1545 Sept 03 2014 by Observer Weekly

September 03, 2014

Issue 1545

Tempe voters approve Turnabout for TIHAN 2014 raises LGBT protection in funds in a most entertaining way city jobs OBSERVER STAFF TEMPE -- Among the issues decided by Arizona voters last week, Tempe approved by almost 70 percent a measure prohibiting discrimination against LGBT city employees -- reportedly the first city in Arizona where the voters added such protections. The measure also covers U.S. military veterans. The Center for Arizona Policy, the anti-gay tail that often wags the dog at the Legislature, warned Tempe voters in a mailing not to grant “new supposed ‘rights’ for some, while at the same time trampling on the constitutionally

Inside What do you have to say about Wingspan’s move to SAAF now?

protected religious freedom rights for all.” Tempe voters stampeded to ignore the center’s advice. E.J. Montini, a columnist for the Arizona Republic, the state’s largest daily newspaper, sided with the voters.

Invite on page 7

Mr. Gay UK is crowned Mr. Gay World Page 13

Are you lonely? There are seven ways to change that on page 10

Helping TIHAN raise funds for people living with HIV/AIDS, Marquez Johnson, DiVa, Tucson Pride, Fluxx, Grecia Montes D’Occa, Sister Stella Virgin, IBT’s bar staff, Larry Moore, Musical Mahem Cabaret, Regine Ray DuMay, and Don’t Blink Burlesque took the stage.

“The fear-mongering and prejudices touted by groups like the Center for Arizona Policy will disappear within a generation,” Montini wrote. “Those who spew anti-equality ideas will become public-policy dinosaurs. Just like those who are trying so hard to prevent same-sex marriage.

A list of corporate and community sponsors of Turnabout for TIHAN 2014 can be found at: www.TIHAN.org.

“They’re on the wrong side Continue on page 13

And the Stonewall Award Tobin’s vision of Ebola goes to . . . Larry Moore! wading the Rio Grande Longtime female impersonator Larry Moore AKA Lucinda Holliday received TIHAN’S 2014 Stonewall Award for Lifetime Contributions Sunday night.

propels him to victory Wingnut

Read full story on page 6

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Help Editor-InChief Bob Ellis to celebrate his 90th birthday on Sunday

Janee’ Starr pours her heart into a performance Sunday night as she and co-host, Tempest DuJour, (see back page), guided the audience through a spectacular night of humor, risque performances (see center fold) and charitable giving.

A conversation with gubernatorial candidate Fred DuVal By Robert Rowley GUEST COLUMNIST R e c e n t l y , Stonewall Democrats of Arizona’s Richard Adams, Jeff Rogers and myself had a chance to speak with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Fred DuVal on a wide range of topics. Here’s what was said:

No Ebola OBSERVER STAFF PHOENIX -- Andy Tobin, former speaker of the state House of Representatives, generated a lot of last-minute publicity with his statement that Central American kids crossing the border brought Ebola into the U.S., and it was enough

Ebola for District 1 GOP voters to endorse Tobin by a narrow margin in last week’s primary. Yes, yes, it’s true that Ebola has only been found in Africa, on the other side of the planet from Central America, Continued on page 7

How much econom-idiocy is enough? Victoria Steele, LD-9 Democratic incumbent, with gubernatorial candidate Fred DuVal at the opening of DuVal’s Tucson campaign headquarters.

Q: Do you support marriage equality? A: I support marriage equality because love is love.

All of us know friends and family members who have been in decades-long committed relationships, but right now, Continued on page 5

By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST With the recent focus on Ferguson, Mo., and U.S. domestic issues, it would be easy to miss something else that became obvious this week: French President Francois

Hollande may have been elected as a Socialist, but he seems determined to rule like a Tea Party Republican. Specifically, he ran against the austerity polices that have been cheer-led by Continued from page 10

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Naked bank robber captured during attempted cover-up

the crown, she’s the winner,” said David Kim, director of media for the South Korea-based Miss Asia Pacific World pageant. “She’s not.”

The district includes parts of Coconino, Yavapai, Gila and Navajo counties. Allen has been serving as a Navajo County commissioner since 2012.

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Somehow “Deposit or withdrawal?” doesn’t seem like the right question for a bank teller to ask when confronted with a naked man at their window.

Pageant officials said May Myat Noe got the boot for being rude and dishonest. Her former “unofficial manager,” Hla Nu Tun, said it was a dispute over whether pageant officials or Noe’s mother would control her career.

‘70s rocker Tom Petty: Maybe my father thought I was gay

Rockford police reported that Ezekial Deanda, 32, did get out of the bank lobby last month with some cash (amount not specified), but then was caught in the bank’s basement restroom trying to get his clothes on in a hurry. Police say he struggled with officers briefly and also spat on them before he was subdued, so he was charge with robbery, resisting a police officer and aggravated battery of a police officer.

China to winemaker: Stop adding stiffener without warning label HUBEI PROVINCE, China -- A businessman who wanted his male customers to stick up for their friends has been ordered to stop adding Viagra to his liquor without noting the ingredient on the labels. The man, identified by authorities only as Huang, was arrested for mixing Viagra with baijiu, a white liquor usually made from sorghum though it can involve several different grains. Huang owns a baijiu distillery in Hubei province. Customer complaints about being stiffed shut down the operation, but not before Huang reportedly sold more than a thousand bottles ($5,000 worth) and gifted more than 800 more to friends. While mixing alcohol and Viagra obviously isn’t unusual in today’s world, it isn’t without hazards. Anyone with a cardiovascular problem especially should avoid the combo. Huang bought his Viagra on the Internet, which -- as Vice pointed out -probably isn’t the best idea in any case: “God knows where Viagra purchased online even comes from, anyway. It’s probably just a mix of Comet and KoolAid.” Health concerns aside, there’s the potential for social faux pas. Vice also went there: “Alcohol does lower inhibitions, and suddenly being the owner of a chemically enhanced gravy-maker certainly won’t stop a slobbering drunk from aggressively dry-humping a lessthan-willing floor mop or dairy yak. Or, you know, a person.” The Observer is usually willing to encourage gauche sexual behaviors, but in the interest of protecting wildlife, we’ll draw the line at yaks.

