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PQMONTHLY.COM Vol. 3 No. 4 April/May 2015
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Wedding Edition
INSIDE: The Return of Red Dress, QDoc’s Complete Lineup, PQ’s Wedding Vendor Guide, Pride Foundation’s 30 Years, Weed Weddings, & Much More!
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THE I-5 AGAINST THE REST OF THE WORLD (Or at least those states pursuing religious exemption laws.)
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By the time you read this, my hope is that you will be sipping your favorite beverage and enjoying the exquisite environment of the Elysian Ballroom, as we unveil our second annual Wedding Edition at the April PQ Monthly Press Party. PQ’s first Wedding Edition came out last year on the cusp of Oregonians gaining marriage equality—we won in the courts and we celebrated our hearts out. Therefore, it is with great honor that we offer our second annual Wedding Edition. We would not be able to do that without the support of our advertisers; it is paramount that all of our LGBTQ community and allies patronizes and supports our advertisers because they support us! I know it’s hard to believe that in this day and age we still continue to find businesses that want to find ways to deny us service but we continue to see it with bakeries, photographers, pizzerias, event taxi drivers in Oregon, Washington, Indiana and across our great nation. I wrote about the “Right to Turn Away the Gay” bills popping up (http:// www.pqmonthly.com/right-turn-away-gay-watch/18584) just 14 months ago—now after another political cycle has passed, we see legislatures passing discrimination, and some governors are signing discrimination into law. (Side note: If you don’t think voting matters in non-gubernatorial election and presidential years, this should serve as proof, nationwide, as the GOP seizes many of our state House and Senate legislative floors.) Now we have an uphill battle! Thankfully corporate America has stepped in and thrown their support behind the LGBTQ community through advertising in your local LGBTQ communities’ publications, politically, and by issuing statements of support. Some have even gone as far as boycotting states like Indiana.
“There have been times throughout history where people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs because they were unpopular. This bill provides a shield of protection for that.” Rep. Charles Macheers, R-Shawnee, said on the House floor that his bill prevents discrimination. As our country becomes more and more divided, we can only expect that discrimination bills like this will become cleverer; they will craftily string together words that will discriminate against our basic freedoms in America. Therefore, we need to be mindful and proactive in supporting business that support equality. More than ever, our LGBTQ publications are becoming important to showcase businesses that will not discriminate against us. Just as our publications were important to us early on in the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and so on—when we were seeking safe places to be who we are, we are again in 2015 seeking those same safe places. I have heard many people say that our community is becoming mainstream—and it is in many ways. However, the opposition has a strategy and they will be relentless in their attacks against us. That being said, and as many of you may already know, we at PQ Monthly are working hard at bringing together our communities. After being contacted by some significant tech people in the Bay Area, they encouraged me to explore the idea of growing our (PQ’s) digital reach and localization in the Bay and Seattle. So on April 1, 2015, we at Brilliant Media llc., expanded our digital reach with the creation of www.ProudQueerBayArea. com and www.ProudQueerSeattle.com—our family both north and south of us share the common thread of pride in our culture and community and the willingness to expand conversations with each other. Additional, all 3 sites (Seattle, Portland, & Bay Area) boast the most robust community calendar with direct linkage to their sister sites. This calendar is also free to post your events on. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in blogging/writing/selling or have story ideas. Tonight I will be in the Bay Area celebrating the first ever Queer Fashion Week—and they are hosting the Bay Area’s first ever PQ Press Party, and tomorrow I was invited to walk the celebrity runway in support of Red! Seattle, we will be there next for a Press Party. It is with all of my and our team’s hopes that the I-5 linkage—and media expansion from the Bay to Seattle and the world wide web, and our willingness to expand our conversations geographically with genuine inclusion—we can help our nation push though these intolerable and unjust times and lead by example in our mission of: Every letter and every color being represented. #nojusticenopeace #solidaridad #proudqueer
Your Publisher, Melanie C. Davis
A SMATTERING OF WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE:
ON THE COVER
Meet the Folks Who Make Red Dress Happen.........................Page 4 QDoc Returns; Go to the Movies...............................................Page 6 Celebrate Our Unions.................................................................Page 8 Queer-Friendly Wedding Businesses.........................................Page 10 Marriage is a Marathon..............................................................Page 12
503.228.3139
Weed Weddings..........................................................................Page 16 Revisit Brandon Teena’s Brave Life............................................Page 20
proudqueer.com
Stephen Marc Beaudoin Runs for MSD.....................................Page 23
THE NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE OF PQ MONTHLY IS RIVENDELL MEDIA, INC. BRILLIANT MEDIA LLC, DBA EL HISPANIC NEWS & PQ MONTHLY.
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This month’s cover is the brainchild of Eric Sellers and Michael Shaw Talley, and we think it’s an excellent representation of what makes our queer unions unique. Photos by Sellers, Styling by Talley, clothing provided by Red Light, studio and flowers provided by Bloke, dresses provided by Madeline Mahrie, jewelry provided by Talley.
Page 24: Oregon Teacher of the Year Fired.............................Page 24 Plus: Gatekeepers and Trans Health Care, This Ends Badly, ID Check, Radical Relationships, The Lady Chronicles, BRO and Lived Equality in Oregon, Midlife Adventures (Not Crises), PFLAG Black Chapter Celebrates 6 Years, Queer Aperture, and Much More! Not seeing what you’d like to see? Email our editor! He’s always open to (productive) feedback. Daniel@PQMonthly.com.
April/May 2015 • 3
FEATURE
RED DRESS, PORTLAND’S “SULTRY BEAST,” IS BACK! By Matt Pizzuti, PQ Monthly
“We meet in September to kinda reconnect, then in October and November to really get planning for the next year. By now we’re meeting weekly,” Kemp said. “It’s gonna be While the rest of us debated whether a certain dress was white or blue, a local group a great party, but it’s totally a volunteer-driven thing. We all have full-time jobs. I’m very of organizers were thinking red. They’re setting the stage for Portland’s annual Red Dress grateful and very gracious to my fellow board members; if they weren’t the people they Party, an ebullient extravaganza now in its 15th year and promising a night of food, fun and are, I wouldn’t do this.” (rumor has it) frequent frisky fondling — benefitting health-related charities in Portland. He said the hardest part of the planning process is venue shopping. “It’s increasingly This year’s event, Saturday, May 16 in Northeast Portland, is themed “Red Top” — think more difficult to find one now that the economy’s doing better,” Kemp said. The organizcircus tent — with DJs, multiple performance acts and a ritzy VIP package for those who ers look for a warehouse space with a raw, unfinished feel. This year they found that at want those extra perks. the Old Freeman Factory, at 2638 NW Wilson St. “It’s a homegrown party that really captures the quirkiness of Portland,” said Judge “My favorite thing about this year’s party is that it’s a brand new building that PortKemp, a member of the organization’s board and Red Dress land hasn’t had a chance to see yet,” Poteet said. “It’s a devotee who’s been involved in the event since its early 60 or 70 year old building that was a hay-bailing factory years. “It started as a house party in NW, but it’s grown to — not a big need for that in central Portland anymore — have hundreds in attendance,” Kemp said. so they’re turning it into an event space. This is the first And for those who aren’t familiar with the famous large scale event there.” annual event, remember — circus theme notwithstandAnd it may also be the last time Red Dress gets to use ing — it really is all about that dress. the venue; Poteet said these Red Dress parties have a “Everybody’s required to wear a red dress. It has to tendency to work as really effective advertisements for be 75 percent color red, or you can’t get in,” said board a party space. member and organizer John Poteet. “And yes, we have “It’s kind of a hallmark of the Red Dress party that one turned people away at the door.” of the partygoers ends up leasing the building and moving In fact, he said, in all of Red Dress history they’ve made a business there,” Poteet said. but one exception to the red dress rule: for Chelsea Clinton. Now imagine that virgin dance floor filled with jug“She was in town campaigning for her mother in 2008. glers, fire dancers, LED hoop performers and more at this We figure, OK, if you’re the daughter of a former president year’s big event. The organizers are also doubling down — and in this case also the daughter of a future president their efforts to bring in a youthful spark. — you can come in without a red dress.” (Did you catch “We’re going for a much younger clientele,” Poteet said. that, Malia and Sasha?) “We reduced the price and we have the circus theme. OrigThis year’s Red Dress Party beneficiaries are Our House, inally, years ago this was a younger party, and we want to a housing and healthcare resource for people with HIV, as get back to that.” well as Cascade AIDS Project. General admission is $55, “‘Red Top’ is kind of a playoff ‘American Horror Story: although there’s a chance to go for free if you volunteer to Freak Show,’” Kemp said. “Kind of a sexy circus. Last help with the event, said Larry Lewis, another Red Dress year was Red Wedding, after the red wedding on Game board member (and, full disclosure, a sales representaof Thrones. The themes allow the guests to be creative.” tive for PQ Monthly). (Find photo galleries of the Red Dress going all the “Some people volunteer because they just wanted to way back to 2003 at the event’s website, http://reddresshelp, but we do track their hours and can let them know pdx.com, where you can also get more info and order they’ve earned a ticket — sometimes they’re surprised,” he your tickets.) said. “It’s truly a good cause, and your help is needed. The The atmosphere? “It’s Disneyland for adults, plus bartenders donate their tips back to the cause, and the conbooze,” Poteet said. “It isn’t exclusively a queer party and tractors are compensated, of course, but they give us good it isn’t a drag party, it’s Red Dress. There are a lot of hetdeals so more goes back to the beneficiaries.” erosexual men who go, and women; basically, everybody Lewis said Red Dress has raised about $300,000 for who’s there steps 15.8 percent out of their comfort zone.” charity beneficiaries over the years — that’s an average of He added: “Expect to see one of everything, and a half about $20,000 per annual event — with a board that puts of something you’re not sure what you saw! … Did ya get in countless hours as an unpaid labor of love. that? Heh.” “It started as a house party in NW, but it’s grown to have hundreds in attendance,” Judge Kemp, “We have to cover our expenses and be responsible, but “It’s very excitable, very loud there,” Pospisil said, “and above, says. you look out and can’t tell anything about who anybody is our goal is to give away as much as possible. Our goal is 50 percent of revenues to the beneficiary, and hopefully someday that will be 60 or 70 percent.” — all you see is a sea of red dresses.” But that’s not to say the magic never happens 1-on“We’ve had very good success getting volunteers,” said Karl Rohde, another board 1. “It’s a sexy party, there’s a lot of that. It turns into a pretty hot party,” she said. member who added, with a chuckle: “The struggle is getting people to get up early in the Among the food and drinks available there will be more non-alcoholic options this morning to help clean up.” year, a response to requests from patrons after last year’s party. Board member Polly Pospisil, who’s part of the group’s design team, said the same — But the board has a request to make for patrons, too: buy your tickets soon! “As a board member we’re required to be there to help clean up the morning after, and “Buy early and buy often,” Rohde said. “One of our focuses this year is getting the turnwe’ve already put a lot of work into it. But my favorite part of the process is that magical out. From a planning perspective, the more we can get a good head count as early as poshour when we’ve finished putting it together, we go back to the hotel to get cleaned up, sible, the more we can maximize our use of resources and the revenue we can guarantee come back and now there’s this huge party there.” goes towards charity.” Planning for each annual event starts as early as September the year before, Kemp said, Poteet put it a little more bluntly. when board members meet to brainstorm the upcoming party’s theme. RED DRESS p age 7
4 • April/May 2015
pqmonthly.com
FEATURE
pqmonthly.com
April/May 2015 • 5
FEATURE
QDOC RETURNS WITH ANOTHER STELLAR LINEUP!
