Sec. of State Kate Brown
Fighting For Right Halloween Parties | Mayoral Candidates
October 2012
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October
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54 Contents 6
Editor’s Note
Cover 34 Spirit
8 Notebook
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10 Voices
63 Marketplace
20 Community
64 Advertisers
22 Family
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Our People
Calendar
JuST oUT aRT dIRECTOR AND PHOTOGRaPHER, hORACE lONG, shot this month's cover of Oregon Secretary of state Kate brown. Read more on Page 28.
October 2012
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Features 18 FILM
Queer Film Festival The Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in year 16.
24 POLITICS
Mayoral Candidates Talk Jefferson Smith and Charlie Hales talk about gay politcs in Portland.
Secretary of State Brown Oregon's Secretary of State Kate Brown's political fight for right.
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A&E
Flying High Franco Nieto’s transformation from football player to muscular dancer.
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GARDEN
Bella Madrona Geof Beasly talks about his five acre garden made famous by the Pink Martini song.
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HALLOWEEN
The Best Q-ween Parties If Halloween is more than trick or treating we have several choices for you.
+GO October 2012
Photos by Horace Long
Pages
All the resources you need for Gay Oregon Page 35
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EDITOR’S NOTE
by Alley Hector
just out TM
October 2012
PUBLISHERS Jonathan Kipp Eddie Glenn EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alley Hector
Qpdx
My Political Life
My first introduction to the adult world of voting in presidential elections was a bleak one. And though my entire college dorm sat huddled in front of the common room TV well into the wee hours, we still didn’t have an answer. And that was as good as the 2000 election was going to get. In the following days exasperations turned to fear then horror as we saw our voting system break down. Voters were intimidated and turned away from the polls, votes were discarded or miscounted, and the electoral college reared its ugly head overturning the popular vote for the first time in our young lives, electing George W. Bush over our Al Gore hopes. It’s not surprising, then, that I became fairly cynical about politics, and have not really been an activist in my post undergraduate life. But four years ago that feeling of hope returned as President Obama handily defeated challenger John McCain to become our first black president, and a perfect symbol of his simple yet effective mantra, “Yes we can.” Now we are on a precipice. We are still high off the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and increasing gay acceptance within the Democratic party. But we are also under the shadow of a war on women by a party that touts individual freedom but aims to take it away from half of our own citizens. Politics may or may not be one’s dinner topic of choice but we are all affected by it, which is why I encourage us all to participate in it. I only wish I was being a drama queen when I say that our very lives depend on it. It’s not all doom and gloom either. We are lucky to live in a city progressive enough that no matter who wins our upcoming mayoral election, they will have the interests of the gay community at the forefront of their platform. We have openly gay Tina Kotek fighting for our rights in Salem and a very gay-friendly, bicycle-riding, bowtie-wearing Earl Blumenauer in DC. We also have openly bisexual Secretary of State Kate Brown, currently running for her second term in office. As Oregon has no Lieutenant Governor, she is second in line to run the state. And though she may scoff at political writer Leo Schuman’s question later in these pages, she does call to mind our own Pacific Northwest version of Hillary Clinton. And she’s in a tight race this year against Bend’s Knute Beuhler. So while I may have started off my political life on the wrong foot, I came to a place that puts people in office who share my values, and even occasionally, my sexuality. It is important that I take time to appreciate that, but even more important that I, with the help of my communities, continue to support those politicians, those allies, those people who help make this such a great place to live. So I’ll see you at the ballot box. g Just Out's Editor-In-Chief Alley Hector writes QPDX. Reach her at Alley@JustOut.com.
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ART DIRECTOR Horace Long A&E EDITOR Ken Hoyt PROOFREADER Ellen Fiscus WRITERS Cathleen Busha Anna Deligio Atlas Flynn Anne Jaeger Brad Larsen Logan Lynn Scott MacDonald Lyska Mondor Courtney O'Donnell Leo Schuman Aaron Spencer Rev. Jennifer Yocum DIRECTOR of SALES Roy Melani Account Executive David Wagner AD DESIGN & COORDINATION Heather White Juliette Miratsky just out™
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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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Notebook (Education)
The Campus Pride Index has come out with a ranking of the top 25 gay-friendly universities in the United States. Based on factors such as LGBT policy inclusion, support and institutional commitment, academic life, student life, housing, campus safety, counseling and health, and recruitment and retention efforts, the list includes two Oregon schools. The University of Oregon can be found at the #11 spot and Portland State is at #18. The University of Washington, as well as several California universities, also made the cut. campusclimateindex.org
Pocatello, Idaho is on track to become the state’s second city to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. The city council there is drafting an ordinance to protect gays and lesbians in matters of housing and employment. Unlike neighboring Washington and Oregon, Idaho does not list sexual orientation or gender identity as a protected class, like race and religion.
(Marriage)
Social Security Benefits
Because DOMA Section 3 prevents their marriages from being recognized by the federal government, legally married same-sex couples cannot access federal programs that help other couples and families. In the context of Social Security, DOMA prevents a spouse in a same-sex marriage from claiming the Social Security benefit that would otherwise be available to a spouse, including the spousal benefit, spousal disability benefit, lump-sum death benefit, and survivor benefit. GLAD’s new publication, Social Security Benefits and the Defense of Marriage Act: Can I Do Anything Now to Preserve My Rights? Yes!, details the various benefits that same-sex couples are denied under DOMA, how to file for those benefits now, how to appeal the denial of benefits based on DOMA, and how to keep your appeal alive to preserve your rights while the legal challenges are pending. glad.org Reynosa: L to R Brisa Gonzalez, Ana Briseno, Fabiola Reyna
Staff
Top LGBT Colleges
Portland Mayor Sam Adams and a handful of other Portlanders are featured in The Gay Men Project, a project by New York based photographer Kevin Truong. Truong’s goal is to create a visual catalog of gay men living in New York City and beyond, celebrating the wide range of diversity within his community while searching for the commonalities that make each of these gay men beautiful. thegaymenproject.com
(WEB)
Lesbians in PDX
Based on a now defunct San Francisco project 3, Portland based ladies, Ashley, Ryan and Alyx, started a Tumblr blog dedicated to showcasing the many faces of the Portland Lesbian Scene called Lesbians in PDX, lesbiansinpdx.tumblr.com. Just Out Editor Alley Hector was recently featured with the requisite three “fun facts.” Email Lesbiansinpdx@gmail.com if interested in being on the blog.
(Music)
Reynosa 7” Reynosa are a welcome change in a Portland music scene so focused on indie rock. With a queer punk take on Cumbia and a combination of other Latin styles the trio, made up of Ana Margarita Briseno on percussion, Fabiola Reyna on guitar, and Brisa Gonzalez on vocals, formed in 2011 and has just released their first 7” record. Side A covers a 1960s Peruvian cumbia/chicha song “Carinito,” from a group called, Los Hijos Del Sol. The Spanish title means something akin to “a special, personalized bit of affection.” Reynosa’s rendition certainly retains that sentiment as well as the bright cultural character of the original, while adding a soulful blending of female vocals. You’ll find more wordplay in their original B-side “Caballera,” which roughly translates to “cowgirls” but really means so much more. This “queer cumbia” song brings an even more Northwest flavor with some rocking guitar licks and punctuated drums. A full album should be ready by Spring 2013.
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VOICES
by Logan Lynn
In The Trenches
The Curse of Being Old Fashioned
Let me start by saying I believe everyone should have the right to love whoever they please, however they please. My choice to love monogamously, and my sharing my thoughts around said loving with you all, is not meant to diminish your thoughts and choices, but rather to offer up yet another queer voice on the matter. I am not making a case for monogamy with this article, but rather a case for acceptance.
other sites people use these days to populate their casual sex lives. In fact, I have never had a very casual sex life. It has always been tied to relationship or a longing for deep connection. My being this way has made it difficult for me to relate to the experience of many of my queer peers, and almost impossible for them to relate to me. I don’t believe being monogamously in love is the worst thing I can be as a gay man, nor do I think this makes me any less queer than people who aren’t. I reject the idea that being singularly devoted to another person is a prison or a one-way ticket to a miserable existence. For me, monogamy is not about control or fear. It’s about keeping it simple. I tend to only want one man at a time, and once I am in love with that man, I become deeply committed both in mind and body. I totally get that not everyone is like this, but this is true for me.
Love, commitment, and the “M” word
In recent days I’ve been reading a lot of articles about love, commitment, and the “M” word, followed by discussions with my fellow queers about said articles, and it’s left me feeling frustrated. I can’t help but wonder, at what point in our queer cultural development did it become acceptable to imply (or say outright) that a person or couple who chooses to be in a monogamous relationship is somehow less evolved than those who do not? I have encountered this view before in my previous dating misadventures, friendships, and relationships … as though my wanting to be with only one man for the rest of my life is buying into a “heteronormative” idea about love and, in so doing, is somehow oppressing you in yours.
It has been my experience that being what some would consider “old fashioned” feels, at times, a bit like a curse for an out, gay man. I have never had anonymous sex. I have never hooked up with anyone off of Craigslist. I have an iPhone but I am not on Grindr or Scruff or Manhunt or whatever
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For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be in love, to have a kind, handsome man decide I was the one he wanted for the rest of his life. I have fantasized about becoming a two-person family with this man, and exploring the world together from there. I dream of us having wild animal sex so many times that we become experts at one another’s bodies, all the while knowing that neither of us are at risk because other people’s bodies just simply aren’t part of the landscape. I want to get married in front of all of my loved ones and I have dreams of the sound of little feet in our house. I want to hold their hands as they grow and grow until I am left alone again with this man I have loved all these years, to rediscover life after the sound of little feet has gone. I want to die known and loved, and I want him to die knowing how known and loved he was in return. g 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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VOICES
by Courtney O'Donnell
In Transit
Austin Unbound
The filmed-in-Portland transgender documentary Austin Unbound premiered last November at Portland's Hollywood Theater. The film documents trans man Austin Richey's choice to undergo sex reassignment surgery (SRS) — in this case upper surgery. Austin now identifies as a straight male. He is also deaf, giving the film the status of encompassing two different cultures. Since its premiere, Austin Unbound has been a hit on the film festival and college lecture circuit. Both Austin and the filmmaker, Eliza Greenwood, were able to attend a number of these showings. I recently caught up with Eliza and fired off these questions:
Courtney O’Donnell: In your role as a doc filmmaker, what things did you learn about trans people that you hadn't known prior to starting the project? Eliza Greenwood: Before I met Austin I came from a place of judgment, assuming that people should own and accept the bodies they were born with. You see, body image and ownership of my gender and sexuality had come so easily to me. Austin’s insistence that he is a straight male totally challenged my beliefs, but it resonated with me. I was inspired to ask if we could make this documentary because I wanted others to be able to meet him, too. CO’D: Are there aspects of trans people (or being trans) that ought to be more widely known about in the LGBTQ community? EG: The community should be aware that there is an inclination in the media to tell surgery stories about trans people, and that leads to harmful assumptions that, “all people who are trans want surgery.” I admit Austin Unbound is a “surgery” film. CO’D: Did you face any resistance from the LGB or T communities in trying to get the film made? EG: Our community really embraced this project as many people already knew and were inspired by Austin’s story. We were pleased to realize that the LGBT community had more sources for grants and private donors than our deaf community offered. We were awarded grants from the Pride Foundation, the Equity Foundation, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to help get the film made, for example. CO’D: Did the filmmaking-friendly, LGBT-friendly town of Portland work to your advantage? EG: Portland not only has a strong LGBTQ culture, but also a thriving film community. I’ve found both to be helpful and engaging.
Austin Richey and Eliza Greenwood. Photo courtesy of Eliza Greenwood.
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 Courtney@JustOut.com.
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Eliza tells me that on October 18 there will be another screening of Austin Unbound at Portland’s Clinton Street Theatre (2522 SE Clinton). It will be a fundraiser to help provide SRS for a community member. It has been a long journey for Austin Unbound. The years spent in post-production are now paying off handsomely for the filmmakers. My congrats to them. As for Austin, he continues to live in Portland, still the quite cool guy we met in the film. g austinunbound.org
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VOICES
by Lyska Mondor
In The Pink
Queer Hair Magic An interview with Nancy Dear, local stylist to the stars
On a list of things that makes Portland Portlandy has to be our haircuts. The array of ironic and nonironic coiffures parading around any social event typically out-dazzles a barrage of parading glitter ponies, although the distinction is practically negligible. The queer community shines in this department. It’s more than rainbow hair dye running in streams of sweat down our beaming faces at Pride. It’s a yearlong commitment to visibility and the joy of expression. Personally, I never thought I’d be around for the return of certain styles, but the serious debate of, “Do I get a perm or a bowl cut?” is real. Who better to chat with about the hair-dids of our community than Nancy Dear? She’s been cutting queer hair for almost 3 years, has just transferred to the Mississippi Bishops, and is the favorite coiffeuse of yours truly. Walking into the Mississippi Bishops is always pleasant. The store is cute. Generally, the wait is brief, and the beer is always cold. Did I have a beer at 11 a.m. whilst waiting for my friend to finish her current cut? Yes, and the man behind me was grateful that I broke the seal. Nancy looks adorable. She has light pink hair, a vintage looking dress that is bright without being childish, sparkling blue-green eyes, and a laugh that is something between a giggle and a roar. The manager, Sara Bird, who I’ve also been fortunate enough to get a cut from, is there with a sense of grace and calm that balances the store energy nicely. Lyska Mondor: Queer haircuts. What constitutes a queer/gay haircut? Nancy Dear: Sometimes, a gay haircut is a very traditional haircut on a nontraditional man. Sometimes, I’m doing classic men's haircuts on femme ladies. Sometimes, it’s detailing, a certain edge that is harder or softer and reflects as queer, and I would leave that out of a straight haircut. It can be a compromise between what is acceptable as being visibly queer professionally, and visibly queer socially. It gets complicated. LM: Do you cut any queer celebrity hair? Besides me? ND: Um, well, I think so. I cut Shannon’s, and Jenny Bruso’s hair (a.k.a. DJs Action Slacks and Bruce LaBruiser). LM: Everyone knows you do hair. Do you get sick of talking about it? ND: No, I really like talking about hair. I love what I do. Nancy Dear. Photo by LIsa Galloway
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LM: Should we give it a nickname, like “The Craft”?
October 2012
ND: I alternately refer to what I do as ‘hair magic’ or ‘hair party’. My Facebook page is called “HAIRPARTY With Nancy B!”.
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LM: What’s the best hair in the animal kingdom? ND: Lions, duh. LM: How would you give me a lion cut? ND: Lots of time, and lots of product. LM: What about outrageous or bizarre hair? ND: Those are usually not regulars. Also, there are things that people ask for that I don’t think of as weird cuts, but maybe they are. There’s a person who comes in and gets an undercut bowl cut, and I do that on a few people. Maybe that’s weird. I do a lot of tails, and a lot of pony manes. It all feels normal to me. LM: What’s the key to getting a good haircut? Is it communication? ND: Yes, I had this guy in my chair that couldn’t tell me what he wanted, except that he wanted a lot of it cut off. I said, “Okay, we’re going to use free word association.” Eventually, he came up with “swarthy.” It worked! I’m not very literal, and neither are most stylists. Bring me a picture of a chicken with a thing that you like, and I can do it. LM: Is there anything different or special about cutting hair in Portland? You seem like a natural here. ND: I don’t know. I think what I like about it most is being part of people’s lives, and being part of the community. I like looking out into a crowd of people, looking at their hair, and thinking, “Mine, mine, mine, oh… and mine!” g
Get hair magic from Nancy Dear at Bishops Barber Shop on Mississippi. I suggest that you do, and you’re welcome to bring a photo of your favorite animal as a reference tool. Find her Facebook page at “HAIRPARTY with Nancy B!”
Lyska Mondor pens In The Pink for Just Out. She is a published poet and aspiring sci-fi author. Reach her at Lyska@JustOut.com
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VOICES
by Scott MacDonald
The Simple Truth
A Gay Hero
I’ve slain countless beasts — terrible, fearsome monstrosities that would haunt your dreams. I’ve traveled far and wide, to derelict ancient ruins and futuristic cityscapes that reach endlessly into the skies. I’ve conquered and manipulated time, saved civilizations from genocide and tyranny, and been the hero everyone prayed for. Time and again I’ve rescued the princess from the encroaching jaws of death just in time, even if I secretly wanted the prince instead. As a kid in a small farming community, surrounded by oppressive religion and an abundant potato crop, there were no heroes, especially not gay heroes with whom I could identify. As far as I knew, there weren’t even people who felt like I did. The only gay people I knew of gave fashion advice on television, and they weren’t like me at all. In times of conflict, people seek others to whom they can relate, whether they are real or fictional. For me, I turned to video games and since so few video games featured LGBT characters; I'd often use my imagination and tweak the story. Video games, more than any other medium, allow you to immerse yourself in a world that is not your own. You can leave your problems behind and become someone else completely. If you’re lucky enough to find or create a person like yourself, you can even watch as you triumph over your adversaries, whether they are literal or metaphorical. There have been few LGBT characters over the years that haven’t been negative, effeminate, or campy. The best positive examples are typically found in Role Playing Games (RPGs). 1998’s “Fallout 2” included what is reportedly the first same-sex marriage in a video game and 2010’s “Fallout: New Vegas” featured a doctor, Arcade Gannon, who is intelligent, witty, and personable – and gay. Anyone who reads the news knows that Bioware, the developer of RPG series such as “Dragon Age” and “Mass Effect,” gives the player options to pursue same-sex relationships with other characters. Since Bioware has essentially led the charge into the “great gay unknown” it’s not surprising that they, and parent company, EA, have dealt with the most flak over it. Aside from the occasional boycott threat from a right-wing conservative family group, there are also our fellow gamers to contend with. A presumably straight male gamer posted his outrage at “Dragon Age II” on Bioware's forums. The lack of a “no homosexuality option” made his experience awkward and he argued the company had catered to other demographics with its romance options. He felt the title’s primary audience, straight male gamers, was neglected and that since few women and GLBT people play video games, the primary audience should always come first. Lead writer for “DAII,” David Gaider, responded to him. The entire response is still available on Bioware’s forums. “The romances in the game are not for ‘the straight male gamer’. They're for everyone. We have a lot of fans, many of whom are neither straight nor male, and they deserve no less attention. We have good numbers, after all, on the number of people who actually used similar sorts of content in [“Dragon Age Origins”] and thus don't need to resort to anecdotal evidence to support our idea that their numbers are
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not insignificant… The majority has no inherent ‘right’ to get more options than anyone else.”
