Web site: www.stonewallnews.net E-mail: [email protected] MONTANA Condoms, needle exchange, AIDS information. Web site: www.thecenter.wsu.edu Flathead Valley Alliance BiNet Spokane Open M-F, 3-5 p.m. at 1103 W. First Ave. A social support group for bisexual men and Unitarian Universalist Church Northwest Montana information and referral women. Call: (509) 838-6859 Gay, lesbian resource committee. Washington State University services. GLBA Student Group Call: (509) 217-1271 OutSpokane Call: (509) 325-6383 Call: (406) 758-6707 Committee organizes annual Pride march and Fun, fellowship and socializing. Web site: www.flatheadvalleyalliance.org/index.html Eastern Washington University SAFE Web site: www.uuchurchofspokane.org celebration and other community events. Call: (509) 335-6428 Students’ Alliance for Equality Web site: www.OutSpokane.com Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery Weekly meetings for students, faculty and Call: 535-3155 Web site: http://cubwsu.edu/GLBAP Papillon Lesbian Avengers staff. Web site: www.vanessabehan.org Out There Social support group for the transgender A direct action group focused on issues vital Call: Kat Olson: (509) 359-4253 Women and Friends Safer-sex information and supportive pro- community. to lesbian survival and visibility. Web site: http://iceberg.ewu.edu/safe/safe.htm grams for young men who have sex with Call: (509) 292-8852 Women-only activities and events in the Call: (406) 523-6608 Spokane area. men. EMCC – PFLAG - Spokane – Call Melinda: (509) 335-6428 Our Montana Family Emmanuel Metropolitan Parents, Families & Friends Call: (509) 458-4709 Community Church Supporting Montana’s GLBT parents and of Lesbians and Gays University of Idaho their children. Christian church with outreach to the GLBT Support group for parents, family, friends and Write: P.O. Box 4795, Spokane, WA 99202 Gay-Straight Alliance community. IDAHO E-mail: [email protected] members of the GLBT community. Promoting a fabulous, positive and inclusive Call: (509) 838-0085 Idaho for Basic Rights environment for all people on campus and PFLAG Billings Web site: www.emmanuelmcc.com Call: (509): 624-6671 Web site: www.pflagspokane.org Citizen action group to work for civil and legal encouraging individual growth and under- Meets monthly Sept. - May. Friends of SAN equality on basis of sexual orientation. standing by developing outreach programs, Call: (406) 255-7609 PJALS – improving visibility and recognition of queer Fundraising organization for people living Peace and Justice Action Call: (208) 343-7402 with HIV/AIDS to improve the quality of issues and history. PRIDE! League of Spokane NIAC – their lives. Call: (208) 885-2691 Statewide lesbigaytrans civil rights advocacy Independent, membership organization North Idaho AIDS Coalition group. Write: 1212 E. Front Ave. Spokane, WA 99202 building foundations for a just and nonviolent HIV/AIDS prevention, education and as- Gay/Lesbian Info Line world. sistance for people infected with, affected Call: (406) 442-9322 TRI-CITIES or, in Montana: (800) 610-9322 Call: (509) 489-2266 Call: (509) 838-7870 by HIV. Immediate Crisis: (509) 838-4428 Call: (208) 665-1448 Benton-Franklin Planned Parenthood of District Health Department PRIDE Celebration GLBT Book Group The Inland Northwest Web site: www.nicon.org/niac Group in charge of annual Montana June Confidential and anonymous HIV testing, Discusses selected works at Auntie’s Bookstore PRIDE celebrations. HIV antibody testing and counseling. North Idaho College case management, educational and referral at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday each month. Call: (406) 442-9322 Call: Clinic for Appt.: (800) 788-9128 Gay-Straight Alliance services. E-mail: [email protected] Call: Julie Smith: (509) 838-0206 Administration: (509) 326-6292 Call: (Pasco) (509) 547-9737, ext. 234 Gonzaga University Pride Foundation/Inland Northwest NIGMA - Confidential voice mail also. Western Montana Gay & Lesbian GLBT Resource Center North Idaho Gay Men’s Association Community Center The Pride Foundation connects, inspires River of Life For information and to contact resource and strengthens the Pacific Northwest Creating community by providing real Metropolitan Community Church 127 North Higgins, Suite 202 organizations on the GU campus, Septem- GLBTQ community in pursuit of equality time social activities for gay men in the Missoula, MT 59802 Moscow/Pullman area, visitors, and allies. Christian church celebrating diversity and ber-May. by awarding grants and scholarships (406) 543-2224 E-mail: [email protected] affirming GLBTQ people. Sunday services at HERO (Helping Educate Regarding Orienta- and cultivating leaders. E-mail: [email protected] Call: Spokane office (509) 327-8377 or Panhandle Health District 11:30 a.m. tion) gay-straight alliance. Web: www.gaymontana.org/wmglcc (888) 575-7717 STD/HIV testing, condoms, and other methods Call: (509) 542-8860 SODA (Sexual Orientation Diversity Alliance) E-mail: [email protected] law school support group. of birth control, physical exams, shots, cancer Website: www.pridefoundation.org screening, resource nurse voucher program, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy/ Tri-Cities CARES Direct line: Bryce: 323-5847 referrals to area resources and education. All Columbia AIDS relief, education and support. WASHINGTON Hospice of Spokane Survivor support group and HIV/PWA sup- Quest Youth Group services are confidential. Physical, emotional and spiritual care for the port group. Bi MEN Group To “inspire, encourage and support” gay and • Kootenai County Call: (208) 667-3481 terminally ill and loved ones; bereavement • Boundary County Call: (208) 267-5558 Call: (509) 783-7416 Bi and bi-curious men and gay men who enjoy support and HIV/AIDS counseling services. bisexual guys, 18-25, in the Inland Northwest and support bisexual men. through free monthly recreational activi- • Shoshone County Call: (208) 786-7474 Call: (509) 456-0438 Web site: www.egroups.com/group/bi-men-west ties, discussions, service projects and movie • Bonner County Call: (208) 263-5159 WALLA WALLA ISCS – nights. • Benewah County Call: (208) 245-4556 Blue Mountain Heart to Heart Equal Rights Washington Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane Call: Ryan: (509) 290-3519 Call: (509) 251-1242. Web site: www2.stateid.us/phd1 AIDS prevention education, support and Fighting for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- Web site: www.QuestYouthGroup.org gender equality. Web site: www.iscspokane.com PFLAG - Sandpoint services. Ryan White CARE Consortium Support, education and advocacy group for Call: (509) 529-4744 Call: (206) 324-2570 INBA – Web site: www.equalrightswashington.org Inland Northwest Business Alliance HIV care education and planning group. Sandpoint gay people, parents, family and Toll Free: (888) 875-2233 (pin #4744) friends. A Professional GLBTQ/Allied Business Alliance. Call: Tarena Coleman: (509) 444-8200 Spanish: (509) 529-2174 GLSEN Washington State Monthly luncheon meetings and annual com- E-mail: [email protected] Call: (208) 263-6699 PFLAG – Walla Walla The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education munity resource directory. Rainbow Regional Community Center Planned Parenthood of Support, education and advocacy group for Network (GLSEN) envisions a future in which Write: PO Box 20163, Spokane, WA 99204 Support services for GLBTQ community and The Inland Northwest parents, family, friends and members of the every child learns to respect and accept all Voice mail: 509-455-3699 individuals exploring their sexual orientation HIV antibody testing and counseling. GLBTQ community. Promoting the health and people, regardless of sexual orientation or well-being of GLBTQ individuals, their families E-mail: [email protected] and/or gender identity. Call: Clinic for Appt.: (800) 788-9128 gender identity/expression. Administration: (509) 326-6292 and friends. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.inbaspokane.org Call: (509) 489-1914 Call: (509) 529-5320 Web site: www.spokanerainbowcenter.org Web site: www.glsenwa.org Inland Northwest Equality Write: 527 E. Oak A coalition of local individuals and organiza- SAN – LEWISTON/CLARKSTON Walla Walla, WA 99362-1248 Legal Marriage Alliance tions committed to progressing GLBT equality Spokane AIDS Network PFLAG - Lewis-Clark E-mail: [email protected] Working to achieve the right of same-sex and justice. Call: (509) 455-8993 or Support, education and advocacy group 1-888-353-2130 Web site: www.wwpflag.0catch.com/ couples to marry legally in Washington. for Lewis-Clark gay people, parents, family Web site: www.lmaw.org Call: Krista Benson: 838-7870 Web site: www.spokaneAIDSnetwork.org Web site: www.icehouse.net/pjals/issues/inwe.html and friends. Meets in Lewiston. Seventh-day Adventist Kinship Spokane County Domestic Call: (509) 758-6437 Lesbian Resource Center Integrity Call: (509) 525-0202 Violence Consortium Resources and referrals, groups and events. Gay and lesbian Episcopalians meet monthly A private, nonprofit organization with mem- Monthly newspaper. for communion and simple meal. MOSES LAKE WENATCHEE bers from a variety of professions who have Call: (206) 322-3953 Call: Chuck: (509) 326-7707 or Ann: (509) come together to end intimate partner AACW – SHINE 624-6671 violence. Alternative Alliance of An organization that strives to eliminate all Lifelong AIDS Alliance forms of prejudice and discrimination by Lutheran Communtiy Services- Central Washington Providing support, prevention and advocacy Call: (509) 487-6783 promoting awareness, education, and self- SafeT Response Center A social and support group to help bring for people with HIV/AIDS. Spokane Falls Community College empowerment through the use of the arts. Call: (509) 747-8224 together people in the GLBT community. Call: (206) 329-6923 - The Alliance Call: (509) 860-7354 Crisis line (509) 624-7273 Write: P.O. Box 1282, GLBT and allies group to provide a safe space; E-mail: [email protected] PositiveVoice Washington Lilac City Men’s Project to educate our community. Moses Lake, WA 98837 For gay and bisexual men; a frank and open Advocates for programs and services needed Call: (509) 533-4507 forum about sex, self, safety and socializing. YAKIMA by people with HIV. Offers self-advocacy For more information about upcoming meet- Spokane Human Rights Commission training. ings and events: Call: Equity Office: (509) 625-6263 PULLMAN/MOSCOW PFLAG - Yakima/Yakima Valley Call: (888) 704-0099 Web site: www.lilaccitymensproject.org Spokane Regional Health District Promotes the health and well-being of GLBT individuals, their families and friends. Washington State GSA Network Northwest Fair Housing Alliance Providing health services and referrals for the Planned Parenthood of The Inland Northwest Call: (509) 576-9625 The Washington State Gay-Straight Alliance Private, nonprofit organization provides edu- public. HIV testing. HIV antibody testing and counseling. Network is a youth-led organization created cation, outreach and enforcement assistance Call: (509) 324-1542 or 1-800-456-3236 Rainbow Cathedral Metropolitan to help connect public and private GSA-based for those who have experienced discrimina- Web site: www.spokanecounty.org/health Call: Clinic for Appt.: (800) 788-9128 Community Church clubs and other community groups through- tion and the general public. Stonewall News Northwest Administration: (509) 326-6292 An MCC Seattle parish extension. out Washington State. Washington State University Call: (509) 325-2665 or (800)-200-3247 Flagship publication for the gay and lesbian Call: (509) 457-6454 Call: (206) 330-2099 Gender Identity/Expression and Odyssey Youth Center community and the Inland Northwest. Web site: www.wagsa.org Sexual Orientation Resource Center Discussion/support group and social drop-in Call: (509) 570-3750 center for GLBT and questioning youth. To have your group listed in this directory, e-mail your organization’s information to Stonewall News Northwest at [email protected]. LCMP bunko nigeria continued from Page 3 continued from Page 6 if they are a minority,” Mr Oreh said at continued from Page 3 the public hearing. effectiveness is a direct result of the special events, up to $3000. and runs contrary to