Miss Asia Pacific stripped of title, but runs off with crown SEOUL, South Korea -- Burma’s first international beauty queen has been stripped of her title but has disappeared with a crown worth $100,000, contest organizers said last week. “She thinks as long as she keeps

Specifically, the kerfuffle -- as with so much of life -- may be about boob size. Reports differ, but most agree that pageant officials thought Noe’s breasts were too small. Some news stories say the pageant paid for $10,000 worth of breast enhancement, and some say Noe refused (possibly under her mother’s orders) to accept the procedure. Kim told the Associated Press that trouble began when Noe’s mother came for a 10-day visit that stretched into three months. At some point, Noe left town with the crown and hasn’t been available for comment. Eleven Media, a newspaper in Burma (also known as Myanmar), has reported that Noe will hold a press conference eventually. For 50 years ending in 2012, Burma was ruled by a military junta and its young women were not allowed to participate in international beauty pageants. Noe’s quick win (in May of this year) was seen as giving Burma’s young women a good start on the international stage. One thing seems apparent: Noe doesn’t need advice from pageant officials on how to generate international headlines.

Senator who said trees are stealing water set to return FLAGSTAFF -- Former state Sen. Sylvia Allen of Snowflake, whose first stint in the state Legislature made Internet history over and over, was selected last week to be on the ballot for senator again. The Navajo County Republican was named to the November ballot spot of state Sen. Chester Crandell, who died Aug. 4 after a fall from a horse. Her first service in the Legislature began by replacing longtime Sen. Jake Flake, who also died after a fall from a horse. It’s hard to say which Allen chestnut became the most famous during her 2008-2012 time in the Legislature, but her statement that trees were “stealing Arizona’s water supply” was a typical example. Her defense of Arizona’s notorious “show your papers” anti-immigrant law SB 1070 still circulates in email chains, as does her avowal that the Earth is only 6,000 years old. Even in Arizona politics, it’s hard to recall anyone who established a more solid reputation as a moon-howler in a shorter period of holding office. Allen was selected for the ballot by the district’s precinct committeemen, as Crandell’s death came too close to the primary for him to be replaced on that ballot. Tom O’Halleran, who previously ran as a Republican, is seeking the seat as an independent in the heavily GOP district. There is no Democrat running, virtually assuring Allen of the position.

Tom Petty, one of the biggest music stars of the late 1970s, recently explained in an interview one possible cause of his legendary rages: “Probably from having the shit beat out of me all my life.” Petty was once famous for those tantrums -- including one in which he slugged a studio wall and broke his left hand, imperiling his guitar playing. In an article by Josh Eells published in Men’s Journal, Petty relates how his alcoholic father routinely beat Petty, his mother and his younger brother.

September 03, 2014 Bernard, a gay man who was legally married in California, is suing because the company refused to extend health insurance benefits to his spouse. The suit cites a letter Little Caesar’s presented Bernard explaining a benefits policy that defined “spouse” as “the one person to whom you are legally married under the laws of the state in which you reside, including common law spouse, and who is the opposite gender from you.” The company has a corporate presence in California as their regional headquarters is located in Orange County, which means they have to comply with state employment law. California’s anti-discrimination laws are among the most robust in the nation. Unlike federal anti-discrimination statutes they cover both sexual orientation and gender identity. Little Caesar’s may want to fire their corporate attorneys due to gross incompetence.

“Maybe he thought I was gay,” Petty said. “I was really into the arts. I didn’t have any interest in sports. I really liked clothes. And to him that probably seemed gay.” Petty says the brutality of his youth left him rebellious toward any kind of authority figure, and it took years of therapy to get him past that. Now, he says, “I forgive anyone. That’s where I’ve arrived. And if I’m not successful at that, I forgive myself.”

The LGBT&S Alliance Fund hosts lecture on the Arizona Queer Archives TUCSON -- Join Susan Stryker, director of the UA institute for LGBT Studies, and institute staff members as they discuss the Arizona Queer Archives, an Institute project spearheaded by Tucson activist, filmmaker, and archival studies doctoral candidate Jamie A. Lee. The archives now house the library and organizational records of Wingspan as well as materials from LGBTQ faculty members at the UA, video oral histories from community members, the personal papers of LGBTQ activists and residents in Southern Arizona, documentation of the Southwest Feminists Reunite group, and other vital evidence of LGBTQ life in Tucson and the surrounding area. Come see archival artifacts, watch video clips of life stories, and learn about opportunities for volunteering with or financially supporting this important university/community collaboration. This is event is sponsored with the LGBT&S Alliance Fund & SAAF and is free to all. Save the date for the AQA lecture Sept. 30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at McClelland Park, 650 N. Park Ave.

Little Caesar’s Pizza gets sued for denying insurance to married gay couple Reuters is reporting a suit has been filed against Little Caesar’s Pizza and its parent company, Ilitch Enterprises (which also owns the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings). The suit was brought by Frank Bernard, a former employee.

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. Opinions expressed by contributors, advertisers or in PSA’s are not necessarily those of the Observer, its staff or advertisers. The Observer assumes responsibility for its own editorial policy only. © 2013 by Observer Publications Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted or archived in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Observer Publications Inc.

September 03, 2014

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Help Editor-In-Chief Miley’s date proves Bob Ellis to celebrate his homelessness is the real 90th birthday on Sunday

crime

Jesse Helt should be lauded for shining a spotlight on the plight of homelessness in Los Angeles at the VMAs, rather than castigated for crimes linked to the harsh realities faced by homeless people.

By Alan Acosta THE ADVOCATE It sounds a little bit like the pitch for a television movie: Bright kid gets plucked from oblivion, blasts into the bright lights of fame and fortune and then gets brought back down to earth with astonishing rapidity. That’s exactly what happened to 22-year-old Jesse Helt in the course of the last week. Jesse accepted an award at MTV’s Video Music Awards on behalf of Miley Cyrus and told a somewhat stunned audience that he was living on the streets and spoke poignantly about the plight of homeless youth. (Cyrus had met Jesse on a visit to My Friend’s Place, a shelter for homeless youth in Hollywood.) During a weeklong period that saw both the VMA event and the Emmy Awards, Jesse’s comments were a stark reminder that despite all the glamor and wealth of the movie, television, and music industries, thousands of young people live brutal lives on the streets of Hollywood and its environs.

At the Los Angeles LGBT Center, we know this firsthand. Each day at our drop-in center and three residential programs for homeless youth we see both the damage life on the street causes and the courage and sheer determination it takes just to survive in a hostile world. According to recent studies, nearly 7,000 young people are homeless in Los Angeles and a stunning 40 percent of them are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Many of these young people are thrown out of their homes because they are LGBT. Many others age out of foster care and, at 18 years old, find themselves on their own with no familial relationships to help them adjust to life on their own. Each morning scores of those young people line up at our Youth Center on Highland to take advantage of three meals, a hot shower, and some small respite from the unforgiving reality of their everyday lives. The center’s strategy is to make that initial contact a gateway to the comprehensive services we offer, to Continued on page 14

Where: IBT’s, 616 N. Fourth Ave. When: Sunday 2 p.m.

