Diesel Daisy Buckettes
and the
by Al Lozano
Diesel Daisy and the Buckettes is an all-women’s drum corps that some may remember as Big Ass Drum Corps or more recently, Spokane Drum Corps. The name may have changed, but the sound is still as upbeat as ever. Formed in the late 1990‘s, Big Ass Drum Corps underwent a name change because they wanted a more kid and church-friendly name for the group, as they play to several youth and church groups each year. According to music leader BJ, the current name is “a play on the butchfem thing and everyone in between.” While men are not allowed to join the group, a few of the members are in transition and are grandfathered into the group.
2 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
The drum corps plays about a dozen events throughout the year—most of them taking place in the month of June for Pride. Diesel Daisy and the Buckettes have played events in Helena, Bozeman, and as far away as Billings, Montana. They now have plans to travel to Butte, Montana this year. The group has also
played events at Seattle Pride, Spokane Pride and Tri-Cities Pride, as well as Spokane’s Bloomsday and in Moscow, Idaho. This is a close group of women and BJ points out that the group is “all misfits—that’s what puts us together and that’s how we fit together. We all try and be supportive of each other in whatever our issues might be.” When asked about playing in front of a group of kids, BJ’s eyes lit up. She said, “Kids love us. They really love us. If you’re making music and making noise, then the kids love it”. Diesel Daisy and the Buckettes practice every Wednesday evening at a church in Northwest Spokane. They welcome women of all sexual orientations.
If you would like more information about Diesel Daisy and the Buckettes, here is a link their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/GADrumCorps
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 3
June is the month dedicated to celebrating our Pride with parades and festivals. This year, OutSpokane chose a theme suggested by yours truly: Equality Marches On. While we have made progress gaining equal footing in society, our odyssey is far from over. There are laws on the books that address discrimination, but these do not guarantee equal treatment. Even when it is apparent that discrimination is taking place, it is quite difficult to prove. Should the burden of proof be met, reparations are unlikely to affect real change. We are far from having across-the-board protections. We are still pleading to be treated equally and with respect—one state, one city, one corporation, one business, one household and one person at a time. In our Declaration of Independence, we are told that all men are created equal. It would better serve us if we sanctioned the concept that all people are created equal. As the list of protected classes is amended; we find it necessary to clarify that discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression is inappropriate and unacceptable. It is mind-boggling that we have to continue spelling out who should not face discrimination. It is especially disturbing when members of the LGBTQAI Community don’t support other portions of this representational initialism in their aspiration of equal treatment. It is incumbent upon us to seek equality for all! 4 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
It was my personal goal to provide our readers with information about the many organizations serving our Out and Proud Community. I am disappointed that we were unable to collaborate with several of the major organizations and some lesser known groups. Future issues of Proud Times will include articles about The LGBT Center, Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane (ISCS), Inland Northwest Business Association (INBA), Older Wiser Lesbians of Spokane (OWLS), etc. In addition, our upcoming Back to School issue will feature Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) from our local high schools, colleges and universities. I am extremely proud of our writers that submitted articles, interviews and specialty pieces. J’son Lee deserves special mention, as he stepped up and provided three intriguing celebrity interviews. While he resides in Baltimore, he has become an integral part of Proud Times. Ricki Zipkin also stands out with her wedding venue articles. Due to the passage of Referendum 74, many people in our community will need to know which businesses are ready, willing and able to provide wedding ceremony services. We look forward to many more information pieces from this wonderful woman. Joe Reilly did an exceptional job by providing articles about coming out and bisexuality. Much appreciation goes to our other columnists Blaine Stum, Cyndi Bussell, Al Lozano, Terra Price, and Shar Lichty. Andrew T.’s special insights into the world of pets continually impress. Miss Amazon Rivers has given an especially thought-provoking response to one of our frustrated community members. Jerry Rabushka continues taking us on an entertaining
journey into his fictional account of “Livin’ in the 509.” Thanks go to Jude McNeil, Morgan Belveal, Farand Gunnels, Angela Rak, Anastasia Aldecoa, and Linda Bronson for providing informative articles about their organizations. JC Alvarez has allowed us to reprint his article about singer Shara Strand. Observations by an anonymous member of our community is sure to spark conversation. Even I have provided an article about my organization Destinations, as well as a memorial in Andrew T.’s “Pets Are People Too” section. A great amount of gratitude goes to Managing Editor Kurt Schmeirer. Without his dedication and talents, we would not be providing the high-quality publication you are about to read. Kudos to all. Together, we can make our world a better place.
Dean Ellerbusch Proud Times Executive Editor
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 5
In This Issue
2 Diesel Daisy and the Buckettes
4 Captain’s Log: Equality Marches On
8
8 Faith Over Fear: One Man’s Journey from the Downlow
20 18
14 Spokane AIDS Walk 16 Making Your Community a Better Place for Queer Youth
25
18 Ask Amazon 20 Talking Unmentionables with Designer Andrew Christian 25 The Beekman Boys: Giving Us LIFE!
6 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
32 Beauty Is As Beauty Does 38 Hotel Ruby 46 Bing Crosby Theater
48 Destinations – Right Here in Spokane
64 Spokane Trans* People
50 Shara Strand … Will Carry You
66 GLBT Film Festival 2013 68 Prideful Moments from Farand
82 32
70 How to Choose a Proper Small Animal Pet
73 EWU Pride Center 76 INMx: Six Years Old & Stronger Than Ever 78 Livin’ in the 509 82 One Spokanite’s Perspective
52 Odyssey Youth Center
85 Justin Sears
85
54 Bisexuals: A Large Part of Spokane - Invisible
88 Peace & Justice Action League of Spokane
56 Dance Street Ballroom
90 Coming Out For Help
58 Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute 60 OutSpokane
93 About Us
50 50
98 Resources
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 7
Faith Over Fear One Man’s Journey From the Downlow by J’son M. Lee
Author JL King is no stranger to controversy. In fact, he is the man that many love to hate. He is best known for his first book, On the Down Low: A Journey Into the Lives of Straight Black Men Who Sleep with Men, which appeared on The New York Times best seller list for more than 30 consecutive weeks. In April 2004, JL King introduced millions of Oprah viewers to the phrase “living on the down low.” During that episode, King spoke very candidly about men who have relationships with women, but have sex with other men. In fact, while married, JL admitted to having sex with multiple male partners—sometimes in his own home while his wife slept upstairs—all the while maintaining he was not gay. King subsequently went back on the Oprah Show and changed his story. Now, he proudly admits he is a man who loves men. For someone who is admittedly not big on labels, King certainly has had his share of them. In this exclusive interview, find out how he came to terms with his sexuality. Is he finally comfortable in his own skin? You be the judge. Why do you think you rejected being labeled “gay”? First of all, I’m not big on labels. I’ve never been a label person. At that point in my life I did not consider myself as being gay. To me, being gay meant something totally different. I was not going to gay clubs. I didn’t have boyfriends. I didn’t do all the gay things. I had a lot of friends that were like me. They were married, they had girlfriends, families, and they were living more of a straight life than a gay life. It didn’t register with me. That’s number one. Number two, I didn’t want “gay” to be associated with me because it had such a negative connotation. You’re talking about 2004. I lived in a small city and I was active in church. I had a Corporate America job, kids, and a family. I didn’t want people to think I fell under that umbrella of being gay. Being gay in my hometown had an ugly, negative label. It meant you were promiscuous—that you wore dresses and high heels—you were some type of flaming queen. Even today, African Americans still do not understand the gay community. There are so many facets of the gay community. I think that is one of the things I have tried to get people to understand.
8 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
I know you don’t like labels, but for the sake of this conversation, you were labeled down-low (DL), correct? I didn’t label myself period. I called myself down-low because I was a down-low brotha. Once again, I was married and had kids. I had more sex with women than men. So, back then, the terminology for men that had sex with men and nobody knew was down-low. You didn’t share that you were having sex with men. So in your mind, the DL label is better than having the gay label? Yes, at that time, if I had to label myself I would rather be down-low than gay. So, where are you now in this process of selfacceptance? I am a man who loves men. I still don’t like labels. I think that labels are for cans on a shelf. For those that are proud to be gay and wear gay T-shirts, march in gay parades, and do all that, that’s fine. The majority
of my friends are gay. I have a lot of gay friends that don’t want to be called gay. They just don’t want to be labeled and put into that category. But, they know who they are. I think we have to get away from the gay thing. In our community, people are homophobic. People are still on the down-low—still in the closet because of jobs, because of stigmas—people just don’t want to be called gay. I’m a member of several gay groups here in Atlanta–professional brothas–who get together to talk about relationships and life. One Sunday we had a conversation about the label “gay.” The majority say, “Yes I’m gay and that is who I am.” If you ask me, yes I’m gay, but I’m not going to announce it to the world. I’m not going to be an activist and stand up. I’m not going to a gay parade. I’m not going to stand up and wear a sign. That’s
10 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
how I live my life. That’s my business and it is not for the world to judge me based on a label. I think my personal life is my personal life. I have been in the public eye for so many years. I think that people are too nosey. We need to get past that. It should not be important who I am or what I do unless I do it with you. I think we should get to a place in our community that we don’t judge people based on a label. I was the only brotha in history who got on a national TV show and said I was a proud, black gay father—a strong black gay man. I did that to ease the tension and the misunderstanding of what gay men are and what they look like and how they act. We are fathers, preachers, bishops, and businessmen. I used the word “gay” on Oprah the second time because I wanted to use that platform to help gay black men
like me that did not fall in the stereotypical image. I’m counseling a young brotha in southern Georgia that came out and told his mother he was gay. His mother freaked out. She wanted to know if that meant he was going to wear a dress and makeup. She wanted to know if he was going to wear high heels, act like a girl, and want to have a sex change. I don’t think we have done a good job of representing different facets of being gay or sexual orientation. TV plays a big part in how we are viewed as gay men. I recently posted on Facebook that Bravo has no shows that highlight black gay men other than being flamboyant sissies. A lot of people watch the Housewives and other shows that only depict gay men like that. You were very open about getting caught with a man while you were married. Can you tell us how you got caught? I tell people to read the book. That’s why we write books. We want people to read them. I have hashed out over and over again how I got caught. The disconnect with my wife because I was unhappy with who I was, the lack of affection, attention and intimacy towards her led up to me being caught. I was miserable. Now I’m happy because I am not who I was. I was not my true self. When you get sloppy like that with your spouse, she will begin to ask questions. “What is wrong with my man?” “Why is he neglecting me?” “Why is he not intimate with me?” “Why is he no longer caring?” “Why is he different?” I got sloppy. I got careless. I didn’t care how she felt. I was selfish. It was all about me, me, me. I could not think about how I was dealing with her. I tell women, when your man is not being the same person you married, then something is wrong. Be nosey and find out what’s going on. It may not be that he is having sex with another man, it could be that he has another baby—another woman. Find out where he is going and who he is texting. Try to find out, especially if you ask what’s wrong, and he continues to push you away. That’s what my ex-wife did. She got nosey.
How is your relationship with your ex-wife and children now? My relationship with my ex-wife is wonderful. She is my best friend. We spend holidays together with our kids together—we have two adult children together. She is remarried. He (her husband) and I are cool. I spend my birthday with them. We spend Thanksgiving in DC or New York where my son lives. She was just here with me for a weekend where we shot the Oprah show that aired in April. I talk to her every day. She is the executor of my estate. We have an ideal relationship where it is all about the family. It’s all about forgiveness and moving on. It’s all about sitting down with your ex and saying, “look baby I hurt you, but I had my own issues that I had to deal with and you just happened to be in my life at that time.” When Brenda forgave me, it was cool—it was like I could be myself. I didn’t have to go to family gatherings and pretend I had a girlfriend at home. I didn’t have to go to an outing and act like I was straight. I can talk to her about a guy I saw and like. She is the one that says, “bring your man, bring your partner.” For her to be the one to say that is a blessing! Time heals all pain. My wife and I are a good example. My ex-wife and her husband, we chill together—we go bowling together. We are the new normal. We have come full circle. Our latest book is called The Ex-Factor: Finding Freedom to Heal, Forgive & Love Again. In it, we write about our relationship and how we got to this place. What would you say to young people who are struggling with their sexuality? What you do in the dark will come to the light. What you are doing right now will haunt you later. I can personally speak on that. I’m working with a seventeen year old in a southern city and his mother wants me to help him come to grips with his sexuality. Like so many single mothers and grandmothers raising their gay children, they do not understand.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 11
They assume their grandson is going to be a makeup wearing, dress-wearing queen. I told him to give his mother a chance to know him and don’t force it on her. Give her time. Have those uncomfortable questions. Let her know that you haven’t changed
and the pastor was homophobic and said the boy needed counseling—he needed to be put away. Find someone you trust—someone you can talk to. Don’t change for them, but don’t push it down their throat. Trust them and they will come around. Faith over fear—what does that mean to you?
as an individual—as her son, as her daughter—that you are a new person and have come to grips with who you are. You don’t want to grow up being on the down-low; you don’t want to grow up being in the closet. You don’t want to bring people into a lie to please your parents. Find another gay person that can be the mediator between you and the family. If your church is still homophobic and still not open, don’t go to your pastor. Too many parents have told the pastor,
As an old man, I wish I would have used that when I was twenty years old. Faith is real. I recently was going through ups and downs. I had to lean on God—and this has nothing to do with homosexuality. You have to have a relationship with God. You have to know that God’s got you. You have to live your life in faith. When I got to the place where I was scared, it was then I had to really fall back on my faith. I had to use that helpless prayer where no one can help you—not your mama or daddy, brother, jobs, friends—you have to let go and let God. I have learned that faith over fear is a healthier way to live your life. I think God is using me. People have been trying to stop me—writing lies or making up shit about me—trying to take people back thirty years ago when I was a monster on the downlow. Whenever those daggers come for me, God has always been my shield. One day I want to really give a memoir of JL King. It would blow people’s minds away. Even when I make stupid mistakes and do things that I should not have done, God has come in and cleaned up my mess. I take none of the credit when I continue to stand tall. Until the day I die, I will let Him use me. JL, thanks for sharing your story. For more details about the book, visit the official The Ex-Factor book and tour website: www.theexfactorbookandtour.com.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 13
On September 28th, Spokane AIDS Network (SAN) will host the 2013 Spokane AIDS Walk through beautiful Riverfront Park.
The walk serves as an instrumental element of SAN’s fundraising year; the success of the last few years is a result of our great community supporters. The AIDS Walk provides community members the opportunity to ask their friends and family for donations to keep a vital part of the Spokane community going strong. To register for the walk or find out more information about it, please visit www.spokaneaids.org.