our cultural and The United Nations has warned that power of this program and its relevance Gay Bunko is the first evening religious values”. the bill would promote the spread of to young gay/bi men’s social needs. community event this year that will The deputy chairman of the house HIV/Aids. As the national trends suggest, half raise money for the future Center. committee on human rights Abdul Oroh “Failing to acknowledge that sex of all the new diagnoses of HIV are in Events that are being planned but not says it was hypocritical of proponents of between men will only increase the young people between the ages of 13-25. yet scheduled include a drag king show the bill to use morality and religion as vulnerability of men - and women - to Sixty percent of those are in young gay and an appearance by a nationally- basis for their arguments. HIV infection, since men who cannot and bisexual men. Therefore, out of the recognized speaker on the anti-gay “We should not be hypocritical here. talk about their sexual orientation are 40,000 new diagnoses each year, at least reparative therapy movement. I think we should deal with this subject less likely to seek appropriate support 12,000 are given to young gay/bi men. For more information, call 489-1914 dispassionately. While we are trying to services,” said Dr Pierre Mpele, the For more information, contact the or visit www.spokanerainbowcenter. protect morals and values, we must also UNAids country co-ordinator in Spokane AIDS Network at 455-8993. org. remember to protect people’s rights even Nigeria. Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Stonewall News Northwest Page 13 Classifieds Classified Advertising Index 13 - Volunteers youth and experience working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth a plus. Successful candidate will be over 24 years of age and without significant 10 - PEOPLE and EVENTS Odyssey Youth Center has both short-term and on- friendships or relationships with any current Odyssey Washington 11 - Special Person going volunteer opportunities available. Are you youth. 30hr/wk at $12.00/hr. Applications due Monday, interested in becoming a Facilitator during open youth February 26, 2007. Send to [email protected] 12 - Announcements & Notices hours? Are you information technology savvy enough to be or Odyssey Youth Center, Attn: Hiring Committee, 1121 13 - Volunteers one of our regular IT volunteers? Call Bonnie at 509/325- South Perry St, Spokane, WA 99202. 14 - Classes & Workshops 3637 for more information. 15 - Crafts 44 - Travel 16 - Pets Spokane AIDS Network Needs Volunteers 20 - LIVING Contact Cherie at 509/455-8993 Montana 21 - Housemates Island Hideaway 22 - Housing For Rent OutSpokane is looking for community-minded people to help with the 2007 Pride Discover Whidwood On Whidbey Island, just 2 hours 23 - Housing Wanted Call Christopher at 509/624-9639 for details on meeting northwest of Seattle. Enjoy a hot-tub, library, sun-room 24 - Housing For Sale and breakfast. Explore island shopping, parks, gardens & the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month. beaches. Info at www.whidwood.com 30 - JOB MARKET 31 - Help Wanted 32 - Employment Wanted 22 - Housing For Rent 33 - Earning Opportunity Beautiful 1913 Craftsman Home for rent on Spokane’s 13 - Personal-General Services 34 - Business Opportunity lower South Hill. Please see ad on page 14. Cowboy Up Montana Roadhouse 40 - FOR SALE SENSUOUS MASSAGE Dinner & Bed AROUND-the-world massage by 6-ft., 175-lb., 49, 41 - Garage & Yard Sales 31 - Help Wanted handsome, clean, muscular, willing to please, blue-eyed 42 - Real Estate Your special GAY Hideaway in the beautiful moun- bottom masseur using latest technique and essential oils. Volunteer & Facility Coordinator – Odyssey tains of western Montana! 43 - Automobiles Call Gary: (509) 889-9294 . Youth Center, located in Spokane, WA, seeks a motivated Soft beds and gourmet meals! Only 2 hours from Spokane 44 - Travel/Tickets and energetic individual for immediate opening. Suc- via I-90. Info at www.cowboyupmontana.com 45 - Mail Order cessful candidate will have prior experience working with 46 - Miscellaneous For Sale 50 - HOME IMPROVEMENT 60 - BODY & SPIRIT Rates: Classified Ads are $10 for up to 25 words. Each additional word is 25 cents. For a bold face headline, add $1.50. 61 - Health & Fitness Payment Method: You may pay for your Classified Ad by check or money order via the US Postal Service or by credit card, debit 62 - Well Being card, or PayPal by mailing, E-mailing, or telephoning your information. 63 - Licensed Massage E-mail Ads: You may submit your Classified Ad at Stonewall’s Web site at www.stonewallnews.net . Click on the Classifieds link 70 - PERSONALS to enter your information on the E-mail. Your payment will need to be received by Stonewall at least one week before publication. 71 - General Mail-In Ads: Type or legibly print your ad on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper along with your name, address, and phone number; 72 - Transgendered include your signature. Mail your completed ad along with your payment to: SNN, PO Box 2704, Spokane, WA 99220. 73 - Bisexuals Personals: If your Personal ad uses an address, Stonewall will only use a PO Box or a Stonewall Personal Blind Box (PBB). For a 74 - Lesbians PBB, add $5 to the cost of the ad. Stonewall will assign a code for your PBB and will forward replies weekly for up to two months after your ad runs. 75 - Escorts Policy: Stonewall reserves the right to reject or edit any ad which may be considered demeaning or offensive to our readers. Any 76 - Body Work errors will be compensated with advertising credit. 