Advertise with the Observer! Contact us at: info@observerweekly.com

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Michael Sam passed New Jersey man suing over by every NFL team Grindr for negligence after hooking up with 13-year-old By Nick Duffy PINK NEWS A New Jersey man is suing Grindr, claiming the app’s lack of age verification led him to hook up with a 13-year-old. William Saponaro Jr, 52, met with the teen and another man -- neither of whom have been named -- in June 2012, and claims he was assured by the other man that the teen was 18 years old, because he had been using the app. However, after the boy turned out to be just 13, Saponaro was charged with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, and could end up facing a 20-year prison term. Michael Sam had hoped to become the NFL’s first out player but was cut from the Rams and not picked up by any other team by the deadline.

By Lucas Grindley THE ADVOCATE Michael Sam’s chances of playing in the NFL got worse today as every team let the window close on a chance to pick him up, reports ESPN. The Rams cut the out defensive end from its roster on Aug. 30 in favor of another rookie, Ethan Westbrooks, who had been undrafted. After putting Sam on waiver, teams had 24 hours to sign him, but none did. Now ESPN reports that Sam must focus on making a practice squad. Even there, the Rams won’t say if they will take Sam. Sam reacted to Saturday’s news in a statement shared on social media, seeming hopeful about eventually making a team. “The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I’ve always known,” he said. “The journey continues.” Whether Sam deserved a spot on the Rams or another NFL team is hotly debated. Outsports described the Rams’ decision as solely based on which positions were available but said homophobia did “play a role” in his being passed over by the other 31 teams. “Sam has proven he can play in the NFL,” wrote the site’s co-founders, Jim Buzinski and Cyd Zeigler, in a joint editorial. “Only a couple other players have more sacks this preseason than his three. In a league that places a high value on pass rushers, and continues to develop rules that help passing offenses, guys like Sam are coveted. Sacks aside, he’s played well or very well in each of his three preseason games.” Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy made headlines for saying in July that he wouldn’t have taken Sam if he still led a team. Dungy said Sam “should have a chance to play, but I wouldn’t want to deal with all of it.” Sam’s preseason has obviously

not been devoid of homophobia. In one of the clearest incidents, happening in the week before Sam was cut, ESPN reported on whether fellow Rams players were showering with their openly gay teammate. The network apologized afterward and some on the team publicly voiced disappointment with the coverage, which included anonymous worries by Rams players about showering together. When Sam was drafted at number 249 of 256 players, the first uproar started because he kissed his boyfriend to celebrate while ESPN was broadcasting live. An online kiss-in started over the aggressively homophobic reaction that the kiss sparked across social media. Almost immediately, Sam’s jersey for the Rams was a top-seller, showing his huge support. Even One Direction member Harry Styles sported a jersey during a concert in St. Louis. It was ranked second among rookies in sales only to star Johnny Manziel — who Sam sacked during the preseason. And Out magazine put Sam on the cover of its sports issue. Sam has been the target of the usual antigay voices. When the antigay Westboro Church picketed a basketball game that Sam was attending, thousands of supporters lined up outside to counter. Peter LaBarbera, president of the antigay organization Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, wrote an open letter encouraging Sam to get so-called reparative therapy and warned against his influence on black youth. A right-wing lobbyist named Jack Burkman pushed for national legislation that would ban any professional sports team from employing a player who “has openly declared himself to be a homosexual.” But even with all of that, Rams coach Jeff Fisher told reporters again, according to The New York Times, that Sam wasn’t a distraction. “He’s not about drawing attention to himself,” he said. “He kept his head down and worked and you can’t ask anything more out of any player for that matter.”

Saponaro is claiming that Grindr acted “negligently” by failing to verify the teen’s age, and holds them responsible for his arrest, because he “reasonably believed [the teen] was 18 years or older.” He also alleges that the process has caused him “emotional distress,” and is seeking damages as he was unable to attend work. Legal representatives for Grindr have called for the case to be dismissed. A Grindr spokesperson said that

it does not comment on ongoing legal action. Earlier this month, an alleged “security breach” in the app’s location software came to light, allowing hackers to pinpoint users’ exact locations. However, Grindr claimed: “We don’t view this as a security flaw. As part of the Grindr service, users rely on sharing location information with other users as core functionality of the application and Grindr users can control how this information is displayed.” Two men were sentenced Aug. 21 for impersonating a 15-year-old boy in order to black-mail another man on the app.

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Page 5 WEEKLY Kitty’s fans growl like tigers A conversation with gubernatorial candidate with the announcement she isn’t feline Fred DuVal Continued from page 1 their love is deemed “less than” the love Jennifer and I share for each other. That’s wrong and it’s unacceptable. As governor, I’ll do everything in my power to make marriage equality a reality in Arizona. My opponent, Doug Ducey, opposes marriage equality. Q: What about adoption rights for same-sex couples? A: Troubles at CPS are a continuing reminder that we have too many children in foster care waiting for a loving home. As governor, I will work to end Arizona’s adoptive preference law because I won’t let Cathi Herrod stand in the way of children who need loving parents. Q: If you were governor, how would you have handled Senate Bill 1062? A: Unlike Gov. Brewer, I wouldn’t have waited a week to decide on the bill. I was the first candidate to come out against SB 1062, and I said then that I wouldn’t have waited for the bill to get to my desk, I would have gone down to the legislature and vetoed it there to send the message that SB 1062 isn’t who we are as a state. My opponent, on the other hand, says he wants to give SB 1062 another try. Q: What will your priorities be as governor? A: The two biggest problems facing Arizona are jobs and education. Right now, too many of our children aren’t getting a good enough education, and working families who were crushed by the recession either can’t find a job or their new one pays less than the one they lost. I will stop the cuts to our schools -- not another dollar; not another dime. And I’ve got a detailed blueprint for how to get Arizona’s economy moving forward again that starts with giving tax relief to small businesses to help them grow and hire new employees. Q: What’s your plan for creating jobs in Arizona? A: The 21st century economy is all about talent, and Arizona can’t afford to put up a stop sign to talented people that want to come here and start a business or family. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we need to do everything we can to help them grow. Arizona is blessed with great universities and community colleges, but we need to create more career pathways to help our community college and university graduates find jobs and start careers. And I want to make Arizona a leader in innovation by investing in 21st century industries like solar and renewable energy. Q: What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent?

