TABATHA WINDY CITY COFFEY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, TALKS BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 WITH WCT April 27, 2011 page 24 TIMES vol 26, no. 30 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com
Special Ex-Clinton adviser CHICAGO FORCE PULLOUT POSTER talks AIDS, Obama inside! BY ANDREW DAVIS “new media and communications initiative in support ters. We are just three months old. We are an initia- of gay equality.” Recently, while in Chicago, Socarides tive of the progressive media-monitoring organization Richard Socarides may have entered the public’s con- talked with Windy City Times about a wide range of Media Matters. Our goals are related to the goals of sciousness when he was a White House adviser under subjects, including Equality Matters, AIDS and his own Media Matters and include monitoring anti-gay rhetoric President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1999 in a variety father—the late Charles Socarides, a psychiatrist who in the media and in political discourse. Our website is of senior positions, including special assistant to the criticized the American Psychiatric Association’s deci- a communications hub for commentary on LGBT-related president and senior adviser for public liaison. sion to remove homosexuality from its list of mental issues, especially with a progressive-leaning bent. We However, the openly gay Socarides has moved on, disorders. also want to help shape the mainstream media nar- working as an attorney and political commentator. He Windy City Times: Why are you visiting Chicago? rative/coverage of LGBT issues and, thus, bring about is also president of Equality Matters, a Washington, Richard Socarides: I’m in Chicago to meet with some Turn to page 12 D.C.-based organized whose website describes as a possible supporters of our new initiative, Equality Mat- poz interview with liz taylor Fundraisers page 14 ROYAL gathering to help lesbian battling cancer By Ross Forman
Ralphj Hannie has valiantly battled ovarian cancer, but learned the chemotherapy treatment was no lon- ger working. Moreover, she has exhausted all conven- tional treatment options at Northwestern. Hannie has been told she has a year to live. So, the Chicago resident is going to Mexico for a procedure called Gerson Therapy. “When hearing the news she only had a year to live, the new she was not ready to end the fight,” said close friend CPS CEO Sam Hamilton. page 8 Hannie is going to the Chipsa Medical Center, where Dr. Rebecca Lopez will be in charge. Lopez told Han- nie that she’d be a good candidate for the therapy, based on the medical records Lopez received from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The cancer has not spread to her organs. “The Gerson Therapy will help raise the immune system to help fight the bad cancer cells,” Hamilton said. “They will administer moderate therapy for three weeks, starting May 3. They feel this will greatly im- prove her health and very often it has slowed down duncan or stopped the cancer growth. We hope and pray this will help Ralphj.” sheik talks Hannie was born on a reservation in Wisconsin to page 28 the Menominee Tribe March 23, 1960. She lived there until the age of 4, and then moved to Chicago with her family. She is the oldest of six girls. Hannie and her partner of 18 years, Janice Kohl, live in Lincoln Square. “They are both pillars of the community, donating time and money for many local causes and personal nightspots tApril 27, 2011 causes for friends and family,” Hamilton said. “Ralphj All Hail Scooty and JoJo queen (and prince consort) it up at this is an inspiration to everyone and has a heart of gold. year’s Wonka Ball. page 12 Everyone who has been surrounded by her presence
Cocktail at 15. That’s the booth at Berlin and Roscoe’s. has nothing but good things to say such as, light spirited, a loving and giving heart.” pick it up It was quite the royal affair at the School of the Art Institute when About Face Theatre hosted its annual Wonka take it home Ball. See photos on page 33 and many more online at http://www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Turn to page 6 2 April 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES
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KARINA RHONDA MEG DANIEL KURT CORY ROBERT ALLISON CAULFIELD GREGER NAGEL OTTO PENN SANDERS SCHMIDT SCHUMACHER Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. 773.213.9000 312.5O4.0714 312.301.6400 773.425.7080 773.206.0302 773.516.1121 312.401.1004 312.209.5309 WINDY CITY TIMES April 27, 2011 3 this week in WHEN A GREAT DEAL MATTERS, SHOP ROB PADDOR’S... WINDY CITY TIMES EVANSTON SUBARU in SKOKIE NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Illinois’ #1 Subaru Dealer offers† HHS warns child-welfare agencies 4 Scottish Play Scott 19 Transwoman attacked in Baltimore 5 Theater reviews 22 Emanuel wants reform 6 Tabatha Coffey interview 24 Cooper, Freedman die; cancer 6 Glee’s Telly Leung 25 SAVINGS & SELECTION Analysis of the new CPS CEO 8 Books: Jeff Graubart spread 26 Mike Jackson paroled 8 Jennifer Carr; Duncan Sheik 28 on a GIANT inventorY of new 2011’s Youth LGBT suicide report 10 Celebrations: AFC reception 29 ABA anti-bullying program 12 Autos: Lincoln Hybrid, news 32 Talking with ex-Clinton advisor 12 Wonka Ball photos 33 Gay in the Life: Dan Lakin 13 Billy Masters 37 Views: Hunt & Saulsberry; Marcus 18 OUTLINES AIDS @ 30 Real estate; classifieds 34 Elizabeth Taylor interview 14 Calendar Q 36 The news out of Japan is Sports: Chicago Dragons rugby 38 having a definite effect Photos on cover (left, from top): Tabatha Coffey PR pic; Liz Taylor on the 1997 cover of POZ; pic on the supply of of David Munar and Sheila Simon by Hal Baim; Jean-Claude Brizard PR image; Duncan Sheik PR automobiles throughout the world. During the past weeks many customers out WINDY CITY TIMES www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com shopping have reported a lack of inventory on dealer lots and even fewer deals. Ex-Clinton adviserbama talks AIDS, O DOWNLOAD THIS!