77 - Gay Men Deadline: Classified ads must be received by Stonewall by the 8th or the 20th of each month for following 15th or 1st of the 78 - Pen Pals month publication. Mailing Address: SNN, PO Box 2704, Spokane, WA 99220 Website: www.stonewallnews.net E-mail: [email protected] Page 14 Stonewall News Northwest Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Spokane, WA FEBRUARY 21 - mARCH 31, 2007 children. It meets monthly, on the second Saturdays at 9:30 F E B R U A R Y a.m. for breakfast at Conely’s Restaurant on east Sprague. Call the PFLAG help line 509.624.6671 for more information. C A L E N D A R Wednesday, February 21st Ash Wednesday Stonewall Phone: 509-624-6671 Goes To Press Covering Spokane, Tri-Cities, Pullman, Moscow, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Gay Bunko! (at Studio 1) Come 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Pride in Sobriety Gay AA Meeting (at play Bunko with your GLBT friends and support the GLBT Bethany Presbyterian Church) Open AA meeting to support Community Center at the same time! Dana and DeVerne Walla Walla, and Yakima those in our community who have the disease of alcoholism of Studio 1 host this fun event that is sure to become a and or addiction. Spokane staple! More details to come... Tri-Cities, Pullman/Moscow, Walla Walla, Yakima, WA Phone: 624-1442 Contact: Cat Email: [email protected] F E B R U A R Y 6:30 pm [Yakima, WA] Rainbow Cathedral MCC (at 225 N Thursday, February 22nd Phone: 489-1914 2nd St) Thursday, February 22nd Phone: 509/457-6454 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Queer Sounds Radio Show Wednesday, March 14th Queer Sounds is an eclectic mix of GLBTQ music and 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm [Tri-Cities, WA] PFLAG Monthly Meeting Monday, March 12th commentary at 92.3 or 89.9 FM, KYRS “Thin Air Radio,” your 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Pride in Sobriety Gay AA Meeting (at Check website for meeting location local community radio station. Hosted by Irey and Bob. Call- Bethany Presbyterian Church) Open AA meeting to support Email: [email protected] 7:00 pm [Walla Walla, WA] PFLAG Monthly Meeting (at in number is 747-3807. those in our community who have the disease of alcoholism More Info: http://www.TCPFLAG.org First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall) Contact: Irey and or addiction. Contact: Carol Email: [email protected] Phone: 624-1442 Sunday, February 25th Email: [email protected] Phone: 747-3807 Phone: 509-529-5320 Thursday, March 15th 10:30 am – 11:30 am [Kennewick, WA] River of Life MCC More Info: http://wwpflag.0catch.com/ Sunday, February 25th (at 2625 Brneau Place Ste A) 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Queer Sounds Radio Show Email: [email protected] 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm [Kennewick, WA] Rainbow Sobriety AA 4:30 pm SAN 9th Annual Oscar Night Gala! (at Davenport Queer Sounds is an eclectic mix of GLBTQ music and More Info: http://www.riveroflifemcc.org Meetings (at ROLMCC) Hotel) commentary at 92.3 or 89.9 FM, KYRS “Thin Air Radio,” your Contact: Edna Mae W. Doors open at 4:30pm, Awards Telecast 5:30pm, Elegant local community radio station. Hosted by Irey and Bob. Call- in number is 747-3807. 6:30 pm [Yakima, WA] Rainbow Cathedral MCC (at 225 N Email: [email protected] Plated Dinner 6:30pm. Special Honors to Outstanding 2nd St) Contact: Irey Phone: 509-546-2626 Advocates: Mark Garrett and Dave Williams. Tickets $125. Phone: 509/457-6454 Silent Auction. Formal evening attire recommended. Email: [email protected] Phone: (509) 455-8993 Phone: 747-3807 Sunday, March 18th http://www.spokaneaidsnetwork.org/ Monday, February 26h Saturday, March 17th St Patrick’s Day 10:30 am – 11:30 am [Kennewick, WA] River of Life MCC 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm ISCS Court Meeting 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm [Kennewick, WA] Rainbow Sobriety AA (at 2625 Brneau Place Ste A) Meetings (at ROLMCC) Email: [email protected] 10:30 am – 12:30 pm OWLS Brunch (at Old Country Buffet- Contact: Edna Mae W. 10:00 pm - 2:00 am After Oscar Night Gala Party (at Franklin Park Mall) OWLS Brunches will be held the 3rd More Info: http://www.riveroflifemcc.org Dempsey’s) Sat. of the month (Sep-May) at 10:30am at The Old Country Email: [email protected] After Hours Party with Auction Items all money raised Buffet in Franklin Park Mall on N. Division. If you are the first Phone: 509-546-2626 6:30 pm [Yakima, WA] Rainbow Cathedral MCC (at 225 N benefits SAN and Dempseys Diva Show to arrive, ask the cashier where we can pull tables together 2nd St) for approx. 20 women. Then ask the cashier to direct arriving Phone: 509/457-6454 Contact: Dempseys OWLS to that area. (Schedule for Jun, Jul, & Aug to be Phone: 509-747-5362 announced) M A R C H More Info: wwwdempseysBrassRail.net 7:00 pm [Yakima, WA] PFLAG Monthly Meeting (at First Contact: Ginny Street Conference Center, 223 N 1st St, Yakima WA) Email: [email protected] Friday, March 2nd Wednesday, February 28th Monday, March 19th Sunday, March 18th 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm [Yakima, WA] First Fridays (at 1st Street 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Pride in Sobriety Gay AA Meeting (at Conference Center) Bethany Presbyterian Church) Open AA meeting to support Yakima’s gay social group welcomes you and your friends to 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm [Kennewick, WA] Rainbow Sobriety AA 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm Gay/Bi Men’s Bowling Group (at Meetings (at ROLMCC) those in our community who have the disease of alcoholism Northbowl) Come hang out with the guys and bowl. Ten our monthly gathering and or addiction. bucks gets you three games of bowling and shoes. Space Email: [email protected] Contact: Edna Mae W. Phone: 624-1442 is limited, so reserve your spot early by calling Mark @ Phone: 509/576-0276 Email: [email protected] 879-8747. More Info: http://www.gayakima.com/1stfridays.html Phone: 509-546-2626 M A R C H Contact: Mark Email: [email protected] Sunday, March 4th Thursday, March 22nd Thursday, March 1st Phone: 879-8747 More Info: www.lilaccitymensproject.org 10:30 am – 11:30 am [Kennewick, WA] River of Life MCC 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm [Tri-Cities, WA] PFLAG Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Queer Sounds Radio Show (at 2625 Brneau Place Ste A) Check website for meeting location Queer Sounds is an eclectic mix of GLBTQ music and 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm ISCS Court Meeting Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] commentary at 92.3 or 89.9 FM, KYRS “Thin Air Radio,” your More Info: http://www.riveroflifemcc.org More Info: http://www.TCPFLAG.org local community radio station. Hosted by Irey and Bob. Call- Monday, March 19th in number is 747-3807. 