September 17, 2014
Issue 1547
Rep. Orr two-stepped around SB 1062 vote By Rob Rowley STONEWALL DEMOCRATS
him stand on that and other issues.
In late February of this year, at the first anti-SB-1062 rally in Tucson, LD-9 state Rep. Ethan Orr (R) was proud to announce that he “did not vote for” 1062. Orr lied by omission. He forgot to mention that he did vote for it in its first reading and that while he didn’t vote for it in its final reading he also didn’t vote against it -- Orr reportedly left the vote and hung out in the lounge instead of taking a stand either way.
The two Democratic candidates running for the District 9 House seats are state Rep. Victoria Steele and Friese. Steele represents Legislative District 9 in north/central Tucson from Speedway to Ina, Sabino Canyon to Thornydale, and Friese is a trauma surgeon and professor of surgery at the University of Arizona Medical Center. I spoke with these two candidates, asked them a few questions and here is what they said:
At a Clean Elections debate between Orr and Dr. Randy Friese, Ethan once again tried to talk his way around the whole 1062 debacle and it made me wonder where the two candidates running against
Equality Arizona honors Tucson’s Scott Blades OBSERVER STAFF PHOENIX -- Tucson’s Scott Blades copped Arizona’s most prestigious LGBT award Saturday night, telling an audience of several hundred how proud he is to be part of “this amazing community.” Blades came north to accept Equality Arizona’s William S. MacDonald Lifetime Achievement Award. He was honored for 25 years of work, 20 of them with the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN), which was kicked off on World AIDS Day in 1994.
Rob Rowley: Do the two of you support marriage equality? Victoria Steele: “I most definitely support marriage Continued on page 13
Scott Blades pictured here with his mother Gerry Cox (right), and Rebecca Wininger, Equality Arizona’s policy committee co-chair.
“So many people deserve Continued on page 16
Inside Senator SB 1070: Sterilize low-income Arizona’s first gay marriage legalized Page 12
Republicans on House committee vote to redefine marriage after all Page 4
New chain chooses Tucson to launch its first french fry hot spot
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women now! By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST
The only sitting Arizona Senate president ever to lose a reelection bid has come up with a new idea -- mandatory sterilization for low-income unemployed women. Russell Pearce, now the vice-chairman of the state Republican Party, told listeners on his radio show last week, “You put me in charge of Medicaid, the first thing I’d do is get Norplant, birthcontrol implants or tubal ligations.” Continued on page 7 UPDATE: Pearce resigns, page 3
Gallup: 70 percent in U.S. say they live in gay-friendly area A recent Gallup poll asked 100,000 people in 123 countries whether they live in a gay-friendly community. Among Americans, percent answered yes.
70
Facebook’s name policy disproportionately affects LGBTQ’s
Keep in mind that a poll earlier this year showed a higher percentage than that were positive that lesbians and gays had employment protection in all states.
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In other words, the best reason for polls to ask our straight neighbors about gay life is to find out how much they don’t know about us!
Chuzapalooza is back with the Absolute Worst Drag Show 3 Page 10
The country with the highest percentage believing their city is gay-friendly was the Netherlands, with 83 percent. Scoring the lowest were Uganda (2 percent) and Senegal (1 percent).
Russell Pearce
Justin Bieber’s strip gets mostly boos at Fashion Rocks OBSERVER STAFF BROOKLYN, N.Y. -Justin Bieber couldn’t wait to strip down to his Calvin Kleins during CBS’ nationally televised Fashion Rocks last week. Generally, we like that kind of thing in a guy. But maybe it wasn’t the best time for the Biebonbon to throw trousers to the wind, with all the negative press he’s been sucking up. He wasn’t a scheduled presenter, and when he walked onstage with model Lara Stone to introduce Rita Ora, much of the audience booed. What happened next seems to depend on which account you read or heard.
Some say that when he began stripping, the boos got louder. Some say that some of the boos turned to cheers. It’s obvious from a brief (we couldn’t resist that) video that quite a few people whipped out the cellphone to preserve the moment, whether they had been booing or cheering. Also, most of the people in the video’s background are smiling -- or maybe it’s slobbering. Bieber is 20, so he’s out of the age range to be the heartthrob of every 12-yearold girl (though he may still make a few 12-year-old boys throb!), and his recent growing pains have brought a series of negative mentions in the press. Still, it was pretty laughable Continued on page 3
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Barber, Sinema vote with Republicans on clean-water proposal WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congresscritters Ron Barber of Tucson and Kyrsten Sinema of Phoenix voted with Republicans last week to kill another attempt to clarify regulations governing the nation’s water supply (H.R. 5078). The group of dissident Democrats issued a statement saying that the proposal didn’t clarify anything and actually enshrined a 2008 rule that Republicans didn’t like, either. That could even be true; the statement doesn’t state much in the way of specifics and appears to be the usual congressional obfuscation of whatever is actually going on. The bottom line is this: We all know that the GOP aim when it comes to environmental regulations is to have no regulation at all so that corporate polluters can do as they wish. Therefore, it’s not unreasonable to assume that when elected Democrats bolt from their party to vote with Republicans on environmental issues, the people who elected those Democrats are probably not being well-served. If Arizonans want more Republican votes in the House of Representatives, we can elect our own Republicans. The opportunity is only weeks away.
Arpaio soaks public for $4.4 million more in immigration case PHOENIX -- A federal judge last week awarded more than $4.4 million in attorney fees to lawyers who won a long-running racial-profiling lawsuit against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his department. The judge trimmed the attorneys’ request by one-third. Arpaio has appealed the ruling in the case, which was filed in 2007. The trial judge ruled last year that the department not only engaged in racial profiling but detained drivers for too long without either charging them or letting them go. Arpaio denies any racial profiling. Lawsuits against Arpaio had already cost taxpayers about $50 million, including $25 million awarded in wrongful-death lawsuits.
Neil Patrick Harris weds in Italy PERUGIA, Italy -- Neil Patrick Harris married his partner of 10 years, David Burtka, on Sept. 6 in Italy within the walls of a castle. The handsome couple wore custom Tom Ford tuxedos for the nuptials and were joined by their 3-year-old twins, Gideon and Harper. “How I Met Your Mother” director Pam Fryman officiated, and Elton John performed at the reception. “Guess what? David Burtka and I got married over the weekend. In Italy.
OBSERVER Yup, we put the ‘n’ and ‘d’ in ‘husband,’” tweeted Harris. The Tony-winning star, 41, announced his engagement to Burtka, 39 and also an actor, in 2011. “I was always around when he was around, hoping the stars would align . . . I couldn’t take my eyes off him,” Harris wrote of Burtka in 2012 for Out magazine.
Vote-restriction laws to affect up to 24,000 trans people this fall The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law has released a study concluding that as many as 24,000 trans people may be prohibited from voting in the November elections because of more rigid voter ID laws passed in recent years. The study concluded that 28 percent of transgendered people do not have an ID that will meet the new voting requirement in their state.
