January February 2017

REVOLT PORTLAND

IT'S NOW OR NEVER

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THIS IS NOT A TEST. THIS IS THE REVOLUTION!

The veil is dropping on your world. A world you created out of materialism. A self-loathing world that indoctrinates children into plastic soldiers, casualties of your bloody wars on “terror.”

The thin veil that protected your privilege as a guaranteed freedom due to your whiteness is dropping. The veil that separated you and your socialistic freedom from people like me, forcing us to brutally turn on each other over debt slavery devouring each other in the name of capitalism.

It seems that the privilege WE have been fighting for has forgotten your race whitey… so, sorry!

For example: How many times have we heard since the election: “Like, OMG, I was mistaken for a Trump supporter, I mean, like WTF, me, right?”.

In communities of color, we have been responding by asking: “Oh, hmm, is this your first time being racially profiled (clears throat) Becky?”

We have been hearing and reading lots of chatter, many white allies wanting to help, and point blank asking many community leaders of color how they can help (out loud on the internet)? It’s a fair question, particularly during this time of uncertainty. However, asking out loud on the world wide web how to help, does quite the opposite! It puts our leadership on the spot, and if they don’t respond with what a white person deems as a tangible enough action item – the leader is then immediately discredited, and the white person moves on, leaving our communities with the carnage to carry.

Right now we don’t have time to sugar coat ANYTHING, and we need to be perfectly honest with white people, and white people we need you, to be frank with your communities. Because WE don’t know how to roll up YOUR sleeves, nor do WE know how to tie YOUR shoes, because we have never had the chance to be in them, much less walk in them. Now, that privilege has forgotten

about you, white America, in what is now Trumplandia - You are finding yourself in our shoes, and for many of you this may be your first trek to the second class citizens track – Let me be the first to welcome you and introduce you to our ancestor’s who have been at the heart of this revolution for a millennia. #ElQuintoSol Now before joining the revolution, you must do your transformative work. We don’t need false prophets or a Lord and Savior to lead and save us all; many already have one – and that’s more than enough. So, with that, we need you to understand more than ever, right now communities of color and trans people are under lots of stress and pressure. The emotions you are struggling with through this election are what many communities of color and trans people have been struggling with for decades, even generations. So our leadership has that growing stress, plus the added pressure of now being asked in public forums how a white person can help…and trust me, we need your help – But a word of caution before we continue: Please do not be helping for the sake of fame or glory – we see right through that, besides that’s not sustainable leadership, and it’s just arrogant to tokenize acts of humanity! Be humble and authentic. That’s the first part.

Now here is how you can help without having to ask a person of color: The Marilyn Buck Abolitionist Collective is based out of Portland, OR and seeks to educate and organize white communities in order to directly support African and Indigenous liberation movements. They follow in the political footsteps of Marilyn Buck and other European/ White revolutionaries that joined in the struggle against white supremacy and capitalism.

We have heard people say things like “my privilege is in check and don’t need this type of training” – We get it, this exercise is uncomfortable. But not nearly as uncomfortable as living as a second class citizen upon whose backs the entire empire was built for millennia.

We will be asking if you have done this when we are confronted with the question “how can I (the white person) help” – because most importantly, if you have done a few of these things, honestly, you would not have to ask. For those of you who are already engaged and ready to dive further into the revolution PQ Monthly Staff Writer Sossity Chiricuzio offers additional resources in this month’s Embody column.

In closing, I leave you with the words from my friend Alberto Moreno Ode to MLK When will we be done serving The great factories of injustice Or say that we are finished tending the chains of our own servitude!

How long still will we labor to maintain the structures of power and privilege?

How much longer will we permit the black and brown of our creed to be placed as collateral for someone else’s greed?

When will we our own truth speak and no more The oppressor’s silence keep?!

How much longer will we be held in detention at grace’s door?

When will you understand that keeping us from justice’s shores is like keeping marrow from the bone?!

Are you ready to kick 2017 in the A$$!?!

Melanie C. Davis - Owner - Publisher

A SMATTERING OF WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE: HOROSCOPE- Stars Trends..................................... Page 5

Embody:The Truth Of Many Parts......................................... Page 16

Judgment Day; the Price of Security ............................ Page 6

10 Indigenous And Environmental Struggles You Can Support In 2017

‘The Cabin Project’ Releases New Album Unfolded..... Page 8

...........................................................................................................Page 17

“Showdown At The ‘Invoke’ Corral”............................... Page 10

Secret Life Of Summer Seasons:Random Acts of Kindness. Page 18

Thank You, President Obama.....................................Page 14

AND MUCH MORE! JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 3

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HOROSCOPE

STAR TRENDS

LOCAL

JUPITER TRANSITING LIBRA IN 2017 Ju p i t e r e x p a n d s whatever sign it transits for the whole year 2017!

It is moving through the zodiac sign of Libra.

This sign creates an attention toward relationships, love, beauty, equality and justice.

Look into your life and see where those attributes could benefit you and others. Make a list of how you can apply some focus and expansion in that way. Is it your love life, career, or maybe your social life that can use so more beauty and/or fairness? It will easily come to you if you take a few hours and journal around these ideas.

Start filling in the blanks in various parts of your life adding some beauty, equality, and love. Are you fair to yourself and others in a relationship? Look at it objectively as though you were someone else looking at your relationships. Also, learn to look at it from the others perspective and their needs and wants in the relationship. Write out what they might feel and what you are each getting and giving in your journal. This will pay off in many ways, and avoid wasted “look good” type of actions in your life. It will improve the honesty and wealth of what your connection really is!

This transit for the year also expands artistic expressions such as dance and musical interests. In what ways would you

like to expand and be more active in these areas? Going to concerts, galleries, taking classes, or reading up on these areas? Often travel with a partner to a foreign country can take shape.

Being this expansion of beauty in a more well-rounded expression, you can have some time to kindle the fires of creativity!

What brings out the best part of myself?

What also brings out the best in my neighbor? We each have equal freedom to experience and express that as long is nobody is hurt in the process. Then it is a contribution that everyone can benefit from the creative spirit. Be it through art, music, or whatever expression you find beauty as. Let it out! Give it to others, and accept it from others freely. That is the “soulful” experience of celebrating life! This astrological window you perceive and express through is a “gift” and precious to you and others.

Jupiter being the planet of cultural expansion expresses through travelling to other cultures and has the creative exchange. Enjoy this enriching and powerful sharing of ideas and philosophies in your journal and with others. Conversations also take on a creative brilliance if you afford yourself the time for this endeavor.

Enjoy the journal keeping and keep it going throughout the year. You will have a volume for the year documenting your soul’s journey!

Robert McEwen, H.W., M Available for astrology readings at robbystarman@aol.com phone: 503 706-0396

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 5

VOICES

JUDGMENT DAY; THE PRICE OF SECURITY

By Suzanne Deakins

Moving into 2017 we are faced with a lot of dangerous ideas. Not the least in the present equation of worry is the new President who seems to be determined to display a kind of prejudice that is frightening. His very presence on the national level has unleashed a tsunami of hate and prejudice of the worse kind on every minority group.

There is more than just the danger of losing what I consider our basic rights at stake. In the wake of 9/11 the Patriot Act was established. This act by Congress was supposed to give law enforcement the ability to share information to help avoid acts of terrorism.

This new act allowed agencies to snoop on our emails, record and listen to phone calls, investigate our financial records without a court order. It allows the law enforcement such as the FBI to collect all kinds of personal records, such as the use of the library, Internet sites visited, and much more. It uses abstractions to defines terrorism and acts of terrorism thus leaving the definitions up to those enforcing the laws and allowing law enforcement to come to their conclusions. Terrorism is so ill-defined that it allows any act that seems to be endangering (note the seems to be) U.S.A. security to be

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an act of terrorism. This could mean such acts as gathering to protest a government action, writing an article such as this that would cause concern, etc. The U. S. freedom of expression has been put in jeopardy by this act.

The security laws that have been enacted have allowed our lawmakers and enforcers to commit acts of inhumanity on fellow citizens and citizens of other countries. The prevention of terrorism and enforcement of national security has left us in a place of 180 degrees from our beginnings of a democracy. Where law was supposed to protect our freedoms, our lawmakers now enact laws to take away our freedoms in a guise of protecting us.

On November 30, 2015, it was revealed that the FBI had been collecting, Internet complete browser history including IP addresses of anyone you corresponded with, any on line purchases you made and the list goes on including any subscriptions you have over the Internet and others who take the same subscription. The FBI has collected screen names, account numbers, etc. I am assuming this would also include medical records posted in your accounts with groups such as Providence Medical, and of course a record of all telephone numbers stored on line including your phone.

It is a slippery slope a government travels when it begins to take away freedoms in the name of national security. History is full of the violence enacted upon citizenry when it disapproved or felt differently than the leaders. The Patriot Act allows payment for those reporting to the government anyone or group they deem as a potential or actual terrorist.

January 2nd, 2017 the Republican Party voted to significantly curtail the power of the independent ethics office. This was one more nail in the coffin of freedom for our citizens.

The LGBTQ community is easily seen as an alternative. It may be seen and is perceived by individual citizens as a threat. The answers to rectifying this situation is not violence against leaders. We must think differently than those leaders who have enacted upon this country these harmful laws that are silently stripping away our freedoms. You cannot solve or resolve a problem by the same thinking and actions that created it. The 2020 campaign starts now. Get involved helping to generate solutions that will bring true freedom to all people. Volunteer your help and money to help defeat the growing decline of freedom. No one person holds an answer; it is our combined efforts where we stop classifying each other regarding political parties, genders, and nationalities. Freedom taken from one group is taken from us all.

We are one consciousness, mind, and body of humanity. Our differences are nothing more than the infinite variety of life expressing itself.

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HOROSCOPE

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 7

FEATURE

PORTLAND-BASED BAND ‘THE CABIN PROJECT’ RELEASES NEW ALBUM UNFOLDED

CABIN PROJECT REBEKAH HANSON, KATIE SAWICKI, ZANNY GEFFEL

By Shaley Howard, PQ Monthly

Katie Sawicki started the Portland-based band the Cabin Project in 2010 after moving here from Brooklyn and abandoning the touring life as a solo artist. Feeling uninspired when she wasn’t collaborating and performing with others, she decided to make the band the foundation of her next project. Group members consist of Zanny Geffel on percussions and vocals, Katie Sawicki on vocals, guitar and piano, and Rebekah Hanson on the viola and vocals. They’ve been described as an orchestral indie pop trio with sound influences by Bon Iver. And so far they’ve released three albums; The Cabin Project, Heliotrope and Unfolded and one EP called Sine.

