hot f u n SUMMERTIME IN THE
August
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REAL LIFE
Astro Detective Andrea Gerhz became an astrologer 10 years ago. Her girlfriend at the time got sick of her talking about her garden and gave her a book on astrology.
24 HOME
Bellissimo Two local interior designers offer their tips to help you make your home a haven.
30 GARDEN
An Eye For Detail Landscape designer Gavin Younie's eye for detail does not disappoint.
32 FASHION
Hot Fun In The Summertime The latest in men's swimwear proves that anything goes at the pool.
38 WEDDING
The Islands are the inspiration for this couple's wedding.
Photo Horace Long
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Contents
Cover
6
Editor’s Note
40 Family
8
Publisher's Guest
42 Spirit
10 Notebook
44
12 Voices
47 Marketplace
20 Community
48
36
50 Calendar
4
A&E JustOut.com
Aloha Means Love
Our People
Advertiser Index
JUST OUT ART DIRECTOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER, HORACE LONG, TOOK THE AUGUST 2012 COVER PHOTO, FEATURING JOHNNIE IN THE LATEST MEN'S SWIMWEAR FROM UNDER U4 MEN, AT A PRIVATE LAKE OSWEGO HOME.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
by Alley Hector
just out TM
August 2012
PUBLISHERS Jonathan Kipp Eddie Glenn EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alley Hector ART DIRECTOR Horace Long A&E EDITOR Ken Hoyt
Qpdx
Indoor/ Outdoor
While on a trip to Denmark as a college student I learned the term "hygge" — an atmosphere of coziness and general conviviality, enjoying time with loved ones. It’s an essential part of Danish life and our cozy town seems to embody this same spirit both inside and out. In this issue we cover home interiors, and at the same time celebrate poolside swimwear. Whether we are at the beach, at an outdoor patio, or inside gaming with players around the world, Portlanders value comfort. As members of the gay community we are hyper aware of our surroundings. This can be for safety’s sake (I am sad to take note of so many hate crimes still taking place around the world and here at home), but it can also open us up as dreamers and designers. The stereotypes of the gay florist and interior designer have been infinitely expounded upon by a new queer sensibility in fashion, digital design, and the creation of all kinds of indoor and outdoor spaces. Inspired by our lush surroundings, we are an integral part of this city’s reputation for being a creative hub and cultural capitol. So used to our cold wet winters that seem to last forever, we cherish our indoor activities year round and create homes, often with bright colors, that embody our city’s floral theme and inspired by the landscape that surrounds us.
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During these precious two to three months we get to bring our "hygge" into the sun, where we all burst forth to gather at the river, the bluffs, or any garden that can contain both our literal and figuratively colorful selves. It also brings us together. We have emerged from our houses to come out as an interested and engaged congregation of people dedicated to creating a cultural phenomenon that’s the envy of mainstream and Bohemian cultures alike. Just Out's Editor-In-Chief Alley Hector writes QPDX. Reach her at alley@JustOut.com.
PROOFREADER Ellen Fiscus WRITERS Cathleen Busha Anna Deligio Anne Jaeger Logan Lynn Scott MacDonald Lyska Mondor Courtney O'Donnell Aaron Spencer Rev. Jennifer Yocum DIRECTOR of SALES Roy Melani SALES REPRESENTATIVE Eric Bauman AD DESIGN & COORDINATION Juliette Miratsky just out™
P.O. Box 10609 Portland, OR 97296 editor@JustOut.com sales@JustOut.com Phone/Fax: 503.828.3034 ©Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Published by Glenn-Kipp Publishing, Inc LLM Publications, Inc. authorized local advertising representative Rivendell Media, Inc. authorized national advertising representative
just out™
Founded in 1983 FORMER PUBLISHERS
Founders Renee LaChance & Jay Brown Marty Davis
Just Out has a long and proud history of informing and entertaining the LGBTQ community in Oregon and SW Washington, our supporters near and far, and working to build bridges that lead to justice, fairness, and equality for all people. Printed in the U.S.A.
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PUBLISHER'S GUEST
by Senator Jeff Merkley
Equality Growing
A Fight We Can Win 2012 has been an historic year for LGBT equality. President Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality was a watershed moment in American history. Two
legislatures, in Washington state and Maryland, voted to pass marriage equality and give LGBT couples the power to recognize their love and commitment under the law. The repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has been fully implemented and June marked the first-ever pride celebration at the Pentagon. In short, it’s been an amazing year. But the events of 2012 did not come about in a vacuum. It is astonishing how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time, but the momentum we have today is only possible because of years of tough work and slow, hard-fought victories over the course of decades. Since Stonewall, courageous men and women have chipped away at long-held prejudices and discrimination through their activism and the sheer force of their examples as pillars of their communities. Every advance and every changed mind lays the groundwork for the next success, and we are, I hope, reaching a tipping point. When I came to the U.S. Senate in 2009, the passage of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act was seen as far from certain. Those who opposed the fight for progress did everything they could to stand in our way. But we got it passed that year, and as a result it is finally no longer any less a crime to attack someone on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity than for their religion or the color of their skin. Likewise, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was considered an uphill battle in 2010. Even as military leaders and activists alike urged Congress to bring an end to this unfair policy, opponents dug in, and for a moment it appeared they had won the day. But that December, we redoubled our efforts, and Congress passed the legislation repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell just before that year’s session ended. Now we must build on those victories and take on the challenges that still lie before us to bring full equality to LGBT Americans. Marriage equality is still out of reach for far too many of our citizens, and DOMA is still on the books. And because Congress has not yet passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), it is still legal to fire or refuse to hire someone on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity in a majority of states. One of my proudest accomplishments as the Speaker of the Oregon House was passing Oregon’s version of ENDA, which outlawed this form of discrimination in Oregon. Now, I am leading efforts in the U.S. Senate to adopt ENDA. It is important that LGBT citizens in all 50 states have the same rights and protections they do in Oregon. Just this past June, we held a Senate hearing to address this issue of fundamental fairness, and I will keep fighting – alongside you – until it has passed Congress and been engraved into law. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, the son of a millwright and first in his family to attend college, has spent his whole life fighting for opportunity for Oregon’s families.
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The world of politics has many uncertainties, but there is one thing I am sure of: the momentum for LGBT equality will only grow. We’ve come too far to turn back. Full equality never happens without a fight — as Martin Luther King once said, “change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle”— but it’s a fight we can and will win, thanks to you.
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Notebook
(BOOKS)
WINNER PSU graduate student Alison Hawes was the lucky winner of Just Out's Pride give-away. She won a new high-resolution iPad. Alison, who is studying education and how to better help seeingimpaired children learn, was one of over 1,000 contest entrants.
The FDA recently approved the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test, the first over-the-counter, self-administered HIV test kit to detect the presence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2). The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test is designed to allow individuals to collect an oral fluid sample by swabbing the upper and lower gums inside of their mouths, then place that sample into a developer vial, and obtain test results within 20 to 40 minutes. A positive result with this test does not mean that an individual is definitely infected with HIV, but rather that additional testing should be done in a medical setting to confirm the test result. oraquickhivtestkit.com
Buried In The Sky Former Just Out intern turned award-winning journalist, Peter Zuckerman, is now the co-author of the regionally best-selling BURIED IN THE SKY: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2’s Deadliest Day [W. W. Norton & Company; June 11, 2012; $26.95 hardcover]. Reviews from coast to coast may well boost the book to The New York Times best seller list before too long though. Zuckerman and Amanda Padoan tell the gripping story of the tragic 2008 climb of K2 in which 11 climbers died. The Portlander spent two years researching and writing the book, traveling the world to unravel the complicated story. Spending time in Asian territories where death can be the consequence for homosexuality, Zuckerman not only has written a critically acclaimed book but has a backlog of personal stories that will make you rethink your next vacation plans. Read more about Zuckerman in next month's Just Out.
According to equalitymatters.org, though Chick-fil-A continues to deny supporting an anti-gay agenda, the company has donated over $3 million to organizations like the Family Research Council and Exodus International between 2003 and 2009. And in 2010 alone, Chick-fil-A donated over $1.9 million to anti-gay causes, more than any other year for which public records are available.
(RELIGION)
Exodus International EXODUS INTERNATIONAL, THE ORLANDO-BASED WORLDWIDE MINISTRY INFAMOUS FOR BOASTING THEY CAN HELP GAYS REPRESS THEIR SAME-SEX ATTRACTION THROUGH COUNSELING AND PRAYER, MAY BE CHANGING THEIR TUNE. THE GROUP'S PRESIDENT, ALAN CHAMBERS, IS SAID TO BE SHIFTING THEIR MESSAGE AWAY FROM THE CLAIM THAT A CURE FOR HOMOSEXUALITY IS POSSIBLE. CHAMBERS TOLD THE AP THAT EXODUS INTERNATIONAL WOULD BE HIGHLIGHTING ITS EFFORTS TO DISSASSOCIATE FROM THE ISSUE OF REPARATIVE OR CONVERSION THERAPY, AT THEIR ANNUAL GATHERING IN MINNEAPOLIS."I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT CURE IS A WORD THAT IS APPLICABLE TO REALLY ANY STRUGGLE, HOMOSEXUALITY INCLUDED," CHAMBERS SAID TO THE AP. CHAMBERS, WHO IS MARRIED TO A WOMAN AND HAS CHILDREN, SPEAKS OPENLY ABOUT HIS OWN SEXUAL ATTRACTION TO MEN, THE AP REPORTS.
