1538 July 16, 2014

July 16, 2014

Issue 1538

Primary for attorney general may raise the bar for humiliating Arizona OBSERVER STAFF PHOENIX -- Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne insists he’s a shoo-in to win the Aug. 26 GOP primary on his way to re-election.

Known as a political maneuverer, he could be correct.

“There’s no question I’ll win the primary,” he told The New York Times last week.

But on the way, he’s collected so many legal problems that the state’s top Republicans -- Gov. Jan Brewer, Sen. John McCain and Sen. Jeff Flake -- have all turned their backs on him.

Inside New York City’s Dyke March at 22, a photo essay

Last week, Brewer even endorsed his GOP primary opponent, Mark Brnovich, the state gaming director.

In the primary, “There is Horne and then there is anybody-but-Horne,” remarked former GOP state legislator Stan Barnes.

For the LGBT community, neither GOP candidate is likely to offer much.

Horne himself gained fame as a prime defender of Arizona’s “show your papers” anti-immigrant law, parts of which were later thrown out by the courts, and massacring the Tucson Unified School District’s Continued on page 10

August book sale planned by the Friends of the Pima County Public Library

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Supreme Court’s reversal could declare 20th century null and void if people don’t object Page 5

DOJ will urge U.S. Supreme Court to rule for marriage equality

What popular Vine star Nate Grier will do to keep the money flowing in Page 12

The power of positive imagery

TUCSON -- Friends of the Pima County Public Library is having a book sale August 16-17, 8 a.m. until noon, at the Book Barn on 2230 N. Country Club Rd., just south of Grant Rd. Check out thousands of great used books and DVDs at great prices.

Seniors (over 55) receive a 25 percent discount on Saturday. Gift certificates and memberships are available for the teacher or avid reader in your circle.

The Friends of the Pima County Public Library is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization which redistributes recently discarded library books and gently used donated books to provide funding for Tucson library projects.

For more information contact: Libby Stone at fpcpl@ qwestoffice.net or www. pimafriends.com or by calling 520-795-3763.

WeHeartIt.com tells us that in recent years, Americans have seen great progress in LGBTQ acceptance. Above is one of the inspirational images We Heart It has compiled from its users to help visualize acceptance and LGBTQ advocacy through positive and expressive images.

‘Heroic’ Archie shot saving gay friend

By Derrik J. Lang AP ENTERTAINMENT The famous freckle-faced comic book icon meets his demise in today’s installment of “Life with Archie” when he intervenes in an assassination attempt on Kevin Keller, Archie Comics’ first openly gay character. Archie Andrews’ death, which was first announced in April, marks the conclusion of the series that focuses on grown-up renditions of Andrews and his Riverdale pals.

“The way in which Archie dies is everything that you would expect of Archie,” said Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics publisher and co-CEO. “He dies heroically. He dies selflessly.

He dies in the manner that epitomizes not only the best of Riverdale but the best of all of us. It’s what Archie has come to represent over the past almost 75 years.”

Keller’s character first joined Veronica Lodge, Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones and Reggie Mantle in the Archie Comics spin-off “Veronica” in 2010. He later appeared in his own solo title. In “Life with Archie,” Keller is a married military veteran and newly elected senator who’s pushing for more gun control

Appeals court joins, fast-tracks Ind., Wis. samesex marriage cases

CHICAGO — A federal appeals court has combined Indiana and Wisconsin’s gay marriage cases and put them on the fast track.

in Riverdale after his husband was involved in a shooting.

“We wanted to do something that was impactful that would really resonate with the world and bring home just how important Archie is to everyone,” said Goldwater.

“That’s how we came up with the storyline of saving Kevin.

He could have saved Betty. He could have saved Veronica. We get that, but metaphorically, by saving Kevin, a new Riverdale is born.”

Who shot Archie?

Goldwater isn’t spoiling the killer, only teasing it’s a stalker who wanted to take Keller down.

Continuted on page 5

The move July 12 by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago comes a day after Wisconsin’s attorney general filed a notice of appeal of a federal judge’s ruling last month striking down that state’s ban on same-sex marriages.

Two weeks ago, the 7th Circuit put on hold a federal judge’s ruling in Indiana striking down that state’s gay marriage ban.

The lawsuit in Wisconsin was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of eight same-sex couples. The 7th Circuit previously ordered an expedited schedule in Indiana’s case.

The court Friday ordered briefs to be filed by Aug. 4.

Arguments will be scheduled by a separate court order.

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Court tells Utah to recognize more than 1,000 samesex marriages SALT LAKE CITY -- A three-judge panel ordered Utah to recognize the marriages of approximately 1,300 samesex couples on July 11.

In December District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby ruled the state’s same-sex marriage ban violated the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process.

After the ruling, for 17 days, samesex couples married in Utah. The ceremonies were halted when the state appealed to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The state refuses to recognize those ceremonies, while the federal government does.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTI rights organization, the judges who ruled also upheld Shelby’s ruling.

The 10 th Circuit’s decision was stayed and the state has until July 21 to appeal to the Supreme Court.

This past week Utah’s attorney general indicated he will file an appeal with the Supreme Court to challenge Shelby’s decision.

Attorney General Sean Reyes’ office said the move will provide “clarity and resolution.”

The Supreme Court could agree to hear the case, or it could decline. If it does not take the appeal, the original ruling stands and same-sex marriages in Utah must resume.

Actor-comic sues Wal-Mart over fatal truck crash Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan is suing Wal-Mart Stores Inc. over the June 7 traffic crash in which he was critically injured and a fellow comedian killed.

The complaint, filed in the federal district court for New Jersey, says WalMart “knew or should have known” that its truck driver had been awake for more than 24 hours and hence was not in compliance with federal trucker regulations.

The driver was charged last month with vehicular homicide and assault-byauto after he rear-ended the limo bus in which Morgan and his entourage were riding on the New Jersey Turnpike. He has pleaded not guilty.

Foot fetishist texting Phoenix Realtors, and not about homes

OBSERVER “He asked me do I like my feet rubbed,” Knight said. “That’s when I said, ‘This is getting strange here -- we’re not talking about houses anymore.”

According to a real estate forum on Facebook, “dozens” of Realtors have received messages from the man, believed to be named Anthony, over a period of months.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Tommy Thompson told KPHO there’s no crime in texting someone about a foot rub, as long as Anthony doesn’t get physical about it.

No Realtor contacted so far has actually met Anthony. Officially, anyway.

No statistics were available on any potential increase in applications for real estate licenses.

Singapore bans two books depicting same-sex couples SINGAPORE -- The conservative city-state of Singapore, where gay sex is illegal, has banned from libraries two children’s books that depict same-sex couples.

The move has provoked outrage, and petitions to put the books back have gotten thousands of signatures.

One of the books, And Tango Makes Three, features the real-life story of two gay male penguins from the New York Zoo, while the other, The White Swan Express, mentions a lesbian couple.

Singapore has seen a lot of protests recently over its gay-sex ban, and has since said that it will keep the law on the books to reflect societal values, but will not actively enforce it.

Robots learning to garden in space DENVER, Colorado – Scientists are working on programming robots to have green thumbs.

The Remotely Operated Gardening Rover will tend plants placed throughout any space station, taking care of menial tasks while astronauts focus on more important objectives.

Rover is part of the University of Colorado’s larger solution to NASA’s eXploration HABitat (X-Hab) Academic Innovation Challenge.

“We’re hoping to take advantage of what these and other students are developing and use it in future space missions,” Tracy Gill, NASA’s technology strategy manager at the Kennedy Space Center, explained in a press release. “This program is an opportunity to engage university teams in helping us develop new concepts.”