“The Cabin Project has evolved into that beautiful symbiotic place that is much more than the sum of its parts.

Over their many years, they have continued to evolve and push into new territory and never has that been clearer than on their latest, intricate and powerful album, Unfolded.”

– commented Portland Singer-Songwriter Chris Pureka.

I had an opportunity to sit down with the members of the Cabin Project recently and ask them a few questions about how they all first connected, their process in creating music and current projects.

PQ MONTHLY: HOW DID YOU ALL MEET AND START PLAYING TOGETHER? Katie Sawicki: It began as a studio project with music friends, which is when Zanny and I started playing together.

It quickly turned into a live band. We started playing with Rebekah on the second Cabin Project record, Heliotrope, and we solidified as the core trio of the Cabin Project in 8 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

early 2014, when we did the Sine EP together.

PQ: WAS YOUR FAMILY MUSICAL? Sawicki: Not mine! But God bless ‘em, they tried. My mom and I did sing hymns together occasionally, which helped me fall in love with harmony.

Zanny Geffel: My mom learned piano as an adult and taught the neighborhood kids, and she taught me a little as well. My dad tried the harmonica once. But after I started playing the drums, I learned that my grandpa on my dad’s side was a big band drummer, which was pretty exciting, he had passed by then, and so I didn’t get to talk with him about it.

Rebekah Hanson: Not really. My dad played the guitar a bit, and my mom had played the piano as a kid. We had a piano and music, but no one played music at home.

PQ: HOW/WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING/SINGING MUSIC INDIVIDUALLY? Sawicki: Mom says I had sung before I talked, which I am not sure is true. I think she might have just like that one line in that ABBA song, ‘Thank you for the Music’. But it is true that I was a musical and a capella geek from early on.

Geffel: I started playing the drums when I was ten but had tap danced before then. I always loved playing on pots and pans and wooden stools before then.

Hanson: My best friend played the violin, and I REALLY wanted to play. I started asking if I could take lessons at three years old and my parents thought it was a phase, and

I would forget about it. After three years of asking for violin lessons, they signed me up.

PQ: DO YOU HAVE ANY MUSICAL MENTORS OR ARTISTS YOU LEARN FROM AND/OR ADMIRE? Sawicki: I love Bon Iver- mostly because he seems as obsessed with ear candy, melding sounds and genres, and collaboration as I am. The National is also a huge influence of mine. But the fact is, I listen to Iron and Wine and Patty Griffin every day of my life.

Geffel: Ditto on Bon Iver - his percussionist S. Carey is a big influence for what I do in the band, as well as Bryan Devendorf, drummer for The National, and Phil Selway with Radiohead. As a drummer, I’ve always been influenced by classic jazz drummers, especially Elvin Jones.

Ginger Baker and The Bad Plus’ drummer Dave King. And Warpaint, oh how I love them.

Hanson: The most influential string musician for me is Yo Yo Ma. I love that Yo Yo Ma performs classical music so incredibly well, but also gets out of the box and does a lot of improvising through chamber music. He is such a collaborative and creative artist.

PQ: WHAT DOES THE WRITING PROCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? Sawicki: It has shifted over the years, depending on band members. But now that we are settled in as a trio, I mostly write the skeleton of the song and lyrics, and we work together closely on arrangements. Usually during a band retreat.

Geffel: We’ve always relied heavily on what everyone THE CABIN PROJECT page 9

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LOCAL NEWS

THE CABIN PROJECT Continued from page 8

brings to the table separately and then try to piece it all together. It’s a big part of what makes this band unique because we don’t have a particular sound that we’re all trying to emulate, we are creating and collaborating on a blank piece of paper. Not many bands do that without having a particular genre that they want to “fit” into.

Hanson: I have enjoyed our writing retreats. We will start with an idea and play around with it until we find something we love. We give one another a lot of space to experiment and find what works best together. It’s fun to see how our very different ideas morph into a cohesive song.

PQ: WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING KNOWN IN PORTLAND, OREGON? Sawicki: Haha, we’re known? Cool Geffel: I just want free food, so if someone could make that happen, yeah...

PQ: WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE AND MOST CHALLENGING ASPECTS OF BEING MUSICIANS AND WORKING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY? Sawicki: My favorite part of our band is seeing what comes out of our arrangements. I mean, these are two musicians who are each incredible at what they do. And they are willing to dive into what I bring them and turn it from semi/ok stuff into fascinating/ dynamic and emotional arrangements. It’s pretty rad. As a songwriter, you can’t ask for a better situation. And it makes me want to perform our music wherever we can and in front of whomever we can.

The most challenging part is almost all the harshest realities of the music industry. It’s a bit brutal. Just getting on the road is a feat between negotiating jobs, vacation time, working with our agent to set up a tour that will get us in front of new audiences, etc. All of that. But at the end of the day, it’s our choice, and it’s an honor to get to do what we do – I’m super aware of that.

You have to work hard and continue to grow to stay relevant, which is a good motivator for us I think. So I guess I can’t hate on the music industry for that part. It forces you to be resilient. The deeper you dig, the closer you get to your actual voice.

Geffel: Katie pretty much sums it up. I think when you’re working in such a saturated music market as Portland is, as well as Pandora, Spotify, Apple music, etc. it’s just difficult to be heard. Sometimes just pushing through those insecurities can be the biggest challenge, and understanding that just because we’re not always received in the best way, doesn’t mean we’re not great musicians who make great music. There’s pqmonthly.com

also the challenge of being queer/gender neutral women, and being placed in situations where you aren’t taken seriously, or thought of in the same way as male or straight/feminine musicians.

Hanson: I agree with what they both said. Writing is my favorite part. I love coming up with new unique and challenging parts to play and incorporate into our songs. It’s so great to see how everything comes together.

PQ: WHAT IS THE MUSE FOR YOUR MUSIC AND ARE YOU DRAWN TO A PARTICULAR TOPIC(S)?

Sawicki: The Medusa of my emotions haha! Trying to allow space for all forms of feeling to have their say. I work out most of my untalked-about heartache through songwriting.

Geffel: Katie’s also focused on environmental/social justice in the past, and these are topics she seems into her lyrics all the time.

Hanson: I get most of my stuff from the classical music I play. It’s not usually intentional. When we are improvising and playing around with a new idea, I will often start playing a variation of something I am playing in symphony or chamber music.

PQ: IS THERE A MESSAGE YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH YOUR AUDIENCE? Sawicki: When it comes to our arrangements and music, we’re all about the drama.

CABIN PROJECT REBEKAH HANSON, KATIE SAWICKI, ZANNY GEFFEL And we want to take our audience on that journey – to take them from zero to in love to heartbroken and back – through music. It’s fun for all of us.

PQ: IF YOU WEREN’T PURSUING MUSIC WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO? Sawicki: Eradicating prisons and reforming all policing and sentencing policy. Or open a knitting shop. I can’t decide.

Geffel: Music therapy or ethnomusicology, and disability advocacy work. Travel a lot also.

Hanson: I teach violin and viola and love it. I love working with kids and seeing them learn and create and grow with the music they play. I don’t know that I could do anything else!

PQ: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO PROMOTE ABOUT YOURSELVES AND THE CABIN PROJECT? Sawicki: Download the new record!

“Unfolded”. We wanna share it with the world!

The Cabin Project’s next performances are on February 25th at Alberta Street Pub and March 31st at the White Eagle Saloon.

For additional information go to www.thecabinproject.com.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 9

NEWS FEATURE

“SHOWDOWN AT THE ‘INVOKE’ CORRAL”

By Monty Herron Op-Ed columnist. Member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Two-Spirit, author, & academic instructor.

Hello, again friends and community members! I hope your holidays (honoring all faiths and paths) were wonder-filled! After a much-needed break to rest and recharge with family and friends, even compete in a karaoke competition; it’s back to my commitment to social awareness, sustainability and decolonization in our region, and communities. Now more than ever, with the orange presidency looming on the horizon, we must hold each other up, own our narratives, and be committed to these things in word and deed.

This week has been an explosive one for people staying watchful and mindful of Greater Portland’s behavior in regards to social justice issues, Two-Spirit folks, members of Portland’s Native community, and Settler/White-identified allies.

Here’s the deal. The fine folks at Invoke, Esoteric Living & Modern Artifacts 414 SE 81st Ave. Portland OR 97213 (503) 496-2221 Wed - Sun 12-6:30 pm Instagram @ invokepdx www.invokepdx.com Owned by Durga & Kristie Savaya, have created a massive controversy of their making.

They enlisted the aid of one Michelle Meister to hold a class at their store, taught by Michelle- Charging people $30 or $35 a piece. The photo depicted above is from their class flyer, advertising “Dreamcatcher Class, Make your own, Great gift idea!” Limited to 15 participantsetc etc. (I’ve heard anecdotal concerns that this is not the first time M. Meister has crafted and made “Prayer Drums” too, for a different store, and that there was an outcry at that time too.

She even alludes to this in her response below, which would indicate that she has run afoul of angry Natives before.)

Problematic? Yes. Cultural appropriation. Possibly even illegal because of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (Found here: https://www.doi.gov/iacb/act) In part, the Act states that it “is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian-produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian Tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States. For a first time violation of the Act, an individual can face civil or criminal penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5-year prison term, or both. If a business violates 10 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

the Act, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000. Under the Act, an Indian is defined as a member of any federally or officially State recognized Indian Tribe or an individual certified as an Indian artisan by an Indian Tribe.

The law covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1935. The Act broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States. Some traditional items frequently copied by non-Indians include Indian-style jewelry, pottery, baskets, carved stone fetishes, woven rugs, kachina dolls, and clothing.

All products must be marketed truthfully regarding the Indian heritage and tribal affiliation of the producers, so as not to mislead the consumer. It is illegal to market an art or craft item using the name of a tribe if a member, or certified Indian artisan, of that tribe, did not create the art or craft item. For example, products sold using a sign claiming “Indian Jewelry” would be a violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act if the jewelry was produced by someone other than a member, or certified Indian artisan, of an Indian tribe. Products advertised as “Hopi Jewelry” would be in violation of the Act if they were produced by someone who is not a member, or certified Indian artisan, of the Hopi tribe.”