This year’s festival includes, from left: “Larry Kramer in Love & Anger,” “The Year We Thought about Love,” and “Game Face.” This year’s festival runs from Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17 at The Hollywood Theater. By Daniel Borgen, PQ Monthly
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: David Weissman, co-founder of QDoc, is a national treasure, a man beaming with passion and creativity. Weissman is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, teacher, film programmer, public speaker (catch his Dark Night of the Soul stuff), and longtime activist. He’s best known for his two acclaimed documentaries, “We Were Here” and “The Cockettes.” Before moving to Portland, he spent over 30 years in San Francisco—at the height of the gay revolution. He’s taught classes and workshops, been a guest speaker, and presented his work at many universities, including USC, Stanford, Yale, and UC Santa Cruz, to name a few. And he remembers wistfully the history of old San Francisco—a city he used to consider his muse. QDoc is the only film festival in the world devoted exclusively to LGBT documentaries; its other co-founder, the wildly talented (and sometimes quieter of the duo) Russ Gage, has a long background in the film festival world, dating back to Frameline in San Francisco. QDoc is the very definition of community-building: An inspirational, joyful, emotional romp through queer culture. “Every year, I want everyone to see every fucking movie,” says Weissman. “We [him and Russ Gage] do this [curate QDoc] for cultural and political reasons— there are a lot of amazing, compelling stories out there. Sharing this stuff reminds us we’re all in this together—that we’re a community, and as a community we have a shared experience. Each year, we program based on what we think will bring people back—not necessarily what will bring people in. We want to give you something you can’t get anywhere else.” It’s this drive and passion that help make QDoc the wild success it is year in and year out. “I run into people I know,” says Weissman. “They tell me, ‘I don’t even need to look at the program, I know it’s going to be great.’” He also suggests sitting in on a movie that night not necessarily interest you. Some people find their favorite documentaries that way. Mark your calendars, clear your weekend, and fit QDoc into your schedule. Check out a movie you might not otherwise choose (the complete schedule follows). In the meantime, here are some descriptions to whet your appetite. This year’s festival runs from Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17—and it’s at The Hollywood Theater. To purchase advanced tickets and passes, and to review the complete schedule, go to queerdocfest.org. (Festival passes are $75, but you can get tickets for individual screenings.) This year’s festival kicks off Thursday, May 14 at 7:00pm with the screening of GAME FACE. Filmed in several locations around the country, including Portland, filmmaker and gay basketball player Michiel Thomas follows MMA fighter, Fallon Fox, and rising college basketball player, Terrence Clemens, as they train and compete against other athletes in their respective sports. While Fallon Fox came out as the first transgender professional MMA fighter amid a wide range of reactions and public debate, Terrence is new to his college campus, where no one knows that he is gay. This is the powerful coming out story of two athletes at the top of their game, seeking to be seen, accepted and permitted to compete as equals among their peers. Filmmaker Michiel Thomas, Fallon Fox, and Terrence Clemens will be in attendance. Rumor has it that gay former NBA player, Jason Collins, who appears in the film, will also be attending opening night – stay tuned for more information! (After the Q&A at Hollywood Theatre, there will be an Opening Night Party held at Velo Cult at 1969 NE 42nd, from 9:00pm – 11:30pm, featuring beer, wine, and catering by Pambiche. Tickets for the film and Opening Night Party are $25. Festival Passes, $75, and include admission to all screenings and the Opening Night Party.) The other films featured in this year’s festival include (in order of their screening) PACKED IN A TRUNK (Friday, May 15, 6:45pm) – In this HBO film from director Michelle Boyaner, writer/director Jane Anderson digs into the mystery of her aunt, Provincetown artist Edith Lake Wilkinson, who was committed to an asylum in 1924 and never heard from again—a thoroughly entertaining lesbian “History Detective.” 6 • April/May 2015
WE CAME TO SWEAT: THE LEGEND OF STARLITE (Friday, May 15, 9pm) – When Brooklyn’s oldest black gay bar, the Starlite Lounge, is faced with eviction, the community decides to fight back. Will they be able to save this pre-Stonewall safe haven? Or is gentrification unstoppable? Kate Kunath and Sasha Wortzel’s timely portrait of a community banding together to preserve their culture and history is a stirring must-see. TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL (Saturday, May 16, 1pm) – Svelte and hunky Tab Hunter was one of Hollywood’s leading male movie stars throughout the 50s and 60s. Director Jeffrey Schwarz, returning to QDoc for the third time (“Vito” and “I am Divine”), chronicles Hunter’s meteoric career and allows the movie star to tell his own story of being a closeted movie star while carrying on relationships with actor Anthony Perkins and an Olympic skating star, among others. THE ROYAL ROAD (Saturday, May 16, 3:30pm) – In this poetic and visually captivating film, San Francisco filmmaker Jenni Olson interweaves her romantic obsessions with the history of colonial California while musing on nostalgia, butch identity, and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” – all cast against a contemplative backdrop of 16mm urban California landscapes. LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (Saturday, May 16, 6pm) – In 1975, Richard Adams and his Australian partner, Tony Sullivan, became one of the first same-sex couples in the world to legally marry, thanks to a courageous county clerk in Boulder, Colorado. Richard and Tony immediately filed for a green card for Tony, the denial of which by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service resulted in the first federal lawsuit seeking equal treatment for a same-sex marriage in U.S. history. Thus began their decades’ long battle for their right to stay together. THE CULT OF JT LEROY (Saturday, May 16, 8:30pm) – This film follows the bizarre and sensational story of queer teenage literary sensation JT LeRoy, who burst onto the scene with the autobiographical novel “Sarah” in the mid-1990s. The painfully shy LeRoy – an HIV-positive, transsexual, former child prostitute – became the darling and protégé of celebrities and literary figures such as Gus van Sant and Dennis Cooper, making him a cult sensation until a scandalous revelation blew it all apart. THE YEAR WE THOUGHT ABOUT LOVE (Sunday, May 17, 12:30pm) – A behind-thescenes look into the powerful work of one of the oldest queer youth theaters in America. Filmmaker Ellen Brodsky follows Boston’s True Colors: OUT Youth Theater as they write a play about love. With wit, grace, and attitude, this diverse ensemble transforms personal struggles into theater for social change. When bombs explode outside their building during the Boston Marathon, the troupe becomes even more determined to share their stories of love to help heal their city. THE NEW MAN (Sunday, May 17, 2:30pm) – Stefanía’s life began as a boy named Roberto, who at the tender age of twelve fought for education and social reforms in the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua. Thirty years later, after a challenging life amid violence, drugs, prostitution, and political struggle, Stefanía strives to be accepted by society and her long estranged family. FEELINGS ARE FACTS: THE LIFE OF YVONNE RAINER (Sunday, May 17, 4:30pm) – Over the course of her career, postmodern choreographer and filmmaker Yvonne Rainer revolutionized modern dance, generated what later became known as performance art, and changed the basic tenets of experimental filmmaking – all during a time when women were largely ignored in the art world. Director Jack Walsh captures Rainer’s defiant, uncompromising, and highly influential ideas and creations. LARRY KRAMER IN LOVE & ANGER (Sunday, May 17, 7pm) – Jean Carlomusto’s HBO biopic beautifully captures the complex, irrepressible, inspirational, exasperating and brilliant essence of Larry Kramer. Widely known as the founder of ACT-UP and as one of the most strident voices of AIDS activism, Kramer is portrayed here also in his role as screenwriter, novelist, brother, friend and lover. This is a powerful and moving film about one of the giants of our post-Stonewall history. QDoc’s David Robinson contributed to this report. pqmonthly.com
RED DRESS Continued from page 4
“Portland. Get your goddamn tickets early. Get. Them. Early.” That’s not to scold; these organizers speak — and anyone who attended last year’s event will know this — from the deep pain of a traumatic experience. “Last year we cut the Porta Potties thinking that not many people would come, and then a bunch more showed up,” Poteet explained. Ah, that fiasco. Do you remember now? This time, put your mind at ease: the organizers have learned from the experience. “We got extra toilets this year, but it’s based on what we think attendance is gonna be — if the attendance doubles three days before the event, that’s challenging! And that’s what happened last year,” Poteet said. Knowing the numbers helps the organizers make their spending decisions wisely, leaving more of revenues to go to the charity beneficiaries. That, Rohde said, is what keeps him so invested in the party. “My favorite part of the whole process, aside from the party which is just a ton of fun, is the part where we figure out the accounting and see how much we can give to the charities,” Rohde said. “I look at it as, Red Dress party is a sultry beast — it’s a love-hate relationship,” Kemp said. “But the outcome, I love seeing the looks on peoples’ faces when they come out, and when we hand our checks over to the beneficiaries. I hope everyone will come out and see the fun for themselves.” Aside from that, Poteet had one piece of advice for anyone who might attend: “Red dresses are going to start to be a hard commodity to get, so start shopping now!”
Look out for: PQ Podcasts!
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Mouthy & April/May 2015 • 7
WEDDINGS
LET’S CELEBRATE OUR UNIONS: LOVE STORIES
“My feelings about marriage changed soon after Dwight was injured in a serious car accident about 14 months ago. That experience helped me learn to live with my insecurities and recommit to marriage as a public promise of love, responsibility, and commitment.” Bob Speltz, far left, on his partner, Dwight. “I’ve done a lot of cool things in my 17 years, but the coolest was rallying on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act on March 26, 2013,” says Zoe Duncan-Doroff, far right. By Shaley Howard, PQ Monthly
texting and talking on the phone, I somehow was charming enough to convince her to When talking about same-sex marriage, many people automatically turn their attention come to Alaska for our first date. I couldn’t believe this super hot babe had agreed to buy to the politics and social acceptance of LGBT equality. How often we forget that behind a plane ticket and fly all the way out to Alaska to hang out with a woman she barely knew. all the politicking are everyday individuals who simply want to have their love of another Waiting at the airport for Lauren’s arrival was one of the most nerve-racking moments of person recognized and honored. Here we’ve collected some personal stories from a few my life. I remember standing at the gate, shaking with fear and excitement. We made our same-sex couples and their family members. Even though homophobia was often expe- way to baggage claim; my heart and mind were racing. I remember watching bags go by rienced on some level, the stories of romance, dating and love they share are universal — feeling nervous and insecure. Lauren leaned in and laid a juicy lip lock on me. That kiss full of tender, loving, and often humorous moments. set the pace for the rest of our relationship.” Dwight Adkins and Bob Speltz met in Portland at a volunteer event called Hands Brad and Jeff Tait were married July 5, 2014. Back in 2013 Brad thought he had bought on Portland Day in 2000 but didn’t have their first actual date until five years later in the perfect birthday gift for his then-boyfriend Jeff. It all started when Brad bought Jeff 2005. Despite their own struggles with the concept of marriage and societal intol- a ring for his birthday in January. One afternoon he was chatting online with his best erance, they are currently happily engaged and plan on wedding later this summer. friend Sarah. She asked whether he had given any thought about the present he was get Said Adkins: “We’ve been blessed to each have famiting Jeff, whose birthday was right around the corner. He lies who have been supportive of our relationship and loving said he’d been batting around a few ideas, but hadn’t setbeyond measure. The struggles for us have come as a result tled on anything yet. A couple hours later, he sent Sarah a of living in a country where the so-called ‘moral majormessage saying he just bought Jeff the most incredible ring ity’ has regulated the human rights of others they deemed he’d been admiring for months. “A ring is NOT a birthday inferior or unfit. We’ve since witnessed public opinion about present,” his friend responded. “What do you think you’re marriage equality shift from very negative to increasingly saying giving your boyfriend a ring?” They decided then positive in just over a decade. Both of us remember the and there Brad wasn’t buying Jeff a birthday ring — but an passage of Measure 36 in 2004 as a definite low point in engagement ring. Oregon. Seeing those bumper-stickers that said ‘Marriage “After buying the ring, I reached out to one of Jeff’s friends = 1 Man + 1 Woman’ emboldened us to get more involved in Orlando to help plan the best way to propose,” Brad said. in the LGTBQ community and deepen our ties to organi“Jeff’s friend knew the perfect spot to propose in Epcot zations like Basic Rights, Q Center, Our House and others.” Center — a little pier in the Italy Pavilion overlooking the “I had to work through my ambivalence and anxiety iconic Epcot dome. Starting about four days prior to the proabout marriage. I’ve witnessed friends and family marry posal, I gave Jeff a greeting card each day expressing appreand later divorce. It was hell to see people you loved go ciation for the different facets of their relationship — friendthrough that. Why would I get married and risk failing at it? ship, trust, love, etc. Since Jeff’s birthday was less than a week I thought dating and living together seemed like a perfect away, he assumed these cards were leading to that. But, on commitment. If it didn’t work out, you each just move on the evening of February 2, 2013, I gave Jeff his final card on and find someone else. Did LGBTQ folks really need marthat pier. All that was written inside was — Will you marry riage?” asked Speltz. “My feelings about marriage changed me? Jeff was stunned but immediately said yes.” soon after Dwight was injured in a serious car accident “We are so grateful to have amazingly supportive about 14 months ago. That experience helped me learn to family and friends who gave so much.” Jeff said. “My older live with my insecurities and recommit to marriage as a brother built a ‘wine box’ for our ceremony made from a public promise of love, responsibility, and commitment.” Laramie and Aubree Holliman met at a big lesbian house party. Aubree was sitting on a couch hundred-year-old wood from a barn on our parents propwith a baseball hat pulled down over her face and Laramie was immediately intrigued. erty. The idea behind the wine box is that inside, there’s Lauren Reini and Holland Mitchell met seven years ago at Gaycation and just recently married on March 21, 2015. a bottle of wine, two wine glasses, and letters we wrote Holland shared the excitement and thrill of meeting the person who would eventually to each other just before the ceremony talking about our feelings about marriage and become her wife. what we hope for each other over the next ten years. At our ceremony, our officiant dis“I was living in Alaska at the time but had come to Portland for a winter break. My cussed the purpose behind the wine box, and we locked it in front of all our guests. In friends and I were out dancing when I noticed Lauren, at 6’2” towering over all the other ten years, we’ll open the box and share our letters with each other over the bottle of girls. I quickly made my way across the dance floor to get a closer look. She must have wine. Or, in the event we encounter a really difficult situation that puts our marriage been pretty impressed by my sweet dance moves because I had her number by the end at risk, we open the box earlier to remind ourselves why we chose to marry each other.” of the night! I only saw her out one other time before I headed back to Alaska. After I got Laramie and Aubree Holliman met at a big lesbian house party. Aubree was sitting home I proceeded to stalk Lauren on MySpace. (Yes, MySpace.) After a couple months of on a couch with a baseball hat pulled down over her face and Laramie was immediately LOVE STORIES page 11
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FEATURE NEWS
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April/May 2015 • 9
NEWS WEDDINGS
WHO SHOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY? FORTUNATELY, WE’VE GOT A FEW IDEAS:
MALOY JEWELERS: In 1986, Maloy’s Jewelry Workshop first opened its doors in Portland. The aim was to offer both lovingly handmade custom pieces and high quality antique and estate jewelry from the Georgian period (18th century) onwards. Maloy’s wanted to offer distinctive pieces that would be passed down from generation to generation. They also offer expert repair and restoration. BOTANICA FLORAL: is an eco-friendly full service custom floral studio located in SE Portland, providing exquisite flowers throughout the Portland metro area that specializes in local, organic, fair trade and sustainably grown flowers for weddings, events, corporate accounts & functions, private parties, holidays, tributes & memorials, daily deliveries and more. So whether you are looking for something simple or extravagant; they’ll provide you with gorgeous flowers every time. REAL MOTHER GOOSE: Walk into one of their stores, or browse their collections online and you’ll find art and craft with character. Each piece has a story, an identity, and a spirit. Each piece is the unique result of a vision, brought to life by an artist’s hand. Couple that special character with function and you’ve got art for everyday living. Since starting their business in 1971, they’ve grown from one tiny shop in Vancouver, Washington, to two Portland, Oregon locations with over 10,000 square feet of contemporary fine American craft. Part gallery and part retail shop, The Real Mother Goose has one goal: bring the best work by American artists and craftspeople together with friendly, personal service in an attractive and comfortable space. MAX VOLTAGE: is a classically trained violinist and loop-pedal composer, available to play for your wedding or special event. Classical, Jazz, Pop, Folk, Rock; Max can cover any genre with innovative loops that create the sound of an entire string quartet! More info (plus music & video samples) at www.maxvoltagepdx.com, or email contact@maxvoltagepdx.com for details and pricing. JUDITH ARNELL JEWELERS: Judith Arnell has been actively designing and manufacturing jewelry in her Chicago and Portland studios since 1972. Judith believes that each piece of jewelry should embody creative genius and masterful craftsmanship. “My clients can feel confident that each and every piece they purchase from Judith Arnell Jewelers is both a solid investment and an exceptional work of wearable art.” Judith creates unique handmade designs and features some of the country’s finest designers. She also offers a large collection of vintage antique platinum diamond jewelry and specializes in Asscher cut diamonds. ELYSIAN: Our hope is that you’re standing in its splendor as you read this. The Elysian is an historic ballroom, the resplendent architectural centerpiece of the historic Pythian building in downtown Portland. Their gorgeous suites will be the perfect place to have a glass of champagne and celebrate with your bridal party before the ceremony begins; 10 • April/May 2015
imagine your walk down the aisle in their turn of the century Italian Renaissance Ballroom, gorgeously lit with the original gold chandeliers, highlighting a cathedral-style ceiling and a grand curtained stage as the backdrop for your ceremony. After the ceremony, the guests will make their way to a beautifully appointed cocktail lounge for drinks and appetizers while your ballroom is re-set for your dream wedding reception with dinner and dancing. In house catering and DJ staff will assist you with detailing out all the important details of your big day. MCMENAMINS HISTORIC HOTELS: With McMenamins, the mundane becomes magical—depending on which historic hotel you choose, you may find an onsite brewery, a movie theater, a full-service spa, gardens and orchards, a winery, soaking pools, live music and more. Along with comfortable guestrooms, original artwork, restaurants and pubs, of course. When booking your next getaway, retreat or vacation, look to McMenamins for something extraordinary. You have the Crystal Hotel, Edgefield, Gearhart, Grand Lodge, Hotel Oregon, and many more to choose from. Our fave after all these years is, of course, Edgefield. TONY STARLIGHT’S SHOWROOM: The culmination of Bouquet by Botanica Floral Tony Starlight’s 20 years of work as an entertainer and venue owner. The Showroom is the premiere live music and show venue in the Northwest and will be the closest thing to a Vegas show in Portland. The room is stunningly beautiful, with plush blue velvet curtains, hand-stenciled walls, and state-ofthe-art sound, lighting and HD video. They provide the audience with a truly memorable dinner and show experience that you will want to share with friends and family. The VIP Rat Pack Den is a much-sought-after room for corporate clients and family parties alike. HILTON HOTEL: Enjoy a refreshing stay at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower hotel, the largest hotel in the state, located in the heart of the downtown Portland and only a block from the MAX Light Railway System. The Hilton Portland & Executive Tower hotel encompasses two buildings. Relax and rejuvenate in their contemporary main building guest rooms or upgrade to the elegant Executive Tower and take in the commanding city views. Enjoy classic American cuisine in the informal Bistro 921 restaurant. Sample a Northwestern brewed beer and choose from a selection of tasty pizzas, specialty salads and classic sandwiches. Dine on delicious Italian cuisine at Porto Terra Tuscan Bar and Grill. Unwind with your favorite drink in the 921 Bar. Enjoy a specialty cocktail or martini in the trendy Porto Terra Lounge. XTABAY VINTAGE BRIDAL SALON: Opening its doors in December of 2011, the Bridal Salon presents an unparalleled shopping experience for brides-to-be. Located upstairs from the Clothing Boutique, Liz designed the Salon with the understanding that choosing a bridal gown should be as joyful as wearing it; the Bridal Salon is a light-filled aerie fitted with gilt-framed mirrors, lavish floral displays, and silk-upholstered furniture. Brides and their attendants can explore their wedding fantasies through Duchesse silk, Belgian lace, mousseline veils, and pearl-embroidered satin—all embodied in gowns celebrating a range of eras from Downton Abbey to the 1970s bohemian spirit of Stevie Nicks. All gowns are beautifully restored and can be tailored to you for a couture finish by our in-house seamstress. ASHLAND SPRINGS HOTEL: This refined, beaux arts-style landmark, which opened in 1925, is a block from Lithia Park and the annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and 0.8 miles from Southern Oregon University. The elegant, naturalist-themed rooms feature minifridges, flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Continental breakfast is complimentary, and there’s also a restaurant Photo by J Tyler Huber serving farm-to-table comfort fare. Additional amenities include a spa and salon, and free parking. The Ashland Springs Hotel echoes the “luxurious, elegant, splendid” features of its 1925 roots and continues its early tradition of “equal in luxury to any hotel in Oregon.” ROSEHILL FLOWER FARM: Welcome to Rose Hill, a small, sustainable urban flower farm and design studio in Portland, Oregon — Rose Hill grows gorgeous seasonal flowers and creates elegant designs for a couple’s most special day. They specialize in gay and lesbian WEDDING VENDORS page 15
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FASHION
LOVE STORIES Continued from page 8
intrigued. A short time later Laramie was filling a glass at the kitchen sink and felt someone standing behind her. She turned around and saw Aubree. “As a classic super outgoing Leo, I just opened my mouth and started talking about the first thing that came to my mind,” Laramie said, followed with, “’I saw a stinky corpse flower earlier at a botanical garden. They’re from the Amazon, and they bloom a giant 5 foot tall lime green phallus with a red lily like bloom, and they produce a dead human smell which spreads for miles, every time they bloom, every 7 years.’ Aubree looked nonplussed then carefully and quietly said, ‘I’m just waiting for a glass of water.’” Two years later they were engaged. The struggles they faced prior to getting married were primarily due to Laramie’s own family dysfunction and homophobia. “My mom never had a proper wedding, so she experienced a great deal of personal conflict the whole year prior to our wedding. Specifically, she experienced her conflict by yelling and cursing at my sweet stunned face. Two of my siblings refused to come, because they didn’t want to be in the same room with my father.” Holliman explained, continuing, “The one gay related issue for me was that my mom and her two sisters decided not to tell my grandma about the wedding. I sent her an invitation against their wishes, but she had had a stroke, so she couldn’t read the invitation without assistance, nor could she come without a great deal of assistance. It would’ve meant a lot for me to have her there because she had actually been quietly more supportive of me since coming out than anyone else in my family. But they thought she would be wrecked if she ‘found out’ that I was gay, out loud. Aubree’s mom and dad are fantastically supportive and accepting now but back then they didn’t behave as if it was a ‘real’ wedding. She referred to it as our commitment ceremony the year prior and for several years afterwards.” Zoe Duncan-Doroff is the daughter of Sue Doroff and Holly Duncan. “Growing up, I didn’t think that my home situation was any different from those of my friends, and I was never concerned that my family was lacking in any way. My moms were married in a not-legally-recognized wedding before I was born in 1996, and then again in 2004 when gay marriage was briefly legal in Oregon. Although their marriage was not legitimate throughout most of my childhood, I was still given a very rewarding and loving upbringing. I have done a lot of cool things in my 17 years, but by far the coolest was rallying on the steps of the United States Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act on March 26, 2013. My moms were legally married March 26, 2014 in Hawaii. I will never forget the mixed feelings I experienced during their wedding — how incredible it was to see them finally receive the recognition they had been awaiting literally my entire life, yet also how ordinary it felt. My moms had always been married in my eyes and we had always been a real family. I‘ve realized that because of my unique family I actually have much more than my peers. Not only do I intrinsically get to be part of the vibrant LGBTQ community but I am also in the thick of a powerful worldwide movement. And I can also pride myself on having a better-than-average gaydar.”
