1540 july 30, 2014

July 30, 2014

Issue 1540

State’s attorneys: Marriage ban has nothing to do with LGBTIs There has been no report on when the alliance will ask Arizona to ban marriages between elderly people, infertile people, or just heterosexual people who don’t want “relationships that would produce children.”

OBSERVER STAFF A legal team acting on behalf of the state of Arizona filed court papers July 23 in opposition to marriage equality,

Inside

saying the state’s ban on samesex marriage has nothing to do with LGBTI citizens. . . . Um, what?

As of yet, there’s no

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Coming to a sex partner near you: Syphilis?

Attorney General Tom Horne allowed the Scottsdalebased Alliance Defending Freedom to take the lead in defending Arizona’s 2008 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

The alliance, a right-wing Christian “legal ministry” antimarriage equality group, is otherwise known as the Alliance Defending Freedom Except for Anybody You’d Want To Hang Out With.

Continued on page 10

Lovers of pop culture from around the globe descended on the San Diego Convention Center in Southern California over the weekend for the annual geektastic celebration known as ComicCon International.

Take a look at page 16 for a few more photos of costumed fans compiled by The Advocate, who celebrated the event in style.

If you think Social Security ‘won’t be there for me,’ what do you think is going on now?

Wendell Hicks talks about Wingspan Gay, bisexual men see 135 percent increase in HIV infection

indication whether U.S. District Judge John Sedwick will order psychiatric examinations to determine whether the attorneys are mentally competent to conduct a trial.

The costumes of Comic-Con 2014

By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST

around them, I just want to puke.

I realize we live in an age that glorifies ignorance and we’re supposed to believe black is white if that’s what the pundits tell us, but sometimes when people refuse to look

Several of those nauseainducing points are related to Social Security. One of the most common is the whine that “I don’t expect Social Security Continued on page 15

Russians celebrate Pride in St. Petersburg Park, after authorities tell them to go to a landfill

By Liam Johnson GAY STAR NEWS

MIAMI -- A state trial court in Miami, July 25, issued a decision striking down Florida’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples and ordering MiamiDade County to allow samesex couples to marry. The court stayed the order pending appeal.

More than 150 people gathered to attend an LGBT pride event in a public park in Russia, despite being told by Russian authorities they should hold the event at a landfill site.

The event was held July 26 at the Field of Mars Park in St. Petersburg, a public park where federal law decrees such an event was allowed to be held.

Page 7 Recent court decisions regarding marriage bans Page 4

The pride rally was organized by gay rights group Ravnopraviye (Equality), even though they were banned from marching, because of Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law.

The group had previously Continued on page 3

Miami court rules in favor of marriage equality in Florida

An LGBT pride was held in the Field of Mars Park in St. Petersburg, despite authorities telling gay groups they should use a dumping ground to celebrate pride.

Every court to consider these federal constitutional claims since last summer’s U.S. Supreme Court decision has ruled in favor of the freedom to marry, including federal and state courts in Utah, Ohio, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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Obama reportedly planning to fulfill immigration pledge LOS ANGELES -- White House sources say President Obama is preparing to make good on his pledge to do what he can about immigration despite inaction by Congress, the Los Angeles Times reported last week.

The major option would allow parents of U.S. citizens to apply for temporary legal status that would allow them to work legally in the U.S. That could affect up to 5 million people, researchers estimate.

Another option, which would affect a smaller group, would allow temporary legal status for parents of young people already granted deportation deferrals.

A recent Public Religion Research Institute poll showed 79 percent of Americans support legalization of immigrants already here, with 62 percent favoring allowing a path to citizenship and another 17 percent favoring greencard status only.

That poll was released before the recent influx of Central American children at the Texas border.

An initial poll regarding that phenomenon showed 52 percent of Americans wanting those immigrants deported.

Mormon expulsion sparks resignation of 100 from church SALT LAKE CITY -- About 100 protesters gathered July 24 across from Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City for a mass resignation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The action was in response to the church’s ex-communication of prominent activists.

Kate Kelly, founder of a group called Ordain Women, was perhaps the bestknown among those expelled from the church.

Tamara Fox, a protester who said she submitted a letter of resignation, told Fox 13: “I’m particularly excited to be here today because the reason I initially stopped participating in the church is because of issues of gender and the way that women are treated in the church.”

Additional letters of resignation were collected online.

Florida man stabbed during gay hookup in cemetery TALLAHASSEE -- A Florida man was stabbed five times during sex, while hooking up with a man in a cemetery.

The incident took place on June 24, when the unnamed victim met up with 18-year-old Devante L. Johnson to have sex in his car in a Tallahassee cemetery.

The pair began engaging in sexual activity when, the victim claims, Johnson started stabbing him repeatedly because he “mentioned [his] ex-boyfriend.”

OBSERVER

WEEKLY

July 30, 2014

The victim kicked Johnson out the car and locked the doors, before driving off while Johnson attempted to get back in through a window.

She said that since butts usually remain hidden under clothing (speak for yourself, Esther!), they’re an easily neglected area.

The expression Putin-Huilo became a Ukrainian standard back in March when Ukrainian soccer fans yelled it during a game.

He escaped his alleged attacker by crashing the car through the cemetery fence, before flagging down nearby police officers.

“Combine this with desk jobs, tight underwear that causes friction and traps sweat against the skin, and tiny hair follicles which can become blocked, and you have the perfect recipe for a spotty bottom,” Fieldgrass said.

Phil Plait, an astronomer who writes for Salon, said he located the dickhead star and it appears to be similar to our sun.

He was left with three stab wounds in his chest as well as two wounds on his arms, and required surgery for a punctured lung and a lacerated liver.

According to WTXL, Johnson has been arrested and faces a charge of attempted murder for the stabbing.

Tucson earns impressive sustainability rating WASHINGTON, D.C. -- STAR Communities has awarded the City of Tucson a 4-STAR Community Rating for leadership in sustainability. Tucson is just the fifth city in the country to earn an impressive four out of five stars, reflecting a community-wide commitment to quality of life, prosperity, and equity.

“Tucson is focused on sustainability,” said Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. “The reduction in per capita water use, the participation in my 10,000 Trees Campaign, the enthusiasm for solar, rainwater harvesting, and multi-modal options -- all this and more reflects Tucsonans’ concern for the environment and quality of life. When a city receives an award, it’s the result of the collective efforts of staff and residents. I’m very proud of this recognition and I trust Tucsonans are, too.”