PHOENIX -- Guys just wanta have fun -- and maybe combine square feet with big feet, little feet, pretty feet . . . feet, don’t fail me now!

According to NASA, Rover is a small wheeled robot designed to wander a space station tending the needs of remotely monitored plants. It would also help the astronauts help themselves, delivering requested vegetables after gathering the ripest and most appropriate selections.

Phoenix-area Realtor Carolyn Knight told KPHO-TV that nothing prepared several female Realtors for this wannabe client.

The plants, part of the Remotely Operated Plant Production System, would be scattered throughout a station, placed wherever there is room for them.

WEEKLY

This concept earned the overall project its name: “Plants Anywhere: Plants Growing in Free Habitat Spaces.”

Spank-and-wank fitness class flexes its (pant) muscles SYDNEY, Australia -- If you’re the type who’d prefer boot camp to be kinky-boot camp, just pray that the Forced Fitness Fetish Boot Camp finds an Arizona franchisee.

Australians of certain preferences can now enroll in the unique fitness class with Mistress Anna, a dominatrix in the trendy, gentrifying Woolloomooloo area of Sydney.

You know how it is. A quick set on the rowing machine takes on a whole different flavor with nipple clamps and chains. Oh yes, you know -- don’t try to be coy.

Mistress Anna’s idea of reward and punishment seems pretty straightforward: “If they do a good job, they get a caning. If they do a bad job, they get a caning.”

Late arrivals are punished, if you can call it that, with a spanking.

Patrick Abboud from SBS TV’s “The Feed” joined a class that included a biker cross dresser, an IT professional in a diaper, and an engineer in bondage.

Until the TV show, two of the men had kept their fetishes a secret.

Abboud claimed he’d never seen anything quite like it.

Arizonans seeking sub-slave status are welcome to call the Observer office, but kindly remember that you aren’t the only wretch with an itch: The wait may be lengthy, but you will wait.

Woman lives life toting cardboard Bradley Cooper A 39-year-old New Jersey woman decided she didn’t want to live life without actor Bradley Cooper, so she drags him around everywhere she goes.

July 16, 2014 Well, of course not -- in the photos, Cooper is just standing (or lying) there like a cardboard cutout. What about all the times his head gets banged against walls or his gonads get whacked in a revolving door? Photos not available.

But it’s not as if Davies is completely loco -- she says she went to school with Cooper at Villanova University and they once did a play together.

So overall . . . well, no, she’s still a little nuts.

UN recognizes samesex marriage for staffers, yet key UN bodies undermine LGBTQ rights GENEVA -- Geneva-based rights group UN Watch welcomed United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon’s recognition of staffers’ same-sex marriages, but said the world body would only send a clear message on equal rights when its top human rights bodies “stop adopting anti-gay resolutions, and stop promoting those who kill, persecute and criminalize gays.”

“We urge the secretary-general to call out the UN Human Rights Council Continued on page 3

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A life-size cardboard cutout of Cooper, anyway.

Assistant Editor Christopher L. Pankratz

“While most of us don’t actually live our lives with movie stars, many of us wish we did,” Danielle Davies explained.

“Being a forward-thinking American, I have taken the bull by the horns, the cardboard cutout of Bradley Cooper by the shoulders, and just pretended that I do.

Phoenix Area Distribution T-Media Promotion

“If I want a life with Bradley Cooper, well, then . . . I’ll just make one up.”

She says her husband, Ed, is cool with the idea and a little bemused by it.

Her daughter “keeps referring to Bradley Cooper as Mark Wahlberg (we don’t know why).”

Her friend, photographer Kiesha Bond, often follows her around, so the Internet is full of photos showing Davies and cardboard Cooper in everyday situations.

She even includes a statement swearing that “Bradley Cooper was not harmed in the taking of these photos.”

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July 16, 2014

UN recognizes samesex marriage for staffers, yet key UN bodies undermine LGBTQ rights Continued from page 2 for its renewed spate of anti-gay measures,” said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, “as well as all influential UN bodies that are electing and empowering abusers.”

“In its latest June session, the UNHRC again refused, as it has done now for three years, to oppose violence against gays. Instead, on June 27, it launched yet another thinly veiled attack on gays by adopting a widely condemned resolution entitled “Protection of the Family” -- co-sponsored by abuser states such as Qatar and Mauritania, both on the list of 10 countries where homosexuality is punishable by death.”

Texan, 65, becomes unforeseen LGBT celeb over Sam spot

OBSERVER comedian who works part-time at the restaurant, was on duty at the register as the president came up to pay for more than $300 worth of takeout, The Austin Chronicle reported.

Webb slapped the counter and shouted, “Equal rights for gay people!”

Obama asked, “Are you gay?” and Webb replied, “Only when I have sex.”

Symphony conductor Lorin Maazel dies of effects of pneumonia CASTLETON, Va. -- Lorin Maazel, a former child prodigy who went on to hold the music directorships of several ensembles and companies around the world, died Sunday at his home in Castleton.

Among Maazel’s achievements, he had served as music director of the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Vienna State Opera.

He was known for his incisive and sometimes extreme interpretations.

AUSTIN, Texas -- A gay employee at Franklin Barbecue in Austin had “a lucky day to be the register girl” last week, as he not only got to wait on President Obama but got a fist bump in support of LGBT rights.

Daniel Rugg Webb, a musician and

Finding empowerment through soccer

“It was just a lucky day to be the register girl,” Webb added.

After his heartfelt February broadcast, defending pro football player Michael Sam for coming out, went viral and landed him guest spots on everything from Ellen to CNN Tonight, the Dallas sportscaster received nearly 5,000 emails from 27 countries, many of them prefaced with apologies.

Obama fist-bumps gay restaurant worker in Texas

OP-ED

Several onlookers photographed the fist bump and circulated the photo on Twitter.

He was 84 and had been rehearsing for the Castleton Festival, which takes place at his farm.

“We’re not all crazy out here,” Hansen quips about his fellow Texans.

“My politics may differ from what most of Texas is, but I do think many people who see themselves as open-minded have their own reverse discrimination. It’s not nearly as hurtful as people who are racist or homophobic, but assumptions were surely made: Since I’m older and from Texas, I must be this bigoted, hateful person.”

-- Out.com

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“That’s when he laughed and said, ‘Bump me,’ “ Webb told the Chronicle.

DALLAS -- Dale Hansen knows what it’s like to be stereotyped.

Viewers expressed guilt about being shocked by seeing a straight, white, 65-year-old Texan make the most poignant (and pointed) case for the man who would become the NFL’s first openly gay player.

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Jenny Lawhorn, a spokeswoman for Maazel, said the cause of death was complications of pneumonia.

U.S. military stages LGBT pride event on Afghanistan base CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- On the morning after the one-year anniversary of the defeat of the Defense of Marriage Act and on the eve of the 45th anniversary of New York’s Stonewall riots, about 50 service members representing all five branches of the U.S. military, along with members of the U.K. military and civilian contractors, gathered June 27 to recognize the Defense Department’s LGBT Pride Month at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

The department released an official memorandum May 31 announcing it would join the nation in celebrating LGBT Pride Month.

“The LGBT community has written a proud chapter in this fundamentally American story by reminding us that integrity and respect remain cornerstones of our military and civilian culture,” the memo read.

By Karen Anzoategui THE ADVOCATE I grew up loving futbol, watching men’s soccer on Univision, especially the Copa America games and the World Cup games featuring Argentina. This was my team since birth -- my mother is from Argentina and my father is from Paraguay. When I watched I wanted to be those guys, Maradona and Caniggia. I wanted the six-pack and the tight pectorals, not knowing how I would ever get them. I expressed my masculinity through the game, as a fan, but felt left out by the subtext during the competitions that defined who could and could not play.