Look out for: PQ Podcasts!
MONTHLY pqmonthly.com
Mouthy & April/May 2015 • 11
VOICES
THE HOME FRONT Marriage: It’s Not a Sprint, It’s a Marathon By Steve Strode, PQ Monthly
Anyone who knows me knows I’m geeked on running and soggy outdoor life. I joined Portland Frontrunners immediately upon moving to the Pacific Northwest, and it became an integral part of my chosen family. And in my biz as a Realtor, we often have clients who share common interests and passions — many of my clients fit the same scruffy runner/biker/hiker stereotype. How totally cool to have that in one’s profession? Running also serves as a metaphor for life in general. The day before sitting down to write this article, I was having a horrible trail run — fueled in part by a prior evening filled with tequila. So I paused on the Wild Cherry Trail in Forest Park, and for the first time read a memorial plaque I’ve run past countless times. On it was a quote from Olympic athlete Julie Isphording, “Running has given me the courage to start, the determination to keep trying, and the childlike spirit to have fun along the way. Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running.” Knowing that this month’s edition was the marriage issue, two gentlemen immediately came to mind as emblematic — Bob Olsen and Bruce Swanson. Bob and Bruce relocated here a few years ago from Baltimore; Bob, 75, is a retired architect/urban planner and Bruce, 69, is a retired minister. They’ve been together nearly twenty years, and before that were both married — and now have grandchildren. They met at a Gay Married Men’s group in DC, and were introduced by a mutual friend who knew they were both running junkies. Not to my surprise, their first date was a ½ marathon; and since it was sponsored by the Boy Scouts, they wore t-shirts protesting the BSA’s anti-gay stance. When you meet Bruce and Bob at their home, you immediately know they have built a loving life together through a shared passion of running and the travel that goes with it. A display of a bazillion finisher medal reads like a timeline. Bob has completed 85 marathons; Bruce has completed 141 marathons and ultras. And their calendar continues to be filled with upcoming races. Both started running in their 30s and 40s in response to adversity. Bruce was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at the age of 34, has been on medication ever since, and is still considered to have a “terminal” illness. Bob began running for health reasons and recalled memories similar to my own (the first ¼ mile felt like he was going to die, but eventually it became the time and space to make important decisions, the time to meditate and the time to clear one’s mind). “Running saved my life,”
he says unequivocally. Distance running enables athletes to travel the world, and experience it way differently than conventional tourists. The guys reeled off stories of one race after another, in places I never thought organized events. Who knew that Baffin Island held a competition (OK, who even knows where that is precisely, without Googling)? The entire field consisted of 13 marathoners, and 5 ultrarunners — that’s all they had room to host. And there was Tanzania. And Mongolia. And the Great Wall of China. And Brazil. The list goes on. One of my favorite stories was their race in Antarctica. Due to weather issues on their race day, they couldn’t leave the ship and take the zodiac ashore. So the participants did the entire marathon on the ship — in the form of 422 deck laps. They had to run the race in shifts; those who weren’t running checked off each lap on a clipboard, one check box at a time. Bob and Bruce married last year. I asked if they debated whether or not to get married — or if they just knew they would, as soon as it was legal. Bob’s answer was similar to many: “we weren’t sure, but wanted the choice to be ours.” I was at their wedding last summer in Willamette Park, and it was a really refreshing mix of communities — family from their prior marriages, friends from all over, church community, new friends at Terwilliger Plaza (a continuing care retirement community where they live), and friends from their running group. When I shared that observation, Bob and Bruce said what I saw on wedding day was exactly why they moved to Portland. From a geographic perspective, they feel Portland has the best urban trail running in the country. But more importantly, they could create a blended community. They had some family already in Portland, they felt welcome and loved at Terwilliger Plaza, could be active in the United Church of Christ, and have buddies of all ages at Frontrunners. As we were wrapping up our chat, Bob said he wanted to get back to something he said earlier, about just wanting the choice to get married — but not initially feeling it was essential. He recalled that when they had wills drawn up back in Maryland, the term that had to be used in defining their relationship was “legal strangers.” Now nearly a year after getting married, he’s continually struck by how good it feels to refer to Bruce as his husband when talking to his friends and family. If Frontrunners ever chooses patriarchs, it’ll be these gents. Happy trails.
Steve Strode is a broker with Meadows Group Inc., Realtors in Portland. When he is not selling the American dream, he is probably wallowing on a muddy trail run somewhere in the PNW. He may be reached at steve@sagepacificliving.com. 12 • April/May 2015
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FEATURES
PRIDE FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SERVING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY By Kris Hermanns, Executive Director
As we celebrate Pride Foundation’s 30th anniversary, I cannot help but reflect on the irony of our current landscape. Right now, over 70% of the U.S. population lives in a state where it is legal for LGBTQ couples to marry, with the Supreme Court set to make a decision on marriage equality this summer. The shift happened rapidly—seemingly overnight—positively impacting the lives of thousands of people across the country. Many of us never imagined we would live to see the day we could legally marry in our home communities. As more and more LGBTQ couples are able to publicly commit themselves to the one they love, my heart is filled with a joy and fulfillment that is hard to describe. Yet even when we make significant advancements toward legal equality, it doesn’t always translate into
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improvements in people’s daily lived experiences. We see this in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that recently passed in Indiana, which essentially legalizes discrimination. We see it in the devastatingly high murder rates of transgender people, in particular transgender people of color, and we see it in the harassment and discrimination that many in our community face on a daily basis. In order to understand where our movement for equality is going, it is always important to reflect on our past. That is why Pride Foundation’s 30th year is so meaningful to us—it is an opportunity not only to celebrate our shared history and the leaders who have brought us to this moment, but also to look toward our future and the work that lies ahead. Pride Foundation is a regional community foundation—based in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington—that inspires giving to expand opportunities and advance full equality for LGBTQ people across the Northwest. Through our grants program, scholarship program, and
timely initiatives, we are able to provide the essential support that individuals need to effect change in their local communities. When we first opened our doors in Seattle, Washington in 1985, we were in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. The fear and stigma that surrounded our community was overwhelming. At the time, the overarching narrative was that society could ignore, even discard LGBTQ people—that our lives weren’t worth saving or worth living. This difficult reality brought together Pride Foundation’s visionary founders, with the goal of creating a coordinated way for people to invest in a brighter future. It was about our community coming together to dream big and think outside the box—never saying that something can’t be done, or won’t happen. And so, Pride Foundation opened our doors, the first foundation in the Northwest with a focus of supporting LGBTQ people and families. While a large component of our work in those early years was to address the immediacy of the AIDS crisis, it was also about so much more. It was about directing resources where they were needed and ensuring that everyone in our community knew that their livelihood and well-being mattered. For many of our early grantees, it also marked the first time that an organization received foundation support explicitly because of their work with PRIDE FOUNDATION page 14
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PRIDE FOUNDATION Continued from page 13
LGBTQ people and families. Over the years, Pride Foundation’s work adapted to best support the ever-evolving opportunities and challenges facing our community throughout the region. Looking across the Northwest, it is clear that the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals and families vary dramatically. We knew that in order to truly advance a regional movement for equality, it was necessary to have full-time, permanent staff on the ground in each of the states that are a part of our community. That is why five years ago, Pride Foundation made the bold decision to expand our staff throughout the region. Not only did this help build relationships with local communities, it also ensured that we have a nuanced understanding of the challenges and obstacles facing LGBTQ people in each of the states in which we invest. Here in Oregon, this allowed us to deepen our grant investments, create stronger coalitions, and expand our connections to rural communities. For example, in Pride Foundation’s recent grant cycle last fall, we increased our investment in the state by more than 50% —awarding over $60,000 in grants to organizations serving Oregon’s LGBTQ communities. Pride Foundation also made one of our largest grants of $10,000 to one of our long-time Oregon grantees, TransActive Gender Center. We know that our work is contributing to important change in Oregon for organizations like TransActive. At our grantee celebration last year, TransActive’s Executive Director Jenn Burleton recalled that one of the first grants they ever received was from Pride Foundation. She noted that this award was more than just funding for them—it was confirmation that their work was incredibly important. In the past few years, Pride Foundation has also increased our efforts to support the variety of issues we know are impacting LGBTQ Oregonians. In 2014, we worked with the Safe Roads Campaign to ensure that all people have access to driver cards. In collaboration with Basic Rights Oregon, we collected over 30 endorsements for the ballot measure from LGBTQ and allied organizations. While the measure ultimately did not pass, the coalition building work will have a long-lasting impact on future endeavors. Through our grants and scholarship programs, Pride Foundation is strengthening our connections in rural communities. Our Regional Development Organizer in Oregon and our team of leaders across the state are on the ground, working to engage communities and develop a statewide network of support. This work led to Pride Foundation hosting an event in Springfield, Oregon last December. It was an opportunity for grantees, supporters, and community members to come together and celebrate the work of our grantees in that part of the state, and have more in-depth conversations with the community about the various issues they were facing. 14 • April/May 2015
In all that we do, Pride Foundation is committed to ensuring that the progress we make extends to everyone in our community. That is why we place an additional emphasis on reducing the barriers faced by LGBTQ youth, people of color, transgender people, elders, and those living in rural areas. For example, from 2008 to 2013, Pride Foundation, with support from Funders for LGBTQ Issues, established a Racial Equity Initiative to address the funding inequities that LGBTQ organizations ran by and for people of color have historically faced and to simultaneously increase their ability to support their communities. Seven organizations from Oregon, Washington, and Montana that serve people of color were part of the cohort: Asian Pacific Islander Pride (Portland, OR), Entre Hermanos (Seattle, WA), Montana Two Spirit Society (Missoula, MT), Portland Latino Gay Pride (Portland, OR), Trikone-NW (Seattle, WA), Voices Rising (Seattle, WA), and Umatilla Morrow Alternatives (Hermiston, OR). Over the course of this five-year initiative, we were able to support these organizations in building their infrastructure and leadership, while creating deep and lasting connections and relationships between participants. Since Pride Foundation was founded three decades ago, our community has made incredible progress. We have gotten to t his point because LGBTQ people across our region and the country have insisted on being heard. We have stood up in new and different ways—bravely telling our stories and elevating our shared humanity. And while we have much to celebrate in this moment, we know that our work is far from done. That is why Pride Foundation will continue responding to the greatest needs in our community, while also working to shape the future of our movement. We cannot stop hoping, dreaming, working, and building the communities we deserve. Places where students don’t have to fear that they will be bullied by their peers or teachers because of how they dress, or present themselves. Where nobody can be fired from their job, or evicted from their home because of who they are. Where people who need medically-necessary, lifesaving care don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to see a doctor who will treat them with compassion and care. Where nobody has to wonder if they’ll get enough food to eat, or where they will sleep. Where no seniors are forced to go back in the closet for fear of being mistreated. Safe schools, workplace equality, healthcare access, food and housing security, and elder care—these are the areas that Pride Foundation will continue to invest resources in the coming years. We have the expertise and local knowledge to bridge the gap between recent legal victories and real, lived equality, for everyone in our community. Yet it will take each and every one of us coming together to achieve this. If our 30 year history has shown us anything, it is that we are stronger, better, and more effective together. pqmonthly.com
The Elysian is an historic ballroom, the resplendent architectural centerpiece of the historic Pythian building in downtown Portland.