So, by the broad definition of the act, The only people that should be marketing or selling “Dream Catchers” are those who are federally registered or recognized by their tribe, of Lakota or Ojibwe descent. Not to mention the fact that usually, by tradition, at least in my experience here, and my teachings as a federally enrolled Umpqua, Takelma, and Assiniboine Native; teachers don’t teach for monetary compensation, or the oppressors frogskins if you will. If they do, they are allowed to. What many other people from all walks of life and I objected to is the continued appropriation of Native American culture, for profit, giving nothing to Native Americans for what is being taken of ours, AGAIN. There is also the issue of these things being religious items, not something that’s an ‘Arts & Crafts’ project.

(I know thanks feds for calling it the Arts & Crafts Act.) So the call went out to the community to let these folks know ‘we’ (those of us sharing the same values) were not ok with this and respectfully asked them not to move forward with this class for the reasons I stated, and others had their reasons too. We were met almost immediately with derision, racism, gaslighting, tone-deaf replies, and tone-policing, with the owners accusing community members of being ‘bullies’ and ‘reverse-racists’.

Here was Michele Meister’s (prose/poetry?) response to the community.

“This is my reply...

If one person had come to me, Human being to human being, Without teeth bared and claws stretched out, We could have had a conversation.

Do you think in 59 years of life, Of working with the Sacred, Of working with the Spirits,

Of working with the Gods and with the Ancestors, Do you think I never thought of this?

Do you think that in 11 years of working In a business oriented around Native spirituality, Do you think I never thought of this?

Do you think the conversations I had With Native Elders and Tribal People, With AIM Members and NARA volunteers, That I did not discuss this very thing?

That I wasn’t concerned that I had no right To make the ritual objects, I made for them?

No right to make the drums, No right to make the rattles, No right to make dream catchers?

Do you think they were wrong when they told me That what is in your heart matters.

That sacred things made in a sacred way are sacred?

That it is the removal of the sacred by those who stereotype and deride That is the problem.

That it is the misrepresentation by non-natives pretending to make native art that is the problem.

That it is the pushing aside of native people that is the problem.

This is what I heard when I discussed this with many native people.

The same native people I taught to make drums, because they had no one left to teach them.

The same native people who asked me to make dream catchers for them, The same native people who told me that the right to make these things comes from having the right things in my heart.

It comes from walking with the spirits, the ancestors and the gods in every moment of my life.

It comes from the sacrifices I have made and the journeys I have taken To earn the right to make my art.

It comes from living simply and not participating in the over culture.

It comes from choosing my integrity over the family of my birth.

It comes from working unendingly for justice for all people.

Do you know that there are many cultures You are lumping together when you talk of Native Americans?

Do you think the Ojibway were the only ones To ever see a spider web and try to make it with sticks and string?

Do you think the Ojibway people are the only ones who dream?

Do you think that a Hopi person cannot make a dream catcher?

I do not claim to make Ojibway dream catchers, My dream catchers are non-traditional, But they come from my heart and from my dreams, And making sacred tools is a sacred practice, Which opens humans to a better connection With the spirits, ancestors and gods.

This is why I share my skills.

I walk in integrity, and in sacred space.

Instead of wasting your time bullying me, Perhaps you could find one of the many homeless natives trying to survive on our streets, And offer your home, Or a blanket, Or a cup of coffee, Or a few minutes of your day to hear them.

Blessings.”

INVOKE p age 11

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VOICES

So I guess by your standard, I’m ‘over-qualified’ to tell you how effed up your profiting from my culture is. This isn’t an issue of whether a Hopi person is making a dream catcher, it’s that a settler is, and trying to make money on it. When you’re told your actions are denigrating or take away from others, or cause harm; IMHO, an apology and desisting in the behavior are all that is needed to begin to make amends. Let’s also not get it twisted- I took the time to try and educate because I care deeply about my culture. It isn’t my ‘job’ as an Indigenous Two-Spirit person to educate you; it’s a choice, one made of love, but one that takes time, energy, and emotion from me. I’d also really appreciate it if you folks resisted with the whole gaslighting about race thing. “This isn’t my ‘race’. It’s my ethnicity and culture. I was raised knowing I am Native. I am a medicine carrier, I dance Men’s tradish, sweat, smudge, and speak my people’s language.... I know our stories, our struggles and our triumphs. I will never be silenced, nor will I be erased.”

This subject area is one having to do with Native American issues, we are taking back our narrative, we are tired of the abuse that has never stopped in 500 years, and frankly, speaking for myself; I’m sick of your s**t.

Stop telling us how we should feel, or how you have some sort of right to take whatever you want, profit from it, and tell us to kick rocks. Sound familiar? Yeah. Broken treaties.

Colonialism. Genocide. Racism.

But the saga was far from over. After many community members expressed displeasure, and supported each other, and tried to reach out to educate, Michelle seemed to come around and left a brief post pqmonthly.com

saying she was cancelling the class, and that it wasn’t her intent to hurt anyone. Bravo!

Enter Kristie & Durga Sivaya. Here is what they posted in the event thread on social media, about twelve hours before they deleted the event and their Facebook page.

“At the request of the person leading the class; the class has been cancelled. This is not the decision of Invoke as we do not agree with your opinions. We are a small business that gives to the community, supports local artists and encourages spiritual growth and exploration as it relates to ALL GENDERS, COLORS & CULTURES. The accusations you have all made are inaccurate, judgmental and appalling. You know nothing of the intent of the class, nothing of the individual that was teaching the class and nothing of our store. In a time that we should be all growing and learn from each other and unite, you have continued to divide us. -Durga & Kristie” I think it’s interesting that all the feelings, historical trauma, and appropriation can be dismissed as ‘opinions’ by these folks.

They continued to gaslight, make claims of ‘reverse racism’ and said the concerned parties were trying to shut their business down when they were on-air guests of Lars Larson’s conservative radio talk show on KXL. They had even stated that they “didn’t think anyone from the Native American community would even come into their store to speak with them”. *This will be important later. Huh? So the business owners of esoteric goods, when confronted with a sticky situation ran to a conservative talk show host? That confuses me. It takes the intractability of their refusal to have an open dialogue about this issue to a whole new level.

In the meantime, I asked members of Portland’s Native community, LGBTQIIAA community, and demonstrated allies to please have their voice be heard here, at PQ. We aren’t going to silence, dismiss, or reject- your pain, grievances, or fears. We have a right to our own narrative as People of Color, Queers, and Allies. I was grateful to hear back from a local member of http:// www.showingupforracialjustice.org/ “This is my interpretation of the conversation which occurred last night with the owners of Invoke. I in no way speak for the others who were part of this conversation.

In full disclosure, I entered this conversation as a white, cis-male, non-Indigenous pagan hoping that the owners of Invoke would see the harm of their actions, and make steps to repair relationships with the community.

We spent three and a half hours in conversation with the owners, as well as four of their friends. Such a long conversation is not easily “re-capped”, but I’ll do my best here to bring up some of the main themes.

In many ways, this will be a “glossed over” account.

From the outset, there were two main perspectives. Our point of view was that in hosting a dreamcatcher class taught by a white woman, Invoke had hurt the Native American community, and had been called to account for it. Our hope was that they would offer an apology and reach out to the SHOWDOWN AT INVOKE page 15

PQ PRESS PARTY Next January 19th at: January 19th 2017, 5P.M-7P.M: SCANDALS PDX (1125 SW Stark St, Portland, OR 97205)

Always have supported LGBT rights, Always will.

NOW

OPEN

GUNS AND AMMO BUY • SELL TRADE GUNS

MACE • STUN GUNS • HOLSTERS • ACCESSORIES • GUN CASES • BACK PACKS • GUN VAULTS

578852.121416

INVOKE

WHAT THE ACTUAL !!??! “Because Continued from page 10 they had no one left to teach them”?? My horsehide prayer drum begs to differ. The nephews I work with on dancing traditionally, Uncles and Aunties who teach, and help us build regalia would seem to disagree too. We never asked for you and your “White Saviour” attitude. And did youactually just take my concern for your appropriation about my culture and deflect it by suggesting we have no right to speak unless we have invited someone that is house-less into our home for a blanket or a coffee-klatch?? (Also thank you for using ‘homeless native’ and the many other times you use the lowercase ‘n’ instead of Native as in Native American. I can see how much you respect us and our ways of knowing.)But ok, I’ll do you one better than that my fair settler friend.

I travelled with companions to Standing Rock in September taking an entire truckload of needed medical, warming, food, and building supplies; and then, combined, we purchased another $2000 in needed fresh food and building materials before departing. Since I’ve been back in Oregon, I fundraised again and constructed bulletproof lexan shields for Water Protectors. Those are leaving my place this Sunday, Jan. 8th for North Dakota. (Thank you to everyone that has travelled, donated, or helped me construct things for Standing Rock, you are ALL rockstars, and know what it means to give selflessly, or be an ally!)

MAJOR BRANDS

Veteran owned • Open 7 days a week 4855 SE TV Highway • Hillsboro 97123 971-228-8138 • www.armyourselfstore.com Next to Banner Furniture behind Allstate JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 11

CALENDAR

1

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Courting The Muse with Sossity Chiricuzio. This workshop is a place to learn to create and maintain a writing practice. Like many relationships, we tend to wait for the good stuff to come to us, like that fictional Prince(ss) Charming. This is a chance to take the lead, find the connection, and commit for a long term and rewarding partnership with your own voice. 1 to 4 p.m., Q Center, 4115 N. Mississippi. $30 with some scholarships available.

GET

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

OUT! Want more? We’ll give you eve r y t h i n g . H e a d ove r t o pqmonthly.com and check out our online calendar of events, submit your own events, and send photos for your event. Also, remember to carefully examine our weekly weekend forecast — with the latest and greatest events — each Wednesday (sometimes Thursday), online only.

--OLIVIA OLIVIA, CALENDAR EDITOR PQ MONTHLY

2 DANCE

IT OUT

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25

Drag Queen Bingo with Poison Water and Friends.

Drag Queens AND Bingo The perfect way to get through a hump day! Join us at the McMenamins Mission Theater for a fabulous evening hosted by Poison Waters with drag performances and win great prizes. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., McMenamins Mission Theater. 1624 NW Glisan. $15 includes 9 bingo cards and entry to show.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

Primary Care for Transgender and Gender Non-Binary People. This 8 hour course will cover the basics of providing medical care for transgender individuals. This includes primary care, hormonal transition, surgery and mental health referrals, youth specific considerations, fertility, lab testing, and creating welcoming and affirming environments for your patients. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Q Center, 4115 N. Mississippi. Contact Equi Institute for registration.