Tucson received a perfect score for six of the rating’s objectives: Community Water Systems, Water in the Environment, Natural Resource Protection, Outdoor Air Quality, Industrial Sector Resource Efficiency, and Business Retention and Development.

To view Tucson’s full report, go to: http://www.starcommunities.org/ communities/7-tucson-arizona.

$500 butt facial becomes 2014’s hot skin-care trend NEW YORK CITY -- With tens of thousands of nude or near-nude selfies being launched into eternity every week, it was bound to happen: This summer’s trendy skin-care idea is the butt facial.

The 40-minute treatment, which generally costs nearly $500, uses lasers, chemical peels and moisturizers to get rid of dark spots, cellulite and dimples while reportedly toning the skin.

At Dr. Matthew Schulman’s plastic surgery office in New York City, the procedure is known as the Tip Top Tush Treatment.

Amanda Sanzone, who performs the treatment, said it’s increasingly popular.

“With summer here and bikini season here, a lot of women and sometimes even men want to treat the skin on their butts.”

Esther Fieldgrass, who owns a spa in London, said the trend is catching on there.

The Observer staff is ever vigilant in the field of quality control. Inspections of butt-facial results can be secured for a nominal fee.

As for the Ukrainian astronomers, Plait wrote: “I think their star is safe. I’m not sure how far away it is, but if it is like the sun, it’s about 700 light years distant. That’s too far even for Putin to annex.”

McCain: Arizona’s botched execution amounted to torture PHOENIX -- U.S. Sen. John McCain, who endured years of torture as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, called the two-hour execution of a death row inmate in Arizona “torture.”

Joseph R. Wood III’s drawn-out lethal injection left him gasping for air, according to those on the scene last week.

“I believe in the death penalty for certain crimes, but that is not an acceptable way of carrying it out. And people who were responsible should be held responsible,” McCain told The Washington Post.

Gov. Jan Brewer expressed concern with the length of the execution, but said “justice was carried out.”

Phoenix band Fayuca collaborating on ‘Matador’ TV show PHOENIX -- Phoenix band Fayuca performs the opening and closing theme on “Matador,” a new TV series developed by widely acclaimed filmmaker Robert Rodriguez.

The show debuted July 15 on the new El Rey Network. The series portrays Antonio “Matador” Bravo, who works for a branch of the CIA while performing as a famous soccer star.

The theme song was inspired by a conversation between Gabo Fayuca, one of the band’s founders, and John Houlihan, music supervisor for the show.

It’s a dramatic departure from the band’s usual performances.

Astronomers name star ‘Putin-Huilo’ -Putin the dickhead KIEV, Ukraine -- A group of Ukrainian astronomers has named a star for Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, and in a way that probably doesn’t appeal to Putin’s galaxy-sized ego.

Exacting a little revenge for Putin’s aggressive behavior toward their homeland, the astronomers dubbed the star KIC 9696936 “Putin-Huilo,” roughly translated as Putin the dickhead.

This isn’t the same as those tabloid ads for companies that “sell” stars. The astronomers adopted the star through the Blue Dot Project of the White Dwarf Research Corp., which uses the donations to pay for research.

1830 E Broadway Blvd #124-215 Tucson, AZ 85719 www.observerweekly.com info@observerweekly.com Voice Mail 520-812-0909 Editor-In-Chief Bob Ellis Executive Editor Nicholas K. M. Pafford Senior Editor Greg Miller Assistant Editor Christine Beall Assistant Editor Christopher L. Pankratz Phoenix Area Distribution T-Media Promotion Send Classifieds, Inquiry Letters, etc to: info@observerweekly.com Publication of names or photos of any person or organization in the Observer Weekly is not to be construed as indication of the sexual orientation of such person, organization or advertisers or any employees thereof.

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July 30, 2014

COMMENTARY

OBSERVER

A quick game of connect the dots later and he has you outing someone

By Christopher L. Pankratz OBSERVER STAFF As a gay -- ahem -- LGBT newspaper, our readers always apply a gay lens to what we say in commentary and features. However, guest columnist R.D. Smith’s writing speaks to a larger context. Many of his commentaries on politics are not overtly gay-themed and would be at home in any news publication.

Perhaps because Smith mentioned the Observer readers in his piece titled “Primary for attorney general may raise the bar for humiliating Arizona” in the July 16 issue, an online reader made an assumption and added a gay angle to Smith’s writing. A quick game of connect the dots later and he has R.D. outing someone.

I just wanted to go on record as saying we appreciate all the comments we receive even if some of them are way out there.

Yury Gavrikov, the chairman of Ravnopraviye, said the suggestions made by the authorities are a “classic” example of their attitudes towards gays.

Despite this opposition, the pride event went on without any major incidents.

Lessons from filming a trans web series

“Brothers” director Emmett Lundberg explains how creating a show about trans people brings unique pressures to the casting process.

By Emmett Lundberg THE ADVOCATE

Continued from page 1

The landfill is described as a “twometer-deep, 10-meter-wide square pit”, covered in grass.

OP-ED

Saying someone is a good political choice for a specific demographic means that their values and record are consistent with the needs and concerns of that group. It does not mean that they are a member of said group. In fact if they aren’t card carrying groupies of that group, they may just be what we all need: a politician good for groups in which they do not sit.

Russians celebrate Pride in St. Petersburg Park, after authorities tell them to go to a landfill

The St. Petersburg Times reported authorities are obliged to suggest alternatives, and they mockingly suggested the village of Novosyolk, which is next to a cemetery, and a space near the Gulf of Finland, which is a landfill site.

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said that Swedish voters with type two diabetes and a foot fetish will be better served by Barack Obama and someone speculated that Smith was insinuating that Barack was secretly a toe-licking, crepe eating Scandinavian.

This would be like if Smith had

applied for a permit from city authorities to hold a pride march but were flatly refused.

WEEKLY

Queerussia.com reports the event was secured by police, and there were no violent outbursts or counter-groups protesting.

One protester brought a torn rainbow flag; it had been destroyed in a less peaceful gay pride rally before, to symbolize the suffering of LGBTIs in Russia.

Another speaker spoke about HIV and AIDS. A young man was removed from the scene because he was not LGBT and was handing out nationalistic leaflets.

In May, protesters braved being pelted with eggs to release rainbow balloons into the sky in another LGBT Pride event in St. Petersburg.

I have always been interested in human stories; both seeing and telling them. The ones that really tug at your insides and make you feel for the characters in an intense way, without being manipulative. As a filmmaker, I’ve seen firsthand that if you go with your gut, follow what you really want to do, people will respond. This is the conviction that first led me to create “Brothers,” a web series about four transgender men.