WEEKLY
Birthday celebration involves handing out money to passers-by WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Bob Blackley spent part of his birthday earlier this month standing on a busy street corner handing out $5 bills to strangers. He held a cardboard sign saying: “I have a job. I have a home. Could you use an extra $5?” He increases his outlay by $50 each year; this year, he celebrated his 59th by giving away $800, $5 at a time. What the recipients do with the money is no concern of his. This year, he told WGBH-TV, one man responded that he needed some medicine he didn’t quite have the money to buy, and the $5 would allow him to get it. But no matter. “If it puts a smile on their face, it’s theirs. That’s what life’s all about -- smiling,” Blackley said.
In 10 states, GOP-dominated legislatures have passed stricter ID laws that will affect mainly minorities, the poor and college students -- all of whom vote mainly as Democrats and are less likely to have an ID that meets the new requirements.
Some people have a hard time believing he’s giving away money and not soliciting their email address or any information about them.
In several states, a college photo ID that was acceptable before will no longer qualify. In Texas, college IDs are no longer allowable but a gun license will work.
“Most of the people say ‘God bless,’ a lot of them say ‘give it to somebody else,’ “ he added.
All but three of the states are in the former Confederacy. By far the largest numbers of trans people expected to be disenfranchised are in Texas (6,800) and Georgia (4,400). Other states with the restrictive laws include Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s law was reinstated by a judge only last week. The report on the study is called “The Potential Impact of Voter Identification Laws on Transgender Voters in 2014 General Election,” written by Jody Herman.
Pima County Public Library celebrates LGBTQ history month TUCSON -- Celebrate LGBTQ History Month at Rainbow Story Time. The library’s LGBTQ services committee invites families of every kind to enjoy stories and flannel boards, singing songs and making crafts throughout its month long LGBTQ celebration. Event schedule is as follows: Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m. Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.; Oct. 10, 10:15 a.m. Woods Memorial Branch Library, 3455 N. First Ave., Oct 14, 10 a.m. El Rio Branch Library, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd., Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m. DusenberryRiver Branch Library, 5605 E. River Rd. For more information, check out www.library.pima.gov or call: (520)-7914010.
“Are you crazy?” is a common response, he said.
He said he hopes to win a lottery someday so he can give out hundreddollar bills.
Say it ain’t so, Joe! Riviera’s topless beaches cover up PARIS -- They say nothing lasts forever, and apparently that even applies to the iconic topless beaches of the French Riviera. All around the world, people of a certain age must be shocked to hear that one of the world’s most famous tourist sights seems to be on the way out. According to a survey by Elle magazine, only 2 percent of French women under the age of 35 say they’d sunbathe topless even at one of the famous beaches. “People are more prudish these days,” was the simple verdict of Muriel Trazie, 60, who herself was not baring all at Paris Plage, the French capital’s version of a summer beach. It’s a different planet from the 1960s, when topless image of actress Brigitte Bardot and other jet-setters were ubiquitous around the world. In the 1970s, France even defied the Vatican in refusing to ban topless sunbathing, and the “monokini” -- a bikini bottom without the top -- became a symbol of French pride. Some attribute the change to mere fashion, but some sociologists say young French women have forgotten the feminist principles that led to the custom. “French young women today are more conformist,” said Jean-Claude Kauffman, the author of Women’s Bodies, Men’s Gaze: Sociology of Naked Breasts. “They’ve already
September 17, 2014 attained freedom . . . so they’ve gotten lazy and take it for granted.”
Tucson’s No. 1 when you’re talking about UFO ‘sky watchers’ TUCSON -- Among the many reasons to consider Tucson as No. 1, you might not think of UFO-watching. But according to Per Capita Ranking of Meetup Groups in the Continental U.S., there are more “sky watchers” -as UFO aficionados call themselves -- in Tucson than in any other city in America. Statistics reveal that 555 of us actually belong to a group dedicated to that subject. You might think that either Tucson or Phoenix (especially if you’ve spent time at Charlie’s in past years) would be a center for line-dancing. Surprisingly, that award goes to Durham, N.C., with 2,527 formal participants! Who knew the University of North Carolina was overrun with line dancers? Other category leaders include San Antonio for walking (3,548 in a club that strolls the River Walk weekly), Denver for beer (8,103), San Francisco for brunch (3,735 -- there’s a surprise), and Washington, D.C., for Francophilia (2,107 -- and the survey is about eating baguettes, not the French you might be thinking about).
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. © 2014 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 17, 2014
OBSERVER
Pearce quits GOP after advocating women be sterilized
Jonas: I’ll be nude, possibly gay or bi on TV series ‘Kingdom’
PHOENIX -- Former state Sen. Russell Pearce resigned Sunday as vice chairman of the Arizona Republican Party after he set off a national furor by saying low-income women should face mandatory sterilization. (See political column beginning on Page 1.)
Nick Jonas, of the famous singing brothers, has been burning up the publicity circuit by flashing his abs around New York City’s gay club scene, but now he’s promising to flash them right in your own living room.
The Arizona Republic, the state’s largest daily newspaper, reported that several Republican officials had called for Pearce to go, but only after they were prodded by state Democratic Party Executive Director DJ Quinlan. Quinlan also had questioned why the GOP gave such a high-profile party job to one of the state’s most controversial figures, who lost a recall election in 2011 and then lost his own party’s primary in an attempt to regain the seat. Up to last week, when he made the sterilization statement on his radio show, Pearce’s main claim to national fame was promotion of the state’s antiimmigrant SB 1070, parts of which were eventually declared unconstitutional by the courts.
OP-ED
Why we AIDS walk
The series deals with a group of MMA fighters in Venice, Calif., but Jonas said there’s extensive focus on his character’s sexuality. At that point, Cohen asked, “Is he, like, bi-curious?” “We will see,” Jonas responded like the cat that ate the canary. If you can’t wait to see more of Jonas than just his six-pack, the show premieres Oct. 8.
Justin Bieber’s strip gets mostly boos at Fashion Rocks OK, not technically bare -- she was wearing fishnet panty hose, so ... no, forget it, that butt looked bare to us and we’re calling it out right here. And Rita Ora herself would have been flashing bare ass if not for a leather strap through her cracks. Bieber should have taken a cue from the women and bared -- oh wait, can other people read this?
Right. Media types are such nuns. So Bieber isn’t acting 12 anymore. It may be a shock, but he isn’t 12 anymore.
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Last week during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, Jonas said he “did a lot of nudity” for his upcoming DirecTV series called “Kingdom.”
Pearce said leftists in the media are responsible for his latest downfall.
Continued from page 1 to see all the condescension and tongueclucking among the media -- pretending that A) the strip wasn’t planned and that co-presenter Stone was shocked -- shocked -- at the sight of Bieber’s boxers; and B) pretending that if they had a six-pack like the one Bieber sports these days, they’d be far too modest to allow anyone to actually SEE it.