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Facebook recently introduced new marriage icons that depict same-sex couples. This follows the announcement of new gay-inclusive emoticons due in the new version of Apple's iPhone operating system slated for release this fall. In March, Sunil Babu Pant, the first openly gay member of the Nepalese parliament, announced that he was petitioning Facebook to create options for users who don't identify as male or female. August 2012
(SENIORS)
Gray Power White House staff met recently in Miami for a first-ever conference on aging in the gay community. Gay adults have long been overlooked by a larger community more focused on young gay Americans, experts argue. Focus of attention and resources on the AIDS epidemic also has left seniors out of focus. New York City-based SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults, estimates the number of gay Americans who are 65 and over at 1.8 million to 4 million. That population is likely to range from 2.2 million to 5.8 million by 2030.
(FACTS)
Gay Zips Trulia.com crunched the numbers in every U.S. zip code and calculated the share of households owned by male and female same-sex couples. The gayest neighborhood in America? ZIP code 94114, better known as the Castro in San Francisco. Here are the other gayest neighborhoods in the U.S. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
(92264) (02657) (92262) (33305) (90069) (94131) (75219) (19971) (48069)
Palm Springs Provincetown Palm Springs Fort Lauderdale West Hollywood San Francisco Oak Lawn, Dallas Rehoboth Beach, Del. Suburban Detroit, Mich.
To see where lesbian couples are congregated turn the page. Notebook Continues on Pg. 13
More Notebook info:
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VOICES
by Logan Lynn
In The Trenches
Grief. It's What's For Dinner
My beloved Pomeranian companion of the past ten years died suddenly a little over two months ago and I have yet to make heads or tails of the whole thing. Truthfully, I’ve been carrying his cremated body around in a tiny tin box ever since, sleeping with him next to me at night, and am so far having a really hard time letting him go.
During the first few weeks after his death I was in a state of sheer panic around his absence. For over a decade, silence in the house meant little dude was up to some sort of mischief or that he was in trouble, so to be suddenly surrounded by this new, impenetrable quiet has been unsettling. I found myself calling for him in the night, looking for him all over the house in the morning, and waiting to hear the pitter-patter of his paws on the hardwood floor as I opened the front door or walked to the kitchen, but he is gone. As it turns out, I had a great deal of purpose wrapped up in taking care of this tiny creature, and I’m finding that in many ways I was dependent on the love I received from him in return. He was the only consistent thing in my life for the past decade, and without him around everything just feels harder. I have yet to make it through a full day without some sort of tearful breakdown and was unable to control said emotional outbursts at all until very recently. It sounds crazy that an animal could make me lose my mind like this, but he was so much more than a dog to me. For many years he was my child, my family, the only reason I got out of bed in the morning, and the only reason I came home at night…so to call him my “pet” minimizes the depth of our relationship. A few weeks back while I was talking to a close friend about my inability to let Dutch go, he challenged me that maybe it was feeling too hard to do because I wasn’t actually supposed to be doing it. He suggested that, instead of working so hard to let him go, I should learn to hold onto Dutch in new ways. His body is gone, that much is certain. All that’s left is this box of ashes…which isn’t all that comforting when I stop and think about it.
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So, I took his advice. I began to look for Dutch again, minus the feeling of panic those initial searches held after he passed. I started to focus on all the ways he is still here with me instead of mourning all the ways he is not, and suddenly he was everywhere again. We walked by a baby Pom on the street the other day who had the same goofy sideways gait my guy always had and I was transported back. It had been so long since I had seen him, and this short glimpse felt like such a gift. I passed another the following day who was trying to chew his way through his leash; something my little one had managed to do with many leashes over the years. Once more I felt him close to me and we were, in that moment, together again. I know that grief has to run its course, and I know that it takes time. It is my hope that, in missing him, I can continue to find my dearly departed friend in nature, in my interactions with other animals, and in the silence that has replaced his noise in my life. His body may be gone, but his spirit is not. Our love was real, and I will carry that with me forever. Grief is tricky business. There’s a fine line between letting oneself feel the pain of loss and becoming completely taken over by depression and despair. In the end, I have not been able to swing this one alone. It has taken a lot of therapy, support, and countless hours crying out my feelings to get to the point of being able to function again, and I am still working on getting there. One of the most painful truths about love is the impermanence of life, but the experience of someday losing everything that matters to us is something we Logan Lynn all share. I don’t regret giving my heart to Dutch, even if it’s been broken as a result. When you love someone, you risk the heartache that comes along with it; but choosing to protect yourself from the pain of loss by not allowing love in is so much worse. Be brave, love fiercely, and know that nothing is permanent. There is so much freedom in that truth.
Logan Lynn writes In The Trenches for Just Out. He is a Portland based musician, activist, writer, and is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. Reach him at Logan@JustOut.com
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Notebook
Continued from Pg. 11
(FACTS)
Gay Zips II Here are the zip codes with the highest rates of homes owned by female couples: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
(02657) Provincetown (01062) Northampton, Mass. (01060) Northampton, Mass. (02130) Jamaica Plain, Boston (19971) Rehoboth Beach, Del. (95446) Guerneville,Calif. (02667) Cape Cod (94619) Oakland (30002) Suburban Atlanta, Ga. (94114) The Castro, San Fran.
(SURVEY)
Pride Poll A JUNE ON-LINE QUICK POLL ABOUT PRIDE PARADES MAY NOT HAVE STATISTICALLY VALID RESULTS BUT SHOWS THE CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE WORLD MOST LIKELY WILL RETURN IN 2013. DUH!
QUESTION: ARE PRIDE PARADES GOOD FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY? RESULTS: YES. 48.36% NO. 22.84% THEY SEND THE WRONG MESSAGE TO THE NON-LGBT COMMUNITY AND LESSEN OUR CHANCES OF BEING ACCEPTED BY MAINSTREAM SOCIETY. NO. 12.45% THEY REPRESENT ONLY A SMALL FRACTION OF THE OVERALL COMMUNITY AND ARE NOT INCLUSIVE ENOUGH. August 2012
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VOICES
by Courtney O'Donnell
In Transit
Tossed Overboard
If you blinked, you might have missed it in the local news. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) got another very public black eye and this time it was an order from the Oregon Supreme Court for the public release of their “perversion files” — a 20-year record of suspected child molesters from within the BSA not shown to anyone outside the organization. So, what does this have to do transgender individuals? Apparently, a lot. But first, a quick back story.
Staff Photo
The BSA won a court victory a few years back that legally allowed them to exclude LGBT people from participating in the Scouts. This, of course, was a relatively huge setback for LGBT activists. However, the BSA paid dearly for this victory as negative public reaction dried up their usual sources of operating funds as organizations distanced themselves from this legalized discrimination — United Way comes quickly to mind as they promptly cut the Scouts off. Since the court victory however, the BSA has been hammered with sex abuse allegations and related court cases, including a recent $18.5 million payout to a local victim in Portland, Oregon. That case involved former assistant Scoutmaster Timur Dykes who has admitted to molesting at least 17 boys. It was the Dykes case that attracted media attention to the existence of the “perversion files” — supposedly 1,200
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names and 20,000 pages. Media organizations, including The Oregonian and The New York Times, filed a lawsuit to get the files released. While the BSA fought to keep the files sealed, a Multnomah County judge, and later upon an appeal from the BSA, the Oregon Supreme Court, ordered the files released. When I first wrote about the Oregon Supreme Court ruling, I was a bit surprised at the comments that came in; a fair number of trans people noted they were former Boy Scouts, some even reaching the highest rank, Eagle Scout. Many went on to leadership roles. All this was surprising to me. I did not think boys with gender identity questions would be inclined to participate. Yet many remember their days with the Boy Scouts fondly.
“I was a Boy Scout and obtained Eagle, held tons of leadership roles as a youth..." "I'm an Eagle too...I am a closeted transgender Eagle Scout..." "I am a Life Scout and have been staff on several leadership courses..." "I was a Life scout too, and have had several leadership positions. . . .” At the same time, others are saying this: “...shameful to admit to being a part of the organization." "... reports like this make me ashamed to be an Eagle Scout." "I feel ashamed to admit I was ever a part of the Boy Scouts...” The pattern is quite clear. Many trans people found the Boy Scouts worthy of enthusiastic participation earlier in their lives only later finding themselves perplexed after being tossed overboard by the BSA’s anti-LGBT stance. Now they are disgusted with the BSA’s handling of sex abuse incidents within the organization. While there are those that are quietly working to persuade the BSA to change their stance on LGBT members, I’d say there’s been a setback. For those of you looking to participate in some form of scouting activity, look no further than the Girl Scouts. They’re on record of welcoming both trans kids and adults.
In Transit is written by Courtney O’Donnell for Just Out, Courtney is a Transgender actress, advocate, and writer, including being a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. She is also the star of the film 'Lexie Cannes'. Reach her at JustOut.com.
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VOICES
by Lyska Mondor
In The Pink
Video Games: A Hidden Battleground While everyone else is frolicking at the river, gamers like me are still in the house parked in front of a screen. But in Portland you never know when it’ll rain, even in August. So let’s have some indoor fun.