Now, in releasing the first episode, I’ve also been reminded that when you’re creating something, you just can’t be sure exactly what that response will be.

Even though the press has no such qualms, I often find myself hesitant to attach words like “groundbreaking” or “pioneering” to the series. To me, it’s still just a little project I needed to make. I simply set out to do what has most inspired me in other films: telling a larger-than-life story within a small, intimate setting.

One of my all-time favorite movies is Andrew Haigh’s “Weekend,” the story of two men who meet at a club and end up spending several days together.

It’s incredibly beautiful to watch, but the thing that is most striking for me is how genuine and true it feels. There is not a single moment where you don’t believe everything that is happening to

these characters, and react with them emotionally. You feel what they feel and you understand it, no matter who you are or what your sexual orientation might be.

When I set out to make “Brothers,” I drew on this feeling. I wanted to create something that felt very true to life, in a way that is neither positive nor negative, but simply the way things are: authentic.

One of my main strategies to achieve this was to cast actual trans men to play the trans characters. This approach felt like a no-brainer to me — even when it meant not hiring professional actors.

I not only wanted to give a chance to a group who is often overlooked, but I wanted the trans experience to be part of what each of them brought to their respective roles — which is an important distinction, given that each character is in a different stage in his transition, much like the actors themselves.

In this, I was aiming for a truth and visibility that I don’t think even I had realized has not yet been seen. I learned to stick to my guns and do what I felt was right, not what was easier. It also meant I was limited, in a sense, to the (fantastic) trans actors who originally stepped forward to read for the parts.

And soon, my small creation started gathering attention and press. I began to feel the weight of the responsibility for representing an entire community — even though that’s never what I set out to do. I wondered: Is this really something I Continued on page 12

July 30, 2014 OBSERVER WEEKLY Michele Bachmann: Gay Newspaper editor fights people want to legalize for job after ‘Gaystapo’ child molestation blog post

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laws, which means we will do away with statutory rape laws so that adults would be able to freely prey on little children sexually.

“That’s the deviance that we’re seeing embraced in our culture today.”

The comments were recorded by Right Wing Watch.

Michele Bachmann, famous for her homophobic views, has said that gay people want to sexually abuse children.

By Natassja Zielinski PINK NEWS During conservative radio show Faith & Liberty, Michele Bachmann, the Minnesota congresswoman said: “I think also they want to abolish age of consent

Earlier this week, Bachmann said “there’s a chance” she will run for president again in 2016.

In the past, Bachmann has made anti-gay comments such as claiming that American people are “bullied” by gay people.

The 2012 Republican U.S. presidential contender was accused of supporting gay-to-straight conversion therapy during her failed bid for the White House.

Recent court decisions regarding marriage bans

By Paul Schindler GAY CITY NEWS A July 18 ruling from the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals affirming a district court decision that struck down Oklahoma’s ban on same-sex marriage makes that state the second –– after Utah –– in which that circuit’s appeals court has held such restrictions on the freedom to marry are unconstitutional.

The 10th Circuit stayed its rulings in both states.

On July 17, a Monroe County judge in Key West struck down Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage. Little more than a week earlier, on July 9, an Adams County, Colorado, judge found that state’s marriage ban unconstitutional.

This year, states courts in three states –– Arkansas, in addition to Colorado and Florida –– struck down bans. In all three cases, appeals are underway and stays have been issued.

On July 23, a federal district court in Denver made Colorado an exceptional case, striking down the marriage ban there two weeks after a state court did so. Though that ruling has also been stayed, the county clerk in Boulder has for several weeks been issuing marriage licenses, citing the federal

A newspaper editor has filed a complaint with the EEOC after being fired for an antigay blog post on his personal site.

appellate decision finding that Utah’s marriage ban is unconstitutional issued by the 10th Circuit, where Colorado is located. Colorado’s attorney general, who prevailed on clerks in Adams County, Denver, and Pueblo to stop issuing licenses , has not yet succeeded in halting licenses from being issued in Boulder.

By Michelle Garcia THE ADVOCATE

In addition to Colorado, Utah, and Oklahoma, since the first of the year, federal district courts have issued marriage equality rulings in nine other states: Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Texas, and Idaho. All of those rulings have been stayed pending appeal.

Newton (Iowa) Daily News editor Bob Eschliman was fired May 5 for a blog post he wrote in late April regarding the Queen James Bible, which reinterprets the Christian Bible to have more LGBTpositive language, the Des Moines Register reports. He said the book was trying “to make their sinful nature right with God.”

Gay and lesbian couples enjoy marriage rights in the District of Columbia and 19 states –– including Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii.

In the 17 remaining states, lawsuits are underway in state and/ or federal court seeking the right to marry for same-sex couples.

A newspaper editor says he was discriminated against for his religious views, after he was fired for publishing a post on his personal blog criticizing “the LGBTQXYZ crowd and the Gaystapo” for altering the Bible.

Eschilman’s post was made known by media blogger Jim Romankeso, who then questioned Eschilman’s ability to fairly provide coverage of LGBT news and issues.

The former editor’s attorneys claim that Shaw Media firing him was a violation of his constitutional right to religious expression. He filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission this week.

Eschilman has worked for several

media companies, and has won nearly 70 journalism awards, seven of which came during his editorship of the Newton Daily News. In his message to the EEOC, he says he notified his employer of his blog, and they did not ask him to stop writing it or to censor his personal thoughts.

“Shaw Media directly discriminated against me because of my religious beliefs and my identity as an evangelical Christian who believes in Holy Scripture and the biblical view of marriage,” he wrote. “Moreover, Shaw Media announced that not only were they firing me based upon my religious beliefs, but that they would not hire or allow anyone to work at Shaw Media who holds religious beliefs similar to mine, which would include an automatic denial of any accommodation of those who share my sincerely held religious beliefs.”

In a May 6 editorial by Shaw Media President John Rung, he wrote, “Last week, he expressed an opinion in his personal blog that in no way reflects the opinion of the Newton Daily News or Shaw Media. While he is entitled to his opinion, his public airing of it compromised the reputation of this newspaper and his ability to lead it.”

July 30, 2014

OBSERVER

Nigeria: ‘Homosexual cross-dresser’ arrested after bombing kills 80

by that action? Could the innocent passers-by who died in the blast not have been arrested and paraded as the ‘suspected masterminds’ if they had survived the blast?”

“Clearly, the arrest of the pervert and his sickening description as a ‘suspected mastermind’ have kickstarted the process of muddling the waters, as is usually the case with such high-profile cases.”