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(In another pointless aside, Nicki Minaj fronted some of the most lickable male dancers ever to grace the telly, but then that’s Nicki’s knack, Jack.)
Unlike the media nuns, he has to grow up with everything he does spotlighted by media types who’d love his fame . . . if they had the talent to get there.
Bieber’s recent escapades kinda remind us of Leann Rimes several years ago, trying to grow up and being eviscerated every time she stumbled.
For an idea how much the boos had to do with good taste, take a look at Jennifer Lopez’s bare ass hanging out on the same show doing her “Booty.”
Unless he becomes a mass murderer or public masturbator, leave the kid alone and let him work out what he’s going to be as a grownup.
Founder of AIDS Walk Craig R. Miller and George Takei.
By Craig R. Miller THE ADVOCATE
day — AIDS would be over. Gone. Banished.
Thirty years ago, being gay or even just perceived so posed challenges of bigotry far beyond what most LGBT people experience in our country today. Being gay wasn’t easy back then. When AIDS and the fear of it were added into the equation, the difficulties compounded. Exponentially.
Despite all the progress we have made to date, those who have devoted their lives to combating the disease are now confronting a disconcerting new reality: With the fight having lost so much public urgency in recent years, the chance to see an end to AIDS in our lifetime may well be slipping away.
Back in the darkest days of the epidemic, AIDS led us to rethink what we could expect from one another — coworkers, employers, landlords, neighbors, and passers-by. Even one’s own relatives and parents too often couldn’t be counted on. What happens if I get sick? Will my family and friends stand by me? Will my doctor care for me? Will my government even acknowledge that this disease exists, that I exist, and that those contracting the disease are deserving of care, not callousness?
Along with that loss of urgency come complications that threaten to undermine the 30 years of progress we have built. Of course, if you are among the tens of thousands newly diagnosed each year, it’s urgent. If your T cells have begun to decline again, it’s urgent. If you are hospitalized by the side effects of HIV medications or their inability to protect you from common infections, it’s urgent. If you are among the tens of thousands of HIV-positive people who still must choose between safe housing, nutritious food, and quality health care, it’s urgent.
In 1985, as the too often horrifying answers to these questions loomed large, 4,500 courageous and visionary people (mostly gay men and lesbians, but also people of all orientations) took to the streets for the world’s first walk to fight an epidemic — AIDS Walk Los Angeles. Whether we walked for our friends, our partners, our children, or ourselves, we did so in the hope that one day — oh, how we hoped that one
These realities are emotional for those of us who watched so many die in pain and isolation while President Ronald Reagan sat silent, complicit — propagating a vision of “Morning in America” while ignoring our mourning. Those of us who lived through the Continued on page 4
September 17, 2014 OBSERVER WEEKLY Republicans on House committee GOP congressman vote to redefine marriage after all calls firing gay
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people one of the ‘freedoms we enjoy’
By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST Republican members of the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted last week to redefine marriage after all by approving a two-tiered form of marriage in which some married military couples are eligible for certain benefits and others aren’t.
By Laura Clawson DAILY KOS Rep. Robert Pittenger thinks it would be terrible, just terrible, if the law prohibited employers from firing people for being gay. Kind of like how smoking bans are terrible:
It’s a move that former President George W. Bush might have characterized as “some marriages are just more marriage-ier than others.” The vote, of course, was on extending certain benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to service members legally married to someone of the same sex. Details of the two-tiered system have yet to be worked out, but only one Republican (Rep. Jon Runyan of New Jersey) joined 11 Democrats in supporting a single level of married-ness. That made the vote 13-12, opposed. If you’re thinking that the U.S. Department of Defense already declared that married service members are . . . well, married, and that there’s only one kind of marriage no matter which zip code the couple is in, you are correct.
Ah, but there’s a quirk in the law (and isn’t there always). The Department of Veterans’ Affairs, as opposed to Defense, is taking advantage of a loophole in Title 38, and this committee vote was about closing that loophole. The way things are now, a couple can be married for years and receive full benefits (that’s Department of Defense), but if one or both retire and they live in a zip code where same-sex marriage isn’t currently being performed, then suddenly they enter that second tier of marriage and the eligible party becomes ineligible (that’s Veterans’ Affairs).
Clinton remains the most popular figure in American politics. He and DuVal have a long history, dating back to DuVal’s work on implementing Clinton’s welfare-reform law and his role in the 1996 ClintonGore re-election campaign. Tuesday’s fund-raiser was
I’m sure we won’t see Jolly campaigning out of one side of his mouth that he supports same-sex marriage and out of the other side that he voted against it for veterans. And of course, if Jolly had voted for the legislation he liked so much, the vote would have been 13-12 in favor instead of 13-12 opposed. That is how history is made.
The real skunk in the parlor this time might be Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla.
Bill Clinton to speak at Arizona event for DuVal campaign SCOTTSDALE -- At the Observer’s deadline time, former President Bill Clinton was scheduled to speak Tuesday night at a Scottsdale fund-raiser for Arizona’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Fred DuVal.
Jolly “came out” as favoring same-sex marriage earlier this year. During the debate on this measure, he spoke in favor of the legislation but then voted against it because he said he had problems with the procedure that was followed.
set for “a private venue near Scottsdale Air Park,” with more than 100 people set to attend, DuVal spokesman Geoff Vetter told the Arizona Republic. DuVal also served as keynote speaker at Saturday night’s awards banquet for Equality Arizona, the group seeking LGBT rights and marriage equality in the state. Polls show DuVal, a former chairman of the Arizona Board of Regents, in a dead heat with his GOP opponent, state Treasurer Doug Ducey.
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After assuring ThinkProgress that he “respects everyone” and “loves people,” Pittenger said he believes companies should have the right to fire or refuse to hire someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity: “You need to respect the autonomy of somebody running their business,” he said. “It’s like smoking bans. Do you ban smoking or do people have the right to private property? I think people have the right to private property. In public spaces, absolutely, we can have smoking bans. But we don’t want to micromanage people’s lives and businesses. If you have a business, do you want the government to come in and tell you need to hire somebody? Why should government be there to impose on the freedoms we enjoy?”
Just as we should enjoy the freedom to smoke, we should enjoy the freedom to fire LGBT people, or refuse to hire them, due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Just because someone is the most qualified for the job and the only reason not to hire them is that you are a bigot doesn’t mean the federal government should impose laws for equality and against discrimination on the cherished freedoms you are busy enjoying, am I right? In addition to his horrific position on this issue, Pittenger also showed off some sterling ignorance, telling ThinkProgress “I believe people are already protected.” In reality, in North Carolina (along with 28 other states), LGBT people are absolutely not protected under the law and can be legally fired simply because the boss is a bigot. While Pittenger’s logic and language may stand out, his opposition to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act is in step with Republican leadership in the House; Speaker John Boehner has refused to even allow a vote on the bill.