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Just like in real life, there are a few attitudes that we’ll have to help change along the way, but we’ve at least been acknowledged. Even Ken Levine, lauded for his work with the “Bioshock” series once said, “Writers don't have a responsibility to make exclusively noble gay characters, they have a responsibility to portray human gay characters.” The Internet and social media have made developers and publishers increasingly transparent. Bioware’s ending to “Mass Effect 3” caused an incredible outcry from gamers who disliked it for one reason or another, and that outcry led to the developer creating an alternate ending. If GLBT gamers send a strong message of what they want to developers, it’s entirely possible that they’ll listen. Another consideration is narrative. RPGs in particular are driven by strong narratives and character development, and are the perfect genre for GLBT characters. The best characters, though, won’t be the ones who burst into the room in an explosion of glitter with the “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it” attitude. A character’s sexuality should not be the focal point of that character because it creates a caricature instead. Perhaps the best example of how to handle sexuality is seen in the character Kanji, from “Persona 4.” Characters in the game face their alter-ego — physical manifestations known as shadows — in an alternate dimension within the television known as “The Midnight Channel.” These shadows represent facets of their personalities that they suppress. Kanji acts anti-social, macho and works at his family’s textile shop, but his shadow is the opposite — flamboyant, scantily clad and inhabits a steamy bathhouse. You eventually help Kanji face his inner turmoil and he accepts his alter-ego as part of himself. His character never comes out and declares his sexuality outright, but in a world of continually straight characters, his sexual identity conflict stands out. Here we have a character with many attributes — strength, dependability, dedication — that also happens to not be absolutely straight. Maybe not everyone can relate to Kanji’s specific struggle, but there isn’t a person alive who hasn’t struggled with the disparity between whom they appear to be and who they actually are. g
Scott MacDonald is an award winning young journalist originally from Idaho. He writes The Simple Truth for Just Out. Reach Scott at Scott@JustOut.com
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FILM
by Alley Hector
Moving Forward PDX LESBIAN AND GAY FILM FESTIVAL
Cloudburst
I Want Your Love
Keep The Lights On
The Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Festival may not be one of the most famous, but its 16 years in existence has been well attended and diverse. It started 20 years ago when the (straight) owner of Cinema 21, Tom Ranieri, wanted to showcase LGBT film in his hip Northwest neighborhood theater. He quickly worked on recruiting queer organizers and Gabriel Mendoza came on board for the first official festival 16 years ago. When I sat down with Mendoza to talk about this year’s films and the changing shape of a festival audience he seemed unsure about the continued relevance and success of gaythemed film festivals, but to me the Portland DIY spirit makes ours uniquely worth attending.
The changing entertainment landscape has seen more of us downloading movies in our homes rather than attending art house singleplexes. But, you can’t get the same level of interaction with Netflix. The energy of going to a 500 person theater filled with other queers
who may laugh or throw popcorn at the screen at the same time is powerful and you have the opportunity to socialize and discuss the films at either the opening or closing night parties. Indeed, Mendoza has always prioritized quality in the movies they choose to show, but is keen to make sure they continue to also be socially and politically challenging as we move forward. This is one reason the festival is moving towards a new name. It began as a completely unmarketable alphabet soup that had to be rebranded as the Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Festival to have any marketability. And although it won’t technically be changing its name until next year, they are beginning to rebrand once again as the Portland Queer Film Festival. “It should have been that for years,” Mendoza says, “but people were afraid of the word ‘queer’ so we had to go with ‘gay and lesbian’ even though some folks felt ostracized by it. It almost seems silly now that we have a ‘queer’ center; it’s so mainstream … but we’ve even talked about [the importance of having] a queer sensibility as well.”
This sensibility has become the norm, and things that may have shocked audiences just a few years ago are almost commonplace. Travis Mathew’s I Want Your Love, though not pornography, does show explicit sex. This seemed a big deal when John Cameron Mitchell’s Shortbus was here in 2006 but the same level of gossip and controversy is certainly not expected for Love although discussions about why Mathews chose to show real life sex and what impact that has on the story are already taking place. It certainly gives it a documentary, or at least true-to-life quality that Mendoza characterizes as also very Portland. It takes place in San Francisco but “… feels like they filmed a night at a party in Northeast … It has a weird authenticity.” Indeed, you’re likely to recognize a familiar face in local actor/performer/artist Wayne Bund, aka drag bear Feyonce. He, along with Ferrin Solano,
Mosquitay
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who plays his boyfriend in the film, will be at the screening September 29 to discuss the film including the sure-to-be-asked question of what differentiates graphic sex in art films from plain, old-fashioned porn. Other festival highlights include opening and closing films Gayby and Cloudburst. It’s unusual for the event to open with a comedy, preferring heady dramas or documentaries such as last year’s critically acclaimed We Were Here directed by local David Weissman. But this year switches it up with a flick that may actually be more familiar to Portland thirty-somethings than a national LGBT audience. Gayby follows two childhood friends, both of whom are single, one of whom is gay, who decide to follow through with a youthful promise to have a child together … the old-fashioned way. It explores the intersections of family, friendship, sex and co-parenting in a way that is sincere and relatable.
Cloudburst, starring the exceptional Olympia Dukakis, should also be a gem. Though the film is not about gay marriage per se, it brings this current political issue into a very personal realm of two elderly women desperate to stay together, humanizing a normally polarizing topic. Stella and Dot have been together for three decades, but as they begin to become unable to care for themselves their homophobic grandchildren try to break them apart, so they escape their nursing home for the marriage promised-land of Canada. Through all the changes, in both name and culture, PLGFF has endeavored to represent a wide swath of our community and has included trans subject matter almost every year. This year Trans aims to combine the verity of documentary with the emotion of fiction, making it especially accessible to a mainstream audience. “You run the risk of falling into the ‘talking head’ trap,” says director Chris Arnold, “and because [trans] stories have such a powerful emotional quotient, I find myself turning to other storytelling tools of narrative features ... like music.” Queer film, like queer politics and society, has come a long way since PLGFF’s beginning nearly two decades ago, and this year’s fest is a good example of how we have moved on from the campy and flip gay romps of the 90s to rich and exciting features that would do well in any fest. Silly “gay flicks” may be a thing of the past but salient and meaningful queer film convocation is alive and well. g
The film festival runs September 28 to October 6. See plgff.org and check out full reviews of selected films at JustOut.com. October 2012
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Community North Portland has a new queer owned used bookshop. Another Read Through (1435 N Killingsworth St ) will celebrate their grand opening on October 6, from 4:30 p.m.6 p.m., featuring Hip Chicks Do Wine and a wine tasting. anotherreadthrough.com
(DiSCRIMINATION)
P Club Investigation The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) has opened an investigation into North Portland bar the P Club (formerly the Portsmouth Pizza Pub) after a group of transgender patrons said they were discriminated against. The complaint alleges that owner Christopher Penner called at least one regular customer and left voice mails asking the customer not to return because it might lead people to believe it's a gay bar. The voicemail goes on to say, “I’ve done some investigating why my sales are declining and there’s two things I keep hearing: People think that a) we’re a tranny bar or b) we’re a gay bar. We are neither. People are not coming in because they just don’t want to be there on a Friday night now.” In response Penner told WilLamette Week, “We don't discriminate. Half the staff is gay or lesbian…We don't discriminate for anything other than if they cause business to go down, But that's for anything.”
(New Rules)
The Bachelorette
Inspired by an LA bar that has banned bachelorette parties until gay marriage becomes legal, Old Town gay bar CC Slaughters has decided not to ban them entirely, but to amend their dress code to disallow traditional bachelorette attire such as veils, tiaras, and penis hats. CC Slaughters marketing director Steven Fosnaugh issued a statement saying, “…the majority of [Slaughters] patrons are prohibited under Oregon Law from entering into a marriage with the one they love. To put it plainly, they're gay. So, when parties of bachelorettes walk through the doors of a gay nightclub, branded from head-to-toe in prenuptial garb and there to celebrate their upcoming marriage, many of our patrons were taking offense to it. This was creating an issue that CC Slaughters and many within the LGBTQ community felt very strongly about. The 'Bachelorette Attire Policy' was created to address this issue.” 20
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(JUST OUT)
Partnership Forms
Just Out and the Portland Q Center recently announced a strategic partnership to work together for the betterment of the Portland metro area LGBTQ community. This partnership will benefit the LGBTQ community by increasing awareness to the resources and programs available at the Q Center. Barbara McCullough-Jones, Executive Director at Q Center said, “We are thrilled to partner with Just Out. Q Center is a critical resource for the Pacific Northwest’s LGBTQ community and we look to increase awareness of the services and programs that we offer by partnering with Just Out.” Q Center is a multigenerational community center that provides programs and services to the LGBTQ and allied community in four core program areas: Health & Wellness, Education & Training, Arts & Culture, and Advocacy. Q Center’s mission is to provide a safe space to support and celebrate LGBTQ diversity, visibility and community building. Our vision is a broadened positive perception of LGBTQ people. pdxqcenter.org
Who wants to go to an ordinary gym when you can have 6 foot lesbian kick your ass into shape with cast iron weights resembling a cannonball for less than a 6-pack of craft brew? The Warrior Room is a 3000 square foot kettlebell studio in downtown Milwaukie dedicated to bringing affordable and grueling work outs to its clients in a small, personal group setting. Meet Jody at WarriorRoom.org.
October 2012
(ELECTIONS)
Supporting Our Neighbors
Basic Rights Oregon says that It is imperative that Oregonians play a role in helping Washington State win the freedom to marry in November. Not only is winning the freedom to marry in Washington the right thing to do, BRO believes a victory in Washington will help pave the way for Oregon to become the first state in the nation to overturn a constitutional ban on marriage at the ballot. Referendum 74 passing would keep Washington’s right to marry law in tact for same sex couples. basicrights.org
Photo by Beth Wolfsong
(Awareness)
Dolphin Slaughter
Paralegal at Beth Allen Law, Jennifer Wolfsong, a 42-year-old Beaverton mom, ran 100 kilometers (over 62 miles) on Saturday, September 1, in an effort to raise awareness of the yearly dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan, which began the same day. “I wanted to do more than just donate money or write a letter,” said Wolfsong. “I wanted to do something that would really catch people’s attention. I have run some longdistance races before, but nothing this long. But it felt like a natural way for me to be able to do something meaningful.” Wolfsong began preparing in October, though she was set back for a couple months from an injury. She’s run more than 600 miles since her training began with the support of her partner of 17 years, Beth Wolfsong, and 8-year-old daughter Leila. Wolfsong has raised over $2,000 for O’Barry’s Dolphin Project. dolphinproject.org savejapandolphins.org October 2012
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FAMILY
by Cathy Busha & Anna Deligio
In The Family Way
An Intentional Mom
In last month’s column, Anna shared her process in deciding to become a parent. This month, we’ll share Cathy’s journey. Cathy is Oliver’s nonbiological mom. Baby Oliver is now 2-months-old and amazing.
I had already worked through some difficult messages I received from my mom about parenting. In her moments of overwhelmed-ness, frustration, and mental health difficulties, my mom would say to me, “Don’t have children - children ruin your life.” (She sometimes forgot I wasn’t a confidant, but one of her kids.) She would list all the material things, vacations and career opportunities she perceived she gave up to have children. Contradictorily, she would then say, “My children are my greatest accomplishment.” Even as a Gemini, I struggled to reconcile the mixed messages she shared about parenthood.
When Anna arrived at ‘yes’ to parenthood, I was still wavering. The fears I had to explore were: money, job, and age. Money. I grew up in a decent amount of economic chaos, which included several evictions and deep shame from being teased because my dad was a taxi driver and because I didn’t wear the ‘right’ jeans (remember Jordache and Sassoon?). Therefore, I thought Anna and I should have at least one million dollars in the bank before we ever even considered parenthood (Dear readers - I clearly have worked through that false belief).
From listening to my mom, I mostly thought having a child meant sacrificing your entire life. Having no interest in being a martyred mom, when I came out as a lesbian at the age of 25, it seemed the parenthood decision had been made for me. In conservative Lancaster, PA in 1996 I didn’t know any other “out” lesbians, and certainly not lesbians with children. I put away any ideas or desires I had around parenthood. However, my ex-partner and I started to explore the idea of being parents when I was 34 years old. It was actually during those conversations that I began to realize that I 1) likely wanted to be a parent but 2) I didn’t want to raise a child with my ex (I remember thinking, “If you can’t trust me to load the dishwasher without picking a fight with me, how will we raise a child together?”). So in a way, our parenthood discussions led me to realize that our relationship was over.
Age. My parents were older than most people’s my age (my mom was 35 when she had me and my dad was 49). While I could articulate the many benefits of older parents, I also recognized one of the main challenges that older parents may not be around as long to enjoy building adult relationships with their children. I was 30 years old when my dad died and 35 when my mom died. I am 41 years old.
While there are people who see Anna as “the real mom” (when we found out we were pregnant, I had a well-meaning friend say to me, “Congratulations! Anna’s going to be a mom!”) and struggle to find a way to make sense of me or what to “call” me, it is clear from my friends who are queer parents that the children see both parents as equal and that the non-biological moms and children bond just as closely.
Photo by Horace Long
Also tied to money was job “stuff.” Anna and I have been together six years and have both experienced a lot of job transitions during that time. To be parents, I thought we should both have “solid careers” with linear, upward paths where we had great benefits and retirement plans.
There was another barrier I had to work through on the path to parenthood. It was clear that Anna wanted to birth a baby and I had no interest in being pregnant; however, I had some feelings when thinking about what it would be like to be the non-biological mom. When we lived in Arizona and started these conversations, it was true that the law wouldn’t see me as an equal or legal parent; in fact, in Arizona I wouldn’t have been seen as a parent as all, but instead a legal stranger to our child. We are grateful to live in Oregon, a state with domestic partnership and second parent adoption. Beyond the law, I also worried that others (myself included) wouldn’t see me as an equal parent. One of the few things my birth family and I have in common is biology, so I wondered what it would be like for me to create family that is not based in blood, particularly when Anna would be biologically related. I began talking with non-bio lesbian moms and reading books and articles from that point of view and quickly realized that 1) my fears were normal and 2) my fears were unfounded.
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Finally, this parenthood discerning process reminded me a of a discussion that once happened when I was presenting LGBT 101 to a psychology class at Park University at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. During Q&A, someone in the class asked, “Don’t you agree that it’s unfair to the children for gays and lesbians to have kids?” Hmmmm... I paused, then turned the question back to the class and asked others what they thought. While some people agreed with the social stigma burden of children of gays and lesbians, a man offered that he is biracial - a black dad and white mom - and that many of the arguments people used against LGBT parents were once used against multiracial families. I thanked him and then asked the question: “How many people in the room know a child who came into the world unplanned? A shotgun wedding? A one night stand? A night of drinking? A condom that broke?” Almost all hands went up and a few people laughed, “That was me!” or “That’s how I had all my kids!” Then I said, “Well, generally, gays and lesbians who have children enter the process (and process we do!) very intentionally. There are a lot of discussions and planning that tend to happen. Most gay and lesbian people enter parenthood not by accident, but very consciously.” People sat quietly and uncomfortably. Then I said, “Rather than framing the discussion of LGBT parents as harmful to children, could it even be possible that LGBT parents may offer strengths as parents?” Now, as Oliver’s mom, these discussions are no longer theoretical. I can absolutely affirm that he is one very lucky boy and we are two very lucky, equal moms. g In The Family Way is written by Cathy Busha and Anna Deligio. Cathy and Anna are the new parents to son Oliver. Reach tham at Cathleen_Anna@JustOut.com
October 2012
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POLITICS
by Leo Schuman
It’s no news that both Hales and Smith value and respect the LGBT community, not simply because of the tide of history, but from personal relationships and values. How each reached this point provides an interesting story. Each of them was very happy to reach out to Portland’s LGBT voters through Just Out to share how they became LGBT allies and their views on gender identity, queer homeless youth, HIV/AIDS, Chick-fil-A, and more.