By Ashley Chhibber PINK NEWS Nigerian authorities who arrested a “homosexual cross-dresser” as the “mastermind” behind a failed assassination attempt, which killed 80 bystanders, have been accused of using the suspect as a convenient LGBT scapegoat.

It was reported on July 23 that a suicide bomber had driven into a military convoy, targeting retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari, a former Head of State and current opposition figure.

Although Mr Buhari was unharmed, three of his aides were injured and reportedly over 80 bystanders were killed by the explosion.

The Nigerian military announced on Friday that, immediately after the explosion, troops apprehended “a young man . . . disguised as a woman, clad in female garb,” who had been attacked by crowds at the scene. The reliability of the suspect’s subsequent confession has been called into question, following accusations that it may have been exacted using beatings and torture.

Osun Defender, a Nigerian news website which described the arrest of “a clearly homosexual man dressed as a woman,” claimed it was “most obvious . . . that the homosexual crossdresser suspect arrested likely had no connection to the Buhari bombing.”

The All Progressives Congress, a coalition of opposition parties in Nigeria, has since issued a statement calling for an “urgent international inquiry into the attack” and suggesting that the suspect was merely a convenient LGBT scapegoat.

The statement reads: “Could the person who drove the vehicle that was rammed into the General’s convoy have survived the explosion that was triggered

It is not clear from the Nigerian sources whether the suspect is a cisgender gay man or a transgender woman.

Page 5 WEEKLY Court rules that John Travolta ‘can’t stop’ alleged gay lover’s legal action LOS ANGELES -- A court has ruled that a pilot who claims he had a gay affair with John Travolta can’t be stopped from pursuing legal action for his right to speak about his claims.

him from doing so.

California appeals court Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert ruled that Travolta can no longer prevent Gotterba from making his case.

Travolta’s lawyers had attempted to stop Douglas Gotterba from doing so, claiming he had signed a confidentiality clause that would prevent him from doing so.They allege that when the former pilot was dismissed from Alto (Travolta’s aircraft company) in 1991, he signed a contract which would prevent him from revealing personal information about his employer, while Gotterba claims he signed nothing that would stop

The judge ruled in Gotterba’s favor, claiming the lawsuit was based on “the validity of the asserted termination agreements,” and that it could not be stopped from going ahead.

This means that Gotterba will be allowed to make his case in court, arguing that he has the right to speak about his alleged relationship with the 60-year-old Pulp Fiction star.

Alaska Supreme Court rules same-sex couples have access to survivor benefits

By James Withers GAY STAR NEWS

Alaska’s Supreme Court ruled 25 July that same-sex partners should have access to survivor benefits.

The ruling stems from the 2011 workplace murder of Kerry Fadely.

She was employed by Anchorage’s Millennium Hotel when shot and killed by a disgruntled former employee.

According to Lambda Legal, “the U.S. state’s workers compensation law requires employers to provide survivor benefits, which are generally paid by insurance companies, to the surviving spouse of a person who dies from a work-related injury.”

Fadely and Harris were a couple for more than 10 years. They would have married, except for the state’s ban on marriage equality.

In 2012, Harris filed a claim with Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board.

In 2013, the claim was denied. Lambda Legal lawyers filed an appeal with the state’s highest court last year.

“In short, denying same-sex couples access to death benefits under the workers” compensation statute does not bear a fair and substantial relationship . . . ,” the court wrote in its opinion.

“This is a wonderful ruling for same-

In 2011, Deborah Harris’ partner, Kerry Fadely, was shot and killed by a disgruntled former workplace colleague.

sex couples in Alaska who have built lives and raised families together but were at risk because they were barred access to a critical safety net created specifically to catch families at moments of crisis,” Peter Renn, Lambda Legal staff attorney, said in a statement.

“Like the avalanche of decisions we’re seeing from every corner of this country, the court recognized that loving, committed same-sex couples

should have equal access to the law’s protection,” Renn continued.

This is the second time in recent months the western state’s highest court ruled in favor of LGBT families and couples. In April the Supreme Court ruled the state can no longer discriminate against same-sex families by not allowing access to property tax exemptions reserved for senior citizens and disabled veterans.

Your face here

OBSERVER

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Gay, bisexual men see 135 percent increase in HIV infection

WEEKLY

Help Copenhagen celebrate 25 years of equal marriage Twenty-five years ago, the first same-sex relationship in the world was legally recognized thanks to the Danish registered partnership law. The legislation was the first of its kind and an inspiration for same-sex marriages, partnerships, civil unions, and family laws in countries all over the world.

On the occasion of the Silver Anniversary, an exhibition: “Equal Love Silver Anniversary, Copenhagen 19892014,” will be held in September and October at Copenhagen City Hall, where

While overall HIV infection rates have decreased nationwide, young gay men are seeing a frightening uptick in new infections, according to the CDC.

By Sunnivie Brydum HIVPLUS MAGAZINE New HIV infections among gay and bisexual men between the ages of 13 and 24 increased by a staggering 132.5 percent between 2001 and 2011, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But the annual diagnosis rate for the general American population dropped by a third over the same time period, according to research culled from CDC data and published today in The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Although 500,000 new cases of HIV were diagnosed over the decadelong study, the annual rate of diagnoses decreased from 24 out of every 100,000 people to 16 out of every 100,000 people, marking a decrease in annual rate of diagnosis by 33 percent, according to WebMD’s HealthDay News.

Advances in screening and prevention efforts have prompted the overall decrease in new infections, according to the report, as annual diagnosis rates dropped for heterosexual men by about one-quarter, among women by about half, and among intravenous drug users by nearly 70 percent.

But those messages and prevention efforts seem to be missing the youngest generation, which is also less likely to be tested regularly, according to the report. Between 2001 and 2011, newly diagnosed cases among young gay and bisexual men rose from about 3,000 to roughly 7,000, according to WebMD. Although the study did not report

the mode of infection for these young men, researchers suggest the numbers indicate that many in the group are having condomless sex. And while the World Health Organization and the federal government recently suggested all gay men and other high-risk groups use pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, the treatment, which involves HIVnegative individuals using antiretroviral medications, is controversial; as some say it encourages higher-risk behavior, like having sex without condoms.

“There’s a new generation that comes up and many don’t have firsthand experience with the devastation we saw in the earlier years,” lead study author Amy Lansky, the CDC’s deputy director for surveillance, epidemiology and laboratory science in the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention in Atlanta told Bloomberg Businessweek.