Fundraisers Evanston Subaru in Skokie, Illinois’ #1 Subaru Dealer, is well stocked with 2011 to help lesbian GATHERING battling cancer Go to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ROYAL to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. Subarus in a variety of colors. And we’re still making great deals. Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! # FITTED & SIZED BY $575 WIN A COMFORT BIKE 2 VALUE Includes WINNERS Car Rack NO PURCHASE NECESSARY online exclusives at NEW 2011 SUBARU NEW 2011 SUBARU www. .com IMPREZA 2.5i SEDAN LEGACY 2.5I SEDAN WindyCityMediaGroup •27 MPG •31 MPG ON A ROLL HWYº HWYº Roller-derby competitor Tammy Matthews ** ** (left) transforms into Hermione Danger on 9% 9% the track. 1APR 0APR Photo by Thia Penta * All-Wheel-Drive, * All-Wheel-Drive, $$ 0000 ABS, Side Curtain $ 00 ABS, Side Curtain Airbags, MP3, Airbags, MP3, 9999/MO. Full Power 136/MO. Full Power NO SECURITY DEPOSIT! 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That’s the #413 page 20 booth at Berlin and Roscoe’s. Lessee responsible for excess wear and early termination of lease. Option to purchase; Imp.$11,478, For. $13,935. Legacy $13,260, page 16 Outback $13,873 **Finance on approved credit score, subject to vehicle insurance and availability. º Gas mileage is EPA esti- Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com mates # Drawing held May 27th at 1pm. need not be present. †Based on New Subaru retail sales from SOA, in Illinois, for all of 2008, 2009 & 2010 and 2011 year-to-date. All offers end in 3 days, unless noted. 4 April 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES
provide a safe, loving family placement for these ONLINE AT youth.” WINDYCITYMEDIAGROUP.COM HHS urges child- He drew special attention to LGBT foster and adoptive parents, who “can provide a loving, NATIONAL NEWS stable home, responsive to the needs of LGBTQ welfare agencies youth in care, and are a largely untapped re- source—an estimated 2 million LGB individuals are interested in adopting,” according to a 2007 to better serve study by the Williams Institute at UCLA. Also, when a foster child’s case plan calls for reunification with his or her family, he said, agencies should support those families to help —Episcopal Church LGBTQ youth rejects Jim McGreevey them “address the young person’s needs in a healthy, understanding manner.” (left) as priest First of two parts belief that every child and youth who is unable Adam Pertman, author of Adoption Nation by Dana Rudolph to live with his or her parents is entitled to a and executive director of the Evan B. Donald- —Fourteen states Keen News Service safe, loving and affirming foster care placement, son Adoption Institute, a national, nonparti- still criminalize irrespective of the young person’s sexual orien- san, nonprofit dedicated to improving adoption sodomy The U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser- tation, gender identity or gender expression.” policy and practice, said in an interview that the vices (HHS) issued a memo April 6 encouraging A higher percentage of LGBTQ youth, he wrote, memo is “very significant” and “further than I —SLDN unveils DADT- child welfare agencies to better serve the needs exist in the child welfare system and among have seen federal instruction go” on the topic of repeal digital clock of “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ques- those living on the streets than would be ex- LGBTQ adoptive children and parents. tioning (LGBTQ) youth” in the foster care sys- pected based on the estimated percentage of “It’s not going to have the same impact as if tem. It said such agencies should avail them- LGBTQ people in the general population. it were enforced by law or regulation,” Pertman people in foster placements or adoption died in selves of federal funds for training staff on how He noted that more and more child welfare said, but “guidance means an enormous amount committee last session, but U.S. Senator Kirsten to better serve this community, and it called agencies are addressing the needs of youth in the policy world. ... What comes from the top Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and U.S. Rep. Pete Stark, D- LGBT prospective parents “a largely untapped in foster care who are LGBTQ and said others really matters. It helps shape both practice and Calif., are expected to introduce similar bills resource” for providing foster or adoptive homes should explore ways to do so. attitudes.” again this session. to LGBTQ young people. Samuels also urged agencies, where appropri- Ellen Kahn, director of the Human Rights In the past two weeks, three states—Arizona, In the memo, which was issued without a ate, to “claim available title IV-E reimbursement Campaign’s Family Project, agreed the memo Illinois and Virginia—have considered bills or press release, Bryan Samuels, commissioner for costs associated with training staff” to serve policies that would limit adoption rights for un- of the HHS Administration on Children, Youth LGBTQ youth more effectively. married and/or same-sex couples. Arizona Gov. and Families (ACYF), said, “LGBT parents should For FY 2010, the last year for which actual Jan Brewer (R) on April 18 signed a measure giv- be considered among the available options for numbers are available, the budget authority for ing “placement preference to a married man and