Leo Schuman is Just Out’s political writer. Leo is a former lawyer and self-admitted political junkie. Reach him at Leo@JustOut.com
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Jefferson
Smith
An interview with Portland mayoral candidate Jefferson Smith. Just Out: Do you remember how you first learned that some people fall in love with people of their same gender? Jefferson Smith: Yeah, I do. It became personal for me with two different relationships. One was my older brother, who came out when I was in high school. And the other was one of my childhood best friends, who came out about the same time. I saw through their eyes, to some degree, what they were going through. And this was in the late 80’s, not the 90’s or 00’s. Fortunately, they have loving families. JO: There are estimates that as many as 40% of homeless youth are LGBT. What role does the City of Portland play in working with this population? JS: A pretty important one. I think that there will be ongoing discussions with the city and county to make sure that we’re manifesting our values, and doing the best that we can, in a nationally near-tragic context. There is an additional layer of tragedy and opportunity with the significant reported overlap between homeless youth and youth that are LGBT. There is a chance to bring a meaningful portion of the city together around what being a compassionate city means. How do we manifest our values around that? Having this conversation at Outside In, and understanding how these stories are usually linked to a family reaction to coming out … and maybe even a community reaction … this amplifies the reality that our city has a duty to serve our people, but also to stand for something, to be a place that is a little more loving, a little more tolerant, that is a little more on the front edge of an arc of history that is bending towards justice. And, so it means we have to find the best services there are. JO: Do you see any specific opportunities to help homeless LGBT youth? JS: I am pretty inspired by efforts around youth employment and around summer enrichment programs, which can engage people from all walks to give better opportunities and better tools; doing that can help bridge the gap of some existing services. With homelessness in general I think there is a need to look at the best wrap-around services, helping people — yes, with housing — yes, with employment — and yes, with drug and alcohol treatment. If we do only one of those things, very often we’re doing none of them. But, if we give more comprehensive service we do a better job not only of helping a whole person, but helping a person at all. Both the county and the city are moving in that direction. Continues on Pg. 30
October 2012
Photo by Horace Long
How gay will our next Mayor be? He won’t. Jefferson Smith and Charlie Hales are both, well … mainstream for human sexuality. This gives Portland’s LGBT community our first chance to evaluate mayoral candidates in light of the new reality that — thanks to Mayor Sam Adams — being LGBT has moved towards the mainstream for Portland politics.
October 2012
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POLITICS
I was taught how to be a civic leader by Mayor Katz. Charlie Hales
Charlie
Hales
An interview with Portland mayoral candidate Charlie Hales. Just Out: When did you first realize some people are attracted to their same gender?
JO: Are there programs the city is involved in that would change if you were mayor?
Charlie Hales: I think it was in my sophomore year of college that I realized this fact had been around me all the time. I had no one in my immediate family who is gay or lesbian, but was very involved in music and drama in high school, and some of my friends in that community were able to be a little more open than perhaps my friends on the football team. This was in Northern Virginia, so a more enlightened place than the rest of the south, but still it was Virginia and it was in the 1970’s.
CH: There’s a famous quote where someone asked Samuel Gompers, an early labor union leader, what he wanted for the labor movement, and he said “more.” And I think when you look at what needs to be done with respect to this partnership that tries to address homelessness, it’s “more.” More shelter beds, more opportunities to get into transitional housing, more job training like they do at New Avenues, more chance for kids who’ve fallen through the cracks of education to finish and get their GED.
JO: When did you first meet transgender folk?
JO: The CEO of Chick-fil-A has spoken publicly against LGBT equality, and Boston mayor Tom Menino responded saying he would oppose Chick-fil-A opening in Boston. If Chick-fil-A wanted to put new stores in Portland, how would you respond as mayor?
JO: How did this feel to you? CH: Um, kind of strange and very urban. I mean I came to Portland by choice. I wanted to live in an enlightened, progressive city. The environmental values in Portland are what really attracted me at first. That’s what I was looking for, and the Tom McCall vision of Portland as a green, sustainable place was the hook for me that pulled me all the way across the country with no job. I didn’t know anyone here. So like a lot of twentysomethings, I was 23, I came to Portland in an old car, from somewhere else, drawn by the vision of the place, and then came to appreciate the diversity of who lives here. JO: There are estimates that as many as 40% of homeless youth are LGBT, queer, or questioning. What role does the City of Portland play in working with this population? CH: A very direct one. I started my day today serving breakfast at New Avenues for Youth, a drop-in breakfast for whoever comes in from the street that morning. To see those young people, that diversity … you’ve got diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity. You’ve got ethnic diversity. And you’ve got diversity of why they’re homeless in the first place. In some cases you’ve got kids who have not been well served by the foster care system. In other cases you have kids who’ve been with an abusive parent, or kids who have substance-abuse problems, mental illness. There’s a huge spectrum, and the city is a huge player in dealing with homelessness in partnership with the county and great non-profits like New Avenues, Outside In, Central City Concern, and all the rest.
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CH: I would use the bully pulpit of the office, and the authority that I have, to make sure our values are reflected in more than just words. So, that means I would pick up the phone and I would say, ‘if this is really your philosophy you should consider locating in other cities and not here.’ I’d start with that. Now understand, you don’t want to over-promise in this business, so if Chick-fil-A files for a building permit and doesn’t need any discretionary approvals from the city, we have to give them one. There’s stuff we can do and things we can advocate for, but there are limits to our powers. JO: What is your opinion of Mayor Adam’s efforts to support transgender inclusion in Portland, including healthcare coverage, restroom policies in public buildings, and so on? CH: I support and applaud what Mayor Sam has done. This is another area where Portland has done the right thing. It ain’t broke, and I don’t need to fix it. We just need to continue to do more, to carry on this agenda, which has had pretty strong leadership. I was taught how to be a civic leader by Mayor Katz, and Sam was her chief of staff. She was a great mentor to me in a lot of ways, including helping to build my understanding of the LGBT community and the importance of related public policy going back to domestic partner ordinances that we passed, and fighting against Ballot Measures 9 and 13 together. She really showed me how to be a leader for the whole community, for that agenda as well. So Sam has done the right thing, and I’ll try to carry that on. No course correction needed. Continues on Pg. 32
October 2012
Photo by Horace Long
CH: Oh, probably not until Portland did I really encounter transgender folks.
POLITICS
by Leo Schuman
T
Secretary Of State
K ate Brown Oregon’s Secretary of State, Kate Brown, is the highest-ranking openly bi-sexual person holding an elected office in the United States. She faces a strong Republican opponent in her re-election bid in November.
wenty years of yoga will tone anyone’s biceps. Add wit, feminist insight, deep legislative experience, and a passion for concrete results, and you’ll start sketching Oregon Secretary of State, Kate Brown. In Oregon, the Secretary of State serves effectively as Lieutenant Governor, and oversees seven divisions, including Archives, Audits, Corporations, and Elections. Asked if her title means she’s Oregon’s mini-Hillary, Brown laughs, “only in my dreams!” It’s a good dream, though. In her first term, Brown has focused attention on fiscal and performance auditing for State agencies — seeking “alligators, not mosquitoes”, in her terms — with significant results: for every dollar her office spent on auditing in 2008, Oregon brought back eight; for every auditing dollar spent in 2010, Oregon brought back sixty-four. One clear example of the results is “an audit of the Department of Revenue collection practices, which identified 66,000 Oregonians who were paying Federal, but not State, income taxes, amounting to one hundred million dollars” in lost revenue for Oregon. “That's a lot of teachers.”
But, the audits Brown directs are not always fiscal. “I'm a recovering lawyer who used to represent children and parents in the foster care system.” This experience gave her direct insight into the hard realities of unemployment, poverty, addiction, and mental illness which impact thousands of Oregon families every single day. “We just completed an audit of this system, specifically looking at what the agency can do to be more successful at reunifying children with their parents safely. We made some very specific recommendations, and I'm going to partner with the legislature to make sure they are implemented.”
Since coming out in 1995 as openly bisexual, Kate Brown has helped carry Salem for Oregon’s LGBT communities, while advocating for all Oregon families, including her own (she and her husband, Dan, have two children). She is the highest ranking openly bisexual elected official in the United States. In 1991, she was appointed to an open legislative seat, subsequently elected, and served for sixteen years in the House and then Senate, including serving as Senate Democratic Leader from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, she won the race to become Oregon’s Secretary of State. Continues on Pg. 31
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Photo by Horace Long
Brown has also championed streamlined business registration and compliance processes in the Corporations division, including major technology improvements (business.oregon.gov), now used by two-thirds of Oregon businesses, through the Secretary of State’s new Business Oregon program. Her office is also among the first nationwide to roll out task-focused mobile phone and tablet tools to help make doing business easier in Oregon. Earlier in her career, she played a key legislative role helping roll out Oregon’s highly transparent election information and campaign finance reporting system (oregonvotes.org). This is a critical tool given Oregon’s virtually unlimited campaign spending laws. But, some of her proudest moments to date arrived five years ago when, standing on thirty-two years of collective LGBT political shoulders, she led a Democratic majority in Salem to pass the Oregon Equality and Family Fairness Acts of 2007, ensuring fair treatment and legal equality for LGBT Oregonians and our relationships.
October 2012
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Jefferson
Smith Continues from Pg. 24
JO: Boston mayor Tom Menino states he will do all he can to oppose discriminatory businesses, such as Chick-fil-A, from operating in his city. What do you think of his actions, and what would your opinions be on Chick-fil-A operating in Portland? JS: I am no longer eating at Chick-fil-A. I haven’t eaten at Chick-fil-A in a long time. In fact, the last time I ate there was in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And, I will support just about any mayor working so that the operations in their city reflect the values of their city. My strong impression is that if there’s any city that would spit out a tainted nugget, it is Portland. The best asset the City of Portland has in this is our socially conscious consumer base and activist base, alongside people with microphones who could be helpful in informing the public, so our socially conscious consumer and activist bases could play a role. JO: You trust Portlanders to take advantage of the teachable moment, so to speak? JS: Yes. JO: Mayor Adams has gone to great effort to support transgender inclusion in Portland. Do you see work remaining to be done in how Portland works with transgender people? JS: I think the city at large still has a way to go, as it relates to medical benefits. The Bus Project (a progressive activist organization founded by Jefferson Smith) last year gave its Policy Pioneer Award to that work. I would ask the transgender community to think of what the best next steps to be taken would be, and to advise the city. JO: Portland Public Schools is likely to ask Portland homeowners for more tax dollars in the months ahead. Many, many LGBT people have children in public schools. But, far more do not. Historically, LGBT people have not only been discouraged from having and raising children, but have even been told by some to avoid children entirely. Given this particular aspect of anti-gay bigotry, what would you say to an LGBT person when asking them for hundreds more dollars each year to support other people’s children? JS: I would say “please” and “thank you.” I would also say that it is in all of our interests to have an
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educated community. If we want a community that is as tolerant and compassionate as our city is at its best, we want to invest in high-quality public education. If we want a socially conscious consumer base and activist base that will spit out tainted nuggets, we want strong public education. Ultimately, our duty is not only to our children, but to our community. And there may be no more important element of that commitment than support for strong public education. JO: What training do the Portland Police receive on LGBT culture and concerns? Do you see any needs in this area?
It starts with having a strong commitment, from top to bottom, in a problem-solving, communityoriented police bureau. Jefferson Smith
JS: It starts with having a strong commitment, from top to bottom, in a problem-solving, community-oriented police bureau. And that’s from Police Chief appointments, to the criteria by which we elevate staff sergeants, to engaging police officers within the community, to community activities in neighborhoods, schools, coaching teams, all along with training. We would also use the new training facility as an opportunity to update training practices. Police training is vital. And, that’s not just with the LGBT communities but, for example, in the school district in which I live they speak 73 languages. So, clearly the training of a modern police force needs to reflect the reality of modern policing, which means being able to build relationships with a more and more diverse community.
JO: Many Portland minorities have neighborhoods historically associated with them. But, arguably Black and LGBT neighborhoods in Portland, such Northeast Albina and Southwest Stark, have been largely eliminated by gentrification over the past decade. Do you see the city as having a role in addressing the impact of gentrification on minority cultures? JS: Yes. I believe the city plays an important role. And, this city should work to make a commitment to seeing the whole picture of the city, and to recognizing economic diversity. The city should be investing in improving neighborhoods. It’s a good thing. And, it’s a bad thing if we under-prioritize addressing displacement, which will always be hard. I’ll give you an example where we could have done better over the last 20 years in seeing the whole picture. Take three seemingly isolated decisions. Decision one: After annexing East Portland, pushing in a bunch of infill housing there in the 1990’s. Decision two: Investing in improving inner North and Northeast Portland. Decision three: Failing to invest in basics like sidewalks, roads, and parks in East Portland. Each of those decisions in isolation has an argument. As for decision one, housing needs to go somewhere, how about East Portland, it’s cheaper there. As for number two, in inner North and Northeast Portland there are community advocates who want to get a reasonable share of Portland Development Commission investments, and want to get foot traffic. As for number three, well, investing in infrastructure is expensive. Where are you going to find the money? Take all these decisions together, and you have 12,000 members of our minority communities moving from inner North and Northeast Portland to East Portland over the past 15 years, and commuting to North Portland to go to church, which impacts everybody. So, you can see we need to see the whole picture of Portland a little better. Another thing is looking for Community Benefit Agreements. Making sure we have and preserve and set-aside for affordable housing in communities which are receiving public investment. Make sure there are places for people in a neighborhood to have a job in the neighborhood, and have a chance to live in the neighborhood. And, working with community partners in neighborhoods so that we’re looking to support culturally relevant institutions and businesses that will strengthen instead of bleach out and homogenize diverse areas of our city.
October 2012
There is strength in having pockets of diversity in our city. JO: Portland has affirmative action policies to encourage hiring women and ethnic minorities as employees and contractors for the city. While sexual and gender minorities are included in Portland’s equal employment opportunity policies, they are not included in the affirmative action policies. Should they be? JS: My view would be informed by the facts. If the facts suggest employment discrimination and a track record of inequality of opportunity within LGBT communities, then it seems that with respect to groups that have received such discrimination, we’ve passed rules to address that discrimination. I am always open to facts that say we have to apply those principles in other areas. JO: As mayor, would you commission any study or do any proactive investigation to determine whether sexual and gender minorities do undergo employment discrimination? JS: I think there’s a conversation that needs to be had on what the ambit of the Office of Equity will be in the administration of the next mayor, and what should be the rank order of priority in the tasks they take on. What I would look for is hearing from the community indications of whether we should spend public money on that investigation. If it looks like there are indications that we should, then we should. JO: Have you ever known anyone who died of AIDS?
JS: None that are public (grin). Well, maybe. I don’t know … the first time was when I was pretty young. I had fun. JO: Why should LGBT Portlanders vote for Jefferson Smith? JS: At the deeper and broader level, I think I will have the deepest commitment to getting the city working better for more people. The team I think we can put together will work pretty hard to see the big picture; will work hard in engaging the community in solving problems in our community and, will look ahead to the future of this century, and better address modern challenges and chances. In a more specific sense, I have spent the last ten years of my life strengthening progressive interaction and democracy. Communities can trust not just what I say but what I have done. And not just in context of this race or being a politician, but as an advocate and as a human being. I was marching in Portland’s Pride Parade well before I ever needed a vote. LGBT equity alongside economic equity are the civil right battles of our generation. While a mayor is not in a perfect position to resolve those battles, a mayor can have an important spokesperson’s role and an important podium and open microphone from which to communicate community values. I recognize that, and I will use that opportunity as best that I can, to advocate and convene for basic justice, basic fairness, for as long as I participate in the public process. g jeffersonsmith.com
JS: Yes, I have. JO: Do you know people who are living with HIV now? JS: Yes, I do. JO: Do you see a role for the city in addressing these health concerns, or is that outside the role of city government? JS: We have been involved in needle exchange and condom distribution. Public education also, I think. Every branch of government should bear some responsibility to address prevention. We should look at the tools that we have to see how we can strengthen prevention. JO: Have you ever worn drag? JS: Yes. JO: Are there pictures?