Then a friend invited me to watch the Women’s World Cup final between USA and Japan at a local eatery. I felt 15 again, all giddy. This time, it was women I was gushing over and that was ok. I didn’t have to hide it. It wasn’t

the beer either. Damn it -- I wanted to be a good feminist fan and enjoy the women’s athletic skills. Soccer is soccer and there were hits and falls. But this game was different, I saw myself on the field. It was a revelation that brought me a step closer to the game I had always loved.

But it wasn’t enough; I wanted to actually play the sport. But could I find a supportive and loving futbol familia that would accept me as I am and welcome me into the field?

I thought I would give this a try during the LA Futbolistas weekly Sunday game. This LA group was supposed to be accepting, but I approached cautiously, because this would be the first time that I would be working with them to organize a game just for womyn, trans men and women and gender nonconforming players.

Continued on page 15

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OBSERVER

WEEKLY

July 16, 2014

HRC, other advocates Yes, you can blame regroup on ENDA it on the semen

By Paul Schindler GAY CITY NEWS

support the version of ENDA the Senate has approved.

In a stunning about-face, the Human Rights Campaign, the chief LGBT lobbying group pushing the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act on Capitol Hill, announced on July 9 that it would seek “a narrowed religious exemption” compared to the one contained in the version of the bill approved by the Senate last year. Since it is doubtful ENDA will get a vote in the Republican-led House this year, the bill’s rewriting will likely happen early next year, as the new Congress convenes.

“The morning after the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby ruling, we all woke up in a changed and intensified landscape of broad religious exemptions being used as an excuse to discriminate,” Rea Carey, NGLTF’s executive director, said in a written statement. “We are deeply concerned that ENDA’s broad exemption will be used as a similar license to discriminate across the country.”

Perhaps as significantly, HRC announced support for “a fully comprehensive LGBT civil rights bill.

A bill that, at long last, would bar discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in all core civil rights categories -- including housing, public accommodations, credit, education and, if ENDA fails to pass, in employment.”

Suggesting the group may embrace the longstanding demands of some activists that the community push for specifically amending the 1964 Civil Rights Act, HRC president Chad Griffin, in a statement simultaneously posted on the group’s blog and at Buzzfeed.com, said a comprehensive approach “is a visionary idea that Congresswoman Bella Abzug brought to Congress in 1974. Its time has come.”

HRC’s move comes a day after a wide array of leading LGBT groups pulled their support for ENDA in its current form and barely a week after the Supreme Court’s controversial decision in the Hobby Lobby-Affordable Health Care Act case. That ruling, on June 30, crystalized concerns on the left about religious exemptions in civil law.

HRC and the other advocacy groups undoubtedly timed their statements, as well, to put pressure on the Obama administration as it finalizes its executive order barring sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination by private sector contractors doing business with the federal government.

In separate statements on July 8, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a group of legal advocacy groups -- including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Transgender Law Center -- and Pride at Work, an LGBT affiliate of the AFL-CIO, all announced they would no longer

The five legal groups, in their statement, wrote, “Given the types of workplace discrimination we see increasingly against LGBT people, together with the calls for greater permission to discriminate on religious grounds that followed immediately upon the Supreme Court’s decision last week in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, it has become clear that the inclusion of this provision is no longer tenable.”

The objectionable language, the legal advocates said, “could provide religiously affiliated organizations -including hospitals, nursing homes, and universities -- a blank check to engage in workplace discrimination against LGBT people.” Since at least some antiLGBT discrimination -- that shown to be based on gender stereotyping -- has already been successfully challenged under the existing federal ban on sex discrimination, the advocacy groups maintained that enacting ENDA in its current form “actually might lessen nondiscrimination protections now provided for LGBT people by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and very likely would generate confusion rather than clarity in federal law.”

HRC’s Griffin did not mention the Hobby Lobby ruling, instead focusing on the opportunities the LGBT community has to achieve more than it could in the past: “In the year and a half since the current version of ENDA was introduced, we have significantly moved the needle on Congressional support for LGBT equality . . . [we] can’t ignore that somewhere in between the introduction of this version of ENDA and today, a revolution has happened in the fight for LGBT equality. We’re at one of those moments you read about in the history books, and it turns up everywhere you look.”

A new study out of Australia shows that semen protein enhances HIV infection rates.

By Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez HIV PLUS MAGAZINE Researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia have new insight on HIV’s spreading capability and why it is so hard to fight.

The study found that a peptide (a naturally occurring molecule) in semen creates a structure known as amyloid fibrils, which actually enhances the virus’s infection rate up to 10,000 times.

This in conjunction with the virus’s ability to turn infection-fighting proteins in human immune cells into an inviting host makes the disease difficult to combat.

However, researchers still don’t know why amyloid fibrils enhance the infection rate.

“Amyloid fibrils play an important role in a number of prominent diseases, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and others,” Dr. Ian Musgrave stated in a media release from the university.

“And it’s absolutely essential that we

understand how they work if we have any hope of developing new drugs to stop them.”

Researchers at the university have been studying these “semen-derived enhancers of viral infection.” During the studies, they found that even if the SEVI is broken apart, the pieces continue to be toxic to human cells. (Imagine the liquid metal, shape shifting T-1000 from “Terminator 2” here.)

“This suggests that you can’t just prevent one part of SEVI from aggregating and being toxic to cells,” Musgrave said in the media release.

“You need to shut the whole thing down or stop it from forming in the first place.”

Yet, epithelial cells fair better than other human cells. According to the study, healthy epithelial cells are resistant to the virus, proving to be a good barrier against HIV infection. Still the researchers say more research is needed to better understand the peptide and how to better combat it.

Faith-based organizations are pressuring the administration to incorporate broad religious exemptions into the Obama executive order, and now LGBT groups are signaling they are not ready to give up that battle.

Your face here

July 16, 2014

‘Heroic’ Archie shot saving gay friend

OBSERVER

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Supreme Court’s reversal could declare 20th century null and void if people don’t object

By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST I guess nobody else out there is old enough to remember 1990.

Nobody’s making a big deal of it, but that’s the year the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it could not “make the professed doctrines of religious belief superior to the law of the land.”

Well! It only took 24 years to send that ruling ass over teakettle, didn’t it? That’s 250 years of legal tradition sacrificed to politics.

Continued from page 1 Archie’s final moments are detailed in “Life with Archie” No. 36, while issue No. 37 will jump forward a year and focus on the Riverdale gang honoring the legacy of their red-haired pal, who first appeared in comics in 1941 and went on to become a colorful icon of wholesomeness. Other incarnations of Andrews will continue to live on in the Archie Comics series.

In recent years, deaths of highprofile comic book characters like Peter “Spider-Man” Parker and Steve “Captain America” Rogers have made headlines and garnered intense reaction from fans. Goldwater notes that Andrews’ passing isn’t just a publicity stunt but also a lesson about gun violence and a declaration of diversity in the new age of Archie Comics.

“Archie is not a superhero like all the rest of the comic book characters,” said Goldwater. “He’s human. He’s a person.

When you wound him, he bleeds. He knows that. If anything, I think his death is more impactful because of that. We hope by showing how something so violent can happen to Archie, that we can — in some way — learn from him.”

It hasn’t taken nearly that long for me to get tired of people whining, “Well, after all, they limited their ruling to those four types of contraception.”

Yes, o fount of knowledge! The lawsuit was about four types of contraception, so that is indeed what they ruled on.

But that was Monday. If you kept up with the details, you know that on Thursday they remanded some cases back to federal district courts with the suggestion to find a religious exemption for all 20 kinds of contraception available under Obamacare. (whining) “Well, they specifically said in their opinion that this religious exemption only applies to contraception, not race or anything else.”