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A: This election is going to be all about education, and there couldn’t be a clearer contrast between Doug Ducey and me. I’m going to stop the cuts to our schools, while Doug continues to support the underfunding of our schools to the tune of at least $300 million! I want to immediately start reinvesting in our schools, while Doug wants to give huge tax giveaways to the wealthiest Arizonans. And I want to improve all of our children’s schools, not just some of them. Q: How can you help make higher education more affordable? A: I recently served on the Arizona Board of Regents, the organization that oversees Arizona’s three public universities and we worked hard to make college more affordable and accessible for Arizona students. Despite hundreds of millions of dollars of cuts from Gov. Brewer and the legislature, we kept the doors open and increased financial aid so more low and middle-income students could get a college education. As governor, I will work to create more connections between community colleges and universities to provide more points of access for students. Q: What qualifies you to be governor? A: I have more than forty years of experience working across the aisle at both the state and federal level to get big things done. When I worked in Gov. Babbitt’s office, we created Arizona’s Medicaid program -- AHCCCS -- which is now a national best practice, and raised education funding to its highest level ever. And during the Clinton administration, I worked with Republican and Democratic governors to implement welfare reform and helped negotiate the national tobacco settlement, which provides millions of dollars for children’s healthcare. My whole life has been about big change, and Arizona needs big changes right now. Stonewall Democrats enthusiastically endorses Fred DuVal for governor and would encourage Arizona’s LGBTQI community, its friends, family and allies to vote for Fred. Not registered to vote? You can register all the way up to Sept. 6 at http:// servicearizona.com/voterRegistration. For more on Arizona’s 2014 general election candidates visit http:// stonewalldemsaz.org. Care to hear Fred DuVal in person and meet the man himself? This Saturday “FREDSTOCK 2014” comes to the patio at Club Congress. Festivities begin at 8 p.m. with a live band, a DJ and of course Fred. If you are on Facebook, details can be found at “Save the Date: FREDSTOCK 2014 (A Party for Fred DuVal)”

OBSERVER STAFF LOS ANGELES -- This was either bombshell news or a bombshell marketing strategy, depending on where you stand on the spectrum regarding America’s favorite pink-obsessed noncat. Anthropologist and “Hello Kitty scholar” Christine R. Yano set fans to yowling worldwide last week when she told the crowd at a Hello Kitty retrospective that Hello Kitty is not a cat. Hiss! Grrrrrrr (spit) (spit). But Yano, curator of the retrospective at LA’s Japanese American National Museum, said that’s the word from Sanrio, Hello Kitty’s parent. “Hello Kitty is not a cat. She’s a cartoon character,” went the speech that made fur fly around the world. “She is a little girl, she is a friend, but she is not a cat. She’s never depicted on all fours. She walks and sits like a two-legged creature.” Twitter was a-twitter for hours. Snoopy confirmed that at least he indeed is a dog. Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda tweeted, “I just got off stage to find out that Hello Kitty is not a cat. This is worse than finding out Pluto is not a planet.” FirstGlance

Films

‫@‏‬

FirstGlanceFilm: As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced #HelloKitty is not a cat! http:// wapo.st/1tXrynb Jenny Hutt ‫@‏‬jennyhutt: If loving a cat-like-human-likebritish-white-fur-girl-character is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. #HelloKitty Ming-Na Wen ‫@‏‬MingNa: Oh, damn! @sanrio_news just blew ur cover, #HelloKitty. Now shave off those whiskers, girl! http://tinyurl.com/ l3vaoop pic.twitter.com/FgOAxb9TAi Frangela ‫@‏‬frangeladuo: WHAT THE HECK IS HELLO KITTY IF SHE AIN’T A KITTY? #TheDevilIsAtWork #HelloKitty We spent a small fortune on a furry rat w/a purse? Stefan Edward Jones ‫@‏‬ StefanEJones @BillCorbett: For God’s sake, DON’T MOCK HER. #HelloKitty’s powers are great & her temper is short. Writing about the Hello Kitty kitten that roared, Los Angeles Times columnist Carolina A. Miranda did her best to reassure us that the world still holds together and some things never change: “Thank goodness the chupacabra still exists,” Miranda wrote. “I know because I saw him in a bar in downtown LA.”

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And the Stonewall Award goes to . . . Larry Moore!

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How much economidiocy is enough? Continued from page 1 Angela Merkel and have choked the economies of southern Europe. Now that those policies have collapsed even in Germany, Hollande’s on board. Instead of emerging as the leader of revitalized Europe, his finger is on the handle ready to flush the remains: Last week he dumped the members of his Cabinet who dared stand up to Berlin and Brussels. As noted economist Paul Krugman stated in his blog, France isn’t even in big trouble yet compared to much of Europe: “Within that overall pattern of disaster, France’s performance is much better than you would guess from news reports. France isn’t Greece; it isn’t even Italy. But it is letting itself be bullied as if it were a basket case.” In fact, Krugman included a graph comparing the U.S. and French employment rates since 2000 for workers in the 25 to 54 range, and France is way better off.

OBSERVER STAFF TUCSON — The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network and executive director Scott Blades honored community pillar and longtime female impersonator Larry Moore A.K.A. Lucinda Holliday with the 2014 Stonewall Award Lifetime Contributions. Moore has been described as a preeminent role model for drag performers in Arizona and has been a regular at charity events for Tucson’s LGBTQ and HIV service organizations for 25 years. The multitalented entrepreneur also works as a hair stylist at Zenizo Salons and runs his very own jewelry line, “Made for a Queen.” A Lucinda Holliday performance is

set apart from other drag acts by the fact that Moore infuses his own brand of comedy as well as live vocals. Moore decided to accept the award at Turnabout for TIHAN 2014 out of drag so that the community could see him as himself, the man behind the wigs and iconic smile. Event co-host Tempest DuJour posted congratulatory remarks on Facebook Sunday. “My dear friend Larry Moore/Lucinda Holliday received a great honor and award last night for his selfless service to our community. I am honored and proud to call him a friend and mentor and Arizona is a better place because we have him here. And then there’s the amazing jewelry . . . MadeForAQueen. com.

Krugman points out that you can make the French employment situation look worse by including older workers (because generous retirement programs mean fewer French elders are forced to work) and younger ones (because generous student aid also means fewer

Relaxing~Invigorating true tantric experience of sensuality Creating an inspiring safe space for men Call Marc at 881-4582 By appointment 7 AM-7 PM, Tue - Sat

young people are forced to work). But comparing apples to apples, France isn’t doing badly. The euro zone has been cutback crazy for four years and the result is shrinking economies inching perilously close to deflation. I’ve been writing for years that deliberately shrinking an economy seldom accomplishes more than shrinking an economy, and the evidence keeps mounting. That works just as well on this side of the Atlantic. If Paul Ryan doesn’t know of a single case where government austerity expanded an economy, I’m prepared to say it’s never happened. And if he had known of one, don’t you think we’d have heard about it daily during the last presidential campaign? Elected Democrats seem to think the thing to do is keep their mouths shut about how idiotic this all is, and just let the Republicans skewer themselves regularly. If Democrats were looking at what’s going on around them, they might conclude that the time to speak up is upon us. Is there really not a single presidential candidate out there who is grounded in the 21st century rather than rehashing the 20th? Francois Hollande need not apply.