WEDDING VENDORS Continued from page 10
weddings and do custom floral design with our own flowers and those of other local farmers out of our inner southeast PDX studio space. Their work is stellar—do a quick Google search and see for yourself what all the buzz is about. PARADISE ADULT VIDEO: You’re going to need fun adult-like goodies to accessories your last gasps of singledom! Support the businesses that support us. Pipes, sexy toys, sexier gifts — all manner of adult innovation. See also: Taboo. Sexy toys, sexier lingerie, videos, gifts galore at Taboo Adult Video. A BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY NW: It’s your wedding day, and you’ve invited the most important people in your life to join your celebration. As you get busy with all the planning and details that go into making the day a joyful one, keep in mind that your wedding ceremony launches the festivities by drawing all of your family and friends into the same unique moment in time. A well-crafted ceremony is not only your own unique way of expressing your commitment to one another; it also brings your guests closer together and sets the tone for your celebration. As ordained non-denominational wedding officiants based in Portland, Oregon, Steve Sharp or Leslie Sharp will work with you to create a custom ceremony from the heart that will be a reflection of your story and an expression of your commitment to one another. Whether you are planning on a casual backyard wedding or a formal celebration surrounded by hundreds of friends and family, they work with you to create a ceremony that is based on your personal traditions and life experience. PORTLAND SPIRIT: Who wouldn’t want to get married at sea? Imagine an exquisite nighttime experience! A vibrant setting enhanced by dazzling city sights and city lights. An evening filled to the brim with festive cuisine, locally sourced and prepared fresh on board, entertainment, and live performances. For a party of two to a small group of friends or co-workers, this is the ultimate Portland experience. You’ll be able to tell your children that forever started on a boat. BONNEVILLE HOT SPRINGS RESORT: Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa - where luxury lodging and amenities blend with the invigorating allure of nature. Escape to an enchanting woodland realm dotted with picturesque towns and wineries, whitewater rapids, and endless hiking trails. Relax and rejuvenate in soothing, therapeutic mineral waters. Situated in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa is the perfect place to Find Yourself in Hot Water and the only destination resort spa in the Columbia River Gorge. Need more information? Each retailer listed above has an ad listed in our pages. Thumb through and find each one! This is meant to be an interactive list, dear readers.
--Compiled by PQ Monthly Staff
Exceptional, personalized, comprehensive care for your best friend. 1737 NE Alberta suite 102 Portland, OR 97211 Call: 503-20-7700 We are proud to welcome our new associate
Dr. Shavonne Corbet
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ALBERTAVETCARE.COM April/May 2015 • 15
WEDDINGS
YES WE CANNABIS: WEED WEDDINGS (OR CANNAWEDDINGS) By Trista Okel, PQ Monthly
coordinated two cannabis-themed weddings and has three more on the books. She is excited about an upcoming Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding where they will be enjoying completely legal terpene* vaporizers. How does that work? Couples purchase the cannabis themselves from legal cannabis retail stores in Colorado, providing the products and receipts to the wedding planner, and she handles the rest. Bec offers couples special touches to their wedding experience, like customized glass pieces (bongs and pipes commemorating their special occasion) and booking bridal dress appointments at
I love love; and I love cannabis. So penning PQ Monthly’s debut cannabis column in the wedding issue is the perfect marriage of my two favorite things. In Denver, Colorado, they are doing just that, merging weddings and weed. In the weed world, it didn’t take long for folks to coin the term weedings for our emerging cannabis-friendly wedding industry. Weeding? Really? Is that a study in yard work? I’ve been a cannabis advocate and connoisseur for over 20 years, and I’m passionate about changing the face of “weed.” This week I spoke with Jane West, of Edible Events Co. in Denver, Colorado, who is also passionate about shifting our social consciousness about cannabis towards one of normalization and inclusion. I could not think of a more apt person to call to learn more about planning a cannabis-friendly wedding (www. edibleeventsco.com). Jane has over 20 years of experience in corporate and non-governmental organization event planning and has made it her company’s mission to “maximize the cannabis experience and stimulate your heightened awareness of taste, smell, sights & sounds via artfully choreographed events.” Jane further legitimizes cannabis by accessing the arts. Recently, she contracted with a local artist who carved, with a laser, an ice Photo courtesy of Buds & Blossoms in Denver, Colorado. www.budsandblossomsco.com sculpture of a functional bong for party guests to enjoy long into the night, much like an ice shops with hemp and other natural fiber clothluge for shots of liquor. The artist’s craftsmanship and Jane’s ing available. From “Budonnieres” and “Buds in creative approach to providing a cannabis-friendly experi- Bouquets” which are meant to go “straight from ence for guests raises the bar in event planning. bouquet to bowl,” to cannabis infused cocktails, For Jane, the focus isn’t so much on the cannabis theme if it’s possible and legal, a skilled cannabis wedof an event as much as it is about normalizing cannabis as ding planner like Bec will find a way to meet your an option for guests at functions. Jane notes, “As the end of cannabis wedding needs. prohibition occurs nationwide, cannabis will be an offered In Portland, Pamela “PJ” Ott of Destination substance of choice in the same way alcohol is offered at Weddings, (www.destinationweddings.com) is weddings and events.” Offering cannabis in a traditional 14stories/Gay Wedding Institute certified and setting such as a wedding is exactly what we need to change excited to offer cannabis-themed weddings locally after the face of marijuana. the law is in effect on July 1. She is also very skilled in findBec Koop of Cannabis Concierge Events (cannabiscon- ing the perfect locale for your dream wedding. ciergeevents.com) also advocates for the normalization of Many venues do not allow cannabis smoking on their cannabis at special events. She has been planning canna- property, so sometimes a higher level of creativity is needed bis-themed happenings since January 2014. Bec recently to accommodate your wedding plans. Vaporizer stations,
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a limo parked outside the event as a “smoking lounge,” and cannabis-infused tasty treats are all options to allow you and your guests a way to use cannabis without being thrown out of your booked-years-in-advance ideal wedding venue on the big day. Cannabis infused food is the most discreet and trickiest of those options. In serving cannabis edibles at your wedding, safety and etiquette should be a priority to keep your guests happy and to avoid offending your soon-to-be spouse’s relatives. Nobody wants to be the person responsible for Aunt Gladys’ trip to the Emergency Room due to a panic attack from eating too many of those “delicious little gummy candies that didn’t taste like marijuana.” Clearly label all cannabis infused products with the dosage and effects. It’s also a smart move to serve plenty of non-infused, decadent dishes and desserts for those who don’t want to partake in the ganja food and for those who are already pleasantly high. Alison Draisin of Ettalew’s Medibles in Seattle (www.ettalews.com) cautions, “Dosage is very important when preparing edibles for a party. Keep it below 10 mg per serving to prevent guests from getting too sleepy. Also, have antidotes on hand if guests get uncomfortably high. Such antidotes include citrus drinks, pistachios, and pine nuts.” Who knew that a handful of nuts could help bring you back down from an unpleasant high? Alcohol doesn’t have a food antidote. Just sayin’. Potential markets are opening wide to the new age of cannabis, and with legalization comes innovation. Where tequila bars have reigned most popular at weddings and other events, infused dessert bars have moved in. They can take the place of wedding cakes, offering guests everything from traditional pot brownies to sea salt sprinkled infused caramels and kief-laden ice cream. Personally, I long for a cannabis infused cupcake cake, a vaporizer station, and super styling hemp clothing at my imaginary, ideal future wedding. Consider including cannabis in your wedding plans not just for fun, but as an educational tool and social statement as well! *Terpenes are the essential oils of cannabis and today, are rapidly gaining recognition as having a crucial role in the therapeutic use of cannabis.
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Wedding Outtakes
WEDDINGS FEATURES
As has become customary at PQ Monthly, our Wedding Edition boasts exquisite queer marriage fare. Lots of hard work goes into these shoots, and we’re thrilled about the results. Cover outtakes and credits: Photography by Eric Sellers Styling by Michael Shaw Talley Clothing provided by Red Light Vintage Clothing Jewelry provided by Michael Shaw Talley Wedding dresses provided by Madeline Mahrie Studio space provided by Bloke Floral Studio Models recruited by Eric Sellers and Michael Shaw Talley
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April/May 2015 • 17
GET OUT FEATURES
1
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
PQ Monthly Press Party—mix and mingle with the makers of your queer newsmagazine. Rub elbows with a wildly diverse crowd. (And hit up Polari afterward.) This month’s shindig is at Elysian! As always, 5pm. (And mark your calendars— every third Thursday at rotating venues.) In this very fancy edition of PQ’s Press Party, we are celebrating wedWe have an extra week dings! And who better between print dates, lovelies to host us than the Ely(meaning more ground to sian Ballroom? This cover)—so please check online for the latest and place will make you feel greatest May events! www. like you’ve stepped into pqmonthly.com, and look Downton Abbey. Except for your Weekend Forecast. for half the people will be wearing golf --DANIEL BORGEN shorts and have manly beards, because Portland. Entertaining us on this fine eve: Max Voltage is a classically trained violinist and loop-pedal composer, available to play for your wedding or special event. Classical, Jazz, Pop, Folk, Rock; Max can cover any genre with innovative loops that create the sound of an entire string quartet! More info (plus music & video samples) at www.maxvoltagepdx.com or emailcontact@maxvoltagepdx.com for details and pricing—libations and hors d’oeuvres will be served. 5pm-7pm-ish, 918 SW Yamhill.
GET
OUT!
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
BLOWPONY! Bearracuda Worldwide and Local Queen prezent performances by: CHRISTEENE featuring T GRAVEL & C-BABY & ROTTIES. With deejays AIRICK X*, STORMY ROXX, & SAPPHO! Entry into this Hole: *AUSTIN DARLING*. Invite photo by Austin Young, Invite Design by Ian O’Phelan. 8pm, Branx, 320 SE 2nd Ave. $10. www. christeenemusic.com; www.blowpony.com. Peep Show may have gone dark in March, but that’s just so they could take the time to bring her back in April bigger, better, and full
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DANCE
IT OUT
EVERY SUNDAY
Superstar Divas. Bolivia Carmichaels, Honey Bea Hart, Topaz Crawford, Isaiah Tillman, and guest stars perform your favorite pop, Broadway, R&B, rock, and country hits. Dance floor opens after the show. The Drag Queen Hunger Games are over, and the shows must go on! Check out the newest and freshest Diva hits. 8pm, CC Slaughters, 219 NW Davis. Free!
EVERY MONDAY
Family Home Evening. A weekly, post-work lounge party every Monday night at Vault, featuring DJ Orographic (Bridge Club, Queerlandia) and occasional special guests (Sappho fills in now and then). Jens Irish serves you happy hour all the live long night. 7pm-11pm, Vault, 226 NW Twelfth.
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of more life than ever before on Friday nights: yes, that’s right, they will now be having Peep Show on the 3rd Friday of every month. So gather yourselves at Portland’s craziest variety show. The place where “anything goes” still rings true. Prepare to be dazzled and horrified by our tantalizing combination of Portland’s trashiest and classiest all mixed together into an epic melting pot of sights, sounds, smells, (and if you’re reeeeally lucky tastes and touches) of sinful sensuality. Plus join us for the “SLEAZE” dance party after the show with amazing music by Portland’s hottest new DJ, Jackal - Jack Freeman. Hosted by the fabulously insane Artemis Chase. 9pm, Analog Café, 720 SE Hawthorne. $7GA/$10Seated/$20VIP. Featuring Carla Rossi and many more!
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Marine Drive, Astoria. www.shortyshortsfilmfest.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
Naked Trivia...clothing optional. Play in your underwear for bo points or stay dressed and be a fly on the wall. The winning te takes home $25 UnderU4Men gift cards and you could walk out with some great raffle prizes. Only $10 a team. Trivia Theme: The ‘D’. Dinosaurs, Disney, Drag, and Drive-Thru! Benefits AIDS Walk Portland. Hos by Summer Seasons and Andrew Shayde. 6pm, Scandals, 11 SW Stark.
Shorty Shorts is excited to once again take their festival to Astoria. Shorty Shorts has been going on MONDAY, APRIL 20 for five years strong here in Portland and this will The days are getting longer! And it’s still an excellent time to get y be year two at the gorgeous coast. The past year active socializing on. Gay Skate is a joy. Meet queers and min with them outside the bar setting — maybe your April 17th has been super exciting for Shorty shorts as they traveled to Seattle for dream lover will ask you to hold hands during couthe first time, and they also got invited to ples’ skate. And there are themes now! Themes! play at one of the largest queer art festivals (Check online for the latest—this edition will be in the country in Austin Texas. This year is particularly unicorn-y.) Come dressed to impress filling up fast and Shorty Shorts is thrilled and wine beautiful prizes, and look for our pubits first stop is Astoria. They will be bringing lisher, who’s always handing out copies of PQ. And, the town the full, unedited version of this you know, you’ll probably get a date. Every third past year’s festival. There are amazing films Monday. Food drive for Take Action Inc. 7pm, Oaks from artist all over the world. Even some Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. $6. pretty famous peeps and a porn star or two. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 Hosted by Gula Delgatto along with Shorty Queens of the Night. Get it together, it’s time to Shorts Production Director Michael Shaw celebrate Alexis Campbell Starr: The night that Talley, and very special guest Shitney HousPortland needs, a true hip-hop dance party. She’s ton. Maybe even a super special appeartalking hip-hop from beginning to end: and while she’s at it, ance by the one and only Daylight Cums also has the hottest performers in the NW entertaining you. H (Marco Davis), a frequent PQ contributor. Alexis Campbell Starr, Isaiah Esquire, Jayla Rose Sullivan, Kou Showtime: 10pm, doors at 9:30pm, cover April 18th Capree, CJ Mickens, Valerie DeVille, Miss Sweetheart Kimber Sh $6.00. Cocktails with the queens after the show at the Voodoo Room. (Maybe even a drag number or two or three AKA Henry Felton, and that’s just to name a few. Ms. Starr would lik if Shitney Houston gets her gogo juice!) Columbian Theater, 11th and see you there, and she’d like to remind you there will be drink spec throughout the night. $5 cover, 21+. Local Lounge, 3536 NE M
FIRST THURSDAYS
Hip Hop Heaven. Bolivia Carmichaels hosts this hip-hop-heavy soiree night every Thursday night at CCs. Midnight guest performers and shows. Remember those midnight shows at The City? Bolivia does! 9pm, CC Slaughters, 219 NW Davis. Free.
FIRST SATURDAYS
Sugar Town. DJ Action Slacks. Keywords: Soul, polyester. Great place to find the ladies, to mingle, to get your groove on. 9pm, The Spare Room, 4830 NE 42. $5.
SECOND TUESDAYS
Bi Bar—every second Tuesday at
First Saturday Crush, and it’s an open, bi-affirming
space for music and mingling. Correction: Bi/Pan/Fluid/Queer. 8pm, Crush, 1400 SE Morrison.
SECOND FRIDAYS
Slo Jams is a Queer Modern R&B & Neo Soul Dance Night at Local Lounge. DJ II TRILL (TWERK) and DJ MEXXX-TAPE lay down everything from Mary J // Jagged Edge// Keyshia to Badu//Lauryn Etc. 10pm, Local Lounge, 3536 NE MLK. $5.