SAN’s mission is to minimize the impact of, and maximize awareness about, AIDS and other consequences of HIV infection in the Inland Northwest. We do this with a few very strong programs. We offer a wide array of services to HIV positive people in the Inland Northwest—ranging from help with insurance and housing to basic case management and medication assistance. SAN also utilizes a team of dedicated volunteers to run a bi-monthly food program and soup kitchen for people living with HIV/AIDS. SAN also works with client advocates to ensure the voices of our clients are heard. The second focus of the agency is HIV prevention. SAN offers free rapid oral swab HIV testing and counseling to at-risk populations. In addition to testing, SAN collaborates with Spokane Regional Health District on a citywide condom distribution project. Working together, their goals include normalizing condom use and distributing condoms to the populations that need it most. This collaboration has worked to put condoms not only in traditional venues such as bars, but also in non-traditional venues like local diners and community centers. The final prevention program is the Inland Northwest Men’s Experience (INMx), which is a CDC community level HIV prevention intervention that takes a social approach to HIV prevention among young gay and bi men. For more information, you can find them online at www.INMx.org. With both HIV prevention and care, SAN continues to be a very important community resource in the battle against HIV/AIDS and, with your continued support, is looking forward to many more years of working with the Spokane community. By Morgan Belveal, INMx Coordinator
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 15
Making Your Community a Better Place for Queer Youth You Can Make a Difference! By Terra Price While most adolescents face crises of faith, trouble getting along with family, and difficulty at school at some time or another, queer youth often have to face rejection by their faith community, lack of acceptance at home, and bullying at school—all at once. Because of this, queer* youth are at greatly increased risk for a variety of devastating outcomes
such as homelessness, self-harm, and suicide (SPRC, 2008). It’s a perfect storm from which many young people feel there is no safe harbor. But we as a community are not powerless to combat this onslaught of negativity. In the following, I will give a few suggestions as to what you might do to give these embattled young people shelter and support. Family Members: If you are related to a queer youth, you are their first possible line of defense. A 2010 study by Ryan, Russell, Huebner, Diaz, and Sanchez concluded that high feelings of family acceptance and belonging can decrease thoughts of suicide in queer youth by up to 50%. How do you get the young person in your life to feel accepted? You might not even have to say anything. A little thing you can do is to make eye contact and smile when you are with them (this is a nonverbal sign of acceptance into a group). A more significant thing you can do is give them lots of hugs. Positive physical contact releases endorphins (which combat depression) and the hormone oxytocin (which promotes emotional bonding) (Morrison, Loken, & Olausson, 2010). If you yourself are still struggling to accept a queer family member, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC, 2008) suggests that you seek support from an affirming group, such as PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). Your love and acceptance could mean the difference between life or death.
Medical or Mental Health Providers: Your first duty is to read up on recent scientific literature regarding the ethical treatment of queer youth. You might be one of the places that youth or their family turn for help. Also, think about the subtle messages you might be sending. Does your intake paperwork only have boxes for male and female? It is up to you to ensure that your patients are treated with scientific pragmatism, respect, and most importantly compassion. School Officials: In the educational environment bullying, harassment, and assault are disproportionately directed towards queer youth, leading many towards negative outcomes such as dropping out of school (a common precursor to homelessness) (Heck, Flentje, & Cochran, 2011). It’s not just enough to say that your school has a no-tolerance policy towards bullying; this issue requires action. One proven way to combat these negative interactions is to give students a safe place to have positive experiences at school by sponsoring a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). According to Heck, Flentje, and Cochran, students who attended schools with GSAs reported greater feelings of belonging, decreased alcohol consumption, decreased psychological distress, and decreased depression. Faith Community: Many faith communities are open and affirming toward queer individuals. If you are not part of one of those communities, I suggest seeking out one of their members and asking them how they came to believe as they do. If you are a member of one of those communities, speak out! Members of groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church are out spreading messages of hate and intolerance daily in the supposed name of God, and it is not nearly as often that we hear messages to the contrary. Even if you are still struggling with the details, one thing that most religions share is a belief that you should, at minimum, treat others with decency and respect. Don’t overthink love.
Community at Large: If you meet a youth who is a little “different,” don’t try to lecture or fix them. Many youth (queer or otherwise) are so used to hearing about themselves in terms of the labels others give them to describe their “problems,” that this becomes the only way they can see themselves. Instead, tell them what you notice about them that makes them special. Point out the positive things they have done or overcome; this helps to increase resilience which, according to Uzoebo, Kioko, and Jones (2008), serves to buffer youth from future trauma. If they have made it through to this day, then they are survivors and they just might need to be reminded of that. *I am using “queer” to refer to all within the LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, questioning, ally) spectrum, as well as those who are assigned to this group by the assumptions of others. References Heck, N. C., Flentje, A., & Cochran, B. N. (2011). Offsetting risks: High school gay-straight alliances and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. School Psychology Quarterly, 26(2), 161-174. doi:10.1037/ a0023226 Morrison, I., Loken, L., & Olausson, H. (2010). The Skin as a Social Organ. Experimental Brain Research, 204(3), 305-314.doi:10.1007/s00221-009-2007-y Ryan, C., Russell, S. T., Huebner, D., Diaz, R., & Sanchez, J. (2010). Family acceptance in adolescence and the health of LGBT young adults. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 23(4), 205-213. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6171.2010.00246.x Suicide Prevention Resource Center [SPRC]. (2008). Suicide risk and prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Newton, MA: Education Development Center, Inc. Uzoebo, V., Kioko, M., & Jones, R. (2008). Deconstructing youth transition to adulthood services: Lessons learned from the VISIONS program. Vulnerable Children & Youth
Photo by Hollie Axel (Axel Imagery). Used with Permission of Youth Emergency Services.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 17
Why is it so hard to meet people in Spokane?
TTR:
When I say “people,” I refer to mainly gay people. I was in Portland recently and met no fewer than forty new people in a week at three different outings. I was introduced to these people by three of my current friends that live in Portland. We met at coffee, at breakfast, and with a group that gathers from different offices at food carts in downtown for lunch during the workweek. The conversations ranged from political, to TV, to workout tips, to what’s for dinner. These were not “pick up” outings. Now, were any of them interested in one another or me in a sexual or dating way potentially, they might have talked amongst themselves about it. However, it was not part of the conversation during these meetings and conversations. There were all age ranges, personalities, and styles of people.
Miss Amazon has faced that issue many times and, having been born and raised here, has somewhat of an answer. To my knowledge, Spokane is the biggest small town on earth. Your question about having trouble meeting people is not new or limited to the GLBTQAI community. One of the first questions people are often asked is, “where did you go to high school?” This allows the questioner to place you as a native or new person, as well as socio-economically. Spokane is a hard place to meet and make friends no matter your sexual orientation. The best way to look at it is, if you are not from here, it is like changing schools at the end of senior year and everyone already has cliques established and you are an outsider.
Why do those in Spokane have to make it so hard? Signed, Time to Relocate
18 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
This atmosphere is even worse for GLBTQAI people because our Lilac City has many self-hating persons in power who are also homosexual. A gay mayor was crucified for his sexual orientation a few years back, for example. One prominent family has 4 generations of gay men heading it, but who could not come out because they are a founding family. This is also true of a person who is in a position to sway public opinion,
but is unable to act out his sexual desires because he is a pillar of the community. Pudding…if you are asking Miss Amazon if you should leave Spokane so you can make more friends and live more of an gay social life…I say, “no.” If one sees a problem and does not make the effort to change it, then what good are we to our community as a whole? If one moves because there is no way for people to meet and get to know each other without the pretense of mating, then one is not leaving Spokane better than it was found and their footprints disappear as fast as they step. Our esteemed Editor, Dean, has over the last few years made inroads with the very issue about which you are concerned. He has helped found many alternatives to the bar scene for the GLBTQAI community in Spokane and I highly recommend you get to know him and his projects. Miss Amazon hopes you decide to stay as part of our community and become part of the change you wish to see in our world. Remember…Miss Amazon loves YOU and all you do!
By Kurt Schmierer
You might have noticed, Andrew Christian has made a splash in the world of underwear. His unique interpretation of undergarments will have you surfing the net—just try not getting too wet! Before you go there, find out what Andrew Christian has to say.
20 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Who designs your fashions? Myself, Jeff White, and a small design team. Everything is very hands-on and designing new products and making new videos come so natural for us. We are kind of a creative volcano—spewing new ideas all over the world. What is the vision for your designs? Contemporary designs and styles that fit and flatter the body. Lately we have really become known for our use of bright colors and innovative sportswear designs—such as see-through shorts! What has been the evolution of your product line and what is next for Andrew Christian? Andrew Christian is not just about underwear. I have been producing contemporary collections of urban inspired menswear, swimwear, edgy tees, and accessories since its inception in 1997. However, it was the innovative underwear designs that established the company as a force in the fashion world. There will be much more to coming—stay tuned. How has the public responded to your product? The public has become more and more excited about our product and we can’t wait for the future.
22 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Why the videos? Whose idea was that? How do you choose locations for your shoots? The videos are a great way to reach a broad world-wide audience. Not only do people watch them online, but they are played in bars and clubs all over world as well. Who doesn’t mind a bunch of half-naked boys invading their homes and/or business? Jeff White comes up with all the ideas and we choose our locations and models depending on what the theme of the video is we are shooting. Do you only cater to males? Is there a line for females? We currently only cater to a male audience. Is there a specific body type for which your line is made? I am actually the fit model, but most of our fabric has a good stretch and fit to the body. Ideally, our brand is produced for the athletic man and those that aspire to be healthy.
Do you have testimonials of comfort from celebrities who are wearing Andrew Christian underwear you might want to share? Many gay celebrities wear our brand, such as Jai Rodriguez and Davey Wavey. On Facebook, we see a lot of fan images. Do you have any of those that you might want to share with our readers? If you really want an eyeful, check out our Tumblr page (www.andrewchristian.tumblr.com). You will thank me later. Are you only available online? Can shoppers find you in physical stores? We are sold all over the world via boutique wholesalers and we have also recently added larger department stores such as Nordstrom in the USA, Selfridges in London, TSUM in Moscow, Hankyu in Japan, KaDeWe in Berlin, and Brown Thomas in Ireland. Is the partnership for selling the underwear working? What would you like to say to dealers or future partners who have been thinking about signing up—to help them finish the process and help sell the Andrew Christian line? The growth of our company over the past few years, along with our huge social media presence, has made us a brand that everyone is talking about. We have over 500,000 fans on Facebook and more people talking about us than any of our competitors. Do you wear your own underwear? I only wear Andrew Christian and honestly, I don’t think there is a brand of underwear that is more comfortable. Once you try our Almost Naked Line, you won’t wear anything else.
Thank you for taking time to share with our readers, who are sure to be excited to see more (or less).
24 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
The Beekman Boys
Giving Us LIFE! by J’son M. Lee
The Beekman Boys (Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his partner, Brent Ridge) are truly fabulous! In 2008, while on a weekend apple picking trip, the pair decided on a whim to purchase a farm in upstate New York.
They thought the farm would serve as a great weekend getaway from the city. But, shortly after closing on the farm in late 2008, they both lost their jobs and the couple found themselves in a desperate situation. They had to find a way to make ends meet. “Accidental farmers” or not, they needed to save their investment. Find out how they saved their farm, launched their brand, and simultaneously breathed life into a struggling community in the following interview with Proud Times columnist, J’son M. Lee. Brent, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me. Can you begin by telling us what is Beekman 1802? Beekman 1802 is a company we started based on our farm. Originally, it was products we were making right from the farm, and now it’s expanded into a wide array of products. We work with companies like Anthropologie and WilliamsSonoma to design products that really have an artisanal or heirloom quality to them. We’re really focused on creating products that are meant to last for generations. We all know there is risk starting a new business. Were you two nervous about that, given the fact that you were novice farmers? No. Because again, we were desperate. The economy in New York City was terrible in 2008 and we had no idea when it was going to improve. We really just had no other choice if we wanted to save the farm. There at the beginning, we thought we were going to lose the farm. We called it “The Bucolic Plague,” which was Josh’s book about that time period. So, we really had no other choice; we had to make it happen or we were going to lose the farm.