6:30 pm [Yakima, WA] Rainbow Cathedral MCC (at 225 N Sunday, March 25th Contact: Irey 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Vision Committee Meeting (at Northern 2nd St) Email: [email protected] Exposures Studio) Phone: 509/457-6454 10:30 am – 11:30 am [Kennewick, WA] River of Life MCC Phone: 747-3807 Meetings are informal potlucks at Northern Exposures Studio (at 2625 Brneau Place Ste A) on the first Wednesday and third Monday of each month. We Monday, March 5th Email: [email protected] 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm Pride & Joy Movie Night work on projects to help the visibility of Spokane’s GLBTQA More Info: http://www.riveroflifemcc.org community. Currently working on a local billboard project. Made Possible by The Pride Foundation. Eat.Drink.Mingle. 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm [Kennewick, WA] Rainbow Sobriety AA BeEntertained! CenterStage hosts this LGBT activity night Contact: Bonnie Aspen Meetings (at ROLMCC) 6:30 pm [Yakima, WA] Rainbow Cathedral MCC (at 225 N to showcase films that directly portray, support, nurture and Phone: 509.838.3866 Contact: Edna Mae W. 2nd St) challenge the LGBT community and allied supporters. Join Email: [email protected] Phone: 509/457-6454 us as we view feature films, shorts & videos by the hottest Tuesday, March 20th national & international filmmakers of our time. *FREE Phone: 509-546-2626 (excludes food & beverage) Join us for Live Music & a Monday, March 26h Spaghetti Dinner at ella’s before each showing! Cocktail 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm OutSpokane Meeting (at RiverPark Sunday, March 11th Service Available Square) Meetings are the Kress Gallery on the 3rd floor of 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm [Kennewick, WA] Rainbow Sobriety AA Contact: Deb Noah RiverPark Square located next to and behind the food gallery near the theater ticket outlets. 10:30 am – 11:30 am [Kennewick, WA] River of Life MCC Meetings (at ROLMCC) Email: [email protected] More Info: http://www.outspokane.com (at 2625 Brneau Place Ste A) Contact: Edna Mae W. Phone: (509) 747-8243 ext. 114 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] More Info: www.SpokaneCenterStage.com Tuesday, March 20th More Info: http://www.riveroflifemcc.org Phone: 509-546-2626 Sunday, March 4th 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm PFLAG Monthly Meeting (at Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane) We meet the third Tuesday 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm Gay/Bi Men’s Bowling Group (at of every month at 7 PM. Our mission is to provide support, Northbowl) Come hang out with the guys and bowl. Ten education and advocacy for GLBTQ family and friends. kiss I’m an out gay man,” said Mr. Windish, bucks gets you three games of bowling and shoes. Space Contact: Tiina Buckaloo continued from Page 7 is limited, so reserve your spot early by calling Mark @ whose neighbors in what he termed Email: [email protected] 879-8747. evangelical church with headquarters “the reddest of the red states” may be Contact: Mark More Info: www.pflagspokane.org fundamentalist Christians who oppose Email: [email protected] in Independence. “Homosexuality is Phone: 879-8747 Wednesday, February 21st Stonewall Goes To Press still in discussion in our church. But our gay marriages and even civil unions, but More Info: www.lilaccitymensproject.org “who all like me personally.” 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Pride in Sobriety Gay AA Meeting (at denominational point of view is that we Bethany Presbyterian Church) Open AA meeting to support uphold the worth of all persons, and there Tolerance has its limits, though, Tuesday, March 6th those in our community who have the disease of alcoholism as Mr. Windish found when he and his and or addiction. is no controversy on whether people have 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm OutSpokane Meeting (at RiverPark Phone: 624-1442 a right to express themselves.” partner took a vacation on a sleepy island Square) Meetings are the Kress Gallery on the 3rd floor of off the coast of Georgia. “I became aware RiverPark Square located next to and behind the food gallery The tectonics of attitude are shifting near the theater ticket outlets. Thursday, March 22nd in subtle ways that are geographic, that if I held my partner’s hand, or kissed More Info: http://www.outspokane.com psychic and also generational, suggested him in public, the friendliness would 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Queer Sounds Radio Show stop,” he said. Wednesday, March 7th Stonewall Goes To Press Queer Sounds is an eclectic mix of GLBTQ music and Katherine M. Franke, a lesbian who commentary at 92.3 or 89.9 FM, KYRS “Thin Air Radio,” your What Mr. Windish calls a level of local community radio station. Hosted by Irey and Bob. Call- teaches law and is a director of the Center 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Vision Committee Meeting (at Northern in number is 747-3807. for the Study of Law and Culture at peril is possibly always in play, and this Exposures Studio) Contact: Irey Columbia University. “I’ve been attacked no doubt has something to do with the Meetings are informal potlucks at Northern Exposures Studio Email: [email protected] on the first Wednesday and third Monday of each month. We on the street and called all sorts of names” easily observed reality that a public kiss work on projects to help the visibility of Spokane’s GLBTQA Phone: 747-3807 between two people of the same sex community. Currently working on a local billboard project. for kissing a female partner in public, Contact: Bonnie Aspen Tuesday, March 27th Professor Franke said. “The reception our remains an unusual occurrence, and Phone: 509.838.3866 affection used to generate was violence probably not because most are holding 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Ryan White CARE Consortium and hatred,” she added. “What I’ve found out for the chance to lock lips over a 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Pride in Sobriety Gay AA Meeting (at Meeting (at Spokane Regional Health District Rm 320/321) hunk of milk chocolate, roasted peanuts Bethany Presbyterian Church) Open AA meeting to support The Spokane County Ryan White CARE Consortium is the in the last five years is that my girlfriend those in our community who have the disease of alcoholism Title II HIV care services planning group for Spokane County. and I get smiles from straight couples, and caramel. and or addiction. Meeting occurs every other month. 