Why we AIDS walk Continued from page 3 early years of the epidemic remember how absolutely vital it was for We the People to act when They the Government would not. We are wary of the consequences to come for those still living with or at greatest risk for contracting HIV and developing AIDS if today’s diminishing engagement fades away entirely. That is why we walk. It is and always has been a choice for each of us. Do we hold fast to our aspiration for a world without AIDS or succumb to mass complacency? Do we fall back or step forward? It is a choice that each of us must
make, with consequences that all of us must own. For the 15,000 people who will die this year in the United States (an estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) due to AIDSrelated complications, the days of AIDS have not passed. We still do not have a cure. We do not know how much longer some treatments will remain effective. We do not know how many more children, parents, brothers, and sisters we will lose in the next 30 years. As many as one in six people who are living with HIV do not even know it.
What we do know, however, is that the strength and compassion of those who continue fighting AIDS is a lifesaving resource in and of itself. That’s why joining AIDS Walk Los Angeles or the many events around the country modeled after it remains so important to this day. We choose to walk forward, not to fall back.
September 17, 2014
Page 5 OBSERVER WEEKLY New chain chooses Tucson to Primary vote was launch its first french fry hot spot 434 percent turnout OBSERVER STAFF
in one precinct
TUCSON -- Restaurateur Thomas Jones thinks Tucson is the perfect place for poutine. Observer staff members were uninformed about the Canadian craze, so Jones explained it to us. “Poutine is a meal made from french fries with gravy, cheese curds and various toppings,” he said while giving us a tour of the newly opened U.S. Fries which celebrated its grand opening Saturday at 340 N. Fourth Ave. The kitchen is the first of 15 to be introduced regionally. Jones hopes to launch soon on Mill Avenue in Tempe as well. After the first wave of openings, Jones expects the unique business to go national like Chipotle and others have done. To introduce the poutine to customers, free servings were dished out. Door greeters had to explain the concept to many poutine virgins on the way in, but the empty food boxes and smiles of the crowd were strong evidence that the mix of deep-fried potatoes, gravy, and cheese curds could sell themselves. Free poutine flavors included pulled pork, classic, and Hawaiian. The pork was moist, and tender; the pineapple crisp and sweet; the gravy delish. The full menu will include ten french fry concoctions and a monthly special. Vegetarian and gluten-free gravies will also be available soon to satisfy more fry-lovers. U.S. Fries has more to boast about than what’s in the deep fryer. For starters: the deep fryer! They’ve got four state-of-the-art fryers each able to sizzle five pounds of spuds in fresh soy oil. The oil is
OBSERVER STAFF ST. JOHNS, Ariz. -- In the GOP congressional primary in which Andy Tobin defeated Gary Kiehne by 407 votes (about 3/4 of 1 percent), some northern Arizona precincts turned in more votes than they had voters -- indicating up to a 434 percent voter turnout. In other words, four times as many people voted in one precinct as there are registered voters there.
Top: Patrons line up for a taste of poutine. Right: Alison Wall preps cheese curds with Thomas Jones. Above: Box of pulled pork poutine.
monitored and cycled through a state-of-the-art oil vat system which notifies managers when the oil needs to be replaced. The meat which is piled atop several of the poutine options is cooked in a CVap oven which uses water vapor to cook and hold meats like pulled pork at precisely the right temperature until it finds its way to the table. Jones shared his priorities in creating a perfect restaurant experience: location, service, quality, and ambience. Of the location, he said Tucson was the perfect place to launch. His team hired a top market research firm to crunch the numbers and due to the demographics of the booming college city in the middle of an urban renaissance, Tucson fit the bill. The Tucson Commercial Team at KW Commercial‘s expertise led Jones to the Fourth Ave. location.
Nobody sees anything questionable about it.
As for service, employees are treated well and started off above minimum wage. Behind the restaurant’s dining area and kitchen sits another massive room soon to be developed as a training facility for new employees.
Angela Romero, elections director in Apache County where the 434 percent turnout was recorded, said it was a matter of two precincts voting at the same location, given the fact that turnout would be small in a primary. Poll workers simply began handing everybody the same ballot, she said.
The ambience of the first location fits the modern chic edge Tucson diners are beginning to expect of new establishments. With Edison bulbs, contrasting laminate wood floors, a stunning charred wood service counter and bright white walls, FORS Architecture and interiors brought a fun and light feel to compliment the creative food.
In the big city, if you try to vote in the wrong precinct, it’s treated as a big deal and you’re likely to be sent on your way with instructions about voting somewhere else.
And the best part: it’s open until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Because honestly, what sounds better at 2:45 in the morning after a night out than pulled pork and gravy on fries?
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OK, but shouldn’t someone along the way notice that they’re turning in four times as many votes as they had voters?
Assistant Secretary of State Jim Drake said it doesn’t matter because all the races were the same in the affected precincts, so nobody could have voted in a race where they were ineligible. If it’s just a matter of two precincts getting their votes mixed and coming up with four times too many voters in one, wouldn’t the central question be whether all those voters even exist in the other small precinct? One factor may be that Apache and Navajo counties, where the high turnouts occurred, are both Republican strongholds. If this kind of discrepancy occurred in a Democratic primary, the Observer expects we’d see a week’s worth of screaming headlines alleging vote fraud.
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September 17, 2014
Community Voices
A preview of upcoming events By Scott Blades Executive Director TIHAN Tucson and Southern Arizona are blessed to have so many opportunities to come together and learn, network, serve, and celebrate. The Observer Weekly is a great resource to keep you informed about events for the LGBTQ and HIV communities. Keep an eye out for big events coming up like Tucson Pride’s celebration, parades, AIDSWalk, and more.
results! This is a two-part class. Save the dates: Oct. 6 and 20, 1-4 p.m. on both days, St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish, Pima and Swan. Those who attend both classes will receive a $50 food gift card. No meal provided. This class is only for people living with HIV and their guests. Pre-registration required. Contact Ari Kelly at 520-3060733 or LivingWell@tihan.org.
Sometimes, there’s so much going on that it’s hard to keep track of it all. Here is some information about some more upcoming TIHAN-sponsored events this fall. Save the dates and mark your calendar!
Poz Café Lunch Program (only for people living with HIV and their guests) Save these dates: Sept. 18 (We’ll be serving our 20,000th meal this month!), Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18 – special holiday dinner in collaboration with SAAF; more details and location to be announced.