26 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
So, did this tie into what you guys term the year of sacrifice? What exactly did that mean for you? After we both lost our jobs, we thought, “okay, how is the farm going to sustain itself and be a profitable business?” [We agreed] whoever got a job first would go to the city and work in that job and help pay the mortgage, while the other person stayed here and tried to get the farm business up and running. So, Josh got the job first. At that point, we had been together for eleven years and had been living together for ten years. So, that was the first time we had really been apart in our relationship. This was just for a year until we could get the business up and going, and be able to cover the mortgage. Then, we would be back together. We called it “the year of sacrifice.” We really did think within a year we would be able to make this happen. Lots of people, when they start new businesses, are delusional—just like us. Plus, we were in the recession. So, that year of sacrifice turned into almost five years; we were living apart for almost five years. It took us a long time to get to a point where we could cover all of our expenses. Actually, we weren’t to that point until we won The Amazing Race. That’s a fascinating story. Tell us about your reality show, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, and how that came to be? We started a blog. On the train coming from the city up to the farm on Friday nights, we would write all we hoped to accomplish on the farm—we want to plant this, we want to do this and what not. Then, on Sunday nights on the way back to the city, we would blog
about what we actually accomplished. As we started planting our garden, we started making up recipes. The president of what was then the Planet Green channel, somehow was clued into our website or found our website and sent us an email saying, “It’s very interesting what you guys are doing. Can you come in and talk to us?” We just thought they wanted us to blog for them about life on the farm. We went in to talk to them and they said, “You know what? You guys would make a very interesting reality show.” We really didn’t want to do a reality show, because we watch reality; we watch Housewives and what not. We didn’t want to come off looking crazy. We certainly didn’t want our neighbors looking crazy. They hooked us up with World of Wonder, the production company. We met with them and just felt really comfortable. They were going to present our community and us in a
positive way; so, we agreed to do it and it was great. It has shown a spotlight on this area of the country, which for so many years has been very impoverished because it’s been mostly agricultural. Is this Sharon Springs? Yes! Now, we have people from all over the world who make pilgrimages here because they’ve seen the show. So, it’s just been amazing for the community. You grow a great proportion of your own food, correct? Right now, we are growing or raising about 80% of all the food we consume.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 27
You also sell goat milk soaps and cheeses. What else do you sell? Well, lots of stuff. If you go to our website, you can click on the “Shop” [tab] and you’ll see all the stuff we do. But, from the farm, we do goat milk cheeses, goat milk soaps, goat milk caramel, goat milk fudge and goat milk lotions. We just launched our tomato sauce, using heirloom tomatoes. We do a whole host of things. You also have a store? Yes, we have a physical store in the village of Sharon Springs. Back at the turn of the 20th century, in the early 1900s, Sharon Springs was one of the most prominent spa destinations in
28 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
the world, because it is one of the only places in the world—well, it is the only place in the world—where there are three distinct mineral springs. There is a sulphur spring, an iron spring and a magnesium spring. So, people would come to take the waters. The New York Times would send up a society columnist and they would be here all summer reporting on the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers and all those people. Then, the Great Depression hit and things dwindled. So, now you just have all these huge old hotels and guest houses that, for the most part, are just abandoned. We started our business from our house. We would pack, wrap and ship everything out from the farm. As we grew, that was no longer feasible because it was just taking over the hallway and the dining room; everything was covered with packaging and boxes. We needed to
find warehouse space. We started looking at some buildings just outside of town. There was this huge old hotel on Main Street that was empty. So, we were like, “Well, why don’t we move our operation into that building and that would help bring some life into that part of Main Street.” Are you both in the same city now? Yep. So, after winning The Amazing Race, Josh moved here full time as of Christmas. So, we’re now here full time working on the business together. What are you most proud of? Oh, by far I’m proudest of being a part of the revitalization of this community and seeing so many people, both long term residents of the village and new people, who have moved here really working together to revitalize this community. It was impoverished and downtrodden. I think one of the most positive outcomes from the show, aside from having people come to visit from far away, is that it showed people in the community how beautiful and special the place that they were living actually is. When you are living in a place, you take things for granted or you don’t see the beauty around you—because you are so mired in your own little world. So, for them to see their community reflected on TV, and to see people from around the world commenting on what an amazing place it is, really made people inspired to want to work harder to bring it back to life. I think that’s what we are most proud of. Right now, we are getting ready to prepare for our festivals. We do three festivals a year. The next one is the Garden Party Festival (June 1st and 2nd). We’ll probably have about 8,000 people come to the village during that weekend. The bigger festival—which is the Harvest Festival
in September—we’ll probably have about 10 to 12,000 people here for that. This is only a village of 500 people, so it’s a huge thing to have that many people come here. Back in Sharon Springs’ heyday, the summer months (when the spas were open) saw 90,000 people here. We are trying to work our way back. I applaud your efforts to revitalize the area where you live. From a professional standpoint, what is next for you guys? Well, our next cookbook comes out this holiday season—Beekman 1802 Heirloom Desserts. So, we will be touring around for that. People can look out on our website to see if we’re coming to a place near them. Then, we are just continuing to grow the business. The “Mortgage Lifter” tomato sauce that we just launched was really successful. 25% of the profits of that go to help other small farms pay off their mortgages. So, what we want to do is expand that line of products into other things—kind of like what Newman’s Own did. We want to do the same thing. So, that’s ultimately five or ten years from now. We have a whole line of products, all of which are contributing to keep small scale farming alive in America. Congratulations and thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with Proud Times! For more information on The Beekman Boys or to shop, please visit their website at www.beekman1802.com.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 31
Beauty Is As Beauty Does by J’son M. Lee
Many gay men are obsessed with youth and conventionalized beauty.
However, true beauty is not found in superficial appearance, but in how one behaves and carries himself. Beauty is as beauty does! Brazilian model Rodiney Santiago is as beautiful as they come—inside and out. Born in the small city of Timoteo, near Belo Horizonte, Santiago enjoyed a very normal and happy childhood. The son of an auto mechanic, Santiago enjoyed playing with other kids and considered himself the leader in his circle of friends. He maintains his childhood experiences allowed him to become who he is now—“…an easy-going, normal guy with great friends, living a full life, and always staying true to who [he is].” Santiago is more than just eye candy; he has an amazing spirit as well. See what I mean in his very candid interview with Proud Times. Rodiney, thank you for chatting with me. You’re a long way from home. What do you miss about Brazil?
The beach culture is probably the main thing I miss—along with amazing food, friends and family. I love the USA, too; I knew my biggest dreams could come true here. It’s hard to answer this question, because I really love both countries. Where is home for you now? Where I can unwind and meditate about life. I guess it can be pretty much anywhere; a beach close by is also very nice. That is why you can usually find me in California or Florida. What is a typical day like for you? It’s a routine—mostly taking care of my body and health, enjoying time with friends, and working on new projects I am involved with.
When did you know you wanted to be a model? My friends in Brazil always told me I should be a model. I didn’t really think anything of it until someone came up to me and asked me if I was interested in modeling and joining their agency. The rest is history. My first shoot was for an auto company. I would like to say modeling came natural for me, but it definitely took some practice. I was a little stiff in the beginning.
For more information about Rodiney Santiago, please visit his website at www.rodineysantiago.com.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 33
Which do you enjoy more – modeling or acting? When I was a kid I wanted to be a physical therapist and an actor, but I became a model first. As I am getting older in the business I am studying more acting, and just going to see what life brings me. I would love to do a movie that had fun with my Portuguese accent. No one can wear swimwear like you. What do you do to stay so beautiful? Thanks for the nice compliment! For me, it’s all about the food I put in my body and making sure to hit the gym daily. You really are what you eat! My abs pay my rent.
Aside from making beautiful pictures, what does being a model mean for you? I’m selling a product for the client, so that is usually the most important part of the job. Each job brings its own thing. I feel like, because of my culture I am freer with my expression and have a really good time at the shoots. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like work. You were quoted as saying, “Happiness is the opportunity you have to express who you really are. I think I made many mistakes looking for happiness, but most of the time I let it happen and lived my life with passion, courage and being whom I was…I am happy. I don’t have goals that I haven’t achieved. Don’t be confused by personal satisfaction and happiness.” Tell us how you came to this realization so early? Do you think your definition of happiness is why you embraced being bisexual? You got it! In Brazil, to be bisexual is a normal thing for people to accept. In the States, people want to believe that you’re either gay or straight, bottom or top. You have to be one or the other and it’s your label. I’m not used to this. I am who I am! I really found my happiness when I stopped letting people who do nothing for me control so much of my mind, feelings and emotions. Could you see yourself being happy married to a man? Yes of course—and with kids!
What does being in love mean to you? Peace + respect + trust + security + happy = LOVE. I like to connect with everyone. So, when I meet that special someone, it is like fireworks. Holding hands and kisses are sure to follow. I am a huge romantic. What advice would you give to those struggling with their sexuality? Be who you are! It’s very simple. I know that you are not a religious person, but you believe in God. You said religion makes people crazy. Tell us more about that. The world is at war because of religion— people using the name of God to judge others. I respect all religions—especially the ones that respect the freedom of every person being what they are or want to be. I believe God is probably very sad about the state of the world. It’s all about money, power and ego. You mentioned in one of your blogs that the writers who are the loudest and meanest about putting others down (TV, blogs, magazines) are always gay people. I think there is a lot of truth to that. Like you, I hate the cattiness often displayed in our culture. I personally think that most gays have endured shame and hurt for a great deal of their lives, and in turn project that to others. I guess it’s true that hurt people, hurt people. What do you think is the reason? Yes! It seems the loudest and meanest, [who are] about putting others down (TV, blogs, magazines), are usually other gay people. Some people are just not happy with
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 35
themselves and they take it out on others— or live by looking for negative. That for me is not right. The only gays I don’t love are gays who don’t love and support other gays. What’s next for Rodiney Santiago? There are a lot of things on my plate. I obviously can’t get into specifics because we are in production. I will make sure to post updates on my site when I can discuss them. What legacy do you want to leave behind? I would love to have a child someday; that would be my biggest legacy. Also, I believe in showing other people out there (even my own brother) that you can do whatever you want to do. It doesn’t matter where you come from or who you know. I want to influence anyone that feels down about those things not happening for themselves. Anything is possible. Again, thank you Rodiney for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me. Your beauty truly transcends physicality.
By Kurt Schmierer
While arranging this interview about Hotel Ruby, we learned that the management and staff are very LGBT-friendly and they are not afraid to let the public know. The hotel has a modern look, colorfully decorated rooms, and a superior location in downtown Spokane. It makes one wonder, why would anyone want to stay anywhere else? Hotel General Manager Anny Gold tells us more.
What can you tell us about the history of Hotel Ruby and your choice of location? Our parent company, GVD Commercial Properties, Inc., purchased the hotel in January of 2010. At that time it was a Rodeway Inn. We had immediate plans to remodel and become an independent hotel. We definitely chose it because it was located downtown and also because it was a small property.
38 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
What amenities do you offer? We have a complimentary breakfast (including self-made waffles & hard-boiled eggs), complimentary WiFi, refrigerators and microwaves in every room, as well as irons/ironing boards and complimentary bicycles. Do you offer discounted rates for LGBT interest groups? Yes, we have discounted rates for the Spokane Imperial Court. We have not been approached by any other groups. Have you had requests for same-sex ceremonies? We haven’t had a request for a
40 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
same-sex ceremony—possibly, because we don’t have the space. However, we will have a space at the Bing (across the street) that will be rentable for intimate events. It will be a very classy space. It is almost finished. Please describe your available suites for couples. We have a Deluxe King suite that has a king size bed, sofa, 72” television and kitchenette. It is very modern and has lovely design features. What are your long-term plans for the hotel? We are continuing to update the bathrooms in the rooms. The rooms have been remodeled with new beds, carpets and TVs. But, not all of the bathrooms have been completely remodeled. They all have new
sinks, countertops and mirrors. But, now we are taking the old bathtubs out and replacing them with glass showers and all tile on the walls and floors. The hotel is very event driven and artsfriendly. We do many co-promotions with the Knitting Factory and the Bing. Have you partnered in any way with the Bing Crosby Theater? If so, do you offer a special package of any sort? We do partner with Bing. We do room packages with Bing event tickets; we promote Sapphire Lounge and Hotel Ruby at Bing events; and we are a box office for the Bing. I’m sure Dempsey’s Brass Rail brought a colorful crowd to the area. Did the bar’s closing impact business?
I’m sure that it had an immediate effect, but there were so many changes going on at the hotel at that time that it would be hard to measure. We miss our Dempsey’s neighbors. What would you like to see done with Dempsey’s should they not re-open? Maybe another bar or restaurant?
Interested in reserving a room at Hotel Ruby? Here’s their information:
Hotel Ruby
901 W. 1st Ave. Spokane WA 99201 509/747-1041 www.hotelrubyspokane.com
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 41
by Kurt Schmierer
Times change... ...and the Show Must Goes On The Bing Crosby Theater is a historical landmark in downtown Spokane that is changing with the times. Through many incarnations and renovations, its marquis still shines bright. I had the opportunity to learn more about this gem of Spokane from General Manager Michael Smith and Hotel Ruby General Manager Anny Gold. Please tell us about the Bing Theater’s history? Originally, it was named the Clemmer, then the Met, and now the Bing. After its first decade, the Clemmer was scooped up in a campaign by movie studios to own the theaters where their films were shown. Paulsen and Clemmer sold their interests to Carl Leammle’s Universal Studios in 1925. The new manager, Roy Boomer, decided to try to generate interest by hiring live acts to perform between movies. One of the performers he hired was a local jazz drummer and sometime singer by the name of Harry Crosby.
In 1929, Universal sold the theater to a new Spokane owner who renamed it the Audian. Two years later, the theater changed hands again and became the State Theater. Operating under that name for the next half century, it became a fixture of Spokane’s night life until it closed as a movie theater in 1985.
Who is the most recognizable person that’s performed at the Bing?
The building was purchased by the Metropolitan Mortgage Company and completely renovated before reopening in 1988. Its stage was enlarged and it began a new life as a theater for live shows under the name of Metropolitan Theater of Performing Arts (the Met).
Yes—singer Susan Westheimer, author and humorist David Sedaris, and “8” the Play.
When its sponsor, the Metropolitan Mortgage Company, went out of business in 2004, the theater was purchased by Spokane businessman Mitch Silver and continued its role as a venue for touring shows and for local organizations that use it as their home stage. In 2006, a citizens group received Silver’s permission to rename the theater and raised money to build a new marquee. It has been the Bing Crosby Theater ever since. In February of 2012, GVD Commercial Properties, Inc. purchased the theater from Mitch Silver. Since then, GVD has put in a new HVAC system, roof, lighting, a state-of-the-art Dolby 5.1 digital surround sound system and a 14 foot by 26 foot screen for movies and visual presentations. The shows at the Bing have a very intimate feel. It is an outstanding venue!
Wynton Marsalis, Lindsey Buckingham, Pearl Jam—maybe Bing Crosby himself? Have any of your productions/performances had gay themes?
What shows are currently running? Are there local and national productions? Performances/productions of all calibers—from local youth theater to international acts. Some upcoming shows are Musicfest NW, Pokey LaFarge, CYT’s Alladin, and Jonny Lang. We’ve recently had Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin, as well as Cowboy Junkies perform. How would theatergoers get information on seating and pricing? You can go directly to the Bing Crosby Theater website for information on seating, pricing and showtimes: www.bingcrosbytheater.com. Thank you for imparting your knowledge about the Bing Crosby Theater with our readers.
Is the theater open year-round or does it go dark? The theater is open year-round.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 45
Right Here in Spokane
By Dean Ellerbusch
Destinations is an all-inclusive social group in the Inland Northwest encouraging interaction, mutual understanding and friendship between all sexual orientations and gender identities. Destinations provides social settings and activities for people from diverse points of view to network, form bonds and create alliances.
Business Alliance and Pride Foundation) to present “Come Together,” a social gathering around a campfire in Riverfront Park. In January of this year, we had a wonderful mixer at nYne Bar and Bistro. We are continually looking for ways to unify our LGBT Community by promoting friendship amongst our diverse organizations.
We believe that people need ways to socialize outside of bars and churches. After our initial potluck in November of 2010, our offerings have expanded to include weekly game nights, walks in Riverfront Park, hikes on local trails, bike rides, movie nights and conditioning workouts. In addition to regularly scheduled activities, we have participated in Bloomsday and attended First Friday Art Walks. We have also organized a Cinco de Mayo celebration for Odyssey Youth Center and planted “The Garden of Is” (a community garden which provides healthy food for local organizations).