2007 meeting schedule is: January 31, March 27, May 29, July 31, September especially younger people. Now there’s “We forget here, because New York Phone: 624-1442 5, November 27. Membership is open to persons living with HIV/AIDS, HIV Providers and affected or interested almost this aggressive sense of ‘Let me has been relatively safe for a while, that Thursday, March 8th individuals in the community. Meetings are informal and tell you how terrific we think that is.’ ” hate is a problem,” said Roger Padilha, an educational and Dinner is provided All are welcome to attend Yet gay-bashing still occurs routinely, owner of MAO public relations in New 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Queer Sounds Radio Show Contact: Mark Garrett York. The reminders surface in everyday Queer Sounds is an eclectic mix of GLBTQ music and Email: [email protected] Mr. Patton of the Anti-Violence Project commentary at 92.3 or 89.9 FM, KYRS “Thin Air Radio,” your Phone: 509 455-8993 said, even in neighborhoods like Chelsea settings, he said, and in ordinary ways. local community radio station. Hosted by Irey and Bob. Call- Location Phone: 509 324-1542 in number is 747-3807. in Manhattan, where the sight of two “My boyfriend and I always hold Contact: Irey Wednesday, March 28th men kissing on the street can hardly hands and, when we feel like it, we kiss,” Email: [email protected] be considered a frighten-the-horses Mr. Padilha said. Yet some weeks back, at Phone: 747-3807 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Pride in Sobriety Gay AA Meeting (at proposition. “In January some men were a late movie in a Times Square theater, as Bethany Presbyterian Church) Open AA meeting to support Friday, March 9th those in our community who have the disease of alcoholism leaving a bar in Chelsea,” saying goodbye Mr. Padilha went to rest his hand on his and or addiction. with a kiss, Mr. Patton said. “One friend partner’s leg — a gesture it would seem 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm CHAS HIV Educational Support Group Phone: 624-1442 got into a taxi and then a car behind the that movie theaters were invented to (at Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS)) facilitate — he recoiled as sharply as had Monthly educational/support group developed to help meet Thursday, March 29th taxi stopped and some guys jumped out the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families and beat up the other two.” One victim of one of the Snickers ad guys. and friends in Idaho & Washington. The meetings will cover the topic of the night & provide time for discussion and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Queer Sounds Radio Show the attack, which is under investigation “He was like: ‘Don’t do that. It’s too support between those attending. Queer Sounds is an eclectic mix of GLBTQ music and by the police department’s Hate Crimes dangerous,’ ” Mr. Padilha said. “And Contact: Tarena Coleman commentary at 92.3 or 89.9 FM, KYRS “Thin Air Radio,” your local community radio station. Hosted by Irey and Bob. Call- Task Force, was bruised and shaken. The afterward I thought, you know, my dad Email: [email protected] in number is 747-3807. second had a broken jaw. isn’t super into P.D.A.’s, but nobody’s ever Phone: 509 434-0313 Contact: Irey Email: [email protected] “The last time I was called a faggot going to beat him up because he’s kissing Saturday, March 10th Phone: 747-3807 was on Eighth Avenue,” said Joe Windish, my mom at a movie. I kept thinking: a longtime New Yorker who now lives What if my boyfriend got hit by a car 9:30 am – 10:30 am PFLAG Moms Group (at Conley’s Restaurant) The MOM’S Group, an informal support in Milledgeville, Ga., with his partner of tomorrow? When I had the chance to group welcomes and supports mothers (and occasionally many years. “I don’t have that here, and kiss him, why didn’t I?” grandmothers!) of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered Wednesday, February 21, 2007 Stonewall News Northwest Page 15 safe living in residence halls or in Cheney University because of the alternative continued from Front Page is not safe for students who are openly name that does not contain one word queer. from the acronym associated with sexual In reference to controversy and minorities. For example, Elizabeth Welch, negative aspirations toward GLBTQA 20, a Psychology major and Treasurer of students on campus, Gudith reports, SAFE stated, “I had no idea SAFE existed “Many of the Christian groups on campus until I contacted the student group office have a dislike of SAFE. Some peers don’t to ask if I could start a GLBTAQ group have problems with people being in SAFE, on campus. They then told me that there but others, especially those in the many was one already on campus.” Christian groups on campus, will give According to Welch, a junior, the the “death glare” to everyone working at problem that SAFE is not as visible to one of SAFE’s events. This is especially GLBTQA students as it needs to be true when someone who is also in that could be solved with support from the particular Christian group is helping university’s administration. “I think the SAFE.” Gudith acknowledges, “There are University could help by making people a rare few open minded Christians in more aware that support is out there. By those groups.” advertising both on campus and on the One Christian