States and jurisdictions to provide timely and Title IV-E funds was $7.3 billion, enough to as- woman” over a single adult if all relevant factors safe placement of children in need of foster or sist approximately 600,000 children with foster are equal. The Illinois measure failed to pass, adoptive homes.” care, adoption, or guardianship assistance each and the outcome is still unknown in Virginia. The memo was sent to state, tribal, and terri- month. Also, two major court cases in the last two torial agencies that administer federal child wel- Samuels also said agencies must be “particu- weeks have ruled in different ways on whether fare funds under Title IV-E of the Social Security larly attuned” to placing LGBTQ foster youth treating LGBT couples differently violates con- Act. with families “committed to providing a safe, stitutional principles. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court Title IV-E provides federal matching funds to supportive and affirming environment.” of Appeals said “no” (based on the U.S. Con- states to help with adoption and foster care ex- He called on agencies to “recruit, train and stitution) and the Arkansas Supreme Court said penses for eligible children. provide ongoing support to families, including “yes” (based on the state constitution). In the memo, Samuels states his “fundamental LGBT individuals and families, who are able to ©2011 by Keen News Service. All rights re- served. Part two: What are the states doing to help or hinder adoption of children in need by LGBT adults who are seeking to provide homes for Final Weeks them? Why are so many states debating whether LGBT people should be allowed to apply to be- GOING OUT OF BUSINESS Adam Pertman. come foster or adoptive parents? 8]k\iXhlXik\if]XZ\eklip`e
PASSAGES ing a long-standing policy, it declared that Emanuel says he’s homosexuality was not a mental illness—died Fred Cooper April 24 in New York City of surgical complica- Fred Cooper, who was vice chairman of Wirtz tions from treating a fractured hip, according ‘impatient’ for reform Beverage Illinois since 1996, died recently. to the Boston Globe. He was 94. He was 74. In 1972, Freedman was elected president By Joseph Erbentraut On these and other issues, the mayor-elect re- Cooper was the beloved son of the late Abe of the 20,000-member APA, which he later ferred to “the status quo” with an ever-present and Ida nee Shulman, and was the partner of said was a conservative “old boys’ club.’’ Its With just more than two weeks to go until he is caveat: It’s not working. Whether it be public Bart O’Toole for 28 years. He was also a de- members were deeply divided about its policy officially inaugurated as the successor to Mayor employees, business leaders or anyone else, voted friend and colleague of many. on homosexuality. Upon taking office, he put Richard M. Daley, Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel Emanuel said he welcomed any and all ideas for Chapel service took place April 26 at Sha- his support behind a resolution, drafted by has not wasted any time identifying some of the solving the financial hardships facing the city lom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand, Robert L. Spitzer of Columbia University, to biggest concerns facing the city of Chicago— going forward—as long as those ideas are not Arlington Heights. Interment was at Shalom remove homosexuality from the list of mental most notably, a budget shortfall approaching $1 “in defense of the status quo.” Memorial Park. disorders. The board of trustees approved the billion next year—and staking out his plans to “Come to the table with solutions,” Emanuel In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made resolution 13-0, with two abstentions. address them once he takes the reigns of City said. “This is not about a political agenda, this to the charity of your choice. The National Gay Task Force (now known Hall May 16. is about a new philosophy. I am here to deliver as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force) In a 70-minute on-stage interview with Chi- service to the people who pay the bills. We’re Psychiatrist called the development “the greatest gay vic- cago Tribune editorial page editor Bruce Dold going to do it the best way we can.” tory.’’ at the Field Museum’s James Simpson Theater As the questions turned from those provided Alfred Freedman In a recent interview, Freedman said, “I felt April 20, Emanuel addressed many of those con- by Dold to those submitted by audience mem- at the time that that decision was the most cerns with candor and charm as he spoke before bers and Tribune readers through an online dies at 94 important thing we accomplished.’’ Freedman a sold-out audience estimated at some 700. The form, Emanuel addressed the accessibility of his Dr. Alfred M. Freedman—a psychiatrist and is survived by his wife, Marcia; two sons, Dan program—part of the Chicago Tribune’s Chicago administration and said he would pursue “tele- social reformer who led the American Psychiat- and Paul; and three grandchildren. Forward series—came with a $10 price tag. townhall” events to reach out to residents. ric Association (APA) in 1973 when, overturn- Pressed by Dold’s opening question to outline Regarding the city’s struggling recycling pro- what the incoming mayor hopes to accomplish gram, the mayor-elect claimed any decisions within the first 100 days of his administration’s around privatization would center around re- CANCER from cover Mexico. tenure, Emanuel unleashed several buzzwords ceiving the best service for residents for the The Friends 4 Ralphj 4 Life fund has raised that would rear their heads throughout the in- best price. The mayor-elect did not discuss any more than $18,000. But more is needed for terview: “challenges,” “cuts,” “reform” and, per- LGBT-specific topics during the event. Hamilton, 39, is a graphic designer techni- Hannie. Much more. So several fundraisers are haps the political buzzword of the century to Wrapping up his comments, Emanuel reiterated cian and lives in the Portage Park neighbor- planned, anchored by a Ralphj fundraising date, “change.” his desire to change the “culture and mindset” hood. Hamilton and Hannie were co-workers weekend, April 29-May 1. The events are: Within those 100 days, Emanuel said he hopes in city government to one that is more service- at Spyners Pub. Interestingly, they share the —Dinner for Ralphj on April 29, starting to pursue cuts to the tune of $75 million from oriented at a time he described as “a critical same birthday: March 23. at 7 p.m., and it will be at the Indian Center the mayor’s existing budget, instill ethics reform juncture” for the city. “It’s always heart-wrenching when someone (1600 W. Wilson). Tickets are $25. Contact to “stop the revolving door” of public employees “The decisions we make in the next two or is suffering from a disease,” Hamilton said. “I Jeanne Calabaza for more information at: turning to careers as lobbyists, create new stan- three years will determine where we’re going to want her to know she has our love and sup- 773-844-3354. be in the next 20 or 30 years. If we get them port. —There is a golf outing for Ralphj on April wrong, we can veer off to a Cleveland,” he add- “It is in giving that we receive. To give 30 at Billy Caldwell Golf Course, 6150 W. Pe- ed. love and support to such a beautiful person terson, starting at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $55. in their most difficult time is truly an honor. Contact Pam for more information at 773- What I have got out of this is a great friend. 343-4951, or by email at: cyrnekp20@gmail. What else could I ask for?” com Soo Choi to That’s why Hamilton and others formed a —There will be a walk with Ralphj on May fundraising committee: Friends 4 Ralphj 4 1, starting at 12 noon at Spyners Pub, 4623 head city’s Life, committed to helping Hannie battle her N. Western. Cost is $25, which includes an human resources cancer. Indian lunch. Contact Maureen for more in- Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel has named “Friends 4 Ralphj 4 Life came together in formation at 773-416-9110, or by email at Soo Choi as the next commissioner of the love, support and unity to help Ralphj reach [email protected]. City of Chicago’s department of human re- her higher goal of battling this disease. With —Hamilton will be walking around the sources. our love and support from many people, great Waveland Park softball fields, 3800 N. Lake Soo Choi, who is on the Chicago House things can happen.” Shore, May 1 during the opening-weekend of board of trustees, is currently deputy in- Said Hannie: “When walking the path of the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association’s spector general in charge of hiring over- life, speak truthfully and you will never miss women’s softball league, from 9 a.m. until 2 sight in the office of the inspector general a step.” p.m. She will be selling $10 raffle tickets and Rahm Emanuel. Photo by Jerry Nunn of the City of Chicago. Spyners Pub owner Maureen Sullivan has the first prize is $500. Cash is preferred, but Choi also has been a board member for been friends with Hannie for about 25 years, checks and credit cards will be accepted. dards to evaluate economic development funds About Face Theater, an associate board and Hannie has worked there for about 20 —For more information, go to http://dona- and streamline city government. member for the Center on Halsted and ju- years. Sullivan has paid Hannie’s rent and will tions4ralphj.bbnow.org. “We can’t run from these problems any lon- nior board president for Heartland Alliance. be paying for her first week of treatment in ger,” Emanuel said. “It is important to me that Also, when she was in private practice, we’re serious about the level of reform ahead.” Choi provided pro bono services to Lambda Looking further ahead, Emanuel touched on Legal and Howard Brown, she told Windy the need for pension reform and his vision for City Times. the future of Chicago Public Schools, which Before joining the inspector general’s of- he hopes will include a longer school day and fice, Choi practiced law at the Chicago firms more comprehensive after-school programs to Much Shelist and at Kirkland and Ellis LLP. both improve learning outcomes and cut down Choi earned her J.D. at Cornell Law School, on crimes committed by unsupervised students her M.A. at the University of Chicago and between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. Earlier this received her bachelor’s degree from Duke month, the state Senate unanimously approved University. a bill paving the way to a longer school day in Former U.S. Senate candidate and ex- Chicago. The bill now moves on to the state Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman House. held an LGBT reception at Choi’s residence “I am not going to cheat the children of Chi- in 2009. cago any longer,” the mayor-elect said. “[They] “Soo Choi’s experience monitoring and deserve a better future than we as adults have policing the City’s hiring practices makes given them to date.” her an ideal candidate to lead the Depart- Responding to a question pertaining to his ment of Human Resources,” said Emanuel “brusk” personality, recently outlined in a New in a statement. “During the campaign, I York Times piece about the change in mood pledged to overhaul the city’s hiring pro- in the “post-Rahm White House,” Emanuel de- cesses. Taxpayers deserve a city govern- scribed himself as “impatient about the kind of ment that hires the best qualified candi- change we need.” He specifically mentioned the dates, not the best connected. Soo Choi high murder rate in certain parts of the city, its has the experience, commitment and talent low high school graduation rate, high incidence needed to see that change through.” Left: Sam Hamilton and Ralphj Hannie. Right: Hannie. Photos from Hamilton of youth violence and high unemployment rate —Andrew Davis as matters he is itching to address. WINDY CITY TIMES April 27, 2011 7 8 April 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES from better tracking with a new data system. According to Alicia Vega, youth program direc- tor at Center on Halsted, a lot of LGBTQ youth A closer look at stop going to school because they do not feel safe. She said many are also left homeless after their families put them out and have trouble fin- the new CPS CEO ishing school. The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network by Lisa Klein him “a man of vision, passion and exceptional (GLSEN) 2009 National School Climate Survey integrity.” showed that 84.6 percent of LGBTQ students had Recently, Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel announced In Rochester, Brizard closed schools that were been verbally harassed at school, 40.1 percent the latest edition to his team, new Chicago Pub- not meeting performance standards, and opened had been physically harassed and 18.8 percent lic Schools (CPS) CEO Jean-Claude Brizard. new smaller programs. He also implemented an had been physically assaulted. Brizard, a graduate of the Broad Superinten- in-school suspension program, keeping students Vega said in CPS, many schools have evolved dent’s Academy, served as superintendent for learning in school instead of at home. gay-straight alliance groups, especially in the the Rochester, N.Y., school district for a little Brizard, like Emanuel, is a supporter of charter last five to seven years. more than three years. During that short time schools. He is anti-tenure and thinks teachers “Young people are coming out much earlier he earned a reputation for being reform-minded should be paid based on merit, not seniority. than they used to,” said Vega. “They’re being but hard to work with. This past February, 95 Brizard also introduced the idea of tying school much more open about it.” Jean-Claude Brizard. percent of the Rochester teacher’s union voted budgets to enrollment in Rochester. Vega said while this is an advancement, these students can also become more harassed and that they had no confidence in him. Rochester has one of the lowest four-year to the Center for field trips. isolated if they don’t get proper support in “His record on engaging students, teach- graduation rates in New York state, at 46 per- The Center also works to start more gay- school. She said schools should recognize these ers and community around decision making is cent in 2009. The school district credited Brizard straight alliances in schools. However, Vega said students and offer help. troubling,” said Gender JUST, an LGBTQA group for increasing it from 39 percent in 2007, but “it doesn’t feel like it encompasses everything.” Staff members at the Center reach out to working for racial, economic and gender justice, later confirmed that the actual rate was closer to Vega said adults in schools should “put their schools to participate in their programming, in a statement about Brizard. 48 percent. Tiffany Lankes, education reporter personal feelings aside and look out for the well which includes handling LGBTQ issues on the Robert Duffy, Rochester’s mayor during for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, told being of the students.” She added that if adults job, safe sex education and anti-bullying train- 2006-2010, defended Brizard, stating that his WBEZ radio that the tracking system being used don’t act OK with LGBTQ students, other stu- ing. Vega said they’ve also had full classes come critics were simply resistant to change. He called in 2007 was faulty, and the huge bump came dents definitely will not. The Center incorporates “how to respond when someone is different than you,” into all of its youth programs, and Vega said that stopping harassment is a major goal. “There’s still a lot of growth that needs to happen,” Vega said. Gender JUST’s statement said the group is hopeful that Brizard will work with the com- munity to keep LGBTQ students safe in school. However, the organization added, “We are ready MY PASSION IS and able to push back when needed and chal- CREATING THE lenge the system when necessary.” EXPERIENCE.