Repeat: The case was about contraception, so yeah, that’s what they ruled on. You betcha.

Also post-Hobby Lobby, the five male Roman Catholics ruling the Supreme Court granted an injunction to Wheaton College supporting the idea that even filing the form to request a religious exemption is an unreasonable hardship.

What those five justices are saying is that a particular subset of religious beliefs is indeed “superior to the law of the land.”

Now that they said it, do you not realize that it involves the same particular subset that opposes any kind of equal treatment for the LGBT community -even the basic job protection that’s been before Congress for a decade or so?

When somebody asks for a religious exemption to bash gays and lesbians, do you think those five guys going to say, “Well, we know we gave Christian fundamentalists a religious exemption

on contraception, but we can’t find the same exemption for Christian fundamentalists on perverts?”

Do you honestly?

This is a king-sized loophole for employers to avoid simply saying “I don’t want to.” Because saying that would make them look like what they are and, you know, BenghaziSodom.

There are probably 100 denominations in the U.S. that view women as chattel. Will we not end up with a religious exemption allowing employers to pay women less or to treat women in whatever way their religion dictates? And of course, assuming we still recognize other religions, there are Muslims and their dress codes for women.

I understand that in Saudi Arabia, a woman who insists on working has to be escorted on the job by a male guardian.

Why not give that a try?

There are plenty of fundamentalist Christians who believe in separation of the races, so ... if you’re black, so sorry, but mere earthly law can’t protect you, either.

Justice Ruth Ginsburg in her dissent listed several obvious things that can logically (?) now be written out of employee health insurance: blood transfusions (Jehovah’s Witnesses); antidepressants (Scientologists); medications derived from pigs (that would be anesthesia, intravenous fluids, and pills coated with gelatin -- nothing important, of course, but all anathema to Jews, Muslims and Hindus); and

vaccinations (Christian Science and others).

LOL ... We’ve set the clock back to 1857 and we haven’t even gone through all the religious exemptions for fundamentalist Christians.

Then we can start on other religions, assuming they have any rights left.

Just don’t expect religious exemptions for progressive beliefs.

Those are outside the subset that has a stranglehold on political power right now.

U.S. courts have traditionally held that courts can’t define what constitutes a religious belief, so in practice it won’t even make a difference whether the belief is real: Religious belief is whatever the religious believer says it is.

That’s why it’s called “faith” -- it’s accepted on faith without concrete evidence.

I keep hearing jokes about “when the revolution comes.”

Well, listen up: The revolution is long since under way, boys and girls, and the majority side ain’t winning. Any issue that polls 60 to 75 percent or more support from the public is no longer even on the table in Congress.

Now it obviously won’t play at the Supreme Court, either.

I hope the court’s reversal woke somebody up. Otherwise, my golden years look more and more like a tin washtub.

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July 16, 2014

Quakers have ‘underground railroad’ to help gay Ugandans escape the country have formed an organization called the Friends New Underground Railroad to help smuggle gay people out of Uganda.

Working with 10 Ugandan “conductors,” the US-based group has funded passage out of the country for around 107 people.

The refugees travel in small groups, first making their way to safe houses in neighboring countries.

By Nick Duffy PINK NEWS A group of Quakers have formed an underground network to help gay Ugandans escape the country.

According to Buzzfeed, members of the religious group -- also known as the The Religious Society of Friends --

Spokepersons say at least 12 people have reached safer countries including South Africa and Sweden, while unconfirmed reports suggest as many as 30 have escaped to Europe.

The group’s organizer, who goes by the name Levi Coffin II, said, “We got into this because we were asked.

“They won’t contact the civil society organizations in Kampala. They don’t

think they’d be safe . . . They’re all saying they don’t trust those folks.

“Quakers have a long tradition of this kind of work . . . This is work that we were both literally and figuratively called to do.”

The group’s website states: “We are working with people who feel that the risk of staying there now -- with this worsened dangerous situation -- means they need to get out first and then work on the rest. We trust those we are assisting to know what they need.

“We are clear that our mission is to assist in the first step of getting LGBTQ people out of Uganda, and the limitations on what we and the ‘conductors’ who work with us are able to provide.

“We are figuring it out as we go, but our core group is seasoned grassroots organizers with many years

of experience as activists. We did not go into this work lightly and our Meeting didn’t either. We are only doing what we can.”

The Society of Friends has a longstanding reputation as a pro-gay church, and is one of just two churches in the UK that allow same-sex marriage.

However Scott Long of Human Rights Watch has warned the efforts could end up doing harm.

He said, “This is not the kind of stuff that well-meaning amateurs can do, and the money’s basically going to be wasted.

“I fully appreciate the good intentions here, but the organizers [should] be persuaded to subordinate their efforts to a recognized refugee NGO or to the security committee.”

DOJ will urge U.S. ‘Credence’ to put a gay Supreme Court to rule for twist on the science marriage equality fiction genre

Ever wondered what it might look like if a science fiction film presented LGBT people the way it should be done? “Credence” will be the first sci-fi of its kind to challenge the way gay characters are portrayed in film.

By Curtis M. Wong THE HUFFINGTON POST A new British film aims to break fresh ground by putting a gay twist on the popular science fiction genre.

By Trudy Ring THE ADVOCATE The Department of Justice is ready to intervene on behalf of marriage equality if the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear a case on the matter, says Attorney General Eric Holder.

Holder made the statement in an interview broadcast Monday morning on ABC’s “This Week With George Stephanopoulos.” His remarks come just days after Utah officials said they would ask the Supreme Court to settle the issue; Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage has already been struck down by U.S. district and appeals courts. The Supreme Court has not announced whether it will take the case.

If the high court hears this or a similar case from any other state, the Justice Department will file a brief with the court that “will be in support of same-sex marriage,” Holder said in the interview with ABC News’ Pierre Thomas. It would be “consistent with the actions that we have taken over the past couple of years,” Holder added, such as refusing to defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act, a key portion of which was invalidated by the Supreme Court last year.

However, in that decision, when the court ruled that DOMA’s ban on federal government recognition of same-sex marriages violates the U.S. Constitution, it did not say whether marriage is actually a constitutional right. And when the high court heard the case involving California’s Proposition 8, the question before it was whether the measure’s proponents had legal standing to defend it in court; in ruling that they did not, the Supreme Court let lower court rulings against Prop. 8 stand, but still did not establish a constitutional right to marriage.

Holder said he believes marriage is a constitutional right, and he thinks the Supreme Court will agree when it considers cases on state-level bans of same-sex unions. “I think a lot of these measures that ultimately will come before the court will not survive a heightened scrutiny examination,” he said.

Directed by Mike Buonaiuto, “Credence” follows two gay fathers’ decision to “give up all their possessions to ensure the survival of their daughter, and the entire human race” after violent storms on Earth make life on the planet unsustainable, according to press materials.

Buonaiuto, whose previous work

includes the viral “Homecoming” and “Invisible Parents” clips, says he wants to “show the world what it looks like when sci-fi supports equality.”

The movie, he noted in an email statement, “has a universal message that in any kind of tragedy, it’s important that couples come together and support one another.”

Buonaiuto and his team are spearheading an Indiegogo campaign in hopes of finishing the film for the big screen.

July 16, 2014

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Turnabout takes a few nore turns!

By Scott Blades Executive Director TIHAN Seventeen years ago at the legendary Tucson bar, The Stonewall Eagle on First Ave., a couple of employees of the bar decided they wanted to help raise funds to support the great work of TIHAN. They came up with a fun idea — to do a “turn-about” and have the customers work behind the bar while the staff get up on stage and to do a “turn-about” from male to female (or vice versa) and put on a show for the community. In return for doing drag, the customers would sponsor the bar staff and make donations to TIHAN in order to see them perform.