group, however, University website that support really gets along great with SAFE. Pastor does exist on campus,” Welch stated. Paul Rodkey, longtime supporter of the Bertram reports that there is GLBTQA community and pastor of “currently a real push to develop a GLBT Spokane’s Bethany Presbyterian Church, Center at EWU. It would be the equivalent has offered to help SAFE whenever he of the campus Women’s Center.” A center can. Paul has also requested that SAFE would allow funding for an academic put on an event for the newly formed degree offering in gender and sexual open-minded Christian group called orientation studies. All of this translates Holy Grounds, which is designed to open into more support for GLBTQA students Steve Bertram is EWU’s Assistant Director of Student Life and Staff Advisor discussion with students and get them at EWU. for Student Alliance For Equality, more commonly known as SAFE, for the last thinking about issues commonly thought Coming out is a process, and eight years. of as against the bible. sometimes it takes many years before To combat bigotry, hatred and a person becomes so comfortable with violence, SAFE leaders work tirelessly her or his sexual orientation that it is else on the minority end of the sexual information, a place to just hang out, or a to raise awareness of, and advocate for, just another facet of who that person orientation/gender identity spectrum, cause to fight for. The only thing we don’t GLBTQA persons on campus. Because is, not any more or less important than nearly every one of them has come out allow is someone intent on putting the of the prevalence of heterosexism and any other part of the conglomeration or will come out at some time in her or group down.” homophobic attitudes, Gudith, who is that makes a person uniquely human. his life. In addition to selecting a major According to SAFE leaders there are now SAFE’s Vice President declares, “We SAFE is a wonderful tool for anyone and studying for exams, becoming generally between ten and twenty people try to make people realize that gay people who is struggling with issues related to comfortable with one’s sexuality is an attending club meetings. Elizabeth are everywhere, and we’re all just as their sexuality, and Eastern is fortunate important part of college life for many Welch, 20, club Treasurer asserts, “SAFE human as everyone else. We also provide to have a club with leaders who are so young adults. At Eastern Washington is a wonderful group, which always offers access to EWU’s counseling services and enthusiastic and dedicated to helping University, SAFE is there to help. a shoulder to cry on, no matter what legal services when necessary.” their fellow students. In an effort to reach Parents, staff and students often you are crying about. You don’t need to Welch asserts that SAFE is working out to people outside of the university regard Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) identify as GLBTAQ in order to get help to create a progressive environment at community, Gudith reports “SAFE like SAFE as dating services or places and support from SAFE.” EWU, where sexual status is no more accepts people who aren’t students or where “gay people” get together. The Two SAFE meetings are held each important than the color of a person’s eyes staff at EWU, so Cheney and Spokane truth is that GSAs in general often have week; the first an hour long business “by putting out the word that GLBTAQ residents are more than welcome to numerous members who identify as meeting, where events are planned, and people are not monsters out to get you attend meetings or help with events.” questioning or “queer”- a once offensive fundraising and promotion of the club and/or your family, but they are real Since beginning his coming out word that has been embraced by youth discussed; the other is a social gathering people just like any other person. We try journey two years ago, Adam Gudith says as a term that means any form of sexual where support is offered, and students to educate people on what exactly being he has never been happier than he is now expression that isn’t strictly heterosexual. can just hang out in a welcoming and GLBTAQ means and try to override the that he is living an authentic life. It is also common for straight allies to affirming environment. During social misconceptions many people have about make up a significant percentage of GSA meetings Welch states, “We talk about GLBTAQ’s.” membership. The goal of SAFE and other whatever people want to talk about.” Through outreach and educational GSAs is to create an open and accepting Bertram reports that, “This year there programs on the EWU’s Cheney campus where all students feel safe, as seems to be a specific need for students to campus, SAFE works to dispel myths, well as to provide opportunities for social explore what it means to be gay, lesbian, prejudgments and fears about GLBTQA interactions where GLBTQQA students bisexual or transgender.” Gudith, a senior persons. SAFE provides speakers who vow feel safe, welcome, and supported. who plans to enter EWU’s Physical go into campus classrooms to educate continued from Page 2 Straight allies are an integral part of that Therapy PhD program, asserts candidly, students about issues ranging from what change the definition of marriage from process. “Belonging to SAFE gives people a social it means to be transgender to preventing “At the end of that school year, I network to enjoy time with or to get STDs. Bertram says that the benefit of “a civil contract between a male and talked to Steve (Bertram) for the first help from in times of need. It also gives doing classroom outreach is students a female” to “a civil contract between time. He told me all about SAFE, which I people an outlet for any frustrations they come to realize that the only difference two persons.” This legislation is not joined the following September,” Gudith may have about any issue, though there between them and the GLBT student considered likely to pass this legislative continues. “That very evening after is often a focus on the prevailing anti-gay who is sitting next to them is sexual