October 2012
Kate
Brown Continues from Pg. 28
Now, in 2012, Brown is running in a tight race for re-election against a wealthy and well funded Republican opponent, Knute Buehler. A clear sense of Buehler emerges when you learn that he trumpets loudly for campaign spending limits, yet flatly refused her challenge to jointly limit campaign spending in their own race. Brown offers one word for this: “hypocrisy.” Brown warns that LGBT communities nationwide need to pay particular attention to Secretary of State races. Conservatives are targeting these races because these officials oversee state elections. She says that “nationally, I am seeing huge efforts to suppress voting” through excessive voter I.D. and registration laws being
pushed in response to claims of voter fraud, but which have a “net impact of reducing access to the ballot,” particularly for the poor. And, with the likelihood of marriage equality appearing on Oregon’s 2014 ballot, it is “very important to maintain this seat in progressive hands.” If Oregon re-elects Kate Brown in November, she sees two key efforts ahead. First, recruiting and growing new business in Oregon, by opening an Office of Business Assistance, which would “go to bat” within state government to help businesses navigate regulations. She was inspired to this by learning of an artisanal food producer mired in red tape in California, which is now likely moving to Oregon, thanks to combined efforts from Oregon State University, the Department of Agriculture, the Secretary of State’s Business Oregon program, and the sweet milk given by cows eating Oregon alfalfa. Second, Brown says it is time for Oregon to finally, seriously address campaign finance reform, including any required amendments to Oregon’s constitution, because — sad, but true — Oregon has virtually no political spending limits whatsoever, yet. “I hope to be introducing campaign finance legislation to the legislature. It would be a challenging discussion, but I think it’s time has come.” The potential combination of Kate Brown serving as Secretary of State, with State Representative Tina Kotek leading a Democratic majority in the Oregon House, promises positive, powerful change for Oregon, if Oregon voters organize to make it happen. Who will lead the changes in Oregon and America? Brown says LGBT people should “absolutely” engage in political activism and seek political careers, because “if you’re not at the table, that means you’re on the menu.” Her advice on getting there? “Follow your passion, whatever it may be, and find your voice. Because your ability to convey your vision and make a solid case for it is critical.” Also, “find a way to make a living as a back-up. But, be prepared to step through the door when it opens, because you may only get one shot.” That’s what Kate Brown got, when being politically engaged led to her first political appointment. She took it, and is still running hard to make Oregon work better for everyone. “If you see injustice in the world, you need to speak out,” says Brown. “Your vote is a critical part of your voice.” g
KateBrownForOregon.com
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Charlie
Hales Continues from Pg. 26
JO: Portland Public Schools is about to ask homeowners for more money. Many LGBT people have children in public schools, but many more do not. In fact, LGBT people have often been discouraged from even coming near children. In light of historical anti-LGBT bigotry, what would you say to LGBT Portlanders being asked to spend more money on other people’s kids? CH: This is one of the primary reasons why I am running for this office in the first place. Everything we say we are as a city is tied up in public education. The idea of the commonweal, and of the social contract where you can live in a great neighborhood and have your kids going to a great public school, which is the anchor of your neighborhood, still holds here. But, it’s not guaranteed and it’s under a lot of strain, because we’ve been holding that promise together with duct tape and bake sales for 20 years since the passage of Measure 5. I am passionate about this issue and I want to round the corner from the permanent crisis to stable funding for public education. I want to fix up the buildings, which is why I support the bond measure that’s on the ballot this fall. Everybody’s got a stake in [public education], it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got kids or not. It’s our economy, it’s our quality of life, it’s our crime rate, it’s the value of our real estate. It runs through everything we are as a community. Everybody’s in this boat together. And, I hope and expect that our public school districts in Portland will embrace our diversity and that the LGBT community will be welcome as parents, volunteers, teachers, mentors, as activists in the schools, with open arms, and without a blink of concern. JO: What training do the Portland Police get around LGBT culture and concerns? Do you see any need for change in this area? CH: The shorter answer to the first part of your question is that I don’t know what training they receive. It’s a good question, and we ought to know the answer to that. But, overall I am concerned about the training the Portland Police Bureau is receiving, and I want to steer the culture of the police bureau very clearly towards the model of community policing. Right now we’re schizophrenic about that. Sometimes we’re a community-policing bureau, and sometimes
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we’re not. I did a ride-along with a young officer who came up through Self-Enhancement, Inc [a Northeast Portland youth program]. We’re driving past Unthank Park and he’s got the window down and is calling the kids by name. Another time, I was at Holladay Park and a police officer drove across the park on the sidewalk, scattering pedestrians. Fortunately there were no blind people or kids on the sidewalk. That’s not community policing. So, those two incidents crystallize the fact that we’re not fully there with the ideal of community policing. And there’s more to it than whether you’re driving nicely or not. It’s whether you understand the community you serve. Do you understand that you are there to protect and serve, not that you’re a part of an occupying army? Do you look for every opportunity to de-escalate? Do you understand the public that you’re dealing with in all of its diversity, including people with mental illness? And the answer, of course, is that we’re not there, either because of the tragic uses of force in cases where it wasn’t necessary over the past several years. Which is another motivation for why I am running for this office. The police will receive clear leadership towards cultural competence, community policing, and towards problem solving. Those are expectations I will set for the police bureau, which I plan to keep as one of my own assignments. JO: Many Portland minorities have neighborhoods historically associated with them. In Portland, historically African American or LGBT neighborhoods, such as NE Albina and SE Stark, have been largely eliminated by gentrification. Do you see the city as having a role in addressing the impact of gentrification on minority cultures? CH: Yes. One, we just have to learn from what’s happened, and try to be more sensitive in what we do in the future. When we think about redevelopment and urban renewal, we need to think about supporting the character of the neighborhood, rather than supplanting that character. And so loans to existing businesses, access to housing for existing residents, those are priorities that we ought to raise as we try to make positive change in neighborhoods, rather than the old formula in which we’re there to “fix the blight,” and residents respond with, “Wait a minute, I’m not blight!” So, again I want to praise things that Mayor Adams is doing. I think this neighborhood prosperity initiative that’s focusing on economic uplift for small neighborhood districts rather than replacement of districts by the latest urban
renewal fad is a good approach. And I want to continue and expand that approach. JO: Portland has policies to proactively encourage hiring women and minorities both as employees and contractors. While LGBT people are protected in hiring decisions, they are not clearly included in the proactive, or affirmative action measures. Should they be? CH: I hadn’t thought of it. Why not? I’d certainly like to explore that. That’s a new thought. A new question that you just articulated. The point of affirmative action is to correct underrepresentation, not just stop discriminating. And, if there … and I bet there is … underrepresentation, then let’s check it out and do the right thing. JO: Moving in a different direction here, have you personally known anyone who died of AIDS? CH: Yes. Keeston Lowery [former assistant to former County Commissioner Mike Lindberg]. I worked with him. He was irreverent, even about his condition. He was amazing, and his sense of humor was there until the end. JO: What role does the city play in addressing HIV related health concerns? CH: Again, we have to do so much in concert with other governments, in order to do our job well. Although I don’t see a major role addressing HIV in the city’s core functions, I do see a lot of partnerships. You look at needle exchange at Outside In, and how both the Police Bureau and the county health programs have to support that kind of service. That’s one of those places where from the citizens’ standpoint, they don’t care if this is a county service, city service, or a non-profit, but whether we’re being thoughtful and effective. JO: When did you meet your first drag queen? CH: (Laughs) I think probably on a road trip to the dubious corner of Richmond, Virginia, while I was in college. There were some drag queens out on the street in front of a club and we had a, you know, a jovial conversation. And, of course, once arriving in Portland I made the obligatory first visit to Darcelle’s. JO: Have you ever worn drag? CH: (Grins) Let me think about that. I’d better answer that carefully. JO: Any pictures? CH: (Laugh) I don’t think so. I don’t think I
October 2012
have, so I don’t think there’s a picture. I’m open to that, though. I got pretty close in the Pride parade a couple of times. JO: Why should Portland’s LGBT community vote for Charlie Hales? CH: Not just because I’ve been there and proven, as Gail [Shibley] said, that I was there before being pro-gay was being cool, and took flack for doing things like opposing Measure 9. Not just because I’ve helped fight the good fights. But, as a straight male in a city that I love, I think people from the LGBT community that know me say, by the look in my eye, and the kind of hug that we exchange, that this guy really cares. He really cares about our community. He not only gets it. He’s not only on the right side of the policy issues, but he cares about us as people. JO: Anything else you want to say to our community? CH: Portland is the best place for everybody, and I’m going to work really hard to keep it that way. g charliehales.com
2012 VOTE October 8
for more info: oregonvotes.org
Ballots mailed to out-of-state voters
October 16
Voter registration deadline
October 19-23 Ballots mailed
November 6, 2012 Election Day OREGON POLITICAL PARTIES Democratic Party of Oregon dpo.org Oregon Republican Party oregonrepublicanparty.org Constitutional Party of Oregon constitutionpartyoregon.net Pacific Green Party pacificgreens.org Libertarian Party of Oregon lporegon.org Working Families of Oregon oregonwfp.org Independent Party of Oregon indparty.com Oregon Progressive Party progparty.net
October 2012
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SPIRIT
by Jennifer Yocum
Like A Prayer
Great Sex? Thank God! Sex is one of God’s better ideas. The mosquito is a bad idea, but sex is a really good one. The way that attraction works with all five senses getting in on the game is fabulous. The whole variety of courtship rituals, seduction, wooing, intimacy, orgasm, and the drive to cling to each other after the act, it’s all wonderful and powerful and terrific. Which is why sex can get so messed up. When sex (or withholding sex) is used to dominate, control, or manipulate; when sex is used as a substitute for relationship, or to avoid boredom, or to prove a point; when sex becomes casual, meaningless or pointless, it loses power, pleasure and purpose. This is probably not the introduction to an essay on sexual morals that you expect to hear from a pastor, but here we go. Most people think that the Bible is anti-sex and that’s simply not true. The Bible is filled with people having sex with each other, in more and in less appropriate situations. When people are having sex with the wrong people (as in King David making it with his best general’s wife Bathsheeba) or not having sex with people they should be (read about Onan’s refusal to do his duty by his dead brother’s wife in Genesis 38) bad consequences tend to happen. The Bible does remind us to not have sex with people who are in committed relationships with others. That’s not because sex is wrong, but because it’s powerful and that power can break up people’s promises, their homes and their lives. Likewise “coveting” a person, allowing ourselves to become obsessed with someone when we or the other person are promised elsewhere, only causes pain. Staff
Some in the straight community still believe that declaring ourselves LGBTQ means that we have thrown off biblical or societal mores regarding sex and that, as a result, our community is more promiscuous, casual and risky with our sexual practices. Generally speaking, I believe that our community is more conscious about sexual health and safer sex practices than our straight brothers and sisters, but mores and expectations about sex vary widely among us. Rather than moralize about when sex is right or wrong, I think it’s more useful to ask if our sex practices are as powerful and purposeful as they can be. For example, we can ask, “Am I and the person to whom I am attracted free of promises to others which, if broken, are going to cause heartache down the line?” “Is the person with whom I want to share sexual intimacy in a moment a person with whom I want to share emotional intimacy over time?” Finally, “Am I using sex to avoid or obtain something better achieved by a different strategy?” Sex is one of God’s better ideas and it’s one of God’s greatest gifts. When used to strengthen and deepen a relationship, it’s a gift that continues to grow. The next time you have great sex, thank God and cherish your partner. That’s what sex is for. g Just Out's Like a Prayer is written by Rev. Jennifer Yocum, pastor of the Forest Grove United Church of Christ. Reach her at Jennifer@JustOut.com
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Also sponsored by: Q Center is a multigenerational community center that provides programs and services to the LGBTQ and allied community in four core program areas: Health & Wellness, Education & Training, Arts & Culture, and Advocacy. Q Center’s mission is to provide a safe space to support and celebrate LGBTQ diversity, visibility and community building. Our vision is a broadened positive perception of LGBTQ people.
Bars | Restaurants | Beaches | Adult Options People Watching | Community Resources | Fun!
HEADER in our swank hotels. If you are into people watching, check out Pioneer Square - Portland's "living room," especially on a sunny day. NORTHWEST Between West Burnside and NW Upshur, from NW 15th to NW 26th
Back in the day this was the "gay neighborhood." Since then, we've spread out across the city but Northwest is still a favorite for grabbing a coffee, cool shopping, great food and enjoying the ambiance of Nob Hill. It's our Greenwich Village, some think. PEARL DISTRICT Between West Burnside and NW Overton, from the NW Broadway to NW 15th
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WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, STAY, & PLAY PORTLAND
PABA The Portland Area Business Association promotes the local LGBT community and their allies in business. The group offers regular networking opportunities and members are involved in community events including the annual Pride Festival's PABA Village. paba.com 36
Portland's LGBT community isn't concentrated in one neighborhood like in some cities. Since we are an especially diverse group, living in the Rose City, you can find us in every nook and cranny of the Metro area. That said, here are eight neighborhoods where our community members are likely to be seen playing, eating, drinking and living. DOWNTOWN SW Portland between Burnside and Lincoln from the Willamette River to SW 12th.
This is the area that blows out-oftowners away. Shopping, the arts, restaurants, a view of the river and Mt. Hood, and clean to boot. This is where the professional set suit up and make money and most out-of-towners rest at night
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Speaking of NYC comparisons, the Pearl District is our Soho. Not long ago it was the epicenter of seedy Portland. But that has given way to multi-million dollar penthouse lofts, hip restaurants, shops — everything chic. Well-dressed LGBTs can be seen here. OLD TOWN/CHINATOWN Between West Burnside and NW Lovejoy from the the Willamette River to NW Broadway
The home of our Chinatown and where you can experience a little bit of grit. Colorful people, some great drinking holes, and some good late night Chinese are the backdrop as you pass through, on your way from the Pearl to stroll along the Willamette River. A few gay bars and clubs make this one of our neighorhoods. MISSISSIPPI AVE. In North Portland, North from Fremont St
Some people will tell you this is the real Portland. Artsy, quirky, independent and diverse. Some of the best food here and more people watching. One part hipstercentral and one-part true Portland this is a new favorite for locals and tourists alike.
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ALBERTA DISTRICT In Northeast Portland, heading East on Alberta from NE MLK Jr. Blvd
Like the Mississippi neighborhood, Alberta District is hip, cool and down to earth. Art is what most people think of. Last Thursday is the big deal on these streets where the melting pot that is Portland come together to eat, drink, and look at cool art. HAWTHORNE/BELMONT In Southeast Portland between SE 12th and SE 60th From SE Hawthorne Blvd to SE Belmont St
Before there were the new cool neighborhoods, there was this one. This was hippy central back in the day and you can still feel the vibe as you make your way up and down the streets. When you see Portland on TV, this is probably the area you see. It's Portland personified, where the grunge look incubated and, to be honest, still lives. IRVINGTON/HOLLYWOOD NE Broadway, from Grand to Hollywood Blvd and beyond
Beautiful tree-lined streets with lots of gay homeowners and renters in the area. Before Alberta and Mississippi came into their own, this was "gay central."
Q CENTER provides a safe space to support and celebrate LGBTQ diversity, visibility and community building. Q Center offers multigenerational programs and services in four core areas: Arts & Culture; Education & Training; Health & Wellness and Advocacy. pdxqcenter.org October 2012
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OREGON TOWNS Oregon's LGBT community is, of course, largest in the Portland Metro area. But our community members quite literally live in every corner of this big state. Several smaller cities and town have annual Pride celebrations and other opportunities for community members to meet. ASHLAND Home of The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, this is one of the gay-friendliest spots in the state. Out-of-town actors in residence, coupled with new comers, make this tiny town a wonderful stop. Pride is in early October. Sopride.org ASTORIA This picturesque and kicked-back town at the mouth of the Columbia River has a regular Q-Night at a local bistro. astoriacoffeehouse.com BEND The Aspen of Oregon. This is the hub of the Central Oregon LGBT community. The community is an interesting mix of cowboys and ranch hands, more well-to-do LGBTers on the pristine golf courses that surround Bend, athletes, and outdoorsy types. Pride is in June. humandignitycoalition.org CORVALLIS The more conservative Corvallis, home to Oregon State Unversity, is coming along with a growing community and LGBT resources. They celebrate Pride in late June. PrideCorvallis.com EUGENE Famous for hippies, the University of Oregon, and athletes, Eugene is a liberal hub, friendly to LGBT folks. Pride celebrations are in early August. EugenePride.org HOOD RIVER Known for windsurfing, scenic
beauty, and trust funders, Hood River has a small LGBT community. Downtown has shopping, small restaurants and coffee shops. The vibe says it's okay to be gay here. KLAMATH FALLS This conservative rural town is getting organized to make life for the LGBT folks safer and more welcome. klambda.org LINCOLN CITY "California and Seattle aren’t the only places where you can comfortably enjoy the Pacific Ocean," the tourist website says. This beach town is focused on the LGBT market. Pride is in September. oregoncoast.org/lgbt PENDLETON Though this is the old West and cowboy country, Pendleton has an active group of citizens supporting human rights activism and an active PFLAG chapter. PFLAG-pendleton.org SALEM The Capitol City, one hour south of The Rose City, has quite a large gay population. Their pride celebration in early August is a highlight of the year. CapitolPride.org
DRAG Some say Portland has among the best drag queens in the biz. The epicenter of that scene has to be Darcelle XV, the oldest drag caberet in the country. The Embers also has regular shows. And the city is packed with pageants of all sorts. darcellexv.com embersportland.com
SCANDALS 1125 SW Stark St scandalspdx.com
PDX DRINKS
Comfortable yet filled with energy. During the warmer months get a sidewalk table.
SOUTHWEST Check out these Portland spots. Most are LGBT establishments, where you can feel comfortable and at home.
SILVERADO 318 SW Third Ave silveradopdx.com
Boxxes 1025 SW Stark St boxxes.com
NORTHWEST
This landmark bar is going to change BIG TIME, we hear. Expect greater things at this site in the months to come. In the meantime enjoy this lounge, regular special events and a convivial atmosphere.