Jackson paroled from prison Michael Jackson, the former Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) em- ployee convicted of murder after running over a Chicago cab driver in 2005, has been released on parole after six years in prison, according to ChicagoPride.com. The Illinois Department of Corrections website shows that Jackson was paroled April 22, after being admitted Sept. 22,
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WINDY CITY TIMES April 27, 2011 9 10 April 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBT youth suicide reports show need for more studies by Tracy Baim than lesbian/bi women (opposite the gender tempts less well in LGBs than heterosexuals. difference in the general population). There are different interpretations of the causes — Suicide attempts reported by a minority As for LGBT youth, Haas said several studies of LGBT youth suicide, especially given high-pro- of LGB people (12-19 percent of gay/bi men, point to a link between suicidal ideation and file incidents in 2010. As part of a recent sum- smaller percent of lesbian/bi women). behavior, and individual experiences of stigma, mit of LGBT journalists, editors and bloggers in — Non-probability surveys of transgender discrimination and victimization based on known San Francisco, experts addressed the topic and people consistently report markedly elevated or perceived sexual orientation or gender iden- presented information from recent studies of the rates of suicide attempts (30+ percent). (Non- tity. She said gender non-conformity appears to problem. The Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund probability sampling is a process that is not be more important as a risk factor than sexual sponsored the March 12 event, and the program random; it does not give all individuals in the orientation or gender identity per se. was held at their San Francisco headquarters. population an equal chance of being picked.) Also important is a 2009 study by Ryan et al. More than two dozen LGBT editors, journal- showing that parental rejection is an especially ists and bloggers heard about and discussed the Haas warned that studies show that making a powerful risk factor for suicidal ideation and issues with experts from the around the coun- suicide attempt is a risk for completed suicide, behavior in LGBT youth. Peer victimization has try, including Ann Haas, director of prevention but it is actually not a strong predictor of a com- also been reported by a significantly higher per- projects for the American Foundation for Suicide pleted suicide. She said less than 10 percent of centage of LGBT vs. heterosexual youth. Prevention (AFSP). those admitted to an emergency room following Haas said that both international and U.S. Since the 1970s, there have been many reports a suicide attempt die by suicide over the next studies show an increased prevalence of depres- of elevated suicide risk in LGBT populations, 20+ years, and suicidal ideation (a term used sion, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior in Haas said. But major suicide research documents for thoughts about suicide) is a far less potent youth who report being bullied and youth who have not dealt with this topic. The 2001 U.S. predictor than a suicide attempt. bully others. But, she said, the large majority of National Strategy for Suicide Prevention did Based on these limited LGBT studies, Haas youth who are bullied don’t engage in self-harm not touch on LGBT suicide. A 2002 Institute of said males are more likely to attempt suicide. behavior. Medicine report, Suicide: A National Imperative, Also, she cautioned that while being young is An AFSP-funded five-year longitudinal study identified gay and bisexual youth as at risk for also a risk factor, youth have been more studied found suicidal behavior following involvement suicide, but only dealt briefly with the issue. in this area than adults, and surveys of adults in bullying “only in youth who reported symp- In 2007, Ann Haas said AFSP partnered with have not always identified their age at the time toms of depression during the period that the the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) of reported suicide attempts. There is also not bullying occurred,” Haas said. and Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) much data on suicidal behavior among LGBT Therefore, there is a complex relationship be- to investigate “what we know and what we don’t older adults. tween bullying and suicide, Haas said, noting: know” about LGBT youth and suicide. The goal Haas said that in the general population, the —Persistent bullying can precipitate depres- was to: highest suicide rates occur in middle-aged and sion, anxiety and isolation, which in turn in- — Identify what is known about completed elderly people, not in youth. So, as with gen- crease suicide risk. suicide, suicide attempts and suicide risk in der, age patterns for LGBT suicidality may differ —Bullying can be a catalyst for suicidal be- LGBT populations. from the general population, “but the logic is havior in youth who are already struggling with — Identify knowledge gaps and make recom- not entirely compelling,” she said, “since older depression, anxiety and isolation. mendations for addressing them. sexual minority individuals share many factors —Depression and other mental disorders in- — Make recommendations for applying what that have been found to contribute to high rates crease the likelihood of being bullied, which is already known to reduce LGBT suicidal behav- of elderly suicide overall, such as depression, exacerbates the disorder and increases suicide ior and suicide risk. chronic illness and social isolation.” risk. The Journal of Homosexuality reported these Mental health plays an important role in as- findings in January 2011. sessing for suicide risk factors, Haas said. The Conservative impact The report said they found very limited data 2008 King study found that depression, anxiety A fascinating part of Haas’ presentation looked on completed suicide in LGBTs. For example, in- disorders and substance use disorders were 1.5 at how institutional discrimination can affect formation about sexual orientation and gender times higher in LGB people than comparable suicide rates. identity is not collected on death records, and heterosexuals. Gay/bi men also show higher Haas said two recent studies (Hatzenbuehler often “psychological autopsies” are not ideal for rates of depressions and panic disorder, and les- et. al., 2009; 2010) have shown elevated rates determining a suicide decedents’ sexuality or bian/bi women show higher rates of substance of mental disorders among LGB adults who live gender identity. Haas said they also found that use disorders (these two are opposite of the in states that have anti-gay laws and policies. reliable alternative methods of identifying LGBTs gender pattern