We are also reaching out to other marginalized communities. Each and every minority group has its own LGBT population. The variety of subcultures of the Inland Northwest require interaction to educate and overcome ignorance. Inclusion and addressing the spectrum of
In 2012, we worked with co-sponsors (Odyssey Youth Center, OutSpokane, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Inland Northwest
48 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
If you have questions for us, you can call 509/850-0150 or send an Email to Secretary@DestinationsOfSpokane.org
differences benefits the psyche of our entire community. Inclusion of the entire population is essential for acquiring a greater understanding of each other as we champion unity in diversity. It is our hope and desire that you will participate in any and all of our activities. Find out what we are doing these days by visiting our Facebook Page (“Destinations� of Spokane) and going to our website at (DestinationsofSpokane.org). You can also find our calendar in print at these locations: Unitarian Universalist Church at 4340 W. Fort George Wright Dr.; Spokane WA 99224 Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane at 35 W. Main Ave.; Spokane WA 99201 The LGBT Center at 1522 N. Washington St., Ste. 102; Spokane WA 99201 Spokane AIDS Network at 905 S. Monroe St.; Spokane WA 99204
Shara Strand...
Will Carry You by JC Alvarez
Whatever happened to music? Once upon a time a singer drove the melody and made a pop tune that was unforgettable. In today’s electronic-based dance market, the commercial focus has shifted to the thump and rhythm of the baseline at the cost of the real instrument that gives a song its heart: the gift of a beautiful voice. That’s something that doesn’t fall short on emerging songstress Shara Strand’s new EP. She hits all the right notes on her debut album release, Born Tonight. “I wanted it to be about the vocals,” Shara says of the EP. Many are original songs while others, like “Seven Year Ache”, are contemporary remakes. “I wanted people to hear a real human voice, telling a real human story.” Shara cites Celine Dion and Whitney Houston among her role models, and especially credits Barbra Streisand as a great inspiration. “When I listen to her records, it feels like me,” she says. “There’s an
50 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
essence of Barbra Streisand that I’m connected to. She’s the best storyteller of all time.” Like her musical idol, Shara Strand breathes life into the narratives of the songs she performs. “I feel like I want to tell stories within the music; that’s what really resonates with me.” The album’s title was lifted from a lyric in Rosanne Cash’s “Seven Year Ache”. The parallels in the song to Strand’s own life caught her attention immediately. “Symbolically this album is a long time coming for me, and now that it’s here, I feel really alive. I’m born tonight.” The album opens with the joyful and easy-feeling “I Will Carry You”, a song about love, partnership, and unconditional support. It and its remixes release this month (May) with a portion of sales benefitting the American Humane Association.
“‘I Will Carry You’ is about being able to really count on someone,” explains Strand. “The world can be scary and sometimes evil. But luckily, there are heroes among us who will literally and figuratively carry us through life.” It is the second release from the Born Tonight album. It follows “Jekyll or Hyde”, a song Strand wrote about falling for someone with a duplicitous nature. “It was a story most everyone could relate to,” she reflects. “I can think of two Jekyll and Hyde relationships I’ve had. I learned getting fifty percent of the love I want is not enough. The love of my life will give me one hundred percent.” “You I Know” is another standout on the album. It has a modern-musical feel to it that Strand admits she wasn’t entirely convinced had pop potential when she first heard it. “It’s theatrical, perhaps too theatrical,” she acknowledges. “But now might be the perfect
time to release it. There’s Glee, there’s Smash—and, of course, Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert have built entire careers on theatrics.” Strand studied musical theater at NYU. “I love to be on stage, singing. Truthfully, the idea of becoming a recording star had always been so foreign to me.” That is, until she began to do it. “One day, I just started writing songs and working with producers and realized this is where I was suppose to be.” She is using her golden voice for good. “Every chance I get, I speak up for marriage equality,” she says. “I believe in my heart and soul that everyone has the right to marry who they love.” She was one the main headliners at last year’s Seattle Gay Pride. “Hate is so yesterday,” she proclaims. “Love is where it’s at for me and everyone else who considers themselves Born Tonight.” Visit D1Music.co.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 51
By Jude McNeil
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth face tremendous adversity in a society that privileges heterosexuality and gender conformity. Research shows that family rejection and bullying contribute negatively to LGBTQ youth’s mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, as evidenced by high rates of attempted and completed suicide, violence victimization, substance abuse, homelessness, teenage pregnancy, and HIV/STIassociated risky behaviors. For 21 years, Odyssey Youth Center has offered programs that provide LGBTQ young people with the necessary skills and support systems needed to combat homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of social oppressions that would hinder them from developing into healthy, happy, adults. Odyssey is in the process of expanding its programs to better meet the needs of LGBTQ youth, youth providers, and families. Odyssey programs fall under three tracks: Health and Wellness, Youth Leadership, and Advocacy and Education.
52 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Odyssey continues to provide services and programs to support the health and wellness of hundreds of LGBTQ youth through its drop-in center. The center provides a mentor program, a tutoring program that helps youth with homework or studying for the GED, hot meals and other basic needs items, crisis intervention and community referrals, support groups, leadership opportunities and training, and a safe space where youth hear positive messages about LGBTQ people and feel connected to their community. Although Odyssey has always provided support and resources for Spokane’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs, we recognize that more needs to be done. Over the past decade, LGBTQ youth have become increasingly visible in our schools. The public school systems have been unresponsive to their needs and slow to acknowledge that LGBTQ youth are there and in urgent need of safe and affirming schools. To address this, Odyssey is building a Safe Schools Spokane program that provides training for educators, counselors, and school administrators and Odyssey is hosting a community based forum to address policy and advocacy for students. Odyssey’s Safe Schools Spokane program will also include a regional GSA network that will support junior high and high school students in information sharing, networking,
and peer exchange and will build the capacity of GSAs to start, run, and pass on a club, create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia, transphobia, and other oppressions, educate the school community about homophobia, transphobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues, and address discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools. Further, the GSA network will provide the support needed to increase the number of GSAs in Spokane. Odyssey is also helping to remedy LGBTQ youth invisibility in out-of-home care, which has contributed to high rates of LGBTQ youth homelessness. Up to 40% of our nation’s homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. The goal of Odyssey’s homeless youth prevention program is to reduce and prevent youth homelessness through collaboration, training, coaching, research, and outreach that addresses safety factors for LGBTQ youth in outof-home care. OYC staff is facilitating training with social workers in the child welfare system to help them understand and address the needs of LGBTQ
youth in family preservation work, which strengthens families and keeps youth in the home. The trainings also build the capacity of youth providers, social workers, and foster parents in creating permanency and safety for LGBTQ youth who cannot return to their family of origin and are living in foster homes, group homes and shelters. Odyssey believes that, through collective efforts, we can ensure safety for all youth and provide them support in reaching their full potential to grow into healthy, happy adults. If you would like more information about Odyssey or if you would like to invest in Odyssey by becoming a sponsor, please contact Jude: Jude McNeil, MSW Executive Director Odyssey Youth Center 801-347-6070 jude@odysseyyouth.org
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 53
By Joe Reily
Would you believe that Bisexuals outnumber Gay and Lesbian people in Spokane? What!?! But you hardly know any Bisexual people, and you’ve lived here all your life! And if that’s true, why don’t we have any Bisexual bars or dance clubs or Bi-owned businesses in town? Wouldn’t the LGBT Center and the GLBT Film Festival be “BLGT”? You would have noticed the big crowd of Bisexuals marching in this year’s Pride Parade, right? It’s true. According to a prominent study by Gary J. Gates at the Williams Institute (UCLA School of Law) the number of self-identified Bisexuals in the United States slightly beats out the combined total of self-identified Gays and Lesbians (Gates, 2011). It’s a safe bet that the same is true for Spokane.
54 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
So, where are these alleged Bisexuals? Not to be too cliché, but they are everywhere. Take me, for instance. I volunteer for the Inland Northwest LGBT Center. I run Facebook pages for Bi-Social in Spokane, LGBT Catholics of Spokane, and the Anti-Violence Project of Spokane. I’m an active member of Spokane PFLAG, I frequently walk in the parks with Destinations of Spokane, and I hang out with a local bear group. When I’m participating in LGBTQ community endeavors, my Gay and Lesbian peers often assume that I am Gay. I think this happens with most Bisexual people who are active in LGBTQ communities. Our bisexuality is invisible. In my day job, in my family life, and in most other areas in my life, I am presumed to be straight. I have a wife and two children, pictures of whom adorn my shelves at work. Even though I have a large banner with a rainbow on it hanging on the back wall of my office, nobody at work ever asks me if I might be Gay or Bisexual. Even while attending an LGBTQ fundraiser with my wife a couple of years ago, a woman sitting next to her husband commented that we were the only
two straight couples in attendance. Like many bisexuals, my sexual orientation is assumed based on the gender of my current partner. Again, our bisexuality is invisible. For some of us, this invisibility is a problem. We want people to know that we are Bisexual and we want to socialize with other Bisexual people. For others in the proverbial closet, invisibility helps them to maintain their secret—a secret told only through anonymous surveys. So, I issue a challenge to those Bisexual people in the community who are presumed to be Gay or Straight: Come out. You’ve been counted and just like our Gay, Lesbian and Trans* compatriots, we have strength in numbers. But, the numbers mean little if we remain hidden away.
Dance Street Ballroom
WEDDINGS
By Ricki Zipkin I first met Amanda Hansen, owner of Dance Street Ballroom, 3 years ago when I wanted to take dance lessons. I was immediately taken by her enthusiasm for teaching. She has an infectious personality. She is personable, fun, witty and professional. One look at Amanda and you know she loves what she is doing. She brings that same enthusiasm and attitude to her role as wedding venue owner and coordinator. You fall in love. You get engaged. Now comes the planning of your wedding. Exciting and fun—right? I have personally been involved in close to 300 weddings, as both coordinator and minister, and let me tell you, with all of the decisions to be made—from caterer to musician to cake to venue to photographer (you get the idea)—exciting and fun can quickly move to overwhelming, scary and “why don’t we just elope?”
56 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Amanda relieves you of stress. What does she provide? EVERYTHING! Her Perfect Day Wedding Package includes a fully decorated venue (wedding arch, candelabras, candles, tables, tablecloths, fresh flower centerpieces, accessory bouquets, set up, take down, and venue cleaning), your choice of two caterers, a D.J., your choice of five photographers, a 3-tier wedding cake from Just American Desserts or Marsells Cakes, and personal flowers (bouquets, etc.) through
Special Touch Florist. Amanda acts as your wedding coordinator the day of your event and at rehearsal. Couples also receive a free pass to her Romance Dance Workshop so they can make their first dance extraordinary! I would estimate the average cost to be between $5500-$7700** for 100 guests. For an additional fee, Dance Street Ballroom can accommodate up to 175 people. Amanda also provides an “Ala Carte� option for those couples that have a favorite caterer or D.J. If you are looking to plan a fun wedding with as little stress as possible, Dance Street Ballroom might be the one to consider. ** Prices subject to change without notice. Contact information: 433 W. Dean Ave. Spokane WA 99201 amanda@dancestreetballroom.com Website An ordained minister and wedding officiant, Ricki Zipkin encourages you to contact her to perform your ceremony. Please let her know you saw her article in Proud Times. Contact Ricki at serendipityspokane@gmail.com or 509/701-8147.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 57
Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute by Ricki Zipkin
If you are looking for a romantic setting for your upcoming wedding, Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute (MFWI) may be the place for you. MFWI encompasses 72 wooded acres with breathtaking views of the Spokane River. There is an abundance of wildlife and it is not uncommon to have a visit by the local deer, chipmunks, or Japanese squirrels while walking the grounds. I took the opportunity to speak with Banquet Manager Richard Reidt and Sales Manager Oley Tomsha about this venue.
WEDDINGS
In addition, there are several banquet rooms available for both ceremony and receptions. The Regents Room accommodates from 15-30; the Neal Fosseen Room accommodates 30-80; and, for larger weddings, the Tsutakawa memorial hall can accommodate 80-450 people. Mukogawa Banquet Services takes pride in tailoring each event to your exact specifications. The staff is wonderful and will work within your budget to come up with the perfect buffet or sit-down menu. You may choose from their extensive menu or create your own original menu. I recently attended an open house at MFWI and I can tell you the set-up and service was impeccable. A buffet was served and the food was delicious. When planning a wedding, cost is often a factor. The banquet rooms range are $450 for Regents, $800 for Neal Fosseen, and $2,000 for Tsutakawa Memorial Hall.** Consider the fact that the cost of food is deducted from the cost of the room. Let’s assume there are 100 guests. A buffet is decided upon at a cost of $20 per person. This equals $2,000. If you deduct the $2,000 for food from the rental
MFWI offers several wedding options. There are two chapels. St. Michael’s Mission Chapel is perfect for a small wedding with seating for up to 30 guests. For larger weddings, the Base Chapel can accommodate up to 250. If you are interested in an outdoor ceremony, the Rose Arbor may be the perfect choice. The Rose Arbor would work well with a small wedding, but can accommodate up to 300 guests.
58 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Fort George Wright played an important role as part of the 92nd Wing during World War 11. Soon after the war started, it became the detached infirmary of Fairchild Air Force Base. In 1949, it was redesignated as George Wright Air Force Base.
of the Tsutakawa Memorial Hall ($2,000) you can consider the room a freebie. Obviously, if the cost of food is more or less than the rental of the room, you will be charged that difference. I think this is an incredible deal. Should you choose to get married in either the Rose Arbor or one of the chapels, the costs are $500 for the Base Chapel, $240 for St. Michael’s Mission Chapel, and $450 for the Rose Arbor.** For you history buffs, this locale has an interesting story. The U.S. was fighting a recession in 1893. Spokane wanted to ride it out and maintain its economy. A military post could provide increased revenue, both by the construction of the post and the money spent by the soldiers. It was also believed the stationing of army troops would instill patriotism and the moral aspirations of the local youth. The federal military was invited to build a post and settle in Spokane. In the spring of 1899, Spokane welcomed its first troops. The 24th Infantry were stationed at the fort from 1899-1900, and the 25th Infantry from 1908-1912. These were black troops called “Buffalo Soldiers.” In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt paid a visit to Fort George Wright. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Major George S. Clarke (who later held the post of commanding officer of Fort George Wright as a colonel), helped form the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
In 1990, Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute (MFWI) was established as the American campus of Mukogawa Women’s University. As an international campus of a Japanese university, it has grown to be an educational institution that is proud of its excellence and standing. Again, if you are looking for a beautiful, wooded, romantic and historical venue, you may want to consider Mukogawa Fort George Wright Institute. ** Cost subject to change without notice Historical information taken from Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute: The First Twenty Years; Author: Hiroshi Takaoka; Published: Spokane WA: Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, 2010. An ordained minister and wedding officiant, Ricki Zipkin encourages you to contact her to perform your ceremony. Please let her know you saw her article in Proud Times. Contact Ricki at serendipityspokane@gmail.com or 509/701-8147.