In order to get the best possible ending of the game, you have to play a certain number of online matches. You log onto the network, and before you know it, you’re on a base with other players. It’s chaos, but it isn’t the sound of bullets, death groans, or the cacophony of war that rings out clearest. It’s the actual live voices of players speaking into their headsets during the fight.
In early 2012, a globally anticipated game was released. Mass Effect 3 hit shelves, and millions of fans ran to get their copy. In this fight for the survival of the galaxy lies one of the most epic gender queer adventures of all time. The lead character, always with the last name, Shepard, could be any gender. Even more remarkable, she could be gay, straight, bi or even asexual. It’s your choice. Your romantic life can be as murky or nonexistent as you like. I chose murky, because I like danger.
I always expect the worst when it comes to anonymous free speech. Long ago, I played Halo with my brother and his friends. The online portion of the game scared me. I was shocked at the way players spoke to each other. Every other word seemed to be “fag”, and if they found out you were a woman, game over. Unsupervised kids were threatening to rape, stalk, and kill girls on the game network. Half of them probably didn’t understand the damage they were causing.
No matter who you choose to be, there are many romantic interests to pursue, or abandon. As a bleeding heart lesbian, it was hard to not reassure everyone, even if they didn’t stand a chance. Yup, nice is a lonely road. If you don’t play modern videogames, you might envision them as being just sexist and violent. You aren’t very wrong. Women in comic books and videogames are often in tacky costumes, and impossibly anorexic/buxom. One of the best examples of this is the cover art for the game “Bayonetta”. She looks like Sarah Palin in a revealing leather outfit. I still can’t scrape the image of Fetish-Palin out of my head. I want more control over aesthetics. Playing ME 3 is so rewarding for that reason. Not only are there queer story lines, there are also amazing moments of morality and justice. For example, you can choose not to provide a cure for disease to a planet of dying allies. However, refusing makes them despise you, and limits certain rewards. Being a big jerk changes your ending, and even your physical appearance. Bad Shepards slowly develop an evil looking red scar.
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After that bad experience, returning to online gaming seemed like gluttony for punishment. I very timidly joined a few fights being very careful to not reveal specifics of my identity. Granted, I was wearing pink body armor. Don’t we all? Eventually, I noticed that no one was being rude. It was shocking. Players were chatting about game strategy and weather. I high-fived myself and did a dance. Thank you Mass Effect. Clearly, we need to address homophobia, sexism, and bigotry in games. It’s a booming industry that is only gaining realism and popularity. If you go to FeministFrequency.com you can read about a feminist video project by Anita Sarkeesian called, Tropes vs. Women in Video Games. She’s undergone outrageous harassment in pursuit of her goal, and is unflinching in her commitment to talk about these issues. Imagination and diversity are the foundation of video games. They’re emotional and strange. If it’s not absurd to pilot a spaceship across the galaxy to defeat murderous aliens, then it should be humdrum to be a hot queer while getting the job done. Lyska Mondor pens In The Pink for Just Out. She is a published poet and aspiring sci-fi author. Reach her at JustOut.com
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VOICES
by Scott MacDonald
The Simple Truth
Next Generation
UNDER THE SWELTERING HEAT OF A HOT JULY DAY IN PORTLAND, A DAY IN WHICH NO SOLACE COULD BE FOUND FROM A SOFT, PUFFY CLOUD OR SPONTANEOUS RAIN STORM, TWO MEN WAITED PATIENTLY AT A CROSSWALK. THEY WORE CUT OFF JEAN SHORTS, AND LONG THREADS OF DENIM TIGHTLY CLUTCHED THEIR LEGS, DAMP WITH SWEAT. THEY BOTH WORE MUSCLE SHIRTS; ONE A BRIGHT PASTEL BLUE, THE OTHER WHITE AND BLACK STRIPES. THEIR STRONG ARMS GLINTED IN THE SUMMER’S BLINDING LIGHT. As they stood at the corner, the one in blue grew impatient. He walked quickly in little circles until the other reached out and grabbed his belt. He gently pulled him closer and wrapped his arms around him. He stared into his eyes and their lips met. His partner grew still, his impatience seemingly drained with a single kiss. Nearby, the crosswalk light flashed green, and the two departed, hand in hand, to destinations unknown. And across the street, I solemnly stood mouth agape. My face twitched with pain from a raised eyebrow that had been at attention for far too long. My face flushed, my heart raced and my mind fervently sought resolution for what I had witnessed, not because of what I had seen, but because I had seen it at all. I’m from Idaho, a place where you’re more likely to get stuck behind a tractor, a truck with a horse trailer and a van full of Mormons than you are to see such an interaction. Outside of clubs or the safety of a friend’s party in college, what I witnessed was the first public display of affection I had seen between two gay people in a place full of passersby. When you spend your life in a place that voices disdain at your very presence, these moments are indeed milestones. When I regained myself, admiration had replaced my shock, which quickly turned to envy. What did these men possess that I didn’t which allowed them to act so openly with each other, even while existing in a world of ignorance and hatred? Either they were stronger, more courageous than I — unabashed, unashamed of their love — or that dense, oppressive atmosphere simply didn’t linger in the air waiting to crush them to dust.
Scott MacDonald is an award winning young journalist originally from Idaho. He writes The Simple Truth for Just Out. Reach Scott at JustOut.com
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I had a few gay friends, and while I wasn’t ashamed of myself — I phrased it as situational awareness; a half-truth — I didn’t have pride. My interactions with August 2012
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gay people outside my circle (a failed relationship, the stereotypical, one-dimensional, drunken sexmonger) didn’t exactly fill me with pride. But that kiss — so open, so honest, so real — left me hopeful. A year and a cynicism-ectomy later found me in a serious relationship and standing outside the gate to Boise’s 2011 Pride. Although permanently residing in Portland at that point, I just happened to be in the area at the same time as the parade. I had never attended any sort of gay pride event in the past, primarily because of my past experiences. I fully expected shallowness to pervade the event and my expectations went decidedly unfulfilled. I’ve always maintained that the focus of such events should be on people and not sex. Perhaps the media focuses on the sensationalized aspects of the parades because, while there were some people who, to me, fit the bill, it was just like any other gathering I’d ever been to before, just with GLBT people and their allies. I had no idea there were so many of us here. The sense of community fostered by the crowd outweighed the few stereotypical moments. I felt so at ease that, if he had been there, I would have gladly held my boyfriend’s hand. In a crowd of strangers, I felt safe and connected in a way I had never before. I understand that Pride is not only a celebration, but also a reinforcement of our rights as humans. And while I do object to the sexual moments that seem inherent to any parade, it’s merely the context. Just like my evolution, Pride has evolved and as it continues to evolve, maybe these ostentatious moments will be shed as well. Perhaps it is now less, “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it,” fighting to even be acknowledged — and more, “We’re still here and we’re still just like you,” fighting for our rights. I am still new to Portland, but it’s impossible not to feel the community’s presence. The flags that adorn store windows, the incredible outpouring for this year’s Pride (that I unfortunately missed, but read endlessly about) and the supportive atmosphere; it’s impossible not to feel welcome and supported. And every now and again, when I feel like not too many people are around, I let myself enjoy the simple pleasure of kissing my boyfriend in public. And I relish every second of it.
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Community (POLICE)
Police: It Gets Better
“Several months ago, a member of the Portland Police Bureau’s Sexual Minorities Roundtable shared an It Gets Better video done by the San Francisco Police Depart-
ment,” Sgt. Pete Simpson said. “The Portland Police Bureau Communications Unit decided to create one for Portland and the response from the LGBTQ officers was overwhelming.” “I’m extremely proud of the men and women of the Portland Police Bureau who participated in this film,” Chief Michael Reese said. “Their honesty and willingness to talk about their lives in a personal and frank way is what makes the film so compelling.” To watch the video: JustOut.com
Kimberlee Van Patten
The Portland Police Bureau's LGBT officers are doing their part to spread the word that it gets better. Their It Gets Better video, released in time for June's Portland Pride celebration, features several officers and PPB workers of various orientations and gender identities telling their stories.
(DRAG)
CELEBRITY NEWS Portland, Oregon, is ‘one of the most Canadian cities in America’ says singer k.d. lang, who recently moved into Portland’s Pearl District from Los Angeles. “I’ve always felt comfortable here” lang told interviewer Kristi Turnquist of The Oregonian. “A perfect city” she said. A long attraction and strong resonance with Portland after years of gigs here was enough for her to just pack up and come — her first choice, actually, when it came time to move on from LA.
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY WILL BE DEBUTING A NEW ACADEMIC COURSE FOR STUDENTS THIS FALL TERM DESIGNED TO ENSURE ACADEMIC SUCCESS FOR NEW, TRANSFER AND RETURNING QUEER STUDENTS. THE CLASS IS INTENDED TO HELP QUEER STUDENTS MEET EACH OTHER, FIND SUPPORT, AND LEARN ABOUT IMPORTANT PORTLAND QUEER RESOURCES. 20
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Magnifique WINNERS
LaFemme Magnifique Plus, Alexis Campbell Starr and LaFemme Magnifique, Kourtni Capri Duv, were crowned on July 15 at Darcelle XV Showplace. They'll compete September 2 in the International Pageant at the Oregon Convention Center. Just Out Publisher Jonathan Kipp, was one of 5 judges who selected the winners. lafemmemagnifiquepageant.com (HEALTH)
OHSU: Leader In LGBT Health
Oregon Health & Science University has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” for the second year in a row. For its efforts, OHSU is listed in the Healthcare Equality Index 2012 report, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest LGBT organization. OHSU is one of 71 respondents that earned top marks for its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who may face challenges in accessing adequate health care. Facilities awarded this title meet several key indicators for equitable care, including nondiscrimination policies for LGBT patients and employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff. Download a free copy of the report: hrc.org/hei.