EVERY SUNDAY

Drag Brunch: Testify at Stag with Alexis Campbell Starr. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Sunday, Starr brings you the city’s hottest drag performers, drink specials (5 for $5 mimosas, $5 American Harvest Bloody Marys), and tasty brunch. Be there promptly at 11, children—it’s a sell-out crowd.

Stag, 317 NW Broadway.

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. Check out the newest and freshest Diva hits, plus a variety of diverse talent. 8 p.m., 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. 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Vault, 226 NW 12.

Legendary Mondays. Bart Fitzgerald makes Monday your favorite day of the week with hot tunes by Dubblife. Swift Lounge, 1932 N.E. Broadway.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Amateur night at Stag PDX, though 12 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

they won’t look like amateurs, trust. Hosted by Godiva Devyne, come gawk at the pretty dancers. And talk some shit with the Devyne Ms. G. 9 p.m., Stag PDX, 317 NW Broadway.

EVERY THURSDAY

No FOMO. A queer collaborative dedicated to Portland’s homegrown cosmic dance music sound.

DJs Sappho, Stormy Roxx, and David Sylvester and Promoter Spenser Thompson.

First Fridays at the Boiler Lounge upstairs of Bit House Saloon.

9:30 p.m., Bit House Saloon, 727 SE Grand Ave. $10.

FIRST SATURDAYS

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! 9 p.m., CC Slaughters, 219 NW Davis. Free.

FIRST SATURDAYS

Hard Yes presents: Yes Please! Yes Please is a monthly queer dance party for the dark, dirty and fabulous who just wanna dance. The party also features guest preformers from Portland and beyond plus resident DJ Sappho alongside a rotating lineup of guest DJ’s providing you with a healthy dose of: House, techno, deep disco and hard f*ggotry. Cover $7. 21+.

9 p.m. at Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St.

Transtrender. Join Afrolatinx Portland writer Manuel Arturo Abreu for a launch party of their latest book, Transtrender. Transtrender is a book of lyric poems investigating the impossibility of language to express the bodily and social experience of transness.

Written from an Afrolatinx trans position, the work deals with the trap of visibility, the coloniality of gender, and the refusal of cogency in a moment where trans is trending (that is, being commodified and whitewashed). 7 p.m, Yale Union, 800 SE 10th.

Sugar Town. DJ Action Slacks. Keywords: Soul, polyester. Great place to find the ladies, to mingle, to get your groove on. 9 p.m., The Spare Room, 4830 NE 42. $5.

Pop Rocks! 80s music aficionado DJ Matt Consola (Bearracuda) is hosting a very special 80s anthem night at Euphoria Nightclub. The space will be enhanced with an 80s theme featuring dancers, games and an official Dungeons & Dragons Gaming Table, visuals, rad 80s movies, drink specials, a photo booth, coat check and special guest DJs. 10 p.m., Euphoria, 315 SE 3. No cover.

Pants Off Dance Off. Come get bold and bawdy at Crush Bar’s monthly clothing-optional dance event, a bar-as-youdare safe space to break character without risking your day job (no cell phone photos allowed, folks!) Come early—the place gets packed and space is limited. $5 cover after 9 p.m. with a clothes check for $2. 1400 SE Morrison St.

SECOND TUESDAYS

Bi Bar—every second Tuesday at Crush, and it’s an open, bi-affirming space for music and mingling.

Correction: Bi/Pan/Fluid/Queer. 8 p.m., 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 MEXXXTAPE lay down everything from

N th B A J fr a to a a 1 C

Mary J // Jagged Edge// Keys 10 p.m., Local Lounge, 3536

SECOND SA

Hot Flash: Inferno. (Secon urdays) In the heart of Portlan are—dancing the night away a floors the second and fourth S at Trio. Welcoming all women, DJ Lauren joins Wildfire, and th

Bump, grind and crash into you at Gay Skate. Look for our pu handing out copies of PQ. And, get a date. Every third Monday.

Inc. 7 p.m., Oaks Park, 7805 S

THIRD TUE

Beareoke PDX is BACK! Invi you know who karaoke. Free!

SW Stark St.

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

pqmonthly.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Finding Our Voice. Join the Portland Lesbian Choir as they begin their 31st year with their annual winter concert. Experience the powerful work of Queer composers written over the last 100 years--songs that will inspire, uplift, and bring you hope, tears and laughter. Join the Portland Lesbian Choir, along with director Mary McCarty and PLC’s famed accompanist, Kim Horenstein. Stay for the dance with DJ Lauren to follow. 7:30 p.m., Central Lutheran Church, $15 in advance for members, $12 students/seniors, children under 5 free. $18 at the door.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11

National Black HIV Awareness Day. Cascade AIDS Project is proud to host he 2nd Annual Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Join us for food, ree HIV testing, and the chance o win prizes such as Nike gear. All ages welcome..

12 p.m., Sunrise Center, free.

shia to Badu//Lauryn Etc. 6 NE MLK. $5.

too, so give!) 9 p.m., Crush, 1400 SE Morrison.

ATURDAYS

Burlescape! Burlesque & boylesque wrapped in a taste of tease! Zora Phoenix, Isaiah Esquire, Tod Alan. 9 p.m., Crush, 1400 SE Morrison. $10. We’re featuring all of Zora’s events online, so get on the net.

Stranger Disco. An always-packed North Portland favorite queer dance party on North Williams; DJs Stormy Roxx, Vera Rubin and Sappho. 21+, $10, starts at 9 p.m., District East, 4306 N. Williams Ave.

nd and Fourth Satnd is where the women and burning up dance Saturdays of every month queers, and their allies. his night features dancers from up and down the I-5 corridor. 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Trio, 909 E. Burnside.

THIRD MONDAYS

ur favorite queer friends ublisher, who’s always , you know, you’ll probably . Food drive for Take Action SE Oaks Park Way. $6.

ESDAYS

ite all the bears & chasers 9 p.m. at Scandals, 1125

THIRD WEDNESDAYS

Comedy at Crush: 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, pqmonthly.com

THIRD SATURDAYS

FOURTH FRIDAYS

Blow Pony. Check out the classic PDX party’s new venue. Here’s your raunchiest, fruitiest, grittiest, freakiest most fabulous packed dance party. This month’s edition Christ-Mess with Lady Bear! 9 p.m., Bossanova Ballroom, 722 E Burnside St. $7.

Fourth Saturdays Judy on Duty. Lesbian hardcore. Judys, Judes, and cool ass freaks. Dance it out. DJ Troubled Youth. Organized by Ana Margarita and Megan Holmes. 10 p.m., High Mark Water Lounge, 6800 NE MLK.

FEATURES CALENDAR

3

Pride Preview

DRAG EXTRAVAGANZA

Cher-labration! Club KaiKai needs to ask one question & one question only, “do you Believe in life after love?” It’s time to Turn Back Time and get out all those wigs because we are having not only a hair-ball but a CHER BALL!! We are throwing a Cher-labration of Cher through the decades all night at Dante’s. No one can imitate the legend but the legend herself - from season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 1, and the #1 Cher impersonator in the world - Chad Michaels!

Chad Michaels is a diva, a pioneer, an icon, legend, a god damed professional, and Chad Michaels is Cher. This is Chad’s first appearance in Portland - and in honor of our bike-friendly city let’s Cher the road! Michaels will honoring Cher with her most iconic looks, moments, wigs (or her natural hair because that’s what she calls them), and memories. Bob Mackie is gonna gag!

Club Kai-Kai kicks off All Or Nothing when doors open at 8:00pm with a Cher-aoke (Cher only karaoke) hosted by Nae Nae Dominatrix till 9:00pm.

Showtime for Cher soiree is at 10:15pm sharp! Opening performances by Bolivia Carmichaels, Ms Houston, Carla Rossi, Wolfgang X, Anastasia Euthanasia, and Nae Nae Dominatrix. Queens will be doing their best Cher, Sonny, and hopefully we get some Witches of Eastwick or Mermaids in there! DJs Buckmaster and Thumper will Take You Home all night long with the best Cher and disco, don’t we worry we Got You Babe!

Her farewell tour latest over 6 years - and finally you can live your Cher fantasy: have Tea with Mussolini, go Walking In Memphis, feel Just Like Jessie James, and remember at Club Kai Kai you always can Believe. And in the immortal words of the goddess herself - “It’s Cher, Bitch” General Admission - $15 (limited) presale /// $20 day of show Meet & Greet + G.A. - $30 (limited) presale /// $40 day of show Meet & Greet with Chad Michaels is after the show.

Saturday, Jan. 21, Doors at 8:00pm. Showtime is at 10:15pm. 21+ only. Dante’s, 350 W. Burnside.

ANTI-INAUGURATION DAY, JANUARY 20TH

Writing & Folding Paper Cranes: for hands and hearts. On Inauguration Day, bring your hearts and hands to American Legion Post 134, a place of community, a safe place. Write whatever you want to write on paper and fold that paper into a beautiful origami crane.

No experience necessary. Directions for folding cranes

will be provided. If you have origami paper, please bring it.

If you can, please bring potluck dishes to share for lunch.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Post 134, 2104 Ne Alberta.

Inauguration Day Flag Burning Extravaganza.

On January 20th, 2017, the American Empire will greatly accelerate into the pit of fascism it has been sinking into from the very beginning. The new murdered-in-chief wants people who burn the flag to lose their citizenship and spend time in jail. Let’s show our disgust for this empire of blood, it’s angry orange emperor, and all of the ignorant inbred goons who make up its power base, by incinerating the cloth rectangle that they worship. Let’s cleanse with flame this red, white, and blue symbol of empire, genocide, and white supremacy, right as orange Mussolini is being sworn into his office as top terrorist of the world. Everyone invite all your friends, bring as many American flags as possible, acquire them however you like, and let’s burn so many that Chump will be able to smell the burning polyester in Washington DC! 12 p.m., Pioneer Square.

Skills and Tools for Interrupting Hate in Public Spaces.

Recognizing that many will participate in the national general strike called for Inauguration Day, January 20, Resolutions Northwest will offer two 2-hour workshops at our offices, one at 10am and one at 1pm. Resolutions Northwest, 2538 Broadway St., Suite A. Free of charge to the first 20 participants to register for each.

PDX J20 Resist Portland Anti-Inaugural Demonstration. Join members of the Workers World Party for a march to push back against the United States current racist, sexist agenda. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Join the Resistance! Inauguration night of music. Portland Jobs With Justice invites you to join a night of live music, DJs, and inspiration from local grassroots organizations. Music by DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid, LoveBomb Go-Go marching band, Portland Samba, and a special guest singer-songwriter. Childcare will be available! 6 p.m., The Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder. $5 - $25 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds.

VALENTINE’S DAY

Queer Horror: Bound. The Hollywood Theatre’s bimonthly program Queer Horror fires off Cupid’s arrows with Bound! Hosted by Portland’s premier drag clown Carla Rossi, this Valentine’s Day special rings in a full year of women-centric programming with an opening preshow and more Valentine treats. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m., Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd. $9.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 13

VOICES

OPINION

THANK YOU, PRESIDENT OBAMA

David Muhammad , New America Media

The night, eight years ago, that Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States was euphoric. At an election watch party in downtown Washington, DC – when the screens locked into CNN announcing Obama as the projected President-elect – the huge, nearly all-Black crowd erupted in jubilant excitement.

Last night that man said goodbye, urging Americans as he brushed away tears to continue to push for the change his presidency had promised.

Eight years earlier tears streamed down my face and the faces of those around me.

We had not imagined in our lifetimes that our nation, built on the slave labor of Black people, would elect a Black man as its President.

While I was attracted to Obama’s campaign pledge to save the economy and end America’s wars, my enthusiasm had more to do with the fact that he was a strong, smart, competent leader … who was Black.

The image of a Black man as President, an intelligent, articulate spokesperson for the world’s greatest country was enough for me.

My son, then three years old, would grow up for the next eight years only knowing a Black man as the President.

Still, even from the beginning I had low expectations that Obama could bring genuine transformation to America’s benighted political system. So as he prepares to leave the Oval Office, it is worth taking this moment to consider just how much he accomplished.

President Obama inherited a crumbling economy on the brink of a depression. The housing and banking crisis had nearly destroyed the country. Obama immediately pushed through an unpopular stimulus package that has now proven to be incredibly successful.

In the month before Obama took office, more than 660,000 jobs were lost. During the Bush Presidency, the total number of jobs gained was near an all-time low of 160,000 annually. Comparatively, Obama has added nearly ten times that amount, with more than 1.3 million jobs gained each year. During the height of the Great Recession, the U.S. unemployment rate was at a staggering 10 percent. The unemployment 14 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

rate is now under 5 percent – with more than 14 million total new jobs added under the Obama Administration.

The day of Obama’s inauguration, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the standard stock index, was just under 7,950. The Dow has nearly tripled in the past eight years, reaching an unprecedented high of 19,000.

Stock prices don’t just help the wealthy; a vast majority of the middle class depends on stocks to support their retirement accounts.

The working class also enjoyed a boon.

Although a Republican Congress failed to act on Obama’s proposal to raise the minimum wage nationally and to pass a jobs bill, after a passionate Obama State of the Union Address, cities and states across the country responded. More than 50 states and cities have raised their minimum wages, including three West Coast cities that have voted to raise their minimum wage to $15 per hour.

President Obama’s crowning achievement was a feat that seven other presidents tried and failed to accomplish. The Affordable Care Act has not been without controversy, but as Obama leaves office, more than 20 million Americans now have health care thanks to the ACA. There are other victories that are no less significant. President Obama brought Osama bin Laden to justice. As promised, he did so while also bringing the number of American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq down from 175,000 to 15,000.

With a recalcitrant Congress, President Obama had to resort to the power of his pen to make other common sense reforms.

Through Executive Orders, Obama implemented gun safety regulations after numerous mass shootings rocked the country. He also made progress on immigration, providing protection to Dreamers, young children who were brought to America by their parents hoping for a better life.

And for the subject nearest and dearest to my heart, criminal justice reform, the President has been a champion. Obama’s appointment of Eric Holder as Attorney General was monumental.

Speaking at the American Bar Association, Holder declared, “Too many Americans go to too many prisons for far too long, OBAMA continues on page 15

pqmonthly.com

SHOWDOWN AT INVOKE

Native community to make amends.

Their perspective was that there was nothing wrong with the dreamcatcher class, that most of the things Continued from page 11 in their store were offensive to someone, and that the tactics used in the comments on the Facebook page constituted bullying.

We met them as human beings, people who could have made similar mistakes at one point in our lives or another, and who had experienced being “called out” in one way or another. We wanted to convey to them that they could move forward by apologizing and seeking to make amends.

My experience was that all of us were very careful not to take a superior tone and to be empathetic, although there were times when we did raise our voices due to heated emotions.

harm of cultural appropriation to them, and who sought to provide them with a path towards restoring the standing of their store in Portland’s diverse community. Hopefully something productive comes from this. However, that remains to be seen.” -M. The next day, because I wanted to also create space for growth, and promote understanding; I called the number listed for Invoke, the phone was answered by Durga. He told me I was welcome at the store anytime. He’d be happy to buy me lunch. I said it wasn’t necessary, but I’d love to stop by and get comments directly from him and Kristie regarding this. Durga stated that he already knew me, that we had ‘hung out’ or shared space. That he, Durga, has

Some of the main issues that we faced (in no particular order) were: -The four of us who came to talk to the owners were all white. This was particularly an issue for two of the owners’ friends, who were persons of color, and was very upset with this dynamic.

-The nature of many of the Facebook comments and other communications the owners had received had left them shaken, fearing for their livelihood and safety. It seemed hard for them to differentiate between the informative posts and the threats of violence they had received. They repeatedly expressed that they were the victims of bullying. This made them unwilling to offer an apology, as it seemed like giving in to bullies.

-The owners seemed concerned that this was part of a larger scheme to remove their business; that SURJ, which they thought was a for-profit organization, was operating on behalf of some other interest (according to http://w w w.showingupforracialjustice.org/about_this_site, SURJ is not-for-profit).

-The owners, while openly expressing the desire to be good people, were not well versed in social justice language and protocols.

-The owners had difficulty acknowledging their racism.

At one point each of us was asked if we saw ourselves as racist, each of us replied “yes”. This caused the owner to believe that this, and other similar campaigns, were hazing rituals, that our goal was to beat them down, and when they assented, to lift them back up as “one of us”.

-The owners struggled to understand the harm of cultural appropriation and seemed resistant to the repeated and various explanations.

-The owners seemed unsure of our role in this, at times hoping that we would be able to bring an end to the campaign if they convinced us to do so. We explained that whatever we believed or said, we were just four people, and that the future of their store would depend entirely on them and how they carried themselves from this point on.

The conversation pretty much ended as a result of exhaustion and it was getting late. At the end of the conversation, the owners remained adamant that to issue an apology would be to give in to bullying. All three of us did our best to offer the owners of Invoke an empathetic audience who heard their concerns, who tried to explain the

OBAMA

and for no truly good law enforcement reason.” Holder backed up his words by ordering his fedContinued from page 14 eral prosecutors to change their charging practices and no longer seek to send non-violent drug offenders to prison for long sentences.

The President used his authority to take the reforms even further. The first sitting President to ever visit a federal prison, including meeting with a group of inmates, pqmonthly.com

seen me dancing, and heard me speak in public. I told him I could not recall hanging out with him, but I would head right over. I offered to let them send me a press release or a new statement via email if they wanted, but he said no, come on by, they had already retained an attorney and were fearful because of death threats to their family. I told him that was unacceptable, and to even hear that had taken place made my heart heavy and sad. When I arrived at Invoke, had parked and entered the store, I saw Durga to the right (with a customer?), Kristie near the front of the shop, and another client, that I believe to be Jerome Funchess. Jerome Funchess, who immediately moved into my personal space and stayed there as I walked back to speak with Kristie. She said, “Are you, Monty?” I replied yes. “You aren’t welcome in this store, EVER.” Ok says I, I left peacefully, while Durga watched. Jerome said he “would walk me out”. I told him that I didn’t need any help finding my way out, as I was invited in not 20 min before by Durga. He insisted on speaking with me, saying he was a customer of their store and lived in the neighborhood, proceeded to tell me that the energy that this whole incident created within him was unwelcome and uninvited and that I was a bully. While simultaneously policing me as another Person of Color, telling me if I wanted “to protest about Leonard Peltier being incarcerated that was something he could get behind, but I shouldn’t be protesting about Dreamcatcher classes being taught by white people”. I told him his comments towards me were unwanted and uninvited, as I pro-

Obama has already commuted the sentences of nearly 1,200 inmates, more than any other President in history and more than the past 11 presidents combined. Recognizing that solitary confinement of children equates to torture, the President also ended the practice for juveniles in federal facilities.

While I celebrate Obama’s presidency and mourn his departure, I also recognize that there is much more I wished he had accomplished. Closure of the Guantanamo prison,

ceeded to my car… he continued to follow me, shouting at me angrily following me to my car, making me feel incredibly unsafe and threatened.

I reached out again to the community to say I want your voices and I got them. I have to tell you readers- I was overwhelmed by the amount of support, private messages asking if I was ok, what was needed to support me, etc. I wept that night because I cannot think of a time when I have ever felt so supported and loved while doing social justice work. Here are a couple more submissions from community members.

From a Yaqui sister here in Portland-”Good intent does not mean it’s OK to take what is not yours. The missionaries thought they had good intentions when they converted us to Christianity, and they put us in boarding schools and beat our Sacred language and way of life out of our children and us. They felt entitled to our bodies and minds, and to our culture, we were turned into myths and stories of something that had long died out, when in fact, we are still here and trying to rebuild… what is left of our culture and way of life? Who are you helping when you continue to appropriate something that you do not understand? You take something Sacred and turn it into a fun decoration for your new apartment, to add feathers and beads...you just do it as a fun craft project, when in reality, a lot of prayer and ceremony goes into every single step of creating one of these objects. This ignorance, and being unable to recognize that, or educate yourself and better yourself, makes you complicit in contributing to the cultural genocide that my people have faced for hundreds of years.

When you hurt someone, and they tell you “please stop doing that it hurts me”, you do not get to tell them “No. That doesn’t hurt for you.”

Fr o m a Ta i n o , Tw o - S p i r i t / Tr a n s B r o t h e r“Watching the implosion of a local business as it publically argues with patrons (those for and against their right to cultural appropriation) has been mind blowing. Over the top. I don’t participate in those discussions because if someone is going to do something even after it has been explained why they shouldn’t, my voice won’t help change their mind. But to see them become verbally aggressive towards People of Color trying to explain why they didn’t want something done, and watch other patrons defend the store with equally dismissive attitudes, has shown me how just much Portland has not changed. It’s sad.”

I’m not sure what the next chapter will be for these folks or the communities affected by this incident. There seems to be plenty of pain to go around now. I agree with the owners that being united not divided is a great goal, but it will never happen while you dismiss our concerns and tell us to shut up. I tried to walk my talk, and foster understanding; but after being invited in by one owner, and thrown out by the other like some sort of cruel ‘Mean Girls’ moment, while they allowed a customer to try and intimidate me and occupy my personal space, I won’t be going back.

comprehensive immigration reform, and more far reaching criminal justice transformation was possible but didn’t happen.

President Obama has been a measured, thoughtful, exemplar. I will miss him, our graceful First Lady Michele, and their beautiful children. Mr. President, thank you for your leadership. Thank you for what you have done for our country. And thank you for the great image you have given my son.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 15

VOICES

VOICES

EMBODY

The truth of many parts By: Sossity Chiricuzio

I’m crying on this keyboard. I’ve tried to start this column at least fifteen times in the last two weeks, and the words are snarled in my head into knots of pain and hope and frustration and resolution. I’m going to share them anyhow because I don’t know what else to do except be visible, and maybe an example.

I’m trying to write about resistance.

About coming together to push back, to make enough room for us all to survive. I’m trying to shine a bright light inside my own head, so I don’t trip over my privilege, or make assumptions that will turn my intentions into so much white noise. This world is full of white noise. Full of white voices and white priorities and white traditions and white bias and white violence.

I know it’s important that I use my white voice to acknowledge and illustrate these problems. I know that I have access and attention that others don’t, and I know how unjust that is. I am wrestling with the horrible, sorrowful truths of our country, and how they have shaped me, even while I fight against that conditioning. I am trying to find the balance of the ways I don’t have privilege, and the many ways I do and speak clearly to them.

One part of the truth is that I am disabled. That I am well over forty and still living paycheck to paycheck. That I am an outspoken queer outlaw who is surely listed in government files. That I am femme, and face misogyny every day, and spend most of my emotional reserves on other people’s needs. That I am uninsured, and have as of yet undiagnosed medical conditions that I probably couldn’t afford to address even if they weren’t a mystery. That my second-hand coat is held together with safety pins and bravado, and my second-hand wardrobe is stretched thin around my fat body. That the education I was told would be a ladder is instead a crushing debt.

Another part of the truth is that I have an education that is out of reach for many. That I am employed, and face no discrimination due to any of those factors in my job. That I have a warm house, and food in the fridge and a room of my own full of mementoes of a life lived mostly on my own terms. That I live in a city where none of those things can be taken away simply because I’m queer.

That nobody in my family has the authority, or the desire, to put me in an asylum or a conversion program because of it. That I have a community that supports me emotionally, artistically, and sometimes even financially. That my gender expression and skin color are not likely to get me murdered.

That I don’t face racism or religious persecution or transphobia on a daily basis.

Another part of the truth is that I am

sometimes able to use my privilege for good.

To turn my access into activism, and speak in words that are too familiar to folks who share that privilege to easily dismiss. That I can use it to strive to be in alliance with the greater good, and the people most in need.

Another part of the truth is that sometimes I get it wrong. That I wound with a word or a gesture or an oversight. That I will never really understand what it is like to not have the privileges I have, and will sometimes misuse them. That racism is part of my heritage, and that I must examine it relentlessly.

I’m crying on this keyboard because our country, which was only ever barely a democracy, is teetering on the edge of blatant fascism. Because we’ve already started the 2017 death count for people of color and transgender folks and we’re only a week in.

Because even our good president bombed countries and broke treaties with Native Americans and brokered ugly deals for uglier reasons. Because our new president is the worst of our country, unchecked by empathy or reason.

Like a million feminine voices before me, let me state clearly that tears do not equal weakness. I am releasing my fear into something larger than myself. I am watering my rage into action. I am gathering salt to lay down circles of protection.

I am also mindful of who I ask to hold those tears and never to try and use them as currency, or proof of my goodness. Solidarity is a verb, and I am constantly seeking out ways to walk my talk in the world.

Sometimes this means stepping back, being quiet, and lifting up experiences and voices with less privilege than mine. Sometimes this means stepping into harm’s way, using my privilege as a shield for those who don’t share it and have no choice but to be fighting on the front line just the same.

There is no more time to linger in our comfort zones. Hate is rising in jagged spikes, fractures are forming in communities and polar ice alike, and complacency is no longer an option. Get involved. - However you can! Have the hard conversations.

Don’t derail dialogue with hurt feelings, or demands that rightfully angry people be nicer about it. Sit with your discomfort. Be willing to give up some of what you have so everyone can have some. Act as if lives depend on it, because they do.

If you aren’t sure where to start, check the list below for a few ideas. showingupforracialjustice.org injusticeboycott.com transassistance.org nodaplsolidarity.org muslimadvocates.org adapt.org hrw.org

Sossity Chiricuzio is a writer and columnist based out of Portland, Oregon. She is a regular contributor to PQ Monthly and focuses on social justice, communication, community, and changing the world. You can reach her at sossity@pqmonthly.com or follow her online @sossitywrites.

16 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

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FEATURES FEATURE

10 INDIGENOUS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STRUGGLES YOU CAN SUPPORT IN 2017 The places that need help most, and all ways to support them Editor’s Note: This article was written by the Indigenous #NoDAPL coalition who have been organizing at Standing Rock.

The Black Snake is not yet dead. Far from it. The corporations behind the Dakota Access pipeline made it clear that they “fully expect to complete construction of the pipeline without any additional rerouting in and around Lake Oahe.”

The winter camps will stand their ground as long as DAPL construction equipment remains on Oceti Sakowin treaty land. We can all continue to support them by emailing or calling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 202-761-8700 to ask when it will open the Environmental Impact Statement process to public comment. We can also keep pressure on the banks to divest with our international campaign to #DefundDAPL. But while international attention has been on the Standing Rock Sioux and the #NoDAPL struggle, the Obama and Trudeau administrations have approved several other pipeline projects slated to run across indigenous territories from Canada to the U.S. and Mexico. The struggle to protect sacred lands from climate change, toxic pollution, and the fossil fuel industry continues to rage around the world.

In the year ahead, it is our hope that the energy and love we have received in our struggle against the Dakota Access pipeline can also be extended to other indigenous communities in their local battles. Here are ten struggles you could consider donating to, volunteering time for, or supporting in other ways: 1. Trans-Pecos pipeline and Comanche Trail pipeline – Texas - Chihuahua, Mexico In May 2016, the Obama administration approved two pipeline projects by Energy Transfer Partners, the same company behind DAPL. The Trans-Pecos and Comanche Trail pipelines would carry fracked gas from Texas into Mexico, where it will supply the Mexican energy grid. The Two Rivers camp is a resistance camp being erected in the face of the Trans-Pecos pipeline. Support their legal defense fund and camp fundraiser. Or support the efforts of No Trans Pecos Pipeline, the Big Bend Conservation Alliance, and the Frontera Water Protection Alliance as they organize against these pipelines.

2. Copper One Rivière Doré Mine – Quebec, Canada The Algonquins of Barriere Lake have set-up a land protection camp at a proposed mining site in the heart of their territory, where core sample drilling for the Rivière Doré copper mine is scheduled to begin at any time. They have been camped for weeks to protect the headwaters of the Ottawa River, which could have catastrophic downstream effects if mined. The staked area is abundant with lakes, wetlands, and waterways and is also a crucial hunting and fishing area for Barriere Lake families. See their urgent call to action here and donate to the campaign or get involved here.

3. Sabal Trail pipeline – Alabama - Georgia - Florida The Sabal Trail pipeline, a 515-mile natural gas pipeline project, is being constructed from Alabama to Georgia to Florida. It threatens one of the largest freshwater aquifers in the world. The Sacred Water Camp and Water Is Life Camp are ongoing camps in need of supplies, experienced organizers, and other people. An upcoming mass civil disobedience event is inviting all to mobilize in Florida. Get in touch here or donate to support the camps. Also support the organizing efforts of the SPIRET Foundation and pqmonthly.com

estuary sediment to supply fracked gas from Treaty 8 territory. Ten Indigenous nations and 60,000 people in the Skeena watershed rely on fish there for food, commercial fishing, and cultural identity. The Lelu Island Camp has been set up on Lax Kw’alaams traditional territory to stop this terminal from being built without consent.

Bobby C. Billie, one of the clan leaders and spiritual leader of the Council of the Original Miccosukee Simanolee Nation Aboriginal Peoples, in their efforts to hold regulatory agencies accountable for support of the pipeline. Contact organizers Shannon Larsen or email Beth Huss.

Keep up to date with events with all groups statewide at the Water Protector Alliance calendar.

4. Line 3 pipeline – Alberta, Canada to Superior, Wisconsin Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced the government’s approval of the massive Line 3 pipeline project, designed to transport tar sands oil from the mines of Hardisty, Alberta, to Superior, Wisconsin, through the heart of Anishinaabe territory and some of the most beautiful lakes and wild rice beds in the world. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is challenging the Trudeau government’s approval of Line 3. Follow and support Honor the Earth’s work, learn about ongoing resistance to Line 3, and follow community members’ opposition to the pipeline here.

5. Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline – Alberta to British Columbia, Canada The expansion of Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, also approved by Canada’s federal government, would transport tar sands oil from northern Alberta to the British Columbia coast. The Sacred Trust is an initiative of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and a mandate to stop this project.

You can donate here through RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs) or Join their mailing list to follow this campaign and receive updates.

6. Pilgrim pipeline – New York and New Jersey The Ramapough Lunaape Nation, a community in the Ramapo Mountains currently face the threat of the Pilgrim pipeline, which would transport Bakken crude oil from Albany, New York, to Linden, New Jersey. Meanwhile, Spectra Energy continues to expand its pipeline network so that more fracked natural gas can be transported and ultimately exported out of the country. Read about the history of the Ramapough Lunaape here, follow the developments at Split Rock Prayer Camp, and follow ongoing efforts to resist continued Spectra expansion with the FANG Collective and Resist Spectra.

7. Petronas/Pacific Northwest Terminal – Prince Rupert, British Columbia The Petronas/Pacific Northwest Terminal is a proposed liquefied natural gas plant on traditional Lax Kw’alaams territory Lax U’u’la (Lelu Island) at the mouth of the Skeena river near Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Plans call for a 48-inch diameter submarine pipeline to be dredged into

8. Diamond pipeline – Oklahoma Arkansas - Tennessee Arkansas Rising is a collective of guardians working through direct action to stop the Diamond pipeline, a 20-inch diameter pipeline that would run 440 miles from Cushing, Oklahoma, to Memphis, Tennessee. The pipeline would cross more than PHOTO BY GREG HARMAN 500 waterways, including five major watersheds. Construction has already begun.

Donate to their efforts here.

9. Atlantic Sunrise pipeline and Sunoco Mariner East 2 pipeline – Pennsylvania The Atlantic Sunrise pipeline is a proposed high-pressure 42-inch diameter pipeline to carry fracked gas from Marcellus Shale to U.S. markets to the south. Members of Lancaster Against Pipelines and supporters have built a blockade, nicknamed “The Stand,” on a farm in Conestoga in Lancaster County in the path of a proposed route.

They are refusing to grant right of way to the project and have said they will occupy it if construction begins. Visit the Clean Air Council for more information, find the schedule for public input here, and keep an eye out for an upcoming mobilization at Pennsylvania Against Atlantic Sunrise.

The Sunoco Mariner East pipeline is a proposed natural gas liquid pipeline that would cross four states. The construction permits for the pipeline could be granted any day. Stay updated at Juniata Watershed People Before Pipelines. Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco Logistics are parent corporations of the Dakota Access pipeline and will be merging in the first quarter of 2017.

10. Bayou Bridge pipeline – Louisiana In 2017, Bold Louisiana is organizing to stop the proposed Bayou Bridge pipeline in Louisiana, a state that is experiencing climate devastation and coastline loss at an average rate of one football field of land every hour.

This pipeline, a sister and end point to the Dakota Access pipeline, would run from Lake Charles to St. James, Louisiana. Support their efforts, follow their progress, or go to Baton Rouge to disrupt the Bayou Bridge public hearing on January 12. #NoDAPL #TwoRiversCamp #NoTPPL #NoCTPL #BarriereLake #StopSabalTrail #StopLine3 #StopKM #StopETP #WaterIsLifeCamp #SacredWaterCamp #StopSpectra#StopPilgrimPipeline #SplitRockCamp #NoLNG #ArkansasRising #StopDiamondPipeline #NoASPL #LancasterAgainstPipelines #NoMarinerEast #NoBayouBridge AND WE’LL SUGGEST THREE MORE: SUPPORT THE LONG-RUNNING RESISTANCE OF PROTECT MAUNA KEA ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII, THE UNIS’TOT’EN CAMP IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, AND SAVING OAK FLAT! AT THE SAN CARLOS APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION IN ARIZONA.

This article was written by the Indigenous #NoDAPL coalition who have been organizing at Standing Rock: Honor the Earth, Sacred Stone Camp, Indigenous Environmental Network, and the International Indigenous Youth Council.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 17

VOICES

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

By Summer Seasons

The snowstorm before last, I ran into my elderly neighbor outside of my condo complex standing next to the mailbox. I asked him how he was doing and he had told me not so well. When I asked him why he said that he had not eaten anything but rice in the last few days because his meals on wheels delivery was unable to get to him. So

I stuck the gentleman in my car, drove him to Subway, purchased him two footlong sandwiches and drove him home with my number in his hand so that should the situation happen again he could call me.

I posted that story on Facebook, not to look for a thank you or an accolade even, I just wanted people to check on their neighbors too, because if it had happened in my neighborhood, it most certainly was possible in others.

What followed was an onslaught of people following my suggestion that became such a powerful and positive call to action. It had never even occurred to me that a simple act of kindness could have such a huge ripple effect on the community.

As I reflect back on the 37 times I’ve been around the sun, it got me to thinking of the other times people had shown me kindness, or I was able to demonstrate kindness to others, and I realised that acts of kindness have always had a ripple effect in my life.

A few short years after moving into my condo, Tigard was having one of the worst rain storms that I could remember in recent history, and at midnight I heard a loud banging on my door. It was my downstairs neighbor who was looking at me, soaked to the bone from the rain, with tears in his eyes, he said I’m sorry to wake you man but could you help me sandbag my house before it floods. I immediately threw on some clothes and went to work on helping him save his house. We worked well into the early morning, and quickly I became as drenched as he was. We managed to save his house from flooding and three more neighbors

that night, and to this day the water has never been that high. And as we finished I remember looking at everyone and they just kept hugging each other in a loud and celebratory way exclaiming WE DID IT, and we had.

It wasn’t long after that that I was on a short weekend vacation away, and my cat had someone found a way to jump of the second story balcony. My neighbor knowing I had been away coaxed him into the house and fed him and gave him treats in my absence. He came up to me proudly smiling with my precious DOLCE in hands and said, I’ll never forget what you did for me that night, and I never thought I’d be able to return the favor, but here’s your baby boy back, I took care of him while you were gone.

I don’t know what I would’ve done if he’d hadn’t helped me that day and I never got to repay him in a way that I had intended to, but I’m forever grateful that because of him I was able to have eight more wonderful years with my baby boy.

You see you never know what way doing something to help someone else will come back to you, but you should never do it for that reason. You should do it because it’s the right thing to do, and sometimes the universe will reward you in a very special way because of it. Find some way to make someone’s day, because I was able to, I received the best gift of all. As for my new neighbor and me, we now play Scrabble when both of us are home on Sundays. What a beautiful friendship that has become. A random act of kindness will make someone else’s life enriched, but more importantly, it’ll enrich yours.

FEATURES

18 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

pqmonthly.com

COMMUNITY

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 19

IMMIGRATION

NATIONAL MAP OF LOCAL ENTANGLEMENT WITH ICE

By Melanie Davis, El Hispanic News Source: Immigrant legal Resource Center

Editor’s Note: Mayor-Elect Ted Wheeler Says Portland Will be a Sanctuary City for Immigrants, Despite Donald Trump’s Threats. El Hispanic News is following sanctuary status for other areas and municipalities, including Hillsboro, Oregon.

Enforcement Advocacy Tools to Better Understand Local Law Enforcement Involvement in the Deportation Business The federal immigration system continues to expand and grow more punitive, assisted in large part by the time and resources of local governments and law enforcement agencies. Expending any local resources helping Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) is entirely voluntary. Some local and state officials have recognized the poor policy effects of working too closely with ICE, which has torn apart countless families and undermines already strained relations with local law enforcement. In addition, following federal court rulings that ICE detainers (requests to have an individual held for transfer to deportation proceedings directly from local custody) are unconstitutional, hundreds of counties and cities no longer comply with these requests.

The map below shows the degree to which local law enforcement offer assistance to federal immigration authorities, as well as the degree to which localities have enacted laws or policies limiting their involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The map is based on a 7-point rubric of the types of policy choices that most affect local engagement in immigration enforcement. Because the 7 factors are cumulative, counties of the same color do not necessarily have the same policies, but rather offer the same number of types of assistance to ICE. In addition, the map reflects existing policy statements or laws, but not the implementation or compliance with those laws.

For more details about local policies regarding immigration enforcement and analysis of what this map means, see our report: Searching for Sanctuary. (https://www.ilrc. org/searching-sanctuary) The darkest red jurisdictions spend substantial local time and resources on civil immigration enforcement, whether under a 287(g) agreement or by contracting with ICE to detain immigrants, or both.

20 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

The remaining red jurisdictions do not have formal MOUs or contracts with ICE, but nonetheless are willing to assist ICE with deportations in other ways, such as by holding immigrants on detainers, providing extensive information about individuals in county custody to ICE, and generally granting any requests that ICE makes of them. We are concerned that most of the red shaded counties below are regularly violating the Fourth Amendment by detaining immigrants without probable cause or legal authority.

The orange counties, by and large, offer slightly more limited assistance to ICE, and are largely defined by their non-compliance with ICE detainers. Because multiple federal courts have found ICE detainers to be illegal, these jurisdictions are willing to provide ICE information and notice of when someone in custody will be released, but will not hold anyone for transfer to ICE. The yellow and light green counties have further disentangled the local justice system from immigration enforcement, by restricting ICE’s ability to interrogate individuals while in local custody, by refraining from asking about immigration status or place of birth, or by otherwise enacting policies that they will not assist in any civil immigration enforcement.

The brightest green jurisdictions have the most comprehensive protections to prevent local resources from being used for immigration enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security is the largest law enforcement agency in the country, and in its 14 years of existence has built a massive infrastructure to exploit local resources in the business of detaining and deporting

immigrants. Even those localities that have enacted the most comprehensive policies to restrict their own involvement in civil immigration enforcement are still connected to this machine. ICE and CBP access shared law enforcement databases, receive fingerprint checks through the Priority Enforcement Program (formerly Secure Communities), and use any other means available to get information and assistance from local law enforcement.

For our part, we have seen tremendous success of local policies that disentangle local law enforcement from ICE, and we continue to support those initiatives. Immigrants who know that their local law enforcement agents are not involved in deportations are better integrated, more secure, and more involved in our communities. Their children are less likely to live in fear of losing a parent. Crime has continued to fall. We continue to advise communities, law enforcement, and elected officials across the country on their legal and constitutional authority regarding immigration enforcement, including the legal and constitutional defects of ICE detainers.

Resources: National immigration legal services directory Know Your Rights information (for families - in English, Spanish and Chinese) Know Your Rights card Family preparedness plan Q&A for victims’ advocates (share this with your attorney) Resources for immigrants with DACA Resources for schools How to avoid fraud: flyer in English & Spanish Transgender Law Center TransLatin@ Coalition Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC) Immigration Equality Southerners on New Ground Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project (QUIP) National Center for Lesbian Rights For more information about this map or other legal issues regarding ICE detainers, local involvement in deportations, and local sanctuary policies, or for assistance in starting a local campaign or joining national efforts, contact Lena Graber at lgraber@ilrc.org or Angie Junck at ajunck@ilrc.org.

pqmonthly.com

FEATURE

A RUSSIAN JOURNALIST WRITES “A MESSAGE TO MY DOOMED COLLEAGUES IN THE AMERICAN MEDIA.” in late December, around Western Christmas time (we Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas two weeks later, and it’s not a big deal, unlike New Year’s Eve). Which probably explains why Putin’s pressers don’t get much coverage outside of Russia, except in a relatively narrow niche of Russia-watchers.

Putin’s pressers are televised live across all Russian TV channels, attended by all kinds of media—federal news agencies, small local publications and foreign reporters based in Moscow—and are supposed to overshadow every other event in Russia or abroad.

These things are carefully choreographed, typically last no less than four hours, and Putin always comes off as an omniscient and benevolent leader tending to a flock of “VLADIMIR PUTIN’S ANNUAL NEWS CONFERENCE, DEC 23, 2016 / KREMLIN.RU”. PHOTO BY ALEXEY KOVALEV unruly but adoring children. Given that Putin is probably a role model for Trump, it’s no Editor’s Note: The following article is by Alexey Kova- surprise that he’s apparently taking a page from Putin’s playlev, a Russian journo who generously states in a postscript book. I have some observations to share with my Amerithat he allows this to be reposted and shared. We feel it’s can colleagues. You’re in this for at least another four years, important and timely and, frankly, excellent advice at and you’ll be dealing with things Russian journalists have this shattering and crucial moment in American politics, endured for almost two decades now. I’m talking about events that are being scrutinized with much trepidation Putin here, but see if you can apply any of the below to on the world stage. This piece is not tongue-in-cheek; it your own leader. is real advice from someone who has worked at pressers under Vladimir Putin. The story was originally posted by • WELCOME TO THE ERA OF BULLSHIT. Mr. Kovalev here, and we’re grateful to share it with you.

Facts don’t matter. You can’t hurt this man with facts or Thanks to Amy Davis Roth for finding this. reason. He’ll always outmaneuver you. He’ll always wrig………… gle out of whatever carefully crafted verbal trap you lay for Congratulations, US media! You’ve just covered your first him. Whatever he says, you won’t be able to challenge him. press conference of an authoritarian leader with a mas- He always comes with a bag of meaningless factoids (Putin sive ego and a deep disdain for your trade and everything likes to drown questions he doesn’t like in dull, unverifiyou hold dear. We in Russia have been doing it for 12 years able stats, figures and percentages), platitudes, false moral now—with a short hiatus when our leader wasn’t tech- equivalences and straight, undiluted bullshit. He knows nically our leader—so quite a few things during Donald it’s a one-way communication, not an interview. You can’t Trump’s press conference rang my bells. Not just mine, in follow up on your questions or challenge him. So he can fact?—?read this excellent round-up in The Moscow Times. throw whatever he wants at you in response, and you’ll just Vladimir Putin’s annual press conference are supposed have to swallow it. Some journalists will try to preempt this to be the media event of the year. They are normally held

by asking two questions at once, against the protests of their colleagues also vying for attention, but that also won’t work: he’ll answer the one he thinks is easier, and ignore the other. Others will use this opportunity to go on a long, rambling statement vaguely disguised as a question, but that’s also bad tactics. Non-questions invite non-answers.

He’ll mock you for your nervous stuttering and if you’re raising a serious issue, respond with a vague, non-committal statement (“Mr President, what about these horrible human rights abuses in our country?” “Thank you, Miss. This is indeed a very serious issue. Everybody must respect the law. And by the way, don’t human rights abuses happen in other countries as well? Next question please”).

But your colleagues are there to help you, right? After all, you’re all in this together?

Wrong.

• DON’T EXPECT ANY CAMARADERIE These people are not your partners or brothers in arms.

They are your rivals in a fiercely competitive, crashing market and right now the only currency in this market is whatever that man on the stage says. Whoever is lucky to ask a question and be the first to transmit the answer to the outside world wins. Don’t expect any solidarity or support from them. If your question is stonewalled/mocked down/ignored, don’t expect a rival publication to pick up the banner and follow up on your behalf. It’s in this man’s best interests to pit you against each other, fighting over artificial scarcities like room space, mic time or, of course, his attention. It’s getting especially absurd because some—increasingly many—reporters will now come with large, bright placards aimed at attracting the president’s attention to names of their regions or specific issues. This is what it looks like: Also, some people in the room aren’t really there to ask questions.

• EXPECT A LOT OF SYCOPHANCY AND SOFT BALLS FROM YOUR “COLLEAGUES.” A mainstay of Putin’s press conferences is, of course, AMERICAN MEDIA page 22

COLOR ME BAD? SCIENTIST CALLS NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES A ‘THREAT’ TO BLACK HEALTH

By Chandra Thomas Whitfield, NBCBLK/New America Media,

The face of the HIV and AIDS crisis is undeniably black.

If current diagnosis rates continue, approximately one in 20 black men, one in 48 black women and one in two black gay and bisexual men will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetimes, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projections. pqmonthly.com

CDC estimates show that African Americans account for almost half (44 percent in 2010) of all new infections and represent more than one-third (40 percent or 498,400 persons in 2013) of all people living with HIV. While the disease that emerged in the late 80s as a “white gay male disease” has clearly reached epidemic levels in black and brown communities, one University of Southern California scientist insists that stereotypes -- ones consciously and unconsciously perpetuated by healthcare providers -- can be internalized by members of marginalized groups. Such groups may include people of color, women who seek to have children later in life and older, the poor and LGBTQ people -- and it may literally be making them sicker.

With collaborator Adam Fingherhut, PhD, of Loyola Marymount University, Cleopatra Abdou, PhD, was the first researcher to lead an experimental study about how stereotypes -- specifically “healthcare stereotype threat” -are directly linked to health outcomes among marginalized groups, including black people.

“HEALTHCARE STEREOTYPE THREATS” “A healthcare stereotype threat,” according to Abdou,

“is when individuals with stigmatized identities -- be it about race, socioeconomic status, gender, age, sexual orientation and even weight or maternal age -- worry about being judged by, or about confirming, a widely believed stereotype in healthcare settings. That can cause even greater anxiety than is commonly experienced in medical settings, affecting their experiences with healthcare providers.”

Common stereotypes, Abdou explained, may include beliefs that a particular group tends to engage in unhealthy lifestyle choices or has inferior intelligence, she said. Or there may be negative stereotypes about sexuality and reproduction being perpetuated, often unintentionally, by healthcare professionals, by an unwelcoming medical setting, or even by public health campaigns.

“On the patient side,” Abdou said, “I theorize that, with repeated experiences of healthcare stereotype threat, stigmatized individuals, such as black people, lose trust in physicians or delay seeking healthcare as a way to avoid healthcare stereotype threat.” That can have long-term implications for a patient’s health, she stressed, adding, “It is also possible that healthcare stereotypes become internalized, which is also harmful for health.”

BLACK HEALTH page 22

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • 21

FEATURE

AMERICAN MEDIA Continued from page 21

softball questions. Which also happen to be Putin’s favorites. Mr President, is there love in your heart? Who you will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with? What’s your favorite food? “Questions” of this sort, sure to melt Putin’s heart, typically come from women working for small regional publications. A subtype of this is also statements-as-questions, but from people who really love the man on the stage and will bob their head and look at the stage adoringly and say something to the tune of “Mr President, do you agree that a lot of media are treating you unfairly?”

Another type of softball questions is hyperlocal issues that a president isn’t even supposed to be dealing with. Mr President, our road is full of potholes and local authorities aren’t doing anything about it. Mr President, our tap is leaking. Mr President, how about a chess club in our village. This is a real opportunity for him to shine. He will scold the local authorities and order to have a new road built. All of this, of course, has been choreographed well in advance.

Also, some of these people really love him and will meet his every answer with enthusiastic applause. There will be people from publications that exist for no other reason than help fawning praise on him and attacking his enemies. But there will also be one token critic who will be allowed to ask

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22 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

BLACK HEALTH Continued from page 21

Abdou also emphasized, “The HIV and AIDS epidemic is likely a critically important application of healthcare stereotype threat. Early detection of HIV is hugely important for treatment purposes and also for protecting against the spread of HIV and AIDS. However, if people avoid seeking health care because they are mistrustful of physicians or of the medical community, or simply because they want to spare themselves the anxiety they feel every time they visit a doctor, then HIV and AIDS may not be detected in a timely manner,” If symptoms are undetected until they “reach the point that they can no longer be ignored,” Abdou continued, “this may make treatment much more complex and also may result in others contracting the disease.

It is highly unlikely that it is just a coincidence that the same people who are most susceptible to the experience of healthcare stereotype threat are also at greatest risk for HIV and AIDS.” RE-FRAMING THE MESSAGE Noting that public health campaigns often reinforce negative stereotypes, Abdou stated that high-risk groups can be educated without stereotyping. “It is absolutely possible. There are definitely real health concerns in specific communities that need to be addressed, but how we communicate those concerns is key; it’s all about re-fram-

a “sharp” question, only to be drowned in a copious amount of bullshit, and the man on the stage will always be the winner (“See? I respect the media and free speech”).

• YOU’RE ALWAYS LOSING This man owns you. He understands perfectly well that he is the news. You can’t ignore him. You’re always playing by his rules—which he can change at any time without any notice. You can’t—in Putin’s case—campaign to vote him out of office.

Your readership is dwindling because ad budgets are shrinking—while his ratings are soaring, and if you want to keep your publication afloat, you’ll have to report on everything that man says as soon as he says it, without any analysis or fact-checking, because 1) his fans will not care if he lies to their faces; 2) while you’re busy picking his lies apart, he’ll spit out another mountain of bullshit, and you’ll be buried under it.

I could go on and on, but I think at this point you see where this is heading. See if any of this rings any bells if you covered Trump’s presser or watched it online.

P.S. You’re welcome to repost/reblog/ republish this if you like.

My name is Alexey Kovalev; I’m a Russian journalist, and I’m writing about propaganda, fake news and Russian state media on noodleremover.news. It’s all in Russian, but here’s an example of what I’m doing in English. You can contact me at kovalever@ gmail.com. I tweet as @Alexey__Kovalev.

ing the messages, moving away from fear and shame and, instead, focusing on uplifting, positive messages that focus on the potential that is created when we take care of our health.”

For example, she went on, “Instead of a poster showing an older woman with a positive pregnancy test listing all of the alarming statistics about the risks of having children later in life, show the same image with a message that promotes awareness in a positive way, such as, ‘Knowledge is power: Learn about your fertility so that you can have the family and the life of your dreams.’”

Abdou concluded, “I want people to know that next time they’re in the doctor’s office waiting room and experiencing anxiety that it’s not necessarily a feeling that is unique to them. Change starts with education. My goal is to transform the way that healthcare is delivered and the way that patients and providers interact with each other in healthcare settings. This is cultural competency redefined.”

Working with Anthem Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, Abdou developed an online guide to reducing the stereotype threat in patients. Click here to view the free healthcare stereotype threat curriculum.

Chandra Thomas Whitfield developed this story for the NBC News NBCBLK website for the black community with the support of a journalism fellowship from New America Media, the Gerontological Society of America and the Commonwealth Fund. pqmonthly.com

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