Hope to see you out and about! People of Color Resource Fair -A community event for everyone! management, and substance abuse. TIHAN is helping to sponsor this year’s People of Color Resource Fair, organized by the Coalition for African American Health and Wellness. There will be food, raffle prizes, kids’ activities, paper shredding, health and wellness presentations, health screenings, and a collection box for used eyeglasses. The resource fair promotes health and wellness among communities of color and other medically underserved people in Southern Arizona, supporting efforts to reduce health disparities. This event is free, open to the public and kid and family-friendly. This year’s theme: “Mental Health and Well-Being,” with presentations on caregiver selfcare, suicide prevention, and advance directives. Save the date: Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Donna R. Liggins Center, 2160 N. Sixth Ave., (just south of Grant Road). The 2014 People of Color Resource Fair’s sponsors include Community Partnership of Southern Arizona, The United Supreme Council / S. J. Charitable Foundation, La Frontera Arizona, Interfaith Community Services, TIHAN, COPE Community Services, NAACP-Tucson Chapter, El Rio Community Center, Southern Arizona Missionary Baptist District Association, SAAF, Dr. Melvin Dixon, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, CODAC, Pima County Health Department, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Dr. Sharon Lister, and Tucson Urban League.
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day Community Dinner and Conversation Featuring Keynote Speaker Guillermo Chacon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS. Also, the 2014 Community Leadership Award will be presented to Ernie Perez from El Rio Health Center. Sponsored by the Tucson NLAAD Committee, made up of Pima County, Cope Community Services, TIHAN, SAAF, and Pima Community College. Save the date: Oct.15, 5:30 p.m. reception and silent auction and the dinner and program begin at 6:30 p.m., El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26 St., RSVP online at www.nlaad.eventbrite. com or call 520-792-3523. Living Well With HIV Class -Building a Stronger Support System A healthy support system is instrumental to our health, and when those systems are not strong, the effect can be devastating. In this class, participants will gain tools to strengthen existing support, including information on communication, limits and boundaries, and intimacy. The class will be led by therapist Shari Goettel. She has 20 plus years’ experience and is a knowledgeable and down-toearth workshop presenter, providing a comfortable learning environment. She has experience with a wide range of topics, including HIV and AIDS, LGBT issues, death and dying, case
QUALITY THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE 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
Save the dates: Sept. 27, 1-3 p.m., St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish, Pima and Swan. This class is only for people living with HIV and their guests. A meal will be served and we’ll have two gift card raffles. Pre-registration required by Sept. 22 – contact Ari Kelly at 520-3060733 or LivingWell@tihan.org. More Living Well with HIV Classes coming up (only for people living with HIV and their guests); Oct. 30, 1-3: p.m. -- “Let’s Talk About Sex!” (with peer discussion); Nov. 6, 6-8 p.m. -“Beyond Physical Health: The Road to Mind-Body Wellness”; Dec. 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. -- “Having A Happier Holiday: A Discussion about Holiday Stress” Eating Well -- Food Literacy Class Eating Well classes continue! This is a unique opportunity to learn many healthy habits, such as: • how to balance calorie intake • cutting back on foods high in fats, sugars, and salts • food safety and handling • budgeting and shopping on fixed incomes • how to be physically active in your own unique way • cooking for one person (or a small family) • minimizing pre-packaged foods • utilizing a shopping list One of the highlights is participating in a food demonstration (focused on cooking with herbs) and enjoying the
Planning Well -- Financial Literacy Class -- New! TIHAN is introducing a new class focusing on budgeting, credit, debt reduction, and more! We will: • Make a plan to achieve your goals • Get tools to manage bills • Prepare your personal spending plan • Learn to read a credit report • Learn how to build and repair credit • Discuss reasons to use a bank • Learn methods to reduce debt and avoid scams This class is only for people living with HIV and their guests. Pre-registration required by Dec. 8. Contact Ari Kelly at 520-306-0733 or LivingWell@tihan.org. Save the date: Dec. 11, 3-5 p.m. Tucson Association of Realtors, near Grant and Tucson.
September 17, 2014
OBSERVER
Senator SB 1070: Sterilize low-income women now!
WEEKLY
Page 7
Raftery’s lines about ‘Armenian whorehouse’ and ‘let ‘er die!’ deserve another staging
regular home inspections. Anyone with the audacity to want food stamps would be subjected to regular home invasions (er, I mean inspections) to check for cleanliness and proper maintenance of the property.
Bee Shaffer, daughter of Anna Wintour, backstage with Ryan Raftery on opening night of his show.
I’d guess it would be legally difficult to cut off somebody whose landlord didn’t maintain the property, but as I say, I’m just guessing.
Russell Pearce
Continued from page 1 People who want to reproduce should get a job, he said, conveniently ignoring the fact that many people on Medicaid already have one of those. The trick there is getting a job that pays enough to live on. Although the sterilization rant got the publicity, that’s the kind of thing that could be expected from Pearce, who a fairly short while ago was touted as the most powerful person in Arizona. Actually, though, it was the remainder of his remarks that must have left some of his big donors and small-government freaks completely dumbfounded. For one, he said food stamps should be limited to purchasing staples -- 15-pound bags of rice and beans, powdered milk and the like. “If you want a steak or a frozen pizza, then you’d have to get a job,” the former state pontiff pontificated. Holy processed GMOs! That strange snapping noise you’ve been hearing for a week is the sound of sphincters cramping all across the food-processing industry, which rakes in billions every year from things like frozen pizzas bought with food stamps. And then there was the one about
To make sure radio listeners got the proper visual of the little twitchy mustache and the swastika flag flying over his shoulder, Pearce added the ultimate threat: “POSSESSIONS WILL BE INVENTORIED.” Yes, small-government addicts who don’t even want to pay for maintaining the bridges they drive over will jump at the chance to spend money inspecting people’s underwear drawer and counting the gewgaws in the living room. Up to now, Pearce was most famous as the power behind SB 1070, Arizona’s “don’t be around if you’re brown” antiimmigrant law. That fight cost him his re-election. Apparently now he’s fishing around for something to carry him to greater glory. If you enjoy listening to this kind of thing (like, maybe you really get off on the Nazi uniform), it’s available on Phoenix station KKNT, The Patriot “Intelligent Talk” radio. (Sorry, I couldn’t keep a straight face and type “Intelligent Talk” about Pearce’s show.) Then again, if you’re that much into pain, there are bars where you can strip down for a good public flogging. I’d certainly recommend the latter over Pearce’s show. After all, your masochism isn’t all about you -- you can at least satisfy a roomful of peepers while you’re at it.