Escape 333 SW Park Ave At the corner of SW Stark/Park An all ages LGBTQ nightclub.
FEZ BALLROOM 316 SW 11th Ave fezballroom.com One of the premier showcase venues for live music and djs in the city.
Lounge, nightclub, VIP area, and outdoor terrace. Add strippers.
Casey's 610 NW Couch St caseyspdx.net Casey's is an all inclusive lounge that welcomes anyone. It's a place for people from diverse demographics.
CC SLAUGHTERS 219 NW Davis St 503-248-9135 ccslaughterspdx.com Gay nightclub and martini lounge. Special events. 2,000 watt sound system and killer lighting and laser show.
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PDX DRINKS NORTHWEST
HOBO'S 120 NW Third. Ave hobospdx.com
DARCELLE XV Showplace 208 NW Third Davis St darcellexv.com
Piano bar and restaurant. A mainstay for local LGBTQs for good food/drinks for years.
Darcelle XV is the epicenter of drag performances. The oldest, and one of the last venues, of its kind in the country. Strippers late night too.
EMBERS AVENUE 110 NW Broadway embersportland.com Dance bar and show club for 43 years. Shows Wed-Saturday.
FOX & HOUNDS 217 NW Second Ave
Branx/Rotture 320 SE Second Ave rotture.com A live music venue located in the Lower Southeast Industrial neighborhood. Frequent queer events.
VAULT MARTINI BAR 226 NW 12th Ave vault-martini.com A Fireplace, 18-foot glass bar, and 44 kinds of martinis. Need we say more?
A friendly neighborhood bar.
HAMBURGER MARY'S 19 NW Fifth Ave hamburgermarys.com/pdx Food, dancing, special events. Lots of fun.
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SOUTHEAST CRUSH 1400 SE Morrison St crushbar.com A little bit of everything. "11 years of DRAMA! Everything from drag queen cat fights to naked twister, jealous girlfriends to t-shirts and tight blue jeans," their website says.
HOLOCENE 1001 SE Morrison St holocene.org Live music venue with regular queer events.
STARKY'S 2913 SE Stark St starkys.com Neighborhood bar and restaurant.
NORTHEAST JOQ'S TAVERN 2512 NE Broadway joqs.webs.com A neighborhood tavern.
LOCAL LOUNGE 3536 NE MLK Jr. Blvd local-lounge.com "We are looking to meet the white collared and the blue collared, the starving artist and the hopeful musicians, the young and the old, the liberal and the liberal, the Blazer fan and the Laker hater, men and women, gay or straight," their website says.
NORTH THE EAGLE PORTLAND 835 N Lombard St eagleportland.com "The Eagle is the kind of men’s bar that fits like your favorite pair of jeans. It’s a relaxed hang-out for the men of North Portland," their website says.
Florida Room 435 N Killingsworth St "It's got everything the pro and amateur barfly can appreciate and then some." PortlandBarFly.com says. Queers go here.
Foggy Notion 3416 N Lombard St facebook.com/thefoggynotion Live rockshows. Queer events, too.
VANCOUVER
According to the Columbian, the Advocate ranked Vancouver as the country’s No. 6 "gayest city" in 2011. That's right! The Vancouver with the WA after it. That was three spots above Seattle; five ahead of San Francisco. And way above Portland. We know! But congratulations to our brothers and sisters across the river. We truly are happy for you. “One gets the sense that a lot of those groovy gay and lesbian Portlanders are mellowing out and coming here to settle down." Advocate reporter Mike Albo wrote. gayvancouverwa.org
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ADULT
Q LIVE VENUES Aladin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave aladdin-theater.com
Crystal Ballroom 1332 W Burnside
facebook.com/CrystalBallroom
Doug Fir
830 E. Burnside dougfirlounge.com
Holocene
1001 SE Morrison St
holocene. org
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi Ave mississippistudios.com
Roseland Theater 8 NW Sixth Ave
HAWK PDX hawkspdx.com New men's bathhouse, sex club, and social venue.
STEAM PDX steamportland.com A men's bathhouse and club.
TABOO ADULT VIDEO taboovideo.com Adult everything is available.
MR. PEEPS mrpeeps.com Since 1981. Adult products.
SHEBOP Sheboptheshop.com Female-friendly adult products.
FANTASY VIDEO fantasyforadultsonly.com Erotic products and videos.
roselandpdxQA.com
HOTEL MONACO 506 SW Washington St. monaco-portland.com
PDX HOTELS Portland is full of fantastic hotels at all price points. Here are a few where you are apt to see your fellow LGBTers.
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BEACHES
• Sauvie Island (Collins Beach) Fully 100% legal nude beach. • Rooster Rock State Park View a 360 degree moving panoramic of Rooster Rock taken at an extreme Columbia River low water level. Fully 100% legal nude beach. • Glassbar Island aka Bring Beach in the Eugene/Springfield Volunteers are working with the State Parks to establish a official clothing optional beach in this area along a fork of the Willamette River. • Nudy Rock on the McKenzie River a mile up from Armitage Park near Eugene.
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NINES HOTEL 525 SW Morrison thenines.com Poised in the heart of the city center at the top of one of Portland, Oregon's Meier & Frank Building. This is swanky for Portland.
ACE HOTEL 1022 SW Stark St acehotel.com/portland
If you are into beaches au natural, Oregon is your state. According to naked.wikia.com there are four public spots to check out (and numerous private businesses where you can strip down).
Smart, savvy, fun and eclectic; eco-chic, family friendly and welcoming to pets, Hotel Monaco serves up cutting-edge Portland seasoned with colorful Pacific NW history.
Ace Hotel Portland is a small hotel in historic downtown, surrounded by gay bars and the Pearl just steps away. Look for celebs.
HEATHMAN HOTEL 1001 SW Broadway heathmanhotel.com The Heathman Hotel offers an inspiring blend of natural elegance and modern lifestyle. And they have original Warhols.
HOTEL DELUXE 729 SW 15th Ave hoteldeluxeportland.com A contemporary tribute to the Golden Era of Hollywood filmmaking that tastefully balances art deco and art modern styles for a mix of timeless sophistication and serene comfort. Check out the Driftwood Lounge.
LESS $$. STILL NICE. CRYSTAL HOTEL 302 SE 12th mcmenamins.com/CrystalHotel This hotel was for decades of one Portland's most popular men's bath houses and bars.
JUPITER HOTEL 800 E Burnside jupiterhotel.com A mid-century, renovated motor innturned-boutique hotel in the heart of Portland, minutes away from Downtown Portland. Markets to gay tourists.
MARK SPENCER HOTEL 409 SW 11th Ave markspencer.com At Stark Street in the center of gay everything. Extended stays available.
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SALEM
The Capitol City has an LGBT scene all its own. Local leaders say they have a virbrant, active community, and are much friendlier and mutually supportive than many other cities. Snap! The hub of the local scene may be the SouthSide Speakeasy where locals drink, eat and enjoy the shows. Capitol Pride Salem, in downtown, is in early August. southsidespeakeasy.com salempride.com
PDX EATS Not queer per se, but among the favorites of locals to eat, drink and hang out. Plus some reader choices. BLUEHOUR 250 NW 13th Avenue bluehouronline.com Spacious, elegant venue. Many attractive gay men. Gay owned.
DEPARTURE 525 SW Morrison St departureportland.com Atop the Nines Hotel in the old M&F Building. Deck overlooks Portland.
GILT CLUB 306 NW Broadway giltclub.com Between the Pearl and Old Town. Hipsters and queers abound. Serving food late.
IRVING STREET KITCHEN 701 NW 13tth irvingstreetkitchen.com So Portland. Elegant, comfy-cozy and hip. In the Pearl. What more would you want?
MINT/820 816 N Russell St mintand820.com
Mother's Bistro 212 SW Stark mothersbistro.com A award winning spot. Cozy, elegant. Like going home to your gay-loving rich mom's house.
CAFE NELL NW 20th & Kearney cafenell.com A NYC-meets-Paris small cozy bistro. Gay friendly. Where Just Out staff celebrated our re-launch. Delightful!
PALIO DESSERT HOUSE 1996 SE Ladd Ave palio-in-ladds.com "If you are looking for that perfect hideaway to meet that special someone, or write that late term paper, it can be found at Palio," their website says.
POK POK 3226 SE Division St pokpokpdx.com We know people who work here. And, yes, it is as good as you hear. Go!
SAUCEBOX 214 W Broadway saucebox.com "...pioneering Portland’s Deejay-Cafe movement, with equal emphasis on food, service, and vibe," their website says. Gay owned.
A pan America Bistro. Sleek, cushy interior.
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READERS' FAVS We recently polled our fans on Facebook. These are some recommendations for LGBT diners.
Toro Bravo GrĂźner Firehouse La Bonita Russell Street BBQ Interurban Monsoon Thai Bar Bar Brass Tacks Kenny & Zukes Lovely's 50/50 Dick's Kitchen Southside Speakeasy Kelly's Olympian Pizza Nostra Maize The Roxy Bartini/Urban Fondue Bamboo Grove McGraths
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PDX EVENTS This is not an exhaustive list of LGBTQ events in the area, but it highlights how vibrant our community is throughout the year. (June thru May)
POrtland Black Pride Small but growing. In early June. facebook.com/portland.blackpride BEARTOWN A multiple day celebration of everything BEAR. Early June. beartownweekend.com Portland Pride The biggest pride celebration in the region. Big parade, festival, and many other sanctioned (and un-sanctioned) events. Parade on Father's Day in June. pridenw.org Mr. Miss And MS. Gay Oregon The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court holds its annual pageant. In late June. rosecourt.org
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HEADER La Femme Oregon La FeMME Int'L Oregon Pageant, mid July International Pageant, early September.
lafemmemagnifiquepageant.com
PORTLAND Latino Pride The longest running Latino gay pride in the Northwest. In mid-July. latinogaypridepdx.com QUEER MUSIC FESTIVAL A music festival celebrating our diverse queer community! Mid-July. facebook.com/pdxmusicfestival Peacock AFter Dark Sometimes campy, sometimes cutting-edge but always entertaining. Raises money for scholarships. Early September. peacockafterdark.org MUSICFESTNW Features many queer acts. Early September. musicfestnw.com Gay Fair in the Square LGBT friendly organizations
EUGENE
for an afternoon of music, information, and interaction. Mid-September at Pioneer Square. pdxgmc.org
National Coming Out Day Mid-October. pridenw.org
CAP AIDS Walk PORTLAND A 2.5 mile annual walk brings together individuals, teams and volunteers with the goal of raising much-needed funds for HIV/AIDS services, public education and outreach to youth and adults most at risk. In late September. cascadeaids.org
Imperial Sovereign RoSE COURT Coronation Mid October. rosecourt.org
Portland Lesbian & Gay Film Festival For nearly 16 years, this festival has been bringing thought-provoking and entertaining queer cinema to Portland. In October. plgff.org IGNITE The Basic Rights Oregon Event Recognizing community leaders, business executives, lawmakers, supporters, and activists who have further ed equality. Mid-October bro.org
The home to University of Oregon, Eugene is known for its large lesbian population. Liberal in nature, Eugene is so laid back it has to be gay-friendly. But the city lacks the infrastructure that Portland enjoys; it doesn't have a gay bar or restaurant. The city has 100 parks and 2,600 acres of open-space, arts, culture and lots of academics though. Check out John Henry's and the Curthbert Amphitheater for queer live acts. The city celebrates Pride in Alton Baker Park in midAugust. gayeugene.com queereugene. com eugenepride.org thecuthbert.com facebook.com/johnhenrysclub
Bent: A Halloween's Eve Ball Get out your “bent� costume and get ready for a nontraditional, sophisticated and provocative party featuring dancing and celebration of the haunted season. Late October. equityfoundation.org WORLD AIDS DAY December 1. Many events. worldaidsdaynw.org/events Q Center Winter Gala Late January Elegant and fun. Not your average dress-up fundraiser. Dance the night away. pdxqcenter.org
Red Dress Party Hundreds of men and women in red dresses partying to raise money for charities. Many say this is the party of the year. Mid-April. reddresspdx.com BRO'S OREGONIANS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION Business Leaders Luncheon Mid-April. bro.org CAP ART AUCTION An iconic event to raise money to prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS and provide service to those infected or affected by HIV in the Northwest. In late April. capartauction.org QDoc Portland Queer Documentary Film Festival The only festival in the United States (and only the second in the world) devoted exclusively to queer documentaries. In mid-May. queerdocfest.org
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Live theatre and dance companies Defunkt Theater popular with local LGBT audiences. An ensemble theatre company dedicated to creating innovaTriangle Productions tive productions that challenge In its 23rd year, they are one of the conventional ideals at a reasonable city's oldest live theater companies price. defunktheatre.com and an LGBT favorite. tripro.org OregonBallet Theatre Miracle (Milagro) Theatre A blend of the classics and conProductions in English, Spanish, temporary perfomances. obt.org and sometimes bi-lingual. Some LGBT subject matter. milagro.org White Bird Dance Fostering the growth of dance in Artists Repertory Theatre Portland. whitebird.org Bringing Portland the newest Portland Center for the and most exhilarating plays being Performing Arts written today and simultaneously Twenty-one resident companies showcase the talents of local call the PCPA home. From lectures theatre artists. artistsrep.org to opera, symphony to the ballet. Portland Center Stage It's all here. pcpa.com The largest producing theater in Portland. pcs.org
PEOPLE WATCH There is an endless list of things to do in Portland and throughout the state. But if you aren't that ambitious, consider the numerous LGBT people-watching spots in The Rose City and the quick day trips you can savor, tourist or local. Check out PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET (SW Naito Pkwy). Even if you aren't into crafts and vendor food, the Portland vibe down by the river is a memorable one. Soak up some sun or jump in the mud puddles. portlandsaturdaymarket.com The PORTLAND FARMER'S MARKET at PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY (Saturday mornings, March thru December, on the South Park Blocks on campus) is hard to beat for relaxing, nibbling, and slow strolling. portlandfarmersmarket.org Just steps away from the university is the PORTLAND ART MUSEUM (1219 SW Park). Featuring the best of fine art shows, multi-media presentations, and film, this museum is one of Port-
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land's gems. Not surprisingly, our community is a big supporter and keeps at least one eye on the goings-on there. pam.org After shopping and eating your way through downtown, grab a coffee at PioneeR Courthouse Square (Broadway between Morrison and Yamhill), Portland's "living room". Some days are better than others, but this block tends to have special events and a wide array of people to watch. thesquarepdx.org
Oh! What could be more Portland than a feminist community center? IN OTHER WORDS (14 NE Killingsworth St). A bookstore is the centerpiece of this local treasure. inotherwords.org
If you have a little more time... Jump in the car and head out of Portland on I-84 (due East) to the Columbia Gorge. Stop by the clothing-optional beach about 20 minutes out (see Beaches on pg. 41) or any of the beautiful waterfalls. Lots of people. crgva.org
The Oregon Zoo and Washington Park (4001 SW Canyon Rd) are full of LGBT types enjoying nature, caged animals, and snowcones. Once a cruisy area, we don't recommend it any longer. It's still fun though. oregonzoo.org
Or head West to the Oregon Coast. In about 70 minutes — one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Lincoln City, Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Astoria are all gay-friendly and have accommodations that welcome our community. (See purpleroofs.com) visittheoregoncoast.com
A short drive from downtown is the PITTOCK MANSION (3229 NW Pittock Dr) Besides seeing an amazing 22-room mansion over looking the city, you're bound to see tourists that also have discerning taste in architecture and who are people watching as well. pittockmansion.org