August 2012
(CRIME)
Old Town Attack PORTLAND POLICE RESPONDED TO THE REPORT OF A DISTURBANCE AT NORTHWEST 2ND AVENUE AND BURNSIDE STREET JUNE 26. OFFICERS CONTACTED A 50-YEAR-OLD MALE WHO COMPLAINED THAT HE WAS PEPPER-SPRAYED BY TWO PEOPLE. BUT WHEN THE ALLEGED SPRAYERS APPROACHED, THE MAN RAN FROM POLICE. TWO TRANSGENDER FEMALES TOLD POLICE THAT THE MAN BEGAN YELLING ANTI-GAY SLURS AND PROFANITY AT THEM, THEN PULLED OFF HIS BELT AND STARTED SWINGING A LARGE METAL BUCKLE AT THEM. THE 50-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS BOOKED INTO THE MULTNOMAH COUNTY JAIL ON CHARGES OF ASSAULT IN THE FOURTH DEGREE AND INTIMIDATION IN THE FIRST DEGREE.
A new Public Polling Policy (PPP) survey of 686 Oregon voters, conducted just after Portland Pride celebrations in June, resulted with 46 percent of respondents supporting the legalization of gay nuptials, while 45 percent remain opposed. A majority (74%) of voters in Oregon support legal recognition of gay unions with either marriage (44%) or civil unions (30%). Twenty-three percent say there should be no legal recognition of same sex couples. publicpolicypolling.com
More Community info:
August 2012
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Scott Lechert
Community Q CENTER, THE NW FILM CENTER, AND GUS VAN SANT PRESENT A SPECIAL SCREENING OF “DRUGSTORE COWBOY” AT TOP DOWN ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 23. (TOP LEVEL OF THE PARKING STRUCTURE AT THE HOTEL DELUXE AT SW 15TH AND YAMHILL.) THE EVENING BEGINS AT 8:00 PM WITH LIVE MUSIC FROM BROOKS ROBERTSON. THERE IS FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. $9/$8 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS, AND PORTLAND ART MUSEUM MEMBERS. MORE INFO: NWFILM.ORG
(Q CENTER)
Hero: Just Out
Just Out and the publication's first three publishers have been selected as one of the Queer Heroes NW. The Q Center's Queer Heroes NW project gathered nominations on their website and on Facebook and then tediously wittled the list to 30 of the region's top leaders, influencers, givers and organizations. The project is a collaboration between the Center and the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific NW (GLAPN). The Q Center revealed one hero a day during June and featured a large display of the Heroes at Portland's pride festival. The Heroes display is expected to travel around the state during the next months. Renee Lachance and Jay brown founded Just Out in 1983. Years later Marty Davis purchased the newsmagazine and published Just Out until 2011. "When Renee LaChance and Jay Brown founded Just Out in 1983, they wanted to create a newspaper that covered all aspects of the queer community with integrity and good writing. Just Out became a main source of information about the queer community. It was especially important to people who were new to Oregon or who had recently discovered they were gay," the award reads. (See photo below) Other heroes include: Charlie Hinkle, Jenn Burleton, Darcelle XV and Sally Cohn. See all of the honorees at glapn.org
v
PORTLAND FRONTRUNNERS IS CELEBRATING THEIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY. The running club for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and queer individuals and their friends in Portland promotes good health and provides an opportunity for positive social interaction through running, walking and club events. Portland's chapter is one of over 100 Frontrunner organizations worldwide. portlandfrontrunners.org
GOT ANNOUNCEMENTS? OR NEWS, OR TIDBITS, OR KUDOS? DO YOU HAVE A FUN FACT? A PERSONNEL CHANGE? A PLEA? ARE YOU PROMOTING AN EVENT? SENT IT ALL TO: EDITOR@JUSTOUT.COM
(HAPPENINGS)
Open Mic
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"The people who have attended and performed and supported this event are community and ritual and hot date night, all in one." Dirty Queer's press release said. Horace Long
Q HEROES NW "Just Out's founding publishers broke new ground when they looked for advertisers outside of the gay community – something previous gay newspapers had not done. But it worked, and Just Out proved to its advertisers that readers did indeed support the businesses that advertized with the paper."
Dirty Queer, the local monthly x-rated open mic for over a half-a-decade, is about to slow down a bit. Beginning this month the Dirty Queer format will be quarterly, rather than monthly. It will happen at the same time and place (2nd Friday of the month, In Other Words), but only during the following 4 months: October, January (the 6th anniversary!), April and July.
Check out Dirty Queer's producer and regular MC, Sossity Chiricuzio, featured on Page 46 of this month's Just Out. dirtyqueer.com August 2012
(YOUTH)
Fun Times
Dream Zone is a support group started by the Dream Team, which is a team of LGBTQIA youth, and a few adult supervisors. The Zone's mission is to provide a SAFE and OPEN space for LGBTQIA youth, ages 13-19 in East Portland. The facility provides support group time, food, games, fun, and much more. It's also a great place to make new friends. Check it out every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. dreamzonepdx.webs.com. email: dream_ teampdx@aol.com
A NEW RADIO SHOW HAS TAKEN TO THE AIRWAVES GIVING A VOICE TO OREGON'S LATINO LGBT COMMUNITY. THE HOST OF THE NEW SHOW IS CHRISTIAN BAEFF, CAUSA'S LGBT ALLIANCE BUILDING COORDINATOR. LA VOZ DE TODOS IS A WEEKLY RADIO SHOW THAT GIVES THE LATINO LGBT COMMUNITY AND THEIR ALLIES A VOICE TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS ON THE LATEST IMMIGRATION AND LGBT RELATED NEWS. LA VOZ DE TODOS AIRS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 4 P.M. ON 95.9 FM RADIO OR LISTEN TO THE LIVE STREAM ONLINE. PCUN.ORG/RADIO/LISTEN
(Trans Notes)
In A Bind TRANSACTIVE IS LAUNCHING IN A BIND , A CHEST BINDER EXCHANGE PROGRAM. TRANSACTIVE COLLECTS NEW AND PRE-OWNED BINDERS FROM INDIVIDUALS WHO NO LONGER NEED THEM, THEN PASSES THE BINDERS ON, FREE OF CHARGE, TO TRANSGENDERAND GENDERQUEER YOUTH INEED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, TO DONATE, OR TO APPLY FOR A BINDER, VISIT: INABIND.TRANSACTIVEONLINE.ORG August 2012
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REAL LIFE
by Alley Hector
Astrological Detective
Unraveling Mysteries
Gerhz became an astrologer over 10 years ago, after her girlfriend at the time got sick of her talking about nothing but her garden and gave her a book on astrology. Since then she went to Portland State University to learn Ancient Greek and has piqued the interest of classicists and classical astrologers alike with her accessible translations of two important texts. She also has a new book on the way, A Wonderbook of True Astrological Case Files, co-written with Judith Hill, that should soon be available now through Moira Press (MoiraPress.org). Appearances to promote the book are also in the works. She offers personalized, hand-drawn charts and readings for individuals, couples and children as well as tutoring. In her radio show, the Astrological Detective, Gerhz aims to teach listeners about astrology itself as well as how to investigate their own charts, influences, and tendencies in a way that makes their lives healthier and more understandable without getting locked into thinking that events are fated. It also aims to be funny and entertaining for the non-astrologer because her investigations are, first and foremost, about people, how we relate to others, and the world around us. The multi-talented Gerhz also has other side projects and interests including ASL interpreting, which she says helped a lot in learning and translating Ancient Greek. The self-described "thrasher" has also played music in various metal, math rock, and hard rock bands including Discharge Information System and TraumaDom.
Hunched over a plain piece of paper filled with inscrutable symbols shouldn't feel exposing, but Gerhz was instantly in my head in a way that made me feel incredibly vulnerable. I answered detailed questions about how I view my sexuality and she returned with an untangling of how I see queerness in a personal vs political framework. With a speech energy that bordered on auctioneer, she proceeded to tell me unabashedly all about myself, herself, and even the Mountain Goats' John Darnell, with uncanny accuracy. Just Out: The way you describe your astrological work almost sounds like therapy. Andrea Gerhz: Someone quoted to me that Karl Jung had said four hours with a chart is worth 19 sessions on the couch. Because it's almost like a map of the psyche, you don't have to spend 19 sessions getting to the bottom of something. JO: You come from a family that values science. Did you come to astrology with skepticism? AG: Absolutely. My dad has calculations all over his chalkboards because he's a professor. In my office, there are charts and numbers everywhere. I calculate things very specifically. JO: What prompted you to begin the translation of the ancient Greek texts? AG: A number of classicists gathered up all these astrological texts from ancient times. The classicists think that the astrology is silly and not real but they want the philosophical and religious information. Because of my background in sign language interpreting, I know what it takes to render something from one language into another. JO: Do you think there's a certain kind of chart that lends itself to being an astrologer? AG: Absolutely. Charts that are energetically sensitive, but also cerebral, love astrology. I have a Pisces moon so I'm very emotional, effuse, and sensitive so if someone's Continues on Pg. 41
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Photo by Horace Long
When I sat down with astrologer, queer, momma, and musician Andrea Gehrz, I was concerned that the loud and frenzied atmosphere of the bar would be distracting. I needn't have worried. From the moment I sat down Gerhz engaged with me on a personal level that few interview subjects have. I blame myself for bringing my chart.