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OBSERVER STAFF NEW YORK CITY -- Did Anna Wintour realize she was creating the most controversial magazine cover in decades when she decided to put Kanye West and Kim Kardashian on Vogue? Who knows . . . Wintour has never been a shrinking violet when it comes to publicity of any kind. But putting a rapper and a Kardashian on the cover of Vogue spawned a very un-civil civil war, and for the first time in her 26-year reign at Vogue, people loudly questioned Wintour’s taste, judgment and possibly even sanity. And then there’s the fact that it spawned a successful one-man show. Ryan Raftery Is the Most Powerful Woman in Fashion may have spoofed Wintour’s ice-queen persona, but it was a warm, melting spoof in admiration. Raftery described Wintour as Darth Vader and Hillary Clinton “in one little package,” and adds that the one time he encountered Wintour on the street, he said hello and he swears that she scowled back at him -- the perfect reaction, he added. “You want her to be like ‘The Devil
Wears Prada,’ “ he said, referring to the film in which Meryl Streep channeled Wintour. Raftery’s drag Wintour was right in character, not only singing “Que Sera Sera” and “The Bitch Is Back” but getting off this pitch-perfect Raftery-asWintour one-liner to the audience about the Kardashians’ mom and the most famous Armenian siblings on the planet: “Kris Jenner is essentially running an Armenian whorehouse out of a Calabasas compound, and you [the audience] have elevated them to celebrity status!” Fans of sarcasm may, however, find even more glee in Raftery’s post-show “encore,” in which he comes on stage without his wig and sings an anti-Kim Kardashian broadside called “Let ‘er Die.” Sung to the tune of “Let It Be,” the song features lines like “Book her on Malaysian Airlines -- let ‘er die!” The show was presented at Joe’s Pub with August and September dates. The Observer hasn’t found any indication that the show will be presented again, but we can hope. Drag? Sarcasm? Anna Wintour? You betcha we can hope!
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OBSERVER
WEEKLY
September 17, 2014
Blast from the past!
September 17, 2014
OBSERVER WEEKLY
Page 9
Page 10
OBSERVER
Grandma’s quilting turns manparts into serious art exhibit
WEEKLY
September 17, 2014
Chuzapalooza is back with the Absolute Worst Drag Show 3
3 By Mark Kerr SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER Efforts are under way for Tucson’s LGBT and straight supportive bowling tournament, Chuzapalooza (online at chuzapalooza.com) scheduled for January 16-19, 2015, which is over Martin Luther King Weekend.
OBSERVER STAFF KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- An art exhibit currently at the University of MissouriKansas City may not be your grandmother’s idea of art, but it was indeed produced by somebody’s grandmother. We’re talking about (smelling salts, please!) “Local Grandmother Quilts Giant Penises.” Not that the term “giant” has any special meaning to anyone at the Observer in this context. The show features big, little, short, long, soft, hard, sparkly, plain . . . all sorts of manparts. Some are simply quilted and some are then adorned with all sorts of things for show and tell. They’re the work of Holly Stewart, who really is a grandmother. Stewart’s interest in the subject matter began (at least from an artistic standpoint) when she saw a Craigslist job described as “sex positive” and wanted to know what that was. “When I looked at it, it was to be a de-molder in a dildo factory,” Stewart told Huffington Post. “I just knew I needed to be able to tell my grandchildren I had even applied to be a de-molder in a dildo factory. When I got the job it was even better.” That dildo of a job turned into art work, and then a Kickstarter campaign funded a serious exhibit in a serious venue.
Chuzapalooza has been held since 2007. The tournament consisted of three events: singles, doubles and team. The tournament is part of the International Gay Bowling Organization and in May the Chuzapalooza committee hosted IGBO’s Annual Tournament. Now with the successful annual event completed, the committee is back to working on Chuzapalooza. Members of the committee are primarily from the Welcome to Oz Bowling League that bowls Thursday nights, 7 p.m., at Tucson Bowl, 7020 E. 21st St., which is the host bowling alley for the Chuzapalooza tournament. The purpose of the Chuzapalooza tournament is not only the bowling, but unity, fellowship and communication, the purpose of IGBO. An all-volunteer committee organizes and runs the event, which is the first tournament on the schedule for IGBO’s Rocky Mountain Region (consisting of Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico). For Chuzapalooza to take place
though, funding is needed to cover the expenses of hosting a bowling tournament. A series of fund-raisers are held to raise monies. The first major fund-raiser to take place will be on Oct. 18, 7 p.m., at The Junxion, 63 E. Congress, as the Absolute Worst Drag Show 3 – Third Time’s Not the Charm, will careen onto the stage for a night of fun, frocks and mangling of songs. There is a $2 cover going to Chuzapalooza. Members of the Chuzapalooza committee will get gussied-up and hit the boards to sing and lip sync numbers to raise funds for the 2015 tournament. In addition, Jell-O shots ($1) will also be sold with proceeds also going for the Chuzapalooza tournament. As of press time, signed, committed or coerced into performing for this hot mess will be none other than: Legendary Dame Maxi Paddles, the infamous and sultry Amberr Alert, Heather!, the Phoenix inferno Anita Togoboxx, and Tina Tuna – that tempestuous, name changing ingénue who has graced the stage in the two renditions prior and only went through one stage wall so far! Bad numbers questionable outfits are not the only aspects of AWDSE 3. A canned food and toiletry drive will also be taking place to benefit the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation as well.
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September 17, 2014
Fireside Chat
OBSERVER WEEKLY
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Why I walk….. By Wendell Hicks Executive Director SAAF
AIDSWALK Arizona-Tucson
Many people might not know how long I have worked in the HIV/AIDS field. I wasn’t always in supervisory or leadership positions. I started as a volunteer case manager. Before the early ‘90s, when funds became available to do this work, I volunteered to support people living with HIV/AIDS. While there are many people I remember from that time, one of the stories that is always on my mind, is one of my childhood friend. We grew up together, riding horses from a young age all the way up through our teenage years. She was the person who taught me how to kiss. Later, she fell in love, got married, and had two beautiful children. Her husband had contracted HIV through a blood transfusion, which she shared on our first formal meeting in my role as her volunteer case manager. She was living with HIV and didn’t know what to do. She found her community, as an ally to her LGBT brothers and sisters who were living with HIV. When she passed away, she left her two young daughters behind. If we knew then what we know now, her story might have been different. But if she were here, she would tell you that she didn’t regret the family she found as a result of her status. She is one of a million reasons why I choose to fundraise and walk in AIDSWALK this year. On Oct. 12 in downtown Tucson, AIDSWALK will see close to 2,000 people who register to walk, run, or have worked to fundraise for the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. The commitment of people
in this community and show of support is incredible. I am honored to stand beside people who have lost friends and family and people who just came out to support because they understand the weight their dollar carries in this cause. Consider walking and raising money to support SAAF, because all the money we raise in Tucson will stay local and serve people in southern Arizona. The walk culminates in a quilt opening ceremony to honor and pay tribute to people we have lost to HIV/ AIDS. Even if you can’t participate in the walk, please join me, and the families of those we lost, to celebrate their lives through their quilt panels. You will feel the same sense of community that my friend needed over two decades ago, and that we all still need today.
Sprocket is a beautiful, long-haired ginger boy who calls our FIV ward, home. He loves treats, cuddles and attention, and can be a teensy bit jealous of other cats (he wants all the love!) He loves to be up high and can usually be found lounging on top of “Sister’s” china cabinet! He’s three years old, very healthy and loves people. Because he has FIV, he should be an only kitty, in order to protect his fragile immune system. He’s also available for our Lease for Life program.