On the way back to Portland, visit the wineries of Yamhill & Washington County. Now, this detour may just make a visitor want to move here. Or if you are a local, at the very least you'll fall back in love with Gay Oregon all over again. willamettewines.com
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The Portland Gay Men's Chorus
aspires to expand, redefine, and perfect the choral art through eclectic performances that honor and uplift the gay community and affirm the worth of all people. pdxgmc.org
The Portland Lesbian Choir
is a non-audition community chorus welcoming all women who love to sing and laugh. plchoir.org
Rose City Gay Freedom Band
Three larger groups (a symphonic wind ensemble, a 16-piece swing band and a marching band) and several smaller ensembles. rcgfb.org
October 2012
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September 2012
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Save the Date! Q Center Winter Gala HEADERJanuary 26, 2013
RESOURCES A
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Just Out and our sponsors are happy to provide these resources to our readers. We believe it is of paramount importance to reach out in every way possible to inform our community, and our important supporters, of the many resources that help make our LGBT community members' lives better. HEALTH: HIV/AIDS/STDs CARE:ASSIST pays for health insurance premiums, prescription drugs and insurance plan co-payments and deductibles for eligible people with HIV/AIDS. Program of Oregon DHS and the Ryan White CARE Act. 503-731-4029 CASCADE AIDS PROJECT (CAP) educates youth and adults about HIV prevention, supports people with HIV and their families and advocates for sound HIV policy and legislation on the national, state, and local levels. Spanish-language assistance available. Oregon HIV/STD Hotline 800-777-2437 CAP VANCOUVER: offers free rapid HIV testing to men who have sex with men in Vancouver, WA 360-750-7964 CLACKAMAS COUNTY Public Health offers anonymous and confidential HIV testing and counseling to everyone. No needles. Free condoms. Call for appointment or walk-in testing times. Oregon City. Sandy. Molalla. 82nd Ave. 503-742-5382
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COLUMBIA COUNTY Public Health offers anonymous and confidential HIV testing, counseling and case management to anyone. We lend HIV books and videos and offer education materials and free condoms. 503-397-4651 DAILY BREAD EXPRESS provides home delivery of high-quality meals to HIV-positive individuals in need. Fresh meals delivered weekdays, frozen meals for weekend. Volunteers invited to inquire. Mara 503-460-3822 ESTHER’S PANTRY in Milwaukie provides food and personal care items to people with HIV/AIDS. Call to donate or for services. 503-349-4699 ourhouseofportland.org FUZEON INFO GROUP welcomes people contemplating, using, or caregiving for Fuzeon recipients. Facilitated by experienced nurses and social workers. 503-230-1202, ohsu.edu HEALTH, EDUCATION, AIDS LIAISON (HEAL) offers information about alternative views of AIDS causation and HIV testing. Call for free packet of information. 503-2272339, bwport@comcast.net HIV DAY CENTER offers hot meals, counseling, laundry facilities, clothing, showers and hygiene supplies, computers with Internet access, phones, mail drop, recreational activities, massage and haircuts. Volunteers invited to inquire. 503-460-3822 THE LINK, a social networking group for HIV-positive gay and Bi men, meets every month for social events, discussions and other outings. 503-278-3868, thelink@ cascadeaids.org MANIFEST, a nonprofit men’s wellness community, prevents and addresses HIV and STD’s by empowering men to pursue their wellness passions together through programs like yoga, cycling, hiking, meditation, healing touch classes, vision teams, wellness coaching, information and referrals. 503-223-8822, manifestpdx.org MULTNOMAH COUNTY Health Department’s HIV Community Test Site offers confidential testing by appointment. Some walk-in testing. Sliding-scale fee. 503-9883775 MULTNOMAH COUNTY offers free HIV rapid testing to gay, bi, and trans guys. 503988-3030
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OHSU HIV CLINIC provides comprehensive health care for people living with HIV/ AIDS. Services include HIV specialty care, psychiatry, counseling, addiction treatment, case management, same-day visits and online chart access. Appointments are available regardless of insurance. 503-494-8562 OUR HOUSE OF PORTLAND provides Oregon and southwest Washington’s only network of integrated health and housing services for people with HIV/AIDS. Programs include Our House (24-hour residential care), Neighborhood Housing and Care, Community Services and Swan House. Volunteers needed. 503-234-0175, ourhouseofPortland.org PARTNERSHIP PROJECT provides services to people with HIV/AIDS, their families and those at risk. Program include HIV Case Management; Supporting Healthy Options for Prevention (SHOP), behavior change counseling to motivate people to protect themselves and their partners; and HIV 101, providing basis information for people recently diagnosed. Intake: 503-517-3590, ohsu.edu/partnership PORTLAND AREA HIV SERVICES PLANNING COUNCIL is a county decision-making body that identified services needed for people living with HIV/AIDS and allocates federal funds annually. Needs volunteers from all walks of life. 503-968-3030, hivportland.org POSITIVE SUPPORT ASSOCIATION supports all persons that have been affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic here in the Pacific Northwest. The PSA maintains a comprehensive web site that people can visit to help newly diagnosed persons get help and support. The PSA is also seeking volunteers to assist in HIV/AIDS Awareness Projects, including our Peer Positive Mentorship Program. positive-support.org PROJECT QUEST INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CENTER offers conventional and alternative health care, nutrition classes, support groups and recreational sports activities for people seeking a wellness focus to living and dying, especially those living with HIV/ AIDS or cancer. 503-238-5203. pquest@qwest.net THE RESEARCH & EDUCATION GROUP provides access to HIV/AIDS research trials of new drugs and therapies. 503-229-8428
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THE RISK REDUCTION ZONE, a program of Outside In, provides a queer safe space that offers HIV, Hepatitis C and STD prevention programs; Internet resources,; peer counseling; referrals; and support groups in a nonclinical setting. 503-535-3895 SOCIAL AND SUPPORT GROUP discusses HIV issues for men at Quest Center. Meet other nice guys, share information and have fun. 503-253-2292 SWAN HOUSE is a specialized adult foster care home for low-income people with HIV/ AIDS who need assistance with personal care, mobility, medications or drug/alcohol/mental health support. 503-786-4829, ourhouseofportland.org TOD’S CORNER in Milwaukie provides clothing, household items, companion pet care, cremations and more to people with HIV/AIDS. Call to donate or for services. 503-349-4699, ourhouseofportland.org WASHINGTON COUNTY Health Department provides free needle-free HIV testing services for gay and bi men at community health clinics in Beaverton and Tigard. 503-846-4965
BRADLEY-ANGLE provides emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors of all genders. LGBTQspecific services include a weekly all-genders support group facilitated by a queer-identified advocate. Healthy Relationships classes are offered several times a year. Crisis Line: 503-281-2442 bradleyangle.org October 2012
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HEALTH/ANTI-VIOLENCE BRADLEY-ANGLE provides emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors of all genders. LGBTQ-specific services include a weekly all-genders support group facilitated by a queer-identified advocate. Individual support and advocacy is available for selfidentified LGBTQ persons experiencing physical, emotional, sexual or economic violence within an intimate relationship. Healthy Relationships classes are offered several times a year. Free, confidential and safe. Crisis Line: 503-281-2442, Office: 503-595-9591, bradleyangle.org
OUTSIDE IN operates a clinic for anyone who can’t qualify for the Oregon Health Plan. Provides transition housing for youth 20 and younger and for those HIV-positive and younger than 23. Need volunteers of all ages. 503-5353800. outsidein.org CENTER AGAINST RAPE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Linn and Benton counties and offers a 24-hour hot line, confidential shelter, legal and hospital advocacy, safety planning and support groups. Crisis Lines: 541-754-0110 or 800927-0197. Business: 541-758-0219 CLACKAMAS WOMEN’S SERVICES offers shelter, support and resource referral to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Lesbian, bi and trans friendly. Wheelchair accessible. TTD, relay calls and collect calls accepted. Crisis: 503-654-2288. Business: 503-722-2366
October 2012
KIDS ON THE BLOCK AWARENESS PROGRAM, a service of Impact NW, is a valuable resource for children, parents and teachers with topics like Preventing School Violence, Appreciating Cultural Differences, Making Health Choices and more. Kidsontheblockimpactnw.blogspot.com PORTLAND WOMEN’S CRISIS LINE offers free and confidential services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence; operates a 24-hour crisis intervention hot line that provides referrals for shelter, counseling and support groups; provides sexual assault advocates; and offers a program for sex workers. Foreign language translation available. 503-235-5333 or 888-235-5333, pwcl.org SEXUAL ASSAULT RESOURCE CENTER promotes social justice by eliminating sexual violence through support, advocacy and education. Services include a 24-hour confidential crisis line, free counseling and support groups, community education and volunteer opportunities. Crisis: 503-6405311. Business: 503-384-0480, sarcoregon.org HEALTH/GENERAL BREATHE FREE, the Oregon LGBTQ Coalition Against Tobacco, provides education around queer tobacco use and advocates for tobacco reduction. 503-784-5813, r.e.szego@cascadiabhc.org DHARMA QUEENS, a Buddhist-based gay men’s weekly meditation group. Trans friendly. Meetup.com/Dharma-Queens MEN’S TANTRIC YOGA offers body/mind/ spirit health in a safe, structured environment for men to explore their connection to self and to others. Two classes weekly. Elementalhealing.org OUTSIDE IN operates a clinic for anyone who can’t qualify for the Oregon Health Plan as well as needle exchange services that include those who inject hormones. Provides transition housing for youth 20 and younger and for those HIV-positive and younger than 23. Need volunteers of all ages. 503-535-3800, outsidein.org
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PIVOT is a community space for men into men. We offer a variety of programming that is both social and education in nature, a drop-in space (that’s right, sip our coffee and use our WiFi for free, we don’t mind), and weekly STD-HIV testing. Free condoms and lube. 209 SW 4th Ave, 503-445-7699, pivotpdx.org PLANNED PARENTHOOD of the Columbia/Willamette provides confidential and affordable sexual and reproductive health care, including STD testing and treatment, 20-minute anonymous HIV tests, annual exams and condoms. Sliding-fees, insurance welcome. Health centers in SE and NE Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Salmon Creek, Salem, Bend and Vancouver. 888-875-7820, ppcw.org
LIVE AND LET LIVE CLUB offers the sexual minorities community a safe place to find friendship, recovery and clean-and-sober activities. Meeting space available for 12-step groups. 1210 SE 7th Ave 503-238-6091
HEALTH/RECOVERY CENTER FOR FAMILY AND ADOLESCENT RESEARCH offers free counseling for parents of drug-abusing youth, 15 to 20, who refuse to go to treatment. Counseling is also available for adolescents, 13-17, who have both substance abuse and depression, as well as for adolescents 15-22 who use methamphetamine. 503-243-1065, ori.org/cfar/Portland DUAL DIAGNOSIS ANONYMOUS is a peer support program based on a version of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with an additional five steps focusing on dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse). Meets at the Live and Let live Club, 1210 SE 7th Ave, 503-222-6468 EXTENDED FAMILY hosts queer-friendly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at Metropolitan Community Church of Portland, 2400 NE Broadway, 503-281-8868 LUNCH BUNCH hosts queer-friendly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at Metropolitan Community Church of Portland, Noon daily, 1 p.m. Sunday, 2400 NE Broadway, 503-281-8868 LIVE AND LET LIVE CLUB offers the sexual minorities community a safe place to find friendship, recovery and clean-and-sober activities. Meeting space available for 12-step groups. 1210 SE 7th Ave, 503-238-6091 POZ FOR THE CAUSE, a 12-step recovery group for anyone infected or affected by HIV or Hepatitis C who has a desire to stop the suffering associated with alcohol and drug abuse, meets at Rosewood House. 503-916-9693 RAINBOW RECOVERY Al-ANON is a 12step group of queer and questioning people
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PORTLAND SYMPHONIC BAND always welcomes new members, from accomplished musicians to those who have not played since high school. Portlandgaysymphonicband.org
COQSURE is a social group for people who were assigned a female sex at birth but identify otherwise (female-to-male, genderqueer, drag king, etc.) 503-471-1515, groups.yahoo. com/group/coqsure
ROSE CITY GAY FREEDOM MARCHING BAND performs one a year during Portland Pride. rcgfb.org
50+ is a lesbian social group that meets monthly. 503-642-3360, sutaytig@aol.com
ROSE CITY SWING is a traditional 16-piece big band performing everything from classic dance standards to contemporary swing. Membership by audition. Rosecityswing.org SATORI MEN’S CHORUS welcomes new members of all ages and races, regardless of sexual orientation or musical background, to join rehearsals. No audition necessary. 503-242-4244. satorichorus.org SOCIAL/GENERAL
who support one another in recovering from the effects of another person’s drinking. 503292-1333, ext. 1, al-anonportlandoregon.org SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS is a 12-step program for those suffering from addictive sexual behavior. Any gender and sexual orientation is welcome. Weekly gay-and-lesbian meeting focuses on Steps 1-2-3 and spiritual solution.503-452-5961, portlandsaa.org SURVIVORS OF INCEST ANONYMOUS (SIA) meets each Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Alano Club and welcome any sex abuse survivors age 18 and older. 909 NW 24th St. SUNDAY OVER THE RAINBOW, a 12-step Al-Anon group primarily for the sexual minorities community, helps family and friends of those addicted to alcohol or drugs on their own path to health and recovery. Channing Room @ First Unitarian Church of Portland, 5:15 p.m., 1011 SW 12th Ave. THE TRIANGLE PROJECT at Cascadia Behavioral Health Care is Oregon’s alcohol and drug addiction treatment program specifically for the queer community. Safe, respectful, confidential and effective since 1986. Services include a group for gay and bi men struggling with meth addiction. 503-230-9654, cascadiabhc.org SOCIAL/Arts & Music CONFLUENCE: The Willamette Valley Mixed GALA Chorus rehearses weekly in Salem. 503-364-2370, confluencechorus.org CREATIVE CONNECTION is a social gathering for gay men who are artists, writers or musicians or who pursue some creative activity. Noncommercial, nonjudgmental; supporting personal creativity for novices and professionals alike. Monthly potlucks. 503-284-2971
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FOREIGN FILM GROUP meets every second and fourth Sunday to screen foreign films at various venues, followed by a group discussion. Pdx-gayfilm@yahoo.com PORTLAND GAY MEN’S CHORUS is open to singers, support members and volunteers. 503-226-2588, pdxgmc.org PORTLAND LESBIAN CHOIR, a non-audition community chorus, encourages women who love to sing in harmony, regardless of musical experience, age, race or sexual orientation, to join us for singing, skill building, socializing and fun. portlandlesbianchoir@ hotmail.com, plchoir.org
PORTLAND LESBIAN CHOIR, a non-audition community chorus, encourages women who love to sing in harmony, regardless of musical experience, age, race or sexual orientation, to join us for singing, skill building, socializing and fun. portlandlesbianchoir@ hotmail.com, plchoir.