Lawyer who sought DADT killed in Seattle bike accident By Trudy Ring THE ADVOCATE Sher Kung, a lawyer who worked on a key case challenging the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, was killed Friday in a traffic accident in downtown Seattle. Kung, riding her bicycle in a bike lane, was struck by a truck making a left turn, The Seattle Times reports. She died at the scene. She was 31 years old. An attorney with the firm of Perkins Cole, Kung assisted the American Civil Liberties Union’s Washington affiliate in representing Maj. Margaret Witt, an Air Force flight nurse, in a successful challenge to her discharge under DADT. A U.S. district court in 2010 ordered the Air Force to reinstate Witt, finding that

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the fact of her being gay did not harm troop morale or cohesion. The federal government initially appealed the ruling, but in 2011 reached a settlement with Witt under which she retired with full beneﬁts and the discharge was removed from her record. President Obama signed legislation repealing DADT in December 2010, and the repeal took effect the following September. At Perkins Cole, Kung worked primarily on intellectual property issues for the ﬁrm’s litigation group, but she also handled many pro bono cases, the Times reports. Perkins Cole released a statement calling Kung “an exceptional lawyer and a wonderful comrade, with boundless energy, legal brilliance and relentless optimism.” She is survived by her partner, Christine Sanders, and their infant daughter.

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Many companies amount to labor extortion rackets will increase the minimum wage $5 an hour over what it should be now -- just to keep it level with where it was 40 years ago -- and vulture execs say it’s the apocalypse?

By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST About the only thing left to say to the wingnuts determined to keep the minimum wage at $7.25 an hour -- or abolish it altogether, as some Republican candidates say they’d like -- would be: “Sorry, you should have fought that battle when it was being fought.” The only question left to answer by top executives at McDonald’s, Walmart and other corporations who specialize in below-living wages would be: “OK, could you estimate how many hundreds of millions management needs to pocket before you DO have enough to pay your employees?” The whole argument is bullshit and both sides know it’s bullshit. Now, I can understand a coronary here and there if people only hear that two Washington cities -- Seattle and Sea Tac -- approved a $15-an-hour minimum wage. That sounds like an outrageous

“If you can’t pay your workers a decent wage, then you don’t have a legitimate business. The multimillion-dollar executives at poverty-pay outfits like McDonald’s aren’t running a business, they’re running a labor extortion racket.”

If you’re one of those execs and you’re in apoplexy over a minimum-wage increase, I have a suggestion: Move to Honduras or Guatemala or somewhere you’ll fit in better. Even Mexico may soon be too modern for you. Twenty-three states, the District of Columbia and several other cities have joined Seattle in enacting or planning a minimum wage higher than the federal level. That train has left the station. This might even stop Walmart, McDonald’s et al. from soaking the taxpayers for billions in various subsidies to allow their employees to live.

-- Jim Hightower for Otherwords

leap if you only hear half the story. But the $15 figure will be phased in over a period of up to 10 years. Consider we’re told that if the minimum wage had

been gradually raised since the early 1970s to keep up with inflation, it would already be above $10 an hour.

As Bob Dylan said decades ago, “Your old road is rapidly agin’ -- please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand.”

So over the next 10 years, Seattle

This time we might actually mean it!

Tobin’s vision of Ebola wading the Rio Grande propels him to victory Continued from page 1

Congress, but she established some leadership cred on veterans’ issues, and she could probably be counted on for leadership on immigration reform if there were anything going on in Congress to be led on that subject.

but reality is seldom a factor in Arizona politics. “I don’t think anyone would be surprised,” Tobin said, if his fantasies actually turned out to be true.

But those are such boring, factbased qualifications compared to Tobin’s spotting Ebola wading the Rio Grande!

The “anyone” he was talking about would be people who probably don’t know or care that Honduras isn’t in Africa, and they think it made a dandy campaign tale anyway.

Based on his recent outbursts, maybe he could keep Arizona in the spotlight by challenging Texas’ Rep. Louie Gohmert to a dumb-off for the title of “America’s dumbest congressman.”

Besides, Tobin -- who lives at Paulden, in the far northwest of the sprawling district -- barely edged out some comedy competition from rancher Gary Kiehne of Springerville/Eagar and freshman state Rep. Adam Kwasman of Oro Valley. Kiehne’s major campaign publicity came from stating that 99 percent of mass murderers are Democrats (nobody keeps statistics on that kind of thing, of course, and Kiehne couldn’t explain how he knew it). The remark got him pretty close, though -- Tobin was declared the winner when he led by only 532 votes with one Coconino County precinct still not added in.

of Central American children arriving at a proposed Oro Valley holding site. He later found out that the kids he saw were YMCA campers, and the fear “on their little faces” was fear of the snarling anti-immigrant mob protesting the immigrants that never came.

Kwasman tried to measure up with a press conference describing the fear he saw on the faces of a busload

The winner in this dignified political exercise is given even odds against incumbent Democratic Rep. Ann

Kirkpatrick of Flagstaff in the November general election. The huge district reaches all the way from Tucson’s northern suburbs to the New Mexico border, up to the Utah border and west to the Flagstaff area in a giant apostrophe shape. Kirkpatrick hasn’t exactly got her name in lights since she’s been in

Now the scary part: Polls show an even match between Kirkpatrick and Tobin, so District 1 just might end up with Tobin in Congress. The people of the district would lose whatever representation they have in Congress, but oh what a two-year field day for the press!

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OBSERVER

WEEKLY

September 03, 2014

Tucson Burns Up The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual charity drag show, a community tradition, dropped jaws and popped purse strings to raise money for the service organization. Historically, local bar staff would perform in drag but this year TIHAN opened it up to a variety of community groups and organizations.

Marquez Johnson

Fluxx

Tucson Pride

Fluxx

Tempest DuJour

Go-Go Gladiator

September 03, 2014

OBSERVER WEEKLY

Page 9

at Turnabout 2014

Sister Stella Virgin A.K.A. Miguel Soto

Grecia Montes D’Occa

An attendeee holds a numbered ball representing one of this year’s syphilis infections during Miguel Soto (Stella Virgin)’s speech.