Jul;y 2012
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HOME
by Aaron Spencer
Bellissimo Two PDX Interior Designers Making The World More BEAUTIFUL With Each Room GERMANS HAVE COME TO BE KNOWN FOR THEIR AUSTERITY, BUT APPARENTLY NO ONE EVER TOLD RICHARD CODANTI THAT. Codanti was born in Germany, but you’d never know it by walking into his store Bella Casa. The décor and furnishings there are ornate, following a traditional, old world aesthetic. The showroom is strategically arranged with rich leather, elaborate statuettes and jeweled picture frames.
Photos Horace Long
Bella Casa owner and interior designer Richard Codanti.
In fact, the only thing austere about Codanti is his presence. His icy blue stare and soft voice turn the stereotype of the flamboyant gay designer on its head (For the record, Codanti says he didn’t even know he was gay until he was 21 – when a coworker insinuated he might be). He also gives the impression of being strictly disciplined. To wit: At 13, he sold his bedroom furniture because he wanted to buy a living room set. At 18, he would charge a few extra dollars while babysitting to rearrange furniture – essentially his first in-home consultations. At 21, he owned his first home. “I was always older than my age, as far as what I wanted,” he says. He’s 44, by the way. Now Codanti travels around the world searching for merchandise for Bella Casa, which is now fifteen years old. Codanti buys from 228 vendors, offering furniture, accessories, lighting, Italian ceramics and more that can be purchased and taken home on the same day. “I actually have a harder time designing my house than anyone else’s,” he says. “I like so many pieces that when I go to market I can’t commit.” Codanti lives in a waterfront condo with his nine-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Redford – the dog appears in all of Bella Casa’s advertisements and is usually curled up in a bed in the back of the store. Codanti’s style is old meets new; he likes the juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary. His taste has evolved a lot. He admits his taste as a teenager was rather “gay.” “I had more crystal than some would have,” he says. At 13, he had a vast collection of decanters. Yes, at 13. “Hey, it was Europe, let’s just say,” he laughs. Continues on Pg. 28 Aaron Spencer, a regular contributor to Just Out, is a professional writer and editor. Reach him at aaron@JustOut.com
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2012
Codanti's Bella Casa in Portland's Pearl District
I like so many pieces that when I go to market I can’t commit.
"
Codanti’s own style may be a work in progress, but he’s much more comfortable helping others cement their visions. He does professional in-house consultations now, his babysitting days long behind him. He’s found that the TV show “Designing for the Sexes” is based in reality. Women tend to ask for the consultation, but their spouses will often have input that is quite different. One wants contemporary and one wants traditional. They can’t decide on art or color. The trick is getting them to compromise. “You have to almost play therapist with the client,” he says. Gay clients, he says, are a little easier. “With gay couples, there’s usually one inside person and one outside person,” he says. “One person is in charge of manicured, perfect yard and garden, and the other does the interior. But gay couples usually enjoy making their home beautiful.” When Codanti isn’t working, he’s out in his kayak or visiting friends at a dinner party – where he usually ends up working. “I’m always getting invited over for dinner, and I think ‘I hope it really is just for dinner,’” he says. “But then I get there and realize the hosts have an ulterior motive – they ask, ‘Can you look at this room and this room?’ It happens a lot, but it comes with the territory.” As far as Codanti’s love life goes, he’s an eligible bachelor, but his disciplined ways are keeping him hard at work. He intends to “put [himself] out there,” though, he says. Just not at a bar.
Bella Casa in the Pearl
Codanti: 4 Tips 1.
PRIORITIZE. For a lot of Portlanders, the home comes last. The Pacific Northwest is more about the outdoors. A lot of people would rather be outside than inside, so their homes end up looking sparse.
2. 3. 4.
IT’S ALL ABOUT PLACEMENT. When I go to someone’s house I ask if they have things in their house they want to use. Then I find the right way to place those things. For example, in a narrow family room, placing a rug at an angle creates interest and the impression of a larger space. Placement like that changes a room without costing anything, USE COLOR. People have been stuck on one color or no color, but now multiple colors are being used. It all comes from European fashions, which set the trend for interior design. MIX YOUR STYLES. There’s nothing better than having a Louis XV chest of drawers in a hallway with a beautiful abstract painting above it. If you mix your styles, you look like you’re well traveled and you’ve gone out and found pieces that you love. For more information: BellaCasa.com (223 NW 9th, Portland) 503-222-5337
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C
huck Arbuckle didn’t start off doing interior design – his first partner was a dog groomer, so Arbuckle opened a grooming salon and shop. But it wasn’t long before Arbuckle realized he’d rather be using his talents on PARLORS INSTEAD OF POOCHES.
Interior Designer Chuck Arbuckle.
He gave Just Out some decorating advice.
Arbuckle: Advice DO BE SURE THAT YOUR ROOMS WILL FUNCTION AS NEEDED. For example, if the front door enters into the living room, don’t clutter the entry with bookcases because you feel it is unused space. This is a greeting place, not a storage place. Likewise, if the main living space is used also as a pathway to other rooms, make sure one can walk through unobstructed. DO PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE YOUR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE LOCATED. Good lighting is required for serviceability from reading a book to setting the tone for a romantic evening. DO STAY AWAY FROM TRENDS. Trends — as in what you see in stores today — are short lived and can be a waste of money in the long term. You can follow trends in a small way, like with pillows, funky artwork or paint colors, which can always be changed. DO REMEMBER IF OTHERS LIVE IN THE HOME, THE DECOR IS NOT JUST FOR YOU. When decorating, always take others into consideration. We often think of that when we look at durability of fabric, especially with children and pets, but there is more to consider. I once worked on a home for an older couple. I asked the husband if he had any color preferences. He said "no pink or blue." His wife replied, "Honey, we've lived with those colors for 25 years. Why didn't you tell me"? He said, "You never asked." So always ask. DO SPEND THE MOST MONEY ON ITEMS YOU KEEP THE LONGEST. Quality and durability go hand in hand. A rickety, cheap bed will always be a rickety, cheap bed. Once the newness wears off, in two months, you will begin to hate it and you will do so until you replace it. Buy wisely. August 2012
DON’T BE MATCHY MATCHY. There is one place where the drapes should match the carpet, and it's not in your home. DON'T OVER SPEND IN AREAS OF YOUR HOME THAT REMAIN WHEN YOU LEAVE. Even if you think you’re living in your forever home, overspending on something you can’t take with you is a waste of money. DON’T DUPLICATE A TREND IF YOU DIDN’T LIVE THROUGH IT. I have seen so many efforts by younger people to recreate the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, and they are always incomplete. A trend doesn’t say who you really are, anyway; it's just fantasy. DON’T FORGET TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE. If you are a single home owner and expect to find true love, don't use up all of the space. Remember, love comes with baggage. DON’T BUY ON IMPULSE. Don't let your immediate needs, emotions, convenience or even budget be the sole deciding factor when buying anything for your living environment. Feel who you are, where you want to be in five years, and then ask yourself, "Will this still satisfy my requirements then?”
For more information: chuckarbinteriors.com or 503-243-5225.
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Garden
by Anne Jaeger
The Garden Gal
An Eye For Detail
Anne Jaeger: I can’t remember, what got you into gardening? Gavin Younie: I think I was seven or eight, we had a half acre and my mom brought home some plants from Cannon Beach. I think she bought some Penstemon. I was just blown away. We had a half acre garden that was very contained. And I made my own garden with a one brick wide path (he laughs). I was like 8 years old then. AJ: What fascinated you about gardening? GY: My mom liked it, I could be outside. Maybe I wanted something of my own, since I have a twin brother, this could be mine. I loved watching things grow and evolve, but I was into the design of it too. I needed that path. And I liked birdbaths and sculptures and pots. It’s pretty weird that I’m a landscape architect today. Now gardening is stress relief. My mom died two years ago….everyone needs an outlet and this is mine. It’s my baby. AJ: When I met you at 14 or 15 you were already very knowledgeable. Did you know early on you would always garden? GY: Yeah, that was my passion. I’ve got a combination of interests. My dad’s a structural engineer. So I would see his prints of these mega-houses and I’d imagine what the gardens would look like. We built a greenhouse together, but the plant part was me plus the Hardy Plant Society and Barbara Ashmun (neighbor and established author, writer amazon.com/BarbaraAshmun.)
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Gavin Younie, a 29-year old landscape designer says “When I bought this house, I knew exactly what garden I wanted when I drove by. I drew it out on a cocktail napkin. I designed this front garden by turning sloped grass into three different tiers to show off masses of the same plants. The repeating pattern is restful and gives your eye someplace to stop before seeing the rest of the garden.”
Photos by Horace Long
Gavin was a garden prodigy when I met him eons ago. You see, by the time Gavin Younie (say: “YOU-nee”) was 14 years old he’d been featured in almost every chichi garden magazine across the country. He was that interesting; albeit rather shy and more introverted, but wise beyond his years about plants. Today, the 29 yearold man with a degree in landscape architecture and an eye for detail does not disappoint. The two of us caught up on lost time recently, played 20 questions (of which you’ll get the best four because questions, like gardens, aren’t always good) while overlooking his grown up garden in Southwest Portland.