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ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER PRIDE is for LGBTQ people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in Oregon providing safe and supportive opportunities to celebrate, educate and bring our communities together. api-pride.blogspot.com BAD GIRLS is a social and education leather and B/D/S/M club for self-identified women with an emphasis on safety and education. Workshops, discussions, events and parties. Women of all orientation can connect and ask questions during the Kinky Women’s Welcoming Munch monthly. 503-972-2233, blackoutleather.org BLACKOUT LEATHER PRODUCTIONS is Oregon’s premier LGBTQ leather production company. We are proud to produce the Mr. & Ms. Oregon State Leather and Oregon State Bootblack contest, as well as LURE, NW Sash Bash, and other events. blackoutleather.org BOOKWOMEN is a lesbian discussion group that meets monthly to share stories, favorite authors, top 10 lists and opinions and review of the assigned book. 503-684-0305, mikkata@comcast.net BORDER RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB provides opportunities to gay men interested in recreational motorcycle touring and camping.503-328-2204, brmcprez@borderriders.com BUTCH CREW PDX is a social group that welcomes everyone who identifies as a butch/boi/macha/stud/tomboy/masculine of center/soft butch/bucha or any similar identity. Meet ups are at the Q Center. Our core values are: creating community, celebrating diversity and playing nicely with others. We don’t decide who belongs – you do. butchcrewpdx@gmail.com CHARGED+ is a free monthly club night for HIV+ men. 503-248-9135
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FTM PACIFIC NW OR & WA is a discussion group for female-to-male trans men. Groups.yahoo.com/group/FTM_PacificNW FUNNY LADIES is a social group for nice lesbians, 35 or older, as well their friends and loved ones. Hold monthly potlucks. flataps@yahoo.com GAY GUYS GARDENING is a member supported organization focused on growing, harvesting and storing food crops. 503-2632696, gayguysgardening@yahoo.com
KESHET is a social connection group for queer Jews and their spouses, partners, significant others and good friends, meeting monthly for potluck dinners and special events. Iraf@spiritone.com, gayjewishportland. com GET OFF MY AXE! is a lesbian RPG gaming group in the tradition of Dungeons & Dragons, d20, etc. We play various PG-13 campaigns as suits us, sharing laughs and kicking kobolds as we go. Dust off your geek armor and join us! Lynneme2@gmail.com HAPPY OURS PRODUCTIONS is a grassroots group dedicated to building the visibility, community participation and collective leadership of lesbian women of color through a wide variety of social, networking, consciousness-raising and action-oriented activities, events and projects. 503-7649351, happyoursproductions.com HILLSBORO MUNCH is an informal monthly BDSM/kink-friendly get-together representing all orientation and gender identification. Come chat and make friends is a casual, public venue in Hillsboro. Hillsboromunch.blogspot.com
October 2012
Save the Date! Q Center Winter Gala January 26, 2013HEADER
IMPERIAL SOVEREIGN ROSE COURT OF OREGON is the oldest gay, lesbian, bi and trans social-fund-raising organization in the state of Oregon. Meets twice a month. Rosecourt.org JEWISH GAY MEN’S GROUP. Please call for meeting time and place. 503-246-5939, efraimlevi@aol.com KESHET is a social connection group for queer Jews and their spouses, partners, significant others and good friends, meeting monthly for potluck dinners and special events. Iraf@spiritone.com. gayjewishportland.com LAVENDER WOMYN is a lesbian social group with chapters in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis-Albany, Rogue Valley, and Grants Pass. They organize several events throughout the year including potlucks, BBQs, bowling, bunco, game night, and more. Lavenderwomyn.com. supportinglavenderwomyn.com LESBIAN HORROR MOVIE FANS meet at various Portland theaters to watch moves together. kawfeelover@yahoo.com LESBIANS WITH DEGREES is a social group that was started for degreed women, but no degree is necessary. Just come and join the fun. Pool parties, Scrabble and more. 503-233-3557, lesbianswdegrees-subscribe@ yahoogroup.com LES COUVE GROOVE, a lesbian potluck group for Southwest Washington. Meets monthly. lescouvegroove@gmail.com WINDANDSEA is a group embarking on the journey of bringing the Oregon Coast LGBT community together. Let’s get together and figure out how to enhance our coastal lives together and have fun. commonwind@yahoo.com
ize and meet other men who love plants. 503-309-4342 PORTLAND LEATHER ALLIANCE is one of the largest pansexual, nonprofit B/D/S/M, leather and fetish lifestyle organizations in the Northwest. Regular social and educational opportunities, including KinkFest, Leather Ball and Fall Vendors Fair. Pdxleatheralliance.org PORTLAND LEATHERMEN meets monthly for potluck and socializing. Meet men into a leather lifestyle and keep abreast of leather happenings. No dues, no formal organization, no officers or board. 21 years old 360-896-6665, tuckerwalter@gmail.com
AMAZON DRAGONS PADDLING CLUB invites women 16 and older to join Portland’s only out lesbian dragon boat team. Be part of the fun and fitness with this dynamic group. Amazondragons.org
PORTLAND LESBIAN BOOK CLUB gathers monthly to chat about a chosen book or to attend selected events. Yahoo.com/group/portlandlesbianbookclub
PDX_FTM is a social group for female-tomale trans men and allies. Groups.yahoo.com/groupPDX_FTM
THE PORTLAND LESBIAN GARDEN CLUB enjoys all things green, from the latest perennial or vegetable finds to yard design and container planting. We focus not on meetings, but on garden and nursery tours, plant/seed exchanges, and holiday parties. All ages and expertise are welcome. 503-909-2002, lgcpdx.org
PODER LATINO is a non-profit social community voice group for gay, lesbian, bi and trans people that reaches out to Latino and Latinas by organizing events and retreats and advocating HIV prevention. Meets at Outside In. 503-997-8615 THE PORTLAND GAY MEN’S GARDEN GROUP meets once a month to explore various gardens and nurseries. Come social-
October 2012
RAINBOW EASTENDERS is a group of active senior gay men who meet at Rainbow Vista in Gresham to socialize, travel and attend outings, including holiday parties, ocean cruises and dining out. Come make some new friends. 503-667-5575, ian@rainbowvista.com RELATIONSHIP GARDENING is a support group for single, gay men, who desire monogamy $25/week 503-348-0405, relationshipgardening.com ROSE CITY DISCUSSION CLUB, the largest and oldest open pansexual/alternative sexuality club in the Northwest, is open to all orientation, fetishes and lifestyles that are safe, sane and consensual. rcdc@teelport.com, rcdc.org SAPPHO SOCIAL CLUB is a group of women 40 years and older building community through social and cultural activities. thesapphosocialclub@yahoo.com SOMOS LGBTQ Latinos group is welcoming social and educational gathering for GLBTQ Latinos. Somos.info@gmail.com TUESDAY TWILIGHT TASTINGS meets for casual tastings of fine wines and inspired food at West Café. 503-784-4807 WOMEN’S 55+ BREAKFAST CLUB & COFFEE TALK. 503-528-4219, cbramor@gmail.com SOCIAL/PHYSICAL RECREATION
OREGON MEN ENJOYING NATURISM is a social organization for gay male naturists/nudists. Social gathering monthly. Omenpdx.org
PDX GAY BOARD GAMERS meets monthly to play everything from old-time gems (Life, Monopoly) to new classics (Settlers of Catan, Puerto Rico). Bring your favorite game along. Brunt1234@gmail.com
group for older Gay men as well as younger men who enjoy their company. Activities include potluck meals, picnics, dinners out, Bingo, celebrations of special holiday occasions. 360-254-1718. Web.me.com/Byron.w/pdxpt
PDX LESBIAN NETWORK hosts monthly card games, pool and bowling nights, brewpub visits, hiking, kayaking, backpacking, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, monthly book club, etc. We also have an annual campout for members in Summer and participate in the Hood to Coast relay. Find us on Facebook. PORTLAND METRO PRIME TIMERS meet monthly. Established in 1980 as a social
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THE ADVENTURE GROUP organizes a variety of activities year round, including hiking, walking, cross-country and downhill skiing, rafting and mountain biking. Adventuregroup.org AMAZON DRAGONS PADDLING CLUB invites women 16 and older to join Portland’s only out lesbian dragon boat team. Be part of the fun and fitness with this dynamic group. Amazondragons.org TURF GIRLZ GOLF GROUP turfgirlz.com LESBIAN EQUESTRIAN GROUP gets together for equestrian activities in the Pacific Northwest. 503-654-3865, kelrav@rdrop.com OUT DANCING teaches dancing for samesex couples at Ankeny Street Studio. Classes for different dance styles start each month: country, swing, tango, cha-cha, etc. 503-236-5129, out-dancing@yahoo.com , home.att.net/~outdancing
OUTKAYAKING is Portland’s gay and lesbian sea kayak group, exploring the lakes, rivers and bays of Northwest Oregon and SW Washington. Outkayaking.org PDX PRIDE BOWLING LEAGUE is recruiting for fun games Friday nights September through April. info@pdxpridebowl.com PDX NETRIPPERS is Portland’s queer soccer organization with competitive indoor soccer, outdoor scrimmages, practices for all levels and regional tournaments. bendoverbeckham@gmail.com, myspace.com/netrippers PORTLAND GAY & LESBIAN BOWLING ASSOCIATION Labor Day through Memorial Day. Drop-ins welcome anytime. pdxbowl@yahoo.com, pdxbowl.com PORTLAND GAY BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION welcomes all skill levels. Groups.yahoo.com/group/PortandGayBasketballAssociation PORTLAND FRONTRUNNERS welcomes, gay, lesbian, bi and trans people of all abilities and interests, whether you’re a running novice or a seasoned marathoner. Portlandfrontrunners.org ROSE CITY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION is Oregon’s largest sports organization for the GLBT community. With open and women’s divisions at all levels, RCSA plays slow-pitch softball game on most Sundays throughout the summer at Gordon Faber Recreational Complex in Hillsboro. Join a team or form a new one. Rosecitysoftball.org ROSETOWN RAMBLERS, Portland’s gay and lesbian square dance club, dances at mainstream and plus levels. Rosetownramblers.com
ROSE CITY SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION Oregon’s largest sports organization for the GLBT community. RCSA plays slow-pitch softball game on most Sundays throughout the summer. Join a team or form a new one. Rosecitysoftball.org
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Save the Date! Q Center Winter Gala HEADERJanuary 26, 2013
RUBY RED FLIPPERS, a group of gay and lesbian scuba divers in the Portland area, teaches new recruits and take dives in Tacoma, Hood Canal and other Pacific Northwest waters. Rubyredflippers.org
THE DADS GROUP is a social support group for gay, bi, trans or questioning men who are dads or want to be dads. Meets monthly at the Q Center. 503-310-4723, thedadsgroup.com
SHE ROCKS, a supportive rock climbing group for lesbians 18 and older, organizes year-round climbing and training events chosen according to skill level. Monthly meetings. Sherocks.wetpaint.com
FOREST GROVE PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) welcomes everyone to its monthly program and support meeting monthly. 503-232-7676, Pflag.fg@mail.com , grovenet.org/westernwashingtoncounty/pflag
TEAM PORTLAND TENNIS meets Sundays. All levels of play welcome. teamportland-tennis.org
GAY & GREY We offer social events and outings, weekly lunches, peer support groups, resources, and case management for LGBT seniors. Housing options for LGBT elders. 503-224-2640, eracoordinator@ friendlyhouseinc.org or facebook.com/ gayandgreypdx COMMUNITY/SUPPORT CLACKAMAS COUNTY PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets monthly. Clackamaspflag.com LATE AWAKENINGS, a support group for lesbians who came out late in life, meets monthly at Q Center. 503-227-0605 CENTRAL CITY CONCERN’S WOMEN’S HOMELESS VETERANS REINTEGRATION PROGRAM provides employment and housing services to female Veterans who are homeless or in transition. Resume building, job search skills and general case management can help you in your quest for self-sufficiency. 503-226-7387 DADDIES and PAPAS, a social and support network for queer men raising children in the Portland area, offers play dates for kids, parenting tips and resources at Q Center. daddiesandpapas@gmail.com
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GAY/BISEXUAL MEN’S THERAPY GROUP This weekly therapy group is meant to create a safe space where gay, bisexual, queer men and the like from the Portland/ Vancouver area can intimately discuss issues relevant to their lives. Our goal is to help gay men build intimacy and trust in ways that facilitate interpersonal growth, depth, and connection. 503-281-4852 ext. 6 GAY & GREY is a program of Friendly House, a non-profit neighborhood center & social service agency in Portland, Oregon. We offer social events and outing, weekly lunches, peer support groups, resources, and case management LGBT seniors. We also provide diversity trainings in the community and a housing assessment program to identify LGBT friendly housing options for LGBT elders. 503-224-2640, eracoordinator@friendlyhouseinc.org or facebook.com/ gayandgreypdx GLBTQI disability group brings together the GLBTQI community with physical disabilities of all types, and friends, for activities such as movie-going, music, eating out and exploring Portland. 503-893-5756, pdxglbtqidisabled@comcast.net MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SELF-HELP GROUP for lesbians and gay men meets to share information and provide support in dealing with challenges of living with MS. 503-223-9511 NORTHWEST GENDER ALLIANCE is a monthly social and support group for individuals desiring to explore and express another gender. 503-533-8787, nwgapdx.com PFLAG PORTLAND BLACK CHAPTER is a place for Black gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people to come together with friend and family and support each other. Meets monthly. 503-232-7676, pflagpdx.org PORTLAND PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) welcomes all to its monthly meetings at First United Methodist Church. 503-232-7676, pflagpdx.org TRANS-FEM strives to engage and unite anyone of the trans-feminine spectrum through community building, social events, and activism. Meets monthly at Q Center. Flora.ivy@gmail.com
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PARENT ACCESS TO GENDER EXPRESSION SUPPORT (PAGES) group for parents and family members of gender non-conforming and transgender children and youth age 18 and younger. PAGES provides an opportunity for parents and family of trans youth to share their experiences with one another in a secure and supportive setting. PAGES group meetings are free to participating family members and caregivers. Childcare is available if needed. Meets monthly. 503-927-7052, family@transactiveonline.org
TRANZ GUYZ is a peer support and discussion group that meets at Q Center for people assigned female at birth but identifying as trans men/guys, intersex, genderqueer, questioning, FtM, etc. Meets monthly. Tranzguyspdx.org TRANZ GUYZ is a peer support and discussion group that meets at Q Center for people assigned female at birth but identifying as trans men/guys, intersex, genderqueer, questioning, FtM, etc. Topics include medical and emotional health, coming out, “passing,” hormones and relationships/sexuality. Meets monthly. Tranzguyspdx.org VETERANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS is a non-profit Veterans Organization that promotes the full recognition and equal protection of active reserve and Veteran members of the U.S. Armed Forces. VFHR advocates for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to serve openly in the U.S. Military. VFHR opposes all forms of discrimination and promotes patriotism. Vfhr.org or Facebook “Veterans for Human Rights."
COMMUNITY/POLITICAL RADICAL WOMEN are active in the struggle against bigotry and exploitation. Call us to get involved. Meets twice a month. 503-240-4462, rwpdx@igc.org
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BASIC RIGHTS OREGON (BRO), the state’s largest grassroots queer rights political organization, lobbies the Legislature, educates the public and works to end discrimination through election activities. 503-222-6151, basicrights.org DEMOCRATIC PART OF OREGON’S GLBT CAUCUS participates in policy decisions and outreach, recruits and supports candidates and delegates, and gives sexual minorities access to elected officials and candidates. 503-224-8200, stonewalloregon.org OLD LESBIANS ORGANIZING FOR CHANGE (OLOC), provides lesbians 60 and older the chance to meet like-minded women in our common struggle to confront ageism, to share mutual interests and to experience the joy of playing and working together. Meets monthly 503-286-3575 COMMUNITY/GENERAL BABBLE-ON TOASTMASTERS, Portland’s most diverse Toastmasters club, meets every Sunday afternoon to have fun while developing communication and leadership skills. Laughter and applause guaranteed. 503-330-2706, babble-ontm.org BISEXUAL COMMUNITY FORUM is a space to meet people and discuss issues relevant to the bi community. Everyone is welcome. Meets monthly. 503-285-4848 CATLIN GABEL SCHOOL is an independent, co-educational day school for children (and families!) from preschool , kindergarten and grades 1 through 12. 503-297-1894, catlin.edu DEAF & HEARING OUTREACH (DHOR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building community among deaf and hearing queers and allies. Programs, services, events and community resources. 503-517-8880 TTY/voice. dhor.org DOUBLE RAINBOW FOUNDATION is available to help all queer parents who co-conceive children to be treated equally. We believe, regardless of gender, two adults in committed relationships who agree to co-create children should be given the same rights as heterosexual couples. Myspace.com/doublerainbowfoundation EQUITY FOUNDATION is a nonprofit organization founded by gays and lesbians to build communities that embrace the dignity and worth of all people. Equity has distributed more than $2.8 million in grants and scholarships throughout Oregon. 503-231-5759, equityfoundation.org GETTING BI PDX is a women’s group that meets for discussion, coffee and planning social events. Gettingbipdx.com
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KBOO-FM’s OUTLOUD: queer news and public affairs show, featuring local guests and announcements. Airs the second and fourth Tuesdays. This Way Out, the international queer show, airs on first, third and fifth Tuesdays. ( 6 p.m. 90.7 FM Portland, 91.9 FM Hood River, 100.7 FM Willamette Valley) Schedule subject to change. kboo.fm
THE SEXUAL MINORITIES ROUNDTABLE meets monthly with representatives from the Multnomah County Sherriff ’s Office and the Portland Police Bureau to discuss and resolve issues between the queer community and law enforcement agencies. 503-823-0027
NORTHWEST VETERANS FOR PEACE is queer-friendly and meets weekly. Peaceveterans.org
YOUTH SERVICES
THE OREGON SAFE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY COALITION seeks to create safe schools and communities for families, educators and students statewide. 503-260-5792, oregonsafeschools.org POLYAMORY CIRCLE is a gathering for folks exploring options beyond monogamy. Discussions include open relationships, extended families and intentional communities. Everyone is welcome. Meets monthly. 503-285-4848.