Spokane Pride: Equality Marches On By Blaine Stum I often get asked by people, “What is Pride all about?” I can remember my first Pride volunteering with OutSpokane several years ago and we asked people that same question. The answers we received were both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Several young adults had never been to a Pride and were positively shocked that there were so many of us living right here in Spokane. They found solace and joy in the fact that they weren’t alone. Others told us they felt like Pride was one of the few places they could be themselves. They weren’t yet out to family and friends and took this one opportunity to see what life outside the closet could be like. It seemed like there was
60 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
a consensus about what Pride means: A chance to be ourselves—with no shame or fear. Spokane Pride is a testament to that idea. It started out as a small band of marchers on the sidewalk next to Riverfront Park 22 years ago. There was no parade and there was no festival. People interviewed by news crews asked to have their faces blurred and identities hidden, due to the fear of being outed to friends, family or coworkers. It was a somber affair that marked Spokane’s chance to become a better city, welcoming all its people to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.
We can certainly look at today and say, “My, how times have changed.” Our Parade marches in the streets of downtown Spokane with hundreds of participants and thousands of onlookers. The Festival right after the parade lasts over 5 hours with plenty of live entertainment, a huge kids area, dozens of booths, and a beer garden for those who want to party hard in the name of Pride. This doesn’t mean our work is done. There is much more progress to be made. That is why OutSpokane chose the slogan “Equality Marches On” as our theme this year. We understand that while we have made much progress, there is still so much we have yet
to accomplish. LGBT children and young adults are still bullied and rejected by their families here in Spokane and across the country. Trans* people are assaulted, murdered, harassed and not allowed to live as their self-identified gender. In 29 states, it is still perfectly legal to fire someone from their job for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans*. Even within our own community, bisexual people are marginalized and rendered invisible. Suffice to say, the list of challenges we face today and in the future is longer than this column space could allow. That is precisely why a celebration like Pride is so important even now, and even in Spokane.
So, I hope you will join OutSpokane and all other members of the LGBT Community in the area on June 8th at noon in Spokane’s Riverfront Park to celebrate who we are—with no fear and no shame.
By Cyndi Bussell
One of my main passions is working with Spokane Trans* People.
Spokane Trans* People is a Trans* support group open to all people who fall under the Transgender Umbrella and their allies.
When I first came out and started my transition a few years back, there were no transgender support groups in the Spokane area. The only thing I could find was a web page for a defunct organization. After sending an email and not receiving a response, I pretty much gave up on finding a support group in Spokane. Then, word got to me that a trans group was being put together by a local trans man. This first incarnation of Spokane Trans* People, which began in 2009, was a small group of trans guys and me. We marched in Spokane’s Pride Parade that year. It was great to be seen and start the work of networking the transgender people in the area. Unfortunately, this group fell apart slowly and meetings became less and less common. Right about the time the original Spokane Trans* People was in its final death throes, the Inland Northwest LGBT Center started a transgender support group. My spouse and I started to go to these meetings which were attended by a few others. Some days, it was just my sweetie Sevan, Matt Cannon and me opening The Center and waiting for others to arrive. I will be honest, for a time it looked like maintaining a transgender support group in Spokane was not going to happen. However, it is said, “if you build it, they will come.” And they did come. Over a period of 6
64 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
months, the group grew. The group took on the name of the defunct Spokane Trans* People soon after it became stable—and we haven’t looked back. In almost 4 years, Spokane Trans* People has maintained a presence in the local LGBTQA community. We meet every other Saturday at The LGBT Center and maintain a web presence. In the last few years, almost 100 transgender people have networked with the group in one fashion or another and there is every indication that the group will continue to thrive into the future. As we move forward, we are networking the transgender people of Washington State—building community and strengthening social ties with each other.
So what does Spokane Trans* People do? What does a support meeting look like for us? Mainly, we meet and socialize. We also educate and participate in community events. We provide educational materials on transgender issues to those who would want them. We have participated in the last 3 Pride events. Last year, we added 2 other community events to our outreach. Unity in the Community was fun and a great opportunity to meet the community and network. There were a number of people and organizations our group was able to network with due to that event and we look forward to doing it again this year. We also put together a local Transgender Day of Remembrance with the help of OutSpokane, PFLAG and PJALS. Recognizing and memorializing our dead is not fun, but it must be done. One day, I hope we won’t have a reason to put this event together. But, so long as transgender people are singled out for bigotry and violence, we will have to hold this awareness-raising event yearly. Our group meetings are intended to support and encourage our transgender members in their transitions, and to offer emotional support in an unwelcoming world. To that end, our first hour is support group focused. This portion of the meeting is open to all transgender people, questioning people and the significant others of transgender people. It is somewhat closed to those who do not fit into this
group, but we do not want to alienate any of our allies and welcome their input. So, to that end, the second hour is open to anyone in the community. If you want to show your support, ask questions or just hang out, you are welcome to attend during this time. If you are transgender/transsexual and you are looking for a support group in the Spokane area contact us at: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ SpokaneTransPeople Tumblr: http://spokanetranspeople.tumblr.com/ Website: http://spokanewatransgender.com/index. html Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ Spokanetransppl Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Transinformative Email: spokane.transppl@gmail.com
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 65
GLBT Film Festival 2013 By Anastasia Aldecoa and Linda Bronson
Spokane’s GLBT Film Festival will be celebrating its 15th year this November thanks to ongoing community support, as well as the drive and vision of Programming Director Barb Lee. The first festival originated in 1999 as a fundraiser by Barb and a few volunteers for the Spokane AIDS Network. This year’s diverse group of film fanatics includes members who recently joined, as well as others who have been involved from two to ten years. In order to produce this event, the committee begins meeting several months prior to this annual November event.
and matinees are less than evening showings. A discounted price for a weekend pass to all shows is also available.
The festival consists of a variety of independent, non-mainstream films that have been made from all over the world and may even be locally produced. The films are selected based on the quality of production, timeliness of the issues related to GLBT and/or human rights issues, interest in the topic, and uniqueness. The selections have to fit into approximately 400 to 500 minutes of show time available for the weekend. Due to the increasing number of excellent films we have previewed, another matinee was added to the event. A few years ago, the film Free Held was shown and went on to win an academy award. We have also shown films that have gone on to be shown in San Francisco and New York film festivals.
The event has become a mainstay for not only Spokane, but other rural areas of Washington, Idaho, and Montana. For many folks, it is a time to socialize and network with others. It is not uncommon for people to gather and discuss the films at local establishments. Perhaps more importantly, each diverse group is exposed and learns more about the issues facing others. We hope this helps create a stronger, more united community.
Our intention is to keep this event affordable and, thanks to ongoing community support of donors and sponsors, we are able to keep our ticket prices reasonable. We offer a student discount
66 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
The mission of the festival is to build community, educate, and celebrate the art and culture of the GLBT community. Attendees include members of the GLBT community, families, friends, and allies. It provides an opportunity for attendees to see our lives portrayed more realistically, versus how Hollywood portrays us. GLBT life isn’t always about glitter and rainbows or drag queens.
We look forward to seeing you this year at the Spokane GLBT Film Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (November 1st through 3rd) at the Riverpoint Campus of EWU. For more information, please go to http://www.spokanefilmfest.org/ or check us out at https://www.facebook.com/spokaneglbtfilmfest.
Prideful Moments from Farand By Farand Gunnels “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” – Peter F. Drucker (American Educator and Writer) Before going on sabbatical, I wanted to share with you some reflections that have kept me motivated and excited to work with Pride Foundation throughout my 10 years here. I’ll call them my prideful moments. These moments are a reflection of our many achievements and efforts to bring together people, ideas, and resources and create change that advances equality for the LGBTQ community. These include: Last November, I celebrated with friends, family, and co-workers who were involved in making marriage equality a reality in Washington State. Participating in this movement (along with many of our volunteers and donors) and making history will always stay with me. In 2010, Pride Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary by holding events throughout our fivestate region in recognition of the generous support from donors and volunteers who have helped build our legacy. Thinking back to when I first started at Pride Foundation, it is amazing how we have grown from a small group of people hosting house parties in Seattle to an organization that has become the largest LGBTQ community foundation in the country.
68 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
As a board member of the Montana Two Spirit Society, I had the great opportunity to participate in Pride Foundation’s Racial Equity Initiative (REI). This initiative brought organizations of color together to support the amazing work they were doing to strengthen their communities. REI had an impact on seven nonprofits and the countless lives of the people who are a part of these incredible groups. Through shareholder advocacy, Pride Foundation has worked with more than a dozen companies, such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and Amgen, to update their non-discrimination policies to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression. These are important steps to getting federal protections for everyone. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced last April that discrimination on the basis of “gender identity, change of sex, and/or transgender status” is discrimination on the basis of sex and thus protected under Title VII of federal law. It’s been almost three years now since Pride Foundation put full-time staff members on the ground in Montana, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Having representation and support across our five-state region made me realize that we were strategically growing and positioning ourselves to make a deeper and meaningful impact throughout the Northwest.
Fifteen years ago was my first time volunteering on Pride Foundation’s local grant review team. That I, as a volunteer, could help support organizations that were making an impact in our LGBTQ community made me proud. Despite spending my whole life in the Northwest, this experience left me feeling more connected to, more invested in, and more educated about the work that was happening throughout the region. Throughout my 10 years as a staff member with Pride Foundation, I have met many amazing friends and worked with such caring and thoughtful individuals in Eastern Washington and the greater Pacific Northwest region. These are the people making an impact in our communities, and they make me so proud. It’s the support of our donors
and volunteers that has made each of these moments possible. During my time away, I plan on spending time traveling through Montana and Wyoming visiting family and friends, spending some quality time in the great outdoors with my husband, and recharging to come back refreshed and excited to continue the great work this amazing organization is planning in the future. Farand is Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Eastern Washington. You may contact him via Email after her returns mid-July.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 69
How to Choose a Proper Small Animal Pet By Andrew T.
The first small animal pet we are going to talk about is the cat. Cats are great small pets. One of the pros about owning a cat is that it can be very independent and largely self-sufficient. One of the cons about owning a cat is that it can be very independent and largely self-sufficient. Cats can be very loving and caring. They can be very affectionate and love to play. They are also intelligent and training them is actually possible. It is true, cats can use the toilet if trained properly. One thing to consider is how old of a cat you want. The younger cats are generally more rambunctious. Older cats are usually more laid back. A recent invention has made it possible for me to have an indoor cat. The CatGenie is a self-cleaning fully automated cat toilet. Otherwise, for me, cats are an outdoor animal to keep the mice out of the barn. If you are looking for other types of small pets, the list is abundant. In the rodent class of pets, there are hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus (I discovered this rodent pet while researching this article). Chinchillas are nocturnal animals and, if you are a light sleeper, it might not be a proper fit. Cage sizes vary. Some need to be kept in at least pairs
70 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
and some need to be kept in larger numbers, due to the fact they are social animals. My best friend and her family had some pet rats and they kept the boys and the girls together; before they knew it, they had more rats than I could count with my socks off—I could only count 20 of them. 20 rats is a lot of rats. So, look into each option and please make use of the knowledge and experience of the employees at your local pet store. Two other small mammal options are rabbits and ferrets. Ferrets are unique pets that are known for having a bad scent. However, in the U.S., most ferrets are sold de-scented (i.e., their anal scent glad is removed). They are generally playful and, if handled frequently, they can be rather tame. They have been known to bite. So, this is something to keep in mind if you have small children around. Rabbits can be just as affectionate and to cuddle up with a fluffy rabbit while watching T.V. can be very relaxing. If you do keep your rabbit in a cage outside, be careful of predators. Make sure they are safe and secure.
No matter what option you choose, please do your research and make sure your new pet/s get the proper care from you and your household. We finish up by sharing our editor’s memories of his beloved pet. If you have a story you would like to share, please send it to us and we will work on getting it into one of our issues.
Homodog By Dean Ellerbusch
Looking for a small apartment pet for my livein partner, we went to the Humane Society in Burbank, California. This was going to be a Valentine’s Day present which would keep my honey company while I was at work. We spotted this cutie with long black and white hair. The tag on his cage claimed he was 5 or 6 years old, and a Pekingese / Cocker Spaniel mix. (Of course, I had to figure out a fun name combination—a Peek-a-Cock or a Cock-a-Peek.) While filling out the paperwork, the clerk said something that wouldn’t make complete sense until a couple of weeks later. He let us know that they would neuter the dog and we could pick him up the next day. He then added, “this would be the last
night he’d be able to hump all of his friends.” Cary and I took Valentine out for walks and, within the first couple of weeks, people let us know that he was cute, looked like a little teddy bear, and that he was a Schipperke mix. Schipperke? What’s a Schipperke? Not only did we not know that this was a breed, but we didn’t even know how to spell it. I went online and did some research. We discovered that the breed is a Belgian boat dog, known for guarding their owner’s boat. I also learned about their temperament and the description fit Valentine to a T—especially the fact that he would rather run right over your body, instead of taking the longer way around you. He would scamper across me while I was lying on the floor, watching T.V.— never taking an indirect route. When we took him to the dog park, he became quick friends with the other boy dogs. This is when Cary and I fully realized what the Humane Society clerk had said. Valentine paid no attention to the female dogs. He went around mounting the males. He preferred the medium to large dogs. Because of his smaller stature, he air-humped his new-found friends. Of course, whenever one of them got in position behind him, he snarled and snapped—as if to say, “I’m not a bottom. I’m the top!” From that point on, we called him Homodog. While he hadn’t answered to “Valentine,” he responded to “Homodog.” As time passed, Cary and I went our separate ways. When we parted, Cary wasn’t able to care for Homodog. So, I cared for him for the rest of his life. He grew older and went on slow walks with me. While he wasn’t spry anymore, I was perfectly happy to pick him up on the porch and set him down at the base of those two stair steps. We leisurely walked a half block one way and back to the base of the stairs, where I carried him back into the house. It was during that time that both my mom and brother told
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 71
me that I should put him down. I refused. He wasn’t whimpering in pain. He had just slowed down—and that was o.k. About a year later, he was lying next to his food and water bowl. He reached over the rim to take a few laps of water. I figured if I helped him stand up, he would have an easier time drinking his water. But, he couldn’t stand. I wanted to make sure this wasn’t a temporary problem, so I waited until the next morning to check on him. He hadn’t moved. I attempted to lift him to his feet again. But, no luck. I took him to the Humane Society in Spokane. I filled out their paperwork while Homodog laid on the counter next to me. Upon
completion, I picked him up, held him close and gave him as much love as I could before I handed him over. He seized. This was the first seizure he ever had. I couldn’t hold myself together anymore. I placed Homodog into the hands of the clerk, ran out to my car and bawled. My heart hurt so bad. In the days that followed, people attempted to comfort me—but, to no avail. The most misguided attempts were those that shared a poem meant to remind me of the good times we shared. That only made me weep uncontrollably. My heart still hurts and tears are rolling down my face as I type. I miss my Homodog.