That got me started on a planting design obsession and then getting a degree at University of Oregon gave me the knowledge and theory to carry it forward. I mean, you really need to learn plants and hardscape for a successful garden. AJ: Tell me about branching out from creating gardens for others, to designing and selling your own containers? GY: I wanted something simple and I couldn’t find any containers I liked for either side of the front door that weren't terra cotta, Asian pottery or FiberStone. So I created a modern line, a more French line and now I have interior steel planters, too. Some are in powder coated colors and others have a more natural rust finish. With gardening and my containers, my job is my passion and I’m pretty lucky to do something artsy most every day. Anne Jaeger, writes The Garden Gal for Just Out. Anne was a hard news reporter and anchor at KGW and KOIN before turning to gardening full time. After that her award winning garden shows appeared on both stations. You can now look for Anne garden videos on the Oregonian newspaper web site: oregonlive.com/hg , catch her on Twitter: Anne Jaeger@GardenGalTV or send her a suggestion on her web site: GardenGal.TV .
August 2012
THIS PAGE: Gavin Younie’s steel planters sell for $350-$850 dollars in Seattle and through his website: outdoorscenerydesign.com LEFT BACKGROUND : Yellow Kniphofia is a tremendous bloomer summer through fall. Named after German botanist Professor Kniphof, many people have given up on pronouncing his namesake (some say “Knee-paw- fee- aw” others say “Naw-foe-fee-ya”.) Most folks use its common name: Red Hot Poker. However, that moniker really doesn’t fit the flowers which now come in red, orange, yellow, lime green or variegated colors.
hot f u n SUMMERTIME
COOL DESIGNER SWIMWEAR THAT'LL KEEP YOU LOOKING HOT ALL SUMMER!
IN THE
Photography
Grooming Sylvia Bueno Swimwear Under U4 Men
Horace Long
Tim Barrely trunk by Diesel
Johnnie Convertible Bikini by Timoteo Orion Bag by Pan Am
Levi Magnetic bikini by Speedo Rift Pro Mask by Speedo
Tim 285 Bikini by Vuthy Aussie Beach Towel by AussieBum
Johnnie Titan trunk by Pistol Pete
Levi Sonic Jammer by Speedo
DANCING IN THE PARK Check out the company for yourself August 20th through 24th, for OBT Exposed. Once each year, OBT gives fans a free peak “behind the curtain� as company members take class and rehearse on an outdoor stage. This time Swedish choreographer Pontus Lidberg will be working with dancers on a piece that will premiere next spring. For more information: OBT.org.
BODY BEAUTIFUL Grace Shibley and Brett Bauer in George Balanchine's Apollo, one of four works on the Body Beautiful program in October at OBT. Photo by Andy Batt
by Ken Hoyt
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Culture Club
Body Beautiful
CHRISTOPHER STOWELL GAINED GREAT EXPOSURE TO THE ART OF DANCE FROM AN EARLY AGE. HIS PARENTS, KENT STOWELL AND FRANCIA RUSSELL ARE THE FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTORS OF PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET IN SEATTLE. “I was an only child for six and a half years,” Stowell says. “We lived in New York and in Europe, and wherever they went they took me along. I was very engaged in their artistic life. When we moved back to the United States I was eleven years old, and the annual productions of the Nutcracker were new to me. It’s not an annual tradition in European ballet companies. There were children’s roles. I was completely enamored… It was clear if the director’s son gets to perform he should be a regular student in the school. It took three years [of training] before I was bitten by the art form.” But Stowell didn’t get to be Artistic Director of Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) just because of his family tree; not that his parents encouraged his career choice. “My parents,” he says, ”were both supportive yet very hesitant. They knew: A) that it’s a tough career, B) that not everybody is cut out for it, and C) that it would be difficult if their son wasn’t talented.” It worked out well. Stowell spent sixteen years at San Francisco Ballet, much of it as a principal dancer. He then focused his energy on an international career as teacher, coach, and choreographer before he took over as OBT’s artistic director in 2003. Stowell agrees with his parents that it is a tough career, but one worth pursuing. “Whether you end up being a professional dancer or not, [the training] is an incredible way of getting in touch with yourself. You gain an understanding the rewards of hard work, self-discipline, community and teamwork. Three quarters of the people who leave our school aren’t necessarily going to be professional dancers, but they are definitely richer for the experience and more prepared for life because of the training they received.”
The ballet world, like many art-driven careers, has always provided a safe haven for LGBTQ people. “It’s a little enclave,” says Stowell, “where [dedication to] something beyond yourself allows people to be more comfortable. Nobody is spending time thinking about how they fit in. They’re focused on something greater. No one has the time to spend being judgmental. We’re all focused on achieving an unachievable art form; and it’s a level playing field. The other thing that is unique is the mix of ages. I’ll be working in the same room with four year olds and people that are seventy. There is not a generational divide, which I think is extremely healthy.” August 2012
At the same time, ballet has become a little more mainstream, and recognized as more than just an art form for an elite audience. “For a long time people were seeking only the ethereal and graceful aesthetic in dance. But that [doesn’t] reveal the work, effort, sweat and athleticism involved. In a ballet company like ours we have a repertoire that is so much broader that there may be one work where we’re ethereal and graceful, and another work where the very thing we want people to see is the sweaty, muscular and raw.” This season’s opener is a cooperative venture with the Portland Art Museum show, The Body Beautiful, which will have traveled from London where it was mounted in conjunction with the Summer Olympics. Stowell will create an evening of dance that “relates to the ideal of classical Greek beauty [as well as] myth.” Two OBT audience favorites, Balanchine’s Apollo and his father’s Orpheus Portrait will be returning. There will be two new pieces, William Forsythe’s Second Detail, which has a very contemporary feeling, and Narcissus + Echo, taken from the Greek myth about the beautiful youth Narcissus, who loved his own image and Echo, a Nymph with a gorgeous voice. She also loved, to tragic ends, Narcissus. In other words, it’s the perfect fuel for ballet. “Narcissus + Echo, reports Stowell, “ will have fantastic set design. I’m working with an incredible Seattle artist, John Grade.” At this time Stowell plans to use less traditional dance movement juxtaposed with, “a contemporary feeling that uses some fantastic Baroque music I haven’t selected yet.” Stowell was asked, "The name of the show is Body Beautiful, so is it fair to say that it will be body conscious?" “Absolutely. We’re going to save a lot of money on costuming.”
OTB's Christopher Stowell. Photo by Blaine Truitt Covert
Reach out with your events to Arts & Entertainment Editor Ken Hoyt. ken@justout.com
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WEDDINGS
W Amy Roberts-Fisher & Jeanamarie Fisher-Roberts 8.27.11
ALOHA MEANS LOVE. Jeana's Hawaiian heritage, the vacation spot where she proposed to Amy, and their eventual beachside wedding venue all came together to inspire a Hawaiian-theme wedding. The day was complete with Hawaiian music and food, leis made with flowers flown in from The Islands, traditional haku leis (headwear), and even sand from a beach frequented by Jeana as a child.
ATTENDANCE: 70 COLORS: Orange, light green and shimmery silver FLOWERS: Amy wore a Christina lei made with purple orchids; Jeana wore a Maile lei with white tuberose. CAKE: 2 kinds of cupcakes (guava and red velvet) MET: In 2009 when Amy joined the Portand Shockwave where Jeana was a member. ENGAGEMENT: Amy to Jeana atop the Rocky Mountains. Jeana to Amy 70 feet below sea level near Jeana's childhood home in Hawaii. FAVORITE PART: Kissing for the first time as a married couple. HONEYMOON: Not yet. After the baby is born. UNIQUE: Rather than tossing flower bouquets at the end of the celebration they tossed official team footballs. DONE DIFFERENTLY: Nothing. LOVE: Amy loves Jeana's caring ways and her dedication to people. Jeana says Amy is a diamond in the rough, loaded with compassion, strength and beauty. SITE: KALLAK'ALA RETREAT GOWN: DAVID'S BRIDAL VEIL & ALTERATIONS: ANDREA HOYT, THE BRIDAL LOFT OFFICIANT: PAT JOHNSON CATERER: BAMBOO GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID O'CONNER RENTALS: PARTY PROS INVITATIONS: ALESIA ZORN CALLIGRAPHY, THE BRIDAL LOFT
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Photo by David O'Conner
CAKE & TOPPER: CHRISTINE WRIGHT
August 2012
August 2012
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by Cathy Busha & Anna Deligio
FAMILY
In The Family Way
C
Recipe For Baby
ongratulations! Whether solo or with your partner, you’ve decided that you want to conceive, carry, birth, and parent a child. While some choose to outsource the conceive-carry steps, you want to experience the entire process within your own body. Perhaps you feel the need to share your biology, or perhaps you just really want to experience pregnancy and birth and don’t care about passing along your genetic heritage. Regardless of what led you to this moment, you feel committed and are ready for the next step.