“It’s been more than 30 years since the first cases were reported,” Lansky told HealthDay News. “It’s harder to maintain that sense of urgency.”

Lansky also noted that gay and bisexual men have a higher prevalence of HIV, putting them at “greater risk of being exposed with each sexual encounter.” Greater rates of substance abuse and lack of access to health care play a role in the increasing rates among young men, as well, Lansky said.

Thanks to an increase in data collection nationwide, this study was the first to look at HIV incidence rates in people age 13 and older in all 50 states, and Washington, D.C., over a 10-year period. And while the overall annual diagnosis rate decreased by 33 percent, the report notes that an estimated 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV — and roughly 16 percent of those individuals don’t know they’re infected.

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July 30, 2014

Right and below, couples send wedding photos to #equallove25 to help celebrate Denmark’s same-sex marriage Silver Anniversary.

the first couple said yes to each other 25 years ago. In connection with the exhibition, LGBT Denmark, the national Danish LGBT organization, will be collecting wedding pictures and family photos from all over the world. Send them by uploading to Twitter and using the hashtag #equallove25, or send via email to equallove@lgbt.dk. You can read more about the Equal Love – Silver Anniversary celebrations at www.lgbt. dk/equallove25.

--Out Travler

July 30, 2014

Community Voices

OBSERVER

WEEKLY

Page 7

Coming to a sex partner near you: Syphilis?

By Scott Blades Executive Director TIHAN

RM: Syphilis creates openings through the skin that allow for other infections to enter the body and thus offers an entry point for other infections, including HIV.

The Pima County Health Department is reporting an increase in syphilis cases in Pima County among men who have sex with men.

I contacted Richard May, RN, Clinical Nurse Supervisor of STD/Family Planning Services for the Pima County Health Department, and asked him to help us better understand the increase in syphilis — what we should know and how we can help prevent it.

SB: As people who want to keep our community healthy, what can we do to help address this increase in syphilis rates in Pima County?

Scott Blades: Richard, what’s going on with this increase in syphilis cases?

Richard May: The Pima County Health Department’s Theresa Lee Clinic began to see a steady rise in the number of infectious syphilis cases reporting to the health department mid- to late- spring of this year. There were only 53 reported infectious cases of syphilis for the whole year of 2013.

Within the last 3 months of 2014, Pima County numbers increased 75% for new infectious syphilis cases in just over 6 months. The numbers have continued to increase, with the majority being males who report their sex partners as male. Many have indicated social media as their primary means of partner selection. So we’re trying to raise awareness in the community.

SB: Is this just happening in Pima County, or is this a trend being seen statewide, or nationwide?

RM: The increase in syphilis is not just in Pima County but across the United States and abroad. A number of articles and reports from reputable sources and GLBTQ media are documenting this trend.

SB: What are the symptoms of syphilis?

RM: Syphilis can start with a painless sore that lasts for a few weeks and then disappears. Within a month or two a body rash may appear on the chest and back, palms of both hands, bottoms of both feet, and potentially in the genital region. May times, there are no visible symptoms at all. Testing is the only way to know for certain.

SB: If someone thinks they may have been exposed to syphilis, what should they do?

RM: The best way to know your syphilis status is to have a syphilis blood

test at least annually, or more frequently if there are concerns about exposure.

STD testing annually is important for all who are sexually active.

SB: What is involved with the test for syphilis? Is it just a blood test? How long does it take to get results? How much does it cost? Do we need an appointment to get a test at T Lee or can we just walk in and be seen? What are the testing hours/phone numbers/ address?

RM: Our walk-in clinics are conveniently located and are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. No appointment necessary. Screening is done by performing a blood draw from the arm and requires only one small tube. Test results take seven business days and clients can call for results or return to clinic for a hard copy if they wish. Privacy and confidentiality are assured! (Please see the side bar for clinic addresses.)

SB: How is syphilis treated?

RM: Syphilis is effectively treated and cured with a special type of penicillin prescribed by a medical provider. If allergic to penicillin, a different oral antibiotic is used. Untreated syphilis can cause many health complications up to and including irreversible organ damage.

SB: How can we minimize the possibility of exposure to syphilis, especially since we cannot know with certainty the status of our partner(s).

RM: Routine testing for STDs is important and using protective barriers with sex partners. Assume that all partners are potentially infectious and use a protective barrier method. STD transmission can often occur without signs or symptoms present.

SB: Can syphilis be transmitted by oral sex – giving/receiving? Anal sex -- topping, bottoming? As with HIV, will a condom prevent it or minimize the possibility of exposure?

RM: Transmission of syphilis can occur when coming in contact with an infected partner. Your partner could have a painless lesion hidden inside the mouth, on or around the genitals, or anal area. Bare skin-to-skin contact is the mode of transmission, therefore condoms or other protective barriers used throughout intimate contact is the best way to help minimize exposure.

SB: Is there any way I can tell if my partner might have syphilis?

RM: Syphilis is often missed by the untrained eye and is all the more reason to practice safer sex until learning more about the STD status of your partner or partners. Often referred to as “The Great Imitator,” syphilis is overlooked by many as a minor skin rash or blemish. Remember that, once infected, symptoms will go away, but you still have syphilis.

SB: What is the relationship between syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections?

RM: The most important thing that we can each do is to get tested routinely and know our own status. Likewise, talk to your partner(s) and encourage the same from them. The increase in syphilis is not specific to Pima County and is being seen across the country.

However, the issue remains our focus in building a healthier community. As individuals increase their number of sex partners, the risk multiplies with each new partner for potential exposures to any STDs including HIV. Safer sex practices including routine STD testing is key to minimizing exposure to self and preventing the spread to others.

Thank you, Richard and our friends at the Pima County Health Department, for bringing this information to light and helping us better understand how we can stay healthy and reduce the incidence of syphilis in our community.

TIHAN and the Pima County Health Department care about you and your health and wellbeing and we encourage you to know your status and have the information you need to live well.

Theresa Lee Health Center 332 S. Freeway Rd Tucson, AZ 85713 (520)724-7676 (The Theresa Lee Clinic will move to a new site towards the New Year and more information will be made available to the public as we get closer to the move.)

Other health department sites available to offer testing are listed below. Hours and time restrictions apply to all listed clinics.