SECOND SATURDAYS
Hot Flash: Inferno. (Second and Fourth Saturdays) In the heart of Portland is where the women are—dancing the night away
and burning up dance floors the second and fourth Saturdays every month at Trio. Welcoming all women, queers, and their al 6pm-10pm, Trio, 909 E. Burnside. Mrs.: The queen of theme welcomes its new hostess, Kaj-A Pepper! OK, she’s not new anymore. But we love her so. And dyna DJ duo: Beyondadoubt and Ill Camino. Costumes, photo booths, all the hits. Lots of ladies, very queer. 10pm, Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi. $5.
THIRD WEDNESDAYS
Comedy at Crush: Our own Belinda Carroll and a slew of locals rustle up some funny. Special guests, and Crush’s signature cocktail and food menus. Donations, sliding scale. (Comics have to eat and drink, too, so give!) 9pm, Crush, 1400 SE Morrison.
THIRD THURSDAYS
Polari. Troll in for buvare. Back-in-t day language, music, and elegance. ease-you-into-the-weekend mixer. Bridge Club boys make the mu Bridge and tunnel patrons have no idea what to do with us when pour in. Hint: it’s always the Thursday we go to press. What serend itous fortune! 10pm, Vault, 226 NW 12. Free.
THIRD SATURDAYS
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THURSDAY, APRIL 23
HRC Gala Portland Kick-Off Event: You would be hard-pressed to find a stadium with as much character as Providence Park. With the original crescent-shaped grandstand and nearly all of the sides covered by a beautiful wooden roof, this park is truly a gem in Portland and the generous sponsor of the HRC Portland Summer Gala Kick-Off Party. Join HRC on April 23rd for this unique opportunity to get a close up view of this historical property without all the shenanigans of the beloved Timbers Army. HRC will be offering behind the scenes tours, some light snacks and a small token of their appreciation of your support of HRC. Be the first to hear about May 7th all the exciting opportunities this year’s Gala holds. Mark your calendars! 7pm, Providence Park, 1844 SW Morrison.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
cation, women’s health, sports and more. These women represent the courage, commitment, and innovative thinking of all the remarkable people who work on the front lines of social change. We celebrate their extraordinary vision and courageous work, these women are improving the lives of all people in our community. Honorees: Governor Kate Brown, Antoinette Edwards, Office of Youth Violence Prevention, City of Portland and Laura Calvo, Democratic Party of Oregon. http:// portland.strangertickets.com/events/23314400/women-who-leadluncheon-2015. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Nines, 525 SW Morrison.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
Samuel Thomas keeps reeling in the talent, and you keep partying: LOCAL QUEEN Presents: Queer Prom w/ Joslyn Fox (RuPaul’s Drag Race). Hosted by Sheniqua Volt, with performances by The House of Volt, Artemis Chase, Aphasia, & More TBA. Beats by Jackal, visuals by EXPOSURE. Dress your best for the PROM PHOTOBOOTH by Digital Reality Event Photography. Rotture, 315 SE Third. $8 advance, $10 at the door. http://holdmyticket.com/event/189659
TransActive Gender Center provides a holistic range of services and expertise to empower transTHURSDAY, MAY 17 THROUGH SUNDAY, gender and gender diverse children, youth and their MAY 17 families in living healthy lives, QDoc is the only festival in the U.S. devoted exclusively to Lesfree of discrimination.They April 22nd bian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) documentaries. Docare raising funds in order umentaries offer a unique vehicle to creatively engage core to be able to provide services for more fami- issues of queer identity – politics, history, culture, diversity, sexuality, lies, as the demand has increased exponentially. family, aging, and coming-out issues. Documentary as a form of expresWhile they are based in Portland, they also aim sion is as vital and energetic as it has ever been, and QDoc brings the to provide counseling, advocacy and education highest caliber of films – and their makers – to share with Portland to individuals and families who reside in rural audiences. “We firmly areas where services are non-existent. Come believe that our stoout and meet the TransActive staff and enjoy the ries need to be told, mixed cabaret show featuring music from Galynne our youth deserve to Davis and Nikole Potulsky, along with some of know the richness of Portland’s favorite performance personalities. $10 our culture and history, April 19th suggested donation, no one turned away for lack our seniors deserve of funds. For more info, check out their website to be praised for their at: www.transactiveonline.org. If you are not able to attend, please con- work and struggles on May 14th sider making a donation here: https://www.transactiveonline.org/sup- our behalf, and people port/donate.php. 6pm, Crush, 1400 SE Morrison. need to be informed THURSDAY, MAY 7 of the struggle for equality around the world” – Les Lewis and Rick Women Who Lead Luncheon celebrates women who are making Watkins, QDoc supporters (See our story, page 6, and visit http:// a difference—leaders who have changed the face of business, edu- www.queerdocfest.org/.) Burlescape! Burlesque & boylesque wrapped in a taste of tease! Zora Phoenix, Isaiah Esquire, Tod Alan. (And there’s more than that, kids.) Zora is a treat and a treasure—and so are her shows. Try one out! 9pm, Crush, 1400 SE Morrison. $10. Gaycation: DJ Charming always welcomes special guests—and here you’ll find everything lesbian, gay, and in between. Be early so you can actually get a drink. Sweaty deliciousness, hottest babes. THE party. Yes, boys, even you can hit on Mr. Charming. We know you want to. 9pm, Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison. $5. Undergear: Eagle Portland’s monthly underwear, jock, mankini, etc., fetish party every third Saturday. Free if you arrive before 9pm or if you use free clothes check upon entry after. After 9pm arrivals who do not check clothes must pay $5 entry. Clothes check and raffle prize provided by Cub Cleaners.
FOURTH FRIDAYS
Twerk. DJs ILL Camino and II Trill. Keywords: bring your twerk. The city’s longest-running queer hip hop/R&B party--where artists, deejays, performers come to mix, mingle, and move on the dance floor. pqmonthly.com
Established fun, all night long. 9pm, Local Lounge, 3536 NE MLK. $5.
FOURTH SATURDAYS
Blow Pony. Two giant floors. Wide variety of music, plenty of room for dancing. Rowdy, crowdy, sweaty betty, the one tried and true, even after all these years. 9pm, Rotture/Branx, 315 SE 3. $5. Judy on Duty. Lesbian hardcore. Judys, Judes, and cool ass freaks. Dance it out. DJ Troubled Youth. Organized by Ana Margarita and Megan Holmes. 10pm, High Mark Water Lounge, 6800 NE MLK.
LAST SUNDAYS
Sabbathhause Discotheque, gay night is back at Aalto lounge and it is bigger and more queer than ever before. Featuring some of the best deejays and performers around and hosted by night hawk Chanticleer Tru. 8pm, Aalto Lounge, 3356 SE Belmont.
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PERS{ECTOVES
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
We borrowed these words from the event page. (Thanks, Poison!) “The return of the Poison Waters & Friends Sunday Brunch Show and Film at McMenamins Pubs, Breweries & Historic Hotels Kennedy School is happening Sunday April 19th! 21 years and older, $21 includes brunch, show featuring Poison, and her cast, Rose Empress 56 Ambrosia Mychaul Flescher, Princess Onyx Valentine, La Femme PLus International Priscilla Blackstone Maurice Hines, and Poison is happy to make it official, her CO-HOSTESS for the Poison Waters and Friends Shows, Miss NW Fierce 2015 Kourtni Capree, and then of course the film, “Sex and the City.” 10:30am doors, 11am-12:30pm brunch buffet and show followed by film. (Of course the full bar featuring bottomless mimosas will be available at additional charge.) Get your tickets now, ahead of time. 5736 NE 33rd, Portland.
PQ PICKS
THURSDAY, APRIL 23: The Business Lead-
ers Luncheon is where Oregon businesses and corporate opinion leaders take a public stand for fairness and equality. The annual event brings together 500+ business executives, community leaders and elected officials to consider the state of equality in Oregon and promote fairness in the workplace and under the law. The program includes a keynote speaker and recognition for outstanding leadership for gay and transgender equality. 2015 will be a big year for Basic Rights as we launch our new 5-year strategic plan to support lived equality for LGBT individuals outside of Portland, LGBT youth and LGBT seniors. Oregonians Against Discrimination, Business Leaders Luncheon, Thursday, April 23, 2015, Portland Ballroom, Oregon Convention Center. Schedule of Events: Registration – 11:30am, Luncheon Program – 12 noon, Tickets: $100 each, your ticket purchase is tax deductible. https://bro.ejoinme.org/?tabid=573362.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25: Queer Heavy Metal Strip Club. All of your favorite things in one place? Queer people, heavy metal, and nudity? One night only? You want it? Dancers: Zak the Barber, Dash Lopez, C Darling, Dicky Pete, House of Coco, Lexy, Lissy, Cinnamon Maxine, Special Guest, special guests, deejays: Roy G Biv and Jodi Bon Jodi. Door/ stage lube: Aaron Boeke. $10. Don’t be a jerk and argue about it. These people are going to be nude and deserve money for doing it, OK? Get your freak number right. Bring bills to throw down. Get wet. 9pm, 3416 N Lombard. The party: is $10 and doors at 9pm. This charge is so they can pay their artists, dj’s, organizers, and photographers a living and sustainable wage for their art. Ground rules: This is a strip club not a sex party so be cool and don’t touch the dancers. Be cool and nice to your dancers. Tip heavily and tip often the normal etiquette is $1/per song. No photography. April/May 2015 • 19
FEATURE NIGHTLIFE
“THE BRANDON ARCHIVE” Revisiting Brandon Teena’s Brave Life & Tragic Death By Leela Ginelle, PQ Monthly
bic and classist, these “true crime” accounts, which ran in high profile publications, such as “The New Yorker,” Following his 1993 murder in tiny Humblodt, NE, Bran- “The Village Voice,” and “Playboy,” sensationalized the don Teena’s story was told again and again by journalists and story and its subject’s tragic death, while “other”-izing filmmakers attempting to make sense of his transgender exis- everyone involved. tence, for which most of them lacked any frame of reference. The trial of Teena’s assailants took place in 1995. John Lotter Surveying those and Tom Nissen had materials today — a raped Teena on Christbody of work author mas Eve of 1993, a hate and academic Jack crime motivated by Halberstam, in his the deceased’s gender book “In a Queer Time identity. When Teena and Place,” terms “the reported the crime he Brandon Archives” was harassed at length — one is struck by its by Falls City’s sheriff subject’s unshakable Charles Laux (infurisense of self. Over ating audio from their and over his gender exchange can be heard identity was rejected: in the documentary by his mother JoAnn, “The Brandon Teena by the army, in which Story”). he attempted to Laux did not quesenlist as male at 18, tion or arrest Teena’s by his school, which assailants. Instead he expelled him, and informed them of the by the hospital that latter’s accusations, diagnosed him with an act that precipia “sexual identity Anchored by Hillary Swank’s still-astonishing, Oscar-winning performance, “Boys Don’t Cry” catapulted Teena’s tated the New Year’s story into mainstream awareness, where it was met with compassion, if little understanding. Eve murder, which crisis” the year prior to his death. Despite occurred in the Humthese unending refutations, he asserted his maledom, and boldt barn where Teena had sought shelter. pursued the romances with women that so clearly aniThe Transsexual Menace, a direct action advocacy group, mated his ambitions. staged a demonstration at the trial to draw attention to the The Brandon Archive today serves as both a Rorschach scourge of violence faced by trans people. Among the demand a time capsule. The same story is told in it again and onstrators were authors Kate Bornstein, Leslie Feinberg, again: Teena’s move from Lincoln to Falls City (I will refer and Riki Wilchins, the latter of whom wrote of the expeto Brandon Teena by his last name), the romances and rience, “By mid-afternoon, the local Neo-Nazis and skinfriendships he formed, the arrest for check forging, through heads were circling the block, spitting out their windows which his birth assignment became known, and his rape at us, trying to sideswipe us, and giving ‘Seig Heil’ salutes. and eventual murder. Over this outline is lain the ignorance, Eventually the police had to step in to protect us. Such is prejudice, and transphobia of the time. the climate of violence and hate in which we as transpeople In his book “Disciplining Gender,” author John Sloop live, even when simply trying to mourn our dead.” enumerates the trends one finds in these accounts: that The Menace convened in New York, as well, to protest Brandon Teena was a “deceiver,” that his rural girlfriends the “The Village Voice’s” coverage of the murder. In the were too naive to know he was not “actually” a man, and Voice article, “Love Hurts: Brand on Teena was a Woman that his killers, in their ignorance and hate, were emblem- Who Lived and Loved as a Man: She was Killed for Carrying atic of small town, mid-western homophobia. Transpho- It Off,” lesbian writer Donna Mankowitz presented Teena as
20 • April/May 2015
a confused, self-loathing lesbian who adopted a male identity to cope with her homophobia. Such was the lack of trans awareness and social capital at the time that the Transsexual Menace’s protest was met by a simple restatement of her thesis and brush off in a follow-up piece by Minkowitz. Reporting of this type was typical. As Sloop writes in his book, “Most stories prior to the release of ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ represent Brandon as a ‘real’ woman who was intentionally posing as a man in order to fool others.” An example of this is seen in Eric Konigsberg’s lengthy Playboy piece, where he wrote, “Posing as a man got Teena Brandon what she couldn’t get as a woman — adoring girlfriends and a fiancee. It also got her killed.” It’s not until the 1998 documentary “The Brandon Teena Story” that the archive begins to reveal Teena’s genuine personality. Through interviews with the young women he dated and friends he’d confided in, a picture emerges of a gregarious, hopeless romantic, with the bad habit of funding courtships via forged checks. The film also displays an identity somewhat in flux, as different interviewees refer to Teena by different male names, revealing how what Halberstam describes as, “The political complexities of an activism sparked by murder and energized by the work of memorializing individuals” helped fix an image that, itself, may not yet have been fully in focus. 1999 saw the release of the feature film “Boys Don’t Cry.” Anchored by Hillary Swank’s still-astonishing, Oscar-winning performance, the movie catapulted Teena’s story into mainstream awareness, where it was met with compassion, if little understanding. In a featurette made at the time of its release, director Kimberly Pierce misgenders Teena, as his mother and sister do throughout “The Brandon Teena Story.” Teena’s grave still bears his birth name. Teena’s death sparked widespread interest. Unlike Matthew Shepard’s, however, which occurred a year prior to the release of “Boys Don’t Cry,” it took place in a world with scant awareness of, or respect for, his identity. The expulsion of trans people from the LGBT rights movement they helped found by post-Stonewall activists, left their advocacy decades behind that of LGB people. To plunge into the Brandon Archive is to encounter all manner of hate, violence and ignorance. At its heart, though, one finds a young man of preternatural self-understanding and belief; a young man who spent his too few years loving and being loved as his true self.
