ObserverWeekly 9_02_15

September 02, 2015

Issue 1597

Kim Davis defies Supreme Court to protect her four marriages from the likes of you

Protesters for both sides continue to appear daily at the county courthouse in Morehead, Ky., where Kim Davis has her office.

By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who continues

Inside Veteran economist says forget Trump -- the pope’s the one leading a revolution Page 10

CNN accused of anti-gay bias in coverage of TVcrew shooting

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Jazz Jennings is TV’s unsung trans heroine

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South Dakota lawmaker wants to pass law to inspect trans athletes genitals Page 8

Celebrating life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — Turnabout has it all

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A third of Israelis identify as bisexual, new study shows Page 3

making a worldwide joke of herself over same-sex marriage, should have made a quick point and then either resigned or accepted the oath of office she swore.

Ms. Davis -- who has enjoyed four serial adulteries, I mean marriages, while upholding the sanctity of biblical

"Davis has said she will not resign her $80,000-a-year job and will never issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples . . .

[She] cannot be fired because she is an elected official. The Legislature could impeach her, but that is unlikely given that many state lawmakers share her beliefs."

-- The Associated Press

10,000 'Stand With God' against equality, Planned Parenthood

This was the enthusiastic crowd on the "white side" of the rally. A smaller rally nearby was held for black people.

OBSERVER STAFF COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Ten thousand people reportedly joined the "Stand With God, ProFamily Rally" against marriage equality, Planned Parenthood and general corruption in Washington, D.C., last week.

Perhaps the supreme irony of this "unity event" was that, according to the South Carolina newspaper The State, a smaller unity rally for black people was held on the other side of the state capitol building.

Apparently the event was partly in support of so-called "states' rights."

A website touting the rally stated, "The Supreme Court's decision is an open attack on the sovereignty of every state

in the Union" and urged citizens to gather for "a peaceful protest against the sin of the Supreme Court."

"The recent Supreme Court decision on same-sexmarriage is yet another proof of the spiraling degeneration of this nation's morals," the website made clear.

But even though the promotion seemed to focus on marriage, reports from the event itself said it was mainly an anti-abortion rally.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry used the occasion to promote his almost-existent Republican campaign for the presidency.

According to the Texas Tribune, Perry told the crowd: "[Jesus] saw corruption,

just like today. We need somebody that's got the backbone to go to Washington, D.C., and turn over the tables of the money changers, of the corruption, of the greed, that we see in Washington, D.C." And the Texas newspaper concluded: "At one point, Perry repeated the word 'angry' six times throughout two sentences, assuring listeners their emotions were not misplaced because Jesus felt the same way."

The other Texas GOP presidential candidate, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, also spoke -- but aimed his brimstone against Planned Parenthood this time rather than the LGBT community.

Cruz is so anti-gay that he was named The Advocate's Phobie of the Year for 2014.

Who ya’ gonna call?

marriage -- promised the world that she will not resign nor will she issue a license for a samesex marriage, in defiance of a direct order from her governor and even though the U.S. Supreme Court refused Monday to give her a special dispensation to discriminate.

What option has she left for herself?

Oh wait -- irony alert -- she protesteth too late!

Back in February, months before same-sex marriage even became legal in Kentucky, her office accidentally issued a license to a trans man (an Iraq veteran) and a pansexual woman. Nobody in the office checked the ID of the Continued on page 12

We’ve been super excited about the “Ghostbusters” remake since we learned that Kate McKinnon had joined Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Leslie Jones in the reboot of the ‘80s classic. “Bridesmaids” director Paul Feig helms the movie about parapsychologists who kick-start their own paranormal investigations business to rid the city of ghosts. The film began shooting in New York this summer but we have to wait until next summer before seeing the reboot.

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Feathers flying over Chick-fil-A airport proposal DENVER -- A Denver city councilman found himself being fried by critics of his own after he criticized Chick-filA's contributions to anti-gay groups.

Councilman Paul D. López made the remarks during debate over opening one of the restaurants at Denver International Airports.

The thing is, López's main objection wasn't about Chick-fil-A's politics, but the fact that it refuses to open on Sunday and one of the airport's requirements is that businesses open to serve one of the busiest days.

Think Progress reports that López has received some serious threats from "Christians."

"They say, 'You are attacking Christian people, and you're anti-Christian.'

They say, 'It's the Bible that you have to obey.' And then they go on using expletives, and threatening violence. … Authorities have been notified," he said.

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as the only Western European country with no recognition for same-sex couples -- not even civil unions.

Rural Nebraskans organize successful first-ever Pride GERING, Neb. -- The first-ever Pride event in Nebraska's sparsely populated Panhandle reportedly attracted more than 200 people, several times the anticipated turnout.

The event was held in this town of 8,000 across the North Platte River from Scottsbluff, which is the region's largest city.

Media coverage came from ABCTV and the Scottsbluff Star-Herald newspaper, and attendees came from as far away as Denver.

Food was provided via covered dishes and Godfather's pizza donated by the company. Applebee's provided gift certificates.

It was an organizational event for Panhandle Pride, currently forming as a nonprofit.

López noted that being anti-gay is Chick-fil-A's First Amendment right, but that council members didn't give up the same right just because they got elected to office.

Transgender woman files lawsuit alleging multiple jail assaults

Still, he said, he's "heard rumors" that his fellow council members will waive the Sunday-opening requirement for Chick-fil-A.

NEW YORK CITY -- A transgender woman identified only as M.T. has filed a lawsuit claiming repeated sexual assaults by a corrections officer at Rikers Island's Robert N. Davoren Complex.

Venice mayor: Pride events in my city?

Never another one!

VENICE, Italy -- The recently installed mayor of Venice quickly sparked outrage after he took office earlier this summer by banning city libraries from stocking books featuring same-sex couples.

Now, according to the newspaper La Repubblica, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro plans to ban Pride events as well.

"There will never be a gay Pride in my city," he reportedly said. "Let them go and do it in Milan, or in front of their own homes." He also criticized the events as "the height of kitsch."

The lawsuit specifically claims she was raped by Officer L. Galan on Dec. 2, 2012.

According to court documents, she alleges "Galan stated that plaintiff 'could do this the easy way or the hard way.' Plaintiff did not feel that (she) could walk away or call out for help."

M.T. further alleges that Galan gave her "gifts" not to report the assault -- an iPod Touch, headphones, a charger, a case and $20 cash.

But she reported the abuse after being caught in possession of the contraband iPod.

Gay activists, of course, didn't take the announcement well.

Lawsuit targets woman killed in Caitlyn traffic crash

Flavio Romani, president of the organization Arcigay, was quoted as saying: "Venice is not his city. At the moment he is governing it, but he won't last long given the fool he is making of himself. He is becoming obsessive about this. Venice does not deserve it."

LOS ANGELES -- Occupants of the Hummer that struck and killed a woman in a February traffic accident involving Caitlyn Jenner have filed an $18.5 million lawsuit against the estate of the woman they killed, alleging that her negligence caused the wreck.

Romani invited the mayor to take part in next year's Pride event, much to the irritation of His Honor.

TMZ reported that they also plan to sue Jenner eventually.

Italy has already gained notoriety

As reported, the Malibu pile-up began when a Lexus driven by Kim-

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September 02, 2015

berly Howe rear-ended a Prius driven

by Jessica Steindorff. Jenner's SUV then rear-ended Howe's Lexus, pushing it into oncoming traffic where it was struck head-on by the Hummer.

The current prime minister, Tony Abbott, effectively killed marriage equality for now by not allowing his party members in Parliament to vote for it in this month's scheduled vote.

Howe was killed and several people injured.

Instead, Abbott proposed putting the measure to a vote of the people.

Even if that passes, it will delay the beginning of actual marriages by years.

Howe's stepchildren already have sued Jenner, as has Steindorff.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced last week that there is a 50/50 chance Jenner will receive a misdemeanor citation over the crash. Authorities said he was not exceeding the speed limit but was going too fast for road conditions at the time.

Ted Cruz's dad: Marriage equality not about marriage

While not favoring equality as prime minister, Gillard did at least allow her party members to vote as they wished.

"Our parliamentarians have been called on to make decisions about peace and war, life and death, the pursuit of prosperity, the embrace of fairness," she said last week in announcing her change of stance.

"It is my respectful submission that our parliamentarians, in an exercise of good conscience, can make and should make any decision about same-sex marriage," she added.

AMES, Iowa -- The father of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz pushed an assortment of asshat theories earlier this month when he spoke to The Family Leadership Summit here.

Pastor Rafael Cruz told the crowd that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on marriage equality was all about something other than marriage: "You've got to realize that that decision was not about homosexual marriage, that decision was a decision against religious liberty," he fumed.

The idea that LGBT people would want civil rights is even worse, he added.

"Understand me well, if they're calling homosexuality a civil right, that means that the next obvious step is a homosexual may come to your church and demand to be hired, whether as pastor or a janitor is immaterial, and if you say, 'I'm sorry I cannot hire you because it violates my religious faith,' you're going to be slapped with a civilrights discrimination lawsuit."

Cruz did not directly cite a source for his news items, but he made it clear what he thinks: "The devil always overplays his hand, and the devil overplayed his hand with that decision on June 26."

Ex-prime minister backs marriage for Australians Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said recently she's finally endorsing marriage equality for her country.

Gillard refused to back marriage equality as prime minister, but not for the usual reason. She repeatedly said that she wasn't a big supporter of marriage for anybody and didn't want to encourage gays and lesbians to do it, so she preferred civil unions.

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

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September 02, 2015

OBSERVER

Wedding on hold: Hilton is 'unable' to confirm cause

Maryland-based lawyer, blogger and feminist Cathy Brennan’s lawsuit describes “doxxing” as the publishing of private material about an individual, typically with malicious intent.

PLANO, Texas -- A Plano gay couple has postponed wedding plans after an alleged anti-gay tirade from a hotel chef, but alleged tepid reactions from both local and corporate Hilton hotel officials inflamed the couple even more.

Named as defendants are journalist Joey Stevenson of San Francisco and Evolve Media, owner of the website AfterEllen which is aimed at queer women.

Once the U.S. Supreme Court ruled marriage equality legal in Texas, Daren Merchant and Rick O’Connor began planning theirs for this coming Jan. 1.

Brennan, 45, told The Daily Record, a Maryland legal newspaper, that “The suggestion that I am doxxing anyone ... is simply absurd.”

“We both had kind of agreed we wanted to do it legally, and we wanted to do it with friends,” Merchant told Dallas TV station KFDW. “We didn’t want to just run to the justice of the peace.”

She has, however, often been accused of similar actions, as reported in various media. In September 2013, she sent a well-publicized letter to the doctor of trans activist Emily Horsman stating she believed the doctor had “a professional obligation to know about his patient’s mental health.”

They planned to get hitched at the Plano Hilton Garden Inn, where Merchant’s daughter works.

The daughter soon reported that she was hearing negative comments from her co-workers, especially the chef.

“He had major issues with us being a gay couple,” Merchant told KFDW. “About us having the right to be married, about it creating the apocalypse, about it causing all sorts of other issues, comparing us to Caitlyn Jenner.”

Merchant said it took a week after he went public before Terry Martinez, general manager of the Plano facility, called him -- and when she did, she was not apologetic but rather “seemed very annoyed and bitter.”

A statement released by Hilton Worldwide said the company was unable to substantiate the couple’s allegations.

Merchant and O’Connor have been together more than 20 years and claim to have been frequent Hilton customers.

“We have been loyal Hilton guests for as long as I can remember, but I will never stay at a Hilton property of any kind again,” Merchant said.

Anti-trans lesbian sues 'AfterEllen' on doxxing claim BALTIMORE -- An activist described as a “trans-exclusionary radical feminist” filed a lawsuit earlier this month claiming she was defamed by an article that stated she harasses, outs and “doxxes” transgender women.

Brennan’s basic contention seems to be that men are pretending to be women in order to gain entry to intimate spaces so they can inflict sexual violence -- exactly the argument put forward by right-wing nuts who have yet to provide any evidence to support it.

A third of Israelis identify as bisexual, new study shows A newly released first-of-its-kind study of sexuality in Israel reveals that about one-third of Israelis identify on the bisexual spectrum.

The survey, conducted by the Panels Institute and the Israeli website Mako, used a Kinsey scale of 0 to 6, with 0 being exclusively heterosexual and 6 exclusively homosexual.

Of the 600 secular Jews living in Israel who participated, 67 percent identified themselves as exclusively hetero, 3 percent exclusively homosexual, and 30 percent along the 1-to-5 bisexual spectrum indicating openness to sex with different genders.

The survey has a 4 percent sampling error. It follows two surveys by YouGov that showed half of British young adults and a third of U.S. young adults also identify as bisexual.

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Commentary

Jazz Jennings is TV’s unsung trans heroine Caitlyn gets all the attention and publicity, but TLC reality star Jazz Jennings may be doing even more for visibility.

By Nick Adams GLAAD This summer, TV viewers had the opportunity to tune into two shows with very similar titles — E!’s “I Am Cait” and TLC’s “I Am Jazz.” While Caitlyn Jenner’s docu-series has received much (well deserved) attention, less has been written about “I Am Jazz,” starring 14-year-old Jazz Jennings and her family. And yet Jazz’s story is perhaps more indicative of what the future looks like for transgender people.

Jazz Jennings is a girl who also happens to be transgender. Jazz began her transition before the age of 5, and has been talking about her story in the media since being interviewed by Barbara Walters for a GLAAD Media Award-winning “20/20” special about trans children back in 2007.

“I Am Jazz” stars Jazz, along with her parents, grandparents, and three siblings as they go about their daily lives in suburban Florida. The show allows viewers to watch as Jazz worries about starting high school, playing on the girls; varsity soccer team, and planning her junior high graduation party. The show also recognizes that while Jazz’s life is very similar to that of her nontrans girlfriends, she also has challenges that are specific to her experience as a transgender girl.

She wonders why boys greet her girlfriends with a hug but reach out to shake her hand. She is concerned that people will think she’s good at soccer because she’s “really a boy,” rather than seeing that she has worked hard and practiced long hours to be good at the sport she loves. She has to make decisions, with the help of her parents and her doctor, about the medical aspects of her transition, as she goes through a carefully managed female puberty alongside her peers. But

because of her family’s support, Jazz will not go through puberty as a male, an experience that torments so many trans women who are not able to transition in childhood.

While Jazz’s family is one of the first families to be so public about listening to and accepting their transgender child, they are not the only family to do so. In addition to being the director of programs for transgender media at GLAAD, I am also on the advisory board for Transforming Family, a support group for families with transgender and gendernonconforming children in Los Angeles.

Formed in 2007 (the year Jazz chatted with Barbara Walters), the group has grown from a handful of families seeking support to well over 150 families. I have known many kids like Jazz who socially transitioned as soon as they could speak their true identities, who went on hormone blockers to prevent them from experiencing the wrong puberty, and who were safely placed on hormones at the appropriate age so that they could mature into teenagers and young adults along with their peers.

Because families like the Jenningses are sharing their story, because parents have access to information online, and because medical providers like Dr. Jo Olson-Kennedy at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles understand how to treat transgender children, we will hear fewer and fewer stories in the future about people who are only able to start living as their authentic selves at age 65. I’m thrilled for Caitlyn Jenner that she has made a break for freedom and authenticity, and her story clearly illustrates that it is never too late to transition and live your truth. But I also hope that people will listen to Jazz and children like her, because 10 years from now, the world will be filled with young adults who transitioned in grade school, and they will challenge every preconceived notion and stereotype about what it means to be transgender.

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CNN accused of anti-gay bias in coverage of TV-crew shooting OBSERVER STAFF Numerous voices have been raised against what appeared to be CNN's homophobic coverage of the recent shooting of a TV news personality and cameraman -- repeatedly emphasizing that the gunman was gay when there was no evidence presented that his orientation had anything to do with the incident.

The shooter, a former TV personality himself known professionally as Bryce Williams, had previously claimed anti-gay bias against employers and had registered gay porn-site domains in 2007 and 2008.

'Outta Compton' becomes richest music biopic ever "Straight Outta Compton" ruled the box office last weekend for the third weekend in a row en route to becoming the highest-grossing musical biopic in history. $13.2 million more for the weekend gave the film, centered on 1980s rap group NWA, $134.1 million to date domestically, surpassing the lifetime U.S. total of $119.5 million for "Walk the Line," based on Johnny Cash.

Despite the success of "Compton," though, the serious attention was on "War Room," a "Christian drama" about a couple who work to solve their marital problems through prayer.

The media watchdog group Media Matters accused CNN of "repeatedly and needlessly" injecting the shooter's sexual orientation into coverage where it had little or no relevance.

Out magazine pointed out "the dangerous link between violence, instability and homosexuality" that the network was perpetuating.

September 02, 2015

"War Room" has a lowly 18 percent critical approval at RottenTomatoes. com, but its audience has given it an A-plus at CinemaScore.

Even CNN's out anchor Don Lemon, one of the network's most high-profile personalities, remarked on-air when he was put on the spot by fellow anchor Wolf Blitzer: "Well, I think the gay porn site is something - to me, I don't really see the relevance of it. . . .

I don't want to gay-shame him.

There's nothing wrong with being gay."

Most media outlets barely mentioned Williams' orientation, with the only publicized exceptions being CNN and one British tabloid.

Williams had been fired two years ago from WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Va. His attack left the station's reporter, Alison Parker, and cameraman, Adam Ward, both shot to death during a live broadcast.

Allegations of anti-gay bias were just the most recent road bump affecting CNN's credibility as a news source.

Weeks ago, correspondent Lucy Pawle breathlessly reported an ISIS ag in the London Pride parade.

"I seem to be the only person who has spotted this, and nobody seems to be raising any questions or pointing it out," Pawle said in video that was removed from the air after other observers pointed out that the ag actually depicted stylized dildoes and sex toys.

"We are ecstatic!" said "War Room" producer and co-writer Stephen Kendrick.

"God totally gets the credit for what's happening," Kendrick said.

"Thousands of people have been praying for this movie. With all of our inadequacy, God keeps taking what is said to be impossible and makes it undeniable.

We are so grateful."

September 02, 2015

Community Voices

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Celebrating life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — Turnabout has it all

By Scott Blades Executive Director TIHAN Talent. Creativity. Inclusion.

Performance. Beauty. Genderbending. Expressive. Love. Diversity.

Recognition. Inspiration. Visibility. FUN. Fundraising for the cause. Engagement.

Equality. All this, and more.

If you haven’t been to a drag show lately, here’s the one for you: #Turnabout for TIHAN -- this Sunday night. Featuring some of the “best of the best” in professional entertainers, AND some amateurs (some doing it for the first time) just to raise money for charity and make a (fun) spectacle of themselves.

Plus, we’ve got some great theatre and burlesque numbers, and a “lifetime contribution” award to present.

It’s a two-hour show, hosted by the amazing Janee’ Starr and Tempest DuJour (in a Tucson stop on her whirlwind national tour with her fellow RuPaul Drag Race superstars). You’ll also be treated to performances by the reigning Miss Gay Arizona America and a few other current and previous titleholders as well. And you’ll enjoy team performances from IBTs Bar + Food, Musical-Mayhem Cabaret, Don’t Blink Burlesque, Tucson Pride, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, and many more!

The past year has brought great strides in visibility for our trans community, and the historic decision for marriage equality, and this year’s show will celebrate those two issues, including a special recognition for our recently married couples in attendance.

We’ll be celebrating all married couples at the show -- and especially LGBTQ couples recently married. If you are a married couple, please come and let us celebrate your love!

We’ll be celebrating life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And marriage equality, trans visibility, and a community strong in diversity! Additionally, the 2015 Stonewall Award will be presented to one of our community’s great activists, former State Senator Paula Aboud, for her many years of work for marriage equality and inclusion on all levels.

card” current (or keep your “straight ally” card current) and get your Continuing Education units for cultural competency by enjoying a great drag show (and more) Sunday night!

Do your part to enjoy and support our community and keep your “gay

Betty Boop

It’s at a hotel ballroom instead of a bar, with lots of parking, and centrally located. The event is18 and over due to some adult content.

Continued on page 8

Betty Boop is an adorable two year old girl, with the sweetest purr and temperament. She’s a quiet girl, and would be a wonderful companion in a quiet home. She is quite a calm kitty, though, and would love to have a lap to cuddle on! If you’re looking for a loving, friendly kitty to spend the afternoon cuddling with, come by and meet this pretty little girl.

Where God's love for all is the good news!

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September 02, 2015

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September 02, 2015 OBSERVER WEEKLY Celebrating life, liberty, and South Dakota lawmaker wants to pass law to inspect the pursuit of happiness — trans athletes genitals Turnabout has it all

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Continued from page 5 Spend your Sunday evening (6 p.m.-8 p.m.) of the three-day holiday weekend enjoying some entertainment for a great cause. You and your friends can buy a table of 10 seats for only $150 (in advance), or individual tickets are $15 (advance) or $20 at the door.

Tickets can be ordered online at https:// tihan.ejoinme.org/turnabout2015, or purchase at the TIHAN office (520299-6647). And the best part of it all -- proceeds support the programs and services of the Tucson Interfaith HIV/ AIDS Network.

6. What are the two primary means of transmission of HIV in the U.S.?

This benefit is even more important because, in the first half of this year, we served 11 percent more people living with HIV than in the same period last year. We’re able to respond with compassion and support to the growing need only because of amazing volunteers and generous donors like you. Thank you for being part of the solution!

11. How often does the CDC recommend people get tested for HIV?

And speaking of HIV, here are 21 basic questions to test your knowledge.

Take a look at these questions, and see if you can answer them. Keep an eye out on this column, and I’ll be providing some answers and responses soon! (and there may be a trick question or two here)

14. True or False: One in eight people with HIV in the U.S. are unaware of their infection?

1. Name two famous people who are living with HIV or who died from AIDS.

17. What does “undetectable” mean as it relates to HIV status?

2. True or False: 20 million people around the world are living with HIV?

18. True or False: TIHAN is the second largest volunteer-based HIV service provider in the state of Arizona.

3. If you test positive for HIV, name two things you can do to stay healthy.

4. Name two of the four body fluids that transmit HIV. 5. True or False: The longest that anyone has lived with HIV is approximately 20 years?

7. True or False: breast milk can transmit HIV? 8. What does HIV stand for?

9. True or False: saliva can transmit HIV? 10. True or False: 10,000 people in the U.S. will become newly infected with HIV this year?

12. True or False: 10 percent of the people who will become infected with HIV this year are young people (under the age of 35)?

13. Name a way that you can tell if someone has HIV.

15. Is there a cure for HIV? 16. Name two reasons that HIV rates are increasing among seniors.

19. Name two of the three primary HIV clinics in Southern Arizona.

20. Is HIV stigma less prominent or more prominent than it used to be?

21. True or False: Living well with HIV is possible today?

Roger Hunt believes the only way to be sure of someone’s gender is to look at their genitals.

By Ashlee Kelly GAY STAR NEWS A South Dakota lawmaker is hoping to pass legislation that could mean trans athletes could have their genitals inspected before they compete in high school sporting events.

Roger Hunt, a Republican, believes that birth certificates and looking at people’s genitals is the only way to be sure of someone’s gender. He also claims that gender is determined “at conception.”

Comparing his issues of gender with more progressive views in states such as California, Hunt said, “This is South Dakota. We haven’t adopted the East Coast culture. We haven’t adopted the West Coast culture. We maintain our own culture.”

Hunt’s proposed legislation is a response to a decision made by the South Dakota High School Activities Association last year, which allows

trans students to participate as their real gender as opposed to what it states on their birth certificate.

The policy has proven to be unpopular with Republicans.

Speaking on the subject, Rep. Kris Langer said, “This definitely is a minority population we’re addressing . . . It’s such a small group to be legislating. No policy, or rescinding this, is the best.”

Since the new policy has been enacted, various lawmakers have tried to undermine it.

In February, South Dakota State Rep. Jim Bolin tried to introduce a bill that would make the policy void, saying: “[The association] decided to essentially question the validity of birth documents in the state of South Dakota.”

Despite several attempts, the policy has yet to be overturned as proposals have been voted down when the issue reached the senate.

OBSERVER WEEKLY Wyoming judge's anti-gay remarks under investigation as judicial misconduct September 02, 2015

OBSERVER STAFF

According to the British newspaper The Guardian, Francesca Pardi's book "Piccolo Uovo" (in English, "Little Egg") portrays an egg that encounters a variety of families in Mother Nature, including "a pair of gay penguins, lesbian rabbits successfully bringing up a family, as well as other family models, including a single-parent hippo, a mixed-race dog couple, and kangaroos that have adopted polar bear cubs."

But Pinedale's municipal judge and circuit court magistrate, Ruth Neely, faces a hearing before the Wyoming Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics over statements she allegedly made swearing she'd never marry same-sex couples.

Neely's attorneys are our old friends, the anti-LGBT chupacabras at the Arizona-based Alliance Defending Freedom [Except for Anyone You'd Want To Hang Out With].

Ken Connelly, a lawyer with the alliance, said last week: "Removing a respected public servant from office because of her religious beliefs is a

Pope praises author of book about diversity Pope Francis surprised the world again this summer by praising the author of an LGBT-inclusive book that had been ordered off of library shelves by one anti-gay Italian mayor.

PINEDALE, Wyo. -- When you passed through this picturesque town on your way to Yellowstone National Park, you probably weren't picturing anti-gay bigotry.

The countryside around Pinedale, Wyo., is too pristine to imagine bigotry afoot there, but Pinedale's municipal judge is under investigation for saying she ain't marryin' none o' them gay- or lesbian-type couples.

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After the book was attacked by Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, Pardi wrote to the pope objecting to criticisms

by Brugnaro and certain other Roman Catholics. She included some children's books from her Italian publisher.

violation of both the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions."

choices have to be made," Neely was quoted as saying.

And so it could possibly be. Refusing to carry out the sworn duties of her office, on the other hand, seems like a fairly OK to reason to give her the boot.

No doubt that's exactly what the courts will tell her: Choose to do the job or choose to resign.

Pinedale's Sublette Examiner newspaper ran a story last December quoting Neely as saying she wouldn't do it.

"When law and religion conict,

Unless they come up with the novel argument that the Constitution guarantees Ruth Neely a judgeship whether she wants to fulfill the duties or not.

Her action brought a response from a papal aide stating that "his holiness is grateful for the thoughtful gesture and for the feelings evoked, hoping for an always more fruitful activity in the service of young generations and the spread of genuine human and Christian values."

While the letter cannot be construed as change in church teachings, Pardi said she was surprised to get it.

"It's not that I think that he's for gay families, because there's the Catholic doctrine, but we mustn't think that we don't have rights," she said.

To volunteer, call Mark Rosenbaum For support services, call a Link Specialist For more information, events, or to donate, visit www.tihan.org

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As Clark Saw It

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By Gary Clark Veteran economist says forget Trump --

the pope's the one leading a revolution Pope Francis in the popemobile on a road leading from El Alto, on the outskirts of La Paz, Bolivia, lined on both sides by well-wishers.

"As Jesus says in the Bible, the poor will always be with you, but the rich may not be after the coming revolution."

-- Paul B. Farrell at MarketWatch

By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST

Zoe’s World

By Zoe

Pope Francis will go down in history alongside Che Guevara and Fidel Castro.

At least that's the gospel according to one veteran economist, Paul B. Farrell, who now writes books as well as a blog for MarketWatch but is a former Wall Street investment banker with Morgan Stanley.

As Farrell expressed it several weeks ago: "Right-wing conservatives remain in denial, tuning out the pope's message, hoping he'll just go away like the 'Occupy Wall Street' movement did.

"Never. America's narcissistic addiction to presidential politics is dumbing down our collective brain. Warning: Forget Bernie vs. Hillary. Forget the circus-clown-car distractions created

by Trump vs. the GOP's Fab 15. Pope Francis is the only real political leader that matters this year."

History shows us that those on the side of empire never notice the barbarians at the gate until it's too late, so Farrell could be right -- we won't know until it happens.

In Bolivia earlier this year, Francis reportedly said global capitalism is a failure and runs "counter to the plan of Jesus." He even said it's become "the dung of the devil" -- no report on a Koch response to that one.

Farrell's idea is that the pope isn't just inciting a "Second American Revolution," although that would obviously be a big part of it. Francis is rallying people around the world to rise up against the chupacabras such as Big Oil, the Koch billionaires, the GOP Congress and "all fossil-fuel climate-science deniers," according to Farrell.

So while the wingnuts embrace one idiotic theme after another (like the one that quickly disappeared earlier this year claiming that God hid fossil fuels deep in the Earth so he could delight in our finding them), Pope Francis reminds us that the Bible says God gave man stewardship over the Earth -- and "stewardship" implies care-taking, not polluting every last square foot.

Farrell adds, "The fact is: The era of capitalism is rapidly dying, a victim of its own success, sabotaged by greed and a loss of a moral code. ...

"In the generation since the Reagan Revolution, America's self-centered, consumer-driven, mutant capitalism lost its moral compass, drifting: Inequality explodes, income growth stagnates, the poor keep getting poorer.

Yet across the world, billionaires have exploded from 322 in 2000 to 1,826 in 2015, with 11 trillionaire capitalist families predicted to control the planet by 2100."

It's true that the pope is scheduled to confront the Republican Congress in a matter of weeks, so it will be interesting to see what he says there. He's also expected to confront the U.N. General Continued on page 16

September 02, 2015

Monday

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 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.

Friday

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.

VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.

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.

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.

SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge

offers mens health re-

OBSERVER WEEKLY Tuesday

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 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.

Saturday

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.

VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi

sources

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.

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.

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 &

Ajia Simone, Owner 426 E. Ninth St. 520.624.8400

Wednesday

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 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.Dave’s $3.50 Margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas

Page 11

Thursday

BRODIES TAVERN - Customer Appreciation 7-2 a.m. Two-for-One Well-Domestic Bottles, Margaritas on Tap House Kasiz Shots IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m. Therapy every Thursday. All Day *2-4-1 Drink Specials (excludes top shelf, wine & draft). Million$DJ Inside at 9 p.m., DJ Sid the Kid on the Patio 9 p.m. GoGo Boys @11 p.m.

VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm. 4.00 Titos/Absolut, Cosmos/Martis from Dan G

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

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

Friday 4 p.m.

5:30-6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Saturday

2:30-4:30p.m.

2nd Saturdays

Sunday

9-11 a.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 John 975-3166.

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

Co-ed Softball, all abilities welcome. Oury Park, 600 W.St. Mary’s

10-11.30 a.m.

10-12 p.m.

2-5 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

3-5p.m.

5:30 p.m.

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.

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

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

Page 12

OBSERVER

WEEKLY

September 02, 2015

Kim Davis defies Supreme Court to protect her four marriages from the likes of you Continued from page 1 man to find out that his driver's license still identifies him as a woman.

Oh, and the job pays $80,000 a year in a county where the average income is less than half that.

Oopsie.

What will be done to get her out of the way of progress?

Well, we haven't seen Americans in such open defiance of law and the Supreme Court since segregationists insisted God was telling them to keep the races separated.

According to the Daily Independent of Ashland, Ky.: "Davis didn't speak to them. None of the deputy clerks asked for Camryn Colen's driver's license. Lexie Colen handed over her birth certificate and identification. The couple received the paperwork and wed later that night.

"Davis didn't realize, said Camryn Colen, she'd signed off on the marriage of a transgender man and a pansexual woman. " 'I saw Kim Davis, but I didn't talk to her. We went in there just as any other straight couple would," said Camryn Colen, 30."

It would seem obvious that charges could be brought against her for issuing an illegal marriage license. Closing her office anytime a serious protest is in the wind also could bring charges -- most states require that county offices be open to serve the public except on specific days.

Talk about Davis braying herself into a corner.

Local wags have begun joking about "Kentucky fried

clerk." The county she works for has asked the state to declare her guilty of misconduct,

Davis' staff issued a license to one couple including a trans man because they "just looked at the two as a loving couple who wanted to get married. Not as two people whose nuptials would cause churches to burst into ame, asteroid strikes, human-animal marriage, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions."

-- d3clark at Daily Kos a first step toward removing her from office.

Apparently in Kentucky, impeachment by the Legislature is the only means to get shut of unwanted elected officials -- but the Legislature is dominated by Republicans who aren't expected to do anything because they're enjoying the show.

Davis is arguing that her civil rights prevent her from being removed from office for non-performance -- a novel approach, to say the least.

Besides, removing her from office would break up a political dynasty: Davis herself has worked in the county clerk's office for about 30 years; she reportedly "inherited" the elected position of county clerk from her mother, who held the post for years, and now has her son working as an assistant clerk, ready to step in when mama retires.

The law and the society have changed considerably since segregation was the issue, so I don't even know where to begin.

Contempt of court and some hefty fines will come any day -- but that's just courts apping their jaws, and Davis has already said she'll decide which court rulings she'll obey, not the courts.

And despite the Supreme Court, she still has a lawsuit pending against Gov. Steve Beshear claiming he has no authority to order her to do her job.

But there is one thing Davis has revealed that she probably didn't intend to: Ya think a control issue here and there might be a factor in those four marriages?

God help America -- the individual egos of mediocre people rule the country right now.

OW

Veteran economist says forget Trump -- the pope's the one leading a revolution Continued from page 10.

Assembly, which is another toy of the chupacabras.

If he continues the message he spread across South America on his trip there, we may be in business. Then again ...

Farrell doesn't believe that middle-class and poor people will continue to stand still for perpetual raping.

I'm not so sure. Yes, people are beginning to notice and complain, but after 40 years of voting for their own rape, do they really remember how to stand up for themselves?

As I've said before, we live in interesting times -- and it appears the times may soon get a lot more interestinger.

As reported by Christopher Hale at Time magazine, the pope told South Americans: "The future of humanity does not lie solely in the hands of great leaders, the great powers and the elites. It is fundamentally in the hands of peoples and in their ability to organize. It is in their hands, which can guide with humility and conviction this process of change. I am with you."

Damned if I won't plan to be there as well!