North Clinic 3550 N. 1st Ave, Suite 300 South Clinic 175 W. Irvington St East Clinic 6920 E. Broadway

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OBSERVER

WEEKLY

July 30, 2014

July 30, 2014

OBSERVER WEEKLY

Page 9

Page 10

Fireside Chat

OBSERVER

WEEKLY

July 30, 2014

Wind beneath Wingspan

By Wendell Hicks Executive Director SAAF So the question may have been on your minds -- “Why haven’t we heard from Wendell about this merger between SAAF and Wingspan?” Especially with all the rumors that started circulating in the community and through Facebook before an official announcement was made as well as several articles that have appeared in the media. The primary reasons are this is a crisis situation with a short turnaround time to respond and everything that has been discussed is preliminary. Nothing has been settled yet.

Back in June, the President of Wingspan’s Board of Directors, Paul Guerrero, approached me about Wingspan’s situation. Specifically, he told me that the organization would have to give up their space on Seventh Street near Fourth Avenue due to a shortage of funds as of July 31. The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation certainly wasn’t the only organization Wingspan’s board reached out to for help, but probably was one of the first. This makes sense as SAAF has been a longtime collaborator with Wingspan. We partner

on several grants for the Eon Youth Program. In addition, several years ago, SAAF had been subcontracted

by Wingspan to provide “back office” functions including Human Resources and Finance (such as bookkeeping) services to help reduce Wingspan’s administrative costs at a time when they were struggling financially.

When Paul asked me my immediate response was absolutely, how can SAAF help? And that is a vitally important distinction. Wingspan came to SAAF. Out of respect for Wingspan’s autonomy as an organization, it was up to their board of directors to communicate with the media. Not mine or SAAF’s.

Since then there have been numerous meetings and conversations between me, SAAF’s board and management team, and Wingspan’s board. We have been doing a lot of listening and asking a lot of important questions. A merger is never undertaken lightly. Consider it took more than a year for the merger of the three organizations -- People with AIDS Coalition of Tucson, Shanti Foundation and Tucson AIDS Project -- into what became SAAF.

At the heart of any merger are these questions: What is best for the people being served? What is best for the community? Will their needs be served?

We are not even close yet.

Members of the community, the media, former employees and Wingspan donors have asked me for answers that I can’t give right now. Consider that SAAF got involved mid-June and July 31st has arrived.

Whether or not a merger takes place, for SAAF and for Wingspan the current focus is on more immediate interim solutions to maintain Wingspan’s vital programs and services including the Anti-Violence Project and the Eon Youth Lounge. This includes looking at the situation of current employees.

As of August 1, Wingspan’s staff and programs will move into and have a home in SAAF’s building.

People are expressing their opinions about SAAF’s involvement and the rumor mill continues to grind.

I prefer to look for the opportunities in this situation. Maybe our community can come up with a whole new model

that maintains Wingspan’s integrity as an organization. I believe that Southern Arizona still needs an LGBT community center. My hope would be that Wingspan can grow beyond this crisis and sustain itself without the knee-jerk reaction the word “merger” is creating.

Wingspan has had an integral presence for the last 25 years as an advocate and a resource. SAAF and its board are deeply committed to ensuring that Wingspan’s legacy continues in the community. SAAF’s strength is our ability to respond to a crisis. We want to do this in as respectful and responsible a manner as possible.

I proudly consider myself a member of Tucson’s LGBT community. My partner Kevin and I are also Wingspan donors. So we have a vested interest in Wingspan’s future. I promise that as long as I have real information to share, not conjecture or speculation, I will.

Right now, be assured, Wingspan’s and SAAF’s board members, employees and volunteers are doing everything we can. Please be as supportive as you can during this transition.

State’s attorneys: Marriage ban has

nothing to do with LGBTIs Continued from page 1 Horne even named the alliance’s lawyers “assistant attorneys general” while they tote the state’s water against marriage equality.

The alliance already “helped” marriage equality cases that lost in Oklahoma and Virginia, and is using the same arguments that lost in 20 cases across the nation. Keep using the same approach insisting that eventually you’ll get a different outcome ...

According to the Arizona Republic,

the group’s lawyers argued that current state law “regulates marriage for the primary purpose of protecting relationships that would produce children.”

There has been no report on when the alliance will ask Arizona to ban marriages between elderly people, infertile people, or just heterosexual people who don’t want “relationships that would produce children.”

This lawsuit was filed in January on behalf of four same-sex couples. A

second lawsuit was filed in March by Lambda Legal on behalf of seven samesex couples and the surviving spouses of two additional same-sex couples. A federal judge refused to combine the two cases.

Sedwick is actually a federal judge for Alaska, but he was pressed into service to help Arizona handle a flood of cases swollen by anti-gay, antiimmigrant, anti-mammal, anti-oxygen legal adventurism.

July 30, 2014

OBSERVER WEEKLY

Page 11

Remembering the HIV and AIDS activists killed on MH17

By Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez HIV PLUS MAGAZINE

the poorest patients by working with governments and businesses.

The news of Malaysia Airlines flight 17 being shot out of the sky was received with a collective global gasp of horror.

“[Lange’s] life’s work didn’t just reflect the changes in AIDS,” Dr. Richard Marlink, the head of the Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, told NPR. “He led those changes.”

A BUK missile launched by proRussian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian region downed the flight with nearly 300 innocent citizens from various countries on board. Among those passengers were some of the world’s leading HIV and AIDS advocates and researchers.

The victims were on their way to the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia. So far, authorities have confirmed the identities of six researchers and advocates among the 298 passengers and crewmembers onboard the flight.

Francoise Barre-Sinoussi, the president of the International AIDS Society, disputes the original estimations that there were 108 conference attendees on the flight.

“It might be a little higher [than six] but not the numbers” in some reports, Barre-Sinoussi told Forbes, adding: “The extent of our loss is hard to comprehend or express.”

The conference opened with a minute of silence for those lost in the tragic attack. According to a press release, representatives of the organizations that lost members on MH17 stood on stage during the tribute paid to the victims.

“This is a profound collective loss to science, to research, to medicine and to public health,” Shaun Mellors, the associate director for Africa at the International HIV and AIDS Alliance told Forbes. “They spent their lives fighting for the lives of others and we pledge to continue their important work.”

In memoriam, I have gathered reflections on those researchers and activists lost on MH17, as remembered by their friends, family, and loved ones.

Joep Lange was the former president of the International AIDS Society, and a professor of medicine at the University of Amsterdam. According to NPR, colleagues of Lange credit him with making breakthroughs in HIV and AIDS treatment accessible to even

Martine de Schutter had spent time working for the World Health Organization in South America before returning to the Netherlands to fight the international crisis surrounding sexually transmitted infections. In 2004, de Schutter became a major player of AIDS Action Europe, according to a memorial page by Soa AIDS Nederlands.