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FEATURE
CALENDAR FEATURE
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: TRANS PEOPLE QUIETLY GAIN WIDESPREAD FEDERAL PROTECTIONS By Leela Ginelle, PQ Monthly
The Departments of Education and Justice have interceded in multiple cases in Over the past ten years, quietly, trans which trans students have filed discrimpeople have been securing Federal rights ination suits against school districts. In in employment, education, health care and these cases, the federal agencies have conhousing. Some of these have come in the vinced districts to work with consultants form of guidance from the Obama adminis- to acquire competency in affirming their tration, and some from favorable court rul- trans students’ identities and adopt thorings; taken together they’ve created a land- ough anti-discrimination policies ensuring scape where discrimination on the basis of such behavior would not repeat. gender identity has gone, in a short period, Though the laws interpreted in these from unquestioned to illegal. cases do not explicitly bar discrimination Because of Congress’s conservative tenor against trans people, Transgender Law and partisan gridlock, LGBTQ Civil Rights leg- Center Staff Attorney Matt Wood says he islation has long seemed unattainable. For expects the protections they now offer to that reason, gains in transgender rights have remain in place, even under an administraarrived bit by bit through the interpretations tion less favorable to trans rights. “It would of existing Civil Rights laws. be surprising if agency deciIn employment, this sions were rolled back withhas come through Title VII out a reason,” Wood says. “It of the Civil Rights Act of would be unpopular to take 1964, which makes it illegal away rights that are existing to discriminate “because simply out of malice.” of sex.” A series of favorThere is no current housable rulings, beginning ing or accommodation law with Smith v. City of Salem at the Federal level protect(2004) and culminating trans people from dising with Glenn v. Brumby crimination. The Depart(2011) have resulted in ment of Housing and Urban what the justices in the Development (HUD), howGlenn ruling described as ever, has issued guidance In schools, it’s Title IX of the U.S. Education around trans people proa “near total uniformity” Amendments of 1972 that’s been interpreted as tecting them is spaces assoof judicial belief that Title protecting trans students’ rights. ciated with the agency. In VII forbids discrimination based on transgender identity. March of 2012, for instance, they published The landmark case in this area is the 2012’s rules guaranteeing equal access to HUD Macy v. Holder, in which the Equal Employ- housing regardless of sexual orientation or ment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled gender identity. unequivocally that discrimination against In February of this year the department trans people in the area of employment vio- issued guidance about homeless shelters, lates Federal law, meaning anyone facing barring that facilities that receive HUD such treatment can bring their case to the funding and lenders working with the FHA’s EEOC for redress. This is vital as, currently, mortgage insurance program from “inquironly 19 states have employment non-dis- ing about (an individual’s) sexual orientacrimination laws protecting trans people. tion or gender identity to determine eligibilIn August 2014, the Obama administra- ity for HUD-assisted or HUD-insured houstion reinforced this policy with an Execu- ing.” This is vital, as trans people, due to tive Order barring discrimination on the societal discrimination, experience homebasis of gender identity on the part of busi- lessness at greater rates than cis people, and nesses contracting with the Federal gov- have a well-documented history of encounernment, stating, “Our workforce and our tering discrimination at shelters. entire economy are strongest when we Trans people recently won a huge vicembrace diversity to its fullest, and that tory when a judge in Minnesota ruled that means opening doors of opportunity to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known everyone and recognizing that the Ameri- as Obamacare, bars health care providers can Dream excludes no one.” To aid busi- from discriminating against patients on the nesses the Department of Labor created an basis of gender identity. In a case brought extensive resource page concerning trans by a trans man who was misgendered and identities and Civil Rights protections. ridiculed during an emergency room visit, In schools, it’s Title IX of the U.S. Edu- the defendants attempted to have the suit cation Amendments of 1972 that’s been thrown out, arguing the law did not protect interpreted as protecting trans students’ trans identities. Reviewing the ACA, howrights. The Department of Education first ever, the court ruled it does, ensuring trans presented this non-discrimination protec- rights in health care settings. tion in a “Dear Colleague” letter to schools Thanks to the hard work of advocates in 2010, and has clarified it several times and professionals, and the bravery of trans since, issuing its strongest language in 2014, people challenging discrimination, gender writing that schools “must treat transgender identity rights are protected now in many students consistent with their gender iden- areas of public life, a state Wood predicts tity in all aspects of the planning, imple- will persist. “Barring some extraordinary mentation, enrollment, operation, and Supreme Court case,” he says, “I expect evaluation of single-sex classes.” these protections to continue.” pqmonthly.com
April/May 2015 • 21
NIGHTLIFE
VOICES
ID CHECK
The Horrors Denial Permits By Leela Ginelle, PQ Monthly
Our culture practices an unspoken agreement that what happens in people’s homes is their business. This agreement, unfortunately, results in huge numbers of perpetrators and survivors — mammoth amounts of domestic abuse, sexual assault, torture, etc. Domestic privacy, theoretically, is value neutral. Humans, though, are violent creatures, in a way our society hasn’t begun to acknowledge. A look at American television shows and movies reveals people who thwart violent crime in public, while enjoying tranquility at home — entertainment told almost always from a male perspective. For a starkly different view of things, one can examine abuse statistics, which reveal our society to be a gauntlet for girls, 20% of whom experience sexual assault during childhood. Males fare somewhat better, with 5 to 10% reporting childhood sexual abuse. Seventy five percent of these survivors are victimized by someone they know. College, as we’re now learning, is a continuation of this trend, as one in four women — assuming statistics are not underreported — is sexually assaulted while attending post-secondary school. Numbers like these are horrifying, as are studies like that which emerged from the University of North Dakota last year, in which nearly one in three male students responded that, if they knew they would not be caught, they would act on “intentions to rape a woman.” We talk often about equality in our culture. Politicians and commentators debate the pay wage gap and the lack of female representation in executive positions, as well as prestige fields, like finance and tech. I can’t help think, though, that these talks pale in importance to those we should be having nonstop about the prevalence of rape we collectively ignore. When I began to recall the sexual abuse I’d suffered, then repressed, when young, I talked about it with friends. In doing so, I learned nearly every female I knew had been raped in high school or college. None had prosecuted their assailants, just as I hadn’t. Each of us had coped as best we could, in a culture that denied such events occurred. Perhaps because I actively grieve my sexual assault experiences, I’m sensitive to messages about rape in our culture. When a comedy makes a reference to prison rape, therefore, I find it not funny, as is apparently intended, but pathological. All of us assume rape is endemic in male prisons, and our response is to uncomfortably laugh. What do we assume about young adulthood? A recent trial in Tennessee revealed
three Vanderbilt football players carried an u nconsciou s you ng woman into a dorm room and violently raped her, before dragging her back into the hall. The assault only came to light when campus security reviewed video footage from a dorm hallway camera upon investigating a vandalism complaint, and then pieced together events from the football players’ phones. These are not the stories we tell about intimacy, romance or private lives. We create thrillers about dangerous strangers who need to be caught, and horror movies about forces invading our homes and bodies. We seem not to have the capacity or will to talk about family members or partners who violate the ones they’re closest to. By not creating that space, we force survivors to live in shame and secrecy, a circumstance that often leads to addiction and/or self-harm. Likewise, we affirm to perpetrators that what they’re doing, while theoretically wrong, is both permissible and invisible. At the football players’ trial in Tennessee, the victim, who was a defendant’s girlfriend at the time, testified she had no memory of the assault. The jury saw the phone videos — of a defendant passing out condoms, playing pornography of the computer, instructing the others about what to do with her incapacitated body. Sometimes I think we, as humans, have no idea who we are. I have memories of things that happened to me that would be unwelcome in any but the most therapeutic setting. I’ve pledged to myself not to bury or deny them, though. In seeking out abuse statistics, and following crime stories, I can construct a shadow world, one not normally acknowledged, in which my experience is not isolated, but terrifyingly typical. It’s self-evidently unhealthy to preserve a privacy that permits sexual assault, an arrangement that allows one in five girls and one in four female college students to be violated with virtual impunity. A system like this, which, rather than assuring women enjoy physical security, provides cover to those who would rob them of it, often those with whom they’re most intimate. I’ve spent years wondering what the basic experience of being would feel like had I never been physically and sexually assaulted. Love making, daydreaming, navigating my day and drifting to sleep — all aspects were colored by brutality. I’m glad to purge the trauma, because I detest those who committed it, and the denial that gives them, and every perpetrator, cover.
Leela Ginelle is a playwright and journalist living in Portland, OR. You can write her at leela@pqmonthly.com. 22 • April/May 2015
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COMMUNITY FEATURE ARTS & CULTURE
BEAUDOIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PHAME, RUNS FOR MESD By Matt Pizzuti, PQ Monthly
An openly gay Portland man is challenging an incumbent for a countywide seat on the Multnomah Education Service District board this spring. Stephen Marc Beaudoin, Executive Director of a local nonprofit that serves adults with developmental disabilities, PHAME, is running against incumbent Doug Montgomery for a 4-year term of Director At-large Position 6. A third candidate, Colby Ross Clipston, is also running in the May 19 election. “I hope that I earn people’s consideration,” Beaudoin said, with particular acknowledgement for PQ Monthly’s readership: “Sexual orientation is not itself a qualification for public office, but my experience and record is. I have brought diverse coalitions together to get things done.” He said he’s unable to see what impact the incumbent, who is his chief opponent, has on the board and its resulting policies, vowing that he would do more to engage the community if he got a chance to fill the role. Beaudoin grew up in what he called a “scrappy, hardscrabble family” in Independence, Missouri, the youngest of four children in a lower-middle income household where both parents worked. “Public education was my way up,” he said. “Those teachers saw potential in a very hyperactive, smart little kid, and it was through public schools that I was able to move forward and achieve things.” As a child Beaudoin befriended a boy with Down Syndrome, explaining that at that time he didn’t understand his friend to be any different than anyone else. It was only
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when the boys reached adolescence that Beaudoin realized their lives would go in very different directions, something that forever changed the way he’d view disability, he said. “I’ve really developed an affinity and a love for people with disabilities reaching their potential,” Beaudoin said. “If you look at the landscape of racial equality, LGBT equality, or gender equality, disabilities are often left out of the conversations.” Beaudoin attended Paseo Academy, a magnet art and performance high school in Kansas City, and went to college at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Beaudoin is a singer by training, but said he searched for ways that working in music could have a greater impact on people’s lives, ultimately seeking out opportunities that combine what he calls his three passions: arts, social justice, and education. That combination is exactly his role as executive director of PHAME, a Portland nonprofit to enrich the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through art. “Although I run a nonprofit dedicated to lifelong learning, I’m not running as the education expert,” he said. “Though I do bring specialized knowledge in special education and people with disabilities. I’m running on my values and beliefs, and on my strong track record as a nonprofit executive and a community leader in Portland for nearly a decade.” But Beaudoin said he’s the most driven to get involved in situations that seem to be in disarray. “MESD is clearly at a crossroads, and an agency in need of fresh vision and change. RIght now it’s messy and problematic and many people have lost hope, and I believe my experience and values are what’s needed to move through this crisis and move forward,” he said. “That’s part of what’s exciting — the opportunity to turn things around.” On that note — and with Beaudoin in the race as an openly gay candidate for an institution that has recently
been at the center of controversy over claims of anti-gay harassment and bullying — it’s hard to avoid bringing up Brett Bigham, the openly gay MESD Special Ed teacher and Oregon’s Teacher of the Year who was fired April 3 after filing official complaints with the state about his supervisors’ treatment towards him. Beaudoin did not speculate what might have gone on outside the public eye between Bigham and top administrators in the service district, but had sympathy for Bigham going through a very trying time in his life, and who was up against a power structure that Beaudoin believed had made some missteps. “Brett is a very talented educator, and there are many reasons he has been so lauded and received recognition for his work. I’m an openly gay man like Brett and I understand and have experienced the anguish of not knowing if you’re going to be able to keep your job or do it well because of who you are. What I know, talking to employees, is there’s a lot of fear in the district right now, and a lack of trust between senior management and staff.” Beaudoin called it a state of crisis. “Look at the litany of HR issues, like the case of Mr. Bigham, for example. That is but one example of some of the concerns and questions that have been raised.” The service district also recently parted ways with Superintendent Barbara Jorgensen, to which Beaudoin said, “Most would say that’s long overdue.” “The agency has been in the news for all the wrong reasons,” he said. “The first order of business is restoring trust and faith in the agency.” “I am openly gay, I have been since I was 13, before the advent of GSAs, and I won’t stand for an organization that discriminates. I will be a champion for issues of equity, diversity and inclusion, so every parent, staff member, teacher and student feels welcome and part of the conversation.”