IBT’s Bar + Food

Bianca Lucrecia and April Moss

Musical Mayhem

Janee’ Starr

TIHAN excecutive editor Scott Blades

Don’t Blink Burlesque

Regine Ray DuMay

Page 10

OBSERVER

Are you lonely?

WEEKLY

Here are seven ways to change that

By Gary McClain HIV PLUS MAGAZINE

Italian lesbian couple win right to legally adopt daughter By Mitch Kellaway SHEWIRED

Avoid all-or-nothing thinking. You might have a very specific image in your mind about what your life would look like if you weren’t lonely. But is that the only way? Keep in mind that you may meet people who are fun to do things with, but aren’t so good at conversation. Or others who can sit and talk for hours but don’t share other interests with you. Appreciate people for who they are. Broaden your perspective. Is it possible that you may be overlooking someone who might enjoy spending some time with you, and would appreciate having you in their life? Consider doing an inventory of your social contacts with an eye toward people you might consider reaching out to. Anybody you know who could use a friend?

September 03, 2014

For the first time, an Italian court granted a lesbian woman the right to adopt her partner’s biological child, reports the Gazzetta del Sud. The case revolved around a Romebased couple who conceived their daughter in an undisclosed European location via artificial insemination. The child is the biological offspring of one partner, and has been happily raised by both her mothers, who were married outside of Italy, for the past five years.

It’s not easy being lonely. But there’s something you can do about it. Here are some ideas.

Be a joiner. Consider where the likely candidates are hanging out. A spiritual or religious meeting place? Classes? A support group? Volunteering? You might want to do some Internet searching on the things that interest you and the name of your town. Find a meeting and then give yourself a push to take the first step to make a connection. Ask yourself: How can I be a friend? As the saying goes, the way to make a friend is to be a friend. So when you meet people, be careful about making the conversation all about getting your needs met. Be a listener. Ask questions.

Offer support. And stay positive! After all, we’re all looking for the same thing in the people we form relationships with. Be patient. Relationships don’t develop overnight. They take time. So try not to assume that someone can’t be a good friend if you don’t feel a connection right away. Get out by yourself. Don’t use not having someone to do things with as an excuse to stay home alone. Walk around at a shopping mall. Take a book and sit in a coffee shop. Go to a movie. Being around people can help you to feel less lonely. And who knows, you might strike up a conversation with someone.

Don’t get discouraged. Some people are going to be more open to getting to know you than others are. It’s about chemistry, and that’s hard to predict. When someone doesn’t seem all that open to connecting with you, try not to take it personally and get discouraged. Bringing people into your life is a process. Keep at it. Give it time. There are a lot of great people who are looking for friends, too. But they’re probably not going to knock on your door if they don’t know you’re interested in getting to know them. Yes, it’s a project. But you can do it!

In acknowledging the couple’s right to adopt earlier this week, the court drew on a new law which allows for adoptions in specific cases, reports Gay Star News. Noting that the parents had been together for a decade and had provided an emotionally stable upbringing, the court decided adoption was in the child’s “best interests.” The ruling is not just a victory for same-sex couples — who do not currently have equal marriage rights in Italy — but for all Italian stepparents, LGBT and not, who had previously been denied the right to legally adopt their stepchildren. However, same-sex couples seek stepchild adoptions far more often than their heterosexual peers, notes the Gazzetta. With approximately 100,000 Italian children being raised by a gay biological parent, LGBT families feel a strong need for legal protections in situations like as the untimely death of a biological parent, where children could be forced away from their families.

Christian ‘love’ on display when gay son comes out By Steven Ingen DAILY KOS

I’m still shaking with anger and revulsion after watching this video recorded by a young man who has come out to his clearly fundamentalist Christian family. The young man’s stepmother, after telling her stepson that she has known since he was a child that he was gay, chides him for making the “choice” to become gay. The unidentified man assures her that this is not the case while she begins citing biblical teaching to prove that he is wrong. After telling him that he has to leave

his home, things escalate as another woman begins to berate him in earnest, screaming obscenities at him before physically attacking him as the young man screams in fear and shock. As the video concludes, the father weighs in raving mad, calling him a disgrace.

are four times more likely than the general population to attempt suicide and that suicide is the “second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24.” Given the brutality of this five minute clip, it is easy to understand these statistics.

This video illustrates very clearly the danger that people and organizations that preach anti-gay bigotry pose to our community. Our streets often become home for children who come out in a family such as the one we see in this video. The Williams Institute estimates that 40 percent of children who end up homeless are LGBT. Further, The Trevor Project reports that LGBT youth

Dan Savage has reached out to try to find this young man to offer aid: “That was hard to listen to. Jesus. Fucking. Christ. My heart breaks for that poor, brave, tough kid. What the fuck is wrong with these people?” If you or someone you know find themselves in a similar situation, know that there are resources available.

The National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-RUNAWAY as well as The Ali Forney Center are two excellent organizations who stand by ready to help. No child should find themselves homeless or have to live in an abusive situation simply for being who they are.

September 03, 2014

Fireside Chat

OBSERVER WEEKLY

Page 11

What do you have to say about Wingspan’s move to SAAF now? By Wendell Hicks Executive Director SAAF

and HIV often go hand in hand. Patrick said that “violence and HIV mark a critical intersection affecting marginalized peoples. People are marginalized based on their status and this can lead to violence. To ignore such intersections would be to ignore the ways in which violence is perpetrated against particular individuals and validated by an oppressive system.”

Once the decision was made to house the Anti-Violence Project and the Eon Youth Program at SAAF, SAAF’s staff went into action and to prepare for the arrival of their staff. People doubled up in offices and/or gave up storage space. Everyone pitched in to move art work, furniture, computers and supplies. Wingspan’s folks had an even bigger job packing up an entire office, getting rid of what couldn’t fit in their new, smaller space here at SAAF. Once they arrived, I checked in every day or so with Jackson, Jeanette and Patrick. Coming into a strange space can be unsettling, especially under the circumstances. It was important to me that SAAF was as supportive as possible but I needn’t have worried. At SAAF we are family. I asked Wingspan’s folks how they felt about their move to SAAF. They all agreed the transition went as smoothly as was possible. Jeanette, Eon’s Youth Outreach Specialist, noted “When in new surroundings, one of the first things I pay attention to is the energy and atmosphere. Everyone is friendly and has a sense of humor which makes a difference.” I really appreciated that Jeanette recognized “SAAF’s staff can enjoy laughter and still be professional.” “Being the Youth Specialist and having collaborated forever with staff at SAAF helped to make the transition seamless,” according to Jackson. “Some SAAF staff already knew about me, they knew my name when I got there. They told me ‘now I can put a face to the name’. It made me feel better about the new space and cultivating new relationships from a firm foundation.” Rich, SAAF’s Director of Human Resources and master of ceremonies, hosts an annual ice cream social for SAAF’s staff. So this summer he made it a ‘meet and greet’ so Wingspan’s and SAAF’s staff could get to know each other. Jeanette said, “It wasn’t what I expected. I thought there would be a couple of kinds of ice cream, but there were so many varieties of ice creams, sprinkles and toppings, even marshmallow. Rich was serving everyone which made us feel welcome.” Even more essential than making space and making staff welcome was maintaining continuity of Wingspan’s services. It was especially important

“For instance,” Patrick said, “HIV positive partners can be impacted by domestic violence. [An abusing partner] may withhold meds, threaten to out them or isolate a partner due to their HIV status.” The fact that people in the community are still concerned, 30 years later, that ‘gay equals HIV’ means we still have a lot of work to do. Patrick agrees: “Addressing the intersections of violence and marginalization such as HIV status is critical for the anti-violence movement.”