Sprocket
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As Clark Saw It
Zoe’s World
OBSERVER By Gary Clark
WEEKLY
September 17, 2014
Arizona’s first gay marriage legalized
By Zoe
A federal judge has issued an emergency order requiring Arizona to recognize the California marriage of Green Valley couple Fred McQuire (left) and George Martinez.
By Alia Beard Rau AZCENTRAL.COM
to list himself as spouse on Martinez’s death certificate.
Fred McQuire has found a little peace, maybe the first he’s had since his partner of 45 years died late last month of pancreatic cancer.
Theirs is now the only legal marriage of a same-sex couple in Arizona.
A U.S. District Court in Arizona ruled Sept. 13 that the state must recognize the California marriage of McQuire and George Martinez, allowing McQuire
While the narrow ruling is only a small development in a nationwide trend toward allowing same-sex couples to marry, it’s still imporant, attorney Dan Barr said. Barr is among the attorneys representing McQuire and other samesex couples in one of two Arizona lawsuits challenging the state definition of marriage as only between a man and a woman. “It matters to Fred. He’s going to get a death certificate,” he said. “Does it matter in the long run? It gives a pretty good signal.” Judge John Sedwick, in his 14-page emergency motion, was blunt about the future of Arizona’s law. “The court has not yet decided whether there is a conflict between Arizona law and the Constitution, but the court has decided that it is probable that there is such a conflict so that Arizona will be required to permit same-sex marriages,” Sedwick wrote. He went on to say the state’s argument that Arizona’s law doesn’t discriminate is without merit. “The reason why couples such as McQuire and Martinez may not marry is precisely because of their sexual orientation,” he wrote. Sedwick’s opinion is important: He is the judge who will decide both Arizona lawsuits challenging the definition of marriage. Briefs are still being filed in the case McQuire is part of. Sedwick could rule at any time in the other case, although many believe he’ll wait until the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issues its opinion on related cases from other states.
Answers to last week’s puzzle will appear in next week’s issue along with a new crossword puzzle.
September 17, 2014
OBSERVER WEEKLY
Page 13
Rep. Orr two-stepped around SB 1062 vote equality. People should be able to marry the person they love. People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender should be able to have their relationships and families recognized legally and socially, like everyone else. I believe marriage equality will soon become a reality in Arizona and you will find me leading that fight.”
you. What are the major differences between you and your Republican opponent? Friese: “Mr. Orr has a 100 percent rating with the NRA; I will stand up to the NRA. Mr. Orr has voted six times to take public monies out of our public schools and give these dollars to private and religious schools. I will work diligently to make sure not one more dime is taken out of public education. I will help to make sure the legislature pays back the $317 million that is owed in 2015, and I will continue to ensure that all monies owed are paid back.
Randy Friese: “I wish there was a stronger word than ‘yes.’ One of the first things I said when I announced my candidacy for the state house was that I was not going to allow Arizona to be the last state to lose its prejudice. I will do everything I can to make sure marriage equality in Arizona becomes a reality. No ifs, ands, or buts, pure and simple equality.” Rowley: Victoria, how did you vote on 1062? Steele: “As a member of the House of Representatives I voted against SB1062. During the long and contentious debate on the House floor I fought hard against it because it would have allowed businesses to deny service to someone based on the business owner’s religious beliefs – this bill directly targeted the LGBT community. It broke my heart that my pleas to my colleagues to reconsider their votes on this discriminatory bill were ignored. I believe SB1062 would have been very hurtful – not just to businesses, but to individuals. After it was passed and we were waiting for the governor to veto the bill, I received a call from a young friend of mine. He was crying and said he could no longer live in a state that didn’t accept him and wouldn’t protect him. What really angers me is that Cathy Herrod and her group Center for Arizona Policy likely feels emboldened by the recent U.S. Supreme Court Hobby Lobby decision. I fully expect they will be back to take another try at passing this disgusting piece of legislation and other similarly hurtful bills. We need people in the legislature who will be on the lookout for this kind of policy and who will fight hard against it. We don’t need weak legislators who will stick their finger in the air to find out which way the political winds are blowing before they push the button to take a politically expedient vote.” Rowley: And Randy, what’s your opinion of the late 1062? Friese: “I had the same reaction as I did with 1070. It was wrong. One of the reasons I made the decision to run is to help stop these types of bills from seeing the light of day. That’s also why it is so important to elect Fred DuVal as our next governor.” Rowley: Ok, here’s a big one for the both of you. What about adoption rights for same-sex couples? Steele: “In working to dismantle the old CPS and working to build the new Department of Child Safety, I have become painfully aware of how many children there are in our communities who need safe, loving homes. Whether that’s a mom and a dad, two moms or two dads should not be a factor in deciding which child gets a forever home.” Friese: “Once again, an unequivocal ‘yes.’ Hopefully, that will cease to be an issue once marriage equality is a true equality. Plus, what a child needs most is someone to love them and make them feel secure. You needn’t be a particular gender to be a great parent.”
State Rep. Victoria Steele and Dr. Randy Friese
Rowley: Victoria, what are your other priorities if you are re-elected to the state legislature?
where diversity is celebrated we will begin to see companies courting us in order to relocate to Arizona.”
Steele: “My top priority is our children and public education. I will continue to fight for prevention services that help make our families strong and keep our children safe. Strong public schools are the foundation of Arizona’s future. We need to restore funding to our K-12 pubic schools to prepare all of our children for the 21st century.
Ok, one last question. Victoria, what is the biggest difference between you and your opponent?
Growing Arizona’s economy in the future requires a highly educated workforce and that starts with making sure college is affordable for all Arizona families and investing in research and innovation at Arizona’s universities so they remain the world-class research centers they have become.
Steele: “I have proven in my first session in the legislature that I can work effectively with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and that includes my Republican LD9 seatmate Ethan Orr. While we work together well there are significant differences between us particularly when it comes to issues such as reproductive justice and responsible gun ownership.” And Randy, the same question for
I believe women should make their own health care decisions. I am prochoice. Mr. Orr is anti-choice; in fact he signed the Center for Arizona Policy proclamation declaring Roe vs. Wade as unconstitutional and pledged to work for personhood for fetuses. I know that as a team, Rep. Steele (D) and I can do great things for this community.” Rowley: Randy, how are you going to handle your surgery duties and serve in the legislature? Friese: “The very first thing I did when I began thinking about running was to meet with my colleagues at the hospital. I made sure that everyone was on board with me cutting back my hours during session. People could not have been more supportive. During the session I’ll be working several weekends a month and then return to work full-time when the legislature is out of session.