April/May 2015 • 23
BOOKS STYLE
COMMUNITY
OREGON TEACHER OF THE YEAR FIRED; MESD CLAIMS HARASSMENT “MISINTERPRETATION”
By Matt Pizzuti, PQ Monthly
If a story like this one could happen in in a city as famously LGBTQ-friendly as Portland, could any place really be safe? Brett Bigham, Oregon’s 2014 Teacher of the Year and out, gay Special Education teacher for the Multnomah Education Service District, isn’t claiming he was fired on April 3 directly for being gay. But as Bigham tells it, his sexual orientation is partly what triggered the cascade of conflicts and managerial abuses that led to the once-acclaimed teacher losing his job. In a press release, MESD Interim Superintendent Jim Rose said Bigham was fired for missing too much work and taking the focus away from students. “Brett is a great teacher,” Rose said, “Unfortunately, it became clear over time that Brett’s focus was no longer his classroom and students, as evidenced by excessive time away and distraction during class time.” Laura Conroy, a spokesperson for the district, said Bigham was fired because he refused mediation. Bigham said he’s kept records of his absences and the district’s records are “completely incorrect,” noting that the district offered him a 4-month leave of absence for Teacher of the Year appearances and he ended up taking much less. He describes a retaliatory work environment where supervisors made repeated efforts to silence him and search for petty grievances to punish him for, then scrambling for whatever reason they could find to force him out so that they wouldn’t be held accountable for previous infractions. The trouble began in January 2014, when a supervisor warned the newly-installed Oregon Teacher of the Year against saying that he’s gay in speeches. Bigham didn’t take the instruction seriously, and said his managers followed up by seeking to tamp down his public appearances, insisting that he get all his public statements pre-approved. With the teachers union’s support and the belief that sharing his story as 24 • April/May 2015
he saw it is his Constitutional right, Bigham developed an increasingly resistant stance against what he believed to be managerial overreach, bullying, and harassment from MESD. He filed formal complaints with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, and later went to the press with emails from supervisors showing that they were pressuring him to withdraw the complaints. Bigham’s claims were credible enough to make news headlines, and stories that were critical of the district began to proliferate just as MESD put Bigham on a “plan of assistance” — the formal paperwork process that MESD and many other school districts use to build a case for disciplining or even firing a teacher. As that process continued, Bigham went on paid administrative leave March 22. The district, which hired an independent investigator to assess Bigham’s case, released its own report dismissing Bigham’s concerns about harassment, calling them a matter of misinterpretation. In a Facebook status update dated March 24, Bigham said the MESD report was “chock full of dishonesty” and said the district had altered the copy handed over to the press. Since Bigham was fired, he, his lawyer, and the teacher’s union have made a case to have him reinstated. “I believe the actions of MESD and the school board very clearly show they are indeed retaliating against me for filing my BOLI and TSPC complaints,” Bigham said. He said he’d only refused mediation under its unreasonable terms — that he drop his complaints against the district and that he agree to stop speaking to the press, he said. “Since MESD put out a statement that I refused mediation and was terminated because of that, I believe that is very clear they fired me because I would not accept mediation that required the BOLI investigation stop before they could rule on their findings and that I sign a nondisclosure agreement immediately,” he said. Bigham said his next step is waiting for the state to reach a conclusion on his BOLI complaint, at which point he’ll be clearer on where he stands. Until then, he’ll be taking things one day at a time. “To be unemployed is pretty scary when you’ve got student loans, a house payment, and a grownup life to pay for,” Bigham said. “But I think good will come of this. Right now it’s no fun, but I have to believe some good will come.” pqmonthly.com
FEATURE FEATURE MUSIC
VOCES
THE LADY CHRONICLES If I Could Only Get You Oceanside By Daniel Borgen, PQ Monthly
The drive to Netarts, Oregon, the unincorporated working man’s town outside Tillamook, is a winding, gorgeous one, filled with hills and dales and mountains and green, damp forests. You get there quite quickly if your friend, the driver during your excursion, hits the gas like a soccer mom who’s late for a PTA meeting; you probably get there at a more leisurely pace if your driver is anyone else—in total, you’re just under two hours away from bustling city life. In Netarts, odds are your cell phone won’t work—no reception—and you’ll find that to be a welcome reprieve. No urgent smart phone matters to distract you. The town redefines sleepy—I learned, in terms of coastal politics and history, Netarts is the “worker’s town,” while its next door neighbor, Oceanside, the town nestled in a hillside, is where the more “affluent” folks live; I believe it, the homes in Oceanside are big and sprawling. Netarts suits me fine, with its two restaurant/bars, its competing general stores, small cottages, and Lex’s Cool Stuff, which houses all manner of useless (but charming) trinket. Lexie is kind and will insist on feeding you goodies while you shop. It’s a little unnerving, but humor her. She worked hard on those brownies. We went to Netarts in a small group; my miniature cohort and I celebrated my friend Kody’s birthday—he’s visiting from Africa, where he does IT work I’ll never quite understand, but it’s taken him ‘round the globe and he doesn’t visit home often. Komo, our driver, and his husband, Tim, were our gracious hosts; they own a cozy oceanfront home that once housed a campground’s general store—the house is quaint, creaky, and quirky, with old cold cases turned bookshelves, dozens of nooks and crannies, the kind that might terrify you if the lights went out in the middle of a storm, and its property lines are marked with giant old logs that washed ashore decades ago. Each window facing the water offers a stunning view of the bay, which is breathtaking in its beauty. As is customary during any trip I take, I insisted on sampling the nightlife. Most friends I travel with rarely object. After white wine and hors d’oeuvres and an hour or so recounting the treacherous drive through the mountain passes (our PTA mom didn’t make any friends along the way), we decided to head to The Upstairs, an aptly named restaurant/bar housed in a beautifully restored manufactured home. I believe it is called The Upstairs because you must climb stairs to enter it, but it may be because it’s up the hill from Schooners, another local watering hole, one we didn’t get the chance to frequent this trip, but I’m told is legendary in its own right. The Upstairs is adorned with video lot-
tery machines, a digital jukebox, a pool table, and has been updated with some impressive details—the bar itself is a massive marvel of modern woodwork, and the place is cozy and welcoming, even as every patron turns his or her head when you walk in the door. The music didn’t stop, per se, but it may as well have; but in their defense, we aren’t the most inconspicuous or unassuming group, and Komo and I have never been known for our subtlety. Moments after walking in, he marched over to the jukebox to play Ariana Grande and Beyoncé, much to the chagrin of a long-haired gentleman, who tried desperately to negotiate song choices with the bar’s new deejay. I didn’t catch his name, but he did have blue nail polish on, and he approached our table several times, asking us if we were, you know, “gay.” (He whispered it.) He knew someone “like us” from Portland, a gentleman named Lane, and he was certain we knew him too. He was there with his girlfriend, and our new friend socialized with a sense of urgency and interest heretofore unseen. This is not to say every local was preoccupied by the amount of gay strolling through their Cheers; most folks were unfazed, welcoming, as earnest as a Richard Marx song. The waitresses—one had long gray hair and was covered in Harley tattoos—hugged us and kissed us when we left. An older bearded man high-fived me when I won all my cash prizes at the video lottery machine (I have good luck at the coast). Another gravelly-voiced local told me their little community is “very openminded and progressive.” I believe her. Our adventures were not completely nightlife-driven. Each afternoon, we’d walk the beach; we’d stroll past Oceanside—which I believe is home to a secret lesbian compound (there were so many ladies I felt like we were at Dinah in Palm Springs); we’d peruse treasures in general stores; we marveled at sea life and explored caves and searched for sand dollars. I find nothing more calming than the roar of ocean waves and the comfort of sand under my feet, even if it is windy and chilly and not Waikiki. The beach serves as my yoga, my guru; it is centering and meditative and it always feels like home. I encourage you to stand at the water’s edge and embrace your smallness. The day we left, we took one last walk along the beach, and we stopped at The Upstairs for a snack and adult beverage before hitting the road (our driver drank tea). We said goodbye to our new friends and promised to visit again soon—and it was then realized something very important: Indiana really doesn’t worry me so much after I spend a weekend in a place like Netarts, Oregon.
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Celebrating love and marriage with our LGBT community
The title of this column is taken from an old Decemberists track, one of my all-time favorites: Oceanside. Yes, I have loved them since 2001. Email Daniel@PQMonthly.com. pqmonthly.com
April/May 2015 • 25
VOICES VOICES
GLAPN VOICES
This Ends Badly See Right Through You: The Case for Transparency By Michael James Schneider, PQ Monthly
step, be it connecting on social media or over the phone. There’s the Desperado, the guy who wants to meet right away, today in fact, and we haven’t even exchanged names yet. This one might also get hurt feelings when you politely decline. The third type is far less transparent: The Gay Aggressive Networker. The G.A.N. This guy might pretend that he’s interested in you, might even suggest that you text each other, but he’ll always be too busy. He’s interested in increasing his Instagram follower count, his retweets, his likes, his pageviews. He’ll never want to meet in person, or go on a date. I wonder why this type gets under my skin so much, or why I bristle when I’m told I sometimes resemble a G.A.N. It must be the lack of sincerity, the implication of a hidden agenda that rubs me the wrong way. 3) Driving to SEA-TAC, holding my boyfriend’s hand (yes the perpetually notoriously single guy has a boyfriend and it’s awesome and wonderful and a whirlwind and what will I write about now and no I’m not ready to talk about it yet). I start the conversation the way I usually do: awkwardly and stilted. I tell him I’ve blocked him on the dating apps we’ve connected on, because seeing him on there talking to other guys, even though we’re exclusive, would be an anxiety trigger for me. About how I’m ready to delete a couple of dating apps and I want him to do the same, but I don’t control him so he can do whatever he wants. About what our boundaries and communication will look like when meeting single gay guys online. The conversation feels like a breath of fresh air. Although mystery and nuance are great, transparency and honesty feel so much better in the long run. Why then, do we often keep running back to not having that important conversation, not wanting to speak up for what we want, and being too polite for our own good? The easy answer is “Because I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings”, but again, that’s just on the surface. We must get something out of it, there must be some kind of payoff, some kind of satisfaction in our brains when we choose to be inauthentic, whether it’s on social media, or on dating apps, or even when meeting people in person. It takes effort to be real. I spoke recently on TV about how privacy is becoming a commodity to be traded, about how in order to get some conveniences, we’ll have to trade some of our secrets. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it should always be our choice, and not chosen for us. Maybe in the future, we won’t greet each other with “How are you doing?” but “Tell me a secret.” Because anyone can see me. The real trick is to see right through me.
Walking down Broadway, I shuffled along, staring at the sidewalk and musing on the possible titles of my inevitable, boring memoir: “My Cat Is The Handsomest: Thoughts On Dying Alone By Michael James Schneider.” “Sir, You Can’t Take A Bottle Of Lube That Large On An Airplane, A Long-Distance Love Story By Michael James Schneider.” “What It Looks Like When The Universe Poops On Your Life: How To Get It All Wrong, by Michael James Schneider.” I looked up just in time to realize that A) I was at a bottleneck in the sidewalk, between a cafe table and a tree, and B) a guy who was Dreamy as Fuck was also trying to get through the narrow path from the other side. I stopped, and made an embarrassed gesture to let him through. He, however, did the same. No, no, my next gesture said, my hand sweeping magnanimously, Please, after you, I insist. And there we stood for a good 20 minutes, each trying to be the Beta dog in this classic West Coast Standoff of politeness, each trying not to bare our teeth or make eye contact lest the other one attack. On the surface, the PNW is a friendly, polite place to live. What happens when you look under that surface, though? Is politeness a form of dishonesty and artifice, and if so, what does it take to live a transparent life? 1) I visited Portland for the first time in February of 2013, back when I lived in Los Angeles. I knew nothing about the Pacific Northwest, but I did know that I was going through something hard, and LA suddenly felt like it was pushing me out like a splinter. Not just once but twice during the week I visited, my friend Summer and I sat down to eat somewhere, and the couple next to us struck up a friendly conversation. Both times, my inner monologue was the same: What do they want? What are they networking me for? When are they going to pull out the brochure for their timeshare they want to sell me, tell me about their shitty-ass blog? It was only after the second perfectly pleasant conversation that I realized the problem wasn’t them, it was me. Whether it was cynicism from living in a city with lots of networkers, or just the weariness from searching for authenticity in people, I was closed off to the possibility that people could just be friendly without expectation. 2) I joined Scruff in December of 2012, and this was the first time I had gotten on any dating app. I had been on OKCupid before, sure, but this was different. From the moment I got on, I was able to identify a few categories of guys. There was the Shy One, the single guy who was comfortable chatting online and giving compliments, but would never want to graduate to the next Michael James Schneider is a writer, designer, and artist based in Portland, OR. He writes for his wildly unpopular and poorly-named blog, BLCKSMTHdesign.com, and just released his first fiction book, The Tropic Of Never, available on Amazon. Photo by Summer Olsson. 26 • April/May 2015
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HEALTH CARE
GATEKEEPING: THE DARK HISTORY OF TRANS HEALTH CARE By Leela Ginelle, PQ Monthly
mones. A form of hazing, this limited the pool of potential transitioners to those who (a) could afford the therapist At the start of my transition, I recall talking to a friend and clinical fees, and (b) could exist reasonably comfortabout my medical plans. ably in a hostile social environment expressing their inter“Well,” he said, interrupting authoritatively, “before having nal gender without the benefits of hormones, ie: those with surgery you’ll have to live for a year as a woman, correct?” means who could “pass.” I bristled at hearing this person, who, by his own admission This exorbitantly long period also meant trans people had never previously known someone trans, confidently recite seeking relief from their gender dysphoria received none for for me the hurdles that had been laid out in order to align my years. Surgeons played a large role in limiting the numbers body to my gender identity. of trans individuals who received Even at the time, however, the treatment they needed, as I hesitated to blame him, perwell. A survey of the Johns Hopsonally. For in our culture, I kins University gender program, was aware, it’s an article of faith revealed doctors there approved that all people’s gender expresonly 24 of the first 2,000 requests sions are policed, and that trans submitted for gender confirmpeople, who must interface with ing surgery. the medical establishment, find Trans people, desperate theirs policed most vigorously. for treatment, learned to conWhy is this so, though? Where form at the time to the patridid such regulations come from, archal, homophobic stanand why do they persist? dards enforced by the gateTrans people, desperate for treatment, learned to conform at the time to the The one year requirement keepers they encountered. As patriarchal, homophobic standards enforced by the gatekeepers they encountered. cited by my friend, and someJulia Serano writes in her book times referred to as the “real life test” was a part of the now “Whipping Girl,” “Most trans women understood that they outdated, “Harry Benjamin International Gender Dyspho- needed to show up for their psychotherapy appointments ria Association Standards of Care,” named for the man who wearing dresses and makeup, expressing stereotypically pioneered trans health care in the U.S. An endocrinologist, feminine mannerisms, insisting that they had always felt Benjamin first began treating trans patients in the 1920s, like women trapped inside men’s bodies, and they’d idenand wrote with sympathy about the desperation he wit- tified as female since they were small children, that they nessed in them, the stigma they faced, and the high rate of were attracted to men but currently avoided intimate relasuicidality he discovered in their community. tions because they did not see themselves as homosexual, While Benjamin became a beacon for trans patients over and that they were repulsed by their own penises.” the next few decades, he’s faced criticism for his reinforceGatekeepers in this period almost uniformly insisted ment of binary norms, and the often patronizing stance he trans people hide their trans identities. Patients were often developed with the patients who sought his help. These ten- advised to cease contact with their families, and children, dencies only rigidified in the second half of the century for if they had them, change their place of employment, and U.S. patients who sought to transition. even the cities where they lived. This forced trans people Due to the widespread public disapproval of trans iden- into shame and secrecy, and eliminated the possibility of tities, gatekeepers put great obstacles in the way of their trans people creating community for themselves and orgapotential patients. nizing for their rights. As Serano points out, such demands For instance, trans people at this time were referred by service providers placed the comfort of a transphobic to gender clinics by therapists. Those attaining referrals society above the well-being of the trans folk being treated. underwent a two-year “real life test” prior to receiving horThe protocols described above became codified in 1979
in the original Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA) Standards of Care. The standards have evolved, undergoing six revisions since that time, the most recent coming in 2011. In 2007, the HBIGDA changed its name to WPATH — the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. The newest edition of the Standards of Care eliminates, finally, most of what was problematic in the early gatekeepers’ approaches. Gone are the “real life tests,” the pathologizing language, and the stigmas against same sex attraction. The new standards, instead, place their onus on the service providers charged with alleviating the dysphoria of their patients. My experience accessing medical care during my transition, however, suggested to me that the Standards’ long, ugly shadow has lingered within the medical providers’ practices. When I sought my first surgery, just prior to the most recent revision, I had to search for a therapist willing to write me a letter, despite my not having “completed” a full year of living in my affirmed gender. Fortunately, living in Portland, I was able to, but I interacted with therapists, ones who advertised themselves as being trained to work with trans patients, who merely parroted the Standards’ guidelines back to me, as though that document was a better judge of my needs than I was. Likewise, though I paid for both my surgeries out of pocket in full, my surgeons each anxiously required letters from my endocrinologist and therapist. In each case, they confessed they were worried about accountability, as though their choice to provide the procedure, and my choice to attain it were somehow insufficient, and instead, the Standards were needed to ward off skeptics, particularly those who oppose offering treatment of any kind to trans patients. I don’t begrudge a panel of experts, like those who make up WPATH, wishing to suggest best practices to professionals serving the trans community. I do begrudge, though, having been made to jump through hoops, particularly hoops that question my mental well-being, in pursuing the procedures I needed to align my gender expression to my gender identity. Why aren’t hormones, for example, sold over the counter? And why do gender confirming surgeries require letters from mental health professionals? Why, at any level, are our genders still policed by gatekeepers?