What that next step is depends on which recipe you plan on following to craft your conception. Are you using your own eggs, your partner’s eggs, or the eggs of a younger and healthier stranger? Whichever source you choose, you will need to have a visit with at minimum a gynecologist and at most a reproductive endocrinologist to determine that the eggs selected are suitable and that your body is in a place for pregnancy. Depending on your age and health history, you may pass this step with a simple exam or require lengthier tests to ensure that your hormones are at the levels needed to conceive and that your pelvic organs are functioning properly. Depending on the results of the testing done, you may need to spend a few months taking supplements or medications to balance your hormones, even out the length of your cycle, and generally prepare your body for conception. This is also the time to make dietary and lifestyle changes that impact conception – quit your latte-a-day habit, cut out alcohol and any other substances you currently enjoy, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get good sleep, and decrease your stress. As you continue to prepare your body for conception, it’s time to gather the other half of the baby-making recipe – sperm. Sources for this are as varied as the sources for eggs. You could choose to use a friend, a relative of your partner, or a paid stranger – arranged through a posted ad or a sperm bank. If choosing a friend or your partner’s relative, you need to decide if that person is going to be a co-parent, anonymous, or a special “uncle”. You will want to write up whatever you agree on and have a lawyer look over the agreement. You will also need this friend to visit his doctor so he can get tested for STD’s and verify that his sperm have a high count and good mobility. If choosing a paid stranger, you will choose Mr. Right via his online profile. Depending on the bank you choose and how much you are able and willing to pay, you may get as much as an audio recording of his voice and a baby picture or as little as a brief explanation of his basic physical characteristics. Whatever information you are given, you will need to decide what your search criteria are. Do you want him to look like you or your partner? Do you want him to be a certain race or ethnicity? Does height matter? What about level of education? Do you care if he spends his weekends playing laser tag or writing sonnets? How important is it that his immediate relatives are reported as alive and healthy? Do you want him to have proven pregnancies or does the idea of half-siblings out in the world bother you? Is it important that your child can try to track him down when they are 18-years old or would you rather he remain forever anonymous? Some of you will choose to order full profiles on many donors and pour over each, trying to find the perfect match. Others will quickly decide that it feels creepy to build the perfect donor, choose to select your few non-negotiable characteristics, and leave the rest to chance.
In The Family Way is written by Cathy Busha and Anna Deligio. By the time you read this Cathy and Anna will likely be the new parents to their newborn. Reach them at JustOut.com
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The recipes for crafting a conception are varied and you will find the one that is right for you. It is no easy or light work to decide to attempt pregnancy. Consider the work and discernment you put into these early decisions as a testament to your dedication to being a parent and the first of many hard decisions you will make in the best interest of your child.
August 2012
ASTROLOGICAL DETECTIVE Continues from Pg. 24
hurting I can feel it. But because of that sensitivity, I need some way to manage all that energy. Every astrologer is going to look at it through their own lens. Make sure you're finding an astrologer who has the same value system as you. JO: Is your chart more how you approach things in general, or does it speak to how you might feel politically? AG: The chart is a map of where your soul will be urged on in this lifetime. The houses in the chart, which are the little pie pieces, they show the area in which the energy will be expressed. The planet is the energy. The sign is the clothing it wears. The house is where it comes up. Let's take the humanitarian moon, for example. That can come out in the house of creativity. Maybe they make political cartoons. For someone who has Aquarius in the sixth house, which rules your job, they might work in political organizations. JO: Tell me about your upcoming book. AG: I have two books coming out. I feel like I'm about to birth twins. One is a translation. The other is A Wonder Book of True Astrological Case Files. I'm writing this with another Portland astrologer, Judith Hill, who has been doing charts for 40 years now and has written six books. These are stories about our actual experiences in being astrologers. One story that Judith has is about being on the bus and she and her bus driver are chatting. All of a sudden he says 'Your moon must be in 15th Sagittarius' and it is. JO: So was this path fated for you? How do you feel about fate? AG: This has been my biggest struggle with the ancient text versus my own. In ancient times, they were very fate-based. The idea was you get to know your chart and accept it gracefully. People are afraid to go to an astrologer because they're afraid the astrologer is going to tell them something bad in the future. It can be so uncannily accurate that it seems fated. I adopt a philosophy of radical astral freedom. Astrology tells you what your nature is. Then we want to work with that and nurture it the best we can. The fate in astrology should never be used to predict the future, but to see patterns we get locked into. The only reason to accept that is so that you can work with it. Continues on Pg. 43
August 2012
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SPIRIT
by Jennifer Yocum
Like A Prayer
Them’s Fightin’ Words Whenever I’m asked about the “anti-gay” passages in the Bible, I groan. It’s not that I’m embarrassed about the texts themselves, but those who ask are often looking for ammunition with which to fight religiously-bigoted Bible thumpers. Without the context of the whole of scripture, those who are looking to fight these texts piecemeal are usually going to lose.
Nevertheless, not for fighting purposes, but for the sake of context, there are six so-called “clobber passages” that often come up. They include three (Genesis 19:1-5, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13) that are found in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible), while the other three (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, Romans 1:21-31) come from the New Testament. The story from Genesis is often called “Sodom and Gomorrah” and tells the story of angels visiting Sodom in the effort to find as few as ten “righteous” men. Sadly, they fail in the effort, but even more tragically, when the only righteous man in town, Lot, offers them hospitality, the other men of the town come knocking at the door demanding to “know” the strangers. The verb used for “to know” in this case is “yada” and is sometimes, but not always, used as to mean “have sexual relations with.” Even if we were to translate “yada” as “to have sex with” the story would have nothing to do consensual homosexual intimacy, it would be about rape, which is always forbidden in the bible. But, for thousands of years, this story was used to highlight the sin of inhospitality, a grievous offense in the harsh, desert climate, and had nothing to do with modern day homosexual relationships. The prohibitions against “man lying with man as with a woman” in Leviticus come into context when we understand that, first, the Hebrew people were highly invested in keeping their population numbers high. While they didn’t have a sophisticated understanding about conception, they certainly knew where babies came from and sex between men wasn’t the way. Moreover, male same-sex prostitution rites were practiced among the Hebrews arch-rivals, the Canaanite people and prohibited Canaanite practices, including tattoos as well as man on man sex were called “abominations.” In the New Testament, the social/cultural setting shifts from Canaanite worship practices and inhospitality to the Roman practice of patronage. At the time when letters to the Corinthians and Romans were written, common practice allowed older Roman men to adopt younger men and boys as their protégés. In exchange for their protection and promotion, the younger men and boys were expected to act as sexual partners for their patrons. Additionally in both Rome and Corinth, active cultic worship of Bacchus/Dionysius was marked by indulging in excessive drinking, drug use and orgies wherein people were often either exploited or unable to make use of their innate judgment.
Just Out's Like a Prayer is written by Rev. Jennifer Yocum, pastor of the Forest Grove United Church of Christ. Reach her at fgucc.org
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Modern scholars read these texts as prohibitions against exploitation. The Bible simply does not address contemporary adult consensual same sex relationships as such. The Bible does explicitly require people to treat each other with justice, kindness and a sacred regard to the Holy that dwells in all of us. That’s not “ammunition” for a fight, but it is a good start for the peace to come.
August 2012
ASTROLOGICAL DETECTIVE Continues from Pg. 41
JO: So what's in store for Portland or the world in the near future? AG: There's a death and rebirth of large institutional structure. People will get more accustomed to the unknown and trying to build within the chaos. JO: What can astrology do for the modern queer? What does sexuality have to do with it? AG: I do a lecture called The Astrology of Being Queer. I listen to these old fogies at astrology conferences who talk about queer people and I just think "You have no idea." People say "Mars in Leo means you're queer." It's not just about that. Mars in the chart shows your testosterone. A lot of dykes have masculine-looking energies. For a lot of queers it’s an identity struggle. "Who am I really? I'm f*****g a girl now, but I don't really identify as gay. I identify as a happy bisexual." The sun sign can play a big part in it. When I looked into Leslie Feinberg's chart, she has a sun in Virgo. Virgo is all about exactness. Leslie Feinberg is really discerning in identity. When I looked in his chart, Saturn, which is the planet of struggle and oppression and being blocked. Over and over, the identity will be challenged and he or she will have to figure out the intricacies of "Who am I? Am I a man or a woman?" But then Rupaul had the sun in Uranus. She's saying "I'll be whoever I want to be." That queer person's experience in life is very opening and revolutionary. A lot of trans guys have intense Mars energy but then you'll get a death and rebirth energy in the soul. There's a planet for that: Pluto. A lot of them get Pluto that comes up to their Mars. JO: The farther-out planets are a little more generational than personal, right? Is our generation about rebirth? AG: Yes, rebirth of relationships. So many of our peers are not monogamous, not committed. Pluto-Libra is all about one-on-one exchange, we are reborn over and over. There's something called a composite chart. If we mix energies, are we going to become better people or bring each other down? I always wonder why there isn't an internet dating site where you're matched up based on charts. August 2012
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OUR PEOPLE
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June 2012
Q+A JESSE MARTIN
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY? Gay male. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING? I assist, administratively, for an insurance office. Spreadsheets & collating till the cows come home. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN PORTLAND/OREGON? I’ve been in Portland for five years, and I really love the theme parties! I didn’t get to celebrate Halloween growing up, so it feels like I’m living out a fantasy. WHAT’S YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT OR A PASSION YOU HAVE THAT NO ONE WOULD GUESS? In middle school I had an embarrassing phase of making clothes for my hamster, Honey. She was always sporting a tunic and a fez, no matter the occasion. I think she hated me.