“Martine was strongly committed to keeping AIDS on the agenda of the European Union, and to putting it on the agenda in Eastern Europe,” reads the page. “Being a mother did not keep her from traveling. Her son was always in her heart.”

Pim de Kuijer was a parliamentary lobbyist for Stop AIDS Now!, according to an entry written by a friend for The Guardian. That friend, Nabeelah Shabbir, remembers de Kuijer as someone whose concerns for others were paramount to his own.

“My colleague and friend Pim de Kuijer died on his way to an AIDS conference in Melbourne, a journey which typified his concern for others,” Shabbir writes. Shabbir goes on to quote a statement by European Parliament member Lousewies van der Laan: “Pim believed in understanding between countries, the rule of law and equality for all and fought for his values through his work and his political activities,” Shabbir quotes van der Laan saying. “Let’s try to live up to his legacy and work even harder towards a peaceful world.”

Jacqueline van Tongeren is remembered as Lange’s partner. In a story written by Han Nefkens, he remembers van Tongeren’s sensitive and selfless demeanor. Nefkens remembers her dedicating her personal life to helping others whether giving her time, attention, or energy, and never asking for anything in return.

“Our last contact was a text message that Jacqueline sent me from the plane a few minutes before takeoff,” Nefkens recalls in his article at The

Among the 300 passengers killed when Ukrainian Russian separatists shot down Malaysia Airlines flight 17 were some of the world’s leading HIV and AIDS advocates and researchers. Clockwise from top left: Glenn Thomas, Jacqueline van Tongeren, Joep Lange, Pim de Kuijer, and Martine de Schutter.

World Post. “She told me that she was already looking forward to the tasty Asian snacks that were on the menu.

‘I’ve got to go now, we’re leaving’ [she wrote].”

Lucie van Mens worked as the director of program development and support for The Female Health Company. Van Mens dedicated her time with the company to promoting condom usage in Africa through condom programs, according to a statement

by The Female Health Company. Van Mens worked with FHC partners in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“She always made sure that the skills and preferences of our local partners were valued and together with her knowledge and extensive experience in programming, she helped them shape successful strategies to increase access to FC2 female condoms,” reads the release. “She was

passionate, determined and committed to making the female condom a tool that every woman at risk of HIV and unintended pregnancy could access.”

Glenn Thomas was a media officer for the World Health Organization in Geneva. Prior to working for WHO, Thomas was a journalist for the BBC, according to the BBC. The United Nations held a minute’s silence during a press briefing in Geneva in Thomas’ honor.

“He was a much loved and respected colleague and the BBC World News team are reeling from this very sad news about their friend,” Richard Porter, a controller of BBC World News in English, told the BBC. “He was always passionate about telling the stories that mattered and could always turn his hand to whatever was asked — but most importantly he was a genuinely nice man.”

Torbies, tortoiseshell-tabby cats, are often considered to be ornery, snotty and aloof kitties. Spice, though, is the opposite! She’s shy, sweet, quiet, and cautious — nothing like your stereotypical torbie. She needs a patient family who understands shy kitties, and is willing to give her as much time as she needs to adjust, and love her for her adorable self.

Spice

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OBSERVER

WEEKLY

July 30, 2014

Superhero TV show ‘The Get schooled by the ‘Dear Flash’ to feature two gay White People’ characters Directed and written by gay filmmaker Justin Simien, “Dear White People” was a favorite at Sundance and has now released its first official trailer.

The film follows a group of African American students, among them a gay student struggling with his identity played by Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris), as they navigate social life at an elite university, which is also predominantly a white institution of higher learning.

Grant Gustin of GLEE stars in the TV adaptation of “The Flash” that will have at least two gay characters.

By Nick Duffy PINK NEWS Superhero TV show “The Flash” will have at least two recurring gay characters, it has been revealed.

Speaking to Huffington Post about the series, which will debut in September, producer Greg Berlanti teased that there would be at least two gay characters.

Berlanti revealed that gay DC Comics character David Singh, who will be played

by Patrick Sabongui, will recur throughout the first season of the show.

He also announced a second gay character, whose identity is not yet known, will appear during the season.

The second character will also be “a man who already exists in the DC universe.”

Gay “Prison Break” star Wentworth Miller has also joined the show, and will play Flash nemesis Leonard Snart/Captain Cold.

The show is set to enjoy extensive crossovers with sister show “Arrow,” which itself introduced a same-sex relationship between Sara Lance, played by Caity Lotz, and assassin Nyssa Al Ghul, played by Katrina Law. Last year, two “Batwoman” writers abandoned DC Comics, after the publisher banned a storyline in which the lesbian entered into a same-sex marriage.

A.O. Scott of the New York Times wrote: “Seeming to draw equal measures of inspiration from Whit Stillman and Spike Lee, but with his own tart, elegant sensibility very much in control, Mr. Simien evokes familiar campus stereotypes only to smash them and rearrange the pieces. …Needless to say, the film’s political implications

The politically charged film centers on a gay black college student.

ripple far beyond the redbrick hothouse of higher learning where it takes place. ” The film is scheduled for an October 17 release and features Tessa Thompson (For Colored Girls), Courtney Sauls (Twenties), Teyonah Parris (Mad Men), Brandon P. Bell (Hollywood Heights), Kyle Gallner (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Malcolm Barrett (The Hurt Locker), Marque Richardson (The Newsroom), Brittany Curran (Chicago Fire), and Dennis Haysbert (24).

-- OUT

Lessons from filming a trans web series

Continued from page 3 can take on? How can one person even begin to represent an entire community?

In the weeks since the pilot’s release, I’ve begun to realize something I’d said before, but come to feel with a new certainty: I can only tell my own story and speak from my individual experience. It’s a necessary voice, but one that is certainly not allencompassing. I’ve learned that you can never make everyone happy.

One of my main struggles — which I was quite aware would surface while going through the casting process — is the lack of diversity in “Brothers.” All of the main characters are white men.

When myself and producer Sheyam Ghieth put out the original casting call, the project was so unknown that we received a really limited response; this is perhaps representative, in part, of how racial oppression affects accessibility to acting opportunities.

Nonetheless, a lot went into the decision of whom to cast while keeping an eye on our deadline. Shooting the first episode happened in only three weeks, from start to finish.

Then, we released the show. We were met with a huge response: a lot of

gratitude, viewers wanting to see more, and also that necessary critique of the show’s lack of representation for trans men of color. We also suddenly found ourselves with a bit more reach, and more trans guys — including men of color — started to learn about “Brothers” and express the desire to become involved.