Tucson Weekly, Ahead of Style, Imagine Salon, Gadabout, Speedway Veterinary Hospital, Fascinations, Mr. Head’s, Ben’s Bells, Venture N, Centra Realty, NLAAD, Wingspan, Desert Voices, Fluxx Studio, Habitat for Humanity, Tucson Pride, Southern Arizona Pride, The Lostboys, Bowling groups, S u r l y Wench, Burlesque groups, Ishkashiita, Bears of the Old Pueblo, Alliance Fund, Salon De Nouveau, St. Francis in the Foothills UMC, El Rio SIA Clinic U A Petersen Clinics, COPE Community Services.

That first show was great fun, and it was a huge success, raising $2,000 for TIHAN’s programs and services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Who would YOU like to see in this year’s Turnabout for TIHAN benefit show?

The Turnabout for TIHAN show continued to grow and expand, and became one of the biggest events of the year when Tucson’s GLBT bars came together and showed their true colors and worked collaboratively to put on a great show.

Turnabout has now become one of the biggest drag shows of the year, and one of the biggest events in Tucson’s GLBT and HIV communities.

Over the past 17 years, Turnabout for TIHAN has raised over $210,000 for AIDS awareness and support services for people living with HIV. It has become the second-largest benefit to support TIHAN, and it’s a night that has become one of the most fun and creative evenings in our community.

Some fabulous performers have got their start at Turnabout, so it’s become a show where legends are born. Last year, Turnabout for TIHAN brought in a record crowd of 400 people, and raised over $17,000.

The event has changed just a little bit over the years. And this year, it’s changing some more!

First, save the date for Aug. 31, the traditional date of the show — the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend! It will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Reid Park (445 S. Alvernon Way). The doors open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 6 p.m.

We’re excited to be making some changes to the concept and format of Turnabout this year. We want to keep it fresh and evolving, so we’ve got some surprises in store for you: Participation: In the past, it’s been only LGBT bars and their staff participating in the show (plus two drag queen emcees, and an occasional

special guest performance by the state or city title-holder). This year, we decided to open up participation to non-bar businesses (for-profit and non-profit) and their staff. Additionally, we might invite some drag performers to create their own team. Each of the performances will be done by a team.

For example, it might be #TEAM LUCINDA or #TEAM REVEILLE or #TEAM DESERT DIAMOND. To keep the show to a perfect length, we will have only 10 performance numbers, plus an opening, a closing, and one performance from each emcee’s team. We’re also hoping to change the format of the room, and have a longer runway so that the performers can get “into” the audience and still be seen.

(We are still exploring with the hotel if they have enough staging for a runway.)

Performances: We want to increase the production value of the show, keeping the show moving and engaging and spectacular, so all performances in Turnabout this year will be “production numbers” instead of just solo performances. A production number means that each performance will have at least three people (perhaps a main performer and two backup dancers).

There will be a simple “application” process, where if a team wants to be included, you can pitch your idea and song to us, and we would then review and hopefully approve it. Each approved team will meet with one of our “coaches” who will help them flesh out their concept. Each team will be given a $100 stipend to spend only on some “special effect” that is unique to their performance (or if you want to save

TIHAN the expense, you can raise it yourself from sponsors).

Emcees/Hosts: We can’t tell you details about this, but this year’s emcees will be Tempest DuJour and Janee’ Starr, and they’ll wow you more than ever with some great surprises!

Theme: The theme for this year’s show will be “Tucson is Burning,” a takeoff on the 1991 “Paris is Burning” about the competitive “ball” culture in New York City night life (Google it, and rent the film if you can!) The film was one of the first references to “vogueing,” a dance style in which competing performers in the ball contest freeze and “pose” in glamorous positions (as if being photographed for the cover of Vogue).

Ambience: We’re working on adding a special cocktail party before the show, and drink specials for fireball whiskey!

Sponsors and Ticket Orders: How you can get tickets before we sell out.

We’re now accepting orders for event sponsorships ($500 and $250 level sponsors receive premium seating for 10 people), and for those purchasing tables of 10 ($150). Advance individual tickets will go on sale soon for $15 each.

And tickets at the door will cost $20 each (if available).

Here are a few businesses, nonprofit groups, and others who people have suggested we contact about putting together a team to perform in Turnabout: IBT’s, G3 Tucson, Gay fraternity, Reveille Men’s Chorus, Observer Weekly, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Tucson GLBT Chamber

For more information on how you can participate in the fun and be part of the Turnabout magic, contact me at scott@tihan.org or 299-6647.

Italian mayor proposes fine for public PDA between same-sex couples

By Ashley Curtin NATION OF CHANGE While the world has come so far in the campaign for homosexual rights, there are some politicians that are antigay. We can now include Gianluca Buonanno, the mayor of the municipality Borgosesia in the Province of Vercelli, Italy, on the list. This week, Buonanno proposed a new ordinance that would ban public display of affection between same-sex couples.

Buonanno said the act of same-sex people kissing was “morally harmful.”

The mayor is ready to sign the ordinance, which will fine people in violation of the ordinance, both residents and visitors alike, 500 Euros ($680) for any form of PDA. “In private, everyone does what he wants, not in public,” Buonanno said.

These statements made by the mayor have many homosexuals enraged saying the ordinance is “indecent to say the least.” Many are also appalled by his “blatant homophobia” since, throughout the town and region, there are many homosexuals who have supported him as a politician, according to La Repubblica.

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Walgreen’s gets billions in U.S. tax money, but no longer wants to chip in reached its limit. So why Switzerland for Walgreen’s at this point?

Not a tough question to answer.

Even House Republicans seem to have sickened at last, and they have approved a measure to deny federal contracts to companies that reincorporate in Bermuda or the Cayman Islands.

July 16, 2014

Primary for attorney general may raise the bar for humiliating Arizona

That only leaves Switzerland or Ireland among the world’s top corporate tax havens. Oh, and did I mention that Alliance Boots, the company Walgreen’s might merge with, already “inverted” itself to Switzerland from Great Britain for tax benefits?

By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST You’ve probably heard that the Walgreen company is considering an “inversion.”

That’s polite corporate-speak for “commit a huge scam” by merging with a foreign company to pretend it’s no longer a U.S. company, but expecting to continue collecting all the bennies that come with being a U.S. company.

In Walgreen’s case, the scam would be a whopper. The company wants to avoid $4 billion in U.S. taxes over the next five years by technically relocating its headquarters to Switzerland.

Now get that: The company wants to save less than a billion a year in taxes while continuing to collect $16.7 billion PER YEAR in tax money (as of 2013) from Medicare/Medicaid alone.

And that’s only the biggest bundle of U.S. tax money being swallowed up

by Walgreen’s.

Medicare/Medicaid was 23 percent (a quarter, for all intents and purposes) of the company’s revenue. Of course, it

expects to continue collecting that while it refuses to contribute to the kitty -- we have no law against a foreign company hogging up the Medicare feed trough.

This is not to mention that the state of Illinois reportedly gave Walgreen’s a 10-year, $46 million break in corporate income-tax credits along with a sevenfigure package of other subsidies.

It’s been well-publicized that the top U.S. corporate income-tax rate is higher than in most countries. It’s also been publicized that almost no corporation pays the top rate because of all the loopholes, whereas in, say, Germany the top rate is 7 or 8 percent lower but companies either pay it or they don’t do business there.

It hasn’t been so well-publicized that our rate used to be higher, but big corporations bullied Congress into lowering it. Then they went around to other countries that could be bullied and demanded that they lower their rates in order to be “competitive” with the U.S., where several corporations (General Electric, are you out there?) have reportedly paid little or nothing for years.