THE SEXUAL MINORITIES ROUNDTABLE meets monthly with representatives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Portland Police Bureau to discuss and resolve issues between the queer community and law enforcement 503-823-0027 PRIDE AT WORK OREGON is a new affiliate of the AFL-CIO that lets union members rally support for gay, lesbian, bi and trans issues and lets the queer community support workplace rights and respect on the job. 503-516-2498. PRIDE NORTHWEST, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization seeks vendors and volunteers for the Portland Pride Festival, which is held every Father’s Day weekend at Waterfront Park. 503-295-9788, pridenw.org
IT GETS BETTER PROJECT was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better. Itgetsbetter.org SMYRC (Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center) SMYRC creates safety and support for LGBTQ youth in Oregon through youth empowerment, community building, education and direct services. Smyrc.org PFLAG supports LGBTQ persons, their families and friends through love, understanding, education and advocacy. Pflagpdx.org, clackamaspflag.com, facebook. com/pflag.portlandblackchapter TRANSACTIVE A group for transgender and gender non-conforming youth meets monthly. Transactiveonline.org THE TREVOR PROJECT is a national 24-hour, toll-free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. 866-488-7384, trevorproject.org THE PRIDE PROJECT is a program for LGBTQ youth 21 and under in Washington County. 503-260-5792, prideproject.org OUTSIDE IN helps homeless youth and other marginalized people move toward improved health and self-sufficiency. 503-535-3800, outsidein.org THE LIVING ROOM is a program of LGBTQ youth ages 14-20 in Clackamas County. Search “The Living Room, Clackamas County” on Facebook. QUEER SCOUTS PDX Search “Queer Scouts PDX” on Facebook. PSU QRC Portland State University’s Queer Resource Center. 503-725-9742, qrc.pdx.edu QPOWER is a group of young, motivated leaders committed to fighting to pass the policies and elect the candidates that will bring full equality to Oregon. Basicrights.org
Q CENTER is a space that increases visibility and fosters a connection within Portland’s queer community. 503-234-7837, pdxqcenter.org
October 2012
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GLSEN OREGON The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. 503-936-5614, glsen.org/Oregon TRIPLE POINT is a drop-in and group program in Downtown Vancouver for queer youth in Clark County. 360-695-1325 x 4217
GLSEN OREGON The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. 503-936-5614, glsen.org/Oregon Please send your corrections, suggestions and comments about the GO PAGES to: editor@justout.com
JUST OUT's GO PAGES
The GO Pages are intended as an information and entertainment resource for our readers. The listings are not comprehensive or complete in any way. All submissions for future inclusion will be considered. Send to: editor@justout.com. Some listings may be out of date, as the information has been gathered from many sources. We appreciate your help in keeping this information as accurate as possible. Please send listing corrections to: editor@justout.com. The GO Pages' listings do not indicate an endorsement of any business, group or organization by Just Out, the publishers of Just Out, the corporate co-sponsors of this section or any affiliates or partners of Just Out.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
by Ken Hoyt
flying Culture Club
high Franco Nieto’s life sounds a bit like the premise for a novel or movie. Start with a high school football jock (whose dad is the coach). Add a required dance class in his school. Then, at sixteen years old, the jock decides to become a professional dancer. Parents disappointed? No. In fact Dad signed off, “I don’t care what you do. But you have to give it 110 percent. If you don’t give it your all, it’s not worth doing.” A novice dancer at sixteen has, by most practical standards, discovered his passion too late. Fortunately, Nieto was blessed with an athletic family (his parents met playing professional racquetball). He began gymnastics at age five. The discipline he learned in sports and at home paid off. There was one particularly good male dancer in the classes he enrolled in whom Nieto used as his guide, “I wasn’t doing well enough unless it was as good as him.” Nine years later: Nieto has danced professionally around the country, returning only this past year to Northwest Dance Project. It’s home in many ways. Vancouver, WA is his hometown. And he considers the company a family of sorts, “Since I was young and playing sports, I’ve always enjoyed a team atmosphere. I think about that here, it’s a team, a family.” The tight knit NWDP family consists of eight full time dancers, artistic director Sarah Slipper, executive director Scott Lewis, plus a few others who man the office. Ms. Slipper chooses each dancer based on the quality of their individual movement and the energy they bring to the ensemble. Athleticism is part of Nieto’s appeal. “He’s so manly,” notes Slipper, “he’s like a panther onstage and, for such a muscular dancer, he is so supple.” Exposure to the wider world has expanded Nieto’s general attitude toward others. He’s less conservative than the household he grew up in and now considers himself an ally of the LGBT community. “I live in the basement of my earliest mentor, Tracy Durbin. She’s like my liberal mom,” says Nieto, “between her and Mom I have a balance that I really like.” g Reach out with your events to Arts & Entertainment Editor Ken Hoyt. Ken@justout.com
Franco Nieto will receive his Princess Grace Award at a Gala event (with the late Princess’s children in attendance) in New York City on October 22. Sarah Slipper, Artistic Director at Northwest Dance Theatre, will be with him. Slipper notes that, “any one of my dancers is worthy of this award. But I nominated Franco because this truly felt like his year to me.” This award, the second for NWDP (ensemble member Andrea Parsons won in 2010), is a coup for a small company. The award has often been distributed among large, established companies on the East Coast. The recognition is terrific but the cash award, one-half a year’s salary for the dancer, is a boon to the organization as well. Photo by Chris Peddecord October 2012
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Visual Poetry White Bird presents the Akram Khan Company. Though the company is from the UK, the dancers are from all parts of the globe giving their work a truly international look. They’ll be performing Khan’s newest work Vertical Road, which is inspired by the poetry of Rumi and the practices of Sufi tradition. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. WhiteBird.org
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th NEW WORK Ching Ching Wong and Franco Nieto working with choreographer Ihsan Rustem on his new work, Mother Tongue for the next show. Northwest Dance Project presents their season opener, NEW NOW WOW! Runs thru October 6. nwdanceproject.org ABOVE: Photo by Christopher Peddecord
Music to our Ears Portland Opera recently welcomed George Manahan as its Music Director. He’s been a frequent and popular guest conductor with the opera. Manahan has enjoyed a decades long career that has included fourteen years as the Music Director of New York City Opera and conducting for many other leading opera companies spanning the country. How did we score such a prestigious conductor? It’s all in the connections. “I love this company. Christopher (Mattaliano, Portland Opera’s General Director) and I go way back,” says Manahan, “and the quality of work here is great and it’s a place to do quality opera on a steady basis. Guest conducting is great, but being a Music Director is gratifying because you can follow through.” He’ll reside in Portland part time as he continues as the Music Director for the Manhattan-based American Composers Orchestra. PHOTO: George Manahan Conducting the Portland Opera (© Portland Opera / Cory Weaver) INSET: Music Director George Manahan.
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GARDEN
by Anne Jaeger
BELLA Madrona The Garden Gal
Let’s be honest, there is no way I can adequately explain the expanse and natural majesty of Geof Beasley’s garden in Sherwood called Bella Madrona. My oversimplified rendition here is acknowledgement that this garden is too big for words. You see, the garden has grown and meandered over 5 acres in the past 32 years. The best I can do is offer a lay of the land. The garden is bookended, east to west, by an enormous natural pond (once a watering hole for native people) and the house terraces where the sun sets. In between the two coordinates, you will find amazing artwork, fascinating plants, new places to sit, water features, the Pink Martini Stage and wide amphitheater lawn. (The Pink Martini song “The Gardens of Sampson and Beasley” is an awesome tribute to the many times the Thomas Lauderdale orchestra has played there.) Your experience will depend on which path you take, which direction you’re headed, and time of day. I’m telling you, there is so much to see; Hansel and Gretel would need to light flares to find their way around. My recent chat with Geof over a cool glass of lemonade wasn’t so much about the ins and outs of the garden, as his willingness to share it. Geof and his partner Jim Sampson, both retired physicians, married three years ago in Massachusetts and recently held a fundraiser at Bella Madrona to further the cause for Basic Rights Oregon.
Geof Beasley: Jim and I had an interesting situation several years ago. Jim had to retire because of a disability and had to buy his own medical insurance which costs an incredible amount. We were spending thousands of dollars a year, and I had this great Federal insurance that he should have been entitled Continues on Pg. 56
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Photo by HOrace long
Anne Jaeger: Why open your garden for Basic Rights Oregon?
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to. So, this cause really hit home because of that huge financial issue for us back then. AJ: What is it that people don’t understand about basic rights? GB: They just don’t have any sense about what our relationship is. It’s total ignorance, but they’re slowly coming around. AJ: What will it take to give it (freedom to marry) the extra push? GB: That final little couple of percentage points? I think it’s a relentless thing; I’m not sure it’s going to be a big push. I think it’s just a percentage point at a time. As soon as the old people die off … even some 60 percent of Republican 18 to 49-year-olds think that gay marriage should be legal, so the issue is just going to go away with time. AJ: At the Basic Rights’ Garden Parties … aren’t you preaching within the tent? GB: Yes, for sure. But you know, we’ve held a lot of events. Many times, people who had old fashioned ideas about gay relationships come to an event and they may not “know” us, but I’ve seen that having the event is enough to maybe push a few people. And all we need is a few people, to get us over that 50 percent. g
BasicRights.org PHOTOS Previous Page: The “barn cottage” garden tended by tenants, Lawson Smith and Dax Schlabs. RIGHT: Top Left: Geof’s favorite spot for a sunset glass of wine, with vista of Willamette Valley. Bottom Left: Newest water feature, built by Lawson Smith. Top Middle: Ruby’s Garden. Resting spot for the ashes of Geof’s Great Aunt Ruby. Top Right: Chairs on Terrazo di Martini Pinc (Pink Martini terrace) overlooking the Banquet Lawn. (Tall trees on left are Buxus ‘Graham Blandy.’) Bottom Middle:The barn, flanked by Itea illicifolia. This evergreen shrub commonly called Hollyleaf Sweetspire (doesn’t that sound like a stripper name?) with profuse blooms of honey scented greenish white catkins. Bottom Right: Geof Beasley in rare repose thinking “No tarrying...I’ve got to get to work. Maybe one more cup?”
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's garden videos on the Oregonian newspaper web site: oregonlive.com/hg , catch her on Twitter @GardenGalTV, send her a suggestion via her web site: GardenGal.TV, or write Anne@JustOut.com.
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Halloween
27 October
A Pansexual Ball
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Ghouls. Ghosts. Goblins. Dominatrixes. Naked chefs. We know how to celebrate Halloween! From special festivities and costume contests at your favorite watering hole, to large produced annual events, there is much to choose from to celebrate Halloween this year (for most venues, the main festivities occur on the Saturday before Halloween, October 27).
Billed as Portland’s biggest Halloween Party with approximately 2,000 ghosts, zombies, and vampires, the Portland Erotic Ball celebrates its 13th year, usually considered an ominous anniversary but for this wicked event, well-suited. While this isn’t a gay-only event, it welcomes a pansexual audience interested in the sexy side of the scare. Hosted by Emmy-nominee Sasha Scarlett, this event is held at the Crystal Ballroom. Says Scarlett, “It is great to know that our event will sell out. We’ve built a great brand showcasing an adult Halloween party experience...” People from as far away as Hawaii and Florida come to compete in the costume contest. Scarlett adds that this year’s event will feature the entertainment of Pepe & the Bottle Blondes, Keegan Smith, and The Slants, and will also feature aerial acts and 6 fetish demonstration stages showcasing bondage, flogging/paddling, electric shock, tickling, and suspension. (Now where did I leave my nipple clamps???)
Portland Erotic Ball is billed as Portland’s biggest Halloween Party with attendence over 2,000.
Costumes are mandatory at this party. More than $5,000 in prizes will be given away for categories such as Most Original, Sexiest Couple, and Best Group. A few of Scarlett’s favorite costumes include: two guys who came on stage dressed as the Titantic, broke apart, and then sank and a group dressed as lifelike Orks during the Lord of the Rings craze, complete with 15-foot wingspans. “Our goal with this event is to make sure we have a balance between lifestyle enthusiasts — meaning those from the queer, BDSM, leather, swingers, bondage, piercing/tattoo, sex positive communities, and straight couples that really have one sexy costume and want to have a great time,” added Scarlett. g portlanderoticball.com Portland Erotic Ball 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. Crystal Ballroom (1332 W Burnside) $39 or $69 VIP 58
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Inferno Halloween This longest running ladiesonly Halloween event features $50 Grand Prizes for Vampiest and Fiercest! Its early start time can have you either in bed with the demon of your dreams at a reasonable hour or fit to look for your dream goblin at parties that start around closing time. hotflashdances.com 6 - 10pm, $10
No venue announced before press time.
Wicked Awesome Wicked Awesome, created by Freddie Perry, aka DJ Freddie Says Relax is on October 27. Perry says that he wanted to create a Halloween experience for a community of queers. “I like to be around my LGBT scene on Halloween,” Perry says, “so it doesn’t feel like straight people gone wild.” But wild is certainly one way to describe the parties that started in 2009 with All Homo’s Eve and continued for the past two years as Wicked Awesome. The synthesis of creative queers, killer DJ lineups (this year Roy G Biv, Mr. Charming, Bruce LaBruiser and Freddie Says Relax), and truly authentic cover band madness has created the perfect homo Halloween experience. Being joined by event producer Katey Pants will also ensure that this year runs smoother than ever. clubzone.com 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Plan B (1305 SE 8th Ave) $8
Blow Pony’s Hella Queens & Headless Kings
At times controversial but always freaky, scary fun Blow Pony brings San Francisco Trannyshack legend Heklina up to mistress the ceremonies. It would be enough to see her interpretation of Elvira, but I fully expect a plethora of gender demolishing fright. rotture.com 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Rotture (315 SE 3rd) $5 October 2012
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OUR PEOPLE
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Q+A Aaron Ridings
What do you do for a living? I work as part of the development team at Basic Rights Oregon, raising funds for the freedom to marry, racial justice and trans justice programs. This past year, I've been taking classes at PSU towards earning a Master's Degree in Public Administration. How long have you been in Portland? What do you love/ hate about it? Portland has been home for most of my adult life. I love Portland because of its quirks, not in spite of them. I love the unconventional fashion, community involvement, local politics, the coffee, the beer, its proximity to nature and the fact that it is filled with lots of other idealists, like myself. What’s a passion you have that no one would guess? I love books and spend lots of my free time in the library and Powell's finding new historical fiction books to read. I am also a big science fiction nerd, especially when it comes to watching Star Trek and Battlestar Gallactica! Have you ever experienced gay bashing? Yes, many times over the years, both as a youth and as an adult. I am grateful to always have had teachers and friends who did what they could to help take the bullies and bashers to task!
Photo by Horace Long
What is an important topic that the LGBT community should be talking about and isn't? We should talk more about giving back to and supporting our LGBT elders who cleared the path for us. We need to spend more time and effort honoring those who fought before us to give us the freedom that we have today. g
Be a part of Q&A. Send a short note to editor@justout.com and tell us about yourself or a friend.
October 2012
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OUR PEOPLE
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Q+A
ATTORNEYS
Marketplace
Joan Crawford
How long have you been in Portland/Oregon? What do you love/hate about it? I moved from Chicago, where I lived for 14 years, to Portland in 2001. I love many outdoor activities in the city, rivers, coast and mountains. I wish we had more of Chicago’s diverse cultures.
COUNSELING
What do you do for a living? For 15 years, I worked as a Disease Intervention Specialist in the HIV STD Program in Chicago and Oregon. The Federal Communicable Disease Control reduced our state funding this year and my position was eliminated. I’m grateful to still be working for the Oregon Health Authority in a temporary assignment with the Maternal and Child Health Program. Have you ever experienced gay bashing? I’ve been assaulted by Chicago police during ACT UP and other issue protests in the late 1980’s and early 90’s — no permanent physical damage or gay bashing. Have you experienced discrimination within the queer community? Back in the 80’s and 90’s, there were all kinds of pressure on me to identify only as a lesbian. I hope we’ve made it easier for queers today to express themselves honestly. To me, sex is sex and love is love, all equally valued and necessary for the health of our humanity and planet.
EATS
HIV/STD TESTING
Photo by Horace Long
Who do you look up to or revere in the gay community or historically? I find inspiration every day and historically from people who worked to make the world healthier and more loving for all. g
Be a part of Q&A. Send a short note to editor@justout.com and tell us about yourself or a friend.
October 2012
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Just Out Resource Directory
These businesses support you. Please support them. Adult
Fantasy for Adults Only............................59 Hawks Gym................................................61 Mr. Peeps/The Peephole............................61 Taboo Video................................................61
Attorneys
Kelly K Brown.............................................63 Legacy Preservation Law...........................23 Redden & Findling LLP............................63
Auto & Transport
Armstrong Volkswagon............................21
CAP AIDS Walk.........................................67 Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon..............................11 Indigo Girls with the Oregon Symphony............................7 The Body Beautiful Portland Art Museum.....................13 Portland Erotic Ball.....................................3 Coffee Fair @ World Forestry Center.....................23
Family
Northwest Surrogacy Center, LLC...........23
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Scandals.........................................................9 Another Read Through.............................65 Cascade AIDS Project - Pivot...................11 Partnership Project @OHSU....................59 Q Center......................................................43
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Jonathan Weedman....................................63 Sexual Minority Providers........................63 Susan Rosenthall........................................63
Dental
Bling Dental................................................19 Laurelhurst Dentistry, LLC.......................17
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Lincoln City Visitors Bureau....................19 Beau Thai Restaurant.................................63 Willamette Valley Confectionery.............15
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Apex Pharmacy..........................................13 Eyes on Broadway......................................21
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Cascade AIDS Project - Counties............61 Multnomah County Health Dept HIV.......................33, 63 Westover Heights Clinic............................63
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Luxury Salon & Spa...................................33 Tan Republic...............................................17
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It’s a Dog’s Life............................................65 Rose City Veterinary Hospital..................13
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Sky Blue Photography................................65
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Real Estate
Donald Falk - Hasson................................65 H. Dwayne Davis - Realty Trust...............15 Kelly Stafford - Home Sweet Home Realty....................................65
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Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa......13
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Goose Hollow Window Co.......................59
Dan Kasch...................................................65 Deep Clean Carpet.....................................65 Harper Construction.................................65 Sunlan Lighting, Inc..................................65
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October 2012
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Find many more local events at: justout.com/calendar
Stay in the fight
For the first time EVER all of Portland’s Musical Theatre Power in one venue on one night only! Portland’s Premier Theatre companies come together for the Jackson Hill Wellness Center at the Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Portland. 7:30 P.M. Newmark Theatre at the Performing Arts Center. (1111 SW Broadway) $50 Jacksonhillfoundation.org
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Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays 2pm Pentacle Theatre (324 52nd Avenue NW, Salem) $18, $16.50 senior, student or military (Thursdays $17 and $15.50) pentacletheatre.org
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National Coming Out Day
is every October 11 and this year the Q Center is celebrating by encouraging a 2nd Annual Night of 100 Dinners fundraiser on October 13. Host a dinner and show a video produced by the Q Center. the host that raises the most money above the $200 pledge will receive a special “Out” Prize to share with a friend. pdxqcenter.org
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Kathy Griffin
7:30pm Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (1037 SW Broadway ) $43.00 - $85.00 ($48.50 - $90.50 day of show)
TIcketmaster.com Body Aware Photo by Winslow Corbett
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th IGNITE! Basic Rights Oregon event 7:30pm Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park Ave) Main Event Ticket $75, VIP Dinner Ticket, $250 Table Sponsor (10 included) $2,500 BRO’s largest “don’t-miss” event of the year. basicrights.org
th Imperial Sovereign rose court’s coronation 2012 - TROPICANA Holiday Inn Airport (8439 Ne Columbia Blvd) Doors 5 pm Coronation 6 pm $50 all ages rosecourt.org
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th Body Awareness
Runs thru November 10th, 7:30pm Thursdays-Saturdays, 2pm Sundays Coho Productions (2257 NW Raleigh St) $25, $20 for seniors, students, educators and groups of over 10 (Thursdays sliding scale $5-$25) cohoproductions.org
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