Eastern Washington University’s Pride Week
Inspiration. Love. Education. These three words describe Pride Week 2013 at Eastern Washington University. The five days from April 22nd through 26th were fully packed!
On Monday, three teams set out on an Ally Scavenger Hunt and went racing all over the EWU campus asking LGBT Ally staff and faculty, “What made you want to be an Ally?” The responses ranged from personal stories of family and friends coming out to them to simply stating, “Why NOT be an Ally? It’s the right thing to do!” Out of breath and inspired, the participants returned and the winning team was awarded two $50.00 certificates to
Amazon.com. The participants shared stories of feeling supported and connected on campus, as well as being inspired to meet so many Allies with such powerful stories. Inspiring and fun, the Ally Scavenger Hunt will likely be a part of next year’s Pride Week. At 7pm, spoken word artists Katie Wirsing & Chas were the icing on the inspirational cake! They spoke about gender, love, sexuality and more in the EWU Pence Union Building Multi-Purpose Room (PUB MPR). Their poems evoked tears and cheers, lifting up the audience and this writer. Tuesday was a big day with Spoken Word artist and activist Harvey Katz (aka Athens Boys Choir) performing at noon during the Voices Against Violence Fair in the EWU campus mall. He was popular and attracted a group of visiting high school students. The Eagle Pride student club members also enjoyed his performance, lining the seats of the cement steps and cheering. Later, they enjoyed a private conversation with Harvey in the Pride Center at 2pm, where he indulged insistent requests for him to perform his wildly popular “Fagette.” Harvey was inspirational, reminding Eagle Pride that you really can find work doing what you love. Following that, the Center sponsored the foreign film Kiss Me, featuring two women who meet as their families are coming together with the engagement of one of them and a man. Future sister-in-laws falling for each other—
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 73
Riveting! The film was poignant, perfectly paced, suspenseful, and filmed in beautiful natural settings. The plot was so engaging and I wasn’t bothered reading the subtitles after long. It is one to see, and see again. At the end of the movie, everyone was groaning or shouting collectively, and the Center floor was covered with popcorn. A good time was had by all. Wednesday featured the Speak Up Workshops, addressing bigotry and bias on campus. Sandra Williams, Coordinator of the Pride Center, led Faculty and Staff workshops at 9am and noon. There was also one student workshop offered at 3pm in the lower level of the JFK Library.
in the very beginning of PFLAG: organizing the Summer Pride Parade and Festival, death threats (and police support), and her experience growing into a powerful advocate and ally for the LGBT youth. She inspired us with words of wisdom, “You (the Eagle Pride LGBT students) are the future.” Her love and faith in us was tangible, and eyes sprouted tears again. The night was complete with another outstanding speaker in the PUB MPR. YouTube celebrity Zach Wahls spoke about his testimony against the House Joint Resolution 6, which would end civil unions in Iowa. A 19 year old Iowa State Engineering major, Zach is the biological child of a lesbian couple. He stirred the audience with lessons of love, strength, and what truly makes a family. Was it a marriage license or recognition by the state? It’s love, commitment and support. Pride Week ended on Friday with the Masquerade Ball from 7-11pm in Tawanka Hall. More than enough food, drink and good tunes on a giant screen entertained partygoers. Pride Week was celebrated fully with food, fun and friends. For more information about Eagle Pride and Pride Center, contact us at pride@ewu.edu or 509/359-7870.
Thursday was a special day with a panel of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) members sharing their stories and histories. Original member and founder, Helen Bonser was captivating, telling what it was like
74 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
It seems like only yesterday that the Inland Northwest Men’s Experience (INMx) was just a dream. But this year, INMx will be celebrating its 6th anniversary and is stronger than it has ever been. INMx is a CDC community level HIV prevention intervention that takes a social approach to HIV prevention among young gay and bi men with the core intent of minimizing HIV’s impact on young gay and bi men in our community. INMx continues to provide fun and informative social opportunities for this atrisk population. I have had the pleasure of watching INMx grow and develop over the last few years; the level of growth the program has accomplished is truly astounding. From bar outreach to community events, the program continues to excel.
INMx: Six Years Old & Stronger Than Ever
Peer influence continues to be the most effective means to influence the behavior of young adults. Because of this, INMx placed a very heavy emphasis on developing its member leadership group in 2012. We now have gathered a very dedicated team of inspirational and passionate leaders who are responsible for making many of the program decisions. This group has taken on many large projects from event calendars to pride festivals and has continued to amaze us with every decision they make. We look forward to the many years of brainstorming and creativity they will give to the program. In 2012, we focused a lot of our energy into solidifying the core elements of the project so we can continue to grow. We further developed our bar zap team, the Seamen of the S.S. Encounter, and we continue to send them to the bars downtown to distribute about
76 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
400 safer sex supplies each month. We enhanced our social network presence beyond Facebook (Facebook. com/INMxSpokane) and Twitter (@INMxSpokane) to include YouTube (Youtube.com/INMxSpokane) where we release videos every Friday on important issues in the lives of young gay and bi men. We continued to develop a presence in the community with events like OutSpokane’s Pride Week and local drag shows all while promoting a message of self-love and safer sex. This year has already shown immense amounts of growth and development supported by a stable and enthusiastic core group. We added a collaborative Tumblr (INMxSpokane.Tumblr.com) to our list of social networking sites. We developed a list of brand new INMx events that will be hosted on the Tuesdays and Thursdays over the next few months. We are currently working on some exciting new marketing materials and we are looking forward to many new “face-lift” projects that we will be seeing in the near future. INMx has continued to grow and has proven to be a vital resource in the Inland Northwest community for young gay and bi men. To some guys, it is just a place to hang out and relax—to others, it is a family. I am looking forward to many more years of growth and development with INMx and am excited to see where the future takes us.
Morgan Belveal INMx Coordinator
GLBT Film Festival Spokane’s GLBT Film Festival will be celebrating it’s 15th year this November thanks to ongoing community support as well as the drive and vision of Programming Director, Barb Lee. The first festival originated in 1999 as a fundraiser for The Spokane Aids Network by Barb and a few volunteers. This year’s diverse group of film fanatics includes members who recently joined as well as others who have been involved for two to ten years. In order to produce this event, the committee begins meeting several months prior to the annual November event. The festival consists of a variety of independent, non-mainstream films that have been made from all over the world and may even be locally produced. The films are selected based on the quality of production, timeliness of the issues related to GLBT and/ or human rights issues, interest in the topic and uniqueness. The selections have to fit into approximately 400 to 500 minutes of show time available for the weekend. Due to the increasing number of excellent films we have previewed, another matinee was added to the event. A few years ago, the film FREE HELD was shown and went on to win an academy award. We have also shown films that have gone on to be shown in San Francisco or New York film festivals. Our intention is to keep this event affordable and thanks to ongoing community support of donors and sponsors, we are able to keep our ticket prices reasonable. We offer a student discount and matinees are
less than evening showings. A discounted price for a weekend pass to all shows is also available. The mission of the festival is to build community, educate and celebrate the art and culture of the GLBT community. Attendees include members of the GLBT community, families, friends and allies. It provides an opportunity for attendees to see our lives portrayed more realistically versus how Hollywood portrays them. GLBT life isn’t always about glitter and rainbows or drag queens. The event has become a mainstay for not only Spokane but other rural areas of Washington, Idaho, and Montana. For many folks, it is a time to socialize and network with others. It is not uncommon for people to gather and discuss the films at local establishments. Perhaps more importantly, each diverse group is exposed and learns more about the issues facing others. We hope this helps create a stronger more united community. We look forward to seeing you this year at the Spokane GLBT Film Festival, Friday, November 1st, Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd at the Riverpoint Campus of EWU. For more information, please go to http://www.spokanefilmfest.org/ or check us out at https://www.facebook.com/spokaneglbtfilmfest.
Skuff walked with shaking head through a sparsely furnished boxy white-walled apartment. Nothing said “newly single” louder than a slapdash job of paint-andprimer in one. Welcome to my new life. Well, he figured, if he was gay, he should have a guy over. Maybe that’s what you do. He knew exactly who to call. Stuttered: “Jasp, this’s Skuff.” Three and a half lifechanging words. Jasper’s dissolving heart mended on cue. “Man I’ve been thinking of you every day.” He flew through Spokane’s snow-strapped streets, practically on blood pressure alone, anxious to press up to his bulky HVAC fantasy.
Jasper Hardy was a sum of the parts kinda guy; a casual ogler might take him for a meth-head. Taller than Skuff, scrawny, not a lot of muscle, nose that jagged out like a cliff over a beach, wispy blond hair, a few teeth askew. Beautiful smile. Skuff liked how you could still see his face through his thin mustache and beard. Jasper’s Auto was a successful repair and body shop, so if nothing else, they could talk metal and motors all afternoon. Skuff was experimenting with the comfort of looking at another man’s face, studying him, being close to a guy without repercussion. With holding a man’s hand for the first time, just to see what it looked like, felt like, to bond emotionally and physically after waiting this long. “I couldn’t keep quiet about you anymore,” Skuff said, keeping quiet. “Gotta start livin’ the truth.” “Skuff, wow. I missed you so much,” Jasp said. “But married men are dangerous, at least for me.” One thing led to another, the smile you can’t help smiling, the kiss you can’t help kissing, the tongue moving from under the black ’stache to under the blond. Skuff fumbled his way around
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 79
Skuff was a curiosity at the house still, which he saw as a hub for all kinds of lonely people and cats, some of whom never seemed to leave. Rolie buzzed to the door to pull Skuff through it, greeting him with a wet hug. His firefly light went out at the scent of the emaciated blond mechanic behind him. “I brought a guy,” Skuff said. “Hope that’s OK.” “You work too fast,” said Rolie. “Way too Jasp like a running back clawing for a dropped fast.” football on a snowy Sunday afternoon. The scorched earth climax. The cigarette nobody “Not for a gay man,” said another of Miki’s dog smoked. The fear, then the regret; Skuff’s pound, approaching slowly behind him. Patrice, euphoria morphed into guilt for his lost dark-haired with a figure somewhat like the marriage… Rhonda never got this kind of Michelin Man—never did anything quickly, or passion from me. Jasp said what he always happily for that matter. “I’m Patrice, not that said: “You won’t tell no one, will ya?” you’ll take the time to notice,” she said. Then, declaimed a quick rundown of the crew, “Rolie’s Skuff moved slow. Wasn’t time to talk about gay, I’m bi, and Candle over there, we don’t anyone’s pain. “So I’m gonna like, uh, go see know what he or she is.” some lesbian wedding pictures tonight. It’s these two customers I have. They got so many “Well,” said Skuff, “this is Jasp.” people in the house they probably won’t notice if you come along.” “Wasp,” Rolie blew out. “Jealousy makes for a cold day.” “I just wanna be with you,” Jasp said. “Cheer up Patrice,” Miki encouraged. “I’d like to see what it looks like.” Miki and Lilly made good on their promise to “I’m from Idaho,” Patrice announced. “Wallace, help ease Skuff into his new life; what better way than to share wedding pictures as one of Washington’s first same-sex knot-tiers? “It’s hard to say we’re out of the mainstream when we’re legally married,” Lilly observed. “But maybe we still are.” “I’d still like to be,” said her wife. “Just on my own terms.”
80 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Idaho. I supposedly chose a bisexual lifestyle so I could be ostracized by the most people possible. But don’t worry, neither of you attract me.” She sat at a table as if expecting, for some reason, to be brought soup.
“He’s a mechanic,” Skuff explained. “A Navy Seal. He had a wife. He threatened to kill me if I told anyone. Then he broke my jaw. So, that’s why I look the way I do.”
Candle was as in the wind as Elton John could have hir. Ze was mostly dressed in brown with fringe, surrounded in New Age aphorisms as far as the third eye could see. “It’s a two spirit thing,” Patrice explained. “Both genders express themselves at the same time. Unlike me, whose interest in both genders has trapped me in a world with neither.” “Candle doesn’t talk much,” said Rolie. “I’m doing drag next week,” he randomized. “Skuff, you should come.” Skuff looked to Jasp who shook his eyes in fear.
Candle broke a long silence. “We are all a story. Even the cats.”
“Skuff, come. You wanna be gay, don’t you?” Rolie, out of control as usual, went on a tear. No insult in the name of self-improvement was off limits, as his foster moms watched in dismay. “You guys need to spruce up a bit. Get some pomade. Go to the gym. If you’re gonna immigrate you need to acclimate.”
A wedding album needs to be in a book, Miki believed, rather than on a computer. “We brought a bit of Hawaii to the winter of Spokane,” she smiled. She took out her book to bring them into the mainstream.
“I like him perfect this way,” Skuff said. Holding Jasp’s blond hand. Never held a man’s hand in front of everyone; the discomfort radiated farther than the heat he fixed the week before. “I blew a Seal once,” Jasp said remotely, to the cuckoo clock.