in the general population). The In the latter study, these researchers found among suicide decedents had not yet been de- prevalence of mental disorders is less in lesbian that state-specific campaigns for constitutional Ann Haas. Photos by Tracy Baim veloped. women than gay man, and both bisexual men amendments restricting marriage to heterosexu- However, Haas said other studies may help as and women have elevated rates of mood and al couples were also associated with increased a starting point when discussing suicide in both anxiety disorders, according to Haas. prevalence of mental disorders among LGBTs adult and youth LGBTs. A 2009 Denmark study living in neighboring states. “Such increases,” (Mathy et al.) found that adult men in same- Another study Haas mentioned used data from Haas said, “were not found in heterosexuals, sex domestic partnerships were eight times more a 2004-2005 National Epidemiologic Survey of whether in the states in which such amendments like to die by suicide than heterosexual married Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), which were enacted or in other states.” men, and they were twice as likely as never- defined LGBT status by sexual identity, behavior Although the effects of discriminatory laws married men. It also found that suicide rates of and attraction (Bostwick, et al., 2010). Bost- and policies on suicidal behavior have not yet same-sex-partnered and heterosexually married wick found that: been studied, Haas noted that “strong evidence women were not significantly different. But a —Persons who identified as lesbian, gay or bi- exists for a link between mental disorders and U.S. study (Cochran & Mays, 2011), following sexual had higher prevalence of mental disorders suicide risk.” Another factor contributing to men for 18 years, did not find elevated suicide compared to comparable heterosexuals. suicide risk in LGBT people, she said, is lack of rates in gay men with partners. —Men with same-sex behavior and attraction access to mental health services. Cited in this Haas noted that a 2008 analysis of 25 inter- also showed higher prevalence of disorders than regard was a recent study in California that national adolescent/adult studies (King et al.) other men. linked federal prohibition of same-sex marriage showed: —Women with only-female sexual behavior to disparities in health insurance coverage, and — Lifetime rate of reported suicide attempts and attraction had fewer mental disorders than thus lowered access to treatment, for same-sex in gay/bi males is four times higher than com- women in all other behavior or attraction cat- couples (Ponce et al., 2010). parable heterosexual males. egories. The impact of living in an anti-gay region of — Lifetime rate of reported suicide attempts Haas said the definition of sexual orientation the country was further reported in Mark Hatzen- on lesbian/bi females is twice that of hetero- varies across studies, sometimes leading to in- buehler’s analysis published April 18, 2011 in sexual females. consistent findings. Lumping LGB or LG together the journal Pediatrics, and reportedly widely in — LGB adolescents and adults were more than may also obscure the real differences that exist the gay and non-gay media. The report showed twice as likely as comparable heterosexual per- among those groups. that gay teens living in politically conservative sons to report a past-year suicide attempt. After adjusting for mental disorders, the areas, and with no gay-supportive programs in In the U.S. population-based surveys, Haas NESARC data showed rates of reported suicide their schools, are more likely to attempt sui- said the summary data showed: attempts among self-identified LGB people were cide. —LGB adolescents and adults have two-to-six two-to-three times higher than among compa- Hatzenbuehler, from the Mailman School of times higher rates of reported suicide attempts. rable heterosexuals (Belik & Sarin, 2010). Thus, Public Health, Columbia University, New York, —Suicide attempts are higher in gay/bi men mental disorders appear to “explain” suicide at- New York, writes about his conclusions in “The WINDY CITY TIMES April 27, 2011 11 Social Environment and Suicide Attempts in Les- to treatment/support. quest of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth.” His objective —Restriction of lethal means used for suicide on the state of the science regarding the health SIDEBAR was to “determine whether the social environ- (such as gun access and control). of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) ment surrounding lesbian, gay, and bisexual —Media/communications education to reduce people. Bullying leads to youth may contribute to their higher rates of contagion and misinformation, and increase dis- “The report provides the scientific community suicide attempts, controlling for individual-level semination of accurate information about sui- with the first comprehensive overview of health- Minn. students’ risk factors.” cide and suicide risk. related research in this important area. It con- According to his report in Pediatrics: “A total On this last point, Haas said there is a con- cludes by recommending that NIH develop and suicide pact of 31,852 11th grade students (1,413 [4.4 per- cern that the intense media coverage of LGBT implement a comprehensive research agenda In Minnesota, bullying led two eighth- cent] lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals) in youth suicides has at times oversimplified the to advance our knowledge and understanding grade girls—Haylee Fentress and Paige Oregon completed the Oregon Healthy Teens sur- role of bullying as a causative factor, without of LGBT health, including demographic studies Moravetz—to fulfill a suicide pact, leaving vey in 2006–2008. We created a composite index sufficient attention to other factors known to and inequities in health care, and the social behind suicide notes for their families, ac- of the social environment in 34 counties, includ- play a key role in suicidal behavior, especially contexts in which LGBT people live. The report cording to ABC News. ing (1) the proportion of same-sex couples, (2) unrecognized or untreated depression. In this also calls for federally funded surveys and elec- Fentress’ aunt, Robin Settle, said that the the proportion of registered Democrats, (3) the regard, she cautioned against using the term, tronic health records to collect data on sexual girl had complained to her family that she presence of gay-straight alliances in schools, “bullycide,” which she said may imply that all orientation and gender identity while protecting felt alienated and bullied. “She was made and (4) school policies (nondiscrimination and LGBT youth who experience bullying are at high patient confidentiality. In addition, the report fun of for being overweight, her red hair,” anti-bullying) that specifically protected