That race to the bottom has about

Aside from that House measure, there is a more common-sense proposal in Congress stating that for tax purposes a company remains American unless at least 50 percent of its stock passes to foreign ownership, management and control of the company leaves the U.S., and more than 75 percent of its employees or sales are outside the U.S. House Republicans aren’t expected to let that proposal fly . . . this time around. For the future, it all depends on public pressure, folks.

Think about it: If Walgreen’s shafts the American taxpayer and you continue to patronize one of its 8,200 stores, where does that put you the next time Congress says we have to cut Medicare/ Medicaid because there isn’t enough tax revenue to support it?

For years, Americans have acted like helpless 8-year-olds in the face of corporate looting and corruption of the democratic process.

It’s time we grew up.

Continued from page 1 popular ethnic studies curriculum.

Brnovich, while less well-known, retains a consultant with close ties to the Koch brothers, billionaire funders of all kinds of fright-wing political causes.

The bright spot for LGBTs could be the Democratic candidate, Felecia Rotellini, the former professional bodybuilder who came within 4 percentage points of trouncing Horne last time around.

Rotellini reports raising $1 million so far this year, compared to Brnovich’s $76,500 (Jan. 1 to May 31). Brnovich’s five-month total matches Rotellini’s reported haul for June alone.

Horne is relying mainly on his personal fortune, as he did by spending $500,000 of his own money on his first statewide race -- for state schools superintendent.

Brnovich says Horne is “quite frankly, an embarrassment to the state.”

Let corporations help pay for the roads they wear out -- not to mention maintenance on the society that makes them mega-rich.

Uh-oh! “An embarrassment”? Given Arizona voters, that could mean another four years of Tom Horne.

Remember to send in your wedding announcements and photos to info@observerweekly.com so we can print them here for all the world to see.

Donations accepted.

July 16, 2014

Page 11 OBSERVER WEEKLY Christian radio host Obama laughs at gay sex joke, doesn’t want thoughts of then bumps fists with gay jokester

gay sex with his burger SAN FRANCISCO -Christian talk radio host Bryan Fischer, a man who has made a career out of bashing gay people, says he is furious over Burger King’s decision to release a limited edition rainbowwrapped “Proud Whopper” during gay pride in San Francisco.

According to Towleroad: Speaking on Focal Point, Fischer said that the the American Family Association, the hate group which he runs, is thinking about issuing an “action alert” because if Pride burgers are not contained in San Francisco, “this kind of nonsense, then it’s going to be spreading across the entire fruited plain and you’re going to be going to your Burger King in Des Moines, Iowa and you’re going to have a rainbow color wrapper for your Whopper.”

Fischer said Burger King made a disastrous mistake with the “Proud Whopper” because people do not want to have to think of two men having sex when they sit down to eat a hamburger.

A viral video released by the fast food monarchy featured reactions of customers who bought the Proud Whopper, which comes in a rainbow wrapper that says “we are all the same inside” as they discovered that the burger was the same. One woman even burst into tears of joy at the sentiment.

It is unclear whether Proud Whoppers will ever be released outside of San Francisco Pride.

President Obama apparently enjoys a little bawdy humor with his barbecue, seen here sharing a chuckle with gay comedian Daniel Rugg Webb who hit the president’s funny bone with a reference to gay sex.

AUSTIN, Texas -- During a visit to Austin, President Obama stopped by to sample the famous cuisine at Franklin Barbeque but ended up sharing a PG-13 laugh about gay sex with the counterman who was rewarded with a presidential fist bump after cracking the funny.

Daniel Rugg Webb, a 32-year-old comedian-musician who also works as a cashier at the eatery, wasn’t about to miss an opportunity to nudge the leader of the free world to do even more for LGBT equality.

BuzzFeed reports the following exchange took place

between the two men on July 10: “Equal rights for gay people!” Webb exclaimed.

Obama reacted without missing a beat. “Are you gay?”

Taken aback by the directness of the question, Webb responded, “Only when I’m having sex!”

The president laughed, then, realizing there was a group of children near the two, said, “Not in front of the kids!”

The two men bumped fists and that was that.

“As a comedian, it was cool to have a moment where I was making a sitting president laugh — over something that might be considered inappropriate is a bonus,” Webb told BuzzFeed later.

He also mentioned that he’d hoped to get in a dig at Rick Perry, the state’s antigay governor who may run for president in 2016, but it didn’t pan out.

“I would like to see Rick Perry negatively influenced by any kind of attention,” he added. “Even Obama laughing at something as, hopefully, acceptable as sexuality can show the difference.”

Nixon in newly released secret recordings: Gays are ‘born that way’ Nixon: But the point is, look at that, once a society moves in that direction, the Vanity Fair has unearthed an intriguing audio recording of a secret taped conversation April 28, 1971 between President Richard Nixon and his national- vitality goes out of that society. Now, isn’t that right, Henry? security adviser Henry Kissinger and Chief of Staff Bob Haldeman about an anKissinger: Well — nual youth conference which include a startling discussion of homosexuality.

Nixon: Do you see any other change, anywhere where it doesn’t fit?

From Vanity Fair‘s transcript of the audio recording: Kissinger: That’s certainly been the case in antiquity. The Romans were notorious — Nixon: Let me say something before we get off the gay thing. I don’t want my views misunderstood. I am the most tolerant person on that of anybody in this Haldeman: The Greeks. shop. They have a problem. They’re born that way. You know that. That’s all. I Kissinger: — homosexuals . . . think they are. Anyway, my point is, though, when I say they’re born that way, the tendency is there. [But] my point is that Boy Scout leaders, YMCA leaders, and Nixon: The Greeks. And they had plenty of it . . . By God, I am not going to others bring them in that direction, and teachers. And if you look over the history have a situation where we pass along a law indicating, “Well, now, kids, just go out of societies, you will find, of course, that some of the highly intelligent people . . . and be gay.” They can do it. Just leave them alone. That’s a lifestyle I don’t want Oscar Wilde, Aristotle, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, were all homosexuals. Nero, to touch . . . of course, was, in a public way, with a boy in Rome.

Kissinger: It’s one thing for people to, you know, like some people we know, who would do it discreetly, but to make that a national policy . . .

Haldeman: There’s a whole bunch of Roman emperors . . .

Rambo is a gorgeous Maine coon cross with luxurious black hair and a mane like a lion! He’s five years old, and was a bit shy when he first came to us at the shelter; but he came out of his shell and often demands attention! He can be a little high-strung, and needs a family that will understand that. He has been known to scale our male staffers in order to get to their shoulders and play “parrot”!

Rambo

July 16, 2014 OBSERVER WEEKLY What Nate Grier will do to What iconic role will Sir Ian keep the money flowing McKellen be playing next?

Page 12

By Ross von Metzke OUT The actor tweeted that his next role is tackling a 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes.

“Over 70 actors have previously played Sherlock Holmes. Now he’s 93 years old and it’s my turn.”

Sir Ian McKellen surprised his fans on Twitter when he sent out that message along with this photo of him in costume to announce he’ll play the iconic detective alongside Laura Linney in a movie to be directed by Bill Condon. “A Slight Trick of the Mind,” adapted from the novel of the same name by Mitch Cullin, is due in theaters next year.

A description of the novel reads:

PINK NEWS A Vine star has kissed a male fan as an apology after he claimed that HIV was a “fag” disease.

16-year-old Nash Grier, who has 8.7 million followers on the site, came under fire for the April video earlier this week.

The video -- which has since been deleted -- starts with a clip from an HIV awareness campaign. The clip says, “Get tested for HIV. It’s not a gay thing.”