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COMMUNITY
OUR PRIORITIES FOR LIVED EQUALITY IN OREGON By Joe LeBlanc, Basic Rights Oregon
At Basic Rights Oregon, we are in full swing with the Oregon Legislative session for 2015, building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion, on our way to achieving more policy victories. Volunteers from across Oregon are talking with legislators about the critical issues impacting their communities. We have had survivors testifying about their experiences with conversion therapy and why those dangerous practices need to be banned for youth in Oregon. People have shared their stories about how racial profiling impacts them daily as an LGBTQ person of color. Others have shared stories about how not having paid sick days impacts the livelihood of queer and transgender Oregonians and their abilities to provide for their families. As Oregon’s statewide advocacy organization for LGBTQ Oregonians, our work is about achieving lived equality. It’s about making sure that the lives of all of our community members are not only protected by legal equality but also rooted in safety and opportunity. We’ve made progress in Oregon. What’s next? We’ve made tremendous progress in Oregon during the last decade—we have won comprehensive non-discrimination laws, passed laws for safer schools, secured the freedom to marry for same-sex couples and improved access to health care for transgender Oregonians. However, the road to lived equality is still long for many LGBTQ Oregonians, particularly those who are immigrants, people of color, live in smaller towns and rural communities, youth, transgender or seniors. To achieve the freedom of both legal and lived equality for all Oregonians, Basic Rights Oregon is working with coalitions throughout the state to organize, educate and activate our communities to defend the progress we have made, and create new policies that promote fairness, equality and self-determination for all our communities. Below is a snapshot of some of the bills we are supporting: Basic Rights Oregon Sponsored Bills HB 2307, The Youth Mental Health Protection Act: This act would prohibit licensed professional mental health providers from doing dangerous and discredited “conversion
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therapy” on minors. Similar legislation has passed in California and elsewhere. Current Status: Passed the Oregon House in a 41-18 vote, and has been referred to Senate Human Services and Childhood Committee with a hearing hopefully scheduled soon. SB 473, Accurate Data Collection: This bill would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of demographic data already collected by universities, colleges and community colleges. The Oregon Student Association is leading this bill. Current Status: Amendments are being finalized and it passed the Senate Education Committee with a 4-3 vote on March 31. Referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
HB 2759 and HB 2478, Update and Modernize Oregon’s Marriage Statutes: These bills would amend Oregon’s state marriage laws to be a gender-neutral contract between two spouses and phase out Oregon Registered Domestic Partnerships, which are now obsolete. Current Status: Referred to the House Rules Committee. Basic Rights Oregon Priority Coalition Partner Bills HB 2002, End Profiling: This bill would ban profiling on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, physical or intellectual disability, serious medical condition, income, language, political affiliation or religion. It would require all of Oregon’s law enforcement agencies to train their officers on how not to profile. And it creates an additional way for victims of profiling to get justice. LGBTQ communities particularly LGBTQ people of color and transgender people, have a long history of being targeted unfairly by law enforcement. Current Status: House Judiciary hearing was held on March 30. HB 3025, Ban the Box: This legislation would remove the
box on employment and housing applications that require applicants to disclose whether or not they have been convicted of a crime. This is important because LGBTQ people of color, particularly transgender people, are unfairly targeted by law enforcement and as result, disproportionately make up people who are incarcerated. LGBTQ communities are consistently pushed into an unfair and biased criminal justice system without the resources to navigate it. Once out of incarceration, most housing and employment applications require Oregonians to report past convictions—nearly ensuring homelessness and joblessness. Current Status: House Committee on Business and Labor hearing held on March 25. SB 454, HB 2005, Paid Sick Days for Workers: These bills would give all full-time workers in Oregon 40 hours of paid sick time per year to use when they or a family member gets sick. Currently, 40 percent of private-sector workers and 80 percent of low-income workers have no paid sick days from their job–not one. Every one of us gets sick occasionally, but not everyone gets the time they need to recover or care for sick family members– and it affects all of us. Paid sick time is vital to the economic security of our families of color. Current Status: Referred to the Ways and Photo provided by Basic Rights Oregon. Means Committee for a work session on March 30. HB 2009, Increase the Minimum Wage: This bill would raise the minimum wage in Oregon to $15 an hour. The minimum wage was intended to be a minimum living wage, but it’s not and it’s hurting our families. Maintaining a poverty minimum wage hurts all Oregonians. Current Status: Referred to the House Business and Labor Committee, hearing scheduled on April 13. Each of these bills impacts LGBTQ communities throughout Oregon daily, and if passed would allow us the ability to survive and thrive as Oregonians. We continue to be a multi-issue movement, working across identity, and collaborating with other communities to make progress and real change. We need your help in this work, and we look forward to seeing you across the state as we continue our work to achieve lived equality for all Oregonians. Joe LeBlanc is the Online Engagement Manager at Basic Rights Oregon; Founder of BUTCH Voices, and an all-around dapper butch.
April/May 2015 • 29
FEATURE
VOICES
RADICAL RELATIONSHIPS By Sossity Chiricuzio, PQ Monthly
30 • April/May 2015
It’s how you do it, not who you are doing. I’m speaking as someone who has never been in a monogamous relationship, though I witPhoto by J Tyler Huber. ness beautiful examples of them frequently. I’m speaking as a person that has been observing the evolution of queer relationships for decades, as the ideas of monogamy and non-monogamy have shifted back and forth in theory and currency and structure. From the middle of Arizona to the West Coast, from lesbian feminists to radical queers, and much of the in between. There are issues of race and class and culture in there, too. Issues of politics and hierarchy and personal agency. Non/Monogamy is no more an easy binary than just about anything else we want to codify, but it does represent some major points in the spectrum of potential relationships. It also represents the dismissal of non-sexual relationships as intimate connections. As if friendships and family and community aren’t full of courtship and emotion. As if mentorships and coalitions and collective garden plots require no negotiation or partnership. The only real road maps we get to what makes a relationship are the ones we perceive around us, and the popular mythology that surrounds us. There is this idea about how a relationship works that has been sold to us for centuries. ½ + ½ = 1. As in a unit of value and a pattern of achievement. Carefully laid out in path and purpose, promising that we’ll never be lonely again. This theory sells a hundred million services and items (and consolation prizes), and doesn’t do justice to the amazing amount of work it takes to build your life with the needs of at least one entirely-different-than-you person in mind. There’s also this counter culture idea that monogamy is inherently flawed, and that only non-monogamous relationships can really break free of the system of the oppressor. Where 1+ 1 + 1 > 2. An increasingly less subtle air of superiority that can sometimes crop up in otherwise fair minded company. This theory doesn’t do justice to the amazing amount of patience and learning and faith involved in any intimate relationship, no matter how many people are involved. So, there’s sexual intimacy, and non-sexual intimacy - how does radical apply to all this? Radical (Merriam-Webster + me), [radi-kuh l], adjective: 1. of or going to the root or origin; fundamental: To examine a relationship you are in, all the way to the roots, and tend it like a garden. 2. thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms: To meet the actual needs of the people involved, rather than simply fulfill the perceived roles of those people. 3. favoring drastic political, economic, or
social reforms: To be mindful of the various factors in the existence of another person, especially those where we have privilege. 4. forming a basis or foundation: To do the work that is required to build trust and healthy connections. 5. existing inherently in a thing or person: To start from a place of self, grounded in your own inherent value and agency and responsibility. Every successful relationship I’ve been in has been built to suit the occupants and modified as life and growth and adventure called for. Wait, though — what does ‘successful’ means in terms of a relationship, anyways? Popular mythology would frame it as a relationship that never wavers, never strays, and lasts until someone dies. While this is nicely dramatic for the purposes of storytelling, and sometimes actually happens, this is mostly a formula by which we’re bound to deem almost all of our relationships as failures. What if our stumbling and getting back up was measured as a unit of success? What if recognizing when it was time to transition, or take a break, or push through, were all moments of success? What if loving each other and learning from each other for as long as it is healthy for everyone involved and then letting go with love was success? What if getting out however you have to when your life is on the line was success? What if choosing to be single or celibate was success? What if they already are, and we’ve just been convinced otherwise? How we choose to be in the world in relation to other people is one of the most radical places we can access. To be a ripple of affirmation or reflection of truth. To build networks of information and resources. To build nets of safety and care. Remembering and learning, over and over, not to take the intimacy that forms there for granted, or to award it in popularity contests, or to use it against each other in anger. These are not tools we’ve been given, we just have our clumsy found art mechanisms to craft it all together. Not everyone is wired for monogamy. Or polyamory. Or partnership. Or sex. Or large social gatherings. Or highly vocal friendships. Or meetings. One size most definitely does not fit all. I don’t know if it’s possible to try them on to see what does fit without ripping a seam or two, but I do believe it’s possible to stitch ourselves back up and find beauty in the texture. A deeper knowing of what we need, and what not to offer. Whatever rituals or structures or people we choose, whatever connections we form that bring us joy and strength, I hope we can build them on a radical foundation that feeds everyone involved. I hope we can collectively peel them open and rummage around, to swap and shape and examine thoroughly. I hope we craft them with intention, and hold our own centers. I have such hopes for us. End note: If you have questions you’d like me to answer or seek out answers for, products you’d like me to review, people you’d like to hear from, or resources to share, please get in touch! sossity@pqmonthly.com pqmonthly.com
VOICES
OUR MIDLIFE ADVENTURE (NOT CRISIS!)
By Laura Waters and Kim Dunn, Special for PQ Monthly
We just returned from a glorious nine-month (Nine months!) adventure in Europe. We are a regular Northwest family (two moms and a darling daughter), living what was a pretty regular life until everything changed. It was a Midlife Adventure (not crisis), Kim says. We visited 6 countries, stayed in 13 Airbnb rentals, 2 homes (cat/dog-sitting), 0 airports (thankfully), travelled on 63 trains, 8 planes, countless buses, and logged over one million steps on foot (thank you FitBit.) All with a two-year old. The “rules” were simple. Nine months in Europe, on a budget of $2,000 a month. The rules at some point expanded to include: stay in cities with lots to do (we learned this by
spending a couple months walking and talking with cows.) But we didn’t just wake up one day and leave our lives behind. Well, ultimately we did. But it all started with a dream and a bit of “good luck,” or something like it. For years we talked about going to Europe, like many people do. I would say to Kim, “I want to take you to Europe,” and she would say, “OK, take me.” And that’s when I’d say the troublesome sorts of things I say. The things that, truth-be-told, can inspire eye-rolling in one’s partner. I’d say, “But I don’t want to go for a week or 10 days. I want to go for months.” And then she’d say the troublesome things she says. She’d say, “That’s not possible. I have a job.” And so it went. For years. Then I think some subconscious meaning-of-life-y shifts happened, a result of a bout with breast cancer for Kim and the birth of our daughter. We didn’t really know it at the time, but we were moving toward something new. And in truth, we were moving closer together too. Kim started saying, “I don’t know about this job of mine … I’d like to spend my life doing work I’m more passionate about.” One day I said, “Quit.” She said, “Really?” And we decided to go to Europe. We decided in that way that one can decide to do something, while still not really believing it’s possible, and borderline actually knowing it isn’t. But we decided. And since we’d decided, we sat down to book tickets — to New York. We were ready to make the tiniest little ges-
ture toward Europe while not really committing. We said that, worst case scenario, we’d have a nice little trip to the east coast and come home. After all, we didn’t really think it was possible. We had a home, cars, stuff, friends and family, commitments, you know. We huddled nervously in front of the MacBook Pro, took deep breaths, held hands and pushed the PURCHASE button. With tickets to New York firmly tucked away in our Inbox, we began breathing again. It was at that moment that a deafening siren went off and our home starting flooding with water. It really did. It was December and freezing; a sprinkler system pipe burst in the wall and our home flooded. We instantly didn’t live there any more, were separated from most of our worldly possessions and we no longer had to figure out how to prep the place for sale or tenancy. Right then, we began our life of travel — a life that has been blessed with interesting places we’ve called home, adventures with a toddler, delicious eats and culinary challenges, learning, laughter and unforgettable memories. All sorts of small things had to happen for us to get to Europe. We had to make decisions about stuff, money, dates, job quitting, going away parties, etc. But it began with a dream; a dream that got a serious kick in the pants by a whole bunch of rushing water. First in a series of 6. Stay tuned for part 2 — out next month!
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April/May 2015 • 31
PHOTOS
GLAPN
PFLAG PORTLAND BLACK CHAPTER TO CELEBRATE ITS SIXTH ANNIVERSARY By George T. Nicola, GLAPN
PFLAG Portland Black Chapter (PPBC) will hold its sixth anniversary celebration at Ambridge Event Center in Portland starting at 6 pm, Sunday, April 24. It is billed as the “biggest, baddest, most love-filled celebration of our Black LGBTQ community.” All people of good will, regardless of age or identity, are welcome. Mistress of Ceremonies will be popular local entertainer Alexis Campbell Starr. The gala will feature food, drinks, entertainment, moving performances, special guest speakers, and photo booth fun along with other attractions. PFLAG was initially an acronym for Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays. Now it emphasizes its inclusion of the full LGBTQ spectrum. Participants are generally half LGBTQ and half ally.
Locally, Parents of Gays (POG) was founded in 1976. In 1983, it incorporated as PFLAG Portland. PFLAG Portland Black Chapter, which is part of PFLAG Portland, was founded in 2009 as the first PFLAG chapter in the nation to be created by and for the African American community. The group has worked extensively to advocate for LGBTQ equality in the larger black community and facilitate the organization of gay-straight alliances (GSAs) in schools. In fact, many PPBC participants have become leaders in the larger Portland black community. Khalil Edwards, the energetic and skillful coordinator of PPBC, is the son of Antoinette and Keith Edwards. Antoinette is one of PPBC’s founders, and Keith is a strong supporter. In 2013, PFLAG Portland Black Chapter added Youth Coordinator Leila Hofstein to expand their Youth Outreach Program and Support Development. In that role, Leila Hofstein has done an exceptional job working with the LGBTQ youth of our community. Tickets for this very affordable anniversary event can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/PBCAnniv6
NATIVE OREGONIAN PUBLISHES FOUR LESBIAN THEMED NOVELS By George T. Nicola, GLAPN
Many of us remember a time when it was almost impossible to find literature that posi t i v e l y re f l e c t e d our experiences as LGBTQ people. So we certainly welcome those in our community whose published writings now reflect the reality of our lives. Oregon native Karelia Stetz-Waters has amazingly published four lesbian themed novels. One of these released in 2014, Forgive Me If I Told You This Before, semiautobiographically recounts the life of a teenager girl coming out in small town Oregon during the notoriously anti-gay 1992 Ballot Measure 9. The book is an annual Lambda Literary Award finalist in the LGBT Children’s/Young Adult category. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 32 • April/May 2015
1, 2015 in New York City. (http://www.lambdaliterary.org/awards/) Karelia says that her romance novel, Something True, was the first female/female romance to be picked up by the Forever Yours imprint at Grand Central Publishing. Her agent said that a lesbian romance was “unprecedented” in the mainstream romance industry, so it was quite a groundbreaker. A complete list of Karelia’s writings can be found at http://kareliastetzwaters. com/books/. For the last eight years, Karelia has lived with her partner (now her wife) in Albany, Oregon near Karelia’s childhood home. There she is a full time instructor at Linn Benton Community College. In that position, she has taught writing classes ranging from pre-college level writing to advanced technical writing. She has also taught poetry, fiction, and the literature of continental Africa. Karelia is English Department Chair, serving as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration. Thanks to Karelia, the love that once dared not speak its name now has an eloquent literary voice in Oregon. pqmonthly.com
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QUEER APERTURE Through his Queer Aperture project, photographer Jeffrey Horvitz has spent years documenting the LGBTQ communities of Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C. He’s well aware that a picture paints a whole mess of words, but here he offers a few actual words to better acquaint us with his dynamic subjects. What is your name? Jake France
Favorite movie? The Fall by Tarsem Singh
How long have you lived in Portland? Since 98, moved away to NY and back since 2009
Favorite word? Banister
What is the first time you noticed that Gayness existed? When I was 10 or 11 I watched Victor /Victoria
Least favorite word? Taxes
What would you consider a guilty pleasure? Sitting in my underwear eating pie and watching bad TV
Favorite swear word? Fuck
Your having a dinner party of 6 , whom would you invite? Deepak Chopra, Bette Midler, Madeline Albright, Neal Degrasse Tyson, Lea Delaria and Dolly Parton
What is your profession? Half Owner of Boy’s Fort , downtown Portland
What would you consider a perfect meal? Pie in any form
If you could with a snap of a finger what would be another profession you would like to do? Travel Writer
What would be a perfect day off? Working in my yard with the sun and hanging with my dogs
Whom would you like to meet dead or alive? Mark Twain
Favorite book? Other Voices Other Rooms – Truman Capote PHOTO BY JEFFREY HORVITZ
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