session. talking to Steve, I was talking to my mom sentiment from many religious or other orientation. SAFE also sponsors panel • SB 5297 and HB 1297: Regards when, after I asked how she’d feel about conservative groups around both Cheney discussions concerning issues of sexual providing medically and scientifically me having a gay roommate, she asked and Spokane.” diversity. accurate sexual health education in me if I was gay. I had promised myself The degree of difficulty experienced To increase awareness of issues I would never lie about it, so I told her schools. This is an issue getting much on campus by GLBTQA students at important to Eastern’s GLBTQA attention locally and statewide. Chance the truth. She started to cry a bit, and the Eastern Washington University depends community, Welch reports that SAFE first thing she said was that she wanted on the individual. “You could ask ten of passage is unknown at this time. participates in campus events like Tunnel Diane Ballantz, one of the Andersen grandkids. I thought that was the most different SAFE members how safe they of Oppression and Homecoming. It also selfish thing she could have said.” feel on campus, and you would probably hosts an annual Drag Show with proceeds Case plaintiffs before the Washington A week later, he left the EWU get ten different answers,” reports going to Spokane Aids Network, helps State Supreme Court seeking marriage campus, tucked between rolling wheat Bertram, EWU’s Assistant Director of sponsor Spokane’s GLBT Film Festival, equality, gave us first hand the need fields and the small conservative town of Student Life and SAFE’s coordinator and is looking forward to having an entry for marriage equality. She related a Cheney, for his parents home in Western for the past eight years, “Some students in the 2007 Pride Parade. personal story about how her wife’s Washington. Over the summer Gudith feel ostracized, and others feel totally To promote the club, SAFE has an employer had offered Domestic Partner came out to his father, who wasn’t at all comfortable.” informational booth staffed by SAFE benefits but no longer does and their surprised. Both of his parents rapidly There have been several recent members each time there is a campus efforts to get this benefit renewed. accepted their son as a gay man. incidents of harassment of GLBT organization and club fair. Gudith reports The attendees broke into smaller After returning to EWU, Gudith students on campus. In an article by that, “SAFE hands out information about groups around tables hoping to provide learned firsthand that the Student Russell Stahlke that appeared in EWU’s where and when our meetings are and Alliance For Equality was a place where student newspaper on November 8, information that will better enable how to get in touch with people for ERW to advocate for the needs of the others understood what he was going 2006 SAFE’s President, Miranda Jack, is support should one not wish to come out through. He was free to express himself quoted as saying, “Students have brought LGBT community. People seemed very at all. We have a strict rule that if anyone engaged. without fear of judgment. Gudith, who harassment issues to our discussion doesn’t want it to be known that he or has become a Women’s and Gender groups, and I would have to say we’re she is involved with SAFE, nobody may Nathan Riding, ERW Field Studies major, described a familiar not a very GLBT- (gay, lesbian, bisexual, acknowledge that person’s involvement Organizer followed the group sessions scene. transgender) safe campus. There are outside of the SAFE office.” with Tactics and Opportunities such as “That September, 2005, I decided it enough outlets to get people involved There has been an active gay-straight testifying to legislators at Equality Day didn’t matter if people knew I was gay. I in GLBT issues and equality, but there alliance at Eastern Washington University on February 26, 2007, sending written just started being myself. If people asked are still too many horrible incidents of for at least fifteen, and possibly as long testimony and signing the marriage me if I was gay, I told them yes. I didn’t harassment and hate crimes occurring.” as twenty years. In an effort to place less equality postcards. announce it to the world with bright pink Conversely, Bertram offers the emphasis on homosexuality and more It was apparent throughout the and rainbows; I just let down all my old example of a transgender student who emphasis on equality, EWU’s Lesbian, guards. A little peace of mind goes a long is quite gregarious and self-assured. evening that politics is more than Gay, Bisexual Alliance changed its elections. The majority of “election way.” Because she is confident and accepts name a decade ago to Student Alliance With 150 students on its mailing herself, others respect her. That in turn work” is done by organizations and For Equality (SAFE). The club felt that individuals. The recent political list, SAFE, located on the second floor leads those students who might be the new name would encourage more of EWU’s Pence Union Building, is a tempted to use derogatory language or straight allies as well as queer students successes of the LGBT community popular and respected club. SAFE has otherwise harass the transgender student who weren’t ready to come out to join are not the result alone of the political regular office hours every weekday, to, as Bertram put it, “take their cue from the club. activists, but rather the accumulative and students are encouraged to stop other people’s acceptance of her” and However, it is possible that the product of every GLBT person talking by for peer support or to use the club’s walk away or risk being berated by her very students who would benefit most to a neighbor, family member or resource library. Gudith confirms, “We supporters. Still, Bertram acknowledges from the club are unaware that there is coworker about our unique needs and open our doors to anyone seeking help, that some GLBT students believe that a GLBTQA club at Eastern Washington experiences. Page 16 Stonewall News Northwest Wednesday, February 21, 2007