The video then cuts to Grier, who shouts, “Yes it is! FAG!” In a public apology on Twitter, he wrote, “I apologize for anything negative I’ve said towards gays and for that matter anyone. I was young, ignorant, stupid, and in a bad place.

“I’ve moved on and learned from

my mistakes and I am so truly sorry to anyone I have offended. I have nothing against anyone or anything that promotes equality. Sorry again.”

Grier has now posed for a picture kissing a male fan, likely as a reference to the row.

Posting the picture on Tumblr, the fan wrote, “To all the people complaining about Nash being a homophobic who’s against gays; He willingly kissed a boy just for a snap chat story on top of apologizing twice.”

With 8.7 million followers, Grier has more than celebrities such as Ariana Grande (2.4 million), Ellen DeGeneres (2 million) and Wiz Khalifa (1.7 million) as well as the official Vine account (1.4 million). The second most followed account, KingBach, only has 7.3 million followers.

“It is 1947, and the long-retired Sherlock Holmes, now 93, lives in a remote Sussex farmhouse with his housekeeper and her young son. He tends to his bees, writes in his journal, and grapples with the diminishing powers of his mind. But in the twilight of his life, as people continue to look to him for answers, Holmes revisits a case that may provide him with answers of his own to questions he didn’t even know he was asking — about life, about love, and about the limits of the mind’s ability to know. A novel of exceptional grace and literary sensitivity, “A Slight Trick of the Mind” is a brilliant imagining of our greatest fictional detective and a stunning inquiry into the mysteries of human connection.”

The actor has appeared in more than 100 films — including the “X-Men” and “Lord of the Rings” series — and he can currently be seen in the British sitcom “Vicious,” which premiered last month in the U.S. on PBS and is available on DVD. He and Sir Derek Jacobi play a gay couple who have been together for nearly 50 years.

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The Vegas strip’s newest gay club opens

By Neal Broverman OUT TRAVELER Liaison opened in late June at Bally’s, becoming the first gay club inside a Vegas Strip casino.

It seems fitting that Liaison, the only gay club located inside a Vegas strip casino, opened at Bally’s Resort and Casino, not far from Britney Spears’s Piece of Me show at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas. The 7,000 square foot club took the place of the Drai’s, a hetero nightclub that moved to the new Cromwell hotel and casino down the street. Liaison is open seven nights a week, and adds to the roster of gay clubs in Vegas that include Krave, Piranha, and Share.

We are constantly looking for caring and fun volunteers!

Please call TIHAN office for information of next Volunteer orientation 520-299-6647 ext. 204 or volunteercoordinator@tihan.org Contact Alicia Talerico, Office and Volunteer Coordinator

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OBSERVER WEEKLY As Clark Saw It

Monday 12-3 p.m.

4-5:30 p.m.

4:30-6:30 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

7-10 p.m.

7-8:30 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

6 p.m.

Tuesday 3-8 p.m.

4 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

Wednesday 3-8 p.m.

12-1 p.m.

3-4:30 p.m.

4:30-6 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

7:30p.m.

Thursday 3-8 p.m.

4-5:30 p.m.

5:30-6:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

7-10 p.m.

Friday 4 p.m.

SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources LGBTQA Support Group. LGBTQ Affairs Office, UA Student Union level four.

SAGA Desert Boyz for trans masculine folks 3rd Tuesdays SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources Pink Triangle AA Meeting, 439 N. Sixth Ave. Everyday.

Gender Spectrum support Group. UA Campus Health Service Building Room C312. $5 TMC Hospice LGBTQ Grief Support Group. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, Peppi’s House Chapel, 2715 N. Wyatt Drive. RSVP at: 520-324-2438.

Wednesday Night Christian Bible Study, Cornerstone Fellowship Social Hall, 2902 N. Geronimo Ave. Weekly Bears Coffee at Crave, 4530 E. Broadway Blvd.

Yoga at Fluxx $5 suggested donation.

Saturday 2:30-4:30p.m.

2nd Saturdays

Bears of the Old Pueblo Potluch 2nd Saturdays 520.444.2275 Transparents For parents of trans kids. RSVP SAGA to attend.

11a.m 2-5 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

Zoe’s World

By Zoe

SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources Support Group for Transgender Survivors of Sexual Trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club Queer People of Color & Two Spirit support group. African American Student Affairs MLK Center, 1322 E. 1st Street.

Write Now! a writer’s group open to all at Revolutionary Grounds 606 N. 4th Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd.

Weekly Meditation Classes in Central Tucson, cost: $10, Kadam Meditation Center Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. SAGA Desert Partnerz for cis-gendered 4th Thursday Triangle Tribe, Men’s Support Group. Call 520-398-6826

5:30-6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

10-12 p.m.

By Gary Clark

Mah Jongg Mondays Himmel Park Library. Ages 50+, 1035 N. Treat.

In Our Own Voices, Women’s therapy group for survivors of sexual trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club, 520.327.1171 Cancer Support Group for LGBT People, Arizona Cancer Center at UMCNorth, Rm 1127, 3838 N. Campbell Ave. 520.694.0347 Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd.

SAGA General for trans forlks and allies 1st Monday SAGA Desert Girlz for trans Femanine folks 2nd Monday Reveille Men’s Chorus Open Rehearsal, Rincon Congregational Church, 122 N. Craycroft Tucson Women’s Chorus rehearsal.Call for details: 520.743.0991 Desert Girlz meeting at Wingspan PFLAG en Español Meets the 1st Monday of each month at Fortin de las Flores: 243 W. 33rd St.

Wingspan’s Eon Youth Program New Youth Orientation Fridays at 4p.m.

Youth Center Open M-F Oasis LGBT Social Group. Email oasis.wingspan@gmail.com Bingo at MCC Every Friday call 207-9354 for info.

Sunday 9-11 a.m.

10-11.30 a.m.

July 16, 2014

Co-ed Softball, all abilities welcome. Oury Park, 600 W.St. Mary’s Advice For Life & Prayers for World Peace. Buddha’s teachings, Kadampa Meditation Center Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. LGBT Buddhist Meditation Group meets every Sunday at The Three Jewels, 314 E. 6th St. in Tucson. Meditation sessions with readings, recordings, and discussion. Welcoming to all.For information call Jim at 520-884-4218.

Zumba at Fluxx. $5 suggested donation.

Mamasitas! Men’s Sports club at Menlo Park The New Men’s Massage Group. June 15 @ 4p.m. Call Marc at 881-4582 to sign up. Or email bleu55@gmail.com in advance. It’s a great place to meet men. Safe, non-sexual but very sensual and a little erotic. Donation.

3-5p.m.

Men’s Social Network “H” Club open to entire LGBTQ community. This is a fun discussion, learning and participation group meeting for discussions on major words beginning with the letter “H.” Doesn’t meet the 1st Sunday of the month.

5:30 p.m.

Puertas Abiertas Latin/Hispanic LBGTQ/Ally support group meeting at Wingspan 430 E 7th St – every 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:30pm.

Classifieds

THEATRE PROPS WANTED:

Non-profit theatre needs props for upcomming production of Les Miserables. Rolling staircases, reproduction weapons, and miscellaneous props needed. Any donations appreciated. Willing to borrow and return.

Costumes also needed. madpropsdesigns@yahoo.com

VINTAGE/CHIC VANITY/ DESK

Fun upcycled antique vanity with five drawers and sassy eclectic knobs.

In shabby-chic but sturdy condition, recently repainted in periwinkle gray.