One Spokanite’s I was born and lived most of my life in Spokane. I served in the Navy and have lived in other areas, but I always seem to come back to the Inland Empire. I am sure I have made my last move; my partner and I are settling in nicely. Prior to entering my relationship, Spokane had been (and still is) a very lonely place to live. It is rare that anyone extends a hand to a new person or invites them into their clique. Spokane and the surrounding areas have changed little since I discovered I was gay in Jr. High School. It has a limited number of bars, a huge closeted community, and frayed “out” community. Many of the LGBT community raised here move away because they find it very hard to live “out” in the area comfortably. They run for the anonymity larger cities like Seattle or Portland provide. While selling real estate, I learned that the Spokane Metropolitan Area has the largest number of churches per capita—more than any other metro area of the same size this side of the Mississippi. The Universalist Unitarian Church, Westminster UCC, Unity Church, One Spokane, and what is left of the Gay Metro Church are supporters of the gay community. The majority of other churches are anti-gay and anti-same sex marriage and they are not afraid
to voice it. Many gay men and women living in the area wouldn’t dare to show up at a gay gathering, bar, or openly support anything gay for fear of repercussions from their church. Spokane is a “bedroom community” of the worst kind. Many in the community are sleeping around, but would rather not have a relationship or be “out.” Some of the locals in our community live in semi-open marriages with straight women for appearances sake and status in the community. I have met, chatted with, worked with, befriended, or dated numerous men that are in loveless marriages in order to fit in the community or are staying because of their kids. I know. I used to be one of them—years ago. While they will tell you they are happy, they admit to me that they are sick and tired of the charade, but have no idea how to get out intact without losing everything, alienating their children, etc. There is very little sense of community here, mainly because
82 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Perspective by Anonymous
of the reasons I’ve already covered and a few more. Money or financial status plays a large factor as well. There are a lot of haves and have nots. If you’re not making $40K or more a year here, most singles will not give you a second look. In addition, most gays in the area that are out, they are in cliques and are very leery of outsiders. I’ve found one of this area’s biggest problems arises when there is someone willing and open enough to put forth the effort and engage the community in events, they usually wind up doing most of the work to make it happen; no one else wants to offer support. Those who do these things generally do them until they burn out or simply give up. Inland Northwest Bears is the first gay group I’ve been involved with that is solid. While there are some singles, it is easy to see with this group that their first order of business
is “socialization and community support.” That is a commodity that is hard to come by. Yes, we have singles. Yes, they are on the prowl. But, the difference is that the bulk of our membership is mature and—for lack of a better way of putting it—play by the rules. They are simply happy and secure in their relationships and have no ulterior motives. It makes the group a comfortable ensemble and for that I am thankful. My partner and I are still new to the group, but we have thoroughly enjoyed each and every outing and all the folks we have met at them. We would like to attend more events, but our schedules (and the fact that we have a teenager at home) make it tough sometimes. But, we attend when we can. Readers might find “One Spokanite’s Perspective” an odd read, especially for a PRIDE issue. But, I guarantee that many readers will find the author’s observations on target. While alternate perspectives abound, it is rare that such information is allowed in polite society. The simple fact that Anonymous’ partner would be fired if his name were attached, this speaks to the reason this is an issue of Pride. Dean Ellerbusch Proud Times Editor
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 83
by Kurt Schmierer
Justin Sears Artist Bigger than Life
was born in Port Hueneme, California. He grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, attending public schools including the Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) at Gibbs High School, where he studied technical theater and costume design. He graduated with a Fine Arts degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 2012, where he majored in Illustration.
During college, he designed and created custom swimsuits which he sold with his brand JustinsWear.com. After graduation he moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he taught himself to paint. In April 2013, he had his first public show at an art gallery in Atlanta, Georgia which featured large-scale portraits on wood and remakes of classical Renaissance works. Justin’s dream is to exhibit in galleries around the world.
84 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 85
Have you taken art classes or have art degree? I have a degree in Fine Art (majoring in Drawing), but I have never taken a painting class in college. I began painting after graduation, thinking I could express more on such a large canvas as opposed to drawing. Do you only paint what moves you? Will you or have you done commissions? This might sound simple, but I paint what interests me. If I find something interesting on a person, I paint them in a way that I think lifts it out of portraiture art and turns it into something hip. I love exploring old artists and remaking their work with my style. I do take commissions. Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your art?
What started you wanting to paint? I started to paint after graduating college. I became inspired after seeing large contemporary paintings around New York and also from studying Renaissance art. I try to add a taste of my sense of humor in each painting.
I can’t tell you where I’ll be in five years. I had no idea I’d learn to paint. The future is a mystery, but I can tell you I’ll be painting away and pushing myself to try new things.
Why on wood? Has it always been on wood? I began painting on wood after walking through the lumber section. I paint on wood because each piece has a completely different look from the next. I consider the wood art too. What I have seen you paint is big to very large. Is there a reason for that? Have you ever done a mural? I have never done a mural. I paint large to make my art more noticeable. I’ve worked small for years, large art is much more of a challenge—which I am now in love with.
86 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
You can see Justin’s work on display at Inherent Design Lab in Atlanta until June 19, 2013. www.facebook.com/justinsearsart www.twitter.com/justinsears www.justinsears.com
By Shar Lichty The Peace & Justice Action League of Spokane (PJALS) was founded in 1975 based on principles of nonviolence. PJALS engages everyday people to build a just and nonviolent world through community organizing and grassroots leadership development for human rights, economic justice, and peace. We are a lightning rod for social justice values and action in conservative Eastern Washington. For nearly 40 years, we have consistently mobilized for human needs spending, spotlighted U.S. support for global violations of human rights, spoken out against war and occupation, supported worker rights, organized against the death penalty, and acted as an ally for racial justice and GLBT equality. Our multi-issue work stems from our analysis that violence goes beyond individual acts to include ideologies, systems, and structures that perpetuate oppression, exploitation, and privilege, and by our commitment to nonviolent collective action to shift power and create change. PJALS is a grassroots membership-based organization with nearly 2,000 supporters receiving action alerts, 550 donating member households across the region, and 100 active volunteers, including many GLBT and lowincome folks, middle-class families, youth, and retirees. We have recently increased youth participation in our organization. Our Steering Committee (board) members bring life experience as low-income, queer, veterans, women, and young activists. Member-led program committees plan and carry out campaigns.
88 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Some of PJALS recent accomplishments in community organizing for social justice include: • 2013: Winning a 70% Yes vote on Prop 1 for Police Accountability, a mark of our success in leading the police accountability coalition in persistently framing the debate and repeatedly mobilizing public demand for an end to police brutality and abuse of power. • 2012: Winning the freedom to marry in Washington through long-term organizing for full LGBT equality, voter education, volunteer recruitment, and increasing the visibility of people of color who are LGBT, as well as influential people of color allies. PJALS was one of the lead organizations in Spokane working in coalition to strengthen these efforts in Eastern Washington. • 2012: Helping end a big bank tax loophole that drained millions from Washington’s budget and caused cuts that disproportionately hurt low-income families and people of color. PJALS grassroots leadership development comes primarily from two separate opportunities: • In March, we held our 4th annual Peace and Economic Justice Action Conference, the largest leadership development and relationship weaving gathering in the Inland Northwest. This year brought together nearly 200 participants and
over 30 co-sponsors for dozens of skill-building workshops and energizing speakers who inspire grassroots activists to take action together on critical issues facing Eastern Washington. • In 2012, we re-launched our youth program and graduated our first cohort of nine skilled and passionate Young Activist Leaders, developing the leadership of progressive young activists. If you would like to learn more about PJALS or join us in our mission to build a just and nonviolent world, please visit our website at pjals.org. Our website provides information on the many issues we work on, meeting times, our
newsletter and blog, information on our Young Activist Leaders Program, and a link to sign up for email alerts. Pride has always been my favorite day in Spokane—a day I feel proud to live here and free to be myself. I love marching to the beat of the Drum Corps and watching everyone else enjoying their day while volunteering as one of the PJALS peace keepers. We will have a booth at the Rainbow Festival. Please take a moment to stop and say “hello.”
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 89
Coming Out For Help By Joe Reilly Ten years ago, I sat in my office and conducted an interview with a woman who was seeking financial assistance. We got to the routine part of the interview where I ask, “How many people live in your home?” She held her breath for a moment, looked down and then looked me in the eye. “Just me and my partner, ‘Susan’,” she said as she braced for whatever response I might have to her admission that she had a same-sex partner. Inside I was bouncing with joy to have met a strong person who would confide this to a stranger. She didn’t have to; she could have claimed ‘Susan’ was her roommate. I was also heartbroken that such a thing was a big deal, and that she had to get up the courage to announce it to me. I simply said, “Okay, great” and continued with the interview and got her some help. But I didn’t know, really, how to make her feel comfortable. Even as a queer person myself, I was so overwhelmed by the simple situation that I couldn’t think about
90 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
how to alleviate some of her obvious anxiety in coming out to me. It didn’t occur to me that I could come out to her. I regret that. Later I learned she was a leader in the local LGBTQ communities—someone who was “out” in most other areas of her life. It saddened me that someone as out as she was had anxiety about coming out in new circumstances. This coming out experience had compounded the humbling experience of going to a social services agency to ask for help. Now, ten years later, I still hear from folks in the LGBTQ communities who are hesitant about seeking help because, one more time, they’ll have to risk coming out, risk discrimination, and risk being rejected. This has to change. We have to learn and share to which agencies it is “safe” to come out. We have to teach all agencies,
progress on a journey towards integration of mind, body and spirit and use this to guide our actions in a compassionate and welcoming way that fosters community and understanding. For these reasons, Transitions’ 5 programs are open and accepting of all women and children including those who are gay, lesbian or transgender. I’d also like to comment that we have benefitted from diversity in our staff and participants. We truly believe that the more diverse our staff is, the more comfortable all women will be while accessing our services. We also experience a deepening or growing richness in the community of our programs when we honor this diversity.” friendly or not, how to appropriately respond when they learn their client is LGBTQ. I am starting to do this and I invite you to join me. Recently I sent notes out to a few agencies to find out more about how they deal with LGBTQ folks. My first letter was to Transitions, which operates the drop-in center The Women’s Hearth, transitional and residential housing, childcare, and the job-training program New Leaf Bakery. Mary Tracey, Transitions’ Development Director responded with the following: “We strive to treat all our participants with respect for human dignity and that includes an understanding of the inherent worth of each individual regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation or ethnicity. We believe each individual (including our staff) is a work in
This is a great start! Anytime a social services agency is able to make such a positive public statement about its LGBTQ participants (and staff), it bodes well for those who might be stressing about coming out to get help. In future issues of Proud Times, look for responses from the YWCA of Spokane, the Union Gospel Mission, and many more. If you have a story about an experience with a helping agency in the Spokane area (positive or negative) that you would like to share with me (for print or not), please contact me. Joe Reilly GettingBi@gmail.com 509-847-4717
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 91
EXECUTIVE EDITOR DEAN ELLERBUSCH Having lived most of his life in Southern California, Dean brings a fresh perspective to Spokane. One of the first things he sought out was a local “Gay Rag.” There was none to be found. Because of this, it’s been difficult to know what’s happening in the local Gay Community. In the past couple of years, Dean has had some success connecting with members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender sub-communities. He feels there’s a need for additional ways for this Community to communicate. This is why Proud Times is so important to him. Communication is key.
MANAGING EDITOR KURT LEROY SCHMEIRER Kurt has been painting off and on for 30 years. While in high school, Kurt catered to the tourists in Alaska by painting local scenery on gold pans for keepsakes of their visit to Alaska. After graduation Kurt moved to California and fell in love with photography, working in various labs and with well-known local photographers of the San Francisco bay area. Kurt stayed in the photography field when he moved back to Alaska where he used his artistic talents to explore the world of graphic design for sign companies, print shops, and later his own business as a graphic designer.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 93
COLUMNIST J’SON M. LEE J’son M. Lee, though born in Brooklyn, NY, is essentially a North Carolinian. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a degree in Speech Communication with a concentration in Performance Studies. Lee is the Owner and President of Sweet Georgia Press, a small publishing and editing firm located in Baltimore, MD. He is the author of Just Tryin’ To Be Loved, the “Friends or Lovers” short story series (“Best Friends”, “More Than Friends”, and “Can’t Be Friends”), “love One” (short story) and “One Family’s AIDS” (short story). Lee also co-authored the multiple award-winning book, How could my husband be GAY?, with Ondrea L. Davis. For more information about the author, please visit his website at http://www.jmccoylee.com/ or http://www.sweetgeorgiapress.com/.
COLUMNIST AL LOZANO Al was born, raised and attended school in Central Washington State and has enjoyed a rewarding career in video broadcasting all over the world for over 30 years (which also put him on-site during the life-altering aftermath on September 11, 2001). Al is involved in Spokane community social networks, participates and is planning community fundraisers for the LGBT community and local businesses through his community Bears Group and is also a prolific writer. Soon to celebrate his 23rd anniversary with his partner Rich, Al enjoys riding his mountain bike, walking, hiking and cooking from scratch as a major form of relaxation. In his spare time, he also enjoys discovering new areas around the beautiful Northwest.
94 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
COLUMNIST CYNDI BUSSELL Cyndi Bussell is a longtime writer, farmer and social media junkie. She lives in the forest with her hersband Sevan, two dogs, two cats and a flock of chickens. She is very active with Spokane Trans* People support and social group and also writes at candiussellcorner.blogspot.com
COLUMNIST ANDREW T. Andrew was born and raised in Spokane Valley and lives here to this day. He has always been good with animals and has always tried to have a pet. Growing up, he always had pet cats; but, their main purpose was to keep mice from getting into the house. He spent many a summer day out on the back side of Playfair (the old closed down horse track) and spent his time working with horses. In his youth, he didn’t have his own horses, but his friends and family did; he was never without a steed to take on a trail ride or show at a 4-H competition. In 1999 he became the superintendent at the Spokane Interstate Fair’s O-MokSee Department, overseeing this speed and agility based horse riding event. Over his 14 years of being in charge of that department, he added 25 events to the Spokane Interstate Fair Horse Department.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 95
JERRY RABUSHKA FICTIONAL SERIES AUTHOR Jerry Rabushka is a playwright, novelist, composer and musician. He has published many plays which are produced by schools and community theaters. For a long time he produced original plays in St. Louis, many of them “gay-themed”; plus, he provided a stage for touring LGBT artists. He has won several writing awards; recently he won a contest sponsored by “Saints and Sinners”, an LGBT writing festival in New Orleans. He’s written songs in all styles for his band and also has been part of a ragtime revival-bringing back a lot of rare tunes from that era in new arrangements. He is very excited about the opportunity to write for Proud Times. You can find his novel Star Bryan at http://www. rebelsatoripress.com/star-bryan-jerry-rabushka/ Hear his band, The Ragged Blade Band, at reverbnation.com/theraggedbladeband
Find a lot of his plays online at brookpub.com and hitplays.com
ADVICE COLUMNIST MISS AMAZON RIVER Miss Amazon is a proud member of the Spokane GLBTQAI community. She is a small business owner and a graduate of Gonzaga (BA –Public Administration), Gonzaga Law, UC-Davis (BS - viticulture/ enology) and Cornell University (MA – Hotel Management). She had served on many boards such as the ISCS Board of Directors, Leadership Spokane, INBA, Gay City, and the Seattle Gay Clinic (Board Chair 1990 – 2000). She looks forward to sharing her insight with the loyal readers of Proud Times. In addition to being over educated and underpaid she has made every mistake possible and recovered…most had first and last names...suffice to say, she substituted mencandy for self-esteem in her 20’s...and 30’s. She is a straight shooter (while only accused once and he was asking for it!) who will tell you where the bears shit in the woods and how to catch one of those sexy hairy beasts! Expect good advice mixed in with a fair
96 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
amount of humor…and remember...Miss Amazon loves YOU and all you do! Send your questions to amazon@missamazon.com
COLUMNIST BLAINE STUM Blaine is a native Spokanite and an out and proud gay man. He just recently finished his Undergrad studies; receiving a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Gonzaga University. He is currently on the board of OutSpokane, a local 501c3 that produces Pride. He’s a bit of a nerd, so you can expect wonky articles on a whole range of different topics from him. He loves food, pictures of cats, non-fiction history books and most genres of movies except romantic comedies.