Wingspan is located at 375 South Euclid (south of Broadway) Anti-Violence Project - Office in SAAF’s Lobby Contact: Patrick Farr, AVP Advocate/Educator Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 24 hour crisis line: 800-553-9387

One of the Eon youth participants asked Jackson that very question, “Is it valid, does gay equal HIV?” Jackson said, “The merger creates a special opportunity to educate and dialogue about what is affecting the community from a health standpoint. It’s not just about the support; its Wingspan’s clear connection to everyone in our community, we are there for everyone. This merger is creating space so a critical dialogue can take place to educate, specifically to further the demystification of HIV as singularly effecting one community.”

Eon Youth Program – Entrance is located on the northeast corner of SAAF’s building. Look for the “Be Free to Be Yourself” sign Contact: Jackson or Jeanette Hours: Mon., Wed. & Fri., 2 – 7 p.m. Tues & Thurs, 2 – 5 p.m. For more info: (520) 547-6103 e-mail: jwray@saaf.org or jvalencia@saaf.org www.facebook.com/eonyouth Above: Jackson, Jeanette and Patrick Wingspan’s Anti-Violence Project and Eon Youth Program in their new digs at SAAF.

to get them up online quickly. JP, from SAAF’s IT, and Todd, the SAAF facilities manager, quickly set up the computer and telephone systems. Patrick, Wingspan’s Anti-Violence Project Advocate concurred. “It was sad to see Wingspan collapse, to lose the Welcome center. It made me concerned to think that we might lose contact with people.” The people Patrick refers to are LGBTQ people impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual violence, hate violence, discrimination and police misconduct. “However,” Patrick said, “when we got to SAAF we hit the ground running and picked back up pretty quickly. People who needed us kept in contact through Wingspan’s crisis line.” According

Jackson,

“The

reception has been great in terms of support, and transparency. We’ve been able to continue doing our jobs with as little interruption as can be expected under the circumstances.” I also wanted to use this forum to get their response to concerns expressed by community members that moving Wingspan into SAAF’s building would reinforce the stereotype that ‘gay = HIV’. Patrick stated that “it makes complete sense for Wingspan’s AntiViolence Project to be located at SAAF. We are not the only AVP to be housed in an AIDS service organization. HIV can be a factor in all of the different types of violence that we are struggling against.” He also highlighted that violence

Jeanette advocates for the open door policy. “Stop by and visit. Become familiar with our organizations, SAAF and Wingspan. We’re always open to talking to community members about the services we have to offer, from our various youth support services to our homeless youth project. Visit and become involved with the community.” It’s inspiring to me, the awareness, thoughtfulness and consideration Jackson, Jeanette and Patrick have given to the move of Wingspan into SAAF’s offices and its implications for the entire community. “I believe the merger process itself will be a long one,” according to Jeanette. “It’s not just the paperwork but building relationships with everyone at SAAF including the volunteers. When two organizations come together you can build a stronger force. We’re here to help educate the community. Together, Wingpan and SAAF are a shining gem.”

Rolly is a beautiful Maine Coon-cross who is living in our FeLV ward with his friends! He’s loving, attentive, and loves affection. His huge eyes make his seem more like an owl, than a kitty sometimes, and he has the cutest little chirp when he wants your cuddles. Because he has FeLV he needs to be an only kitty, or housed with other FeLV kitties. He’s only 3, so he has a lot of love to give the right home! Come down and meet this amazing boy.

Rolly

Page 12

As Clark Saw It

September 03, 2014 OBSERVER WEEKLY By Gary Clark Notable Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Trans folk born in the ‘70s By Robert Grummons

Zoe’s World

By Zoe

"It's not what you look at that matters. It's what you see." -- Henry David Thoreau

Ajia Simone, Owner 426 E. Ninth St. 520.624.8400

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.

September 03, 2014

OBSERVER WEEKLY

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Mr. Gay UK is crowned Mr. Gay World By Joseph Patrick McCormick PINK NEWS Stuart Hatton, previously crowned Mr. Gay UK, went to the continent to represent the UK at the Mr. Gay World competition which took place over the weekend. Hatton, a dance teacher from South Shields, was also named second runner up at Mr. Gay Europe, and was then invited to enter the global competition. The 28-year-old is the first UK contestant to win the title, and beat 25 challengers from a variety of countries. As well as modelling challenges, contestants were made to take part in “the hardest job interview in the world,” and were tested on global LGBT rights issues. Commenting on the fact that some competitors were not granted visas to attend the competition due to the nature of the award, Hatton said: “The fact that some of my fellow delegates were banned from competing shows just how much work there is yet to do . . . We could easily treat this as simply a light hearted bit of fun but there are countries in the world where gay people could be jailed or even sentenced to death just for being themselves.” Hatton will now be an advocate for gay rights, is launching an anti-bullying campaign called ”So What?” and will visit countries including Australia, South Africa and the U.S. as part of his new role.

Tempe voters approve LGBT protection in city jobs Continued from page 1 of history and morality, as it was with those who tried to keep women and African Americans from voting. As it was with the many struggles in America when we’ve tried to live up to our core values,” Montini continued. We’d all be better off, of course, if the Center for Arizona Policy was content to be merely “public-policy dinosaurs” and quietly fade into history.

Instead, the center and its president, Cathi Herrod, insist on being the skunk in the parlor, and when they throw their tails in the air, someone’s going to end up in the stench. This year, with the anti-gay SB 1062 that Gov. Jan Brewer was forced to veto after having her staff work on it and now again with the Tempe vote, the center and Herrod have repeatedly been the ones caught in their own stink cloud.

Don’t miss our next Volunteer Orientation Sept. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more info call Mark @ 520-299-6647

Page 14 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.