Ideal for TV stand or statement piece. $40 O.B.O. madpropsdesigns@yahoo.com

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Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

BRODIES TAVERN - Service Industry Night 7 p.m.- 2 a.m. $2.50 House Well, Long Islands, Margaritas on Tap, $3 16 oz. BudBud Light-Mic Ultra Cans, Fireball Shots.

IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9p.m. Taking Back Mondays hosted by Diva featuring *3-4-1 Well Vodkas (Regular, Grape & Cherry) 9 - Close. Karaoke Inside or Lounge on the Patio 9 p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open noon. Free pool noon-4 p.m. Free music, WiFi Noon-2 p.m.

BRODIES TAVERN - Two Buck Tuesday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $ 2 House Well, Fire Eater Shots, $2 Margaritas on Tap, $2 Long Islands IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9 p.m.; Taco Tuesdays. $1 Tacos. Drink Specials 9-Close: Mix-n-Match Mexican Beer Special, Tequila Specials (Patron $6, Milagro $4.50, Hornitos $4, Cuervo $3.50), Million$DJ Inside 9 p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open noon. Free pool noon- 4 p.m. Free music, WiFi noon- 2 p.m.

BRODIES TAVERN - Whiskey Wednesday 7-2 a.m. $3.25 Jack-Jim Beam-JamesonFireball-Makers Mark-Johnny Walker Red IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9 p.m., “Viva La Diva” Drag Show Hosted by Diva at 9.

“Whiskey Breath” Drink Special Every Wednesday 9-Close. $2 Well, $3 Call, $4 Select Top Shelf Whiskey and Scotch Blend Whiskies. Million$DJ Inside after the drag show. Party with DJ Import VENTURE-N - Open noon. Free pool noon-4 p.m. Free music, WiFi noon-2 a.m.

BRODIES TAVERN - Customer Appreciation 7-2 a.m. Two-for-One Well-Domestic Bottles, Margaritas on Tap House Kasiz Shots IBT’s - Therapy every Thursday. All Day *24-1 Drink Specials (excludes top shelf, wine & draft). Million$DJ Inside at 9 p.m., DJ Sid the Kid on the Patio 9 p.m. GoGo Boys @11 p.m.

LOOKS - 6 p.m. to Close, Happy Hour 6-8, $3 Southern Comforts, $5 Long Islands VENTURE-N - Open 10am. Free pool 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free music, WiFi from 10 a.m.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

BRODIES TAVERN - Get the Party Started Friday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Malibu Rum Black-House Long Islands-Pucker Vodka, Margaritas on tap-XX Pints IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9 p.m., Flawless Fridays featuring “Absolutely Flawless” Drag Show hosted by China Collins @ 9 p.m. DJ Import Inside after the show, Million$DJ on the Patio 9pm. GoGo Boys @11p.m.

LOOKS - 6 p.m. to Close, Karaoke 8-12, $3.50 Absolute Lemon Drops, $5 Jamesons VENTURE-N - Open 10 a.m. Free pool 10-4, Free music, WiFi 10 a.m.- 2 a.m.

BRODIES TAVERN - Back Pocket Sabado Latino 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Magaritas on tap-Corona Bottles, $3.25 Latin Beers-XX Micheladas, $1 Tequila Shots-Corona Ritas IBT’s - Happy Hour 12 - 9 p.m., Karaoke on the Patio 5 - 8 p.m., “Saturday Night Starlettes” drag show Hosted by Janee Starr 9pm, Million$DJ on the Patio 9 p.m., DJ Import Inside after the drag show.

LOOKS - 6 p.m. to Close, $3 Flaming Shots From Hell, $5 Bombay Saphires VENTURE-N - Open 10 a.m. Free pool 10.a.m. - 4 p.m. Free music

BRODIES TAVERN - Funday 7 p.m. - 2 p.m. $2.50 House Well, $3 House Long Islands, Tap Magaritas, $1 House Kasiz Shots, $1.75 Domestic Pints IBT’s - Happy Hour 12-9 p.m., Karaoke 4-8:30 p.m. “Cheap Ass Sunday’s” 9-Close feat. 2-4-1 Drinks and Bottle Beer (exclude top shelf, wine & draft), Karaoke Inside 9pm; DJ Sid the Kid on the patio 9 p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open noon. BBQ Burgers or Hot Dogs, Fries. Free Pool Noon-4 p.m.

Free Music, WiFi noon-2 a.m.

Monday

Finding empowerment through soccer Continued from page 3 The first time I played with the whole group, we circled up and one of the cisgendered guys set the rules of these games. “Futbolistas is a team that plays together in the most beautiful way. We play like we want to live in the world.

When I see you struggling with the ball, I will encourage you.

When you are gaining momentum, I will support you. And no side-tackling, so we can go on to play another day.” I couldn’t believe it -- here was a chance to both enjoy the push to score but at the same time play in a non-violent supportive way that was in line with the way I wanted to live my life.

At the same time, my heart pounding, I wanted to make sure the whole group felt comfortable before we started. “One more thing,” I added, “I don’t want to assume that all of us have the privilege to have our gender recognized by the rest of society, so when we introduce ourselves, please share your preferred gender pronoun, or pgp.”

The men looked at me, I heard one of them was semi pro from Honduras and it was his first time playing with us so I was more nervous.

“My name is Karen and my pgp is they/them.”

Did I just score a goal? Damn, I didn’t think it would be so difficult to state my identity in the futbol circle up.

“Esa! Golazo! VAMOS” Es verdad. Being visible is like scoring a goal in life.

It felt odd but thrilling when a month later the cis-gendered men took a step back and allowed me to organize a game just for the rest of us; cis-gendered mujeres, trans men and women, and gender non-conforming players. It was odd but thrilling as the cis-gendered men stepped back while we played our match, never side-coaching us, just cheering us on. I felt like I had wings.

My feet could not touch the ground so my soccer skills were not impressive that day. I was playing a sport, but it felt more powerful than that -- it was a game in which each person could be who they truly were on the field without shame and each player learned how be in solidarity with that. We chose and committed and struck that pass.

On the field with me were organizers for the Bus Rider’s Union, gender rights activists, artists and even progressive

lawyers. It was a social justice dream team.

These Futbolistas embraced me like I was a part of their family. I was not invisible to them. I soared thinking of the progressive international lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, undefined, intersex and asexual movements; President Obama’s achievements, gay marriage being legalized across the U.S. I played celebrating the female presidents in Brazil and Argentina.

Then I remembered femicides,

anti-abortion-laws, gender inequalities, the need for immigration reform, global violence against trans women of color, the murder of Treyvon Martin, the injustices in Brazil; the home of the 2014 World Cup. Futbol could almost make us forget our struggles, especially during this inclusive futbol game, but not quite.

At the end of the game, we circled up once more, arm in arm and reminded each other “the score is always 2-2 no matter how many goals are actually

scored or missed.” In this match, all of us would be winners.

I had seen myself through the worst and the best times on the field, facing my fears and loving the possibilities and taking big strides with confidence.

Viva la Mujer! Viva Futbol! Viva la comunidad transgenera! Viva los que no se conforman!

We are the soccer stars illuminating the present.

Page 16

OBSERVER WEEKLY

July 16, 2014

New York City’s Dyke March at 22, a photo essay

By Donna Aceto GAY CITY NEWS The 22nd New York City Dyke March stepped off from Bryant Park late in the afternoon on June 28, headed south to Washington Square Park.

The annual show of lesbian visibility, famously unpermitted even with police cooperation, included well-known activists from Edie Windsor, the successful plaintiff in last year’s challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act, to Eve Sicular, the drummer for Metropolitan Klezmer and Isle of Klezbos, who recently said she has always been called on for dyke events because everyone knows about her ability to make noise.

At Washington Square Park, Dyke March participants made their presence known, taking time to cool off and cuddle up.