COLUMNIST RICKI ZIPKIN Ricki originally hails from Southern California. She moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1989 and now resides in Spokane. As a mother of 5, Ricki had a part-time job as a wedding coordinator for a small church in Kent, Washington. She booked the weddings, ran the sound system, helped with photography, did the wedding rehearsals, and trained the guest ministers. In 1991, a same-sex couple walked into the church and asked Ricki for help planning their wedding. She spent 3 weeks trying to find a minister to agree to marry the couple. When no one came forward, Ricki became an ordained minister. She has performed close to 300 wedding ceremonies for both heterosexual and same-sex couples. She is hoping to bring her experience and love of weddings to couples living in the Spokane area.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 97
COLUMNIST TERRA PRICE was born in Spokane, but traveled all around the world before settling back here—buying a house in good ol’ West Central (nee Felony Flats). Perhaps this has helped her to put everything in perspective and realize that there is no such thing as normal. In her professional life, she has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University and recently earned a Masters of Science in Psychology from Walden University. She is a Certified Counselor in the state of Washington and has been working with at-risk youth since 2004. A longtime devoted advocate and member of LGBTQ community, she is excited to be able to serve further through her part-time private practice, Wisdom’s Journey Counseling, and has expanded her practice to include adults. In Terra’s personal life, she is a busy foster mom— having cared for children 0-18 since she was licensed in 2008 (hopefully adoption is next). She continues to enjoy travel, adventurous foods, and exploring all
Resources LGBT Non-profit Organizations Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane (ISCS) PO Box 65 Spokane WA 99210-0065 Website Facebook Page iscs@icehouse.net The ISCS is arguably the oldest organization of its kind in the Spokane Metropolitan Area,
98 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
forms of artistic expression. Terra recently performed a dramatic reading of an original essay in the show Listen to Your Mother at the Bing Crosby Theater.
providing for support and concern of issues of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning communities of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. A variety of shows, Drag Shows, Fundraisers, Outings, Camping Trips, Raffles and Auctions are used to promote this unity. Our goal is to seek out the needs and provide for those needs as humanely, efficiently and as readily as possible. We are registered in the State of Washington as a Non Profit Business Entity and have a Board of Directors in place, regulated by Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws as required. We refuse to discriminate on any basis and work toward our goal of providing services for as wide of a range of needs as we are able. To do this, we use funds set aside in special accounts, all raised voluntarily by our community, and all funds are issued as needed.
Inland Northwest Business Alliance (INBA) 9 S. Washington, Ste. 618 Spokane WA 99201 509/455-3699 Website inba@inbaspokane.org Interesting speakers every month. Great opportunity to network with other business people in the area. Meet new people in town and have fun. Bring a friend. The location of the event is rotating every two months. Please check the web site for this month’s location.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center (LGBT Center) 1522 N. Washington St., Ste. 102 Spokane WA 99201 509/489-1914 Website Facebook Page Local community resource center. Our Mission is to build a vibrant LGBTQ community through collaborative programs promoting education, advocacy and wellness.
OutSpokane PO Box 883 Spokane WA 99201-0883 509/720-7609 Website Facebook Page admin@outspokane.com
OutSpokane meetings are held every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at The LGBT Center (1522 N. Washington St., #102 from 7:15-9pm. OutSpokane™ a 501(c)(3) tax exempt volunteer organization, exists to fund, host and coordinate Spokane’s Pride Parade and Rainbow Festival, the largest celebration in Eastern Washington in support of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning people. Our familyoriented activities provide many educational opportunities and experiences that advance visibility, advocacy and empowerment of our diverse community of GLBTQ people, their families, friends and allies in the Inland Northwest, Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.
Odyssey Youth Center 1121 S. Perry St. Spokane WA 99202 509/325-3637 Website Facebook Page sevan@odysseyyouth.org Odyssey Youth Center works with at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth (LGBTQ) and their allies to provide a safe place, education, and advocacy. We promote positive growth and self-empowerment for our youth. Odyssey Youth Center has drop-in hours for youth on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm to 8:00pm, as well as Fridays from 3:30pm to 9:00pm
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 99
Pride Foundation PO Box 2194 Spokane, WA 99210 Farand Gunnels – Regional Development Organizer for Eastern Washington 509-481-0402 farand@pridefoundation.org Website: http://www.pridefoundation.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PrideFoundation Twitter https://www.twitter.com/pridefdn Pride Foundation provides grants and scholarships; inspires a culture of generosity that connects and strengthens Northwest organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality.
Spokane PFLAG PO Box 10292 Spokane WA 99209 509/593-0191 Website Facebook Page Support@SpokanePFLAG.org Membership meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm at Bethany Presbyterian Church (2607 S. Ray St., Spokane WA 99223). All are welcome. Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, the end discrimination and secure equal civil rights.
100 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
College Groups Central Washington University Diversity Education Center SURC Room 253 400 E. University Way Ellensburg WA 98926 509/963-1685 Website dec@cwu.edu Committed to creating an atmosphere on campus of acceptance, equality and inclusion for all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
EWU Pride Center 105 Showalter Hall Cheney WA 99004 509/359-7870 Website Facebook Page pride@ewu.edu We are here to support the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ally students, faculty and staff at Eastern Washington University.
Gonzaga University GLBT Resource Center Unity Multicultural Education Center 709 E. Desmet Spokane WA 99258 509/313-5847 Website Facebook lgbt@gonzaga.edu The LGBT Resource Center at Gonzaga University is inspired and guided by the university mission and values of faith, service, justice, leadership, and ethics. It aims to serve as a center for supporting community, networking, research, and education related to concerns shared by students, staff, and faculty of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Gonzaga University HERO Unity House 709 E. Desmet Spokane WA 99258 Website hero@zagmail.gonzaga.edu Social group for GLBT students.
Gonzaga University School of Law - OutLaws
that create campus dialogue on LGBT civil rights and legal advocacy.
North Idaho College Gay/ Straight Alliance Facebook Page theshort1@live.com Our mission is to promote a positive and supportive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, questioning and straight people as well as those who support them.
Spokane Community College ST:GLOBAL QSA Betsy Lawrence - Advisor 509/533-8103 BLawrence@scc.spokane.edu Facebook Page globalstqsa@gmail.com Commonly referred to as Global, stands for Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Action League, Straight and Transgendered: Queer-Straight Alliance. Global’s purpose is to promote awareness and provide resources and a safe place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, ally, transgender, transsexual, asexual, intersex, and nonheteronormative identified people.
Website Facebook Page mpaladin@lawschool.gonzaga.edu
Spokane Falls Community College - The Alliance
The GSA-Outlaws is devoted to promoting an inclusive law school community for LGBT students, faculty, and staff, as well as their allies. The organization fulfills this mission through many social, academic, and professional events
Barbara Williamson - Advisor 509-533-4507 Website Facebook Page GLBT and allies group to provide a safe space and to educate our community. June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 101
University Of Idaho GayStraight Alliance
inclusive and progressive institution by assisting, supporting, and mentoring women at Washington State University.
ASUI Office - Idaho Commons, Room 302 Moscow ID 83844 Website Facebook Page alliance@uidaho.edu
Washington State University GLBTA
Social support group for students.
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO LGBTQA OFFICE PO Box 441064 Moscow ID 83844 208/885-6583 Website lgbtoffice@uidaho.edu A safe and welcoming space for members of the university community to explore aspects of sexual orientation and gender issues in an open and non-judgmental atmosphere. They strive to promote full inclusion of LGBT persons and their allies at UI and to eliminate homophobia, heterosexism, and sexism on their campus.
Washington State University Women’s Resource Center Wilson Hall, Room 8 PO Box 644005 Pullman WA 99164-4005 509/335-6849 Website The Center works to promote a safe and supportive climate that enables women to engage as full and active participants within the university system. The Center helps transform the educational environment into a more
102 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
PO Box 647204 - CUB401 Pullman WA 99164 509/335-4311 Website glbta.aswsu@wsu.edu The mission of the Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center is to support education and advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and straight-allied students, staff, and faculty, as well as alumni/ae and members of the Palouse community.
Washington State University Gender Identity Expression And Sexual Orientation Resource Center PO Box 647204 Pullman WA 99163-7204 509/335-6388 hstanton@wsu.edu Support and resources for the GLBT WSU community.
Transgenderfriendly Resources Therapists LGBT Counseling 1522 N. Washington St., Suite 102 Spokane WA 99201 Facebook Diversity Counseling Services 509/474-9964 Website Kate Robbins 509/768-8543 katerobbins@comcast.net Juliann Haffey, LMHC, MA 509/385-0292 Website Zita Nickeson 1212 N. Washington St., Suite 104 Spokane WA 99201 509/868-3387 z_nickeson@yahoo.com Terra Price B.S C.C. 2502 W. Gardner Ave. Spokane WA 99201 509/263-2206 terra@wisdomsjourney.biz Website
Doctors/HRT Prescribers Dr. Andrea Chatburn Family Medicine Spokane 104 W. 5th Ave., Suite 200W Spokane WA 99204 509/624-2313 Website Dr. Cathcart Northside Internal Medicine 6120 N. Mayfair St., Suite 101 Spokane WA 99208 509/344-8328 Dr. Will Corell Integrative Medicine Associates 3424 S. Grand Blvd. Spokane WA 99203 509/838-5800
Urologist Robert J. Golden, MD 12615 E. Mission Ave. Spokane Valley WA 99216-1047 509/921-0099
GP/Gyno Care Dr. William Roth GP (pronounced “Rooth”) Roth Medical Center 220 E. Rowan, Suite 200 Spokane WA 99207 Office: 509/483-4403 Fax: 509/489-7556
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 103
Wendy Smith ARNP, MN GP/Gyno Full Circle Medical Clinic 508 W. 6th Ave., Suite 303 Spokane WA 99204 509/624-6500
Hair Removal Elain Cain Electrologist 18123 E. Appleway Ave. Green Acres WA 99016 Loisville Lazer 6011 N. Division St. Spokane WA 99208 509/482-0655 Dianne at Mirage Spa and Salon Electrologist 9421 N. Division St. Spokane WA 99218 509/325-5254 Inland Empire Dermatology 312 N. Mullan Rd. Spokane Valley WA 99206 509/921-7884
Hormones and Pharmacy Needs Tyler Treharne, Pharm. D. Strochecker’s Pharmacy 2855-A SW Patton Rd. Portland OR 97201 503/222-4822 treharne.tyler@gmail.com
104 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Surgeons Dr. Antonio Mangubat Breast Augmentation and Chest Reconstruction 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite 101 Tukwila WA 98188 206/575-0300 Dr. Tuan Nguyen Breast Augmentation and Chest Reconstruction; MtF SRS Lake Oswego Plastic Surgery 15820 Quarry Rd. Lake Oswego OR 97035 503/635-1955
Legal Assistance Transgender Law Center 415/865-0176 info@transgenderlawcenter.org Website
General Information How to change your gender marker on your drivers license: Website District Court name change petition and instructions: Website
Places of Worship Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane 4340 W. Fort Wright Drive Spokane WA 99224 509/325-6383 Website Worship services on Sunday at 9:15am and 11am.
Bethany Presbyterian Church 2607 S. Ray St. Spokane WA 99223 509/534-0066 Website Worship service on Sunday at 10:30am
Transgender Play Group We are pleased to announce the formation of a playgroup open to all gender nonconforming and transgender children up to the age of 13. It will provide children with a supportive and positive space where they can socialize with other children expressing comparable ranges of gender fluidity. It is especially designed to run concurrently with the parents group and conveniently allows parents the opportunity to meet while their children are having supervised fun in the same building. ALSO – parents of trans children of ANY age may attend this support group. Both groups are supervised by licensed mental health therapists. The playgroup has young adult mentors who also identify along the gender spectrum. There is no charge for either group. In order to keep our children safe and protect our families’ anonymity we do require a screening interview to establish eligibility for the groups. To arrange an interview or for more information please contact Marybeth Markham at transgendercare@live.com or 509/795-6437. You can also find more info at www.MarybethMarkham.com.
Open & Affirming Congregations Rainbow Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church 225 N. 2nd St. Yakima WA (Between Martin Luther King Blvd and Lincoln Ave) Pastor: Rev. Jane Emma Newall 509/457-6454 Website therevjane@juno.com Celebrating God’s Expansive Love in the Yakima Valley 6:30 PM Sundays
River of Life Metropolitan Community Church 2625 W. Bruneau Pl. Kennewick WA 99336 509/628-4047 Website Christian church celebrating diversity and affirming GLBT people. Sunday services at 11:30 a.m.
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 105
Website
Social and Support Groups
Unitarian Universalist Church
Bi-Social in Spokane
4340 W. Fort Wright Dr. Spokane WA 99224 509/325-6383 Website Facebook Page admin-asst@uuspokane.org
Facebook Page GettingBi@gmail.com
Seventh-day Adventist Kinship
We join together to create an inspiring and nourishing liberal religious home. In the wider world, we champion justice, diversity, and environmental stewardship.
Unity Church 2900 S. Bernard St. Spokane WA 99203 509/838-6518 Website Facebook Page terri@unityspokane.org
A social group of varied ages and interests gathered to chat, play, and plan .
Book Group - GLBT Meeting at The LGBT Center 1522 N. Washington St., #102 Spokane WA 99201 Website
Have a passion for books? Want to share your passion with others and make new friends, all the while exploring interesting titles and subjects? If so, then The Center’s Book Group is for you. The Group meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7pm at The Center. Always welcoming new folks to join and make new friends!!!
We are a community of love and acceptance dedicated to spiritual discovery.
Destinations
Westminster Congregation United Church
509/850-0150 Website Facebook Page Secretary@DestinationsOfSpokane.org
411 S. Washington St. Spokane WA 99204 509/624-1366 Facebook Page Founded in 1879, Westminster celebrates over 125 years of dedicated service to God and the people of Spokane.
106 Page | www.ProudTimes.com | June 2013
Destinations is an all-inclusive social group in the Inland Northwest encouraging interaction, mutual understanding and friendship between all sexual orientations and gender identities. We provide social settings and activities for people from diverse points of view to network, form bonds and create alliances.
Equality Spokane
Spokane Trans* People
509/723-2498 Facebook Page info@equalityspokane.org
509/489-1914 Website Facebook spokane.trans.ppl@gmail.com
Equality Spokane’s mission is to help motivate, inspire, encourage and bring Spokane’s lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people along with their families and friends together.
We intend to provide leadership and organization for the Spokane Transgender /Transsexual community. Assisting in the open exchange of information and offering mentor-ship to those who have recently come to terms with their gender identity
June 2013 | www.ProudTimes.com | Page 107