OBSERVER WEEKLY

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunday 9-11 a.m. 10-11.30 a.m. 10-12 p.m.

2-5 p.m. 2:45 p.m.

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. Sept 21 at 4 pm. 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.

September 03, 2014

Miley’s date proves homelessness is the real crime Continued from page 3 move youths from day-to-day survival skills to a focus on lifelong stability and success. Our programs seek to get these young people healthy, educated, and employable, and we’ve had dramatic success at doing just that. But there is still so much more to be done. If Jesse’s story had ended with his touching speech at the VMA Awards, I suppose everyone could have had a brief moment of sympathy and awareness and moved on. But life — and especially life for homeless youth — is usually a bit more complicated than that. It turned out that Jesse had been arrested on charges of criminal mischief, criminal trespass, and burglary—all misdemeanors — in Oregon when he was 18. So upon completion of his speech, police promptly announced there was a warrant out for his arrest in Oregon for violating his probation. From our work at the Center, we know that young people who live on the streets often struggle just to stay alive, and that means many turn to petty crime as a means of survival. It is not uncommon, when a youth shows up on our doorstep, to find that he or she within a few weeks of becoming homeless has engaged in petty theft or survival sex not necessarily for money, but just for a little bit of food or shelter. Studies have shown that those experiencing homelessness are found

to be arrested more often, incarcerated longer, and re-arrested at higher rates than people with stable housing. Think about it: If you don’t have a place to sleep and you find an abandoned building to crash in for the night, you’ve just committed a crime. And if you fail to show up for your hearing and don’t receive notices about your failure to appear because, after all, you’re homeless and don’t have a permanent address, you’ve just committed another crime. It is a cycle that is hard to escape. That’s why programs for homeless youth like the ones at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and My Friend’s Place are so important. They help some of these young people escape that cycle, get some support and guidance, and maybe even develop a sense of hope about the future. So rather than rushing to castigate Jesse Helt, let’s take just a step back and thank him for standing up and giving a face to what it means to be young and homeless in Hollywood. Let’s appreciate the courage it takes to tell your story in the hopes that people will stop for a minute and consider the tragedy that lingers right outside their door. This isn’t a bad TV movie, this is real life, and perhaps this interlude can create the space to have a national conversation about what we can do to give these young people a fighting chance at a successful and happy life.

Classifieds JOB OPPORTUNITY Ahead of Style has two of nine stations available for any experienced stylist/ barbers in the heart of downtown. We are one block east of Fourth Ave., near the street car. More than 230 students are housed less than a block from our location. STUDENTS WILL BE BACK SOON! Chairs are available now. Call 520.624.8400 for more information and ask for Ajia. Ahead Of Style, 426 E. Ninth St.

STORAGE SHED WANTED Instantly increase your back yard size by offloading that storage shed to the Observer. Call 520-812-0909.

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

September 03, 2014

OBSERVER

WEEKLY

Page 15

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 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-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2.50 Well Day/Night

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-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2.50 Well Day/Night

Friday

Saturday

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. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2.50 Well Day/Night Dave’s $3.50 Margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas

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 Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2.50 Well Day/Night 4.00 Titos/Absolut, Cosmos/Martis from Dan G

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 Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2.50 Well Day/Night

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 Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2.50 Well Day/Night

Monday

Sunday 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-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2.50 Well Day/Night

Judges chide state lawyers over gay marriage bans By Michael Tarm ASSOCIATED PRESS Federal appeals judges bristled on Tuesday at arguments defending gay marriage bans in Indiana and Wisconsin, with one Republican appointee comparing them to now-defunct laws that once outlawed weddings between blacks and whites. As the legal skirmish in the United States over same-sex marriage shifted to the three-judge panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, more than 200 people lined up hours before to ensure they got a seat at the much-anticipated hearing. While judges often play devil’s advocate during oral arguments, the panel’s often-blistering questions for the defenders of the same-sex marriage bans could be a signal the laws may be in trouble -- at least at this step in the legal process. Richard Posner, who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, hit the backers of the ban the hardest. He balked when Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General Timothy Samuelson repeatedly pointed to “tradition” as the underlying justiﬁcation for barring gay marriage. “It was tradition to not allow blacks and whites to marry - a tradition that got swept away,” the 75-year-old judge said. Prohibition of same-sex marriage, Posner said, derives from “a tradition of hate ... and savage discrimination” of homosexuals. Attorneys general in both states asked the appellate court to permanently restore the bans, which were ruled unconstitutional in June. Its ruling could affect hundreds of couples who married after lower courts tossed the bans and before those rulings were stayed pending the Chicago appeal. Gay marriage is legal in 19 states as well as the District of Columbia, and advocates have won more than 20 court victories around the country since the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the federal government to recognize statesanctioned gay marriages last year. The Supreme Court has yet to take up a case, but Utah and Oklahoma’s cases were appealed to the high court and Virginia’s attorney general also asked the justices to weigh in. Appeals court rulings are pending for Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee, while

appellate court hearings are scheduled next month for Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and is expected soon in Texas. Posner, who has a reputation for making lawyers before him squirm, cut off Indiana Solicitor General Thomas Fisher just moments into his presentation and frequently chided him to answer his questions. At one point, Posner ran through a list of psychological strains the children of unmarried same-sex couples suffered, including having to struggle to

grasp why their schoolmates’ parents were married and theirs weren’t. “What horrible stuff,” Posner said. What beneﬁt to society in barring gay marriage, he asked, outweighs that kind of harm to children? “All this is a reﬂection of biology,” Fisher answered. “Men and women make babies, same-sex couples do not... we have to have a mechanism to regulate that, and marriage is that mechanism.”

Samuelson echoed that, telling the hearing that regulating marriage - including by encouraging men and women to marry - was part of a concerted Wisconsin policy to reduce numbers of children born out of wedlock. “I assume you know how that has been working out in practice?” Judge David Hamilton responded, citing ﬁgures that births to single women from 1990 to 2009 rose 53 percent in Wisconsin and 68 percent in Indiana.

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OBSERVER WEEKLY

September 03, 2014

Turnabout for TIHAN 2014 raises funds in a most entertaining way

Above: Tempest DuJour with family members, received warm birthday congratulations from attendees of Turnabout for TIHAN 2014. Above right: Tempest takes a minute away from hostess duties to chat with one of her minions. Right: Gratuitous eye candy.

During an interlude of charitable giving at Turnabout for TIHAN, Tempest DuJour was surprised by fellow performers with a cake and a bouquet of flowers to celebrate her 119th birthday. Or maybe it was her twenty-first. Guesses, like the one-dollar bills, were flying all over the place.