So after going through the crunchtime of putting out a pilot, we can now take a little more time to cast the rest of the characters from a larger pool. But we needed to start with something, and we worked with what we had — affected, as so much is in the film industry, by the limits of our social locations and networks.

Did I mention I’ve learned that you can never make everyone happy?

That being said, I’ve learned most of all that the power of humanity and connection will always surprise you.

“Brothers” got off the ground — and now we’re able to keep looking to include more people in the project.

We encourage anyone who might be interested, regardless of how they identify, for roles in front of the camera and behind the scenes. You can reach us through our website if that might be you.

July 30, 2014

OBSERVER WEEKLY

Kristen Bell’s spot-on Mary Poppins stumps for minimum wage increase in Funny or Die video

Page 13

Major League Baseball to recognize Glenn Burke as a gay pioneer It will be the first time Burke, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics from 1976 to 1979 before coming out in 1982, will be recognized in any official capacity by the sports league.

Though not out to the public, Burke slowly came out to his team before he was traded to the Athletics — a move that was seen by many members of his team as a repercussion to being out.

Burke was the first baseball player to come out and just one of two baseball players to ever reveal he was gay. The other was Bill Bean, who came out in 1999, four years after Burke lost his battle with AIDS.

“He was a pioneer, and should be recognized.”

You’ll never hear the phrase “supercalifragilisticexpialiBULLSHIT” the same way again!

By Tracy E. Gilchrist SHEWIRED “Frozen” star Kristen Bell is well on her way to becoming one of our youngest national treasures (in my estimation at least), and she proves it even further with her spot-on impression of Mary Poppins stumping for a higher minimum wage.

By Stacy Lambe OUT Following speculation that Major League Baseball was planning to make an announcement regarding homophobia in the sport, The New York Times reports that the organization plans to honor former baseball player Glenn Burke ahead of the All-Star Game in Minneapolis.

“He was a pioneer, and should be recognized,” Pat Courtney, a Major League Baseball spokesman, told NYT. Burke’s family has been invited to the All-Star Game and will be there for the league’s announcement that Bean will be working with MLB to promote inclusion in the sport.

“They can’t ever say now that a gay man can’t play in the majors, because I’m a gay man and I made it,” Burke said in 1995 just before his death. Nearly two decades later the MLB is hoping to pave the way for another gay pioneer.

This video could only be better if Kristen’s Mary picked up a picket sign and fought for the ERA while she was at it.

Kristen’s Mary Poppins is uncanny as she also shows off her vocal prowess.

You’ll never hear the phrase “supercalifragilisticexpialiBULLSHIT” the same way again!

Go here: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c2deb9a5e8/mary-poppins-quitswith-kristen-bell to watch the video.

Or here:

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.

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

Page 14

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.

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.

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.

2-5 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

3-5p.m.

5:30 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 30, 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.

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.

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.

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 upcoming 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

July 30, 2014

OBSERVER

WEEKLY

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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 11a.m.-2a.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 - Get the Party Started Friday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Malibu Rum Black-House Long Islands-Pucker Vodka, Margaritas on tap-XX Pints IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Flawless Fridays featuring “Absolutely Flawless” Drag Show hosted by China Collins @ 9 p.m. DJ Import Inside after the show, Million$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 - Two Buck Tuesday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $ 2 House Well, Fire Eater Shots, $2 Margaritas on Tap, $2 Long Islands IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.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 - Back Pocket Sabado Latino 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Magaritas on tap-Corona Bottles, $3.25 Latin Beers-XX Micheladas, $1 Tequila Shots-Corona Ritas IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Karaoke on the Patio 5 - 8 p.m., “Saturday Night Starlettes” drag show Hosted by Janee Starr 9pm, Million$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 - Whiskey Wednesday 7-2 a.m. $3.25 Jack-Jim Beam-JamesonFireball-Makers Mark-Johnny Walker Red IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.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.

Page 15 Thursday

BRODIES TAVERN - Customer Appreciation 7-2 a.m. Two-for-One Well-Domestic Bottles, Margaritas on Tap House Kasiz Shots IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m. Therapy every Thursday. All Day *2-4-1 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.

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 - 11a.m.-2a.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.

If you think Social Security ‘won’t be there for me,’ what do you think is going on now? continued from page 1 to be around for me.”

Well, darlin’, you don’t even need to look as far ahead as your own retirement. Most of us have parents or some other significant person from another generation.

You might try connecting with reality: Social Security either does or will take care of those significant elders so you don’t have to foot the bills for them when they can no longer work.

How is that not worth chipping in every week? Think about what a difference it would make in your lifestyle if you had to be completely responsible for supporting one or more elderly people, and maybe reality will sink in.

Not only that, but the only reason Social Security is jeopardized over the long run is the idiotic economic stance of the fright-wingers.

People only pay Social Security taxes on the first $117,000 of income.

That cap probably made sense back when it was established. But in 2014, according to figures cited by Jenny Brown at Labor Notes, it means that somebody making $500,000 a year pays Social Security taxes at a rate of 1/4 the rate an average working stiff pays.

Alan Pyke at ThinkProgress calculated it: “That cap means that the 900 richest people in the country stopped paying into the program after the first two days of 2014.”

Reality bites!

What’s rational about refusing to raise the cap to something that reflects the real world? Voila! A big chunk of Social Security’s future solvency problems would be solved in one stroke!

In fact, Pyke wrote that raising the cap would probably take care of the next 75 years.

Raising the minimum wage to $10 an hour or more? Voila! Billions more per year flowing into Social Security -all solvency problems evaporate.

The wingnuts, of course, don’t want you focused on such facts -- they’re gleefully promoting warfare between the young and old over Social Security.

And the GOP idea of privatizing Social Security? Nothing but a way for the financial vultures to siphon off billions in fees from your retirement

money ... exactly what Social Security was designed to avoid in the first place.

No matter what your age, Social Security -- modernized, not privatized -- is almost certainly to your advantage.

You need to try getting that through your congresscritter’s thick skull.

What did Tennessee, boys?

She saw what Arkansaw!

(Oh, the good old days . . .)

Page 16

OBSERVER WEEKLY

July 30, 2014

The costumes of Comic-Con 2014

Throughout the four-day-event cosplayers could be found throughout the halls, rocking a creative kaleidoscope of costumes — ranging from the hottest heroes and sci-fi favorites, to gender-bending mutants, and one-of-a-kind characters.

--The Advocate