Photo by Horace Long
WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO OR REVERE IN THE GAY COMMUNITY OR HISTORICALLY? I really admire people who have the courage to go after what they want, even if it doesn’t fit other people’s perception of who they should be. WHAT'S AN IMPORTANT TOPIC THAT THE LGBT COMMUNITY SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT AND ISN'T? I know it’s being talked about in wellness circles, but I feel the stigma of HIV hinders discussion about prevention and about life after infection. I learned a lot about the disease after I got it. I also learned that most of what I thought I knew (and what a lot of people in the community still think about it) was wrong. If we really want to see this disease stopped in our lifetime, we have to be courageous enough to talk about it openly and honestly. Get tested, know the science behind the facts, and know that life goes on if you let it.
August 2012
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OUR PEOPLE
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June 2012
Q+A
ATTORNEYS
Marketplace COUNSELING
SOSSITY CHIRICUZIO
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY? As a queer, fat, working class, poly, bearded femme. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN PORTLAND/OREGON? I moved to Portland in 2004 seeking community I needed: radical queers who are body/sex/poly positive and politically aware. I found that, but I also found a city and community who have so much work to do around racism and accountability. This city fills and breaks my heart every day. WHAT’S YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT OR A PASSION YOU HAVE THAT NO ONE WOULD GUESS? Perhaps some people don't know that I like to 2 step, or that I love sci-fi, or what a nerd I am about plants. WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO OR REVERE IN THE GAY COMMUNITY OR HISTORICALLY? Dorothy Allison is an inspiration and lodestar for me: be real. be fierce but not hateful. Talk about the stuff you're supposed to be shamed by. Embrace the entirety of your experience. Acknowledge the experiences of others.
Photo by Horace Long
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED DISCRIMINATION WITHIN THE QUEER COMMUNITY? I've experienced it personally in relation to my gender, my class background, and my size; and I've definitely seen it happen to people of color, disabled folks, transfolks, to the freaks in the 90's and to the folks who aren't freaks now. We step on each other all the time.
EATS
GARDEN/YARD
HIV/STD TESTING
WHAT'S AN IMPORTANT TOPIC THAT THE LGBT COMMUNITY SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT AND ISN'T? Privilege and accountability. Race, class, gender, sex, sexuality, appearance, size, age, ability... willful ignorance.
August 2012
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Just Out Resource Directory
These businesses support you. Please support them. Adult
Hawks Gym................................................45 Mr. Peeps.....................................................45 Taboo Video................................................45
Apparel
Under U 4 Men.............................................5 The Bearded Heart.....................................43
Attorneys
Legacy Preservation Law...........................17 Redden & Findling LLP............................47
Auto & Transport
Vespa Portland............................................15 Herzog-Meier.............................................21 Wentworth Subaru City............................51
Bars
Boxxes/Red Cap Garage............................11 CC Slaughters Portland, Inc.....................17 Scandals.......................................................11
Willamette Valley Confectionery.............41
Events
AIDS Walk Bar Crawl 2012........................3 Darcelle XV La Femme Manifique......................19 Imperial Sovereign Rose Court................19 Just Out Sizzlin' Summer............................7 Oregon Coast Pride Lincoln City.........................................23 Lisa Lampanelli Concert...........................15 Peacock After Dark....................................15
Family
NW Surrogacy Center...............................13
Garden/Yard
Linnton Feed & Seed.................................47
Health
Center for Dermatology & Laser Surgery.................................43
HIV/STD Testing
Community
CAP - Pivot...................................................9 Partnership Project - OHSU.....................43
Counseling/Healing
Mariah Ureel...............................................47 GLBT Counseling......................................47
Dental
Laurelhurst Dentistry................................41
Eats/Drinks
Beau Thai Restaurant.................................47 Avion..............................................................2
CAP - HIV Testing.....................................41 Multnomah County Health Dept..................................23, 47 Westover Heights Clinic............................47
Home
Daniel Kasch...............................................49 Deep Clean Carpet.....................................49 Harper Construction.................................49 Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.................52 Urban K Hutchins General Contractor...49
Insurance
Bias Insurance.............................................49 Murrell Insurance Agency........................49
Jewelry
Malka Diamonds & Jewelry........................9
Personal Care
Beaverton Barber and Coin......................49
Pets
It's a Dog's Life............................................49 Rose City Veterinary Hospital..................13
Photography
Sky Blue Iris Photography.........................49
Property Management
Office Space Rental....................................49
Real Estate
Celia Lyon...................................................23 Home Sweet Home Realty........................21 Realty Trust.................................................17 Scott Werner & John Lippe.......................49 Richard Voss...............................................49 Roberta Tryon............................................43
Resorts
Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa......13
Window/Door
Goose Hollow Window Co.......................17
Just Out’s Guide to Bars, Food, and Nightlife
SW
NW
Boxes/Red Cap Garage
1035 SW Stark St • 503-226-4171 www.boxxes.com
Fez Ballroom
316 SW 11th Ave • 503.221.7262 www.fezballroom.com
Scandal’s
1125 SW Stark St • 503-227-5887 www.scandalspdx.com
Silverado
318 SW Third Ave • 503-224-4493 www.silveradopdx.com
NE
Casey’s
610 NW Couch St • 503-224-9062 www.caseyspdx.net
C.C. Slaughters
219 NW Davis St • 503-248-9135 www. ccslaughterspdx.com
Darcelle XV Showplace
208 NW Third Ave • 503-222-5338 www.darcellexv.com
Embers Avenue
110 NW Broadway • 503-222-3082
Fox & Hounds
217 NW Second Ave • 503-243-5530
Hamburger Mary’s
Joq’s
2512 NE Broadway • 503-287-4210
Local Lounge
Hobo’s
3536 NE MLK • 503-282-1833 www.local-lounge.com
Steam PDX
19 NW Fifth Ave • 503-688-1200 www.hamburgermarys.com/pdx
SE
Crush
1400 SE Morrison St • 503-235-8150 www. crushbar.com
Holocene
1001 S.E. Morrison St • 503.239.7639 www.holocene.org
Starky’s
2913 SE Stark St • 503-230-7980 www. starkys.com
Hawk PDX
234 SE Grand Ave • 503-946-8659 www. hawkspdx.com
North
The Eagle Portland
835 N Lombard St • 503-283-9734 www.eagleportland.com
120 NW Third Ave • 503-224-3285 www. hobospdx.com
2885 NE Sandy Blvd • 503-736-9999 www.steamportland.com
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August 2012
Marketplace
HOME
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PERSONAL CARE
REAL ESTATE
August 2012
PETS
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
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August 2012
Calendar 9
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CHUNKYDUNKS: A QUEER AND SIZE POSITIVE POOL PARTY ChunkyDunks is an annual summer series of body-positive group swims.
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SUPPORT PLANNED PARENTHOOD: PINK CARPET PROJECT Seattle's Pink Carpet Project was first; a response to the news that Susan G. Komen was going to cut funding to Planned Parenthood's preventative clinical breast exams to uninsured women. Despite the decision quickly being reversed, the Seattle fashion community was inspired to come together to show support to Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest. Four weeks later with 14 designers, 60 models, 30 hairstylists & makeup artists, 40 volunteers, 10 performers, 45 sponsors and 200 attendees, Seattle came together to stand with Planned Parenthood. Now, the Pink Carpet Project comes to Portland. The show will present collections by both Seattle and Portland's top designers. Event proceeds will go to benefit Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette.
Organizers rent public pools and offer up a focused and intentional space where the natural diversity of human bodies is respected. It can be daunting to put on a suit and swim in public. But the ChunkyDunks aren't going to let anything stop them, or you, from enjoying a refreshing summer cool-down! Chunky Dunks offer a safe and fun environment to test the waters of your own empowerment and to swim, lounge, splash! Their motto: Hot Sun. Cool water. No shame.
Autumn de Wilde
$20 standing/$75 VIP (Includes front row seating, swag bag, and drink ticket): 8 p.m. (1241 NW Johnson Street) PinkCarpetProject.com
$5 5 p.m. Peninsula Pool (700 N Rosa Parks Way) chunkydunk.org BRO GARDEN PARTIES THE STATEWIDE EVENTS START IN PORTLAND AND CONTINUE THE REST OF THE MONTH. VOLUNTEERS OPEN THEIR HOMES AND GARDENS TO PARTYGOERS. LEARN MORE ABOUT BASIC RIGHTS OREGON AND THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY FOR ALL OREGONIANS.
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Portland on August 12 Bend on August 19th Corvallis on August 26th Eugene on September 8th Ticket info online: basicrights.org/event
2012 MR/MISS/MS GAY PORTLAND PAGEANT $20 6 P.M. SCOTTISH-RITE CENTER (709 SOUTHWEST 15TH) OR PREVIEW THE SHOW AT THE FRIENDS & FAMILY SHOW AUGUST 24. FREE 7 P.M. SILVERADO (318 SW 3RD) WROSECOURT.ORG BRO Garden Parties
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Thomas Lauderdale
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THOMAS LAUDERDALE PLAYING WITH PINK MARTINI AT THE OREGON ZOO. "We love playing concerts at the Oregon Zoo! Where else can hippies who are still recovering from the Oregon Vortex I of 1970 dance next to Log Cabin Republicans AND Packy the Elephant?� Lauderdale says.
More Calendar info:
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Horace Long
oregonzoo.org/events
August 2012
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