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We must improve Arizona’s transportation infrastructure, improve trade and tourism, and attract higher paying jobs.” Rowley: Randy, what are the top three issues you feel are important to address? Friese: “Our funding of public education is first on my list. I am a product of public education; I went to public schools from kindergarten through medical school. Without the commitment my community gave our public schools I would not be a successful surgeon and teacher today. Every child deserves the same quality education: access to the same books, access to the same facilities, and access to the same quality teachers. To do anything less is a disservice not only to our children but also to the long-term health of our community. I am also very concerned about gun violence. As you know I was on the medical team that cared for the shooting victims of Jan. 8. That was a tragic day. But sadly, caring for victims of gun violence is commonplace for me. I see the results of poor gun legislation every day. We must balance the rights of law-abiding gun owners with the rights of people who don’t feel safe having guns in public places. Both these approaches have value. We must come to the middle so that everyone feels safe. I think the first step is a mandatory background check for any gun buyer, no matter where they purchase the gun: gun store, gun show, and private dealer. This would do a great deal to take guns out of hands of criminals and those struggling with mental illness. Third, jobs are exceptionally important, obviously. If we create a community that offers stellar public education, where people feel safe and
To volunteer, call Mark Rosenbaum For support services, call a Link Specialist For more information, events, or to donate, visit www.tihan.org
OBSERVER WEEKLY
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September 17, 2014
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
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.
sources
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 UMC-North, 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.
4 p.m.
LGBTQA Support Group. LGBTQ Affairs Office, UA Student Union level four. SAGA Desert Boyz for trans masculine folks 3rd Tuesdays
7-9 p.m.
Wednesday 3-8 p.m.
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources
12-1 p.m.
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.
3-4:30 p.m.
4:30-6 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
Two Spirit support group. African American Student Affairs MLK Center, 1322 E. 1st Street. 6 p.m. Write Now! a writer’s group open to all at Revolutionary Grounds 606 N. 4th 6:30-7:30 p.m. Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. 7 p.m. Weekly Meditation Classes in Central Tucson, cost: $10, Kadam Meditation Center Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. 7-9 p.m. SAGA Desert Partnerz for cis-gendered 4th Thursday 7-10 p.m. Triangle Tribe, Men’s Support Group. Call 520-398-6826
3-8 p.m.
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources
4-5:30 p.m.
Support Group for Transgender Survivors of Sexual Trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club Queer People of Color &
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Ajia Simone, Owner 426 E. Ninth St. 520.624.8400
10-11.30 a.m.
10-12 p.m.
2-5 p.m. 2:45 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m.
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.
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.
Co-ed Softball, all abilities welcome. Oury Park, 600 W.St. Mary’s
Advice For Life & Prayers for World Peace. Bud dha’s teachings, Kadampa Meditation Cen ter Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. LGBT Buddhist Medita tion 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 info 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.
Saturday
Thursday
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health re-
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
2:30-4:30p.m.
Tuesday 3-8 p.m.
Sunday
September 17, 2014
OBSERVER
WEEKLY
Page 15
Classifieds
Employment
For Sale
Romance
Hair Stylist
VINTAGE VANITY/DESK
SEEKING ANIME BUDDY
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.
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
The rains have been wonderful, but they would be better with one or more friends to watch Howl’s Moving Castle with. Looking for a friend or group to share weekly movie nights. Meet me at Venture-N Fridays at 3:30 to discuss.
Call 520.624.8400 for more information and ask for Ajia. Ahead Of Style, 426 E. Ninth St.
1557
Medical equipment and household goods
Popular blog Not getting enough biting, satirical political analysis? Check out my popular blog at dailykos.com/ wolfbane in az! 1549
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For Rent
1555
FYI
Wanted
Like new Epson printer $25 Two new 1”vinyl blinds, 46x64, 51x48 $25 each Brand new Lumex commode $40 Used Helping hand bed rail $25 $100 takes all Call 520-623-7406 1557
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STORAGE SHED WANTED Instantly increase your back yard size by offloading that storage shed to the Observer. Call 520-812-0909. 1XXX
Old Bricks Do you have a pile of old bricks you want removed? Call me I’ll come and get them. 520-623-7406.
Roommate wanted Looking for one mature person working or retired to share a two bedroom one bath house -- 800 sqft. $350/month plus 1/2 utilities. Call JR @ 520-461-6698 1550
Classifieds rate: $30 for up to 30 words for 30 days. Contact Observer Weekly at: 520-812-0909 or 1830 E. Broadway Blvd, #124-215 Tucson, AZ 85719 or www.info@observerweekly.com
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.
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OBSERVER WEEKLY
September 17, 2014
Facebook’s name policy Equality Arizona honors disproportionately affects Tucson’s Scott Blades LGBTQ’s Continued from page 1 to be recognized for their work,” Blades said via email Monday after the excitement died down some. “I may not be any more special than others, but I do have an abundance of passion and perseverance!”
OBSERVER STAFF Last week SFist broke the story that Facebook began enforcing its “legal name only” policy which prevents drag queens and other performers from using their stage or character names. The story even made it to the Wall Street Journal and the BBC over the weekend.
“When I started supporting my friends living with HIV so long ago, were so hopeful that a cure would be found soon,” he continued. “With no cure in sight, we keep working to provide support to our friends living with HIV and to work to address the conditions that fuel this epidemic -- including homophobia, poverty, racism, sexism, inequality and lack of access to health care.”
Protests have been scheduled and many drag queens have been posting negative messages and retaliatory witticisms on the social network site. Tucson drag queen Diva, whose Facebook account is now under the name Tatiana Blanco, had this to say: “I woke up one morning and did what any self-respecting Queen does . . . I checked my Facebook. As soon as I tried to log in it directed me to a page that stated my name was now constituted as “invalid”. I was instructed to change my name or be considered spam then deleted. After every variation of my previous Facebook name I could think of, I settled on a name I probably would have chosen today if I had started drag today. Since then I haven’t received any further messages.” For many LGBTQ performers and individuals pseudonyms offer
Summing up, he added: “We’ve come so far, but still have farther to go.” Other honorees for the night included: Diva unique online identity and protection from targeting, bullying, and hate. Many online are commenting that disallowing the use of pseudonyms disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community. Facebook execs have yet to reach an agreement with the angry queens, but a meeting has been scheduled for today.
The Barry Goldwater Human Rights Individual Award -- U.S. Rep. Kyrsten
Sinema of Phoenix, the first openly bisexual woman elected to Congress; The Barry Goldwater Human Rights Corporate Award -- Arizona Public Service; The Equality Arizona Human Rights Award -- Stacey J. Cavaliere of Phoenix, for 10 years of work with the organization one n ten; and The Equality Arizona Spirit of Activism Award -- Trudie Jackson of Phoenix, for her longtime activism on several fronts for Native American twospirit individuals. Award nominees included two other Tucsonans, state Rep. Demion Clinco and county supervisor aide Andres Cano. The festivities took place at the Downtown Sheraton, with entertainment from a runway fashion show and the Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus.