Snow Patrol listening party tonight at Liberty!

Hey, it's Albert from the SGN. If you got no plans tonight, consider this tasty option.

Seattle Gay News is pleased to join Sonic Boom Records and Wake Up Productions in presenting a Snow Patrol CD-listening party at Liberty (517 15th Ave. East) on Thursday, May 4. Party time is set for 8 to 10pm. Fans can ear-sample the band's new album "Eyes Open" and win a Snow Patrol prize pack that includes a pair of tickets to their upcoming Paramount Theatre concert, copies of the "Final Straw" CD and "Acoustic" EP, and an opportunity to meet the band in person at a later date.

Seattle Gay News is proud to support Snow Patrol on its forthcoming CD and provide coverage for their performances in Seattle and Portland. The group made our Top Ten best-of lists for Albums/CDs (Final Straw), Singles/Tracks ("Run") and Hot Artists of 2004.

There is no charge for attending the listening party.


Photo of Snow Patrol, courtesy of Interscope Records

Did you say "free" movie passes?

Seattle Gay News is your free ticket source for spring's coolest films.

Be sure to check our "Out at the Movies" section weekly for upcoming movie pass giveaways. We'll be announcing giveaways soon for "Drawing Restraint 9", starring Bjork, and the gay-themed "Adam & Steve" with Parker Posey and Chris Kattan.


Photo of "Drawing Restraint 9", courtesy of IFC Films.

WWD names new campaign manager

A Washington Won't Discriminate press release:

Vezina to Manage Washington Won’t Discriminate Campaign
Equal Rights Washington Committed to Winning Referendum Battle

Equal Rights Washington (ERW) announced today that it will lend its political director, John Vezina, to the Washington Won’t Discriminate campaign. Vezina brings extensive campaign experience and will manage the campaign to defend Washington’s anti-discrimination law.

“Our highest priority is ensuring that the anti-discrimination law stands,” said Barbara Green, ERW’s Interim Executive Director. “The Board of Directors and I have asked John to take this role because the referendum campaign is key to ERW’s mission to ensure and promote dignity, safety, and equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Washingtonians.

Brie Gyncild, ERW Board Co-chair said, “The community is now poised for success on all fronts. Washington Won’t Discriminate and Equal Rights Washington can now work even more closely together to preserve the anti-discrimination law while Equal Rights Washington also pursues marriage equality and a strong legislative and electoral strategy.”

Anne Levinson, Chair of the Washington Won’t Discriminate campaign added, “This is another great example of community collaboration on behalf of this critically important campaign. We know John will be a strong leader, and we are pleased to have him at the helm.”

Vezina has an extensive political record, working as campaign staff on three statewide campaigns in Alaska, in intergovernmental affairs for the Clinton Administration, and as a lobbyist for the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C. He is excited about the opportunity to focus on the referendum battle.

“I look forward to talking with Washingtonians about the importance of these basic civil rights. Hard-working residents of our state should know that employment decisions are based on their ability to do the job and not on who they are,” said Vezina.

The Washington State Legislature passed ESHB 2661 in January, adding the words “sexual orientation” to the existing anti-discrimination law. . If opponents of the law collect enough signatures by June 7, Washington’s residents will vote on a referendum (Referendum 65) in November. They would then have to vote to “approve” the law in order for it to be retained.

Equal Rights Washington is part of a coalition with other statewide organizations in the Washington Won’t Discriminate campaign to defend the new law and preserve the protections against discrimination.

Vezina will return to his usual duties at Equal Rights Washington after the campaign, in time to prepare for the 2007 legislative session.

Gay families participate in White House Easter Egg Hunt

About a hundred Gay and Lesbian couples and their children participated in the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the White House lawn, according to the AP

The gay and lesbian couples, who wore rainbow-colored leis, said they wanted to give their children an opportunity to have fun while making a political statement that they should be welcome.

"We just wanted to come out to be visible and present and to let people see we are families, too," said Alisa Surkis, 42, of Brooklyn, N.Y., as 3-year-old-daughter Ella clamored for her partner, Colleen Gillespie, to take her over to see the Easter Bunny.

The Family Pride Coalition and other organizers said they wanted to use this year's event to raise the profile of gay and lesbian couples, a move that drew the protest of conservative groups who said they were trying to "crash" an event.

Falwell not a fan of free speech

Apparently Falwell is not a fan of free speech. The same free speech that allows him to ramble on about Tinky Winky being Gay...

Supreme Court won't hear Falwell's appeal

By GINA HOLLAND
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

WASHINGTON -- Evangelist Jerry Falwell on Monday lost a Supreme Court appeal of a case that sought to shut down a Web site with a similar name but opposite views on gays.

Click here for the full story.

Gay and Lesbian World Travel Expo at Grand Hyatt today, April 6!

Seattle Gay News is proud to be a sponsor of the Gay and Lesbian World Travel Expo 2006 at the Grand Hyatt (721 Pine Street) today, April 6, from 4pm to 8pm. The mini-convention will feature dozens of travel-oriented businesses and organizations extending their services to the gay and lesbian community. This a perfect place to receive information on airfare, accomodations, travel packages and vacation spots in numerous cities and countries around the world.

Seattle Gay News will have a small table at the Expo and we'll be giving away a one-night stay at the MarQueen Hotel (in Seattle's Queen Anne District) and two Solstice Sunglass Boutique gift certificates, where the hip people shop for shades. We'll also have brochures from some of our favorite places to escape to. Please join us this afternoon and evening at the Grand Hyatt. Admission is $5 at the door.

Photo of Oahu, Hawaii is courtesy of Oahu Visitor's Bureau.

SGN presents Gay and Lesbian World Travel Expo 2006, April 6

Seattle Gay News is proud to be a sponsor of the Gay and Lesbian World Travel Expo 2006 at the Grand Hyatt (721 Pine Street) on Thursday, April 6 from 4pm to 8pm. The mini-convention will feature dozens of travel-oriented businesses and organizations extending their services to the gay and lesbian community. This a perfect place to receive information on airfare, accomodations, travel packages and vacation spots in numerous cities and countries around the world.

Seattle Gay News will have a small table at the Expo and we'll be giving away a one-night stay at the MarQueen Hotel (in Seattle's Queen Anne District) and two Solstice Sunglass Boutique gift certificates, where the hip people shop for shades. We'll also have brochures from some of our favorite places to escape to. Please join us Thursday afternoon and evening at the Grand Hyatt. Admission is $5 at the door. Seattle Gay News has a limited amount of free passes available. Call our offices on Wednesday or Thursday and ask for Mike Andrew or Maggie Bloodstone.


Photo of Oahu, Hawaii is courtesy of Oahu Visitors Bureau.

Murray seeks Senate seat

State Rep. Ed Murray announced on Saturday, April 1, that he will be seeking the 43rd District Senate seat, which includes Capitol Hill, the University District, Wallingford and Freemont.

"I am announcing my candidacy today for the state Senate," he said. "Michael and I will need your help and your friendship over the next few months. ... With your help, we can win this election...not only for yourself, but for future generations."

Murray is looking to unseat Senator Pat Thibaudeau, who is seeking a fourth Senate term. While he never mentioned Thibaudeau by name, he thanked the incumbent for her hard work in the Senate.

"I am not running to oppose any candidate," he said. "This election is about the urgency of now. ... These are not ordinary times."

Murray laid out his campaign themes: immigration, healthcare, marriage equality and the quality of life in the 43rd district.

Former Gov. Booth Gardner will chair Murray's campaign committee. It was also announced Saturday that King County Executive Ron Sims had endorsed Murray.

State Rep. Joe McDermott was there for the announcment. Dick Kelley, Stephanie Pure and Bill Sherman -- three of the candidates looking to take Murray's open House seat -- where also present.