les- risk for suicide, or that LGBT suicide following recommends enhanced training to strengthen Settle said. “She posted on my [Facebook] bian, gay, and bisexual students. bullying is far more common than it actually is. LGBT health research at NIH, and asks NIH to wall that she really wanted to come back “Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth were signifi- Such implications, she said, may lead vulnerable encourage grant applicants to address explicitly [to Indiana} ... that the people were mean cantly more likely to attempt suicide in the pre- LGBT youth to perceive suicide as a solution to the inclusion or exclusion of sexual and gender and cruel and she didn’t fit in.” vious 12 months, compared with heterosexuals problems they may be experiencing. minorities in their clinical studies. Moravetz and Fentress became fast (21.5 percent vs. 4.2 percent). Among lesbian, Other prevention strategies include increasing “This report is an important step in identify- friends, with Moravetz teaching Fentress to gay and bisexual youth, the risk of attempting awareness and education about mental-health ing research gaps and opportunities, as part of skate; in fact, the two were so close that suicide was 20 percent greater in unsupportive issues as risk factors for LGBT suicidal behavior; an overall effort to understand and address the Fentress had hyphenated her last name on environments compared to supportive environ- increasing identification and referral of high-risk health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- Facebook with “Moravetz.” Fentress was ments. A more supportive social environment LGBT persons, including victims of bullying and gender people. We look forward to continuing recently expelled from school for defend- was significantly associated with fewer suicide harassment; expanding availability and access our work to address these needs and reduce LGBT ing Moravetz during a school scuffle. attempts, controlling for sociodemographic vari- to culturally appropriate, high-quality mental health disparities.” ables and multiple risk factors for suicide at- health treatments; and increasing social sup- Haas said it is also important that more states BTs don’t report themselves on surveys, we won’t tempts, including depressive symptoms, binge port and decreasing social isolation among LGBT measure sexual orientation and gender identity be counted. That has political, funding, health drinking, peer victimization, and physical abuse people. in school-based surveys. She noted the recent and other ramifications,” Haas said. “We need to by an adult (odds ratio: 0.97 [95 percent confi- Haas said additional strategies include work- increase in the number of states and metropoli- get the federal government to change the forms dence interval: 0.96–0.99]).” ing with families to increase parental/caregiver tan areas opting to measure these characteris- and the process.” Hatzenbuehler thus concluded that there is acceptance and support of LGBT youth; increas- tics in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey adminis- For more information: “an association between an objective measure ing safety and respect of LGBT people in schools, tered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of the social environment and suicide attempts workplaces and communities; and changing laws Prevention (CDC), which she attributed largely (AFSP): www.afsp.org/ among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. The and policies that discriminate against LGBT to advocacy by LGBT groups. But, the majority of Ann Haas report on “Suicide and Suicide social environment appears to confer risk for people or fail to provide adequate protections states still do not ask such questions and none Risk in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgen- suicide attempts over and above individual-level against discrimination. are mandated by the CDC. Haas added that activ- der Populations: Review and Recommenda- risk factors. These results have important impli- ists “may be more successful moving forward on tions”: www.informaworld.com/smpp/section cations for the development of policies and in- Making it count this as a health issue rather than [as a] political ?content=a931819675&fulltext=713240928 terventions to reduce sexual orientation–related Haas notes that more federal and private re- issue, to get LGBTs counted in studies.” pediatrics magazine study: pediatrics.aap- disparities in suicide attempts.” search funding is “essential to better inform the Ultimately, even when LGBT questions are on publications.org/ knowledge base” about LGBT suicide. Especially surveys, it comes down to how comfortable peo- Solutions important, she said, is determining the preva- ple are “coming out” in such documents. “If LG- Returning to Ann Haas’ presentation at the lence of suicide deaths among LGBT people, as LGBT media summit, she said there are some “official mortality statistics are the ultimate ba- documented factors that can protect against rometer of health disparities.” A critical action suicide attempts. LGBT youth, she said, benefit step is to ensure the inclusion of sexual orienta- from having family acceptance, caring relation- tion and gender identity among the characteris- ships with older adults and school safety. Pro- tics of the deceased that are routinely noted in tective factors among LGBT adults include con- official death records. Haas also called for more nection to the LGBT community, positive sexual consistent and widespread inclusion of sexual identity and stability in their intimate relation- orientation measures in national benchmark ships. She also said lesbian adults are at less risk health and mental health surveys, and develop- overall. ment and inclusion of consistent measures of Although relatively few suicide prevention gender identity in such surveys. Middle Eastern Restaurant Cuisine programs exist specifically for LGBT people, Haas Some positive moves have been made by the pointed to suicide prevention strategies that White House and the Department of Health and s "9/" have found to be generally effective in the over- Human Services, led by HHS Secretary Kathleen all population, including: Sebelius. HHS has made some significant report- s $INE )N —Clinical care/mental health treatment. ing changes as well as policy changes effecting —Awareness campaigns/educational programs millions of LGBTs. In addition, Sebelius com- (general public, primary care physicians, par- mented on the March, 2011 Institute of Medi- s $ELIVERY ents/caregivers, community gatekeepers, etc.). cine Report (IOM) on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and —Screening programs, crisis lines, and other Transgender Health: “I want to thank the [IOM] s #ATERING activities to identify and refer at-risk individuals for conducting this important study, at the re- s &LAVORS